LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Please bear in mind that the story is loosely based on the multi-series Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, created by Ivory and produced by Seven Arcs. I, the author, lay no claim to the series whatsoever. Also, all other material is the property of their respective companies.
Let's face the truth: Accidents are bound to happen. But when you do something wrong and make it look like an accident, then it's not an accident at all. Now it's my turn to tell you how a certain "accident" happened that changed my life forever.
But, since your hero is too out of commission to do her job, I guess I have no choice but to say…
魔法少女リリカルなのはウィングす、始ります!
In an unknown place, at an unknown time…
We find Jeffrey walking down the cavernous corridors until he finds himself at the Ritual Hall, where a closed mahogany coffin sits in the center. He yells for the one he calls his "master."
JEFFREY: Master? Hello?
His yells echo through the hall as no one seems to answer.
JEFFREY: Anyone here? Master?
BRYNHILDR: Keep your voice low. Here he comes.
…quietly whispered his device on Standby. As some sort of ominous organ music plays, three trilons descend from the near-topless ceiling—two small ones for the hands and a great big one for the head. On one side of the giant trilon, the face of an old man can be seen. Its descent finished, the faced side turned to Jeffrey.
FACED TRILON: Ah… Young Jeffrey Saitoh. So nice to see you.
JEFFREY: Likewise, my lord.
…he said as he took a bow to the floating trilons.
FACED TRILON: Enough formalities! How did you fare at the airport?
Jeffrey stood up and said…
JEFFREY: My lord. Everything went off without a hitch; that monster you sent on site was no pushover; especially for the…"others" who fought it.
FACED TRILON: I see… And the stone?
Jeffrey took a pause, but then he mumbled under his breath.
FACED TRILON: Well? Where are the spoils?
He forgot he didn't have the stone with him, so he had to exaggerate.
JEFFREY: Oh? Yes, the stone. Well… Unfortunately, it was nowhere to be found, my lord.
The face on the trilon gave off a cold glare.
JEFFREY: Ahh! But…rest assured, my lord; I'll hand it to you as soon as we find it.
FACED TRILON: I hope so, Jeffrey…for your sake. Now be excused from my sight!
The spirits were dumbfounded by the trilon's cruel words as Jeffrey exited the Ritual Hall. As he walked out, we could hear him narrating.
JEFFREY, narrating: My name is Jeffrey Saitoh. I am 23 years old, and merely a puppet. Albeit a puppet on strings pulled on the strings of an evil spirit. But this was not the beginning. Would you like to see the "beginning" for yourself?
第2話:人外の誕生
Chapter Two: Birth of the Outcast
Year 0072 June 03PM 05:43The Outskirts of San Francisco, CA
We find ourselves in America's "City by the Bay," six years ago. Cut to an apartment complex in the Japantown district where we hear a young man sparring and singing along with an MP3 player. He punches and kicks the air while he sings…
YOUNG JEFFREY: Trogdor was a man… I mean, he was a dragon man! Or…maybe he was just…a dragon!
JEFFREY, narrating: That's me, Jeffrey Saitoh. Well…that was me way back when I still lived in America. Back then, I didn't care about anything—only my family.
He was still in his undershirt and boxer shorts when he heard a voice from out his door.
JEFF'S MOM: Jeffrey! Get dressed! It's time for dinner!
Less than five minutes later, Jeffrey rushed to the kitchen in a black dress suit and pants and a red tie. His parents were just about to finish setting the table.
JEFF'S MOM: Hurry up, son! My brother's coming any minute!
And no sooner did Jeffrey come to the table did the family hear a doorbell ring.
JEFF'S MOM: Sweetheart! Could you get the door for me?
JEFF'S DAD: Sure, hun.
Jeff's father comes to open the door to their home, Room 407. It was his wife's younger brother clad in a government uniform.
JEFF'S DAD: Ah, Shintaro!
SHINTARO: Is onee-sama here?
JEFF'S DAD: Ah, yes. (turns toward the kitchen:) She just finished making us stir-fry. Amazing how in-a-rush she is knowing that today my only child is graduating.
JEFFREY, narrating: This is my family. Not your average one, you would wager.
The men sit at the table at opposite sides of Jeffrey and his mother.
JEFF'S MOM: Ah, Shintaro! Long time, no see!
JEFF'S DAD: If you ask me, he was too busy with that fiasco at Crater Lake. That guy's all over the place.
…said the father as he poured himself a cup of tea. Then his image is letterboxed.
JEFFREY, narrating: That's my father, Jameson Clark, 52. He was a construction worker for some company in the city. It's a shame he only works nights; I can't stand his snoring!
JEFF'S MOM: That's just like my brother; he's a real hero in this neighborhood.
…said the mother as she started shoveling rice and her stir-fry onto the plates. Then her image is letterboxed.
JEFFREY, narrating: And that's my mother, Kuromi Saitoh, 47. Once she was an accountant, but she called it quits after twenty years.
SHINTARO: Yep. That's me. You wonder why everyone likes a guy in uniform!
Shintaro gives a giggle as he is handed his plate of stir-fry. Then his image is letterboxed.
JEFFREY, narrating: sigh And, of course, my uncle Shintaro Saitoh, 40. He's a proud member of the UPADC. Lucky him. He gets to travel across the ocean and back again!
And then, an image of the forces with the UPADC insignia in the background appears.
JEFFREY, narrating: In case you are wondering, UPADC stands for Unified Pacific Aerospace Defense Corps. They're a highly trained military force dedicated to maintaining security across the ocean and in space. Yeah, yeah, they're a really dedicated work force. I don't know why this guy is committed to his job.
Meanwhile, back at the kitchen table, where everyone was enjoying their stir-fry. Shintaro said to Jeffrey…
SHINTARO: Oh, so there's my little nephew! I hear today's the big Commencement Ceremony, graduate! Got you something!
He laid onto the table Jeffrey's graduation cap and gown, which he picked up on his way from the service.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Wow, thanks, Uncle Shintaro!
JEFF'S MOM: Say, why don't you go back to your room and try it on, OK?
YOUNG JEFFREY: But, Mom! You said I couldn't leave the table unless I clean my plate!
His parents snicker at that remark.
JEFF'S DAD: Well, don't let that stop you! Go on; try it on!
Jeffrey was in and out of his room in a flash. And there he was now sporting the crimson cap (with silver tassel) and gown that all of his classmates will wear, for silver and crimson were his school colors. His family was awed at his excellency.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Whoa! Again, thank you!
JEFF'S MOM: Our son, we are so proud of you. Well, we have no time to waste. We'd better get to the auditorium!
JEFF'S DAD: Agreed. What say you, Shintaro?
SHINTARO: I'll stay here and mind the apartment for awhile.
The family's apartment was several minutes away from Jeffrey's school. After a short time of preparation, they get into their car and leave for the school. No one knew that, from a vantage point on an electrical wire, a strange falcon-like creature was watching.
One hour later…Constitution High School
JEFFREY, narrating: There's my alma mater, Constitution High School. A great institution, you think? Well, not so much. There has been a lot of trouble in my senior year and as class prefect, I worked my butt off to maintain order. I think I have done the school a great service.
While Jeffrey was saying that last sentence, he was handed his diploma as well as a medal for his distinguished service. He walks back to his spot, behind his club members, as he waits for the rest of graduating class to receive their diplomas, and for the superintendent to utter the words…
SUPERINTENDENT: I, Dr. Theresa Paulman, by the power vested in me by the San Francisco Unified School District, declare you all graduates of Constitution High School!
All seventy students turn the tassels on their caps to the right side of their faces as they, for the last time, recite their school's fight song. The crowd inside the auditorium applauds for their excellence.
It is now sunset, and Jeffrey and his parents leave the school grounds, led by Jeffrey himself and his mother embracing him.
JEFF'S MOM: Oh, my son! You have no idea how extremely proud we are!
JEFF'S DAD: Oh, and you got a nice medal! We should put that on your honor board!
YOUNG JEFFREY: Well, it's the least I could…
Jeffrey stops before he could finish his sentence as he sees a motorcycle with a red ribbon on its handlebars. Excited as he is, he runs up to it.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Whoa! Check out this nice set of wheels! And there's a note attached to it.
He reads the note attached to the ribbon on the handlebars. Jeffrey's parents, concerned, whisper to each other.
JEFF'S MOM: A motorcycle? You didn't tell him we got him a motorcycle, did you?
JEFF'S DAD: As a matter of fact, I never went to a motorcycle shop, honey.
Their son ecstatically discards his crimson robe and throws off his cap, exchanging it for the helmet that came with it.
YOUNG JEFFREY: I heard you, but I don't care! This is the best present I've ever received! I'm going to take this thing for a spin, Mom! Dad!
He turns the key inside the motorcycle's ignition and revs up the engine; his parents wave goodbye as they see him off on his graduation present.
JEFF'S MOM: Good luck!
JEFF'S DAD: Be careful out there!
They turn to each other and say…
JEFF'S DAD: Okay…so now what?
JEFF'S MOM: Well, why don't we celebrate? We haven't had a night on the town in quite a while.
JEFF'S DAD: Sounds good to me.
They hug and kiss.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey cruises around the streets of Japantown, "The Anthem" by Good Charlotte heard on his MP3 player.
It's a new day, but it all feels old
It's a good life, that's what I'm told
But everything, it all just feels the same…
At my high school, it felt more to me
Like a jail cell—a penitentiary
My time spent there it only made me see…
In a burst of excitement, he weaves through traffic on Market Street, making a stop at the red light on the corner.
…That I don't ever want to be like you
I don't want to do the things you do
I never want to hear the words you say
And I don't ever want to…
While waiting for the light to go green, Jeff sees a streetcar and sees an opportunity to outrun it. Green means go as he revs out of the gate.
I don't ever want to be…YOU…
Don't want to be just like you
What I'm saying is,
This is the anthem / Throw all your hands up
Y'all got to feel me / Sing if you with me
He gives the streetcar something to chase while waving hello to everyone inside. Then he takes a hard left towards Geary Blvd., closer to his apartment home.
YOU…
Don't want to be just like you (Just like you)
This is the anthem / Throw all your hands up
Y'all got to feel me / Sing if you with me
He takes in the sights of the boulevard a fraction of a mile before he slows down toward the apartment building. Just when the song is finished, he parks his newly-obtained motorcycle in front of the entrance. He takes off his helmet.
YOUNG JEFFREY: My, that was a rush! Hey, Uncle Shintaro, I'm home!
Just then, the motorcycle says something to Jeffrey in a masculine voice; its headlight blinking with every word it says.
JEFF'S 'CYCLE: Well, did you enjoy your ride?
Jeffrey was shocked to hear it talk.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Waugh! You…you said something to me?!
Even more shocking was that the motorcycle Jeff was riding gave off a brilliant glow, then transforming into…a Peregrine falcon. It had white star-shaped marks on its head, back, wingtips, and tail; like a certain constellation. It perched onto the shoulder of Jeff, who was even more confused.
FALCON: Greetings, young one. My name is Aquileia, and I've been watching you.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Wa-watching me?
AQUILEIA: That's right. I was looking for people with great magical potential. Someone with a talent one doesn't even know he or she has. I'd figure you might fit the bill.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Me? (perplexed:) How do you know that I am the one?
AQUILEIA: I can sense things as they happen. Everything you ever cared about is in danger.
YOUNG JEFFREY: My mom and dad?!
AQUILEIA: I could tell you everything, but… Perhaps it's best if I take you there.
Upon saying that, the falcon—now known by its name "Aquileia"—once again takes the form of a motorcycle. At that moment's notice, Jeffrey quickly hops on and turns the ignition.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Hang on, Dad! Mom! I'm coming!
As if its motorcycle form had a mind of its own, Aquileia guided Jeffrey toward the place where the "danger" was originating from.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Hey, Aqui-whoever you are, where are we headed?
AQUILEIA: A common question. Why don't we try looking at where we are going with our minds? Just close your eyes and visualize.
Jeffrey had no idea what his cycle said, but he closed his eyes anyway.
In his mind, he could picture a Tron-like first-person view of the San Francisco streets. Right now, bike and rider are on First Street, turning toward Folsom. And then, his mind flew ahead to the site of the "danger" that Aquileia was talking about—a car crash between Piers 1 and 3. Suddenly, he snapped out of his trance.
YOUNG JEFFREY: (gasp) The Embarcadero!
AQUILEIA: Quickly, to the waterfront; we have no time to waste!
Jeffrey and his motorcycle sped towards the crash site as quickly as they could. At the place where the crash occurred, what looked like a robot octopus with colossal mechanical tentacles was attacking the street from the bayside. There were six vehicles wrecked because of it; the car Jeffrey's parents took was among them. When Jeffrey stopped near the devastation, he was shocked at the sight.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Oh, God almighty…What happened here!?!?
He ran as fast as he could, his motorcycle turning back into a falcon and following him.
AQUILEIA: There's not much time. There's still a chance we could save everyone, but before that, we must first defeat that thing.
His falcon friend faced the monster attacking the bay. As it reached its beak for the device attached to the string tied to its neck, Jeffrey bravely took a stand against the mechanized beast.
YOUNG JEFFREY: You monster! I'll make you pay for what you did! And when I'm done with you, I'll sell you for scrap metal!
The falcon puts the device from his neck into the palm of his right hand. It looked like a spherical chalcedony with two bronze rings, the "equator" or horizontal and the "meridian" or vertical, surrounding it.
YOUNG JEFFREY: What is that thing?
AQUILEIA: Do I have to explain everything to you? Now, clasp the device with your hand and repeat what I say.
Clutching the object he was given and placing it to his chest, he recited the "Activation Ritual" repeating after the falcon:
O Great One,
It is I whose destiny has been chosen…
Please grant me the Power to combat all!
As I beseech you to arise, let me see lightning…
As I raise you to the skies, let me hear thunder!
Finally, as he holds over his head the jewel, he yells in unison with the falcon:
This is the destiny I hold in my hand!
BRYNHILDR… SET UP!!
Then, as the device shines, a strange sort of type—kind of like Phoenician—appears on the meridian ring. A feminine voice reads the glowing gold text as…
BRYNHILDR: Standby, ready! Set up!
In an instant, the device recognized its user as a hard-nosed man with an enthusiasm about fighting and it gave him the magical schematics for his weapon and armor—his means of protection.
Then, a flashy transformation sequence began with Jeffrey being magically disrobed, down to his boxers. (OOC: Look, if I want nudity in my stories, it would be as brief as possible.) Then, with great force, he threw Brynhildr in the air revealing that it was a part of a greater weapon—a hammer made from the gathering from bits and pieces of scrap metal. From the jewel that made that massive Mjolnir-like hammer to the handle that retracted upon activation, it was complete. Then, he made a twirling leap toward the hammer and grasped it with his right hand, causing his costume to materialize. In many flashes of light, gloves, boots, and a flashy sleeveless costume with a jade-and-gold color scheme appeared out of the glowing confetti covering his body. He held his left hand to his face and a shining jade mask appeared out of nowhere. Then, buckles on his gloves and boots, and even a championship belt round his waist appeared like magic. His transformation complete; Jeffrey was stunned by his new look.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Whoa! How did I look so cool?
There was no time for explanation; the octopus was coming at Jeffrey from out of the bay water. It raised its tentacles at the heroic-looking man.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Bring it, you monster!
Just as he held his hammer into battle position, the Device read the glowing text that appeared.
BRYNHILDR: Escutcheon!
Some type of gizmo in his hammer kicked in; a pair of small "wings" atop the handle flew up activating a Mid-sigil energy shield which absorbed the force of the massive tentacles. Jeffrey had a puzzled look upon his face.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Huh? What just happened?
AQUILEIA: You started learning how to use your 'magic.' Each device has a sort of magic "programmed" into it; harnessed by the spirit of whoever uses it. Now, attack him.
YOUNG JEFFREY: But I don't know what to attack with!
AQUILEIA: Just focus. Think of an attack that can damage that thing.
Reluctant, he closed his eyes and thought of an attack. While doing so, he dodged the robot's tentacles so that his focus would not break. Then, as he opened his eyes, a sphere of charged energy was forming in front of him.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Hey, I'm doing it!
AQUILEIA: Good. Now launch it with your hammer!
He took a baseball stance, as if he was going to hit a homerun. He called his attack…
YOUNG JEFFREY: Ionic Wave… CHARGE!
Brynhildr clobbered the sphere of energy and it sailed right between the robotic octopus's eyes. A direct hit. That attack made the monstrosity run erratically until it died out and retreated back into the briny bay. Jeffrey stood amazed and exhausted.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Did… Did I just…
AQUILEIA: …destroy it? No, you only shorted out that beast's programming. Now you can go do what you were going to.
With not much time left, he dropped Brynhildr and ran toward the tipping car between the piers.
YOUNG JEFFREY: MOM! DAD!
With all his might, he pried open the passenger door facing up and desperately freed his mother from the seat belt. But that was all the time he had; the car fell into the bay with his father still inside. Jeff tried to wake his mother up.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Mom! Mom! Can you hear me? It's Jeffrey! Mom!
JEFF'S MOM: Jeff…rey…
…said his mother with her dying breath. Sadly, she was not going to make it.
JEFF'S MOM: You… came… for… me……
She then became lifeless. It was enough to make him cry out loud.
YOUNG JEFFREY, crying: No! Mom, don't leave me! Mom!
Half an hour later, back at the apartment. Out of frustration, Jeffrey threw all of his belongings in his backpack. He was angry that his parents were dead. Just then, Shintaro came to his room.
SHINTARO: Jeffrey?
YOUNG JEFFREY: Go away!
His uncle was concerned, so he came in against his nephew's words.
SHINTARO: What's wrong? What's gotten into you lately?
YOUNG JEFFREY: I don't belong here! I'm running away and never coming back!
SHINTARO: Well, I know how you feel, Jeff. But is this any way to cope with your parents' death?
Apparently, Shintaro heard all about the incident at the Embarcadero. Jeffrey, slinging his back over his shoulder, said in anger:
YOUNG JEFFREY: My parents were the only thing I ever cared about… And now, they're gone! All I care about is gone!
As he walked toward the outside of his room, Shintaro stopped him.
SHINTARO: Look, Jeffrey. Running away won't help you solve your problem. It only makes matters worse.
Jeffrey turned toward his uncle as he walked out the door.
YOUNG JEFFREY: See if I care now. You wouldn't know how you felt if you lost someone you loved. I'm leaving now, and you cannot stop me.
Jeffrey slowly closed the door as Shintaro looked down upon himself.
SHINTARO: sigh You're right… Go on, Jeffrey; I couldn't care less myself.
Jeffrey walked out of the apartment taking one last look at it before he took back to the streets. Minutes later, as he was sitting on a bench in the bus stop, someone was perched by him—Aquileia, the falcon.
AQUILEIA: You have a right to be sad. You did all you could to save your family. It was a shame it wasn't enough. But I hope you are proud of yourself…the way you stood up to your uncle—that made you feel pretty arrogant. That's no way for you to live.
The man hung his head down.
YOUNG JEFFREY: No…I guess you're right.
The falcon had something in his beak—Brynhildr.
AQUILEIA: Here. I think you left something back at the bayside.
He took his device for the falcon's beak.
YOUNG JEFFREY: Brynhildr?
BRYNHILDR: Yes, my lord?
The device recognized its master.
YOUNG JEFFREY: But… But I didn't deserve this!
AQUILEIA: And that is a pity. A device chooses one's destiny; and this one chose yours. All you have to do now is accept it.
While he thinks about the device and his 'destiny', Aquileia transforms into the motorcycle.
AQUILEIA: Come with me. There is someone who has recognized your potential.
YOUNG JEFFREY: All right.
Jeffrey was reluctant to give such an answer.
AQUILEIA: Hold on. By any chance, may I please have your name?
As he revved up Aquileia's engine, he answers…
YOUNG JEFFREY: My name is Jeffrey Saitoh.
As they ride off into the dimensional rift, Aquileia replies…
AQUILEIA: It's a pleasure to be by your side, Jeffrey Saitoh!
JEFFREY, narrating: So that was the end of the "beginning." Since then, I have worked my butt off just to put it all behind me. Little did I know I was making a deal… with the devil.
And so ends this flashback episode.
Here is a preview of the next episode, as said by Raising Heart.
One month after what would have been a disaster, Nanoha Takamachi has miraculously come out of her coma. During the time, everyone at Riot Force 6 has gone about their rounds. And yet… She feels that something doesn't seem quite right. Will you be okay, my Master?
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha WingS—the next chapter is:
第3話:現への帰り
Chapter Three:Return to Reality
Spread your wings and fly!
