[Nagumo]

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha SOUND STAGE 02

Spoiler for SS02:

01 - Fate no Asa
01 – Fate’s Morning

Fate: My memories of the past feel very far off/old now. It was when I was still very young. The mobile base that I and my mother resided in was, at the time, anchored high up in the mountains of Midchilda. My mother had shut herself in her lab and was doing nothing but magical research/experiments. In the garden and mountains of my home, I spent my days practicing magic and doing combat training. Arf was not yet by my side at that time, so I was often alone. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t lonely during those days… But I had many warm/fond memories of those days… Lyrical Magical Nanoha Sound Stage 02, Episode 5.5: My Memories From Beyond the Wind

Linith: Good morning, Fate. It’s morning.
Fate: Yes…
Linith: Good morning.
Fate: Good morning, Linith.
Linith: I’ve made breakfast for you, how do you feel?
Fate: I feel fine.
Linith: That’s good.
Fate: Linith is my mother’s familiar, created and tasked with watching over me and teaching magic.
Linith: Today is a very nice day. Why don’t we eat outside today?
Fate: Okay… Is my mother busy today?
Linith: Yes, she’s in her laboratory again.
Fate: At the Mid capital, my mother had been engaged in highly experimental research into interdimensional energy. Due to a freak accident, she was blamed and let go from her job. Since then, she never got another job, and went on an aimless journey while continuing her research. It’s been two years… three years? In any case, my formerly gentle/kind mother changed. She no longer laughed and lost all interest beyond research. She would no longer speak or meet anyone, even with her only daughter.
Linith: Fate, Precia is very busy with her research right now. But once she finds what she’s looking for, I’m sure…
Fate: Yes, I know.
Linith: This research is for the happiness of both you and Precia. So it might be lonely right now but…
Fate: I said I know. I’m fine, besides I love mother. I know that since she’s too busy to play with me or teach me magic, that’s why she created Linith to do it instead.
Linith: Quite so, a familiar. In particular to create and maintain a highly intelligent familiar with high level magic/mana like me costs a lot of mana to the caster. You must remember and appreciate those feelings.
Fate: Yeah… Heh…
Linith: Hm?
Fate: Was that a boast, just now? ‘Highly intelligent’ and ‘high level magic/mana’.
Linith: How rude, I was merely stating the bare facts/truth. Well then, after you’re done eating, help me clean up. Once you’ve taken a rest, we’ll continue your magic lessons in your room.
Fate: Okay.

Linith: Okay, next lesson. The incantation to achieve high speed, the magic square to control it and the equation/formula to change/alter it. (bad translation)
Fate: Ah, I studied that by myself last week.
Linith: What?
Fate: It goes like this right? In regards to the compressed incantation, it generates a magic matrix/circle/square formula… Like this… Like this… And then, at the very end, you solidify it all at once. Is that right? (bad translation)
Linith: Then when discarding the incantation, what method would you use to compensate?
Fate: Hm, let’s see. I remember most of the important notes/points and I’ve written it down here… See?
Linith: Oh my. How troublesome. My study plan for the week is in ruins.
Fate: Oh, I’m sorry.
Linith: You don’t have to apologize. Be proud and stick out your chest and say ‘eh hem’!
Fate: “Eh hem”
Linith: This is quite amazing/astonishing. Did you do this all by yourself?
Fate: Yes, I studied it in the library. (found it out in the library)
Linith: It’s great you studied so hard/seriously but are you all right? Are you getting enough sleep?
Fate: I’m fine. Studying is so much fun.
Linith: I’ll make sure to report this to Precia, telling her that Fate is studying very hard.
Fate: Ah, but don’t make too much of a big deal about it though. I don’t want to shock/upset her too much.
Linith: Very well then, I shall only report the completely accurate and precise truth without exaggeration or bias. Okay then, what should we do today then?
Fate: Ah, there are still some things about rules/rites of joining/linking (union/connection) I still don’t know/understand. (awkward translation)
Linith: Then let’s do that. If we finish it early, we’ll do some mock battle/combat training outside.
Fate: Yes.

02 - Rinis to Preshia
02 – Linith and Precia

Linith: Precia… It’s me, Linith… You’re awake aren’t you? I’m coming in…
Precia: Linith? Why are you here?
Linith: I’m here to report to you about Fate.
Precia: I’m busy right now, another time.
Linith: No, you haven’t bothered to hear any of it once this month.
Precia: Do as you like then.
Linith: I will. Fate’s growth has been normal, but is still terrifyingly/astonishingly swift. (the implication that the insane rate of growth is normal for Fate, but not for other people) Even at her age, most of her basic/elementary level spells no longer require incantations now. If we give her a support device of some sort, she should be able to cast advanced level magic with it. In regards to her combat magic (magic combat) abilities, her mid range combat is particularly good/skilled. Do you remember the previous reports up until now?
Precia: Linith, are you treating me like some sort of idiot?
Linith: I am merely asking to clarify any doubts/questions. If there’s no problem, then I will continue with my report (then let me continue). She’s particularly skilled at electricity based magic and learns it quickly. It must be because she’s inherited your ability/skill, but I strongly believe she wants you to recognize her ability and praise her regardless.
Precia: Did that girl say that to you?
Linith: Of course not, she would never voice such a selfish and childish request to me. Though I don’t know whether that is a good thing or a bad thing.
Precia: I’ve been meaning to tell you this for awhile now but you’re incredibly insolent.
Linith: How unthinkable/unexpected, I have no intention of changing myself. (Sarcasm)
Precia: That’s enough; I’ve heard your report. You’re disturbing my experiments, leave.
Linith: Yes, well then… Oh, and I am currently creating a staff for Fate, but I lack certain parts to finish it though. I would like to go to a large city one day to get the necessary components.
Precia: Do as you like…
Linith: Yes.
Precia: Linith…
Linith: Yes?
Precia: When do think it will be ready?
Linith: Fate’s staff? I’m still in the process of designing (design phase) it, so nothing’s been…
Precia: No, I mean the girl herself.
Linith: She’s seven right now, so her physical maturity as a woman is another seven to eight years? For her to be ready as a mage, I guess another three years?
Precia: That’s too much time, make it a year.
Linith: That’s impossible!
Precia: There’s no need to teach her all aspects of magic. It’s fine to just teach her high speed combat magic she can use. This is not the first time I’ve told you this.
Linith: I know but unless I teach her the basic/underpinning and structure of magic, she won’t be able to properly use it when she’s in trouble/it’s important/in a crunch (pinch)…
Precia: Linith!
Linith: I will rethink the staff design, if I make it an Intelligent type (assisting/support type) device and depending on her ability. (bad translation) It will get her combat ready more quickly. But it will cost a lot of money. Are you prepared for that?
Precia: It’s only for one mere staff, use as much as you want.
Linith: Are there any other questions?
Precia: No.
Linith: Then, I will take my leave… Remember… Remember to properly eat and drink, Precia.
Precia: Just go, you’re bothering my research.
Linith: Good night, Precia.

03 - Ame, Soshite Deai
03 – Rain, and a meeting

Linith: Oh my Master is such a… such a, Oh~!… And yet another night of hard warm rain again! Annoying, annoying, annoying… Even though I know getting annoyed is pointless… *sigh*… Well then, it’s Fate’s bedtime. Better go and make sure she goes to bed. I think I’ll go read a book to her. Dogs? No, wolves… Fate, let me read a book to you. Fate? Are you there? I’ll try to contact her telepathically… Fate?…
Fate: Oh, Linith. Sorry, I’m outside right now.
Linith: Outside? In this rain? What are you doing?
Fate: I heard dogs howling far away, I saw wolves but… but something’s wrong. And then…
Linith: Wait for me. I can’t clearly tell what’s going on by telepathy. I’m heading out to you, stay where you are. Fate!
Fate: Linith, I’m sorry.
Linith: Ah, it’s a wolf pup. It has a jewel in its forehead; a peculiar characteristic that’s found on them in this particular region.
Fate: There’s something wrong with her. There was many wolves close by but they ignored her…
Linith: You’re right; there a many close by. In any case, you’ll catch a cold in this rain, let’s return to the house.
Fate: Um. What about her?
Linith: Carry her with you please.
Fate: Okay.

Linith: I finally found it, this pup is sick.
Fate: Sick?
Linith: To prevent this sickness/disease from infecting the pack, they react by exiling/abandoning infected animal and not allow them to return. It doesn’t seem to spread to other animals. Just in case, let’s get you cleaned up (disinfect), Fate.
Fate: Linith, can’t we save her?
Linith: The source of this particular disease is still unknown. Therefore there is no known treatment for it. From infection til death is usually 24 hours. Fate, I’m sorry but she’s…
Fate: She called out to me… I’m sure at first, she said ‘it doesn’t matter who, please save me!’. When I heard her call and found her, she looked at my eyes, saying ‘save me!’
Linith: I suppose it’s my fault for not creating much of an opportunity for bonding with animals. Now that she’s gotten into a situation involving animals for the first time, she has no basis for reasoning or emotional preparation with them.
Fate: Linith?
Linith: If we use a familiar creation formula, it would be possible to temporarily preserve/maintain its life, at least its physical body. But it’s far too early for Fate to have a familiar. Urg. If only I was a normal mage and not a familiar…
Fate: Do you think I can make her my familiar? I wanted to become a first class mage right away, so I’ve been secretly studying how to make my own familiar on my own.
Linith: If that’s the case, I’m sure you know that making a familiar is no easy task. To maintain a familiar’s life, the caster must continuously supply mana to it. That’s why mage’s usually form a specific task/goal in mind with limitations/restrictions and agree to a contract, and once that contract is fulfilled they end it.
Fate: But what about Linith!
Linith: I’m a rare case, and besides even I… Oh, never mind that. In any case, it’s not a task you go about lightly (without consideration).
Fate: I’m not taking it lightly, she asked me to save her! To me! So I have to…
Linith: Oh, I see now… To Fate, that wolf pup represents her current self. In her well of loneliness, a powerless child who is separated from her parents and unable to do anything to help/save them. Listen to me well, Fate. The incantation/spell for creating a familiar is that you are drawing/creating an artificial spirit/soul from the body of an animal at the edge of death and continuing it through magic. Therefore, you are not in fact saving its life or returning it to life. Do you understand? There is no magic in the world, no matter where/how hard you look, that can return life to the dead.
Fate: But, there’s a chance that the life created from the Familiar creation spell will allow it to remember some aspects of its previous life…
Linith: That is correct, you studied well… Fate, there are some things you must be prepared for. To have a familiar is to create/share in that one moment, one heart. Though a created/artificial being, to create/share in that one moment, one life and the burden of fate/destiny together.
Remember just because you created the familiar, it does not mean it will obey/submit to your orders as long as there is no contract to bind you both.
In the very worst scenario, if the contract is destroyed/broken in any way, your very life may be taken.
Are you prepared for that? Then let’s prepare. The contents of the contract?
Fate: I’ll think it up latter. Let’s make a temporary contract for now. Wait for me, I’ll save you soon.
My cause, the preface of the contract. The foundation/origin/reason of the contract, a new soul and life! My mana is about to be absorbed.
Linith: That is the weight/burden of a life, of a soul! You must maintain the spell; you must also maintain the mana expenditure. If you want to stop, now is the time!
Fate: I don’t want to! I’ll just have to become stronger! Take my strength, and bring a new life into being!
Linith: Success. And it’s gotten quite fond/close of you already.
Fate: Er, what should I do?
Linith: Here, you should hold her.
Fate: So warm, so soft…
Linith: That… is the warmth of life.
Fate: That tickles…
Linith: Hm, we should keep this a secret from Precia for a little while. She’ll probably get very worried unless the condition stabilizes.
Fate: Yes, thank you Linith.
Linith: It would be great if this works out to an advantage/benefit. For Fate… And for Precia…
(Fate: Hey now!)


04 - Namae wa Arf
04 – Her name is Arf

Fate: Since that day, that small wolf became my familiar. Though, at first it was a bit difficult to maintain the necessary expenditure/level of mana.
Linith: Urg, dinner’s served. Heave ho…
Fate: This… this much?
Linith: It’s true that your meals are usually smaller but to up your mana we need to nourish your body.
Fate: I… I’ll do my best! Oh Arf, wait a second.
Linith: Oh, you gave her name.
Fate: Yeah, her name is Arf. Here you go, Arf. Dinner. Matching my mana growth, it soon became less and less of a hassle. Once she stabilized and recovered, Arf was finally able to transform into a human form.
Arf: A~ Fa~te~…
Fate: Yes, that’s right, Fate.
Arf: Fa~te~!
Fate: And then she started to speak (use words).
Linith: Fate, Arf, dinnertime.
A+F: Yes!
Arf: Dinner!
Fate: Yeah.
Alf: Hey Fate, after eating let’s go to the forest and play house again!
Linith: No Arf, Fate has homework.
Arf: Aw…
Fate: After homework, let’s play together.
Arf: Un.
Linith: You know, Arf can be a great help in combat lessons/practice.
Arf: Oh, I can help!
Fate: You used to be a wolf, too.
Arf: Wo~lf~!

05 – Okaasan
05 – Mother

Precia: Oh, it’s not going well at all… Linith… Linith!
Linith: Yes?
Precia: Please bring me some tea.
Linith: Yes, right away.
Arf: Where?
Fate: Here, here.
Linith: Fate, Arf, after you eat, please clean up after yourselves. I have some business to attend to.
Arf: Okay~! Hey Fate, what does Linith do when she has to go out?
Fate: Oh, most likely she’s going to my mom’s place to help.
Arf: Mom? Fate’s Mom?
Fate: Yes.
Arf: Oh, so Fate had a mom.
Fate: Yes, I have one.
Arf: But… last night, the book we read last night says that a ‘mom’ is always by her kid’s side and protects them. Fate’s mom is never by Fate’s side at all. Why?
Fate: Um…
Arf: Fate?
Fate: Um, er, it’s because I’m not a kid any more.
Arf: Really? But Fate’s really short, and her chest is really flat, so I kinda think you’re still a kid.
Fate: Er, um, I don’t want to her that from someone who’s shorter than me.
Arf: Ahahaha, Arf is a wolf, so I’ll get real big real soon.
Fate: That’s true, for the last two months Arf’s gotten real big. I wonder if you’re going to get a lot bigger than me soon.
Arf: Yeah, I want to get big real soon so I can protect Fate.
Fate: Hm, I look forward to it. But until then I’ll always stay by Arf’s side.
Arf: Hm… Hm? Fate gave Arf life, Fate also stays by Arf’s side and protects… Oh, does that mean Fate is Arf’s mom?
Fate: No, not really. No… But… But it’s alright if you think that.
Arf: I don’t really get it, but it doesn’t matter. As long as I can stay with Fate.

Linith: Precia… Your tea…
Precia: Leave it over… *cough*
Linith: You look… bad (sick)…
Precia: Not at all… I just used a bit too much power/energy.
Linith: If that’s true, then it’s fine… No, that’s not fine at all. Please be careful…
Precia: That girl… I saw her with a dog…
Linith: Ah, we found her last month. We took pity on it because it was dying so we made her into a familiar. Right now, it’s still a provisional contract.
Precia: You permitted it?
Linith: Yes. After some thought, I felt that killing it/letting it die would have detrimental effects on her afterwards.
Precia: That girl’s mana/magic is still undeveloped. She shouldn’t possess a familiar at all, cancel it (remove it).
Linith: I will not to… When Fate is with her, she laughs more often. Not only would she want someone to take care of. I believe at the very least, she would want to be able to feel affection for (love) her own familiar. Moreover the usually obedient Fate was very firm/insistent/stubborn against me. I would like to respect her will.
Precia: You won’t follow my orders?!... Whose familiar do you think you are?!
Linith: I am your familiar Precia Testarossa, but I was also ordered by you to raise your daughter, Fate, to become a first class mage. Having those orders in mind, I have acted as I have. By having Fate meet and interact with Arf, it can only aid/support Fate. Most of all, because I believe that it will eventually help you and Fate (it is for your sake and Fate’s) … Precia
Precia: … The tea’s gotten cold; please make a new pot…
Linith: … Yes…

06 - Rinis, Omou
06 – Linith, Thoughts/Feelings

Linith: I don’t know what Precia is researching for. I don’t know how it was like between Fate and Precia before I was created. But according to Fate, their relationship was very good and it appears Precia was a gentle mother. But comparing that to the common reality now, the family relationship between Fate and Precia is far too sad/tragic. Ever since my creation, I have never seen them dine together, moreover they might see each other once over a number of months.
Arf: *humming*
Linith: Arf!
Arf: Oh Linith, are you done your job?
Linith: Yes, just right now. Are you going out alone?
Arf: Yup, I’m bored all by myself since Fate is studying. So I thought I’d go out to the yard or storage/warehouse.
Linith: I see, but don’t go too far. If you get caught by Precia, she’ll scold you very badly.
Arf: Okay!
Linith: Remember to come back during tea time!
Arf: Yes~!

Fate: The formula is correct… Now to match it and the mathematical formula to the situation at hand…
Linith: Sorry for the wait. My apologies.
Fate: Oh no, I was just doing some self-study.
Linith: I see. Where are you right now?
Fate: Let me see, around here, when using high speed rites and techniques for creating electrical fields.
Linith: Oh, so you’ve gotten that far ahead already. You’re doing very well. Oh, and Precia praised you. She said ‘she’s very impressed on how much Fate has learned/studied’
Fate: Really?
Linith: She told me to keep it a secret from Fate, but she said if Fate could master this part, then Fate might become a first class mage by next year.
Fate: Next year, I wonder… But I’ll do my best!
Linith: Yes.
The painful, heartrending feelings that assault my heart occasionally, I wonder if it’s because I pity/sympathise Fate? I think to myself sometimes… If not, perhaps because, without realizing it, I have come to care for her as a parent/mother knowing that I shall likely disappear without her knowing it. (bad translation) (Alternative translation: If not, then perhaps, without realizing it, knowing that I shall disappear without her knowing it… Sometimes, I think to myself, perhaps this is the affection of a parent/mother…)
Well, if I think about it too much, I’ll just get stiff shoulders all the time.
Fate: Linith, did you say something?
Linith: Ah, sorry. I was just talking to myself; my shoulders are getting a little stiff.
Fate: Really? Then I’ll massage them for you! Where?
Linith: Oh, it’s all right!
Fate: Don’t be like that.
Linith: No really!
Fate: Hey come on Linith, its fine, its fine!
Linith: It’s ticklish, stop! Hey!
Arf: Ah, Fate and Linith is playing! No fair!!
Linith: We are not playing, we’re just taking a break!
Arf: Arf will play too!
Linith: ARF! You little…
Arf: Ah, don’t grab the tail!
Linith: If you do something so suddenly, it’ll startle us! But, there’s just one thing…

Linith: Okay, time for a bath. Everyone to the baths!
A+F: Yes!
Arf: Ba~th! Ba~th! Ba~th!
Linith: Fate can do so much magic (so skilled at magic) but she still can’t wash her hair by herself.
Fate: That’s not true! I can wash it; I just can’t open my eyes.
Linith: There’s only one thing that I can think of to myself. This time that I have now, is my everything. It is the simple unvarnished truth, without any exaggeration/embellishment. (awkward translation) Okay let’s get ready for tomorrow and say good night! What shall we do tonight? Shall we read a book?
Fate: Oh, that song you sang before would be good.
Linith: A song? But I’m not very good
Fate: That’s not true, right Arf?
Arf: Yeah!
Linith: Really? Well then…

08 - Tsukaima no Shimei
08 – Familiar’s Purpose/Fate

Fate: Then a month passed, I thought to myself that it was almost time for me to end Arf’s probationary/temporary contract.
Linith: Hm, your aggregate/total mana has grown quite a bit. It looks like it won’t be a problem.
Fate: Yes, I don’t think there will be any problem maintaining Arf.
Linith: It’s almost time for a real contract. We must decide on the appropriate contents/details of the contract
Fate: Yes, we do… Oh, rain.
Linith: It’s started to fall/rain. It looks like tonight will be a storm.

Arf: Oh, a door is open. Oh it’s a place that I’ve never in too! Ah, but they said that Fate’s mom might scold me/get angry at me if she sees/finds me. Oh well, I’ll just say ‘sorry’ if she finds me/that happens. Well then, the adventure begins!
Precia: Only just a little more, a little more! I’m missing some essential/vital component/piece! There must be a way, it’s theoretically possible!!
Arf: Oh, that’s Fate’s mom?
Precia: Who is it?
Arf: Um, er good evening, Fate’s mom. Um, I’m Fate’s familiar, Arf. Nice to meet to you, hope to get along with ya. Huh?! AH! Wha- what are you trying to do all of a sudden?
Precia: You’re very quick to react (fast on your feet). You’re more like a monkey than a wolf.
Arf: Arf is a wolf! Not a monkey!
Precia: When selecting/creating a familiar, you have to be careful with the raw material/base components. What a blunder/error by Linith, this is the limits/extent of Fate’s abilities/skills.
Arf: Linith is a good guy and Fate is amazing! She’s amazing at magic and she’s knows lots of stuff too! At night, she even sleeps with me!
Precia: Is the familiar confusing itself with a pet? Tell me, do you know the purpose/fate of a familiar?
Arf: Fate/Purpose?

09 - Keiyaku no Hi
09 – The Day of the Contract (The Contract Day)

Fate: Arf? Arf?!
Linith: Fate, what’s wrong?
Fate: Linith, Arf’s not here. She won’t answer telepathic calls either. I’m so worried.
Linith: Oh… That reminds me, that door was open, it couldn’t be… Precia!
Precia: Linith, I thought I forbade you to contact me telepathically unless it’s an emergency…
Linith: Arf! Did you meet Fate’s familiar?
Precia: Perhaps…
Linith: You, you wouldn’t have cancelled/ the contract…
Precia: If a third party destroyed a familiar, it would have damaged the contractor, Fate, as well through the link they had. Did you seriously think I would do something like that?
Linith: So you didn’t meet Arf…
Precia: I can’t be bothered right now; I’m cutting this off now.
Linith: She’s probably outside. I’ll do a search right away.

Fate: Arf… Arf!
Linith: Fate, over there.
Fate: Oh, Arf, thank goodness. I was so worried.
Arf: Don’t come near me!
Fate: Arf?
Arf: A familiar… is a life only created when the Master has a purpose for it in mind. Is that true? Because maintaining a familiar is incredibly difficult, they’re only created for a specific purpose and normally erase/destroy them after they fulfilled it… Is that true?
Fate: Why, why are you all of a sudden asking this?
Linith: It’s probably the library. I must have left out familiar related books I wanted to show you out in the open. It’s probably that, I’m sorry.
Arf: Fate, once your goal/objective is fulfilled will you just throw me away? Are you going to erase/destroy me? I don’t want that, I don’t want to be thrown away or destroyed by Fate!
Fate: I won’t ever throw you away. I’ll never throw you away or let you disappear…
Arf: But… But I’m Fate’s familiar… I thought we could be friends or like sisters!
Fate: Do we have to be friends or sisters? It might be a relationship between Master and familiar but I had so much fun and was so happy. When you said you would grow up to protect me, I was so happy.
Arf: But…
Fate: I’ve thought up the contents of our contract, will you hear it?...

Thou, familiar Arf… Your Master Fate, from this contract, agrees and understands to comply without exceeding or rebuffing the contents, to the agreed terms and conditions thusly. Thy flesh/body and spirit/soul thou possess, is free to pursue thy personal wishes and way of life to thy satisfaction. Even if those desires conflict with thy Master’s, or take thee to lands far from thy Master. Thus thy Master pledges to fulfill this contract until the end of thy Master’s life.

The reason I made Arf, my familiar is because I didn’t want her to die. So, it doesn’t matter afterwards, if you, Arf, want to leave me or want to go somewhere else. I won’t resent or use you if you want to live your life as a free wolf. But I would be happy if you would stay by my side like you have done now and do all sorts of things. Because with Arf, everything and anything seems so much better/exciting and because she’s so kind. You and I might not be friends or sisters but I think to myself, we would be great/the best partners ever.
Arf: The best/greatest?
Fate: Yeah, the best/greatest… Oh look, the fur you’re so proud of is all wet. Let’s go home…
Arf: Fate…
Fate: It doesn’t matter if we’re master and familiar. Let’s stay the same as we are, now and forever.

Fate: That’s what happened, and so I and Arf sealed our contract. My half of the contract remained the same as before. Arf’s half of the contract was…
Arf: I, familiar Arf, upon my honor/soul (fibre of her being) and pride as wolf, shall protect Fate’s heart and body to the very bitter end and for that end use all resources at hand for that purpose.
Fate: Familiar Arf…
Arf: Master Fate…
A+F: I make our contract thusly.
Linith: Congratulations, the contract has been signed/completed.
Fate: I don’t think I feel that anything has changed, has it?
Arf: Yeah…
Linith: Actually, quite a bit has changed. Your spiritual link has been strengthened and you now share/transfer spell knowledge.
Fate: If you study hard, you should be able to use similar/same spells I have.
Arf: Oh, that’s way cool! I’ll study real hard!
Linith: Starting tomorrow I’ll have two students. Let’s go full out!
A+F: Yeah!

11 - Sodachiyuku Hibi
11 – Days of growing up

Fate: During the depths/height of winter, Arf’s arms and legs got much longer/bigger.
Arf: OHHH~! TERIYA!
Fate: Amazing…
Arf: Did you see that? My special/secret skill punch! (hissatsu punch)
Linith: This stupidly powerful strength… to be able break/pierce/shatter a barrier in just one punch…
Arf: My fist is unbeatable/invincible!
Fate: Arf is particularly good at gathering magic and firing/releasing it.
Linith: And her tactical knowledge (movement ability) is extremely high. If she can master breaching barriers, she’ll be a tolerable/decent support for Fate.
Arf: I can’t just be tolerable/acceptable. I’ve got to be amazingly good (really amazing) or else I can’t protect Fate!
Fate: By the time the snow melted, she finally grew into an adult and surpassed Linith’s height.
Linith: Seriously, your body is just getting bigger all the time.
Arf: Seconds please!
Fate: Together we continued to improve/grow as mages.

Linith: This is… Fate’s new staff. It’s still a work in process though.
Fate: Wow…
Arf: You know… this looks kinda like a hatchet/ax… Don’t ya think it’s a bit plain (alt: clumsy looking)?
Bardiche: Get Set…
Arf: It spoke!
Linith: Of course it speaks. It’s an intelligent device. By the time Fate masters the final magical challenge/task facing her; it’ll be ready/complete.
Fate: I see… This is my staff.

12 - Fate, Sashuu Kadai
12 – Fate, Final Task/Lesson/Challenge

(アルカス・クルタス・エイギアス; 制裁の閃光よ、降り来たりて眼下の敵を討て;_
バルエル・ザルエル・ブラウゼル;突き立て、雷光の剣―――;サンダーレイジ！)

Fate: And then, at the end of summer…
Arukas, Krutas, Eygias… Light of judgement/punishment, shine down your terrible vengeance below. (upon all you see)
Arf: Uwa, what incredible magic!
Linith: Arf, cover your ears! The thunderclap is coming!
Fate: Baruel, Zaluel, Browzel… Pierce the Heavens with your sword/blade of thunder/lightning… Thunder Rage!... Linith, did I succeed?
Linith: You hit your target. Nothing wrong with the Lock On either. It’s fine; you’ve cleared the last task/lesson.
Arf: You did it!
Fate: I… Did… it…
Arf: Fate, are you all right?
Fate: Thank you Arf. I’m just a bit tired (lost strength).
Linith: You’ve used up most of your mana. Arf, take Fate to her room. Fate…
Fate: Yes?
Linith: Congratulations, you did very well.
Fate: Thank you, it’s because of you Linith. I hope after this, you’ll continue to help me out.
Linith: After… this, huh…

13 - Rinis no Negai
13 – Linith’s wish

Linith: Precia, its Linith.
Precia: Come in.
Linith: Did you hear it, that thunderclap/thunderous roar?
Precia: A high level magic lightning attack… Was that Fate?
Linith: Without using a staff, with just only her body.
Precia: I see. How wonderful.
Linith: With that… I have nothing else left to teach Fate. And the staff will be finished by tonight as well. My job is done, isn’t it?
Precia: Yes it’s over. Once you’ve finished the staff, disappear immediately. Maintaining a high level/quality/independent familiar like you is very difficult.
Linith: I will do that, but before that. Precia, do you remember the contents of our contract? What we agreed to when it concluded? Once the contract is fulfilled, you would give me a reward.
Precia: Ah, yes, you will return to your former form as a mountain cat and possibly return home to the mountains.
Linith: Even if I were restored to my animal form now (To return to as an animal now) … Well…
Precia: You want to remain in human form? But if that’s the case, the contract…
Linith: Is not possible (Alt: would be violated right?). Don’t worry about that, it’s something far simpler.

Arf: Fate, are you all right?
Fate: Yeah, I’m really tired but it feels wonderful.
Arf: Hm, I’m happy too, as expected of my Master!
Fate: Thank you, Arf.

14 – Bansan
14 – Dinner

Linith: Fate, Arf! Time for dinner!
Fate: Oh, yes.
Linith: Today there’s big surprise for you. So wear your best clothing and tie on your hair ribbons, then let’s head to the dining room.

Precia: Fate, it’s been a long time/awhile.
Fate:M-mom!
Precia: I heard from Linith, you’ve finished/cleared all your lessons.
Fate: Y-yes.
Precia: Tonight, in celebration/as a reward, let’s have dinner together
Fate: Yes!
Arf: Wow, so that woman can act motherly (has a motherly side after all).
Linith: Well, they are family after all (mother/daughter). We shouldn’t bother them, Arf.
Arf: I know, I wouldn’t dare.
Precia: How long did it take you to learn/master the advanced level spell?
Fate: Um, I got stuck/puzzled with combining/joining/connecting techniques for mid level magic/spell but once I managed to understand that, it came to me very easily.
Precia: Your favourite spell/magic?
Fate: Um, spells like Lancer and I feel I’m pretty good with shooting/bullet type spells.
Precia: I see.
Arf: Um, it sure doesn’t seem family like.
Linith: It’s the first time I’ve ever seen them eat together (have dinner together) after I was born.
Arf: Well, I could less about that woman but Fate seems so happy though, so I don’t care.
Linith: Well then, Arf. Starting from tonight, I have to leave here for a little while to some place far away.
Arf: Huh? Really?
Linith: There’s nothing left I can teach you or Fate any more.
Arf: Nn…
Linith: With you by Fate’s side, she’ll be fine.
Arf: Um, really?
Linith: Really, have confidence…
Arf: Yeah.
Linith: Oh, and tell Fate to come to my room latter. Tell her there is something/a gift for her from me.
Arf: Okay.
Linith: Well then…
Arf: Have a good trip! Keep safe!

15 - Sono na wa Barudisshu
15 – His/Its name is Bardiche

「闇を貫く雷神の槍、夜を切り裂く閃光の戦斧」(リニス談)

Linith: Well then… I have fulfilled all that I was supposed to do. I have many (a mountain) concerns/worries and regrets in my heart but my duty has ended, so I shall quietly/obediently disappear from the stage. Fate’s staff, I may disappear but I shall leave my memories/feelings and will to this child.

Bardiche, the spear of lightning that pierces the darkness, the axe of brilliant light that tears/shatters/cuts through the night… Take my wishes/hopes unto yourself.

Hey, Precia, you know, to tell you the truth I was very jealous of you. I kept thinking to myself, if only Fate was my child. Then I could hold her tightly and lovingly into my arms (as her mother). But, if I never became Precia’s familiar then I never would have met Fate and Arf. So I feel more thankful to you than jealous.

Good night, my cute Arf. My dear/beloved Fate. Good bye, my stubborn, mean and not at all gentle/kind master, Precia. Bardiche, please take care of those two/children for me.

Precia: Linith? So she’s gone already? Linith… That girl’s staff, it’s been completed. It wasn’t supposed to end/be like this… was it? (Personal: You’re asking yourself this now, you crazy bitch?)
Fate: Really?
Arf: Yeah, a gift from Linith.
Fate: Ah, mother, sorry.
Arf: A… staff…
Precia: Come with me Fate.
Fate: Y-Yes.
Precia: This is your staff, Linith left this for you.
Fate: Yes.
Precia: Take it into your hand.
Fate: It’s heavy but… it feels so warm…
Bardiche: Get Set!
Fate: This staff, it matches/conforms to me (my abilities)?
Precia: Of course it does, it’s something that Linith made for you, after all.
Fate: Bardiche, is that your name?
Bardiche: Device Form, Set up!
Fate: Nice to meet you, Bardiche (I’ll be relying on you, Bardiche).
Precia: Listen to me well Fate.
Fate: Yes.
Precia: With that staff, became stronger and obtain the power to grant all my wishes/desires. You are my daughter after all.
Fate: Yes, I will do my best.
Precia: Once you learn/familiarize yourself with that staff, I will send you out on missions/tasks occasionally. Do you understand, Fate?
Fate: Yes…
Arf: Linith, she’s gone already? I wonder when she’s coming home…

16 – Hajimari
16 – The Beginning

Fate: And after that, I learned to wield Bardiche and was sent out for tasks by mother occasionally. Sometimes it was materials for her experiments. Other times it was books and documents. Time flowed/passed by, the research and experiments never once stopped (continued without end).
Mother was soon unable to restrain/hide her anger/temper. Compared to the times when Linith was around, the atmosphere at home became… much darker.
Arf: What the hell is wrong with woman? We found that book she told us she wanted!
Fate: It can’t be help. It didn’t contain what Mother wanted to read/see.
Arf: There’s no reason for her to hit you because of that… Oh, Fate, you’re not hurt are you?
Fate: No. I’m fine; she didn’t hit me that hard.
Arf: You’re lying, you’re bleeding (you’re wounded)! Erg, seriously. If only Linith was still around, then she would have told off that stupid old witch!
Fate: Arf, don’t use dirty words.
Arf: Yeah…
Fate: Even though half a year, or a year passed, Linith never returned. I and Arf finally understood then, what had happened on that day and why Linith disappeared/left but we never said it aloud. Things began to change, and the air/situation in our home became heavier/more oppressive. Though Arf was always gentle to me, she started to become more and more visibly frustrated. I’ve gotten a bit taller… And gathered a few more wounds/scars on my back and my arms and legs.
Arf: There’s… there’s definitely something screwed up about your mother! Hurting Fate so much, even though Fate is trying so hard!
Fate: Arf asked me many times about leaving home but I never did. I told/explained to Arf, Mother is just a bit tired and frustrated, that’s all. And then…
Precia: Fate, I need you to leave immediately. A search!
Fate: Yes.
Precia: A Lost Logia, its appearance is that of a blue jewel. (Commonly called) Known commonly as a “Jewel Seed”.
Fate: Jewel Seed.
Precia: There are 21 in all. Find them quickly, as many as you can! Obtain them for me!
Fate: Yes, I understand. And so, I and Arf began our journey to hunt for the Lost Logia.

17 - Soshite, Genzai
17 – And now

Arf: Fate, sorry did I wake you up?
Fate: No, I should apologize; after all I fell asleep on Arf’s lap.
Arf: If you want to sleep on your bed, I’ll carry you there princess.
Fate: Thank you but I’m fine now. I just needed a nap. What time is it now?
Arf: A little past 1 p.m., could be 2 p.m. now.
Fate: I had a dream…
Arf: A dream? What type of dream?
Fate: Sometimes I dream of Linith, even now. But rather than feel sad, my memories of her warm kindness has not faded away. I’ve slept for a bit, so I’ve recovered quite a bit of my mana.
Arf: Really? You’ve only slept for an hour though!
Fate: Arf’s lap is really comfortable, so I recovered real quickly. I’m going to the rooftop to cast a search spell. We’ve got to find those Lost Logias as quickly as possible.
Arf: Oh, you’ve already gotten three of them. You don’t gotta hurry like that.
Fate: Thank you Arf but I’m fine now.
Arf: Okay, then I’ll go out for groceries for a little. I’ll get Fate’s dinner ready in her room.
Fate: Un, thank you.
Arf: After you do your search, you better eat and get some rest.
Fate: I’ll be fine. Have a safe trip.
Arf: Un…
Fate: Here we go, Bardiche.
Bardiche: Yes sir!
Fate: Arukas, Krutas… Dispersal setting/configuration, wide area search… The magic/spells that Linith has taught me (left for me) still guides me even now.
Bardiche: Get Set!
Fate: Search for a blue aura/radiance. Ever since that day, the ‘Axe of Light’ has remained in my hands. I found it, I think...

But the only thing that Linith left for my mother is that she left me completed as a mage. And the only person, who could make my saddened, frustrated, and despairing/suffering mother smile any more, is me now.

Out of mana. I’m pretty weak. I’ll rest a bit and leave latter this evening. I have a proper bed and food. And Arf is with me. I’m not lonely at all. I’m fine. Yes, I’m completely fine. The only person who can save mother is me. Yes, that’s why I won’t ever waver/falter (doubt myself). No matter what happens, I will never waver/falter (doubt myself).

19 - Jikai Yokoku
19 – Next Time On!

Fate: Since that day everything ended. About the days after the end…
Arf: About Nanoha and the others, Chrono and the others, and us. An explanation of what we have been up to elsewhere. Next on Sound Stage 03.
Fate: Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha Episode 14 is ‘Afterwards’… Lyrical Magical, I will do my best…
Arf: AHAHAHA! Fate that was so cu~te~!
Fate: Oh that was so embarrassing…