"When you do, your old life is cast off."

     "You can choose only one side. We do not want you to be burdened by regrets."

"Cast off? Then what am I choosing for?"

"Your particular history is not the entirety of your self."

     "The magic must bond with your core. You must have a reason to accept it."

"Then... what do each of you offer?"

"Come with me," says the girl in white, "and I will give you the power to build something great."

     "Come with me," says the girl in black, "and I will give you the power to make your mark on the world."

After a moment of consideration, Nira makes her decision.

Elsewhere, elsewhen-

In an unremarkable gym in an unremarkable city on an unremarkable planet, a girl is practicing alone. So intent is her focus she does not notice the flash of light behind her.

Two young women stand, holding hands. One is dressed all in white, the other all in black. They wait patiently for their target to finish.

She finishes the set, and turns to start another when she catches sight of her visitors.

"When did you get here?"

"Just now," says the woman in white. "We have not been waiting long.

     "Your skill is impressive," says the woman in black.

"...Thank you. What are you doing here? Who are you?"

"We are here for you."

     "I'm sure our identity will come to you."

Will come to... Oh. She fumbles into a hasty bow.

"My lady."

"Please, stand."

     "There is no need for such displays here."

"As you say."

"Try to relax. You're not in trouble."

     "We won't bite you."

"Yes-. ...You said you were here for me? Why?"

"We wish to offer you a portion of our power."

     "The chance to become a magical girl."

"A magical girl? Me? I- I can't."

"Whyever not?"

     "We would not be here if you were incapable."

"I- have responsibilities. Duties. I can't leave."

"No one is irreplacable."

     "Your absence will not be noted."

"Why?"

"To become a magical girl, you must choose one of us to follow. This choice is irrevocable."

     "The strands of your past life will be severed. You must make the choice freely, unburdened, with no regrets."

"What if I don't want to become a magical girl?"