Chapter 199

Chapter 5 Is a Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks Still a Mom Through and Through? The flying ship fled higher, but the earthen and oceanic hands kept on reaching for it. “How far are they gonna chase us? Give it up already!” Amante howled, stabbing the tip of an earthen finger as it drew near the stern. The hand was too massive to feel the blow—it didn’t even flinch. It just grabbed for the ship like nothing had happened. “My rapier is all wrong for this… Fratello! Sorella!” “Mm. On it.” “The interception squad won’t be bested that easilyyyy! Fratello cannon, goooo!” A magic gust of wind fired Fratello at the hand, and she hit it with her ultimate punch. “Mah!” A lucky crit! The explosive impact knocked the fingertip back. It sent Fratello flying, too. “Ahhhhhh! She’s falling off the shiiip! Lemme go catch herrrr!” “All yours! …Argh, the next one’s incoming!” This was the oceanic hand. A torrent of salt water fell from the palm as it loomed above, grabbing for the deck. Piercing attacks were clearly the wrong way to go. “I’m the last person who should be here!” Amante was helpless to fight; all she could do was assume defensive maneuvers. But then the oceanic hand stopped. “Huh……?” “Sorry I’m late. I have forcefully relinked my motherly powers, stopping the attack for now. It will not last long, I’m afraid.” “Mama Hahako! You’re here?” The ground next to Amante warped, and Hahako rose up from it. She had synched the oceanic hand to her own, holding it in place—but it was clear she couldn’t stave it off much longer. It was already moving again—and the earthen hand joined it. “Argh, what’s with these things? If even our mom can’t control them…” “She is completely out of control,” said Hahako. “She will not accept emotional input from any other mother. The reserve of energy she had been secretly accumulating has overflowed. We’re lucky it did not directly damage this world—but that danger may yet await us.” “Ugh. What a pain!” “She is the strongest of us. Her power is greater than anyone’s, and none of us stand a chance against her. Only the cause can solve this…and that may be wishful thinking.” Hahako glanced back at Centrale with a worried frown. The top of Centrale was a bridge that doubled as an observation deck, commanding a full view of the surrounding environs. Everyone not on the interception squad was gathered here—and Hayato was at the ship’s wheel. “This is as high as we can get, I’m afraid. From here on out, we just have to maintain top speed and hope. I’ve got to focus on steering, so if someone else can relay the hands’ movements to me…” “Eep! They’re coming after us really fast!” “Ah, the earth hand’s coming in on starboard! Masato’s dad, evasive maneuvers!” “The water hand’s closing in on port! You must avoid it!” “Both sides, huh? Then our only path is down!” The girls were helping, albeit somewhat chaotically. Hayato sent the ship into a dive. They plunged through the clouds, then swooped low across the ocean’s surface. “Well? Did the cloud cover make them lose track of—?” “Nope, not for a second! Masato’s dad, turn starboard!” “Wait, Hayato! Don’t listen to Kazuno. Port! Hard to port!” “Hey, Memama! Port’s wrong! We gotta go starboard!” “Calm down, both of you! They’re coming from both sides! I’m taking over!” said Deathmother. “I’ll access the systems and calculate the best answer— Aaaggghhh?! My tablet battery’s dead! Shiraaase, hand me your PDA!” “I can infooorm you I forgot it somewhere.” “At a time like this?!” “I can also infooorm you I was kidding and it’s right here. Heh-heh-heh.” “Does this look like a good time to be joking?! You’re the worst!” “A-at any rate, they’re coming from both sides, so up we go!” said Hayato. The mothers were helping, although no less chaotically than their daughters. This time the ship swooped upward, back through the clouds. Higher and higher! But still the hands came after them! They dove and rose and twisted and turned. The flying ship was rocketing around like a roller coaster, veering wildly through the sky—and wreaking havoc on the bridge. Only two people remained calm. “You okay, Mom?” “Yes, Ma-kun. I’m holding on to you! Hee-hee-hee.” “I think this railing would be steadier, but fine.” Mamako was all smiles, snuggling up against Masato, who was vacantly watching the massive hands attack. “Masato! Why are you being so chill?! And you too, Mamako!” Wise shouted. “I mean, those hands just…don’t feel threatening, y’know? They’re actually kinda…gentle, and warm… Mom, you agree, right?” “I agree with Ma-kun. I don’t see a problem if they catch us.” “R-really?” said Medhi. “Well, if Mamako says so…” “Maybe we don’t have to run!” said Porta. “No…we must. If we’re caught, it’s all over,” Demon Lord Hayato insisted. He glanced at Masato and Mamako and made up his mind. “Masato, listen up. Those two hands are Mother Earth and Mother Ocean—the manifestation of matriarchal power. In other words…Mamako’s power.” “Mom’s… Oh, I get it. Now that you mention it—I dunno how to put this, but it feels just like her.” “And the feelings driving them are Mamako’s. Those hands are trying to catch you, Masato—and keep you trapped in this world. They’re trying to stop you from beating the game.” “Huh?” Masato gaped at Mamako. She looked baffled. “Trying to stop me…? Mom, you know better. You agreed it was time we finished. You said so!” “Y-yes, I did. Mommy would never lie to you, Ma-kun. I’m on board with your decision. What matters most is how you feel. So…” “So you overrode your own emotions?” Hayato asked. “You completely erased any desire you might have to keep playing the game with Masato?” “W-well…” Mamako got very quiet. She shot Masato a sheepish look; that made the answer clear. “Mamako, be honest,” said Hayato. “There’s a part of you that really wants to catch Masato and keep him here in the game world—isn’t there?” “…Yes. There is.” “Can you control it?” “I’m sorry—I don’t think I can. When you and Ma-kun finished your little fight, I thought, ‘Oh, we just have to beat the game now!’ and these feelings just came bursting up inside me… Overflowing…” “Gah?! Now more hands are spawning!” Masato yelped. “Masato’s dad! We’ve gotta hurry!” “They’re getting stronger! We know what that means!” Wise and Kazuno had yelled at once, and when everyone looked back—there were now twice as many hands. Dark-Mom Deathmother was peering at Shriaaase’s PDA, gulping audibly. “This is so bad. So much land and sea getting converted to energy and funneled into those hands. Soon the world won’t have any land or sea left!” “It’ll be the end of this world. Hahako has informed us that they’re not accepting interference from other mothers—unless Mamako herself can get her emotions under control, there’s no stopping things. I wish I could infooorm you otherwise.” “It’s all my fault… I’m so, so sorry… Really, I am.” A tear rolled down Mamako’s cheek, and she buried her face in her hands. This was all caused by the greatest mother’s unbridled love for her son. No one could blame Mamako for it. But neither could they offer words of consolation. Silence settled over the bridge. But as Masato worked out what was going on… “Snort… Ah-ha-ha-ha!” …he burst out laughing. “Ma-kun?” “It’s just…this is the most Mom thing ever.” “Is it?” “Mom, you’ve always been so selfish. I ask you not to stand so close, you do it anyway. I tell you not to hug me, you hug me harder… You’re way more chained to your mom instincts than you think you are. And it’s because you’re so true to that side of you that your mom powers are this strong, and you can pull off all this crazy stuff and always get your way. That’s who you are!” “I-I don’t think—” “Trust me. That’s how we got here! Right?” “Well…I suppose…” Mamako started hanging her head again. “Wait, wait. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not blaming you here. Okay?” Masato cupped her cheeks with both hands and then squeezed, giving her a silly face. He lifted her head back up. Then he looked silly-faced Mamako right in the eye. “Mom, that’s exactly how I want you to be. That’s just who you are, as my mom. I hate to say it…but ultimately, this is all because you love your son so damn much.” Deeply mortified though he was, his brain about to fizzle out, Masato still hung in there. Silly-faced Mamako gave him her brightest smile, nodding. Love is selfish. “Mommy loves you, Ma-kun. I love you so, so much!” “Okay, thanks. So we know you’re gonna be selfish like that… But that works out just fine for me.” “It does?” “If you’re selfish all the time, that means I get to be just as selfish. It goes both ways, right? It’s time we had a selfishness duel.” “A duel? Ma-kun and Mommy?” Masato nodded and let go of her cheeks. He faced her down. “Mom. I’m gonna beat this game and head toward my future.” A stern declaration. Mamako stared back, just as serious. “Mommy would love to support you in that…but adventuring with you has just been far too wonderful. This game has brought me such joy that I don’t want to stop. I don’t want to let you beat it. That’s how Mommy really feels.” “And thus, the world’s in crisis. I’ve gotta clear the game as soon as possible and force my way out from under your smothering love. That’s why I need to beat this game.” “I really am sorry for all the trouble I’m causing… Oh, I know! If you promise not to beat the game, I’m sure I’ll be able to control my feelings again. Then we can have a nice long think about the future together—over the next decade or two, here in the game.” “We’re getting nowhere with this… You’ve left me with no choice!” “Which of us is more selfish, then? Ma-kun or Mommy? Now that’s a real duel.” Who would win? The child who wanted to stretch his wings and fly toward the future? Or the mother who wished to cling to the joy she had here in this game? Masato vs Mamako. The honest-to-goodness final battle. The strongest mother against her own son. Everyone watched anxiously… “First, Mom, I need a favor.” “Oh? What is it?” “I need you to agree to some handicaps.” “Wha—Masato, you’re cheating already?!” “Can it, Wise. I’m not cheating! I’m making a smart decision based on analysis of combat ability.” He put her in a headlock to shut her up. “Sorry, Mom. But if I wanna win, I gotta play smart. First, the red girl, Medhi, and Porta—all three of them are on my team. You girls on board with that?” “Okay, okay. No way you’d win on your own, so I’ll lend a hand.” “I’ll help, too. Masato doesn’t have a chance in a million of winning otherwise.” “You don’t both need to make that point.” “I really get how Mama feels! But I promised I’d help Masato! So I’m on Team Masato!” “Glad to have you. Also, Dad, can I count you in, too?” “That was always the plan. And because I knew this might happen, I called in powerful allies.” Demon Lord Hayato gave the signal… And Kazuno, Medhimama, and Dark-Mom Deathmother all surrounded Mamako, smiling. “Oh my! All three of you are mothers, so does that mean you’re on my side?” “We’re moms, sure…but we’re here to keep you in check,” said Kazuno. “When it came time to let your son free, I figured you wouldn’t take it well.” “We’re the only people who can take you on,” said Medhimama. “Nobody but us can do it. Nobody.” “The plan is to have a lot of fun, just us mom friends, and help distract you from Masato! …And while we’re at it, what say we form an idol group with all four of us?” “Saorideath! If you say another word, I’ll end you!” Grrr! “What’s done is done! Those memories stay sealed!” Hiss! “S-s-s-sorry!!” Dark-Mom Deathmother suddenly found herself cowering before two ferocious beasts…but at any rate, all three moms were on Masato’s team. Outside, Hahako and her daughters were intercepting like mad. Masato figured that meant they were on his side, too. So this was actually Mamako vs everyone else. “Okay, I’d say that’s balanced enough.” “Goodness, Ma-kun! You’re so ruthless!” “I’m up against you, Mom. Gimme this one at least. So! The sides are set, but…we still haven’t figured out the most important thing!” “That’s right. How do you go about beating the game, Ma-kun? If we don’t figure that out…well, I’d be totally fine with it. Hee-hee-hee.” “I wouldn’t! Which means…infooorm away, Shiraaase!” At his call… The mysterious nun stopped twiddling her thumbs at the edge of the deck and stood up. “Heh…and here I thought you’d forgotten about me. Now it’s my chance to shine! Without Shiraaase’s infooormation, you are certainly one helpless Hero. Very well. I shall offer my guidance.” “Please do. How do we beat the game?” “Masato, the Hero chosen by the Heavens, can only return to the real world through the transport point located in Heaven’s Ruins.” “Heaven’s Ruins… The place with the doors that wouldn’t open because my job had bugged out?” “Shall we head straight there?” “No time to waste! Make it happen.” “That will lead directly to beating the game. Are you sure?” “Yep. That’s the goal.” “Understood. Then I have one last piece of infooormation for you—and everyone else. Listen closely.” Shiraaase looked extremely serious all of a sudden. Everyone held their breath. She gazed at each face in turn then closed her eyes. “The game known as MMMMMORPG (working title) is currently a beta build—the final testing phase. The results of this final test will lead directly to the start of the official launch. And that final test—is drawing to a close.” “What did that final test involve?” “It began with the introduction of the Demon Lord, Hayato. Everything since had been part of the test. A child who has deepened their family bonds by playing this game—in this case, Masato—must desire a future beyond the end of the game itself. Our goal was to see if he could actually take the steps necessary to beat the game. After all, the government can hardly agree to something that would contribute to childhood video game addiction.” “So if I win this Oosuki family duel and beat the game—your test is a success.” “Indeed. The game will proceed toward the official launch—and corresponding to that will be the end of the beta test.” The end. Everyone gulped. “This version of the game world will be carried over into the final release,” Shiraaase continued. “However, do not assume that any of you will be allowed to adventure here again.” “Wh-what does that mean?” Porta asked. “The reason is simple. This game is designed for mothers and their children to enjoy together—with the goal of solving any problems they’re experiencing. None of you have any significant frictions with your parents anymore—so you no longer qualify to participate.” This left everyone speechless. The moment Masato beat the game—it was over for all of them. He had to think about that one. “Masato,” Shiraaase said, “beating this game is the end of your adventure. You can never come back to this world. Will you still head to Heaven’s Ruins?” Those eyes of hers never wavered—least of all now. He could feel his friends staring at his back. And so… “I will,” he said. “I’ve made my choice. It’s time for me to move on.” Masato was past hesitating. He turned around, and his friends nodded. They agreed with him. Mamako looked rather disappointed, but…she soon smiled. “I appreciate your feelings, Ma-kun. Now then…” She drew both her swords. In her right hand, the Holy Sword of Mother Earth—Terra di Madre. In her left hand, the Holy Sword of Mother Ocean—Altura. “Uh, M-Mom? Why are you…?” “Hee-hee. Mommy means business. Ma-kun—let’s fight!” Terra di Madre emitted a crimson glow, and Altura a deep blue one. Each light grew so bright, Mamako herself vanished from view… And when the two lights faded, there was no sign of her. “…Huh?” Mamako had disappeared. Leaving the Demon Lord Hayato on the bridge to steer the ship, everyone else moved to the prow. The plan was to disembark as soon as they reached their destination. The ship was headed toward Heaven’s Ruins, flying steady and low. The two giant hands were no longer in pursuit. “…The calm before the storm, huh?” Masato said. Everyone nodded, looking tense. It was very quiet. The sky was blue. The breeze felt good. “Oh! Hahako and her children are here!” Porta said. She’d been on lookout and had spotted them rushing up from the stern. When they arrived, they appeared uninjured but exhausted. All of them were panting as they sat down heavily. “Rest up. How’d it go?” Masato asked. “It didn’t go,” Amante replied. “None of our attacks did squat. Impacts managed to knock ’em backward, but that’s it—and they never actually tried to hurt us. It was like they were toying with us.” “I’d say we were dancing on the palm of her haaaand…but we never engaged with anything but the fingertiiiips.” “Total lovey-dovey stuff. When I fell off the ship, she even scooped me up!” “Yeah, that’s mom power for ya. Makes sense those hands would be that doting,” said Masato. “Hahako, what’s the situation now?” “Both hands have vanished and show no signs of returning. I’ll take a look and see if I can learn anything else—one moment.” Hahako held a palm toward the distant land, concentrating. Then she frowned. “That’s odd. I have duped admin privileges and should have full access, but I can’t seem to connect… Perhaps control has been wrested away at a higher tier? …Deathmother, do you have any ideas?” “We never implemented access privileges above the admin level. But I’m also locked out. This is so nuts, you have to laugh.” Dark-Mom Deathmother gave up poking at her tablet and threw up her hands. Everyone knew who was behind this. So they all turned to look at Masato. They had one silent question: What the heck is your mom up to? That’s what he wanted to know. Best to ignore them. “Yo, Dad! How’s the flight going?” he yelled, turning toward Centrale. “Just dandy! We should reach our destination shortly. If nothing untoward happens.” The answer came over the ship’s speakers. Almost there—unless. “…Something’s definitely about to go down, then.” And no sooner had the words left his lips… “Maaaaa-kuuuuuun…” There came a sweet-sounding voice, like she was talking to a baby. Mamako’s voice was echoing across the ship’s deck. Everyone braced themselves, looking around—but there was no sign of her. “Did I keep you waiting? I’m sorry. It took me ages to get ready.” “Nah, you’re good. So? Where are you?” “Hee-hee-hee. Good question. Can you find me, Ma-kun? Mommy’s playing peek-a-boo!” “What am I, a baby?” “Don’t you remember, Ma-kun? This was how Mommy always made you laugh back when you were a baby. No matter how hard you were crying! …Peek-a…” A pause. Then… “…boo!” Mamako’s hands left her face, revealing her smile. That face was in the sky above the ship—the entire sky. “……………Hah?” Mamako’s face, so big she could easily swallow a flying ship with an entire city on top. She looked just like she always did, but far beyond giant—more like the myth about the Titan who carried the sky on his back. “What do you think? Mommy fused with Mother Ocean and Mother Earth and got thiiiis big. Now I’m MegaMommy! Hee-hee-hee.”