Scenario:Mikaboshi - The Story of a Mother

The Story of a Mother

Mikaboshi reveals that she had created the artifacts as prototype reactors for the Great Wall. As she interacts with the orphanage children, she thinks about Shitori and how she had learned to understand others, lamenting that her past decisions have now come back to threaten those she cares for.

---

Responding to a mayday from Shitori and Irotis, (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn arrive at the orphanage where the girls are staying.

There, they encounter Mikaboshi—now in the childlike form she had been when they had first met her in the Edgelands.

Mikaboshi: Eeek! Somebody save meee, or I'll be caught!

Vyrn: She's gone all tiny again!

Mikaboshi: Huh? Wha! (Captain), you guys! What are you all doing here?

Lyria: Oh? You recognize us, Mika?

Mikaboshi: You think I'd forget?
Oh, I see. Considering the last time you saw me like this, that's only a natural assumption.

Mikaboshi: But I haven't lost my memories this time. My power destabilized, so my body shrank. That's all.

Mikaboshi: So, well... I figured I might as well play with the children this way. Just so you know, I wasn't playing around for my own enjoyment!

Vyrn: Uh, sure. Cool, I guess...

Irotis: As you can see, Mother's shrunk down to a child. But that's only one part of the problem we have on our hands.

Shitori: Irotis and I discussed it and we're sorry, but we decided it was best to ask for your help, (Captain).

Vyrn: What! Prototypes of the Great Wall's reactor?

Mikaboshi: That's right. This area contains some things I left here while I oversaw this skydom.

Irotis: Right now, anyone who puts one on ends up losing their mind and going on a rampage.

Shitori: When Mother fought them to protect me and the children, she used too much power...

Vyrn: And doing that turns her into a kid, huh?

Mikaboshi: Yes. At least, that's what I am for the time being.

Lyria: B-But wasn't the Great Wall destroyed twice already?

Mikaboshi: The completed version, yes... But traces of my madness can still be found here.

Shitori: It all started with the investiture ceremony where Mother and the other Astrals were revived. You remember how they went on rampages in different places, right?

Shitori: In Nalhegrande, that sparked an explosion of rumors about the Astrals.

Vyrn: Now that ya mention it, I think we heard 'bout that happenin' in other skydoms too.

Irotis: Among all those rumors, there was one that went, "the Astral Mikaboshi left weapons of incomparable power in this skydom."

Shitori: I thought that was ridiculous at first. After all, Mother's base of operations and everything she made...

Irotis: Were all destroyed when she was sealed away, from the info we managed to pick up.

Mikaboshi: I never told Shitori or Irotis about my one remaining base.

Mikaboshi: It's in this area... where I devised the reactor for the Great Wall.

Mikaboshi: It was here that I researched what could best power a weapon strong enough to shoot down an island from another skydom.

Mikaboshi: That's why there are prototype reactors for the Great Wall left around here.

Mikaboshi: By the time we arrived, some sort of militia had already come chasing rumors and located the prototypes.

Mikaboshi: Those who'd equipped these legacies of mine went insane and became violent.

Irotis: This orphanage was built fairly close to Mother's base.

Irotis: The adults who were in charge of this facility left because of the situation. We ended up taking care of the kids instead.

Lyria: So that's why...

Shitori: We actually came to destroy the remainder of Mother's legacy.

Shitori: But now that she's shrunk down and her power's unstable, our hands are full just protecting the area...

Mikaboshi: ...
Thank you, (Captain). For coming at the request of Shitori and Irotis.

Mikaboshi: But I was the one who left the artifacts in these skies. It's my problem to deal with.

Mikaboshi: So you can just tell me you can't help if you can't help.

1. I want to help.

Choose: I want to help.

Vyrn: Yeah! There's no way we can ignore it after hearin' all that!

Lyria: After fighting alongside you, we know you really are a good person!

Mikaboshi: ...
I see. Thank you.

Seeing (Captain)'s unwavering nod, Mikaboshi frowns softly as she expresses her gratitude, complex feelings filling her heart.

Mikaboshi: ...

Mikaboshi: (I really am thankful they offered to help.)

Mikaboshi: (I am... but I...)

Young Boy: Mika...

Mikaboshi: Hm? What's wrong? Do you have a tummyache?

Young Boy: No... but I'm hungry. We just had dinner too...

Mikaboshi: Well, you are a growing boy. There should be some leftover rice, so how about I make you a rice ball?

Young Boy: Will you really? Wahoo! Thanks!

Mikaboshi: Good boy! You made sure to say thank you. Okay, hold on a minute.

Mikaboshi heads into the kitchen and clambers onto a stool to reach the countertop. As she squishes the rice into shape, she reflects on her conversation with the child.

Mikaboshi: (I don't know how, but looks like I can turn on mom mode super naturally when interacting with kids now.)

Mikaboshi: (When did I start being able to talk to kids like that?)

Mikaboshi: (I learned it while raising Shitori... which means, I must've been able to do it since at least then...)

Mikaboshi: When I first picked Shitori up, it was because I unconsciously saw myself in her. After that, I guess I raised her on a whim.

Mikaboshi: But back then, I didn't know a thing about skydweller infants...

Mikaboshi: Well, I brought her back. What do I do with her now?

Mikaboshi: I'm pretty sure skydwellers need to eat or they'll die. But what do skydweller infants eat?

Mikaboshi: From what I've seen, people give babies something to drink? I think, anyway...

Mikaboshi: Through faint memories and knowledge, I somehow managed to prep some milk for her. But...

Mikaboshi: What? Why don't you want any? If you don't drink it, you'll die...

Mikaboshi: That was how I was in the beginning. I didn't really understand what children were or what they needed at first.

Mikaboshi: But, over the course of trying different things for this child, who I hadn't even named Shitori yet...

Mikaboshi: Oh! She finally drank something!

Mikaboshi: What's... this feeling? She's... What do people say again? Cute? Yeah... Hehe...

Mikaboshi: Back then, the old me didn't really understand the warm, fuzzy feeling of joy.

Mikaboshi: But seeing the baby drink the milk I prepared made me want to do more for her.

Mikaboshi: I'd play with her until she fell asleep weary, taught her tidbits of knowledge and how to speak...

Mikaboshi: As Shitori grew up, I kept experimenting with cooking and baking through trial and error, even though I didn't need food myself.

Mikaboshi: By doing that, little by little, the monster came to understand kindness. Or perhaps she had finally remembered.

Mikaboshi: There were a lot of bumps along the way, but that was such a fun time.

Mikaboshi: Later, she ended up sealing us away. When I next awoke in the Edgelands, I'd lost my memories.

Mikaboshi: Hey, Shitori... Let's go to bed together. I don't wanna go to bed without you...

Shitori: G-Gosh, Mika, you're so needy... I still need to tidy up some things, so can you go to sleep by yourself tonight?

Mikaboshi: No way! If you're not coming to bed with me, I'll cry! Mnfh...

Mikaboshi: ...!

Face reddening at the embarrassing memories, Mikaboshi bumps her head into a nearby wall as if to erase them.

Mikaboshi: The end. No more of that. I won't think about it—there was really no helping my behavior back then, because I'd lost my memories.

Mikaboshi: (But now that I think about it, back in the Edgelands... (Captain) and the crew must've had a rough time too, not just Shitori.)

Drawn by the noise of Mikaboshi bashing her head into a wall, a child steps into the kitchen.

Young Girl: Mika, are you okay?

Mikaboshi: Don't worry. I-I'm fine!

Mikaboshi: Thank you for worrying about me. You're kind.

Feeling better, Mikaboshi smiles at the little girl and pats her on the head.

Mikaboshi: (The old me would never have been embarrassed if someone caught me acting strangely.)

Mikaboshi: (Those feelings took root and sprouted thanks to Shitori. She's the reason I can see eye to eye with people now. To care about them.)

Mikaboshi: (All of the children here are just the same. I really do want to give them my love, from the bottom of my heart.)

Mikaboshi: (But...)

Mikaboshi: (That was once me, too...)

Mikaboshi: (I exposed Shitori and Irotis to danger, and I'm making things difficult for (Captain) and the crew.)

Mikaboshi: (Even though all I want is to cherish these sweet children, I've given them pain.)

Mikaboshi: (All of this was my doing. From when I lived as a monster.)

Mikaboshi: ...
It really does hurt. It hurts to become human.

Mikaboshi's hands tighten into fists, heart heavy with the pain of her sins.

The Story of a Mother: Scene 2

(Captain), along with Shitori and Irotis, successfully repel berserk attackers. Mikaboshi thinks back on her time as a monster and, accepting she would soon disappear once she expends all her power, asks (Captain) to take care of her daughters once she's gone.

---

(Captain), who had pledged to help Mikaboshi and her family, teams up with them to defend the area from the maddened warriors.

Irotis: Careful, (Captain)! If you strike them in the wrong spot, it'll cause an explosion!

Vyrn: Yeesh, these guys are trouble. Guess they would be, considerin' they're runnin' around with the Great Wall's reactor prototypes and all!

At other times, they join Mikaboshi in watching over the orphanage children while she convalesces.

Shitori: How are you feeling, Mother? Think you'll turn back to normal soon?

Mikaboshi: I doubt it... but it shouldn't be too much longer.

Mikaboshi: This appearance is proof that the tri-realm bracelet destabilized after I blew so much power at once.

Mikaboshi: Once I go back to normal, my power should be stabilized as well, so I'm pretty sure I can destroy my prototypes then.

Vyrn: It sucks that all we can do is fight. And if we screw up, we could get caught in an explosion...

Lyria: Yeah... But Mika's the only one who can destroy them safely, since she made them in the first place...

Mikaboshi: Don't worry. By keeping this place safe, you're already doing more than enough.

Mikaboshi: Besides...

Lyria: Is something bothering you, Mika?

Mikaboshi: I was just thinking I should have a proper talk with you guys, now that you're involved.

Mikaboshi: Just something I've been thinking about as the creator of these artifacts.

Mikaboshi: Do you remember the extent of the Great Wall's capabilities?

Lyria: Umm... It was made to attack other skydoms even through the Grim Basin, right?

Vyrn: And if it's fueled, it can launch an attack so terrible people call it "divine retribution," right?

Mikaboshi: That's right. It has some other functions, but those two are the main ones.

Mikaboshi: I couldn't use primal beasts in attacks on other Astral-controlled skydoms—there was a chance they could wrest control of the beast from me.

Mikaboshi: So I built the Great Wall instead, and for its energy source I chose skydwellers.

Mikaboshi: The true nature of my creations here wasn't to unleash immense power, nor was it to drive people insane.

Mikaboshi: It was to perfectly convert mortals into pure energy. That's the true purpose of these prototypes.

Lyria: Convert... into energy?

Mikaboshi: Yes. Mortals were just one cog in the machine, and I used them as such. I'd squeeze out their life, their willpower, until nothing but dregs were left.

Mikaboshi: Then I'd turn them into a power of my own. My own to command.

Mikaboshi: That... is the real reason why I created these artifacts.

Lyria: I can't believe this...

Vyrn: We knew the Great Wall was somethin' real crazy...

Vyrn: But that's just... kinda really awful...

Mikaboshi: ...
I agree. Now that I know better, I feel the same way—what I did is completely indefensible.

Mikaboshi: But back then, I didn't see things this way. To me, mortals were nothing more than kindling.

Mikaboshi: That's why... I was no human, but a monster.

As she speaks, she curls her right hand into a tight fist over her chest.

Her nails pinch her palm almost hard enough to draw blood. The violent emotions running through her mind are clear to all.

Mikaboshi: And that's why I can't ask you or my girls to destroy those artifacts. I have to be the one to do it.

Mikaboshi: I'm sure a lot of the people who've come into contact with a prototype are still near the base.

Mikaboshi: There's a device for storing converted energy there, so those affected will instinctually try to stay nearby.

Mikaboshi: But there's no guarantee that'll be the case forever. I need to recover my power and do something before anything happens.

Irotis: But Mother, the time you have in this world ticks down when you use your powers, right?

Mikaboshi: That's right...

Irotis: I know how you feel, but couldn't you leave things to us and (Captain)? That way you could live longer.

Shitori: At least let us fight with you once you've recovered.

Mikaboshi: I'm touched that you're both thinking of me.

Mikaboshi: But to me, this is the price I have to pay to atone for my sins.

Mikaboshi: I mustn't abandon my penance just to live a little longer.

Mikaboshi: I... want you two to witness me standing tall enough to measure up to my atonement.

Mikaboshi: I don't want you to live in a dark world that births monsters, but a world warm with the light of the sun.

Shitori: Mother...

Irotis: ...

Shitori and Irotis fall silent, moved by Mikaboshi's words.

For a long moment, the room is quiet—no one can bear to break the silence until Mikaboshi approaches (Captain) and begins to whisper.

Mikaboshi: (Captain), could I speak to you somewhere in private, so Shitori and Irotis won't overhear?

Mikaboshi: I'm sorry that you three got caught up in my problems.

Vyrn: Eh, it's fine. But what's up? Must be big if you don't want Shitori and Irotis to know.

Mikaboshi: Outside of those two, you and your crew know my situation the best.

Lyria: That's true. We've watched you since we were in the Edgelands, when you were an innocent child.

Mikaboshi: Oh, let's just forget about that, shall we...

Mikaboshi: Anyway, that aside, I'm sure you guys have met a fair few families during your travels.

Mikaboshi: So, I was just wondering... how I look in your eyes.

Vyrn: Is somethin' buggin' ya?

Mikaboshi: Maybe. The way I lived my life never really hit me until after I was revived.

Mikaboshi: When I think about how much of a monster I was, the ground beneath my feet feels like it shakes more and more.

Mikaboshi: I don't know what I am anymore. So I wanted someone else's perspective.

Mikaboshi: Am I a good mother now? Or am I still...

1. You're a good mom.
2. I dunno, you could use some work.

Choose: You're a good mom.

Mikaboshi: Do you really think so?

Vyrn: Whatever ya did in the past, it doesn't change the fact that Shitori and Irotis love you.

Lyria: Though I don't think we can just sweep the things you did under the rug...

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: I dunno, you could use some work.

Vyrn: Well, compared to other parents, you've got one heckuva rap sheet...

Mikaboshi: Not mincing words, I see. But I appreciate it.

Lyria: It's really obvious how much you love Shitori and Irotis though!

Lyria: Though I don't think we can just sweep the things you did under the rug...

Continue 1

Lyria: But we can tell that you're doing your best to be a good mom!

Vyrn: Yeah, I can definitely see that!

(Captain) nods vigorously, not hesitating to agree with Lyria and Vyrn.

Mikaboshi: I see...

Mikaboshi closes her eyes deep in thought as she turns (Captain)'s judgment over in her mind. Finally, she opens them to look straight at the young captain.

Mikaboshi: ...
I'm sorry to pile more work on you, (Captain), but there's one last thing I'd like you to take care of.

Lyria: One last thing?

Mikaboshi: That's right. This is for after I've vanished from the world.

Mikaboshi: Once I'm gone... I want you to take care of Shitori and Irotis.

Mikaboshi: I know just how wonderful you all are. From when you were in the Edgelands, and after that too...

Mikaboshi: So, well...

Caught off guard by the startling request, (Captain)'s eyes widen in surprise. Not knowing how to respond, Mikaboshi bows deeply in response.

Mikaboshi: Um... I don't know what I should say at a time like this.

Mikaboshi: But if there's anything I can do for you, I'll do it!

Mikaboshi: So please!

Seeing Mikaboshi stuck for words and pleading, (Captain) hurriedly reassures her.

Lyria: Oh, you don't have to beg us like that, Mika!

Vyrn: Yeah! 'Sides, we've always thought of Shitori and Irotis as part of our crew.

Lyria: That's right! We'll take care of them, don't you worry!

Mikaboshi: R-really? Thank you.

Lyria: But, um...

Mikaboshi: What's wrong?

1. You should talk to Shitori and Irotis again.

Choose: You should talk to Shitori and Irotis again.

Lyria: I agree. It's just a feeling I have, but...

Vyrn: Yeah. Don't ask me how, but I can't really explain this gut feeling either...

Mikaboshi: Talk to them, huh? I mean, I do try to chat with them all the time...

Mikaboshi: But all right. I'll keep that in mind.

Still deep in thought, Mikaboshi nods to the three as she takes their words to heart.

The Story of a Mother: Scene 3

Now recovered enough to return to her adult form, Mikaboshi sets off to destroy the relics of her legacy and prepares to unleash her powers despite knowing that doing so will cut down her life force. Just then, Shitori and Irotis arrive in support.

---

Mikaboshi: ...

Mikaboshi: All right, I'm back in business.

Mikaboshi: (I knew it... I have less power now than before I shrank. I suppose that's the extent of my recovery.)

Mikaboshi: But I can finally fight too.

Young Girl: Yay! Welcome back, Mikaboshi! I was good while you were away!

Mikaboshi: Hehe, I can tell.

Young Boy: Huh? I don't see Mika though. Where'd she go?

Mikaboshi: She went somewhere far away. I don't think you'll see her again for a while.

Mikaboshi: Also... I have to leave the orphanage again too.

Mikaboshi: While I'm away, you'll be good children and listen to Irotis and Shitori, right?

Children: Okay!

Mikaboshi: Irotis, Shitori. Keep this place safe with (Captain), okay?

Shitori: We will, Mother...

Mikaboshi: ...

Mikaboshi: Is there anything you feel like you need to tell me?

Irotis: We do have something we need to say.

Irotis: But... it's only the same thing we said before. If your plan means we'll have less time with you, we want to do something.

Shitori: Is there really nothing we can do?

Mikaboshi: Well... Like I said before, I do feel responsible and I want to make amends.

Mikaboshi: I don't want to leave those relics around either. Not in a sky with you two.

Mikaboshi: If I could have one wish, I want to leave something behind in this world. Not as a monster, but as a human.

Mikaboshi: Because I want to do you two proud.

Shitori: Mother...

Mikaboshi: Okay, I'm going now. Sorry, but please look after (Captain) as well.

Irotis: ...

Mikaboshi: Haaah!

Defeating people who fell victim to her prototypes one after another, Mikaboshi makes her way closer to the old base she'd once built.

Mikaboshi: (The people closer to my base are definitely stronger than the ones that wandered away...)

Mikaboshi: (I made those prototypes, so I can tell—they're seeking energy sources before they dry up and wither away.)

Mikaboshi: (Which means... they must be eating each other. The strong are preying on the weak, causing the energy to consolidate.)

Mikaboshi: (I hadn't designed these devices to release the stored energy once converted. I hadn't thought it necessary.)

Mikaboshi: (There's nothing I can do to save the people whose lives I've ruined.)

Mikaboshi: (Nothing except putting them out of their misery...)

Mikaboshi: Hngh!

Mikaboshi: (Wha! It absorbed my attack?)

Mikaboshi: Ah, yes. That's right. I did make something that would function this way.

Mikaboshi: (It was an experimental defensive device that absorbs attacks. I made it expecting raids from other Astrals.)

Mikaboshi: (I invented so many devices... I was obsessed with fueling my hatred.)

Mikaboshi: (I've ruined so many people's lives, but that isn't even the end of my transgressions. I've left something else too.)

Mikaboshi: (A legacy of destruction and sorrow in these skies...)

Mikaboshi: (I have to destroy it. I'll do this, no matter what happens to me.)

Mikaboshi: (I'll destroy my every last trace! Every legacy of the monster that scarred these skies!)

Eyes burning with resolve, Mikaboshi prepares to unleash even greater power when she's interrupted by a sight she hadn't expected.

Mikaboshi: ...!
That's...

Shitori: Mother, are you okay?

Irotis: We finally caught up... We're fighting with you!

Mikaboshi: Shitori! Irotis!

Mikaboshi: (Why? I was firm when I said I'd be doing the fighting... Ah, now's not the time!)

Mikaboshi: Get back, both of you! Go back to the orphanage—you can't be here!

Shitori: We won't! And we're not going back!

Irotis: Don't worry about the orphanage. (Captain) has things under control!

Mikaboshi: Th-that's not the point!

Shitori: Mother! We're worried about you as much as you're worried for us.

Shitori: But... we would have come here anyway, whether or not you were fighting!

Mikaboshi: What?

Irotis: A long time ago, you hurt a lot of people. You were despised. And you caused a lot of tragedies.

Irotis: But back then... you didn't just leave a legacy of sorrow and horrific experiments.

Irotis: We're part of your legacy too. All we are, came from you.

Irotis: People called you a monster and a lunatic. But, Mother...

Irotis: You taught us kindness, so much so that we can't abandon someone putting their life on the line.

Mikaboshi: Irotis...

Shitori: Considering the fact that you made the Great Wall to get revenge on other Astrals, and all these terrible artifacts...

Shitori: I think people are right to call you a monster.

Shitori: That's why we betrayed you. We took sides and sealed you away.

Shitori: But... we've both known since then...

Shitori: That you were a monster filled with love.

Mikaboshi: Shitori...

Shitori: And that's exactly why we can't just abandon you to your fate all alone!

Irotis: We'll take on your sins with you! No matter what anyone says, not even you!

Mikaboshi: ...

Mikaboshi: Right. I've always known too—that you two were like this.

Mikaboshi: That you were my darling children who were so kind, you'd choose to seal yourselves away with me.

Mikaboshi: Honestly, children really are difficult to deal with. You don't listen to what I say at all.

Shitori: Because you raised us with so much freedom, that's why.

Mikaboshi: You've grown a pretty smart-mouth too, I see...

Mikaboshi: Fine. But when we're fighting, make sure you don't push ahead of me. Promise me this, no matter what.

Irotis: Guess we can't get out of this one. We promise, Mother.

Mikaboshi: Now that I think about it, this is the first time we've fought side by side, isn't it?

Irotis: Yeah. When you passed on, all we could do was watch you go.

Shitori: And now that you've come back to life, you've been trying to deal with everything before we even get the chance to fight.

Shitori: But you know, we've always wanted to fight by your side.

Shitori: We've always wanted this. Ever since the day we became enemies to seal you away.

Mikaboshi: ...

Mikaboshi: Let's do this! Come, Irotis, Shitori!

Shitori & Irotis: Yeah!

With Mikaboshi spearheading the group, the mother and two daughters combine forces and launch their renewed attack.

The battle against the warriors powered by Mikaboshi's relics turns intense...

But by dusk, not a single artifact of Mikaboshi's legacy is left intact.

The Story of a Mother: Scene 4

A few days later, Mikaboshi treats (Captain) to a feast as thanks at the orphanage. Shitori and Irotis talk about how Mikaboshi had learned to cook and bake for them despite not needing food herself. Torn by the guilt for her past sins, Mikaboshi avoids the merry celebration, but her daughters insist that she join them for the meal.

---

With Mikaboshi's relics destroyed, peace settles over the region once more.

Having expended extensive amounts of energy, Mikaboshi is bedridden for several days—though she does not shrink this time. Before long, however, she finds herself unable to remain in bed.

Lyria: Oh, Mika! You're feeling well enough to get up now?

Mikaboshi: Thanks to all your help. Shitori and Irotis have been watching over me like a pair of worried hens.

Mikaboshi: Not to mention how much you three have done for us. Watching over the kids, contacting town... you've been a great help.

Vyrn: Aw shucks, that's just all in a day's work. The folks who used to run the orphanage seem real worried about the kids too...

Vyrn: Once we told 'em things were safe now and the kids were fine, they were so thankful they were practically cryin'. Said they'd be back lickety-split.

Mikaboshi: Still, I think I need to have some words with you guys for sending my girls into danger like that.

1. I figured you'd need backup.
2. Sorry...

Choose: I figured you'd need backup.

Mikaboshi: Ooh, is that back talk I hear? You brat. Maybe I should teach you some manners.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Sorry...

Mikaboshi: My, aren't you sweet for apologizing! Crew captain or singularity, I see you still have your adorable sides.

Continue 1

Irotis: Mother, Shitori and I made the decision to go help you.

Mikaboshi: I know. I just wanted to put my thoughts out there.

Mikaboshi: Although I still have my reservations, I'm thankful (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn made it so we could fight together.

Mikaboshi: Without their push, I might never have known how you two felt.

Mikaboshi: (Captain). I know it won't measure up to all the help you've given us, but how about I cook dinner for everyone tonight?

Lyria: Ooh, would you really? Oh, I can't wait!

Vyrn: Huh? I thought Astrals didn't need to eat.

Mikaboshi: We don't. Although I've found things are a little different with this body.

Vyrn: Still, it hasn't been long since you were revived, right? Can you really cook?

Shitori: Hehe. Just wait and see. You'll be surprised.

Lyria: Mmmh! This meat stew is so good!

Young Girl: Wow, Lyria! Your smile's so big!

Lyria: Ehehe... Well, all of the food is just so good!

Shitori: I know right? Ever since we were little, Mother would always cook up amazing things for us.

Vyrn: Oh yeah, Mikaboshi raised you from a baby, huh? I totally forgot.

Irotis: Well... to tell the truth, she had a bit of a rocky start with cooking.

Irotis: You remember too, right, Shitori? How she used to be when we were little.

Shitori: You bet. It really was a wild ride back then...

Young Shitori: Um, Mother... What's this stale black stuff?

Mikaboshi: Tonight's dinner. I made it for you. I think you're about the age where you can try new things...

Mikaboshi: I know it looks kind of off... but it should be safe. I used good ingredients.

Young Shitori: Wha... No. I don't wanna eat it...

Young Shitori: Wow, Mother! Tonight's dinner looks nicer than before! And it tastes yummy too!

Mikaboshi: I did my best to improve. I switched my research to things skydwellers would enjoy eating so you wouldn't have anything to cry about...

Shitori: And that was how Mother ended up cooking a lot of different things, doing her best to make us happy.

Shitori: She kept coming up with new recipes with different ingredients to keep us from getting tired of the same food.

Irotis: Of course, she did have a lot of failed dishes when she tried making something new for the first time...

Irotis: In the end, she even got good at making sweets... even though they're nonessential treats.

Young Boy: Everything Mikaboshi makes is so tasty!

Lyria: Mika's always been kind, even back then...

Shitori: Yeah. Of course, that wasn't everything to her.

Irotis: People called her a lunatic, a monster. And it was true—she made all those terrible experimental relics.

Irotis: But to us, she was always our kind, loving, precious mother.

Mikaboshi watches (Captain), Shitori, and all the others chat gaily over dinner as she busies herself with the post-cooking cleanup.

Mikaboshi: ...

Mikaboshi: (Both Shitori and Irotis can smile so naturally without a second thought... They look like they're having the time of their lives.)

Mikaboshi: (They have friends and companions now... They're blessed with a good crew.)

Mikaboshi: (But... their new home is a little too bright for an ex-monster.)

Mikaboshi: (I'd be more than content if I could watch over them from afar...)

A faintly lonely smile settles over her face as she continues cleaning, when she receives a visitor in the kitchen.

Shitori: Mother!

Mikaboshi: Shitori?

Shitori: C'mon. Come with me!

Mikaboshi: Huh? Wait!

Mikaboshi, led along by Shitori, arrives at the dinner table where everyone is seated.

Mikaboshi: Sh-Shitori? What's going on?

Shitori: You have to be here with us, Mother. You cooked dinner after all, so you should have a place at the table with us!

Mikaboshi: But I...

Irotis: Mother. I know you're still struggling with guilt over what you did in the past, even right this moment.

Irotis: I think... that's how it has to be. I'm certain there are lots of people who would never accept you finding happiness.

Irotis: Maybe things would be easier on you if we really did leave you to be alone...

Irotis: But both Shitori and I want us to be together, all three of us. You and us, in a bright world with our own slice of happiness.

Irotis: I know it's selfish, but... couldn't you grant this wish for us? For your own daughters?

Mikaboshi's eyes widen at Irotis's confession, seeing Shitori nod alongside her.

Mikaboshi: Irotis, Shitori...

Mikaboshi: ...

Mikaboshi: You know, when you two told me before the battle that you weren't there to stop me, and that you only wanted to fight by my side...

Mikaboshi: I knew beyond a doubt that you two truly are my wonderful daughters.

Irotis: We told you so before, didn't we? This is how you raised us.

Shitori: We're a product of when everyone—even you—considered you a monster.

Mikaboshi: Gosh...

Mikaboshi: I guess I have no choice but to spoil you two rotten if you want this that badly!

As Mikaboshi spoke, with a sharp pain running through her chest, beautiful smiles blossom on the faces of Shitori and Irotis.

Greeted by the bright, cheery voices of her daughters and friends, the warmth of camaraderie seeps into the monster-turned-mother's heart.