Sector SA, Part 2

WARNING: This chapter deals with complex themes involving Nagisa's gender identity and toxic family relationship. These themes are based off his canon background in Assassination Classroom. If the topic doesn't interest you, you can move on to the next chapter.

Chapter 2: Mother's Doll

Sector SA

"Index, come on, I need your help up on the tower!" Nagisa said as his avatar raced up some winding stairs.

"I'm stuck in a hole, come and help me!" Index shouted.

"You need to do a Tornado Jump. Hurry up, I don't wanna face Chris and George on my own."

Hey! Glad you're back. It's currently sunset, so we're playing a videogame before we have to go home. Kid Icarus: Godrising for the Wii U II. Being a boy, I'm the only one in the sector that likes games, even if Index agrees to play. Even though I'm the leader, I feel out of place with my team sometimes. I wonder if they would do better with a girl leader. I could've joined Sector JP—there's only one boy in that sector, but I didn't feel right leaving these guys.

"Nagisa, when you're finished talking to yourself, George is attacking you!" Goombella shouted. Nagisa refocused on the game when George's avatar shot him with Orbitars.

"It looks like Chris is sniping from the top of the tower!" Index yelled. "He has some kind of exploding flame gun!"

"I'm having trouble sniping George at the moment!" Nagisa tried to shoot his opponent, who kept evasively dodging. "It's like he's predicting my every move!"

Suddenly, Chris's avatar dropped down and crushed George. Index's avatar fell in and laid a merciless beating on both players. Dark Pit has appeared!

"WOW! Index, how did you-?" Nagisa turned—Morgiana was holding the controller.

"I used the Rocket Jump to attack him." she said. "Read it in the guidebook."

"…" Nagisa was struck speechless. "You're awesome!" Morg blushed.

Told ya: Morgiana was reliable in a pinch. She was strong and fast, Goombella was smart and witty, and Index kept our spirits bright. And reminded us things. They were really inspiring to me, and I don't think I could be a good leader without their support.

…The worst part is when it's time to go home.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow!" Goombella bounced toward a small pod in the hangar. "I'll try and get my homework done early. Like always." She winked.

"Take care of the treehouse, Morgi!" Index waved, boarding her own ship.

"We're going to the gym tomorrow, right?" Morg asked.

"Yep, like I promised." Nagisa nodded. "See you tomorrow, guys."

Not everyone in KND was a master pilot, which was an issue when sector mates lived so far away. Thankfully, 4x4 craft are programmed for autopilot transport. Avoids any obstacles, defends against enemies, so we can kick back and relax as we fly home. …The last few moments of peace in my night.

Nagisa's ship landed in a dark alleyway in a neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan. He lived on the 5th floor of an apartment building and had a key to his house. Before entering, he unraveled his hair and let it hang long. Inside, he could smell food and hear a pot boiling in the kitchen. His mother was cooking. She was a thin and kind-looking woman with short dark navy hair and eyes.

"You're late again, Nagisa." Hiromi Shiota said. "You really need to keep track of time when you're playing with friends."

"I'm sorry, Mom." Nagisa frowned, putting his backpack in a corner.

"Hmm, but what do I know? I didn't have friends growing up. You're real lucky, you know that?"

"I know." Nagisa smiled.

"You're still doing well in school, aren't you?"

"Of course I am, Mom."

"Finished your homework?"

"Um… Most of it. I'll finish it before I go to sleep tonight."

"Nagisa… a young lady knows to finish her work before goofing off. You don't want those boys outshining you."

"…I am a boy, Mom."

"That doesn't mean you have to act like one. That reminds me, I bought you a new dress. It would look much prettier than those gym clothes!"

Yep. This is my mom. She's like any mother: she wants what's best for her child. In her opinion, at least. The thing is… my mom wanted a girl. She didn't have a good childhood growing up. She thought she could relive her childhood through me. But I'm a boy that likes boy things. That's how it's always been… no matter how much Mom dressed me up.

After dinner, Nagisa was given an indigo dress as dark as the night. It went with the paint on his toenails, and his mother was in the process of painting his fingers that color. "Did your friends do your hair? That must've been fun." Hiromi smiled.

"Yes, they did."

"You'll have to introduce me sometime. I would like to join your activities."

"I think our games are too intense for you." Nagisa chuckled.

"Nonsense, what games could you possibly get into?"

"How's fighting up a tower?"

"WHAT?!" Hiromi screamed. "You get in FIGHTS?!"

"N-Not real fights! It was just a… videogame."

"VIDEOGAME?! Nagisa, a young lady shouldn't rot her brain with such nonsense! You'll ruin your eyesight, and you won't be winning any pageants wearing goofy glasses."

"Mom, I couldn't enter a pageant, anyway."

"Yes, yes, but the day will come when gender boundaries will be meaningless, especially when they see a pretty young child like you. Nagisa, you need to find yourself some friends who like dolls or ponies, because no 'game girl' will look out for your best interests. If I find out you play videogames or anything of the sort, I'll forbid you from associating with those people, understand?"

"I understand, Mom."

She combs my hair, she dresses me up, she paints my nails… like I was her little doll. Whenever I was in this house, I felt small and in her control. I'm not the only operative that feels this way. According to stories I heard on KNN, several operatives became victims of shrinking scenarios. I can imagine myself in such a downgraded, humiliating position. Those same operatives became their mother's toys. If that actually happened to me… I would just kill myself.

In the past, the Kids Next Door's parents were dimwitted adults, oblivious to the existence of treehouses and a free child-run organization. But 20 years ago, there was a huge decrease in the amount of decommissions. All the legendary operatives back then got to keep their memories and pass their teachings to their kids. Operatives like Cheren Uno, Sheila Frantic, Dillon York – the children of great operatives who learned from their parents' examples and had a drive to be great. My mom wasn't like that. She didn't inspire me. She wasn't inspiring at all.

…I hated her.

Kindergarten; five years ago

"LOOK!" A girl pointed. "That boy looks like a girl!"

Everyone pointed and laughed at Nagisa, wearing a pretty pink dress and sandals. He always sat in the back so no one could look at him. He stayed out of all the class activities. The kids called him weird. The teachers say, "Nagisa, I won't tell you how to live your life, but you're disrupting the class."

You might as well, thought Nagisa, because she sure does.

"Mom, I'm sick of wearing dresses!" Nagisa argued. "And I can't run in these sandals! Why can't I wear boy clothes?"

"How DARE you!!" Mother stomped her foot, standing over her son with strict authority. Nagisa shuddered in fear. "Questioning the choices I made for you… Nagisa, do you ever wonder why girls are more smart and successful than boys? Because they do what their mother says and mother knows best. If other boys could grow up like well-behaved girls, there would be no more war. And besides, look at the beautiful dresses I buy you, the dolls you get to play with. I didn't have those growing up. Nagisa, you couldn't ask for a better life."

"Y-You're right, Mom… I'm sorry."

"That's a good boy." She patted his head. "Do you have homework to do? Finish it up and tonight, we'll watch your favorite show: Pretty Cure!"

No more war? Bitch, a Nature Goddess—a girl mind you, started a war against humanity four months ago. UGH, how I wanted to rub it in her face! But I couldn't. I was afraid to stand up to her. She insisted I wear these clothes everywhere I go. Since my father left, she's done all the housework, got a job to pay bills… all so her son could live happily. Would you be able to argue? If your parent puts a roof over your head, the least you can do is dress however they want you to dress. I was lucky to have a home, even if I couldn't have friends. I was also lucky she let me watch TV. True, she limited my interests to magical girl anime, but whenever she wasn't home, I switched to other things: superpowered humans, horror-mysteries, assassins… That stuff was WAY cooler.

One day at school, my classmates and I found mysterious invitations in our desks: they came from the Kids Next Door. If we were interested in joining, we just had to write our name and slip it in the school's mailbox. (Don't worry, the teachers won't know until it's too late.) I heard about the Kids Next Door, and I wondered if that was the getaway I needed. I got the courage to sign up.

Arctic Base

"Hey, check out that guy." one of the male cadets whispered, pointing at Nagisa. He wore a blue fluffy coat with a sun design, black pants, pink boots, and flower earmuffs. "Is he a boy or a girl?"

"I wanna ask, but that'd look weird." his friend whispered.

"'Know what, I'm gonna see." A tough boy with blonde hair approached Nagisa. He tapped the Asian's shoulder, tempting Nagisa to turn. Immediately, the boy punched his crotch, forcing Nagisa to grab it and slump. "Yep, it's a boy!"

"Oh, dude!" The others laughed.

Anger coursed through Nagisa. What was he thinking signing up for this? The KND had benders, non-humans, even an okama sector… but the people were still the same. He hated them and he hated his mother. He would've turned and walked out the door.

"Hey." Someone tapped the bully's shoulder. He turned to face a magenta-haired girl, bare feet exposed to the ice. She swung her foot and kicked the boy's crotch so hard, his voice grew high-pitched. "OOOOOOOOoooooooooooo….!"

"Now you're a girl." Morgiana said coldly. "Isn't that funny?" She walked around and approached Nagisa. "Are you okay?"

I never felt more grateful to anyone. Someone stood up for me… and I felt the pain disappear.

"Y-Yeah." Nagisa stood up fully. "Thanks. Hey… aren't your feet cold?"

"A little. But I don't like shoes. I'm Morgiana."

"Nagisa…"

"So, do you like wearing that?"

"I just… thought it was comfy."

I met Goombella and Index shortly after. The first friends I had in years and I didn't wanna leave them. I never told them the situation with my mother, but it didn't matter. I used my allowance to buy my own clothes. Cutting my hair was a different story, though. And every day, I looked forward to when I can leave home and go on missions. In the Kids Next Door, I'm not a doll. I'm free to be who I am: a boy.

Present time; KND Moonbase

"Give up, Jinta!" Ruby and Jinta Hanakari were pushing opposite ends of a giant rubber ball, trying to crush the other. "You know your arms are too puny to smash me!"

"Don't forget who kicked your butt in the boxing tournament!" Jinta argued.

The match was at a stalemate for several minutes. Sapphire approached Jinta and said, "Jinta, Sector SA will be coming shortly. Please do not call Nagisa-"

"Butt out, Psy-Eye. Hnnnnn-RRR!" Jinta gave a forceful push and managed to crush Ruby. "HA HA! Crushed you again." It was then he noticed Sector SA enter the gymnasium. "Oh, look who else is here." Jinta smirked at Morgiana. "You here for a rematch, Morgana?"

"Morgiana." she corrected. "You wouldn't last five seconds against these legs."

"Alright, what about the rest of you? You look pretty tough." He pointed at Nagisa. "You up for a little Red vs. Blue, Girly?"

"I'm a boy." Nagisa said with disbelief. He wore a white T-shirt and black shorts with no shoes.

"You are? Boy, you're skinny." Jinta skimmed his body. "I could use you like floss!"

"Uuh!" Ruby pushed the ball off and recovered. "He can probably kick YOUR butt, Jinta."

"No thanks." Nagisa declined. "We just wanted to train amongst ourselves." He and Morgiana stood on a mat and faced each other. "Okay, Morg, make me stronger." He raised his hands.

Morgiana nodded. "Don't break any bones." She began to throw punches that Nagisa blocked with hand thrusts, and when she kicked, he was quick to dodge her feet. Nagisa maneuvered around her while evading her attacks.

Look for an opening, then attack. Nagisa ducked a high spin-kick, and when her leg came back, Nagisa grabbed it in both arms. Morgiana simply spun again, unbothered by his weight as she threw him against a punching bag. Nagisa stood, and when Morgiana came, he dodged when she kicked her leg and sent the punching bag to slam Ruby against the wall. While her leg was still stretched, Nagisa dropped and swung a kick at her other leg, but it withstood, and Morg grabbed Nagisa's leg, hauled him overhead and slammed him on the mat.

Morgiana pinned him down with one foot on his back. "You leave yourself open."

"So do you." Nagisa glanced up and smirked. "Nice panties."

Morgiana flushed—the weight on her foot softened, so Nagisa escaped, jumped up, and tackled her to the floor. "Look for an opponent's weakness, soften them up, and take them down." he said with a smirk.

Goombella was climbing a pole using her feet, holding it in her mouth for a better grip. I hope this was cleaned. she thought. Once at the top, Goombella kicked off and bit a hanging ring in her teeth, flipped as she swung to the next, and repeated going across them. She ended up stuck through one hoop as she was faced down. "Oh, get a room, you two." she said to Nagisa and Morg.

Ooo-oaa-ooo-oo-oooaaaa…

Ooo-oaa-ooo-oo-oooaaaa…

Index and Sapphire were standing on a stack of mats and singing. Their notes were soft and heartwarming, and Index's body emitted a small light. Everybody focused attention on them, touched by the song. There were no lyrics, so it seemed like an exercise in vocals. Neither of them were heavy combatants, but mental exercises like this were still healthy. The song ended after two minutes.

"Wheeeeww. Not baaaad, ladies!" They turned to the entrance as Hibiki Lates of Sector KB walked in, wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts. "Sing a duet with me sometime. Preferably a love song."

"Hibiki?" Jinta raised a brow. "I thought you didn't like girls?"

"Maybe I like both? Alright, so who wants to train with me?" He grinned at the gym-goers. He focused on Nagisa and approached him. "What about you, beautiful? I bet you fight like a pro. And dance like one, too. You up for a classic ballroom dance?"

"I'M A BOY!" Nagisa outbursted. "B-O-Y, BOY! I have BALLS, you wanna see them?!" He dropped his shorts.

He immediately froze from utter embarrassment. They all were gaping at him, shocked or atrociously. "Ahem." Now standing in the entrance was the Supreme Leader and his assistant, Panini. "You wanna see me in my office, Numbuh Period?"

"PFFT, heheh!" Jinta held in a snicker. The others glared at him. "…I know. Not the best time."

Office

"Nagisa, I'm up for trash-talk as much as the next kid, but you went a little too… far." Cheren said. Nagisa had his head bowed as he sat in the opposite chair, blushing. He felt like he was in the principal's office for getting in a fight that wasn't his fault. "Is there something bothering you?"

"I just got a little peeved."

"I know a thing or two about that. But talking helps, you know. That's what my mom always says."

He saw Nagisa's eyes furrow, and his hands clench his knees. "I have issues with my mom, okay?"

"What kind?"

"Just… all kinds. She's the reason I look like a girl, and I still get teased for it. I'm not allowed to be myself when I'm home. I usually don't mind if someone calls me a girl by accident, but it got a little annoying today."

"Have you tried talking to her?"

"A few times… It hasn't worked out. But it's really no big deal. I know I got carried away today, but it won't happen again. Promise."

"I believe you. But you know, sometimes the only way to get past your Dark Side is to confront it. Otherwise… it might haunt you."

"Yeah…" Nagisa stood. "I'll remember that. Can I go now?"

"You can." Cheren smiled lightly. He watched as the operative left. "Sigh…I wish I knew how to confront mine." Cheren mumbled to himself.

When Nagisa left, he found his teammates waiting for him. "You, um… You feeling okay?" Goombella asked.

"I'm sorry you guys had to see that."

"You better be!" Index yelled. "I was going to do another song with Sapphire!"

"Sigh…I don't feel like training, anymore. Let's go home." He walked past them.

"Nagisa, we overheard." Morgiana told him as they followed. "Is there someway we can help?"

"Guys, it's not your concern. I'm happy enough being your leader. I'll-" His cellphone rang. Nagisa stopped and pulled it out, seeing it was from Mom. His teammates kept their distance as he answered. "Hi, Mom."

"Nagisa, where are you? Are you at your friends' house?"

"Uh, yeah. We're just doing a little homework. Do you need me to come home?"

"Yes, actually. I have something important to show you. But just for a little bit, you can go back to your friends' house later. I'll pick you up if you want!"

"That's okay, Mom! I can use the walk. Gotta keep my figure, right?"

"Oh, I suppose. Don't sprain your leg, sweetie! See you when you get here." She hung up.

"She didn't sound that mean." Goombella said.

"We all have our masks." Nagisa said before going ahead.

Shiota Home

Nagisa returned and hung his backpack up. "There you are, my little Nagi!" His mother greeted him with a hug. "I think you're gonna love what I have planned for you." She led him to the table and showed him an open laptop. "The hospital is allowing sex-change operations for children 11 and up!"

"W…What?" Nagisa skimmed the screen.

"I think this will finally put a stop to all that teasing you've been getting! You won't have to wear those dirty boy clothes, you can be who you are, and we'll finally have the mother/daughter experience we've been missing! It'll be the perfect birthday present for you."

". . . . . . A sex change?"

"Huh?" She noticed her daughter- I mean, son's trembling.

"… … I am not getting A SEX CHANGE!" Nagisa grabbed the computer and threw it against the wall. "I WILL NOT! I'm not a girl, I'M A BOY, and I'm SICK of living like this! You don't fucking tell me WHAT TO DO!" He smacked his mother and knocked her down.

Nagisa stood over her with his hand still raised, his eyes filled with rage. When he realized their position, his anger was awash in guilt. He bowed his head as his mother stood up. "How dare you…" Hiromi grabbed Nagisa's shoulders and shook him. "You ungrateful little CHILD, after everything I do for you, THIS is how you thank me?! I try my darnest to keep you away from violence and that filthy stuff boys like, and you've gone and soiled yourself! It's those friends of yours, isn't it?! They're setting bad examples for you, letting you play videogames and teaching you to go against your mother!"

"DON'T TALK ABOUT my friends that way!" Nagisa shook away. "They're a better family than you've ever been, and we play WAY better games!"

"THEN WHY DON'T YOU JUST LIVE WITH THEM?!" Hiromi grabbed him by the neck and threw him out the door. "I wanted to raise a good and kind-hearted girl, not a rebellious little pirate! We'll see how long you last without me and how much your friends give a damn about you!" She threw his backpack at him and slammed the door.

"Sigh…well, that went perfectly." He put the backpack on. "Now that I think about it, this feels heavier."

"HOO, that underwater training pays off." Goombella popped out of the pack.

"Goombella?! You followed me home?!"

"Yeah, sorry. Curiosity peaks this intellectual's ego. That was… some performance there."

"Can you believe that woman?" Nagisa asked as he walked down the apartment walkways. "I thought she didn't accept me before, but… that was crossing the line. I can't live with her, anymore. Morgiana stays at the treehouse, so why not I?"

"Because Morgiana doesn't go to school or has parents who pay their tuition. And I doubt an Arabian school would be a good fit for you."

"I can go to your school."

"Ha ha ha, you would stand out like a Goomba with thumbs. I think your mom just needs time to cool down. Before you know it, she'll call you and want you home."

"Yeah, right. If she calls, I'm not going to answer."

Sector SA

I went to my room to lie down after we got back. I felt ashamed to face my teammates at the moment. They saw my weakness today. They saw my shame. I don't think I'm worthy to be leader, anymore. Morgiana's always been stronger than me. I should give the title to her-

"OW!" Nagisa was bit in the shoulder by Index.

"You're narrating to yourself again!"

"Yeah, dude, you really need to talk to us more." Goombella said. "I see where you get this habit."

"Guys, I'm sorry I never told you about this. But it was my problem that I had to deal with. So I did."

"I don't think the problem is over." Morgiana replied. "The wall between you and your mother still stands."

"Maybe that's how it should be."

"If that's how you feel, then why aren't you happy to be away from her?"

"That's not why I'm unhappy. You three are ashamed of me, aren't you?"

"Nagisa, I'm flattered that you think I would be capable… but you're a better leader than I am. You've always known the best strategy, and you have faith in us. I may be stronger than you, but I only push myself to be stronger because… you inspire me. You don't have to be ashamed of your weakness. Everyone has problems."

"…Thanks, Morg." Nagisa sat up and faced them. "I really don't know what to do. Even despite everything, Mom's always taken care of me. I appreciate her for it. But how do I get her to let me be who I am?"

"…I think I know a way to help." Index said with a smile. "Follow me!"

She led the three to her room of the treehouse, designed like a miniature church with a short aisle leading to a platform, chairs on either side, and a bed in the corner. There were two tables behind the platform with glowing stones, and a pedestal with a hole for a stone to sit.

"I borrowed this from the Church of Arceus." Index explained. She picked up a blue stone with a wave symbol. "If I put an Element Stone on that pedestal, it'll simulate an environment. When people are lost or confused about something, it helps to pray or meditate where they feel most comfortable."

"In that case, if I could choose an element, I would take firebending."

"Okay, fire it is." Index got a Fire Stone and put it in place. An orange beacon rose from the pedestal and the room transformed into a scorching desert.

Morgiana wiggled her toes in the sand, impressed by the realism. "Seriously?" Goombella questioned. "Why couldn't we just go outside?"

"Do you feel comfortable?" Index asked. "Can you think clearly?"

"Hmmm…" Nagisa sat on the platform and closed his eyes. "I…I don't know. I'm getting a headache…"

"Heat wouldn't exactly help if you're angry. Why don't we switch to someplace more peaceful?" Index removed the stone and replaced it with a Plant Stone. The desert turned into a forest, where they were sat over a pond as the sun poked through leaves, and bugs provided ambience. The grass was a pleasant relief under their feet.

Nagisa gave a relaxed sigh. "This is better…"

"So…" Index sat in front of him. "Tell me what's bothering you."

"…I'm angry at my mother. She doesn't appreciate me for who I am. She thinks that her way of raising me is the best way. In truth, she wants a mother/daughter experience. That's why I have to like what she likes. But I can't argue about it, because she takes care of me. She gives me food and a bed."

"Do you like yourself for who you are? Forget your anger for a minute and think about what makes you special. Why should your mom appreciate that?"

"…Because I'm a good kid. I like what any boy likes. I do my homework, I have friends, and I'm happy. Why can't she be happy for me?"

"I wouldn't be happy if my kid decided to smack me." Goombella commented. Morgiana kicked her.

"She wanted to change my identity." Nagisa said. "How can I live with her after that? Even if I want to… even if I still love her…"

"She thinks she's helping you." Index understood. "When you deny her 'help'… she thinks you don't appreciate her. But why wouldn't you? You love her for taking care of you, don't you?"

"I…I do." Nagisa thought for a moment. "…But in her house, I feel small. I feel like a child's doll. The problem is that I don't feel like I have a say. I have no freedom. That's why I love the Kids Next Door."

"So, how can you make your mom see things from your point of view?"

". . ." Nagisa opened his beaming eyes. "That just gave me an awesome idea."

Nagisa's Apartment, an hour later

Nagisa knocked on the door. His mother cracked it open only slightly, looking with confusion and resent.

Nagisa had an apologetic smile, letting his hair hang down, and presenting a sky-blue apple in both hands. "I'm sorry, Mother. I feel terrible for what I did. I bought this apple at the store. I thought you would like it because… it matches my hair."

"…" She stared at the apple. It was odd, but also beautiful. It really did go with her son's pretty hair. "It… does look tasty."

"Please, eat it. I would like us… to start over. I want to try and see things from your point of view. I want to understand how you look at me and what you expect from me. So… will you please?"

"…" Hiromi smiled and took the apple. "Of course, Nagisa." She took a bite.

"Seriously." Goombella said with disbelief as they watched from the stairs. "Skypian Apples are, like, the most obvious trick in the book."

"The problem is no one on Earth can read Nimbi." Index figured. ^^;

"AAAaaah!" A puff of smoke consumed Hiromi. Nagisa looked down, seeing the apple dropped next to his 3-inch-tall mother.

He squat down and smiled as he picked her up. "Mother, you look a little under the weather. Does the doll need a bath?"

"NAGISA, what is the meaning of this?! Where in the world did you get-"

"It's time for a little role-reversal, Mom. Today, we're doing what I want. Enjoy the ride."

"Nagisa, you LITTLE-!" She was dropped in the backpack and sealed in as he put it over his back.

"Ooo la la, someone just became man of the house." Goombella flirted.

"How long did Aisa say the magic apple lasts?" Morgiana asked.

"Maybe not long if she took a little bite. But we should have enough time. Let's get up to Moonbase."

Moonbase; Mission Simulator

"Nagisa… what on Earth IS all this?!"

"You're on Kids Next Door Moonbase. Not Earth. And this baby is the Mission Simulator." They were viewing a huge screen with a large switch before it, and four spherical virtual chambers. "It was designed 20 years ago after the Firstborn Quest. It scans operatives' memories and allows them to replay their past missions in virtual simulation. Not only can we watch each other in action, we can actually replay anyone's missions and try for the highest score. It has everything," Nagisa stepped on the switch and searched through the Stage Select displayed, "from Sector V's old adventures, Numbuh One's Galaxia quest, the Firstborn Quest, and Cheren's adventure in Termina! We can put ourselves in their shoes and fight with their abilities!"

"Nagisa, this is INSANITY!! A tree fortress on the moon—Kids Next Door—and you're throwing this up on me out of NOWHERE?!"

"This is where I've been going every day for the past four months. My friends are the Kids Next Door, they like me for who I am. And that's not even the best part: the Kids Next Door are heroes. We save the world on a daily basis. Now I'm about to show you." He used his hand to shuffle through GALACSIA stages. "This is one of my favorite bosses!" He picked Skelbot. "Let's go in!" He jumped in the spherical chamber with his tiny mother.

"Nagisa, WAAAAIIIII…!" They were consumed by light and dropped in a digital illusion of Skelbot's boss room.

With Morgiana and Index serving as extra players, Morg got dual swords, Index got mech gloves, and Nagisa had Numbuh One's old weapons. "LASER!" Nagisa got a Cyan Wisp and used it to bounce around the diamonds and strike Skelbot.

"AAAAAAAHHHH!" Hiromi screamed from the lightspeed sensation.

When they finished the boss fight, they switched to Firstborn and chose the King K. Rool fight. "So, you come up here with your friends every day and play these insane videogames?!"

"These aren't just videogames, Mom!" Nagisa dodged K. Rool's weights. "These things actually happened, to REAL operatives. There was REAL danger that the Kids Next Door had to face, real villains threatening the world, and thanks to the Kids Next Door, their plans failed. You better hang on 'cause this fight gets pretty intense."

After watching the violent battle between her son and the Kremling King, Nagisa was already searching for another stage. "Then how much REAL danger do you get into on a daily basis?!"

"Honestly, my team hasn't received any notable missions. But we did sign up in time for the Viridi War." He chose the Floran Summit stage, and Sector SA found their selves on their S.C.A.M.P.E.R. III, taking part in the war between the GKND and Forces of Nature.

"In this battle, we got to see everyone in action. Look, there's Sector JP!" Nagisa pointed at a C.O.O.L.-B.U.S. shooting fireworks. "Sector KB." He pointed at a Swan Ship with a disco light, wherein the light particles were redirected to hit surrounding Nutskis. "And I think those are Lightning Nimbi." He pointed at a group of zipping bolts that struck Forces.

"Just… how many kids are part of this?" Hiromi asked in total bewilderment. "How many of their parents… even know?"

"These are Kids Next Door from all around the universe. Humans, angels, aliens… We have different customs, but we're all focused on the same goal: protecting our worlds. Some of our parents know, not all of them, and those same parents probably get worried. But a lot of parents… also used to be operatives. They know how dangerous it is."

"Then it should be their responsibility! Children shouldn't be sent to fight battles like this! This is… inhuman!"

"Maybe it is… but it was our choice to be a part of it. I really don't know how it all started, this whole idea of child soldiers… but it actually works. We've won tons of battles. We saved the universe countless times. We're all very good people."

"OUT OF THE WAY, newbies!" They were bumped by a flamingo ship.

"Except Sector DR. But Mom, this is what you wanted for me, right? To be a great person?" He held her closer to his chest. "Well, I am. I have friends that like me, I make time for schoolwork… and when I'm up here fighting by their side, I'm saving the world. I'm sorry I hit you, Mom… I really am thankful to you for taking care of me. I'll buy you a new computer, too. I just… I was tired of feeling small and powerless. The Kids Next Door makes me feel like I'm more. Why does it matter if I'm a boy or a girl? Can't you just appreciate me for me?"

"…Nagisa." Hiromi hugged her son's chest. "I'm sorry… for how I treated you. You're no woman… you're a man."

"So… how do you feel about all this?"

"…A child-run organization is the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard. I can't believe a place like this exists or how many people are part of it. And I couldn't allow you to risk your life fighting battles like this."

"I was afraid you would say that…"

"…But it sounds like this place taught you more than I ever could. In these past few minutes… you never sounded more confident and mature. If an organization like this can actually function as what it is… maybe it is where you belong. Not with me."

"Don't say that, Mom." He hugged her gently. "I'll always be your son. That's why, with every mission I complete… I have you to thank for bringing me to this world."

"Even so… I still want you to do your best up here. And I want you to tell me all about it when you get home. No more secrets from me, okay?"

"Of course, Mom. Well… you wanna leave or you wanna finish this war?"

"Hm hm, I don't have much say in this position, do I?" Hiromi smiled.

"I guess not." He chuckled. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, Nagisa."