After the moment was ruined, Lan spent a majority of the night trying to make it up to me.

Not like I was upset or anything. I just wanted his attention. Hehehe, I'll never tell him that though.

Histoire had booked flights for us first thing in the morning. So, we were scrambling a little to get everything ready.

"Lan, how many times do I have to tell you that the pirate hat is not essential?"

"I don't recall you ever telling me that, my dear. If you had though, I would assume you were absolutely insane."

…It has been going like this all morning! He's been trying to sneak things into the luggage like this non-stop.

"If you have to bring it, just put it into your inventory or something!"

"No way!" He stubbornly put the hat back on. "Then I would have to explain how it worked and I'm not doing that."

"Explain what to whom?" Maybe I'll just let him have this one.

"Hey, Nep Jr. Do you need this blender?" Blender?

"Sis, what would we use a blender for?" Both of them!

"Do you…not know what a blender does, kiddo?" …

"Just…just bring anything you want. I don't care anymore…" This is what happens when you rush I guess.

"Oh! The chemical flamethrower is off limits, Lan." I could hear his tongue click and a heavy thud.

After 4 to 6 more of these interactions…

"We've finally gotten down to two bags each…" I feel like this was harder than anything I've faced in my life.

"Cool! Great job, girl! You've passed the first trial!" Neptune patted me on the back.

"This is the ONLY trial." I narrowed my eyes and stared deep into her soul.

"Y-yup! That's what I meant! Haha…" What was she planning…

"Haah, Let's just get to the airport already. We're behind schedule." The airport wasn't too far, but still.

"I'm excited to continue that show we were watching last time." Oh yeah, I forgot about that…

"Yes! We need to finish that!"

Lan chuckled. "Let us depart then! To a not-so new land!"

With that we all packed into the car and headed straight to the airport.

The trip was peaceful and uneventful, minus Lan and Neptune fighting over the radio.

"Alright you two, let's try and get through as quickly as possible." We still have like 30 minutes until our flight. But, anything can happen with these two.

""Yes Ma'am."" They stand at attention and answer in unison.

"Good." We start making the trek from the parking lot through the airport.

Histoire said they can pick up the car later, so I'm not too worried about that.

"Hey uh, is it just me or is this place incredibly deserted?" Sis was right, this was never a busy airport but…

"Even the security guards and staff aren't here…" Yeah, this doesn't bode well.

We continue moving towards the gate our flight is supposed to be at.

"Oh, looks like someone is at the desk near our gate!" Thank god, I was starting to get creeped out.

"Ugh, definitely someone. The worst someone."

"Hm? Do you know them, Lan?" I'm surprised he knows someone who works here.

"Take a good look, Lily." What is he talking about?

…

Oh…

"Hellloooooo, Ladies and some hybrid between garbage and the dirt you wipe off from the bottom of your shoe!" The stewardess yelled at us like we were at a pep rally.

Oh goodness no…

"Hello to you too, Mother…"

Yup, it was Lan's mother. Sitting at the desk in a stewardess outfit and a large circular like blade by her side.

It isn't a weapon I've ever seen before. It looked like an axe that had a blade that wrapped around the handle in a full circle. Is that handle in the middle used for holding? Maybe to help build momentum while you swing it around your body?

Either way, I could tell it was a weapon meant for slicing and crushing. Perfect for immobilizing, maybe torturing?.

"You guys didn't seriously think I would just let you leave right?" Her voice seemed to drop a few octaves as it twisted in anger.

"Not after I've waited so long for this? You would deny a mother a touching reunion with her son?" She seriously sounded like she was on the brink of insanity. Her voice was cracking and it seemed like her veins could pop out of her skin at any moment.

I inwardly sigh as I imagine what it would've been like with a normal mother-in-law. Considering all the horror stories I've heard though, maybe this is almost better?

"Let's just kick her ass before we miss our flight." Lan takes out a heavy mace. "Let's aim for as many broken bones as possible." I'm not sure how I feel about the way he said it but…

"A-alright, you haven't steered me wrong in a fight yet." I pull out a heavy longsword that should be able to handle the destructive power her weapon seems to have. Neptune pulls out her katana as well.

Oh! This'll be the first time me and Neptune have fought together! Hehe, I'm a little happy…despite the circumstances.

"Hahaha! Careful girlypop, you might lose more than your memories this time~!" Back to that high-pitched pep voice huh?

What she said is a little concerning, but we can talk later.

Right now, it's time for a little family meeting.

I probably should have just combined these last two chapters into one huh? Oh well! I do what I want because I'm a horrible menace to society! I couldn't see any path that Lily and Co. could have taken that didn't involve Lan's mother getting in the way. We all knew they were going to have to fight at some point. Next time might be a minute because I have no idea how to write a fight scene. Hopefully, it comes out as well as it looks in my head. Just gotta look for the right words. Anyway, Big Napkin is watching. Don't tip them off.