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- ...She's worried about me, right...? Mom's just looking out for... No... Mom... She just...!
- —Mafuyu's monologue in We Escape to Survive Episode 7 "To Survive"
Asahina Mother is the family ship between Mafuyu Asahina and her mother from the Project SEKAI fandom.
Canon[]
Mafuyu has a complex relationship with her parents. Mafuyu's mother is very supportive and nurturing of her daughter, and wishes her a successful future.
However, despite how kind Mafuyu's mother appears in various ways, like supporting her future and ensuring her well-being, she is extremely manipulative and controlling toward Mafuyu in her words and actions, wanting her to be a "good girl." Frequently, Mafuyu's mother guilts Mafuyu into abiding to her will, and has done so even when Mafuyu was a young child, impacting Mafuyu greatly, manipulating her desire in wanting her mother not to cry, and her desire in wishing to live up to her mother's expectations.
Mafuyu's mother would also be more subtle in her manipulation, in which Mafuyu was unaware, and reportedly would believe everything her mother says. Mafuyu's mother insists that her daughter follow the path she believes is best for her, encouraging her to study and become a doctor, without knowing Mafuyu's dream of becoming a nurse. When Mafuyu's mother finds out about her dream of becoming a nurse, she tries to convince her not to do that and follow the path that would make her more successful.
As a result of the pressure Mafuyu undergoes, Mafuyu wears her mask around her mother as well, which includes hiding her true feelings and thoughts, not being able to stand up for herself or her interests, all out of fear of disappointing, hurting, and/or worrying her mother. Due to this, Mafuyu is hardly able to communicate with her mother effectively, and ends up overwhelmed and distressed from most conversations, as she is unable to speak her thoughts clearly.
At the beginning of the story, Mafuyu's mother had no idea about her daughter being part of a music circle, but eventually ends up learning of her groupmates' existence. As a result Mafuyu's mother is suspicious of Nightcord, who she believes are simply strangers on the internet trying to divert Mafuyu from the path she is intended to go down.
Main Story[]
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In episode 4 "I'm A 'Good Girl'", Mafuyu returns home after school and logs onto Nightcord, speaking with Mizuki. Mafuyu's mother asks Mafuyu if she's alright with cream stew for dinner, to which Mafuyu agrees. Her mother then asks how the studying session with friends went at school. Mafuyu answers that it was fun, but her mother tells advises her to always say no if something is an inconvenience, friend or not. This confuses Mafuyu, while Mizuki who is listening in pauses a little at these words. Mafuyu's mother goes on to advise spending time with people who pose a challenge. Mafuyu accepts the advice, although Mizuki then comments that it seemed like Mafuyu's mother was telling her to pick her friends better. Mizuki asks if that bothers Mafuyu, to which the latter falls silent. Mafuyu assures that she's fine with it and Mizuki drops the subject.
Later that day, Mafuyu bids farewell to Mizuki and logs off to eat dinner with her family prepared by her mother. During the meal, Mafuyu's mother tells Mafuyu to soon choose a university she likes best for her dream to become a doctor. After more conversation, Mafuyu, who has trailed off multiple times, accepts the advice.
Later at night, Mafuyu mourns the fact she's unable to do "what [she] wants", and wishes she could stay in the SEKAI forever.
Imprisoned Marionette[]
In episode 3, as Mafuyu is about to head to cram school, she mentions to her mother that she'll go somewhere after but promises to return before her curfew. When Mafuyu reveals that she's going to a doll exhibition, her mother says she should instead spend her time looking at "something more educational and emotionally enriching like paintings" and mentions some of her [Mafuyu's mother's] favorite painters are going to have an exhibition soon as well. Mafuyu smiles and asks if they should go there together, and her mother agrees and tells Mafuyu to have a good time and work hard in class. After Mafuyu leaves, she mumbles that no matter how "enriching" the exhibition will be, she won't be able to feel anything.
While at the doll exhibition, nothing manages to catch Mafuyu's attention and get a reaction out of her. However, as she's about to go to the bathroom, she notices a marionette, and while pondering about it, she is reminded of her mother calling her a good girl, leaving her in a panicked state. Her groupmates eventually find her and manage to calm her down, and when Kanade attempts to ask what she felt, Mafuyu simply says she started feeling sick. After their visit, Kanade goes to the Empty SEKAI and mentions the incident to Miku and how "Mafuyu had this look of great disgust on her face." Miku then theorizes that Mafuyu possibly thought the doll resembles her. Mafuyu ends up having a nightmare where she turns into the same doll and questions if everyone would be happier if she just stopped thinking and kept doing as she's told to.
Mirage of Light[]
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Someday, From the Depths of Despair[]
In Mafuyu's flashback, she goes home after her middle school graduation ceremony. Mafuyu's mother tells her she was incredibly moved by Mafuyu's speech, and Mafuyu sheepishly thanks her, saying she practiced hard for it. Her mother asks if there's something Mafuyu wants as a celebration gift, and Mafuyu tells her she needs some more time to choose. She goes to her room and starts thinking if things will ever change or whether she'll just keep wandering in the darkness, not knowing what she likes or wants.
A month later after entering high school, she ends up asking her teacher what she should do about the feelings she felt from K's song, and the teacher suggests that Mafuyu try copying that person and creating music like theirs. Back at the Asahina residence, Mafuyu digs through the living room's closet and finds the synthesizer her father had brought her years ago. Her mother finds Mafuyu and mentions that she had already moved the medical school exam study guides she'd brought to Mafuyu's room and tells Mafuyu to study hard. Mafuyu thanks her before mumbling how she should sneakily take the synthesizer to her room.
A few weeks later, Mafuyu finished arranging K's songs but thinks how it didn't help her find out why the song affected her so deeply in the first place, and how she's hit another dead end. After that, Mafuyu goes down for dinner and her mother compliments her for studying the whole morning. While Mafuyu helps up set the table, her mother asks if she has managed to decide what she wants as her graduation gift. Mafuyu, having forgotten about it, lies that she's still thinking about it. Her mother reveals that she had borrowed a catalog from a friend of hers and how Mafuyu should get a wristwatch that not only would help her manage her time better, but would also have such a lovely design that she could keep using it even after she becomes a doctor. Mafuyu thanks her mother and agrees with her suggestion, but after returning to her room, she thinks how hearing her mother say that she'll become a doctor made a part of her "grow cold and stale."
What Lies Beyond Guiding a Lost Child[]
The event story opens up with Mafuyu returning home, and receiving praise and encouragement from her mother regarding her studies. While on Nightcord discussing a trip to Phoenix Wonderland, Mafuyu's mother knocks on the door, prompting Mafuyu to mute herself. She claims that she was watching a movie without subtitles to improve her English skills. Her mother praises her for staying up late to study, to which Mafuyu promises she'll go to sleep soon, apologizing for any worries caused. Mafuyu then bids her goodnight. After logging off of Nightcord, Mafuyu tells herself she has to study.
The next day, Mafuyu heads off to school and says goodbye to her mother. After school, Mafuyu comes home, only to not be greeted by her mother. Her mother greets Mafuyu, and asks if there's anything she's hiding. Mafuyu denies this, and is thoroughly confused, although her mother is adamant, and points out the synthesizer. Mafuyu then remembers a while back, when her mother promptly states she's planning to throw away the synthesizer the next day. In this memory, Mafuyu is unable to object. That next day, removers arrived at the house, while Mafuyu's mother reminds Mafuyu to head off to cram school. Mafuyu catches one of the junk removers' attention, and asks for the synthesizer to be spared.
Back in the present, Mafuyu's mother asks why the synthesizer is still here, under the impression it was thrown out. Mafuyu, hesitant, explains she was thinking to invest in her future by learning more about it. Confused, her mother asks what she means, to which Mafuyu explains she gained interest in music through a friend. She points out music therapy and how it can help in the future. Her mother then states she's proud that Mafuyu is taking the initiative to learn new things, but asks if it's really necessary at the moment. She claims she's worried it may get in the way of Mafuyu's studies.
Mafuyu thanks her mother, but is determined to try and express how she feels for music. She shares that she wants to try her hand at music, and promises it won't get in the way of her studies, nor be a burden on that friend of hers. Her mother asks whether the friend is of her age, and then praises Mafuyu once more, but asks if the friend is also in the process of preparing for entrance exams, and explains she'd be more than happy to allow Mafuyu to take on music if the friend is of her level. Mafuyu is confused by the question, as her mother claims having peers studying on entrance exams as well is important and will benefit her. Mafuyu is hesitant, unresponsive, as she thinks back on the Nightcord members, falling silent.
Her mother asks if she did something wrong that prompted Mafuyu's to act this way. She says all she wants to do is assure Mafuyu has the best future possible, and this prompts Mafuyu, in a panicked voice, to apologize for making her mother worry. Trailing off, her mother states that Mafuyu's free to do whatever she wants to, but warns her not to regret her decision. Mafuyu tries to express what she wishes for, but her eyes end up dull as she apologies once more, promising she'll give up music and focus on her exams.
Mafuyu's mother confirms Mafuyu's decision with a smile, and the conversation ends in Mafuyu retreating to her room, and the synthesizer staying in her mother's possession. Mafuyu feels her chest going cold, and her mind overwhelmed, unable to get her mother's remark out of her head - "Just don't regret your decision, okay?"
Later as she heads to the SEKAI to meet the others and Len, Mafuyu recounts that she now feels better, but then remembers her mother's remark. The others begin to worry, assessing that Mafuyu looks in pain, and she hesitantly reveals the truth of her mother taking her synthesizer. When Mizuki asks for Mafuyu to tell the group more about her mother, Mafuyu reluctantly agrees.
Mafuyu shares that her mother is a "normal person." Ena asks Mafuyu if she was bothered at all by her mother attempting to get rid of her synthesizer. Mafuyu then points out her mother wants to do it for "the sake of her future," and that she has to give up music. Mafuyu trails off while speaking, going silent, evidently distressed. Mafuyu shares her belief that she feels her mother is always right, but is challenged by Ena who points out that Mafuyu went to the SEKAI instead of studying like she had promised. Mafuyu mutters out that she isn't sure what to do, before leaving the SEKAI to study in her room.
The day of the exam, Mafuyu heads off, but on the way she experiences a throbbing pain, finding difficulty in moving. She tells herself she has to get an A since her mother is counting on her, and as her chest feels cold, she thinks to herself that she just wants her mother to be happy. After receiving a text from her mother wishing good luck, Mafuyu starts hyperventilating. Her eyes once more turn dull, and despite the agonizing pain she's experiencing, resorts to pushing herself to go to the exam. She remembers the remark from her mother once more, but then, distressed, resorts to heading to Phoenix Wonderland, skipping the exam.
After getting lost with Miku and Len, Mafuyu recalls the time she visited Phoenix Wonderland with her mother when she was young.
Mafuyu is excited to be visiting the park, and is warned by her mother to stay around to avoid getting lost. While waiting in a line for churros, Mafuyu spots Phenny, and wishes to shake hands with him. Mafuyu attempts to let her mother know, but the latter picks up a call from Mafuyu's father, disappointing Mafuyu. Mafuyu wishes to shake hands with Phenny who is now leaving, but knows she must stay put with her mother. Mafuyu, inwardly recalling she's not supposed to, figures that it's just for a bit. After shaking hands with Phenny, Mafuyu returns with a big smile, but is unable to find her mother.
Looking around, she begins to panic, and when a passerby asks what's wrong, Mafuyu remembers she's not allowed to talk to strangers, and runs off. The surroundings around Mafuyu start warping and everything seems scary to her, leading to her panicking and sobbing before calling out for her mother. At that moment, her mother arrives and is relieved to find her, as Mafuyu begins to cry even more. Tearfully, she apologizes, to which her mother assures that Mafuyu being safe is all that matters. Mafuyu then smiles, but her mother promptly wants to ask “one question.”
Her mother asks why Mafuyu had "broken [their] promise." Blankly, she asks why Mafuyu decided to run off. Mafuyu is at a loss for words, as her mother claims it truly terrified her, and that she was afraid Mafuyu became a "bad girl" who "gives her mother grief." Mafuyu, shocked, repeats, "A bad girl...?" Her mother confirms this, and expresses she was so sad and fearful, and that her heart sank. Mafuyu's eyes begin to tremble again, and she frantically apologizes and asks her mother not to cry. Mafuyu herself begins to cry, tearfully stating she doesn't wish her mother to cry.
To this, her mother calls her kind. Her mother relays that she wishes Mafuyu would be a "good girl" who listens to her mother's words. Mafuyu continues to sob, shakily promising she will be a "good girl" and listen to what her mother says. Her mother says she feels better now knowing Mafuyu will be a "good girl", and then grabs Mafuyu's hand and starts pulling her home for dinner, prompting Mafuyu to cry out in pain.
Back in the present, Mafuyu states how her mother's hand felt so cold that times and that even now she feels so cold. At that moment, the three see a lost girl crying for her mother. They resort to help the girl, but her mother promptly arrives and comforts her, bringing her along. Mafuyu assesses the girls is fine now, and Len then shares the "warmth" he felt, causing Mafuyu to realize what "warmth" he is speaking of. When Kanade grabs Mafuyu's hand, the latter realizes the warmth of her hand, and how she doesn't feel cold anymore. In the end, she wonders what separates her mother from the others, and refuses to think about the coldness any longer.
Later, back at the Asahina household, Mafuyu tells her mother via text that she felt ill and is staying at a friend's house. Her mother understands, but adds in asking if she can hear more about the friend. Mafuyu then thanks her mother and apologizes, as the latter wonders if Mafuyu pushed herself too hard, but assesses how her daughter broke curfew and sent the text message too late. She thinks back at Mafuyu talking about her "newfound" interest in music. Aloud, she ponders, "What if...?" before calling the academy to have a word with Mafuyu's teacher.
Hope Will Someday Go Beyond the Morning[]
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Immiscible Discord[]
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We Escape to Survive[]
Mafuyu returning to her room
After school, Mafuyu returns home and starts telling her mother about her day. Mafuyu's mother tells her they'll have dinner earlier than usual, and just as Mafuyu is about to head to her room to change, she is rendered speechless upon her mother revealing that she had not only thrown away her synthesizer, but also "accidentally" spilled a drink on her laptop, causing it to break and having to be sent out to the repairs. While listening, she first agrees with her mother in a weak, distraught voice that she's fine without her synthesizer, but when she attempts to question if the laptop breaking really had been an accident, she backs down after hearing her mother's tone and claims it's nothing. While in her room, Mafuyu is in a dark state, muttering out "What do I do...?" and remembers KAITO's words on how she should fight back.
Affected by the aforementioned events, the next day as she logs into Nightcord while at school, her groupmates instantly realize from the tone of Mafuyu's voice that something happened to her. Mafuyu explains what her mother had done and then apologizes if she'll suddenly lose contact with everyone. Just like KAITO, Ena attempts to push Mafuyu into fighting back against her mother, leading to Mafuyu breaking down and blurting out how she's always been afraid her mother, which is why she can't do it. She then apologizes again and leaves the chat in order to go back to class. After that, Ena feels apologetic but also wonders out loud why Mafuyu's mother keeps taking away everything that's important to her.
At night, Mafuyu notices the time being 25:00 and wonders if everyone is working at that moment. She decides to go and fetch her phone from her table in order to work on her lyrics. After accidentally dropping her phone, she hears footprints from the hallway and her mother's voice saying her name as she opens the door. She quickly leaves after, leading to Mafuyu realizing that her mother is spying on her even at night. Mafuyu then hesitantly wonders if her mother is just worried about her and attempts to convince herself. Her disarrayed thoughts are interrupted by Mizuki sending her a message.
Saying Goodbye To The Masked Me[]
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Searching for a Reflection Beneath the Waters[]
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Fanon[]
The ship is not well regarded by the fandom due to the abusive relationship between Mafuyu and her mother. It is one of the most hated pairings within the fandom, however, it is very well known and heavily discussed due to Mafuyu's mother being one of the roots of Mafuyu's struggles throughout the story. Many fans were able to relate with the relationship between the pair, and found a connection with Mafuyu's character. Although some try to downplay the toxicity and argue that Mafuyu's mother is on the lesser side of abuse, or that it cannot be counted as such at all, her evident manipulation is clear amongst fans who mourn for Mafuyu being a "marionette" in her mother's grasp. The more event stories released, the more fans picked up on Mafuyu's mother's controlling tendencies.
Early on fans, were more incredulous over whether Mafuyu was truly undergoing abuse, but her mother's controlling tendencies bled through more and more as time went on as more focus events were released highlighting Mafuyu's struggles with her mother. Due to her abuse, Mafuyu's mother is one of the most hatedaracters in the fan base who fans frequently bash on. There are still many fans who enjoy Mafuyu's mother's well-written character, and merely scorn the toxic relationship she has created with her daughter.
Fandom[]
- FAN FICTION
- Mafuyu & Mafuyu's Mother tag on AO3
Gallery[]
Card Art[]
