♔ 16 [[BACKDATED TO NOON 01/08]]

[dat_guardian]

[The communicators will buzz on and residents will feel the Guardian's voice entering into their heads in its usual, intrusive way.]

Come to the mansion, if you so wish. I have prepared it for you. One week, from now until next Monday.

I will be there.

[The communicators will go dead after that.]

[If people travel over to the mansion, they will

Comments

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[notmycreampuffs]

[Saki ventures to the mansion shortly after breakfast, bundled up in layers and in stark contrast to the balmy weather.

Her expression is grim, unyielding - but with the telltale signs of nervousness, if one knows how to look.]

Hey. You.

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[dat_guardian]

[The Guardian is now leaning against the gate, one leg stretched out along the wall. The other is bent at the knee, and his arm rests on it as he absently fiddles with some of his chains.]

Hey. Me.

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[notmycreampuffs]

[Saki's lips twitch in a suppressed smile, but it fades quickly.]

Is Annowre really her name?

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[dat_guardian]

[His lips quirk in a faint smile.]

It's not her real name, if that's what you're asking.

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[notmycreampuffs]

[She doesn't ask, "then what is?" because she knows he won't give her a straight answer.]

Why would she give him a fake name?

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[dat_guardian]

It's not fake, as such. It is one of her names. But it's not the name her mother gave her.

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[notmycreampuffs]

["It was not the name my parents gave me..."

Saki evinces a minute shake of her head, pushing some hair out of her face with her thumb.]

So why that name over any other one?

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[dat_guardian]

[And he shrugs.]

Why does she do anything?

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[notmycreampuffs]

I'm not the one who married her.

[Yuuuup, she's fishing now. Sorry, Battler.]

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[dat_guardian]

I wasn't looking for an answer, Saki.

[But he doesn't seem too bothered.]

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[notmycreampuffs]

I was. Why are you so cryptic?

[Her tone is cajoling, rather than defensive. She will lead you to where she wants this conversation to go, Guardian.]

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[dat_guardian]

What's been cryptic about my answers so far? I've been rather forthcoming.

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[notmycreampuffs]

[That surprises a laugh out of her - not entirely free of mirth, but not with a surfeit of it, either. She shakes her head.]

You're a real piece of work, you know that?

[You know what, let's just try it:] What was the name her mother gave her?

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[dat_guardian]

I don't remember.

[He idly turns his crystal over in his hands.]

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[notmycreampuffs]

[Hands clasped behind her back, Saki moves forward, closer.]

Is that true?

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[dat_guardian]

I don't have a reason to lie to you, Saki.