►004 ►Voice Post

[justawitch]

[a soft, soothing voice]

Shhh, Mao. It's alright. I'm here, aren't I?

[humming, still low and gentle]

Nothing will harm you as long as I'm with you.

Just remember, Mao. Listen to my voice.

Comments

[mindbreaking]

[He's close to her, shuddering and mumbling, eyes darting this way and that as if trying to find something unseen before it finds him]

C.C., C.C., they said they're everywhere -- like the last time...I CAN'T KNOW!

[justawitch]

Shh... nothing's here, Mao.

[she holds out her hands, and she'd be lying to think this didn't disconcert her, something that would scare him this badly.]

What's wrong?

[mindbreaking]

[he takes those hands, catches his breath a bit; it's the first time he can ever remember the silence around them as a bad thing.]

Lelouch was here, the last time! I had -- I had him, before, you know, but they were all over and too fast and too quiet...he CHEATED, C.C.

[justawitch]

[She squeezes a bit, to reassure.]

How did he cheat, Mao?

[mindbreaking]

[Growing calmer but remaining wary, he keeps his voice lowered. How well could they hear?]

Somebody sent them for him. I know. I looked.

[justawitch]

[She shushes, moves one hand to brush his hair.]

Who, Mao?

[mindbreaking]

[Comforted for the moment, he's searching his memories for a name he'd heard in those smug and arrogant thoughts.]

Dietrich. He didn't trust him.

[justawitch]

[Shushing soft, to smooth his hair back, comfort]

Don't worry about Dietrich, Mao.

He can't hurt you while I'm here.

[mindbreaking]

[he leans into the touch, but clenches his fists all the while.]

He must be helping him again, so they can go and protect everything for him while he does what he wants!

[and once more, there's that childish whine.]

They want to cut my skull open now.

[justawitch]

[Her hands encircle his head, rubbing calming circles, soft murmurs. ... Just like when he was younger.]

I would never let that happen.

[mindbreaking]

[Slowly, he starts to breathe calmly, some uncertainty in his eyes when he looks to her.]

You won't get hurt, will you, C.C.? They -- they won't take you away, right?

[justawitch]

Why would I let them do that, Mao?

[a soft kiss on his forehead, and she's reminded just how cruel she was.]

I promised you.

[mindbreaking]

[blissfully unaware of what she's actually thinking, he's silent for a few seconds thanks to that kiss on the forehead. but he soon remembers himself, hugging tightly and laughing. the fear's nearly forgotten.]

That's right, C.C. You're right! THEY CAN'T take you! You won't let them, and I won't!

[of course, she also promised all those years ago. but things are different this time, he's sure of it.]

You know, I was ready to start another game with Lelouch 'til they got in the way. His sister, she got so close to breaking! You'd be proud, C.C., really proud.

[justawitch]

I'm sure I would be.

[How cruel of a woman she was, to feel sorry for him, to pity him, herself, to murmur softly in his ear.]

I'm most proud of Mao, though, right now.