[a voice post, made by the network]

[cards_mistress]

[static, then the haunting voice of a young girl starts to sing]

Ring around the rosies,
a pocket full of posies,
ashes, ashes,
we all fall down.

[a pause, a soft laugh, and then -- ]

Yes, you'll all fall indeed. Just like the little girl-child

Comments

[white_needles]

Sakura-chan is neither forgotten nor abandoned. Please return her to us.

...or what do you want in return?

((ooc: Nice song choice, btw. If I remember correcntly, this song alludes to the black plague.))

[cards_mistress]

*in a child's high, sweet voice* Can't, shan't, won't~~~

Are you sure about that, sir? Ma'am? Whatever it is that you are~ Oh, now I know! *voice changes to that of Sakura's, bright with laughter* Haku-mama!

[white_needles]

*clenches fist* You have no right to call me that with her voice.

Where is she?

[cards_mistress]

*more childish laughter in the first child's voice this time* Would it help if I don't use her voice then? Would you let me call you "Haku-mama" then~?

Shame, shame, shame~! It's such a pretty voice, it is!

Can't tell, won't tell! It's all the same with me~!

[white_needles]

There are only two people I allow to use that nickname. You're not one of them.

And why not?

[cards_mistress]

Ah~! So mean! All the more reason not to tell you, Haku-mama~ ♥

And thaaaaaat's none of your business, is it? You wouldn't be able to get to her anyway, even if you knew where to look! *more childish laughter, mocking this time*

[white_needles]

*bites lip* Please. Don't.

*room temperature starts to drop* What will you benefit from toying with us?

[cards_mistress]

[white_needles]

*is suspicious about that offer and counts to ten to calm himself, despite his sincere wish to be angry at the network calling this 'fun'. Room temperature returns to normal*

...yes?

[cards_mistress]

Got to try harder than that! Not good enough, not good enough at all!

[white_needles]

*takes a deep breath and tries to suspend his disbelief that he's actually doing this, but there are few options left at this point*

What does Network-san consider to be 'calm'?

[cards_mistress]

Not calm! Calm is boring~! Be nice to me~~~ ♥

[white_needles]

*still wary of where this is going, but plays along anyway*

...I see. Then, perhaps, a re-introduction would be appropriate.

Hello, Network-san. My name is Haku. *bows politely to the computer*

[cards_mistress]

Better, better, better~!

I should keep my promise no, shouldn't I, Haku-mama~?

[white_needles]

*clenches his fist and counts to ten again, reminding himself that he has to stay calm at least for a while*

Please.

[cards_mistress]

Oh, all right~! *a childish huff, the pout is evident in the voice, and then ---*

SOMETHING INTERESTING~!

*a chorus of voices, laughing mockingly --- Sakura's voice is among them*