♔ 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

action;

[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.

action;

[dat_guardian]

[He looks at her for long moments.]

Yes.

action;

[notmycreampuffs]

[Saki files this away, saying nothing of it.]

There's food in the mansion, right?

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[dat_guardian]

Plenty.

action;

[notmycreampuffs]

Cool. [Just that, a little two-fingered wave as a farewell, and she heads further past him.

It's only when Saki's inside the mansion's walls, utterly alone in the corridor, does her composure crack. She halts a moment, nails digging into the flesh of her opposite arm - a warning, maybe, or a reminder.

The information was important. Figuring out what the Guardian's purpose lay was important.

So why -

Forcing herself to breathe, Saki draws all her strength back and tighter inward, and heads upstairs.