Mahoro is gonna go away…
Mahoro is gonna go away…
Mahoro is gonna go…
So this is to be the end, V1046 R Mahoro decided as she stared back into the dark forest left in her wake, where she was certain Feldrance remained on the beach where they had left him, waiting for her. She knew the fight to come would bring out the very worst in all that remained within her.
…so I'm afraid the time you have left is practically zero.
Those must have been hard words to say.
As hard as the decision that loomed over her now.
Except the decision wasn't difficult at all. Leader's request would come before all else, even if she wished nothing more than to leave it all behind, to run away with Suguru and spend all that was left of her remaining time holding him close. She knew he would want nothing less… but Feldrance wanted something entirely different, and would not let it rest until he got what it was he wanted.
She understood now why he had let them run.
If she sent him away, she could fight and Suguru would live. Feldrance wouldn't go after him, despite what he had said that day on the sidewalk outside of Suguru's home.
He wasn't here to kill Suguru.
Because this was not about Suguru at all.
She would have to leave him now, even if he would hate her for it.
His life was paramount to all else.
The look in his eyes when he reached out and snatched her wrist confirmed it. He squeezed, refusing to let go. If she had been flesh and bone human, and not an android, his powerful grip would have hurt her, enough to drop her to her knees. With the adrenaline pounding through him, Suguru had no understanding of his own strength. Mahoro hated herself very much in that one fleeting moment.
The devastation in his eyes said it all.
Betrayed.
"You can't! I won't let you!" he screamed at her. He came to his feet and gripped her shoulder with his other hand, holding her there as he glared. "You said you'd never leave me, remember?! You said that we'd always be together!"
Of course she did… but she was sworn to protect him, too.
No matter what.
Even if the price was his hate, it would be a price she would pay a thousand times over to ensure his survival. She took comfort in that she wouldn't have to endure it long anyway.
"Didn't you say that you'd be the one person who would never leave me?"
Mahoro simply stared at the poor young man, heartbroken. She wrestled inside against the promises made, two that now conflicted and tore her heart and soul in twine. Still, she knew what she had to do. His desires couldn't change what was necessary, after all.
Suguru… Mahoro's heart leapt into her throat. If she could shut her emotions away, deep inside, like some mindless drone, and never feel anything again, she would have done so. Gladly.
Oh Suguru… I had so hoped I would have the chance to breathe my last breath while I was lost in your arms. No one deserves to die alone… but worse still is the fact that I have to go back on my word to you. I wouldn't blame you if you hate me eternally for what I am about to do.
She leaned toward him, her dearly beloved, and wrapped her arms around him. "That's right. I did Suguru. I'll always be with you. Forever and ever."
One last lie. Now she could die and end her pain.
And now, she would deserve it.
I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me… someday.
My Suguru.