TV-Series
Description
Mao is a Contractor from the anime Darker than Black who exists as a consciousness inhabiting the body of a black cat for most of the first series, and later a brown momonga (Japanese dwarf flying squirrel). His name, meaning cat in Chinese, is likely a codename. His Messier Code is HM-432.
Originally a human, Mao traveled to Japan as a student and later studied at a university in Moscow, where he was recruited by a faction within the Syndicate, the mysterious organization that controls many Contractor operatives. While on a mission to investigate researcher Mikhail Pavlichenko, Mao used his ability to possess a cat's body to spy. During a confrontation in the laboratory, his original human body was destroyed in an explosion, forcing him to permanently transfer his consciousness into the cat. He has not been able to return to a human form since.
Because an animal's brain is not capable of fully supporting a human consciousness, Mao relies on a wireless neural link to a remote server. This connection allows him to retain his human intellect, memories, and sense of self, while also suppressing the natural instincts of whatever animal he inhabits. He must periodically sync with this network by entering a trance-like state; if the connection is severed for too long, the animal's instincts override his mind and he effectively loses his identity. This vulnerability is a constant limitation. Since he no longer possesses a human body, Mao is exempt from the typical remuneration or payment that Contractors must perform after using their abilities, but his dependence on the server network acts as a substitute cost.
Mao's Contractor ability is animal possession. He can transfer his consciousness into any animal within his line of sight. This ability is primarily used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and creating diversions during missions. He has been seen to possess a cat, a raven, and later the flying squirrel. He retains his human-level reasoning and speech while in animal form, enabling him to relay information and coordinate with allies.
His personality is rational and pragmatic, typical of most Contractors, who lack strong emotions. He often makes decisions based on logic and tends to see Hei's emotionally driven actions as curious and puzzling. Despite his cold rationality, Mao exhibits a dry wit and a sardonic sense of humor. He displays a peculiar attraction to human ankles, which he once used as a means of identification after many years. He also hates the spring season because it triggers mating instincts in his cat body, leading to unwanted attention from female cats. Over time, his long period spent in the cat's body has shaped his identity, and he often refers to himself as a cat rather than a human.
Mao's role in the story is that of a supporting member of the Syndicate team led by Hei. He works alongside the handler Huang and the Doll Yin. His main functions are intelligence gathering, providing distractions during Hei's assaults, and acting as a mobile surveillance unit. He is also a source of comic relief, often sarcastic and lazy, preferring to sleep when not on duty. His small, inconspicuous form makes him invaluable for infiltrating areas where a human agent would be noticed.
Key relationships include his partnership with Hei, whom he serves but does not fully understand. Mao is aware that Hei is not a typical Contractor—he retains human emotions—and this fascinates and confuses him. He is loyal to the team and will sometimes withhold information from the Syndicate to protect his comrades. He also interacts with Huang and Yin, fulfilling his role as a scout while maintaining a professional but sometimes irritable dynamic.
Over the course of the series, Mao undergoes a critical development near the end of the first season. His wireless link is deliberately cut off, causing his animal instincts to take over and effectively killing his human consciousness. However, a backup network controlled by an unknown organization allows him to be restored. In the sequel series Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor, he survives hidden within the body of the flying squirrel Petya, formerly the pet of main character Suou Pavlichenko. He later reunites with Hei and continues to operate as a covert asset. By the end of the story, Mao remains a Contractor without a human body, adapting to his circumstances and continuing to serve as a scout and information broker. His existence highlights the theme of lost humanity and the cost of survival in the world of Contractors.
Originally a human, Mao traveled to Japan as a student and later studied at a university in Moscow, where he was recruited by a faction within the Syndicate, the mysterious organization that controls many Contractor operatives. While on a mission to investigate researcher Mikhail Pavlichenko, Mao used his ability to possess a cat's body to spy. During a confrontation in the laboratory, his original human body was destroyed in an explosion, forcing him to permanently transfer his consciousness into the cat. He has not been able to return to a human form since.
Because an animal's brain is not capable of fully supporting a human consciousness, Mao relies on a wireless neural link to a remote server. This connection allows him to retain his human intellect, memories, and sense of self, while also suppressing the natural instincts of whatever animal he inhabits. He must periodically sync with this network by entering a trance-like state; if the connection is severed for too long, the animal's instincts override his mind and he effectively loses his identity. This vulnerability is a constant limitation. Since he no longer possesses a human body, Mao is exempt from the typical remuneration or payment that Contractors must perform after using their abilities, but his dependence on the server network acts as a substitute cost.
Mao's Contractor ability is animal possession. He can transfer his consciousness into any animal within his line of sight. This ability is primarily used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and creating diversions during missions. He has been seen to possess a cat, a raven, and later the flying squirrel. He retains his human-level reasoning and speech while in animal form, enabling him to relay information and coordinate with allies.
His personality is rational and pragmatic, typical of most Contractors, who lack strong emotions. He often makes decisions based on logic and tends to see Hei's emotionally driven actions as curious and puzzling. Despite his cold rationality, Mao exhibits a dry wit and a sardonic sense of humor. He displays a peculiar attraction to human ankles, which he once used as a means of identification after many years. He also hates the spring season because it triggers mating instincts in his cat body, leading to unwanted attention from female cats. Over time, his long period spent in the cat's body has shaped his identity, and he often refers to himself as a cat rather than a human.
Mao's role in the story is that of a supporting member of the Syndicate team led by Hei. He works alongside the handler Huang and the Doll Yin. His main functions are intelligence gathering, providing distractions during Hei's assaults, and acting as a mobile surveillance unit. He is also a source of comic relief, often sarcastic and lazy, preferring to sleep when not on duty. His small, inconspicuous form makes him invaluable for infiltrating areas where a human agent would be noticed.
Key relationships include his partnership with Hei, whom he serves but does not fully understand. Mao is aware that Hei is not a typical Contractor—he retains human emotions—and this fascinates and confuses him. He is loyal to the team and will sometimes withhold information from the Syndicate to protect his comrades. He also interacts with Huang and Yin, fulfilling his role as a scout while maintaining a professional but sometimes irritable dynamic.
Over the course of the series, Mao undergoes a critical development near the end of the first season. His wireless link is deliberately cut off, causing his animal instincts to take over and effectively killing his human consciousness. However, a backup network controlled by an unknown organization allows him to be restored. In the sequel series Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor, he survives hidden within the body of the flying squirrel Petya, formerly the pet of main character Suou Pavlichenko. He later reunites with Hei and continues to operate as a covert asset. By the end of the story, Mao remains a Contractor without a human body, adapting to his circumstances and continuing to serve as a scout and information broker. His existence highlights the theme of lost humanity and the cost of survival in the world of Contractors.