Fourth Page - [Accidental voice]

[asterism_angel]

[It's been over two weeks since Cheria was taken by the Malnosso, but at last, her journal is showing signs of life again. There's just one problem. The voice being broadcast through it doesn't entirely sound like Cheria. It's that of a young girl- eleven years old to be exact. She seems to be having trouble breathing, a weak gasp sounding every

Comments

[Voice]

[raizanshou]

[It's a voice not familiar to most, but it's certainly a voice familiar to Asbel. ...Somewhat, at least. He hasn't heard the voice in seven years, after all, but that tone, combined with calling those names, is pretty unmistakable, even to Asbel.]

...Cheria?

[Voice]

[sickly_angel]

[Asbel will immediately hear some faint disturbance, as Cheria frantically scuttles away from the source of his voice. She has yet to find the journal.]

H-haaah?! W-Who... Who said- [Then she breaks into a coughing fit.]

[Voice]

[raizanshou]

[Oh, boy, not good. Did they really turn Cheria into a child?]

Ah, Cheria! Are you alright?

[Voice]

[sickly_angel]

[The coughing slows down. ... Okay, she's good.]

Who... are you? Am I... Am I dead? [That would suck. She'd hoped her illness would be cured in the afterlife.]

[Voice]

[raizanshou]

What? No, you aren't dead. [That would suck.]

...But I'm... [A pause. Would she believe him? She doesn't seem to remember Luceti. ...Not that she would, anyway. Can't remember what didn't happen yet.] ...Asbel.

[Voice]

[sickly_angel]

[A long silence follows. Then, finally:]

... Asbel Lhant? [She isn't sure why she's even asking- this person's voice sounds way older than Asbel's voice. There's no way it could be him. Then again, something about it just seems so... familiar. And Asbel isn't exactly a common name.]

[Voice]

[raizanshou]

...Yes? [There's a distinct hint of confusion in his voice, as if to suggest "Well, what other Asbel could I be?"]

[Voice]

[sickly_angel]

[Another silence. Then Cheria realizes it must be a trick. She's in a strange forest, while the last thing she remembers is being knocked unconscious in creepy dark caverns. She has wings on her back and the voice of an older boy is claiming to be Asbel.

Yes, it's either a trick or a dream.]

No, you're not. ... You c-can't be.

[Voice]

[raizanshou]

[He wants to respond with something like "Of course I am, I'm Asbel.", but he understands her confusion. To her... Asbel's an 11 year-old boy.]

I'm Asbel Lhant, son of Aston and Kelly Lhant. But, if you don't believe me, Cheria, then... ask me things only I'd know. I'll prove I'm Asbel!

[Voice]

[sickly_angel]

Hah? Ahh... [She thinks for a moment. What would only Asbel know?]

What's Hubert's favorite manga series?

[Voice]

[raizanshou]

[There's a pause, as he contemplates the right answer. Hubert did like a lot of manga as a child, but... This one must be the one she's referring to!]

...It's Soul Calibur.

[Voice]

[sickly_angel]

Huaaah... [Wait, no, that still doesn't prove anything. Lots of boys love Soul Calibur.]

... What's... Sophie's favorite flower?

[Voice]

[raizanshou]

[This one he doesn't even waste a moment answering.]

Krosophie.

[Voice]

[sickly_angel]

[She pushes herself into a kneeling position again, one hand pressed against her chest, scanning the area anxiously.]

... Where are you?

[Voice]

[raizanshou]

I'm speaking to you through the journal.

[Voice]

[sickly_angel]

Journal? ... A book?