drawnbythesword | 13 [Action/Accidental Video]

[In the village today, there are a pair of boys strolling through. Well, more like one is, while the other struggles to keep up, holding a journal. Once they reach the fountain, however, the leader, deciding that this is a good place to stop for now, turns to face the other.]

Hey, Hubert. Did you figure out anything about that book yet?
Ah... no. Not yet, Brother.

[The leader, who Hubert identified as his "brother", walks over to him and tries to grab ahold of the book, with Hubert trying to resist.]

Agh, let me see it, then! You're too slow!
B-but you're the one who doesn't like to read books. Don't, you're going to... !

[At this time, their struggle causes the journal to play off one of the day's recorded audio posts, prompting both of the boys to drop the journal in surprise. The audio feed cuts out the moment it hits the ground, but instead, the video recording feature turns on, catching everything that proceeds from hereon.] Uwaah! Ahh!

[They stare at the journal in a mix of horror and wonderment. Was this thing...]

It... it's talking! Hubert, this book talks!
Look, Brother! Each page has a picture, too!
Do you think it's alive, then?
Mm. Maybe we should ask it and see if it can help us find everyone.

[Okay, the brother's down for that. He pauses for a moment, thinking of what to ask this magic talking book. But finally, he figures it out, slamming his fist into his hand. He then picks up the book, holding it away just far enough away so both he and Hubert can be seen in its camera.]

Erm... Hi, Book! I'm Asbel Lhant, and this is my brother, Hubert.
Um... It's nice to meet you.
I was wondering if you knew where some of our friends disappeared to... Their names are Cheria, and Sophie! [There was also the matter of where Richard was, but... He couldn't just talk about Richard like that...]
If you happen to know them, we'd really appreciate any help you can give us.

[Now... They had to wait. Closing the book, the duo sits down on the edge of the fountain.]

((ooc: Joint return post for Asbel and

mistyarc! Red is Asbel, blue is Hubert. Replies will come from

seekskrosophie and

outbranch! Order will go you > Asbel > Hubert unless otherwise indicated.))

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Oh, wild creeper appeared. No biggie]

You mean the book can't talk if it's not open?

Sure thing. Bye now!

[She gives them one last wave before heading into Seventh Heaven. The two might not be able to see her from where they are, but she'll end up taking a table near the window, looking up every now and again to make sure they're okay.]

You can talk through the book? [That's weird.]

[Hubert has the smallest internal freak out at Kazuma's sudden appearance, which shows on the outside by how he hides behind Asbel. Yes. He's safe here.]

[Oh. That makes a bit more sense. Except the book bit doesn't really.] She could be doing the same thing that we are.

Well, yes. Sort of. We use that book here to talk to others. So it isn't...really the book talking.

I-is it? You think so?

[Oh, that sounded even more suspicious. It's no good, the longer she avoids this topic, the worse it's going to get. She shakes her head, then takes a seat on the fountain's edge with a smile.]

What makes you say we've only just met?

I'd remember someone like you, that's why. You have ~~big boobies~~ bright pink hair, like Cheria does.

You couldn't even wait for me to grow up with you...? [He's hurt, Richard. Really hurt.]

[Don't worry, Hubert. Asbel will protect you! ...If he's not the one responsible for you getting hurt in the first place.]

People can talk through these? [Notice the skepticism in his voice. That's weird, brah, and he comes from the world with turtle cars.]

Hey hey hey! Whatcha talkin' about? Asbel! Hubert! Volume up!

I don't think that's how it works, Brother.

[Still on the shy side, he quietly addresses Asbel.] But we don't even remember how we got here. We could've met her before.

[That's a very strange to be hearing, and Hubert momentarily overcomes his fright to question it, as well.] How?

You were just talking into it...[So you at least thought it did something 8|;;]

I can't really explain how, other than it being some kind of magic.

[... Oh brother. This is more difficult than she ever could've imagined.]

Well, you see... I am Cheria.

Hahaha... I'm sorry. Will you let me make it up to you?

[What]

How? Are you going to suddenly get younger for me?

Then we'll split up and meet back here later. It can't catch us both.

...Magic? Like Abracadabra?

[What. He thought she could've been some unknown relative or something.]

H-huh?

[ . . . how is that even possible, Asbel.]

B-but I don't want to be by myself here. And it's still talking to us . . .

[........ Oh dear. Luckily, she has a bit of a trump card.]

You've spoken to Richard with your journal, haven't you? For me, it's the same as for him.

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