∴ 008 ∴ Voice ∴ Returning empty-handed

[as_you_command]

[ The voice comes over the feed; hushed, though Guilford speaks with purpose. ] Seasons cannot pass this quickly...

I require-- [ Assistance? Direction? No, he remembers exactly where he is. He just doesn't know when. The scenery does not match up one hundred percent with the weather he last remembered

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1/2

[as_you_command]

[ For a long moment, he cannot believe his ears. At least, it seems as if this was still the strange half-waking dream sensation that he had been experiencing for some time. Delusions. Hallucinations. The subtle lies or bold untruths of a mind slowly losing its grip on reality.

But he was better now. He felt it in his mind, even if his body was weary.

It's impossible, however, to miss the sound of him nearly choking on his reply. ]

fin

[as_you_command]

Miss Viola, I-- [ A pause, as only now does he consider the weight of her response, rather than the fact she replied at all. What, however, was with that tone? Wouldn't she be happier to hear that he was back?

Too much of this is strange. Perhaps he's not in the best state to judge what's real or not just yet. ] How can that be? I counted fifty-six days, and I cannot account for those missing months. [ An observation that deeply disturbed him. ]

[ video ]

[selfished]

[ Kyouko honestly doesn't quite realise the situation, so she just finds it a slightly strange question for the moment. Even if it sounds.. somewhat weak, which only makes it stranger. ]

... April? April 22nd, if you want to be exact. Why d'ya want to know?

[as_you_command]

Hn. [ This sound is that of a man distinctly dissatisfied with the answer. ] I have lost more time than I imagined.

[selfished]

Lost.. time? What are you talking about?

[ She frowns slightly in confusion. ]

[as_you_command]

[ He regards the young girl on the feed for the first time, and there is no recognition on his own features. ] I have returned, but the time I spent away does not match what time has passed here.

[video]

[gunsablazing]

22nd of April. Everything alright, guy?

[Narrows his eyes thoughtfully.]

You know...you sound awfully familiar.

[as_you_command]

I have been here before. [ He's still trying to put things together. Too many pieces were missing; too many facts. ]

[ As to his condition, he has to consider it carefully. To be honest, he's a mess, but he's not about to turn on the video and show that. ] I am... well enough.

[gunsablazing]

Damn, you serious? This place has a pretty screwed up sense of humor, dragging people back for a second round.

[He pauses.]

Lemme know if you need a hand, buddy. It must be a hell of a disorienting ride, being dropped off here again.

[as_you_command]

Hm. Your offer is... appreciated, but it is hardly a bother to me. [ He furrowed his brow. A lie. ] Save for the lost time, I imagine little has changed in this place.

[anearlmustmarry]

What - Guilford?

[That wasn't a voice he was expecting to hear! Lloyd frowns down at the feed.]

It's the twenty-second of April, going by Roman Calendar.

[as_you_command]

Lloyd. [ Another familiar voice - and one he might have some questions for, soon. But those can wait for not. He almost sounds relieved to hear the other man's voice. ]

Several months have passed, then. What is the situation? What has changed, if anything?

[anearlmustmarry]

What's changed? Well, there are significantly less of us since you were last here. Just me, his highness, a schoolboy, and nominally Cecile. [He sighs and shoves his glasses up his nose.] And I haven't seen Cecile in a while.

Fae-wise, the Guardian is taking a turn for the acerbic and the fae are being a tad more violent, with a few helpers raising their heads out of the water.

[as_you_command]

I see. [ On the one hand, Cornelia being absent was a relief - she would not have to suffer this place for any longer.

On the other, it was an empty hole in his life once more. He doesn't even seem to acknowledge what Lloyd says after that, falling into an uncomfortable silence on his end. ]

voice.

[toplay_thefool]

[Assuming he'll have the date now, Souji skips ahead:]

What was the date you remember, sir? I'll try to fill you in if you have questions.

[as_you_command]

[ Not only that, but he's also been told that the boy was still here, so there is no surprise in his tone. Back to business... ] The exact date escapes me, but it was within a few weeks after the new year.

[toplay_thefool]

[He nods, unseen - that matches up with what he remembers.]

Did you return home?

[as_you_command]

For several months, yes. Time does not appear to line up between this world and our own worlds. [ Which is frustrating. Not to mention... ] --before I left, I vaguely recall chasing... someone. Some thing that I cannot remember for the life of me. [ It's disturbing when Guilford uses uncertain terms. His words usually cut to the heart of the statement, leaving little grey area. ]