ONE 18.5: A New Voice

A New Voice

"Hello?

Can any of you hear me?

I'm...not sure how Airy got the mics to work, but...agh, forget it. Let's just say they're working and move on.

So..I...

I'm already tired of this. Let's just cut to the chase.

I'm...here. In Airy's world. It's...not as abstract as I was expecting, really. It's just a forest clearing with a lake. And there was a cave, where he was keeping you all here. A planet with a plug.

I saw it. I saw what he was doing to you guys, and...I couldn't take it anymore.

I got mad at him, but he was completely out of it. I...don't know what I was expecting. I thought it'd just be like any other confrontation, but it wasn't. I don't think he'd be able to respond in any way I was expecting.

We talked for a bit. He showed me his world and I—just tripped. And I...I messed up. Badly. The notes and charger, they...they were gone. My one ticket home...just...gone. Taken.

I...I'm sorry. I'm not gonna tear up. I'm not.

He told me about a lot of things. It's...actually pretty interesting. He used to be in our world until he died, which is when he ended up...there. The room with two chairs and a radio. That's how he ended up here. All that he had were a couple of logs, a computer, and...planets. Like the ones you're on right now.

That's why he took people like you here. He didn't want to be alone. But...but that's still...ugh. I can't believe him. Guess what I found soon after? It was people I recognized. People you recognized. Even my coworker was there! I had it with them. And...I knew Texty told me to kill him.

So...I tried. And failed. And got my leg broken...again. I don't even know what came over me. I'm not the type of guy to get into fights that bad, so...it's like everything that's ever happened to me...made something snap. That's how much Airy did to us.

And now he's gone.

And that's...that's how I'm able to talk to you.

It's me, Liam.

So...you might be wondering how it feels. It's...pretty weird. I came into this wanting to save you, and now I don't even know how to save myself. But...I think I understand what I have to do now.

I'm not going to be like him. This time, I'll save you.

First I'll try to get how his own computer works. Then I'll make sure if I can use the data he's been storing up...eugh...to help you guys come back. Maybe...maybe I can even help myself come back.

I know it won't be easy. This place doesn't even feel like home...just a getaway. But I won't let it become my home. This isn't going to be forever.

I won't give up. I wanted to save you guys, and I will.

Welcome, for the last time, to ONE."

---

The plane residents simply marveled at where they could hear the new voice in amazement and fear. Amelia remained tearfully clinging onto Bryce, still stunned by the sound of a name she knew bore importance, but for what? Why was it that, after being trapped in semi-isolation and despair for so long, this sudden spark was able to touch her heart so badly? Bryce himself could hardly believe it, but at the same time, knowing his partner was alive (and partially well) filled him with an odd sense of comfort and relief.

"What...what was that?" her weakened voice asked, so small and frail only the bottle next to her could hear.

"Him." Bryce flatly stated. "He's back."