Alter Ego [Karlnap]

The Illusion of Awareness

1-6 Association

Another book finished, and another day passed. Karl's sudden change in attire was making sense now, after reading about the masquerade anyways, this told Sapnap that the boy had somewhat recently traveled, as for when and how Karl managed to come and go so quickly and without him noticing his absence was a mystery, however. Sapnap traced mindless patterns on the cover of Karl's book, the cover, and pages looking brand new compared to previous books in the series.

Sapnap still hadn't forgotten what Karl had said during his previous visit, chills lingering around his neck whenever his words crossed his mind. However, if the raven ever wished to make it out of here and finish his journey of self-discovery, he would have to keep visiting Karl, especially if he wanted to assist the brunet as well. With this in mind, Sapnap began his walk towards the front of the library, weaving through a maze of shelves filled with books.

Sapnap will admit, there was something weirdly calming about being in a library, and the smell of new and old books alike was something like no other. He enjoyed being here despite the mystery that shrouded this place and the people or beings that inhabited it. Blue butterflies seemed to follow him as he walked at a slow pace, flapping their beautiful sapphire wings and giving the boy a feeling of being watched.

Perhaps the butterflies were like a peaceful and safety-inducing way to watch over him and his actions, the only scary thing about this possible reality was that he wasn't sure who was on the other side, watching through the eyes of the creatures. The desk came into sight, scattered documents that Sapnap could only assume had classified information on them filled the space like before, books that Sapnap hadn't seen before lied both opened, bookmarked, and closed. He had noted earlier that there were a few empty slots on the shelves that the books had once occupied.

Karl, however, was nowhere to be seen, and the first reaction Sapnap had was to begin worrying about the boy's well-being. Though Karl seemed to be more plagued by voices that told him to harm others, there wasn't any saying what the voices told him to do to himself, and with the thought of Karl lying limp on the cold tiled floor, Sapnap began his search around the library. He could only hope the boy hadn't wandered far, and that he only left in search of a book or in search of a new adventure to write about.

Sapnap searched corners of the library he hadn't been to yet, searching for a mop of messy brown hair that belonged to the boy in question. It didn't take him too long before he found a door leading to a side room, though he did hesitate before turning the knob as he wasn't sure if he was allowed inside said room. Nevertheless, he opened the door to a simplistic room, two twin-sized beds occupying the otherwise empty space with two bedside tables.

Karl sat at the end of one of the beds, his hands folded in his lap neatly and his dull eyes peering up at Sapnap intently. Clearly, Karl was expecting Sapnap, though the raven couldn't help but feel just slightly annoyed that Karl hadn't left a note or something instead of making him worry. Sapnap approached the bed, Karl motioning for him to lay down, Sapnap complying and laying down fully despite his urge to sit up a bit to be more eye level with Karl.

"So good of you to come. How do you like the new view?"

Sapnap would never admit it out loud, but he was quite nervous laying down like this, he felt vulnerable in this position, especially when Karl scooted closer and was functionally leaning over him. Sapnap resisted the urge to let a hand find the side of the boy's face. Karl's gloved hand rested on Sapnap's chest, though not to hold him down, as his touch was gentle and right over his racing heart.

"Are you nervous? Your heartbeat is racing."

Sapnap swallowed, eyeing the hand with a newfound panic as it was a bit too close to his neck. Karl's hand didn't move, however.