Alter Ego [Karlnap]

Torn at the Seams

1-7 Omens

Sapnap admittedly was slacking on his reading, he found more entertainment in just thinking, especially about Karl. It was beginning to get hard to ignore the way his heart flutters every time he thinks about the boy or the way his mind seems to wander to doing weirdly intimate and domestic things with Karl. Sapnap wasn't one to question things like this or deny them, he was developing something beyond the want to be Karl's friend, and it scared him.

Not because he was scared of commitment or being in a relationship with the boy, but because he one, barely knew simple things about the boy, and two, wasn't sure if he'd ever see Karl again after finding what he needs here. But surely there was a way to come back to this place, just to see Karl again, they would make it work. That is, if Karl even felt the same, perhaps Sapnap should keep this to himself for now.

Though he's been slacking, Sapnap has indeed been reading at least once every day like he has been told to do, it wasn't like there was anything else to do here anyway, and the books he read served as great ways to allow him to think differently about life and its struggles. He hadn't gotten around to reading Karl's new book yet, but he did read another book he found in the library, one titled 'Demian' by Herman Hesse. A book about self-discovery, definitely something he should be reading about at a time like this.

However, the clock struck an unknown hour, Sapnap already making his way towards Karl for his daily visit. Or maybe it was more weekly, or even hourly, Sapnap wasn't sure. After all, time seemed to be a thing that always slipped from his mind here.

Sapnap held his breath as he turned the corner, hoping Karl wouldn't make him go on another hunt for him, and thankfully, he was standing behind the desk flipping through the same worn journal as he always did. Sapnap approached, taking his seat on his usual stool, the other stool going empty as usual.

"It seems you have gotten used to how things work in this place. I think we're ready to progress, don't you?"

Sapnap gave a confused look, progress what?

"Whatever is the matter? Afraid of change? You don't have to be, nothing will change right away. Yet, when I look at you as you are now... you seem content to walk your own path."

Perhaps Karl was right, but Sapnap had no plans to leave Karl behind.

"I have nothing further to tell you. After all, you will decide your own fate. Ah... something unwanted this way comes. Yes, it's that Façade. Let their words in one ear and out the other, there's no need to heed them whatsoever."

Sapnap nodded, not like he was going to listen to Rex regardless.

"I, however, will be off for now," Karl spoke, already picking up a bag and his journal.

Sapnap was disappointed that Karl was leaving, but he knew the boy would return in due time.

"Stay safe, Karl."

Karl only smiled at the words before walking off towards the back end of the library. Sapnap would be sure to listen to Karl's advice, he wouldn't listen to that... thing... that tormented Karl so. The library around him began to fade, whispers becoming louder as things became darker.

Rex was close, and it had a few words it would like to share with Sapnap. Rex came into view after everything turned dark, Sapnap now in the abyss he has come to hate, maybe that's only because Karl never seemed to be here with him in this dark place.

"We meet again, my lost child. I have been watching each choice you make, every step you take."

Suddenly a disturbing question was answered for Sapnap, Rex was the one behind the eyes of the beautiful sapphire creatures that watch over the library, and with this thought in mind, it somehow ruined their beauty.

"You would walk your own path, even if there is no road. The way will be treacherous, conformity lights the way. If you insist on continuing, you have my protection."

Sapnap thought differently, conformity wasn't the only way.

"Until we meet again, never forget: choose based on logic."

Rex vanished, as it usually does, and the loud whispers that made Sapnap's head hurt disappeared with it. Now that Sapnap thought about it, Rex doesn't really have a gender, does it? Surely the being doesn't care about pronouns, Sapnap was sure it didn't even have feelings.

The library started to come back into view, providing Sapnap with the comfort he longed for. Although he had no previous plans to listen to Rex, he couldn't help but think, despite having the being's protection regardless of his choices, if he didn't choose based on logic, would something bad happen? There would be plenty of time for him to think on this while he stays here and before Karl returns, for now, he shall read the boy's next book.