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The more simpler times are the moments left forgotten, seeming insignificant as the brighter days of the future continue on. It isn't until the sunny days turn dark and rainy that the more simpler times will be missed and cherished.
~•~•~•~•~
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
If he didn't know any better, then he would have thought that the dripping sound was water falling from the ceiling. Instead, it came from the red vines that were in shambles as they hung limp above and around him, the dark red liquid still staining his clothes and skin. He doesn't bother to question what it is that coats his hands, face, and clothes, nor does he try to acknowledge the strong metallic smell that permanently filled the room. Every time Ant or Punz would come by to visit him, he would always ask for a bucket of water to wash his skin and hair, but nothing to clean his clothes. He's dealt with bloodstained clothes before, it's nothing new to him. It was difficult to wash with an injured arm, but he made it work. He's tried to get them to talk to him when they come by, but all they ever did was take the bucket before passing him his plate of food along with a small potion of healing.
Not once has he seen Karl throughout his time in the cell, and he doesn't know if that should be a good thing or not. There could be a possibility that they're keeping them separated, but in the back of his mind, he knew the truth...He knew the truth...Bad only visited once, but he didn't come to own up to what he did. Doesn't want to give him some sort of reason as to why he did it. He needed answers, and the only person he wants those answers from was the person who put him in the cell in the first place. The person who destroyed a safe haven that he not only built, but also grew to call his home. The person he thought he could trust...Things just always seem to take a turn for the worst for him. Happiness never really does last for anyone on this godforsaken land.
~•~•~•~•~
It's been three days since they last saw Quackity. Three days since the argument. Three days since Karl isolated himself in the library.
Sapnap stared at the library longingly, hoping to see his fiance walk out from those double doors at any moment. He was worried for the other, even though he himself was still going through his own grief. After Quackity left with his engagement ring and wedding rings left on the ground, he tried to give Karl a hug for comfort, but he pushed him away before bolting into the library to isolate himself in his books. He's tried to knock on the double doors multiple times, screaming for him to open, but he never got an answer. With one of his fiances gone, and another isolating himself, he never felt more alone and useless until that moment.
It was happening all over again. People were leaving him. Dream wanted to get rid of him though, and George hasn't left his room in his mushroom house very often as well, but their empty presence still hurt. Now, not only did Quackity leave, but he left their engagement altogether. His reason? They abandoned him. He abandoned him. He didn't though. He didn't abandoned him. He didn't forget about him. He wanted Quackity to be there with them in Kinoko Kingdom, but Karl forgot to tell him. Just like he was forgetting everything else.
Sapnap knew that he was mostly seen as the "all brawn and no brain" type of guy, and maybe he sort of was, but he could see it as clear as day that something was wrong. He didn't notice it at first since everyone always forget a few things every now or then, but it was becoming a little too frequent. It wasn't until he called him by someone named James did he grow concerned. At first, he thought he was cheating, and it would have explained why he was always gone for days and maybe even weeks. But he didn't want to believe it, and he didn't, trusting in Karl enough to know he wouldn't go behind their backs to cheat on them with a stranger. Then, it started to become more serious when he would randomly space out, and immediately forget where he was, walking around aimlessly until he found him. What worried him the most were the times he would wake up in bed from nightmares, mumbling under his breath while clutching tightly onto his shirt.
He tried to bring it up a few times, to give himself some peace of mind that maybe it wasn't something severe, but he was either ignored or the subject would be changed when the subject was brought up. The sudden memory loss and nightmares made him worry, especially with the idea of Karl always leaving to go wherever he decides to disappear to. Hell, he even tried to go down Karl's office once to look for some answers, only to be met with the most angriest glare he ever saw from the brunet. After that, Sapnap decided to give him space, and hope he would come to him when he's needed. But it only seemed to be getting worse as even a simple touch would cause him to flinch away, staring at him as if he was a complete stranger. Maybe he was forgetting about him too . He forgot Quackity, and look what happened.
Letting out a tired sigh, Sapnap ran his fingers through his unusally unkept hair, wincing when he pulled on a few tangled strands. Every passing hour would make the pit in his stomach grow deeper, making himself wonder if Karl will ever come out of his library. He needed to know that he was okay. He needed to know if he still remembers. That he still maybe somewhat remembers Quackity. That he still remembers him . That he still remembers their engagement. That the rings still have some sort of meaning to him instead of being some sort of accessory for decoration. Just at the thought of the rings, he gently places his hand to his chest to feel his engagement and wedding rings burn him through his shirt, reminding him of someone he's already lost. He can't lose Karl either.
With unshed tears blurring his vision, Sapnap quickly blinks them away, giving the library one last look before turning around to make his way to their house just across from it. When he first saw the house after it was done being made, he was in absolute awe with how beautiful it looked. He was amazed by the structure and design of the house when he decided to pay a visit to the country still under construction. They may have built the library, the first building created in their new country, but Kinoko Kingdom wouldn't have looked so magnificent if it wasn't for Foolish. Even Karl agreed that the mushrooms mixed with Japanese structures and designs fit the kingdom perfectly.
Smiling faintly at the memory, he could still remember the sparkle in Karl's eyes as he stared at the kingdom in awe. He would point out any designs that caught his eye, and he even added a few of his own touches by replanting flowers around the structures. The dragon statue was his favorite out of all the structures, its teeth imitating enough to keep people away if they came near. Sapnap stretched a hand out to catch a flower petal, looking up to stare at the beautifully grown cherry blossom tree that sat right in the center of the kingdom. It was a gift from Foolish during his time making the buildings and statues. They've tried to give him some sort of gift or pay in return, but he simply pushed away the gems and gold saying it was free of charge. He said the tree symbolized a time of renewal, that their start of their new country would be a place of rebirth. Soon enough, the cherry blossom tree became their symbol of peace and a place of rebirth from all the tragedy that bestowed on everyone.
Sighing to himself, Sapnap stares at the tree for a few more seconds before making his way inside the house, leaving the sun's warmth to stand in the chilling loneliness. He walked down the entrance hallway to get to the stairs, passing by the kitchen and living room along the way. However, a certain frame hanging on the hallway caught his attention, pausing in his steps to take a moment to stare at the photo. It was just a normal day when they took the photo. No wars. No sides to choose. Just the rare moments of peace. They decided to go out that day to take a stroll around nature to take a moment to escape their work, and the conflicts that surrounded them.
Sapnap remembers that it was Karl that suggested the idea during breakfast, a wide smile painting his face as he bounced in his seat. Once they finished breakfast, he grabbed their hands before dragging them out of the kitchen, and out the door to start their day out. He could still hear Quackity's infectious laugh after watching their fiance get overly excited about the plans he had for them before tripping over his own feet onto the ground. The brunet simply pouted at his fiance before joining in his laughter, and he too soon followed after him. Their stroll through the forest was uneventful, but he loved it nonetheless as he got to watch the loves of his life finally let the tension bleed from their shoulders to relax. The photo was something he was glad to have clumsily taken that day, to remember their rare moment of peace. Soon enough, they changed their direction towards the beach, and there, they walked along the beach, holding hands as they let their feet sink into the wet sand.
Calloused fingers gently wipe away at the dust that built up against the frame's glass. Taking the frame off the wall, Sapnap held it in his hands, reminiscing in that wonderful moment before a wave of emotions took over him. Whether the memories that he dearly cherished are coming back to taunt him of his loss, or to give him a form of closure, he doesn't know. Every flower would remind him of the times they went out to walk along the flower fields to have a picnic on the highest hill. Every burning fire would remind him of the warmth he felt when he let himself melt into their warm embraces. Every star in the night sky would remind him of the freckles that dance gleefully across Karl's face. Every chime of a bell would remind him of Quackity's infectious laughter over the most stupidest of things. Every night alone in his room would remind him of the deep fear of losing those he loves, watching them leave him behind like everyone else.
Sapnap puts the frame back on the wall as he goes back to making his way to his room upstairs. However, before he could take another step down the hall, a knock echoes around the silent house. Turning around, he stares at the front door, hoping that it was just something falling outside. When another knock comes from the door, he barely contains in his excitement as he bolts down the hall to get to the front door.
"Karl! I'm so glad you're finally back. I was worried abou-Oh, uh, hey Bad."
"Hello Sapnap!"
His excitement dims along with his spark of hope, but he smiles nonetheless since it's been awhile since he's last seen Bad. The last time he saw him was back when they still lived somewhere close to L'Manburg , having an argument about some egg he found inside a cave he dug up. Sapnap rubs the back of his neck anxiously, walking out of the house to shut the door behind him to stand outside with the tall demon.
"So, uh, what are you doing here? I mean, how did you even get here? This place is way off the grid from where L'Manburg is."
"Oh, just a lucky guess of direction I guess."
Bad smiles brightly down at him, and that smile becomes infectious as he smiles back more genuinely .
"As for why I'm here, I'm here to look for you and Karl actually, and Quackity if he's here as well."
At the mention of Quackity, Sapnap clenches his fist, but pushes his emotions down as he continues to smile, just less genuinely than before.
"Quackity isn't here, but Karl and I are here. Karl should be-"
"That's fine! I just thought he would be here since you guys are together and all, but just you guys is fine. Would you like to take a walk with me back to my place ? We can catch up, and we can even take Karl with us as well!"
"Well, I-"
"Oh come on, Sap! It's been so long since we talked with all the wars and stuff, we haven't had time to sit down and chat like the good ol' days!"
Sapnap nodded while giving Bad a hesitant smile, feeling suddenly unnerved by the demon's overly excited energy.
"Uh, yeah, yeah, um, Bad?"
"Yes Sappy?"
"Are you...okay? You seem pretty happy today. Did something good happen while I was gone?"
At that, the demon looming over him perks up, clapping his hands together as a large smile grew on his face.
"Oh yes! I would have loved to mention this while on our way back , but I guess the cat is out of the bag, huh?"
Sapnap chuckles at Bad's sheepish laugh as he rubs the back of his neck, nodding at the statement while forcing himself to relax a bit.
"You see, we were wondering if you and Karl would like -"
"Wait, we?"
Suddenly, two figures jump down from their position on top of his house, both landing behind the tall demon.
"Ant? Punz ?"
Sapnap nearly jumps back after they land, instinctively going for his sword until he remembers that he left it on the kitchen table after sharpening it last night. He stares at Bad in confusion, but the demon simply ignores the two, continuing to stare him down while having that now unnerving smile on his face.
"As I was saying Sapnap, we want you and Karl to join us."
"Join what?"
"The Egg, Sapnap. I'm sure you remember the Egg, right? It didn't like you at first, but the Egg sees potential in you. It also sees potential in Karl, but mostly you, you'll be a perfect addition to the Eggpire ."
"The Egg? The Eggpire ? What the hell is this Bad? I thought we agreed that you would leave that stupid egg alone."
He didn't miss the way Bad's eyebrow twitched, or the way his hands tightened their grip against each other's grasp before relaxing once more. Nor did he miss the way Ant played with the flint and steel in his hand while Punz switched the axe from his left hand to his right.
"It's not stupid, and it's not just a normal egg. It's a being to worship, and with our service of protecting it, it gives us anything we want."
"Bad, that's a load of bull, and you know it! It's just an egg ! It can't give you-"
"It can , and it will give you anything if you just love the Egg, and give it your protection from those that want to destroy it. You just haven't spend time with the Egg is all. If you just follow me, I can show you that the Egg means well. We can even bring Karl with us. You guys can be together while spending time with the Egg. Trust me, you'll love i-"
"No! I'm not joining some stupid cult that worships some egg that is underground. Goddammit Bad, you should have let me explode that thing when I had the chance! This thing is just messing with your head! Hell, you even got those two in it as well!"
" Enough ! "
Grinding down on his teeth, Sapnap keeps his mouth shut as he glares up at Bad, taking a step back when he takes a step closer to lean down close enough to be face to face.
"I really was hoping you would come with us willingly, Sapnap, but you always were quite the stubborn one... Punz , you know what to do."
"Hey!-"
Sapnap reaches out to grab Bad's arm, but flinches back when Punz suddenly advances towards him with an axe in hand. Ant turns around to follow the demon, leaving the mercenary to deal with the other. He takes a few steps back as the other continues to advance forward, the smooth surface of the diamond axe glistening in the sun's rays.
" Punz , come on man. You're not seriously going to do this, right? Are you really going to fucking kill me for some fucking egg?!"
"It's just business, Sapnap, don't take it too seriously."
" Fuck !-"
Opening the door, he quickly shuts it on Punz's face, putting his body weight against the door in case the other tries to push it open. Sapnap nearly startles back when the axe breaks through the door, barely missing his face by a few inches. Pushing himself away from the front door, the familiar feeling of adrenaline starts to kick in as he runs into the kitchen to grab his sword, rushing up the stairs to get to the main bedroom when he hears the front door be kicked down from its hinges. Slamming the door open, he immediately shuts it before dragging the drawer near the bed towards the door, using it as a blockade before making his way towards the window. He doesn't bother to think twice as he opens the window, grabbing onto the edge of the roof before pulling himself up.
Once he gets onto the roof, he runs across the wooden platforms to get to the hill beside his house, but he barely gets halfway until a flaming arrow suddenly flies past his face. Sapnap ducks down to avoid another arrow, mentally cursing himself for forgetting to grab his bow and arrows from inside. He didn't need to turn around to know that the fire was eating away at the wood, but he couldn't help himself when he started to hear a familiar hissing sound. Navy blue eyes widen, his body freezing in place as the fire from the arrows burn a box containing sticks of TNT. Cursing under his breath, he pushes himself back up, making a break for it to get off the roof as fast as possible. He barely makes it until the familiar sound of explosions fill the air, finding himself flying from the blast as everything around him slows down.
One moment, he could see Bad standing in the distance at the entrance of the library, and then the next, the ground starts to grow closer and closer until he was barely a few inches away.
Crack.
~•~•~•~•~
"-ke him back with you. Just make sure to-"
Everything was blurry.
"- aling potions can fix it, but it'll take ti -"
There was ringing in his ears.
"-ere Karl is. He's not here like Sapnap sa -"
Why did everything feel so tingly and numb?
"- orget him. Just finish putting the-"
Is that Bad? Fuck . Where's his sword?
Slowly, he tilts his head to the side, staring at his hand numbly as he tries to move it. His vision focuses and blurs until he can vaguely make out his sword lying just a few feet away from him. Either they were ignoring him, or didn't notice that he was awake, he was going to take the chance to at least grab his sword. Sapnap bites down on his tongue when a sudden excruciating pain comes from his arm and chest, taking in a few deep breaths until it hurt too much to breathe. Pushing past the pain, he sucks it up as he flips himself over to drag his body across the bloodstained grass. He doesn't have to look at his left arm, or see his chest to know that it's broken. He can feel the blood soaking his shirt, and the stabbing pain that comes every time he moves it. It was harder to breathe with every inhale of air he took, every breath of air coming out in short gasps along with the metallic taste that coats the inside of his mouth.
He never felt more weak with every staggering breath, or every stabbing pain that came from his arm and chest. He never felt more vulnerable as he drags his body across the grass with his back against his enemy, friends?, until he can get some form of weapon in his hands. Said weapon was just in front of him, his fingers barely grazing against the familiar piece of cloth tied around the end of his handle until a metal clad boot comes down on his fingers, flinching at the uncomfortable shift in his bones. Stifling a cry, Sapnap takes in a staggering breath before glaring up at the emotionless face of the demon.
"Now now Sapnap, no need to be pushing yourself too much. Just relax, and go to sleep. We'll wake you up when you're finally home."
"This is...my home...you bastard."
"Language, Sappy! Anyways, we couldn't find Karl, so looks like you'll be coming with us by yourself. Don't worry! We'll give you company while spending your time with the Egg. The Egg really wants to see you, so you guys can talk while recovering. Those are some nasty injuries you got there from trying to jump off an exploding building. Try not to do that again, okay?"
He decides to save his breath by not saying anything, biting his bottom lip when Bad finally removes his foot from his fingers. Sapnap watches as the demon kneels down to pick up his sword, feeling a wave of unease and fear wash over him as he stares at his own reflection through the sword's smooth surface. When was the last time that he felt true fear? When was the last time did he allow himself to be the one put at sword point?
"I know you would want to use your own sword when you come to join us, but I need to use your sword as a...message per say. So, I do apologize in advance, Sapnap."
"What do you me-"
The words barely had time to leave his mouth before he watched in utter shock and disbelief as Bad takes the sword in his hand before completely snapping it in two. It was a complete full netherite sword, the hardest material to break, yet he watched it be broken in half as if it was a stick. The sharpened part of the sword fell onto the floor as the handle was held in the demon's hand. He barely even registered the hands grabbing his arms to lift him up until his left arm was shifted at a certain angle to cause a pained groan leave his lips. Now that he was somewhat standing, he could feel a sharp pain in his right knee, but ignores it as he's turned around to face the destruction. His house was missing part of its roof as it continues to burn. What caught his attention though was the small pile of gunpowder beside Bad's feet, a line of it going from the pile towards the library.
"
Wh
-What are you doing, Bad? What the
fuck
are you doing?
!"
"Language, and it's nothing! I'm simply sending a message. A message to a certain someone you may know. For now, just sit back and watch."
"Bad, stop, please . PLEASE! Karl is in there! KARL IS IN-"
He tried to fight back against the person holding him back, feeling hopeless as he watches Bad take the flint and steel from Ant's hand, lighting the gunpowder with a single flick of his wrist. Sapnap follows the line until he looks up to stare at the library, a choked sob escaping his bloodied lips when he finds himself staring into scared chocolate brown eyes. A sudden burst of energy takes over him as throws his head back to hit Punz on the nose , pulling his arms out of his grasp to limp towards the library. Towards Karl. With the sudden adrenaline rush, he goes from limping to a jog to a run as his body goes numb to every injury in his body. Stretching his arm out, he desperately reaches out to pull his fiance away from the full blunt of the explosion, screaming with every last bit of energy he had left.
"KARL!"
Maybe if he had just ran faster...If he had just gotten a few inches closer...maybe he wouldn't have to be so alone anymore.
"Whatcha got there?"
"Hey Sapnap! Like these new goggles I made?"
"They look sick man! What are you going to do with those goggles anyways?"
"It's just something I made for fun, and it'll maybe be useful in the future, who knows."
"Well, they sort of make you look like a dork."
"Oh shut up! You look like a dork with your bandana on!"
"Hey! Leave my bandana alone!"
"Then leave my goggles alone!"
"Fine!"
"Pfft, okay okay, but hey, can you promise me something?"
"Yeah, what is it?"
"If I lose these goggles, and you end up finding them, would you mind holding onto them for me? I might end up accidentally leaving them behind when I leave for some, uh, library business."
"Sure! I'll make sure to hold onto them until you get back. I promise."
Huddling in one of the corners, Sapnap holds the broken goggles in his hand as he sits back against the wall, ignoring the silent tears that streamed down his face. He's hopelessly waited for a certain brunet to appear by the door to take him home, but it was a useless thing to hope on. Just like his hope to getting out of here anytime soon.
"I kept my promise Karl. Now, I'm just waiting on you...come back...please...I don't want to be alone anymore..."
Shutting his eyes, he doesn't open them when he hears the door open, nor does he open them when gentle fingers wipe away the falling tears. The only time he did open them was to stare blankly at the knife strapped onto the person's belt, completely blocking out the words the other was saying. Without hesitation, his hand immediately reaches out for the knife while the other held onto the broken goggles tighter. He doesn't stop when he hears Bad yell his name, nor does he stop when he finally had the one thing to take him to freedom.
To Karl.
'If you won't come back...then I'll come to you.'