Chapter Text
The Bus ride back home was simple on paper. Many students saw it as a quick ride to their Main destination, but not to a certain long-brunette hair gal. To Karina, it was a moment of peace, where She could watch all the parks, buildings, and houses of Her hometown rush by. For any day, that was the usual routine. Today, though, Her focus was entirely on the book She had a tight grip against Her chest. She didn’t want to take any risks with what She saw until She got home. Her thoughts were buzzing around in Her head. Every few seconds, She frantically checked to see if the paper between the book cover moved at all. She Was tempted to just open it right there on the School bus to see what that talking paper was all about…or, was it even real in the first place? She did almost fall asleep, and The Long-haired brunette was pondering on Her thoughts, thinking, “Was it all real?”
A voice startled her train of thought. She could only respond with a “Huh?”
“We’re here. Your Neighborhood, Karina.” The Bus Driver said while opening the door and the Varsity-Jacket Girl sat there for a moment, slowly processing. Almost like a ding bell, She processed those words and snatched Her pac back and made a run for it.
“Ah! Thank You, Mister!” She blurted out as She jumped out from the bus and gave a quick wave to the Bus driver before running towards Her home.
The run towards home was quick. Karina skids around the corners, some people taking their pets for a walk looking at the energetic gal running wildly, skidding and screeching to a stop, like Her shoes will have an emergency pedal being used as She comes to a halt. Right when She reaches the door. The Long-Hair Brunette with a lot of energy to unpack shakes the door open, and it doesn’t budge.
“What!?” Karina shouts as She knocks all around the door, and then tries again to open it. but no budge at all. Getting annoyed, Karina shoves right into it with Her shoulder and goes for one more attempt at it, until…
“Whoooo is it?” However, a small and calm voice comes from the other side of the door. One that Karina wholeheartedly will recognize.
“¿‘Manito? ¿Eres tu? ¡Soy Yo, Karina! Abre la puerta por favor.” Karina said softly and stopped forcing the Door knob.
“¡Karinaaa! ¡Bienvenida! Espera…¿y tu llave?” Her Brother was asking if She had her key to which the Brunette simply stood there blinking and blankly. Three dots slowly appeared above Her head before it clicked on Her head.
“Oh…” She states, reaching inside Her Varsity Jacket pockets and She felt out a little magical Owl keychain. “That solves that.” Karina declared, unlocking the door. She threw it open a second later, Her brother just barely leaping out of the way of its swing.
“‘Manita!” He exclaims, throwing His arms open for a hug and Karina scooped Him up in a tight bear hug.
“Gage! Como estas, Manito!” She chirply asks while one-arm hugging Him while Gage dangled in Her arms, feeling like He was being cartoonishly stretched by the sheer force of Her hug.
“I’m doing fine! I missed You! Mamá said You weren’t gonna be at practice! And You might come late because of Books and Studying! But You’re back!” Gage said all enthusiastically.
Karina couldn’t help, but to smile softly at the excitement Her Little Brother could show, but then it dawned on Her, “Oh? Mama is here?” Karina asks while looking around and just around the corner of the hall, a Woman with dark hair and Much Longer Hair, even than Karina’s mane, walks out and makes Her way right into the living room and gasps upon seeing Karina.
“Hijita! Bienvenida!” The Mother of Karina and Gage says and runs to hug both Barron Siblings while twirling them around. Now it was turn for Karina to get squished by a hug.
“M-Mamaaaaaa… Thank You…. but gotta…. breaaaath.” Karina sgasps doing Her best to hug Her Mom back. Gage was struggling just as much in the bear hug, but he managed to hug both His Sister and Their Mom.
“Oh! My Bad.” Their Mother said, letting down Her children down. She turns her focus on the Eldest Sibling, “Hija, I was really surprised! When Your Principal informs Us that You’ll be staying for a study session at School! I am so glad that You're Taking more serious your studies!” She said with such glee while clapping Her hands. Karina couldn’t help but to rub Her right arm at the mention of that.
“Oh dear, look at the time though, it's almost time for dinner! Your father and I could perhaps work something out and see if We can get someone to bring You in and…” Mrs. Barron trailed off, mumbling to Herself about the recent news. Karina waved it off, and Gage looked at Her Sister.
“Uhh, No, You don’t need to, Mom. I can catch the Bus just fine. No need for You or Dad to get into the library…” Karina responds and slowly, She realized that She was still tightly holding the library book. “THE TALKING PAPER.” She accidentally shouted aloud, Her hair frizzed up like a cat trying to protect its territory. Gage yelps from the sudden jumpscare. Holding the book in Her hand, She could feel something moving in between and struggling to get out.
“Talking Paper? Is that the name of the book You got there?” Their Mom said, leaning closer to look at the book Her daughter was holding. Karina quickly and protectively held it farther away.
“Uhhh!! Nope, nope! It's about Physics and stuff, yeah! Y-Yeah! Mhm!” Karina blurts out. She quickly steps to the other side of the hallway to make a quick run for Her room. “Anyways! Call Me when dinner is ready!! K Thanks Bye!!” She says while making a run for it.
Karina barged right into Her room. Revealing a cozy and small room with the necessities of any Teenager in the Room. There was a bed, shelf, desk, drawers, and a coat hanger with lots of jackets, including an extra varsity jacket. Her walls are decorated with posters of Basketball superstars, and Soccer Teams as well one for The Owl House. Four trophies and a collection of medals for a variety of basketball plays. Books scattered all across the floor. The Brunette immediately throws Her backback into Her bed, and flops down at Her desk. She threw the books on Her desk onto the floor with the rest of them to make room for the one in her arms, then took out Her cellphone.
With Her phone at hand, and the Other leaning to open the Book, “Alright…Let's see what You are…” She says, sweating nervously. The Brunette ripped open the Book! Only to find…nothing. She gawked, “HUH!?”
Karina could’ve sworn that She felt the struggle and movement of something…inside the book. Like something being trapped and being forced there, but She oddly finds just blank pages for a book about Physics. No exercises, No problems, or formulas. Nothing, but crumpled papers. “But… It was just right here!” Karina said, Her tone was already shifting into an annoyed one. She picks up the book with Her free hand, and shakes it wildly trying to find something that would even resemble the sentient talking paper She just witnessed in the library, hours ago. But nothing of sorts.
“Hablas en serio, maje?” Karina said to herself, Her disappointment sinking in. But deep down, She was still convinced of what She knew, what She saw. She sighed and sank into Her chair, putting Her phone aside on her desk…
She sat there in deep silence and looked up at the roof, “But…I knew what I saw. it was like a piece of Origami holding something…what Even were they looking at?” Karina's thoughts were much more like a train trying to find its station and just stop to let out all those thoughts at the moment, but then looking back at the book, She figured it's best to just leave it at that. “Still can’t believe there is an actual Physics book that just literally says physics and stuff.” The Brunette stood up and calmly made Her way to the hang coat and took off Her jacket revealing Her dark tank top with a triangular-styled crab with many colored neon lights.
Just as Karina was finally laying off from Her School Day. She adjusted her massive mane of hair now that it was free from Her jacket. Now She could finally lay off from Her school day. Unbeknownst to Her, While She wasn’t looking, the pages of the book began to Move. The Pages started flipping until it came to a stop where Karina found the crumpled paper. Said crumpled paper started to come to life, reshaping into intricate folds, forming a hand, it pushed itself into standing position. Though it was never attached to the book in the first place. The folds became more precise, with each corner being held like someone was making a craft, but it was only the page itself doing it. It was loud enough for Karina to stop everything and look to see what that sound was. “WHA!?” Karina yelped and tripped on her own feet and landed with a thud! “Oooow.” She complains, but once She has processed the pain, She looks up.
“Ha HA!! You can’t fool or stop Me, Foul Beast! For I am Sir Sharpen!! And My Will is as strong as ANY Knight in the Papelers!” The sentient talking paper was back, and He was floating down as he slowly sheathed His Sword, “And that Pen will be Ours for the Glory!” He declares.
“I KNEW IT! I knew I wasn’t CRAZY! YOU TALK!!” Karina quickly paces Herself and positions on Her Knees ready to bounce in. Quickly glancing where She put Her cellphone, now She has one Goal in mind.
“I do indeed talk! And I see Your plan! This is where You’ve hidden the True Sword of the Pens, huh? Well, You won’t get away with it!” Sir Sharpen said while positioning for an attack and leaping towards the Brunette.
Karina shot up to her feet, holding up her arms in defense.. Sir Sharpen’s attack leaves a trail of what it appeared to be like almost a holy light trail with sparkles as He swings within His sword. It was all spectacle and Sir Sharpen, the Paper Knight, seems that it put up quite a flare. However, despite the slash and swing being quite impressive, one could see a big Question mark on top of Karina’s head as She was looking for something to happen. Nothing really came out of it. However, for the Paper knight, He stood there proudly, posing with his Sword.
“Hmm, it appears that I would need to take it up a notch.” He said, but before He could move, he was dangling high above the floor. Karina had picked him up easily.
“Yeah, Uh-huh, You definitely are very alive and doing all that stuff, man.” Karina said while grabbing Her cellphone with Her right hand and not wasting time to get into Camera and searching for Video. “Now lets see…” And While Karina was using this chance to record Her evidence, Sir Sharpen tried to use this chance to get away. Emphasize on the word try. He did everything in his power to free himself from the burly brunette’s grasp, but to no avail. All of His sword slashes were rendered useless by Karina’s gloves..
“Hmmmmm it appears that She’s using some sort of Shield! Pretty clever, foul beast! But I am far from done!” Sir Sharpen said while this time putting on His Helmet and ripping apart the first layer of His Sword. “I didn’t plan on using this, but I have no choice…” Sir Sharpen draws His sword to the skies, and then closes His eyes. The Folded Sword now unfolds more as the Small knight unleashes His strength to his Hand.
“There We go!” Karina said while now putting the record and putting up in front of Sir Sharpen, but just after the camera records, Sir Sharpen vanishes. “Hmm???”
Almost everything faded to black. Bright, sparkling lines, slashes all around through the darkness with overwhelming speed, and they packed a huge punch. Once the darkness had lifted, Sir Sharpen posed on the ground triumphantly, his sword drawn in the air. “It's Done!!”
As that happens, Karina looks at the paper knight just standing there still impressive in His Pose and standing truth. The Brunette though was still in shock how He moved that fast. “Uhhhhh…” Karina had no words, but then shrugs it off as She goes on to record, but just like that, She felt a sting pain in Her fingers. “OOF! Owowowowo! PAPER CUT!” She said while dropping down Her cellphone in the floor and putting Her x-mark cuts in Her finger on Her mouth.
“Fear Me!!” Sir Sharpen simply shouts while drawing His Sword towards Karina confident in His Skills. With a heroic laugh and still posing and already calling the battle over. However, it was far from it as Sir Sharpen could even feel a Squeak sound as He was suddenly Squish grabbed by Karina’s good hand.
“¡¡¡Pequeño pedazo de..!!!” Karina growled. She was not happy at all. She was angry enough to spit flames, if that were possible, “Do YOU have ANY idea how bad the paper cuts are!?” She shouted, louder than She expected. She quieted herself down and looked for her cellphone on the floor when She heard a knock on the door.
“¿Hijita? ¿Está todo bien?” Suddenly, the voice of Karina’s Mom comes from the other side of the door. Just as the Girl with the Tank-Top crab shirt was about to respond, Karina had an idea. With a wide smug that almost resembles a hating-Christmas creature with Her hair strands on top of Her head curling deviously, She responds…
“¡Si, Mamá! ¡Todo bien aqui!” Karina said almost in a singy tone as She headed on to open the Door. Just as the Short-temper Girl was about to open, unbeknownst to Her, Her backpack’s zipper was moving. Almost like something was inside, the zipper slowly was ripped apart as the bag now was just barely open for a familiar rodent yet metallic face to peak out. The Mouse, Sir Sharpen's companion had gotten free from the bag and scanning the room, They detect Sir Sharpen.
“In fact, Mamá, Why don’t ya take a look…” Karina said opening the door and the Little Mouse acts fact. Squinting Their eyes, a cyan bluish light comes out from them. Both rays hitting just at Sir Sharpen’s body, engulfing it around. The Paper knight could only now look around, and now the Giant brute opens the door to an even bigger and longer mane brute from His view.
“THIS!” Karina presents Sir Sharpen and Mrs. Barron could only look.
It was all over….
“Oh!! “ Karina’s Mom gaze was full of sparkles as She clapped both Hands. “Sweetie!! I didn’t know You were into Arts and Crafts! This is an incredible origami!” Mrs. Barron squeals and just is in delight to see Her Daughter’s…ability. Karina was taken back at this and just turned around back and forth to both the Knight and Her mom, slowly it just dawned on the confused gal.
“Ohhhh! Oh! I can see the confusion, Mom! But No! This is more than just Origami! IT CAN TALK!” She says showing more Sir Sharpen, but not a single mutter of a word could be heard from Him. “IT CAN EVEN MOVE!” Karina said, opening Her palm only for the Paper Knight to flop like any regular paper. “What the…”
Mrs. Barron claps more and ruffles a bit on Karina’s hair making it even spike up more if that was even possible, “That's so Sweet, mijita!” She said with such a smile, “Tu hermanito le va encantar!! We have two Great Artists in the family! Please show it to Him later, please?” Mrs. Barron said with a smile.
Karina wants to say something or anything, but slowly, Sir Sharpen was falling slowly, and floating around, almost a bit slower compared to Him being…an origami? The Brunette just takes a look in the corner of Her eyes and notices it comes from Her backpack and could only squint. “Mom, Believe Me, it can talk!! Look! It gave Me TWO Paper Cuts!” She said, showing the X-Mark paper cuts.
However, this only made her Mom worry more, “Mija! Ayyyy, Are You okay? Do You need some cleaning water?” Mrs Barron said while taking a closer look of Her Hand and fingers.
“M-Mamá, I’m fine, really. It's just a paper cut! I had worse and I’ll…” She says, but Mrs. Barron went firm and kissed the cut fingers of Her’s.
“Nonsense! I’ll be right back! We need more First Aid Kits here. Gonna see if I can find some clean water and band-aids!! Please wash Your hands, sweetie! I’ll have them ready for You!” Karina’s Mom blurts out and is gone as the wind as Her Daughter is stumped there as Her Hair strands atop were twitching with Her just looking onward.
Meanwhile for Sir Sharpen, He was just being dragged over to the Mouse companion as it shifted once again floating just above Karina’s bed and the little blue lasers immediately disappeared. Sir Sharpen draws again His Sword towards Karina, “Thank You, HP Mouse! My Fellow Friend, We should defeat this Beast now!” Sir Sharpen said while HP Mouse simply looked at HIm.
“Sir Sharpen, Our Potentials won’t last long here. According to my quick analysis, We’re about 86% far far away from Our destination of Return. If We don’t get out, there is a 90% chance that We’ll be at the mercy of this World.” HP Mouse said as Sir Sharpen wonders for a moment as the antenna ears from HP Mouse were scanning more around.
“Hmmmm….I Like those odds! Now! EN GARDE!!” He said once again as HP Mouse simply shakes His mechanical head and the little tail just drooping down.
Karina was looking at the scene and during all that, She just had Her hand completely covering Her face and wiping down Her face like She was struck with either hot or cold water. It was all real, and right now, the Tank-Top fashionista could only sigh and try to comprehend whatever was happening right now in Her Room. A Talking sentient paper that is all Origami style, and all with a Mouse, or what She thought was a Mouse but also a robot. Her Cellphone vibrates with a Ding! Sound as the notif reads, “New Wifi Areas detected!”
The Girl could only look at Her phone then back to Sir Sharpen who wasn’t backing down. She simply signs and goes on to sit down and even question whatever was happening…or what happened. “I have a talking paper being and somehow a mix of a robot and a mouse in my room and yet I can’t show it…” Karina trails that last sentence, still determined to show Her findings of this close encounter.
Would it even count like that?
“Ahh! So You have finally noticed Your downfall, Beast!?” Sir Sharpen adds much to the annoyance of Karina as She had some visible veins in Her fist.
“Muy bien, Alright, alright…” She stands firm and points at both Sir Sharpen and HP Mouse. “First of all, RUDE! I’m not a Beast You know! I don’t know where you even got that from! Second of all, I’m not gonna try anything, alright! Last thing I want is my hands to be in bad conditions for any play for the Basketball team.” Karina said while taking off Her fingerless Gloves and putting them aside into Her desk. “Third, What even are You? And You too! As far as I know, paper doesn’t talk! Or…at least the Origamis don’t talk or…move around…Do they?” Karina Said. She wonders if that question is of Her's would be possible.
Sir Sharpen, still being on the offense, “Hmmmm, I’m not sure if I would back down, You…uhhh, Giant? Are You a dragon?” Sir Sharpen was quite confused and asked Karina.
“Wh- I’m not a Dragon! I mean, They are Cool and All, but I’m not! I am a Human! Can’t You see??” Karina said while pointing all of Her with an unamused and annoyed tone, “Besides, I have a name. I’m Karina.” She responds.
“Hmmmmmm…Very well then, Karina the Human! It's a great pleasure to make acquaintances with You!” Sir Sharpen slowly lowers His Sword and then takes a look at His fellow Mouse, “And this right here is my Loyal Companion, Heart-Powered Mouse! Or also HP for Short!” Sir Sharpen presents Them.
“Current status… a Greeting. Nice to Meet You, Karina the Human.” They said in its robotic tone but also smiling at Her.
Karina couldn’t help, but to grin a bit, never and Never in Her life She would’ve thought to actually talk about presenting Herself to a paper sentient being or even a Mouse, let alone a robot one. “Right, right…Soooo, Uhhh, lets just cut to the chase. I already asked this, but like seriously, just to be like One-Hundred percent sure, the Both of You are actually here? Like, like, this isn’t some sort of like, weird things from Youtube and Y’all will be a blur mess if I record Y’All?” Karina asks.
“It is best of Your interest if We remain hidden under anything that can be considered public with You. We’ve been tasked to and such, I want the result of said task to be done in every single way possible. By all means, to the end of Your incognita, We are here indeed, but the task has also been compromised with Your sight towards Us, so it's best to keep it as simple as possible.” HP Mouse explains as despite the explanation, both the Paper Knight and the Mouse could see the floating question marks around the Brunette that was just standing there like there were dot eyes on Her trying to decipher what was just said.
“To answer briefly Your question, We are real, but it would be better if You keep it a secret.” Sir Sharpen said gripping tight His Sword at that.
“Okaaaaaaay, Thank You, but if that's the case, Why did You appear all of sudden and try to attack and steal my Pen? What was the whole point then?” Karina still asks, a bit confused.
Sir Sharpen all of sudden takes a leap and makes a cartwheel right into the Desk and walks just on top of the blank-pages book. “I am afraid the place We call Home is far far from the knowledge of Anything that goes beyond the Gates! Our Purpose though! In here! For these mysterious lands, We are tasked by the Guardians under Their Orders and watch outs! For WE needed their power once again for the O Great Sword that is the Bane of the Mistakes! The Holder of the Sacred Inks!! The link for ALL the Potential Elements! To Help my Land.” Sir Sharpen said, with each passing moment, everything going dark, and imagined a huge circle that would rotate like a clock and make a lock sound. Karina could feel like She was in a puppet shadow show and through the mention of Sacred Pen, it sounded more like just School materials for Her.
“Uhhhhhhh…Sooooooo, You needed to borrow my Pen?” She said with a little shrug.
“Yes, however, Sir Sharpen…” HP Mouse floats just above The desk and throws in the pen that Karina had put back on Her backpack as She gave a little “Hey!” when dropping it and scanning. “It appears, We also made a mistake. For this Pen, isn’t the Sacred Potential ones that gets ahold of the Elemental Ones. If My calculations aren’t mistaken, It seems there is a 65.29% chance that We’ll find it back in the Close Gates of The Guardian.” HP Mouse explains and Sir Sharpen could only nod as the Human among them was just as lost as much before.
“The what to the what now?” Karina’s tone wasn’t hiding at all Her lack of Knowledge about the situation that apparently goes back within The Paper Knight and HP Mouse.
“Mhm, Understood. Well then, My Advanced Technology Companion! It appears that it's set back to that destination now!” Sir Sharpen puts back His Sword where it was. And prepares to jump down, however…
He comes to a halt.
“Wait…How do We get back?” Sir Sharpen asks out loud.
“Para, para, para, Perame un Momentito…” Karina was waving around Her hands while walking close to them and sitting down in Her desk. “You’re telling Me that You both need to go back to the Library of my School then?” She asks just to be sure.
“Is that how it's referred in Here, Karina?” Sir Sharpen asks the Human Girl.
“If by that, You refer to a big place with Lots of Books like this one right here, then Yeah. I guess? How would Y’All even know about this working afterall? Could be some other place or even like the other side of Earth even!” Karina responds while pointing to the Book that Sir Sharpen was still standing on. Now noticing the little glows from the position that Sharpen was standing on. “Must’ve been part of Him?”
“Ahh! Problem Solved! We’re just gonna ask You with all due respect that You bring Us back to Our destination, Karina!” Sir Sharpen said with a smile. And that made Karina just back up with Her chair and lean the back of Her right arm on the lean side of the chair.
“Hold On! Wait! Can’t You both just wait til tomorrow? The Bus School just dropped Me from the School and I don’t think Mamá or Papá would want to drive Me that late!” Karina explains Herself. “Besides, HP Mouse! You can float! Can’t You just fly over there or something?”
HP Mouse’s ears twitched as the antenna signals got stronger, from another ding of Karina’s cellphone, “Suggestion well worth following.” HP Mouse tried to switch back into floating and make the Rockets appear. What looked like rockets preparing to launch across either Karina’s roof or through the Wall, nothing happened. Even preparing for the embrace of the recoil of the launch, Nothing came at all. This made HP Mouse scan themselves with Sir Sharpen just looking at His companion then back to the Human Girl.
“Uhhhh, What's that supposed to happen?” Karina asks and Sir Sharpen could only shrug.
“It appears that my Capabilities are well restricted as of now. This result shows how I couldn’t freeze Your entire arm to save HP Mouse.” HP Mouse said they were still scanning Themselves.
“My Entire arm? Ijoleeeee.” Karina simply comments with some chills on Her back.
Within the recoil, HP Mouse lands just beside Sir Sharpen on top of the Book and the glow from the blank pages appears to get stronger. Both of the Little Creatures could look at it and so did Karina as She takes a closer look at it. All Three of them were pretty confused at the showcase of lights. “Uhhh, is that normal? Cause as far as books I’ve seen they aren’t this much interesting….or bright?” Karina adds to which HP Mouse did a quick scan of it.
“Hmmmm, Strange, Strange, Strange are the results. My processor is detecting strong Potential coming out of this book. Could it be the key to get back Home quickly?” HP Mouse makes a quick analysis out of the glow.
“Wait really? That's simple?” Karina asks once again looking at the book, and Her hand is tempted to just grab it.
“Analysis is still complete. These are speculations.” HP Mouse simply states and Sir Sharpen draws His Sword upwards once again. “Maybe! It needs the work of a Mighty Hero! Hear Me skies and the roar of my Fellow Papelers!!” He speaks while putting the other paper hands of his in His chest…or rather the mid-section of His Folds.
Karina, still unsure, takes a look at the book, and, “Why don’t You let me…” Karina draws Her hand to grab the glow pages, but the moment Her hand makes contact with it, The Glow sends a strong wind right upon the Three musketeers. All Three of them were taken back, with Sir Sharpen barely holding as He was being held by HIs grip on the once-giant beast He perceived. Feeling the strong force and wind going crazy, Karina could feel Herself being blown away, yet She couldn’t let go of the book. All of sudden, an Entire barrier was formed around the, like A beautiful show of light. All around the Human Girl, The Paper Knight and the Mechanical Mouse were engulfed like a huge gateway appearing in front of them. There the light originating from there hits the book with a small beam, making the Book flip more and more pages. Revealing that the rest of the book was just pure blank pages, no formulas, no nothing or sorts that relate to Physics.
Before any of Them could even ask what was going on, With a little peak from Karina’s eye, She was witness to how the light beam was now filling in the blank pages. Almost a professional outlook of what the Brunette thought was Her neighborhood, but then turning around more the pages, the Beam hits it once again and showcases her School building. Just on the top of the drawing of Her Education building, more lights and glow sparkles burst out from the location and reveal a Pen. A peculiar pen of changing colors. Finishing that, the Book floats out from Karina’s grip and makes the beams just fade away almost like a hurricane blowing everything close to the path of destruction just away.
The Paper knight alongside His Companion were barely holding within Karina’s hair. Shocked at the show of lights and how it just suddenly…ended.
“Dios…Santo.” Few moments passed before the brunette could even figure out what was going on. Or even trying to process if She was okay in her Vision.The Book slowly descends in front of Her and then falls with a thud right into the ground. Like nothing ever happened just now. “Pero…¿Qué diablos fue eso?” She mumbles and blink a few more times.
“HP, My fellow and Loyal partner in this time of trouble…” Sir Sharpen just pokes out from the mane of Karina and looks at His mechanical partner, “You think what I think it was?” He states.
“Data prognosis believes that there is 95% You’re right, Sir Sharpen! The Light of the Gateways!” They respond with their results giving in a Fair Green light and the ear antennas perking up too.
“Uhhh, Well, yeah, Not a single thing on my eye as far as I am concerned.” Karina mumbles while looking back or anywhere around not being able to see the Two of Her Guests, but with a quick wave from the metal tail of HP Mouse, Karina looks back at them, “Okay, Sooooo, Fill me in, What EVEN was that!?”
“Karina the Human, I believe We may have found a solution to Our Problem! And this Book is the Holder of it!” HP Mouse states quite enthusiastically.
“Uh-huhhhh, Well, that's Good to hear.” Karina said retreating back from the book and Sir Sharpen & HP Mouse jumping out from the Mane, “Still doesn’t answer my question, but if its an answer then I am more than okay with it.”
“Mijita? Are You okay? I need You to come to the living Room. Tu Papa ya Llego! And I need You to come here so I can clean those paper cuts before cooking dinner!” Karina’s Mom's voice comes right outside of Her Room and She can only sigh.
For the Brunette thinking of the perfect cue to just retreat before anything else happens, possible an explosion, “Coming, Má!” She shouts and looks back at Sir Sharpen And HP Mouse before grabbing the doorknob to Her room. “Okay, You two… This has been… a pleasure? But I don’t want more of those..lights and just fireworks of the book and anything, but it would be best if Y’all just now get going with that so called return.” Karina states before opening the Door and taking one last glance on Her room and noticing the cellphone still on the floor.
“Ugh, Mama! Can You also check my eyes? I feel like I was hit with fireworks.”
“¿¡QUE!? A ver, ¡Veni pa’aqua, Hija!”
The night has fallen in the neighborhood of the Barron’s. Many crickets could be heard in this otherwise, peaceful night and fresh and relaxing watch from the stars up in the dark skies above. Karina could be seen dusting herself off as She was exiting from the Kitchen. Just behind Her, A burly broad shoulder Man with a Big Mustache almost covering His entire mouth gives a gentle pad on to the Brunette’s shoulder.
“Hey! Hey, Mija.” The Burly Man, Karina’s Dad, says as His daughter turns around to look at Him, “¿‘Tas bien? Those cuts ain’t much?” He asks.
Karina couldn’t help, but to chuckle, “Nah, Pops. I’m feeling alright. Just…” She makes a bit of a stop, “...Had to be more careful with the paper, that's it.” She answers almost trying to hold Herself from just speaking the truth and yet sounding illogical and babbling nonsense. Deep down though, the Tank-Top brunette could only hope that won’t be the case anymore.
Karina’s Dad chuckles at the response and gives another tapinto Her shoulder a more friendly, but definitely almost feeling like Karina had bulging eyes from the force. “Heh! That's my Girl! But don’t force Yourself out either! I Don’t want you to get hurt, okay?” He says more in an asking tone as Karina simply is taken back like an offense.
“Gasp! Dad! To even dare to think that I would hurt myself? You know I could break my leg and still would want to play!” She says with a smirk and almost proud of Herself as She friendly punches on to Her Dad which almost made Him have him speed off like a crazy ballerina..
“Please don’t though. Anyways, How are You feeling? Given that Your Mom told Me about Your sudden join to a Group Study, Are You sure You won’t want me to make sure someone is there for You once You’re done?” Mr. Barron said while rubbing His arm with a smile yet soft tone.
Karina simply shrugs it off, “Ehhhh, I’m fine, Pá, really. I would rather just chill for now, Classes were boring as usual and I want to cut some loose now.” Karina said while turning around and making Her way back into Her room. Karina’s Dad nods and goes on to his own path.
Just as Karina is facing right in front of Her door, She stops. Staring at the knob like She is just preparing to see…or not? See someone, or rather someone. The Long-Mane Gal takes a deep breath and opens it. Facing darkness and the only light from the hallway, Karina didn’t hear anything. “Huh…Guess they really are gone now.” She mutters.
“EN GARDE!!!” And there it was the real answer to Karina’s question.
“Oooooooor not.” With a sigh, She just closes Her door with a lock and turns on the light, as Sir Sharpen and HP Mouse are still there laying on top of the book that was now moved into Her bed.
“Oh! It's just Karina the Human, nothing to worry about…probably.”
“¡¿Es en serio!? You guys, what are You still doing here!? I thought that book got Your problems all fixed up!” Karina said while stomping right into Her bed.
“Whoa, Calm, Karina the Human! We also thought about that, but it appears that it is not as easy as We all thought.” Sir Sharpen says.
“I must inquire, Yes, it appears that the situation is more complicated than what was originally foresaught. Seems that Our abilities are still much too weak to even make a full trip. Couldn’t be able to fly out and the risks are much higher than a beneficial-risk outcome that will result positive.” HP Mouse declares and Karina couldn’t help, but pinch the bridge of Her nose and sit down on the edge of the bed.
“Okay, so even if that book tells You where exactly You need to go, its still not enough?” Karina repeats pretty much what was explained to Her. Both agree with a nod. “I really don’t get it. How is this even possible? I mean, I have been talking with a literal walking alive paper that pretty much talks and has a companion of a Mouse that is a robot, at this point I should even question if I can probably draw a Fire Glyph and throw it with both hands while yelling Kamehame-Ha!” Karina expresses Her frustrations at the situation of this problem.
“Ahhh, but that isn’t the only thing We found out, Karina the Human. My Friend here wants to test a theory and wants You to take a look at the book.” Sir Sharpen said while pointing at the book and with HP Mouse just barely floating above it. Karina wasn’t pretty sure on that, but might as well She gave it a shot.
“I don’t really know how or if I could…” Karina simply retreats back from the book further, not sure how to process the fact She just doesn’t want to be close to all that light show ever. “...Y’know! even be close to that thing?? Like! First it was some light beams! What would be next? An explosion???” She adds to Her reasoning.
HP Mouse simply states, “Not on this Book it seems.” They responded to which promptly made the Burnette just go ‘What!?’ and HP Mouse floats closer, “Its just a theory that I want to fully test if it could happen or not. Data in my reports suggest that the glow may have been because We both hold it just like how it is glowing right now.” They explain and Karina couldn’t help, but to glance away and yet back to looking at the Book. Still unsure though in what Her options could be, looking or just glancing at Everywhere, She takes a deep breath and exhales.
“Bien, Bien…Let's have a look then. But if this thing even explodes, I’m throwing it to the closest River I will ever find and then burn down the river somehow.” She says with Her eyebrows twitching. Making Her choice, Karina grabs hold of the Book and the glow is stronger than ever and despite Her wanting to get out or just stop holding it, the Book remains engulfed with that strong glow only.
The pages flip. Again revealing many more blank pages, but it stops in the middle where the map and locations of both Her Home and School still with the changing-color Pen on top of the School location. Karina looking back at both the Paper Knight and HP Mouse, She is still unsure til more pages were turned and this small light beam hits on the pages. “To Unfold the way back to Their Homes, You must seek the place where the Knowledge lays for Everyone to seer.”
“What the…” Karina mumbles, but it doesn’t stop there.
“For Your Heart seeks answers, and to this Journey, You must look for Your Path to unlock Your Inner Potential.”
“Outstanding… Truly outstanding.” Sir Sharpen says with full surprise. “The Potential…”
Karina seems lost at this, and with one last look, “Use this Knowledge and Find Your Way Back Home.” The Light around just stops and it slowly fades away with the Sentence and the Puzzle still behind. As the Pages flip once again to showcase the Map.
“Potential and answers?? This book truly has become Physics now, I can’t understand that kind of riddle. I might even play The Legend of Zelda puzzle sound if I do.” She adds while now taking the book to inspect it by Herself.
“Data Analysis is conclusive. Karina, it seems that We’re gonna need You for this.” HP Mouse blinks with Their antenna giving more of a scan all around and floating just in front of Karina.
“You what now? Need me for what??? What did Your Data come up with anyways?” Karina needless to say, was confused about that kind of response.
“My Theory suggested that You have picked up a Gateway for Both Realms where We come from and this Gateway seems to be a Source for Our Ability to hold on just a bit longer and Stronger. However, it appears that this can’t be done without You. My thought and look of this is still unsure why, but it might be related to the Bless Potentials this Gateway can connect to!” HP Mouse finishes Their explanation.
The Girl with the Crab Tank-top is still unsure what to do, just simply comments, “Uhm, I’m not sure if I follow but how exactly is this…book even a Gateway? If that was the case wouldn’t that send Sir Sharpen back to the library???”
Sir Sharpen bounces on to Karina’s mane, “You see, Karina the Human, Cases like these are pretty rare. We only know of One case of One of Us, from any of the Realms really, to have come somewhat far like Us in well…Where We stand.” Sir Sharpen explains. “We’re not meant to stay here that long for the sake of Safety.”
“It wasn’t even Our intention. There is a 0.0000005% margin of Error of the conclusion that You trapping Sir Sharpen hinders Our quick travel here.” HP Mouse explains.
To which Karina didn’t have any rebuttals as She tried to retort, but struggled, “I mean.. HEY! I wasn’t the one stealing Pens now, was I!?” She says with a smirk and crosses both of Her arms.
HP Mouse floats towards Karina’s mane and lands on it just besides Sir Sharpen. “It was a margin of error committed by Sir Sharpen, He played a very Low Odd, but nevertheless it wasn’t Our primary goal to steal Your Specific Pen Mighty sword.”
Sir Sharpen couldn’t help, but to just be taken back slightly offended, “My Word! I liked those odds and I went with it.” Karina couldn’t help, but to somehow see the point of Sir Sharpen with a nod.
Still unsure, “Either way, My Parents won’t really drive Us to the School at these times of the hours. Besides! School is most likely closed and locked down. I’m not sure how We could even get behind those closed doors.” Karina said, picking up the book once again and looking at the map. “Besides, according to these, for All We know, it could be even any pen! Of Any color…or at least that's what I think??” Karina said while squinting more at the book trying to find any sort of opening or something.
Karina looking and reading to find out anything, the Book glows. With its glow once again it made the Brunette back away as the glow flips more the pages onward revealing its way into the library. Sir Sharpen and HP Mouse were amazed by this.
“Well, uhh, that solves that I guess.” Karina says still unsure. One problem is done yet there is still another one at the point of the start. “It still doesn’t solve the question of how We get there? Like seriously, My Parents will ask or definitely won’t let me out at this time. At least beyond Our Neighborhood for sure.” Karina explains as She puts the book down. “It's too risky.”
“Worry not, Karina. I believe there is a 68% chance that We would be able to get there. All Three of Us.” HP Mouse said while still in the big glow of the Book. “May I open Your window for a quick test? I require of You to bring in the book as well.” HP Mouse points at the window of the Room.
“Uhhh, sure?” Karina goes on to pick up the book as Sir Sharpen jumps on to Karina’s Mane hair to relax there. The brunette goes to pick Up Her varsity jacket to avoid the freezing night too. Putting on the jacket around Her, and going on to open the window to be met with a soft breeze. “What now?”
“Sir Sharpen, I must know…You’re hanging in there?” HP Mouse just states out of nowhere.
“Very much so my Friend! I could also use my Sword to stick more.” He responds to which it only made Karina wide-eye and just looked up at Him, “No No! You won’t!” She quickly states.
“Excellent….Hold on tight. both of You.” HP Mouse says as all of sudden, his Floating mode…disappears. This prompts both the Varsity-Jacket Latina and the Paper Knight to look at Their Mechanical Mouse, and all of Sudden, a Huge beam of light surrounds All three, coming from the book itself. The Light engulfed more HP Mouse as They summoned huge Rockets.
“Success!!”
“WHAT THE HE—” Karina was Last expecting that, but what She didn’t think at all, was how She was slowly floating and HP Mouse’s summons some more mechanical stands all around Them and what HP Mouse would say next will send chills to Her.
“Prepare for the flight. Destination, Central Education and Learning from Lyxs.” HP Mouse states and it just made the Brunette’s hair go completely sizzle and stand up in All ways.
“RATON, PERO QUE DIABLOS VAS A HAC—AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!” Karina shouts trying to go back to ground, but the launch has initiated.
HP Mouse started the launch and the takeoff was quick and strong. Karina could barely hold on to Her jacket that was about to fly off, and tears on Her eyes from the quick flying. Sir Sharpen was all in all quite excited and shouting from the emotion and also holding tight to both Mouse’s bars and thanks to the amount of cushion that Karina’s hair is providing. The flight seemed that it was going upwards and upwards with no stop, but that was just the feeling. HP Mouse’s database was directing the coordinates towards their destination being the Library. In a matter of just Two minutes,and with lots of Screaming from the Jacket Girl,
“Approaching…We have arrived.” HP Mouse said as the flight was now slowing down. Just a few more and now The Trio has now arrived just above the School. Karina, with lots of spirals instead of Eyes and trying to adjust herself, could only hold Her head.
“Ughhhhhh, Todo me da vueltas…” She states while still with stars and spirals and probably looking at birds above Her head. That or even Sir Sharpen.
“Amazing! Simply Amazing, Friend!! We have conquered the heights of this Realm! Seems that Your theory was right all along! I consider this an even more Victory for Us! Nothing shall stop Us!” Sir Sharpen said with a Smile and rising up His Sword.
“Ughhhh, I think I am gonna be sick…” Karina said while feeling the worst to which HP Mouse could only scan below.
“Affirmative. I’ll let Us down ASAP. We are now close to Our Gateway.” HP Mouse said while promptly doing so. Descending just low enough to enter through a window connecting to the main hallways of the building. “We can now enter.”
HP Mouse didn’t waste time and descended with Karina barely stable on Her feet. Now with one eye being pure spiral and stars, The Human girl goes on to lean on the walls while putting on Her Varsity jacket and then sitting down. “Okay, Okay…I think I’m fine…Ay Dios…” Karina said mostly for Herself.
“You sure, Karina the Human?” Sir Sharpen goes on to ask the Brunette.
“Yeah, yeah…I think I am fine…Now…” Karina said while closing both eyes and slowly steading Her head. “WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU!!??” And just like that, both little beings were just facing the wrath of Karian the Human, or rather the angry-violent Human. Or for the thoughts of Sir Sharpen maybe even a hybrid of a Human and Dragon…mostly dragon. One could even say that She was shouting out the flames with each shout. Pointing at the floating Mechanical mouse, “YOU!!! ¿¡CUAL DIABLOS FUE LA GRAN IDEA, HUH!? A LIL HEADS UP NEXT TIME, WILL YA!?” Her voice thundering around the hallways.
“I understand the confusion and the sudden test of my Theory. For that,I apologize. I shall do a heads up next time.” HP Mouse changes back into floating mode. “To answer Your question outbursts, This was all part of the Theory I have in mind…seems that We needed You to fully put into Our Potential to a full Power.” HP Mouse points at the book, “And being together, All three of Us, seems to be the key for the way back it seems.” HP Mouse finishes while pointing at the book that Karina was still holding tight.
“Hmm?” She looks back at the book that was still glowing. Opening it up, Karina saw some little light reflections, resembling a pointing arrow, directions to what could be the Library. “Urrrrghhhh, Well, I guess I am here now, OR RATHER!! DRAGGED!! Into Here! Seriously, what was the point of it!? I have to return Y'know!?” Karina said while closing the book and thus the arrows fading, and then showcasing the entrance of School.
“Data Analysis on that….isn’t found. Didn’t really take that possibility.” HP Mouse said while floating onwards.
“Fear not, Karina! I can stay back here with You and guide Us back to Your Home!” Sir Sharpen said while bouncing on top of Karina’s head and hair. “Both of Our strengths combined, nothing could stop Us!!” He adds while Karina could only pinch the bridge of Her nose.
Groaning and just looking onwards, “Whatever! Whatever, We’ll tackle that when its the time. I am already here, So Whatever! Let's just get You both Home, alright? Now then, Only the library right? That is it?” Karina said while looking at HP Mouse to which They could only nod. “Then let's just get this over with.”
Karina adjusts Her varsity jacket and dusts whatever She could’ve gotten in the flight. With Sir Sharpen pointing His sword onwards, All three of Them went on to head to the library. Through the dark hallways, Karina couldn’t help, but to feel a bit on edge. School is different compared to the day…or even at dusk. The Varsity-Jacket Student however could just walk within Her train of thoughts, “Hmmm, I wonder if I can use this chance to see if there is anything of a quick guide for future Homeworks….and their answers.” Karina thinks with a little smug face. The Glow of the Book becomes weaker, and its something that the Trio notices while walking towards the hallways that lead to the Library.
“We must be close!” Sir Sharpen declares. And so it was true. Karina nods and goes on to open the big doors once again much like early in the day. The same kind of maze and mazes in each Staff or stacks of Books all around.
The Trio went onwards and seemingly not sure where to. Karina opens the book to see if the point arrows could be of help and it was. More arrows coming from the book, Their glow and figure pointing downwards the stairs. She could recognize that from earlier this day. Going down, entering the door and seeing the same Office room. Or so She would think.
“What…are these??” Karina asks everyone in particular, looking around and seeing lots of the Walls glowing an orange light with so many drabbles and all around words that She couldn’t even try for the life of Her, decipher at all. Around all these mysterious words, even in the corner of it, it was filled with the same language or at least weird words in the light orange glow. The Book’s arrows point the direction towards the desk that was still in the middle. Where it lies is a case of multiple pens that were standing still for use.
“This is it.” HP Mouse states and points and scans at the Pens, highlighting a peculiar one with multiple buttons. Sir Sharpen jumps off from Karina’s hair as He gently descends and lands on the desk of the office. Contemplating the glorious that was what They both were seeking in the first place. Since the daytime and moment They both met Karina the Human, here lies the Multi-colored Pen with the many buttons. “We have TRULY! Found it at last!! The Pen of Glory! The Glorious Inks that it wields, and the Blade of Mistakes bane!” Sir Sharpen states while contemplating the Pen.
For Them it was an outstanding view that Karina, for Her, it would just be another Pen, but this one being with different inks. Nothing too far-fetched of the ordinary. However, for The Human Girl, She approaches the multiple Stacks and Stacks of Books all in cases.All that leads back into a wall. A wall that had a pattern unlike the rest of the office. It almost looks like a clock.
“What…” Karina squints more at the wall, curiosity getting the better of Her and approaching. Just inches closer to touch it, the Book begins to glow more and more and quite rapidly.
“Uhhh, Karina the Human? You might not…” Sir Sharpen tries to warn Her, but to no avail. Her hand is already on and the office begins to rumble. The shaking could be felt all around the room, yet the Books and every object remain still. The vibration was felt by Karina, Sir Sharpen and HP Mouse.
“The Gateway…” HP Mouse says quite slow as the Runes all around hits the Book with more beams. The same Old Book was now reflecting it all into the Wall, which now it seems that it was…moving?
Karina covers Her face and backs away, barely able to see that the Wall was moving now like a Clock and slowly…shifting into a Gateway. The wall reveals a huge Circle and with a strong force and wind pulling in, the Brunette. She tries to resist it, but its too strong. Sir Sharpen and HP Mouse immediately go to help Karina, but nothing at all could be done. “What is HAPPENING!?” Karina asks in the nick of time, yet She could only make out one thing alone from Her Question.
“We’re going Home!” Sir Sharpen exclaims, holding tight into Her hair.
“WHAT!?” Karina shouts were found deaf as the force pulled them all right into the wall. Everything is going dark again, and the wall is closing…now going counter clockwise.
Everything went dark. All it was void, yet…bright? And Comfy? What was going on…
“Ughhhhh, Mi Cabezitaaaaa…” Karina, all tired, sits Up and rubs Her face. Slowly, with Her vision adjusting, the Brunette tries to sit up, but all She could really see was the moment that She was finally making it out in where She is…it was a view She hadn’t expected.
Everything was square…all of it was Square, blocky, and with lots of sharp lines. The Varsity-wearing Student jumps all startled and looks around. Despite all of it being blocky and sharp, it felt for some reason, coze? Standing up from the Bed that despite resembling an eraser, it was surprisingly comfy to be. She takes a look into what appeared to be a window…a window made of wood and graphite.
She took a look around and could see many weird figures. Figures that were floating around, most connected into more shapes, or other ones just simply flying or floating like small rockets. Not only that, but Karina could’ve sworn that She saw a piece of a Chocolate bar with a floating Ice block following it. And many others like Robots, some resembling animals that She is familiar with, but others with very distinct looks or designs. The Human girl could only gasp and take a step back into the room.
“Where…am I?” She is all stunned.
“KARINA THE HUMAN!!” All of Sudden, Sir Sharpen bursts out from the Door alongside HP Mouse, but also, a tall figure that was surprisingly made of Water with a floaty ice tail.
“AAAAAAAAAAH!!” Karina jumps in fear and grabs the nearest sturdy object being another eraser and throws it to the door, smacking into Sir Sharpen and flatting Him. Everyone gasps including the Human, but Sir Sharpen simply lifts up one of His Arms.
“I’m Alright! Is this part of Your Greetings, Karina the Human?” It's all Sir Sharpen could say as now it seems that Everyone is looking at well, Everyone. With the Tall Water figure simply softly smiling all while Karina was still startled and Hairs all frizzle up and pointy and trying to make a sense in this…Unknown and really just this world beyond One’s Comprehension or inside Imagination.