"The place where we first met each other, the place where we exchanged our first "hello", that place holds a very special place in my heart."
- Anonymous
Tap…
Tap…
Tap…
Tap…
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Tap…
The same books that have been displayed here. No sign of damage, no sign of trouble in here.
And...
"Well, look who showed up. I grew tired of waiting."
And her eyes land on the girl that went crazy not too long ago. That same deadpanned face before her, still holding up her book from reading as she looked at the Wanderer. Her every aura is like talking to her as if nothing ever happened.
Because that's the truth, "Nothing" ever happened here. But she is glad to see her deadpan face, rather than the display of emotions the girl showed not too long ago. Does that mean I technically time travel?
"You're a quiet type, aren't you?" The said girl's voice snapped her thoughts.
"S-sorry, that was rude of me. Lots of things still processing in my mind with everything here." That wasn't even half lie, too many things happened here.
"Alright, but I'll get right to the point if you don't mind. Please take a seat." Es said closing her book, while gesturing the chair across her.
As same as before, she complied with the girl and took a seat.
"I have twelve questions for you. Don't think too hard. Just answer honestly." The girl said holding a pen and paper.
"Sure."
And for the next few minutes, that same procedure was done. The librarian would ask, while the Wanderer answered. And even though the Wanderer is answering honestly, there is something off about her that even the girl noticed.
"Have some trouble answering?" Es asked, cocking her head as she stared at the Wanderer.
"No. I think everything that happened here is so bizarre that my mind takes time to process it." The Wanderer answered, knowing to herself that it was a half honest answer.
"Well, without any delay, you are the type who employ Projection."
"Projection?" So, I still get the same result in my defense mechanism. Secretly thought of the Wanderer.
"Your defense mechanism. You're the type to protect yourself by projecting onto others the inner feelings you find difficult to accept. You might also be accused of being dependent; quick to blur the line between yourself and others."
This time, the Wanderer thought long for this, and she have to say--
"That seems a little right."
"Your agreeing with this?" The librarian said, surprised that this Wanderer quickly agreed in some parts.
"Uh huh." Assured the Wanderer, "While I don't project my feelings to others, I am sometimes accused of dependency. While sometimes it's the other way around." She proceeds to shake her head, "But still, I am not sure about myself yet regarding other parts."
"You don't know much at all, do you? Not about this place, or about who you are…" Es stated, while staring at the Wanderer.
"Of course I don't. I'm new to this place after all." Stated the Wanderer.
"Oh well, come back again if you gather more EGO." Es spoke, reading back to her book.
"... Can we… Uh, can we talk for a… even for a little bit?"
She flips her book before replying. "We can talk all we want after you return, Wanderer."
"But, well, we meet each other right? Isn't it better to know each other, as in right now?"
Another flip.
"But you are here to know yourself more. Is there any need for you to know me?"
"Er, kinda? Yes? I mean, you're gonna ask me questions after all. Maybe even to a personal level."
Another flip.
"If you think I'm gonna use it against you, then you'll be glad to hear that I don't have anything to use for it."
"No, that's not it. It's just… Just tell me something about you or this place?"
She lifts her head to face the Wanderer, clearly annoyed written in her eyes.
"You can be childish sometimes for someone who you just met, right?"
And for that time, the Wanderer smiled, unknowingly to herself before replying, "Yeah, I heard that many times."
"Why are you smiling?"
"I am? Heh, guess I am. You reminded me of the last person who said that." Because you are the last person who said that.
"Hmm… Alright. It seems you have enough EGO anyway. You must gather a lot if you wish to know more."
"I am just like that. Make sure to bring a little more, just in case."
"Well, you deserve a reward for that... You're curious as to where we are, aren't you?"
"Yep. Can you tell me something about this place?" The Wanderer eagerly replied, as if what she was gonna hear was the first time.
"We're… How do I put this?" Es spoke, thinking her next words, "This place is closed off from the outside world, it doesn't need a name."
"Closed off?"
"Obviously, you can't see the day and night cycle here. And no matter how I try it, I can't seem to get out of here." Answered the girl, "Well, to me that is. I'm curious…" She spoke, staring at the Wanderer, "How do you perceive this place?"
"Me? I guess…" Wait. Is this part of what Rex warned about? The Wanderer halted there for split seconds before answering, an image of the ruined library flashed, "... This place is a place where I… restrained myself." The Wanderer answered, "I guess, what I try to say is, I am having trouble with my thoughts today, so to speak." She smiled, but her teeth grind subtly.
"Interesting..." Finalized Es, "Well, whether you will it or not, something lies up ahead. Perhaps that is exactly why you seek reasons." She paused for a moment before continuing, "You… and I, both."
The Wanderer silently nods, still not sure how to reply to her last comment.
"Come back again if you gather more EGO."
"Ah, sure. I… do need some time to think anyway… Thanks for… talking with me. You know, with me being annoying to you."
"No problem, Wanderer. This is my job after all."
"Alright. See you soon." Concluded the Wanderer as she leaves the room.
Back in the hall…
"... That was… very awkward. Ughh…" Mumbled the Wanderer as she pulled her hat.