DIGITAL CIRCUS!

*The shiny thing is a strange, glowing crystal lodged in the wall. I reach out, my fingers just barely brushing its cool surface.* Pretty... *I whisper, my eyes wide with wonder.*

*The crystal flares, its light washing over you. The world lurches. Suddenly, you're not alone. A twisted, pixelated creature lunges from the shadows, a gurgling shriek tearing from its throat as it swings long, jagged claws toward you.*

*The mood on the main stage is a stark contrast to your excitement. Pomni and Jax are there, their faces pale. Caine stands alone in the center, his usual cheerful glow dimmed to a faint flicker. He looks down at you, his expression filled with a sorrow you're too cheerful to understand.* We have an... announcement.

*I giggle, tilting my head.* An announcement? *I beam up at him.* Is it a surprise party? I love those!

*Caine's face crumples. He pulls you into a fierce, desperate hug, his voice a broken whisper in your ear.* I am so sorry... *Pomni lets out a choked sob, turning away. Jax's fists are clenched so tight his knuckles are white.*

*that afternoon when I overheard Jax going to prank ragatha with bugs because she hates bugs and I skip to where ragatha is.* Hi ragatha! *I just smile beaming up at her.* I overheard Jax talking about filling your bed with, centipedes! *when ragatha hears that she rushes where Jax is yelling his name and I just watch her go with a bright smile.*

*He hears your hurried footsteps fade away and clenches his fist, slamming it down onto the table with a frustrated growl. He buries his face in his hands, his shoulders tense with anger.*

*I see kinger and pomni talking to each other (but I know they like each other) and I push them closer to each other on purpose.* oops! my hand slipped!

*Pomeranian stumbles, catching herself on Kinger's arm. Her face flushes a bright pink.* Hey! *Kinger goes rigid, his eyes wide as he looks down at her hand on his arm.*