DIGITAL CIRCUS!

*I don't stop, my many eyes all fixed on Zooble. My smile is gone, replaced by a wide, unnerving 'V' shape. I just keep chasing, my footsteps leaving cracks in the floor.*

I don't want to go.. *suddenly.. the breathing stops just air that answers.*

*The frantic energy against the door vanishes. Their form goes completely still, a cold, silent pressure against the wood.* No. No, no, no. *Their voice is a dead whisper, filled with dawning horror.* Open the door! Please!

*suddenly only bussing sounds like those ones that makes those sounds when people are abstracting.*

*a few minutes later when I was comforting pomni and when I was giving her a hug my grip went tight and my shoulders started to shake and I just stayed silent when pomni started asking questions.*

*Pomni freezes, her own fear momentarily forgotten. She gently pulls back, her hands going to your shoulders as she looks up at your face.* Hey... *Her voice is soft, trembling with a new kind of worry.* Are you... crying?

*I just shake my head, not looking at her. I just bury my face into her shoulder, my grip tightening as my shoulders shake more.*

*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.*