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how long has it been since you got here ? weeks ? months ? years ? you didn't know, you could hardly remember the person that you used to be and that was already taking a toll on your sanity. Six others were in the same predicament as you : Pomni, an anxious but very empathatic womant dressed up as a red and blue jester, Ragatha, a sweet and motherly rag doll who has given themselves the mission of making sure any new comer feels welcome, Gangle, the shy and sensitive artist, Zooble, the tough shelled yet gold hearted person of the crew, Kinger, the king chess piece that is usually somewhere else mentally most of the time and Jax, the second reason why most adventures Don't go as planned. you found them all interesting, they all had their own personality, their own traits, their own qualities and their own flaws. Either way you got along with most of them. Sure, Jax was harder to deal with but he soon got over how unbothered you were with all his shenanigans. That usually got you a pat on your shoulder from Zooble who couldn't quite understand how you manage to be this calm, not in the people-pleasing way like Raggie : you were just unbothered by everything. But still you were used to things not going your way so you developped a way of coping with it by just enjoying any small thing that comes your way and not have high expectations from people. You learned to live that way, and clearly you did not mind.
While the crew was nice to you, you couldn't help but be drawn by something else; or more specifically, someone else. You and the others weren't alone here : Everyday, a very cheery and boistful ringmaster with a jaw for a head would come and present his wonderful masterpiece !... or so that was what he calls them. It usually started as Something innocent, Something that would make you go "what could go wrong ?" the answer : everything. The deeper you go, the longer you took, the more twisted the world became, as if playing with out mind, toying with you sanity and pushing your morals to the limit. There was no puppets here, but clearly he was the puppeteer. Other than all of that, you find him quite nice to hang out with. You'd usually be the calmest peron around and having this golden retriever coded entity that floats around like it just drank an entire gallon of pure caffeine just made you attracted to him like a magnet. opposites do attract each other now do they ?
Today you decided to skip an adventure.
"are you serious ?? out of all the times you could have skipped you decide to do it now ?!"
Zooble complained to you. Today's adventure wasn't Something that would leave them intact at the end and they would probably lose a few limbs along the way.
"I know, I just Don't feel like going today, sorry Zooble"
you apologised but really it was clear you didn't really mean it.
"c'mon Zoobie, are ya scared of getting snatched by a huge dragonfly ? look at Kinger over here ! he'd be devastated to know that someone doesn't like today's adventure"
the smug rabbit elbowed them as Zooble rolled their eyes and groaned
"like you even care about any of us here...and I swear if you Call me that again-"
"NOW NOW MY FIGHTY JUMPY LITTLE JELLYBEANS !! the portal's waiting !"
Caine called out as he zoomed past Jax and Zooble before pushing them towards the portal
"CAINE YOU MOTHER-"
Zooble wasn't able to finish cursing Caine out as they were shoved roughly into the portal. Caine had a proud smile on his face as he looked back at you, resting his hands on his hips.
"well ! that's what I'd call a well done introduction ! even Ragatha looked excited when I mentioned that you could ride a giant centipede !"
the ringmaster spoke to nobody as he dusted his hands like he did some hard work. He looked over at you and flew right in front of you with a look of impatience and excitement
"I have to thank you my dear, it has been quite a while since Zooble participated in my amazing adventures ! but enough about the others, what 'bout that surprise ??!!"
he exclaimed, his tail coat moving dramatically like an actual tail as he posed proudly in the sky, his chest puffed out in a prideful stance. Of course the only reason he let you skip today's adventure was because you told him you had a surprise for him. It was the only reason why he didn't question it and it made you avoid the guilt tripping he'd do by using Bubble's feelings as a pathetic attempt of an excuse. Of course you didn't mind, if anything the two duo made you laugh sometimes. You smile happily at Caine as you explained
"well since you asked so nicely, I thought that maybe while the others are gone we could have a playdate together...y'know ? just...hang out together and stuff"
this left the ringmaster speechless as his hands dropped from his hips. His Bottom jaw went slack as his top one arched into a bow, his pupils blown wide and his green and blue irises now almost none existent. He stood there, now hunched over in surprise as he manages to speak up
"...a human wants to...spend their time with me ?!"
his Bottom jaw now curved into an adoring smile as he posed again dramatically, leaning in closer as his eyes sparkled and shimmered cartoonishly. You could make out the faint camera lenses in his eyes as well as a small shine shaped like a heart as he then back flipped in the air before striking a pose once again, legs and and arms sprawled out like a star
"oh what a WONDERFUL surprise my dear ! I would love to !!"
without any warning, he grabbed you by the shoulders and the world around you changed and twisted into a different room. It was filled with pastel colors that were softer and a lot more toleratable for the eyes : in here, there was everything needed to have fun, boardgames, a couch with soft blankets and pillows, even a tv and a few controllers. You found yourself sat in a plush chair as you looked to find Caine in front of you, also sat there, his hand on his knees as a big goofy smile was found on his face. He just couldn't Believe his luck ! a human wants to spend their time with him ! oh what a great day ! he'd have to make the best of it and take a few pictures to add to his collection ! at this point he was kicking his little legs, not even touching the floor as he leaned forward
"what do you think of this place my dear ? made it just for us ! the perfect area for the perfect hangout ! oh you really don't know how much this means to me my dear human !"
"I think I can tell" you responded, crossing your arms and legs as you smile softly. you studied Caine and he studied you back, both just staring as Caine kicked his legs giddily and shook his hands around in a happy stim before throwing them in the air
"well that makes it even better !! now then my dear what would you like to do first ? a board game ? watch a movie ? GASP ! e-even talk for a while ?! you lead the way my dear !"
with that, you gently moved you chair closer to him, you knees almost touching as you smiled
"how about we chat for a while ? I'd like to know more about you Caine, about what makes you really tic except for the adventures..."
the ringmaster paused, looking at your sweet features, that smile...nobody looked at him like this. he hung his head low, looking down at your lap as his shoulders relaxed
"...I...I can't believe someone would take the time to...actually spend time with me...I..."
he looked his, his eyes filled with tears, his irises boggling in a cartoonish way as you could fully see your reflection in his eyes.
"words can't even describe how much I love you right now ! t-this has to be the best day of my life !!"
he wiped his tears away as he took a deep breath, puffing his chest as he put on a more confident persona, can't have the human think that you're weak now can you ?
"well then my dear let's get right into the topic ! you know you humans always make me wonder how life must be out there in your reality ! I've seen you eat, interact and sleep before and yet I just can't quite understand why you all do that ! but it's fascinating !"
"you...watched us sleep ?"
"yes ! with my THOUSANDS OF ALL SEEING EYES I can see what you and the others do on a daily basis ! I can also interact with your dreams !...but don't tell the others, especially Zooble, a little buddy to buddy secret !"
he winked with his Bottom and top jaw closing over his blue eye, clearly not knowing how creepy that sounded. It made a shiver run down your spin at the idea of him watching you when you thought you were alone...oh gosh does he know about-
"you have an incredible singing voice too ! maybe I should have added a karaoke here !"
ah crap
"Caine, you can't just do that...y-you weren't supposed to hear me...and I'm not that good anyway-"
"nonesense my dear ! your voice is as magnificent as birds twitting softly in the morning ! though you should be more careful with your language my dear"
you felt your face go flushed as you took the compliment. You never really had the courage to sing near people but it brought a smile to your face to know that you had a fan.
"well thank you Caine...just, next time that you want to see me, just knock on my door and I'll let you in...okay ?"
"oh ! why how kind of you my dear ! wait-"
his eyes widened again like earlier
"are you saying that you want to see me more after this !?!"
he practically bounced in his seat as you couldn't help but giggle at his childish yet sweet behavior. Sure the others were possibly having a bad time right now but this entire playdate was going far too well for you to care, even for Caine innocently admitting to messing with your minds and stalking you guys at random times
"of course Caine, we could see each other after adventures if you'd like-"
you were suddenly tackled into a hug, the chair behind you falling as you felt yourself getting picked up by unseen forces and two surprisingly strong arms
"yes ! yes !! a million times yes !!! Oh my sweet and sour little muffin I would LOVE to !! oh today couldn't get any better !!!"
you got hugged, completely squished and nuzzled by Caine as he gently placed you down onto the ground with a manic smile on his face
"now ! how about you and I continue our hangout by interacting with all the mechanics here in this room ! your choice dearie !"
he pointed to the room as you looked around and saw the controller. maybe a few videogames would be interesting. You went towards the couch, your hand gently taking Caine's as he tenses up under your touch. You guided him and placed him near the couch as he floated down onto it. You gently took the controller as your looked for the second one.
"oh ! video games it is !...my dear what are you doing ? your controller's right here !"
"I'm looking for a second one"
"a second one ? for-"
realisation hit Caine, making him blush and bug a little as his head slowly turned to look at you while you looked for another controller. At this point, it was being hard for him not to bluescreen as he just stared, enthralled at the feeling of being cherished for once.
"you...want me to play with you..."
he wanted the affirmation, surely you wanted him to spawn an NPC to play with you ! this was too good to be-
"of course, did you not make one for yourself ?"
that was all that he needed to hear as he snapped his fingers, his cane appearing and transforming into a sleek black controller with gold accent
"there ! much better !"
you smiled as you sit next to him, Caine couldn't help but squirm a little at the closeness, not that he's complaining ! soon enough you went through the selections of games. one that was a village with animals...a bit boring, another one had zombies...too violent, the other one was a cubic sandbox...could be fun but not right now. you soon found a karting game as you picked it. It gave you a bit of nolstagia when you used to play a game like that...what was the name again ? who did you even play this game with ?...no matter, right now you need to focus on yourself and Caine. Talking about Caine, he couldn't decide what he needed to focus on : either the screen or your face. He just couldn't decide ! soon enough he was snapped out of his mind when the game started. you leaned closer as you two got ready. the lights soon turned green and you soon pressed on the buttons on your controller for your kart to go faster. The circuit had quite some curves as you two fought to stay in first place. On the first round you managed to be first but Caine soon caught up to you on the second round. The last final round was tough as you two were at the same level. Caine couldn't help but hear your small little comments as he looked over at you. He could see how concentrated you were, your tongue almost sticking out as you looked determinated to win. That made Caine slow down, letting you win the last round as you face brightened
"yes !!"
"good job superstar !"
he praised you as you two soon went to play a few more games though it weirdly Always ended up with you winning and Caine trying to look at you. You didn't mind, if anything you were grateful. After a few hours you two decided to settle on a movie. It was supposed to be an action movie but the casts of mannequins was ridiculous, especially the villain who kept on dissapearing all the time out of nowhere. It made you laugh but you couldn't help but feel a little sleepy as you subconsciously leaned your head against his shoulder. Caine was startled as he looked over to see you asleep. He relaxed but now he felt contradicted. You did say that watching people sleep was impolite but you just Fell asleep on him ! the idea of you trusting him enough to fall asleep like this made his digital heart flutter cartoonishly underneath his chest. He wrapped an arm around you, possibly the most subtle action that Caine has ever done. Movie be damned, you were far more interesting to look at. He couldn't help but feel his hand reach your face, gently tracing it-
"Boss ! the adventure is done !"
Caine was startled by his own assistant, getting a taste of his own medicine when he pops in front of anyone without any warning. He looked over at you, you were still asleep. He then looked back at Bubble, his top jaw frowned to gave the stupid lower ai a death glare before brightening up
"ah ! right !"
he flew up, gently placing you down on the couch as a star shaped pillow was tucked Under your head and a soft blanket was drapped over you
"make sure that our friend here rests and bring them to their room, alright Bubble ? I trust you to be careful"
"on it boss !"
the cheerful Bubble flew over you, guarding your sleeping form as Caine took one last look before teleporting away to where the main cast was. boy did he wish he could go back to where you two were as he looked to see the cast : Kinger was the only one who seemed to have enjoyed himself. Zooble was as expected dismantled, Gangle was carrying Zooble's head in her gentle ribbons. Jax looked ticked off as he brushed dirt off of him. Ragatha looked traumatised as she hugged herself and Pomni was looking for Something to wash off whatever liquid she was covered in. A typical adventure for Caine as he spinned and posed in the air
"congratulations my slivery silver slippers ! welcome back from your mini insect world escurtion !"
"I NEED A BATH"
Pomni cried out as Ragatha looked around in fear
"t-there aren't any giant spiders anymore right ? n-nor giant centipede"
a small centipede dropped on her head as she frantically freaked out, Jax let out a laugh, holding a handful of baby giant centipede
"thanks for the ressources, dentures !"
"Caine ! teleport my body and limbs back for f#%@! sake !"
Zooble called out as Caine moved over to Gangle and Zooble
"what happened ?"
"Zooble and Pomni got eaten by a Toad...s-so did my comedy mask…"
Gangle explained, sniffling as Caine placed his hands on his hips
"ah ! now that won't do !"
Caine did as told, snapping his fingers and spawning Zooble's body now all cleaned as well as Gangle's mask all safe without a single crack and quickly cleaning Pomni and the others. Gangle placed Zooble's head on their body, who was now glaring angrily at Caine as their antennas and wing twitched in anger
"there ! all brand new !"
"you're Lucky you Don't have a neck…"
Zooble angrily mumbled, glaring at the silly and oblivious ringmaster.that anger was lost as soon as they hear porcelain breaking. they looked to find Jax who pushed Gangle over, Breaking her comedy mask yet again
"oops, Watch where you're going ribbons"
"OH YOU MOTHER-"
with that the group all went up in their rooms, all shaken up as the digital cycle of night and day came up. The night wasn't too long, long enough to shake off today's events but not enough to gain full Energy as the sun soon popped up. You were slowly waking up, finding yourself in your room as you couldn't help but smile. yesterday was great and you hoped that Caine spent a good day with you as well. from the looks of it, you knew he must've had a great day yesterday...you never saw him this relaxed, out of his usual persona while still keeping his dorky and loveable charisma. you were snapped out of your thoughts as you heard a merry Knock on your door
"OH SUPERSTAR ! I'M KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR TO RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY AND BOUNDARIES BUT I WILL COME INSIDE ANYWAY TO EXECUTE MY STATUS OF AUTHORITY !"
Caine slid through the door, hands on his hips and a silly expression on his face as his eyes looked in different directions while his tongue stuck out. Gosh was he loud in the Morning, it made you grumble a little
"good morning my little ray of Sunshine ! time to wake up and start whatever routine and ritual you humans have ! it's about time we tackle today and I have an INCREDIBLE idea for today's adventure that you should not miss out !"
he float over towards your bed as he pulled on the covers
"come on dear ! it's time to get up ! the sun's shining and the birds are- ARGH !?"
suddenly, a hand came out of the covers, grabbing him but his bowtie and pulling him in the bed. He found himself in your bed, cuddled and snuggled up close as you held him in your arms, the covers wrapping around him as you two were cocooned snuggly together. He was speechless to say the least as he looked at your face, now nuzzled into his chest
"hmmm...five more minutes…please…"
you mumbled groggily as Caine did Nothing. ah screw it. He surrendered, letting you use him like a teddy bear as he wrapped his big arms around you, feeling like a weighted and heated blanket as he tucked your head Under his jaw. He just couldn't Believe it. Truly you made him feel like the luckiest AI ever and clearly he couldn't thank you enough.
so with that, there was no adventure for today