The Realist

by MissMasterMind

Summary:

Life if the circus is not very interesting for the imprisoned cast members. Even though this is the case, Jax is not a sad lump about it--no, he's a moody prankster that entertains himself with mischief and other less than savory methods of distraction. One day, circus life changes for him and everyone else when the new girl shows up, and he finds that she is exceedingly more interesting than he would have guessed. He unexpectedly starts to indulge in her presence because it doesn't make him want to barf or break something, and she seems to be receptive enough to the formation of a friendship. None of the others thought him actually capable of being a decent, friendly person, accepting the innocent and ignorant Pomni. Fortunately for them, the little jester is actually much more aware and perceptive than they assume her to be, and she becomes the catalyst for changing the standard of living for all in the circus. Well, he figured out she's not as innocent and ignorant as he'd thought.

Chapter 1: CH.1 HER ARRIVAL

It was a relatively average day in the circus the day she showed up. Jax had been just waiting for one of the neighborhood idiots to waltz right into his trapーthe one set up by the stairs next to the stage. He was soooo ready for somebody to be covered in ‘crazy-goo’. He was damn lucky to have found that stuff behind one of the many doors here, and of course he was going to use it to sabotage someone. Any sad sucker would do, really.
But alas, that anticipatory moment was soon forgotten.
No, he didn’t get to see any sorry sucker get gacked. Why?
Well…because of the dumb newbie.

When Pomni showed up, he didn’t really notice at first. He wasn’t a witness to her arrival, after all; moreso a spectator after she’d been fumbling around for the first thirty seconds. When he did notice her, she was all shaky.
Like, a severe alcoholic without a drink in eight hours, shaky. Heh, weird…and she was looking all around, like a swarm of bees was attacking her or something. Woah this chick must be riddled with nerves…

How delightful!

Ha, she was a real freak. Oh, this one will be fun to torture. He hasn’t had any fresh meat in a while, so this little ball of anxiety was a godsend. He could already feel the satisfaction of tormenting her; the sound of girly shrieks already promising him contentment.

The adventure Caine shat out for her proved a total bust. Zooble got eaten, for like, the twenty-fifth time? Whatever, he didn’t care. That sock puppet-ass looking snake diva was quickly a bore, even though he was just happy to be away from killer Kofmo. That bastard had to go and abstract, and leave him behind with the rest of the mentally ill joke of a cast. Ragatha was glitching out pretty hard when the adventure ended, and the new girl bitched out and ran away with a glitchy handーmaybe she learned her lesson about helping. He ran away in that situation, so maybe she had a brain in that nearly spherical head of hers? Or maybe the new girl was more coward than idiot.

Anyway, now that shit show was over, and they were sitting at dinner. That little jester freak sat next to him and was just staring blankly at her digital food, right through it. Everybody munched away, either too exhausted or too oblivious to give a damn. Except, of course, the annoyingly persistent queen of kiss-assery herself.

“So, Pomni! Do, uhh, do you not like chicken?” Ragatha had asked politely, pushing around her digital food with her fork, cheek resting on her balled up fist.

Rags had an untouched breast of her own on the plate before her. Jax momentarily thought about commenting about how that chicken was more well-endowed than she was, but he was distracted by the promise of a reaction from the new girl. He needed to suss her out, to dissect her. Like a formaldehyde-preserved cat in biology class.

Pomniーlike an absolute brickーsaid nothing, and remained still.

Hmmm.

“Oh don’t be silly, Rags,” Jax interjected mirthfully, “Everybody loves chicken! Show’er, Pom!”

Then, he snatched a chicken leg from her plate and shoved it rather forcefully in her mouth. It successfully brought Pomni back to reality…or whatever the hell plane of existence they currently resided in. Pomni didn’t hack, or choke, or have any fraction of the grotesque reaction Jax was hoping for. Instead, her eyes focused, and she gently grabbed the leg and bit down on it.

This little character was kind of…interesting? Yeah…yeah. She wasn’t really having the reactions he had predicted, what with her being so anxious and fidgety. He’d assumed she’d be more flamboyant, animated, and lively. Not to say that her reactions weren’t funny, but more so that they weren't what he’d expected. She was so weird. Like, not creepy-weird, but more awkward-weird.

“This is so strangeーit’s like eating the smell of chicken. Or the idea of the smell of chicken,” she murmured as the virtual food tucked into her cheek.

“Yo, that’s rude,” Jax said with a smirk, hiding his curiosity at her lack of abrasion to his antics, “don’t’cha know it’s not ladylike to talk with a mouth full of vood.”

At that, Pomni faced him with a puzzled look. Ohhh…this is different? What is this feeling? She’s so confused. It’s so entertaining. She’s not really mad, or even bothered. Just, kindaーlost. Her big ol’ eyes made him a little dizzy, what with the funky colors in that wacky pattern. That must be it.

“Vood?” Gangle, who sat to the right of him, asked meekly.

“YES, GANGLE,” Jax said dramatically, throwing his eyes at the ceiling to accentuate his eye roll. He then shoved a spoonful of mashed potatoes in his mouth.
“Put two and two together, Dummy,” he antagonized as he leaned in Gangle's direction, poking her with his spoon, as a piece of potato flew out of his mouth and landed on her mask.

“EWE, JAX! WHY?” she shrieked, wiping at the mess under her eye. Jax only cackled at her displeasure. Haha, she’s such a chump. She was so disgusted by it but it wasn’t even real. The only things that matter are what you decide mattersーJax learned that early, and Gangle did not.

“Virtual food,” Pomni said, watching the shenanigans play out with diminishing energy.

Jax turned to face her, trying his hardest to emulate a dissatisfied mood, and hoped she couldn’t see the hamster wheel turning in his head. But little did he know, she did noticeーhis eyes were practically gleaming from her perspective. It made her retract, probably at the thought of more antagonization.

He smoothly spooned another pile of mashed potatoes, not breaking eye-contact with the jester, and catapulted it onto Gangle’s lap without even a glance to aim. It was kind of impressive, to be honest, but the others at the table thought otherwise.

“Nope. Not even close,” Jax said, sputtering out another fleck of potato, squinting his eyes at the small primary-covered girl as Ragatha and Zooble complained in the background.

Pomni took another tentative bite of her less than real chicken, watching the bulge in his cheek, and muttered, “hypocritapult,” under her breath.

Jax laughed at that remark, throwing his head back slightly to try and push the rest of the amusement out of himself. Then he took a long drink from his mug of whatever-the-fuck. He glanced at Gangle and then waved his gloved hand in the direction of Ragatha and Zooble to dismiss their bitching. Afterward, he peeked at Pomni, to find her staring at her food in silence yet again.

She must have been an astronaut before this place because she sure likes to space the fuck out.

“You know, Pomni, you can have any condiment you want, if it doesn’t taste good! They all exist here. You can have barbeque, honey mustard, or..or…” Ragatha piped up again, trying to cheer Pomni up and bring her back to the table. It was kind of obvious the little freak was overwhelmed, and the ragdoll had to go and unintentionally stimulate her. Pomni’s gaze shot up to meet Rag’s, and she blinked herself back to dinner.

“The chicken is, um…interesting, Ragatha, b-but,” Pomni said as she pushed away from her seat with a start.
“ーbut I think I’m gonna go rest for a little bit. I’m kinda worn out,” Pomni said monotonously, sliding out of her chair and pushing it back to the table.

“Oh, yes, ok! That’s reasonable! Do you want to take anything back in case you want food later? You haven’t eaten much,” Ragatha said with a soft smile. Uuuggghhh….gross.

“N-uhh…I-I mean, I’m notーI…” Pomni stuttered, gazing at her mostly virgin dinner, unable to make eye-contact with the sweet doll lady. She kind of made her feel like a little kid.

“Stutterbutt says ‘Nope’,” Jax interjected, nonchalantly reaching over and sliding Pomni’s mostly untouched food over to himself. With that, she nodded swiftly, and looked at Jax with…what the fuck was that look? Was that…? No, couldn’t be. Not appreciation. Why would that freak be thankful to HIM of all people? The audacity! That little shit.

He was very intentionally converting the strange, unidentifiable feeling bubbling in his stomach into one he understood very wellーretaliation. It was the only thing he could do, really. What else could he have done with that sort of feeling? Certainly not acknowledge it.

And she was gone before he could form a snotty quip. Well, whatever. She’d just have to learn the hard way that Jax was the very last person in the universe you wanted to appreciate.
And with that, he dove into her vood and the rest of the table chatted idly about nonsense until it was time for bed, or nightly activities. Like stewing in existential dread, contemplating if life was life without death, and jacking off.

When Jax made his way to his room after everyone else had left, he stood in front of his door a moment, staring at the door opposite of his own. That new girl was his next door neighbor, how delightful. Her pouty little face was slapped on her door fittingly, he snickered to himself how accurately it represented the strange little thing. Well, he’d better get to work on mapping her personality traits, anxieties, fears, and thought process if he was gonna fuck with her sufficiently enough to test her mental fortitude.

Now that she gave him something new to work with, he was going to be quite entertained for the time being. He opened his bedroom door and slid in, smiling like a villain.

Chapter 2: CH.2 JAX’S THOUGHTS

Intelligence is not necessarily the first character trait that one would associate with the cast of the amazing digital circus. Most of them were, how you sayーthe opposite of calculating. At least, according to a certain tall purple rabbitoid prankster.

Jax had made it a hobby of sorts. ‘It’ being identifying, categorizing, and scrutinizing all the character traits of his neighbors, the merry little band of numbskulls. He needed to find something to do to occupy his mind when he’d arrived so long ago, so he did. He had a host of entertaining hobbies, much to the dismay of the cast members. But his pride and passion was analyzing and running circles mentally and emotionally around the people and people-impersonating programming that he was forced to bunk with.

Caine was the first personality he came into contact with, just as everyone else had. He was, in all honesty, bat-shit. Coo-coo for cocoa puffs, but in a disturbingly with-it way. Like, yeah he was bonkers…but his bonk was calculated. He was intentionally fuckin’ loony toons, and it was annoying as hell. Why? Jax had tried to dissect why he’d thought that, but he never really came to a clear answer. He decided to settle on the simple truth that Caines’ intentional craziness was overstimulating, and to ignore the underlying dread that accompanied the thought. Whatever it was, it was best left to ponder at the times when he was alone with his thoughts and had no other thing to mull over.

Ragatha was the second personality he was forced to interact with. She was…a lot. Rags reminded him of the mother of a spoiled child, the way she was such a passive aggressive push over who wanted to please everyone around her. She was a little smart, but not too much. He immediately found a distaste for her lack of substance, her constant effort into being likable. Sometimes, she was alright, he’d give her that. But most of the time, she was just too fake. A ‘nice girl’. She was always trying to win everybody over, trying to get people on her side, maybe so she'd have the edge of numbers, or maybe so she wouldn’t feel so lonely. Jax couldn’t blame her for wanting to be seen in a good light, but he didn’t think that was the whole picture with her. The way she went about it seemed hollow and lacked authenticity, so he had determined that she was not someone to trust in this insane place.

Then he met Kinger. This guy was not nearly as obnoxious as the personified pair of dentures and the deceptive doll. Kinger was older, and like the other characters he’d experienced, he was not all there in the head. But Kinger was different from them, too. He wasn’t the same type of crazy as Caine was…He was so much more human. Kingers' type of crazy was parallel to what one would experience with a dissociative disorder or dementia, and in truth it made Jax soften his opinion of the guy. He had had a wife, and he was a fucking computer coder, so he wan’t a total dumbass. Kinger wasn’t fake, or manipulative, or lacking in empathy. He was just a lost person. He reminded Jax of a family member he couldn’t put a name to. Jax felt lost too, since he’d been here…so Kinger was a character that he never really fucked with too hard. He DID fuck with him, just to be clear. But not as much as the other bozos.

Oh, and Gangle…silly, sad, pathetic little Ribbons. She was very entertaining to bully, because her emotions flitted between weepy sulky sadboi to waaay too much. That’s why he started breaking that damn ‘comedy’ mask. That stupid thing was a filter for the responses she was able to give, and with it intact, she could only be over the top, rowdy, peppy, and belligerently manic. That mask was stupid and it would be better; everyone would be better off, if it was not wearable. So that’s one thing he did to make the circus a little more bearable. And every time that thing broke it made a satisfied pride spread in his chest, like he was exterminating a particularly pesky pest. And sad Gangle, the better Gangle, reacted way better to his pranks and tom-foolery. She was entertaining, as much as she was a buzzkill. He could only tolerate spending so much time in her presence, and after a while that whiney voice became too annoying to be worth tolerating.

And then, there was Zooble! Oh, such an interesting character, Zoobs was. They were very similar to him, which was most certainly a factor in his interest and disdain for them. Zooble had an obvious body dysmorphia, and that was the top layer of a cake of underlying issues. Zooble was a great liar. Not that they even knew it thoughーthey had nothing more than surface level self-awareness. Zooble hated themselves, and was aware of it, but chose to cover up their insecurities with a stoic, unreadable aura of neutrality and level-headedness. That hit a lil’ too close to home, for Jax. They never went on Caines’ stupid adventures because they were ashamed of their body and the lack of capability they had. Jax understood that a body that falls apart at the slightest breeze would be a hazard for the soul residing in it, but it also proved detrimental to simple accomplishment. Zooble felt like a burden, because they wereーat least on adventures that required any sort of stability. And Zooble was not about to tell anyone of their insecurities, because they didn’t want to be seen as the weak little lump that they were. And the fact that he understood this about them, and that he knew they were so similar, made a great disdain for Zooble bloom in his gut. Because if Zooble was useless, and Zooble was like him, then he’s probably useless too.

Last but not least, Kaufmo. This guy was kind of shady, in all honesty. He was a clown, but his jokes never landed, and he never caught on to the fact that they never landed. He was unable to read a room, unable to understand sarcasm, and unable to not be a freak. His humor was very dry, and he had a bad habit of becoming obsessed with things. He accumulated obsessions regularly, almost as if his hobby was finding a new thing to be enamored with for a week or two, only to be completely dropped off in a short time. He was never consistent enough to be reliable, either. A shifty kind of guy that you’d be stupid to trust with anything important. Jax thought it’d have been more fitting for Kaufmo’s avatar to have been a snake, or a burglar, or a prison escapee. That was more his vibe.

No, intelligence was probably the last descriptive word he’d use for this mismatched tribe of misfits. Except of course, for himself. He was the only one, from his perspective, to be even fractionally analytical or perceptive.
That is, until the jester came.

She seemed…different…different enough from Miss-Manipulative, Delirious, Sadboi, Diffident, and the late anti-comedian. The Jester piqued Jax’s curiosity. She seemed to beーnot a liar. She didn’t strike him as someone who was fake, or someone who hated herself. It was actually refreshing. She was not very outspoken, but when she did speak, it seemed to have some thought behind it; some substance. And that was more than he could say about anyone else here. He didn’t even know if the others were capable of deep conversation, they all seemed so air headed and aloof.

He had interacted with her only a couple of times since she’s been here, but every time was not unpleasant. It was actuallyーdare he sayーok.

And that was a nice change of pace.

He was setting up a trap in the kitchen they all shared in the trash can. He set up the pedal mechanism to trigger an unholy spray to shoot up from the opened lid of the trash.

All of his victims probably wondered where the hell he got the shit he used to fuck with them, and that made him so giddy. Being mysterious was one thing that made him feel more in control of this garish shit-hole they were trapped in.

When he was finished setting up the booby trap, he stood and stretched his back. He was the tallest, and his body often felt awkward. They didn’t really have the range of sensation that existed in reality, yet they still had semblances of discomfort and other sensations. They experienced many things here that they did in the real worldーlike pain, boredom, itchiness, and all the stupid human emotions. It seemed that the fact that they were in a digital plane actually heightened the quality of these emotions, much to his dismay. He assumed it was because their minds were wholly theirs, and their minds were what made them emotional. Maybe they were unintentionally compensating for the rest of them being less real. Maybe not.

Ragatha had opened the door to the kitchen when she stopped dead in her tracks, eyeing the bunny man next to the trash.

“What did you do?” Ragatha accused warily, flitting her eyes over the room to spy anything out of place.

“God, why do I always have to be doing something,” Jax sneered, waltzing over to the fridge to pop it open.

“Because you are! What did you mess with? All I want is some juice…” she whined to herself, crossing her arms and huffing like a pissy little kid.

Jax eyed her maliciously for a moment, then dropped his face like it was nothing. He dragged up his neutral, shit-eating smile, and let it hang on his face a second before he looked to the fridge.

“What kinda’ juice do you fancy, Stitches?” he hummed, concealing his amusement by ducking his head in the door.

“Iーyou’re gonna giveー? No, no! Don’t pull anything, I just want some tomato juice!” she pointed her plush finger at him, her face contorted in distrust and annoyance.

Jax pulled out a small can of tomato juice and turned to her, handing her the can, smile never fading.

“Ewe. Of course you like this nasty stuff. Ya know, it’s greeeat for gettin’ out skunk spray. Did you know that? Did you know you’re drinking the juice equivalent of a detergent?” he asked lightly, then turned to head toward the door as he heard the tab crack on the can.

“It’s good! You just have no good taste,” Ragatha rebutted, taking a sip. Jax couldn’t help his grin as it became malicious, though she couldn’t see his face turned opposite of her.

“Say’s the doll who guzzle’s chemical cleaner,” he retorted with sass before disappearing out of the door. He leaned his back on the wall outside of the door, patiently listening. After about 5 minutes, he heard hiss and a strangled scream from Ragatha. She started hacking and coughing, running from the room with tears in her eyes and a hand on her throat.

“YOU A$$H*LE!” she choked, wiping her burning eyes to rid them of the irritated tears.

Jax just cackled as he scampered away, calling back to her sassily, “Just use the tomato juice to get the stink out!” and then he disappeared from her angry sight.

Chapter 3: CH. 3 BENEVOLENT GODS

Jax was walking the halls at night, a couple of days after Pomni had arrived. He was doing rounds to occupy himself, deciding that walking was better for a plotting mind than holing up in his room. So he was walkingーand walking, and walking. Plotting his next public humiliation, his next victory against boredom while lifting his feet and pushing himself forward.

As he passed one of the doors that opened into a crazy room that had a whole ass evergreen forest in it, his sensitive hearing picked up a muffled voice from behind coming from the small opening. Oh, the door was left a-crack? InterestingーHe could hear a pin drop from a mile away, and though this voice had a good distance to it, it was still detectable. He moved to the door swiftly, and casually twisted the handle to peer into the space.

It was snowing in there. Huh... last time he was there it was spring.

The sky was white, the fir trees were covered in piles of fluffy blobs of frozen precipitation, and there was a trail of small footprints leading into the woods. He could feel the chill of the air hit his face around his eyes and lips, the rest of him feeling less of it due to his fluffy fur. He lifted his leg and placed his big purple foot onto the snow, expecting to sink in and leave his own print, but surprisingly, he stood on top of the snow. What the hell was this? Was it a glitch? It disappointed him to no end that he couldn’t make a footprint, he felt like a kid who got a toy taken away. Hmmm. He’ll unpack that later.

He started making his way to the line of tall snow-covered trees, eyeing the trail before him. These footprints were so close together, the stride was less than half of his own. That means it was either Gangle or Pomni in here, trudging through the wildernessーand he was almost 98.4% certain it was Pomni, because Gangle was NOT the avid hiker. The last time they had an adventure that involved the outdoors, Gangle was used as a make-shift body harness to propel down a cliff, and she was NOT having it. Gangle was screaming the whole time…hah, sweet memories.

His ear twitched as he heard that voice from behind the tree line…It was her alright. That meek little mumble was a vibrant contrast against the whiney shrill drawl of the theater prop. He crouched down as he approached the trees, listening and watching intently.

“It doesn’t seem like a dream anymore,” she said. She’s talking to someone else? There was only one track…Maybe an NPC? But NPCs were never in the circus.

“I’ve been debating, though, whether or not this is an altered state of consciousness. It’s similar to a dream, but not entirely so. Maybe I’m in a coma? I’ve wracked my brain in search of any memory indicating something related. Like a car crash, or a sickness that would prompt medical induction,” she puttered out, clearly to another person. Hmmm.

He made sure not to make a sound, not to lose his edge over the situation. He knew she was here, but she didn’t know he was, so he had the advantage. He felt likeーwell, not a bunny. He felt higher on the food chain than a bunny, right now.

“I don’t know if the amnesia is a part of the coma, either. Probably, but I’m not a f*%ck^ng doctor,” she said with a huff. Jax had to stifle a snicker as he made his way to the little clearing she was in. He squatted behind a tree to continue his hiding.

“I mean, I really don’t have the patience for medical school,” she chided. Jax peaked from the tree that was concealing him to find Pomni sitting on her knees in front of a snowman she’d made.

The snowman was a piss-poor excuse for a snowmanーbuilt as tall as she could make it, no eyes, and a strange dug out snow mound on the side. It had no mouth eitherーobviously Pomni didn’t need it to have a mouth, it’s not like it’d be answering her questions. But still, what a strange little jester. Every snowman needs a mouth and eyes, at least. And arms.

“I don’t know if that even matters anymore, though, Icey,” she mumbled, and then turned to face towards Jax, unbeknownst to her.

He immediately ducked behind the tree just enough to not be seen. Pomni scootched herself back up against and under the strange hollowed out snow mound attached to her sculpture, not noticing him at all. Was she cuddling a snowman? How pathetic!

He balled up a heap of snow in his gloved hand and flung it toward a tree far away from him. When it hit, the snow on the branches fell, and thudded loudly on the ground, swiftly drawing the small girl's attention.

“W-Who-who’s there!?” she warbled, anxiety spiking. Jax could barely hold in his laugh.

He snuck as quickly as he could around to the back end of the snowman while she was distracted, and peaked just above it to see the top of her goofy hat.

“I don’t think it even mattered in the FIRST PLACE!” Jax shouted, wrapping his arm around the snowman to pinch at her side.

“AAAAAAHHHH!!!” she shrieked, somersaulting away from her attacker. The look on her face was priceless!

“AAAHA-HA-HAaaahhh Oh my GOD Poms! Pffftt! Did you pee your pants?” Jax ridiculed her between bouts of laughter.

“OH, OhーJeez, Jax…I,” she said under her breath, still composing herself from the jump-scare,
“You know, if I could pee my pants I probably would have,” she murmured, dragging her gloved hands down her face.

Jax snorted at her response and moved from behind the snowman to stand next to her.

“Yeah, that’s great, Pom. So, uhh…what’s with this guy, huh? You got a kink for the blind, deaf and mute?” Jax asked snidely. Pomni gasped at him.

“IーWhat? Wha-why would you say that, you creep?!” she replied exasperatedly.

“Oh, ya’ know. Your snow man has literally no featuresー,” Jax noted, pressing his pointer finger to his lips, “soooーeither you have a fetish for the disabled, or you’re just a cruel God.”

Pomni chuckled at his stupid joke, and it made his heart flutter a little bit. Huh…She peered at him defeatedly, glancing at the snowman’s creepy empty face.

“Well, I may have a disability kink, but I’m certainly not cruel,” she replied sheepishly, awkwardly mirroring his humor.

“HA! That’s great,” he snorted, pulling one side of her hat over her face, “Well, you politically incorrect freak, I think you ought to see the work of a more benevolent creator. I shall help this poor creature of yours exist less painfully.”

Jax meandered over to the snowman and with a karate chop motion, removed the odd hollowed out mound that Pomni had sat herself in before he scared the bejeezus out of her. He then picked up a few handfuls of snow and shaped the snowman a bit taller.

“How dare you,” she announced to him sternly, feigning an air of authority, “I AM a benevolent God. No eyes to see ugliness, no ears to hear hatred, and no mouth to spew liesーmy creation will not experience evil. So, he cannot become evil.”

Jax gawked at her, guffawed. That wasーa smart thing to say. Like, not important, but it required some thought. And it was sooo refreshing.

“Little miss philosophy thinks that by depriving her design of sensory experience, that it will remain good. Well, Poms, hate to break it to ya’, but that’s not exactly how good and evil works,” Jax rebutted, shaping the snowman as he did, smirking incredulously.

“Your creation will grow stir crazy in thought, because that is its only true freedom. It will think itself into madness, having only itself to compare to, only the meek presence of ideas and speculation. You made your snowman unable to escape itself, and it will turn to resentment because that’s the inevitability of being trapped with nothing but your own thoughts,” he gave his speech in a sing-song voice, turning to face Pomni, “ーand that will make it evil.”

Pomni’s eyes sparkled in a strange way that Jax couldn’t identify. But it was interesting. His heart hammered a little, he felt almost a rush. From what? Conver-fucking-sation? What the fuck was that about? Whateverーanyway, she took a small step forward and placed her hands behind her back, swaying forward and backward ever so slightly on the balls of her feet as she spoke.

“You think he will become evil because he is trapped with his thoughts and has no escape from them. But how do you know his thoughts will trouble him? Never once had I ever suggested a bad thing about him, or about the world. Not once had I ever given him fuel for doubt, or a reason to dislike himself or existence. He has no senses besides his own consciousness, so he will live in a state of perpetual neutrality, not goodness,” she spoke softly and eloquently, punctuating her retort with a satisfied huff. “I am a benevolent God.”

Jax eyed her silently, not uttering a sound as she smiled that small, knowing smile. That little shit thought she’d bested him! Well…did she? Maybe…? Naahhh…

“You make a compelling argument,” he chimed, smiling a beaming smile. He tilted his head and leaned down flick one of the pom poms on her jumpsuit,
“but an existence in perpetual neutrality would be boring as sh%t.”

Pomni giggled a suppressed, sickeningly sweet giggle. Barely audible to anyone else, but Jax heard it as if it were right in his ear, and the breathiness of it made him want to shake her like a crying baby, or squeeze her until she popped like a balloon. She put her fist to her lips and shielded them from view, like that would hide her amusement, nodding simultaneously. It was kind of mesmerizing for some reason.

“Honestly, I couldn’t find anything to make his appendages or facial features. All I’ve seen is snow,” she said quietly, turning to gesture to the expansive forest of snowy trees.

“Hm. Yeah, Caine has a piss-poor understanding of rendering little things like pebbles and twigs. But there are loopholes,” Jax said nonchalantly, waltzing to a nearby tree. He reached up and broke off some branches, then sauntered back to the short girl. He handed her the largest stick and cackled as she almost toppled over from holding it.

He broke some of the sticks in his hands, placing the pieces on either side of the snowman to give him arms. Pomni watched him with her big ol’ eyes, not saying a word. Jax expected her to whine about him giving her a stick that was bigger than her, or say something disparaging to him, but instead, she drug the big stick she was given over to a forked tree. She placed it in the V of it, then jumped on the branch to snap it in half. Jax just watched her as she dragged the two large branches back to the sculpture and plucked the arms Jax had placed out. She replaced the larger sticks as arms, and held the smaller sticks as she gazed up at the head.

“These should be the ears,” she said, gesturing to his head, “He needed to be buffer anyways.”

Jax snickered. A buff snowman, huh? Well, okie dokie, buff snowman it is. He took the small sticks from her, and proceeded to jam them into the sides of the snowman's head, where a human’s ears would be. Pomni looked mortified. What a silly thing.

“What?! No, no! On top,” she corrected, and pointed to the crown of the snowman's head.

“What's wrong with his ears where they are, Pipsqueak?” Jax asked with an accusatory tone.

“They’d look better on top,” she mumbled, placing her pointer fingers behind her head pointing to the sky, flexing them slightly. “Like yours.”

Oh. OH. That’s…endearing. And kind’a cuteーDUMB. WhAt A dUmBaSs. Jax couldn't help the puff of air that escaped his lips, or the pink that dusted his cheeks, even as he scolded himself for his unnecessary reaction. It was just a fucking snowman, pull it together! It’s a pair of sticks!
Stupid, stupid.

Without another word, he grabbed the sticks that jutted from the sides of the snowman’s head and yanked them out. Then, he plunged them into the top of the head and took a step back to view. He glanced at Pomni, who was nodding wordlessly.

“ ‘S’still blind, though,” Jax hummed, placing a hand on his hip, daring his eyes to move away from the snowman.

“Mmm, yeah,” she replied, looking at the stick-ears. She walked over to touch the snowman, sliding her hand up from his chest to his empty face. For some reason, Jax prickled at the gesture. What the hell…She then pushed her thumbs into the face to make two indentations where eyes could have been.

“No rocks, or pinecones, or anything?” she asked as she twisted her torso to peer at him as her feet stayed put.

“Probably not, Jingle Bells. But I mean…being blind and mute is better than blind and mute and deaf,” he joked, stepping closer to the snowman, almost bumping into her. Yeah…he wanted to be closer to the snowman.

“I can do better,” she chided herself, and pressed her forehead to the snowman's chest. Then, she pulled her head away swiftly, and a lightbulb literally manifested above her head.
She pulled off the two pom poms that stuck to her jumpsuit and placed them in the sockets she’d made with her thumbs. Then, she took the lightbulb and shoved it below them in the middle to give him a bulbous nose.

“Wow, nice one,” Jax muttered, leaning in to inspect his almost fully formed face.

“Yeah but he still needs a kisser,” Pomni hummed, tapping at her arm as they crossed on her chest, pondering. Jax suddenly snorted, for seemingly no reason, and it startled Pomni out of her thoughts. She studied his face after the outburst.

“Any ideas?” she asked, eying him curiously.

“Any-about what?!” Jax asked in an accusatory tone, seemingly quite startled. Pomni just stared at him, confused, and tilted her head.

“Um, the snowman needs a mouth, Jax,” she deadpanned, trying to assess whatever that was.

OOOOH. Yeah, of course, that was the thing that they were doing right now with the snowman and the pretending . Yyyeeeeahhhh. Well…No. No ideas were coming to him.

“I guess I’ll just make, um…a hole…” Pomni muttered, pushing her fingers into the snowman’s face like she’d done for his eye sockets. She made the opening wider and deeper than the sockets, and it didn’t look half bad. She stood back to admire her work.

Jax just looked at the snowman, with his new face. He looked startled, kind of. It made Jax smile a little bit, in a way that was not forced on like a mask. He was feeling really strange at the moment.

“He looks good,” Pomni pipped, placing her hand over her eyebrows to shade her eyes from the digital brightness from overhead. She then turned to look back at the door that led back to the circus.

"He looks horrifying," Jax snickered to himself, holding his hips like a diva.

“Thank you for your creative touch. This was nice,” she gestured at their completed, now fully faced snowman, “But I’ve been here too long and I’m really cold. I need a blanket.”

Then, she started walking toward the door, and she disappeared soon after. Jax stood there, on top of the snow like he was feather light, and then he put a gloved hand on the snowman’s head, next to his ears. He wrestled with the fact that this interaction between himself and the newbie was actually fairly pleasant.

“Like mine,” he mumbled to himself.

Then, he returned to the circus too, thinking a blanket did sound pretty good right now.

Chapter 4: CH.4 A NEW POSSIBILITY

Pomni woke up from her sleep with her blanket wrapped around her waist, making her feel like a mermaid. That explains the dream of being eaten by a boa constrictor. She had been shifting all night it seemed, trying to get comfortable, falling asleep, getting startled by nightmares, and then accepting failure. It probably had something to do with that silly jumpsuit that was attached to her body, and that hat that would not come off no matter how hard she pulled. It’s hard to have a peaceful slumber when your clothes feel like saranwrap.

She slunk out of the blanket’s gullet and dangled her feet off the edge of the bed. It made her feel so small to have a bed so high off the ground, she had to have a step to get in it. She had the fleeting thoughtーstupid Caine’s stupid furniture for stupid long-leggersーbut then she shunned herself for being angry at anyone with long legs and changed direction to be disgruntled about the furniture construction.

She hopped off of the bed, and barely made a sound as she hit the floor. She scratched along the seam of her hat and hairline, wanting desperately to get under it, to no avail. She sighed and made her way to the door, opening it to find a cheerful Ragatha behind it. She’d opened it before the doll had a chance to knock. Rags just stood there with a simple smiley expression, fist raised daintily and locked in the air onset by the new presence of the jester.

“OH! Hello, good morning, Pomni!” Ragatha beamed, pulling down her hand and placing it behind her back too swiftly, trying to recover from her deer-in-headlights episode.

“Hi, Ragatha,” Pomni said gently, smiling and hoping her tiredness didn’t show through. She stepped through the doorway and closed the entrance to her room, hoping to seem more accepting of her presence. Together, they started walking towards the breakfast table.

“You look kinda’ beat,” Ragatha said awkwardly, and then laughed as she rubbed the back of her neck.

Well so much for trying to tough it out…But it’s not like Pomni wanted to deceive her for vanity or ego’s sake. She just didn’t want to have Ragatha fuss over herーbecause a doting Ragatha would be draining. Much more draining than trying to tough out how she actually felt.
Ragatha didn’t seem to be in poor spirits about it though, so that was good. Pomni wasn’t in the mood for dealing with much of anything yet. It was far too early.

“You know Pomni I am so excited to have a new cast member, and I wanted to ask you, if you’d be okay with it, because if you're not okay with it I won’t, but I thought I’d askー” Ragatha droned on, words blending as the sentence continued.

“RAGGY, spit it OUT,” a cocky, dramatically exasperated voice interrupted her, “You’re making me lose my desire to eavesdrop.”

Ragatha turned her head to face the man who’d broken her conversationーthe fluffy purple bastard. He was leaning slightly in towards them, one ear dramatically jutted out while the other dropped a bit behind him. Just to show that he was listening, of course.

“Oh, cut it out Jax! I wasn’t talking to you, I was talking to Pomni!” Ragatha snapped, glaring at him like he was a rat, not a bunny. Pomni sighed, feeling too tired to interject; which got Jax’s attention.

“Well, with the way you were talkin’ to the jester I think she’s happy you stopped,” he said, full of ridicule. Ragatha gasped in a hurt way, fuming to herself. She looked at Pomni as if to ask, ‘can you believe this guy!?’ but was met with Pomni’s signature astronaut stare. Ragatha returned her gaze to Jax, who leaned in and raised his eyebrows in a stupidly ‘I told you so’ type fashion. She rolled her eyes at him and placed a gentle hand on Pomni’s shoulder, which effectively broke her out of her trance.

“I can tell you need to wake up some more. Coffees’ on the table…I’ll ask later,” she said gently to the smaller girl. Pomni’s gaze un-glazed, and she nodded, prompting the doll woman to walk away. After she was far ahead, Jax strutted up to walk parallel to Pomni.

“Yeeeaaah, no need to thank me, Niel Pomstrong,” Jax chittered away, stretching his arms behind his head in a casual and care-free manner, “I know I saved the day and all, but a true hero needs not praise.”

Pomni blinked a couple of times and lifted her face towards him, still heavy lidded. She took a deep breath in, and let out the most inconspicuous little yawn. Jax felt like he was just electrocuted.

This jester must also be a wizard or something, what with all these wacky sensations he’s beein getting slapped with out of nowhere. He had been trapped in a memory loop last night after he’d gone to his bed to sleep for the night, replaying their conversation for some reason. He kept thinking about that damn snowman, and how that interaction made him feel. Gross. It was just so weird, he couldn’t place what the hell was up. Maybe he was sick or something.

“Chivalry’s not dead,” she lazily mumbled as they walked along, making their way to the breakfast table. Jax was practically buzzing.

Pomni placed her hand on the table and leaned the slightest bit forward, peering at the assortment of breakfast foods and beverages, seeking a caffeinated savior, even if it was simulated. She found it in the clutches of a very grumpy looking Zooble, who was pouring a heaping cup for themself.

“Looking for Joe?” Zooble grunted, extending the pot to Pomni.

She may be tired, but she was not about to add stale vibes to the dining area with a less than neutral Zooble. She had just enough energy to be a little silly, and she hoped it might make Zooble a bit less crabby. They seemed like the kind of person that you’d don't want to piss off.

“HuhーI didn’t know you loved the coffee pot so much you decided to name it,” Pomni joked lightheartedly, hoping to see a shift in Zoobles mood. It workedーthey chuckled under their breath. Jax watched the whole conversation from the side as he shoveled waffles into a tower on his plate.

“Oh yeah. My first Love. Pour yourself a cup of Joseph,” Zooble humored her back. Pomni’s mood in turn elevated, and she did pour herself a cup of steaming hot black Joseph. After her cup was poured, she too reached for a waffle, then a sunny side up egg, and some bacon. She made a little wrap out of her breakfast assortment, and hummed quietly to herself. Jax pondered her creation and took a bite absentmindedly of his syrup drenched waffles, only to blank at the taste. He turned to scrutinize the table, scanning for his target.

Aha!
Target acquired.
Location: Approximately 16.5 inches to the left of the cast’s surrogate S-mother
New mission update: Obtain the cream

“Yo Dolly, pass the whip,” Jax ordered to Ragatha, who sat across the table next to the whip cream. She just looked at it and grumbled, picking it and spraying some of it on a plate to pass to him.

“What gives? I want the can,” Jax protested, taking the plate anyway.

“And I want you to can it,” she spat at him, pouting her dramatic pout. Sheesh.

Pomni giggled at Ragatha’s dumb joke, and it made it almost worth the experience. Why was that sound so activating to Jax’s autonomic nervous system? Ragatha took the can and slathered her pancakes in a heap of whip cream, smiling to herself and reveling in Pomni’s little giggle. That woman thinks she’s got the upper hand? Well, jokes on HER. He had made her laugh way more often than she had! Not that he cared, of course.

“GOOOOOOOOD MOOOORNIIIIINNNGGGGGGGG,” a booming voice sounded from an undetectable place.

Pomni squeaked and squeezed her waffle sandwich so hard it split open, falling to her plate. She didn’t notice, she was too busy gawking at the pair of personified dentures that manifested above the table.

“I hope you all have had a balanced and nutritious breakfast!” Caine exclaimed, loopty-looping idly in the air as he levated. Jax shoved another bite of waffle into his mouth, boredly gazing at Caine with lidded eyes, and Zooble leaned their head back against their chair and sighed. Ragatha politely placed her fork and knife down besides her plate to listen to the levitating lunatic.

“We are having a wonderfully doable, PARTICIPATABLE adventure today!” Caine blurted, shooting his way over to Zooble. They didn’t open their eyes to meet him.

“Today’s adventure will be…HiDe AnD sEeK!!!” he bawled like a banshee.

“I’m not doing it,” Zooble retorted, much to Caine’s displeasure.

“BUT ZOOBLE,” he started, leaning in waaay too close for comfort.

“You should make a prize at the end, if you want Zooble to be interested,” Jax said lazily, leaning the side of his face on his hand, his ear twitching in proximity to the jester at his side.

“JAX, SHUT THE F*CK UP,” Zooble hissed at him, not about to take a pile of shit today. Jax smiled and rolled his eyes, snickering at the seething anger Zooble so kindly offered him for entertainment.

“I know I always LOOOOOVE prizes,” Jax teased, ever so joyful to push Zoobles buttons. Caines eyes were so big they looked like they were gonna explode.

Pomni understood why Zooble was not happy about the implications of a prize, because from the few times she’d experienced adventures that had them, the prizes usually sucked ass. A prize usually consisted of another adventure, or a perk for the next adventure. Something they had absolutely no choice in. Pomni made a split second decision to attempt to make the situation betterーbecause she really didn’t like an angry Zooble, and she did not want to have to play for a prize that was basically a reminder of their cruel, odd punishment either.

“What if we got a prize that we decided on,” Pomni interjected, ever so mildly. Everybody looked at her in an instant, Zoobles’ anger sputtering and Jax’s interest peaking, with Ragatha politely readjusting her gaze.

“A self-determined prize, Pomni?” Caine pondered, more to himself than anyone else.

“I-I mean, well, yeah,” she sputtered, averting her gaze from the floating choppers and everyone else. GOD THEY'RE ALL STARING.

“I know for a f-fact that I would try extra hard to winーif-if it meant that I could choose w-what I won.”

And Caine seemed to dwell on it. And so did the others…

“I would be so excited to play if I got to pick my own prize!” Ragatha chimed in, her joyful voice adding momentum to Pomni’s suggestion. Yes! Just what she needs, some back up!

“Oh yeah, for sure. If I could pick it myself? All these chumps would never even have a chance to win. I’d play harder than all of em’ put together,” Jax confirmed, locking eyes with Pomni and giving her a wink. Ok, so he’s in on it too. That leaves Zooble. It seems like both Jax and Ragatha locked on to the potential of the conversation, and both stared intensely at the pile of Geometry.

With an exasperated sigh, Zooble evil-eyed Caine, and said defeatedly, “If we had that choice, maybe it’d be worth it.”

Aaaaand that did it. Caine snapped his fingers and fireworks went off behind him. HA! Gangle and Kinger weren’t even at breakfast yet, and their opinions didn’t even need to be counted to sway the people-pleasing AI overlord. Rich.

“OOOOOOKAAAY THEN!!!” Caine beamed, absolutely radiating joy and excitement. It made Zooble turn away, and it made Jax want to throw up in his mouth. Ragatha seemed content, and Pomnis’ eye twitched.

“There WILL be a prize for the winner of this game of hide and seek! Of course, there will have to be limitationsーno exit, and no rated R content, but...OH THE POSSIBILITIES!” Caine shouted, and then a portal opened up behind the breakfast goers.

Chapter 5: CH.5 HIDE AND SEEK: FOR THE WIN

Jax stood first, turned on his heel to face the portal. Ragatha hopped up and skittered her way to Pomni’s side, while Zooble moved like they were being dragged with a fishhook. A snap of Caines’ fingers pulled Kinger and Gangle away from wherever they were, and threw them into the portal. Jax couldn't help his wide grin, knowing he was gonna demolish everybody and actually get something useful out of it.

When the crew was on the other side, they found themselves in a honkin’ huge house. Zooble looked around, eyes wide with worry. Gangle was just queasy, being pulled from her bed so suddenly. She chose the wrong day to sleep in. Kinger was absolutely unphased, like a fucking champion, and Ragatha clasped her hands together and stepped forward slightly. She was seemingly in awe, but was probably actually taking in all of the potential hiding places. Pomni just stood there, her hands toying with each other nervously as she stared blankly againーas she does when she felt too much. Jax bent down to get close to her ear and whispered through his devilish grin.

“Way to get the ball rollin’, Slick.” His breath tickled her and snapped her out of it, and she whipped her head around to stare at him incredulously. Her eyes were so big, so full of emotion, even as she kept her mouth shut. UGH it was so satisfying to see those emotions flit behind her eyes like she was shuffling a deck of cards in her head! It made him feel like he could foam at the mouth.

Bubble popped in to assist Caine with his speech, as he floated idly along. He was grinning like a maniac.

“Ok, my Jolly Jiggly Jackalopes! NOW FOR THE RULES!
You will draw straws to determine who is IT! And whoever is IT must locate all of the others. OTHERS!!! You shall hide, with the attempt of remaining concealed!” Cain shouted.

“What happens if more than one person remains undetected, Caine?” Bubble asked happily, floating along like a deranged butterfly on the breeze.

“GLAD YOU ASKED BUBBLE! The remaining hiders, if successfully unfound, will reach the next level and will be replaced as IT! The next IT will be randomly chosen, and the previous IT will become a hider,” Caine explained.

“Wait, the IT becomes a hider? Wouldn’t it make more sense to have the IT remain the same the whole game…?” Zooble deadpanned, arching an eyebrow at Caine, and crossing their arms defensively.

“No, Zooble. Silly stupid Zooble,” Bubble said condescendingly as he wafted along. Jax snorted in amusement at Zoobles angry face.

“Ok! Let’s draw!” Ragatha chirped in her peppy go-get-it tone. Gangle just stood beside her like she was gonna somehow be protected in the doll's presence.

In Caine’s hand appeared a handful of literal straws, and everyone reached to pluck one. Jax had prayed that he’d be the one to be IT, and what do you know? His prayers were kicked in the pants as GANGLE, of all people, pulled the short straw.

“Oh! A straw!” Kinger yelped happily, bringing it very close to his eye.

“Looks like I’m IT then! Oh boy this’ll be a DOOZY,” Gangle said in a hyper sort of way. Damn that stupid mask of hers.

“Alright, gang! 30 minutes to hide and seek! Gangle, you count down from 200, and then SEEK AND CONQUER,” Caine shouted, and then popped out of existence like a phantom.

“Conquer?” Gangle questioned as she ran her ribbons together.

“Conquer,” Bubble said with a whistle before disappearing too.

“You heard the Jaw, Thespian. Start at 200!” Jax commanded as he spun her around and made her ribbons tangle together like a tornado. Her mask flew off from the inertia and shattered on a wall. Ragatha had already bolted to find a place, and Pomni stuck her hand out to stop Gangle from knotting herself into a ball.

Jax snickered and grabbed Pomni’s wrist to pull her away from the personified Lecoq, prompting her to start counting.

“200, 199, 198, 197…” Gangle started with a whiney voice, covering her eyes to be as fair as possible. Hah, what a dork. Jax was over it already.

“J-Jax!! Wait, wait up please! I can’t run like you,” Pomni sputtered out as she was being dragged up a huge staircase.

“Have a growth-spurt, Pom. We can't dawdle just cuz’ you're a dwarf. We gotta hide,"Jax snickered as he basically pulled her up the stairs. She weighs about as much as a sack of feathers, how could he not fly her like a kite?

“My vertically challenged body will be useful in this adventure, I’ll have you know!” she barked at him, only to make him laugh at her.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right, Pipsqueak. Let’s just hope Gangle doesn’t find a magnifying glass,” Jax taunted as they stopped at the top of the stairs. He looked all around, searching for anything good and inconspicuous.

“Why are you helping me get away, anyway?” she inquired, flexing her fingers as he still had her wrist in a vice grip.

“Oh, come on, Pom. You really think I’m gonna give Gangle any more of a chance to get the prize? You are actually funny,” he said, pulling her closer toward him and then spinning her in a similar way to when he’d spun Gangle, “she ain’t gettin’ it.”

Pomni was then suddenly stopped by his big yellow gloved hand, her eyes still zooming about. She made a weak little whine and Jax drank it up like chocolate milk, relishing in it. He stopped ogling her crazy face to gaze all around to look for leads. His sensitive hearing detected that Gangle was almost halfway done.

He peered down to the small girl beside him, who’d squeezed her eyes shut to steady them.
“See any opportunities, shorty?” Jax inquired, flitting his gaze over different items and potential places. He wasn’t seeing much in the hall.

“Uh, well…” Pomni mumbled, opening her eyes and casting them over the general area, spying many doors that would undoubtedly lead to rooms with better spots…but her gaze flitted upward, and she spied a vent opening on the ceiling.

Well, that would be a great spot, but she sure as hell couldn’t reach it. But Jax could, and maybe if she helped him he’s fuck with her less.

“Jax, listen,” she said as she poked him in the chest, trying to be serious…
“You are a tall motherf0!&er, ok?”

Jax blinked at her dumbly. YEAH, Ok, what did that have to do with anything? It made him fluster, and he hated that. She was just making a statement, what was wrong with him?
She smacked her hand against her head, feeling irked by his obtuseness. She peered at him, making him feel kinda stupid for not picking up on what she was saying.

“Big boy needs a big hiding place,” she uttered monotonously, “and usually a big enough hiding place is too obvious. Look for a place that she wouldn’t expect…or reach.” She pointed to the ceiling vent, which was just big enough for him to squeeze into. Gangle would never be able to get to it without help, either.

Yeah ok that clicks.

“Hmmm, gotcha. FYI, Ribbons is at 104. Good luck Pomski,” he said so quickly, he didn't even register that he wished her luck. Well, she did help him, it was the least he could do right? Wait, why did it even matter? Pomni was always nice, it shouldn’t matter at all.

He hopped up on the antique looking hallway table underneath the vent like a fucking bunny. He stood on the old piece of furniture to reach it, and pulled the cover off. Then he pulled himself into it with one hand, the other still clutching the vent cover, and then popped it back into place.

“Wish you luck too,” Pomni muttered absentmindedly as she ran into another room. She said it so quietly, but Jax heard her and it made his fur stand up.

Jax shifted uncomfortably in the tight space; he was able to fit, but rather snuggly. He decided to army crawl down the vent, and he turned in the direction he thought Pomni had headed. Maybe he could spy on her, hehe…he was totally not being a huge creep.

Pomni stepped into one of the rooms that was decorated lavishly, with opulent furniture and gallant colors. She did a quick scan of the environment to determine her best options.
The closet was too obvious, and the curtains would be a dud for shure. There was under the bed, but that was not gonna cut it either. But wait!

There was a small chest at the end of the bed that seemed obscure enough. Maybe that was her golden ticket! She unlatched it swiftly and saw that there were folded blankets placed in it for storage. She pulled all but one out and ran to stuff them in the closet.

A distorted voice from above her said, “Better hurry it up, Pom, Gangle is at 23.”

Pomni whipped her head up to look at the ceiling, where a smug smirking bunny was peering down at her from a different vent cover.

“Oh my god Jax, that's so creepy!” she whispered harshly, running to the chest and hopping in, contorting herself and covering her body with the blanket she’d left. She shut the chest, and stilled her breathing so that she could remain quiet and steady if Gangle opened it up to check.

Eventually, Gangle counted down to 1. She sang, ‘ready or not, here I come’, and Jax wanted to spit in her eyeball for the sickening tone of it.

She made her way up the stairs and remained as quiet as a mouse.
She opened a big blue double doored room and silently paced in,
opening an armoire, and looking behind the doors of the closet and bathroom. She checked under the bed, behind the curtains, and then she heard some commotion from the bathroom. Gangle walked in and listened closely. She could hear breathing…
Then Gangle rushed over to the shower curtain and pulled it back, revealing Ragatha, who was struggling to hold her mouth shut and stifle her breath.

“Oooo, gotcha’ Raggy! 2 down, 3 to go,” Gangle hummed.

Jax heard it and pondered to himself. She must have found Kinger first. Yeah, that makes sense. He probably had no clue what they were even doing. He probably counted with her for his own amusement. That means it’s him, Zoobs, and Pompadour.

“Ragatha, are you gonna help me find them?” Gangle asked hopefully.

“No, better not, Gangle. Sorry, I just don't wanna break the rules and risk nobody getting the prize,” she explained.

“What’s so great about another adventure or ‘bonus points’?” Gangle questioned. Jax could hear the sass.

“Gangle, whoever wins the game gets a prize they choose in the circus. Pomni’s idea,” Ragatha explained giddily, like a fucking schoolgirl.

“Oh, wow,” Gangle replied, “I see. Imma go hunt them down, then.”

Jax swore to high heaven he heard a gun cock.

Gangle made her way to the other rooms, inspecting them as she did. She eventually found Zooble in a laundry basket, and clapped her hands like a toddler. By the time the timer that was in the upper right corner of everyones’ sight hit 25:00, Gangle was a bit frustrated, because she still hadn’t found them. She hadn’t even come into the room they were hiding in yet.

Jax was listening closely, hoping she would forget to look here. But she didn’t. Gangle opened the door and stepped inside in a rushed way, making her way to the most obvious places first.
No one in the closet, bathroom, or under the bed. No one seemingly anywhere…it made Jax want to cackle. But wait…Oh, she’s heading for the chest now. He could see the whole thing, but he was not about to give himself away.

Gangle unlatched the chest and pulled the top back to peer inside. For a second he thought Pomni’s goose was cooked, but after a short while, Gangle dropped the top back down and left. OOOOH THEY DID IT!!! That prize was gonna be sweeter than pie…literally.

As the timer ran out, Pomni sprung from her confines, stretched, and smiled bigger than he’d ever seen before. She stepped out of the chest and leaned back with her hands placed on her lower back to pop it. It was a grotesquely loud series of sounds, like she melodically broke 8 of her bones.

Jax hopped down from the vent in the room and stretched too, that space was tighter than…well, tighter than anywhere he’d been in a long time, unfortunately.

“Way to go, Lil’miss contortionist,” he chuckled and he tousled her hat, making it jingle, “I guess being as malleable as silly-putty has some perks.”

“This body isn’t completely useless. I’m not a liar,” she said gleefully as she swatted his hand away from her hat.

“Yeah, whatever. I’m not going easy on you in the next round just cuz you helped me out,” Jax said assertively, poking her in the forehead to drive home the point, “so don’t think you can fold your way out of being absolutely demolished.”

“Oh come on, Jax. You should mellow outーbe a little more flexible,” she giggled to herself, proud of her joke, “like the future prize winner.”

Jax snickered and couldn't help but want to bat her around like a bouncy ball. Who gave her the right to act all cute? He certainly didn’t.

Chapter 6: CH. 6 HIDE AND SEEK: THE CHAMPION

“Remaining contestants: Jax and Pomni!!! Gangle failed to find you, and so the next level they will be a hider! Who will be IT?!!!” Caine shouted as the other cast members sat at a side table, sipping tea and munching cookies.

Bubble popped in from out of nowhere and screamed “Jax and Pomni, fight to the death for your status!”

Caine just looked at him, wide eyed. Then he turned to face the two victors and said “not this time,” way more seriously than they'd ever heard him sound before. Pomni shuttered.

“Gangle, why don’t you choose who is IT for the next level? You did find the other 3. That deserves some type of reward!” Caine hollered gleefully, hanging upside down and tapping Gangle on the head.

“Oh, ok…well I’d much rather be found by Pomni than Jax,” she replied, rubbing the spot Cain had tapped.

“Hey, that’s discrimination,” Jax said snidely, folding his arms across his chest and huffing.

“How is it discrimination?” Pomni grunted, raising an eyebrow. Gangle was nice and chose her to be it and Jax was just being a baby. Grow up, bunny.

“The tall one is always left out,” he snarks, jutting his hip out to be extra sassy, “the shorties united against me.”

“POMNI IT IS, THEN! To the next level, my Pliant Painted Pilots!” Caine caterwauled. He snapped his fingers and suddenly the floor fell from Gangle, Jax, and Pomni, and they all landed on their feet in an old, creepy, run-down barn. Great.

“Level 2 is harder, so the countdown will begin at 100 and must be completed in 15 minutes!” the toothy freak wailed, pointing his finger between Pomni’s eyes. Then, he literally exploded in front of them.

“100, 99, 98…” Pomni started as soon as he disappeared. She held her hands over her eyes just as Gangle did.

“Woah no time to settle in, huh Poms?” Jax said as he started running away to Caine knows where. Gangle squeaked and shuffled past her to go hide as well.

Jax had to hide in a place that Pomni wouldn’t suspect. She’d told him last time to be inconspicuous by going to a place that wouldn’t be expected or reachable. But Pomni wasn’t Gangle, and she was wiley enough to look in those places he’d assume to be out of her reach. And she’d expect him to be there! So…he could only hope that by hiding somewhere more obvious, that she’d overlook it in pursuit of a better place. Classical overthought. Or, he’d have to go somewhere she wouldn’t want to go. Pomni was a scaredy cat and this place was old and creepy.

Jax found a trapdoor that led to an underground hideout, full of dirt and dust and cobwebs. Light was barely filtering through the floorboards above, making it dark and shadowy. PERFECT. She’d hate it down here.

Gangle was running around, trying to find any good place. She discovered that she was a very bad hider. She decided to throw herself on a hook in a dark stall, hopefully the dim light would pass her off as a rope and not ribbons.

“4, 3, 2, 1…Here I come,” she said breathily, readying herself for the spooky barn. She paced over to the stalls and stepped into each one, looking for tracks in the sawdust. Bingo…those prints look like drag-marks. Gotta be Gangle.

Pomni quieted herself and listened for breath, but heard none. She could swear that Gangle was in here. She leaned absentmindedly on the wall of the stall and was met with a muffle ‘eep’ from a wound up ribbon on a hanger.

“Haha, nice one, Gangle. I didn’t even see you,” Pomni praised, helping Gangle off of the hook.

“Thanks! Ha, but you better go find Jax. I don’t want him to win,” she said slyly, dusting herself off.

“Huh, funny. He said the same thing about you,” Pomni mumbled, taking a step back to continue her search.

She looked and looked, and he was nowhere to be seen. She knew he’d probably have thought that she’d expect him to be in some weird place, so he’d hide in more regular places, but that proved uneventful. As she was sniffing him out, she heard a creak underfoot and discovered a horrible truth…there was a gross creepy cellar and he was most certainly in it.

She took a deep breath and braced herself to open the door. As she lifted it, it felt heavy in her arms, and she wondered how Jax got it closed without making a sound. She walked down the creaky stairs and stifled a cough. It was pretty dusty down here.

Jax had heard her come in. His super hearing was a blessing and a curse, but mostly a blessing. He was able to hear her footfall, and as she came closer, he heard her shallow rapid breath and even her heart-beat. She was really freaked…and that gave him an idea. He quickly caught the lightbulb that formed above his head, and eyed it maliciously. He’s gonna win, dammit.

Jax wound up his arm and rocketed the lightbulb as hard as he could to the other side of the cellar wall, shattering it to a million pieces. Pomni screamed and jumped backwards, almost a foot away from the tall rabbitoid. He could hear everything going so fast, her heart, her breath, her shaking against the floor, her pitiful fearful sounds… It made him tingle, like he’d had too much caffeine. He could totally just reach out and grab her and she’d probably pass out!

But no, not today. Today, he was winning a custom prize, and that freedom was more of a long term benefit than an unconscious jester in his arms. But he made sure to lock that image in his head for later, for some reason…what a creep.

So instead, he growled at her, as deeply and menacingly as he could.

And that did it. Pomni was noooot having that shit, whatever it was. She screamed like a chick in a serial killer movie and bolted with a little poof of dust behind her. HAHA! Victory is his.

When the countdown ended, and Jax emerged as victorious, the rest of the cast stared him down disdainfully, excepting Kinger, who was as unbothered as ever. They all meandered through the portal, some more pleased than others.

“It had to be you,” Zooble complained, adjusting a trinket on their head.

“What can I say? I’m just that talented,” Jax remarked smoothly, cockily strutting over to the couch and plopping down on it.

Pomni approached and sat on the opposite end, which he decided was not too far away to mess with her, so he pulled up his legs and landed them right on her lap, to her great displeasure.

“He probably cheated,” Ragatha chimed in, sitting on a loveseat beside Pomni. They looked at each other and Pomni’s gaze was a knowing glance, but she kept her mouth closed.

“I used my innovation and masterful wit to overcome my obstacles and obtain my goal. You guys should be proud of lil’ ol’ Jax,” he quipped, holding his feet in place while Pomni was trying in vain to push them off. It was like she was locked into a sadistic carnival ride, imprisoned by a fuzzy purple bar.

“You did a good job, Jax. Now will you please unleg me?” Pomni snapped, trying to be as assertive as possible. He just laughed at her struggles.

“To unleg or not to unleg,” he hummed to himself, bouncing his leg just to push her more. She gave up her efforts and dropped her head down in defeat, resting it on his stupid legs and hiding her pouty face, much to Jax’s pleasure.

“So, give me some feedback, FRIENDS!” Caine said as he appeared from a poof of smoke and ballerina twirled all the way to the center of the seating arrangement.

“Pomni found me pretty quick,” Gangle said as she took her seat on a bean bag chair.

“I didn’t get dismembered this time...that’sa’ plus,” Zooble remarked casually.

“I really liked the counting,” Kinger chimed in. HA! He was counting with Gangle.

“I want my prize,” Jax blurted, folding his arms behind his head smoothly.

“AND YOU WILL GET IT, JAX MY BOY,” Caine said merrily, “Tell me what you liked about it first!”

“Uuuugghhh…I liked the furniture in level one. Very 1870’s Victorian feel,” Jax pulled right out of his ass. But apparently it was enough for Dentures, because he was all giddy from it. Jax noticed that Pomni had tilted her head up from resting it on the entrapment of his limbs, her mouth struggling to maintain neutrality, even with her inability to escape. The smallest amused smile etched itself onto her face, and he suddenly felt way more proud of himself than a second ago.

“Very good, very good! Pomni? Ragatha?” Caine asked eagerly, knitting his fingers together and leaning in their direction.

“I appreciated the complexity of the maps,” Ragatha pipped, smiling softly and peering at Pomni.

“I thought the, um…barn…was very, umm…” she stumbled over her words, all nervous and fidgety now that she was in the spotlight, “creepy.” Jax snorted at her and Gangle just kind of nodded in agreement.

“WELL, that was EXACTLY what I was GOING FOR! Thank you, you silly little Jester!” Caine screeched, then slung himself over to Jax with a ridiculous enthusiasm.

“So, what is it that your heart desires!?” Caine asked so exuberantly, studying Jax like he was a specimen of something important. Jax hummed, half-closing his eyes for a second and pausing, just to make Caine weary with anticipation. Jax pulled a hand from behind his head to smooth his ears back, seemingly in compilation, before he spoke.

“I want you to do a re-set of the way we experience food.”

“IーYou what?” Caine asked, kind of taken aback. To be fair, everyone was taken aback. That was not what they expected to come out of his mouth. Maybe ‘give me player immunity’ or ‘I want a paralysis potion’ or ‘change my name to Overlord’. But nah, he didn’t ask for those Jaxesque things.

“You heard me, Googly-eyes. I want you to reconfigure the algorithm for food, flavor, and smells for us. I want you to study the chemical components of flavor and aroma and then program our tongues to be able to detect them, just like in reality. And don’t say ya’ can’t do it, cuz you CAN. It’s literally just chemistry and math,” Jax reaffirmed, not shifting his position a bit, not even blinking his half-lidded eyes. Pomni lifted her head to stare at him, just like everybody else was.

. . .

“I really like your wish, Jax,” Kinger broke the silence.

Chapter 7: CH.7 THAT WAS NICE…?

After Jax had declared what he wanted for his prize, he sprung up like...well, a spring. He was not usually uncomfortable when everyone looked at him. In fact, he reveled in attention, any type of attentionーbut mostly the negative kind he so often received. But somehow it was different this time. He scratched the back of his head and mumbled something unintelligible.

“So, are we gonna have dinner, or…” Jax trailed off, shifting his gaze around the group of people gawking at him still. When he skimmed the crowd of ogle-ers before him he felt the hair on his arms, legs, and back lift uncomfortably.

“Oh, um, yes of course, Jax. But you know, a complete re-rendering of the taste system will take some time,” Caine said, almost worried that he'd disappoint the crew because of it.

“Yeah, I get that. You have a week to work on it, Chops,” Jax said simply, like he assumed Caine knew the time frame already.

“A WEEK? WELL BY GOLLY I CAN DO THAT!” Caine shouted, and instantaneously the table was set with all manner of digital delights. Then, he flew off and disappeared with a sparkle in the sky, like Team Rocket in Pokemon. Heh, blast off, you toothy bastard.

Bubble was above the table, somehow holding a giant butcher's knife and wearing a little chef's hat. He was staring blankly at nothing before singing in a grand opera-man's voice, “Toooodaaaay’s special iiiiiiiiiiis, POOOOOT PIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE!” and then popping abruptly.

The cast all sat down, silently, and started picking at their dinners. Jax was totally unnerved by their silence. Usually he’d be overjoyed to have them shut the fuck up, but it’s actually super creepy right now. No idle chatter or silly gossip. Nada.

Jax slammed his fork on the table so that it rattled their glassware, defensively snarling out, “You guys are weirding me out. What’s with the lack of gabber?”

The silence permeated the group as they all started studying their pot pies. The silence was only broken by the doll.

“It-it’s nothing, Jax,” Ragatha said, scooping up some goop with green and orange flecks in it. She placed it in her mouth, and her face contorted into one of contemplation.

“Today was kinda crazy, don’t you think?” Zooble chimed in, eying the bunny from across the table. They were less subtleーlooking at him directly, as if to challenge him. It made Jax want to use their dismembered parts as bowling pins.

“Same old type of nonsense,” Jax muttered with gritted teeth, reaching over to grab some applesauce. They fell into a lack of conversation again.

“You, uhーkinda won a prize that has the potential to change our quality of life,” Pomni suddenly said softly, the words falling out of her mouth in a stream. He immediately turned to meet her gaze to analyze her face. He was about at his limit of this particular vibe.

“Yeah, but, like…For the better,” Jax murmured in her direction, folding his brow down and narrowing his gaze. Her face changed when he’d said that, a look of almost realization appearing, which was mirrored by his own steel look softening just the slightest bit. Pomni’s eyes widened and she let out a breath he didn’t know she was holding. It made him feel way too strange. This was so fucking wack, everyone was being too goddamn weird. He suddenly stood up from his seat and yoinked his plate off the table.

“You guys are all conspiring against me, so imma dip,” he said with an air of amusement to cloak his obvious discomfort. And with that, he walked away towards his room to eat alone, leaving the table to gossip among themselves about the craziness that just happened.

So they did.

As soon as Jax was gone, the table’s atmosphere did a total 180. The elephant, or the tall rabbit man, was out of the roomーand suddenly they were all abuzz with the interesting series of events that just played out.

“That was the nicest thing Jax has ever done,” Ragatha said as she gazed at her broken pot pie, seemingly deep in contemplation.

“I’ll say. I didn’t think he was capable of it,” Gangle chirped lightheartedly.

“That wasn’t kindness, guys,” Zooble hummed as they sipped something from their drink glass. All eyes moved to them to hear their inputーPomni had realized that you paid attention to Zooble when they had something to say that was not the usual coy neutral flavor they so often presented.

“Jax did not use the wish for us. Jax eats, drinks, and smellsーdon’t forget that. The thought behind that particular prize was not for anything other than self-benefit,” Zooble explained. The crew at the table seemed to dwell on it, some nodding in agreement.

“I’m not so sure,” Pomni said softly. Suddenly, eyes were on her now, and she felt them before she saw them. Pomni saw Zooble staring intently, but they didn’t seem on the offensive. Moreso they seemed curious about her reasoning. Same thing with Gangleーbut Kinger was just eating his food happily, while Ragatha covered her mouth with her hand and blinked at the small girl deliberately, almost goading her on to continue.

“Did you guys not see his face? Whenーwhen I brought up that the change would impact everyone?” Pomni asked tentatively, flitting her eyes over her companions. They all remained quiet, looking at each other quizzically, and then back to her.

“I didn’t,” Zooble said smoothly. Pomni took a shallow breath, trying to dispel the pressure on herself.

“He looked at me, obviously all confused and put-off, but heー” Pomni paused, collecting her thoughts and remembering it accurately, “He reassured me that the change was for the better. Like he thought I thought he was making things worse on purpose. He was quite aware of it,” she clarified.

“To be fair, he makes things worse on purpose most of the time,” Gangle clicked her tongue, obviously not used to this type of conversation.

“He said that to you?” Ragatha questioned with a strange, incredulous tone in her voice. It made Pomni uneasy.

“I’m not lying, Ragathaー” Pomni deadpanned, keeping eyes on the doll. Ragatha visibly stiffened and then she completely readjusted herself, seemingly resetting to her ‘normal’ persona. She looked quite uneasy as Gangle and Zooble gawked at her, glimpsing something that was so off-kilter from the usual ragdoll’s presentation.

“I didn’t mean to imply that you were lying,” she said softly, making an apologetic face. She sighed as Pomni took a bite of her pie.

“I think it took us all by surprise, butー” Kinger interjected out of nowhere. Now, eyes shifted to the chess piece.

“It may be quite jarring to see a change like that. But people change all the time. It’s part of being human. We can’t forget that he’s as human as the rest of us,” Kinger said reassuringly. Pomni felt her heart get heavy at his words. They were all people, and people are capable of growth, change, and evolution.

“You’re so right; thank you Kinger. You’re wonderful,” she hummed, smiling a wide, warm smile. All the cast seemed to self analyze at Kingers’ comment.

“...Why thank you, Pomni! Ah, what am I right about?” Kinger asked, yet again losing his immediate memory.

“Today was very…interesting. I think I would like to have a nice sleepover to get my mind off it. Would anyone like to join me tonight?” Ragatha asked after Kinger spoke, hopefully.

“That would be nice,” Gangle said.
“Actuallyーyeah. It’d be good to chill with yall a bit,” Zooble agreed.

Ragatha peeked at Pomni, hoping she would come too. Pomni was lost in her thoughts when Rags had asked, staring out into nothing again as the rest of the crew finished up their meals.

“Pomni? Wanna come to our sleepover? I’d really like it if you came,” Ragathe broke Pomni out of her trance.

“Hm? Ohーum, a sleepover..?” Pomni parroted, turning to observe the rest of the table, “Iーum, I’m not really feeling up to it right now.”

The rest of the table seemed to nod in understanding, even though their faces were more pouty than normal. Geez, these guys knew how to tug at a jester’s heartstrings.

“I’ll be there next time. I promise,” Pomni reassured them.

 

There was a lot to think about.

When they were done at the table, they left to return to their rooms. Pomni was the last at the table, no one had broken her spacey stare after she fell into it after the sleepover conversation. Not even Ragatha, who usually was the reassuring, concerned one, attempted to bring Pomni back.

Pomni couldn’t shake the strange feeling she got when she looked at Jax and he wasn’t being obstinate, or rude, or accusatory. She saw something soft in his face, just for a split second, and it made her feel like she was spinning on a swing, like she used to do when she was a kid.

She knew he was a menace, and she knew it was on purpose. But that tiny shift in his face and the tone of his voice sucker punched that thought in the face. She pondered everyone else's reaction, and determined that if she were in his shoesーer, fuzzy purple feet, she’d duck out too. She hated attention on herself, after all. After that realization, she immediately was struck with a pang of guilt. She had gawked at him slack-jawed, too.

She decided to make her way to her room too, after everyone else had left. Ragatha, Kinger, Gangle, and Zooble decided on the sleepover because it made them feel better about the huge change that they experienced today, but they probably did fun things like play games and have silly conversations. Pomni was not about mess that up; tossing and turning all night and keeping the others awakeーso she had to refrain. She promised them next time, anyway.

As she made her way to her room, she stopped in front of her door with her hand on the knob, hearing a creaking sound behind her.

“Oh, yo Pomelo. What’s happnin’” Jax asked smoothly, holding an empty plate in his hand and shutting the door behind him with the other.

Pomni turned toward him swiftly. She then let go of the door handle to fully face him. Quiet the whole time, staring at him like he was a blue whale smack dab in the middle of death valley. He stiffened a little.

“Whyyyy are you guys bein’ so shady,” Jax whined, throwing his head back dramatically as one ear on his head started twitching. His smile had evaporated and he was suddenly all slouchy. He eyed her like a hawk as she made small tentative steps toward him from across the hall.

“I just wanna say sorry and thank you,” Pomni stated softly. Immediately, he stood up straight and his heart started to race. Well, that was a quick mood shift. What is this for? What exactly did he do to deserve a thank you much less a sorry? He just balked at her, ears drooping and eyes bugging slightly. For once he was not yapping his big mouth, shut right up by this crazy situation. And she was coming closer.

Come on Jax, compose yourself. Get the mojo back.

“Whaーwhy? Are you just thankful for my glorious presence?” He stammered, half amused, half confused, unconsciously stepping toward her too.

“Yeah,” she chucked, reaching for his plate. Um, whaaaaat? He was really confused now. What does she want that for? Was she messing with him?!

OH YEAH. SHE HAS TO BE FUCKING WITH HIM. It’s the only explanation.

He immediately regained his composure at the thought of initiated playfulness, and lifted the plate higher with her hand still on it. She kept her grip, and was lifted off the floor just barely, giving a little ‘woah!’

He busted out laughing, putting her down and wiping a tear away from his eye.

“You came here just to steal from me? I should’a known” he laughed, “Why don’t you go harass the others? They’ll see you’re not just some shy little muppet.”

“I was gonna put it away for you as a kind gesture!” she insisted, “and the others are having a sleepover. I’m not about to f*ck with them.”

“Oh, ARE they? And they didn’t invite you? Boulderdash,” Jax retorted, pulling back his arm and hurling the plate like a frisbee, sending it soaring into the distance. Pomni just trailed the saucer as it flew away, wide eyed and lips half parted like a fish.

“I WAS GONNA TAKE IT BAー You know what? Whatever,” she steamed, wondering if what she’d thought about him earlier was a total fluke, “And I was invited, just so you know.”

Jax absolutely lit up when she said that, leaning in closer to her and causing her to back up unexpectedly.

“You were invited to a sleepover,” Jax nearly sang, smiling ear to ear, “and still chose to come offer me a ‘kind gesture’, huh, Pomato? That’s awfully interesting.”

“It’s not like I didn’t want to join them. I’ll keep them awake,” she said quietly. Solemnly. Oh, quick mood changes with this little nerd.

“So you’re willing to steal from me, but not willing to snuggle up Coocoo, Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest? Your priorities are a little wack,” Jax said, still leaning in.

He'd backed the little jester right against the wall. When she made contact, he got a little ‘oof’ out of her, and she was obviously nervous.

“But lucky for you, so are mine,” he snickered, leaning against the wall, looming over like a tree. His intentions were to rile her up a bit...if she had the gall to mess with him, he sure as hell was flipping it in his favor. It really must be working, too, because he’s never seen that shade of pink on her before. Oh that’s delicious.

“Yo Pomparie,” he said mischievously, “Let's have our own sleepover.”

Pomni just balked at him, mouth agape. This was not exactly what she’d had in mind.

Chapter 8: CH.8 IT’S THE BUTTONS

“Y-y-you’re f*cking with me,” she whispered, eyes as big as the plate he yeeted away from her earlier.

“Nope. Wrong. The correct answer is, ‘yes of course Jax I’d looooove to have a sleepover with you,’” he mimicked a high pitched girly voice the best he could, lifting one leg behind him and pressing his intertwined hands against his cheek, feigning dreaminess.

“In your room. And don’t even say no because I have a key and I’ll get in there if ya’ want to me or not,” he snickered, basking in the glory of her flustered horror.

“But what if I keep you up,” she mumbled, looking timidly at the ground. Oh…was she…was she being flirty? Pompom, the sexually charged Jester?

Jax went beet red, his smile never wavering, though his ear twitched without his permission.

“Ho, ho, woah, Poms,” he huffed, mostly to himself, “needy little thing, aren’tcha.”

Pomni just looked at him, as confused as ever. She had no idea where that came from, but it wasn’t the first time he’s come up with some random ass shit out of nowhere. She blinked as she eyed him, unsure of what on earth he thinks she means.

“I toss and turn all night, Jax. If you wanna sleep over anyway, I guess I’ll deal with it, but don’t say I didn't warn you. You’d think I was trying to win a swing dancing competition,” she said innocently, thumbing her glove.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH. She was not throwing innuendos, and he deflated a little at that realization. Though he’d never admit that he was disappointed, because he WASN’T.

But that means she’s clueless. HA! So innocent! Has she never done anything before, or was she just thick-skulled? Because she’d proved to him that she was intelligent, so that seemed less likely. Oh, that lit up a whole new flame somewhere…well, pack it up and stuff it down.

“PPfftt, haha, oh Pom,” he laughed breathily, “No worries. I’ll hold ya down if you pull any sh()t.”

She just…nodded. It went right over her head! Oh he was gonna milk the hell out of this funny little quirk. Especially in front of Ragatha. That prude will explode if she hears anything like that! But he just has to keep it inconspicuous enough to fly under Caine’s radar. He can do that, he was a master at teetering on very, very, very thin lines.

“Well, come on over when you want, I guess,” she stated simply, and then slid over to her room to pop inside, her face painted with probably 10 emotions at once.

Jax ran to his room and changed into a set of PJs, then bounced right back over to the Jester's door. He knocked twice and then flung it open, kicking it closed obnoxiously with his foot as he made his way inside. Huh? She hasn’t changed much in here.

“You like the primary color palette, huh, Pipsqueak?” he wondered aloud, flopping himself on the bed like a sack of potatoes. Pomni sprung up from his intrusion, shrieking as she made her parabola back down. What comes up does come down, after all, even in the circus.

She pushed herself upright and shook her head like a dog. Heh, her hat was floppy too.

“N-no, not really. I prefer less vibrant, darker colors,” she stated, looking around her room with a frown.

“Soーwhy don’t you change it?” Jax asked like she was stupid, leaning in close with an arched eyebrow. She fell back on her elbows to evade the invasion.

“I just haven’t gotten around to asking Caine yet,” she murmured.

“Dude,” Jax chuffed, “You don’t need to ask Caine. Literally anything you want can appear here. You can change the wallpaper, add a swimming pool, turn it into a forest, or make it look like the surface of the moon. Didn’t he tell you that?”

Pomni blanked at him for a minute. Off in space again, oi oi oi.

“I can change it?” she finally said, looking into Jax’s soul with an intensity he didn’t think she was capable of. She then peered out ahead of her, and the whole layout changed.

Her bed was lower to the ground, and bigger, with black silk sheets and a dark green floral duvet. Her floor was now a dark red hardwood, rich and deep, and covered in a soft shaggy rug where it sat in front of…the fireplace. There was a friggin’ fireplace right in the back, with a beautiful stone mantle and iron fireplace screen. It was far away enough from the bed to not be too hot. A forest green bean bag chair sat in front of it. Her walls were painted a sage green on top, and had wooden accents all along the bottom half. Her furniture was another dark wood, maybe mahogany, and embellished with brass fixtures. There was a set of antlers on the wall above the fireplace, too.

“Woah, Pomni, I’d have never guessed this to be your style. Rustic cottage feel,” Jax said, wide eyed, scanning the room slowly.

“I don’t know if it is,” she said, sitting up and sliding off the bed to go see the fire “it was just the first thing that came to mind”. Jax just watched her, and then hopped off the bed to follow. She placed her hand on one of the stones, and it felt cool to the touch.

“Why dontch’a get comfy,” Jax offered simply, watching the fire reflected off of her ivory skin.

“Um, I did? I changed it, isn't it comfy now?” she asked nervously.

“No, Pom. I mean put your pajamas on,” he said sassily, tilting his head, making her feel stupid again.

“You can put on pjs, but I can’t,” Pomni bristled, looking into the fire directly. So moody. Like Batman or something.

“What? Of course you can, why would you think that?” Jax asked condescendingly.

Then, his whole demeanor changed. He walked right over to her with a knowing, understanding look on his face. Pomni had never seen it before. He kneeled down, and reached over and grabbed her hand, twisting it so her palm faced up. Then he began toying with the rim of the glove.

“H-hey! What’re you doing?! D-don’t, that’s sensitive!” she squealed as she tried to pull away. She failed, his grip was stupid strong. He just held her wrist, fiddling with the glove until she heard a click. And then, he pulled it right off.

“WHAT???!” Pomni nearly fainted, looking at her naked hand for the first time since arriving,
“You mean to tell me that I could change THE WHOLE TIME?!” she was livid…and it was hilarious.

“There are a couple of different modes for our clothes, Pom. You had your clothes on adventure mode the whole time,” he said cheekily, expressing his amusement.

“What the hell did you do to make it do that?!” she growled at him, and reached up to pull on the collar of his nightshirt. She was trying so hard to be ferocious, how precious. Like an angry kitten.

“Pomni. Are you asking me how to take off your clothes?” he teased.

She full-body blushed, and dropped him like a wet handkerchief.

“I wanna know how to remove them myself! I-I just- GOD I want to wear pajamas SO bad,” she went from defending herself to wistfully whining about her simple little needs. Hehe, Jax’ll show her, alright. And burn her right up all the while.

“Oh, silly Pomeronni, you just have to find the buttons,” Jax said, sweetly and considerately, seemingly all knowing about this situation. “Find um’ and push um’.”

She just stared at him, her brain going 100 miles an hour. Then suddenly, she was running her hands down her jumpsuit, looking frantically, feeling for any bumps that may be buttons.

“There is nothing!” she cried, genuine tears starting to prick her eyes. Jax felt a little sadistic for getting so much satisfaction about this, but whatever. What even mattered here, anyway? He didn’t know.

Then he reached out his hand and slid it down her side to rest at her waist, causing a shiver and a little death stare.

“What? I’m just helpin’,” he mumbled through his smirk, the slightest bit of pink dusting his cheeks. She eyed his hand, defeated by him for the third time today, and then placed her own hand on her opposite side to check a second time. The pink on her cheeks was so entertaining, he was gonna make sure to get that color out of her again.

“I don’t feel anything,” she whispered, so so sadly. MMMMmm.

“Gotta check everywhere, Poms,” he chided. Oh he sounded so smug and full of it, what a creep. Then he slid his hand back up her side and over to her collar to mess with the pompom there. She whined. Like a damn dog.

Jax had to stop himself from squeezing her like a rubber chicken so he could drink up that sound again. His fingers fiddled with the yellow fluff, and she averted her gaze so sheepishly it irked him a bit. She was so embarrassed, but all he was doing was helping her out! The least she could do was look him in the eye while he helped her take her clothes off. He laughed out loud at the absurdity of that as an uncontextualized thought, startling the girl in front of him. She did look at him directly after that, and that kind of stiffened him up.

Then, there was a click. Pomni immediately looked like a wild animal, like she might start climbing up the wall. Jax slid his hand down to the second pompom and turned it the same way he did the top one, and it clicked too. Then, she leapt back, and wriggled all around like a little worm. Jax laughed at her silliness, she’s so amusingーand she slid her hand just underneath her collar, and touched her shoulder. It shouldn’t have, but it made Jax flush way too hard, so he turned around.

“Put some PJ’s on,” Jax ordered, walking towards the door and not turning to peek at her, “Imma go grab us some snacks. What’cha want?”

“Blueberries, tortilla chips, and a can of Sloda Plop,” she piped, already so excited to be rid of her polyester prison.

“K. Be back in 5,” he said softly, making sure to angle his face so she wouldn’t see the red on it.

Jax made his way down to the commons kitchen to grab way too many snacks. He was shaking his head to try and rid that image and feeling from his brain. Pomni was undressing for the first time since she’s been hereーand she was soooo happy about it. And he felt kinda on edge about the whole thing. But in like, a good wayーkind of.

As he stepped into the kitchen, he nearly bumped into a Sloda loaded Zooble.

“Woah, hey there Guernica, what are you up to? Please tell me it’s no good,” Jax hummed as he sidestepped them heading for the fridge.

“The f&ck is ‘Guernica’?” Zooble asked kind of blandly. Huh, usually they’d be all pissy with him, what gives?

“Ugh, you’re so uncultured, Zoobie. You can look it up,” Jax snarked, pulling out some berries from the fridge.

“I’ll forget whatever it was you said,” Zooble sighed, hoisting their bag full of Caine’s brand of soda over their shoulder with a grunt.

“Then you don’t deserve to know, you simpleton,” he grunted, watching as the abstract androgynous pile of shapes rolled their eyes at him. They didn’t even snark a ‘whatever’ before they walked out the door.

“IT’S PICASSO’S MOST FAMOUS WORK, YOU UNCULTURED SWINE!” Jax bleated, frustrated by Zoobles lack of participation in his comradery.

THE AUDACITY? Zooble didn’t even get peeved! Was it too much to ask for a little retaliation? Damn. He’d have to get them good for that.

He had filled his arms up to capacity and ambled down the hall, thumping on the door with his footーBECAUSE HIS ARMS WERE FULLーand he heard Pomni’s light footfall behind the door. When she opened it up, she peered at him with her big doe eyes and offered her arms to take some of the stuff from him. They walked into her room and she imagined up a table by the bed to set the vood down on.

Jax raked his eyes up and down her little frame as soon as he put the shit down. She had an oversized t-shirt that had some weird unrecognizable band logo on it. It was so big on her frame that her shoulder popped out of the head opening slightly, and the sleeves nearly came to her elbows. The shirt came to her mid thigh and almost covered the bottom of a pair of striped shorts.

“You look…comfy,” Jax said, sitting down on the bed and reaching for a bag of chips.

“I am absolutely totally comfy,” she beamed, hugging herself tightly.

“Absolutely totally, huh?” Jax poked at her, teasing her for her mushiness. She couldn’t help it though, it felt amazing to be in sleeping clothes.

“Mhmm,” she smiled, walking to the table to pop the tab on a Sloda. If fizzed as she brought it to her lips.

“100%, completely, whole-heartedly,” he hummed, shoving a handful of chips in his mouth. She sipped her cola, only to set it down with a soft snicker.

“Certainly, without a doubt, unquestionably,” she said happily.

Jax munched his chips, satisfied with the banter, before turning to face her.

“You must’a been so itchy,” Jax mused, his grin reaching his eyes at the thought.

“Yes. But now I am free from the horror, thanks to you. The angsty bunny yet again throws a curveball,” she hummed, tilting her head in thought as her silly hat jingled. Jax lifted his eyebrow, making a funny, unreadable expression.

“I am always 10 steps ahead, Pompom. All the curveballs are calculated,” he boldly declared, slinging his arm around her shoulder and pushing her towards himself until she squeaked like a squeaky toy. She was caught off guard by the sudden push and lost her balance as her face plummeted into his side. Her jingle bells jostled around as he gave her a horrible noogie; she struggled to push herself away.

“Mhff!” she made a muffled sort of sound that tickled Jax to no end. She was so wiggly, like a snake being held behind the head. She used all her strength to push herself off of him to stare daggers at him.

“Don’t try to suffocate me! I could have died,” she warbled, placing her hand on her chest for added dramatic flair.

“Drama queen. You’re still white as a ghost,” Jax chortled, reaching to mess with her hat. That stupid thing got in the way of his noogie-ing; it probably blunted the blow. He scowled at it.

“Pom, why’d you keep the hat on?” Jax asked in an annoyed tone, still batting on one side of it.

“Jax, I triedーand tried, and tried. There are no buttons on the hat,” she said dully, casting her gaze to her knees to try to avoid sadness. Then changing her tone as if to cheer herself up, “but it’s not so bad, right? I’ve got pajamas on, and that is something to be thankful for.”

Jax just grinned his stupid shit eating grin, making Pomni bristle and shift in her spot.

“You ARE thankful, aren’t you Pommers,” he rumbled, leaning toward her with his hand outstretched, “so thankful…”
He placed his fingers just at her hairline, and watched in glee as she turned to stone. The pink on her cheeks had returned, and she seemed to be caught between fear and embarrassment. He watched her face contort as he slid his hand around the base of her hat. After that, he moved to the dangly parts of her jester hatーand pulled one down swiftly, like he was pulling a chain for a lightswitch. He heard a click! So, the other side was yanked too.

Pomni was still as tense and unmoving as ever. Jax was absolutely reveling in this, ,for some reason. He took his fingers and gently slid them under the hatーsuccessfully touching the hair underneath. Her eyes were so big, her pupils blown wide open, and though she wasn’t budging her limbs started to tremble. Probably in anticipation of having that damn thing off.

He slid his whole hand under it and it fell unceremoniously onto the bed. He ran his fingers through her short raven hair and she groaned and her fists curled up. Jax snickered and then started to scratch her head all over, hoping she’d start seizing. To his utter delight, he successfully turned her into living goo. She had melted, falling forward in a slumped position with her forehead resting on his leg, similarly to their position earlier on the couch, but closer to his trunk. He scratched her roughly, watching her limbs twitch and wondering what her stupid face looked like.

After a minute of rough scratches, he grabbed her face and tilted it toward himself so he could see. Her eyes were half lidded, and her pupils were huge. There was a little line of drool running down her chin, and her cheeks were that pretty pink color. She was an absolute wreck. And it did terrible things to him.

And suddenly, he was all too aware that she was way too close, and if she looked down, she would come into contact with the child of Jax’s sadistic nature. He was not about to let his stupid body get in the way of having this sleepover though, so he gripped her chin and pushed her head up so she was sitting upright again.

“Ya got a lil’ somethin’ there,” he said harshly, breathing deeply and crossing his legs to hide his crimes.

“Hmmm?” Pomni looked fucking drunk. It must have been one hell of a head scratch.

“G-God! Rightーit’s right there!” he barked at her, moving to brush it off of her chin with his thumb, then flicking her in the chin. She blinked, seemingly coming to reality again.

“Oh, my bad,” she mumbled, then sat back relaxed against the wall, “that was the best feeling I’ve had here.”

It made Jax redden like a tomato in a brown paper bag. He shifted, turned his head so she couldn't look him in the eye, and huffed a defeated ‘whatever’ at her. The turns have tabled, it seems?

No. NO. Abso-fuckin-lutley not. No tables are turning, no turns are tabling!

“When I went to snatch our snacks, I ran into our pal Guernica, only to be basically ignored, like a bad habit,” Jax changed the subject smoothly, hoping to reorient his train of thought on other things.

“Zooble was forced on the adventure today, don’t take it personally,” Pomni retorted, running her hands through her hair slowly. Jax’s eyes snapped to it, and then he smacked her hands without warning.

“OwーHey! What gives?!” Pomni seethed, squinting at him unamused. Jax replaced her hands with one of his own faster than he could think about it, and continued messing with it as he drawled on.

“Zooble is usually so rile-able,” he sighed, casting his scrutinizing gaze at the jester, “and everybody has been acting WACK since I won the adventure.”

Pomni had closed her eyes and leaned back against the wall, seemingly soaking up the bliss of her hair being messed with.
She hummed to herself and then said, “And why would that be, brainiac?”

OH, THE AUDACITY. She was trying to make him feel stupid!

“I don’t know, sassy-pants! Cuz I won today? And I got the PRIZE?” Jax grunted, still keeping his hand on Pomni’s head. He moved to be just behind her ears and she shivered again.

“Mmmmore like the prize you choseーwas considerate and thoughtfulーfor everyone,” Pomni stated through pauses, leaning her head into his touch. He shifted his scratchies to the other side, and the action was mirrored.

So that’s what has everybody acting so shady. Jax had done something for the benefit of the cast, and it majorly fucked with them. How ironic that is. Well, not really to Jax, he knew that he was despicable even when he didn’t try. Everybody knew that.

“Oh, yeah, that’s rich. To be considerate and thoughtful, one must have the intention of it,” Jax hummed, moving his hand down to the top of the jester’s neck, where he smoothed down her baby hairs.

“You made it sound like it was intentional earlier,” Pomni stated, rubbing her head back and forth on his hand.

“Iーwell had in mind what I had in mind so you can stop interrogating me,” Jax blurted defensively.

“Well, whether you intended it or not, we are all going to benefit from your prize. Maybe they were just taken aback by it, and they were trying to respond to you in a different way. Their interpretation of you has been challenged,” Pomni chuckled, and Jax pulled his hand away slowly.

“I am not about to let an unintentional act of kindness change those idiots’ ideas about me. Cognitive restructuring is not as good at idea-forming as consistent, persistent repetition,” Jax snarked, suddenly standing up with a jolt.

“You’re right. Pavlovian conditioning is like a time-share; easy to fall into and hard to recover from,” Pomni paused, eyeing him.

Jax cackled as he swiveled on his heel, hands crossed behind his lower back, leaning forward. He looked so calculating, like a villain contemplating their next attack. He peeked at the jester, who was confused and scared of his immediate change in behaviorーshe knew he was up to no good. How amusing.

“Yes, Pomparie. Pavlovian conditioning is the ultimate form of mental manipulation. And we will use it to our advantage,” Jax purred, locking his gaze with a confused little stare.

“We?” she asked worriedly.

Chapter 9: CH.9 SLEEPOVER SHENANIGANS

“Pomni, Pomni, Pomni…you do seem to be in such good spirits now that you're out of that silly little costume, yeah?” Jax hummed suspiciously, evil shining through his grin.

“Uh…yeeees?” she responded warily, holding her arm like it would somehow shield her from his bad ideas. Haha, nope.

“And, whoーPomniーwho helped you, oh so graciously?” Jax mused, eyes glinting in the red firelight. Pomni’s face curled into something similar to regretfulness, even before she knew what he was getting at.

“You did, Jax,” she huffed flatly. This smells awfully of manipulation.

“That’s right. I did,” Jax cooed, his tone an absolute farce, “and in return, shouldn’t a kind gesture be returned?

It irked Pomni to no end that he was pulling her original attempt at friendliness into whatever he was plotting. She pouted and held herself tightly, and then her gaze fell to the limp hat lying formlessly beside her. She sighed, and one of her small fingers touched her hair as she thought about how it was really so wonderful to be free from her previous confines. Her other hand gripped at the soft fabric of her pajamas, and she knew he was right. This was a huge favor, and he didn't have to help, but he did. But he was only being so nice and weird because he wanted to use her for something. She chided herself for not understanding earlier. She shifted to look at Jax, who’d began leaning forward with his hands clasped behind his back, grinning menacingly.

“What do you want me to do?” she groaned, suddenly not able to look at him anymore. It made her feel icky. Jax snorted at what she said, but recoiled a bit at her tone. She soundedーalmost broken? Defeated, in likeーa non-playful way. The realness of it caught Jax off-guard.

“Hey. Hey. What the f&ck is this change in demeanor, you,” he asked annoyedly, flicking at her forehead to catch her gaze. It failed, she wouldn’t look at him still, just rubbed the spot he’d flicked.

“I know the only reason you’ve helped me and been so wonderful is because you want me to do something for you. I will do what you want, depending on the severity of your deed’s evil, but you don’t have to try to manipulate me into helping you with sh*t. If you ask, I might just…help. And honestly, I’d rather you be real with me and be an a$$h*() than be a fake f#ck,” she deadpanned, her unamused face twisting the bunny's tummy in knots.

He stared at her as she fidgeted with herself, obviously upset. She was being totally serious, yet again. No lying, no acting, no exaggerating anything.

This was the moment he realized why this particular character trait Pomni had was so refreshing. She was as real as you could be, here in the circus. More so than himself, and it made him as jealous of her as it made him admire her. She was not out of bounds to assume the worst of him, but when she said he’d been ‘wonderful’, he felt like he could crawl out of his skin…in a good way.

“The POMDACITY. You are wrong, little missy. I said earlier that I’m 10 steps ahead! Well, 9 of those 10 are being able to adapt and improvise on the spot! I didn’t come in here with the intention of just using you, I just jumped on it when it came to mind! I’m an opportunist!” He proclaimed, puffing his chest and flamboyantly flailing his limbs for dramatic effect.

Pomni’s attention was successfully brought back to him, which he reveled in.

Now, for the grand finale.

“Poms, I wanted to hang out with you cuz your such a real motherf*()er,” Jax said in a lower voice, “so stop being mad at me, and help me with something. But more importantly go back to thinking I’m wonderful.”

Pomni just stared through him, clenching her fists tightly and rubbing her feet over themselves. She looked spun out into space again. Just staring at the ozone layer.

“Earth to Pomni,” Jax huffed, raising his hand and waving in her line of vision. Her eyes snapped up.

“D@mn straight I’m a real motherf*()er,” she said as she placed her thumb on her chest with a pout, “and if you want to be friends you oughta be too,” she huffed quietly.

“IーYou want to be friends?” Jax asked in sort of a startled way, losing his suave aire for a moment.

Now, she stared at him instead of off into space. Damn, he’s never seen eyes weaponized so well. And he was well versed in dirty look-giveing. She’s got a talent.

“I think it’d be really fun to be friends with you,” she murmured.

Wow. That's kinda crazy. No one has said anything remotely similar to that in quite a long time. Years, even. The words bat around in his head like a game of pong, pinging his eyes. It caught him so off guard that his ears flattened and his stance widened, like a prey animal getting ready to bolt.

Pomni saw his posture change immediately, as she was intimately familiar with fear and anxiety. She averted her gaze hoping a lack of eye contact would ease him as it tended to ease her, in situations like these.

Jax’s posture eased, and then he jumped back up to being straight and tall in the blink of an eye. He rubbed his ears back over his head, and they sprung back to their normal upright position. He seemed frazzled by his unintentional display of bunny-ness, but soon that fluster was choked out by his stubborn will to seem nonchalant.

“I’ll try,” he answered back swiftly. She really must be a wizard, because he felt his guts tangle as she squinted at him and scrutinized him more.

“I’ll be as real as I can be,” he corrected himself. That seemed to be a better answer to her.

“Ok. What do you want help with?” Pomni asked in the same tone, but nonetheless perking Jax’s ears right up.

“I gotta get Zooble back. I gotta get’em all,” he chuckled, sitting beside the fidgeting jester. She just pondered his words, searching his face for more meaning.

“Everyone has been treating me differently since I won the thing. It’s stupid and I want the other dummies to go back to treating me like normal.”

Then a look of realization broke into her features. She nodded, and shifted in her seat. She was so close that Jax could feel how warm she was. They were not touching, but it took every ounce of willpower he had not to just lay all of his dead weight on her top fuck with her again. She would most certainly struggle to lift him if he did...

“I’ll help as long as no one gets seriously hurt,” she assured him. And that's all he needed.

-

The tall rabbit man and the Jester made their way to Jax’s room. He was about to prank those bozos so hard.

“From my calculations, they’re in Raggy’s room. She’s like, the ringleader of those dorks,” Jax explained, opening his door and closing it before Pomni could enter. Then, a moment later, he stepped out with his pockets full of keys, and locked the door behind him. Pomni was as stiff as a board.

“So, whatーyou’re gonna mess with all the other rooms?” Pomni deadpanned, looking at his bulging pockets. It was a little impressive that he’d collected so many keys.

“Bingo Bango Bongo. And don’t worry. I have some mild pranks that won't bust your buttons, Tiny,” he reassured her, happy to dull down his childish crime if it meant reeling in another person. An accomplice.

They approached Zoobles room, he unlocked it, and the two stepped inside without a word. Pomni didn’t know that he’d brought a bag with him, she only noticed when he flung it down from his shoulder. He unzipped it and pulled out an inconspicuous pile of yellowish paper.

“Put a sheet down anywhere Zooble is sure to touch,” he giggled mischievously, “oh! And don’t touch the side with the blue line on it.”

Pomni whined at the paper stack in her hands and shifted her gaze. Better participate, she was already here, after all. So, she set off in search of high traffic areas. She went over to the bed and lifted the blanket, and placed some pillows on either side underneath so a little gap formed. She laid the paper, blue line side up, in the gap under the blanket. A hiss-like snicker came from behind her, and she turned to face it.

“Devious little thing,” Jax hummed, inspecting her first work, “You are a prankster at heart.”

Pomni didn’t dignify that with a response.

She continued placing them about the room, as did Jax. One on the lightswitch, one on Zooble’s drum-set, one on their dresser drawer. When they were about to leave, she placed her last piece in front of the door inside their room. Jax seemed beyond pleased with her choices, whispering his praise as they made their way to Gangles’ room.

“What have you got for her?” Pomni wondered aloud, hoping it wouldn’t be too bad. She knew Jax had a sore spot for the ribbon girl.

“She’s so easy to mess with. All you’ve gotta do is take one of her drawing pads or figurines and place them in the middle of the room. She’ll go nuts about it, it’ll tweak her out for a day and a half,” he said, all too jovially.

“I don’t wanna pry into her secret stuff!” Pomni whisper-yelled, pushing Jax’s arm.

“Oh, why not, Pominator? She’s so sus, it’s fun to mess with her,” he retorted enthusiastically.

“I don’t wanna learn anybody’s shameful hobbies or kinks unless they’re the one to tell me,” Pomni mumbled, and that had gotten Jax’s attention. He stopped in his tracks and grabbed her shoulder, looking a bit too intensely into her eyes for her liking.

“You want Gangle to share her shameful pastimes with you?” he almost growled.

“No! I’m just saying if she has any, I shouldn't know about them unless she decides to tell me!” Pomni spat at him defensively, “I’d be mortified if somebody snooped on my less socially acceptable attributes.”

“Less sociallyーdo you have a smut collection?” Jax gasped in mock surprise, nudging her in the shoulder with his elbow. He snickered at her as she dragged her gloved hand across her face in exasperation.

“If I did, it’d be full of some pretty wild stuff,” she huffed out, trying to play on his silliness. They reached the door and Jax’s grin beamed through the dark.

“If you’re so morally compromised by this one, wait it out. The Prank Master TM will handle it. Keep watch by the door and tell me if anybody comes out with a heavy stomp,” he instructed, then opened the door and slid in.

She sighed in the dark of the hall, leaning her head back on the wall behind her.

Well, this was stupid.

Pomni stood there, like a guard dog, by the door. She gazed at Ragatha’s room knowing fully well that they were probably playing fun games and enjoying each others company. She looked at the door for a while, lost in thought. She startled when it started to open….Oh no.

It was Gangle.

Pomni’s soul nearly left her body. The ribbon bodied girl turned to face the inside of Ragatha’s room and said something akin to ‘I'll be right back’.

Pomni hopped over to Gangle's door and stomped her feet like she meant it, and she heard Jax’s ruckus on the inside of her room. He cracked the door to see the drama, and was met with a mortified jester and a blissfully ignorant ever-approaching theater mask. It was too late for him to bolt, Pomni was gonna get caught…Well, I guess that friendship has sank.

But then, he saw Pomni’s hand motion him back into the room. Well? What other choices does he have right now? So he slid back into Gangles’ room and listened with all his might.

“Oh, Gangle! Fancy seeing you here,” Pomni fell over herself. It was funny as hell, Jax couldn’t help but hold his hand over his mouth as he snickered behind the door.

“Oh, um, hi Pomni. Yeah I was just going to grab my sketchbook. What are youー”

“I WASー I was, um, just really thirsty, and I was in the kitchen! But I couldn’t, uh…find the cups?” Pomni stammered pathetically.

Gangle smiled sympathetically and reached out her ribbon hand to place it on Pomnis’ shoulder to comfort her, how sweet.

“That’s ok Pomni, we all were turned around when we first got here too. I’ll show you,” Gangle reaffirmed her, redirecting her path to the commons’ kitchen, away from her bedroom.

As soon as they were far enough away for him to only barely hear them, he bolted from Gangles’ room into Kingers’, and then from Kingers’ back to Pomnis’. Jax could have been a certified pinball at the end of that fiasco.

He awaited Pomni’s return to her own room and when she arrived, she had a full glass of water in hand and was waving to Gangle as she stepped inside.

Pomni sighed deeply and placed the water on the table. Her face was worn, bags under her eyes and mouth pulled to a taut line. All of that stress for nothing important. Jax smiled coyly at her, and sprang from his seat on the bed.

“You got out in time,” she mumbled, meandering over to him.

“So Gangle’s probably discovering what you did about now. Don’t tell me, I don’t wanna know. But, um, did you do anything to Kinger?” Pomni asked with a tired drawl, but worriedly nonetheless.

“I left a butterfly in a jar in there for him. Haha, he won’t come out for hours once he sees it. It’ll bug Caine and Rags to death,” Jax snickered. He made eye contact with Pomni and she had the sweetest little droopy smile, and a look of borderline admiration. She must be delirious from exhaustion or something.

Jax almost tripped on himself. Which is a feat, because they were both sitting now.

“That was a good idea,” she said reassuringly, instead of something snarky or demeaning.

No ‘that’s not a prank’ or ‘prank master, huh?’. It made the bunny short circuit. He scoffed at her and rolled his eyes, shifting his gaze toward the fire to avoid looking at that dumb face. She leaned around him to also look at it, trying to see what was so interesting.

“You helped me when you could have ditched,” Jax said softly, still locked on the fire.

“Yeah. I did, didn’t I? That was m-eeeehhhahh,” she’d tried to mimic how he sounded earlier, only to be interrupted by her own yawn.

Jax snickered quietly, shutting his eyes to try and gather his thoughts. He was like that for a minute, silent and reflective, but his attempt at organizing his head was cut short by an awkward little voice.

“I like fire,” she sputtered out. He turned to her, developing a smirk from her terrible smalltalk.

“Poms is a caveman,” he joked, gently pushing her away from him so much so that she tipped over. She righted herself and placed her arms at her sides awkwardly like a monkey.

“Haugh, haugh. Fire good,” she gruffed, jutting out her chin and furrowing her eyebrows in her best caveman impression.

Jax couldn’t help but belly laugh at her stupid imitation.

“ME LIKE FIRE TOO,” he hooted, grunting and mimicking her caveman face.

“Mhmm. Me like sit by fire. Feel warm,” she said, reverting back to her normal voice. The silliness of primitive dialogue married to her regular inflection must have been too much for him, because he stood up from the bed and laughed so hard he fell backwards into the beanbag chair. She slid off too and wandered over to the side of the bag, sitting on her knees by it.

From his perspective, everything was upside down. He studied Pomni as she sat on her knees, feet tucked beneath her. She was watching the fire intently, eyelids drooping and posture becoming weaker. He hummed and drew her attention.

“I like it,” he said quietly, “the fireplace, I mean. It’s a nice touch, I would’a never thought to put one in a bedroom.” She smiled drearily.

“It’s like a really good memory, I think. Or maybe a place I wanted to have in the real world,” she huffed back, sleep clawing at her eyes.

“You wanted to have a cabin? Well, butter my biscuits. I would have pegged you for a city slicker,” he said, crossing his hands over his stomach comfortably.

“Maybe I was. Maybe that’s why I wanted to run away to the woods somewhere, to escape my sad life of toiling away in an office cubicle.” She closed her eyes and leaned onto the side of the puffy chair, making sure to give him space on it. His fur still stood from their proximity, though.

“Or you could have really lived somewhere like this. You were probably a lumberjack. Actually, I’m certain you were a lumberjack. With an axe and everything. And your name was PomTree.”

“You’re right,” she blandished, her voice getting quieter. He stared at her as her body started to lean.

“You’re gonna fall asleep like that and fall into the fire,” he snickered, sitting himself up from the squishy seat. He bent down to ruffle her hair, jolting her awake.

“C’mon. Sleep in your custom-made fit for a lumberjack bed,” he goaded her on, gripping her arm and hoisting her up. She made a half scowl half defeated grimace as she was maneuvered to her bed, but she sat down without protest. As she lifted the blankets, she turned to the bunny man.

“What side do you like to sleep on?” she asked groggily.

“The underside,” he joked quietly, scooching himself nearer to the wall.

“Like the pea in Princess and the Pea,” she said as she brought her hand up to cover another yawn. She slipped under the blanket and pulled it under her chin, snuggling in deeply. He couldn’t help but watch as her breathing slowed down and her shoulders relaxed under the covers. He watched his friend .

“Guess that makes you a princess,” Jax teased quietly, not really caring if she heard him or not. He was starting to feel the call of sleep himself and he simply couldn't resist pulling the covers over himself and curling up next to her.

“YaaaawwwwnーA lumberjack princess,” he grumbled to himself before succumbing to his slumber.

Chapter 10: CH.10 CIRCUS DERBY

Pomni woke up in her comfy new bed, in soft pajamas, snug against a fluffy living furnace. She was so cozy she was mad at herself for even waking up. She’d tried to turn to face Jax, but she realized she couldn’t when she noticed his arm. He had her locked down in a prison of his stupid long limbs again. She’s about ready to hogtie him so he can't possibly cage her anymore.

Suddenly, she heard a deep rumble from the bunny behind her, and his arm stiffened a little bit, only to quickly pull away a moment later. She turned under the covers to face him. He looked incredibly comfortable too, more peaceful than she’d ever seen him. His ears were droopy on the pillows and his eyelids forced themselves open with only a crack to peak at her.

“You are a cuddler,” she teased, seeing the yellow of his eyes.

“No I’m not,” he retorted defensively, “I was just anticipating you flailing around. I figured you’d need to be anchored down.” His grumbly morning voice tickled her ears.

“Oh, how thoughtful,” she grumbled in return, pulling the blankets closer to herself. Jax made a grumpy face and pulled them right back.

“But you didn’t need an anchor, Pom. You lied to me,” Jax accused.

“Stop hogging the blankets. Now, what did I lie about?” Pomni asked quietly, her voice cracking from sleep’s throws. Jax reached over to poke her cheek, his nose twitching ever so slightly.

“You would know what it takes to be a blanket thief, ya’ little Klepto,” he murmured, “ya slept like a rock. Placed dead last in the dancing competition.” Pomni snorted at him.

“Yeah, thanks to you. Guess’ I sleep better with ‘jama’s and a fuzzy purple bed warmer,” Pomni sighed, weakly poking his cheek. He didn’t swat her away.

Jax sat up after a moment and scooted over to the edge of the bed to stretch. He looked back at Pomni, who was sitting there with her hair messed up and her eyes closed. He hummed to himself for no reason, smiling a microscopic smile. When she’d opened her eyes, he’d already stood and made his way to the door.

“So, I know you’re diggin’ the fit, but heads up: Caine will self-destruct if he you’re not dressed in your clown get up by the time the adventure’s called,” Jax said lazily as he slung his head back to eye her.

“Oh, how delightful…” Pomni mumbled, rubbing her eyelids vigorously to stimulate herself to wake.

“Yeah. I had a better time than I thought I would. So, ah...see ya at breakfast,” Jax said on his way out the door. Pomni smiled as he left, but her face contorted as soon as she spotted her jester uniform. She stared daggers at it, coming to terms with putting it on again.

-

At the breakfast table, the other sleepover group was present and making their plates. Ragatha had a plate full of melon, and Kinger was going ham on a burrito. Gangle and Zooble were sipping coffee and tea, all the while Jax had made a lincoln-log like structure out of his bacon.
Pomni entered silently and slipped into her chair, plated herself a portion of omelet, bacon, and piece of toast, and poured herself some oj.

“We had a lot of fun at our sleepover, Pomni! We wish you could have come,” Ragatha said sweetly as she took a bite of melon.

“We told stories and played games. We missed you,” Gangle chimed in.

“I bet you guys had fun. I’ll be there next time,” Pomni answered, then caught the eye of a very smug looking bunny beside her. He seemed too pleased, with his smugness polluting the air around him.

“Yeah, I bet Pomni’s a hoot n’ a half. Bet she’d be real fun to hang with. Certainly not a natural born prankster or a caveman impersonator,” he said, snickering as he created his bacon tower. The others just chucked up his strange comment to him finally going crazy or something.

Pomni rolled her eyes at him and mumbled under her breath, “Certainly not.”

That little bit of attention had him beaming like a lighthouse, and the change of atmosphere was palpable. Without warning, Jax reached over to her plate and stole her bacon, only to add it to the tower he’d built.

“Hey! Bacon thieves get paws cut off!” Pomni scolded, reaching over to retrieve her stolen bacon.

“Sharia law is not applicable in the circus,” Jax taunted, blocking her from getting her food back.

“Don’t take Pomni’s food!” Ragatha snapped, throwing Jax a disapproving scowl. Zooble and Gangle watched it like a sit-com.

“It’s not Pom’s food, Nagatha, I already staked my claim on the bacon plate,” the bunny said, full of mirth, “if anything she’s stealing from me.”

“Oh, nuh-uh I call eminent domain on that bullsh*t. Bacon is a federal asset,” Pomni countered, throwing Jax off a moment, and then into a fit of laughter. Zooble and Gangle giggled too, while Kinger stood to walk toward the plate of bacon as Jax was distracted from doubling over. He picked it up, and then walkied it over to Pomni, not saying a word. Pomni gratefully accepted the plate.

“You never want to mess with the government,” Kinger affirmed before taking his seat once more.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning appeared, and Caine and Bubble materialized from the plasma.

“GOOD MORNING, MY NIFTY THRIFTY FISHES!” Caine hollered, “I see you’re all having a splendid time! Well, prepare to have an even SPLENDID-ER time with todays’ adventure!!”

“Wooooo, golly this one’s a doozy, folks,” Bubble remarked to the side. The cast stared blankly.

“Sportsmanship is an important character trait that rounds out the best competitors! You may think you are a tippy top notch athlete, but there is so much more to it than being in good shape!” Caine said merrily.

“You’ll never be in as good a’ shape as the hunk’s that carry you around, though,” Bubble said slyly, hinting at something more obscene than Caine could comprehend.

“Bubble! NO HINTS!” he said as he popped the spherical nuisance.

“Oh, we’re getting carried? Like, a husband-wife race type of deal?” Ragatha inquired, looking hopeful, “this’ll be interesting.”

“Well you’ll just have to see, WON’T you, Ragatha? After all, this adventure was one you submitted!” he blabbered. That got Ragatha some exasperated looks from the rest of the cast.

“Nope,” Zooble popped up after that, retreating “I’m out.”

Caine just watched them leave with a depressed aura about him, then he snapped his fingers and the portal zipped open. They all shuffled through, and they were taken aback by the other side.

“Enjoy yourselves! And thank Ragatha for the suggestion, it was really a marvelous idea!” and with that, he poofed away in a puff of smoke, leaving the cast to take everything in.

Huge stands, stories and stories tall, packed with those stupid little wooden mannequins. They filled a massive arena. They were dressed so extravagantly, with suits and ties and elegant dresses and crazy hats. Wow, the hats were crazy.

Ragatha was positively glowing. She was so happy, smiling from ear to ear, and spinning herself around like a giddy schoolgirl.

“OH MY GOOOD! Do you guys know where we are?” she beamed, radiating excitement so much that Gangle, Pomni and Kinger couldn’t help but catch some.

“I’m not sure. Maybe a fancy colosseum?” Kinger said politely, smiling with his eyes at the happy doll.

Gangle was studying the stands of people, frowning in confusion as Pomni felt her clothes shift on her body. Suddenly she was in a sporty polo with red and blue stripes, and she saw that the other’s attires had changed too. Ragatha donned a blue checkered polo, Kinger had a dark purple polo, Gangle had a red and white striped one, and Jax had a pink one. They all had black or tan pants, and boots that came up to their knees with matching helmet-caps.

“We’re on a racetrack!” Pomni said as she saw a jumbo-screen with the moving image of a thoroughbred. Jax’s helmet had holes for his ears, and they comically stood up from it in an awkward way. Suddenly, the team saw a large NPC that looked like the number 9 approach them. He greeted them fervently.

“Ah, good, good, the jockeys are all here! Come, we’ll get you to the gates,” he said.
“My name is Eight, and I’m the head track manager! All the horses are tacked and ready for the race!”

“I wanna bet on the winner,” Jax interjected, placing his hand on his hips as he looked for the gambling stand.

“No time for that, Sir! The race is soon to start,” Eight shot him down, pointing to the gates where the horses were loaded. Then he made his way down and motioned for the cast to follow.

“We can still make personal bets, Jax. I bet I’m gonna get stuck with a giant,” Pomni said, as she nudged his stomach with her elbow.

“Not a valid bet. That’s a guarantee,” Jax snorted, trying to pull the cap over her eyes.

“That’s how you’re supposed to make bets, Dummy. The goal is to win,” she snickerd at him, causing a scowl, and then an amused smirk when she turned to look away.

“Pink is on Flurry O’ Falcon, Purple is on Jim-Money Cricket, Red/White stripes on Hastey Paisley, Blue check is on Miss Merilby, and Red/Blue stripes on Zenith!” the NPC called. Suddenly, they approached a long loading gate filled with huge, fidgety horses. Ragatha squealed with glee.

All of the crew clambered up to the gates to meet their horses. Ragatha was having the time of her life, talking to it and petting it even as it danced around in its’ release stall. Jax looked a little terrified, balking at the animal and not wanting to touch it. Kinger and Gangle petted their horses gently, and Pomni approached her mount with caution.

“H-hey, there, uh…Zenith,” she mumbled. The big black horse looked at her calmly, and nickered at her. It lessened her nerves.

“Oh…you are sweet,” she praised him, reaching up to stroke his nose gently. She looked over to Jax, who had been warily eyeing his grey horse with white stockings. He saw her and stuck out his tongue as a shrill whistle broke through the air and caused him to jump.

“All Jockeys, mount!” a voice called over an intercom, “Caines Circus Derby is about to be Derbied!”

They all climbed onto the loading gates side with varying states of acceptance. Ragatha hopped on like it was second nature, while everyone else had help from generic track-tending NPCs. They climbed and slid respectively onto their horses, trying to get comfortable on top of thousand pound animals. Jax was certainly the least amused, shifting and swearing under his breath, as he white-knuckled the reins. Ragatha however was by far the most amused, giving her pony a pep-talk and physically glowing with happiness.

Pomni looked on, out the gate, and felt the powerful animal move beneath her. She reached down to pet the horse, and whispered, “You seem like you know the deal. I’ll do whatever you want me to do, big guy.” Zenith neighed at her, and then she felt him tense up, like a rubber band being pulled taut. Then the second whistle blew, and she felt herself instinctually get lower in the saddle as he became shivery.

When the third bell rang and the gates opened faster than anyone expected, the horses just exploded from their stalls.

Ragatha was screaming in delight, and everybody else was screaming in abject horror.

Ragatha was in first, Gangle second, and Pomni was in third. They were all a little bit ahead of both of the boys, but the rate those horses ran made it seem like flight. The feeling was so intense. Pomni adjusted the reins in her hands and took a steadied breath, stopping her scream, and eyeing the track before her. She then studied her mount.

His ears were locked forward, she could feel the pounding of his hooves in the soft dirt, and his breathing was so loud. He was so powerful, and majesticーshe could see why Ragatha loved horses so much. They were really cool. His legs were so long that when she looked in front of her to the track, she could see them as a blur when they lifted and carried them off. The wind in her face felt uncomfortable and quite real. She decided this adventure was actually a decent one.

As the horses made their way down the track, she glanced a look behind her. Kinger had fallen off, and was being taken off the track by NPCs, while Jax was hugging the horse for dear life as it galloped at intense speed, trying to keep up with the other horses. Pomni realized that Zenith was catching up to Gangle's horse, and he was coming up quickly. From the outside, he surged ahead, seemingly locked on Ragatha’s horse.

Pomni chuckled to herself, following her horse’s gaze. She had no idea a programmed animal npc could be competitive. It made her enjoy the experience more, how human he seemed.

‘Ok, Zenith! You’re doing so good! You’re in second place!” Pomni whisper-yelled, leaning more so that her weight was better distributed on his back. Zenith made a loud noise that sounded to Pomni like protest.

“Oh! I mean, we’er in second,” she mumbled absentmindedly. The horse's ear swiveled back to her and perked up, and then she felt his massive body shift under her. He was somehow going faster! Oooooooh, that makes sense. Caine had said this was a ‘team sport’. Maybe the more she acknowledged their teamwork, the faster he’d go? S’worth a shot.

“Come on, Zenith, you’re doing great! Lift those legs, buddy! I’m staying down!” she cheered, and the pounding of his hooves deepened.

“We’ve got this! We’re gonna look so good in gold!” Pomni hyped, eyes widening as she saw she’d passed Ragatha.

The large black horse was thundering down the track, ever gaining distance on the other cast members. He left them in the dust, and Pomni couldn’t help but laugh at the feeling that seemed one step below flight. She heard a blaring buzzer go off, and then NPCs on smaller horses rode up and slowed Zenith down as they approached the winners circle.

Chapter 11: CH. 11 CIRCUS DERBY 2: SIMPLE SENTIMENT

Ragatha came in second, Gangle third, Jax fourth, and Kinger had fallen off, so he didn't really count. The others seemed to be tense and eager to get off the animals, except Ragatha, who refused to get off even as they awarded Zenith the gold metal.

“Pomni, you never told us you were a horse-whisperer!” Gangle praised, approaching her as she sat on the black steed, flower petals fluttering around them in celebration.

“Caine programmed this game for teamwork. When I praised the horse and myself, he sped up,” she explained, patting the animal on the neck softly.

“Ppftt, Pom. You’re too modest,” Jax said sarcastically, “You know how to work with animals. You work with Gangle all the time.” He then made his way over to the ribbon girl and flicked her mask, scooching between her and Pomni’s horse.

“Ironic, coming from you,” Ragatha jabbed, as she approached still on horseback, snickering to herself as Gangle smirked from being defended.

“Oh what’s that s’posed ta mean, Sassafras?” Jax grunted, locking eyes combatively with the doll.

“She means you’re a bunny,” Pomni giggled.

Jax flushed when he heard her say that, for some reason, and whipped his head around with a crack. He jogged over to the side of her horse quickly and reached up to pull her off so swiftly it was like he was replacing the pressure sensor for the treasure in Indiana Jones. Zenith stomped his feet and gave Jax what could only be described as an evil-eye. Jax paled a bit, and quickly backed away from the large black horse, a frustrated jester in his paws.

“That thing is crazy,” Jax mumbled to himself, squeezing her sides unconsciously.

“Ow! Hey, put me down before I sic him on you!” Pomni protested, wriggling to escape his grip.

Jax just glared at her, debating on whether or not he should. He gingerly placed her on the ground and sneered at her, pulling her cap over her eyes so she couldn’t make that stupid cute little face at him anymore. Every time she tries to be assertive he want’s to fuck with her ten times harder.

“You can’t sic the horse on me,” he snorted, crossing his arms over his chest .

She pouted and crossed her arms defiantly, lifting her gaze to challenge his cocky attitude. “Zenith! He’s being mean to me!” Pomni called out teasingly, but was met with surprise when the huge horse jumped right by her side, death-glaring Jax again. Jax looked like he was ready to bolt.

“Woah! I didn’t think it would work! What, can Caine not tell the difference between horses and dogs?” Pomni asked, amused at the new discovery. He pet the animal beside her and said reassuringly, “No worries big guy. He’s not being mean now.” Zenith nickered and rested his defensive posture, and Jax just made an indecipherable face.

After they had received their medals and praises from the NPCs, they all filed back through the portal that materialized before them. Caine was as chipper as ever, paying particularly close attention to Ragatha.

“SO, HOWー”
“OhmygodcaineitwasAMAZING!!!” she beamed, running over to him. He looked so happy, it was disgusting.

As Caine was distracted by the praise of Ragatha, the others quietly slid away. Pomni had followed Gangle, and that got Jax curious, so he stuck around just long enough to eavesdrop.

“Hey, um, Gangle?” Pomni asked sheepishly, catching her just before she opened the door to her room.

“Oh, what’s up, Pomni?” she asked, startled, not expecting anyone to be behind her.

“Can you do me a favor?” Pomni questioned.

OH, this is interesting! Pomni want’s a favor, hm? But wait…From GANGLE? What the hell could she possibly want from that pile of string?! He was bristled about it, probably because Gangle was the least capable person in the circus; and for absolutely no other reason.

“Um, p-please, I was wondering if you’d draw me a picture of the horse I rode, todayー”

Oh. She wanted a picture..? So that jives, Gangle is good at art or whatever. But why, was the question. Did she really enjoy that stupid game that much?

“Oh, sure! I’d love to. It’ll be done in no time,” Gangle offered sweetly. Pomni nodded, and then waved at her as she slipped into her room. Jax was gone before Pomni could turn and see him.

Pomni opened the door to her own room as slid inside, sighing softly as she rested her forehead on it. She hummed to herself as she lifted her hands to her face to peer at them before messing with the cuff of the glove to turn it off of ‘adventure mode’.

Jax was sitting comfortably in her bean bag chair, and she was still oblivious to him. His ears twitched as he listened to the clicks of her deactivating her outfit.

“You’re so bold, Pom, you’re just gonna strip with me in here?” his voice cut the silence, making her jump nearly out of her skin.

“OH MY GOD JAX WHAT THE F*CK!” she yelped, whirling around to face him as he sat, watching the fire.

“You really ought to pay attention,” Jax hummed as he stood and stretched, not bothering to look at her, “I could’a bit’cha.” He leaned his head to the side, peeking cautiously before fully spinning around to pester her face on.

Pomni was standing there, startled, with her silly hat in her bare hands and her shoes kicked off as she stared daggers at him. She threw her hat on the floor and groaned, “the expression is, ‘if I were a snake I could have bit you’. And you’re a bunny, not a snake.”

“Discrimination! Not all snakes bite, Pommers. And don’t you think I can’t bite cuz I can,” he declared with a low lilt in his voice, stepping towards her.

“Jax, snakes are all carnivores. They literally all biteーugh, nevermind, what do you want? Can it wait? I’m wiped out,” she mumbled, sitting down on her bed.

“You just won, you should be more peppy, you pouty her-Pom-tologyst. And no, I won’t wait, I want an answer,” he pushed, setting himself beside her with a forceful plop, bouncing her up to annoy her.

“I’ll answer you, but I’m napping after,” she grumbled.

“That’s right you areーso why do you want a picture of that god-d*mned horse?” he interrogated her, leaning forward and popping her personal space bubble. She just wide-eyed him, then her gaze shifted about, as if she was thinking about how to answer him in the most appealing way so he’d leave her be.

“I liked that horse, and I have a positive memory associated with him now. So I want a keep-sake,” she said, settling on just telling him the truth. Never mind how he knew about it, just get him out of here for fucks sake. Pomni needs a nap.

Jax remained silent for a moment and studied her features closely, as if trying to decode something.

“You’re smarter than that,” Jax deadpanned, staring at her intently. That was not the response she expected.

“Iーwhat?” she questioned, taken aback.

“You. Are. Smarter. Than. That.” he repeated. The way he said it confused her more, because the words could have been a sarcastic quip, but the tone he used made them sound gravely serious. It was unnerving.

“What do you even mean, Jax? Are you just f^cking with me? Because I’m not in the moodー” she said, voice wavering. She hated that every time she tried to be serious it seemed pathetic.

“That horse is an NPC, Pomni. NPC’s don’t have feelings or personalities. Getting attached to something like that is just self-sabotage,” Jax grumbled, still not looking away. This was a different side of Jax that she’d not seen before. He was being completely opposite to his normal state, and then Pomni realized why she was so uncomfortable right now. It was because he was uncomfortable.

The little jester studied him in return. His eyes were wide and his pupils were small. He was tense. Looked like he was cold, how tense he was. His ear twitched, and his fists balled the blanket beneath him. He actually looked stressed out, but why the hell would he be stressed out with a conversation like this? Weird.

“I don’t think so,” she stated flatly, watching him twitch. Just like a bunny. She took a deep breath, and found that he mirrored her. He was so obviously upset by something; maybe she could help him. She had no clue how, so she just kept talking about it to replace the silence.

“He was big, and powerful, and beautiful. I felt like I was flying when I was up there, too. And when I talked to him, his ear swiveled around to face meーit was like he was paying attention,” she said softly, placing her hands on her lap to fiddle with her fingers, “Like how a real horse would.” Jax just stared, his mouth never curving.

“And I don’t care if he was a total farce. So what if he’s a simulation? We’re all in a simulationー I don’t even know if I’m real. So I’m going to choose to be happy about the friend I made, and remember him. Same with Gummigoo,” she clarified.

“You are going to ‘remember’ him,” Jax seethed, “but how can you remember something that never existed?” His attitude and posture started to shift, and it caught Pomni’s attention.

“Jax, that’s like saying dreams don’t exist because they’re intangible. You know dreams exist because you experience them. You feel them, you are conscious of it even though it’s not reality,” Pomni answered, trying to retain her neutrality to not provoke him, “I experienced him.”

“You dreamed the horse…You ‘experienced’ Gummigoo…but you’re gonna choose to acknowledge and remember them, even though they’re gone now, and it’ll stab you every time you think about it,” Jax bristled, seemingly trying to make sense of her perspective. He looked like he wanted to rip something up.

“I’d rather grieve those who I’ve lost than pretend not to have known them. Temporarily avoiding pain and blowing up about it later sounds so draining, anyway. I'd rather celebrate the impact they had on me,” she finished, scooting herself off of the bed to stand and face him as he still sat.

“But they don’t exist, Pomni. They never did,” he said in a low, prickly voice.

“They existed to me,” she answered carefully, “the feelings they gave me are real. The person I am after experiencing them is not who I was before.”

With that, his face shifted again. Not into happiness, but more into one of realization. He blanked like that, watching her steadily as she stepped closer.

Pomni reached out to touch his hand, connecting that he seemed to be lost in thought like how she got sometimes. When her fingers made contact with the back of his glove, he blinked and then shot her a look she couldn’t read. He didn’t say anything nasty like she thought he might. Instead, he slid his fingers over to the cuff of his glove and deactivated the adventure mode to pull it off. Then, with his purple fuzzy hand, he grabbed it and squeezed it uncomfortably hard.

“I kinda get it,” his voice cracked, squishing her hand in his own, seemingly to assess its physicality, “but you really ought to recognize that there are still things here that are really real. Not just ‘real to Pomni’.”

“OhーI understand now,” she whispered. She recognized immediately that this was an attempt at being helpful, not to fuck with her. It made her warm up from the inside, to see the person everyone thought of as callous and belligerent being concerned for her. That’s what it was, right?

She was uncertain if she’d interpreted this correctly. She had an idea that her uncertainty was more likely the cause of Jax’s unfamiliarity with communicating about such emotional topics, but she still couldn’t be sure.

“You don’t have to worry about that, though. I know how real you are,” she said softly, letting him kneed her limp hand like dough. He blinked and his mouth fell into a frown before he huffed out a choked laugh.

“You’re somethin’ else, Tootsー” he mumbled, his features finally softening after what she felt like was way too long. Then, he broke his fixation on their hands, and replaced it for watching her pinwheel eyes as they quivered in her skull.

“I hope I’m as real as you think ,” he said monotonously, before standing and leaving her so she could take her nap. Only now, her mind was racing as fast as Zenith was earlierーthat sure was interesting.

Chapter 12: CH. 12 MILK IT

“What would we be if we were animals?” Gangle asked as she sketched away, sitting on the common area couch next to Zooble.

“What, like, all of us?” Zooble asked, resting their cheek on their fist as they leaned against the armrest.

“Yeah. I think you’d be…a chameleon,” Gangle said cheerfully. Zooble hummed, and tapped their chin in thought.

“I feel like it’d be more accurate if I were a platypus. All mismatched, you know,” they answered. Gangle stopped their drawing and looked at them empathetically.

“If you say so. I think Platypuses are adorable,” she mumbled, and Zooble obviously heard it because their face warmed up like a toaster.

“Hey guys, what’s going on?” Ragatha chimed in from behind, as she approached the sofa.

“We’re picking what animals we’d be,” Gangle happily informed her. Ragatha perked up and moved to have a seat.

“I think I’d be a horse!” she piped up jovially. Gangle peered at her, then looked at Zooble, and they simultaneously shook their heads in disagreement. Ragatha looked like a kicked puppy. HHmm. Puppy…

“Actually, Rags, you’d be more like a dog. Like a golden retriever or Australian shepherd,” Zooble clarified. Ragatha seemed a bit happier at that, smiling and humming to herself.

“I do love Australian shepherds,” she hummed, then her face contorted in thought, “what would Kinger be?”

“A goldfish,” Jax said breezily from the hallway. He’d have to give his two cents, of course.

“Nobody asked you,” Zooble snipped, facing him with a glare of disapproval.

“What’re you all up to?” A small voice asked from the opposite direction. Pomni came out of the commons kitchen with a digital apple, string cheese, and a cup of cocoa. Ragatha’s face perked immediately when she saw the small girl, happy to involve her.

“We’re deciding what animals we would be! I’m an Australian shepard,” Ragatha answered happily as Pomni made her way to sit on the rug and place her drink on the table in the center. Jax had slid his way behind the furniture to peek at Gangle's sketchbook, just to find her doodling little animals. A platypus and a dog, so far. Jax then made his way to the reclining chair that was behind Pomni to flop into it.

“That’s one way to pass the time,” Pomni giggled to herself, tearing off a piece of cheese.

“Poms would be a mouse,” Jax snickered as he eyed her, “look at the way she’s demolishing that cheese. Just like a rodent.” Ragatha looked at Pomni and giggled herself, placing a hand over her mouth so as not to be too obvious. Pomni saw though, and she put the cheese to her mouth with both hands to take mousy nibbles at it, facing the others to show her rodent-ness.

“Oh! You ARE just like a mouse!” Gangle squealed, furiously sketching in her book as Zooble chuckled.

“Yeah,” Jax said as he reached over and pinched her side, “and ya’ sound like one, too.”
Pomni made a shrill squeak, and batted his hand away from her.

“Lemmi eat my snack, Jax. Mice need nourishment,” she asserted. Zooble studied Jax as he snorted and leaned back in the chair, crossing his legs and having one of his feet just so happen to rest on her shoulder. Zooble hummed in thought, watching as Pomni just dealt with the intrusion as if it were a fly on the wall.

“Gangle would be a songbird,” Pomni spoke up softly, “she’s delicate and flighty like a chickadee or a sparrow.”

The others nodded and murmured in agreement as Gangle’s face tinged pink.

“A songbird, huh?” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else, then she drew a bird in her doodle presumably.

“Now Kinger,” Zooble said lazily.

“Already said he’s a goldfish,” Jax grumbled, his ear twitching with the sound of the jester in front of him sipping her drink.

“Your opinion doesn’t count,” Zooble spat as Ragatha smirked silently at them.
“Oh, so you’ve got a better one? His memory is three seconds long and he’s a king. Goldfish fits the bill pretty d*mn good,” Jax retorted, his foot shifting on Pomni’s shoulder.

“What about a seal? I don’t know, Kinger seems like a seal to me,” Ragatha chimed in, and earned a couple of amused faces from the crowd.

“I can see it,” Gangle agreed, and then the others reluctantly nodded.

“What about me, then?” Jax questioned, shifting himself so he leaned forward and crossed his arms on his knees. Pomni was grateful for the removal of his foot.

“You’re a rabbit, though,” Gangle deadpanned. The rest of the crew turned to look at him too, with varying levels of ‘duh’ on their faces.

“No, nuh-uh that's not fair! This body is not my choice, and it has no parallels to my personality or personal characteristics,” Jax retorted, eyeing the onlookers.

“Yeah, you’re right, Jax,” Ragatha chimed in, “You would definitely be a Jackass.”

The small group erupted in a cacophony of laughter, and Jax seethed in his loveseat. Pomni giggled too, as she pressed the apple to her lips. Suddenly that apple was way more interesting than everything else, and he found himself staring at it, with his moodiness dissipating like fog.

“I can’t believe we can say jackass,” Gangle giggled, drawing a donkey on her picture.

“Context counts. S’nother name for donkey, you aren’t calling me a Jack@$$,” Jax hummed, smiling and not upset at all anymore, “And jokes on you guys, I’m honored to be a donkey. They’re smart and strong as h#ll and they protect their families.”

“Awe, Jaxーthat’s oddly endearing,” Pomni breathily laughed, making his heart jump.

“And they’re also annoying, stubborn as sin, and have a baying call worse than nails on a chalkboard,” Ragatha struck a second time, sending everyone into laughter again.

“Hey Rags, what’s another word for female dog? Five letters, starts with a B,” Jax snorted, and Ragatha’s face went scarlet. Pomni laughed again, and it was music. She was so caught up in it that she leaned her back against the chair bottom to catch her breathーagainst him. She rested against his legs gently, and it made his spine tingle. But then she pulled away and murmured a quick apology. How dare she? She was perfectly fine there.

“I feel like Caine would be a mosquito,” Zooble droned out of nowhere. Everyone murmured in a salty agreement at the mention of their AI overlord.

“Bubble would be a rabid aye-aye,” Pomni added, and then the others eye-eye-d her.
“Um, not to be rude, but what the h#ll is an aye-aye?” Zooble asked, having no malicious tone in their voice.

Suddenly, Pomni felt awkward and shifted on her knees. She picked at the apple in her hands and mumbled, “It’s like a crazy lemur that has buggy eyes and long spindly fingers. They’re justーthey’re super creepy.”

The cast all looked at each other and hummed in acceptance of her answer.

“SoーI dunno about you guys, but I’ve been thinking about the prize thing,” Pomni suddenly said, changing the awkwardness she caused. The whole room lifted their gazes from her to the bunny behind her and seemingly had the same thought about him, but then returned to the jester so she could finish.

“It hasn’t been a week yet, so I’m not worrying about it until then,” Jax chuffed, reaching out to bat one of her hat’s bells.

“No, no, that’s not what I’m insinuating,” Pomni clarified, then raked her vision around the commons room, avoiding everyone’s eyes, “I meanーI think we should milk it.”

Jax sat up very straight and placed his hand under his chin as the mischief behind his eyes stirred. Zooble just blinked, and Gangle placed their sketchbook down with a troubled outlook.

“You mean, we should ask him for a prize again?” Ragatha asked, leaning down so she was a bit closer to the girl sitting on the floor.

“Well, I mean, why not? Jax got a pretty amazing prize that is gonna change our lives here. I was thinking if we play our cards right, we could really improve things,” Pomni explained as she stood from her seat and started to head to the kitchen to throw the apple core away. Jax reached over and pulled it from her grasp only to launch it off into the distance somewhere.

“Pomstein, the evil mastermind,” he teased, watching her face shift as she pulled it away from where the apple carcass was thrown, “please do enlighten us with your schemes.”

Pomni glared at him and then shifted her gaze to Ragatha, who sat and watched her intently, quite like a good dog.

“Ok, soーfor example,” she started, gesturing to Ragatha’s dress,
“We have to wear the same thing all the time, right? Caine is &n&l about us sticking to his themes. But what if we convinced him to give us an endless wardrobe as a prize?”

The eyes in the room were glued to her as she gestured with her speech.

“We could tell him that we love when we get different outfits on adventures, to likeーbutter him up, I guess. We could get more freedom with what we wear if we convince him that it doesn’t mess with his rules. I don’t know if it would work, but we could try.”

“I would really love to be able to wear other things besides the one thematic option,” Ragatha agreed.

“I would like to be able to wear anything,” Gangle hummed, as Zooble slowly nodded.

“Oh, admit it Poms. You just wanna see me in something more flashy than my overalls,” Jax teased, forcing a small smile out of Pomni and a quizzical look from Zooble.

“But wouldn’t it be nice if you could dress flashy if you wanted to? Maybe I’m the outlier here, but I don’t think so. There may be a way to convince Caine that a hoodie and a pleated skirt are jester-like. I’m gonna at least try.”

“Oh my god, I’d kill to wear a hoodie,” Zooble mumbled, lost in thought.

“A pleated skirt, huh?” Jax queried, smirking with a quirked brow.

“I think it is a good idea. We should try to get more out of this loopholeーBut there is a problem,” Ragatha said, crossing her legs and looking awfully reminiscent of a lawyer, “We have no way of guaranteeing that whoever wins the prize adheres to the plan.”

“Woah, woahーhold up,” Pomni said as she raised her hand to slow down the doll, “I never said that this had to be a community thing. It was a suggestion. If somebody wins and doesn’t want to change the circus in a way that affects all of us, that’s fine by me. I just wanted to get the thoughts out.”

“Well, I am very interested in collaborating for the improvement of our living situation,” Ragatha said as she shifted, looking at Gangle and Zooble across from her.

“If I win, I’d do something for everybody. But if I won, I’d pick the thing. That sounds reasonable,” Zooble explained, siding with Pomni.

Gangle shifted her ribbons and said meekly, “I like the democratic approach.”

“Well, then, Ribbons, you and attorney Ragamuffin here can establish your own cute little system,” Jax taunted, “While the big kids make educated decisions based on logic and reasoning that adhere to our personal preferences.”

“If I were to win the next prize, I’d ask for freedom of speech in our rooms, at least,” Zooble said, sliding up from their spot on the sofa.

“Haha, that would be great. I’d love to just say {BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP} in the privacy of my room,” Pomni agreed, laughing slightly.

“I wanna hear it,” Jax laughed, standing and stretching too. He then turned on his heel and strutted away, heading god knows where to do god knows what.

Pomni turned to Ragatha and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“If I win the prize, I’ll ask for the outfit thing. If that eases your mind,” she reassured her.

“Oh, that’s sweet Pomni. But I’m not worried in the slightest about you,” Ragatha explained, tilting her head in the direction of the hand resting on her shoulder.

“Whatーso you’re worried about what someone else will ask for?” Pomni questioned.

“Well, yeah. Jaxー”

“Jax asked for a really good prize already. A kind, thoughtful prize,” Pomni interrupted, feeling a bit defensive, suddenly.

“He did, but I don’t put it past him to take the opportunity to cause trouble the next time he wins,” she explained. Pomni just stared at her, the cogs whirring in her head. Then, she just walked away without an indication of anything else.

Chapter 13: CH. 13 DANCASTER

After the squad had had their talk, Pomni left. Well, more accurately, Pomni left when Ragatha had assumed that Jax would sabotage them if he won another prize.

OK. So, it wasn’t a totally off the wall thing to think. But did he deserve that? Well, yeah probably. But would he deliberately change the circus to make things worse? She decided that she thought he wouldn’t do that. Not only because of the context of the first prize, but because he lived in the circus too, and a negative change would affect him if he decided to be a bully on that scale.

She was thinking about the situation on multiple levels as she paced down the hallway of doors at infinitum. She clasped her hands behind her back as she stalked forward, eyes on the ground before her.

She was confused as to why Ragatha felt that Jax would pull a shit prize, even though he didn’t before. He kind of redeemed himself, in her eyesーwell, maybe she was biased. Jax’s pranks never really hurt her as much as they could have, so her perspective was different from the others.
Granted she’s had her fair share of his bullshit, but the stuff he did never seemed to be that godawful, now. Yeah he was really shitty the first days, but she had a feeling that he was testing her in a way. She couldn't put her finger on why she thought that; she just did.

But she knew that to Ragatha, Zooble, and Gangle, Jax was akin to the antichrist. But he had a different side that he never showed them, and Pomni was quite aware of it. The side of him that wants to sleep-over, harmlessly joke around; that lights up when he hears people laugh.

Pomni came across a large green door that caught her eye. She slowed her pacing to inspect itーshe hadn’t opened this door before. She liked the white door that led to the forest where she and Jax built the snowman, and she liked the yellow door that was just a room covered from top to bottom in different textures, like velcro and velvet. Most of the doors here were awful, but some weren't. Maybe this was a good one?

She reached out her hand to the golden doorknob and pulled it open just a bit to peak inside. When the door was opened, she heard music. Curiosity got the best of her, so she meandered in to investigate.

She came across a large stage, and behind it were jumbo-screens lighting up in funky colors. In front of the stage there were rows and rows of seats, like a concert hall. She hummed to herself as she eyed the place, walking down the path between the chairs. When she reached the stage, she climbed the stairs timidly, keeping track of the big screens. Suddenly, as her foot made contact with the stage, a horn blared and the words “Boogie Blitz” appeared in front of her.

“Are you ready to Boogie Blitz?” a booming announcer's voice sounded all around her.

“W-whaー? I don’t, umー”

“OF COURSE YOU ARE,” it boomed again. Pomni gulped as it said, “The bestest most fun way to pass time in the circus is shaking that groove thang! Pick your song, Boogie Babe!”

The screen changed to a list of songs. Some of the she knew, some she’d never heard of. She was so happy to see something remotely familiar, she sighed and smiled at some of the old tunes at the bottom of the list. As she peered, she decided she wasn’t really doing anything else right nowーa rare day off from the adventures called for a little celebration, right?

“I wanna do Dance Monkey!” she exclaimed when she read the title.

“SONG CHOSEN: Dance Monkey! IS THIS CORRECT?” the voice boomed.

“Yes,” she hummed, eyes darting about the game.

The screens flitted through colors and then settled on the image of a humanoid stick figure. There was a short written explanation about the directionsーmimic the position of the figure and get as high a score as possible. Like an off-brand Just Dance.

As the song started, Pomni mimicked the motions of the idol on the screen. She was getting so many points, the screen lighting up over and over again. It was rather cathartic to match her body to a dancing image on a screen. Occupying her body gave her mind a break from everything else.

As she was boogie-blitzing, the door to the stage room opened just a bit.

She had no clue that she was being watched, so she kept going until she finished the song.

“HIGH SCORE!!!” the game master’s voice called, praising her.

“For me, or in general?” she inquired.

“FOR YOU!” it responded excitedly. She drooped a little at that, hoping that she’d done a little better.

“Is there anybody who had a higher score on this song than me? And if so, what is it?” Pomni asked casually, hoping to find the number so she could beat it.

“Oh, I remember this game!” a sweet older man's voice called from behind her. She jumped to peer back, and met with a very smiley Kinger.

“Hah, hi, Kinger,” she huffed in a relieved way, “It’s nice to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too, Pomni. I see you’ve found our dancing game! Do you like dancing?” he asked with genuine curiosity. She made her way down to where he had sat to join him.

“I think I do. It helped me to get some things off of my mind,” she answered honestly.

“Oh, yes. It can be a good distraction. My wife and I would come here and dance for hours. It was really fun,” he explained, gaze streaking across the stage.

“You came here with Queenie?” she asked quietly, a bit dejected.

“All the time. We loved the older songs. She loved Queen! Isn’t that funny?” he said happily.

“It is. Do, umーdoes anybody use it, besides me just now, I mean?” she asked, flitting her fingers together.

“I don’t know,” he responded, “but it really should be used more. I loved watching you! I will surely remember this.”

 

That hit Pomni like a cannonball. Kinger was so sweet all the time, even when he was confused. He was kind, and considerate, and it was evident to her that he had no ideas in his head that were malicious. And that realization brought tears to her eyes, because for as kind as he wasーhe was wrong.

Kinger was going to forget that he accidentally walked in on her dancing to a silly game that he and his wife used to play. He will forget that they had this conversation. He will probably eventually forget her.

“Oh, Pomni, what’s wrong? Did you twist your ankle?” he asked, concerned, as he placed a white gloved hand on her shoulder. She stared at him unblinking while small tears pricked her eyes. She wiped them away, sniffing to herself as he tried to comfort her. He really was the sweetest.

“No, King. I didn’t sprain anything. I…I just really appreciate the type of person you are,” she warbled, failing to compose her voice.

“Why, thank you, Pomni. I love you too,” he said sweetly, smiling with his eyes despite the absence of a mouth. She could feel it, too. She reached out and gave him a small hug that he returned without question.

“I hope it wasn’t me that made you cry,” he piped up as she pulled away from him.

“You didn’t make me cry. The thought of not being around you made me cry,” Pomni assured him. Suddenly a stark look shifted his features, and he became a bit more lucid.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, his attitude losing its chipper quality.

“What? No, it’s notー”

“I am. I know it would be better if I remembered more. And I know it’s getting worse. But you know, what I said before was true. No matter how much I forget, I’ll still care about you. I will, even if I stop saying it,” he promised, watching her eyes fill up without permission again.

“Ok,” she warbled out.

-

Pomni sat in her bean bag chair, lost in the flames. That conversation with Kinger had pulled all of the strength out of her, even more so than the dancing. She held a small journal she’d kept from one of the adventures in her hands, scribbling on the pages. Line after line, she poured her heart and soul onto them.

She was not writing down what happened or how she felt about it, because that was not what came to her mind first. She had decided that the best thing to do would be to take the things she wanted to say and put them in a poem.

I met you and you made a difference,
Even when you didn’t try.
You held my hand through sickly darkness,
Showing, GlowingーKnowing we’d get by.

I thought about the things you’ve said,
The things that replay in my head,
And now I’ve hit a wallーI must ask, why?

Words of reassurance,
Words of delight and praise.
It makes me wonder what you were like,
When you were in your better days.

You will always care for me, you say.
But somehow, I still feel rotten.
I’ll still love you, anyway,
Despite all that you’ve forgotten.

Yes, because my memory,
Must be my only proof.
It could be, my memory;
Your fountain of youth.

I wish it would be as easy as to gaze upon an ember.
I swear I’d do everything and anything to help my friend remember.

She shut the shut softly with a sigh, and played it on the mantle. Just as she’d set it down, she heard a knock at the door. She moved over to it, dreading her next conversation.

When the door opened, she was met with a sweet, smiley Gangle, holding out a framed drawing of a horse that’d won gold.

“Sorry it took so long. I had to get the legs right,” she hummed, handing it to Pomni. She just looked at her with tired eyes, and pulled her droopy smile.

“It’s perfect, Gangle. Thank you so much,” she said. The Ribbon girl nodded and then turned to make her way to somewhere more important.

And with that, she traversed her room to set the frame beside her stowed book on the mantle.

Chapter 14: CH. 14 AND THEY WERE OUTLAWS

Jax had woken up earlier than usual today. He rolled over in his bed, staring at the ceiling with an unamused face. He turned his head to peer at the far wall, in all its boring glory. This was the third remodel since his sleepover with the albino midget.

First he was in the room that he’d settled on a while back. The walls were a calm blue, lined with shelves that displayed the most prized items in his collection. One wall was covered from floor to ceiling in his keys, all organized and labeled according to which room it went to. He had a huge closet that opened up into his private display room. That mini-room housed his collected randomness from adventures, some of which were very useful, others he just took a fancy too. That room was where he stashed his prank stuff, tooーhe had a lot of junk.

After the sleepover, thoughーhe had an itch to change it. It just wasn’t cutting it for him anymore.

So, he changed the floor, thinking that might help with its sudden out-of-place feeling.

The short grey carpeting was switched out for a hardwood with a soft sandy color. It reminded him of what a beach house would be floored with, and for a time, it quieted the protests of his head about the room. He kept the walls blue, and changed the wood of the door and the shelving to match the floor, butーit got old really quickly.

He had to change it a second time, lest he go stir crazy. So added a space mural to the wall, for no other reason than he found galaxies and stars to be aesthetically pleasing. He was soon ticked off, though, because now the color of the wood clashed too much with the painting. He converted the wood to black to make it more cohesive, and then made the floor beneath him a black shiny epoxy to match the mural.

“What the hell is missing? Nothing was missing three days ago, d@mn it!” he groaned, sitting up in bed and scratching his bare chest.

He stared down the far wall, feeling like he ought to just take a sledgehammer to it. He decided to just come back to it after the adventure todayーmaybe he just needed time to let it sink in.

He opened his door and met the visage of Pomni across the hall. He scowled at her, crossing his arms and puffing out a fussy breath.

“It’s you, isn’t it? It’s you’re stupid wizard powers messing with my friggin’ brain,” he grunted.
The door he was scowling at opened up slightly, to his surprise, and the small jester slipped out.

“Oh! Good morning,” she hummed, effectively breaking his scowl.

“Hm. You seem in good spirits today,” he grumbled, stepping forward but waiting for her to accompany him to breakfast.

“I slept well, last night. Yesterday was so draining I guess it took me right out,” she explained, lacing her fingers together and stretching them above her head, with a succession of pops.

“Lucky. You crack like rice krispies,” Jax groggily chuckled, flicking a bell on her hat.

“I love rice crispies. They’re the best,” she hummed with a smile.

“Cocoa or fruity pebbles?” he asked as they approached the breakfast table.

“I swing both ways,” she laughed, reaching for the coffee pot.

As Pomni poured her coffee and Jax snickered at her comment, a stifled noise came from the end of the table. When the jester and the bunny looked in that direction, they saw a cherry-red doll coughing into her fist.

“What's with that face, Rags? Didga’ choke?” he sneered, pulling up his chair to his back as he eyed her.

Zooble rolled their eyes at the doll, sipping thier own hot beverage, while Kinger remained oblivious.

“N-no! I was, I mean, I’m fine! B-but that seems like, umーan inappropriate conversation to have at breakfast,” she reprimanded, still dusted with red.

“I don’t see anything wrong with their conversation,” Gangle said sweetly, scooping some oatmeal onto her plate. Jax was eating this up, watching Ragatha fall apart.

“Well! I’m not saying it’s bad that sheーer, that that’s what she likes, I mean. I completely understand, there’s absolutely no shame in it! But you guys really ought to consider the consequences of those, ahhーtopics,” she stammered, shifting her gaze to a particularly entertaining pitcher of milk.

“There are consequences for talking about cereal?” Pomni asked with genuine confusion, sending Jax over the edge with laughter.

“Y-You’re not talking aboutー” Ragatha stammered, only to be cut off by a literal explosion.

“WELL, HOWDY FOLKS,” Caine yelled gleefully as he materialized.

“Can we not today,” Zooble whispered under their breath, apparently ignored by Caine.

“I wanted to give you all an update on the re-rendering of our taste system! I have nearly completed updating my databases on the hundreds of thousands of chemical components that make up flavor! Now, the only thing I have to do is program these chemical combinations into the variety of foods you all consume, and make your senses receptive to them!” he balled, very proud of himself.

“Good going, Dentures. Can’t wait,” Jax chimed, sarcasm tracing his words even though he meant them completely.

“YES! It will be spectacular! But there is one thing, my Grizzly Grinning Goblins,” he explained, “In order to program this into the circus properly, I need to be here for the next few days. It is very important that I get this done IN the circus, so that there are no transfer errors in the software!”

It was amazing, because Zobble visibly paled while most of the rest of the cast stopped chewing or drinking and stared at the AI dreadfully. They had a collective understanding of the implications of his words. The only one who seemed unphased by this situation was the bunny.

“I’ve had this adventure saved up for a time when I’d need the circus to myself for programming, and guess what? TODAY IS THE DAY, SUPERSTARS!”

“Oh boy,” Gangle whispered to herself as Zooble dissociated.

“This adventure is called True Blue Trepidation! You are going to be split into two groups; the Vandal-win gang, and the private federal detective agency, the Pink-Curtains! The Vandal-wins are running from the law after they stole a bunch of loot, and the Pink-Curtains are following them across the west to arrest them and get the money back! If the law catches the gang, then the law wins! If the gang evades capture, they’ll be the champions!” Caine bellowed.

Bubble floated out from behind him and said, “Wow, Caine, that sounds a lot like the wild west game developed by Rockstar game developers, called Redー”

“I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT,” he interrupted rudely.

“That sounds really fun! We should have a prize for the winners of this one, too, since it’s so big and grueling,” Ragatha chimed in, praying Caine would humor her.

“Oh, THAT’S A GREAT IDEA! This adventure is a complicated one, after all! And when you get back, I’ll be fully done with the taste updates, so I’ll be able to start up on something new! So, who wants to be the outlaws, and who wants to be the federal bounty hunters?!” Caine asked excitedly.

“That’s a dumb question. I am most certainly an outlaw, and Pomni has proven that she has a touch of the dark side in her too. Everybody else is a goody-two shoes, so they should be the law,” Jax proudly proclaimed, smirking fiendishly.

“Don’t drag Pomni into being a bad-guy!” Ragatha growled.

“I don’t mind being an outlaw,” Pomni clarified, causing Ragatha to wither in her chair a bit.

“Teams must be equal in number,” Bubble whistled as he made his way over to Zooble and started a one sided staring contest.

“What we lack in numbers we make up for in competency. We are 3 times as capable as all the other doofuses combined,” Jax boasted, grabbing Pomni’s shoulder and dragging her closer to him to help his arguments, supposedly.

“I’ll have you know that my competency is in the negative,” Zooble deadpanned, not amused with the situation in the slightest.

“OH? Well, if Jax and Pomni have 3x the competency as Ragatha, Gangle, and Kinger, then Zooble should be added to their team to even it out a lil’ better!” Bubble chimed in, only to be harshly popped by an angry Zooble.

“Caine? Can we have cool cowboy outfits for this one? I really, ahーloveーyour, um…creative flair, when it comes to the outfits,” Pomni blurted, shifting uncomfortably in Jax’s iron grip.

“WHY, OF COURSE MY DEAR! Oh, I live for the praise of my SUPERSTARS!” Caine hollered, eyes sparkling with glee. With a snap of his fingers, two portals opened up. Bubble directed the outlaws through the red one, and Caine motioned for the good-guys to funnel through the blue.

When everyone stepped through, they found themselves in completely different attire.
Ragatha, Kinger, and Gangle were dressed in fancy pinstripe suits, with matching fancy old-timey hats and elegant gun holsters. They had brown leather boots and gelled back hair, with clean gloves. Their suits were embroidered with a big pink P.

They’d walked into an office in a large building that was well maintained, full of nice furniture, and permeating with the stench of old-money. Caine was floating there with them, motioning them to the large intimidating desk that a large pair of personified drapes sat behind. Caine excused himself as the curtain themed NPC spoke with a deep rumbly voice.

“How fortunate for us that you’ve all arrived. We’ve been waiting for you all to join the Pink-Curtain company, esteemed bounty hunters,” he rumbled stoically. Gangle sat in front of the desk while Ragatha stood staunchly and Kinger messed with a pendulum knocker on the desk.

“It’s a pleasure to work for you,” Ragatha said, trying to put off an air of professionalism, reaching over to Kinger to attempt to regain his attention.

“We’ve gotten word of the Vandal-Win gang's whereabouts. They’ve stolen 30,000 from the bank in NotWhitewater and stole a train from the millionaire Cornholio, who has engaged us for their immediate capture. Cornholio wants their heads on a silver platter,” the NPC explained.

“Yes, wellーdo you know where they were last seen?” Gangle asked shyly, as she fiddled with her ribbon hands.

“They are near Saint Patricks' town, mulling about, scrounging up money. No doubt they’ll try to hightail it out of there as soon as you go to apprehend them. You’re first job is to track them down and apprehend them,” he said, sliding a picture of the gang across the desk.

Kinger grabbed the photo and held it up in the orange lamplight to show an image of the three outlaw cast members.

“Oh! We know them!” Kinger exclaimed happily, while the others paled at his statement.

“You know themー?” the Pink Curtain NPC started to stand slowly, squinting his eyes in suspicion.

“WE STUDIED THE VANDAL GANG IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS ASSIGNMENT,” Ragatha fearfully interjected, snatching the photo from Kinger and waving it frantically.

“AhーI see. You guys really are the best in the business,” the NPC praised, sitting back down smoothly, “Best you get on your way then, new recruits.”

Chapter 15: CH. 15 TRUE BLUE TREPIDATION: act 1

The grasslands that the outlaws stepped into were sprawling, yellowed, and full of dust. Truly a formidable wilderness. The arid environment made the air energy-sapping and intense, while the bright blue of the sky sprawled out in front of them. Though they seemed to emerge in an unforgiving place, it was still dotted with green from a few trees and vast expanses of prairie. The scene was a perfect replica of a Hollywood mid-western film set.

Jax, Pomni, and Zooble did not look nearly as fancy as the federal detectives didーthey donned much more disheveled outfits.

Jax had on an old worn set of denim jeans lined with patches, a weathered pair of cowhide chaps, and a dirty cotton shirt with a busted up vest. Pomni wore a pair of leather riding slacks and a poncho patterned with angular shapes in her signature primary colors. She had a feather in her hair, and a pair of dark scuffed boots with comically big spurs on the back of them. Zooble had on a long tan trench coat, a pair of old brown boots, a sombrero, and a scowl that’d frighten the most ruthless outlaw.

“Where are we, exactly?” Zooble groaned, rubbing their brow and eyeing the environment uneasily.

“Come on, Zoobie. We’re obviously in the wild wild west,” Jax taunted, sauntering over to them to flick the brim of their big goofy hat. They snatched his wrist as quick as a rattlesnake and twisted it to the point where he was kneeling before them, frantically apologizing.

“You guys stole a f&ck tonne of money and are runnin’ from the po-po,” Bubble explained as he eyed the three below him.

Pomni’s face pulled away from her two bickering teammates and brightened up a little bit. “Oh? We have money? Whereー”

“NAH, you guys left all the booty back in the town you heisted it from. Total failure,” Bubble chittered, never dropping his smile.

“Oh. So… we gotta get it back, then? Schmeasy,” Jax hummed as he rubbed his wrist after wrestling it away from Zooble. He turned to look at the short girl at his sideーshe seemed tense.

“NO no no, silly! Absolutely not. You’ll all die, likeーSO fast, if you go back there. And the law is on your trail anyways, so you really should book it. Plus you guys need money asap cuz you all broke as a spoke ,” Bubble informed them casually, licking his teeth to punctuate his sentence.

“So we're just on the run after failing a heist? What the h*ll kinda game is that?!” Zooble asked angrily, stalking up to Bubble.

“One that has a 97% rating on Metacritic!” Bubble beamed.

“I’m so over this sh*t. I don’t wanna deal with three days of running from the cops, sleeping outside, bumming around for money just to run away again!” Zooble protested as Pomni stepped to them to place a comforting hand on their shoulder.

“Yeah, it’s gonna suck! But you guys better figure out how to get some money and look less like dirty outlaws, or you’ll get caught for sure! See ya later, gangbangers,” and with that last encouraging statement, he popped away.

The three disheveled characters looked at each other warily. Jax was more comfortable than either of the others, waltzing over to a nearby oak tree to sit under in the shade.

“Oh, what the h*ll is he doing!? Is he really just gonna drag his feet through this whole adventure? We have three days of this sh*t,” Zooble growled, squatting and placing a mechanical hand and a robotic clamp on their head in despair.

“I-it’s not so bad, Zooble. This adventure has been in progress for a long time, right? That means there’s pr-probably a ton of things to do, and, uhーplaces to go…We’ll be ok,” Pomni tried to comfort them, uncomfortable with the negativity permeating the area.

“Hey. You guys done playing therapy? Cuz I figured out how to access the inventory,” Jax piped up from behind Pomni, effectively stopping her digital heart for a moment.

“JAX! GOD, fffーwill you please stop sneaking up on me? I nearly had a heart attack,” she wheezed, hand over her chest. Zooble stood and faced him, with a cautious and quizzical expression.

“I’ve been known to make most hearts skip a beat. I guess it’s just more potent for you, Feather-head,” he jeered, smirking. He continued to make some weird motion with his hands, and a circular menu appeared above him. Pomni and Zooble just observed him as he motioned in the air and successfully materialized an old worn revolver in his hand.

Zooble stalked up to him, already over the whole situation. “Show me,” they ordered, watching the menu above Jax snap out of existence.

“You’re so bossy, Zoobs. Ask nicely,” Jax taunted, placing his hands on his hips as Zooble boiled even under their big hat.

“[BEEEP BEEEEP]! PLEASE,” they growled menacingly, lifting their hands in exasperation.

“Hmmm. Dunno who taught you what nice is, but it’s definitely not that.”

While they were bickering, Pomni discovered her own controls, successfully pulling up the menu and searching through it. She found a bow with a quiver of 30 arrows, a small handgun with some ammo, a lasso, and a scrappy inventory holding a can of beans and a bottle of opened whiskey.

“There’s whisky here?” she asked, grabbing it from the box to inspect it. With the mention of that, Jax immediately lost interest in squabbling and hopped over to her side to inspect it too.

“Well I’ll be,” Jax said joyfully with a heavy western drawl, “‘F’tain’t that good ol’ fashioned firewater! Pomni, how much of this stuff do you have?”

“I have that one,” she explained, suddenly opening it to take a swig. Jax and Zooble had both become engrossed with the situation now, waiting to see the result of her drinking it.

She made a sour face and shook her head a little bit, bringing her hand to her temple. Jax and Zooble side-eyed each other, then fixated again on the whisky bottle.

“WOAH that sh*t’s rough,” she coughed out, extending it to the others. Zooble just sighed and rolled their eyes while Jax grabbed it and gulped down nearly half of it.

“AH! Oh, d&mn you weren't kiddn’,” Jax hissed painfully as the bottle was taken back by Pomni.

“It may taste like Bubbles personality, but I meanーat least we get the stamina perk,” she said, pointing to a status bar above Jax’s head. He looked up, and sure enough, he discovered that he did indeed have a boost in stamina. So he could probably run more, or shoot more, or some stupid gameplay shit like that.

“Hey guys…I figured out how to look at the map,” Zooble said dully as they crossed their arms. Pomni and Jax both turned to them to give their attention as Zooble studied the topography. “We’re about 5 miles out of Saint Patrick’s town. It’s the closest town around here.”

“I guess that’s where we’re supposed to go,” Pomni hummed, placing the bottle back in her inventory for safe keeping.

“Don’t worry your pretty little feather-head, Pomanche,” Jax blustered as his attention focused on something in the distance, face lighting up. Zooble saw his gaze shift, so they raised their eyeline to see what he saw, too. They just made a soft ‘huh’ when they saw what he saw.

“We’ll get there in no time at all. Just gotta use that little talent of yours,” he hummed.

“What talent are you talking about?” Pomni asked suspiciously, peering at Zooble for some sort of support, only to be met with a distant stare into the prairie.

Without a word, Jax took Pomni’s shoulder and spun her around to face the direction he was looking, and pulled her back towards his chest. She bumped up against him and his arm rested on her shoulder as he pointed toward the open grassland. She flustered at the contact and had to shake the strange feeling it gave her away before her eyes focused on a herd of horses grazing a short distance away.

“That’s our ticket, lil’ Injun’. And you’re the conductor,” he snickered.

-

She had no idea how she’d even gotten this close. How the hell did they expect her to climb onto one of those things and break it? Fat chance.
But here she was, on her stomach, army-crawling towards a huge untamed mustang as it grazed. She was probably gonna be stomped. Even if she managed to get on top of this huge animal, she’d most likely be thrown off! Jax and Zooble must want to exact revenge for something petty and forgotten by herself.

She was sweating bullets as she turned back to see them both watching her intently. Jax saw her turn back and threw her an exaggerated thumbs-up and a terribly amused grin, while Zooble was fiddling with their lasso. Pomni had gripped her own lasso in a shaky hand, as she got within 6 feet of the mustang.

Wellーit’s now or never.

Pomni sprung up from her crouched position and threw her lasso with all her might. HOLY FUCK IT LANDED. She caught it! Sheーwas being dragged around behind that horse like she weighed nothing.

Suddenly, she saw two more flashes of ropeーand then the mustang stopped running and reared back, unable to pull away from the different lassos. Pomni took her chance when it stopped and ran up to it to sling herself on it’s back.

Since the horse was fighting Jaxs’ and Zoobles' lassos, she took her own and slid it under the horses belly and pulled it tight. The mustang was baying and bawling as it bucked and reared, but it could not fling the small girl while being tied up in other ropes too.

As soon as it started, it stopped. The horse, which was merely a second ago wanting nothing more than to cast her into hell, was now just a chill, docile animal.

“WHAT THE ACTUAL F#CK, CAINE!” Pomni screamed from the back of the big white mare, shaking in her seat. All this adrenaline was gonna knock her right on her ass later.

“Holy sh*t Pom, you did it!” Zooble said breathlessly, still in a wide stance holding the lasso attached to the horse's neck.

Jax pumped his fist in the air triumphantly. “That was f*ckin’ METAL,” he whooped, disengaging his own rope.

“Alright, Wrangler, let’s get this show on the road,” he said as he made his way over to the mustang and the shaking girl on her back. Jax placed his hands carefully on the back of the animal and hoisted himself up onto her. The horse merely whinied, like she was saying ‘wazzap’. Zooble meandered over too, and attempted to do the same.

But they couldn’t.

After multiple tries, Zooble deflated and swore under their breath as Jax laughed at them.
“Maybe the pony is discriminating, Zoobie,” he chuffed, as Pomni slid off the horse to help Zooble on.

Pomni successfully boosted Zooble on the horse's shoulders, earning a dissatisfied face from Jax. But when she tried to get on the back of the horse, she physically couldn’t. Not because she didn’t have proper technique, but because there was now an invisible wall that blocked her from sitting.

“Guys, I think there’s a limit of two bodies per horse,” she explained defeatedly. Jax just stared at her like a deer in headlights while Zooble shifted uncomfortably.

“We could leave for the town, and then one of us can come back to pick you up,” Zooble offered. Jax visibly darkened while Pomni seemed to mull over their suggestion.

“Uh, no. Not happening,” Jax blurted, “Pominator is not staying out here for however long for one of us to pick her up. Neither am I. And I know you aren’t capable of staying in one piece to be out in the wild west alone for even 10 minutes.”

Zooble bristled at his attitude and scowled in his direction, “It’s just a suggestion, a$$hole.”

“Jax, it’s ok. I don’t mind being out here while you guys go into town. Decide who’s gonna stay there, and who’s gonna pick me up later. I can deal,” Pomni said softly, starting to feel drained from her earlier rush.

“No! I said it’s not gonna happen, Pipsqueak!” he said as he suddenly hopped off of the horse to stand in front of her.

“This may be a generic re-make, but you don’t know Caine like I do. He studied the h*ll out of Red Dead to make this cop-out, and he’s been at it for a while. Do you know the sh*t that happens in that game? Players get shot, kidnapped, trampled, gored, and mauled, assaultedーyou’re not stayin’ here by yourself,” he growled at her, pointing his finger at her shoulder aggravatedly.

“None of that stuff willー”

“Exactly, none of it’ll happen cuz you’re not staying behind. Conversation over,” he said as he made evil eyes at Zooble.

Suddenly, an all-too-familiar look crossed his features. A sly grin, with squinted eyes. A lightbulb manifested above his head as he opened up his inventory. Out of nowhere, Jax pushed Zooble off of the horses back, and was met with a slew of angry curses.

“Wha-? JAX!? WHY?” Pomni gasped at his sudden act of unprovoked violence. Zoobles body parts broke apart as they hit the ground.

“You’re not staying back, and I don’t give a rat’s @ss if Zooble comes or not, but I know you’ll harp on me the whole time if we leave them behind. So, they’re coming with us,” he explained, his tone laced with mischief. He started picking up Zoobles dismembered parts and placing themーin his inventory.

“YOU PIECE OFー” Zoobles' protests were silenced as soon as their head was placed into one of his inventory slots.

As soon as they were all put away, he mounted the mustang again and held out a hand for Pomni.

“That’s so terrible,” Pomni reprimanded him, even though she took his hand for the boost.

“Yeah. What can I say? I’m an outlaw. I’m evil or whatever,” he laughed, shifting in his seat. Pomni couldn’t really glare at him, because she was in front, but he could probably feel her disapproval. He sighed a tired sigh and leaned his head forward resting his chin on her shoulder.

“Ugh, let’s just get to that town, already. Hold on outlaw, we’re gonna get going,” Pomni softly huffed. She almost choked when he slunk his arms around her ribs and pulled her closer to him.

“Giddy up, then,” he mumbled into her shoulder.

Chapter 16: CH. 16 TRUE BLUE TREPIDATION: act 2

They were going at a steady pace down the weaving trail, kicking up dust behind them. The mustang had no saddle so they were both bouncing more than they’d have liked, but at least they were approaching the damn town. One more mile to go.

“When we get there, I’ll set up a small campsite just outside. We should figure out how to get some moneyーI think we’d be most efficient if we split up. Three earners is better than a single unit,” Pomni made conversation while the horse cantered semi-smoothly.

“Pomni, you’ve got a thick skull,” Jax mumbled, tightening his grip around her, “You shouldn’t be in a place like this alone. Why doesn’t that stick?”

“God, Jax. You’re acting like Ragatha,” Pomni grumbled.

“Hey! Take that back, I am not!” he hissed, squeezing her so hard it started to hurt.

“Lay off on the vice-grip, please. I’m just saying I can handle whatever happens, and you seem to think I’m made of porcelain,” she retorted, shifting as his hold loosened just a bit.

“I don’t think you can’t handle yourself, Dummy. You’re more capable than any other f%cker hereーyou got on the back of a wild animal and now we’re using it as transportation ,” he said definitely. “The problem is that it doesn’t matter how capable you are when a cougar jumps out at you, or you get gang-rushed by a swath of NPCs who give negative sh*ts about anything but how they can use you.”

Pomni lifted her eyes and tilted her head back to get a better look. His voice was a little strained, and she wanted to see what his face was doing. It was a grimace, but he was desperately trying to conceal it with neutrality.

“I’m not scared of no overgrown pussy cat,” she grumbled in a western accent. It seemed to lift his spirits by a nanometer, but he still scoffed and shook his head.

“It’s not really them I’m worried’ fur’, lil’ lady,” he humored her under his breath.

“Come on though, you said it yourself. I’m capable. As my friend, you should trust my judgment,” she said, slowing down the mustang as it approached the opening to the town.

“POM. YOU ARE NOT THE ONE I DON’T TRUST,” he exasperated, knocking on her forehead lightly with his knuckle. They slowed down as they approached a hitching post, Pomni sliding off and tying the animal so she couldn’t run away.

“You should take Zooble out of your inventory, ya’ maniac,” Pomni said softly, reaching her hand up for him to grasp. He scoffed at her and kept his scowl, but still took her hand as he slid down.

“Fine. I was enjoying their absence, though,” he huffed, opening the inventory. He pulled them out piece by piece, leaving their head for last.

“MOTHERF#CKING C*CKSUCKING SH%TEATING A$$H*LE,” Zoobles' fuming head spewed as it rested in his hands.

“You are so rudeーat least you came with us, Zoobie. I wanted to leave ya, but was persuaded out of it” Jax sneered, sticking his tongue out at them.

Pomni had put together their body the best she could, popping parts into place like a jigsaw and replacing their outlaw outfit. Their body started moving on its own, and hobbled over to Jax to snatch their head.

“Whatever! I don’t wanna think about it anymore! Let’s just go scope out some jobs, I guess,” Zooble grunted, waddling away from Jax as soon as they re-capped themselves.

The troublesome trio made their way into the center of the little town, taking in the stores and vendors. There was a fairly well put-together sheriff's office, and a modest little generals store. There was a gun shoppe and a weathered old saloon, obviously well used. Pomni Jax and Zooble took everything in, making notes of the NPC’s mulling about.

“We should make money separately so we get more faster,” Zooble hummed, causing Jax to literally stomp his foot in frustration. Pomni and Zooble both turned to look at him, seeing he was suddenly all puffy and angsty.

“Lemmi guess. Bunny is pissy cuz you wanna split too,” Zoobs hummed, glancing knowingly at Pomni. She sighed and nodded.

“FINE! You guys wanna do your own thing? Do itーI don’t care,” he spat, his stare nearly boring a hole into the short statured indian impersonator.

“You obviously have a problem with it, idiot,” Zooble poked before turning and making their way into the saloon. Jax’s angry face seared as he stomped off to go poke around the sheriff's office. Pomni was left alone on mainstreet, watching the bunny stomp off like a pissy toddler. She turned her head to see a rag-tag set up of pelts and meat being sold by a mannequin NPC.

“Hello, Sir,” Pomni started cautiously, “I see you’ve got a lot of pelts. You a trapper?”

“Right on the money, honey,” he responded gruffly, leaning forward on the wooden display table.

“So, um, would you buy from me if I had products? A-and how much do you give for it?” she inquired, trying her best to stand up as straight as possible.

“Depends on the quality of the pelt or carcass. If it's in perfect condition, it gets the highest price. I’m in the market for a couple a’ buck products. Antlers, pelts, and the like. If you get me some, I’ll getcha’ 8$ per pelt, 3$ per antler set, and 5$ per carcass,” he answered immediately.

“Oh! I think I can do that,” Pomni mumbled to herself, eyeing the butchered meat hanging by her face. The mannequin straightened out and then meandered over to a tanning rack where he went through a loop of scraping the skin. She turned on her heel and headed to the saloon to tell Zooble what she found.

When she entered the double doors, she was met with many curious gazes. They seemed to analyze her, making her feel like shrinking in on herself so no one could see herーbut she kept her posture to portray a false sense of confidence. She was not in the mood to be fucked with right now.

In the right front corner of the saloon, there was a poker table that sat 8 chairs. Zooble was in one of those chairs, playing the other NPCs with them.

“Oh, Hey Zooble. I see you’ve found somethingーbut, ah, how can you play with no money?” Pomni inquired, making sure to stay far away enough so the NPCs didn’t think she was helping Zooble cheat.

“I sold some useless stuff in my inventory at the General Goods next door. You get anything?” they asked, as they placed a poker chip down on the table.

“There’s a fur trader that wants some buckskins. He has a deal going on for them, so I think I’m gonna try my hand at hunting,” she clarified. Zooble nodded without looking away from their cards.

“That’s good news. Wish you luck, Pom,” they mumbled as they laid down their cards, “straight flush.”

Pomni waved and turned to head back outside. Even if Jax was having a tantrum about not getting his way, she was still going to tell him. It might make him feel better. As she opened the door to the saloon and stepped onto the old wooden deck, she breathed in the dry air and cracked her knuckles. Suddenly, she was grabbed by her arm and pulled to the side of the building.

“AH! What do youー? D@mmit Jax! Stop that!” she protested, smacking him in where he gripped her.

“Pom, there is a poster for a guy that’s wanted at the sheriff's office. They’ll give 30$ to whoever takes him in,” Jax explained, letting go of her arm to lean back on the wall behind him.

“That’s great! That’s a lot of money. Nice job,” Pomni hummed, “Zooble is playing poker at the bar. I don’t know how much they’ve played, but I have the feeling they’re good at it. And I found something too.”

“Yeah? Whatcha’ got?” Jax asked as he shifted against the wall and furrowed his brows a bit, readjusting his position.

“The fur trader over there wants buckskins. I figured that’s doable,” Pomni explained, watching his face shift.

“You could always come with, ya’ know. 30 is a good deal and I’ve got a feeling you’d be ruthless in the chase,” Jax huffed, silently pleading that she’d just come with him.

“No, that’s fine. I know you can do it fine. I’m gonna go hunting if I can. Waitーdo you need the horse?” Pomni asked.

“Are you still gonna go hunting if I take her?” he asked slowly, squinting at her annoyedly.

“Yes,” Pomni responded quickly, hoping to bat down his moodiness quickly. He sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes, pushing off of the wall and meandering over to the sheriff's place.

“They’ve got horses I can borrow. Don’t go out there without that f#cking horse,” he grumbled, and then walked away stiffly to go collect the bounty poster.

-

He was fuming. More of a volcano than a bunny, he rode down the path that was lit up on his map. He had to go collect the wanted criminal alive and bring him back to the town to get the reward.

Stupid, stupid stupid. Everything right now, was nothing but. Pomni and Zooble had ganged up on him to split up, which was understandable for efficiency's sake, but it was STUPID. He’d explained to Pomni why it was a bad idea for them to break away from each other, but she was too stubborn and so sure of herself.

To be fair, he didn’t think she couldn't deal with shit. He knew she was underestimated by everyone else, even herselfーbut it wasn’t her he was distrusting of. It was this dangerous fucking place. But she thought that he had little faith in her, and that fact made his skin crawl. That’s not it…

“What if she gets taken,” he mumbled to himself, stomach curling in knots.

“She’s so little. And she’s an indianーthese f#ckers will not show mercy if they get their hands on her,” he continues, talking his anxiety up more and more. The horse whinnied at him as they ran.

“I gotta get her out of that outfit and into something less provoking. Maybe they won’t treat her like an Indian if she’s not dressed like one,” he steamed.

He rode on, goading the horse to go faster and faster until it made a noise of distress. He checked the stamina bar and saw that he’d been spurring too much, because it was now below the halfway mark. He slowed the pace and let his mount catch its breath as he arrived in a hidden cove by a river with a campsite and a hobbled spotted horse.

He dismounted and walked up to the fire, kicking empty alcohol containers away as he approached a sleeping NPC. He was sprawled out on a piece of burlap, a half full bottle in his hand as he drooled on himself by the fire.

Well, this was way too easy, it seemed. It sort of frustrated him that he was basically being handed the criminal without a struggle or anything. Why couldn’t he have gotten to shoot something, or wrestle at knife-point? Ugh.

He snatched the bottle from the NPC and studied it, discovering it was an opened bottle of rum. After placing it in his inventory, he looted the sleeping guy and discovered some stolen goods on him. He pocketed the pocket watch, bracelet, and deed to the spotted and then just rolled him over and hogtied him. He slung the smelly criminal over his shoulder, and placed him on the back of the horse that was at the campsite. Fuckin’ guy didn’t even put up a fight, in a drunken stupor and all.

“I’m taking your horse, and turning you in. D@mn you’re pickled,” Jax mumbled in a disgruntled voice. The guy just snored in response. He untied the horse's legs before mounting the one he’d borrowed from the sheriff. He lassoed the spotted one carrying the criminal, and started on his journey back…the sooner he got back, the better.

-

“Straight,” one NPC proclaimed cockily, laying her cards on the table with a jolt.

“Four of a kind,” Zooble retorted, smirking even though they didn’t have a mouth.

“AGH! Again!?” she proclaimed, slamming her hand on the table.

“You bin’ winnin’ a hellova’ lot, parder,” one of the NPCs claimed, bringing a lit cigarette to his lips.

“I’m the better poker player,” Zooble hummed, pulling all the chips in the center of the table towards themself.

“I’m out. The wife’ll dig my grave if I lose any more,” one of them piped up, pulling away from the table and retreating. He wasn’t the first to leave, so now it was Zooble, and the other two NPCs.

“You ain’t lost once,” one of them growled, clenching their fist.

“Yeah, but I’ve folded plenty of times. I haven't cheated, ma’am. Just playing cards” they explained.

“You gonna keep on? You’ve got enough already,” the gruffer one said, flicking his cigarette ash on the floor.

“Do I get to decide when you stop playing?” Zooble grumbled as they shuffled the cards.

“Watch your mouth, stranger,” the NPC scathed, bringing his death stick back to his lips.

“That’s right. I don’t. If you don’t wanna play anymore, you can leave,” they challenged, leaning forward in their chair and placing their elbows on the table. With that, the NPCs glanced at each other and then back to Zooble. They both stood up and grumbled as they pushed their chairs in. Zooble had collected a total of 12 dollars. They were a bit frustrated at that, because it seemed like not that much money, but when they went to the bar to see what food they had, the value of the money was better understood. It was 30 cents for a piece of bread and a slice of cheese, and another 20 for a mug of beer. Zooble was wondering what the other two were up to as they ate their bread and cheese when a fist slammed on the bartop next to them.

“You’re a dirty cheat,” the woman NPC spat.

“No, ma’am. Not a cheat. Just good at math,” Zooble explained dully, bringing the mug of beer to their face. The NPC tipped the mug’s bottom up and the beer covered Zoobles trench coat, drenching them completely.

“I challenge you to a showdown, ya’ cheat!” she bayed. Zooble was obviously pissed, but they kept their cool as they slipped off of the barstool. They made their way to the saloons’ doors without a word, followed by the angry NPC and a group of onlookers.

“You ain’t keepin’ that money, red-hand,” the NPC provoked as they widened their stance and stood about 30 ft from the silent stack of shapes. One of the mannequins on the saloons porch called out to the others to stand back as they readied themselves for the shooting.

“DRAW, ” the angry NPC called out to them as they pulled their gun out quickly. Zooble had drawn lightning quick too, and two shots rang from the street. Zooble had been shot in the arm, and it popped off and laid at their side. Their opponent, however, abruptly fell backwards and landed on their back in a little puff of smoke.

“Ginnie’s down!” one NPC called from the safety of the porch, but then ran toward her unmoving body. Zooble just put their revolver away and reached down to their arm. With a loud pop, the limb was replaced, and they turned to hobble back into the saloon, to finish their food and order another beer.

As Zooble sat down at the bar nonchalantly, they raised their hand for another beer. The bartender just stared at them before they placed a full mug on the counter.

“On the house,” they announced, sliding the mug over to where Zooble sat.

-

Pomni was riding along, paying close attention to her surroundings. She saw the mustang look over toward a line of trees and locked on them, trying to see if there was anything she could hunt. She had been minorly successful with getting some smaller animals, like rabbits, squirrels, and birds. She knew they wouldn't be much, but they’d at least be something, and they fit easily into her inventory.

When she’d slowed the horse down, she observed the trees carefully. When she discovered movement, she felt a surge of energy, paying extra close attention.

There was a herd of deer just past the trees, a couple of bucks and a few does. She slid off of the horse and crouched low, pulling her bow and arrows from the menu and readying them.

She analyzed the animals when she’d gotten closer, and little markers appeared above them. Poor, Good, and Perfect were the categories, and most of the animals in this group were not Poor. She took a deep breath and readied her bow, drawing back as she aimed for the Perfect one first.

She let go of the bow stringーWHIZZーand it struck the deer in his chest.

The buck fell immediately, though the Perfect above his body changed to Good. Pomni grumbled, then made her way over to the deceased animal.

As she got close, there was an option to skin it. She thought about it, and decided that since there was a herd nearby, she best skin as many as she could because the skins could be stacked on the back of the horse, whereas the carcass of the animal would certainly take up all usable space on the back.

She pulled out a hunting knife from her inventory, only poking the animal's body with it. She discovered that by poking it, the buckskin had replaced the knife, and the animal now had it’s muscles exposed.

“Huh,” she mumbled to herself. She placed the fur on the back of her horse and then made her way after the rest of them, following their tracks.

After a while of hunting, she'd felt like she’d made good progress. She had four skins, two sets of antlers, and the rest of the smaller animals she’d caught. She made her way back into town, hopeful that her haul was enough to make a significant contribution to their cause.

As she rode down the trail, she’d come across a man who was walking down the trail, calling for help. She instinctively slowed down to see him better. He looked like a normal enough guy, for an NPC. He brightened up when he saw her, and he made his way over.

“Hiya’ Miss, my horse done got stole. Do you think you might be able to give me a ride to Saint Patrick’s town? I’ll give ya’ all I got on me,” he pleaded, getting closer to them. Pomni stiffened and engaged her revolver before she spoke.

“Horse got stolen, eh? Well, lucky for you I’m headed into town anyway. I’ll give you a ride, but no funny business. I’ll put a bullet in you faster than you can tell me your name,” she said, and then punctuated her threat with the click of her handguns hammer.

“Oh no! No funny business, on my Ma,” the NPC pleaded. She stopped her horse to let him climb on, and he did so without any other word. They rode into town, and she dropped him off by the fur trader.

“Thank you, thank you, Miss,” he blabbered, grabbing her hand with both of his, “I got a credit at the gun shoppe. Go in there and get yourself anything ya want.” And after that, he walked away into town and disappeared.

Pomni turned to the fur trader and sold her goods, receiving a total of 38 dollars. She’d even kept some of the meat she’d harvested to feed Jax and Zooble when they set up the campsite, and she was quite proud of her haul. After selling everything, she made her way just outside of town and set up camp.

It was just in time too, because the sky had started to turn orange, and the sun was quickly setting. The mustang she’d broken was standing at the camp, minding her own business, when Pomni noticed how dirty she was. She made her way to the animal and discovered a menu popped up by it, prompting her to brush or feed her. She chose to do both, and to her surprise, a pop up appeared above her own health bar.

Bonding: Level 1

“Neat. Guess you deserve a name if we’ve bonded,” she hummed, continuing to run the grooming brush along the white horse's fur. The animal swished her tail lazily.

“She seems like a Barbra,” a tired voice chimed in from behind her. She turned to see Zooble, who was making themselves comfortable on a sleeping bag.

“Barbra,” Pomni repeated to herself softly, still brushing.

“Absolutely not. Barbra is a boring name and that horse is special. It’s the first you’ve ever dominated and subdued with your crazy indian ways,” Jax’s voice not-so-subtly broke the peace, “It should be way cooler and more nature-inspired. Like Hailstorm, or Twister.”

“I didn’t dominate and subdue her, Jax!” Pomni snapped, but couldn’t hide her amusement.

“That’s what breaking is, Domni,” he chuckled, earning a disapproving look from Zooble.

“Sit your @ss down, Bounty-hunter. I’m f*ckin’ wiped,” Zooble sighed, laying back and sprawling by the fire.

“Me too, Zoob,” Pomni whispered, finally pulling the brush back from the horse. She walked over to the fire and set up some venison to cook, being watched intently by the bunny at her side.

“Here. Eat,” she ordered softly, handing him a skewer of deer meat and an opened can of beans. His face was hard to see from the dimming of the day, only part of it was visible with the light of the fire.

He took the food carefully, turning to see if Zooble was gonna join them, only to be met with a passed out outlaw.

“I gotta lay down. My legs are gonna give out,” Pomni murmured, sitting down beside him as he chewed on his meat. Without a word, he reached over to her and pulled her in front of him, so she was between him and the fire. He pulled a scratchy blanket from the spot beside him and wrapped her up in it tightly.

“You need a fuzzy purple body heater so you don’t toss yourself into the fire,” he mumbled grouchily.

She didn't protest, probably because she was too tired to do so. But she did look at him drowsily as she rested her head against his crossed legs. He could see a familiar tinge of pink on her cheeks, and appreciated that she was seemingly too exhausted to protest. After that, she shut her eyes, relaxed, and fell asleep faster than she had in a long time as he looked into the fire.

Chapter 17: CH.17 TRUE BLUE TREPIDATION: act 3

Pomni woke up to the periwinkle sky at dawn. She wiggled a little bit, but she couldn’t escape the scratchy blanket wrapped around her like a burrito. She rolled over to her stomach, and struggled to escape the hold of the blanket. Zooble was still sleeping, sombrero covering their face as their legs and arms crossed over themselves as they leaned against a rolled up sleeping bag.

When she finally broke away from the confines of the blanket, she looked towards the fire. It was being tended to by Jax, who had placed a cast iron skillet on the cooking rack and was preparing eggs and bacon.

“That smells good,” Pomni mumbled, crawling over to the fire to warm her hands a bit.

“That’s because I’m good at everything, and anything I do is perfect,” he hummed, flipping the bacon with a stick. He looked over to her, frowning slightly at her attire.

“For sleeping on the hard ground, it wasn’t so bad. You sleep ok?” she asked, rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand.

“Just dandy, Pomanche. You should wake Zooble up if you want them to eat. If not, I’m taking their portion,” he snickered, smoothing down the frayed feather in her hair so he didn’t have to look at her sleepy face.

She scooted over to them and tapped their arm to prompt them awake. Zooble grumbled and stirred, then tilted their head up to meet her red and blue eyes.

“Mornin’ Zooble. Breakfast is ready,” Pomni said softly, twisting her back to pop it.

“Ah, ah. Not ready, getting ready,” Jax corrected her, as he pulled the plates closer to him.

“Where did you even get stuff to cook with? You didn’t have a pan and plates in your inventory,” Zooble groaned as they stretched.

“Bummed it from the saloon, Gunslinger,” he spoke airily.

“Ugh, yeah…that happened,” Zooble droned, sitting upright. Pomni seemed interested.

“What happened?” she asked quizzically, looking at a smug smiling Jax.

“Zooble here is more of an outlaw than us both, it seems. They got into a gunfight,” Jax hummed, as if it were as well-known as the color of the sky.

“I won the gunfight,” Zooble corrected, “and I earned 11 dollars in poker,”

“That’s great, Zooble. I’m happy you didn’t get maimed,” Pomni praised, as Jax handed her a plate with an egg and bacon on it.

“Yeah, wellーIt’s all good. Do we have any coffee?” Zooble asked in a grumpy tone.

“You need a percolator, Zoobs. I don’t have one,” Jax explained, plating an egg and bacon for them as well.

“D@mn,” they huffed, forking the egg.

“OkーSo I’m sorry if this is prying or being weird, but I really have to knowー” Pomni breathed out quickly, “but how do you guys eat, exactly?”

Jax and Zooble glanced at each other silently before they peered back at her. Jax broke the silence with laughter while Zooble just continued to stare at Pomni like there was a bug on her face.

“You wanna knowーhow we eat? Uhhー” Zooble started, resting their fork back down on the plate while Pomni darkened with embarrassment.

“WHAT? I-I don’t know, it’sーI’m just curious! I’m sorry!” she pleaded, a horrified look on her face. She done gone and made a fool of herself again, how like her.

“Oh my God, Poms. You’re f#ckin’ hilarious,” Jax snorted, then sat on his knees in front of her.

She eyed him cautiously with her scrunched up expression, positively mortified with herself. He took his fork and jabbed a piece of bacon, using his other hand to grip her chin and angle her face towards his own as he snickered.

“Like this!” Jax merrily exclaimed before his lips parted and his face split nearly in half, revealing a sharp row of pointed shark-like teeth. He let the morning sun glisten on them before he shut his mouth abruptly and snapped up the bacon whole. Pomni watched intently with a look of absolute intrigue, while Zooble dismissed his antics and focused on their breakfast.

“That’sーreally cool,” she mumbled under her breath, barely audible. Jax’s ear twitched and his smile widened, and he felt his poofy tail swish behind him. Good thing nobody saw it.

“It kinda justーphases into my body. Like, I don't have a mouth, but I need to bring stuff to where it would be if I wanna consume something,” Zooble explained, curling in on themselves in a self-conscious way.

“That’s interesting, Zooble. Please don't be put-off about it. I’m sorry I asked, I’ve just been wondering for a while,” Pomni explained, starting at her own breakfast.

“No offense taken, Poms. So, tell us how much you got from the trapper,” he hummed, watching her eat the food he prepared.

“38 dollars in total. I would’ve gotten more if I would have gotten all perfect shots,” Pomni explained between bites.

“That’s awesome,” Zooble praised her, reaching into their pocket for the money they earned and setting it in front of them. The action was mirrored by Pomni, and Zooble inquired about what Jax had earned.

“I got 30 dollars and another horse,” Jax hummed, chomping on his bacon and snatching the pile of money. Before he could be yelled at, he’d already counted the money and split it into thirds, and handed back each portion to his teammates.

Both of them turned to look at him with surprised faces as they happily took the split loot.
“Where is the horse?” Pomni asked, watching Jax finish his food.

“M’putm’ n’ th’ stable,” he responded to her with a full mouth. Pomni hummed, then stood up swiftly to walk over to the docile white mare standing a few feet away.

“Will you show me where the stable is? I didn’t see it, and I want to take her there. The stable ought to have tack,” she explained, stroking her long neck as she grazed.

“Sure thing, Pomanche. I’ll show you the stable after we all head to the store to change these ‘fits,” Jax responded, standing up and heading toward the horse too. Pomni nodded, and peeked over to him, seeing that he was not really wanting to touch the animal.

“You should pet her, Jax,” Pomni prompted, scratching the horse's neck. He bristled, looking doubtfully at the animal and shifting on his feet.

“I’m not a fan of the equines, Pom. This and the last adventure have forced me to get used to being around them, but they’re still crazy, big and freaky” he explained, switching his gaze back and forth from her to the mustang.

“Oh, come on. She’s not crazy. Hailstorm is a sweetie,” she hummed, gently gripping his hand to place it on the animal.

Jax froze as he felt his hand being directed to the horseーa spike of fear flashed through him. As soon as the fear came, it was replaced with the giddiness of the short girl pulling him around. It felt strangely cathartic, deeply satisfying, and absolutely necessary to have her dragging him by the wrist. His thoughts were chugging along like a freight train when his hand made contact with the mustang’s coarse fur.

“Hailstorm,” Jax repeated, trying to ease himself into touching the horse.

“It’s a good name,” she explained, joining him to pet her.

-

The federal detectives made their way down the dust trail in a beautifully intricate wagon, embellished with carvings and painted a slick charcoal grey. There was little conversation between them. Gangle looked outside of the window while Kinder had fallen asleep, leaning on the wall of the carriage. Ragatha had taken the role of driver, and was sitting comfortably in the plush seats.

“Um, Ragatha, how far away is this place? It’s already been like, four hours,” Gangle squeaked.

“Well, the map says it’s about five more miles out. It shouldn’t be too long, hun,” Ragatha chirped, keeping her eyes on the road.

“This place is friggin’ huge,” Gangle replied softly, gazing back out the window.

She was seeing all sorts of wildlife. Deer, foxes, birds, badgersーanything and everything was skittering around. It was ethereal and beautiful in a sad way, because she remembered that all of this life was just an illusion.

“It is. It’s kind of intimidating,” Ragatha spoke up, shifting in her seat. She tracked her eyes across the horizon and was met with a group of riders on the trail, making way in their direction.

She didn’t do anything but watch them expectantly, even as they slowed when they got closer.

“Hey, there, fellas’,” one of the riders called out, coming up to the side of the moving carriage.

“Good day, gentlemen,” she answered, peering back at Gangle worriedly. The ribbon girl took notice of her change in expression and peeked out the other window to be met with a few other followers.

“Where y’all headed, on a fine day like today?” the NPC asked her ominously.

“We’re on our way to Saint Patricks’ town. Are you all finding your way out here?” Ragatha asked shakily, gripping the reins so tightly her plush dolly hands changed to a lighter shade of tan.

The NPCs looked back at each other and suddenly guns manifested in their hands as they spread around the carriage in an offensive formation.

“Oh, yes, Miss. We’re findin’ everythang juuuus’ fine,” he said, aiming his gun up at her, “Pull on over and nobody needs to get lost."

Ragatha gasped and slowed the wagon down as ordered. They motioned them to get out of the wagon, so Gangle and Ragatha did what was asked of them. Gangle had just happened to find the menu, and her big shiny rifle popped into her hands. She glanced at Ragatha, who’d been surprised by the weapon. After no reassurance, she peered back to the NPC.

“Just leave us alone and I won’t shoot,” Gangle whined, aiming her gun with shaky hands.

“Woah, looks like we got a fighter here,” one of the robbers laughed, pointing his own gun at her. Her eyes prickled with tears at the sight of it.

ーBAM BAM BAM BAMー

Gangle and Ragatha quaked in their fancy leather shoes, void of color and too scared to speak.
They both peeked at the robbers, who one by one started dropping off of their horses in dead-weight fashion.

“Oh, boy. That could have been bad,” Kinger hummed, peeking out from the carriage window, holding a semi-automatic rifle. The girls just balked at him. Holey shit Kinger you’re a beast.

Ragatha slapped her cheeks lightly and climbed back onto the wagon’s driver's seat. Gangle clambered in too, but sat next to Ragatha instead of in the back with Kinger.

“I officially don’t like this adventure,” Gangle whispered, hugging herself lightly.

“I know it. We’re almost there, though,” Ragatha tried to comfort her even through her own frayed nerves.

As they approached the town, relief flooded the girls in pinstripe suits. They both sighed in relief, pulling into the town and parking their wagon just outside of it. The detectives broke away from the wagon and headed down mainstreet.

“I think we should gather intel about our outlaws,” Ragatha explained, motioning for Kinger and Gangle to follow her down the old town road.

“Intel is good,” Gangle mumbled, looking around the place.

“Oh, look! That’s a saloon!” Kinger said happily, breaking away from their moving huddle to enter through the half-double doors.

“Kinger, wait!” Ragatha called out, following him into the building and being trailed by Gangle. They all bumped into each other after entering, as Kinger had to stop and take everything in.

“This place is neat!” he praised, looking all around and admiring the intricacy of the place. He made his way to the bar and waved at the barkeep, who awkwardly waved back.

“Haha, hello, there! We were passing through, and we were wondering if anything interesting has been happening here lately?” Ragatha asked, trying not to embarrass herself but failing.

“Interesting, huh? Well, just yesterday an odd fella came in here and won a good deal of money at the poker table. Every, hand! ‘Seemed like an honest sort, though. They’s challenged to a gunfight and went and killed Ginnie,” the barkeep informed her while polishing a shot glass.

“They won every hand? That’s got to be Zooble,” Gangle hummed fondly.

“That’s great! Er, I mean, thanks! Was, um…did you see anyone else with them?” Ragatha inquired, leaning on the bar intently.

“There was that lil’ Injun woman with ‘em. Seemed to be acquaintances,” the barkeep responded, “she was only here a moment, but the whole place got a look at her. Their kind ain’t common ‘round here.”

Suddenly, a busty lady of leisure slid her way onto the stool by Ragatha. She was very interested in the conversation, it seemed, and she made it exorbitantly clear that she was someone worth talking to by the way she presented herself in front of the detectives.

“Oh, yeah! I saw that little native girl yesterday,” she lilted sweetly, pushing up her breasts in a flamboyant manner. Though she was an NPC, she was an oddly busty sunflower.

“Oh! You did?!” Ragatha chimed, unintentionally locked on the sunflowers' more rotund features.

“Sure did, handsome,” she mused, hand slowly trailing over to the barkeep’s freshly poured whisky, “I’m Sunny, by the way.”

Ragatha blushed and clenched her hand into a tight fist while Gangle stared at the NPC without expression and Kinger nodded at her. He hummed, his gloved hand thumbing at his chin in thought.

“Do you know where she went after she left, Sunny?” Kinger asked her innocently.

“Mmhmmmm. Saw that little thing get pulled to the side by a tall rabbit feller after leavin’ the saloon. Said something about turnin’ in a criminal and gettin’ buckskins,” she hummed, now trailing her leaf hand over to Ragatha’s arm as it rested on the table.

Ragatha was stock still, unwilling to move as the others behind her dwelled on Sunny’s words.

“Ya’ might wanna ask my daddy if that rabbit turned in that wanted man,” Sunny smiled, standing up in a sultry way and pulling Ragatha up with her. That woman just let the NPC handle her. God, Ragatha, have some decency, please.

“Y-your daddy?” Ragatha’s eyes went wide as she was being pulled by the sunflower. Gangle and Kinger diligently followed, as if this situation were completely normal.

“The Sheriff!” Sunny piped, leading them to his office.

When they went inside, Gangle went up to the posting board on the wall and noticed a pin that kept a small ripped paper piece beneath it.

“Daddy! Daddy, these handsome detectives are lookin’ for some folks! Wasn’t that wanted man delivered yesterday took-in by that rabbit feller?” Sunny asked sweetly to a stocky NPC with a four leaf clover as a head and a gold star pinned to his chest.

“Oh, yes! The rabbit brought him in and we gave ‘im 30 for the reward. Weren’t a scratch on the scum, neither,” the sheriff answered, approaching the detectives, “Was you lookin’ to recruit that bounty hunter?”

“No, Sir. We were wondering if you could tell us where he went,” Gangle explained, giving Ragatha some time to pull herself away from the clingy flower woman. Only she didn’t.

“I don’t have the slightest clue, Ma’am,” the clover answered earnestly, reaching over to his daughter.

“Come on Sunny, leave them detectives be! They got work to do. Wouldn’t be in a small town like this if it weren’t a big deal. They's federal,” he reprimanded his daughter, pulling her off of Ragatha’s side. Sunny pouted and went with her father, but waved cheekily at Ragatha as they funneled out of the sheriff’s office.

Ragatha straightened her tie and tried to will the blush off of her face as Kinger and Gangle huddled with her in the street to plan their next move.
-

“The light purple one,” Jax ordered as he pointed at a modest dress.

“What? No way. That color will wash me out,” Pomni protested, eyeing the rack herself.

“I like the red one. It matches this leather jacket,” Zooble interjected, rifling through the clothes.

“The one I picked is less provocative,” Jax sneered, sliding to the other side of the rack.

“Oh! I really like this,” Pomni gushed as she pulled a yellow topcoat with a short front and a long back. The sides of the coat had simple ruffles and they buttoned underneath the opening for the bust.

“Yeah, that’s cute. This’ll go with it,” Zooble said as they handed her a pair of grey pants and a light grey shirt embroidered with daisies on the collar.

“I love it,” Pomni hummed, taking the clothes up to the counter to purchase. She then went to the changing room to dress herself.

“I like the trenchcoat. Do I really need something else?” Zooble asked absentmindedly, pulling out things to look at nonetheless.

“Dunno Zoob. It’s the original outfit, it prolly has a higher chance of getting you caught. So…yeah, totally keep it, buddy,” Jax snipped, walking over to a pair of boots.

“Don’t you ‘buddy’ me,” Zooble bit back, gripping a similar style coat in a dark brown color. They made their way to the counter to pay, and the mannequin at the counter took their money. They went back to the changing room as Pomni came out in her new outfit. Jax watched her come over to the clothes rack again.

“Lookin sharp, Pom,” he mused sliding up next to her, “whatcha’ doin’ still rooting through it?”

“You still need to change. Oh, I like these,” she said sweetly as she pulled a pair of dark, well made jeans. She held them up to her side and they we almost as tall as she was, he couldn’t help but snicker.

“You like ‘em dark and broody, huh?” Jax joked, taking the pants from her to inspect them further.

“Oh yeah. Nothing says ‘bad@ss outlaw’ like a dark rich color palette, right? Pair it with a black shirt and an accent neckerchief, and you’ll be the sexiest law-breaker in town,” she laughed with him.

“Oh yeah? I dunno, I’ve got some steep competition,” he winked at her, then reached for the bin of neck accessories and pulled out a deep purple neckerchief. She turned back to the clothes to distract herself, but he didn’t fail to notice the heat in her face.

“This coat is pretty nice. You got anything yet, Jax?” Zooble asked as they made their way to the shopping floor in the new coat.

“Some of it. Gotta’ set of pants, but no shirt. I’m going for black, or really dark,” he explained. His eyes lit up and he pulled a black collared shirt and a fancy vest from the rack.

“Eyyy, there we go,” he beamed, then flung some money at the vendor and headed back to change. They stood in silence for a moment, as Zooble meandered over to the boot shelf.

Pomni followed Zooble to look at the shoes, finding a pair of grey ones that looked like they’d match well enough.

“I’m not buying another set of boots. Who’s gonna see them? Not me,” they explained, handing Pomni a pair of yellowish cowgirl boots.

“Zooble, you’re so good at finding the matching stuff,” Pomni complimented them.

“Thanks,” they replied curtly, as they left some money for the boots on the counter.

“When Jax gets back we should head over to the gunsmith. I have a credit there,” she mentioned off handedly, feeling the stitches on the boots as she put them on.

“Um, how?” Jax butted in, causing her to jump and Zooble to turn and face him.

Pomni’s eyes widened when they landed on him in his new get-up. The black shirt tucked neatly into his dark jeans, and his lavishly embroidered vest accentuated how his chest widened into his shoulders. The purple necktie hung loosely and bounced as he took long strides over to meet them.

“How’d you get a credit?” he insisted, curling his lip as his ear twitched.

“I just helped a guy out yesterday. I gave him a ride into town andー” Pomni was pulled closer to him by her shoulders, and met with a very upset face.

“WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU DO THAT??” Jax growled, shaking her roughly. Maybe he’d shake some sense into her.

“Hey! Let go of her, you jerk!” Zooble rushed forward and pushed him back, causing him to release Pomni’s shoulders abruptly. He looked like he could spit fire. Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her outside of the store, to the alleyway, and they were followed by a perturbed Zooble.

“You told me that you could f#cking handle yourself,” he barked once they were outside.

“And I DID! I did handle myself! I helped him, and now I have an in-game perk! Why are you so pissed?” she questioned, poking him right back.

“God f#cking d@mmit Pom, you can’t just go out by yourself and offer kindness to strangers in a place like this! Use your common sense!” he sneered, grabbing the hand she’d poked him with tightly.

“I DID?! I told him I’d shoot if he did anything, and he didn’t! And I helped him, and I got a perk, and it’s fine! What’s got you so riled up? Come on, you told me you trusted me, Jax,” she retorted heatedly, but she lost some of her momentum as she spoke. She lost it as she looked at his face, contorted and troubled and racked with distress. Damn her empathy, she was trying to win an argument right now.

“What if that was a trap?! What if there was more than one, huh? They’ll fucking TAKE you, Pom. They’ll take you, andーandー” he stuttered, stumbling over the words that felt so heavy on his tongue. Zoobles face suddenly shifted into one of realization, and they mumbled an ‘oh shit’ beneath their breath.

“Listen,” Zooble chimed in, stepping to place a hand on Jax’s shoulder. Wow, that’s weird, Zooble never comforts Jax. “It’s understandable why that’s scary. I get it. But it didn’t happen, and now, we’re together, right? Nobody’s in danger now.”

“There! There they are!” a shrill, squirrely voice interrupted the scene. The tree outlaws lifted their heads to peek at a cleanly dressed Gangle pointing at them from the main street, in front of a cherry-red Ragatha and a smiley waving Kinger.

“Nice, job, jinxer,” Jax scoffed, grabbing both of their wrists and booking it.

Chapter 18: CH.18 TRUE BLUE TREPIDATION: act 4

“WE’LL TALK ABOUT IT LATER. I’m not losing to those idiots!” Jax boomed as his stride elongated. He took to dragging Pomni and Zooble behind him like they were yo-yos, running at full speed down the alleyway. Their feet barely touted the ground as he rounded the back of the building and made a b-line for the stable on the opposite side of town. How he arrived there so fast, neither Pomni nor Zooble could comprehend.

“Call Hailstorm!” Jax commanded as released them and threw open the stable doors.

“I don’t think she’ll come to her name!” Pomni said frantically as he retrieved the spotted horse from a stall.

“Ya’ gotta whistle!” he explained as he hopped on. Pomni turned around to see the detectives closing in, though they were considerably slower than Jax and still had ground to cover.

“I’m gonna royally mess with them,” he said roughly as the horse danced beneath him, “I need some action and violence or I’m gonna snap.”

“OK, we’ll head out to the place we spawned in at! Meet us there when you lose them,” Pomni shouted after him as he ushered his spotted horse to bolt out of the stable. She turned to Zooble to see them hoisting a saddle off of a rack and grabbing some extra tack for Hailstorm. Pomni whistled with all her might, and just like he said, the large white mustang thundered into the stable.

“Hold her still!” Zooble commanded as they shifted the saddle toward the horse. To both of their surprise, when the saddle touched the animal it suddenly attached to her back in a strange digital way, and so did the test of the riding equipment. Zooble mumbled and ‘oh’ as Pomni climbed onto her back hastily. She held out her hand and pulled Zooble up with a jolt.

“Hold on Zooble! We’re gonna go fast,” Pomni explained, clicking her tongue to Hailstorm.

“I’m not like Sonic, Pomni!” Zooble shrieked as they took off out of the stable forcefully.

Ragatha and Kinger had been narrowly avoided by the two escaping on the white mustang, but Ragatha made sure to keep an eye on them as they bolted.

“We have to get to the wagon! We have to follow them!” she yelled, pointing toward the dust trail they left behind.

Suddenly, Gangle pulled up beside them with the wagon, and Ragatha wasted no time climbing in. Kinger, however, could not climb in immediately, as he found himself in a bit of a conundrum.

Jax had passed him and lassoed his middle.

After a second of being caught in the rope, he peered up to the girls on the wagon who were beyond mortified at the thought that Jax might drag Kinger along in a wild-west style execution.

“This seems familiarー” and then he was whisked away.

“KINGER!!!” both girls screamed simultaneously.

Jax had caught Kinger and drug him away momentarily from the other detectives, but he was not about to have the old man drawn and quartered. They were balling as if he was, thoughーscreaming at him that he’d taken it too far, done too much. But that was just them being overly dramatic; honestly he just needed to blow off steam. And hearing them bay like coyotes did scratch a bit of his itch.

He doubled back and grabbed Kinger where the rope caught him, and hoisted him up to land on the back of his horse. It was a fairly impressive move that earned him a permanent stamina increase, though he was not paying any attention to that. He had better things to concentrate on.

“Hiya, King! How’ya been?!” Jax asked manically between heavy breaths, leaning into his horse to prompt full speed.

“Oh, hello Jax! It’s nice to see you,” Kinger pipped as he laid on his side behind the outlaw.

They were barreling down the dirt path, going to no specific location, when Jax realized that he needed to have an actual plan instead of just winging it. He was not about to let himself get turned in and leave the others behind to have his fears come to fruition. Plus, he still had an argument to win.

As they thundered down the dirt trail, Jax clumsily activated the map to scope it out.

Studying the map to find any prominent features, his brow raised and his smile grew sharper. He found the perfect geographical obstacle that would eat up all of the other teams precious time if he played his cards right.

“The sentiment is returned, big guy. Say, would you like to see some neat bugs? I found a great spot for it!” Jax lied through his teeth, sly as a fox that was also a used car salesman.

“That sounds lovely,” Kinger said simply, unbothered by the bouncing of the galloping horse, “Where is it? Do I need a passport?”

It tore a crazed laugh out of the bunny. He peered down at Kinger and smirked in his signature villainous wayーno, he didn’t need a passport. But it’s gonna feel like the others’ll need theirs to reach him.

“Nope! Just an ID,” Jax answered cheekily. He peeked behind him for a second to discover the fancy federal wagon barreling towards him, still pretty far back on the trail. Kinger was as happy as a clam going along with the ride, daydreaming about the bugs Jax promised him.

The look on Ragatha’s face implied that she was, in fact, livid beyond measure. Probably seeking revenge? How delightful. And Gangle just looked traumatized, par for the course.

Jax’s horse was able to maintain speed for a good while, so the rift between the two parties shrunk more slowly than the pursuers would’ve liked. As Jax approached a wide river, he scanned for the shallowest area, and then goaded his horse to swim to the other side. Once on the opposite bank, he found a steep path that wound up the cliffside.

“JAX! BRING HIM BACK! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Ragatha yelled frantically from the opposite shore, unable to drive the wagon into the moving water. Her horses were too scared to go in, they refused to do so while attached to the carriage.

Jax finally reached the top of the cliff and brought his mount to a screeching halt, then flung himself off and released Kinger from his ties.

“Ok, here’s the place! All you have to do is set up camp, and wait until dusk, and then all the fireflies will come out! Ya’ know where the camp supplies are?” Jax asked him, as he kneeled down by the older man.

“Oh, I love fireflies! And I do know how to camp, too. I used to camp all the time,” Kinger replied wistfully, as he opened the menu and selected the camp option.

“Fan-f#cking-tastic. Here, budーtake this,” Jax cackled, reaching into his inventory and handing Kinger the opened rum he’d snatched from the bum the other day.

“Have a great time, Kingman. See ya’ later,” Jax buzzed, racked from the adrenaline of the chase. It was so energizing to have the regulars livid with him again, it gave him plenty of fuel for the fire that was already burning.

“Oh, this is so nice! Thank you, Jax. I’ll see you soon,” the chess piece lulled as he started the fire, voice growing smaller as the bunny retreated.

Jax rode parallel to the river along the cliff's edge until he found a path that led down to the river. He followed it down and crossed, and by the time he was on land again, the sky had begun to dim. He looked into the distance to see Ragatha wading into the river to attempt to retrieve Kinger while Gangle guarded the carriage.

Ha! They couldn’t have worse security if they had a box of rocks standing guard.

He opened up his map and located where they'd first spawned in, placing a marker. He rode as fast as he could along the marked glowing path, riding the high of his mischief as he preemptively thought about how to show her what’s what. He was so ready to give that little lady a piece of his mind.

“How the h*ll could she be so dumb! She must be playing dumb, because I know she’s smarter than that!” he roared at no one.

“What does she have to prove anyway? Nobody is impressed by her stubborn independence! There’s not even a single reason to go out alone, let alone help a rando on the street!” he yelled again. As they rocketed across the grassy plain, he felt his frustration boil over, but he blamed the water in his eyes on the wind from their speed. Soon, the marker was visible in the distance, and his heart felt like it was beating so fast it might pop out of him. He wiped his eyes when he dismounted, and grabbed his chest to will his heart to slow down.

When he approached the shady place, it was nearly all the way dark. The stars were starting to come through, and they glistened as the blues of night deepened. There was a camp set up, with a fire crackling under the sprawling oak tree. Hailstorm was grazing just outside of the set-up, but he couldn’t see Pomni or Zooble upon approach. Suddenly, he was stopped dead in his tracks by a distant sound emanating from the direction of the camp.

It was Pomniーshe was talking to Zooble in a soft, dejected voice. It made him so angry.

He stilled himself completely and took a deep breath. His ear twitched, his nose scrunched up involuntarily, and his mouth turned downwards as he crouched. All of his focus went to listening to what they were saying.

 

“I really just…I don’t know why it made him so upset,” Pomni lamented pathetically. It made his guts twist.

“Pom, I’m sorry. I can’t say for sure. It seemed like he was concerned, at first. I really thoughtーwell… I don’t know. Jax is, um…easy to upset,” they consoled.

“But, Zooble, you don’t understand. I’ve never made him that mad before. We’re usually okーwe pick on each other a lot, but that’s all fun. I feel like I hurt him,” she explained, hiccuping after she finished.

“Try not to take it to heart. And anyway, do you really think you hurt him? Come on. Get that head on straight. He’s trying to hurt you,” Zooble grumbled.

Steam was pouring out of his ears as he heard that. This will not do at all. That was totally, absolutely, completely, undeniably bullshitーZooble needed to get a heavy dose of Jax flavored karma for that nasty comment. How dare they put an idea like that into Pomni’s head? He wasn’t trying to hurt her, he was trying to prevent that from happening!

“I-I know that’s been a pattern fo you, butーI don’t think I believe that. Are you sure?” she whispered sorrowfully. With that, he sprung up to full height. He’s got to make this right.

He marched over to the fire and stood facing the direction of where their voices came from. They must be sitting behind the big tree.

“I’m back,” he grumbled. There was a skittering from behind the tree, and Pomni emerged with slightly reddened eyes and puffy lids, while Zooble came out looking as stoic and neutral as ever, but still managing to glare daggers.

She timidly walked forward, fiddling her hands as she watched his face. It took all his willpower to remain blank while she looked at him like that, but he did.

“I wanna talk. Come on,” he compelled her, nodding toward the open prairie. She took a shallow breath and looked back at Zooble, who was watching them very closely with a scrutinizing expression. Jax was not about to have that mis-matched liar fuck up his only freindship in this God-forsaken place, thoughーso he reached out his hand in hopes that the gesture would be seen as benevolent. When she saw it, she paused and checked his eyes, maybe to search for his genuineness. She must’ve found it, because she pushed herself forward without a word to take it.

He silently led her far away enough from the camp so that Zooble couldn’t eavesdrop on them, but close enough that they wouldn’t be too far, before he turned to look at her.

She looked so small. Smaller than usual. Her posture was poor from her nerves, and her head was lowered because she was locked on the ground. It just made him more angry.

“I-I’ll go first,” she stuttered timidly, sitting down on the grass. It made his ears ring, that stutter. She hasn’t sounded like that towards him since her first day, when she was an absolute wreck. He followed and sat down too.

“For, uhーfor what it’s worthーI’m really sorry,” she started.

His frown deepened as he watched her lips move, attempting to harness the wild emotions rattling around in his chest.

“I get that I m-made you angry. But I want you to know I didn’t mean to. A-and I have been trying for the life of me toーto see your perspective on it…But I am still really confused. And I’m sorry I’m confused! B-but, I still am…” she explained softly, holding her knees to her chest. He took a deep breath as her words sunk in. He felt so ridiculous having to say it over and over again, it made him physically shiver.

Compressing his frustration was something he’s never done, because there’s been no reason to until now. But getting a hold of it seemed to be what he needed to do at the moment, to get this situation corrected. He growled to himself as he realized that there wasn’t a desire to win the argument anymore. Just to make her understand. She must've thought the growl was for her, because she shut her eyes tight and avoided his face after it escaped him.

“What is it that you don’t grasp, Pom?” he asked in a gravely, stressed voice. As uncomfortable as it was to say or to hear, it didn’t sound angry.

“You didn’t want to split up. I get that part,” she mumbled, shifting her gaze to the artificial sky, “but you agreed to it because it was the most efficient way to get money, and Zooble and I found stuff to do. We got the money, and got new clothes, like we were supposed to. But you got mad at me for doing what we agreed on. Even after you told me that you trusted me,” she finished, forcing her gaze back to him. The diaphanous way the stars reflected in her water-logged eyes was the thing that finally broke him.

In a flash, he was on top of her. He’d pinned her down, easily trapping both of her thin wrists in his hand as he pushed them above her head. His other hand traced the top button of her grey trousers, forcing her breath to catch in her throat. He didn’t put pressure anywhere else as he locked eyes with her, expelling a shaky breath. She was so startled, she barely had any time to react. Her eyes were so wide, they swallowed the sky as he looked down at her. It took her a second to register that his eyes were watering and his mouth was quivering as he choked on terrible words.

“I am so much stronger than you Pom,” he said roughly. Almost like he was dragging it out of himself. Her heart was hammering, and he could hear it so clearly.

“Bigger. Stronger. Faster. If I wanted to, I could do anything to you. And you wouldn't have the ability to stop me, despite how capable you are,” he rumbled, chest expanding and contracting with strain. She stared at his darkened silhouette contrasted against the glimmer of the night shy. He leaned down to hover just above her ear, tightening his grip on her wrists when he felt her shudder.

“But I’m not like that, Pomni. I would never do that. But there are some evil b@$t@rds around here that absolutely would ,” he whispered harshly, trying to be as direct as possible.

She was dumbstruck, and could barely think much of anything looking up at him as he basically bared his heart and teeth at the same time. What he’d said had rammed her like a bus, especially being in the position they were. But she understood, now. And she felt so stupid that it didn’t click before. So frustrated with herself that she started to entertain the thought that he might just be fucking with her. Mostly, though, she felt a deep shame bloom from the seed of titilation. Something in her she knew was not supposed to be excited was. A moment of pause passed between them.

“Oh,” her voice cracked. Jax pulled away from the side of her face to let his own fall onto her chest. He squeezed his eyes shut so tightly, desperately trying to will away the waterworks.

“You gotta promise me. Say you're not gonna do reckless sh*t anymore,” he sniffled, muffled by Pomni’s yellow coat. He’d let go of her wrists in favor of gripping the long tails of her jacket, so he wouldn’t involuntarily squeeze her too hard. He had no idea how all the built up anger he’d had converted to sadness and fear, until she spoke again.

“I-I promise. I care about you, too,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his head. He realized then that he wasn’t converting anger into sadness. Pomni just ripped off the mask labeled anger to reveal the hurt and fear underneath.

It was so strange to see him this way. He’d never been so openly vulnerableーthat just added to the mosaic of emotions she was experiencing. She gently scratched the back of his head as he buried his face and let out his frustrations. They stayed like that for a long time.

When Jax pulled away he was as tense. He averted his gaze and refused to say anything to further embarrass himself. She sat up slowly and took his hand to try and give some semblance of comfort.

“That never even crossed my mind, Jax. I didn’t think Caine would ever make something like that a possibility,” she mumbled, shifting as he threaded his fingers through hers.

“He made the guns, booz, and gambling. If you went into the saloon you’d have seen the prostitutes. I’m pretty sure he copied all of it, Pom. Even the worst parts,” he said slowly, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with tiredness, “I’ve seen stuff like this before, too. Before there was a reason to care.”

“Y-yeahーyou’re right. Will, um…will you forgive me?” Pomni asked softly, looking at their interlocked fingers. The sound of crickets chirping looped in the background as they sat a little while longer.

“I’ll forgive you only if you let me use you as a pillow,” he huffed, forcing a small smile onto his face. She smiled too.

“Sure,” she hummed quietly.

Chapter 19: CH.19 TRUE BLUE TREPIDATION: act 5

Summary:

Howdy! I've figured out how to post images, so I will be going back to older chapters and posting fanart that goes along with them for funzies

“Kinger! Kinger, are you OK?” Ragatha’s strained voice called as she trudged her way up the steep path up the cliff. She’d been at if for 45 minutes, now, calling every so often, with no word back.

“Please answer me! Iーaugh…Wow I need to do more cardio,” she huffed to herself, wiping away digital sweat that collected on her brow.

When she had finally reached the top, the sky was starry and her whole body was sore from the hike. She scanned the cliffside for any sign of the chess piece, and she became elated when she saw the glow of an orange fire a good distance away.

“OH! There you are! I’m coming, I’m coming,” she said as she tripodded her arms on her knees to catch her breath. She started running toward him again, and when she arrived, she realized why he wasn’t responding.

Kinger was passed the fuck out, laying comfortably by the fire with a blanket beneath him, with an empty bottle of rum at his side. He was snoring peacefully, but that peace was upended when Ragatha reached him.

“Oh sweet baby swiss cheese, Kinger! Are you drunk?!” she groaned in a frustrated way. He stayed asleep until she stomped over to him and rolled him back and forth.

“AAAAAAAAAAAaaahhhhhhhHHhhhHhhH!!?”

“AHhh! K-Kinger! It’s Ragatha, just Ragatha!” she shrieked, backing up and narrowly avoiding his head before he sat up way too fast.

“Oh! Hey Ragatha, are you here to see the fireflies too?” he asked, suddenly utterly lacking any fear.

“Fireflies? No, Kinger, I’m notーnevermind. Did you drink all that rum?!” she stressed, pulling him to his feetーor the base of his body? Yeah.

“I’m sorry I drank it all, Ragatha. If I’d have known you wanted some, I’d have saved some for you,” Kinger said solemnly. Ragatha just pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.

“It’s fine, Kinger. Where did you even get that?” she asked while he started wandering around the camp.

“Jax gave it to me! He’s a good kid,” Kinger chirped happily.

“Of course Jax gave it to you! AGH I’m gonna skin him!” Ragatha growled, “Come on, Kinger! We have to go!”

“I had a nice time camping even though the fireflies didn’t come out yet. Where are we going?” he asked politely, following her as she stomped away.

“We’re gonna get Jax for what he did!” Ragatha fumed as she led him away.

“That’s a good idea. What sort of gift do you think he’d like? Maybe we should get him a motorcycle. I feel like he’d like a motorcycle,” he hummed as they made their way down the path.

-

Zooble had gotten up before Pomni or Jax did. They stared at the bunny and the jester-turned-bandit sleeping so close together on top of a tattered cloth by the oak tree. He was basically curling around her like she was a body pillow, and she was sleeping like a rock. It made Zooble pause and clench their fist, looking at them. As they stared, Jax started to stir.

He stretched and grumbled, rolled away from Pomni, and yawned so wide his sharp teeth poked out. After dragging his eyelids open, he met the gaze of a blistering Zooble.

“Uhh…Ya’ just watchin’ us sleep, Freak?” he jabbed groggily, even as sleep still clung to him.

“I’m the freak? You’re so f#(king out of bounds, man,” they hissed.

“Woah, woah… what crawled up your @ss and died, Zoob?” Jax sneered, matching their energy. Suddenly, a squeaky groan distracted them both as Pomni stretched pushed herself to sit upright.

“Mornin,” Pomni mumbled as she rubbed her eyes. Zooble softened a little and let out a quiet greeting before they turned to stalk away.

Pomni turned to peer at Jax, who was frowning in their direction. When he turned and saw her face, his frown faded and he leaned back to be at her level.

“Zoobie’s pissy this morning. ‘S’prolly nuthin, Zoob gets moody easy,” he hummed, eyelids drooping slightly as he tilted his head toward her.

“Everybody seems to have all these ideas about everybody else,” she huffed, pushing her shoulder into his. It caught him off-guard and he had to brace himself with his other hand, but the contact pulled a smile out of him, and he pushed back when he steadied himself.

“Yeah? Got any ideas about me, then?” he chuckled, raising a brow.

“Oh, I’ve got plenty,” she sighed, standing and dusting herself off a bit. He stood quickly after her, quite interested in whatever else she might have to say to complete the thought. They made their way toward where they saw Zooble go.

“So, what are we supposed to do today? We got money and clothesー” Pomni asked, stopping when the artificial sun hit her skin.

“Bubble said we’re just on the run. I’ll betch’a my lucky foot we’re supposed to be on the road again,” Jax answered airly.

“Which foot is lucky?” she asked casually, “I’ll check the map to see the next closest town.”

“The left one. Where did Zooble even go?” he asked, stretching his neck and shielding his eyes from the morning light as he scanned the vicinity to locate their geometric teammate.

Zooble had gone over to a nearby stream to fill up a canteen, and when they came back, they made sure to remain silent. They approached Pomni as she studied her map, and placed a claw on her shoulder. Pomni jumped and made a little ‘eep’ sound as she ducked away, but then eased up when she turned to see her friend.

“Howーhow are you doing? Are you ok?” they whispered slowly, getting oddly intense for her liking. She didn't have time to answer before a big purple hand was placed on her shoulder. She turned to look at him, and was met with a concerned face.

“What happened? You squeaked. Did the mouse see a snake?” he mumbled in a sort of amused tone, but his eyes still flitted over her supposedly to assess for danger.

Zooble tore their face away as they coldly said, “The only snake here is you.” Pomni and Jax both shifted to look at them, though with different expressions.

“Damn. Two days without coffee is too many, huh Zoobie?” Jax snarked, crossing his arms and straightening his back so he could look down at them better.

“Yeah. It is,” they mumbled monotonously.

Pomni could feel the tension in the air, and desperately wanted it to fade. She stepped forward and folded her hands over one another.

“The next closest place is a state called, uh…Lemon-Eye,” she explained softly, “We can go there, and I’ll get you a percolator.”

Zoobles’ face shifted into one of almost…sympathy? No…pity. It made her heart jump to her throat in a pang of sudden anxiety. Her thoughts started racing to uncover the reason for a display like that. Her breath sped up and her voice cracked as she tried to will herself to speak; to ask what was wrong. Her nerves choked the question back.

Jax entered their peripheral, leading the two horses by their reins. It broke Pomni out of her mini-spiral, and Zooble glanced at him as he dropped the lead to the spotted horse.

“You can take this guy, Zoob. Since you’re feeling particularly prickly today,” he explained as he walked Hailstorm over to Pomni.

“Pomni, you don’t have to ride with him,” they suddenly insisted, brows furrowed in a concerned way. It only threw her off more, that look.

“Um, what the f*ck is wrong with you? You gotta problem?” Jax suddenly barked, his fur lifting on his neck.

“N-no! Zooble, I don’t mind riding with Jax. Um, a-are you ok?” Pomni asked, regaining some of her nerve at his sudden interjection. Zooble shot a nasty glance at Jax and turned away to mount the spotted horse.

“Let’s go,” they responded vapidly.

Jax snorted and rolled his eyes before getting in the saddle.

“C’mon shorty. Climb on,” he mused, reaching out his hand to pull her up. She took it and was easily hoisted up into the saddle just in front of him. She settled into the saddle and felt a buzzing through her whole body as his arms grasped the reins, caging around her.

“Ya think with that attitude they deserve a percolator, huh?” he joked as they started moving. They walked past Zooble, and only once they were in front did Zooble prompt the spotted horse to move.

“I think we’ve all had a rough couple of days. Coffee sounds pretty good right now,” she replied.

“MMmm, dunno Poms. If you give a spoiled kid what they want they don't act better,” he said extra loud, projecting so that Zooble would hear.

“Zooble isn’t a child, Jax. Nor are they spoiled,” she corrected him.

“Pfft! ‘Nor’,” he mimicked her, the rumble of his chest reverberating in her back.

“It’s proper English,” she stiffly countered, leaning back a bit. She closed her eyes to rest as she used him as a support. He didn’t seem to mind.

“NERD,” he cackled, throwing his head back dramatically. After a puff of air from her, he lowered his head to settle by her ear.

“You are totally the type of person I’d have picked on in highschool,” he whispered.

“And you are the type of person I’d have convinced to join the debate club,” she snarked, keeping her eyes closed.

“Ha! You’re right. That’s probably the only tolerable extracurricular, anyway. Being obstinate and argumentative are talents of mine,” he chuckled.

“Yeah. I’d definitely want you on my team,” she hummed, “arguing with you for real is not fun. I prefer it when you’re laughing and teasing.”

“Oh you like being teased, do you? Valuable information,” he said, reaching his hand to pinch her side. She flicked his hand, but took notice that his pinch was less like a pinch and more like a small grasp. It wasn’t uncomfortable.

“BANG BANG!” a shot rang out from behind the two causing Pomni to jump and peek around Jax’s arm. Jax slowed Hailstorm and shifted them to see what the commotion was for, and they were met with a very stressed Zooble standing over an unmoving body.

“D@mn! At this rate your body count’ll be in the double digits by the end of the day,” Jax jabbed as he slid off the horse to inspect the body.

“Why’d you kill that guy?” he asked casually.

“You didn’t hear our conversation? That guy was trying to take my horse! The f&ck?!” Zooble growled while Jax laughed at them. They rolled their eyes and started to walk again, before Jax stopped their horse.

“Where ya goin’? At least loot the guy before you leave him to rot,” Jax ordered as he jutted his hip out sassily.

“I’m not gonna rob him! Why would I do that?” Zooble growled, huffing and wanting nothing more than to abandon the body.

“Money, supplies, etcetera. If you won’t I will,” he grumbled, crouching to rummage through the NPCs pockets. He smiled as he pulled various items and put them away for safekeeping.

When they started on the trail again, Pomni noticed that the map was flashing red. It gave her a terrible feeling.

“Um, guys? Do you see the thing with the map? It’s kinda…” she started, turning to look at Jax worriedly.

“Oh, whaaaat, Pom? That’s justーoh sh*t,” Jax breathed, the sudden change in tone making both Zooble and Pomni tense, “WE GOTTA GO.”

“What? Why? Are you messing with us!?” Zooble accused, riding next to him to give him a proper scowl. Suddenly, Jax leaned forward and pushed Pomni to slump over as he spurred Hailstorm on. Zooble was not pleased as they watched them race away, having to prompt the horse they rode uneasily. Then, thundering hooves were heard all around them. They looked back to see a troop of 3 NPCs on horseback, their law badges glinting in the sun.

“OH SH*T,” they gasped, finally successful in telling their mount to book it.

“Why are we running away from Zooble?!” Pomni asked desperately, trying to place her hand between her chest and the saddle so she didn’t get the wind knocked out of her.

“Not Zooble, Pomelo! The cops!” Jax explained quickly as they rocketed down the trail, hearing a cacophony of gunshots behind them, “We’re gonna take a detour to lose em’.”

They veered off of the lit up trail on the map and ventured down a fork that was fairly well covered by trees. It didn’t matter though, because 2 of the 3 lawmen had followed them and were still trailing, shooting at the horse's heels. Suddenly, Pomni got an idea.

“Jax, sit upright!” she ordered as she opened her menu. She searched a moment before cursing under her breath, peering back at the cops chasing them.

“I don’t have a rifle! Do you?” she asked frantically as the lawmen gained on them.

He whipped open his menu, pulled out a rifle, and thrust it into her hand as they took another sharp turn down an unknown trail. She held onto the saddle horn as she pulled her feet underneath her so she was crouching, and twisted her body so that she was now facing Jax instead of facing the horse's head. The look on his face was quite comical, but she couldn’t find it in her to laugh as she placed the barrel of the rifle on his shoulder to stabilize it.

“I’m sorry, this is gonna hurt!” she squeaked, catching one of the cops in her iron sights.

She pulled the trigger and a deafening crack rang next to their heads. It made their ears ring so loudly, the thundering hoofbeats temporarily drowned out. The kickback nearly thrust her off the horse, but she caught herself just in time. One of the lawmen grabbed his shoulder and leaned over the side of the horse in pain, unable to keep steering, and fell unceremoniously on the ground that was quickly receding behind them.

Jax wrapped his arm around her as she reloaded the rifle, preparing for the kickback. She placed the barrel on his shoulder again and pulled the trigger, her body jutting backward only to be secured by Jax’s arm.

“Tell me we’re losin’ em’ Toots! Stamina’s almost gonzo,” he gruffed, gripping her waist tighter as she stood taller to see what had become of their foes.

The last lawman had also fallen off his horse, but he was being dragged off of the trail as his foot was caught in the stirrup. Pomni sighed a breath of relief as she slumped her head on his shoulder.

“They’re both gone! Gahーpull over,hah, please,” she struggled, breathing hard.

They slowed the horse and led her slightly off of the trail to let her catch her breath too. Jax was looking at Pomni like she had grown wings, and she stiffened at his ogling, even as her body protested for digital air.

“Whatーwhat are you, ohhh God I’m dizzy , umー staring at,” she huffed, trying desperately to catch her breath between speaking.

“You stood and turned around on the horse as it was running,” he said with alarm, “and then used me as a gunstand to take out the cops.” She was able to calm herself a little and stood up straight as he took a few steps toward her.

“Well, I didn’t see another option,” she explained simply, “was either that or get shot. I’m, ahーnot a fan of getting shot.”

He just stared at her, watching the flush on her face fade and her breaths become less exaggerated. Then, he started laughing maniacally.

“GOD D@MN,” he hollered, buckling and supporting himself on his knees, “You are f&ckin’ insane! I would have predicted Zooble to be a killer, but never sweet lil’ innocent Poms! Oh my God.”

She studied him as he rambled on. He pulled a small bottle and an apple from his inventory and shuffled over to the mustang, offering them to her. Suddenly, there was a sharp increase in the horse's stamina, and it was all the way full again. She ate the apple happily as Jax continued to stare dumbfoundedly at the small girl beside him.
“I’m a capable person,” she hummed as she approached the side of Hailstorm with purpose, “and you are too. You make me more so.”

At her words, he stood straighter and his ears perked up, and his smile infected his eyes. He mounted the mustang and offered her a hand as he beamed with satisfaction.

“I wasn’t lying when I told Caine that we’re the best team,” he hummed, pulling her up to the spot she was before.

“Yeah, we are. Waitーwait wait wait what happened to Zooble?! We gotta go back for them!” she pleaded, turning to look at him fretfully.

“I don’t think that’s a good Idea, Pom. They’re probably already arrested. Our best bet is to head into the new town and stay out of trouble until this stupid game is over,” Jax grumbled as he started to follow the lit up path again.

“But what if they need our help?” she asked dejectedly.

“Zooble is a tough motherf*()er. They can handle whatever happens. C’mon, we’ve only got the rest of today to f*ck around here, it’s the third day! Let’s get some souvenirs,” he goaded, leaning into her, physically and verbally pressuring her.

“Oh, jeezーOk I guess. The map says we’re closer to a different town, now…wanna go see there instead?” she asked.

“Hell yeah, lets go!” he chanted as they tore off again.

-

Zooble couldn’t run away from the lawman that stayed behind with them, because soon after he’d pulled his his gun and aimed it at their head, a few more showed up to replace his buddies that had deviated to chase Jax and Pomni.

“If you surrender we’ll go easy on ya,” the lawman said, pulling back the hammer to make a little click.

“Fineーfine,” Zooble snapped, slowly dismounting to seem less threatening.

“We’re takin’ you in, Vandal. Hope ya’ like lookin’ out iron bars,” one of the police goaded. Zooble wanted to pop him, but they just kept their cool and followed orders.

Soon, they arrived at the jail in Saint Patrick’s town, and Zooble was locked away. They stayed in the jail cell, relaxing in the cot, until a familiar voice rang from the front of the building.

“Hello again, Sheriff. I was wondering if you had any idea about where those people we were chasing yesterday went off too. Did the rabbit mention any particular place?” she asked with a hint of venom.

“Dunno where they was goin’. Ya might want to ask the criminal we caught taday, though. They ought’a know,” the sheriff replied. Zooble heard a shuffling in front, and then was met with the sheriff and Ragatha just outside their cell.

“Oh, Zooble! You’re here!” Ragatha said excitedly, taking the key the sheriff had offered her and jamming it in the keyhole.

“Yeah. Guess you guys win, huh,” Zooble groaned, standing from the bed to meet her.

“I don’t think so. I think we have to catch the others to actually win,” she said as she took Zoobles' cuffed hands and released them. They rubbed their wrists when they were free.

“Well, the last thing I want is for Jax to win. He was terrible…” they grumbled, peeking around Ragatha looking for someone else.

“You don’t have to tell me! He kidnapped Kinger, got him drunk, and left him on the edge of a cliff!” Ragatha steamed, gritting her teeth as she paid Zoobles bounty.

“That @sshole! Oh, I just want to tie him up with his own ears and set him on fire,” they growled, busting through the sheriff's office doors out into town. When they get outside, they saw the wagon parked in the shade of the building. Zooble approached to see Kinger messing with his lasso and Gangle resting her head in her hands.

“Sup,” Zoobe called, jolting Gangle’s face away from her hands.

“Oh my gosh you’re here?!” she blurted, rushing to open the door and pull them up.

Zooble took Gangles’ hand to humor her, but didn’t place any of their bodyweight on it, lest the ribbon girl be pulled out of the carriage. She still didn’t seem to understand the concept that some things that literally weigh more than her will cause the force she exerts to move herself instead of the object.

“Yeah. I got caught by the fuzz after I shot a guy who tried to rob me,” they explained casually, leaning back in the seat to give off a cool aire.

“Wow. I’m just happy you’re ok, Z,” Gangle grinned, wrapping her ribbons around their clawed arm. Zooble sighed and patted her back as they embraced.

“Heard Jax took off with King and got him f#cked up on a mountain or something,” Zooble mumbled, glancing at Kinger to see if he was alright.
“Sort ofーRagatha had to get him down from a cliff while he was buzzed. He ended up falling and rolling down the path. It was amazing he didn’t barrel right into the river,” Gangle recounted as she let go of Zoobles arm.

“I had a great time,” Kinger mentioned as he made knots with his rope.

“We oughta get that b@st@rd for all he’s done! HeーGangle, he did something really bad,” Zooble whispered to her, “I think.”

Gangle's eyes widened and she smoothed out her suit to occupy her hands before she asked gravely, “what is really bad for Jax?”

Just then, Ragatha jumped into the carriage driver seat and sighed deeply.

"I’llーtell you later,” Zooble mumbled, looking to Ragatha as she slumped over in the seat,

“Ragatha. Head to the town Lemon-Eyes. That’s where they’re headed,” Zooble ordered.

“Really? Oh great!” Ragatha piped up, grabbing the rains and sending her horses surging forward.

“Double agent Zooble saves the day,” Gangle hummed as she leaned back and wrapped her ribbon hand around Zoobles claw.

“I hope so,” they sighed, squeezing back.

Chapter 20: CH.20 TRUE BLUE TREPIDATION: act 6

“Sooooo一earlier, before we got gunned down by the Wee-woos,” Jax brought up as they trotted down the path, “you mentioned that everybody seems to have thoughts about everybody else. What was that about?”

“Wee-woos?” Pomni asked incredulously.

Jax snorted at her tone and batted her around between his arms,“Don’t deflect! And you know what I mean, anyway一The Po-Po. The Fuzz. The Coppers. The Pigs. The Boys in Blue. The一”

“Ok, I get it,” she sighed, her shoulders slouching as she thought back to this morning. The bouncy trot of the horse forced her head to remain lifted, but her posture still depressed at the memory of it.

“I just said that because Zooble said some stuff about you last night and then you said some stuff about them this morning. Seems like everybody is making assumptions about each other and it’s problematic,” Pomni explained as he listened intently with a neutral smile plastered on his face.

“Very descriptive, Pomanche. We said some stuff . Care to elaborate?” he huffed, ears twitching.

“They said that you’re easily upset and that you were trying to hurt me,” Pomni explained softly, feeling him tense behind her.

“Do一do you believe that?” he said solemnly, so quiet it was almost a whisper, “Nevermind. Don’t answer that.”

With that comment, she turned her face to see him. His expression was tight and uncomfortable. She placed her hand on his arm as they entered a covered bridge over a swampy river.

“Jax. Look at me,” she ordered, pouty faced, “I don’t think you would intentionally hurt me. You一um…you proved that to me last night. I trust you.”

He searched her eyes, just to be sure, for any sign of falseness. As he anticipated, he found none, but he just wanted to be sure. It made the tension in his shoulder ease a bit, feeling her hand over the fur of his forearm and seeing the honesty in her pout.

“Good. I’d feel kind of terrible if you thought I’d actually intentionally hurt you. Like, I make a lot of stupid decisions and I enjoy messing with the sorority idiots, but…” he mumbled, shifting his gaze to the city in the distance. She followed his line of sight and saw it too.

“That must be PaintTheKnees,” she hummed.

“Yeah it is. We’re about to f*ck sh#t up, Pomcakes,” he lilted back to her, spurring Hailstorm into a canter toward the metro area.

“Yeah, Haha, maybe. And Jax, I don’t think you should dwell on what they said. They only know a fraction of you,” she insisted, unknowingly widening his smile again.

“And you know the whole me?” he asked teasingly, fists tightening on the reins as she giggled.

“Not all of you, but I like to think I know a tiny bit more一only because you’ve shown me,” she smiled, tilting her head so she could see him. Her pinwheel eyes sparkled.

“Ha, yeah. You’ve got plenty of thoughts about me, dontcha’ Pom,” he laughed, deep in thought. In an instant, the muffled hoofbeats changed to click-clacks as they transitioned to the cobblestone roads of the city.

-

“Ok, fellow detectives! We’re here! Time to scope it out,” Ragatha pipped excitedly before hopping off of the wagon's driver's seat.

Zooble groaned and stood from their seat as Gangle followed. They got off, but decided to leave Kinger in the wagon as he’d fallen asleep on the trail. Ragatha, Gangle, and Zooble made their way to a large general store, and Zooble perked right up.

“Sorry Ladies, hate to stall the search, but I’m in the market for a coffee-maker. I’ll be right back,” they hummed, pushing through the store's doors. Gangle quietly followed, as Ragatha huffed to herself. She just pouted and made her way to the local police office to ask about the outlaws.

Zooble had found a large percolator and brought it to the counter. They tried to pay, but they were a dollar short, so then grunted and closed their eyes in a self-soothing way. Gangle placed a reassuring hand on their back and offered the store clerk the missing money, as she gently questioned Zooble.

“So, what’s eating you?” she asked sweetly, hoping she wasn’t prying too much. Zooble sighed and turned to look at the mask tiredly.

“Unfortunately, not you,” they joked, painting Gangles face a vibrant shade of pink.

“Ha ha, well…later. You seem really down. If you don’t wanna talk about it, I get it. I’m just concerned,” she explained, peeking around them cautiously, hoping no one else was hearing their conversation. Zooble locked eyes with her and their stoic neutrality faltered.

“I一I feel like I majorly f*cked up,” they worried, taking the purchased percolator and heading to the door with Gangle.

“You feel that you’ve made a mistake? I thought you were upset about Jax一”

“I am! But I’m pissed at myself too. I didn’t一I didn’t try to stop it,” they whispered harshly, tears pricking their eyes. Gangle’s eyes widened and their mouth pulled to a taut line.

“Stop…what…?” Gangle pushed gently, feeling anxiety speed up her heart. She knew it wouldn’t be good.

“Pom and Jax got into it yesterday. He was pissed with her for playing the game without thinking about the consequences, or that's what he said. When he came back to us, he pulled her aside…” Zooble choked, desperately hoping that they were not out of place saying this.

“I couldn’t hear them at all. But I saw一I saw him grab her and force himself on her,” they lamented. Gangle shivered and stared deeply at Zooble.

“Are you certain that that’s what you saw? That’s a huge accusation,” she warbled.

“Well…I couldn’t see it very well, but I saw enough. She was sitting, talking with him, and he just sort of一pounced on her,” Zooble whispered, feeling sick to their stomach. Gangle tappeed her chin in thought.

“Ok. So you saw him jump on her, but was that all you saw? He may have just been doing that stupid spit-dangling bit or something. You have to be extra extra sure when you accuse that type of thing. How was Pomni acting around him?” Gangle pressed.

“She wasn’t acting any more anxious than usual. But he’s been hovering around her recently, and I’m worried about her. She trusts him,” Zooble explained, reaching for Gangle’s hand as they walked down the center street of the town, “I don’t know whether or not he’s threatening her, or something more nefarious. I wouldn’t put it past him to try and groom her into something.”

Gangle was lost in thought, Zoobles words repeating in her head as they approached the police office. Ragatha trudged out the door with a defeated face and marched over to them.

“No signs of a bunny or a small pale woman around. Do you think they’ve avoided the law this time?” Ragatha asked.

“Maybe. We should check the saloon and other stores. Let’s not leave a stone unturned,” Gangle answered, smiling weakly. Zooble seemed to relax a bit.

“Ok, well…lets go I guess,” they mumbled, starting off to sift through the NPCs for any signs of a white and a purple outlaw.

-

“Ok ok, so let’s do an overview of our haul,” Jax snickered, pulling Pomni into a large saloon.

“Why in here? It’s so…”Pomni started, looking around at the dark and dreary bar.

“Awe, come on,” he goaded her on, “It’s a place where we won’t get prying eyes. Plus this is the last place I need some souvenirs from.”

They walked up to the bartender and Jax leaned on the counter in quite a self-assured fashion. Pomni placed her hands on the bartop and peeked over it at the mannequin who was dusting the many bottles of dizzy juice behind him.

“Hey, Keep. We want a room,” Jax said, watching the mannequin intensely.

“A room, eh? Which lady are you interested in, Sir,” the NPC responded nonchalantly, resting his elbow on the counter and leaning toward him too. Jax flushed and shook his head with a scowl.

“You’ve got the wrong idea, friend. I don’t need a lady,” Jax sneered.

“OOooooh, I see一so, a gentleman, then? Our options are limited with the boys,” the barkeep answered knowingly. It made Jax so frustrated he smacked his own face, sighing in exasperation.

“NO, DUMMY. I’VE ALREADY GOT A LADY, GIVE US A F*CKING ROOM,” he growled, snatching a full shot glass set beside him and tossing it back to still his nerves. The barkeeper made a sound of understanding, and then handed him a labeled key in exchange for a few dollars.

“D@mn that guy and his thick skull,” Jax groaned, taking Pomni by the wrist and leading her to the room that matched the key’s number. Once they were in and had shut the door, Jax noticed how absolutely red she was.

“What? S’matter?” he asked, stepping over to set his bag of collectables on the big plush bed.

She wasn’t looking at him, but she made her way over to the bed and sat herself.
“Nothing,” she mumbled, running her hands over the stolen goods he’d collected.

There was a silver dollar, a box of cigarettes, and a platinum pocket watch. Pomni huffed as she looked over the stuff, thinking that he’d have wanted to collect more. Just as she had the thought, Jax opened his menu and started pulling out his weapons.

“The revolver is coming with, and so is the knife. I think the rope should come, too, it may come in handy,” he said, bouncing his eyebrows in a suggestive way that seemed to fly right over her head. He chuckled at her.

“That leaves plenty of room for our last heist, PomTree,” he explained, scooping all his stuff into the backpack he found.

“What’s the last thing?” she asked curiously, peeking back into the bag though she already saw everything.

“Pom. Come on. Where are we,” he said, more of a statement than a question.

“We’re in a一oh Jax, don't tell me you want to steal the alcohol,” she groaned, smelling the trouble before it even started.

He leaned over her so much that it knocked her back, and she just pouted at him as he laughed.

“Imma smuggle that hooch, lil’ Missy. And if you’re real sweet, I might share,” he purred mischievously. Pomni quickly averted her gaze so she didn’t have to look at his smug face.

“I’m一I don’t, um一” she stuttered, fidgeting with her fingers,

“You don’t whaaat? STEAL? Puh-lease, Pomparie. I’m not gonna force a life of crime on you. You’re just gonna be a distraction while I pursue a life of crime,” he explained as if it were the most obvious thing. She rolled her eyes as she pushed her hands at his chest.

“Making me an accomplice still constitutes as criminal, Sticky-fingers,” she quipped, struggling to remove his looming presence. His smile was deafening.

“Aweee, baby’s first nickname! How delightful to know I’m rubbing off on you,” he snickered, finally letting her push him over to lie by her side. They looked at each other for a moment before Pomni gave in.

“So what’s your plan?” she asked, rolling over to the side and resting her cheek on her hand. He mirrored her and became more devilish as he spoke.

“Well一we have a couple of options. We could distract everybody by having you get into a fight, we could start a fire to the place, or we could一”

“Oh, PLEASE can we not do anything nearly that destructive? I don’t want to deal with that drama,” she pleaded, letting her head fall gracelessly onto the bed.

“Less destru一Pom do you even know me?” he exaggerated, poking the pink of her cheek.

“Come on. Do you want me to wrinkle prematurely?” she joked with a grin.

“No excuses. You can’t even wrinkle here. And if you could you’d still be a Patoot,” he said, suddenly sitting upright and getting a determined look.

“Wait! Idea, idea一so do you have any programmed talents? Like, jester talents?” he asked suddenly, grinning at her excitedly.

“Um, I don’t know? And what’s a Patoot?” Pomni asked in a bewildered way.

“Anything would work! Old western simple folk go crazy for rodeo clowns and circus carnies; have you ever tried juggling or balancing on a moving ball or some silly sh*t like that?” he giggled, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her so that her eyes rattled.

“I-I-I’ve n-ne-v-ver tr-i-ied,” she answered as she was shaken. Jax reached into the backpack and pulled out the cigarettes, pocketwatch, and the silver dollar to shove into her hands. She just held them and balked at him.

“What makes you think I can do jester things? I’m not that coordinated or entertaining; are you just teasing me?” she groaned, unamused.

“Ok, so the short of it is on some level I’m always gonna try and tease you. But in this scenario, I’m like 89% serious. Caine programmed all our bodies to do things that are matched to our avatars,” he explained.

“Woah, really? So like…can I have an example?” she asked, interest piqued.

“When Ragatha gets hit, she has ragdoll physics. If you rough Gangle up enough, she will literally unravel like a spool. I have instincts. You probably are a secret acrobat,” he said quickly, expressing with his hands as he gave examples.

“You have bunny inst一?”

Well, go on, Pip! Come on, try it! Do a thing,” he blurted, ushering her with a waving off of his hand to continue. He’s not in the mood for humiliation right now.

She scowled at him before inspecting the items in her hand again. Then, she threw them up in the air doubtfully and to her astonishment, some muscle memory adjacent mechanism took over and she easily caught them and threw them in an arc again. Jax was beaming.

“Bingo bango bongo! Now let’s test your funambulism,” he tittered, flinging himself on the bed beside her. She dropped the objects she was juggling at the jolt and yelped at him as he grabbed her sides and hoisted her above him, bringing her feet to rest on his own before straightening his legs and lending her surging skyward. She balanced immediately, looking down at him with a surprised expression.

“WOAH! I did it?!” she exclaimed, quite impressed with herself. She was giddy as he chuckled below her.

“Knew it! You wouldn’t have been able to pull that stunt like a trick-rider back in that scuff with the cops if you weren’t a performer,” he laughed, lowering one leg as he shouted, “THINK FAST!”

She lifted her leg and balanced effortlessly on one as he pumped his fist in excitement.

“Let's go wow those stupid NPCs and loot some liquor!” he grinned, dropping his other leg and catching her in his hands like some sort of dancer doing a lift. She couldn’t help but laugh at his glee as she was held there a second before he put her down.

-

“Ladies and Gentleman, Tikes and Tots, and NPCs of all socioeconomic status! Prepare to be utterly titillated by a tricky, tiny, talented, little jester!” Jax called out like a showman, hopping onto a table and gesturing grandly. All the NPCs turned to look at him as he made his declarations.

Pomni shifted nervously as she watched his speech. So many eyes were on him, she had no clue how he was able to be in the spotlight so easily. Her nerves were already frayed and she hadn’t even done anything yet. He gave her a brilliant look, and extended his hand out to her, so she closed her eyes to will herself to take it.

She was pulled up onto the table with him and he spun her around like a spinner top. He snatched her hand and slung her so that her upper half hung from the table as her feet stayed put. Then he pulled her back and kneeled down, gesturing for her to climb onto his bent knee.

She climbed on, and then she jumped onto his arm as he made a bicep flex. They were met with some hoots and small acknowledging coos from the crowd, but Jax was keeping an eye on the barkeeper. They seemed to be less interested as they wiped the counter.

Pomni noticed that he wasn’t distracted also, so she grabbed onto Jax’s shoulder and did a handstand, earning yet more cheers from the NPCs. They both realized they had to up the ante if they were gonna pull it off, so she whispered while in her handstand.

“Catch me, Imma flip off of you. Incorporate the barkeeper into the act,” she ordered quietly. Jax’s ears twitched and his grin grew sharp as he obeyed her, catching her post-flip as smooth as Jiffy peanut butter.

“Come on! Come see what this little lady can do! YOU, barkeep! Come on up!” Jax belted, bouncing off the table and wrapping his arm around the bartender's shoulders. He also pulled a huge stack of shot glasses from the back shelves as he ushered the NPC toward a bowing Pomni.

“She’s not just an acrobat, friends! Watch as she’s tossed shot glasses by your own beloved whisky slinger!” he hyped, pushing the man forward and locking eyes with Pomni. She nodded once at him and jumped from the table to a nearby chair directly in front of the startled barkeeper. All the NPCs were glued to the scene, watching as the barkeeper started participating out of peer pressure.

With a quick survey of the room, Jax was satisfied with the level of distraction, and he swiftly slid behind the counter and opened his backpack. After a quick overview of the selection, he settled on the big bottle of moonshine that’d surely take the rest of the space. He snatched it and pocketed a couple of bottles of miscellaneous intoxicants, and made his way far from the counter.

He made eye contact with Pomni as she was juggling 10 shot glasses and made a motion with his hand to continue before he ran to their room and flung the bag inside and locked the door. He laughed maniacally as he slid down the stair rail to the landing before the main room of the saloon, ready to snatch her away.

When he saw her face, though, he had a fleeting thought that maybe he shouldn’t. She looked so happy; smiling, balancing on the chair, juggling an increasing number of glasses like a friggin pro. She seemed in her element, and it was pretty impressive for someone who’s supposedly never performed before. When she saw him standing there, though, the smile widened and a gleam caught her eye.She stopped juggling and caught each shot glass in succession, making a perfect tower before handing the barkeep the glasses. She bowed graciously as the NPCs cheered and applauded, before running up to Jax.

“Have you got what you wanted?” she breathed out, huffing a little from the performance.

He smiled and grabbed her hand as he laughed, “Do now!” and he took off with her to go hole up in the room.

When they arrived, they flung themselves on the bed and giggled like children.

“YOU WERE GREAT, POM!” Jax belted, splaying out like a giddy starfish.

“Me? You’re kidding, right? You’re such a freaking showman!” she laughed, holding her belly as she did.

“I KNOW! I was MAGICAL,” he beamed, grabbing her arm and shaking her gently, “but YOU! What a stage presence, what a beautiful distraction! The whole place was enamored, you devious little player, you,” he bubbled gleefully.

She rolled over in excitement and straddled his stomach, grabbing his neckerchief tails and pulling him slightly forward in a sudden surge of energy.

“You are a sly, charismatic, conniving, brilliant bunny, but you’re right一you’d have never pulled it off without me and my masterful mind,” she gloated, giggling and indulging in the rush of self-confidence. After a second of boasting, though, the momentum she had was lost due to the incredible look on his face.

He was wide eyed, and his pupils were so large they took up most of the yellow. He had the smallest grin, and his eyebrows raised in a look of mild shock. His cheeks dusted pink as his hands reached up slowly to grasp her thighs. He pulled down just the slightest bit, and that sent Pomni’s heart into overdrive.

“OHMYGOSHI’MSOSORRY,” she squeaked, leaning back to try and pull herself away, only to be pressed against him more. It shot a tingling warmth through her, and she felt faint. He didn’t laugh, or chuckle, or giggle, or anything like he usually does when he’s messing with her…it made her feel crazy. She could feel her face heat up, so she started struggling and wiggling to try and break free from him.

“Woah, haha, wait a minute Wiggles,” he huffed, that look of his never fading. He sat up and she slid down from his stomach to his lap, keening. His expression grew more hungry, his hands never left their position on her legs as he leaned toward her.

“WAIT, d-don’t一!” she gasped as he squeezed her legs, shivering at the contact and from embarrassment. He didn’t seem to care about her mortification, though, because his breath hitched as he leaned close to her ear.

“You’re so silly,” he purred, letting her go abruptly. She was so shocked that she stayed a moment after he’d let go, and his expression intensified by magnitudes. He opened his mouth to say something, but couldn’t get it out before she hopped off in a flustered mess.

“I’m really sorry! I wasn’t thinking, I was just excited, and you were hyping me up, and I don’t know what I was doing! I never do anything like that and that’s totally out of bounds for me and disrespectful and一”

“Pomni,” he interrupted her rambling rant of an apology with a hand over her mouth, “Stoppit. You’re fine. I’m fine. It’s good.”

She just gawked at him, her lips feeling hot under his hand. She really did need to calm down. He slowly pulled his hand away from her, studying her face in all its flustered glory.

“All those pre-performance nerves came back up, huh, Pom,” his voice cracked, reaching into his pocket to pull out the whiskey.

“I-I guess?! I don’t know what’s wrong with me right now,” she answered sheepishly, sitting on the bed, making sure to give him space after her outburst. He twisted off the lid and sighed a deep sigh before gulping down at least 3 shots worth. Then he extended the bottle to her, motioning to it with his eyes.

She glanced between the bottle and his face. He was desperately trying to hide behind his usual neutral smile, though it was obvious to her that he was struggling. She took it from him and took a sip, not enough to steal her nerves or have any real effect. She gave it back hastily, and he capped it as he laid himself back on the bed, thoughts racing around in his head.

“Hey Pom,” he said quietly, tracing his thumb over the bottle, “you said earlier that you had plenty of thoughts about me.” She nodded and then realized he wasn’t looking, so she muttered a quick ‘yeah’.

“They, um…your thoughts,” he nearly whispered, audibly swallowing, “they aren’t…all bad, are they?”

She was quiet for a while, and it lit his nerves on fire. It made him want to tear off his own ears. It was atrocious. He placed a hand over his face to try and conceal how hard it was twisting.

Then she spoke so softly, it was like it was right in his ear.

“I think you are a rowdy, playful, scheming, troublemaker who has the craziest ideas and a propensity for violence. I think you have a brilliant mind, but you struggle to see the potential in others because they are either not at your level intellectually, or they remind you of the parts of yourself you don’t like. I think you are much deeper than you pretend to be, and that you mask your self-perceived unsavory aspects behind your sharp wit and a purposely sculpted apathetic persona,” she stated calmly. Now he was looking at her.

“But I also think you are hilarious, and secretly more kind than you let on. I think you have a big heart and go about expressing your emotions awkwardly because they're something you’ve repressed for so long. I think you try really really hard to be strong and scrounge up a facade of control to block out the horrible realities that you’ve been facing for a long time here, even if it’s at the cost of people who would care about you if you gave them a chance. But of all the things I think about you, there is one thing I’m certain of.”

He stared at her longingly, his eyes much glossier than he’d have liked.

“I am absolutely certain that you make my life better, Jax,” she promised.

He couldn’t find the words he wanted, this time. Unlike all the other times when a quick snark rolled off his tongue, this time it coiled up in his throat and refused to budge. He reached out a hand gingerly, but instead of flicking her chin, or poking her pink splotchy perma-blush, he simply cupped her cheek with the gentility of a falling leaf in autumn.

And just then, the portal opened. Pomni reared back and grabbed his bag from the side of the bed. She handed it to him before stepping through the portal, and Jax followed with his bag on his back and his words still lodged in his throat.

Chapter 21: CH.21: HOW'S THAT TASTE?

“WELCOME BACK, SUPERSTARS!” Caine hollered as the cast filtered through the portals he’d conjured. He snapped his fingers happily and all returned to their circus-wear, making sad little noises of grief to mourn their spiffy outfits and fancy suits.

Everyone was looking pretty spent as they came through. Jax came out unusually quiet, with big eyes and no smile to be seen. Pomni seemed to be fighting some of her inner demons while holding heated cheeks. Ragatha was limp and sulky while Zooble and Gangle dragged themselves through. Kinger was the only one who seemed to be fine.

“Woah, you guys look terrible,” Bubble said with the honesty of a preschooler.

“I’m delighted to tell you all that since Zooble was captured, the outlaws lose! But Kinger was also captured by the outlaws, so the detectives lose too! Everybody is a loser!” Caine rejoiced, busting confetti at them as they stood there silently.

“If everyone’s a loser, we should all have one wish we agree on,” Pomni said gravely as she looked at her friends.

“You all want to agree on something? HAHAHA SURE, OKAY. I love impossible games!” Caine barked, twirling in the air.

“All those in favor of having every other day off of adventures, say Aye,” she spat, ready to go to sleep for a day and a half.

A quick succession of ‘Ayes’ rang through the air, and Caine’s jaw literally dropped and clattered on the floor. Ragatha asked Kinger what he uses to see and he’d merrily said ‘my Eyes!’ and that was indistinguishable for Caine. Though, he looked rather depressed about it.

“Oh? If that’s what you all want,” he warbled, teeth chattering in sadness.

“Yeah. I need a break,” Zooble groaned, rubbing their lower back, “Please give us like, an hour before dinner. I’m begging.” Caine just blinked at them.

“Well, that's fine, I guess. I, ah, really have to go brush my eyeballs and rub my teeth. Rest up, you Simple Sleepy Cephalopods,” he kind of muttered, losing a touch of his charisma.

With that, the cast broke up to go rest in their rooms a while after the 3-day fiasco. They needed some time alone before dinner, which everyone had forgotten was going to be an entirely new experience.

Jax went straight to his room before anyone else, his long stride a godsend right now. He needed to be away to filter through the feelings that were bubbling up no matter how forcefully he pushed them down.

He stood before his door and grasped the handle with so much force it made his fingers hurt, before he turned to glance at the pouty face of Pomni across the hall. He didn’t scowl or smile, or say a word. But even though he willed his expression and tongue to obey him, he couldn’t pull the reins on his twisting guts like he could with Hailstorm. He blanked at the image before he finally pushed himself to open his own door and stop being a freak.

He slipped inside and leaned his back against his door, squeezing his eyes shut and letting his ears fall to the sides of his head. When he opened his eyes, he was met with the mural and the blue walls with black floors. It was still missing something, but he couldn’t focus enough to change it right now.

Jax stepped to the bed and fell backwards to flop heavily on the mattress. He was abnormally tired, and he wasn’t really sure if it was because of a half-week long adventure, or the sheer tsunami of emotions that he’s been drowning in. If he had to wager on it, though, he’d bet on the latter.

“Crazy, brilliant, violent, rowdy,” he groaned to himself, “witty, hilarious, kind, awkward, strong…”

He kept repeating those words as he pulled the heavy comforter over himself and tightly curled up in it to try and quiet his mind. But it just kept nagging him.

“So many of those things are contradicting,” he sighed, burying his face into a big plush pillow, “but she said it like it was normal.” He growled into the pillow, trying to bury himself more but failing.

“S’better, she says! Cuz of me?! She’s the crazy one. She’sー” he paused, thinking about how different Pomni was from the others. And how he thought about the others compared to how he thought about her.

“Why would she think that? I don’t deserveーthat doesn’t make sense,” he whispered, rubbing his face back and forth frantically, chinning the pillow with the furocity of an angry bull.

He sat up suddenly and imagined a punching dummy beside his bed so he could pounce on it. He leapt with a crazed look, bared teeth and claws out, to tackle the wobbly thing. He wrestled it to the ground, biting and ripping at it with all its might until he felt better.

“WHY,” he roared, ripping the material off of his punching bag, “WHY AM I SO HAPPY ABOUT IT, D@MMIT?” The dummy was now successfully maimed, and he felt satisfied at destroying the thing he created to obliterate. It was cathartic.

“My f*cking life in this f*cking place is f*cking BEARABLE now! How long have I tried to get there?” he growled at the torn up dummy laying on the floor under him.

“But NO! JAX CAN’T DO IT BY HIMSELF CAN HE? Take’s a God d@mned teacup albino jester to make this place seem less like literal hell!” he snarled, breathing heavily and shaking. He imagined his own face on the part of the punching bag that was still intact, and a surge of destructive energy enveloped him. He started beating the bag with a new found vigor.

“I swear to God, you snarky purple piece of sh#t,” he threatened heavily, “If you mess this up I will straight up dismember you and throw all your stupid lanky limbs into a volcano and record the screaming to play at the funeral!!!”

He was breathing so heavily, looming over the now scrap pile of leather and foam stuffing, scowling at the remnants of yellow and purple. He suddenly sat up straight and pushed the trash away with his foot as his expression shifted to one of worry.

“Maybe I am goin' crazy...well, wouldn’t that be surprising if she was right again. F*ck me,” he groaned, smoothing his ears back roughly. He looked at the bag of stolen goods he’d placed by the bed, and pulled it over to him. After removing the alcohol and the cigarettes, he stood and walked to the display closet, opening it into a long hallway of display cases and bookshelves.

He paced down, finding an open spot, and setting up the pocket watch and silver dollar beside each other. Then, he pulled the weapons and rope out and placed it in his designated weapons chest, full of melee, firearms, and ammunition. He grabbed a lighter from one of his shelves and retreated back to the bedroom to remove a cigarette.

He took one out of the generic carton and brought it to his lipsーthen immediately spit it out.

“Oh nasty...what’s with the…OH YEAH,” he hummed, remembering there was a total reworking of taste and smell. THAT’S why the cigarette smelled like if cancer were an odor. His mood immediately perked at this thought, the minor inconvenience of not getting a nicotine buzz dead and forgotten. If it tasted that realistic, then the prospect for the rest of the food was markedly favorable. His mood lifted, and he was able to successfully shove the mess of feelings aside for now.

He decided to leave the bedroom after wiping the decimated punching bag from the slaight. As he made his way down the hallway, everything was eerily quiet. He scanned the area for anything interesting and landed on the open commons kitchen door. He had a faint smell of food in his nostrils. Curiosity got the best of him, so he approached casually and peeked inside.
He was greeted with an outstanding array of smells; smells he’d completely forgotten but now was exposed to again. He smelled roast beef and potatoes with carrots, garlic bread, and the tang of salad dressing. He smelled the sweetness of apple juice and the mild creaminess of milk. All of these aromas were so overwhelming, his brain blanked at all of the new sensations he was processing. Bubble was pulling the last tray of garlic bread out of the oven and turned to eye the bunny.

“I can’t just spawn the stuff I want anymore. I have to actually make it, now. Crazy, right? Caine’s new system is so f*c)ing complicated,” Bubble droned, shuffling the steaming bread onto a plate.

“This smells insane,” he stated dumbly, eyeing the food on the table hungrily.

“Yeah, well it’s done, loser. Time to eat or whatever,” Bubble hummed, snatching the food and carrying it to the dining area. Then, a big ass bell materialized out of nothing and rang like there was a church marriage.

Jax watched as the rest of the cast slowly came out to the table, some still groggy, and some better rested than when they arrived. He noticed Pomni was one of the groggy ones, already dressed in her pajamas. As soon as they got within a few feet of the table, though, everyone started to gain interest and sniff around.

“Oh gosh, is that pot roast?!” Ragatha chirped, moving over to her seat swiftly. The rest eagerly followed.

“Wow,” Gangle breathed out, grabbing a glass and pouring apple juice. She brought it to her mouth, but smelled deeply first, and a smile grew on her face. She then took a small sip, being watched by everyone intently.

“Oh my goodness,” she whispered, bringing the cup down from her lips. Her eyes got glossy.

“It’s been so long since I’ve tasted anything like that,” she stared at the cup, unable to look anywhere else.

The rest of the cast excitedly plated their dinners and poured their drinks. Once someone placed a fork in their mouth, there were a variety of reactions. Zooble just chewed slowly, staring off into space as the flavor took them. Ragatha ate rather noisily, humming and nomming with each bite. Kinger ate his food quickly, complimenting Bubble about 20 times as he did so, and Gangle of course was teary from the nostalgia of it.

Jax was immersed in the flavors that felt so incredibly real, not bothering to pay much attention to anything beside what he was putting in his mouth. And the girl sitting next to him of course. He scolded himself for being distracted by her still even with a sensationally realistic dinner in front of him. He watched her face as she took her first bite.
At first, it was neutral. You wouldn’t know she was eating good food for the first time in way too long. But as she chewed, her expression contorted into one of surprise, slowing down and staring at the food on her plate. She took a really long time chewing before scooping another forkful. She’d noticed Jax staring at her and delicately set down her fork on her plate.

“Do I have something on my face?” she asked, touching her lips as if to assess herself. He cracked a crooked smile at her.

“Nah. S’good?” he asked curtly, grabbing a glass of milk in front of him. She took a deep breath and sighed, closing her eyes and running her fingers through her hair as he savored his sip.

“I feel like a part of me that was lost is back,” she warbled softly, “I want to eat this as slowly as I possibly can. Bathe in the flavor, and whatnot.”

He nodded slightly, and decided that that was a really good idea. He took another bite and fell into the sensation too, allowing the taste to intoxicate him. The gang ate in relative silence, enjoying the brightness of savory meat and gravy, earthy vegetables, and sweet beverages. As soon as the dinner was complete, Jax decided it was time to sleep in a bed. So, he left first.

The rest of the cast finished slowly, taking their sweet time with the meal. They didn’t seem to care at all that Jax left. All except one, of course.

-

‘Knock knock,’ Pomni tapped on the door across from her own. She heard nothing.

“Hey, um, Jax?” she started timidly, and was immediately met by the bunny as he swung the door open.

“Wassup Pom?” he asked tiredly. He didn’t seem annoyed, but she wasn’t about to press more than she needed to. She just had to say something before bed.

“I wanted to thank you,” she mumbled, face tilted up to see him, but eyes refusing to look into his own. It made him snort in amusement through his grogginess.

“Again? Such a mannerly lil’ thing,” he huffed, leaning on the doorframe so he didn’t have to continue on fully standing anymore. She smiled at him, and his nose twitched.

Suddenly, she took a tentative step forward and wrapped her arms lightly around his torso, causing him to tense and jerk his arm over to hold her head there. He was quite surprised but not at all upset by his own involuntary reaction, because she didn’t seem to be put off by it.

“And the others are appreciative too. Even if they don’t say it, they are. You did really good,” she whispered, the words nearly impaling him. She pulled away softly and turned away too quickly for his liking, before she waved and mumbled a quiet ‘goodnight’. He watched her vanish into her room and sighed before he too went to bed.

-

“So what should we do?” Zooble asked, swinging lazily in their hammock. Gangle was drawing in her sketchbook on Zoobles’ bed, and didn’t bother looking up as she responded. Zooble and Gangle often talked like this, doing something completely different yet still in tune enough to make conversation.

“What do you mean, do? You are not even sure what exactly happened,” Gangle responded simply, tapping her pencil to her chin.

“Dude, that’s what I mean. I don’t know what all went down, but if it was bad, I should help right? We should help, right?” they fretted. Gangle put her book down.

“Look,” Gangle sighed, standing from the bed, “I know that you’re worried because you’ve got a big heart. You are definitely the ‘mandatory reporting’ type. But you have no right to accuse someone we live with of assault unless you are certain of it.”

“You act like he doesn’t f*ck with us whenever he can,” Zooble huffed. Gangle approached them softly and started swinging the hammock a little.

“There is a big difference between pranks and r@pe, Z. Don’t you think Pomni would have said something, anyway? She knows she’s not alone, she knows we love her,” Gangle reassured as she crawled into the hammock with them.

“That’s true. But sometimes, people get scared of consequences, or brainwashed into thinking that someone who hurts them has good intentions. My mom was like that. Her second husband beat the f*ck out of her and she stayed with that @sshole because he had a job that had vision and dental, and apparently loved her in ‘his own way’,” they explained, wrapping an arm around the ribbon girl. Gangle nodded while her face was pressed against their side in acknowledgment.

“If you are that worried about it, why don’t we confront Pomni about it? I trust what she has to say. I think you should too,” Gangle hummed, curling her ribbons around them in an almost vine-like way.

“Ok. That’s a good idea. So um, how do we go about it?” they asked quietly, sinking into the unique feeling of Gangle cuddles.

“Hmmm….Oh, I know! Do you remember how before the cowboy adventure we all had that sleepover? Pomni didn’t come because she wasn’t feeling it at the time, but she did say she’d come to the next one. We can ask her then,” Gangle answered, muffled by Zoobles' side.
“We should have it here,” Zooble said, throwing their leg over the side of the hammock to use it as a pendulum weight. The hammock rocked back and forth as they sat in silence, mulling everything over.

“Should I tell Ragatha?” Gangle asked meekly.

“About the sleepover. Not about Pomni’s intervention,” Zooble clarified.

“Intervention is a strong word, Z,” Gangle muttered, “more like investigation.”

Zooble made a grunting sound of agreement before closing their eyes and drifting off to sleep, tied up in ribbons like a christmas present.

Chapter 22: CH.22 ASK HER ALREADY

Ragatha had gotten up early to perform her morning routine, as she usually does before breakfast. She’d woken up in her frilly pastel bed, stretched her arms and arched her back, and pulled the soft sleeping mask off of her face. She untied the silk bonnet that held her red coiled hair, and let it fall to her shoulders.

She slid off of her bed and made her way to an intricate cream-colored vanity. Atop the vanity, there sat plenty of unassuming serums and random topical products labeled with simple pink wrappers. The name ‘Imagine’ was printed in old-style cursive writing on each little bottle. She picked them up one by one, applying them in various ways. As she handled the last bottle, she turned it in her plush hand to study it.

The label was so simple it made her scowl. It had no ingredient list, it had no catchy phrases or brand mottos printed on it. Not even any artwork. She stared at it intensely, desperately trying to think of some catchy saying to patch on it in hopes to make it more realistic. She sighed, blinking back a heavy feeling that started pushing at the back of her eyes. She decided to at least attempt to make it more believable.

She added ‘skin so dreamy’ below the Imagine lettering and stared at it, hoping it would make the bottle seem more legitimate. It still seemed so out of place, though, so wrong. It was infuriating to look at, and infuriating to hold. So, she put it down and stood abruptly. She’d been having this problem since she came here: she was not imaginative enough to make the pretend things seem more real. She never was.

This was how Ragatha coped, though. She established an unnecessary routine to give herself a tiny bit of control, and scrambled poorly made copies of what she remembered to help with the underlying feeling of existential dread that every person in the circus felt. And though it was a weak bandaid, it was still a bandaid nonetheless.

She went to retrieve one of her handmade dresses from the closet. It was an off day, she remembered, so Caine wouldn’t mind if she wore something other than the patchy blue one. She hated wearing it, really. Her style preferences were to be much more put-together, with heavy fabrics and tailored looks.

After she slipped into the simple pink dress she’d made, she rubbed the fabric between her fingers. It felt so much better than the one he designated for her thematic outfit, she smiled a little in relief.

She slipped on her simple black shoes, the only ones provided to her, and made her way out the door. As she stepped into the hallway, the thought came to her to check on Pomni.

She really liked how sweet the small girl was, and she was happy to have someone else to be buddy buddy with. She remembered how terrified she herself and everyone else was when they’d first arrived, so a soft spot had developed for the jester. Not because she was the baby of the group, or extra needy, anxious, and scared, though. It was actually because Pomni seemed to be adjusting in a healthier way than she or the others had.

Something she was doing was working. Ragatha really wanted to find out what it was, because the rate she’d been adjusting was astonishing by the standards of the circus, at least from what Ragatha could tell. She wanted to get to the point where she’d be able to ask her about it and not feel awkward.

She tapped on the door to the jesters room with the back of her knuckle and waited patiently.

“Hello, Pomni? I am just wondering how you’re doing,” she said happily.

There was nothing there. No sound of scurrying or turning of the doorknob. Ragatha frowned.

Was she being ignored? If Pom wasn’t there, where could she be? Usually Pomni would be the one to sleep in一it was so strange to not have her open her door and offer a small groggy greeting. She turned on her heel and paced away with her hands behind her back.

She’d been wanting to ask Pomni so badly, and every chance to ask had been interrupted by someone or something. Adventures pulled them away from casual conversation, Jax had interrupted her, the last adventure was 3 days long…it was like the circus didn’t want Ragatha to get an answer. But she wasn’t gonna give up, no siree bob.

The artificial lights of the circus were still dim and warm, like how she remembered streetlights were when it was dark outside. She made her way down the hall and decided it would be nice to step outside the tent for a breath of simulated night air, so she looked to the opening to the outside at the end of the dining room.

When she pulled back the flap, she found the silhouette of trees and vague geographic features with the early morning sky behind it. The stars were still there, though the horizon was gradually starting to lighten. As she took her step out, she noticed the outline of a little woman sitting on a boulder a ways away.

OH! This was her chance! Wait…Pomni probably came out here to be alone. Or maybe she couldn’t sleep? That could be it too. She should definitely try to help, she decided.

She approached Pomni silently, trying not to be disruptive, before reaching out her hand to place gently on the girls shoulder.

“Um, hey, Pomni一”

“EEp! Ah f*ckin’ what the…Ragatha?” Pomni huffed, eyes shrunken as she whipped her head around to face the doll.

“OH! Yes, I’m sorry I startled you Dear,” Ragatha pipped, stepping to the side of the boulder, “I just一I saw you out here and it surprised me. A good surprise, though!”

“Hah, ha…thanks, I guess. It’s good to see you too. Seems like it’s been a while,” Pomni responded with a smile. She then scooted over on the boulder and patted the spot next to her gently, “sit by me?”

Ragatha immediately nodded with a brilliant smile. She hauled herself on top of the rock to sit by her freind. As she tucked her dress underneath her as she adjusted, she rocked back and forth to get comfortable next to the smaller woman.

“So, what are you out here for? I assume it’s not only the view,” Ragatha asked, hoping it was a polite enough way of asking her to spill the beans.

“You’re correct. I came out here to scratch my butt and practice yodeling,” she giggled, eyeing Ragatha’s pink dress. Her silly comment made Ragatha titter out a high pitched laugh.

“Can I get a demonstration?” she humored her, leaning back against her arms on the boulder.

“Of course. I can do both at the same time, now,” she mused. A moment of silence passed between them before Ragatha broke it.

“I usually come out here when I’m frustrated,” she explained, gazing at the fading stars. Pomni looked at her intently, pulling her knees to her chest. Then she took in the sky too.

“I came out here to try and dissect myself a little. I like to think I know myself fairly well, but some things have happened recently that make me question the type of person I am,” Pomni said softly. That definitely got Ragatha’s attention.

“What do you mean, Pom?” she asked gently, studying the small girl now. Pomni sighed and frowned a small frown.

“I used to think I knew myself, I guess. I knew generally how smart I am, and what my faults are. What I like, what I don’t like, where I fall morally and ethically. What my belief system consists of. But right now, Ragatha…” she muttered, fidgeting her fingers, “everything is making me question so much of it. Of myself.”

The doll sat with her quietly, absorbing her confession. It was nothing new to her, as she’d had similar things said to her more times than she could name. But she did understand how hard it is to question everything, especially oneself一like Pomni was doing. She pulled a red coil down and let it spring back up in a motion of habit.

“Everybody has felt like that, Pomni. I know it’s scary to think that you might not know yourself like you thought, but when the only thing real around is you, you start paying a lot of attention to yourself. All the cracks in the foundation are revealed,” she said with a bittersweet tone, “and it gives you a truer picture of who you are. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”

Pomni peered at her with big eyes, and a neutral pout. She seemed to be considering it.

“I am not the only real thing. The others are real too,” she said quietly. Ragatha blinked, and then pulled up her hands in a defensive manner.

“I didn’t mean it that way! I just meant that as a person, you are real. All the people here are real,” she explained, feeling a bit sheepish from the misunderstanding. Pomni seemed to understand though, because she nodded after.

“They are. The people here are absolutely real. And ironically, I’m learning more about myself from them than I am from this digital domain we live in. You’d think I'd be learning more about myself because of the fakeness of this place as a foil. But no,” she hummed.

“Are you comfortable talking about what you’ve discovered?” Ragatha questioned simply, smiling as the sun began to peak from the horizon.

“I一I’m not sure I am. It’s still pretty new, you know? It’s difficult to digest, and I’m not sure I’d have the words to explain how I feel correctly,” she explained.

“That’s absolutely fine. I think that’s a wise thing to do, Pomni. You’re really something, you know? And you have, from what I can tell一a successful method of dealing with the hardships here. I don’t know what exactly you’re doing to adjust, but I’m very curious,” Ragatha pressed.

“You think I’m doing that well, huh? I’m flattered. I’m trying a lot of things to make it feel better,” Pomni chuckled.
“Like?” Ragatha asked intently, leaning in to hear her response. She might as well pull out a notepad.

“I’m focusing on the things that I know are real, I guess. The people. I’m paying attention to everybody here, and keeping track of how I feel一I write stuff down in my journal, sometimes, too,” she explained, “But I think the best thing I’m doing for my mental health is allowing myself to grieve. I’m grieving everything I’ve lost, and everything I won’t ever have. It feels way better after I allow myself to mourn. And I try to be optimistic, like you.”

Ragatha watched her lips move, her face shifting ever so slightly. The doll had a light, airy feeling in her chest, like she was floating. She couldn’t help the ear to ear smile that spread across her face at the small girl's words.

“I think you’re quite a special person, Pomni,” Ragatha hummed, patting her knees softly. Pomni nodded and muttered a small ‘thanks’.

“I feel more special than I ever have,” Pomni said suddenly, surprising the doll beside her.

“Oh? How so,” she asked curiously.

“Maybe it’s because there are only 6 of us, and I’m not comparing myself to unrealistic expectations of society or family. But I don’t think that’s the whole thing,” she explained as she stood. “I think it’s because of recent social developments that I don’t quite have a name for.”

She stood on the rock and looked down at the still sitting doll.

“I love your dress. Did you ask Caine for it?” she questioned. Ragatha pulled herself from thought to answer her.

“I actually made this one,” she hummed, eyes flitting over Pomni’s face in an attempt to reveal a little more.

“Woah, really? How? All the stuff I conjure up in my room disappears if I try to walk out of there with it. Don’t ask how I figured it out, it’s as embarrassing as you imagine,” she nervously chuckled.

“Oh goodness! Ha ha, I asked Caine to give me material and I sewed it myself. And you don’t have to be embarrassed about that, Sweetie, we’ve all done that,” Ragatha chimed, sliding off the stone.

“Well, that makes me feel a little better. Do you think you could make me some casual wear that I can have on without the threat of it disappearing as soon as I set foot out of my room?” Pomni asked lightly.

“Hmmm, I suppose I could do something like that. As cute as you are in that little jester outfit, I know how uncomfortable it must be. I was surprised you didn’t take it off for a couple of days when you first arrived,” Ragatha chimed, making her way to the tent, being followed by Pomni.

“Yeah…it was a revolutionary day when it finally came off. You’ll never guess who helped me,” she chuckled casually.

“Oh? It couldn’t be Gangle or Zooble, because they dont wear clothes! Kinger only has one cape, and I don’t know if he even knows how to take it off一And I know it wasn’t me because I would absolutely remember helping you undress,” she said quickly, bringing up a hand to her chin and blushing as she looked away. Then, after a moment of thought, she tensed and her face blanked.

“Did…was it…” she said quietly, before frowning and leaning forward as they walked, “...was it Jax?”

Pomni laughed as she nodded, not not noticing her friend's change in attitude.

“Yeah! Jax , of all people. When he showed me what adventure mode was, I felt so stupid. But that’s not the first time he’s surprised me. And I don’t think It’ll be the last,” she sighed, a hint of longing laced in her tone.

Ragatha felt like she was stuck in a tar pit. A feeling of unease enveloped her at the thought of her friend being undressed by the one person in the circus who made it a personal mission to harm everyone he came in contact with. She couldn’t process the feeling as fast as it came on, but before she knew it, they’d arrived at the dining table. Gangle and Zooble were already there, and Kinger was making his way down.

Jax was not seated, to Ragatha’s relief, because she didn’t think she could stand to see his face. She tried desperately not to hate anyone, and if questioned, she would deny it…but she really did not like the type of person he was. The mean, hurtful, apathetic, fake person he was.

She felt that Pomni did not deserve to be harmed by him. Pomni was a wonderful person, and so very real. Probably the realest person in the circus, by Ragatha’s standards. And someone that special was too good to be messed with by someone so despicable.

“Good morning, Zooble, Gangle. Did you guys get a goodnight’s sleep?” Pomni asked sweetly. Zooble looked at Gangle, and they seemed to share a telepathic idea before Gangle answered punctually. Ragatha pulled her chair back to sit, as she didn’t think she could stand much of what she’d just been told.

“Pretty good. We fell asleep on the hammock and Zooble woke up in the middle of the night shivering,” she hummed.

“Oh, I totally get that. I need a lot of heat to fall asleep deeply. I’ve heard that the opposite is supposed to be true, but not for me,” Pomni responded happily as she slipped into her seat.

“I like a little chill in the air. It makes the warmth so much better," Gangle chirped, sipping from her mug. She nearly moaned after it, causing Zooble to turn to her quickly with a stern face.

“It’s not that good,” Zooble grumbled, reaching over and snatching the cup from her. Gangle giggled as Zooble took a sip themself, eyes widening and brows lifting.

“Woah, what did you do to this?” they asked, intrigued. They took a sip again as she answered.

“It’s a Cafe` Miel. Espresso with honey and cinnamon, made with heavy cream instead of whole milk. It’s my favorite,” she bubbled, taking the drink back from Zooble.

“Gangle the barista,” Pomni chimed, peeking over to look into the cup. Gangle smirked and passed it to her.

“Only for 4 years. You can taste my masterpiece, Pomni,” she gloated, earning a laugh from Zooble and Pomni. Kinger sat down as Pomni sipped the beverage, her face lighting up at it.

“Wow, Gangle! That is lovely,” she hummed, handing the cup back.

“Good morning, everyone. I had the strangest dream last night. Ragatha, you were in it!” Kinger blurted.

“Oh..?” she answered quietly, setting scrambled eggs on her plate.

“Yeah! You were having a competition with Jax,” he said. Her face contorted into one of distress.

“Well, I know I won. No need to explain any further,” a raspy, arrogant voice pierced the air. The whole table turned to peer at him.

Jax waltzed past all the others, not bothering to flick or poke anyone. He just flopped himself into his chair and reached across the table to grab the plate of pancakes.

“Dunno about you guys,” he grinned, “But I am so friggin’ excited about blueberry pancakes. I might actually die.” He pulled a comically large stack of pancakes onto his plate before grabbing the syrup. Pomni chuckled beside him before reaching for the pancake plate herself.

“Blueberry’s good, but the best pancakes are cinnamon walnut pancakes. With banana and whip cream on top,” she hummed. He snorted as he forked a puffy bite and shoved it in his mouth before mouthing off.

“S’nds lik’a Ol’ L’dy c’ck,” he insisted through his full mouth. Once he got to the last cake on his plate, he’d cut it into a shape that looked remarkably like her head with her silly jester hat.

“Look! It’s a Pomcake,” he teased, stabbing it with his utensil to show her better.

She looked at it unamused while he grinned like the Cheshire cat. The others at the table were studying his behavior intently. After a moment of her bored look, he opened his mouth as wide as he could to tear into it, shaking his head like a dog with a chew toy.

“Jax! Don’t you threaten her!” Ragatha growled, standing up abruptly and slamming her hands on the table. Suddenly, all eyes were on her, but she didn’t really care.

“Woah! Did you finally lose it, Raggy? It’s a f*cking pancake,” Jax defended, raking his eyes over the steaming doll.

“Don’t you play dumb with me, Mister! I know you have an agenda,” she seared, causing him to sneer and cock his head in a confused way.

“I have LITERALLY no idea what you’re talking about,” he snarled, his hands starting to hurt at how tightly he’d gripped his fork.

“Um, Ragatha…” Gangle interjected softly before Zooble placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“Can’t you go two seconds without causing trouble? Why are you like this?!” she asked angrily. Pomni, Gangle, and Kinger sat in stunned silence at her outburst, but Zooble seemed to have something different running through their head.

“Ragatha, Jax didn’t do anything. Why are you so mad?” Pomni spoke up defensively, drawing the doll's furious gaze. It gentled a little before she spoke.

“Pomni, you don’t know what he’s doing!” she exclaimed, getting a look of surprise from the rest of the table.

“Ok, I don’t know what the f*c) your problem is! God you’re such a two-faced b*tc% coming at me for literally nothing! I’m just trying to eat my breakfast and you have to jump in and play pretend as Pomni’s knight? I didn’t even do anything to her!” he shouted, pushing himself away from the table forcefully and standing upright.

“I’m not playing pretend, Jax! I have her best interest in mind, and you know exactly what I mean when I say you absolutely DO NOT,” she growled, watching his face contort.

In an instant, faster than anyone could register, he was right by the doll woman. He’d gripped the front of her shirt, ready to tear her a new hole. He was so angry he could barely feel his body, he couldn’t hear the yelling of the other cast mates. Only that little frantic voice pulled him out of his dissociative angry state.

“Jax! Please, please! Don’t hurt her, I’m begging, please!” that little voice pleaded, warbling and so fearful.

He was brought back to reality to see a disturbed Ragatha before him, being hoisted onto her tiptoes by his fist clutching her collar. She was quiet now of course. She was as angry as she was scared, but he only saw her expression for a moment before searching for the expression that actually mattered.

When he saw her, he felt like shattered glass. The look on her face was one of terror, one of absolute fear. She was holding onto the arm he’d used to grab the doll, pulling it with all her might though there was no effect on his stance. Eyes wide, teary, shaking in their sockets; her mouth parted.

As abruptly as he had made his move to grab her, he let go. She dropped back to the heels of her shoes and stepped backward swiftly. She smoothed out the fabric he’d had a hold of, never dropping her disgusted face. Gangle and Kinger were stunned while Zooble had shot up after Pomni and reached for her arm as she hung from Jax. They beckoned her to let go of him.

“I一I’m sorry一” he whispered harshly, trapped by her eyes as she silently pleaded to him. Pomni was pulled away from him by Zooble before she could collect herself enough to say anything else.

“You’re dangerous,” Ragatha fumed, effectively drawing his gaze back to her.

His eyes started to water as he stared at her. His head started to pound and he felt physically ill. The fact that he’d done something so rash so early in the day may have proved that he was not in the best state of mind, but it certainly didn’t mean that he was dangerous , right?

Right?

After the reactions he’d gotten, he’d had enough. Today was already too much. His legs burned as he ran as fast as he could, reaching his room in record time. He slammed the door behind him as tears streamed down his face.

Chapter 23: CH.23 WHAT HE REALLY THINKS

Pomni was absolutely livid as soon as he bolted away一she was more upset than she’d ever been since coming to the circus. Ragatha interpreted it as fear, and tried to comfort her…big mistake.

“WHAT THE F%CK WAS THAT, RAGATHA?!” she shrieked. It caught Ragatha so off guard she nearly fell over, gathering a lump of her skirt in alarm. Kinger scuttled away to hide out in his pillow fort as they got into it.

“W-what? What do you mean?” she warbled, wide eyed.

“You just tore into him for no reason! Did you see the look on his face?” she asked desperately, tears stinging her eyes.

“No, Pomni, I一”

“You did! And it was awful, and uncalled for. I don’t know what you think you saw, but he was literally making a joke!” she cried, standing forcefully.

“Wait, Pomni, what are you一” Zooble started worriedly,

“I’m gonna go help my friend,” she sniffed, grabbing the last of the pancakes and taking off down the hallway. Gangle had grabbed Zoobles hand and started pulling them closer to Ragatha, who looked mortified, gaze following the small girl running away. Gangle snatched her hand too, and started pulling as much as she could to reorient them from Pomni.

“Ragatha! Zooble! Come on, we gotta get to the bottom of this!” she commanded, earning the doll’s and her partners attention. She succeeded in pulling them over to the commons living area, to sit down with a huff.

“Ragatha, I want you to explain EXACTLY what triggered you! And don’t you dare brush this off because it’s not going away til’ we deal with it!” she ordered, pointing her dainty ribbon hand at the wired doll.

“G-Gangle, I just一You saw him一” she started, shifting her gaze to everywhere besides the mask’s stern face.

“We saw him eat a pancake!” she exasperated, dragging her ribbons down her face.

“WHY ARE YOU COMING AT ME? HE GRABBED ME NEARLY BY THE THROAT!!! AND HE SHAPED THE PANCAKE TO LOOK LIKE HER HEAD! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO THINK? IT’S BAD ENOUGH HE TOOK HER CLOTHES OFF, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DEAL WITH HIS OFFHANDED THREATS? I DON’T KNOW IF THEY’RE EMPTY, BUT SHOULD I TAKE THE CHANCE THAT THEY AREN’T?! WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?” Ragatha shouted, still fuming.

“He was about to throw hands because you got real nasty real quick, Ragatha. That’s your fault…Wait, he what?” Gangle questioned.

“W-wait,” Zooble started,lifting their hand to make a ‘slow down’ gesture.

“I am not about to let that awful guy hurt my friend! She doesn’t deserve to be hurt, she doesn’t deserve to be manipulated into anything he wants! There’s only one reason I can think of to undress someone, and the threat is compounded because Pomni trusts him!” ragatha argued, clenching her fists.

“OK, hold up,” Gangle grunted, “You said he undressed her? What gave you that idea?”

“Pomni told me!” she stormed. Zooble’s face was unreadable as Gangle shrunk a little bit.

“She told you that…?” Zooble droned, under their breath.

“In what context?! That’s not exactly a casual topic that just ‘comes up’! Come on, Ragatha, don’t exaggerate, this is really important,” Gangle accused, ready to be done with the drama.

“I’M NOT LYING! She asked me to make her an outfit, and I brought up how she didn’t change for a while after she got here, and then she told me that Jax showed her!” she simmered, simpering down a bit as Gangle stared her down.

“Ragatha! Showing someone how to undress is astronomically different from taking initiative to undress them!” Gangle groaned, praying that Ragatha would calm down.

“Oh my God, Ragatha,” Zooble gruffed, “You even had trouble with adventure mode when we first arrived. You totally jumped the gun on this one.”

“Wha一well, I…I don’t…” she stuttered, starting to sink in on herself.

“Rags, look. It’s Ok, it was a simple mistake. I get it, I thought I saw something happen in the last adventure, but with how quickly he snapped at you for accusing him of messing with her一I think I was probably way off the mark,” Zooble explained roughly.

“Wait, you saw something? Zooble, if you saw something isn’t it more likely that something would be going on?” Ragatha asked, pleading. Her anger threatened to gain a second wind as Zooble fought with their thoughts.

“Ragatha, didn’t you see the way that Pomni cried after that craziness? I cannot conceive of someone who’s being assaulted or whatever you think is going on being so genuinely concerned about her supposed attacker! That doesn’t make sense,” Gangle explained, looking to Zooble for support.

“Yeah, I do think that would be a weird reaction for a victim of any type of violence, though I’m not discounting anything,” Zooble sided with Gangle, reaching out to grab her ribbon hand in support.

“Why are you even defending him, Gangle? He’s treated you worst of all of us,” Ragatha grumbled, locked on their entwined hands.

“Yeah, he’s always a d#ck to me, so doesn’t that give my opinion merritt? The things he does haven’t ever been on that level! He f*cks with us, he torments us, but it’s been nothing more than pranks, shenanigans, and brushing everything off. It’s a sh*tty way of dealing with this place, but it’s a coping mechanism nonetheless! I feel like you guys are so biased towards him that you automatically take everything he does as hostile, and you don’t even see the way they’re looking at each other,” Gangle gurgled, desperately hoping her friend would at least try to be reasonable.

“The way they’re looking at each other? What are you on , G,” Ragatha hissed, bristling.

“God d@mmit Rags, with how oblivious you’re being I should be asking you that question,” Gangle pressed, crossing her arms and scowling.

“They aren’t looking at each other in any way other than her being the sweet girl she is and him trying to manipulate her!” Ragatha growled, pointing an agitated finger at Gangle.

“Oh. I see now,” Zooble chimed in a knowing way, looking a combination of amused and frustrated, “you are jealous. That’s why you blew a gasket so fast.”

“What! Oh my Land NO!” she yelped, standing from her seat with gritted teeth.

“I want the best for her, how could you accuse me of that?” she asked harshly, tears welling in her eyes again.

“Remember how you said I get the brunt of his bullsh*t? Well, not recently, Ragatha. And I’m talking even before the long adventure. He hasn’t been on it like bees on daisies because he’s been too distracted,” Gangle explained, watching Ragatha’s face become increasingly angry.

Ragatha huffed and puffed and clenched her fists before stomping off in the direction of the outside. She’d had enough of this conversation, it seemed. Gangle and Zooble looked at each other with stressed nagging their eyes, but grateful to have added another piece to the puzzle. Zooble sighed as Gangle walked them back to their room.

“I’m happy I didn’t accuse him of anything. If that would have been me, I’d definitely be decapitated,” Zooble muttered.

“I’ve never seen Jax so pissed before. If I had to put money on it, I’d say his relationship with Pomni is the most tender spot he has, right now. He was at Rags throat at exactly the moment she told him he had bad intentions,” Gangle theorized.

“It’s all so messy, I hate it. I just want everybody to at least be safe. Or as safe as we can be, here.” Zooble hummed as they entered.

“We’ll ask tonight to be sure. I’m ready to be done with this, too,” Gangle responded dejectedly, shutting the door behind them.

-

Pomni was standing outside of his door, running her fingers across the brim of the plate in her hands and praying. She was praying that he would just open the door. If anything, he should open the door. It’s all she wanted.

She tapped her knuckles on the door rapidly, calling out as she did.

“Jax,” she breathed out quieter than she’d have liked, “Jax, please. Please let me in.”

She was met with a deafening silence, one that ripped into her like a rabid dog. She stepped toward the door and rested her forehead on it, willing herself to not break down. This was the time to be strong. After a long time of resting like that, she heard his defeated voice from behind the door.

“Go away,” his voice cracked, muffled from the barrier.

“No,” she immediately protested, “I can’t.”

“Pomni,” he rasped, “stop being stupid. You saw… I’m dangerous.” There was a small thud she felt through the door as he fell against it on his back.

“She was wrong for that, and you know it. At least let me in to give you a gift,” she pleaded.

Slowly, the door opened just wide enough for her to squeeze through. He was a mess, and it tore at her heart to see him so disheveled. He was scanning her face, a puzzled look on his own as he questioned the small girl.

“I don’t want to see anyone else. Come in or leave me alone,” he huffed, breath almost knocked out of him by how quickly she slipped under his arm and pushed the door shut behind her.

He stared past her defeatedly, ears drooping and pupils shrunken. He couldn't look at her, no matter how hard he tried. She sighed and walked over to his bed to sit down, but struggled to climb onto it because it was raised so high off the ground. He stepped over to her in one stride and sat on the bed. No quips were made about her short stature, or how silly she looked when she struggled一he just extended his hand to pull her up without a sound.

She shifted, letting her legs dangle off the side as she pulled the plate onto her lap. She noticed he was staring at it, as unexpressive as she’s ever seen him.

“Why are you here right now?” he choked out.

“You showed me the Pomcake,” she warbled, starting to lose control of her tear ducts, “And I wanted to show you something, too.”

He watched her intently as she picked up the pancake with her small shaky hands and started ripping little pieces off of it. He was quite perplexed, but he continued to watch in silence. After a minute of picking off fluffy bits of it, she held it up.

It was scraggly, and the edges were zigzagged, but it was quite obviously a model of Jax’s head. The ears flopped over her hands as she held it up for him, her expression scrunching up and unable to maintain the stoic mask she attempted in the beginning. Everything started spilling out of her eyes, though she didn’t hiccup or gasp or make any sound that coincided with sobbing.

“It’s a FlapJax,” she whispered, searching his face for any sort of response.

Anything would have sufficed. A scowl, a snicker, a grimace. But he just stared at it. She took the picked apart pancake and placed it in her mouth, shaking her head vigorously the way he did earlier. One of the ears flew off and landed somewhere in the dark of his room.

He had found the courage to stare into her soul, now. Her strange attempt at reaching him must’ve done something. She dropped the pancake back on the plate and set it aside as she waited patiently for him to make any sort of indication of how he was doing.

Eventually, so slowly一more slowly than she’d ever seen him move before一he raised his hand and brought it over to hers, stopping just before his fingers made contact.

“I’m trying,” he whispered coarsely, “but it’s really hard to say.”

She watched his internal struggle, with his quivering lips and glossy eyes. She noticed how he kept biting his tongue as soon as he’d settled on something to say. He really wasn’t used to verbalizing deep feelings. She looked away and scanned the room in hopes of finding anything to help一and her eyes landed on the big jug of moonshine just under her feet.

She felt that it wasn’t the best idea, but maybe it’d get him ease up. She knew she always talked more when she drank, so maybe it’d work for him too. She slid off the bed to grab the jug before hoisting it up next to him.

“I think it’d help if you drank some jabber juice,” she muttered, handing it to him after climbing back on the bed.

He nodded and took it from her gently, popped open the top, and took a mouthful. And then another, and another. He coughed before closing it and setting it behind him.

“That sh*ts really strong,” he huffed, placing his hands beside him so he didn’t feel like he was teetering. He looked at her as she was sitting, staring at him, and he knew that she wanted him to spill his guts. He figured that he must want that too, otherwise he wouldn’t have taken something that would make it easier for him to talk.

“I promise I won’t judge you, Jax,” she gently reassured him.

“Well一you should,” he grumbled, closing his eyes tightly. After a moment of sitting there, his head started swimming. She sat against his headboard and patted the spot next to her. He did as he was asked and crawled over to her side, but he was unable to sit up properly. So instead, she directed his head to lay on her lap as he slumped forward like a wet noodle. As soon as the side of his face met her legs, the dam broke.

“I’m so so sorry, Pom,” he cracked, breathy and painful, “She just made me so mad.”

He wept softly, grabbing the blankets beneath them to steady his hands.

“My body kinda…acted before I could tell it not to? I dunno... She’s accused me of a lot of things, and it’s never mattered before…But when she said I was gonna hurt you, I just lost it, and I一I hate that,” his muffled voice reverberated on her legs.

She started stroking his head as he gradually opened up more.

“First it’s Zooble, then it’s Ragatha…I haven’t done anything to make them so mad at me. I would know! I haven’t been on my prank game like usual,” he bawled.

“Zooble一you mean the way they were on the adventure, right?” she asked, racking her brain to remember.

“Yeaahh…I mean, know they hate me, n’ I know why一s’not like issa big mystery…I haven’t made bein’ here any easier,” he hiccuped, turning slightly so his mouth wasn’t covered, “But I would never hurchu’. Not on purpose! And I usually don’ give a half’a d@mn about what they think m’bout anything, but…”

He pushed himself up and wobbled on his arms, swaying slightly. The chemical smell tinged on his breath hit Pomni’s nose, but she didn’t let it wrinkle. He leaned closer to her, and she got a clear view of the clumped fur on his face in neat little streaks, and how his ears fell flat against his head.

“But I can’n’even stand th’idea that they’d think…I hate’t so much…that’m dangerous,” he cried, nearling falling over. Pomni caught his shoulders and directed him to fall at her side so he didn’t crush her, but he still managed to cling onto her.

“I’d’wanna be dangerous, Pomni. But Rags ‘s right. An’ I don’want you ta’ be around me ‘f I’m dangerous… You don’t know,” he shuttered, pulling her closer, “you’re th’only good thing n’ here.”

She felt so overwhelmed, wrapped up in his arms, taking everything in. How was she going to respond to that? He’s so fragile and intoxicated right now, but she’s never wanted to help someone more. She wrapped her arms around his chest as he breathed stifled breaths. He felt so warm一and she felt so safe.

“Jax, listen to me,” she muttered, pressing herself into his fury chest, “everybody has the potential to be dangerous. You do, and I do, and believe it or not, Gangle does too.” She felt his chest move as a defeated chuckle escaped him.

“But I have the utmost faith in you. I’m sorry she accused you, but I promise, I swear on my life一I don’t see you that way,” she explained, squeezing him, “I feel so safe when I’m with you.”

He returned the embrace so tightly her back popped and she squeaked out a sound similar to when you pull a balloons’ opening taut and let the air scream out.

“You make me so happy, Pom,” his voice wavered heavily. She struggled out of his grasp and he let out something like a whine as she sat upright.

“You make me happy, too, Jax…But you really need to get some rest. Imagine the covers over you,” Pomni ordered bashfully as he reached for her again, propping himself on his elbow.

“Stay’ere t’night,” he coaxed, rubbing the back of her hand in a way he prayed was comforting.

“Jax, it’s the morning. You need to sleep this off and feel better, and I have to go have a word with Ragatha,” she explained, her expression hardening. Jax seemed to mull it over before he flopped down and the blanket materialized over him.

“You c’n still cm’over later,” he grumbled. She lifted his head and slid a pillow beneath it before she proceeded to tuck him in like she would one of the children she’d vaguely remembered babysitting in her before-life.

“We’ll see. Get some rest, big guy,” she chided, sliding off the bed and marching over to the door. His head fell heavily onto the pillow, but his eyes didn’t close until she left the room.

Chapter 24: CH.24 ADVICE AND REASSURANCE

Pomni paced around the circus for hours looking for her, but she was nowhere to be found.
She checked everywhere she could conceive of, but after a fruitless search, she just became more frustrated.

All Pomni wanted to do was talk. She had stilled her frustrations enough to have a level headed conversation, and she was hoping that Ragatha would act more like an adult, but so far her hopes were crushed. Without much progress in her search, she decided to take a break and grab a snack to attempt to achieve some sort of reprieve. When she walked into the commons kitchen, she was met with the timid ribbon girl stirring something on the stove.

“Hey, Gangle. What’re you up to?” she asked with a sigh, pulling out a chair from the small table there.

“Pomni! You’re just the person I wanted to see,” she piped before bringing the wooden spoon up to taste her creation, “this is lobster bisque.”

“Wow, lobster? What’s the occasion?” she questioned as her hand caught her cheek.

“The occasion is that we have any ingredient we could ask for here, and now it tastes realistic. I’m taking full advantage,” she answered simply, “But I wanted to talk to you about this morning. How are you doing?”

Pomni rubbed her temple as the memory resurrected, causing tension to rise in her shoulders.

“I’m fine, but Jax was less fine. I can’t find Ragatha anywhere. I’ve been searching since I got done mopping him up,” she explained.

“He was that messed up about it, huh? That’s pretty interesting. He’s not the type of person to get bent out of shape of any type of comment, especially from Ragatha. It really made me think,” Gangle hummed, glancing back at the jester, still stirring.

“You guys think he’s not the type of person to take offence to much, but I don’t think so. He’s allowed me to see the more tender, touchy parts of him,” Pomni muttered, tracing the wood grain with her fingers.

“I can see that. I’m happy he has someone who sees his humanity,” Gangle nodded, pouring two bowls of soup and stepping cautiously to the table. She set one down in front of Pomni and placed one in front of herself.

“Um, Zooble and I would really really like it if you would come over tonight for a sleepover. We want to get you in a better headspace after Ragatha’s outburst. Relax you a little before the adventure tomorrow,” she said hopefully, spooning her creation and blowing the steam off of it.

“Gangle, that’s so sweet, but一” she trailed off, dipping the utensil in the bowl slightly.

“But?” Gangle pressed, giving a crooked smile.

“I kind of一made plans,” Pomni explained softly, growing a shade pinker.

“Well, Ok一but if you won’t stay with us tonight, won’t you stop by for a chat before bed? I love Zooble to death but they are an even bigger worry wart than I am. And that is a feat! We just want to check in,” Gangle chuckled, sipping her soup.

“I would love to stop and talk before bed, G. And that’s kind of funny, I’d have never guessed that about them,” Pomni hummed, tasting the bisque. A big smile grew on her face as she savored it.

“Gangle, you should take Bubble under your wing. This is so good,” she praised before shoveling another spoonful into her mouth.

“I don’t think I wanna work with the vomit licker,” Gangle said quite seriously, gently putting their spoon down as their eyes sunk in.

“Haha, I don’t blame you! But, about the sleepover thing. I will next time, ok? I would have agreed to tonight if I didn’t have prior obligations. When we do have it, will it be just the three of us?” Pomni contently inquired.

“We’ll invite whoever you want, Pom. If a break means no Rags, then no Rags. If you get sick of me in the meantime, we’ll have Kinger fill in,” Gangle giggled. Pomni smiled at her coiled friend as she brought the bowl to her lips and drank the rest of it. Gangle stood and took her finished bowl back in the cupboard before addressing Pomni one last time.

“Ragatha is hiding in a spot outside the circus that is nearly impossible to find. I suggest you just wait her out, because no matter what she’s coming on tomorrow's adventure. I’ll, ah…I’ll see you around, Pomni,” she waved before she left the commons kitchen.

Pomni sat and watched her leave, some little bubble of anxiety popping in her gut. She just wanted to talk, that’s all. Ragatha was hiding from her, when just this morning they’d been chit-chatting away…it made her wonder if Ragatha was mad at her. She did run after Jax, and she was happy she chose to. If she had to redo the whole thing she’d still go follow and attempt to console him. But the fact that Ragatha was behaving so differently than normal made Pomni’s head spin.

What if Ragatha was acting that way because she’s been in this situation before? Rags was older and more experienced with life in general, but she seemed so hurt on a personal level to absolutely avoid her, let alone everyone else. It seems like more than your run of the mill friendly concern. Ragatha’s concern was more congruent with motherly pestering一and this was the absolute opposite.

Pomni gathered herself before heading to her room to write about what was eating her in her journal. She bet there was going to be a page or 2 for every person here一maybe a couple of chapters for a certain purple menace.

After deciding that Gangle was right and her best bet was to wait Rags out, she left her room, still feeling wired. She figured Kinger might be able to give her some good advice about this, so she made her way to his pillow fort.

She peeked inside to see the old man making shadow puppets with a flashlight. He noticed her, and in his semi-lucid state, cheered at her presence.

“Well, hello, Pomni! How nice of you to visit,” he patted a pillow next to him sweetly, “Come watch the soap opera.”

Pomni glanced at the flashlight and made an awkward smile before she obliged him.

“What’s your show about?” she asked, peering at him quizzically.

“This one is a real drama,” he explained as he handled the flashlight correctly, positioning his disembodied hands, “Ricardio the doctor loves Esmarelda, the beautiful rich daughter, but Esmarelda fell in love with the gardener Gabriel.”

He made different shaped shadows with his hands, and in a remarkably cartoonish way, the shadows actually started taking the shapes of realistic looking people, with outfits and briefcases and everything.

“King, how are you一”

“Ricardio wanted to marry the her, but Gabriel was not gonna have it, so he got into a car accident on purpose to go to the hospital, and he killed Ricardio so Esmarelda wouldn’t have to marry him,” he elaborated, fluctuating his tone wildly.

“That’s quite the drama,” Pomni muttered, watching the shadows flit on the walls.

“It is. I learn a lot from them. Anyway, what brings you?” he asked merrily. Pomni wondered about the best way to ask him, and he seemed pretty fixated on the shadow puppets right now.

She scooted closer to the flashlight and held out her hands.

“So…there’s a girl…we’ll call her Polly,” she made a fist, hoping that Kinger might be able to understand these abstract shapes the way she intended, “...and Polly is friends with lots of people. Polly befriends an ex-convict who got out of prison but is still lawbreaking. And Polly’s friend, ahhh…Samantha…who is usually really sweet and momish, starts acting crazy when the ex-con is around.”

Kinger was nodding excitedly, engrossed with her poor excuses for shadow puppets.

“Polly’s criminal friend, um…Max, never did anything to harm Polly, but Samatha accused that of happening, and Max almost went back to jail because he lashed out, I guess…” she sloppily constructed her story to Kinger’s delight.

“Oh this story is juicy! I love this channel,” Kinger said happily, his eyes glued to the wall.

“And now Polly is in a pickle. She wants to help Max, because Samantha really hurt him, but she also wants Samantha to be okay, because they are still friends. Samantha ran away in an act of defiance or something, and now Max is in a terrible mental place and Polly doesn’t want to pick sides but it’s really frickin’ hard!”

Kinger blinked at the wall before turning his head to look at Pomni with a strange expression.

“Polly is juggling all of this and wanting to be fair. That’s a real life problem that happens all the time; very relatable. But if I’ve learned anything about that, it’s that life isn’t fair at all. And neither is love. That’s what Queenie said,” he explained, never breaking his gaze, “But being fair isn’t the same thing as being just.”

“What is the difference, Kinger?” Pomni asked, leaning in with interest.

“Fairness is like giving every person an ice cream for dessert and not caring if they are lactose intolerant or not. Justice is figuring out who is allergic to what, and giving them desserts that won’t cause explosive diarrhea,” he layed out curtly. Pomni had to stifle a laugh with her hand over her mouth before she answered back.

“So, what should Polly do to be just,” she questioned intensely.

He smiled sweetly and placed his hands in front of the flashlight. The shadows from his hands became incredibly familiar, with the silhouettes of the red-headed doll, the tall rabitoid, and a small jester. She watched him with eyes like saucers as he pupeted them perfectly smoothly.

“Polly should try to talk to Samantha when she comes back around, because Samantha really does have good intentions. Samantha is just dealing with a pang of envy for Polly’s new friend because they are quite happy together. And as for Max…Polly should put herself in his shoes. Being an ex-con is a really hard life, there’s a lot of stigma with it. It’s the first time since he’s been out of prison that anyone has ever treated him the way Polly has, so he has a lot of new things to deal with,” Kinger explained as if he were reading it from a catalog.

Pomni watched the images on the wall interact with each other, and her heart pittered at the visage of her and the bunny holding hands while Ragatha watched behind them with a hand outstretched. Then it changed to the shadows shaking hands in such a cordial manner it made her snort in amusement.

“That’s a really good direction to take the story. Thank you Kinger,” she hummed, offering the most genuine smile she could. He brought his disembodied hand over to her head and gave her a little pat that reminded her of what an awkward parent would do to praise a child, though he was not at all uncomfortable.

“Polly is tough enough to handle anything that comes,” he hummed softly.

She reveled in his praise. The energy from his pep talk pushed her to retain hope, and to strive to be a just person. She nodded before she mumbled a ‘thank you’, and crawled back to the entrance. They waved at each other before she stepped out.

She felt a lot better with Kingers help. Even when he was phasing in and out of the present, he still was able to help her see so much. She decided it might be nice to go talk to Zooble and Gangle now, because the high of a Kinger pep-talk should last her through whatever they want to talk about. So that’s where she went.

Pomni approached Zoobles door with a pep in her step and a little smile on her face. She knocked on the wood that separated her and her geometric friend. The door opened a moment after, and she was greeted calmly.

“We were just figuring out who was gonna hunt you down. Right on time,” Zooble hummed, opening the door wider to let her in.

As she stepped inside, she was met with Zoobles assortment of art-deco furniture, Gangle swinging idly in the hammock, and their bass guitar setting by the bed. She walked over to it to study it a bit more before they spoke.

“I used to play one of these in real life. I actually used to play a couple instruments, once upon a time. It’s hard to play them now, because my hands are usually claws or paws or clamps…but it’s still fun to mess with. I keep the appendages that have the most human-like hands in here at all times,” they explained. Pomni hummed and peeked at Gangle, who was now sitting upright and paying a lot of attention to her.

“Pomni, when you came in you were so smiley, and you were standing so straight. Did something good happen? You talk it out with Ragatha?” she inquired, rocking herself back and forth.

“No, actually. I’m happy because I talked to Kinger, and he gave me some really good advice. Ragatha is still hiding from me,” she explained, crossing her legs and sitting on the floor. Zooble immediately conjured up a chair for her, and she thankfully moved to it.

“You seem to be able to decipher his gibberish better than any of us,” Zooble muttered as they got comfortable on their bed.

“He has an interesting way of communicating, but I get it. Or maybe I don’t! Maybe I pull self-fabricated meaning from his randomness. But I don’t think that’s really true, haha,” she laughed, happy to be in a space where the vibe was light.

“Pom’s personal inkblot test sounds less likely than an experienced guy who struggles with mental presence,” Gangle said calmly, “We all have our struggles here.”

“Speaking of struggles, Pomni…We just wanted to ask you while you were here, in a safe space…” Zooble started, becoming more unsure as they spoke, “if you are struggling with anything.”

Pomni stared at them, wide-eyed but not shaken. She drew her gaze to her hands and filtered her thoughts to try and answer them best.

“I wouldn’t say that I’m struggling with anything really. I may be having a difficult time, sure…but not to the point that I can’t function. I feel that there are other people who are struggling more so than I am,” she explained calmly.

“Ah…so, you feel like you’re handling everything ok,” Gangle restated, making eye contact with Zooble in a split second before returning her gaze to Pomni.

“I mean…as ok as I can with all the stuff going on with Ragatha and Jax,” she stated plainly.

“Would you wanna tell us how you feel about that? If not, it’s fine” Gangle pressed gently.

“Yeah, Kinger calmed me down about that. I am just gonna try and meet both of them where they’re at. They both have their own sh*t they’re dealing with, so it’s not my place to judge them based on what I’ve seen. They both deserve just treatment,” Pomni asserted.

“Jax deserves justice? You sure about that?” Zooble mumbled half as a joke.

“Yeah. I want to treat everybody with dignity here. We’re all we’ve got…and Jax is my friend,” she answered immediately.

“I’m happy to have you as a friend, Pomni. You force me to remember humanity so often, so…thanks for helping me remember,” Zooble replied, causing Gangle to nod in agreement.

“For as good a friend as you try to be, I hope that everybody else tries just as hard. I hope Jax tries for you,” Gangle suddenly said, causing both Pomni and Zooble to look at her sharply.

“You’d be so surprised, Gangle. I really do think he’s trying so hard. And it’s funny because he’s not used to it at all! It’s like watching a dog try to walk the first time you put booties on them,” she giggled.

“That’s such a relief to know…I’m so glad.” she said reassuringly.

“Will you promise us something, though, Pom?” Zooble asked cautiously from next to the jester.

“What’s up?” she inquired, turning to see the ribbon Girl stand from her seat and take tentative steps toward her. She slipped her delicate red ribbon underneath Pomni’s hand as Zooble scooted closer to the edge of the bed and leaned toward them.

“Promise us that if anything bad happens between you and Jax, that you’ll tell us. We just want everybody to be safe,” Gangle answered, adding just for padding, “after what happened with Ragatha, today, we want to be extra careful. We love you, Pom.”

She watched their faces flit from concerned to nervous as they thought maybe they had said it in not a gentle enough way. But before they knew it, Pomni had pulled them into a big hug, though she exerted little pressure.

“I promise I will. And I really appreciate your concern, guys. You’re so real,” she whispered between their shoulders. They embraced her back tightly before letting her slip away to make good on her prior obligations.

Chapter 25: CH.25 CHECK UP

All of the emotions and drama of the day nagged her as she made her way down the hall. She was so ready to just relax with Jax, but something was rubbing her the wrong way about their earlier interaction. She may really want to stay the night, but what about him? He was intoxicated when he’d asked her…so she figured that before she jumped to conclusions about what he’d said earlier, she should ask just to make sure.

She simply couldn’t waltz up to his room and expect him to remember. She didn’t want to make it awkward, but she didn’t want to not show up if he was expecting her. So she stilled her racing mind and decided the best way to go about this situation would be to check up on him, and if he didn’t ask her to stay, she’d leave. Even if she was as giddy as teen with tickets to their first concert to stay the night一and to talk, and joke, and peel his artificial hide of self-defence back, and fall asleep next to his ridiculous furnace of a body.

It was decided. Just a quick check up, feigning ignorance, and if she was not wanted she would leave.

Easy.

But the thing is, it wasn’t that easy, because when she rapped on his door, nobunny came to it. So she knocked again, and called out for him in as pleasant a voice as she could force, not knowing if the circus was coded for hangovers or not.

“Um, Jax? Hi, I just wanted to check on you…” she nearly whispered. She knew his hearing was sensitive by all of his jittery reactions, so she hoped that it would still be right now. But nothing came of it. She frowned and crossed her arms, feeling hurt that he would ignore her after she tried to help him earlier. She pouted and talked down those thoughts with ones that seemed more empathetic and wise.

‘He had a really bad time today. He probably wants alone time. I would want to be alone too if something like that happened to me.’

It still stung.

She decided that it would help her to go to the dance room before bed. Maybe she could shake out her fried nerves and selfish desire to wake up wrapped up in bunny again. So she meandered down the hall until she saw the familiar door that led to Boogie Blitz. When she opened it, she was struck with the potent sound of a classic 80’s rock ballad, and dazzled with flashing neon lights behind a blur of purple.

It was Jax, and he was going absolutely nuts. He was hitting every single move with a perfect score, 5 star rating. He was killing it, and it didn’t even seem like he was trying that hard. Suddenly, the tempo of the song changed, and it entered into an epic electric guitar riff. The screen had changed abruptly to a beaming neon sign that said ‘freestyle’, and as soon as he caught sight of it, he started air-guitaring like crazy. He really got into it.

It was pretty great to watch. He was so into the game that he didn’t notice Pomni sneak in and sit in one of the chairs in the back to observe him without disturbing his flow. The song lasted a couple of minutes, and she was so upset that she didn’t have a camera.

When it was over, the score popped up on the screen. It was the highest score you could get, and when it popped into the leaderboards, Pomni’s heart felt like it was being crushed.

All the top scores were perfect. They were all the highest you could possibly achieve一and they were all won by Jax. The same thing repeated all the way down the screen until it cut off. How many times has he done this? How many times has he danced the same songs? Well…for as long as he’d been trapped here. For years of his life. He seemed to have the same thought as she did, because the score brought no joy to his face.

He turned around on stage suddenly to face the door, and Pomni squeaked when she saw. She ducked behind the chair, hoping that he didn’t see her. She stayed silent in hopes that he’d pass her by unnoticed, until she felt a pinch at her side.

“AAH JAX,” she chirped, swiveling to catch his trademark smirk.

“Pompom is a voyeur?” Jax beamed, kneeling on one of the chairs in front of her.

“I’m一I’m sorry for hiding from you, but not for spying,” she asserted as he leaned in to her space more, “Y-you’re a really good dancer!”

His smile shrunk by a nanometer, but he still covered himself with that cocky cloak of self-flattery before he responded, “Yeah, Pom. You’d be a good dancer too if you’ve been at it as long as me.”

“I saw that. Your name is the only one that shows up on the leaderboard,” she hummed, crawling out from under the chair.

“Well, not the only one. Don’t think I overlooked the newest player's addition,” he grinned, reaching over and picking her up by the back of her neck. Somehow, he knew she had a scruff, and when he lifted her up she tucked her legs and arms in like a helpless little baby animal.

“When you do sh*t like that, it makes me want to wear your skin like a tuxedo,” he laughed, earning a horrified look from her.

“Why would you ever say anything like that to anyone?” she groaned as he walked up to the stage with her. When he reached it, he set her down and idly rubbed the back of her neck where he’d picked her up.

“If Pom gets to watch, I get to watch” he cackled before sitting in the front row.

“B-but wait, i’m not as good as you are,” she whined, feeling quite the bit of nerves as he raked his eyes over her. He hummed to himself and tilted his head, not bothering to hide his smile.

“No excuses. I know you’re a natural born performer! So…perform,” he beamed, taking in her flushed nervous expression and fidgety mannerisms.

“That’s not fair!” she huffed.

“You’re right. But Pomni, life’s not fair. And anyway you came in here and watched me boogie so I feel it is absolutely fair that I get to watch you. Don’t you want to help me feel better?” he persuaded devilishly.

“....D@mn…I do” she mumbled before turning around to look at the screen. She missed the way his face lit up as he leaned forward with his arms crossed over his legs, and the gentle swish of his tail against the seat.

She selected a song that she vaguely remembered and got so engrossed in the game that the thought of being watched by anybody soon left her mind. She danced her heart out, just like she did the first time she was in this room, and it had the same effect that it did then. She shook the nerves of the day right out of herself.

When the song was over, she was huffing and puffing, and her little digital heart was beating like a drum. She watched the scoreboard show off her number, which was perfectly moderate. Her average was 3 stars, but the game still posted ‘HIGHSCORE’ on her personal profile. A shrill whistle broke her thoughts, and pulled her gaze from the screen.

“WHAT A SHOW! WOO, SHE’S GOT THE MOVES” he hollered, punctuating his praises with hoots and whistles. It made her so embarrassed she nearly fell over.

“Oh my gosh Jax what are you doing?! Stoppit!” she growled at him, quickly scurrying over like a little beetle.

It only seemed to spur him on more, though. He reached over for her legs when she’d gotten close enough to him, and pulled her from the stage onto his shoulders.

“PERSONAL HIGH SCOOOOORE, WHAT WHAT,” he crowed, spinning around in the walkway between the seats. She couldn’t help but laugh at how stupid he was being, but being so high off the ground and helicoptering made her a bit queasy.

“MMm-Jaxpleasestopspinning,” she gurgled nauseously. He read the tone of it and stopped on a dime.

“Pom I swear if you puke on me I’ll make you work 10 times harder to make me feel better,” he snapped, adjusting her legs so he could grip them better. She sat upright and closed her eyes so she could regain her equilibrium.

“You’ll make me work harder to make you feel better because I did something you don't like that you caused? I dunno Jax…sounds like you’re trying to sell me a pyramid scheme,” she snarked, able to open her eyes after a moment.

“Nothing flies by your bear-trap of a mind, huh,” he chuckled as they made their way out of the dance room.

“Where are we headed, FlapJax?” she asked intently. A tinge of magenta spread over his cheeks and he grinned like an idiot. He didn’t answer, but Pomni soon found a way to make him pay attention.

She placed her hands at the tips of his ears and pinched them oh so gently. The action made all of his fur stand up and he made the strangest sound she’d ever heard. He reached up and shielded his ears with his hand so she could not get to them.

“POM,” he barked, “WHAT?”

“Answer me, please,” she hummed, finding the color in his cheeks quite entertaining.

“My room,” he grunted, “don’t tell me you forgot.”

“No no, I didn’t forget. But um…shouldn’t I put on my pajamas?” she asked as she looked at her room ahead of them.

“Why would you need to do that?” he asked nonchalantly, nearly stabbing her in the kidney with his implication.

“W-what? You don’t一I mean I一” she stuttered. He felt her body curl up on his shoulders, and he reveled in it.

“Oh, Pom, are you so sad? You think I’m not gonna steal you tonight? That’s precious,” he nearly sang, laced with smug satisfaction. He opened the door to his room and stepped in, and Pomni had to duck her head so it wouldn’t hit the doorframe.

“You better believe you’re bunking with me, Toots. I don’t give a d@mn about your pjs,” he lilted.

“Wha一well what am I supposed to wear then? You know I sleep for sh*t in this stupid costume,” she grumbled, pulling at her outfit uncomfortably.

“Just wear one of mine. I wanna see you tripping on pant legs that’ll drag on the ground like tentacles,” he blustered, leaning forward and pushing her legs apart so she’d slide down his back.

Once she was on the ground, she sighed a breath of relief and leaned against the bed that was unmade and wrinkled. She caught sight of him as he looked at her, watching her place her hands on the sheets. His nose twitched before he turned around quickly and stalked to the back of his room.

“C’mere, Pom. I wanna show you my collection,” he hummed, opening the closet door with a click. In an instant she was right beside him, nearly under him一and it made him feel like he was bungee jumping. He let out a breathy laugh as he looked as his collection.

‘Wow, Jax, this is really impressive! You’ve organized it and everything,” she hummed, tracing her hand on the edge of one of the sprawling bookshelves.

“I started the third day I was here. Some adventures are boring and don’t have anything, but others are treasure troves. Like that rip-off cowboy one. Got a lotta stuff from that,” he explained, following her as she moved down the collection. It’s like she was reading museum exhibits.

“Where was this from?” she asked curiously, pointing to a baton and a police cap.

“That was the cops and robbers adventure. I was forced to be a cop. But I was a dirty cop,” he said happily, pulling it off the shelf and plopping it onto his head.

“Of course you were dirty,” she hummed, turning to inspect a chain hanging on the wall.

“That one was from the scrap-heap adventure. Dumbest adventure idea ever conceived, I tell ‘ya. We literally spent 6 hours picking sh*t apart to recycle,” he groaned at the memory, “But I got some useful stuff from it, so…not a total loss.”

She seemed quite intrigued with all of his trophies, and the way she delicately handled them and prompted him for more information made him feel like it actually mattered. It made him feel proud一something he’s not felt much of.

“What is the most useful thing you’ve collected?” Pomni asked as she opened his weapons chest and ogled the machete.

“Most useful? Hmmmm, prolly….” he mumbled, reaching to a high shelf above her, pressing her into the wall slightly. She squeezed her mouth shut in hopes that no embarrassing sounds would escape her as he discovered what he was searching for. He pulled down a little inconspicuous yellow bottle and spun it so she saw the label.

“Truth serum?” she asked as she dragged her fingers over the it, and over his palm. He shuttered before closing his hand and bringing it up to his face to get a better look.

“I used this once to get back at Gangle while we were at dinner. She snuck into my room thinking I took one of her d@mn fanfictions, but I didn’t. She took one of my knick-knacks, and I knew she was the culprit一so I put a drop of this bad boy in her spaghetti, and poof! She had no choice but to answer every question I had. The one about what she stole, the one about her fanfiction, the one about Zooble…but they ended up together after that so I mean…” Jax trailed off.

Pomni was so fixated on the little bottle, her face full of wonder and a sliver of fear. It tickled him to see her so impressed. A devious thought passed through his head. His grin widened and his eyes crinkled as he tossed the serum up and caught it again casually.

“Yeah. So don’t you ever fib to me, Pom,” she snickered as he leaned down, “or I’ll pull the truth right out of ya’.”

She locked eyes with him and smiled, but it was difficult for him to decipher completely. There was something hidden behind it.

“You don’t need a truth serum to get me to spill. I’m an open book. Champion of truth in Truth or Dare,” she hummed, leaning on the wall next to her.

“Oh? Champion of Truth or Dare? Pomni, I’m intrigued,” he bubbled, “But you tryn’a avoid the serum makes me think you might not be as open of a book as you claim.”

“Well isn’t that just terrible? I suppose you’ll just have to trust me when I tell you things,” she grumbled, watching him set the bottle back on the top shelf.

“I guess I will. Let’s play TorD, lil’miss ‘champion’,” he challenged.

“Wait…” she started, feeling less confident, “isn’t that a better game for groups?”

“I knew you were full of it. Liar liar pants on fire,” he mocked her, poking her in her forehead.

“I’m not lying! I’m just saying一”

“Fibber fibber full of gibber,” he interrupted, turning her around and ushering her out of his display room gently. She pouted the whole way, and she stomped her foot lightly and growled when they were back.

“Fine! But we have to establish some rules before we play! I’m not having the game end up like last time,” she gruffed, watching his expression curl in excitement.

“Oh of course Pomsicle that’s the only way I’d ever want it to be! Let’s see…You can’t pick the same option more than three times in a row, and if you refuse to do the dare or spill the tea, then there will be a punishment! How’s that sound?” he questioned as he flopped himself on his bed.

“I mean…I guess that’s reasonable? I just don't want the punishments to be too terrible,” she mumbled, leaning against the bed frame.

“Never,” he said slyly. He draped his head off of the side of the bed and watched her as she seemed to mull over the hazards of playing such a game with Jax. He can’t have her backing out now…so he’d use diestaction to his advantage for now.

“Do you know if we’re all eating together today, or if we’re fending for ourselves? I’m kinda in the mood to scavenge for my meal,” he hummed, bringing her out of her thoughts.

“Yeah, I don’t know. Zooble and Gangle are kinda doing their thing, and Ragatha is hiding out somewhere. Kinger is chilling in his fort一and Bubble hasn’t shown up since breakfast. Maybe we are supposed to fend for ourselves,” she concluded.

“Well, good. I want a bunch of random junk for dinner. I want a whole charcuterie board of specialty meats and cheeses, with crackers in fancy little shapes. And I want a fountain drink of all the flavors mixed together like when you go to the movies. What about you?” he questioned, satisfied with his divergent strategy.

“I want rabbit stew,” she shot, serving him a sly smile. He rolled over and grabbed her hand to yank her closer as he grinned devilishly.

“I know you do,” he whispered in a gravelly voice into her ear.

She reared back from him, though her hand was still caught in his. Her face could cook eggs, and it sent Jax into a fit of laughter. He let her go abruptly and she turned to face the door so he couldn’t see her.

“Come on. I know you’re hungry, Dance-Machine,” she mumbled, gesturing to the door.

He flung himself up in a cartoonish way and snatched her hand back to tug her behind him.

“Let’s go Pomcakes,” he hummed, pulling her out the door.

Chapter 26: CH. 26 SPEND THE NIGHT

“So what rating do you give the charcuterie board?” Pomni asked contently, twirling her ice tea as she sat on the floor across from him.

“Solid 8 out of 10. Would have been a 10 outa’ 10 if it came with olives and a fruit assortment,” he snorted, popping a cube of pepper jack in his mouth.

“You’re so bougie,” she hummed, scooping up a bite of her fancy ramen.

“Me? But you’re the one using chopsticks, fancy pants. I’m a simple man,” he huffed, shoving a salami covered cracker in his mouth, dropping crumbs on the floor as he did so.

“You’re just mad because you can’t use them to feel bougier,” she laughed, poking at the boiled egg rolling around in her bowl.

“I could if I wanted to! I'm good at everything, remember?” he barked, flicking a cube of cheese at her eyebrow. It bounced off and landed in her broth, and she quickly plucked it and extended her hand, holding the cheese in her chopsticks before him.

When he saw the gesture, he felt giddy. She was trying to feed him! HA, was this an attempt to make him feel better? Because it was certainly working. He tilted his head and his smile beamed at her, eyes fixated on the little cube of dairy she presented to him so sweetly.

He opened his mouth to take it, but just as he did, she flicked her wrist to give him a side profile of her hand. He just sat there leaning forward, mouth agape like a dumbass. And boy he felt it. She had the audacity to snicker at him and return the pompous condescending attitude he showed her earlier when he teased about the sleepover thing.

“Oh, you thought I was offering it to you? You thought I was going to feed you? Ha! How precious,” she cooed, reveling in the exaggerated faces he was giving her.

“Nosir, I’m just offering to educate you. You see how my fingers are positioned? Pay attention,” she ordered, popping the chopsticks in her mouth to hold before picking up his hand.

She splayed out his fingers, manipulating the position of his hand so his palm faced her. As contorted and scrutinizing as his reddened expression was, he put no effort into retracting his hand or making a snide comment. In actuality, he couldn’t be more thrilled to have Pomni fussing with him一it felt like floating.

He just watched as she plucked a chopstick from her mouth and placed it in the grasp of his middle finger and thumb. Then, she placed the other one in between his thumb and his pointer finger.

“You control the top one with your pointer, and use the middle as a rest to prop up the supporting stick. It’s basically an extension of pinching, so you should be good at it,” she jested, letting his hands go and moving her own to serve as an example.

He felt the chopsticks in his grasp and mimicked the movements she made with her hands and her ghost chopsticks. It felt awkward and clumsy, but he managed to manipulate the utensils with enough dexterity to poorly clutch a cube of cheese. His face lit up when he picked it up, and Pomni clapped her hands like a seal to praise him for his basic success.

“Good job! Chopstick pro!” she whistled, making a small ruckus. Unlike when he exaggerated about her success with the dancing, he bathed in the artificial glory. Even if it was all just hot air, he could still use it to fuel his ego. He smiled and brought the cube of cheese to her mouth.

“Pomni Sensei, you are most knowledgeable. Allow me to offer you this cheese in return for your ancient wisdom,” he cooed, bringing it closer to her lips. She laughed at him and turned her head away in protest.

“How could I? That is your cheese. I’d never dream of taking it,” she tittered, placing her hand gently on the utensils and directing them away an inch.

“NO! I insist! It is a gift, you will bring dishonor onto me if you don’t accept,” he said in a lilting tone, leaning forward and poking her in the cheek with the food.

“Why?!” She laughed, falling backward and landing on her elbows. He’d followed her and was leaning forward now, still poking her with the cheese.

“Pomni I’m just trying to reciprocate! You’re making this more difficult than it needs to be,” he chuckled, leaning down more but bringing his chopsticks away slightly.

“Reciprocate, huh? You wanna reciprocate,” she mumbled, eyeing the cheese. Then, she opened her mouth and chomped it rather aggressively, startling Jax. As she chewed it, she noticed his face did something similar to what it did on the last adventure, when she’d gotten too excited and roughhoused with him. It made her guts squirm.

“I don’t know if you would still want to reciprocate if you had full grasp of what that means,” she muttered, watching his arms stiffen and his ears twitch. He sat up as quick as a flash of lightning and rested on his knees before drumming his hands on them.

“I hoped that for as long as we’ve been palling around you’d figure out that I’m totally down to reciprocate whatever you got,” he asserted, locking eyes with her in almost a challenging way. She snorted and quickly looked away as she pushed herself up.

“Truth or Dare,” he sassed, crossing his arms.
“Wait! One more rule: no more than 10 rounds. I don’t want it to last the whole night,” she said before popping her fingers absentmindedly.

“Whatever, fine. Truth of Dare,” he insisted.

“Umm…Dare? No wait! Truth I think..?” she stuttered, hesitating at his stare.

“First thing is what we settle on, miss indecisive. I oughta’ call you Hamlet,” he jeered, shooting her a mischievous grin, “Dare it is.” She looked terrified.

“So, I’ve been having a problem with this space. It’s not cutting it for me anymore. I dare you to design my room the way you think I’d like it,” he hummed.

Oh. That’s not so bad.

“Um, sure…what don’t you like about it?” she asked, looking around at his stuff.

“I don’t know! I tried to make it better like 3 times. It hasn’t worked. So I dunno, use your wizard powers,” he grumbled, gesturing to her as if she knew what the fuck he meant.

“Well, why don’t we start off with the decor? I see the mural, and that’s nice. Do you want to keep it?” she asked.

“Yeah, I like it. Space is cool, the concept of infinity is cool,” he muttered, blanking at the mural.

“Ok. Your room is kinda’ empty besides the dresser and the sparsely populated shelving in the back一why not bring some of your coolest display stuff out front? Show off your weapons and stuff,” she proposed, sending him into thought.

“Ok, that sounds fine. I’ll put up displays now and fill them later. What else you got?” he prompted.

“So, please don’t be mad when I say this, but…I think that you are maybe not incorporating your physical preferences due to your disdain for them,” she muttered, placing a peace sign behind her head and flexing her fingers一bunny might like bunny things.

“What!? If you tell me to cover the floor in wood shavings and attach a drip waterer to the wall I will crush you into a powder and snort you,” he spat.

“Pfft, what?! N-No, Jax. I just mean, think about it…you are so snuggly. You love to wrap up in things…I only know because you wanted to fight me for my blanket when you spent the night and you’ve used me to snuggle so many times,” she explained, hoping he’d take it the right way. He seemed to think about it, so that was a plus.

“All I’m saying is change your bed a little. Instead of a raised mattress on a frame, have the bed sunk into the ground, like a conversation pit from the 70’s. It’ll be comfy-cozy, dark, and you can feel like your in a一”

“OK, I get it. You won’t say ‘burrow’ if you know what’s good for you,” he grumbled, switching out his bed for her idea. The hole of a bed was circular and took up much less space, and that seemed to really make it feel better.

“If you really want to up the feel, you could put a blackout canopy on top. It’d feel like a cave,” she said, looking at him. He didn’t place the canopy, but still nodded at her suggestion.

“I like it. Looks comfy. Guess we’ll test it out, huh?” he inquired, shooting her a pleased smile. She nodded at him before she spoke.

“Truth or Dare,” she asked, bringing his attention to her fully.

“Always start with dare. That’s what the champs do,” he lilted, cocking an eyebrow at her.

“Mk. I dare you to….hold your breath,” she chirped.

“Haha, what? Come on, Pom, is that all you’ve got?” he asked incredulously, “That’s soooo tame.”

“Don’t you worry about how tame it is. I wanna see what your silly gimmick is, Bunny,” she joked, goading him to do it. He rolled his eyes and muttered a ‘whatever’ before gulping a breath of digital air and holding it.

After a moment, his ears started blowing up like balloons, and once they reached a threshold, they popped and he was left with his silly earless profile.

“Ha! You look bald!” she chortled, pointing at his head in mockery.

“Jokes on you, I’m actually covered in fur,” he snickered, squinting and pinching his nose as he blew air into his head, causing a new set of ears to cartoonishly pop up like daffodils.

“My turn, Pom. Truth or Dare,” he smiled, smoothing back his new set of ears.

“Dare,” she hummed, hopeful that the next dare would be as tame as the last one.

“I dare you to put my oversized pajamas on and do some tai-chi or yoga or something. Improvise for my amusement,” he laughed as he shot briskly to his dresser and pulled out a pink polka dotted pajama set. She pushed herself up from her spot on the floor and brought her hand to her hip.

“You actually want me to wear that? I could easily just walk next door and change really quick. I can strike a pose better in clothes that fit,” she explained as he stepped forward with the set in hand.

“No! I want it to be difficult, that’s the friggin’ point. Put’em on or prepare to be punished,” he lilted. The lack of seriousness zapped her, because she knew he absolutely would make good on his word to put her through something terrible.

“No! I’ll do it, jeez. Hand it over,” she huffed, standing and reaching out to him. He happily handed her the clothes and turned around, placing his hands over his eyes.

“Go on, Pomkin. Gimme the ok to look when you're done,” he hummed. She noticed his purple fluffy tail swishing with his back turned to her, and it made her let out a giggle she couldn’t stifle. The sound made it wag more, like the cutest positive feedback loop she’s ever seen. His nose started twitching as clicks started coming from behind, and a quick succession of shuffles met his ears.
“Ok. I don’t know much yoga, but I’ll still try,” she mumbled. He spun around so fast he should’ve got whiplash, his smile bright with intensity. He laughed as he closed the distance between them in a single step. He didn’t say anything, but his look prompted her to start.

She sighed and lifted one leg, the length of the pants falling far from her foot. She stood on the other as straight as an arrow, bringing her arms up above her head in slow motion. The sleeves were so long they fell on her head, threatening to obscure her vision as she huffed, “Tree pose.” Then she put her foot down heavily as she broke the pose to widen her stance. She bent backwards and caught herself with her hands, aching her back before she abruptly turned her head to give him a fretful look as he laughed at her.

“Tree and Bridge are all I know,” she muttered, watching him squat down beside her and extend his arm over her, giggling like a sadistic child.

“You’re Bridge requires some major structural changes, Pom. I bet it would collapse with any weight on it,” he cucked, starting to push down on her stomach, watching her face go crimson and her limbs start to shake.

“J-Jax, don’t! Your floors are slippery, I don’t have any grip, I won’t make it!” she choked, just before he pushed her down with more force into a…pillow? He’d manifested a pillow just below her. She sighed and flopped one of her sleeves over her face to avoid him.

“You are, like…so dramatic,” he laughed, watching her roll onto her stomach and push herself up.

“You are so weird,” she mumbled, desperately trying to roll up the ridiculous length of the sleeve, “Truth of Dare.”

“Truth,” he hummed as he soaked up her struggles. She was so cute when she was frustrated.

“Did you do anything to Ragatha that might have made her think so poorly of you? Besides the whole snapping thing today,” Pomni questioned nervously.

“Well, I mean…I’ve done a lot of sh*t to everybody here. I threw her in a deep fryer, once, and I pushed her out of a plane…but she had a parachute, so the fact she didn’t pull it is just incompetence on her part. Not on me,” he snickered, pulling his hands up in mock defense.

“How long ago, though?” she asked tentatively.

“Years since I’ve done something that harsh,” he muttered, standing and going to retrieve a set of pj’s for himself.

“Honestly, even after I’ve done some of the worst things, she’s always been kinda mellow about it. Like, frustrated, sure. But today there was fire coming out of her nose. Legit, she’s never been so pissed in front of us,” he explained as he pushed the buttons on his overalls. He slid the straps down his shoulders, and Pomni immediately turned around with a heated face, only to be laughed at again.

“What’sa matter, Pom? You didn’t mind indulging in your voyeurism earlier,” he teased, letting the top of his overalls fall to his stomach. He quickly replaced it with his bedtime shirt.

“I’m a gentleman,” Pomni huffed, flopping the extra sleeve length at her sides, “And I know she was pretty bothered by it. But, you know…you were too.”

Just as she’d said that, he’d pulled his pj bottoms and kicked the overalls to the side before approaching the new bed.

“You really are,” he hummed as he crawled into it and sat on top of his dark blue blanket, “and yeah, I was about to rip off her face when she got crazy. Lucky for her, you snapped me out of it.”

“I’m just happy you guys are both ok. It’s not cool for her to have said that stuff, but it is also not cool for you to have lost your sh*t. I get it though…I find myself defending you more and more, recently,” Pomni grumbled, starting to make her way to the bed to join him. Her foot caught on one of the pantlegs and she ended up tripping forward.

He was quicker than liquor and caught her torso to pull her down in a swift motion. Once in the bed pit, she grumbled to herself as she peeked around it. As he amused himself with her shortcomings, she crossed her arms in defiance.

“Why did you want to put me in this hazard?” Pomni groaned.

“Because it’s funny,” he hummed, nose twitching. At the sight, Pomni got a hilarious idea that she saved for later.

“Truth or Dare,” he asked casually. He was focused on her feet as she spoke一he pushed his foot up against hers until they were flat against each other, and then he gradually began to straighten his legs.

“Truth,” she grumbles, trying desperately to participate in the challenge. Her legs were so little compared to his, though, she had no chance.

“How are you gonna bad mouth Ragatha when she finally shows her sorry mug,” he grinned, watching her struggle to participate in the leg war.

“I’m gonna tell her that I’m mad, but she’s still my friend. Then I’m gonna ask what the h#ll it was all about,” she squeaked, finally losing the contest. He’d succeeded in pushing her all the way to the end of the bed and crumpling her legs in the process.

“Of course you’d keep it civil. Pomni the gent,” he sneered, “Not quite the route I would take, but hey. She’ll probably respond to that better than a nest of centipedes under her pillow.”

“Probably,” he agreed, “but I’m not entirely upset at all the events. I dunno if I’d be here being silly with you if nothing had happened today.”

She noticed he was looking at her with a softer expression, now. Still with that neutral smile, but a smidgen of something else too. Maybe agreement, maybe gratitude. He ran his hand over his ears gently, petting them down before they sprang back up. Pomni took his silence as a chance to mess with him a little more.

“Truth or Dare?” she hummed innocently, pulling her legs away from their awkward position and settling them between his. That cocky motherfucker opened his mouth and ran his tongue along his jagged yellow teeth before he snapped his jaw shut and squinted.

“Dare me, Pom,” he ordered, most certainly thinking that he’d be able to do anything her PG brain could come up with.

“I dare you to tell me exactly what all of your bunny instincts are, and I’d like a demonstration for each,” she beamed, reveling in the way his face contorted in hyperbolic horror. His smile fell faster than a speeding bullet and his eyes got as big as his ego..that wasn’t what he thought she’d say at all.

“You want me to what!? Pomni! That’s一well that’s just crazy!” he yipped in annoyance.

“Wow, I didn’t think you’d be the first to back out of a dare,” she giggled, “I’m so proud of myself.”

“WELL, STOP BEING PROUD,” be barked, jumping out from the bed and landing in a wide, defensive stance, “you’re not gonna beat me, Pipsqueak. Nu-uh.”

She watched him intently as he clenched his fists in frustration. He fought an internal battle for a minute before she started tapping her chin in thought. He determined she was coming up with a sinister punishment, so he settled and huffed out an aggravated sigh.

“I really hate this,” he grimaced, flattening his ears. Then, he pointed to the flattened appendages on his head.

“These f*cking things give away my every thought一mad, flustered, scared, happy, tired. All of it. It’s so dumb when they hug my head like a bad weave,” he growled.
“And sometimes they twitch when I don’t want them to. And they’re stupidly sensitive…like sensitive to touch, and I hear everything. Not fun.”

She nodded simply, folding her legs criss-cross as he continued to explain.

“My nose wiggles without my permission, and sometimes, so, ah…so does my tail,” he muttered, wiggling his nose for her through his grimace. It made her feel so good to see his face so red, to know he was so embarrassed, because he was still willingly showing her these things一even if it was spurred by pride, she was certain if anybody else had asked for this he’d have taken the punishment. And it was a lovely form of payback for all his teasing. She hummed and smiled, watching him intently as he spun around and swished his tail.

“Oh my god, Jax…that’s so cute,” she whispered, eyeing the purple fluff.

“God d@mm*t” he grumbled, turning around again quickly to prevent her from ogling him any longer.

“I’m sorry that you don’t like it. I can't help that I like it though, so don’t be all puffy about it,” she reasoned. It only made him more upset that his tail swished again at her words.

“When I’m mad, or feel crazy, my foot stomps the ground without me thinking about it,” he sneered, offering a demonstration while she peeked over the side of the bed.

“Oh yeah, I’ve seen you do that. You did it when I told you I didn’t want to do the bounty hunter mission with you,” she recalled, “I think it’s called thumping.”

“You know so much random sh*t. Nerd,” he jabbed, hopping back down into the bed pit, “but as for all the other things…you don’t wanna know.”

Well that got her attention. She was staring at him, searching his face for anything interesting, and landed on the underlying hint of impending humiliation. She was so conflicted between learning more about him and respecting his wishes, she almost let him stop. Almost.

“That’s fine, Jax, you can stop. Just let me think of a proper punishment,” she said slyly, bringing her fist to her chin to strike the thinker pose. His ears drooped and his eyes bulged while he faced her.

“WHY? I did your stupid dare!” he growled, pointing his finger at her knee. She didn’t budge, but instead started voicing her thoughts.

“No, not really. You didn’t show me all of them. Maybe you could sing a love song in front of the whole crew,” she muttered, casting her gaze to the corner of the room.

“But Pom! I showed you some, you don’t even know if there are anymore,” he seethed, still as red as a beet. She brought her gaze back to him with a sweet smile.

“You just said ‘as for all the other things’, implying by your language that there are at least two more that you’ve negated. But by how flustered you are I’d bet there are more than that,” she hypothesized, leaning forward to poke the hand still on her knee. He sure is touchy, huh.

“God f#ck*ng d@mm*t. You and your tar-pit of a memory are terrible,” he grumbled as he locked onto her hand as it poked his own. Well, if she wants to see, she’ll see. But he did warn her.

“I have an insatiable desire to push my face into things around me. Especially comfortable, soft, or cute things,” he hissed before flopping himself down beside her.

To say she looked startled would be an understatement. He reached over and pulled her halfway underneath him, and started nuzzling her shoulder. She squeaked at the contact, but it only spurred him to bury his face in her more. She couldn’t help but laugh at the strange behavior, seeing him really lose himself in it一it wasn’t a demonstration anymore. He was just experiencing it and she was a lucky witness.

“Ha ha, Jax, why would I not want to see this? This is awesome, everyone should see this side of you,” she giggled, reaching over to pet his head as it rested on her shoulder.

“NO,” he barked, shooting his head up from where he laid, “Nobody else.”

She smiled gently at him, and it seemed to set a whole new train of thought in motion. He pushed himself up and brought his arm over to her other side so he could support himself as he peered down at her intensely. She felt her heart climb to her throat, and suddenly the pajamas she was wearing felt 10 degrees hotter. He leaned forward, watching her every reaction.

“I’ve been getting new ones, recently,” he whispered, taking in how big her eyes had become, and how delicate she looked wrapped up in his clothes. “Usually I handle all the stuff that this body throws at me by myself. But lately these impulses have been geared to someone else.”

“Oh?” she whispered, willing herself not to tremble. He was so close.

“I rarely indulge in grooming myself. I’ll smooth down the fur if it puffs, ya’ know? But I’ve noticed that you seem to be getting more and more nibble-able,” he hummed, lowering his face to the crook of her neck. He opened his mouth just enough to grip her ivory skin and nipped at her gently. She quivered beneath him, and a stifled moan escaped her. The sound shook him, and the way she tensed gave him the confidence to continue.

“As for the rest, I’m sure you can assume what other behaviors are synonymous with rabbits. But if you still need a demonstration一” he rasped in her ear, “I’m sure I could figure something out.”

Chapter 27: CH. 27 DEMONSTRATION

“J-Jax,” she breathed, shrinking at the intensity of his words, “are you…are you flirting with me?”

He was still over her, caging her into the bed, but he immediately pushed up and stared at her. That question rattled around in his head as he took her in. She was so pretty like that, and something started to tickle his nose, but he couldn’t help but laugh.

“… Yes, Pomni” he paused, “I’ve been flirting with you, dingus.”

“Oh,” she huffed, eyes still as big as saucers, “are you sure?”

He just stared at her blankly while she gawked like a deer in headlights at him. ….WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?

“Pom! What do you mean, ‘are you sure’? The f&ck is with that response!” he spat, suddenly feeling immensely self conscious. He sprung upright with a jerk.

“I don’t know! It means what it means! I’m bad at this!” she shrieked, still cherry red. She sat up herself, balancing on her knees so she was almost eye-level with him and poked his chest.

“I have had a long day, and so have you! I don’t know if you’re teasing me, okay? You get more playful after drama happens to distract yourself from stewing in it, which I totally get and welcome as an aide to my own personal escape! Don’t get mad at me for questioning it!” she barked, poking his fluff through the shirt. He was boiling.

“F&CK YOU! STOP BEING RIGHT ALL THE TIME, AND STOP LOOKING SO GODD@MED CUTE!” he hollered, grasping her shoulders and shaking her, “Jesus I just wanna eat you when you get that look on your face.”

She scoffed at him as he leapt up from the bed. He marched over to the closet and threw open the door, then went inside. Pomni heard a ruckus from where she sat in the pit-bed, and was surprised when he stomped out of the room with that little yellow bottle in his hand.

“Take a drop of this on your tongue!” he ordered.

“Why would I take it? I was doubting you!” she exasperated, catching the bottle when he threw it to her.

“You keep given’ me a h*llava’ lotta mixed signals, here, Pom. I want to know what you think of me! All of it,” he jeered, hopping back down in the bed with her.

“I told you what I think of you!” she barked, watching him smile and bristle at the same time.

“ALL OF IT,” he repeated.

“Fine, I’ll do it if YOU do it. I wanted to know what you were thinking first,” she backfired, watching his face contort in a mixture of amusement and annoyance…odd combination. She placed her hands on the cork in the top of the bottle and pulled desperately, but she couldn’t get it to budge. After a moment of her struggling, he yoinked it and popped it off in one go, causing her to scowl. He didn’t have time to gloat, though, because he was getting everything out of Pomni asap…all other shenanigans can wait.

He shoved his pinky in the opening of the bottle and tipped it once before pulling it out and giving it a ginger lick. Then, he slotted his pinkie in her mouth, making sure to wipe his finger-pad on her tongue. She startled, but he pulled it away before she could bite him or something.

“Huh. Tastes like pizza…weird,” she muttered after smacking her lips. He eyed her cautiously.

“So,” he started, re-corking the bottle.

“So,” she repeated, crossing her arms and meeting his stare.

“PomCakes first,” he grumbled, setting the bottle to the side carefully.

“Ok….You are always teasing me and joking around. Don’t get me wrong一I love that about you. But it makes it hard to tell when you’re being genuine. What am I supposed to think when we’re talking about important things,” she explained.

“In this instance I am not teasing you. You can literally ask me any time you’re genuinely confused and I’ll go Abraham Lincoln on your @ss….So you think being flirty is an important topic?” he asked, tapping his elbow with his finger.

“Of course I think it’s important, Jax. That’s why I questioned it,” she replied, leaning back into a big pillow.

“Why do you think it’s an important topic?” he questioned, focused on her every move.

“Because it gives me a better idea of what you think about me,” she answered immediately, “I want to know how you feel about me!”

“I feel crazy about you! I just wanna blend you into my milkshake! I want to roll around in your clothes because they smell like you, and I wanna do so many things with you. I wanna tickle you and bite you and then lick you afterward,” he spewed, suddenly shooting a hand up to his mouth in mortification.

“Wow Ok,” she couldn’t help but laugh at his embarrassment, “That’s enlightening.”

“Whatever, you know it’s legit, so just accept it and move on. What do you wanna do with me?” he quickly turned the conversation around.

“I want to do a lot of stuff with you too. I want to help you feel better and make you happy in any ethically tolerable way that I can. I want to bullsh*t with you, and laugh at your jokes, and show you how important you are,” she word-vomited, feeling quite awkward after.

His expression brightened, and his smile became alarmingly wide.

“I want to cuddle you so hard you pop. I want to have you sit on my lap,” he said quietly, searching her eyes for any sign of reluctance. He found none as she scooted over to him and looked at him questioningly, nodding her head quizzically in the direction of his legs. He snickered before pulling her on top of him and leaning back comfortably.

“You’re so snuggly... I want to hold your hand more, and I want to touch your fur. It’s the softest thing ever,” she muttered, casting her gaze toward his chest. His heart fluttered, and he gave an anxious laugh.

“That sounds really really nice,” he breathed, glancing toward her hands. She noticed, and tentatively brought them up to his face. She cupped his cheeks and ran her thumbs across the fluff of them, smiling at the texture. A rumble emitted from his chest as he closed his eyes and leaned into the touch.

“You sound like an engine,” she hummed, bringing her hands back down.
“What can I say? You rev me up,” he commented too fast, flushing slightly at himself.

“I’ve been wrestling with the extent of my attraction to you because I know that you’re my friend and I don’t want to cross boundaries. I’ve also been trying to focus on the problems that are happening in the circus so I can try to fix them, but putting all my attention into that and ignoring the feeling is leaving me incredibly sexually frustrated. I didn’t want to burden you about it, or lose you as a friend, so I’ve been trying to preoccupy myself,” Pomni blurted, then made a barely audible scream of horror. He just laughed.

“I love this serum,” he chuckled, “I’ve been so troubled with it too. At first I was just happy to pal around cuz you're fun, but then it was like… ‘woah I need to be close enough to smell her’. That turned into frustration that I couldn't be as happy as you make me by myself, and the whole time I was just frustrated and horny,” he responded coolly.

“I feel that,” she agreed sheepishly, “I’d like to help you with that, if you want.”

Suddenly, a terribly flustered look crossed her face and she covered her eyes with her hands to avoid seeing his response. He shot up from his relaxed position reclining and grabbed her wrists to pull them away from her face.

“I would like to help you with that, too,” he breathed, causing her heart to hammer.

“Oh my God,” she whispered harshly, flustered beyond measure, starting to stare off into nothing.

“I want to do everything with you, Pom,” he doubled down, succeeding in bringing her back.

“I-I want you too, but…I don't want to get too heavy, right now. Today was a lot and I’m not all there. I want to be all there, if we一you know,” she sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck. She couldn’t stand to see his face, now that she revealed her tenderness. He just nuzzled her as she hid from him.

“You want me,” he repeated quietly, squeezing her hips, “I know you said nothin’ too heavy, but…can I play with you, Pom? It’ll make me feel better一might make you feel better too. I’ll stop on demand. Promise.”

She blistered after he said that. But at least he was asking, right? Jax was the person who usually just did things. He had a complicated system of determination for his actions…but he was paying attention and trying to meet her this time. She felt an immense wave of gratitude for his consideration. After a moment of contemplation, she slowly nodded. She leaned back so she could see his eyes, even though it was probably going to be the catalyst for her own self-combustion.

“I’ve not done anything in a long time, Jax. Before the circus, I dated 2 people…because I’m an idiot and I can’t seem to recognize when people like me, even if I like them. It’s been a couple of years since…yeah. That’s what I’m working with,” she mumbled, shifting in her spot on his lap. He made a buzzing sound, like he did earlier, and ran his hands over her back.

“That makes a lot of sense. Ha, I thought you were just teasing me,” he hummed, massaging the lower part of her back. She took a sharp breath in and leaned forward, slumping into him as he kneaded.

“No. That's just something I’m quite incompetent at,” she sighed, melting into him.

“Pomni一this serum doesn't last a long time, since we only took like, half a drop. I wanna ask you some more stuff before it wears off,” he whispered, sliding his hands down to her legs over the pants, rubbing little circles with his thumbs. He was squeezing every time she breathed.

“Mmmm, shoot,” she sighed, shuttering at the feeling of his hands. They were so big. He removed his hands from her legs and slid them under her一er, his shirt, grasping her sides and rumbling deeply.

“If you’re really bad at this, Imma get out as much useful information as I can,” he explained. He relished in how her skin felt like silk.

“Where are your most sensitive areas, Pom? Do you have any kinks? What’s your favorite position?” he quizzed, somehow still talking through the purr.

“Of course you’d ask some embarrassing sh*t like that,” she huffed, turning her face to the side so she could speak properly, her face still hot. She shut her eyes tight and let the serum pull the answers out of her.

“My, uh一my belly is probably the most sensitive. My neck is too, and of course the…more obvious areas,” she huffed, remembering how he pushed her down on the pillow earlier. His hand was right there, and he had no idea what it did to her.

“As for positions一I haven't really had enough experience to know my favorite position. I fantasize a lot about riding and doggy, though. Same for kinky stuff,” she whimpered, feeling how those words affected his more sensitive areas. He groaned as her hips shifted on him.

“Pomni,” he rasped, desperately fighting to tame the wild thoughts in his head, “we should’a done this waaaaay sooner.”

Every fiber in Jax’s body was firing. He was desperately trying to control his breathing and racing thoughts, because he knew Pomni could feel him basically vibrating beneath her. Even though it was unintentional, he didn’t want to be scary一this body was very strange, and he knew that.

“Let me, just…” he shuttered, pushing her away from him momentarily while being as gentle as he could. She was so light it was like manipulating a down pillow. She was accepting of it as he laid her down on the mattress, propping herself up with her elbows. Pomni just watched him with big eyes, wondering what he had in mind.

“Tell me to stop if it gets too much,” he huffed, reaching down to manipulate the buttons of the pajama shirt, “I wanna nibble on you a little more一 It’s been gnawing at me for a while.”

“Ok, that’s fine. Stay above the undergarments, please,” she mumbled, helping to shrug off the shirt she was swimming in.

“Pfft, ha! Undergarments,” he snickered, peeling her out of it, “you sound like an old woman.”

Pomni felt better to not be drowning in fabric, but as soon as she looked back at Jax’s face, she almost felt like it might help him if she put it back on. His eyes raked over her so quickly she thought he might get dizzy, and the stiffness in his whole body was quite reminiscent of that of a tension bridge on the brink of collapse. The swishing of his tail was audible, and she saw his mouth part slightly, revealing his abnormally sharp teeth. In the position they were in she saw a slight glint of light on one of them, and it stole her breath away.

He leaned down, inhaling heavily. His breathing was so prominent一it sounded almost like he’d been running. He slid down so that his stomach was resting on her, bracing himself with the arm that wasn’t brushing her hair back.

He pulled himself closer to her cheek before rubbing his face on it. Pomni lilted out a soft little chuckle as he nuzzled her more, burying his nose and chin in her hair. She wrapped her arms around him as he continued to push into her gently for a few minutes.

“I like this quite a bit... Is it scratching the itch, Jax?” she sighed as he moved from her hair to just under her jaw.

“‘S’gettn’ there,” he purred, reveling in how she was holding him.

He parted his lips and began to nip at her jaw so gently, only with his front teeth. She gasped at the sensation, earning more eager nips as he trailed down her neck. When he reached her shoulder, he opened his mouth wide and sunk his teeth in, completely gone with the sensation of everything. Her voice rang out like a bell for him, and it intoxicated him more than he’d have ever guessed it could.

Jax hummed with his teeth still embedded in her shoulder, reveling in the feeling of her shivering underneath. He stayed like that for a moment before releasing her and licking it tenderly.

“I, um一I really liked that,” she whispered, running her fingers through the fur on his head. “Would it be ok if I touched your ears?”

He hummed in approval before dropping his mouth over her collarbone. She tenderly placed her hands at the base of his ears and pulled a rumbling groan out of him. Her thumbs grazed over the impossibly soft fur on the outside of them, causing him to tremble and push his body closer. After he got ahold of himself, he started trailing shallow nibbles from her clavicle to her sternum, growling when he reached the bridge of her bra.

He pushed himself further down, settling between her legs as she wrestled with her arousal. He shot his face up to peek at her flushed expression. Her eyes were screwed shut and her hands clenched into tight little fists as she tried to contain herself. He laughed breathily at the sight, resting his chin on where her ribs ended.

“You’re so sweet, Pom,” he huffed, nuzzling her. She gasped and shot her hand toward his cheek to grip it pleadingly.

“I’m serious,” she warbled, voice hitching in a most unconvincing way, “it’s very sensitive. Abnormally so. Please keep that in mind.”

He sucked in a heavy breath and repositioned his hands on her hips, placing his thumbs on the lower part of her abdomen, right above the pant line. Then, he pressed. Pomni had no control of her body as it reacted, back arching, pushing her belly to meet his open maw. When it did, he dragged his teeth over her.

“Ahh, Jax, t-teeth! I-I can’t一” she spluttered, reaching for her stomach to shield it from overstimulation.

He grabbed and held her wrist before pushing her back down, gingerly tounging at the teeth marks he’d made. She sang out for him a beautiful stream of incoherent moans that could not be contained, and he had every impulsive thought screaming at him to do it again.

So, he did.

Jax drew his long tongue over her lower belly, watching the way she twitched and her face twisted in pleasure. Suddenly, a more violent, full body contraction washed over her. At first, he’d wondered if he might have actually hurt her, but that was before the smell filled his nose.

“Wow一that was awesome,” she breathed out in between breaths, lifting her head to peer at him. Her eyes were so dopey, and her little smile was reassuring enough that he did really well, but he was still partially distracted.

“What’s一is that? I’m pretty sure,” he lowered his head closer to her stomach and took a deep inhale. Then, he sniffed around before landing just above her squishy bits. He shot his gaze to her eyes intently.

“That’s you,” he said lowly. Pomni watched his eyes change, becoming so engulfed in black she could barely see the yellow.

“What’s me? I’m right here, Jax,” she muttered, growing more confused, but not uncomfortable. He took a deep breath and shook his head back and forth violently before skittering to be closer to her face.

“S’Nothin, Toots. That smell is just tryna’ hijack my brain. It’s fine, it’s good. You were great,” he grinned, pulling her into a tight embrace before settling her on his lap again.

“It felt amazing. But, you, um…you still..” she trailed off, gesturing to his lap. She could still feel him pressing against her.

“I know, I know, I’m good at everything,” he rushed, pulling her closer to him. “I want you to be comfortable, and you said you don’t wanna get too heavy. I’m not gonna push anything. I said that.”

She smiled warmly and rested her head on his chest as he squeezed her, soaking up the small girl's presence.

“I swear, Pom, this is like一the least terrible thing I’ve experienced here. I feel like this was way overdue. You seriously need to work on your timing,” he joked, still fighting with himself to not fixate on the smell. It was so persistent, like sugar craving.

“I’ll try to work on it,” she breathed, feeling sleep prod at her.

“Hey Jax, can you take your shirt off? I wanna mess with your fluff,” she asked sweetly. It made his heart pound in his ears.

“Only if we can make that a permanent installment of our sleepover routine,” he chided, letting her fiddle with the buttons of his nightshirt.

“Sure. We can work that in,” she giggled softly.

He sighed and pulled off his shirt before pulling the covers over them, making sure to tuck her in extra snug so that aroma wouldn’t be so prominent to keep him awake. She gently ran her fingers through the fluff of his chest, soothing them both into slumber.

Chapter 28: CH.28 POWERFUL PREDICAMENTS

Though Pomni and Jax had fallen asleep rather quickly, only Pomni was able to stay asleep. He was pulled away from it multiple times, being so stimulated by all of the previous events. He was so emotionally exhausted by the ups and downs of the day that it was torturous to be prevented from a deeper sleep.

He’d taken to looking at Pomni’s face as she breathed silently, as peaceful as can be. He studied her inverse eyelashes, her pink blush spots, and the way her hair framed her face, committing them to memory. She was such a deep sleeper whenever he was able to see it, but memories of her explaining how poor her sleep had flooded him. Some conversations with other castmates popped up in his head, too, where she’d said that she was always having a bad time sleeping.

But he was the one to show her the dreaded adventure mode, which undoubtedly was a contributor to her restlessness. It originally amused him that nobody else had offered to show her about it, but now, he just felt thankful that that’s how it went down. Ragatha would be the person he’d have pegged to help her out with stuff like that, because she’s always trying to play the mom-friend role, but it didn’t really surprise him that she said nothing.

Because Ragatha was not who she painted herself to be.

Ragatha got on his nerves more than anybody else in the circus besides the AIs. She was always trying to be ‘helpful’, but only when it helped her in the long run. And it ticked him off to high heavens, not only because he felt that it was the most disingenuous thing one could do in general besides straight up lie, but because she was so fucking good at it.

He’d initially admired her for being invested in the long game and self preservation so much so that he decided to incorporate that selfishness into his own survival strategy. The problem was, he was so sick of all the fakeness he saw in everything around him that he couldn’t bear to do it the same way. So he embodied selfishness in a way he deemed more acceptable, because it wasn’t cloaked in any kiss-assery or shady behavior. It was pure selfishness. The fact that the circus was not real, their overlords were computer programs, and every person here seemed to wallow in self loathing made his tolerance for fake shit drastically decrease.

The tolerance was still there, of course, because it had to be. You have to have some acceptance of non reality if you wanna keep from going crazy. He just couldn’t push himself to stoop so low as to pretend to the extent that the others were pretending. That Ragatha was pretending.

So early on in his life here, he’d gone deep into self-analyzation. He wanted to dissect himself, and make sure he knew exactly who he was. Because if he could be anything, he wanted to be real.

He’d even made diagrams to help him organize it, coming to the conclusion that his main character traits were less than ideal for the average protagonist一more aligned to a villain. He was easy to anger, his preferred mask and defence mechanisms revolved around entertainment and comedy (if only perceived by him that way) and he enjoyed indiscriminately causing pain.

Pain was familiar, and when he saw it in other people, it filled him with contentment to know that he wasn’t alone in it. Because in the circus, everybody feels alone. So finding things that make that dissipate are incredibly useful for maintaining one’s sanity.

His wit, he determined, was his defining characteristic. He made sure to hone it with jokes, quips, pranks and tricks. That stuff forced him to think in a world that is utterly devoid of critical thought, so the stimulation acted as positive reinforcement on multiple levels. He was achieving his goal of being more genuine while simultaneously occupying himself. Best to avoid abstraction any way you can, right?

Yes. Avoid becoming a personified mental illness. That was the main goal.

And he was pretty sure everyone else had that same base goal too. They all just went about it in entirely different ways, Ragatha’s being the least honorable. It honestly irked him that Pomni and Ragatha had become fairly good friends, because Pomni seemed like she had such a different moral character than the doll.

Pom was genuine and honest, and annoyingly empathetic, with a sappy heart and weird emotional coping mechanisms. At least by his standards. Being so openly vulnerable made her a walking anomaly, because she was willing to take emotional damage in exchange for short lived happiness, and she was always caring about everybody just because.

Ragatha, on the other hand, never cared ‘just because’. She cared because she knew that power lies in community, and if she established relationships as a reliable, caring individual, that she’d be able to use the people she’s manipulated to get what she wants. Wich, Jax was not denying is cunning一it was just a nasty thing to do. And it reminded him of his mother.

Yes, the doll and the jester had become close even though they were quite dissimilar. After Pomni had apologized for running away from her when she glitched out a while back, they made up like sisters. Rags was probably Pomni’s closest friend until Jax had unintentionally initiated a friendship that turned out to be the best thing he’s had in a long time…and that got him thinking.

If Rags was Poms closest friend before he showed up, and now the jester had less time for her, that would definitely give her a reason to be a Dollzilla. She must have been mad at him for that. He would be mad if someone came between him and anything good, too一and he didn’t do anything else to warrant that reaction.

She’s probably so upset that they’re se close now一and she’ll be even more upset when she figures out that Pomni is now more his than hers. Ragatha would absolutely lose her shit if she learned that the local asshole was snuggling shirtless with the neighborhood sweetheart一so he decided that he was going to make sure she knew as soon as possible.

However, he also determined that preserving Pomni’s good opinion of him was of the utmost importance. So what’s a bunny to do? Well, it’s all about subtlety. He can be very subtle.

A stirring beside him broke Jax from his churning thoughts. He peered down to see Pomni’s droopy eyes studying him as her chin hid under the covers.

“You’re wide awake,” she groaned sluggishly, bringing her hands to her eyelids to rub them.

“Good mornin’ to you too, Sunshine,” he hummed.

“Good morning,” she sighed, pushing herself up to stretch her back, “How long have you been awake?”

He watched as the blanket fell and pool around her waist and couldn’t help the silly grin that plastered his face. He reached out to poke at her belly.

“Long enough to live a double life, Poms. You oughta wear that more often,” he mused, snickering as she swatted his hand away like a pesky fly.

“You’d like that too much,” she snapped, pulling the covers off of him and rolling over to straddle him. His limbs tensed and his breath caught at her unexpected contact. She buried her face in the fluffiest fur on his chest and rubbed back and forth, letting the fur engulf her as they laid there. He couldn’t help but laugh.

“Ha, maybe I like this too much! Ever think of that?” he snorted, wrapping his arms around her and pushing her face closer. A muffled voice rumbled on his chest.

“Sooo sooooft,” she said, before sitting up abruptly.

“Hey! What gives? Get back here!” he barked.

He reached for her arm but failed to snatch it before she was hauling herself over the side of the bed-pit. She sat on the ledge, her feet dangling like she was in a pool.

“I have to get dressed. I’ll motorboat you later,” she hummed.

“I’LL MOTORBOAT YOU LATER!”

“Mhm. You should put your clothes on too. And pray that the adventure today is not mind-numbing or excruciating in any capacity,” she snickered before standing and retrieving her jester suit from the corner.

“Pomni, I literally can’t pray. I sacrificed my soul to Caine, and so did you,” he rebutled, hopping out of bed. He headed to his dresser and pulled out two sets of identical overalls, placing them closer to his chest back and forth before peeking at Pomni.

“Which one?” he jested, smiling too widely.

“The left one washes you out,” she mumbled, engaging her gloves.

“Wow. Brutal honesty,” he hummed, tossing it back at the open dresser drawer.

He pulled off the pajama pants and threw them into his hole of a bed, and turned around to see Pomni with a little pink on her face. She looked up at him when she’d caught on to him turning around and tried to stifle a laugh.

“What? What’s got you so tickled?” he chuffed, starting to step into his clothes.

“Jax, it’s just…your undies are pink. It’s so cute,” she giggled, causing him to roll his eyes.

“Well that’s what I got. Pink is the theme, Poms. I have a yellow pair of boxers too, but I don’t like those. Looks like I took a piss in em’.”

She nodded before heading to the door. She held her hat, do doubt waiting to put it on until it was mandatory. He followed her down the hall and they chatted idly until reaching the breakfast table. Pomni looked around to see if Ragatha was there, but Jax knew she wouldn't be. Because she’s petty like that.

Gangle greeted them with a sweet ‘good morning’ while Zooble merely made eye contact in acknowledgment. Kinger waved his happy little wave before returning his full attention to his s Sillyos. Jax and Pomni made their way to their seats as they analyzed the breakfast layout. Jax pulled both of their chairs out without warning, sitting in his quickly before claiming the oversized plate of breakfast sausage.

Pomni had decided it was a cereal type of day, so she poured herself a bowl. The milk was on the other side of the long table, though, so she glanced at Gangle to ask her to pass it. When she laid eyes on the mask, though, she was met with quite the bewildered expression.

“Uh, Gangle? You ok? You look like you saw a pirate trying to beatbox,” she nervously joked, getting a rise out of Jax and Zooble. Kinger mumbled something about that being a rather normal hobby for pirates, but whatever. It took a second for Gangle to snap out of whatever it was before she nervously chuckled and reassured her it was nothing important. But after, she leaned over to Zooble and whispered something that perked Jax’s ears.

“Uh, so what? Would you rather me have pulled the chair from under her? That’s so unlike you, Ribbons,” he sneered, stealing her orange juice and pouring it back in the container just to be provocative.

“Jax! That’s my juice!” she fretted, watching helplessly as he handed her the empty glass.

“Don’t talk about me in front of me, dumb@ss. Mindja’ beeswax,” he gruffed, taking quite the aggressive bite of his breakfast sausage patty. Then he reached over and grabbed the milk to set it in front of Pomni without a word of acknowledgment.

“I didn’t say anything bad!” she complained, looking to Zooble for reassurance.

“Kinda is rude to talk about people in front of them, G. Drink your juice,” Zooble chuckled, refilling the cup for her.

“Oh, um一my bad,” she huffed, taking it with a troubled expression. Zooble and Pomni couldn’t help but find it amusing while Jax filled up on greasy meat and toast.

“You guys are so silly,” Pomni hummed under her breath, spooning some of her ‘Cinnamon Bread Crack’. Caine really needed to work on his brand names. Jax didn’t look at her, but his smile reached his eyes as he dutifully munched his meal.

Right as Pomni had placed the last bite of cereal in her mouth, Caine appeared from the underworld to pester them.

“OH, MY GIDDY GILDED GRIFFINS一are you all ready for the ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME?!” he wailed, placing his hand over his brow and scanning the horizon.

“Hm. Ragatha seems to be distracted! No matter, she will love this adventure!” he balked, snapping his fingers and rushing Ragatha into the dining room. Her face was green and she puffed out her cheeks, but held in the barf with all her might as he yoinked her around.

“Today, my superstars, you will be superheroes! And the goal of this adventure is to defeat the evil villain Impostram, and prevent them from taking over the world!” Caine beamed, opening a portal, “Since the last adventure had you pitted against each other, this one will involve cooperation and teamwork!”

All the crew collectively sighed and filtered through it except for Zooble, who’d slipped off unnoticed. At the last moment Ragatha was tossed in like a soft ball landing on her butt. It knocked her teeth a little, but she was ok enough to grumble out an unintelligible remark. Pomni had extended her hand, and Ragatha looked up at her reluctantly.

They were in a huge metal-walled base, seemingly pulled straight out of a Marvel movie. Well, maybe not straight out…It was obvious that Caine went to enormous lengths to ensure that Fort Big Top was barely not infringing copyright on any superhero lairs.

Caine manifested a huge spinning wheel that had a whole variety of superpowers on it. Then he offered the lever to the crew.

“Step right up and spin for your abilities! It’s all fair!” he yelled, watching as Ragatha pulled herself forward without a word to Pomni. She grabbed the handle and pulled with all her might, sounding a persistent click as the arrow flitted over the pegs that separated the superpower options. The wheel stopped at an ability and it started to glow before she herself started to glow too.

“Wow! What a good roll! Ragatha, your power is: DOPPELGANGER! You have the ability to clone yourself!” Caine rejoiced, patting her on the back so harshly she coughed.

Gangle stepped forward after Rags to try her luck at a spin, but it only moved three spaces to the ability of, ironically, superstrength. She was quite happy to have gotten that one.

Next up was Kinger, who happily spun and got the power of flight. He seemed unphased by this, though一probably because he didn’t really understand what was going on.

After he was done, Jax stepped forward, satisfied as he’d been reading all of the powers on the wheel. He cockily placed his hand on it before making an incredible face and pointing to Pomni.

“OH MY GOSH, CAINE! LOOK AT POMNI! SHE’S GONNA DO A FLIP FOR YOU!” he hollered, watching the pair of dentures avert his gaze in excitement. Pomni looked as confused as ever, but she acted on her feet and did it. She backflipped from Jax’s prompt, and Caine watched in glee, clapping jovially as he praised her. When he’d turned back to see the bunny, the wheel had already ‘landed’ on the superpower of gravity manipulation.

Jax strutted over to Pomni and squeezed her shoulders, grinning wildly.

“I owe ya’ one, shorty,” he whispered before pushing her over to the wheel.

She sighed as she placed her hand on the lever and pulled down, watching it slowly tick to a slot a few places above Jax’s. He casually leaned on a wall behind him and smirked at her, maybe because of how weak her attempt was. Not much better than Gangle’s, really.

“So, not to be rude, but um一what exactly does puppeteer entail?” she questioned Caine, who’d popped the wheel out of existence.

“Pomni! Your power is exactly as it implies! You have the ability to control the movements of objects, NPCs and bodies in general!” he cheered, floating over to a large futuristic sliding door. It opened to a huge array of superhero costumes made of latex, nylon, leather and such.

“So like…telekinesis and blood-bending mixed together,” she muttered to herself, “wow that would be a crazy villain power.”

“Precisely! And I know how much you love playing dress up, Pomni! So you all get to pick your costumes!”

There was a collective ‘huh’ from the cast as they moved toward the closet. Gangle was the first to speak after Caine dematerialized with a flash of light.

“So, we have powers, but how are we supposed to use them? He didn’t indicate any controls,” she huffed nervously, crossing her arms.

“I don’t know, maybe we just think about it? I’d imagine that’s how powers would work,” Pomni said. She tried to take a step, but as soon as she attempted to lift her leg, it wouldn’t budge.

“Oh, Pom, looks like you hit the nail on the head. I hope Gangle can manage something as difficult as thinking,” he said crudely. He was grinning like a jackass, and it occurred to Pomni that he was testing the waters on her. Well, two can play at that game.

Pomni focused her gaze on Jax, and in an instant, luminescent strings appeared and connected her fingers to his leg, and it slid out from under him to force him into a split. Well, almost a split, he was caught in the motion just before he went flush to the ground, letting out a strangled sort of noise.

“AACK! OK, OK, UNCLE!” he yelped, grabbing his thighs and letting her go immediately.

“Keep it light, Gravity boy, and I’ll keep my strings to myself,” she snickered. He shot her a sinister look, but couldn’t help smiling through it.

“Oh Ragatha, you look so good!” Kinger yipped, bringing the rest of their attention to the doll. She stepped out of the closet with a mauve and pink leotard, leggings, and knee high boots. A symbol of a face cut down the middle and inverted on one side appeared on her chest.

“Suits you to have a power like clonin’, Doll. You can have a body for every one of your intentions,” Jax spat, pushing his way past her to peer into the closet. Ragatha looked at Pomni with big sorrowful eyes, but didn’t say a word to her. She just sulked away to go explore the rest of their lair.

Pomni groaned in frustration before marching up to the closet and pulling it open to see that Jax had pulled black suit with white boots and a cape. He looked over to smirk at Pomni, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Oh, don’t peep on me, Pom. Scandalous,” he cooed, taking a step toward her.

“You could make it easier and avoid pushing Ragatha’s buttons until I talk to her, ya know. I still don’t know what the problem is,” Pomni scolded, pouting at him.

“You want me to baby her because she threw a temper tantrum at me? What type of reinforcement is that? How will she learn to correct her b*tc&iness, Pom?” he laughed, shutting the door behind her.

“I’m not asking you to baby her! I just want you to avoid conflict until I figure out what made her so mad. Come on, please? Only until I talk to her, ” she pleaded, eyeing the shoe selection.

“That’s a big ask, Pom. What do I get out of it if I play nice?” he asked slyly, enhancing the gravity around himself. Pomni squeaked when she felt herself being pulled toward him suddenly, bracing herself against him with extended arms.

“I'll make it worth your while, Jax,” she strangled out, being nearly crushed by his gravitational field, “this power is perfectly aligned with you, you clingy f&cker.”

Strings shot from her fingers and attached to the top of his head before roughly bending him backward.

“God d@mn you drive a hard bargain,” he choked out, releasing her as he bent awkwardly to the floor. How many times was it gonna take for him to learn that she’ll use her powers to cripple him when he deserves it? 2 so far. The string disappeared and his body sprung back like rubber, and he opted to put on the slick black suit. After he donned it, he hummed at her as she looked at the selection.

“So what type of silly spandex thing can we pop you in, huh? I think you should be in white. Black and white are complimentary,” he tittered, pulling down a disgustingly showy white bralett and short shorts combo. She scoffed at him before batting it away.

“I’m not gonna fight an evil villain looking like that!” she spat, searching for something a little more conservative.

“Oh, come on, why not? You can distract him or something,” he poorly attempted to convince her. She gave him an unamused look and he relented, “At least gimme a little leg or somethin’.” He watched her pull out a one piece suit with a skirt attached.

“I’m not fighting anybody in a bathing suit. I’m wearing this and the thigh high boots. Now let’s go help Kinger,” she ordered, poking him in his chunky belt.

“I wish you’d fight me in a bathing suit. I dunno if any of these’ll fit King…Wonder if he knows he can fly,” Jax questioned, smiling mischievously as Pomni opened the door to call him.

She saw Gangle in the background lifting a couch, seemingly for fun, and Kinger intently staring at a watch on his wrist.

“Kinger! Come here, do you want a superhero cape or something?” Pomni called, causing Kinger to look for her voice.

“Oh Pomni! Look at this cool watch! It has GPS,” he explained happily as he strolled over.

“Wow, really? Where’d you get that?” she asked, peering at it.

“Pom, we literally all have one. Pay attention,” Jax snuffed, poking her side before gesturing for Kinger to come to the closet.

“What’cha wanna wear, King? I think you should go blue. Get’cherself a cape, you’ll look snazzy,” he lilted with a mischievous grin. Kinger approached and agreed, finding a blue cape and throwing it over his shoulders.

“Wow, I do like this cape. It’s lighter and flowyer than my purple one. Thank you, Jax,” Kinger hummed. Jax nodded and patted his Kinger’s back in a friendly way before deciding this situation could be way better.

“Hey Kinger. What do you think it’d be like to fly?” Jax smirked, hands on his hips.

“Oh, well I think一”

 

And he shot off like a rocket, smashing a skylight and disappearing into the sky.

 

“NO, KINGER!” Pomni screamed, watching in horror as the chess piece shrunk with the increasing distance between them.

“Huh,” Jax said nonchalantly, “I thought ‘flying kings’ only happened in checkers.”

Chapter 29: CH.29 HERO’S HARDSHIP: act1

“We have to go get him!” Pomni shrieked, grabbing her costume and suiting up quickly before running out of the closet.

“Pom, he’ll be fine. Give him some more credit. The guy is a legend,” Jax hummed, following her out into the main room.

Gangle saw Pomni in her worried state and scampered over to ask what was wrong一she apparently didn’t see Kinger shoot off like a firecracker. After Pomni explained the way the events unfolded, Gangle looked to the ground in puzzlement.

“Well, we won’t be able to catch him on foot, I don’t think. But there’s got to be some vehicles somewhere around here,” she muttered.

“There’s a pretty big door over there,” Pomni said, pointing behind Gangle, “There might be something to travel with in there.”

“Ooo! A jet-pack would be fun. Or a supersonic jet. I call pilot if there’s a jet, ” Jax sung, jogging over to the large garage-like door. He hit the button to the side and that opened it一it retracted slowly with a loud cranking sound. They meandered over to investigate, and were met with a huge cave full of superhero-inspired vehicles, toys, and gadgets.

“I think I’ve got his marker on my watch,” Gangle muttered, fiddling with the controls to enhance Kingers location, “I can see the little dot.” Pomni watched her do it and tried to get her own watch to show the same thing, but did not succeed. While they were busy messing with the tech on their journey deeper into the hanger, Jax’s face contorted.

Ragatha was poking around a helicopter, as she’d been exploring before the other three got around to it. When she saw the rest of the troup come in, she climbed into it and remained as quiet as could be, hoping they would just bypass her. They did walk past the helicopter, but Jax had caught her scent and shot a nasty look toward it. She pulled her head away from the window to hide from him, but it was too late.

“Sringbean, Pomstachio! Ya see those packs on the wall over there? They’re prolly fulla’ neat stuff like ropes and ninja stars and whatever the f&ck. You guys should go get ‘em so we have stuff on us to help round up King…and hopefully fight a douche in the process,” Jax said, pointing to a wall decked out in gear.

Pomni nodded and went up to it while Gangle shot him a curious look. She decided to follow Pomni after he bared his sharp teeth at her in threat… but Gangle looked over her shoulder to see Jax skulking over to the helicopter they’d passed, fists balled and ears back. Gangle’s attention was only brought back to Pomni when she started handing her bags that must’ve been 80 lbs each. Gangle held out her arms and remained docile and accepting of her fate as a glorified bellhop.

-

Jax had made his way to the helicopter and scowled. He knew she was in there.

“Playin’ the victim gets you no sympathy points from anybody, ya know. We all know what went down, and I know your game,” Jax spat, leaning his back against the helicopter, opting to watch Pomni and Gangle pile up supplies, “But I’m honestly surprised that you’d be ignoring Pomni. Like, she’s actually worried about your fake @ss.”

Silence.

“Just so you know, I literally give no sh*ts about your crazy outburst yesterday. I’m over it; I’ve been over it. But you are starting to piss me right off with this silent treatment bull. So I want you to listen carefully,” he grumbled, gravitizing the helicopter to make it impossible to move away from it.

“You need to stop acting like a stuck up little kid, and talk to her. I don’t give a rat’s @ss if all you do is berate me and nit-pick at everything I’ve ever done, but you gotta pull yourself together and grow the f&ck up,” he spat, turning to scowl at her face to face. She was being held to the seat, unable to even lift her arms from the G force.

“W-why do y-you even care,” Ragatha struggled, being crushed, frustrated tears brimming her eye. He locked eyes with her and breathed out a slow, irritated breath.

“Pomni ” he growled, holding her in the pressure for a moment before relenting. She brought up her hand to her chest as she heaved in a gulp of simulated air, and he was gone.

 

“Gangle! The role of team pack mule really suits you. Let’s get this crap into that big fancy plane, over there,” Jax belted, drawing the girls attention from where they stood by the wall.

Jax made his way up to Gangle and Pomni, watching as the two of them hauled the supplies. He noticed that hanging on the wall was a pitch black surfboard with strange metallic sheen to the bottom. He hummed to himself as he picked it up, wondering what the hell a surfboard was doing in a vehicle hanger of a superhero lair. When he turned it over, though, he saw an engraving on the bottom.

‘Ergosphere’ was carved into the it. He ran his finger along it and it lit up, so he decided it might be a useful thing to have. It seemed to match him, anyway, so he tucked it under his arm before reaching for a ridiculously big weapon next to it. When he’d made his way to the plane, Gangle and Pomni had already boarded and set everything down.

“You wanna try to hit up the beach after this?” Gangle asked in a confused tone, quirking her eyebrow at him.

“Maybe,” he hummed, setting it to the side.

“Gangle, I think that’s like一one of his themed things,” Pomni said, glancing at the inky board, “It looks like a hoverboard. If you apply different gravitational forces to the opposite inverse areas of the board, in theory it could be used as a propulsion mechanism.”

“Um…no offense, but English, please?” Gangle muttered sheepishly, blushing at her lack of understanding.

“Pomstein emerges again. She said I can use my powers to ride it, G. Don’t have an aneurysm,” Jax taunted.

“So, Gangle, I haven't had luck figuring out this frickin’ watch. Can you locate Kinger on yours?” Pomni asked as the three traveled to the cockpit.

“Sure, no problem. It says he’s 50 miles away, and he’s stopped moving. So that’s good,” she mumbled, sitting herself in a chair gently.

“Yeah, that’s just dandy. Let’s get a move on,” Jax grinned, hurling himself into the pilot's seat and wiggling his fingers.

“Wait! Shouldn’t we go get Ragatha?” Pomni asked fretfully. Jax’s face fell and he didn’t answer a moment. Then he turned to meet Pomni’s gaze and his troubled took melted off him so quickly she second guessed herself if she’d even seen it.

“She was sulkin’ around here earlier, Pom, but I don't have a clue where she scurried off too. If you wanna hang back to find her while we go get the old man, we’ll do that. We can pick you up when we’ve got him so we can fight the bad dude together,” Jax offered, buckling himself in.

“Really一? That’d actually be nice,” she said surprisedly.

“Yeah, yeah, wish you luck with it,” Jax groaned, turning on the engine. Pomni ran out and jumped to the floor just in time to see the huge metal doors open up like a mouth to allow for the plane's exit to the outside. She watched as it fired up and shot off, leaving a purply grey trail of exhaust. She nodded to herself and took a deep breath.

Time to find Ragatha.

 

She searched the vehicle hanger, calling and calling, to no avail. After she was done with that area, she moved back into the lair to scope it out. Pomni tracked down the long curved hallways, occasionally peeking into random doors to call out her friend's name. She was about to give up when she came across an area for communal eating, much like their dining area back in the circus.

Ragatha was standing by the freezer, rummaging through it in a distracted way. She pulled out a container of ice cream and shut the door, not noticing the smaller girl approaching her from behind.

 

“What flavor is that?”

“Oh, Pomni! I-I didn’t hear you!” she jumped, a nervous expression painting her face.

“I’m not mad. You don’t have to act that way,” Pomni muttered, pulling a chair from a nearby table to sit at. Ragatha stared at her before awkwardly doing the same.

They sat for a moment, Pomni staring at the red head, and Ragatha staring at the particularly interesting container of frozen dairy dessert. Pomni rubbed her temple, trying to wrack her brain for the best way to meet her where she is.

“It’s pistachio,” Ragatha whispered after a moment of silence. She still wasn’t looking at Pomni.

“Ah. That’s a good flavor,” Pomni pressed gently, watching Ragatha for any change in demeanor.

“I like it,” she responded tepidly.

Pomni sighed and reached over to the pint of icream to pull it closer to herself. She reached over and took the spoon from Ragatha’s hand to dip into the green container, all the while Ragatha just watched her with a confused and defeated look.

“I’m not mad at you. You don't have to be worried about me yelling or snapping at you as long as you talk to me respectfully and keep a level head,” Pomni hummed, placing a spoonful of green into her mouth. Then, she pulled it out and popped it back into the container, sliding it over to Ragatha.

Ragatha gazed intently at the container and shifted uncomfortably before reaching for it. She placed her fingers on the utensil delicately before she closed her eye and pressed it with the heel of her other hand.

“I’m sorry for running away and not talking to you, Pom. I was just really worried that I’d say something unsavory and you’d hate me for it. I had too much on my mind,” she warbled, pressing back her tears. She then took a spoonful for herself before burying the utensil in the dessert and pushing the container back to Pomni.

“I get that you had a lot that you were dealing with. That’s obvious. But what I want to know is why you erupted so forcefully, seemingly without a cause一I know you are a rational person and you don’t act on impulse. Minutes before you tore into him, we were laughing and chatting like normal,” Pomni prompted, taking another bite.

“I一Pomni, I just一” she paused, struggling. She just didn’t want Pomni to be upset. Gangle and Zooble had said she overreacted, but it didn’t FEEL like overreacting. It felt normal, it felt protective. But how was she going to explain that to Pomni? Her mind was racing, but her tongue wouldn’t move.

“Take your time,” the smaller girl hummed.

Ragatha stilled herself and took a deep breath. Pomni’s not mad, she said so. She just wants an explanation. That shouldn’t be too hard.

“...I just couldn’t stand the thought of what you told me,” Ragatha whispered, spooning out another scoop. She ate it sorrowfully, but whispered an ‘oh that’s good’ under her breath.

“What I told you? You were upset with something I said,” Pomni clarified, just to make sure.

“You told me that he took off your clothes,” Ragatha sniffled, “and一and I got mad and scared because I though he might’ve hurt you. I can’t stand that thought, Pom.”

Pomni stared at the older woman in a prolonged silence, folding her hands beneath her chin. She looked past Ragatha in thought, getting lost in space before she spoke.

“Listen to me,” Pomni said, breaking the tension of their silence, “I understand why that thought is upsetting. I would be upset if I thought that too. But the fact of the matter is, you jumped to a drastic conclusion without thinking critically about it for even one second.”

Ragatha just balked at her, wide eyed and full of self-pity. She licked the spoon to try and ground herself.

“I told you that in the context of him helping me,” Pomni clarified stoically, “And even if you somehow truly did misunderstand me to that extent, wouldn’t it be fair to say that that’s a wild assumption? You’re like一my main confidant here, Raggy. I tell you a lot of my sh*t because I trust you. The fact that you acted irrationally on the thought of him doing something bad tells me that either you didn’t pay any attention to what I was saying, or you let your opinion of him overshadow it and you just decided to disregard me entirely.”

Oh. Oh shit.
Ragatha stared at her in stunned stillness, hugging herself and feeling a pressure build in her head. She opened her mouth to speak but closed it after nothing came out. She didn’t really have a good answer for that.

“I’ll say it again. I’m not mad at you, Ragatha一but you miscalculated. I think it’d be good if you apologized to Jax for what you said. It really got to him,” Pomni sighed, reaching for the icecream across the table.

“Oh Pomni…I’m so sorry,” she hiccuped, frowning at her hands, “I really got in my own head about it. I was stupid. I didn’t mean to disregard you.”

Pomni took a last bite before standing from her chair and rounding the table to stand by the doll.

“You were,” Pomni hummed before extending her arms, “But we're all stupid sometimes. No hard feelings.”

Ragatha couldn’t help the onslaught of tears that let out from the hug, sobbing into her shoulder more than she intended to. She pulled away from the shorter woman to see a weary but accepting face.

“We should get ready for Jax and Gangle to come back. They’re gonna pick us up after they find Kinger so we can fight the bad guy and get out of here,” Pomni explained, moving her hand to smooth out a wrinkle in the cape on Ragatha’s shoulder.

Ragatha sniffed and let out a soggy laugh, “He’s probably torturing her right now.”

-

“JAX YOU’RE GOING TOO STEEP!” Gangle shrieked, holding her seatbelt for dear life as he brought the plane down at a terrifying angle.

“Naw, we’re fine,” he hummed, pulling the plane from it’s nosedive to rotate upside down. Gangle was freaking out like a middle age white woman in Kohls on black friday while Jax sat back in his seat and fucking yawned.

“WHY AREN’T WE HEADING STRAIGHT FOR KINGER?”

“God, stop screaming, ya’ banshee, we’re almost there,” he snorted, righting the plane to land it on a long empty road, “Eyes on the prize, Ribbons. Go find him.”

Gangle stumbled out of the plane and fell to the artificial pavement, shoving her face into it and letting out a wail of gratitude. Afterward, she stood up and brought the watch closer, twisting a dial on it and enhancing Kingers location again. She turned to a large building to their right and audible swallowed.
Jax took in the sky scraper and concluded that it was definitely shady. It seemed like it was too big and grand to be just a random building. It was probably significant to the plot of the adventure.

"Mmmk, sooo, that’s like, the bad dude’s spot or something,” he hummed, resting his hands on his hips casually.

“It says he’s in there! Do we go get him, or go get Pomni and Ragatha and take the bad guy down with them?” Gangle asked nervously, shaking at the prospect of fighting anyone who’s programmed to be evil, even with her super strength.

“We’ll be fiiiiiine. You worry too much,” Jax droned, making his way to the revolving door of the building, “Let’s just do it so we can go home sooner.”

He pushed his way in to find an NPC typing away at a front desk. He cocked a brow and meandered over, leaning his elbow on the desk and clearing his throat.

“Scuse’ me, what exactly is this place,” Jax gruffed, watching the NPC continue to type.

“Welcome to ImpossiCorp, where we’re working to make the impossible, possible,” she drawled in a thick jersey accent.

“ImpossiCorp? What, uh一” Gangle started, only to be cut off by the NPC.

“ImpossiCorp works with the city to promote healthy living, eco-friendly technologies, and maximum efficiency for all the people in GigantaCity,” she explained dully.

“Maximum efficiency? Ya know what, I don’t really care. Bye loser,” Jax brushed her off, to go on his own way. Gangle worriedly followed him and they reached an elevator that was guarded by a big buff NPC of a guard dog.

“Hey. You. We want in there,” Jax snapped, eyeing the dog.

“Do you have a reservation for an appointment with any of the departments?” the dog asked, peering at them through his darkened sunglasses.

“Yeah sure whatever, let us through,” he said, trying to sidestep the dog, but failing.

“Who is your reservation with, and may I have identification,” the dog asked monotonously.

Jax growled and stomped his foot in aggravation before barking at the NPC again, “The reservation is with Jenny in marketing and I identify as a manly man!”

Gangle had slunk away to an unoccupied desk and pulled a pencil from a cup holder while Jax and the dog were bickering. She came back to them and interrupted their conversation with a wagging of the pencil.

“Hey there! Who’s a good boy?” she chided, waving the pencil in front of the NPC. His tail started wagging and his sunglasses dropped just so slightly that she could see his eyes.

“Me? Me, I’m pretty good,” he enthused, locking onto the pencil.

“You are? You’re a good boy?! Well” she hyped, rearing back her arm, “Good boy’s play fetch!”

She released the pencil and it went soaring down the long hallway, causing the NPC to jump in excitement and bolt after it.

“Yes! I’m a good boy! I’ll get it! ” he gushed, rushing past them.

Jax pressed the elevator button and they both hurried inside to evade the elevator guards inevitable return.

When the NPC came back with the pencil in between his teeth to find that the elevator had been taken without his permission, the pencil clattered to the floor and the jovial wagging of his tail ceased. He pulled out a walkie talkie and barked into it a series of coded orders.

A blaring alarm sounded in the whole of the building, and a succession of loud clicks and bangs could be heard all along the first floor as ImpossiCorp went into full lockdown.

Chapter 30: CH.30 HERO’S HARDSHIP: act 2

“Awe, Gangle, what did you do!” Jax spat, pressing the buttons on the elevator frantically. It had stopped while they were rising, and they were caught between the third and fourth floor.

“Me?!” she shrieked, anxiety bubbling in her chest.

A loud bang was heard from below them and some faceless voices cut through the large metal door.

“You are being apprehended for trespassing on ImpossiCorp property,” someone called from below.

“Gangle, how close does your watch say we are to King?!” Jax asked annoyedly, pulling off a panel of the ceiling to see the expanse of the elevator shaft above them. The NPCs below had overridden the elevator so it was now going down.

“Nu-uh, not today you F#ck^rs!” Jax hollered, kneeling and closing his eyes tightly. He broke out in a sweat, and the elevator slammed to a stop.

“Woah! Jax, how are you doing that?” Gangle asked, peeking up through the opening in the ceiling.

“Doin’ the thing opposite inverse thing一less pull on the bottom, more pull on the top,” he strangled out, starting to struggle. He put his palms on the floor and concentrated as hard as he could, and the elevator started to switch its direction of travel. At first it was quite slow, but the speed started climbing more quickly than Gangle could prepare for.

“Woah woah! Slow down! We could bust through the roof if we keep accelerating! Slow it down!” she begged, desperately holding onto the rail on the wall.

“Not until we’re close to the top. I know that’s where he is, that’s the hardest place to get to,” Jax huffed, starting to shake from the exertion. They were barreling skyward now, the elevator rattling as it surged toward the top floor.

“Jax! You’re gonna pull a Willy Wonka!” Gangle whined.

“We’re almost there Ribbons, calm down!” Jax snarked, suddenly pushing up from where he was kneeling from. He pulled himself through the opening on the ceiling and stood in the shaft to see when the next floor opening was, and he found one fast approaching.

“Get up here and prepare to jump!” he ordered, reaching for her arm and yanking her up.

“Where!? There’s nowhere to go!” she wailed as she searched for anywhere it may be possible to land.

Jax pointed to the closed opening where the elevator would normally stop to let people in and out of. He’d gotten tired of her balling, though, and he decided it might just be an easier option to just throw her.

He picked her up and tossed her to it, and she barely made it to the ledge. She clung to the small indented area enough to not get crushed by the elevator as it barreled past her, but it probably helped that her body was literally a string. She watched the elevator in horror as it kept going with Jax riding the top before it came to a stop a few floors above her. It hovered there ominously a second before an uneasy creaking and popping came from it, and it started to come back down. All the mechanisms to prevent such a disaster had been broken by Jax’s forceful gravity manipulation, so there was nothing to prevent it from falling at a solid 9.81m/sec^2.

Just as it narrowly avoided smashing her to bits, Jax had jumped off and landed on the same ledge she was teetering on. He struggled to keep his balance as his toes were the only thing on the ledge.

“GANGLE! Do I have to do everything? Come on! Break the door down!” he sneered, pressing his arms as hard as he could to the frame of the opening to the floor.

“Oh! Sorry!” she squeaked, easily busting down the metal barrier with a solid swing. Jax fell forward and caught his breath before eyeing the sign in the hall that said 54th floor.

“Gah, let's just get the old man,” he huffed, pushing himself forward and wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Gangle twisted her watch and poked at it while she followed Jax down the hall. She discovered a messaging app on it, and decided that it would be a lot better if the girls came to them sooner rather than later. She’d already been traumatized twice, and it’d only been 30 minutes. It was a struggle to figure out who was who, because nobody had been told their super-persona names after receiving powers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Marrionott; Facsimile

God I rlly hope this is u guys…Pom, Raggy, if u can, come help us.
PLS PLS come to the big tower to the east of the lair. Stg Jax has almost killed me 2x and I feel like we r in deep doodoo. Get here quick
-G
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Gangle sent the message quickly, and bumped into Jax as she walked forward with her eyes on the watch. He’d stopped in front of her, ears up and alert in a position most of the crew had recognized as a ‘scanning’ behavior. He tried so hard to hide his mannerisms, but some were more obvious than others.

“What is it?” she whispered, peeking down the hallway he was stopped in front of.

“Shh,” he hissed.

Gangle could not decipher any sounds from the background noise of the blaring alarm that had been going off since they broke the elevator, but apparently Jax did, because he groaned in frustration and turned to look for a way out. He found a door labeled ‘stairs’ and bolted to it, but failed to pull it open.

“S’locked! Come on cut me some friggin’ slack,” he drawled, bashing his forehead into the glass of the door.

Gangle scampered over and pulled the door clean off its hinges to drop it comically like a crumpled piece of paper. Jax sighed and looked to the stairs, silently celebrating that they only had a few flights before it ended completely. Once they finally reached the top floor, that door was locked as well. No match for Gangle, though, as she busted through it as if it were talc.

The room they came into was huge, and absolutely mind-numbingly dull. Everything was taupe, or as the cool kids say nowadays, greige. It had extremely tall ceilings, and the floors were polished to the point that they looked like actual mirrors. There was nothing on the walls but windows, and in the center of the room sat a beige-grey NPC, behind a boring angular desk. The NPC flashed a simple smile and stood from their seat to greet them.

“Hello, there. I’m so glad you were able to make our appointment, Heroes,” they droned monotonously, “I’ve been anticipating this for a while.”

“Give us back our chess piece, you dull little freak!” Jax spat, pointing an accusatory finger at the NPC .

“Hm? You want Dr. Levitation, do you? Well, I think we can work something out,” they hummed casually.

“Dr.Lev一You mean Kinger, right? Right ? I swear to heaven and earth and Satan's left testicle if we came all the way up here and he’s NOT here I’m gonna rip all of your teeth out,” Jax nearly laughed, his patience dead and gone.

“Yeah, that’s King's super name, here,” Gangle muttered.

“You are so quick to violence, Ergoshpere. No need to be, though一I’m happy to tell you that we do have him, and we’ve been treating him very well. He’s been waiting for you,” the NPC called, lifting their hand to adjust their oval glasses. After the spectacles were promptly pushed to rest atop the upper bridge of their nose, they smiled a wry little grin.

Before either Jax or Gangle could react, the monochrome NPC had shot forward in flight, wrapping them in a strange dark netting that emitted a disturbing aura. Gangle had tried with all her might to rip the net off of them, but she found that she couldn’t do it. Her powers had been drained as soon as she came into contact with it. Jax threw a temper tantrum when his efforts to break free were also thwarted.

He turned to stare daggers at the ribbon girl and growled, “I’m blaming you for this.”

“Me?! You wanted to come here alone and get him! We could’ve got the girls, but noooooo! And now I’m stuck in a net next to you on the top floor of a skyscraper with a personified 90’s carpet who wants to kill us!” she huffed, sending him a nasty look right back.

“Kill you?! No! No, I don't want to一wait, a personified carpet?” the NPC questioned, tapping their fingers together anxiously.

“Well YOU were the one who went along with my plan! So if you listened to me, what does that say about you, Ribbons?” Jax glowered.

“You’re so insufferable,” she said angrily, crossing her arms and sticking out her tongue.

“And you didn’t even take a supply pack with you when we got off the plane. If I’m insufferable you’re a distracted, dead-weight excuse for a teammate who’s biggest talent is taking up space,” Jax growled.

“Uh, wow you guys are awful. Like, really awful. You’re seriously just going to bad-mouth each other while I’ve you trapped here? Don’t you guys want to know what you’re caught by? It’s our new superpower-neutralizing-fiber-infused net. We一”

“Ok, firstly, f*ck you,” Jax interrupted, ears flat.

“Yeah, this is none of your business,” Gangle shot immediately after.

“Oh pipe down, you hypocrite. Like you can talk,” Jax hissed, “Anyway that name is way too long and boring and imma forget it in 2 seconds. You ough’ta change it so there's an acronym so we don't have to be tortured every time you say it.”

“Yeah, like, we get the premise. It’s not like it’s an original idea, or anything,” Gangle mumbled, pushing away from Jax as much as the net would allow.

“Wha一But it IS original! I’m developing technologies that take powers away, and give them to me! I’m Impostrum, I’m the first to do such a thing!” they shouted, starting to turn pink with frustration.

“Hah, naw dude. Not the first. Not even the fifth,” Jax hummed, reveling in the NPCs frustration.

Impostrum started to levitate and snatched the net, dragging them to a large metal chamber. They threw them in and the metal hatch closed, leaving Jax and Gangle to jostle in their confines until a portion of the net unlatched. They pushed away from each other quickly, but even in the struggle Jax had succeeded in ‘accidentally’ kicking Gangle's mask to smithereens.

As they beat on the walls of the chamber, they realized their powers were still being neutralized.

“LET US OUT, IMPOSSUM!” Jax yelled, slamming his fists along the chamber.

The disembodied voice of the NPC rang through a speaker in the chamber, “My name is Impostrum, Ergo. Best you learn the name. I’m gonna scan you and recreate your powers, now.”

Chapter 31: CH.31 HERO’S HARDSHIP: act 3

“So, I can do as many as 8 clones. But the more of them I do, the less time they are able to exist. They start disappearing quickly,” Ragatha explained as they walked down the hall.

“So 2 or 3 can last longer. That’s a good thing to know. Do you have a reset time?” Pomni asked.

“I have to wait for a minute before I can duplicate again,” she answered softly. Ragatha peeked at Pomni’s face as they meandered the hall, casually passing the time while they waited for Jax and Gangle to pick them up. At least, Pomni was casual about it. Ragatha had a nagging feeling that they were not going to show up, but she kept her thoughts to herself. And, it was also really nice to be in Pomni’s company alone.

“So Pom, I know I was selfish and stupid for avoiding you, and if I were in your position I’d be very upset. But, if you’d be up to it, I’d really like to make it up to you,” she muttered sheepishly, “I want to do something for you…together. Like a special day. I was thinking it’d be nice to have a spa day or something?”

“A spa day? How would we even pull that off?” she questioned, searching Ragatha’s eyes.

“I don’t know. But we’re some smart cookies, right? I’m sure we could figure it out,” she chuckled warmly, reaching out for Pomni’s hand, “I want to make it up to you.”

“You’re not a fan of conflict, huh Dolly?” Pomni giggled as Ragatha sighed and shook her head.

“I’m really not,” she mumbled, before being cut off with a ding, and a vibration from her own watch. Ragatha opened it to see a message sent from ‘Mangle’. Shortly after, Pomni’s watch buzzed too, and she struggled to get the message open.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Marrionott; Facsimile From: Mangle

God I rlly hope this is u guys…Pom, Raggy, if u can, come help us.
PLS PLS come to the big tower to the east of the lair. Stg Jax has almost killed me 2x and I feel like we r in deep doodoo. Get here quick
-G
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Huh…Mangle?” Pomni repeated to herself as she peeked at Ragatha’s watch.

“It’s from Gangle, though. That’s weird,” Pomni said, brows furrowed, “Are they supposed to be our superhero names? I kinda’ like them.”

“Yeah, we gotta go, Pomni. She said they’re in danger,” Ragatha fretted, closing the message app. She pulled up the GPS app to see Kinger's marker, but not Jax’s or Gangles.

“That’s so weird. I see Kinger, but the others aren't with him? What’s going on?” Ragatha questioned, checking and rechecking her watch.

“I don’t know, Rags, but they’ve got to be with him. They went to go save him, they wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Pomni noted, bopping her own watch. She frowned and poked it, but still failed to get the app she wanted open.

“Let’s go to the hanger and find something to ride in,” Pomni huffed, starting to jog toward it. Ragatha followed, and when they were in the large room, they scanned everything.

“I have no idea how to fly anything. Airborne vehicles are out of the question,” Pomni huffed, making her way up to a big fancy blue car. Ragatha pouted at the car, crossing her arms as Pomni pulled open the drivers side.

“Wait, Pomni, shouldn’t…shouldn’t we take something smaller?” Ragatha suggested, peering at the small girl as she moved to seat herself.

“What? Why?” Pomni asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“Wha一Well, I mean, they took a plane there, right? If we have to come back to headquarters, we’d have to split up to take both vehicles back. And一and I’m feeling a little claustrophobic. I was thinking that the motorcycle would be better,” she stumbled over her words, failing to convince Pomni that those were the real reasons. She just sighed and climbed out of the driver's seat to humor the older woman.

Ragatha smiled a beaming smile and grabbed Pomni’s hand to pull her excitedly to the mauve bike. Pomni looked at the color and assumed that Ragatha only wanted to take it because it was one of her toys, so she didn’t press her about it.

Ragatha climbed onto the motorcycle and it glimmered with a white glow before dissipating, and her smile only grew. She turned to look at Pomni and patted the space behind her, motioning her forward. Pomni eased her way over, studying Ragatha’s face as she did so, to clamber onto the bike. Ragatha pressed a button on her motorcycle handle and the hanger door opened to the outside, much like it did when the plane left earlier. She revved the engine and took off down the path.

Pomni did not expect to go so fast, but then again, she’d never been on a motorcycle before. She was so startled by the speed that she had to wrap her arms tightly around the waist of the doll to keep her anxiety in check. Pomni could not see the look on Ragatha’s face, nor could she hear her laughter over the whipping wind.

Ragatha leaned forward slightly, focusing on the feeling of the little jester's arms around her waist. It was so miserable knowing she’d made her best friend mad, knowing she’d caused her to yell when she so rarely lost her cool. She let the feeling of being held distract her from everything else that was going on, and all the racing thoughts in her mind. She didn’t want to think about how when they arrived to help the others, Jax would probably rip into her again. She didn’t want to think about the feeling that hit her like a demolition crane when she’d imagined Pomni doing anything with him, or the crushing realization that she did disregard the person he wanted to protect the most. Pomni’s attention seemed to make all of the bad things go away.

“I see the tower,” Ragatha yelled over the wind, “It’s huge.”

As they approached the airplane parked in the shadow of the building, Ragatha slowed the bike down. She eyed the skyscraper with caution and stiffened when she heard the muted ringing of alarms from the inside. Pomni jumped off as soon as they came to a full stop, much to Ragatha’s dismay.

“Wait! You don’t know what could happen! What if there are traps?” Ragatha called out, following her to the door.

“Then we’ll be closer to getting the others,” Pomni huffed, pushing against the door. It wouldn’t budge, so she scanned the inside of the building for any NPCs. She found a mannequin sitting at a desk in front, and took a deep breath before placing her fingertips on the window. Suddenly, the stings manifested, and the NPC shot up and marched her way over to the door.

“Let us in! We need to be in there,” Pomni ordered, watching the NPC fail to pull the door open from the inside.

“There may be another way in,” Ragatha huffed, looking around frantically, “Wait…you’re the puppeteer, right? Didn’t Caine say you can puppet objects too? Try puppeting the lock open,” Ragatha mumbled, watching Pomni’s face contort. She let go of the NPC and tried her hand at lockpicking, and surprisingly, it worked. She peered back to Ragatha with a soft and embarrassed expression, feeling silly for not thinking of that herself. It was one of the cutest faces Rags has ever seen.

When they made their way inside, they saw nobody there but the NPC who had previously been at the desk.

“Um, sorry, but where is everybody?” Ragatha questioned.

“Welcome to ImpossiCorp, where we’re working to make the impossible, possible,” the NPC answered lazily.

“That’s a great business model, but you need to answer our question, please!” Pomni fretted, running her fingers through her hair.

“Do you have a reservation? I can set you up with one if you don’t. Impostrum is very busy,” she droned.

“Pomni! Look over there! That elevator is broken,” Ragatha said, pointing to the hole in the wall where an elevator should open up. They rushed over to it to investigate, and they saw that the elevator box had fallen to the basement and the shaft was empty. They peered at each other before stepping back from it.

“This is Jax’s work, no doubt. But, ah..maybe there’s another one?” Ragatha suggested, turning to follow Pomni as she moved down the hall.

“Yeah. Smells like chaos. It was him,” she confirmed before holding her hand up in a stop motion, “I saw someone move down there. Wait.”

“Ok,” Ragatha mumbled nervously, “I trust you.”

“Follow me then. I’ve got a plan,” Pomni whispered, moving down the hall.

“Ok? If you say so,” Ragatha huffed, following her skittishly.

Two NPCs were standing guard, chatting about nonsense. Pomni calmly walked right up to them, and Ragatha diligently followed.

“H-hello, um, Sirs, we are here to do一um一bad things,” Pomni spluttered, desperately feigning confidence.

“Bad things!? That’s awful! We’re taking you in!” one of them shouted while the other pulled out a walkie talkie. The NPCs grabbed their shoulders and ushered them forward, directing them to an elevator further down the hall. Ragatha peeped at Pomni quizzically, wondering how the plan was going to play out. Trust the process, she supposed.

When they were directed to the elevator, the NPCs followed them in. Pomni shot strings to the NPC closest to her and directed him to push the top floor button.

“Why are we going up there, Bob?” the other NPC behind Ragatha asked confusedly. Pomni’s breath held while she struggled to come up with an excuse.

“Yeah, I uh…left my soda up there. Just gotta get it before we take them to the real place that we usually take intruders,” the puppeted NPC blabbered. Pomni felt that the other would surely detect that something was off, that his friend was not acting normal.

“Oh! That makes sense,” the NPC hummed, fully satisfied with the answer. Ragatha and Pomni glanced at each other and stifled their giggles before turning to watch the elevator doors patiently. When the elevator reached the top floor, the NPC Pomni was controlling turned to face the other guard and decked him in the face, knocking him out cold.

“Wow,” Ragatha hummed, “Nice plan.”

Pomni nodded with satisfaction before commanding the puppet to bash his head into the wall. It promptly fell to the floor limp, and the two women stepped over the bodies carefully before moving to the floor.

“Raggy, listen. You should clone now一do like, 3. The real you should go snoop around with a clone for backup, while the other clone accompanies me. I have a feeling we’re gonna be ambushed,” Pomni whispered, bringing Ragatha closer by her arm.

“I一oh, yes of course,” she stuttered, seeing the determination in the smaller woman's eyes. It made her stomach turn.

“You take left. I’ll take right. Let’s save our people,” Pomni hummed, turning on her heel to march down the hall. Ragatha watched her go before sliding closer to the wall and duplicating herself. One clone ran after Pomni, and the other stayed by her side, hugging the wall.

Pomni and the duplicate made their way to the open area that looked like it was decorated by a sad beige mom to see the large desk and the NPC sitting at it. They were waiting for them, she assumed, so she needed to be stealthy and use strategy. She scanned the room and discovered a strange metallic chamber that looked like it was locked from the outside, and she got a bad feeling about it.

“What should we do?” Pomni asked the clone, retreating to hide behind the corner.

“You are so pretty,” the clone hummed, smiling a goofy smile. It caught Pomni off guard, so she shook her head to right herself.

‘Um, ok, thanks. Wanna answer me?” she asked, a little annoyed that the clone ignored her.

“My favorite color is pink. No, blue! No wait…I like yellow,” the clone responded airily. Pomni sighed and placed her head in her palm, wracking her brain to figure out what to do.

“Oh look! They have a poor fashion sense,” the clone hummed, pointing behind Pomni. She turned to see the NPC hovering toward them.

“I know you’re here, Heroes. Your friends are waiting for you!” they yelled, casting a gravitational field toward them. Pomni and the clone felt themselves become heavy, and they fell to their knees where they’d stood. The NPC approached them and threw the same type of neutralizing net over them that they’d done with Jax and Gangle.

“No one will be able to defeat me, IMPOSTRUM! The flying, super-strong, gravity manipulating, self replicating puppeteer!” they laughed maniacally, easily hoisting the two girls over their shoulder to toss them into the chamber with the others.

When the door was opened, Pomni was met with the faces of Jax and Gangle. They rushed over to them, failing to get out of the room before the door closed again.

“That freaky power stealer got you guys, too, huh,” Gangle muttered, making her way over to help them out of the net.

“This place is crowded. I want to go to the mall,” the clone said, folding her arms and pouting around the room.

“What’s up with her?” Gangle asked skeptically, approaching her to look for any damage to her head. She pulled her head down and inspected the red head’s melon with uncertainty as Jax made a gagging sound and turned to Pomni.

“You ok Pom?” Jax muttered quietly, squatting down next to her. Her heart sank at how overstimulated he sounded一she knew exactly how awful it can be. He sounded way more done than she was.

“Yeah, I’m good, I think,” she huffed, watching his weary face, “You guys ok?”

“Not really. S’ a lil better now that it’s not just Cry-baby n’ me,” he sighed, holding his hand out. She took it gently and smiled a weary smile. As they scanned each other, a horrified shriek let out of Gangle. Pomni whipped her head to see what the matter was while Jax bristled and grit his teeth.

“SHE DISINTEGRATED?!” Gangle screamed, backing up swiftly and bumping into the wall behind her. Ragatha’s clone body had holographically faded out of existence.

“Lucky,” Jax grouchily muttered, discontent to remove himself from self-pity.

“It’s a clone, G,” Pomni sighed. Just as she’d said that, the door to the chamber opened, and Ragatha’s voice called from the main room. All of them bolted out of the chamber to find her struggling with Impostrum behind the desk, holding a remote in her plush hand. Being out of the power neutralizing chamber, they all received their abilities again, and they jumped into action without any prompting.

Jax reached his hands up and funneled all of his frustration into the effort of planting that stupid NPC where he stood. Impostrum let out a sound of struggle as their body slammed into the floor hard, and Ragatha jumped up out of the way to not be caught in the G force. She’d determined that Jax’s ability was OP一and she wasn’t about to face the brunt of his moodiness after he was locked up with his least favorite person for however long.

Gangle had run up to Impostrum as he was held there and flipped him over like she was cosplaying Spongebob flipping krabby patties, despite the increased gravity on them. She brought her hand high to give them a sharp slap on the face, sending their body sliding across the floor as if it were a slip’n’slide.

“Oh dang I didn’t think it’d be that hard, but…THAT'S FOR LOCKING ME IN THERE WITH HIM!” she screeched. Impostrum crashed against the wall and it knocked the wind out of them.

“You’d think she just lost at monopoly,” Pomni whispered to Jax, causing his ears to lift just slightly and dragging out a ragged chuckle. Ragatha saw the exchange and tensed, likely because she didn’t hear what was said, but saw the reaction.

Pomni pulled a taught face and approached the NPC, guiding her puppet strings to each of their limbs before jerking them up to stand shakily in the air.

“We don't have to hurt you, Impostrum. Where’s Kinger?” she asked coldly.

“Dr.Levitation is here,” the NPC coughed, hitching their breath, their limbs shaking from the hold, “But you’ll never reach him without me!”

“The watch says he’s even higher than where we are! But how, we’re on the top floor!” Gangle fretted, looking frantically at the caught NPC. Impostrum struggled, but they managed a broken laugh.

“He might be on the roof,” Ragatha muttered, sending her gaze to anywhere that may provide roof access. Impostrum laughed again, seemingly begging for pain, and Pomni responded with a surprisingly scary, stoic face. Ragatha, Gangle, and Jax were all extremely interested in what she was planning to do, because they’d never really seen Pomni get angry enough to want to hurt someone. They all knew Kinger was a soft spot for her though, so they just stayed back and observed, wishing they’d had some popcorn for the show.

Pomni clenched her fist, and Impostrum’s limbs crunched up on themselves, forcing them into an uncomfortable fetal-like position. She made her way to the elevator shaft, and called Jax over to stand by her.

“I’m gonna give you one more chance, you imbecile. Tell us where he is, or you're grounded,” she said harshly.

“What?! Grounded? Ha! That’s not exactly how you negotiate, Marrionott! You don’t seem to understand the premise,” Impostram gasped, feeling their body squeeze tighter.

“I don’t think you understand,” she hissed.

Turning to Jax, she asked lowly, “How hard can you go?”

Jax lit up at that, and a sly smile warped his face as he stepped forward. He brought himself to the edge of the elevator shaft, in front of where Impostrum was being held, and clicked his tongue condescendingly.

“Probably harder than you can handle, sweet thing,” he rasped with a wink, before hopping onto Impostrum's shoulders.

“Let ‘im go. I’ll be fine. I wanna be close up when this douche splatters like a bug,” Jax grinned. She nodded at him and shot her gaze to the NPC before releasing her strings. As soon as her hands were free, he activated the gravity by as much as he could without passing out.

He held onto the NPCs shoulders as they were pulled down the elevator shaft to the bottom floor. Jax reveled in the way the wind whipped his ears back and watered his eyes. This nonplayer character death was gonna be satisfying as hell, considering today's unnecessary bullshit. Before he got too close to the ground, he let go of the gravitational force around Impostrum and activated antigravity on himself, slowing to a hover just above where the NPC spattered on the top of the grounded elevator box.

He let himself drop onto it, and stepped into the gloopy remains of the NPC just so he would have the pleasure of wiping them off of his boots. After he was satisfied with it, he hopped out to the main floor and ran out of the doors, because the lockdown had been reset, apparently by Impostrums defeat. He b-lined to the plane and grabbed his funky surfboard and a random backpack just in case, deciding that it’d be easier just to get up to the roof from the outside from where he was.

This adventure needed to be over ASAP.

He hopped on, and he didn’t even have to try to manipulate the forces on the board. They just did it without extra effort, and he couldn’t help but compare it to power steering. He shot upward like a bullet, reaching the roof after a few minutes of scaling altitude. When he got to it, he leapt off, grabbing his board and placing his hand over his brow to look for Kinger. When he turned around, he found the rest of the crew climbing up through a trapdoor.

“Oh my Land,” Ragatha whispered, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth as she stared in horror.

Jax followed her gaze to see a dangling Kinger, tied and bound with that power neutralizing rope, swaying from the top of a huge metal pole.

“Awe, King,” Jax whispered, eyes sinking at the sight. His stare was broken when he saw Pomni running past him with tears in her eyes, right up to the massive pillar. She stood at the bottom, hands on in her hair, desperate to find some way to get him down. Jax opened the his backpack to search for something sharp, and cursed under his breath when the only thing useful he found was a literal handsaw. He sighed, exasperated, but hopped onto his board anyway.

He lifted to the point where the old man was dangling, and brought the board to his base so he’d be able to stand. Kinger was shaking like a leaf, unable to say anything.

“Hey, Kingman. You been’ up here a while, huh? D@mn it’s high up,” Jax whispered, forcing himself to smile to attempt to comfort him. Kinger just stared through him.

He started sawing the rope, wrapped an arm around him, and chuckled, “That’s one more thing to add to King's list of bad@ssery.”

As Jax and Kinger lowered to the roof of the skyscraper, Pomni leapt up and pulled Kinger into the tightest hug she could manage, which was not that tight, but still. Kinger was able to snap out of his dissociative state for a moment to hug her back and pat her head in a soothing manner, mumbling nothing intelligible at her nearly silent tears. His hands were still shaking as he pet her, and soon, Ragatha and Gangle had joined in on the embrace. Jax stood there like a statue.

In the middle of the hug, they heard the shrill ring of Caine’s call. They turned to see him clapping jovially, with the portal behind him glowing its sickeningly welcoming glow. They silently filtered in, Pomni still holding Kinger’s hand, and reaching for Jax’s before they stepped though.

Chapter 32: CH.32 IT’S NOT THAT BAD

When the gang filtered through the portal into the circus, they were greeted with a huge buffet of italian food. At The sight of it, everyone's mouth started watering, and Kinger visibly calmed a little. Caine shot out in front of them and hovered in front of the table as he gestured for them to sit.

“You all did so good, my superstars! You worked together to defeat the villain,  although gruesomely , and saved your hostage Kinger! I am so proud!!” he belted. Everyone stepped to their seats and sat quickly, casting their eyes over breadsticks, salad, and heaps of pasta. Zooble refrained from greeting them, successfully reading the room that they needed a bit of time to adjust.

“I’d love to stick around, but I’m working on a really cool super awesome adventure from the suggestion box! So fill up and celebrate your stellar team-work! Toodle-loo,” he tittered before shooting away.

All of the cast members stayed quiet after their dictator was gone, casting their gazes to Kinger. Zooble leaned towards Gangle and whispered softly, only to pull back with furrowed brows after she’d answered their question. After that  moment of silence, Kinger spoke.

“Alfredo is my favorite,” Kinger muttered in a small voice. He watched the plate of pasta in front of him, but did not move his hands or even blink. He seemed stuck. 

Pomni shot up from her seat and paced over to him without a word, reaching for the scoop in the alfredo. She dished his meal, and while she was up, she poured his drink. Everyone just watched her act like his own personal waitress, but nobody made any jokes or fun. She handed him his fork and placed her hand on his shoulder, drawing his attention to her.

“You did so well today Kinger. You won,” she said softly.

“I did?” he asked quietly, “It was really scary. No one was there.”

Pomni sucked in a pained breath and forced herself to remain stoic for him, so that he didn’t suspect her weakness. He was too fragile right now anyway. She closed her eyes to prevent any unwanted display of emotion that might tip him over an edge and nodded sharply.

“But we're all here now. Let’s eat,” she croaked, releasing his shoulder to move back to her seat. The tinkering of forks hitting plates sounded as she sat herself.

“So, how’s it goin’ Rags,” Zooble asked cautiously, eyeing the doll next to them.

“It’s going better. Thank you,” she muttered, bringing up a chunk of ravioli to blow on it.

“Pom? You good too?” they inquired, casting a glance at her too.

“Peachy,” she mumbled quietly, “I wish I could have seen that NPC get got.”

“Ha, I’m sure you do, Killer,” Jax huffed out a tired laugh, “It was very satisfying. Looked like they lost a boss battle to the business end of a flyswatter.” Ragatha bristled at that mental image while everyone else seemed more or less fine with it.

“That guy was the worst,” Gangle huffed, “Well一maybe the second  worst.”

At that remark, Jax let out a long hum, knowing fully well she was referencing him as number 1. He spun his noodles around his fork and popped them in his mouth before feeling little fingers wrap around his hand. He turned to see Pomni chewing on a breadstick with her eyes screwed tight一but she shot them open when he squeezed her back.

“Wanna say thank you,” she hummed, dipping her bread into her pasta sauce. Though his feet hurt and his head hurt and basically everything on him was tired, a little shot of energy twitched his ear and tugged a bigger grin out of him. He wanted to laugh, but decided it was too taxing to do so. He settled on eating his pasta and holding her hand, listening to the others talk about the adventure and anything else.

“Pomni, I’m going to put what we talked about in the suggestion box. We’ll ask to make it a paired adventure,” Ragatha started.

“Oh? That’s a good idea. Who knows when he’ll get to it, though,” she replied softly.

“I have an adventure coupon I’ve been saving for a rainy day. I’m going to ask to use it next adventure,” she explained.

“You still have that?” Gangle questioned, poking a meatball on her plate.

“I do,” Ragatha hummed, glancing at the jester.

“What are you guys wanting to do?” Zooble inquired, hopeful at their improved relationship.

“Spa-day,” Ragatha answered breezily. Pomni made a little squeak as Jax suddenly squeezed her hand so tightly that some of her fingers popped, and the others shot their gazes toward her. Jax loosened his grip and rubbed her knuckle with his thumb as a silent apology, but she stared at him in confusion before clearing her throat.

“Sorry, um…wrong pipe,” she faltered, sipping from her beverage.

“Ok… anyway ,” Zooble mumbled, “What kind of spa day? Like, mani-pedis, hair, massages一?” 

‘BANG’

Zooble had been interrupted by the sharp pound from under the table, coming from right next to Pomni. The rest of the table stared at Jax quizzically as his face twisted uncomfortably.

“Nobody needs a spa-day. You guys are so extra,” he bristled. He felt Pomi retract her hand, so he turned to face her.

“What? You don’t want to have an adventure where you’re pampered like the diva you are?” Pomni asked humorously, earring a few giggles from the other side of the table.

“Wha! This ain’t about me, Pip,” he huffed, crossing his arms and pouting at her. She just snickered at him, thinking he was trying to be silly.

“Jax, we’ve all had a really long day. You don’t have to get anything done if you think it’s too girly,” Ragatha suggested, trying to be helpful. He turned to give her a nasty look and Pomni took another bite of pasta.

“That’s not my beef, Doll. My masculinity ain’t that fragile,” Jax sneered, clenching his fist.

“It’d be good for everybody. Especially Kinger,” Gangle hummed, watching the old man as he chewed his alfredo. Pomni nodded in agreement, and Jax knew that the look on her face meant that the idea had sealed in her head. He groaned dramatically before picking up his plate and unhinging his jaw like a snake and scraping the rest of the food into his mouth. 

Zooble, Ragatha, and Gangle watched in horror while Pomni and Kinger just stared curiously, finding the action quite impressive. He stood abruptly and guzzled his drink before throwing the glass across the dining room, and left the chair as he walked away. They all watched him go, grumbling to himself like a grump.

“What was that about?” Zooble asked, turning to Pomni. 

“Why are you asking me? I heard the same thing you did,” she answered, staring at his empty seat.

“Jax is quick to tantrum. Today must’ve got to him more than usual,” Ragatha hummed, watching Pomni.

“There we go again with the assumptions,” Pomni whispered to herself. She didn’t have anything else to say, because she was tired too, so she sat and finished her meal with relatively little involvement in the conversation. When she was done, she said goodnight to the others and made her own way down the hall.

When she entered her room, she sighed and removed her hat as she walked over to the fireplace mantle to retrieve her journal. She placed it on her bed before sitting herself, pulling off her shoes and gloves. As her feet hung of the bed, she swayed them idly, toeing the floor. But to her horror, something gripped around her ankle and squeezed.

“EEEEEEEEK!”

“AHAha haaaa, gotcha’,” Jax rasped out from under her bed.

“GOD! Come on! Why?!” she shrieked, watching him pull himself out from under it.

“I needed a distraction,” he hummed, hopping to his feet, “You’re really distracting.”

Pomni flushed a bit and scoffed at him, running her hand through her hair. He smiled as he plopped down, dropping his dead weight onto her. She struggled to push him off, but his limp limbs were too long and noodly to get a good hold on. She felt like she was trying to wrestle with a big cumbersome serpent.

“Ugh, ok,” she huffed, “so, what was that all about with the spa-day? You thumped.”

“Don’t say that!” he barked, pinning his ears back.

“But you did! Tell me what’s the matter, Bunny?” she hummed, reaching her arms around him to pet the fur of his shoulder blades. Jax went cherry red and pushed up to peer at her judgmentally, but was only met with her dumb empathetic face. It broke his scowl in an instant. She snickered at the color on his cheeks, and he sighed dramatically.

“I don’t like the idea of a spa day,” he huffed with a pout.

“Mmmmk, but why?” she pressed, scratching at him softly. He shivered and groaned a defeated sound before flopping off of her to splay out like a ragdoll. 

“BECUZ,” he droned, reaching up to press between his eyes, “I don’t trust Caine with it! And how the heck would a spa adventure even work? Ragatha wants to pair up with you, but do you even know what that means? Does she want you to do her nails? Is she gonna be the one to give you a massage?”

“I don’t know, Jax. But I wouldn’t mind painting her nails, or anything like that,” Pomni responded simply.

“You want her to give you a massage?!” he growled, sitting up on his elbows to leer at her.

“Massages are nice! What’s the matter, haven’t you ever had one? They feel awesome,” she explained, questioning his flustered face.

“No! I-I mean, that’s not it, Knucklehead!” he spat, reaching over to give her a nuggie. 

“Jax, you’d love it,” Pomni teased, “Deep tissue ones are the best. You’d definitely be a pedicure guy.”

“STAHP,” he ordered, bopping her forehead lightly with the palm of his hand, “I swear to God your skull is thicker than Snickers.”

Pomni laughed at him as she sat up. She pulled Jax’s arm, trying to direct him.

“What? What’cha want?” he huffed, letting her pull on him.

“Roll over, on your belly,” she ordered softly. His expression shifted from confusion to playfulness, and he did as she instructed. He was surprised when she moved to sit on his lower back, just above his tail.

She placed her hands on his neck and started kneading softly, pressing around his spine. She pushed her thumb pads on the tension in his neck and rubbed it away, causing him to melt into the bed like a popsicle in the sun. 

“Told you they’re nice,” Pomni hummed, feeling him shift under her. He turned his face to talk back, but was silenced when she brought her hands down to his shoulders, squeezing them rhythmically and causing him to let out a satisfied moan.

“S’nice,” he huffed as she kneaded by his shoulder blades.

“It is,” she giggled breathily, “But imagine a professional doing it.” It pulled a grumpy growl out of him again, but it wavered between anger and bliss. He tried to keep the grouch in the forefront of his mind.

“I don’t want Ragatha getting all handsy with you. Or worse, one of Caine’s creepy NPCs,” he relented. Pomni contemplated him silently as her fingers pressed away the knots in his back. He sure was tense.

“Jax, it’s a normal thing for girls to be more touchy. I get that it’s strange, but it’s just a cultural difference,” she tried to reassure him. He laughed at her as she moved down to where his overalls sat on his back.

“Dunno if you know exactly what ‘culture’ Ragatha belongs to, Toots,” he grumbled, “but she’d definitely be down for you to assimilate.”

“We are best friends, Jax. She wants to apologize. She’s trying,” Pomni fretted, “Now pull these down. I have to do the  rest.”

 She reached for the straps of his overalls, tugging on them gently. He tensed all over again, but he pushed himself up to snap off the buttons and shimmy them down quicker than she would have thought possible. Quick bunny.

“She’s trying, all right,” Jax muttered, relaxing again as Pomni pressed on the sides of his spine.

“That’s a good thing. People who try are respectable,” she hummed, feeling his soft fur slide through her fingers.
“Ooooh, sh*t Pom,” he breathed, “You musta’ been a masseuse or sum’.”

Pomni laughed at the exaggerated noises he made, imagining that he had a line of drool and rolled back eyes. “Didn’t you say I was a lumberjack?”

“Mmmmmm Lumberjack Princess Masseuse,” he moaned, burying his face in her pillow.

“Haha, now that’s a career choice,” she tittered, scooting herself back so she was sitting on his legs. As she slid over his tail, she felt a full body shutter rack through him, and she heard him take a deep breath. Pomni moved her hands to pull the overalls down more, so that his lower back was exposed and his tail popped out.

“I was really impressed with you, today,” she said softly, kneading the small of his back. “You were so quick to help. You were so sweet, saving Kinger.”

“I’m pretty impressive, I know,” he mumbled into the pillow, his tail wagging slightly. She giggled at it and moved to glide her thumb along the fluffiest part on the bottom, and almost fell off him when his hips jutted forward and he let out a strangled sound.

“Woah! Sorry, sorry! Did I hurt you?!” she warbled, craning forward to see his face. He turned  just so slightly that he could see her from his periphery, and shook his head no. His cheeks were absolutely burning .

“S’fine,” he huffed, deciding to just bury his face to avoid having to deal with the problem.

“Oh…are you ok?” she asked, sliding off of his back to sit by his side, “Dang it. You’re all tense again! What gives?”

He shot his head up and gave her a frustrated grimace. “It’s your fault,” he said lowly.

“Wha-? I’m sorry! I was just trying to help,” she whined, crossing her arms and pouting at him. He threw his head back and let out a gritty groan.

“Stop being cute, you’re making it worse! I’m dealing with it, just gimmie’ a minute,” he huffed. 

Pomni tilted her head in confusion before her eyes widened and pink plastered her face. She leaned forward and placed a hand on his cheek.

“Want some help?” she asked sweetly, brushing the fur under his eye with the pad of her thumb. All the effort into blocking his carnal urges dropped dead with her simple question, and he lifted himself to be eye level with her, though his waist still pressed into the bed. He leaned into her hand and nodded frantically.

“K’mere,” he rasped, flipping himself over and pulling Pomni onto his lap. She sucked in a breath, feeling him press against her through the overalls that pooled at his waist. She ran her hands over the fluff of his chest as he leaned forward and placed the most gentle kiss Pomni’d ever felt on her bottom lip. It was so gentle it almost made her giggle一she didn’t though, because she knew if she did, he’d probably get way too self conscious.

She leaned forward and kissed him back slightly harder, startling him a little. He seemed to get the message though, and met her with the same energy enthusiastically. She could feel him growing beneath her, and it made her head swim, but she tried to focus on kissing. She hadn’t done anything like this in years, after all一so she wanted to make sure she was doing it right. That it was a good experience. As she deepened the kiss, he moaned into her mouth, and sparked a wave of strange lust-driven confidence within her.

Pomni reached up from where her hand raked over on his chest and lightly gripped the bottom of one of his ears. She gently guided her hand up to the tip and rubbed it slowly, soaking up his reaction. His breath caught when she touched him, and his hands shot to her hips to ground himself as she slid over him. As she grazed her fingers over the velvety appendage, she started to rock her hips and grind into his member.

“Ah一f-f&ck,” he huffed, digging his fingers into her hips.

“You’re so soft,” she whispered, catching how his ear twitched in her hand. He keened and pressed his face into the crook of her neck as she increased her pace and pressed harder on him一she couldn’t help the whimper that escaped her, as it was starting to feel really good for her too. She felt it twitch underneath her and moaned a quiet moan, pressing a bit harder on his ear. Pomni ground her hips in a circular motion and pulled his head back to meet his lips again.

“Good boy,” she mouthed on his lips, drinking up the terribly desperate sound he made.

His pelvis shot up as his hands gripped her hips and pulled her into him, grinding into her hard. He groaned so gutturally it made her stomach flip and she felt a deep fluttering within herself, allowing him to wrap his arms around her in a tight embrace. He rolled them over so that he was on her again, burying his face in her chest.

“That was lit,” he mumbled, causing her chest to vibrate. She let out a giggle and started to pet his head, nearing the base of his ears again. He suddenly pulled up and grabbed her hand.

“Hey, Handsy! You tryn’a rile me up again? I have a code white, right now, Pom. It’s not comfy,” he deadpanned, sitting himself up.

“Code white? I’m sorry?” she questioned confusedly, wondering if she’d done something wrong.

“Uggh一figure it out, Pomstein. Imma go change. I’m sleeping in here tonight,” he hummed, standing up awkwardly.
“OH,” she hummed, bringing her knuckle to her lip in thought as she peered at his lower overalls, “Sorry. It won’t be so messy next time.”

Jax turned to hide his fluster and brought his hand to cover his mouth, probably trying to stifle himself. As he reached for her bedroom door, he stopped just before turning the knob.

“Next time, it’ll be you makin’ a mess,” he huffed, before heading to his room.

Chapter 33: CH.33 TEA

Jax had scampered over to his room to donn his pajamas in a hurry, but after changing, he decided he wanted a snack. He always felt a bit peckish after he blew a load. He made his way to the communal kitchen to grab something for himself, but when he opened the fridge, he saw Pomni’s stash of string cheese. He snatched one, and another replaced it immediately, pulling a hum out of him. He decided to grab another, because he knew Pomni would want some if he had it.

For some reason, grabbing that cheese sent him into a bit of a spiral. Because, for as close as they had seem to have gotten, he still didn’t really know all that much about Pomni besides the few things he’d seen her enjoy and her personality一which, to be fair, was absolutely grounds enough to keep her close. But his high opinion of her made him question himself more, and it made him more curious about her. More than he’d ever guessed he’d be. He knew what she acted like and a little bit about how she thought. But what about everything else?

What’s her favorite food? What’s she doing to keep her mind sane in this place, besides dick around with him and the others? Philosophically, he understood how different they were一but strangely enough he didn’t give half a shit about that. The way she dealt with herself and all the happenings here was not how he did, but that didn’t seem to matter nearly as much as it did when the others were compared respectively.

He remembered the first night they had a sleepover, recalling the sugary drinks he picked out for her. She seemed to take them happily enough. Then he remembered the second time, in his room, when she chose to drink tea with their dinner. It was cold tea, but tea is tea, right? Jax reached for a packet of chamomile placed neatly in the assortment of probably 20 varieties, knowing that it was different from the kind she’d drunk in front of him before. He became frustrated as he stared at it, wondering if it would be something she’d actually like. His ears pinned to his head as he leaned against the counter.

Would Pomni even like this? Does she actually like the things he picks out for her, even when he’s so unsure of it? What if she took a sip and it turns out this is her least favorite flavor? How would she feel about him if she realized he picked out her least favorite flavor, and was a complete dumbass that could do almost nothing right? Because, let's face it一she’s smart. That’s one reason she’s so nice to be around一and she’s gonna figure that out eventually.

“Excuse me,” a soft voice called annoyedly from behind him. He dropped his gaze at the teabag to find Ragatha standing there, frilly nightgown on, with her mug tightly clasped.

“You’re excused,” he grumbled, not budging an inch. Whatever she wanted could wait. He was stewing right now.

“All I want is the microwave. You aren’t even using it,” she bristled, fiddling with the teabag in her hand. Jax’s ears perked at the sight, looking back and forth between hers and the chamomile, debating something. She eyed him confusedly.

“You and Pom drink tea together, yeah?” Jax tiredly pressed, opening the cabinet above him and reaching for a mug of his own.

“We do,” Ragatha narrowed her eyes, no doubt expecting some off-putting remark.

“Thought so. What’s she like?” he questioned, his words lacking the usual bite. Ragatha furrowed her brows and opened her mouth to say something, but shut it immediately after. Her face pulled tighter as she looked at the cup of water he’d filled.

“Why should I tell you? You’re just going to prank her, right? Get her favorite tea and dump a laxative in it, hm?” she accused, deciding she wasn’t going to wait any longer for him to give her access to the microwave. She stepped forward into his bubble to heat her mug, causing him to shift uncomfortably and step back.

“No,” he deadpanned, watching the cup rotate on the turntable inside the metal box.

“I swear to high heavens if you do anything一”

“I just want to bring her something she likes. Why is that so crazy? Why is it so crazy to think I could do that? I don’t know what her favorite is, ok? But you do, Rags. And I f&cking hate that I even have to ask a stuck up two-faced @ss-kisser like you about something so God d@mned simple, but I’m not going back without something, cuz’ I’m too tired to make another trip tonight,” he droned.

When the microwave beeped, he popped open the door and gave her a defeated, sleepy look. All she could do was stare and stare, as he made no attempt to do anything noxious. She reached for her cup and ripped open the bag, popping it in the scalding water.

“You’re not going back to her room without something, Jax?” she asked coldly.

“I’m not. I figured you’d be able to point me in the right direction, cuz you guys are close and you know what she likes,” Jax explained begrudgingly, placing his own cup into the microwave. He pressed a minute on it before turning back to face the Doll.

“I think I know her well enough to know that she’d rather not be bothered with you or your antics after such a long, stressful day. Going to her room this late to offer her tea, or for any reason, is uncalled for,” Ragatha spat, bringing her mug just under her nose.

“You一you,” he stalled, his fists shaking at his side. His demeanor changed in a split second and he was up in her face in a flash, just as he’d been on the day he lifted her off the ground to tear into her. Ragatha felt her heart drop and a surge of fear envelop her again, the memory in the forefront of her mind一but this time, Jax made no move to touch her.

Instead, he leered next to her cheek menacingly and opened his mouth like a drawbridge. He stretched it open just as wide as he’d done with dinner earlier一and he let her get a good long look at just how sharp his teeth were.

“You might want to consider watching your mouth while Pom’s not around to jump in and distract me, Dolly,” he rumbled, all the fur on his neck standing on end, eyes slitted in loathing, “Cuz’ I’ll give you a reason to be scared’a me.”

Just as soon as the microwave beeped, he snapped his mouth shut and stood up straight, scowling as he returned to the hot water.

Ragatha shook where she stood, gripping her hot mug hard even though it was burning her plush hands. She threw him the most distasteful look she could muster, one fit for a person like him. In her eyes, he was one of the untouchables in her cast system. He didn’t have to turn around to know what she was doing一he knew fully well what what she thought of him. It was almost comical to him, that she thought her ideas about him would influence him in any way. She didn’t seem to fully grasp that her opinion was the ideological equivalent of gonorrhea.

“Doesn't matter if ya’ tell me dip. But I want you to fully comprehend that you just validated every nasty, hurtful, disgraceful thing I’ve ever thought about you,” he grumbled menacingly, “Because you’d rather prevent me from spending time with her than tell me her f&cking beverage preference. Even when I’m only doing this because I want to do something nice. It wouldn’t matter to you if I was giving her tea that could cure depression.”

She didn't say a word.

“Ragatha一I am gonna put up with your selfish, manipulative, vindictive bullsh*t only long enough for Pomni to see what you really are. Got that? Cuz’ I’m gonna be there for her when she realizes that you don’t genuinely care about her the way she cares about you.”

“How dare you say I don’t care about Pomni,” she gritted through her teeth.

“If you cared, like for real, even a tiny bit一you wouldn’t give a f*ck that we’re close. If you had a sixteenth of a brain cell you’d figure out that I like her. You know, it doesn’t even matter. Dunno why I’m even trying to get through to you. I’m goin’ weather you like it or not一and I’m bringin’ her some f&ckin’ tea.”

He flicked the bag of chamomile back to the pile of various teas and picked one randomly before grabbing a bottle of water for himself. He pocketed the cheese sticks and tea bag before letting the steam of the mug waft up and brush his face.

“I hope you choke on your hypocrisy in your sleep,” he hissed, making his way out of the kitchen. Ragatha just balked at him with angry watery eyes as he stomped his way down to Pomni’s room.

He opened the door to see her sitting at the foot of her bed in her pajamas, scribbling into a little brown book. He heard the door open and gave him her attention. Her face sobered a little at the sight of him, but not in a way he’d have liked. She could smell the mood shift, and he knew it. He’d have to throw her off the trail so she wouldn’t worry.

The book in her hand caught his interest, so he decided that would be a suitable distraction. He sat by her to mess with her after he placed the hot water down.

“You took a while,” she chuckled tiredly, face framed by the light from the fireplace as she analyzed him, “Must’ve been quite the mess.”

Before she could ask him what the matter was, he snatched her book. Jax snorted at her and watched the light flicker off her skin so warmly. He leaned forward to rasp into her ear.

“I’ve got a lot to give, ya’ know. I’m quite generous,” he hummed with a grin. She smiled back as she pushed him away from her ear before reaching out for her stolen property.

“Hey! That’s not cool, give it back! That’s personal,” she huffed, reaching over to it and failing to even come close.

“What’s personal? This?? This little book right here?” he teased, holding it above his head. She wasted no time in standing to snatch it, successfully pulling it away with a huff.

“I don’t want you to read it. I’m so tired I think I’m gonna fall apart, anyway,” she huffed, setting the journal at the end of her bed. She looked over to Jax, who had leaned back against the headboard and started manipulating the covers around him. Pomni eyed him curiously as he bunched and smoothed out the blankets in a seemingly patternless way before he slid into them and pulled the cheese sticks from his pocket.

“Gotcha some stuff from the commons,” he muttered, holding one out for her.

She smiled softly and took it as she scooted up closer to him. He wrapped his arm around her small frame and pulled her into himself, right up under his nose. He buried his face in her hair and took a series of deep breaths as she nibbled on her cheese.

“So that’s what took so long,” she hummed, rubbing her head back and forth to try and tickle his nose. It made him sigh and press his chin into her harder, rubbing it back and forth as he squeezed her. He pulled away to munch his own snack, and pointed to the table by the bed.

“If you’re thirsty,” he said simply, biting off another chunk of his own cheese.

“Oh,” she murmured, reaching for it. Pomni couldn’t reach from how tightly he’d hugged her against him, but he grabbed it for her. Jax pulled out the tea packet from his pocket and eyed her silently as she manipulated it, waiting for her reaction. She read the label and tilted her head to peek at him sweetly.

“Anise is my favorite,” she lilted, tearing it open. Jax let out a deep breath she didn’t realize he was holding as it steeped, and his hold brought her flush with him.

“Tasty stuff, huh?” he mumbled.

“Very,” she smiled, sipping it satisfiedly. Then, she broke his hold on her to set it down before turning to face him, and planting a chaste little kiss on his lips. He didn’t expect it, but it was quite welcome. The flavor of her drink passed to him, and he closed his eyes to savor it一humming into the kiss. His eyes fluttered open when she pulled away.

“I really like Anise,” he mumbled happily. She pushed him back so that he laid on the pillows more comfortably before crawling over to his side.

“Roll over,” she softly commended, pulling at his shirt with comically little force.

“M’notta dog, Pom,” he whispered back as he rolled over.

She slipped her hand over his side and pulled her chest closer to his back, stepping up to the role of big spoon. As soon as she did, his whole body relaxed instantaneously.

“I’m not gonna press you about the stuff you don’t want to talk about. But I want you to know that you can trust me with anything that bothers you,” she whispered. All he did was nod and bring his hand up to feel hers as she wrapped around him with her short stubby limbs.

“Night, Pom,” he huffed, letting his hand fall to rest by his head.

They both fell asleep rather quickly, wiped out from the trials of the day. It was easy to get worn out with emotionally and physically taxing adventures, it was the normal response. But one person in the circus couldn’t find sleep no matter how hard she tried to clear her mind or get comfortable.

Ragatha layed in her bed, under the covers, staring at the ceiling. Every time she closed her eyes, her mind ran away with thought of what Pomni and Jax were up to. What they were. She couldn’t help all of the things that ran through her mind, playing like a disturbing film. She had two voices battling inside her skull, arguing with each other like politicians.

He went to her room with tea. He gave her tea. He probably stayed with her. He was probably in her bed right now. That fucking bastard was in her best freind’s bed. The guy who never ever ever had good intentions.

Well, maybe except for when he asked for a revamp of the sensory system.

But that was a fluke!

He hasn’t really done any gruesome pranks in a while, though.

So what? He’s still bad, he still does bad things!

He also got Kinger down from the pole.

Only because he wanted to be done with the adventure.

What if he really was just being nice when he was getting Pomni tea?

It doesn’t matter if he was being nice or not一一一

That thought shot a cold pang through Ragathas’ spine and she sat up in bed to bring her fingers to her eyes. That was not what she anticipated her internal dialogue to consist of at all. She didn’t want to dwell on the fact that she’d consciously come to the conclusion that if he was being genuine, it didn’t matter.

Because she knew it did. She knew. Jax was a jerk, a jackass, a menace. He was absolutely horrid to be around. But if he was genuinely being nice, that means he has the capacity for kindness一which was something she’d long ago dismissed as impossibility. That pavlovian conditioning shit really is crazy, ya’ know?

He’d been despicable 99 out of a 100 times, so she was good and trained to associate him with bad news. But the fact is, she shamefully realized一she didn’t care if he was being nice. Why? Because he was being nice to Pomni一and Pomni humors him when he plays nice. Even though she knows he’s awful to everyone else.

That thought made Ragatha shutter. That couldn’t be the whole case.
Pomni is just kind to him because she’s kind to everyone. That’s it. He’s not overly special to her, he’s just attached to her because she’s such a gem. And who wouldn’t get attached? It’s not like she even blamed him for wanting to be so close to her. The problem was that he was getting closer and closer. Soon enough, there’d be no more gemstone to mine anymore一he’d stake a claim.

That can’t happen.

Ragatha stewed in her contempt, sliding the sleeping mask over her eyes to will herself to calm down. This situation was not fully lost, she told herself. She still had time to fix it. She eventually fell asleep with precious stones on her mind.

Chapter 34: Ch.34 CASH IN THE COUPON

Ragatha woke up with a mission on her mind. She didn’t bother messing with her fake serums or consoling herself with an illusory skin care routine. She leapt out of bed with an air of determination and grabbed a dress from her closet before finding that pink slip of paper Caine called an ‘adventure coupon’. She pulled a pen out of her pile of non-manifested items and started scribbling onto the little slip. After she was satisfied with the request, she stalked to the door heading right out of her room.

As the door closed behind her, she caught the primary colors of Pomni’s sign down the hall. A steady pressure built under her skin as she watched the door, wanting nothing more than to see Pomni emerge by herself. Ragatha could only wait a moment before becoming too antsy to stand still any longer一she turned on her heel and paced down the hall to sit at the breakfast table.

When she arrived, she was the first there, per usual. She placed her hands on the table and leaned onto it, focusing on the little piece of paper she set down.

“Caine! Caine, I need to speak with you!” she yelled into the space above her. After a moment of waiting Caine manifested with a rubber ducky and a scrubby brush, covered in suds. He gave Ragatha a bewildered look before snapping to dress himself in his regular suit.

“You interrupted my bubble bath! I surely hope this is important, Ragatha!” he yelped.

“I want to cash in my adventure coupon,” she muttered blandly, not giving a shit about his stupid bath.

“Oh! Oh my, yes that is indeed a very important reason!” he yipped, dropping down and twirling his cane jovially.

“I wrote everything down on it. Every last detail,” she hummed, handing him the slip.

His eyes raked over the paper over and over, taking in all of her parameters and expectations. She left nothing to his imagination.

“You put an awful lot of thought and planning into this. Luckily I already have a map that would be perfect for a salon, so I think I’d be able to have all the little things completed by lunch. How’s that, my Darling Doating Dolly?”

“That’s fine. But remember, Pomni is with me. The others can choose who they're with, but Pomni’s with me,” she clarified, staring at the jaw. He nodded happily and folded the coupon up to shove in his pocket before summoning Bubble.

“Oh! Hey, what gives! I was in the middle of a Caine bath,” Bubble huffed, covered in random places with teeth. Ragatha’s face contorted in disgust as Caine shot him a horrified look.

“Can you never say anything like that again?” Caine asked painfully, “Also it’s breakfast time. Chop chop.” Bubble rolled his eyes and wafted into the kitchen, trailing teeth behind him, to start setting everything up. Ragatha watched as Bubble set the table and placed all the regular beverages and fast-breaking morsels.

She sat in her seat, alone, while Bubble flitted around above her head. She stared at the plates and utensils laid out before her and the empty seats. She sucked in a deep, troubled breath as the barrenness of the dining area tugged at her deeply. It was so ironic that she sat here with no one beside her一it reflected so perfectly how she’d been feeling for the past couple of days. She clutched her own hands and dwelled on her situation.

She felt alone, even though she was not alone yet. But this is the threat, isn't it? This is the outcome of endless days in the circus. She always felt some semblance of loneliness since arriving here. The things she loved and cherished, the people who she called family一they were gone. She was a foreigner in an unforgiving place, with not even suitable imagination for distracting herself. That is, until Pomni showed up.

Zooble and Gangle were sweet, but they had their own problems and maladaptive defense mechanisms that prevented her from really establishing deep connections with them. She certainly tried. She was always trying to establish better relationships, to have a good reputation, and to be reliable, because that was something that she remembered being a large part of her identity in reality. She had been reliable, protective, always solving problems. Ragatha knew, though, that Zooble and Gangle didn’t trust her as much as they trusted each other, and the way Ragatha tried to solve problems wasn’t always their preferred way. Her relationship with them was ok. Decent, even, on a good day.

And Kinger? Kinger was an old man who was losing himself. She had a deep appreciation for him, being that he’s stayed trapped here for so long and was still managing to hang in there. But the thing with Kinger is that she couldn’t rely on him to be there all the time. He needed protection, and she was more than happy to provide it when she could, but he also needed to self-soothe with darkness much of the time. He also forgot about the topics of conversation before they could really become that deep.

And Jax一well. Jax was Jax.

But Pomni. Pomni had allowed her to get deep, to bounce ideas and memories off of a true friend. Pomni gave her advice, and Pomni accepted the advice she offered when they needed each other. Kindness and empathy and well-roundedness made her so easy to be around. And Ragatha felt needed with Pomni. The presence of the jester made existence more bearable一Pomni made Ragatha feel like at least one seat next to her was filled. That was almost more powerful than having all of them filled一it made her a rarity, it made her value exponential.

Ragatha was interrupted from her thoughts with the sound of a chair sliding out beside her. She turned to face the culprit, hoping desperately that it would be Pomni, only to be met with a large triangular head.

“You look like you’ve been reading the autobiography of a holocaust survivor,” Zooble mumbled.

“Hm. That’s a funny thing to say,” she hummed, eye twitching and fingers sliding over her knuckles neurotically. Zooble sighed deeply before reaching for the coffee.

“Out with it. What’s eating you?” they pressed.

“Me? Oh, Zooble, I appreciate your concern, really I do. I’m not having the best time, though I assure you I feel I’m coping rather well一,” she started, nervously,

“Deflecting... Let’s try again. Tell me what’s wrong without any embellishments,” Zooble interjected, stopping her dead in her tracks. Ragatha swallowed and peeked around the room to see if they were alone. She figured if she were to tell anyone about this mess, it should be Zooble. They understood about complicated things like this, and they were the least likely person to judge her. And Pomni wasn't here. Welp.

“I’m一having a difficult time, at the moment,” Ragatha whispered, unable to make eye contact. Zooble rested their cheek on their hand and leaned into it as they listened.

“I ran into Jax last night. He wanted to know Pomni’s favorite tea.”

“...Ok,” Zooble hummed, giving her pause so she would continue.

“He wanted to know because he was bringing it to her. To her room. At night,” Ragatha cracked, squeezing her arms as she did. Zooble nodded, eyeing the doll's body language intently.

“So…” they hummed, pushing her to elaborate.

“So? So! So that’s uncalled for! And I told him so! And after I did, he一he threatened me!” Ragatha explained heatedly, squeezing herself. Zooble watched her features and waited for her to simmer down before answering.

“You sound surprised about that,” Zooble deadpanned.

“I, well! You don’t know, he一he…”

“He threatened you 2 days ago. When he did, you were the one who instigated it,” they reminded her, “and the reason he snapped at you was because you dealt a low blow to his relationship with Pomni.” Ragatha deflated a little as they reminded her.

“So it happened again. He got mad at you because of something you did or said having to do with P. I’m right,” Zooble stated, as a matter of fact.

Ragatha reached for a muffin and started picking it apart so that her hands would be busy as she muttered out a very small ‘yes’. Zooble turned their head to see Gangle approaching and their eyes widened. Gangle was about to sit down when Zooble cleared their throat.

“Mornin’ G. Can you do me a big favor? I’ve got a headache, and I think the coffee Bubble put out is decaf. Would you go make me one of your cinnamon lattes? It’s pounding,” Zooble asked her quietly.

Gangle shot them a worried look and nodded quickly, placing a ribbon hand on their shoulder.

“Of course. With almond milk. Can I put some lavender in it? Lavender helps with headaches, sometimes,” Gangle whispered.

“Go nuts,” Zooble hummed. Gangle wasted no time in going to the communal kitchen to get her hands on the espresso machine and Zooble turned back to Ragatha, who was staring at them quizzically.

“I love her but she tends to get too emotionally invested in things like this. She’s still worried about you and Pomni from last time. We have about 15 minutes一after she makes mine, she’ll make one for herself because she knows by the time hers is finished mine’ll be the right temperature to drink. Anyway,” Zooble explained quietly, watching Ragatha’s face shift.
“Tell me what happened before he threatened you.”

“I wanted some tea. He was in the kitchen, blocking me from the microwave. He asked me what Pomni’s favorite tea was, and then he bared his teeth like a rabid dog,” Ragatha scowled.

“Ok. I know you’re dancing around it. Just tell me, Rags. I can’t help with half of the picture,” Zooble droned.

“He was mad because I wouldn’t tell him! But why would he want to know that?! To prank her, probably!” Ragatha spat, utterly demolishing her muffin. Zooble closed their eyes and rubbed their temple in annoyance.

“You were gatekeeping Pom’s tea preferences?” they asked, exasperated, as they already knew the answer.

“I was not gatekeeping! I was protecting her! He was going to her room!” she huffed, squeezing a piece of muffin so hard in her hand it turned into mush.

“Dude. Of course he got mad. That was some petty sh*t,” Zooble groaned.

“I am not petty! I wanted to protect her, Zooble一”

“Woah woah nuh-uh hol’ up. You were not protecting her. You were protecting yourself. You gotta get that through your head,” Zooble shot, pointing at her accusingly, “you knew he wasn’t gonna f&ck with her. You know he’s sweet on her and you wanted to get in his way. Don’t even pretend this is actually about Pom needing 'protection'.”

Ragatha paled and her stomach dropped, causing a bit of nausea to surface. She looked at Zoobles face shamefully, realizing that she’d been right when she made the call to talk to them. They successfully detangled everything in less time than it takes Gangle to make 2 lattes.

“Look. I’m not judging. But you should seriously consider your true intentions if you want sh*t to be good with Pomni. I don’t believe you’re intentionally being deceitful, but there’s a lot of layers of make-up on your thoughts. I suggest you strip them down to the bare-bones and come to terms with your subconscious, and be honest with yourself. After that, honesty with everyone else will come easier, and it’ll be easier to explain what you want to her,” Zooble explained, looking up to the commons kitchen door. Just as they did, Gangle backed out of it, 2 lattes in hand.

“Ragatha, did you turn in your coupon yet?” Gangle asked, setting down the beverage in front of Zooble.

“I did,” she muttered, eyeing the latte. Zooble snatched it up and took a nice long sip.

“What’s the verdict then?” she asked casually, sitting beside Zooble.

“It will start after lunch. I’m very excited for it.”

“Um, Ragatha? You’re kinda一murdering that muffin,” Gangle said alarmed, pointing to the dolls fist, covered in the remnants of blueberry and brown sugar.

“Oh, I um…I like eating them this way,” she muttered, bringing the mush to her mouth. As she took a bite, Gangle cast a questioning look at Zooble.

“Don’t worry about it, G. So tell me, what did you ask for with the spa day? I want to know what parts I should wear to make it the easiest experience for everyone,” Zooble explained.

“I asked for mani-pedis, hair-dos, massages, and a sauna/hot tub room. I asked for everyone to be paired so we can filter through the events easier, and so it would be more relaxing. And I told him that there should be a points’ system, but I won’t get into that. The important thing is, the goal is to get as relaxed as possible,” Ragatha hummed, scraping more muffin guts into her mouth.

“Wow! I hope I can actually pick a hairstyle! I miss having hair so much,” Gangle swooned, imagining herself with luscious locks. Zooble chuckled and patted her back as they took another sip.

-

Pomni woke up to see that her bed was empty, and that she was tucked into the blankets extra tightly. She was able to push the mass of covers off of her and sit up to look at the spot beside her. She couldn’t help her pout, or the feeling of disappointment that came at his absence.

She sighed and flung her legs over the side of the bed, noticing that her journal was exactly where she'd left it the night before. Her pout was replaced with a smile at the thought that he respected her wishes, and she reached over for it. Opening the journal, she started scribbling her thoughts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’m not so sure what to think about Ragatha’s behavior. I haven't known her for very long, but I think I seriously underestimated her capacity for hatred. Of course I have no right to assume things like that, but I feel that Ragatha really hates Jax. Why would she be so mean to him otherwise? That’s like, completely out of character for her, too. And it’s so strange because when I first arrived, she didn’t seem to hate him. She didn’t seem like the type of person to hate anyone.
It’s kind of unnerving, because she’s my best friend here. Well, one of them. She knows me so well now, and I feel like we’re family, but do I know her the same way I feel she knows me? Jax says all the time that she’s fake. I don’t think that she’s consciously trying to be that way, if what he says even has any backing. Maybe he sees something I don’t, I don’t know. She seems to be genuine, though, to really want to be kind. I respect her for that, and I know she’s a completely different person than Jax is. And everybody makes mistakes.
But they’re my closest people here. I really hope that they dont hate each other as much as they seem to. I hope I’m just interpreting everything wrong. I want to keep them both close to me, because I know they’re both good people. I’m sure it will all clear up when we do her spa adventure.
-day 38

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The sound of her door opening pulled her eyes from the journal. Jax had stepped in, all dressed and ready for the day, and was staring at her blankly before he slapped on his signature grin.

“Mornin’ Pom,” he hummed, “Well lookie there. We have an author.”

“What? That’s a hard no. ‘Author’ implies that the work is published, and I never want other eyes on this,” she retorted, shutting the book and slipping off the bed to replace it on her mantel.

“Got some top-secret stuff in there, huh, Pom. Got the nuclear launch codes,” he snickered, slipping behind her. Jax wrapped his arms around her chest, pinning her arms to her torso and lifting her up.

“The alchemic equation for turning lead into gold is in there. And the location of the fountain of youth,” she struggled, but still managed to laugh at his antics.

“POMNI! You don’t want me to live forever? Oh! I’m wounded!” he hollered, falling backwards to land in her bean bag chair. She was trying her best to escape, but nothing she did seemed to help her situation. He just laughed at her weakness as she kicked her legs and flapped her hands at her sides like a seal.

“Of course I don’t want you to be immortal. Could you imagine the curse of immortality? Remaining constant while the world around you changes would be a guaranteed path to insanity,” she huffed, throwing her head back to push his chest.

“Hey, stop that! That’s too existential. Now I feel bad and it’s your fault,” he chirped, far too happy sounding for the context of his words.

“Awe man. Sorry. Forgive me please.”

“I may be able to be persuaded,” she lilted with a flirtatious tone. Pomni sighed and tilted her head back to try and see his face, but failed.

“Where did you go? I had a plan to wake you up with a surprise,” she hummed. Jax immediately loosened his hold on her to readjust and flip her around to face him, grinning brilliantly.

“What kinda surprise? I’ll take the surprise now, Pompom,” he cooed, squeezing her arms as she sat above him.

“I was gonna start you up. You know, like a dead battery,” she explained simply, lifting one of her fists with her pointer and middle finger extended.

“Pfft, you tryna’ sexy talk? You’re bad at it,” he laughed, watching her serious little face stare at him. Her eyes raked over his relaxed position and his smug face.

“Not sexy talk. I’m talking about jumper-cables.” Suddenly, she jabbed her fingers into his side and pressed hard enough to make him jump and strangle out a surprised sound. She watched him wriggle under her and fight to grab at her wrist, and when he did, the face he made was so wonderfully amusing. A mixture of delight, surprise, betrayal and confusion painted his features at her initiated tickle attack, and sent Pomni into a giggle fit. He sat up and cupped her cheeks as he willed his neutral smile to return.

“You just started a dangerous game, little lady. Imma getcha’ back sooooo hard,” Jax muttered, “And you won’t even know when it’s comin’.”

“I’m sure I’ll regret it. So what were you doing? Just wanted to get dressed and come back before I woke up?...Did you have another code white?” she teased, shifting his cheeks a few shades darker.

“No! I mean, yes, I went to change but not because一I was setting up a surprise, myself, actually,” he spluttered, but then regained some confidence.

“Ok. You know I wouldn’t judge you if you did. Wet dreams happen,” she hummed reassuringly.
He stood abruptly and tucked her under his arm before tossing her on the bed playfully, laughing at her as she slouched upside down on some of her pillows. After a moment he reached into her wardrobe and snatched her jester uniform.

“They do. Time to get dressed, freak,” he hummed, stepping toward her.

“Yeah一I really hope Ragatha finishes my casual wear soon. I asked her for an outfit to wear when we don’t have adventures. I miss wearing skirts,” she huffed, righting herself on the bed. She reached over to grab her jumpsuit, but Jax grabbed her hand.

“Skirts are nice, aren't they? So convenient. They provide easy access,” he lilted, pulling her towards him. He set the jester outfit on the bed before sliding his fingers beneath her shirt gently, causing her to throw him a curious gaze. She didn’t protest as he lifted it over her head.

“Up,” he commanded, helping her to stand on the bed. She placed her hands on his shoulders to balance as he pulled off her shorts, watching his eyes flit over her. Being in her undies in front of him lit up a warmth in her, but she managed to keep her thoughts in check.

“It’s funny that you call me a freak when you’re like this,” she giggled, stepping out of the pajama bottoms. His eyes lifted from her body to meet her own, smiling curling further and further.

“That’s why we get along, Toots. We’re both a little off,” he snickered, lifting his hands to rest on her rear.

“Didn’t you tell me to get dressed like, 5 seconds ago? I’m still not dressed,” she hummed, gesturing to the jester suit he’d laid on the bed. He grunted before pulling it over to her and opening it up so that she could step into the leg holes.

“Let me nibble on you before we go out there. I need prophylactic treatment against Raggy’s bad vibes,” he chided, adjusting the suit around her ankles.

“Nibbles, huh? I guess that can be arranged,” she chuckled, letting go of his shoulders as he pulled her suit up to her hips. Afterward, he plopped down next to her and set her on his lap.

Jax slid his hands over her legs as he leaned into her, opening his mouth to expose his sharp teeth. She sighed as he grazed them over the side of her neck, and she tilted her head to give him better access. She could feel his cheeks pull into a smile as they pressed against her, and he let out a breathy chuckle.

“S’like it get’s better every time,” he hummed, “you feel so good between my teeth.”

Pomni blanched at that, her face heating up so much she swore she felt steam escape her ears. He bit down where he’d been teasing his teeth, pulling out a particularly lovely sound from her. After he’d sunk them sufficiently deeply, he let her go and lapped at the cartoonish bite marks left in her rubbery flesh. She squeezed him in their embrace to keep her head steady, but the more unraveled she seemed to become, the more satisfying it was for Jax.

He moved his hands to rest on her hips and started pressing his thumbs underneath her belly rhythmically, earning him an immediate reaction. She moaned before catching her breath and biting her lip to stop herself. He growled deeply, taking in a deep breath just as she leaned back to grab his hands. She quivered and silently pleaded for him to slow down.

“Com’on, Pom一what’s wroooong ?” he whined, sliding his hands away to rest on her back.

“Too much, not now,” she huffed, shifting to catch his eyes. They were so blown out she thought he may have taken a digital form of LSD.

“But Pomniiii you smell like a snack ,” he purred, “Mmm’a’need me a snack.”

At that, she leapt off of him and pulled up her jester outfit. She tried to will the red off her face, but it lingered as she reprimanded him.

“No snacks before breakfast! Don’t light a fire right before we have to go out and interact with everybody一I act like a doofus when I have a lady boner,” she clarified, slapping her face to will the blood to rush somewhere else. He balked at her with nearly black eyes before throwing himself backward dramatically on the bed and letting out a full-body laugh.

“OH NO! God forbid you, the sweet little jester blessed to not have a d*ck get turned on! You know you act like a doofus all the time! You kill me,” he cackled, “Imagine actually having to hide getting hard in front of people. Teenage boys do things you could never.”

Pomni thought about it a moment before nodding her head rather seriously in agreement.

“You’re totally right. Thank goodness I’m not a teenage boy. It’d be up all the time. All these shenanigans have made me hungry, though. Wanna go get some food with me?” she asked, extending her hand to him. His smile softened as he looked at her hand, standing up and taking it enthusiastically as he adjusted his overalls.

“Yeah. If I can’t have you as a snack, I guess Pomcakes are the next best thing.”

Chapter 35: Ch.35 STRANGE TASTE

Jax and Pomni were making their way down the hall hand in hand, coming from the dorms to the dining area. They were both smiling, the lingering goofiness of earlier making it impossible to feel anything but silly and happy.

“I was thinking,” Pomni started randomly, “I really need to pick up some more hobbies. I feel like we have so much free time here, and I’m really not using it effectively to grow as a person.”

“Well, you certainly could use a good few inches,” he snarked, “You’re barely above my belly button.”

“I’m serious! What do you even do in your free time, huh? Besides disrupting the peace,” she snickered.

“I’ll have you know that disrupting the peace is a fine hobby,” he scoffed, yanking her arm closer to him, “but I do lots of things. Baseball, boobie-trap making, knife throwing, gardening, exploring一”

“You garden? There’s a garden here?” Pomni asked, flabbergasted.

“Yeah. Behind the 63rd door on the left. It’s red with little flowers engraved on it,” he recited, starting to lazily swing her hand.

“Hm. I’ve got to explore more. The only good things I’ve found behind doors have been the dancing game and the snow forest. I’ll check it out,” she mumbled, her gaze drifting off into space.

“You’ll come with me when I show you, ya’ mean. You’d get lost super easy in the hall of doors, Pom, especially if you go in and out of them. I did it like, 4 times when I first arrived,” he hummed, starting to swing her arm lazily.

She stared out into nothing, but she was still walking一and it was honestly kind of funny. Why the hell did she do this sometimes? She just zoned out like a little robot or something. And he was still strolling along beside her, swinging their interlocked hands as they approached the dining area. It started him thinking on it.

It was obviously a dissociation, right? But, the question was, why? Pomni was spacing out in weird situations, her timing was kind of terrible. And sometimes she zoned out when there was nothing bad happening一and sometimes, when really crazy shit was going down, she was with it like the kids. So what's the deal?

Could it be him?

The thought made his mouth dry up. He did see her do it rather often. Maybe being around him was more stressful for her than she let on? It could be the case, but how would he know for sure if she zoned out when he wasn’t around?

“Jax? What’s wrong?” she asked in a concerned tone. He blinked and looked at her intently, not realizing that his smile had fallen into a look of concentration一which was, for Jax, a furrowed brow and downturned mouth.

“I was just thinkin’ Pom,” he hummed out, “No need to shame me, I know I have RBF.”

“You were thinking about something unpleasant. Your face is super cute when you think about something you like,” she huffed, squeezing his fingers before letting go. His heart pitterd at her compliment, but then dropped as gaze traveled to her now empty hand. That look returned to his face for a moment, but he closed his eyes and shook the river of strange thoughts away before following her to the dining room.

“Hey Pomni,” Gangle greeted excitedly, “Ragatha has a surprise for you!”

Pomni approached the table and pulled out Jax’s and her seat before sitting down and casting her eyes toward the doll. Ragatha had a very concerning expression and was clenching her fists so tightly that her knuckles were white. It didn’t make her scared, but it lit up a brand new flame of anxiety in the smaller woman's stomach.

Why can’t it just be chill for like, a day?

“Um, g-good morning Ragatha,” Pomni muttered warily as she fiddled with her fingers, “I’m uh一happy to一it-it’s nice to see you this morning.”

Suddenly, Pomni felt her weight shifting on the chair, and she squeaked as her seat was yanked in Jax’s direction. He had grabbed the bottom brace of the chair and slid it over to himself, but he wasn’t looking at her as he did it. No, he was making a terribly agro face in the direction of an emotionally unstable doll.

“I’m happy to see you too,” Ragatha nearly growled, not making any eye contact with the smaller girl at all. Zooble snapped their claw at Ragatha and shot a some sort of look, making her take a deep breath and close her eye. Pomni stared at her friend confusedly, before she went back to ‘normal’ in an abnormal amount of time.

“I’m so sorry Pomni, I was just thinking about something arbitrary! Nevermind that, I do have a surprise for you, and I’m sure you’re going to love it!” Ragatha chirped happily. The sheer magnitude of the tonal shift made Pomni do a double take. It fanned the flame of anxiety she had, and apparently lit one in both Gangle and Zooble, as they were visibly stressed by the nature of Ragatha’s inflection.

“Ha, haha…Ok,” she nearly whispered, casting her glance at the others at the table, wondering if they were experiencing the same thing.

“We’re having our girls day today! Spa day starts after lunch,” she smiled, watching Pomni’s face intently.

“That’s great, Ragatha, I’m sure it’ll be loads of fun,” Pomni smiled back, bringing her hand up in an awkward thumbs up.

Jax, oddly enough, stayed silent throughout this whole conversation, placing various things on his plate, but never seeming to break his challenging stare with Ragatha. If she noticed him, she pretended not to care, smiling a smile too big for her face. You’re not convincing anybody, Raggy.

Gangle abruptly shot up without a word and made her way over to the commons kitchen. Zooble watched her scurry away with worry, reaching out for her but staying seated. Zooble was caught between a rock and a hard place right now, because if they left to go chase Gangle, then Ragatha and Jax would be alone, and that was a recipe for disaster. If they stayed, however, then Gangle may be doing God knows what in the kitchen and trying to emotionally recover from the crazy vibes Ragtha and Jax were throwing.

Ya’ know what? They didn’t want to be in this stressful shit either. Fuck them and their stubborn childish behavior. Let them bitches disembowel each other, they’ve done what they could with what they’ve got.

Zooble stood up and peered at Pomni apologetically before hobbling over to the kitchen to see if Gangle was ok. Pomni tensed and shot her gaze at Ragatha, knowing that if she looked at Jax, she might unintentionally instigate her more. Raggy seemed a little fragile, right now.
“I’m so excited,” Pomni warbled, “are we, um一will I be able to do you’re hair?”

“YES! There’ll be hair and nails, and after we can do the sauna and the hot tub, or any of the other activities! It’ll be so very, very relaxing,” Ragatha hummed, drumming her fingers on the table.

From behind Pomni came Kinger, who was groggy and sluggish as he made his way to sit in the seat next to Jax.

“Hello, everyone,” he yawned. Pomni looked at him so thankfully, knowing that looking at him wouldn’t set her off.

“Kinger, we’re having a relaxing day today. Do you like saunas?” Pomni questioned timidly.

Jax reached out under the table and grabbed her hand, prompted by the uneasy tone of her voice. It was obvious this situation was making everyone uncomfortable, but what could he really do right now besides that silent promise that he’s there? Ragatha was being a wacko and has the potential to be a colossal bitch. If he instigated her even a little, she was gonna snap, and then he was gonna snap, because ain’t no way in the Circus he’s about to pussy out on the lesbian cabbage patch kid who wants to steal his girl. No ma’am.

“Why yes, Pomni, I love saunas. They make me feel like a steamed vegetable. Full of nutrients,”
He hummed happily, reaching for some toast.

“Hey? Where are Gangle and Zooble? Did they sleep in? Those crazy kids,” he said fondly as he buttered the bread.

-

“G,” Zooble called into the kitchen, “you ok? Get spooked?”

“Oh, no Zooble I’m fine,” she said in a rushed way, “I just think that Ragatha and Pomni could use a latte too. They seem…”

“Awe, that’s sweet. It’s definitely a distraction,” Zooble grunted, shutting the door behind them, “But if Raggy gets one, and Pomni gets one, then what about Jax and King? They’ll be left out.”

“I’ll make another for Kinger,” she mumbled as she started frothing the milk.

“Fair enough,” Zooble hummed, walking up to the ribbon girl to sit on the counter next to her.

“Ragatha is going through it,” Gangle suddenly said, starting on the next latte.

“Tell me about it. She’s still mad at Jax. Green eyes don’t look good on her.”

“Ragatha has one blue eye?” Gangle questioned, looking to Zooble for explanation. They laughed and hopped off of the counter to press their forehead against her mask lovingly.

“It just means her jealousy is ugly,” they chuckled affectionately, before pulling away to go back to the dining room. They grabbed the finished latte and headed out, calling to Gangle that they had it and we're going to give it to Ragatha to try and distract her a bit.

“Raggy! Gangle made you a thing,” they called, “One of her coffee-meows.”

Pomni couldn’t help but giggle at Zoobles' slip up, and it captured the attention of both bunny and doll. Ragatha watched her intently as Jax sat back a bit in his chair, happy to decrease the prompt of ‘fight’ from his sympathetic nervous system.

“Zoob, that’s awesome,” she chuckled, “that should be it’s real name.”

“Huh? What, that’s not the name?” Zooble grumbled, placing the beverage down by Ragatha. After they did, Gangle came out of the kitchen holding the other drinks. She meandered over to them and set a drink down by Pomni and by Kinger.

“Oh is this for me?” Kinger chirped, picking it up and taking a big sip. It burnt his tongue, so he startled and set it down quickly, reaching to cool his pallet with cool water. Jax watched him do this quietly, and made no indication that he was upset, nor did he quip out a witty remark. That's when Pomni noticed that she was given a drink, and Kinger was given a drink一but Jax was not. It made her heart hurt a little.

“Thank you,” she hummed quietly, taking a small sip. She intentionally made a loud sour face, and pulled it back as she cast a look at the bunny.

“Hey, Jax. This is weird. You should taste it,” she lied, a glimmer of something in her eye. He tilted his head at her like a confused puppy, but gazed at the cup she’d slid over to him.

“Weird? It’s weird?” Gangle asked nervously, rubbing her ribbons together.

“Yeah, I don’t know, it’s just一something’s strange. Just try it,” she repeated, pushing it further to Jax. He looked at her incredulously, trying to decipher what the hell she was doing. After his confused look, she leaned back far into her seat so that his body would block everyone else's view of her, and she winked. Ahhh.

He gets it now. It’s just mischief.

He smiled slyly, happy to have a distraction, as he snatched up the cup and brought it to his lips to take a sip for himself一and it was absolutely delicious. Damn near the best coffee he’s ever had. Wow. The taste lingered on his tongue for a bit before he realized he didn’t know how to proceed. He brought the cup down from his lips and looked at her, big eyed, wondering what the hell he was supposed to do, and she just smiled at him.

She told him to drink it, and he did! Now what? Was he supposed to do a spit take? Was he supposed to say it tasted weird too, to fuck with Gangle? He studied her for a few seconds, pleading to her telepathically to just tell him what she wanted him to do. She opened her mouth after his thoughts had already done a hit and run on him.

“Oh good, you seem to like it! I’m so happy, I was worried Gangle's hard work would go to waste. Go ahead and finish it,” she hummed, leaning forward again and starting to place food on her plate.

Um, what?

“Pomni, you didn’t like it? Was it too strong? Too much honey?” Gangle fretted, casting the jester a worried look. Ragatha quirked a brow at the small girl, looking at her own beverage and thinking it was perfect.

“I don’t know, G. There was an interesting aftertaste. It wasn’t bad, I just wasn’t in the mood for that flavor,” she hummed. Zooble started laughing at the other end of the table, bringing Gangle’s and Ragatha’s attention to them before they started picking at their own breakfast.

Ragatha turned to watch Pomni and she felt confused as to the series of events that just happened. She watched as Jax leaned back in the chair comfortably and drank the beverage with his eyes closed, not really paying any attention to the jester. Good. That’s how it should be. Ragatha took another big sip of her drink as she eyed them.

“So Ragatha,” Pomni started, “is there a prize at the end of the spa-day?”

“Yes, Pom. There’s a prize. It’s a good prize, I think you’ll really like it,” she hummed, unblinking. Jax set down his cup and bristled at her again, why the fuck was she being so creepy. Was she just trying to fuck with him? Cuz it’s working.

“Oh? It’s a fixed prize?” Pomni questioned, curious.

“Indeed it is, Dear,” she maintained, “And I know it’ll be wonderful.”

“You’re literally being so creepy right now. Are you auditioning for the lead role in a serial killer movie?” Jax deadpanned. It was so strange to hear him say something like that without a touch of humor or a lilt in his voice, but Ragatha seemed unphased by it.

“Hmm, no. I’m a terrible actor, unfortunately,” she hummed, something awfully sharp in her gaze.

“I used to be in a theater club,” Kinger said happily, “I played a lot of things! I was a tree, and a flower, and Othello, and a bucket!”

“One of those things is not like the other,” Zooble lilted, pulling a chuckle out of Gangle and Pomni. Ragatha waited a few moments before she too tittered out a little laugh. The timing of it made the rest of the table feel awkward again, but Kinger did not read the room.

“Othello, huh? That’s a good play,” Pomni hummed, trying to get good vibes back.

“It is. I wonder why they picked me though, I’m not black.”

Jax suddenly shot his hand up to his mouth to avoid spitting out food and nearly choked as he laughed, not expecting that at all. That’s why Kinger was so great. Fuckin’ guy. The rest of the table tried to stifle their laughter as well一all but Ragatha.

“If I were to do a role in any play, I’d want to be Scar in The Lion King,” Pomni chirped, earning inquisitive looks from the rest of the table, “I’ve always wanted to do the ‘long live the king’ scene. Just totally throw Mufasa off the cliff, ya’ know?

Jax laughed at her as he pushed away his plate. Gangle tapped her chin in remembrance of that scene, and Zooble stood from their chair.

“I get it. That’s a good scene. I’mma go change my limbs out for some that can be massaged a little better,” they huffed, making their way to their room.

Jax’s laughter died on his tongue and he stilled in his seat. Pomni could see the word ‘massage’ plastered on the back of his eyeballs. She delicately leaned over and tapped his knee, causing him to turn his head abruptly to face her.

“It’ll be fine,” she reassured him. It pulled a tiny smile out of his scowl.

“What’ll be fine?” Ragatha interjected coldly.

Pomni turned her gaze to the doll and could feel the heat coming off of Jax. He literally radiated it, it was like some exothermic reaction was taking place under his skin. She had to think fast, defuse this bomb before it blew.

“Juh, um..J-Jax just told me that he, ah, he wasn’t the biggest fan of massages, yesterday! A-And the mention of it made him upset, just look at that tension, ha, ha! But don’t worry Jax, you don’t have to be touched unless you want to,” she stuttered, hoping she’d been successful.
Gangle stood up and traced after Zooble, leaving them behind for good.

“The only reason he said that was because no one in their right mind would touch him,” Ragatha said so simply. So casually, like she was talking about the weather.
“WOAH,” Pomni growled, standing up from her seat with a start. Ragatha just crossed her hands together and watched her intently as Jax kept his eyes trained on the small girl.

“That is totally out of bounds, Ragatha! Look, I get that you’re not feeling ok right now, but that doesn’t give you the right to try and make others feel like sh*t too! I can’t, you, ah一I just! Grrr!” Pomni let out a frustrated growl before stomping away from the table. Jax shot up immediately to follow her, but caught the doll out of the corner of his eye, reaching out for the smaller girl as she stomped away. She turned to him with a livid expression.

“I hate you,” she grumbled softly. He turned to face her with a menacing look.

“I know,” he dismissed, as if it were common trivia.

-

Where could that little midget have gotten too? She only had little legs! She wasn’t in her room, or his, or the dancing game. It was really starting to piss him off that she was nowhere to be seen, now…he knew she wasn’t pulling a Ragatha, but dammit he still wanted to be there for her!

He wanted to hear the truth come out of her mouth, too. He wanted to hear her say that he’d been right all along, that Rags was a total complete mega-asshole, and that she should have listened sooner. And then she should wrap her arms around his head and pet him and call him a good boy again.

Oh, wait, fuck.

Jax stopped dead in his tracks at that thought and battled the redness that crept onto his cheeks, slapping his forehead a little.

NOT NOW! Gotta find her, don’t be a pervert.

He was pacing the hallway in the dormitories, racking his brain for anywhere she might go to decompress. She said herself she doesn't know all the crazy places around here一but he still needed to find her before they were whisked away to a salon and she had to deal with Miss Emotionally Unstable in close proximity by herself.

Come on, come on, where could she一oh wait!

Is that her? He sniffed around where he was, stilling his pacing to take the smell in. That’s her alright. He’d know that smell is anywhere; she was here before she ran off. He took in a deep breath and followed the barely there scent of a pissy Pomny.

He reached the long hallway of wacky doors that lead into the bowels of the circus. Damn her, he told her not to go poking around the putrid underbelly alone. Well, at least he has his nose.

He followed the scent until it reached the 63rd door. The red one, with little flowers on it. He opened it up and peeked inside to see Pomni一hanging upside down in a tree by the garden.

Chapter 36: Ch.36 NAILS

The garden room was one of the more peaceful places in the hall of doors. He took a step into the place, and the softness of the dark grass caressed his toe beans in a comforting way, causing him to let out a little breath. The blue of the sky was bright and welcoming, the breeze tickled his fur and carried a hint of fresh green smell. It felt like a perfect 68 degree day. Man, he needed to come back to this place more often, he forgot how beautiful it was.

He approached the large tree in the corner of the garden, watching as the artificial sun filtered through the leaves and dappled the shadow beneath it. Little highlights of gold fell onto her as she dangled, sending little flecks of light dancing on her reflective pearl colored skin. She was just hanging there, legs bent over a branch that was higher up than he’d have thought she could reach. Pomni’s eyes were closed, and her arms were folded, hands tucked into her armpits.

“Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na BatPom.”

Her eyes shot open to meet his face so close to her. He saw the way they were glazed, the wetness that coated her eyelids with the absence of tears. He absentmindedly reached out to mess with her bangs as the hair hung down, but her hat stayed put. She pulled a small smile and sighed at his gentleness

“I’m sorry for leaving so abruptly. She made me really mad, and I didn’t want to fight with anyone or see anyone fight before we’re forced to do an adventure together,” she explained, not bothering to get down from the tree. Jax smiled wryly at her. Silly thing.

“Awe, you don’t wanna watch me rip out her trachea and use it as a straw? S’shame,” he teased, reaching to pinch her pompom.

“I really really don’t. I’m一I’m sorry she said that to you,” she warbled, tracing her hand over his fingers as they fiddled with her poof. He just waved it off like it was nothing.

“I don’t give a sh*t about what she thinks about me. Or any of them. Well, except for you. And maybe Kinger,” he hummed. He started to push her gently so that she was swaying like a pendulum.

“Well, I do! That’s a terrible thing to say! And before that, Gangle didn’t bring you a coffee when she brought one for everyone else! It just frustrates me that they treat you that way,” she huffed. He reached up to the branch and pulled his legs through the opening between his arms to drape them over the branch too, letting his back stretch.

“They treat me that way because I’ve been a major d%ckwad to them, Pom. They have every right to hate me. I don’t care about that一what I care about is how you think about me, and when they mess with you. You don't deserve it,” he explained casually, his ears wafting in the breeze.

Pomni turned to peer at him, and was reminded of their height difference. Even upside down, while they were both practically on their knees as they dangled from the tree, he was a good head taller than her. He smiled as she let her neck hang to make eye contact while he had to support himself to see her.

“You really liked that coffee, though. I could see it on your face. And they don’t treat me the way they treat you.”

“Sure, it was tasty, but that’s whatever. They don’t think you’re a bad person, but they do put too many expectations on you because you’ve got your sh*t together. Ragatha is so loony right now because you’re not meeting her insanely high expectations of being her rock, cuz一well, cuz she thinks you’re perfect. That’s why she’s so mad at me. I’m the thing that’s making you ‘less perfect’, even though that perspective is way unfair,” he explained, reaching for her hand.

“She doesn’t think that highly of me, Jax. Why would she? We’ve talked about enough problems between the both of us that she’s seen the ugliest parts of me,” Pomni muttered.

“She totally does. Talking about problems makes you real, it makes you so human, in a world where that is the most desirable thing to be. And she puts you on a pedestal because you’re the closest person to her一I would know, I do the same thing. It’s not even like her feelings about you are delusional, the problem is that she’s making her crutch your problem,” he hummed.

“I don’t deserve to be put on any pedestal,” she fretted.

“You’re right. It’s a totally unfair pressure to put on you, especially because she knows you want to be a good friend,” he agreed.

“No, that’s not what I mean. I mean there is no reason to make me out to be some sort of ‘great thing’. I don’t understand how you could even come to that conclusion, much less her.”

He let go of her hand to hold onto the branch and fling himself down before curling his arms around her back. She let her legs fall limp as he pulled her off, cradling her like a small child.

“You don’t understand how refreshing it is to have a person around who doesn’t lie or pretend that they’re ok when they’re not. Someone who genuinely cares about other people even though that’s not a requirement, especially in a place where it takes so much energy just to keep yourself sane. Someone who is smart enough to keep you mentally engaged, and self-aware enough to try and correct the mistakes they make. Even in the real world, there are very few people like you,” he grumbled, watching her eyes spin in their sockets.

“I never knew you thought that about me,” she whispered as he plopped down in a cross-legged seat.

“Everyone does, Pomski,” he hummed, pushing his face into her neck to inhale, “But Ragatha is taking it too far. She’s expecting something from you that you have no obligation to give. And it pisses me the f%ck off.”

Pomni sighed as his fuzzy face pressed into her like a stuffed animal. His soft cheeks were a welcome distraction from the static in her head. She relaxed as he started to nibble gently, but never made an attempt to make it sensual. She actually enjoyed it more than she anticipated, humming to herself as he busied himself with it.

“How should I remedy the situation, Jax? I know she’s not in the right headspace, and I guess she expects a lot, but一what do I do to help her?” she asked softly.

He didn’t bother lifting his head as he said, “See, there you go try’na be sweet again. Trying to help when she doesn’t deserve it. Let reality hit her like it hits everybody else.”

“If you were in a bad mental place I would help you too. Same with Kinger, Zooble, and Gangle. I don’t want to be fair一I want to be just. She deserves that,” Pomni pressed, running her gloved fingers through the fur on the back of his neck.

“Grrrrr God, I know,” he growled, “you should really stop that. But I know you won’t…I don’t know. Do what you usually do, I guess.”

“What do I usually do?” she blanked. He snickered and lifted his head to press against hers.

“You tell the truth in your silly little way. Pomni flavored truth,” he grinned, watching the gears turn in her mind.

“Hmm.”

He pushed her over and rolled, as if they were rolling down a hill. She kept squeaking as he rolled them closer to the garden, coming to a stop before they met the fresh dirt. He smiled widely and sat up before burying his hand in the dirt, scrunching it and letting it grit between his gloved fingers.

“After the stupid thing, let’s come back here and play in the dirt. This game is really cool, you can actually eat the vegetables you grow. With the taste update, I bet they’re amazing,” he hummed, watching her face. She smiled back sweetly and cupped a handful of dirt to bring it up to her nose. She smelled deeply and let out a soft, satisfied groan.
“I love the smell of dirt. I forgot how good it smelled,” she chirped, hearing the swish of his tail behind him. He abruptly dropped to the ground and started rolling around, splaying his arms as if he were making a snow angel. She just watched him and giggled quietly.

“I don’t know why, so don’t ask. This body is so f#chin’ weird, I swear. Thoughts invade my mind like parasites,” he huffed, a bit embarrassed.

“Bunnies take dust baths to self-groom. I don’t think it’s weird,” she breathed, snatching his arm to bring it closer to her nose.

She pressed gently to his arm and sniffed, causing him to still like a statue. When she peeked up at him, his eyes were so big again, and he had a faint little curve to his mouth, pulling it into a crooked smile. His tail swished faster behind him, and though she couldn’t see it, she couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her at the thought of the fluffy appendage. Then, the moment was over in a flash.

Pomni and Jax were ripped away from the garden mini-game, dragged down the hall back to the main room. Pomni placed her hands over her eyes to avoid the motion sickness, as she’d learned to do in her early days, and Jax just let his head fall back against the disembodied hands knuckles and watched the halls of the circus blur.

When they arrived in the commons, the hands dropped them harshly before bursting into a flurry of confetti. Jax landed on his feet casually while Pomni nearly buckled, flailing her arms to keep her balance. He placed a hand on her head to press her hat down, preventing her from toppling, but not preventing her world from spinning.

“Greetings, Jax, Pomni! Are you silly gardeners ready to have a nice day at Caine’ Conditions, the best salon in the circus?!” Caine chirped excitedly.

“Oh, yeah, Dentures. We’re enthralled,” Jax hissed, letting go of Pomni’s head once she stopped wobbling.

“You guys were gardening?” Zooble asked inquisitively.

“Dirt’s fun. Feels great in your eyeballs,” he scoffed, catching Ragatha as she approached them.

“Are you Ok, Pomni?” Ragatha asked softly, raking her eyes over the small dizzy woman.

“I’m fine,” she whispered, turning to look at Caine.

“Well now that all the superstars are here, let’s get to it!”

Pomni watched the other filter through the portal he manifested before she turned to Ragatha. The red-head was watching her, so many feelings were stirring behind her eyes. So much hurt, hope, pain, weakness一it reminded her of her humanity. It reminded her of all the times they talked for hours, disclosing their pain and confiding to each other. She sighed as she remembered what Kinger had told her about fairness and justice.

Meet her where she is. It’s worked every time before.

Pomni stilled her nerves and held out her hand to the older woman. Immediately, Ragatha jumped to it and grasped it firmly, her eyes filling with so many unspoken words, threatening to spill over. Pomni squeezed her hand reassuringly, gently starting to pull her toward the portal after the others. When they stepped through it, they were in the lobby of a high-end salon, decorated with advertisements for various products, and displaying a board that offered the various services.

A wooden NPC approached them from behind the counter and waved graciously.

“Welcome! Caine’s Conditions strives to provide a calming, relaxing experience with every luxury we offer! Follow me, and we will make our way throughout the building, leaving you in pairs to enjoy our activities, and you’ll rotate once your time is finished! Let's go,” she chirped.

The gang followed her into the depths of the salon, into a room layed out with comfortable chairs, long desks covered in nail curing lights, manicure tools, and overhead lamps. The walls were lined with every color of nail polish imaginable, and they extended impossibly high.

The NPC directed Ragatha and Pomni to the chairs before motioning the rest to follow her. Jax shot Pomni a worried look, refusing to budge before she acknowledged that she was ok. She gave him a soft look and waved delicately, hoping it’d be enough to ease his mind. She felt Ragatha squeeze her hand as he stood there eyeing her reluctantly, before turning and stomping past the NPC that motioned him on.

Ragatha let out a breath and tilted her head back, letting the ease of being alone again with Pomni wash over her. She tilted her head to peek at her, watching as she seemed to stare off into the distance. Pomni snapped out of it, though, and pulled her over to one of the chairs at the desk. A large octopus came out of a door at the back of the room and made it’s way over to the girls.

It gurgled out a wet, slurpy sound, offering the girls a pamphlet that showed them varying lengths and shapes of acrylic nails. Pomni hummed and reached for the pamphlet, giving Ragatha a sympathetic look.

“Why don’t you pick out my nails, Raggy,” she hummed, giving it to her.

“Oh, I’d love that! That’d be wonderful一will you pick mine too?” she asked, genuine joy welling in her chest.

“Sure. I think you’d look super cute with medium length coffin nails. I think you should do red, too, to match your hair,” Pomni hummed sweetly.

“Oh! Yes, that would be very cute! I think you’d look good with almond nails. And for the color, how about you pick,” Ragatha said happily and she gestured to the nails she wanted. She pointed on the pamphlet to the octopus, and it nodded happily as it started working, matching her the size of her nails to the fake ones.

Pomni gazed at the huge array of colors lining the walls and stood to assess them. She found a very pretty deep sparkly red, so she plucked it. As she gazed at the choices, her eyes fell onto a dusty lavender color. It captured her attention, and she contemplated it before snatching it and a lighter pinkish white. She brought the colors over to the cephalopod and set them down.

“She’ll do the sparkly red, only on the tips, except the ring finger. Do that one completely, please. I’d like a fade from white to lavender, the purple at the tips. We appreciate your service,” Pomni complimented, earning a happy rumble from the mollusk.

Ragatha looked at the colors in front of her and smiled at the pretty red, finding the way the light glinted off of the glitter to be quite nice. Pomni sat down next to Ragatha, and the octopus picked up her hand as well, and started fitting her hands for nails.

The girls looked at each other, impressed that the NPC had the ability to multitask with both of them. As the creature did it’s job, Pomni sighed and adjusted to get comfortable.

“I’m sorry I made you so upset that you wanted to leave,” Ragatha started. She cast her blue eye to the small girl as she rested beside her, noting that her eyes were closed.

“You said something really mean to Jax,” Pomni responded quietly. Ragatha thought a moment.

“He has said many many awful things to me,” she explained, “but I know that’s not really a good excuse. It’s just easy to dish it back when he makes me so angry.”

“What did he do to piss you off so bad? We talked about it earlier, and I remember what you said. But I thought you understood me when I said he didn’t do anything wrong,” she said sternly.

“I know,” she whispered dejectedly, “I’m trying to get over it. I just一I really don’t like him.”

“When did that change, Rags? When I first got here, you certainly weren’t his buddy, but you definitely weren’t at each other's throats like you are now. And I know that’s half his fault, but you have to admit…you kind of started it,” Pomni breathed. The octopus placed both of their hands under the nail curer as Ragatha sighed.

“I didn’t used to feel so strongly about it, that’s true,” she mumbled, “but I didn’t start it. He started it.”

“How did he start it? From what I can tell, you started getting mad that day you found me outside on the rock.”

“Of course you only noticed it then, Pomni, you haven’t been paying as much attention一” Ragatha warbled before shutting her mouth abruptly and turning away so she couldn’t see her. It was too shameful.

“What? What do you mean? I talk with you nearly every day! We’ve had girls nights, and long talks, and tea parties,” Pomni exasperated.

“Not recently! Not like we used to before,” Ragatha sniffed, eyes welling.

“Ragatha, I一”

“You’re spending so much time with him. He’s always by your side, and what’s worse! He’s always touching you in an unwanted way, and he’s always pulling your attention away. He’s always asking so much of you!” she steamed, a tear running down her face. The octopus seemed unphased by their conversation as it removed their hands from the cure lights and started filing and shaping them.

“He’s asking so much of me ? I think you’re a little turned around, Raggy. He has been helping me. That’s why we’re close all the time. Why do you think I’d spend time with someone if I didn’t like them? He’s my friend一even if he’s not yours, he’s mine. As my bestie, you should respect that I like his company,” she said harshly.

“Pomni, he’s trying to take you away from me,” Ragatha cried. The octopus opened the red bottle to start on her French tips.

“That’s so ludicrous! I’m not some commodity to be passed around, I’m a living, thinking person, who is allowed to have more than one good relationship! I really thought一” Pomni trailed off, cringing partially at the slimy tentacle holding her hand up, and partially at her disappointed realization,

“I thought you respected me more.”

Ragatha tensed her whole body, pulling her mouth into a taut line. She stared at the way the NPC painted her nails perfectly and cringed.

“I respect you, Pomni,” she whispered, barely audible, “I just miss you.”

Pomni bit her lip as the emotions clashed in her head. She was so upset; angry with Ragatha for thinking of her as an object, yet she was so thankful that the doll wasn’t mad at her. And to top it all off, she felt guilty that she made her best friend feel left out. What does she do?

‘Pomni flavored truth’ rang in her head. She took a deep breath to ready herself for whatever Ragatha’s response was going to be.

“Be honest with me, Ragatha. How do you feel about me?” Pomni asked warily.

Ragatha just blanked at first, staying silent as she collected her thoughts. After a moment, she locked eyes with her and spoke very softly.

“You are such a beautiful, rare girl. And I mean on the inside and out. You don’t even seem like a person, honestly. I don’t know how on earth such a sweet, smart, funny, kind, empathetic person could be trapped in a hell like this. It’s such a cruel twist of fate, but you have no idea how much better it’s made life in here. You’re like一the thing I look forward to when I wake up. You make me feel seen. You remind me so much of my wife.”

Pomni blanked. Her wife? Whaaaat?

“Ragatha,” Pomni started, only to be cut off abruptly.

“I’m sorry,” she huffed, resting her head on her extended arms.

“Me too,” Pomni muttered, “I’m sorry you’ve been dealing with this by yourself. And I’m also sorry that you see me that way, because I’m gonna be totally honest. I am me, and I’ve only ever been me. You make this place better for me too, Ragatha一but you have to understand that the real me is not the idealized version of me in your head. I’m sorry that I remind you of her.”

“It’s not your fault. You are just a good person,” Ragatha lamented.

“I want you to remain my friend. I want to spend time with you, and talk, and be in your life in a positive way. But I also want you to accept that Jax and I are close, and I intend on keeping it that way. Will you do that for me?”

Ragatha brought up her head as the octopus placed their hands back under the nair curer. She had the most defeated look, but she nodded quietly. Pomni sighed and leaned over to place her head on the older woman's shoulder, and she felt the doll's tears drip onto her hat.

“It’s Ok, Rags. We’re still good?” Pomni whispered hopefully.

“So good,” she answered softly, holding her breath as Poms words twisted into her heart.

Chapter 37: CH.37 HAIR

‘So good’.

She’d said, so good, when Pomni asked if they were ok.

But would you have guessed? That was the farthest from the truth she could have gotten.

Ragatha couldn’t bring herself to speak after that. There was nothing she could do to dislodge the rock in her throat, no matter how sweetly or delicately Pomni approached her with a question or idle speech to pass the time. The looming shadow of dread and loss took over her mind, and she felt that she was beginning to lose her grip, or slip to the bottom of a large body of water. Her thoughts started becoming more broken as they made their way from the nail room to the hair room.

Pomni is leaving. Her mind is being warped by his presence; she’s being poisoned and pulled away. She’s going to be stolen by the most despicable person in the circus, and she’ll be spoiled. Her best friend一the only one here that really cared about her. She’s slipping away.

Ragatha watched Pomni with a broken, hollow stare as one of the NPCs in the hair salon ran their fingers through her hair. Her pretty, soft, raven hair. That NPC had no clue how blessed they were, and how despicable they were for not recognizing their luck.

Pomni saw Ragatha staring from her seat and held up her hand for the NPC to stop. She turned to the older woman, and gave her the most pitiful, sorrow-filled look. Ragatha couldn’t help the warm feeling bubbling from the jesters attention一and she couldn’t look away.

“Ragatha? Do一would you like to brush my hair before I change it?” Pomni asked in a small voice.

Oh Pomni. You have no idea. You have no understanding that you’re doing the opposite of helping.

Without a word, Ragatha stood and made her way over to her. When the NPC didn’t move to her liking, she gripped her straw blonde hair and pulled her back as she placed her other hand on the where the mannequin's mouth would be, successfully muffling her. When the NPC was far enough back, she brought her finger to her lips and made a shush sign. The NPC did as she was told and left the room quickly when she was let go. Ragatha turned back to Pomni.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with it. Maybe make it long? I think it was long in real-life,” Pomni warbled. Ragatha grabbed the brush off of the hair-stylist’s stand and started to pull it through Pomni’s dark strands. Pomni couldn’t help but be stiff as Ragatha loomed above her, still not saying a word.

“I know you’re having a hard time, Ragatha. But it一it means so much to me that you were willing to talk it out. I am so happy to have you in my life,” Pomni hummed.

Ragatha watched as the light glinted off the hair, as her words repeated over and over.

‘..so happy to have you in my life…’

Then why are you still choosing Jax, Pomni? Why are you prioritizing him? He’s taking you away! If you keep letting him, he will surely take all of you, he will ruin you. All the things that should be handled delicately, all the things that should be protected and cherished…

Ragatha’s thoughts were interrupted by a different NPC who had brought over a tablet to show Pomni the different options for hairdos.

“Oh, I like that one,” Pomni muttered, tapping on the little picture. It opened to a bigger version, and she flitted her eyes all over it. It was a layered cut that would end at her butt, with a little swoop in the front, like Ariel from The Little Mermaid.

“What do you think?” Pomni asked, still trying to initiate. Ragatha nodded so slightly, but never once moved her eyes to the screen.

Ok this is getting really uncomfortable now.

With a simple looped animation, the NPC gave Pomni the exact haircut she wanted, and stood back to let her look in the mirror. The doll woman watched her still, taking in how her new hair fell. That moment, Ragatha realized why exactly it felt like Pomni was too good to be true. She’s an angel.

The NPC that did Pomni’s hair gestured for the doll to sit in the same chair after she’d stood. Ragatha was definitely giving ‘absence seizure’, while Pomni was in a state of perpetual anxiety. Ragatha sat and reached out her hand, begging silently for her to take it一and like an angel, she did.

Pomni was sweating, she was so nervous. Something was really, really wrong一Ragatha never acted like this. Yeah, she’d run away to sulk, she’d exploded at Jax, she’d done a lot of things. But this was different from everything. It was like she wasn't even there, even though she was holding her hand. Pomni was desperate to help her friend, and she tried to be honest and be as gentle as possible一but it seemed to only have made Ragatha worse.

How could she have let this situation get so out of hand? How could she have been so careless to not see her friend's pain sooner? She felt like an absolute failure一like she let Ragatha down.
Pomni’s eyes started watering as the NPC started working on the hair that Ragatha had chosen for herself. It was a cute little updo with a few of her curly strands framing her face, and she admittedly looked rather lovely for having such a troubled mind. She turned to face the jester, only to find her eyes watering and the hand not holding her own balled up by her side and shaking.

Ragatha shot up from her seat in a flash and brough her other hand to Pomni’s cheek as she spoke in a scarily monotonous tone.

“He made you cry, didn’t he,” she said emotionlessly. Suddenly, she started crushing the younger woman's wrist in her hand, and her face changed into one of absolute loathing.
Her face was so void of anything but hate that she looked like a completely different person. It curdled her blood.

“Gggah一N-n-no,” she said in a wobbly voice, so quietly. Don’t make it worse.

For as scared as she felt, now一she truly didn’t know how dangerous this actually was. She’d never seen Ragatha act this way, so she didn’t really have much to go by. Something deep in her gut told her not to provoke her, right now, though.

“You don’t have to protect him, Sweetie,” Ragatha mused, bringing the smaller woman into a tight embrace, squishing her so hard her chest barely had room to move for breath.

“Don’t worry, Pomni. I’ll take care of it. I’ll take care of you,” she hummed, almost angrily, squeezing Pomni as she shook. She reluctantly brought her own arms to wrap around the dolls back, patting her as her mind raced and her throat tightened.

Pomni pulled away after a long time of letting Ragatha embrace her, and stepped back a bit. She racked her brain for any excuse to go find the others to get help. Ragatha needed something that she was certainly unqualified to give. She needed to tell them so that they’d be safe, too. She had no idea what this version of the doll was capable of.

“Hey Ragatha, I don’t remember all the activities this place offers. We have a bit of time, I was thinking I would go back to the lobby and double check. I’d like a specific type of massage and I can’t remember if they do it,” Pomni klammered, looking over her shoulder to the door. Ragatha’s face tightened.

“No, Pomni. You don’t need to go anywhere."

Pomni stood stock still. She couldn’t swallow, she couldn’t stop shaking. Her limbs wouldn’t move the way she wanted them to, and her heart would not slow down. Ragatha smiled a small, broken smile, reaching for Pomni again. She grabbed her hand, gently this time, and pulled her closer, sitting herself down in the chair. She pulled Pomni to sit in front of her on the chair, and didn’t seem to feel how brittle the smaller woman's muscles were.
She took her plush hand and weaved it through Pomni’s new hair, pulling it back gently into three strands for braiding. As Pomni sat there, she shivered, feeling such a terrible cocktail of emotion. Fear, sadness, betrayal, guilt, all swirling around and festering in her gut. The woman who sat behind her and played with her hair was not the woman she met when she first arrived in the circus. That Ragatha was kind, helpful, and respectful of other people. This one was corrupted一but by what?

By the Circus.

That’s what she decided was the biggest thing to be angry at. Sure, Ragatha has done some ridiculous things, and said some nasty words一but she was that way because of the Circus. She was so broken because Pomni couldn’t be the thing she wanted her to be in the place they were both trapped. And Pomni knew that Ragatha was not the first to be broken down by the horrors of loneliness, isolation, arbitrary punishment and pain inflicted by this AI-ran prison.

A knock on the door interrupted Pomni’s stewing and caused the doll behind her to grip her hair tightly.

“Time is up, ladies. The wet room awaits you,” the shaky voice of the blonde mannequin called.

-

“I don’t like this,” Jax grumbled, laying on the massage table awkwardly. He was draped in a white cotton robe, and so was Kinger next to him. The chess piece had cucumbers placed on his eyes as he laid back.

“Why not? Are you ticklish?” Kinger asked from the table beside him. Jax folded his arms and shifted uncomfortably in his robe, watching as the NPCs gathered various rubs and lotions in preparation.

“N-NO! It’s not that, King,” Jax gruffed, bringing his hands to his eyes. He couldn’t help that he just felt off. There was something rooted in the pit of his stomach, toiling and bubbling like indigestion.

“What’s the matter then?” Kinger asked, folding his hands over his torso comfortably.

“D@mmit I dunno! Something is wrong! I smell it, I swear! I’m not crazy,” Jax barked harshly.

“We can ask for unscented lotions if that will make you feel better, Jax,” Kinger hummed helpfully. Jax massaged his temple as a large NPC shaped like a tire came out of a side room with an armful of steamed towels.

“What would you like today Gentlemen? We have many options to choose from. Hot stone, Trigger point, Aromatherapy infused swedish-thai reflexology一”
“I want the one where you touch me the least,” Jax deadpanned, watching the tire set up his station.

“I suggest the stone massage, Sir,” the tire hummed graciously.

“I want to feel like my body is being turned inside out,” Kinger tittered.

Jax pinned his ears back as the tire guy prepared steaming stones by his bedside. For as comforting as all the sensations in this room here一the calming lighting, the sweet smell of eucalyptus, the radiating warmth, the gentle color palette一Jax could not stifle the terrible feeling in his gut.

It was like being circled by a hawk, an ever present threat looming above him. He was so freaked out by it, and it was so terrible an affliction, because nothing was fucking there. He was safe, there was nothing crazy happening around him, and he was about to be pampered like a princess. HE SHOULD BE RELAXED, RIGHT NOW.

“Please, roll over to your backs now, Gentlemen,” the NPC hummed, “I don’t do front massages. If you’d like that, I’ll call in Hilda.”

Jax bristled and shot a disgusted look at the tire before abruptly flipping himself over. Kinger followed suit, and they were met with a second NPC who started lotioning up Kingers back.

The tire approached him and gently asked him to remove the upper part of his robe. He reluctantly did so, and the NPC slathered a gloopy pile of sweet smelling stuff on his hand before rubbing it into the fur of Jax’s back.

“AACK! What the hell is that stuff, it’s all gritty?!” he yelled, pushing himself up from the table.

“It’s our famous sugar scrub, Sir. It exfoliates,” the tire answered.

“NO MORE,” he hissed, pulling up his robe and moving to go sit in the corner by the humidifier.

-

“This is really weird,” Gangle huffed, looking at her ribbon hand.

“Tell me about it…what even is this supposed to be?” Zooble muttered back.

They had been moved to the nail room after Ragatha and Pomni had left, and they were quite bewildered with their so called ‘nails’.

Gangle had one, oversized oval acrylic nail at the end of her ribbon. It was so strange, it covered the tapered tips she was used to controlling like fingers. This shit felt like an armor plate on the back of her hand.

And poor Zooble wasn’t much better off. They’d worn limbs they’d thought would be good for the salon一a large fuzzy bear arm with long, sharp claws, and something akin to a pool noodle for her upper limbs, and a peg leg and lightning bolt-looking appendage for their bottom. The octopus had given the bear claws extensions so it looked more like sloth toes, and their pool noodle got nothing.

“This is so lame,” Zooble grumbled, extending their bear arm to scrutinize the orange they’d chosen.

“Yeah…I like your claws…but imagine having only one big one on each hand. I feel deformed,” Gangle wilted, eyeing the monstrosity.

“There’s kinda no point in us even coming to this area. We literally the only ones without legit hands,” Zooble protested, standing from their seat, “I’m done with this. I’m gonna go poke around.”

Gangle quickly shot up to wrap her hand around Zoobles fuzzy arm.

“Agreed. Over it,” Gangle hummed.

They both made their way out the door, off to see what else they might be able to find.

Chapter 38: CH.38 AND EVERYTHING ELSE

Ragatha and Pomni made their way down the hall, following the NPC that directed them into the place with the sauna and hot tub. They arrived there quietly, the dim lights overhead filling her with more anxiety than calm, Ragatha never letting go of the jester's hand.

“We have optional bathing suits, and there are towels in the corner if that would suit you better, ladies. The dial for the hot tub is by the rail, and the sauna has heated stones already inside. Enjoy,” the skittish NPC murmured before quickly pacing away. Pomni stared hopelessly as she slipped out the door.

“What do you want to do first, Pom?” Ragatha asked quietly.

Pomni looked around the room and sighed, attempting to slip her way out of the doll's grasp only to find her plush fingers tightening. Her hold was so tight, she didn’t understand how her friend's grasp wasn’t cramping. She took a deep breath and started walking toward the neatly stacked bathing suits. They were all a generic off-white color and interestingly enough they were made from material she would have expected for a robe. The thought of an absorbent cotton as a swimsuit made her skin prickle, and anyway一they were all a little too showy for her preferences. The only options available were two piece sets and short trunks, no one pieces or long bathing suits. She eyed them nervously as Ragatha let go of her and reached for a set herself.

“I think it would be so much fun to go to the lake with you. It’d be so nice to pick our own swimsuits, and swim and sunbathe一you’d look precious in a little swimsuit, resting under a shady umbrella. Mildred and Panzer could play on the beach, too, while we watch them, of course,” Ragatha hummed, pulling a cotton bikini for herself.

Pomni blanked at her friend, noticing how stiff she was. Ragatha unfolded it and smiled softly, rubbing her thumbs over the material. It seemed like if she were to fall over she’d shatter into a million pieces, and Pomni couldn’t help the cognitive dissonance she experienced as she watched her. She wanted so badly to support her friend, and simultaneously, her instincts were screaming at her to get away. She settled on support before the fear could choke it out.

“M-Mildred…Panzer?” Pomni stuttered quietly, casting a glance at the doll. Ragatha’s gaze elongated, and Pomni recognized that the red-head was not really looking at anything now but her own thoughts. Something she was intimately familiar with.

“You wouldn't believe what she said to me yesterday. She told me she made friends with the bald girl at school. And you know what she said? Haha, it’s so funny,” Ragatha whispered, pulling off her dress to slip on the suit. Pomni turned around to face the hot tub as her friend changed, but listened intently nonetheless.

“When I picked her up after school she said, ‘The other kids don’t play with her because she looks weird, but she’s actually really nice, and surprisingly good at braiding!’,” Ragatha laughed, turning to face Pomni. Her stare was still so distant一Pomni had the fleeting thought that Ragatha wasn’t seeing her at all.

“Mildred is a funny girl,” Pomni huffed warily, racking her mind, searching for deeper explanation. She figured she might be able to understand a little more what was going on in her head if she fed into whatever this was, just a little…maybe it would help her understand.

She’s never mentioned either of those names before.

“She is,” Ragatha agreed. She stepped to the hot tub in her white bikini, looking at the smaller woman expectantly. Pomni didn’t want to change, but she didn't want to make Ragatha more upset either一so she waded into the bubbling water with her red and blue suit still on. Ragatha laughed at her uncomfortable expression.

“I think I know where she gets it,” Ragatha chimed, sounding genuinely happy. Pomni couldn’t wrap her head around the drastic emotional swing as she stared at her friend's longing smile.

“This suit has the texture of a bathing suite anyway, haha…so, um一what about Panzer? What’s new with him?”

“Oh nothing much. I took him to the vet to get his nails trimmed, but they said they don’t work on Rotties unless they have a muzzle. Can you believe that? Making my teddy bear out to be a grizzly,” Ragatha huffed. Pomni just nodded as she sunk further into the warmth of the water.

“Just bought one of those nail filers at the pet store and did it myself. He was a little wary at first but he got used to it fast. He did so well for never having done it at home before.”

Pomni made quick work of organizing the information Ragatha had given her. She’d learned some pretty interesting things about where her head was at…It was obvious that she was regressing. Her mind was forcing memories from long ago to the forefront, and the line between reality and memory was blurring.

Panzer is a pet. A rottweiler, apparently, who is probably young because he’s never had his nails done at home before. And Mildred一well, Mildred was picked up from school, and by the way she spoke so bluntly she was most likely a child below the age of 12. Panzer the dog, Mildred the little girl…Ragatha said before Pomni reminded her of her wife…Ragatha has a whole ass family that she’s never talked about.

Jesus Christ.

“R-Ragatha,” Pomni stuttered, searching the doll's eyes desperately.

“Yes, Dear?” she hummed, leaning her head back against the wall of the tub. It was so strange, the color in her eye seemed faded. It was dull and sunken in her head.

“T-tell me more about M-Mildred, please.”

Ragatha smiled so brightly that it made Pomni nauseous to see it contrasted with the hollowness of her stare.

“Well, when her father dropped her off last week she seemed a little down. I asked her what the matter was, and she just said that she really missed my cooking. It made my heart soar, oh my Land it did. Millie loves those little candied carrots, you know? And I can’t blame her! You know how bad her dad’s cooking is,” Ragtha chuckled.

“Y-yeah. Pretty bad,” Pomni whispered uneasily.

“I get why you couldn’t handle it. I’d have divorced him too, if I had to force down that nasty fish casserole,” Ragatha pipped, “but aren’t you so lucky you have me as your personal chef now.”

Mildred has a dad who drops her off. There is shared custody because Mildred’s mother and father are divorced. Ragatha said Pomni divorced the fish casserole guy, though. So Ragatha is seeing Pomni as this kid's mom. If she’d been with this woman, and they’d been married一Ragatha must be this little girls stepmother. Ragatha is a fucking mom. She lost her wife, child, and pets一and this is the first time she’s ever heard about this…

Pomni couldn’t even be upset anymore. Her eyes welled at the sight of such momentous pain being repressed by her friend. Even as Ragatha wavered from reality to memory in her mind, she never acknowledged her own pain. Maybe she didn't know how, anymore?

“She loves you,” Pomni said sorrowfully, tears breaking.

Ragatha shot her head up from where it rested against the lip of the hot tub. Her pupil shrunk and dilated, back and forth, until tears started streaming down her face too. She was so distraught, her face was so contracted, yet she made no sounds of distress. She brought her plush hand to her neck, seemingly to toy with a necklace that wasn't there. Her face grew more contorted as her fingers grasped at nothing.

“Something’s wrong,” Ragatha whispered in a strained voice.

What the hell can she even do to help, right now? What is the best way to handle this situation? She had no fucking clue. This is all new territory. She offered the sweetest smile she could muster and prayed for whatever she did to not make Ragatha worse.

“Tell me,” she warbled.

“I一I don’t一” Ragatha’s voice cracked, “I don’t remember my name, Bea.”

Before Pomni could say a word, the door clicked open to reveal Zooble and Gangle. They waved excitedly and approached the hot tub, sighing in relief as they closed in on other girls. Gangle came up to them and sat down by the stairs of the tub to let her ribbon legs rest in the water while Zooble offered a small, sympathetic smile.

“I’m glad we found you guys,” Gangle huffed, wading her feet slightly, “We were so bored in the nail room. We were done in like 10 minutes.”

Ragatha was eyeing her like she was an alien.

“Rags. You look confused. What’s up?” Zooble muttered, locking eyes with her. They placed their pool noodle arm on her shoulder, and that seemed to break that bewildered stare. Her demeanor changed, and she brought her hand to her head in a painful way.

“Oh good heavens I feel like I’ve been struck with a baseball bat,” Ragatha hissed, shielding her eyes from the dim light.

“Why don’t you go to the sauna? It’s very nice. We’ve been in here,” Gangle hummed, pushing herself up. Ragatha nodded through her grimace and stood, following Gangle slightly, before she turned around to face Pomni.

“Come with me?” she pleaded. Pomni stiffened, and Zooble immediately jumped to it.

“Ragatha, go get Gangle to show you how to use the sauna rocks properly. They’re finicky, you need to pour the water in a specific way or it’ll slash and burn you. I don’t think Pomni should do it, it’s nearly as tall as she is,” Zooble ordered.

Ragatha’s expression shifted to annoyance, then to concern. It was like she couldn't settle on how it made her feel一so she reluctantly turned to follow the ribbon girl. After she was inside the sauna, Pomni stood from the hot tub, sopping wet, and scurried over to the towel rack to dry off.

“The hair is super cute, Pom. But I don’t think you’re relaxing the way Rags intended,” Zooble joked, watching as Pomni patted herself dry frantically. She didn’t even wipe all of it off of her before she clutched the damp cloth in her hand and wrung it to busy her hands.

“This whole thing has been the opposite of relaxing. It’s been bat-sh*t f#ching crazy, Z,” Pomni whispered, scuttling over to their geometric companion, “I talked to Ragatha about how she’s been acting, and she told me we were ok. But she’s NOT ok. She’s literally the farthest thing from ok.”

“What’s going on? What’d she do?” Zooble pressed, tensing.

“Zooble一There’s been so much. So much I don’t even know where to start,” Pomni whispered, voice wobbling, “I’m so scared, I’m so worried about her.”

“Start at the beginning. What happened first?” Zooble asked intently, directing them to the corner of the room furthest from the sauna. Pomni followed them like a little paranoid duck.

“I told her I wanted to be her and Jax’s friend at the same time. She told me I spend too much time with him, and she felt left out. Which, I mean, I understand how she could feel that way一but she said she understood and that we were good. Then, she wouldn’t talk to me for like, 30 minutes, no matter how hard I tried. After that she got mad and said Jax was poisoning me or something?!” Pomni rambled breathily, focusing on keeping her voice low so Ragatha wouldn’t hear.

“Poisoning you?” Zooble questioned, quirking a brow confusedly.

“That’s not all, oh no! She started making threats, saying she’ll ‘keep me safe’, whatever that means. She grabbed me so hard, I didn’t know if she was gonna hurt me, but一Zooble, she thought I was her wife.”

“Woah woah hold the phone. She had a wife?” Zooble asked, gob-smacked.

“She called me Bea. She told me about her dog Panzer, and her wife’s ex husbands sh*tty cooking and her f&cking kid. She had a little girl,” Pomni cried, bringing her hands to her eyes to press back the pressure in her head.

“Holy f&ckamole,” Zooble cracked, turning to the sauna.

“I don’t know what to do!” Pomni whimpered, grimacing.

“Listen Pom. Regression and memory blur are predecessors for abstraction. We gotta get her in a better head-space STAT, or sh*ts gonna blow up.”

“Oh God! That can’t happen!” Pomni sobbed, crouching to a squat on the floor. Zooble bent down too, placing their bear paw onto her shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, Pomni.”

“W-what? Why’re you saying sorry t-to me? I’m not the one who’s losing my sh*t!” Pomni asked harshly in a shaky voice. Her tears had run dry, it seemed.

Zooble just sighed and shook their head, refusing to explain any more. They really couldn’t, knowing that any truth they could lay out would only make the situation more difficult right now.

They tugged her into a rough hug, and Pomni felt the need to cry again一but she couldn't. She didn’t have any more tears left in her. So as Zooble comforted her, she analyzed the dry ache of her eyes being rubbed by her eyelids, and the deep well of fear in her gut. She blinked and choked out a pitiful sound, squeezing them back gently before they pulled away.

Zooble turned to the sauna and headed over with intention, worry plastered onto their features. When the door opened, they were met with Gangle sitting on the back bench and Ragatha pouring water onto the hot rocks. When the doll heard the door open, she rushed over, and made a face Zooble had never before seen on her.

“Where is Pomni, Zooble? She was with you,” she nearly hissed, bashing the door open to peer out. Zooble stepped back so the door wouldn’t slam into them and locked eyes with a petrified looking Gangle. The fuck did Raggy say to make her freak like that?

“Pomni just wanted to dry off, Rags, she didn’t follow me. She’s allowed to do her own thing.”

Ragatha growled at them before stepping out to find the smaller woman. That’s not the correct answer.

But Pomni was nowhere to be seen.

-

Pomni had started running down the hall, everything in her body buzzing from the craziness of the day. She felt guiltier than ever now she left Ragatha with Zooble and Gangle一but she was so overwhelmed with everything going on.

Ragatha was showing symptoms of pre-abstraction. She threatened Jax, and had unintentionally caused her physical pain. She revealed the long repressed truth that she had a family, and that she’s caught between two states of mind. It must be so stressful and draining, it must be so scary. And there’s not a thing Pomni can think of that would make it better besides the impossible option of giving her back her lost family.

Pomni was calling out for Jax as she ran down the hall. She didn’t know if it was a good idea, honestly she didn’t even think about the aftermath of finding him. The truth is, all she wanted was to feel safe, right now. She wanted nothing more but to be immersed in the safest place she’s felt in the Circus. She wanted to bury her face in the soft fur on his chest and feel his nuclear reactor of a body wrap her in warmth. She just wanted comfort.

Jax had been sitting in the corner of the massage room by the humidifier, holding his knees in the chair where he sat. He was so big that only his heels rested on the chair, but t didn’t matter, he needed to be curled up right now.

That feeling of looming danger hadn’t gone away. He self soothed with rubbing the fur on his arms and sides, but nothing he did erased the sickly feeling of dread that seemed to come from breathing the air.

A muffled voice behind the door caught his attention, ripping his head from it’s place on his knees. He swore that he’d heard his name. And there was only one person that would seek him out when he wasn’t needed for an adventure. He jumped from the seat and reached the door in record time, flinging it open and eyeing the hallway.

In the distance, he saw Pomni running towards him. That looming sense of dread expanded as she got closer and the air thickened, the sound of splashing rang out when her wet shoes made contact with the floor. He shot forward and reached out for her, his heart racing as she opened her arms to fall onto him. Her face was red and her eyelids were swollen, her breathing was so labored, and her smell was insane. It was different from any other time he’d been around her. He connected the dots immediately, that that undiagnosed fear was linked to her uncharacteristic smell.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in it as he crouched. Her whole body quaked against him, she was breathing so heavily. She was sobbing, but he didn’t feel any tears on his fur by her face一only the chilly dampness of her clothes pressed against him.

“Pomni,” he asked fearfully, squeezing her tighter, “what’s the matter? Tell me what’s wrong?”

She couldn’t. She couldn’t recite everything that happened as easily as she did it with Zooble. Everything had fused and festered, grown into an amorphous mass of emotion that choked out everything she needed to say. The guilt grew again as he picked her up and paced down the hall, finding the closest empty room to hide in.

He just let her cry, wrapping himself around her as she let it out. They held each other intensely; he clutched her like a stuffed animal, and she clung to him like a leech. He was so confused and concerned, the uneasy odor blocking out every other smell. He tried to console her silently, offering her the time she needed to explain herself. He’d have no luck in figuring out what was wrong until she did.

He drug his fingers gently through her hair, noticing it was much longer now. After a few minutes of her pouring out on his shoulder, sitting in that nearly empty room on the floor in the dark, she turned her head just enough so her mouth wasn’t fully blocked.

“I-I’m so s-sorry,” she hiccupped. He shook his head to oppose her apology as the sound of her dying panic filled his ears.

“What happened? You haven’t had a panic attack since day 1,” he whispered, pressing his face into her ear gently. He sounded really scared too, and oddly enough, it didn’t make Pomni feel worse.

“I can’t r-right now,” she lamented, “It’s too much. Everything is so much, I一”

She buried her face in his fur again, feeling him shift beneath her. His mouth pulled tight as she clammed up, and he decided it is better just to exist with her. It’s obviously what she needed, right now.

So that's what they did. They sat in the dark empty room, calming each other down while the rest of the cast filtered to the next designated rooms. Kinger had no problem being pampered by himself while Zooble and Gangle kept Ragatha in their sights and barley succeeded in distracting her from Pomni’s absence.

Chapter 39: CH.39 SAY IT

After a long while of consoling, Pomni pulled away from Jax’s shoulder, bringing her hands to cover her eyes shamefully. He frowned at her, but didn’t utter a sound as she sat there pressing on her face. He leaned forward to press his nose into hers in the most bunny-like way, sniffing when they touched. The gesture was so sweet that it forced the jester to reveal her reddened eyes so she could look at him.

His eyes were wide, and his pupils were bigger than normal, but they were not overtaken with black like how she’d seen them before. The sunflower color seemed to glow in the dark of the room, and it illuminated his face just enough for her to see the little twitches in his nose.

He leaned forward and pressed his nose against hers again, and it pulled out a small, strained laugh.

“Thank you, Jax,” she whispered, keeping her gaze down.

“You’re welcome,” he hummed quietly, before sticking out his tongue to lick her nose.

“Ha, hey一 what was that for?” she huffed, a tired smile breaking through.

“You needed it,” he said simply, his nose twitching again. She sighed before reaching for his chin to bring him closer, and licking his nose in retaliation.

“Thanks,” he snickered, touching her new locks, “You look good with long hair.” She leaned back on his knees as he brought it over her shoulder to mess with it.

“I wonder if we get to keep everything. I hope so, I feel like the nails will give good scritches,” she whispered. He shifted his gaze to her hands, and on cue she removed her gloves to show him. He gave her a low whistle and shot her one of his sly smiles.

“You got all dolled up for me, huh Pom?” he teased, snatching her fingers and bringing them to his lips. He pressed on her knuckle gently, but pulled away when he saw the sickened look on her face.

“What? What did I say? I一I know it’s not for me, Pom, I was just teasin’,” he wavered, trying to reassure her. She looked like she wanted to cry again.

“Ragatha is not ok, Jax,” she whispered sorrofully. He just stared at her, the hamster wheel in his head turning and turning.

“Yeah, well,” he huffed, “‘coulda’ toldja’ that myself, Sweets. Can you talk about it now?” he pressed gently, rubbing her lower back.

“I一um, do you know how long we’ve been in here? Th-there’s only one more room change before we go back. I don’t wanna be in the middle of it and then be pulled away.”

“Ah, that’s legit. I dunno when we came in here, to be honest. You make time even more difficult to tell with your wizard powers,” he laughed under his breath. Her expression changed to one of confusion before she focused on his chest. She just noticed he was in a robe.

“You’ve said that I’m a wizard before, but I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m supposed to be a jester,” she lilted sadly, tracing a finger along the collar of the robe. He hummed at her gesture.

“You’re a jester, but you’re actually a wizard. I’m a rabbit, but I’m actually a jackass. It’s just what it is,” he hummed, watching her hand as it fiddled with the material.

“I don’t know what that means,” she chuckled. He smiled wider, but his ear lifted to face the door. Pomni glanced at it as it opened, revealing the same blonde mannequin NPC that had guided her earlier.

“Hello, I’m so sorry to interrupt, but your geometrical friend instructed me to find you,” she hummed. Jax’s brows furrowed.

“Well, you can go tell Zooble to stop emotionally c*ckblocking us,” Jax spat, earning him a flustered scoff from the girl in his lap. She jumped up abruptly and hurried over to the NPC.

“Don’t say that to Zooble, please! What did they want?” she asked skittishly.

“They wanted you to know that at the end of the day, they’ll be waiting in the massage room with the doll lady,” she informed her, “They want you to go as soon as possible while they keep her distracted.”

Pomni swallowed the lump in her throat and turned around to find Jax right behind her. He placed a hand on her shoulder for comfort.

“H-how long until the sessions end?” Pomni asked, bringing her hand up to touch his fingers.

“There’s about 4 minutes left,” the NPC responded.

“Wha一that’s not a lot of time!” Pomni fretted, stepping out of the door into the hall.

“No worries Pom, I gotcha,” Jax hummed, stepping in front of her and crouching, “Climb on. Now I’m really a pig.” She blanked at him.

“What?” she asked, bewildered and frustrated. He pulled her onto his back and stood abruptly, letting her feet dangle through his arm holes. As soon as she was secured, he booked it to the main lobby where they’d spawned in at.

“You’re actually a cheetah!” Pomni yelped, holding on extra tight so she wouldn’t be flung off.

“I want a picture of a wizard riding a cheetah to symbolize our dynamic,” he laughed, turning a corner.

“That would be great plastered on the side of a van,” she breathed, closing her eyes so she didn’t have to watch the hall blur. This was considerably worse than when the hands jerked her around, because Jax had a bouncy run that made her teeth clack together.

“We should start a band and call it 'Wizard Onna Cheetah'. I call air guitar,” he laughed, skidding to a stop when he saw the entrance to the lobby.

“I call air xylophone,” she warbled, sliding off of his back with a tint of green to her face. He snickered and batted her hat around while they waited for the portal to show up.

After a moment, Kinger walked down through the door and greeted them lavishly. He looked great, like the whole spa-experience really did its job. He sat down in a chair while the NPC that escorted him handed him a bottle of sparkling water and bid him farewell.

“This was a great adventure,” he sighed, cracking open the bottle. He proceed to pour it onto his head, earning a quite amused, and quite confused, glance from his companions.

“I’m so glad you liked it, Kinger,” Pomni replied lightly, moving to sit by him. He eyed her closely before leaning in a bit.

“What’s the matter Pomni?” Kinger prodded. Pomni’s face shrunk with anxiety, and she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

“Yo’ Kingman. Pom just got a new haircut and she doesn't really dig it,” Jax interjected, plopping down by the old man. Kinger looked at Jax, then turned to Pomni, and reached out to tap her poofy swoop.

“Haircuts are a big change, and big changes can be upsetting. It may seem bad now, but with time, it will get better. Just remember you’ll always be beautiful to us. Isn’t that right, Jax?” Kinger glanced his way, eyes large and sparkling. Jax had to do a double take at the chess pieces’ mirthful expression, slightly uncomfortable with his lucidity at the moment.

“Yeah,” Jax hummed, blushing and laughing to himself and looking away from Kingers gaze. Kinger turned back to Pomni with a smile in his eyes and patted her hand before facing forward to stare intently at the wall. Kinger had succeeded in temporarily quelling her anxiety and flustering Jax at the same time, and she was reminded of why she loved him so much.

A portal ripped open the fabric or digital space, and Caine floated through with a notepad and a pair of googly-eye glasses.

“Salutations, my Mighty Mildewed Mutants! I’m intrigued to hear about your experience today!” Caine blabbered, floating right in front of Pomni. He looked at her intensely, placing a pen to paper as he stared. The nerves that Kinger had stomped out rushed back, and she muttered out a small ‘it was interesting.’
Jax remembered the blonde NPC telling them that Ragatha was being distracted, and he jumped up and grabbed Pomni’s wrist. Caine watched them as he pulled her to the portal, but just before Jax went through, he called to the oversized pair of dentures.

“Kinger has loads to tell you about the masseuse. Really drill him on it, though, so he has the pleasure of re-living the experience.”

With that, he leapt into the portal while Caine busied himself with the impossible task of extracting information from the old man while in a lit room. His pink overalls reappeared, and Jax found Pomni pacing in the commons living area, pulling at her hair.

“Hey, you just got it, don’t rip it out,” he joked uneasily. Seeing her sympathetic nervous system so activated was stressing him out.

“Jax, what am I gonna do? Where am I gonna go, I can’t go to my room, she’ll seek me out,” she worried, still pacing.

“You could stay in my r一”

“NO!” she interrupted, turning on her heel to face him. His initial reaction would be defensiveness, or masked hurt at her not wanting to stay with him, but when he saw her face, that knee-jerk reaction died on the spot. She was racked with worry, she was scared again. He took her hand and started walking down the hallway, peeking behind him to eye the portal. No one else has come through yet, but that is gonna change soon.

“You wanna hide from her,” he growled, gritting his teeth to keep himself focused.

“I don’t want to be in her presence until I figure out what I can do to help her get better. I just seem to make her worse, right now.”

“Let’s go to a room that’s not yours or mine, then,” he huffed.

Jax’s shoulders tightened as they walked down the hall, past the dormitories. His ears pinned back as thoughts barreled through his mind, Pomni remaining silent as they marched.

‘I seem to make her worse.’ Of fucking course she get’s worse when she’s around Pomni, she can’t pull herself together enough to be normal for even a day. Why the hell should Pomni or anybody else have to walk on eggshells and worry herself into a frenzy over a doll who isn’t worth anyone's time. He boiled at the thought that Pomni had to deal with all of the bullshit, and even worse一he wondered what it was exactly that got Pom so worked up. He was seething as he stomped down the hall, coming up with all sorts of scenarios that could’ve gone down.

“Jax! Please slow down, you’re so fast,” Pomni warbled, effectively ripping him away from his thoughts. He turned to her and his scowl burned to look at, so she quickly averted her gaze.

“What the hell did she do, Pomni?” he rasped, anger bubbling up in his voice.

“I-I’m not going to tell you if you’re gonna get mad,” she breathed, thankful that he slowed down a bit for her.

“I’M NOT MAD,” he said, thumping.

She tensed even more as they halted before the garden room. Jax thrust it open and pulled her inside behind him before slamming the door and pressing his head against it to cool himself down. As he stood there, leaning against it, Pomni sighed and hugged herself before speaking.

“Jax,” she mumbled, “You don’t have to be here with me. I’m not asking for you to stay.”

He turned around to face her with a furrowed brow, “You think I’m mad because I’m with you, right now?” She cast her gaze to the ground again and shrugged before turning to head towards the tree in the corner.

“How the hell does your brain even work?” he grumbled, walking over to her to flick her in the forehead. She flinched and rubbed the spot with a pout, leaning against the trunk tiredly.

“I just don’t want you to feel obligated to spend time with me, especially since everything is so hectic right now. I don’t want you to be frustrated一I don’t want to be the reason you’re frustrated on top of everything else.”

His scowl never faded and he grabbed her face and pulled her into a deep kiss. She didn’t expect it, but she didn’t pull away from him. It was enlightening to know that his anger channeled into all of his actions, as this kiss was more passionate than she’d have anticipated一and when he pulled away, he was still scowling.

“YOU. ARE. NOT. THE. PROBLEM.” he enunciated, shaking her face while he held her cheeks. Her eyes rolled around in her head like marbles.

“But I kinda am,” she cracked. Ohhhhh that pissed him off even more.

“NO! STOPPIT!” he barked, letting go of her face so he wouldn’t squeeze her, “Say it! Say you’re not the problem!”

“W-wha一?”

“Say it out loud, or I’m gonna tickle you until you sh*t your pants,” he deadpanned. She gave him a nervous look before dropping her gaze to focus on her hands as they fiddled.

“I’m not your problem,” she huffed.

Jax jumped forward to snatch her by the waist and pinned her down under the tree, pressing his knees onto her hands so she couldn't flail. She balked at him, terrified, as his hands slitted under her armpits and he dug in hard. She erupted into a fit of pained laughter, her legs kicked out behind him and his scowl replaced by a sadistic grin. He tickled her sides ruthlessly, reveling in how her face wasn’t contorted in worry anymore. He dug into her ribs and let her wriggle beneath him to no avail.

“Try again, Pomato,” he gruffed, finally giving her a break to breathe.

“I did it! I did what you said, Jax!” she yelped, still trying to squeeze out from under him.

“You didn’t. I want you to say, ‘I am not the problem.’ Say it or it’s coming back twice as hard,” he lilted, readying his fingers to strike again.

“NO no no no noooo I’ll say it I’m sorry!” she whined, sending a shiver up his spine.

“I am not the problem,” she huffed, closing her eyes and thumping the back of her head on the ground.

“In this situation,” she muttered under her breath. Oh, you did it now, jester.

Jax spun himself around so that he was now facing her feet, releasing her hands in the process. He disengaged the adventure mode from on her shoes and brought her foot up towards him, silently thankful for her flexible limbs一and he started tickling it without remorse.

“AAH JAX NOOOO!” she hollered, sitting up to beat his back with her fists. He laughed with her manically, the little thumps on his back spurring him on to mess with her more. But just as soon as his offense had started, it was met with the retaliatory force of the very capable Pomni.

“Woah woah hey! Agh, not the tail, f&ck!” he yelped, leaping off of her and turning with his hands covering his butt.

“That was low!” he barked, though he couldn't mask his amusement.

“You play dirty, I play dirty. Them’s the rules, boy,” she snarked, pulling off her gloves and throwing them next to the shoes. He watched as he took off her hat too, and left it in the pile before standing and dusting herself off.

She walked over to him and gave him an apologetic smile, peeking around his back to look at his tail. He feigned fear and shielded it from her until she sighed and walked up to him to press her face into his overalls.

“Sorry I grabbed your tail,” she hummed, feeling his arms rest on her shoulders.

“You should be, it hurt so so bad,” he grinned, knowing full well that she saw just how full of shit he was.

“Want me to kiss it better?”

“Hehe, yeeeeeeeees,” he lilted, eyes gleaming.

His ears perked and his tail was swishing, and she laughed as she tilted her head up to look at his face. His goofy grin was the perfect remedy for such a godawful day. She thought about everything he’d done to make her feel better, and all the times he’s ever done it. Most of them were unintentional, she’d assumed一but this whole thing with the tickle fight really got her thinking. Maybe he knows he’s making her feel better. But what if he doesn’t? Well, that won’t do at all.

“Jax, you made me feel better,” she hummed, watching his expression flit from joy to confusion, and then back to joy.

“Yeah, well ya’ work so God d@mned hard to make everybody else feel better, somebody has to do it for you,” he laughed, squatting down to look up at her, “plus, I’m the only one qualified for the job.”

She nodded in agreement before leaning forward to lick his nose. It pulled a rich laugh from him, and he fell backward to lay on his back in the grass.

“So,” he hummed, “care to tell me what got you so riled up with Rags? ‘Can’t really do my job without it. It’s a prerequisite.”

Pomni sat on her knees in front of where he lay, and folded her hands into each other. She took a deep breath, and analyzed herself, paying attention to how she was feeling. It was calm, now. No blob monster of emotion closing off her words, no thickness in her limbs, or looming sense of dread. She sighed, and crawled over to lay by his side as he watched the fluffy looping cloud animation.

He reached out to grab her hand quietly, and held it while she settled down by him. She watched the clouds too, finding that it was a nice thing to occupy her eyes while she recalled the events of the day. As she recounted, her tone started to shift and she started to choke up again, but she never stopped until it was done. Jax stayed there, listening, not offering any comments or thoughts on the matter.

“That’s why I don’t want to be in my room,” she whispered. He squeezed her hand.

“We’re gonna camp tonight,” he hummed lowly. She nodded.

They watched the clouds wander across the sky after she spilled her guts in silence, each thinking about what the hell was going to happen next. Pomni’s mind more still than before, and Jax’s head spinning as he tried to organize what she’d told him, and what could be done about it. He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles in uncommunicated apology, as he was as at a loss as she was.

Chapter 40: CH.40 STOP SAYING SORRY

“I don’t want to start without Pomni!” Ragatha hissed as Zooble and Gangle tried to calm her.

“Look, I don’t know where she even is,” Zooble sighed, sitting down on one of the massage tables.

“She probably went to go look at the board, like you said earlier, Rags,” Gangle muttered, keeping her voice soft to avoid confrontation.

“I told her she didn’t need to do that! She could be in danger right now,” the doll worried, attempting to reach for the door. Gangle didn’t know what to do, so she leapt in front of it to block her path.

“Ragatha, Pomni will probably be back in no time at all! While we wait for her, we should get our massages! She would want that after all,” Gangle pleaded, placing her ribbon on Ragatha’s shoulder, “Plus, we have a little time while she’s out! Let’s gossip a bit, we haven't done that in a while!”

Zooble had stood from the table to attempt assisting gangle, who was grasping at straws to get through to her一and it seemed to have succeeded in minorly succeeding.

“You want to gossip…while Pomni’s out…?” she questioned, her face unreadable. Gangle’s heart dropped at the idea that she may have interpreted it the wrong way, that she was suggesting they gossip about Pomni. Ragatha stood in her place for a moment before turning slowly to face Zooble behind her, who was motioning her forward.

“We can talk about whatever you want, Rags,” Zooble said steadily, as if they were coaxing a wild animal. A circular loading symbol appeared above her head as she stood there processing it, while Gangle sighed in relief behind her.

“Ok,” Ragatha said lowly, casting a stern face at Gangle, “Gossip it is.”

Gangle nearly fainted at the tone of her voice, but the way Zooble rushed up to Ragatha to usher her to a massage table was enough of a reprieve from the doll's intensity for her to remain conscious.

“Has Pomni said anything recently about Jax?” Ragatha asked, sitting down herself.

Zooble eyed her with caution before looking to Gangle in a way that screamed ‘be careful’. Gangle cleared her throat nervously as a couple of NPCs filled the room, offering their services to them silently. Zooble ushered the blond wooden mannequin close and whispered into her ear, giving her instructions to relay to Pomni and Jax. They weren’t about to let Ragatha near either one of them until she was able to calm down. Gangle, meanwhile, watched Ragatha tensely, as a random NPC attempted to give her a ribbon hand a massage.

“Pomni has been, um…rubbing off on him in a good way,” Gangle started, “He’s been much, ah一mellower, since they’ve started hanging out. I think she’s a great influence.”

“Oh, Gangle, don’t be naive. Bad apples rot the bunch, it’s not the other way around. He’s not getting better in the slightest,” Ragatha huffed. The NPC at Gangle’s side moved their way up her arm, but she pulled away before it got too uncomfortable, while the blonde one silently slipped out of the room unnoticed by the fuming doll.

“Do you honestly believe that?” Zooble asked sadly.

“I know it. It’s true, I know it, Zooble. Pomni is different now一she’s still wonderful but her mind is being warped by Jax. He’s been brainwashing her, he’s been一”

“Pomni’s not that gullible. Come on, Ragatha, please try to understand,” Gangle whispered, eyeing the red-head.

“I DO UNDERSTAND!” Ragatha shouted, jumping up abruptly. She scared the ribbon girl nearly to death, and sent her falling backwards off the table she sat on. Zooble rushed over to help her up before turning back to Ragatha’s seething expression.

“I don’t get how I’m the only one who seems to see how bad this situation is!” Ragatha snapped, grabbing at her own neck to fiddle with her invisible necklace. The gesture caught Zoobles attention, and burned into their mind.

“Ragatha, calm down please,” Zooble started roughly, “Remember what we talked about earlier? She doesn't need protection.”

“Not from YOU, or Gangle, or Kinger! But she does need help, Bea needs my help! Jax is going to turn her against me!” Ragatha screamed. She seemed to prompt the tire NPC to come out of the backroom, loaded up with all of his massage essentials. He made his way to Ragatha first.

“Hello Ma’am you seem to be in need of an extra relaxing一”

“I AM FINE,” she growled, her pupil shrinking too quickly. The tire was unphased by her anger, he merely came closer and offered her a smile.

“Oh my, you certainly are worked up, aren’t you? No worries, ma’am, we have just what you need,” the tire hummed calmly, “Please一try our best seller. On the house.”

Zooble and Gangle watched nervously as the NPC pulled out a bottle of lotion that was shining like chrome from his pocket. He quickly donned some vinyl gloves before squirting some onto his hand.

“I don't understand how it’s so hard for everyone to see! Bea’s sensitive, and she has no street smarts! I’m not going to allow Jax to pull her away and ruin her goodness!” Ragatha barked.

The NPC casually walked up to her and placed his hands on her bare side, rubbing the metallic looking lotion onto her skin. She tensed and squinted to stare daggers at him, but he merely walked around the table to lift her feet up as she made no effort to oppose him. He directed her to lay back on the table, and she did so with utterly no resistance, to the astonishment of the others in the room.

Ragatha layed there, her face steadily releasing its tightness, and her body following suit. Her eyes glazed over and she went limp, becoming completely flaccid. Zooble and Gangle both looked at the NPC in shock, eyeing him as he replaced the bottle into his pocket and started on a deep tissue massage.

“You,” Zooble said as they pointed a bear claw at the tire, “what the h3ll did you do to her?!”

“This,” the NPC hummed as he lifted the bottle from his pocket slightly, “is our best selling concoction, fit for the most un-relaxable clients. It’s a topical moisturizer that is combined with a highly absorbable sedative. We call it CalmBalm.”

“YOU CAN’T SEDATE YOUR CUSTOMERS!” Gangle hollered, holding her mask in horror as the NPC flipped Ragatha over to get at her back.

“But this is exactly what they pay for,” the tire smiled, working his elbows into Ragatha’s back.

“That’s f#cking crazy,” Zooble huffed, “how could Caine accidentally come up with roofie lotion? I’m一I’m not even surprised actually.”

“I can’t believe you zombified our doll! You friggin’ drug-dealer masseuse! How long is she gonna be like that?!” Gangle asked, exasperated. The tire just lilted out a posh laugh.

“7 to 10 hours,” he said simply.

“WHAT?!” they both yelped in unison. They looked at Ragatha as she lay on the table一she looked like the bone fairy paid her a visit and stole every last one from her silly little sack body.

“This is the most stressful day I’ve ever had,” Gangle whispered to herself, earning a sympathetic pat on the back from Zooble.

But this isn’t necessarily the worst turn of events, now, is it? Sure, their mentally ill friend was now sedated, and they had no plan on how to move forward to fix this mess, but hey? At least the doll isn’t throwing hands. At least she’s calm now. Zooble and Gangle made their way to the corner of the room, to sit uncomfortably by the humidifier and wait out the rest of the time.

After another 15 minutes in the massage room, all the NPCs stopped their activities abruptly and hastily disappeared to go exist somewhere else. Zooble and Gangle stood warily and approached Ragatha’s still limp body, trying to assess how the hell the weakest and the most fragile of the crew would handle her.

Gangle discovered that the table she was laying on had wheels on the bottom, and they’d just been locked the whole time一stroke of luck, that one. They pushed the bed into the hallway and down towards the lobby, and were greeted by Caine’s interrogation of Kinger.

“Oh! Wow, now that’s what I call relaxed!” Caine yelped jovially, snapping his fingers to usher in his disembodied hand-servants, “I’d say that beats out everybody! Ragatha wins!”

-

“Ok, here’s the plan,” Jax hummed, “You’re gonna sit tight, while I go to my room to snatch some supplies. I’ll get us a tent and some hot sauce to start the fire. I can ask Caine for some blankets that won’t despawn, and I’ll grab us some food. Questions?”

“Yeeeahhhh….hot sauce?” Pomni asked puzzledly.

“Cartoon logic,” he explained, pushing himself up. She cast a worried gaze at him.

“Wait, what if you run into her?” she worried, watching him as he stretched his back.

“I’ll rip off all of her limbs like I would a housefly.”

“No! Please be serious! What if she comes at you? She’s not in her right mind,” she warbled, standing up to make herself bigger and一what, more compelling? Nice try, short-stack.

“Ok ok, if you’re so against the unfiltered violence, I’ll just sneak around and not let her see me. Piece of cake,” he lilted, starting towards the door, “but you don’t gotta worry about me anyways. She may be crazy, but I’ll match her psycho faster than you can zone out again.”

“The last thing I want is for you to match her psycho, Jax. When, uh, when do you think you’ll be back? I’m一I’m not telling you that you need to be back within a certain timeframe, or anything一just maybe when do you think, um…”

“Awe, Pomster,” he laughed, grinning too wide again, “Keep bein’ all cute like that and I might not be able to leave.”

Pomni pouted as she floated off into space again, drifting further and further away as her bare feet still kissed the grass. He sighed to himself, and made his way to the red door. The sooner he gets the stuff, the sooner he can pick her brain. He looked over his shoulder, just to check if she needed anything else, but found her staring off into nothing. That was his cue to get going.

“Not long,” he huffed quietly, slipping out the door.

And he made good on his word. Dawdling is for dweebs who don’t have cute girls waiting for them一so he used his speed to his advantage. He arrived to his room, gathered his sleeping clothes and a rucksack full of various collectibles he’d thought might come in handy, and snuck into Pomni’s room to grab her pajamas before she could even break from her astronaut stare. Probably.

After gathering the necessary items, he sneakily made his way down to the kitchen to pull various random things for them to occupy their taste buds with. He grabbed her tea, and made sure to read it three times before he actually pocketed it一it surely said ‘anise’. After fitting as much food into his pockets and bag as he could fit, he turned to head back to the garden game, only to be met with a dainty, traumatized looking mask.

“Oh Jax! Is Pomni ok? How is一”

Before she could finish her sentence, he rushed up and covered her mouth, gritting his teeth as he frantically shushed her.

“I don’t need any trouble, ya’ puny porcelain pain in the @ss,” he hissed, removing his hand quickly after she’d been silenced, “Pom doesn’t want me to be seen by Dolly, cuz she knows I wanna disembowel her. Keep it on the down low, please, for P.”

Gangle blinked at him, fish-eyed, but shook her head in protest.

“Jax, Ragatha is inebriated. She got knocked out with some stuff from the massage room and she won’t be back to normal for at least 7 hours. You and Pomni are ok to come out of hiding,” she quickly explained. Jax’s eyes widened, and he cast his gaze to the floor.

“Are you sure? I一It, well, it doesn't matter,” he said suddenly, “I can’t be sure of that, neither can you. She might wake up in thirty minutes. Pom and I are gonna camp out tonight, just in case she comes sniffin’ her out.”

Gangle folded her arms onto each other and gave him a concerned look. There was merit to what he was saying, but they both knew it was likely wrong. The NPCs were programmed directly from Caine, so they usually weren’t wrong about stuff like that. Jax was just using this situation as an excuse一but Gangle wasn’t going to be the one to point that out.

“Ok. Do you guys have any idea on how to help her out?” Gangle asked meekly. Jax rolled his eyes before stepping past her out of the door.

“We haven’t come up with sh*t, but it’s been what, a couple hours? You say we got time, so don’t get all tied up. Ya’know, I don’t even think she deserves my help. After everything she’s done? Karma’s a b*tch,” Jax gruffed. After she gave him a forlorn look, he waved her off and took off down the hall.

When he arrived back at the garden room, he was pleased to see that Pomni had escaped the clutches of outer space and was messing around in the dirt, digging up potatoes to busy herself.

“Whatcha’ got there?” he asked curiously, kicking the door closed behind him.

“I’m messing with these tubers. This one’s name is Carbra,” she mumbled, lifting up a potato that had spots in the shape of a face. Jax laughed at her.

“Pomtato and her spuddy buddies,” he hummed, flinging his backpack down beside her. He made his way over to her and knelt down, watching her face lift from concentration to something lighter.

“What did you bring? You were so fast,” she chuckled softly, watching him open his cumbersome bag.

“Quick n’ slick in the streets, long n’ strong in the sheets,” he snickered.

“Oh my God that’s so corny,” she laughed, causing him to face her with scrutiny.

“Ah, nooo. I’m allergic to all things corn. That was a more refined and elegant version of corny, known by the educated folks as cheesy,” he huffed.

She laughed at his stupidity and he couldn’t help but be enamored with the sound. She started helping him pull out the various things from his rucksack一a pot, a canteen, a tent, and two sets of pajamas. She smiled at the growing pile of things and he cupped his hand around his mouth.

“CAINE, HELP! WE NEED A THING,” Jax bellowed, voice echoing along the invisible walls of the mini game. In a flash, the AI showed up, and gazed quizzically at the bunny.

“You left earlier so fast, like your ears were on fire! I’m happy to see that nothing is out of the ordinary, superstars!” he chirped, “What do you need, Jax, my boy?”

“Pom and I are camping tonight. Can we have blankets and pillows and a stack of firewood?” he asked casually.

Caine flailed around excitedly and spawned a pile of fluffy bed dressings onto the ground where they sat, and a stack of firewood for their recreation. He beamed, eyeing them hopefully as Pomni approached him.

“This is lovely, Caine. We really appreciate it,” Pomni hummed sweetly, “but please be sure not to tell anyone else where we are if they ask, ok? They have to find us honestly; we can’t have them cheating.”

“OOhh, yes yes Pomni! It’s so nice to see my superstars playing silly fun little games! All right, well, I’ll leave you to it! Time to finish up the last touches to tomorrow's adventure!”
And he popped away.

“Well that was simpler than I thought it would be,” she muttered, watching him set everything up.

“We can make smores, and I found hot dogs, and I grabbed some snacky stuff一we’ll be camping pros,” Jax hummed stabbing the steaks of the tent into the ground. She nodded and turned to face the end of the garden.

She looked out into the neat rows of tilled soil and her mind escaped her again. She didn’t realize it, but another tear had escaped and made a get away down her cheek. Jax had finished setting up the tent when that same disturbing smell found his nostrils, and the unassuming dread creeped back into his mind. This time, though, he didn’t fret about where it was coming from. He knew it was coming from the jester.

A large gloved hand found the top of her head and lightly ruffled her hair. She sucked in a breath and twisted her neck around to see the tall rabbit man offering her an empathetic look.

“Leave it to Caine to take ‘the smell of fear’ literally. Wonder why he left out the other emotions? I’ll never learn him, I swear,” Jax said softly, before letting the tear soak into the back of his glove.

“You smell fear?” Pomni whispered, curling a little onto herself.

“I’m pretty sure that’s what it is. Might be wrong, but it would be the first time,” he joked awkwardly, desperate to lift her mood again.

She turned her face away from him as her cheeks wetted again, and shame wrapped around her heart. She crouched into a squat and leaned forward so her new hair shielded her from everything as she lost her composure again. He sat down on his knees beside her softly.

“I’m such a coward,” she whispered through her teeth, “I’m so sorry you have to smell it. I’m so sorry for everything.”

“Pomni, what do you have to be sorry for? I told’ja,” he huffed, sorrowfully, “You’re not the problem.”

“If it weren’t for me, Ragatha would not have lost her mind. If I didn’t remind her of a lost spouse, or if I’d have made more time with her, she’d have never gotten so messed up. I h-hurt her so bad,” Pomni rasped quietly, “What kind of a horrible friend am I that I mess up her brain and then can’t even think of a way to help her get better? And then, here you are hiding away from her too because she could hurt you! Hiding away with me, worrying about me, when the only thing I’ve done has made things worse.”

Jax watched her crumble in front of him like a shortbread cookie. He wracked his mind, thinking of something he could say that might actually get through to her. She needed truth asap.

Jax flavored truth.

“That’s awfully presumptive of you, Pomni,” he said monotonously, causing her to still beside him.

“I’m here because I want to be here, and for no other reason. I’m worried about you, yeah一but that’s because I want you to feel better. So you can stop feeling bad about me being upset that you feel bad, cuz all that’s gonna getch’a is a nasty positive feedback loop of depression.”

She lifted her bangs out of her eyes and peered at him quizzically.

“And you can’t really believe you’ve only made things worse? Cuz’ you’ve done plenty of good things for the people here. More than anyone else, actually. It’s not your fault that her breaking point just happened to be when you’re trapped here too,” he asserted.

“And just because you’re not a psychologist doesn't make you a bad friend. But if there is anything you should take from this conversation, it’s this: it is, in no fractional way, your fault. Rag’s is going loco cuz she’s been in pain for a long @ss time. She’s been keeping her family a secret for years before you showed up, and all that repression bullsh*t is only on her. You are not the problem.”

Pomni’s watery eyes caught his and she studied his stern, ‘I mean business’ face. He was being so very serious right now一as blunt as blunt could be. She tucked her legs under her butt to mirror his posture before folding her fingers together.

“I一,” she hiccupped softly , “I am not the problem.”

He reached his arm to drape it over her shoulders and scooted closer to her, resting his cheek on the side of her head.

“‘Atta girl,” he hummed softly, as the pungent smell dissipated to a lingering afterthought.

Chapter 41: CH. 41 THINK ABOUT IT

Gangle and Zoobe had asked Caine to help them carry Ragatha to Zoobles room, so they could look after her, just in case she woke up. Caine seemed absolutely unbothered by the fact that the doll was the opposite of conscious, but neither Zooble nor Gangle could bring themselves to worry about his ignorant apathy.

“Just drop her on the bed, please,” Zooble huffed as they entered after Gangle.

“It’s so nice to know my superstars are having sleepovers and playing games! I really ought to study you guys so I can run experiments!” Caine yipped, plopping Ragatha’s limp body onto the bed.

“Whaaaaaat?” Gangle whispered to herself in horror.

“Yeah yeah, whatever. You can skedaddle, or whatever,” Zooble groaned, gesturing to the door.

“Oh yes, thank you for reminding me, Zooble. My ski’s do need to be daddled!”

Gangle watched as Caine shot off out of the room and shut the door intently before leaning her back on it and sliding to the floor.

“Awe, G. You did great today,” Zooble said, sadly, pulling their blankets over the doll.

“I can’t imagine what Pomni went through with her today,” Gangle muttered softly, hugging her ribbon knees closer to her chest.

“I know. When she talked to me before running off, she wasn’t in that good of shape. Pretty sure she had a panic attack,” Zooble hummed.

“When you and P were talking, I started to get the water ready for the rocks, but she grabbed the ladle out of my hand and pushed me back against the bench. She was so mad, Z,” Gangle huffed.

“Pomni told me she grabbed her. Guess Rag’s is capable of getting physical,” they murmured to themselves.

“She accused me of not showing her how to do it properly一 It was so weird. I don’t know how she came to the conclusion that if she didn’t pour the water that it’d be bad for Pomni. It didn’t even seem like her, honestly,” she whispered.

Zooble sighed and approached their hammock, sitting and patting the spot beside themselves. Gangle stood weakly and meandered over, casting worried look to their unconscious friend.

“What can even be done about this? I’ve never seen the full progression of abstraction. I’ve seen Kaufmo, but only when he was at the end一can we even do anything?” Gangle asked, voice full of longing.

“I’m not sure. Ragatha, Jax, and Kinger have seen more abstraction than I have. But I’m gonna assume that something can be done. The only thing we can do is be hopeful, and wrack our brains for any possible solution.”

Gangle turned her head away from the bed and thought for a moment. Then, she stood abruptly and left the room, heading for her own. A few minutes later, she returned with a sketchbook and a pencil, and moved to sit on the bed by Ragatha’s feet.

“What’re you doing,” Zooble questioned softly, watching her as she scribbled on the paper.

“Ragatha is peaceful now. I can get a really good image of her, for一for any reason we might need it,” Gangles voice cracked, and her brilliant blue tears started falling to her lap.

“Awe, G,” Zooble wilted, “Try not to think about that.”

Gangle lifted her head from her drawing to give Zooble the most serious look she’s ever given.

“Look where not thinking about it got Rags. I’m gonna think about it.”

-

“You can do it Poms! I believe in you!” Jax hyped as he hid behind the trunk of the tree.

“Why are you shielding yourself from me if you’re so sure!?” she barked, her hand shaking violently as she held the uncapped hot-sauce upright.

“Don’t be that way, it’s just insurance一” he hummed, waving it off.

“If you think you need insurance then why the h3ll are you making me start the fire?!” she whined.

“You need to learn, Pomtree. When we go camping again, what if I’m busy and can’t start the fire for you? You’re a strong, independent woman! This is for your own good. NOW HURRY UP!”

Pomni eyed the little bottle in her hand. The label was a brilliant red, and in bold letters, the words ‘Spicy Caine’s Nuke Sauce’ printed, with an image of an explosion in the background. She had no idea what the reaction would be, but judging by the fact that Jax had decided it was worth keeping, it was most likely exorbitantly violent. Jax had given her the responsibility of handling it一but it was not a fun experience in the slightest. He was just trying to distract her, but she seriously doubted that forcing her to handle volatile materials was the best way to do it.

She very slowly, tentatively titled the bottle to its side. A drop of sweat ran down her temple as a tiny speck of brilliant red liquid pooled near the opening of the bottle and hugged the lip. She sucked in her breath, holding it as she concentrated with all of her might not to release anything more than the drop he’d instructed.

“You’re doin’ great!” Jax hollered, ducking behind the tree enough that only the top of his head popped out from behind.

As soon as he’d said the word ‘great’, the drop fell from the container and landed on the neatly piled firewood. It erupted into a decent sized flame, as if they’d poured lighter fluid onto the wood before throwing on a lit match. It was big enough to cause her to scream in fright, but not big enough that it jumped out to burn her.

“Good job! Told’ja you could do it!” he yipped, hopping from the cover of the tree to snatch the bottle and cap it quickly.

Pomni looked so relieved to have the hot sauce out of her hand, she plopped down by the fire and splayed out like a sunbathing cat. Jax laughed at her, praising himself一his stupid plan actually worked. She looked way more at ease now.

“With the way you handled that I’d think you’ve worked with hazardous waste before! You must’a been in chemical management,” he snickered.

“I do like chemistry,” Pomni started, “but I prefer astronomy. Of all the sciences, astronomy is the most fascinating.”

Jax’s eyes gleamed as he watched her lay by the fire, breath slowing as she relaxed more. This was very valuable information一Pomni likes science. She likes astronomy. That was the study of outer space, yeah? Well that makes a tonne of sense. Of course she likes shit like that, she’s a huge nerd…he had to learn more. This is important.

He plopped down beside her and impaled a couple of marshmallows as the sky above them started to dim. He nudged her with his foot and her eyes shot open, and she gave him a tired smile before taking the roasting stick he’d offered her.

“Pom’s a chemist and an astronaut. Princess Lumberjack Astronaut Chemist Masseuse,” he laughed, eyeing how she decided to roast her sugary treat. She placed the mallow just above the flames, not even letting them lick it, but just enough that it slowly started to turn golden. He paid extra attention to how she rotated it so evenly, with so much patience, to get the flavor she wanted. It was inverse and opposite to how he handled his smores一just shove it in and pull it out when it’s black. The burnt shell was the best part, to him.

“All of this is true, yes,” she hummed, bringing the marshmallow closer so she could inspect it. He raked his eyes over it too, watched as the steam wafted up and the orange of the fire made it look more golden than it probably was.

“So,” he muttered as he offered her a graham cracker, “why does Neil Pomstrong like space?”

Her eyes lit up, and her whole demeanor shifted from tired and barely relaxed to a reserved yet still animated passion. It was really amazing.

“The universe is so intelligent and beautiful, Jax. There are so many amazing things to learn about it. And every single thing you learn from it applies almost directly to life,” she attested, scraping the gooey sugar onto her cracker. He nodded at her as he watched her fall more into it.

“It’s estimated that there are over 200 sextillion stars in the observable universe. That is 200 followed by 21 zeros. That number is absolutely incomprehensible to the human mind, yet we still have a number, a word, a symbol to quantify it. But these things are just our poor excuse for describing something we have the vaguest idea about. Like infinity, life after death, or love,” she hummed, before taking a bite of her sugar sandwich.

Jax had seen Pomni happy plenty of times. Her smile, her laugh, her expressions and gestures. All of the times she’d been happy, it was a fleeting sort of thing, only meant to exist for a moment in time. This however一this was not happiness. It was a passion.

“You think love is incomprehensible to the human mind?” Jax asked, suddenly. He didn’t prepare himself to ask the question, it sort of just slipped out一but he wasn’t upset with himself for it. He actually felt really comfortable, and quite grateful that he had the freedom to ask something like that. Because he knew Pomni would only give him straight answers, and she wouldn’t judge him for what he had to say. He pulled out his black marshmallow and blew out the flame.

“Of course,” she started, shifting her stare into the fire, “It’s one of the most abstract concepts, I think. There are supposedly so many types of love一love for material objects, love for companionship, sensual love, and innate love of a higher power. Apparently, though, not all people experience all of these types of love. And all of these things are so different, yet in the culture I’m from they are all defined by that word. When I think about all the things that I ‘love’, my mind fills up with so many things, people, places, ideas, words, and symbols, it’s actually quite overwhelming.”

“Huh. I never really looked at it like that. I guess I always assumed I understood it because I categorize it differently than you do. Like, love for people and pets is just ‘love’, while love for objects is just materialism. Sensual love is lust, and love for action is passion. I haven’t really experienced a ‘godly love’, so I haven’t come up with a category for that one,” Jax hummed before chomping his own blackened marshmallow.

“That makes sense. It seems a lot easier to organize it that way…but I still feel like the idea is just so massive. For example, you can love and dislike someone at the same time. And if you hate someone, it’s likely that you loved them first. Loving someone means you have their best interest in mind, even if that means letting them get hurt so they can be better for it in the future, but that seems like a huge contradiction,” she lilted. The sky was becoming much darker now, and the stars were peeking out.

“Yeah…I guess it’s way bigger than I thought,” he whispered.

“I have no feasible way of quantifying it, or measuring it in any way. I can’t say that love is dictated by time, or that one type is more substantial than another. Who am I to assume that Kingers love for insects is more or less important than Gangle’s love for art, or that my love for you is greater or less than my love for Ragatha? The simple truth is that I can't. All I can do is hope that I use the word correctly, and continue to do it.”

“You love me?” Jax asked suddenly, straightening himself to peer down at her. Pomni seemed to break away from her trance, ripping her attention away from the fire to look at him. He was tense, and alert, and his ears were higher than they’d been all day. It ran through her mind that she may have said the wrong thing and made him uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry, Jax. I didn’t mean it in like, an overbearing way, or anything,” she muttered, watching his face shift.

“You一didn’t mean it?” he asked, the tone in his voice betraying his stoic nature. It fucking cracked, and he felt his ears fall to the sides of his head pathetically. Pomni read it loud and clear, and jumped up to move closer to him. She grabbed his hand and gave the most honest look she could.

“I’m sorry, Jax, that came out wrong. What I meant to say was, I don’t want to put unneeded pressure, or place any sort of expectation onto you. I think you're a wonderful, smart, kind person, and I want to keep you close. I care about you, and I love you一but I don’t want to be overwhelming.”

“Oh,” he whispered harshly, sitting upright and reaching to pull her closer to him. She let him guide her to his lap where he curled up a bit around her, enveloping her in his warmth.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard that in probably,” he rasped quietly, “4, maybe 5 years.”

Pomni’s heart dropped at his confession, and she wrapped her arms around his neck for comfort. He went limp, letting his upper half rest on her as what she said repeated on loop in his mind.

“I’ll say it whenever you need me to. It’s the truth,” she hummed.

He pulled away to lock eyes with her, and ran his fingers over her bangs to smooth them behind her head. He offered the softest smile she’d ever seen from him一so full of genuineness and emotion, small and simple and as honest as could be.

“I love you too,” he said, before lifting his gaze to the stars above them, “For as many opportunities as we’ve had for you to go on about space, you never did. The mural, the cowboy adventure一you never told me,” he hummed.

“You never asked until now,” she muttered, lifting her gaze as well.

“We’re so alike and so different at the same time. Silly thing,” he chuckled, “Tell me more about space, Pom.” She nodded, happy to comply.

“Jupiter is so massive, it’s theorized that the core of it is composed of hydrogen in the form of a liquid metal. There is so much pressure exerted on the gas that it's kind of in limbo, caught between other states of matter.”

“Woah, really? Isn’t hydrogen like一the lightest element, though?”

“Hydrogen has the atomic mass of 1, but that doesn’t have much to do with it. The core is way denser than the other elements in the atmosphere, so its mass is amplified by the proximity the atoms have to each other,” she said simply.

“D@mn. He a thicc boi,” Jax muttered to himself. Pomni laughed at him and crawled off of his lap to go sit behind him, and she directed his head backward. He followed her prompt and rested the back of his head on her stomach as she laid back too.

“Very thick. But not as thick as the sun. The sun is dummy thick,” she hummed. It pulled a rich laugh out of him.

“I find it all so remarkable how there’s always something bigger to find. Like, yeah, the sun is ginormous. Fit’s a million earths inside一but then, there are some stars that fit hundreds of suns in them. Then, the biggest black hole can fit billions of suns inside it! And those supermassive black holes are in the middle of galaxies, which are even bigger, and so on and so on. There’s always something even bigger out there.”

Jax lifted his head and rolled over to see her, and he folded his arms over her belly as he rested his chin on it. A tinge of pink spread across her cheeks, but she did her best to ignore it as his grin pulled wider.

“What’s the name of the biggest thing in the universe, Pomstein?” he lilted.

“The biggest? Well, that we know of, would be the Quipu superstructure. It’s basically a massive length of superclusters, which are families of galaxies,” she mumbled, gluing her eyes to the stars as he shifted to make her squirm.

“I want that to be my d*ck’s nickname,” he chucked.

“Oh my God,” she covered her eyes with her hands and groaned.

“Come on! Quipu is a super cute name,” he joked.

“Why do guys name their junk? Is it like some sort of impulse?” she questioned him, exasperated.

“You’re telling me ladies don’t give nicknames to their bits? You’re pullin’ my tail.”

“I ought to pull your tail,” Pomni grumbled. It pulled out another laugh from him.

“Don’t hurt me, Pom, or I’ll tell on you,” he lilted.

“Who are you going to tell, Bunny?” she asked, rubbing her hands through the fur on his head.

“I’ll tell the wisest guy in the circus, Pom.”

“Kinger?” Pomni suddenly asked, lifting her head.

“Pfft!!! Ha, good one Pip,” Jax chuckled, whipping a nonexistent tear from his eye dramatically. Pomni sat up with a start, nearly causing Jax to grind his teeth.

“Jax, that’s a good idea,” she said breathily, watching as he pushed himself off of her, “Kinger might be able to help! He knows so much about important things. And he's seen more abstraction than any of us.”

“Wait一you’re for shizzle, right now?” he asked confusedly.

“Fo’ shizzle my nizzle, I bet you he’d know something!” Pomni yelped, grabbing Jax’s fluffy cheeks, “We've gotta try!”

“Uh, if you say so, Pomkin,” he blanked, all thought washed out by the hope in her voice. She sure had a lot of faith in that old loon…

“I’m gonna go ask him right now. Ragatha’s probably asleep, and it’s an emergency,” Pomni hummed, shooting up from her spot on the grass. Jax sighed deeply and rolled his eyes and he pushed himself up to follow her.

Chapter 42: CH.42 THE WISE MAN

Pomni and Jax made their way down the hall full of determination. Well, more accurately Pomni was full of determination一Jax was just along for the ride. He was interested in seeing where this went.

When they stopped in front of Kingers room, Pomni rapped on the door rapidly, and called out to him.

“Kinger! Kinger, please, it’s Pomni! I have to talk to you!” she pleaded.

She and Jax eyed the door as it stayed closed. Jax hip checked her to the side and pressed his ear against it, and let out a low hum. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a lockpick, then kneeled before the door, jamming it into the hole. She scolded him, grabbing his arm.

“Jax! That’s not necessary!”

“I thought you wanted to talk to Kinger,” Jax snarked, smirking as he glanced at her wrapped around his arm.

“But this is a total invasion of privacy! I don’t want to bother him if he locked the door, a locked door means ‘don’t bother me’,” she huffed, trying to shake him.

“Really? Is thaaaat what that means?” he lilted, “That makes a lot’a sense. No wonder the others didn’t take it so well.”

“Come on, we can go back一”

“Pomni? Jax? What a surprise!” Kingers' sleepy voice broke from behind them.

“OH, Hiya King,” Jax stood immediately and pocketed his favorite tool, “Fancy seeing you here.”

“I know! Such a small world. I was just going to retrieve my, uh…something, and return to the fort. What brings you little bugs by?”

“Bugs一?” Jax asked as he quirked a brow, only to be interrupted by Pomni.
“It’s so good that we ran into each other. I have to talk to you,” she pressed, watching him pull out a key from his pocket.

“She actually means we have to talk to you,” Jax grumbled.

“Of course, I love talking with you kids, you know! I’ll be right back,” Kinger hummed, opening the door.

He shuffled into his room, and Pomni and Jax scurried behind him, taking in his decore. He had his walls lined with insect displays fit for an entomologist, and a bed dressed in simple beige bed clothes. The ceilings were tiled, like an old victorian house, and he had a dark floor with a soft rug on it. He made his way to a large desk and pulled open a drawer, only to pull out an unknown item before turning back to them.

“Ok! I got it! Let’s get back to the pillows, this place is so sad,” he hummed, pushing past them. Jax and Pomni gave each other a questioning side glance before they followed after him.

“You’ll have to crawl inside, for now. I’m doing renovations, so it won't be that way forever,” Kinger explained before crawling in himself.

“You go first. You’ve been so grabby with my tail lately, I don’t trust you not to try to rip it off,” he joked, nudging her toward the entrance.

“Oh, please. I said I was sorry,” she huffed, dropping to her hands and knees to crawl through the small opening.

“Actions speak louder than words, Pom,” he snickered, kneeling down to follow her, “ya’ gotta earn my trust.”

When she reached the open space of the fort, she bumped into Kinger, who was manipulating some pillows over his head.

“Sorry Pomni, I’m just making a bit more room for Jax. Just a moment,” he asked sweetly. The sound of construction equipment somehow filled her ears, but she decided not to attempt understanding.

She felt a bump from behind, but she couldn't move forward, so she dropped further to be on her stomach so she could let Jax see that they were momentarily blocked.

“What’s the hold up, Tiny?” he grumbled, peeking over her to barely see Kinger toiling in the dark.

“He’s expanding it for you, jeez. Be patient,” she scolded. He blew out a frustrated breath before backing up, submerging himself in darkness behind her.
“H-hey, are you still here? Are you going back?” she warbled, straining her eyes to peer into the dark behind her. It was so inky, she could barely see anything.

She suddenly felt a sharp sting on her left buttcheek, and her face pulled taught in a grimace.

“AAack! What the h3ll, d-did you just bite me??!” she growled, reaching back behind her. He laughed and brought his hand up to hers to give her a high five, the clapping sound triggering a light to emit from behind his eyes and teeth.

“Well, what else was I gonna do?” he snarked, grinning villainously in the amber glow.

“Ok! Come on in, sorry for the hold up. Go ahead and get comfortable,” Kinger called back to them, scooting back to give them room.

“I’m usually not a fan of traffic jams, but that one wasn’t so bad,” Jax hummed, following Pomni into the open space.

Once they were sat, the light from Jax’s face showed the inside dimly. He took it in and noticed that indeed, as Kinger had said, he was renovating the place. It seemed a lot bigger in here now, and there were furniture and whole other rooms made out of pillows.

“Kinger, we appreciate you being able to talk on such short notice. You’ve just seen so much, and your advice is always so helpful,” Pomni chirped.

“Of course. What can I help with?”

Pomni glanced over at Jax, who was the most visible thing in the room with his glowing features. She scooted closer to him and poked him in the teeth, and he immediately understood. He reached up to clap the light away, and it plunged them into complete darkness again. Because that was what they needed一and while in the dark, he yoinked Pomni’s back to his chest, and she let out a little squeak before addressing Kinger again.

“I want to hear everything you know about abstraction, Kinger,” she nearly whispered.

“Oh, my. Well, it’s something I’ve seen many times, unfortunately,” he responded dejectedly, “And it always seems to be the result of the same thing.”

“The same thing? What’cha mean, King,” Jax asked suddenly, revealing that he was much more invested in this than Pomni had assumed.

“Every person who’s ever abstracted was unable to accept their reality. Queenie lost herself when the thought of never getting out to live a real life with me took over her mind. Kauffie fell to the same fate when he started obsessing over the exit. I expected him to fall victim, though, he had an addictive and obsessive personality.”
“Oh my,” Pomni whispered, bringing her hands to clutch at Jax’s arm holding her. He seemed to tense too, as Kinger continued.

“Scratch lost his mind trying to figure out his original name, and Chicho drove herself to abstraction because she wasn’t taking care of her grandmother anymore and couldn’t deal with the thought that she left her behind. So sad,” Kinger explained softly.

“Those were people who existed before me?” Pomni asked, feeling Jax’s grip tighten around her.

“Yes,” Jax answered before Kinger, burying his face in her hair.

“So, you say the thing they all had in common was trying to find the truth?” she asked.

“No. They all were running away from the truth,” Kinger muttered.

“Running away from the truth, huh? Well, if they accepted the truth, ya’ think they’da been better off?” Jax asked quietly.

“I think so. When you accept reality for what it is, you’re not fighting your mind. It takes a massive amount of energy to try and trick yourself all the time, and to change the unchangeable is a first class ticket to insanity. Acceptance of reality and acknowledgment of the truth is what everyone who abstracted never had, or lost.”

Jax and Pomni sat there a moment, soaking up Kingers advice. It made a good deal of sense, in all honesty一and Ragatha fit the bill perfectly of someone who denies her reality and tries to manipulate things that are uncontrollable.

“Thanks, King. You’re a real OG,” Jax praised him.

“So I guess the best thing to do for Ragatha would be to get her to tell us how she really feels. Ask her to come to terms with her memories instead of running away from them,” Pomni hummed to herself. Kinger heard her though, and was quite surprised to hear the doll’s name.

“You think Ragatha is going to abstract?” he asked, startled.

“Well, that’s what Zooble said. Ragatha was in between her memory and the present, today. She thought I was her spouse and told me about a family. Zooble said it was ‘memory blur’,” she whispered.

“Oh, well一it’s good that you caught it. We might be able to help her. Do you know where she is, right now?”

“I ran into Gangle earlier. She said Rags was drugged or something, and that she was being held in Zoob’s room so they could watch her. She said she’d be out for at least 7 hours, but she doesn’t really know for sure. She’s probably still there,” Jax explained quickly. He felt Pomni turn to face him and knew she was probably upset that he didn’t tell her immediately, but hell. He’d said it now.

“I see. I’m sorry, but I must ask a favor of you kids,” Kinger sighed.

“Anything, King,” Pomni answered immediately.

“I need you to go out there and tell them to bring Ragatha here when she wakes. I won’t remember if I go seek her out myself…but in this place I am capable of helping. I still have my flashlight, and I have a sleeping mask, too. I’ll try my very best.”

“You got it,” Jax answered gruffly.

“Kinger, what if you don’t remember? What should be said to her, in case you can’t?” Pomni warbled, feeling her eyes get heavy again.

“I’ll try my best, Pomni. But if I can’t一well, just ask her to tell the truth about how she feels. Remind her that you’re you, and that her memories are from the past. And be patient with her,” Kinger answered stoically, “now you kids ought to get to going. I know it’s late, and I don’t want to steal any more of your time.”

Jax clapped his hands together, and that glow reappeared, illuminating the room only slightly. Pomni turned to crawl out of the pillow fort, and Jax was right behind her. Only, a disembodied hand caught his shoulder before he crawled out the hatch.

“King?” Jax asked, a bit concerned, turning rto him.

“You’re a decent young man. Please try to remember, Jax, we’re all people一and people change all the time. It’s possible for Ragatha to change, so try not to give up on her,” he asked in the most heartfelt way. Jax tensed, and turned back to the opening to follow Pomni out without saying a word back to him.

When he was able to fully stand, he stretched his back and eyed around to find the little jester. He saw her leaning against the nearest wall, resting her head on it. He walked up to her and prepared to be scolded for not telling her about Ragatha’s condition earlier.

“I’m so incredibly relieved,” she said, voice cracking. A wave of relief washed over him, too, hearing that she wasn’t upset with him, and he noticed her lip quiver.

“I bet you are, Softie,” he hummed, reaching out to poke the pink blotch on her cheek.

“By the next adventure, she should be awake, right? So all we have to do is keep her afloat until we’re done with it. Just a little more time,” she hummed, not attempting to shoo his hand away.

He took her lack of opposition as an invitation to get closer, so he grabbed her hand and pulled her closer.

“You should sit on my shoulders while I run us back to the room,” he said, lifting his brows suggestively.

“Why’d you make that face, weirdo? Is being a chauffeur your kink?” she laughed, hopping onto his back when he crouched down. He grabbed her legs and slid them up to be on his shoulders and laughed with her.

“What if I just like being under you, Pom?” he teased, squeezing her calves as they hung in front of him. He started a breezy jog, not nearly as bouncy as his run.

“Oh jeez,” she hissed playfully, “Have you no shame?”

“Shame? What’s that?” he asked, in a tone much to serious. She broke out into laughter at him, and he followed suit一and they arrived at the garden door sooner than expected.

They entered and made a beeline for the tent, Jax still having mischief on his mind. He rotated Pomni so that she was now facing him, still on his shoulders, and then he pulled her arms back so she had no choice but to dangle on him like she’d done with the tree earlier that day.

“How’s the view?” he lilted, as he started spinning around to make her dizzy. She yelped and covered her eyes with her hands to avoid the spinning, and soon after he got tired of it and helped her down to the ground.

“Why do you have a goal to make me hurl?” he muttered, wobbling where she stood.

“Sorry, sorry. You’re just so f*ckin’ cute when you’re dizzy, I just wanna一”

“Jax! If you say something crazy, like bake me into a pie or sell my organs on the black market, I’m gonna do something drastic,” she deadpanned, reaching for her pajamas.

“Oh? Drastic, you say? Well by golly I’d like to see that. Even if I was gonna say I just wanna chew on you,” he hummed, watching her intently.

She mumbled some unintelligible thing before pulling off her suit and replacing it with her pj top. Jax leapt over and snatched her shorts before holding them above her head and waving them about, causing her to pout. Pomni looked down right despicable standing there, desperately adorable, reaching in his game of keep-away.

She was so frustrated, it was so lovely一but he didn’t believe her when she’d said she’d do something drastic. He thought she was merely trying to be hyperbolic, and so he paid no heed. He did pay attention, though, when she lost interest in her shorts and snatched his whole pajama set to leer over the fire.

“Give them back, please,” she asked assertively, holding his clothes above the flames. He threw his head back and barked out a laugh that could grate cheese.

“Ok, ok一first of all,” he tittered, “Threats become waaaay less threatening if you say ‘please’ afterward. Secondly, how am I supposed to take this,” he gestured vaguely to her whole being, “seriously?”

She wasted no time at all, dropping his pjs into the fire, still pouting that stupid little pout. They lit up immediately, and continued to burn as he stared at them, flabbergasted. That little punk actually did it! To be fair, he didn’t care in the slightest 一it was a pair of fake pajamas, and Caine could whip him up a new set in less time than it takes for him to snark out a witty comeback. It was just hilarious that he actually got to her enough to do something so dramatic.

“Woooooow, Pom. It’s nice to see that I really am rubbing off on you,” he hummed, turning on his heel to head to the tent.

He stopped just before it and removed his overalls, stepping out of them and kicking them to the side. Then, he smiled devilishly at her, winked, and stepped inside.

She stood by the fire, letting what she’d done catch up to her. She grabbed her cheeks and wilted, eyes shrinking and mouth pulling into a guilty frown.

“Oh my gosh! Jax, I’m sorry! I don’t know why I did that,” she warbled, skittering over to the tent sheepishly. When she peeked inside, she was met with the most cocky, shit eating grin, and all of her remorse died on the spot.

Chapter 43: CH.43 DISTRACTION

Notes:

Atencion! Muy caliente!

Pomni entered the tent speculatively, eyeing Jax as he busied himself with manipulating the bedding on the ground. He intentionally avoided her gaze, knowing that if he spotted her confused expression he’d falter and lose his edge. So instead of acknowledging her uneasiness, he patted the pillows and blankets as his cheeks ached from his uncontrollable grin.

“H-hey, um…I’m sorry for throwing your pajamas in the fire. Are you mad?” she asked timidly. He stifled a laugh and trained his eyes on the bedding below him一he just had to build up the tension a bit more.

“You, um一d-do you want me to leave?” she warbled, trying to peek around at his face. He shifted so she couldn’t see, but shook his head no dramatically enough that she’d catch it.

“Well?! It’s hard not to get worked up when you do stuff that you know will mess with me! I usually like it, but I’m just super on edge right now…” she whined, falling to her knees onto the plush blanket, “What do you want me to do? How can I make it up to you?”

Oh! What a pleasant turn of events…

“What ever am I gonna do, Poms? That was my favorite set a’ nighties,” he huffed, still keeping his back to her. He had to, his grin wasn't contained yet.

“It was?” she questioned, concern lacing her words.

“It was, Pomtree, it really was. Had sentimental value, and all that,” he said, breaking his act with a suppressed laugh. Lucky for him, Pomni was only gullible enough to think he was crying一so she scooted up next to him and peeked around his back to find his hand over his face.

“Jax一? I’ll make it up to you一”

Her plea was interrupted by a suppressed snort that was unmistakably a sound of amusement, and she immediately knew he was messing with her again.

“GRRR, JAX!” she shouted, pushing him with all her might. He plopped down on a pile of pillows and busted out laughing, rolling around like he simply couldn’t contain it. She reached over to her side and grabbed a pillow, face planted into it, and screamed as loud as she could. Jax lifted his head to watch as he wiped a tear away, settling to watch her frustration contentedly.

“Well, gast my flabbers, Pom,” he chuckled, “You gotta’ big voice for being so little. Maybe you were an opera singer.” After she’d let out all of her breath, she lifted herself from the pillow to stare annoyedly at him.

“You make it easy to have a big voice, you menace,” she sighed, falling onto her back limply.

“Sing my praises, Plácido Pomingo,” he hummed, raking his eyes over her as she sprawled out.

“Who?” she asked incredulously, not opening her eyes.

“Famous Opera singer, Pom. Ugh, get cultured,” he scoffed, reaching over to pinch at her side.

“Jax! Why are you teasing me so much right now? Aren’t you tired? I’m tired. Today has been so stressful,” she huffed, turning to face him with a pout.

“That’s precisely why, Pomegranate. You need to be teased, so you can be distracted from all the stress of the day. I know because I’m never wrong.”

She glared at him before averting her eyes to her hands as she twiddled her fingers. After a moment, she peeked back at him and started playing with a random lock of hair that she found on her shoulder.

“Well, you succeeded in distracting me, I guess. But it’s incredibly frustrating,” she grumbled, puffing her cheeks in mock anger.

“I see,” he hummed, smile deepening, “well then I should distract you another way, huh? How does that sound?”

Pomni watched his features become more mischievous and furrowed her brows, suspicious as ever. She watched his arm wrap around her side and pull her underneath him, and never once broke his stare or his smile.

“W-what do you have in mind?” she whispered, the pink on her cheeks betraying her attempt to remain dignified.

“Just enough,” he grumbled, leaning down and licking her nose, “n’not too much.”

Jax closed the gap between them, again, more gentle than Pomni prepared for. She lifted her arms to wrap around his neck and pulled him closer, paying close attention to the soft fur pressing into her body and deepening the kiss. She felt his tongue lap at her lip, so she parted only slightly and shuddered as it met with her own.

They glided along each other, slowly and sweetly, before she traced over the sharp edges of his teeth and moaned into his mouth softly. It seemed to trigger something in him, that sound, and he became a bit rougher.

He drug his tongue over hers, and pushed in deeper to explore her mouth more. Pomni was surprised by this一not that the pace was unenjoyable, but rather that his tongue was so not tongue-like. It was long, and tapered at the tip with a wide girth at the base. As he slid across her teeth and around her tongue, she couldn’t help the mental image of a tentacle appearing in her mind's eye一but she shoved that thought away as to not get overwhelmed, and focused on the electricity she was feeling. On how much better this distraction was from the last ones.

After a few minutes of making out, she felt her whole body tingling. Jax pulled away slowly, making sure to drag his tongue out from her mouth to see what type of reaction she’d have一and to his utter delight, she just stared at it without a word, eye’s half-lidded, as pink as a posy. His pupils had blown out, and he held himself upright for a moment to take her in. She shifted underneath him and brought her hand to his cheek.

“I like this distraction way better,” she whispered, taking in how his ear twitched and his shoulders shifted.

“I can do better,” he hummed quietly, before placing his hand on her belly under her shirt, “Can I?”

Pomni took a deep breath and nodded. She really didn't know what he was asking, but at this point, she didn’t really care. She just wanted him to do it.

He slid his hand up under her shirt and cupped her breast tenderly, breathing out a sigh when he made contact. He watched as she sucked in a quick breath and tried to still herself, and he couldn’t help but smile at her resolute face. She can try, but she can’t hide from him一and she’s gonna learn the hard way.

He grazed his thumb over her nipple and earned a suppressed little sound, but that wasn’t cutting it for him. He adjusted himself to lift her shirt, fully exposing her small breasts to the open air. She squeaked at the sudden change in temperature, but she couldn’t stifle anything else as he opened his mouth wide to take in her breast.

“Ahh一t-teeth,” she whimpered, reaching up to bite her knuckle. He snatched her wrist and held it away from her face, pulling away just enough so he could make eye contact. Pomni felt like she was die of embarrassment with the way he looked at her like she was a fucking five star meal. He lapped at her little pink bud and committed her disheveled face to memory before nipping at it harder.

She shivered at the sensation, whispering a desperate string of nonsense as Jax raked his teeth over her. After he heard the word ‘please’ escape in that garbled mess, the only thought in his mind was that this wasn’t enough. He needs to do better; be closer. Pomni keened as he pulled off of her breast with a pop, and she closed her eyes wanting to hide from his intensity.

She didn’t want to mess everything up by coming prematurely. After collecting herself enough to fully engage again, she peeked up at him to see that somehow, his intensity had increased. Something in his face changed, though she couldn’t put a finger on what it was exactly.

Jax abruptly pushed himself up onto his knees to reposition himself lower, and she caught the outline of his arousal in his boxers and her eyes nearly burst. He didn’t feel nearly that big when she’d grinded on him a few days ago一

“Pom you smell so一I just一I gotta taste it, please,” he rasped, sounding much more desperate than he’d have liked. Her face felt so hot, she thought it amazing that her cheeks weren’t glowing in the dim light of the tent.

“O-ok,” she whispered, scolding herself for giving in so easily一but she wanted it too.

As soon as she’d said it, his hands were on her legs, pushing them apart in a lewd way. Even sitting by her lower half, he loomed over her, watching her face as he slid his hands over her inner thighs. She trembled as his hands got closer to her warmth, and he craned his head down to take another deep inhale.

“Smell’s like you really like this,” he huffed out a strained laugh before scraping his teeth on the inner part of her knee. She gasped and her back arched so slightly, her fists balled and pressing at her sides to contain herself. She wanted to snark out a comeback, tell him he’s weird for smelling her, but her brain was getting mushy fast.

Jax trailed small kisses along her inner thigh, stopping to nibble and lick at her a few times, before reaching her underwear. He didn’t even have a choice in the matter as he pressed his face into her, groaning as the smell and wetness overtook his senses一it pulled him in like a magnet. Pomni didn’t know how to react to it, being so aroused and so surprised at the same time, but she couldn’t help the moan that escaped her when he finally made contact with where she needed him the most.

He tore his face away from her only so he could lick his lips to taste her, and it was like nothing he’d ever experienced in his life. Jax thought the smell of Pomni’s arousal was the most brainwashing thing in the circus…but this upped the ante big time.

He pushed forward again and groaned into her, yet pulling sweeter sounds from her lips, before he curled his fingers around the waistband of her panties. He pulled them down gently, raking his eyes over her. She was all pink and puffy for him, and absolutely soaked. Sweet little thing一she was shivering so much, he briefly contemplated wrapping her in a blanket before another part of his mind took over.

She doesn’t need a blanket. I’ll warm her up.

Jax layed down, ignoring the annoying pressure of his dick pressing into the ground, and pulled her legs as far apart as they’d go. Pomni was essentially doing the splits as he started licking her. All the arousal on her legs, lips, and creases were gingerly cleaned away, ripping a broken moan from her before he dove in to complete his mission.

She groaned as his tongue slipped in eagerly, twisting and coiling over itself. He felt her pussy flutter around his tongue as he pressed inside of her and growled at the sensation, his only thoughts being what that would feel like around his cock, and how to make her do that as many times as physically possible.

“Aahh一s-so much,” she whispered, pushing her legs up to squeeze his head in her overwhelmed state. All the pressure seemed to do was warp his mind further, coaxing him to curl his tongue and gather as much taste as he could. Pomni had no control over herself as she reached for his ears to attempt at grounding herself.

“Jax, listen一I don’t want to make a mess,” she pleaded desperately, speech broken by Jax’s fixation.

As deep into it as he was, his ear did catch what she said, and it piqued his interest. After forcing himself away from her heat, he rested his head on her inner thigh as a pillow and prompted her for more information.

“Make a mess? Pommi doesn’t wanna make a mess?” he hummed through his smirk, squeezing her as she shivered.

“I’m sorry! We don’t have a towel or anything, and when it happens I can't stop! If you keep it up like that then I…I will ” she whined, covering her eyes . It was better than covering her mouth, but it still irked him.

He lifted himself away and pulled toward her mouth, as determined as ever, and trailed his hand from her leg to her face. He gave her cheeks a little squeeze, pushing her lips together, before chuckling darkly.

“Not gonna lie, I reeeeally wanna make a mess.”

Before she had time to protest, he shut her up with a passionate kiss. It eased her mind a bit, and she fell into it, only to have her breath harshly stolen away as she felt his hand meet her heat, and a finger tip slip inside. She tensed at the intrusion, but it didn’t hurt. Jax took her lack of protest as a signal to keep going, so he pushed in further.

She erupted with the most sinful sound, and it reverberated in his body like an auditorium. It was only one finger一what would it be like with 2? 3? He was salivating at the thought of her impaled on him, making sweet noises only he should ever hear…

He curled his finger up and ripped out another lewd display, forcing Pomni to moan into his mouth and spread her legs wider. He drank it up, feeling her so desperate and completely distracted from everything else. He pulled away only to tease again.

“Nothin’ in that lil’ head’a yours now, huh Nerd? Haha, nothin’,” he praised himself, though he was talking to her.

He adjusted so one elbow was above her head, giving his other arm room to move. As soon as he started pumping his fingers, she let out a beautiful cry, and he was quite pleased with the view he had一he never thought he’d be into crying during sex, but it kinda makes sense. He is a little sadistic, and Pomni, well…Pomni has the opposite of an ugly cry.

Watching her take what he had for her really lit up a fire in him, and the visuals plus the ridiculous aphrodisiac of an odor pushed him to unravel her completely.

“Pom, make a mess for me,” he ordered harshly, grinning like a wolf like smile. His arm picked up the pace, and he changed the angle of his hand to hit her sensitive spot, and within seconds she did exactly as he asked. She writhed on the ground where she lay, blinded and deafened by the generous gift of euphoria as he basked in his accomplishments, and he felt a gush of liquid cover his palm.

He whispered obscenities under his breath as he felt her grip tighten around his fingers, and he pulled away to bring them forward in a mirthful display of degeneracy. Jax pulled his fingers apart and pushed them back together, watching the formation of glossy panes change to strings and finally break to drip down toward his palm.

When he refocused on Pomni, she was laying there limply, breathing deep but calmed breaths. Her face was still pink, but she was being pulled into sleep一no doubt he stole any energy she may have had left.

Well, call him a vampire.

He grabbed the blanket that was underneath her bottom to remove it, surely the wetness would make her cold一but then the smell trapped him again. It wouldn’t hurt, right? She’s sleeping, she’s not gonna help him out with his situation, so what’s a bunny to do? He could just take care of it himself…she can help next time.

So he did. And it was made exponentially more enjoyable with his mind-numbing souvenir and a prime visual aid. After he came into the wet fabric, he opened up the tent and tossed the evidence into the fire with his long gone pjs.

He crawled back inside and tucked himself neatly under the same cover Pomni curled into, and she turned to face him even in her unconsciousness. His heart was fluttering again, even as he scolded himself to get some sleep as he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.

He couldn’t help the immense amount of pride he had, though. It was pouring out of his ears. He had successfully distracted her from one of the worst days they’ve had in a long time一maybe Pomni’s number 1. But he did it. And she liked it. And that pride wasn’t what he assumed would be felt after fucking a pretty girl一it was because she trusted him. And she let him closer than anybody else has gotten.

He sighed and buried his nose in her hair to force himself to calm down, as he was already starting to get excited again. No, gotta sleep, there's an adventure tomorrow… but how could he distract himself from the jester curled up in his arms?

He didn’t want to.

Chapter 44: CH.44 AWAKENING

Pomni woke up to the gentle illumination of artificial morning sun filtering through the creme fabric of the tent, and a soft snore from nearby. She watched as Jax breathed, as his chest rose and fell, and the memories of last night flooded her abruptly. She started burning up, realizing that she’d fallen asleep so quickly after he’d…helped her out. 

She attempted to lift herself up only to realize that his arm was weighing her down. She then attempted to gently push him off, only to be pulled closer一colliding with the fluff.

“No walk of shame allowed,” Jax grumbled groggily, not bothering to open his eyes. God, how can he say embarrassing shit like that when he hasn’t even been awake for 5 seconds? She couldn’t fathom.

“N-no! I wasn’t一I’m not ashamed! It was wonderful…” 

Thaaaat got him to open his eyes.

“Woooonderful?” he sleepily lilted, pulling a crooked grin and rolling over to trap her under his lanky body.

She struggled to move, but he somehow wasn’t crushing her so much that she couldn’t breath. She relaxed and decided to just deal with it, because it won’t be like this for much longer一he had to get up eventually.

“Yes,” she murmured, “And I’m sorry I didn’t say so last night. It一you kinda took everything out of me.” 

“Oh, I know, Pomelo,” he hummed, curling his arm under her and squeezing, “no offense taken. Just gotta lemmi do it again.” Pomni grunted as she kept her rosey face planted in his shoulder and nodded slowly before placing her hands at his sides.

“Jax, let me up, please. I want to get dressed and do the hot dogs for breakfast,” she hummed.

“Oh? You wanna stay and waste time alone, here, without the others, with me?” he smirked, rolling back over to let her up.

“Yeah yeah sure. I want a hot dog for breakfast. What else did you bring?”

“Chips, water, a mug for that @ss-tea ya like so much,” he chuckled, sitting up himself.

“It’s called ANISE,” she laughed, shuffling to the flap to hop out of the tent.

She got dressed and found the food, and started cooking a couple of sausages for herself and Jax while he rummaged around doing Caine knows what in the tent. After a while he emerged lazily, stretching dramatically and letting his tongue fall out of his mouth as he made a big yawn. He cast his gaze at the cooking hot dogs and was reminded about how he disposed of the soiled blanket into the fire, and chuckled to himself at the thought of extra ‘seasoning’.

“What’s so funny, Bunny?” she asked, rotating her sticks to get an even cook.

“Oh, nothin’,” he hummed, plopping himself down beside her. He rummaged through the bag and pulled out the canteen and an empty mug, setting it up by the fire and filling it, then taking a swig.

“Just remembered,” he mentioned, “that you’re a geyser-jester.”

“Oh my God please don’t start about it,” she whispered harshly, covering her face with her hand, “It’s so embarrassing.”

“Why’re you embarrassed? That’s sh*t’s hot as f#ck,” he hummed casually, snatching one of the sticks she was roasting with. She watched him shove it directly into the fire to get a good char, and then pull it out to chomp it. 

“It’s gross!” she yelped, pulling out her own stick. She brought it to her lips and blew off the steam before nibbling on the end.

“Oh, so you think I’m gross, now, huh?” he snarked with full cheeks, reaching over for the marshmallow bag.

“Now come on I never said一”

“You said that you think squirting is gross, but you did it and I loved it, so you think I’m gross! Cuz Jax is too freaky-deaky,” he huffed, shoving a couple mallows onto his stick to roast them.

“I don’t think you’re gross. I’ve just thought it was a gross thing that I did for a long time. Everybody poops, and I think pooping is gross, but I don’t judge people for pooping,” Pomni reasoned before taking a full bite of her dog.

“Sh*tting and cuming are literally so different, you doofus,” he cackled, “why do you think it’s gross?”

“Hmm…I guess I’ve always been self conscious about it since it first一happened,” she hummed, lost in thought.

“When it first happened, were you by yourself?” he prodded.

“Nnnnno,” she muttered uneasily.

“Mk. So some dipsh*t made you feel bad for it your first time,” he scoffed, “which by the way is so sh*tty, and you can't help but see it as a bad thing now. But guess what? That was one time. Remember what you said about Pavlonian conditioning?”

“That it’s like a timeshare?” she pondered.

“That it’s the most efficient method for brainwashing,” he corrected.

“Ok. Brainwashing…?”

 “Haha, Pom一I’m gonna condition the f&ck outa’ you,” he plucked a mallow off of his stick and handed it to her, grinning smugly.

Pomni’s cheeks got warmer before she shook her head to rid herself of her pesky thoughts. She took the sugary treat he offered apprehensively, turning it in her hand to analyze it, eyeing the light golden edges.

“This is just how I like them,” she hummed, taking a bite.

“Oh really? Lucky guess,” he chuckled, placing his own back into the fire to burn.

-

Gangle woke up in her room with a hollow feeling rattling around in her gut. She’d agreed, reluctantly, to sleep in her own room last night because Zooble was watching Ragatha. They’d been so insistand on it, that if anything were to happen it be better with less people, and though it made her feel bad一but she couldn’t really argue with Zooble when they so very rarely asked her for things. 

So she respected Zoobles' wish to be the sole watcher of the doll as she slept off her sedative. Even though she barely slept a wink worrying about both of them the whole night.

She swiftly slipped out of her bed and shuffled out of her room, heading straight for Zoobles’. When she stopped by the door, she tapped lightly and quickly, never stopping until Zoobles grumpy sleepy face greeted her.

“Hey,” they grumbled, gesturing for her to enter.

“How are you? How is she? Did she wake up yet? Ha一”

“Calm down. It’s good,” they hummed, patience thinning.

Zooble wobbled over to the bed and motioned toward Ragatha, who was still sleeping soundly.

“How long has it been?” Gangle asked meekly, fumbling her ribbons together nervously.

“Since she made contact exactly, I'm not sure. But I think it’s been around 8 hours,” they mumbled, sitting on the end of the bed.

“So it should be soon. Ok. What, um一what do you think we should do with her before she wakes up?”

“Whatch’a mean?” Zooble questioned, turning to her confusedly.

“Well, I mean, Ragatha is going to wake up, but her mind will probably still be一where it was. I don’t think she’ll take it well if she wakes up in your room,” Gangle warbled.

“So what do you propose we do, then? Put her in her own bed?”

“No, I was thinking more along the lines of putting her out in the commons so we can keep an eye on her. If she goes back to her room, she could pull a Kaufmo,” Gangle whimpered.

“Ah…don’t want her to pull a Kaufmo,” Zooble agreed gravely.

They watched her for a moment, the fearful possibility causing both of them to cringe. Gangle sighed and patted her arm weakly before casting a dejected look to Zooble.

“I’m not strong enough to move her by myself. I don’t think you are either, but一maybe together?” Gagle proposed quietly. Zooble gave a defeated huff.

“We can try, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen.”

They went over to the side of the bed, each attempting to get a hold of her, both extremely poorly. Gangle struggled to reach her ribbons under Ragatha’s shoulders, while Zooble failed to grip her with their pool noodle arm. They tried over and over, Gangle attempting new positions, and Zooble replacing their upper limbs a few times一only to end up tripoded and struggling to catch their breaths.

“I一I don’t think一hah, we got it,” Gangle huffed brokenly.

“Nah,” Zooble huffed back.

They were just about to conjure up another plan when they were interrupted by a tap at the door. Gangle shot up to answer, wondering who of their little troop would be knocking so early in the morning, and they pulled open the door to find the nervous face of a small jester.

“Oh! Pomni, it’s nice to see you,” Gangle wheezed, relief flooding her.

“Yeah一how’s Ragatha?” Pomni asked warily.

“Mmm, well, she’s一”

“Still out cold,” Zooble hummed, coming up behind Gangle.

Pomni took a small step inside to get a better look at her, and indeed she was still sleeping soundly. She looked so peaceful, it made a pressure form behind Pomni’s eyes.

“We’re trying to move her to the commons to keep an eye on her. We think it’s the safest way,” Gangle explained as Pomni inched closer.

“Psh, just throw her in her room and let her come-to in there,” Jax's bitter voice cut through the air.

“No, Jax, Kaufmo abstracted alone in his room. We don’t wanna do that to her,” Gangle fretted, dodging him as he stepped through the doorway.

“Hey hey back it up, Jack@ss,” Zooble spat, stepping in front of him to block his path.

“Woah! So hostile, Zoob, I just wanna see our favorite plastic plastered pal,” he sneered, pushing past them to sneak a peak.

Pomni was by the bed, and she’d rested her hand on Ragatha’s arm gently, as if she were grieving a sick bedridden loved one. Jax bristled at the sight, but kept his growl to himself as he crossed his arms and jutted his hips sassily.

“I think it’d be best to move her to the sofa, too. We can at least watch her, and prepare for the adventure with her better out there,” Pomni muttered, never taking her worried gaze off of the doll. Jax rolled his eyes.

“Yeah一we’ve tried,” Zooble mumbled, gesturing to her limp body, “She’s heavy for a doll.”

Pomni seemed to zone out a bit at their words, leaving everyone in the room to question her face in silence. After a moment, she snapped out of it and waved Gangle and Zooble toward her.

“I’ll help. I can handle a lot of weight,” Pomni hummed in a determined way, pushing her arms under the dolls back.

“You一can?” Zooble asked skeptically, cocking a brow at her.

“I’ve been building up a tolerance for it. Specifically dead weight,” she mumbled. Jax’s ear twitched and a tiny smirk escaped him, as he knew she was talking about him. Gangle and Zooble reluctantly went back to the bedside to attempt moving her again, with Pomni’s aide.

“On three,” Pomni called, hearing the other two shuffle into place.

“Gotta count in German,” Jax scoffed, watching half amused, half annoyed as the 3 weakest links cosplayed paramedics. Pomni shot him a frustrated glare before sticking out her tongue. She sighed and turned back to face Ragatha with Zooble and Gangle.

“Eins….Zwei….”

“Oh for f#ck’s sake, move over,” Jax interrupted, picking Pomni up by the back of her suit. She tucked in her legs and arms as he swung her behind him like a crane and dropped her on the floor.

“You pick now to reveal that you're bilingual? What did I say about your timing?!” Jax barked, scooping up Ragatha in one swift motion.

Gangle and Zooble watched flabbergasted, but not appalled, as Jax held a dead weight Ragatha with a very sour face. Pomni picked herself up from the floor and walked out toward the commons, and was followed by the rest. When she got to the sofa, she turned around to wait patiently as Zooble, Gangle and Jax approached.

“I think she’d be more at home in a dumpster, personally. But I’ll drop her where ya’ point, Pipsqueak,” he grumbled, watching Pomni intently. She rushed over to the largest couch and pointed, and Zooble and Gangle nearly choked on their own spit as he did as he said he’d do, without any unnecessary harsh movements or force.

Ragatha was placed on the sofa gently, her head supported by the armrest and an arm flopping off once Jax stood completely. He stepped back, pushing his hands into his pockets to aire nonchalance, attempting to ignore the guffawed faces of the mask and cheap lego cop-out. 

“If you guys don’t stop starin’ at me like that I’ll gouge yer’ eyes out and scrape’em on my toast as jelly,” he finally hissed, after the unmentioned tension became too heavy for him. They both quickly averted their gaze to watch the doll instead.

After Pomni had finished adjusting Ragatha, folding her limbs onto each other in a way she hoped was comfortable, she turned around to see Zooble and Gangle staring at the couch rather intensely, and Jax baring his teeth at them with flattened ears. Pomni walked quietly up to Jax and took his hand, breaking his snarl. She gestured for him to bend down, and without a thought he did.

Zooble and Gangle couldn’t help but silently watch in amazement as the guy who just threatened them gave all of his attention to the jester. He was distracted, so they were less likely to be maimed一and it was pretty incredible to see him act so…

Docile? Nah….domesticated.

Pomni cupped his cheeks in her hands and leaned forward with a sweet smile. Gangle nearly squealed at the thought of them kissing一she could finally reveal how long she’s been shipping them一but they didn’t kiss. Instead, she gave his nose a small lick, and whispered something neither Gangle nor Zooble could make out.

Afterward, she made her way to the dining table wordlessly. Jax stood up straight with his bright bright pink face and followed her closely, never looking at anything else, reminding Gangle of a well trained dog or a maybe baby duck. Zooble nudged Gangle and pointed to his backside, stifling a laugh as they watched his tail wag. They’d never seen that before一if it weren’t Jax, they might have called it cute.

They all took a seat at the dining table, and were followed by Kinger shortly after. All the plates were filled except for Pomni's, who decided that after hot dogs and marshmallows that she didn't need anything else. Jax can always eat, though, so he piled his plate high like every other day. Ragatha earned glances from Pomni and Gangle every now and then, but did not stir for a good while. There was relatively little conversation among them until Kinger spoke up.

“So, I don’t know about you guys, but I’d like to get dressed before we go on the adventure today,” he hummed happily.

Everyone shot him a confused look, but Jax was the only one to question him.

“What’re you on about, old man?” Jax asked casually.

“I want to put on an outfit. I’m headed to the wardrobe after breakfast, if anyone would like to join me.”

“The wardrobe? Do you mean your wardrobe?” Gangle asked.

“The wardrobe Ragatha won last adventure!” Kinger pipped.

The cast shot each other various degrees of puzzled looks before Pomni spoke up.

“I’d love to come to the wardrobe with you, Kinger.”

Jax’s ear twitched and he whipped his head around to glare behind him, locking onto the sofa. Ragatha stirred ever so slightly, groaning out a pained sound as she lifted her limbs clumsily and stretched them. Pomni followed his line of sight and felt a rush of relief seeing her friend breaking from her comatose state.

Pomni abandoned her place at the table to run up to Ragatha as soon as she noticed movement. Zooble leaned back in their chair as they watched her skitter, and Jax had to stop himself from jumping after her一as long as she’s within earshot, he’ll be able to hear anything suspicious.

“H-hi, Rags,” Pomni stuttered, kneeling on the floor beside the couch wearily.

“Oh my Land,” Ragatha hissed, bringing her hand to her forehead, “my head’s pounding一oh Pomni一” she reached out her plush hand to land on the jesters’ shoulder, and was met with a soft, concerned look.

“You were knocked out in the massage room, but don’t worry. You were in good hands while you were out,” Pomni reassured.

“I know,” Ragatha whispered, eyes starting to water, “you’re so good to me.”

Ragatha sloppily pushed herself up from her slumped position and leaned against the back of the sofa, taking a deep breath. Pomni debated telling her that Zooble was the one who watched her for the night, but settled on not when she patted the spot next to her. Pomni complied, scooting herself timidly to the spot.

“Do you want to get some breakfast before Caine shows up and force feeds us an adventure?” Pomni asked lightheartedly, gesturing to the table with a nod. Ragatha looked up to meet Jax’s icy stare, and to see that everyone else was particularly engrossed with her at the moment. Ragatha turned back to Pomni and nodded in agreement, prompting the shorter woman to stand. She held out her hand, and Ragatha took it thankfully.

She leaned on Pomni as her pale arm wrapped around her waist for balance. Ragatha was a little wobbly, but she was more than happy to embellish her predicament if it meant keeping the jester wrapped around her for a bit longer. They walked to the table, and Pomni sat Ragatha in her seat at the far end. Just as Pomni started to pull away to return to her own seat, Ragatha’s arm shot out like a viper and snatched her wrist.

Before Ragatha could even contemplate letting go, Jax had jumped between them and ripped her fingers away from Pomni’s wrist. He remembered every detail Pomni had told him when she’d recounted what happened yesterday, and he was not about to let anything else traumatizing happen between them on his watch. He was seething, boiling, and soooo ready to just rip into the clingy doll already, but Pomni had yet again slunk in between them and begged him to stay civil.

“Please, please, please, she didn’t hurt me, I swear she was just quick with it!” she pleaded. She was shaking as she held his arm desperately, and the different voices in his mind told him different things.

She’s scared because of Ragatha! She’s scared because of you! Is she trembling because she’s scared, or because she got hurt? How could you let it happen when Pomni told you she hurt her before? Get your shit together! Ragatha’s not gonna learn the easy way!

一And for the last time, he let her pull him away. Jax turned to face Pomni with a very angry face, and leaned down to rasp in her ear so no one else would hear.

“Listen to me,” he growled, “This is the last straw. I swear, I swear to Jesus and Allah and Vishnu and f#cking Ra that if she pulls any sh*t like that again, she’s gonna have a first class ticket to dismemberment. It doesn’t matter if you tell me not to if she hurts you. It will happen.”

And with that, he stood and stomped his way back to his seat to sit and stare blankly in front of him. Ragatha, who was trying to process the insanely quick succession of events that just played out, tracked him before turning to look at Pomni.

She had scurried away too, back to her seat next to Jax. Gangle was trembling nervously, having seen Ragatha’s mood swings first hand and wanting nothing more than to never see them again. Zooble grabbed their coffee mug and downed it like a shot before placing it back on the table with a sigh, while Kinger hummed and stood to push in his chair.

“Pomni, would you still like to come along to see the wardrobe? It’s a very nice shade of coral pink,” he asked calmly, offering her his unique brand of comfort. She met his stare eagerly and stood abruptly to follow him.

Just as she’d pushed in her own chair, fireworks burst out in front of the table and stopped them dead in their tracks.

“WELL, HELLO, my Pompous Pink Pythagoreans! I’m so very excited for you; today I've conjured up something particularly nostalgic!” Caine bawled, as the cast stared at him hollowly.

“Yeah, it’s really nostalgic,” Bubble hummed.

“Today is a special day for Kinger! So, we are celebrating with a super spectacular bug-catching adventure extravaganza! The goal will be to capture as many bugs as possible!” Caine pipped, snapping to tear open a portal.

“And some bugs are worth more points than others!” Bubble beamed, floating closer to Caine.

“Oh! Bug catching!? That’s wonderful!” Kinger announced jovially, running toward the portal to cannonball into it.

The rest of the cast grunted or made no sound at all as they filtered through the portal after the chess piece, Ragatha walking after him first in a daze.

Pomni battled her nausea as she approached the portal, reminding herself that the only thing she had to do was keep Ragatha half-sane until the end of the adventure. She’ll take her to Kinger after it, and they could get her some proper help. As she lost herself in her head, she felt a large hand wrap around hers and give her a little squeeze.

Chapter 45: Ch. 45 SHOW ME

The crew stepped through the portal to find themselves in a large, lush rainforest. Caine had dressed them in expedition outfits, lightweight breathable cotton shirts and thick tan cargo pants, and they had bucket hats and their hair was tide away from their faces. Caine and Bubble led them to a little shack that housed various types of nets, jars, and enclosures meant to house insects. The crew was greeted by a short pudgy NPC of a pink salamander. 

“Hello explorers! You finally made it! We’ll get you guys set up right away,” she said happily, gathering various supplies.

Caine wished them luck before he fled, leaving them behind in the massive expanse of rainforest.

The salamander handed everyone a net and a sling bag full of what they assumed to be helpful tools, or absolute nonsense. Gangle stepped closer to Zooble and they teamed up, because Gangle was having a difficult time holding the net. Ragatha stood and stared at the NPC with a blank face as she continued to explain what they needed to do.

“I’m Manny, by the by! I’m with the University of Mandibles, and we’ve hired you all to catch as many specimens for us as possible! The bigger the insect, the more coveted it is一so look for the monsters!”

Kinger needed no more prompting, he was off like a prom dress holding his net up as if it were a holy relic.

Ragatha paled at the NPCs words, the situation sinking in finally. She was not a fan of bugs. Pomni saw the change in her face and walked up to her tentatively.

“Hey, Ragatha? You ok?” she asked, flitting her eyes over the doll's face.

“I don’t like bugs,” she whispered, staring off behind Pomni.

“Well, what about butterflies? Do you like them?” she asked, adjusting her heavy fanny pack.

“Butterflies aren't so bad, I guess,” she responded.

“Ok! Well, why don't you focus on finding the butterflies? No need to catch anything else.”

“Yeah, leave that to the rest of us, Rags,” Jax huffed, stepping forward. Ragatha cast him a dirty look as he settled beside Pomni, about three feet away. Pomni glanced at him before returning her gaze to Ragatha.

This situation was so shit. She knew she wasn’t going to be able to lose either of them, with everything playing out the way it has. Ragatha is not going to let Pomni get farther than five feet away from her, and Jax was super on edge because of what happened at the dining table. He wanted to be there in case Ragatha pulled more craziness, and since Pomni had the obligation to play into Ragatha’s ideas, there was no getting around the tension of their heads butting. She only had to keep up the balancing act until the adventure ended so Ragatha could get help from Kinger.

Pomni sighed. Make it work.

“Ragatha, you don’t like bugs, right? But Jax is pretty ok with them. I think it would really benefit us if we let him join our team, because he can get the scariest ones. You can get the butterflies, and I can be the jar holder,” she warbled, hoping desperately that she would accept it.

“You want Jax to join our team, Pomni?” Ragatha said harshly, gritting her teeth as she stared daggers at him. Pomni jumped to her side and grabbed her hand to pull her attention away.

“Please, Raggy? I一I’m not a fan of touching bugs either! If he joins our team, he can handle touching them, and neither of us have to do it,” she pleaded, watching the gears turn in the doll's head.

Ragatha hummed in understanding and nodded slowly, casting a determined face at Jax as he stood there, arms crossed and scowling.

“You can join our team only if you’re the one to touch them,” she asserted.

Though every fiber in his being wanted to snark out a nasty comeback or just flat out deck her in the face, he held his tongue and nodded through his scowl. He knew better than to fuck up this delicate situation. Pomni had succeeded in convincing Ragatha to let the person she despised to accompany them一and he was gonna make sure nothing bad happened.

“Great! Ok, well, we should head out. I have a compass and a GPS tracker with the main shacks location, and a bunch of jars in this bag. Why don't we start by the water?” Pomni suggested, scanning her digital map. The bag at her side acted as a conduit for the menu, all she had to do was interact with it and infinite slots opened up for storage of jarred insects.

“Water. Got it,” Jax grumbled, peering at her map from behind, “Pom leads. Little legs take little steps, slow pokes go first.”

Ragatha sneered at him and stepped in front of him to place a hand on Pomni’s shoulder. They started on their way, ducking past branches and vines, and avoiding various tripping hazards along the path. They eventually arrived by a wide stream and were swarmed by little flies. 

Pomni pulled out a jar and started scooping at the air, collecting tens of them at a time. Every time one entered her jar, a notification appeared above it about the points she was earning. Ragatha was thoroughly disgusted, swatting at the little creatures as they bonked her in the head and face. Jax readied his net and started studying the banks, looking for anything that might be useful. 

He saw in the water there were some water striders, and he decided that he could reach if he got wet. He waded into the stream and scooped the net under them violently, catching two and causing the rest to flee. 

“Need a jar, Pipsqueak,” he called, stepping onto the bank.

Pomni pulled a jar from her bag and opened it, handing it to him. He inverted the net over the jar and the bugs fell inside, and a pop up of 5 points each popped in above it.

“These things are so cool. They can walk on water because their legs are so long, the surface tension supports them,” she mumbled, watching him close the container.

“What don’t you know about?” Jax chuckled, handing the water striders to her.

“My fun facts are severely lacking in the categories of east Asian history and motor vehicles,” she hummed.

Ragatha peered at the jar in her hand and her sour face dropped. She was taken aback a bit as Pomni handed her the jar so she could get a better look.

“It’s ok, Ragatha, they can't get out. And even if they did, they can’t bite or sting. They actually eat mosquitoes, so they’re our buddies,” Pomni explained softly as Ragatha eyed the jar. It reminded the jester of a small child seeing something fascinating for the first time.

“Yeah, I don’t care for mosquitos,” Ragatha muttered to herself, turning it in her hand. She placed it back into Pomni’s bag and shivered, wiping her hands on her pants even though she only touched the glass.

“Woah, check this monster out!” Jax called excitedly from a few meters away. Ragatha felt her stomach drop as Pomni jogged to where he was curiously.

It was fucking huge. Jax had found a massive golden orb weaver spider suspended in a large web above the water, and it nearly made Pomni shit her pants when she saw it.

“H-holy moly,” she squeaked, gawking up at it. It must have been the size of her face, easily.
“Awe, Pom, you scared?” he teased, readying his net.

“I一no! It’s just so creepy! Are you seriously going to try and catch that thing?!” Pomni gasped, eyes as big as saucers. Ragatha cautiously approached her and curiously eyed the jester.

“What thing?” Ragatha asked, looking to Jax as he tried to balance on a log suspended over the stream. Pomni pointed to the spider he was approaching, and Ragatha let out a shrill shriek.

“Oh God, calm down. It’s just a spider,” he hummed, reaching his net up and snatching it.

“JAX THAT IS NOT A SPIDER THAT’S A DEMON,” Ragatha yelled, pulling Pomni in front of her fearfully as he made his way toward them.

“Oh, that’s a cool name. Demon,” he laughed. Ragatha started going hysterical as the spider started crawling out of the net, making its way to the rim.

“Will you chill the f*ck out, you drama queen? He’s a cool guy,” Jax smiled, holding his hand out for the spider to crawl onto.

“Um, it’s actually a female. Sexual size dimorphism is extremely common in arthropods,” Pomni squeaked, feeling her stomach drop as the giant ass spider happily crawled along his hand.

“There’s the fun facts we love! Tell me more about her then, Nerd. What kinda spider is it?” 

“Um一I t-think it’s an orb weaver?” she stammered, pulling out a jar for him.

Like an absolute jackass, he reached out for it with the hand that the spider was sitting on, and Pomni and Ragatha both nearly passed out. He laughed maniacally at their fear and snatched the jar with his other hand to pop it open.

“Go on, Demon. Haha, I think Imma keep you,” he hummed. The spider crawled into the jar with no protest, offering 10 points, and as soon as the lid was sealed Pomni felt a sense of relief. He handed her the jar and she eyed it intensely, looking at the spider's beautiful yellow and black stripes. Since it was locked away, she could properly admire it without fear, but Ragtha was absolutely not having it.

“Pomni pomni PLEASE put that demon away,” she begged from a distance.

“Ok, ok,” she mumbled, securing the spider in her bag.

“Yo Dolly, I think I saw some butterflies when we passed by a small clearing covered in flowers. How about it?” Jax turned to her, pointing back up the path they came from. She gulped down her anxiety and nodded, pushing the thoughts of the spider away. Pomni led them as they pushed forward, returning to a kind of empty spot where the sun filtered through the canopy.

Ragatha loosened up a bit as she saw the beautiful fluttering creatures. She readied her net and started chasing after  them, losing herself for a moment. Jax and Pomni stayed close to the path and watched her as she swung her net around like she was in a perfectly normal mental place.

“She’s doing ok, right now,” Pomni muttered, eyeing the doll.

“Yeah. I think the best way to handle everything is to keep her occupied until it’s over,” he agreed. Pomni closed her eyes and took a deep breath, relaxing in her stance. After a silent moment, she spoke.

“I appreciate you coming, you know. As difficult as everything is right now, you make me feel safer than when I’m with her by myself.”

He smiled and nodded slightly, feeling like he’d gotten a gold star. It gave him a strange feeling of competence and purpose, her saying’, ‘you make me feel safer’.

“Ain’t no way in hades you’d catch me ditchin’ after she grabbed you so hard. She’s more unstable than, uhh一hey Pom, what’s something that really unstable?” 

“Francium is the most unstable element with no long lasting isotopes,” she hummed idly.

“That,” he grinned, pulling on one of her pigtails.

 

“OH! OH I GOT ONE!” she yipped excitedly, “And it’s big!”

Jax and Pomni paced up to her to see a brilliant blue butterfly in her net, fluttering around. Pomni opened the jar and captured it, offering Ragatha a sweet smile. 10 points appeared above the jar.

“Good job, Ragatha. That’s beautiful,” she praised. The doll smiled warmly and tanked her as she put the jar away.

“The blue ones are beautiful,” Ragatha said, her gaze elongating. Pomni watched her stare into nothing and her stomach dropped. That look is trouble.

“Yes, they are, aren’t they?” Pomni said warily. 

Jax had gone out into the clearing to attempt catching some more while the jester and doll chatted meters away. He was catching more butterflies as Pomni watched nervously next to Ragatha.

“You have a tattoo of one,” Ragatha hummed, eyes glazed over.

Pomni gulped and gripped her bag tightly as she stood there in stunned silence.

“I一”

“Yo Pomster I got some more,” Jax called out, jogging toward them. Ragatha whipped her head around and stared at him confusedly, watching him approach with a couple of imprisoned lepidoptera.

Pomni thanked him for interrupting in her head as she put away the bugs, doing so quickly and clumsily. Jax eyed her hands with a cocked brow, but his face shifted when he took in the smell. He immediately turned to Ragatha and stared her down.

“So what’s on your mind, Rags,” he sneered, not intending to sound nasty but succeeding anyway.

“I never got any tattoos, but Bea’s got some really pretty ones,” Ragatha answered monotonously. Jax stiffened.

“Yeah? Well, ah一what’s she got?” he asked her tensely.

“The blue butterfly, on her lower back,” Ragatha deadpanned, stepping toward Pomni, “an anchor on her shoulder. Millie's initials on her chest.”

Jax moved in between her and Pomni to act as a barrier as Ragatha got closer, but she didn’t seem to register it.

“Let me see it,” Ragatha muttered, reaching her hand out for the smaller woman. 

“Hey! You can’t just tell her to show you her tats out in the open! You want me to watch her strip, huh?” Jax growled, puffing up to challenge the doll as she approached.

“Oh…How silly of me,” Ragtha mumbled, locking eyes with Pomni. She was shaking, she was so nervous.

“L-let’s get some m-more,” Pomni whispered harshly, stepping away from both of them to go back into the clearing. 

Jax paced after her, making sure to keep himself wedged between the women. Ragatha meandered behind him, keeping her eyes locked on the jester as she searched for other insects. They busied themselves with catching random little bugs until the GPS started buzzing, directing them to come back to the shack.

They arrived back without any incidents, although the air was very uncomfortable between the three of them. Well, more like the two of them, as Ragatha was dissociating the whole time and wasn’t able to pay much attention to the wack vibes she was putting out.

Manny greeted the trio happily and ushered them to sit at a little table and pull out their specimens. Pomni started placing the jars on the table, and they had a total of 73 points. Soon, the others filtered through the door, and they placed their jars on the table too一Zooble and Gangle had gotten 28, and Kinger, unsurprisingly, got a whopping 234 points.

“WOW! Look at all of these beautiful insects and arachnids! You all have done so well, explorers!” she exclaimed.

Ragatha was lost in her head, staring at the jar in front of her. The brilliant blue butterfly fluttered about in the jar, it’s scales shimmering in the pale light of the shack. She brought the jar closer to her, and picked it up to press against her chest. She laid her head on the jar and stroked it gently.

While the rest of the crew were talking with the salamander, Jax watched Ragatha’s display of care for the butterfly with a feeling of immense distrust. He watched as the doll sat quietly, preoccupied with it, and felt unease bloom in his gut. Ragatha averted her longing gaze at the bug to settle on Pomni sitting across from her. Jax scoffed and snatched his Demon spider as he awaited the AI’s return.

Caine showed up and congratulated them on their accomplishments and awarded Kinger as the victor. He opened a portal back to the circus, and everyone meandered in lazily, though Ragatha seemed to still be quite out of it. Their regular outfits appeared again as Caine turned excitedly to the bunny.

“Oh? What’s this? Jax, you brought an NPC along with you!” he hollered, swinging up to him and peeking into his arms.

“It’s just a spider, dude, chill. I like her, I wanna keep her,” Jax hummed, holding up the jar for Caine to see.

“I know you silly superstars are so entertained by the notion of pets, but I can’t have NPCs running around the circus! And even if I did let you keep her, that wouldn’t be fair to anyone else! Pomni didn’t get to keep her alligator,” Caine explained.

“Wait, Caine一if he can't have the spider out in the open, could he have it in a separate room? We could have a designated pet area,” Kinger suddenly proposed happily, eyeing Jax’s pretty spider.

“A designated area for pets, eh? Hmmmm一that might be doable!” he yipped, snapping excitedly, “You are allowed to keep her in the pet room! I added a room to the door-hall. It’s yellow and covered in paw prints. She’ll be in there!”

And with that, the jar Jax was holding disappeared. He eyed his hands blankly before folding his arms to peer at him annoyedly.

Caine called Bubble in to make their lunch and disappeared after explaining that they could go to the pet room and enjoy the company of the lesser-level NPCs, and that the NPCs were physically unable to leave the room. Pomni held her breath at the prospect of seeing the horses from previous adventures一maybe she could bring Ragatha and introduce her to Hailstorm and Zenith? If they were in the room, surely she could…and Ragatha said she loved horses. It might make her feel better.

Pomni turned to Ragatha to ask her if she wanted to go see the new room, only to be met with her vacant stare.

“Um, Rags? I’m gonna go check out the new room. Wanna come? There may be horses in there,” Pomni asked quietly. Ragatha blinked and nodded slightly before casting her gaze at Pomni’s shoulder. She reached out and brushed her thumb across Pomni’s shoulder blade, causing the younger woman to shiver apprehensively. 

“O-ok! Let’s go, then, haha,” Pomni laughed nervously, starting down the hall. Ragatha followed right behind her, staring at the small of her back. Jax knew she was being way too weird and he needed to keep an eye on them, but he had no excuse to tag along now. So he let them gain a little distance before he trailed after them.

Pomni and Ragatha arrived at the hall of doors and immediately saw the bright yellow one, decorated in paw prints. Pomni held the door for Ragatha sweetly before heading in herself, making sure to leave the door open in case she needed to make a break.

Pomni was delighted to see that there was a paddock containing several horses, and a kennel housing various types of dogs. Farm animals of all sorts ran around a big red barn, and the place couldn’t be more lively. Jax’s spider even had a huge enclosure that they could walk into if they wanted一but who in their right mind would do that?

“Oh this is great! Ragatha, come on, I want to introduce you to Hailstorm,” Pomni exclaimed, running up to the fence to stand on the bottom rung. Ragatha followed quietly, but never took her eyes off the small of Pomni’s back.

“She’s the white one! I caught her with Jax and Zoobles’ help in the cowboy adventure,” Pomni explained. 

Before Pomni could register what was happening, Ragatha grasped her hips and held her in place as she stood on the bottom rung of the fence.

“Show me the butterfly,” Ragatha ordered monotonously.

“Th-the butterfly? Rags, it’s not here,” Pomni stuttered, tensing, “We left it in the adventure.”

“No. Show me your butterfly,” Ragatha corrected, brushing her thumb above Pomni’s tailbone.

“Ragatha,” Pomni whispered fearfully, “I don’t have a butterfly一”

“YES YOU DO! SHOW ME!” 

Ragatha pulled her down from where she stood and forced her onto her stomach on the ground. Pomni was so startled, she didn’t even make a noise of surprise as her knees scraped in the dirt. Ragatha reached up to the collar of Pomni’s jumpsuit to find a zipper that Pomni didn’t even know was there. She started to pull it down to reveal the skin of her back. 

“W-wait, Ragatha! I don’t have any tattoos! Please let me go! I’m sorry!” she pleaded, trying to push herself up. She couldn’t, though, as Ragatha was effectively pinning her by sitting on her legs and pressing her shoulders down. As the zipper opened, Ragatha pulled at the jester's suit, raking over her ivory skin in search of the butterfly. Her heart sank as it was nowhere to be seen.

“What? W-where is一?”

“IMMA KILL YOU, YA’ CRAZY B!TCH!”

Jax bolted toward them and full on body-slammed the ragdoll like a football player, knocking all the wind out of her. She was so out of it and he was so fast, she didn’t really have time to register that she was now being pinned down, or the fact that his teeth were sunk deeply into her arm. 

Pomni scrambled to get up, but was still too stunned to say anything as she watched in horror as Jax made good on all of his previous threats. He tightened his jaw as he let out a mean growl, and literally ripped her limb off. The sound of tearing burlap echoed in Pomni’s ears as tears ran down her face.

Suddenly, Pomni got a hold of herself enough to run up to them, and threw herself at Jax to get him off of her. Her pleas were met by deaf ears as he made her upper body symmetrical.

“Jax! Please! That’s enough, no more, no more!” she sobbed. 

One of Ragatha’s arm lay by her side, spun cotton stuffing falling out from the shoulder socket, and one remained slotted between his teeth. He lifted himself off of her and spit her arm out before turning to face Pomni.

He felt the sting of remorse as she wept. She’d grabbed Ragatha’s amputated arms and held them close to her chest, pushing the stuffing back into them as it threatened to fall. 

“I’m sorry it came to this, Pom, but…f#ck. Come on. We gotta get her to Kinger.”

Chapter 46: CH.46 REALITY CHECK

“WHAT DID YOU DO WITH BEATRICE? IMPOSTER!”

“For f#cks sake, woman! Stop screaming, you’re right in my ear,” Jax hissed, hiking her up as she slumped over his shoulder. She kicked her feet like a toddler tantruming, and Jax offered her a nasty growl. 

“God, Rags, if you keep kickin’ you’ll be nothin’ but a stump! Dunno if Pom can hold all four’a yer’ limbs, so you should listen for once in yer’ life,” he groaned annoyedly. Ragatha grit her teeth and closed her eye as frustration started streaming down her face.

Pomni watched helplessly, feeling more guilt and shame than ever before flood her mind. She followed behind them closely, clutching her best friend's arms as they marched down the hall.

“I’m sorry for this Ragatha. I’m sorry you’re confused, I’m sorry about your arms一but you have to try to understand, I’m not Beatrice. I’m Pomni,” she said sorrowfully.

For a fraction of a second, Ragatha seemed to regain a bit of lucidity. She opened her eye to stare at Pomni from the perch of Jax’s shoulder, a horrible look of regret crossing her face.

“Oh no,” she whispered, “are you ok?”

That question hit Pomni like a freight train and sent her spiraling. Every fiber in her being felt like it was being ripped apart at that question. Usually she’d respond with ‘I’m fine’ or ‘always,’ but at the moment, those answers felt like bald-faced lies. Her voice caught in her throat as she debated telling Ragatha the truth, how she was not that ok一and how it was because of her. Pomni felt another wave of guilt at even the prospect of telling the truth to her friend, so she just tightened her jaw as she warred with herself. A hysterical voice broke through the air to pull Pomni back to reality.

“Oh my God! What happened?!” Gangle shrieked, running up to them as they entered the commons living area.

 Pomni couldn’t speak, yet. She choked on her voice as her hold tightened on the doll's arms.

“She attacked Pomni and was ripping her clothes off,” Jax spat, stomping down the hall, “so I一well, I disarmed her.”

“Jesus Christ一did she really do that Pomni?” Gangle asked, flabbergasted.

“She thought I was her wife again. I一I don’t have a butterfly tattoo,” she whispered.

“We’re takin’ her to King. He said he knows what to do,” Jax said in a strained voice.

“Ah一Ok. I’ll go get Zooble. The fort?” she pressed, gaining an air of urgency.

“Yeah,” Pomni breathed.

Gangle ran back to the dorms while Jax stopped in front of the pillow fort. He grumbled to himself and knocked on the pillow door, only to be met with a rummaging behind it. Kinger swung it open and peeked out inquisitively.

“Jax! You’ve brought Ragatha and Pomni with you! Are we having a pillow fort party?” he asked jovially.

Pomni rushed forward and knelt down to be eye level with the chess piece. He noticed how red and watery her eyes were and his expression sobered.

“We need your help, King.”

Kinger nodded wordlessly and ushered them inside. Pomni watched as Jax dropped Ragatha on the floor in front of the pillow fort door before he flung it open. He got on all fours and backed into the opening as he held Ragathas’ ankles, yanking her into the fort. Pomni followed on her hands and knees into the darkness and was greeted by the gentle glow of Jax’s eyes and teeth, framed by a harsh scowl.

When they arrived at the inside of the fort, it was much bigger than the last time. It looked like the inside of a small house, with a kitchen and a bathroom and everything. Pomni wracked her brain over how the hell he was able to incorporate electricity or plumbing into a fucking pillow fort, but those thoughts disipated when Kinger pulled pillows out of thin air and started building a bed in the living room.

“Set her there, Jax. Does she need restraints?” Kinger questioned calmly.

“She ain’t got arms, so…I dunno. If she tantrums I can always rip her legs off,” Jax sneered. Pomni felt her eyes start to water again as it was difficult to read whether he was joking or not.

“I don’t think that will be necessary. Please stay here while I go find my eyemask. I need to stay in a good state of mind as long as possible一sit tight,” Kinger hummed.

Ragatha was laying on her back on the newly constructed pillow bed, staring at the ceiling unblinking. She never spoke or moved, but her face was stuck in a permanent grimace. Pomni sat at the end of the bed, similarly to how she did when Ragatha was inebriated in Zoobles’ room, and she placed her hand on the doll's foot as new silent tears fell from her cheeks. Jax made his way to the other side of the bed and sat criss-cross, eyes trained on the amputee.

“Ragatha, I don’t know how able you are to understand, right now一but I want you to know,”
Pomni started, sniffling, “that all the stuff you’ve done doesn’t make me hate you.”

What?  Jax swiveled his head over to stare down the jester, his pupils small and his ears pinned back. He listened in near disbelief as she continued.

“The only thing I want from you is to come back. You’re a good person, and you don’t deserve to be in pain like this一I want you back, Rags. I want to have long talks with you again, and drink tea in your room, and go to the pet room and show you the horses. I’ve wanted so badly to help you, and I’m so so sorry that I haven’t been able to. I don’t even need an apology, please, please一 I’ve already forgiven you for everything. I just want you to be ok,” she cried.

Jax watched as Pomni hunched over at the foot of the bed, covering her face with her hand. That smell of fear met him again, and it made him nauseous as it mixed with the sight of her snivelling. As he watched her shoulders hitching over and over silently, so many thoughts ran through his head. But the most prominent one was why.

Why would she say that? She’s not lying一she doesn’t lie about shit like this. So why the hell is she not mad? How is she not mad at Ragatha, after every crazy, awful, scary thing she’s done? Pomni has every single right to be angry. She really SHOULD be angry! Ragatha betrayed her trust multiple times, in multiple ways. Pomni is too smart to be thinking this way! Did she brainwash herself because she loves Ragatha so much? Why does she forgive her? Why why why why why why why…

Kinger came back into the living room at the same time Zooble and Gangle entered the fort. He placed the eye mask on his forehead and approached the bed, waving at Zooble and Gangle as they took in the renovated fort.

“Wow, King,” Gangle whispered, looking around, “nice work.”

“Thank you, Gangle. Why don’t you kids come up here and have a seat? We’ll be starting soon.”

They did as he instructed, finding the pillow equivalent of a couple of armchairs. They sat and watched Kinger pull up a pillow stool to the side of Ragtha’s bed. He sat too, and pulled his mask over his eyes.

“Ragatha, pay attention. You need to listen,” Kinger started, “Pomni, Jax一tell us what happened. Why is Pomni holding Ragatha’s arms?”

Pomni took in a sharp breath and pressed her eye with the heel of her palm, letting the doll's arms fall to rest on the bed.

“Ragatha thought I had a tattoo一she thought I was her wife, Beatrice. She wanted to see it, but when she found out I didn't have the butterfly, she thought I was an impersonator. She didn’t know that I was Pomni. Jax arrived when she pushed me down, and he一” she stopped abruptly.

“I took care of it. And I’m sorry it played out like that,” he said softly, still scowling. Zooble and Gangle listened closely as they recounted, and the scene played in their imaginations.

“Ragatha?” Kinger hummed, reaching his hand out to grasp shoulder. She startled and turned toward him, not saying a word, but acknowledging him.

“Can you tell us what happened? How you lost your arms?”

Ragatha turned away from him and her gaze focused, she was actively attempting to remember.
“We were going to see the horses,” her voice cracked, “but I was confused. It was Bea. It was her but she wasn’t herself. I wanted to see her tattoo, to make sure it was her. I wanted it to be her.”

Zooble reached out for Gangles hand as they heard the gentle muffled tink of her porcelain tears hitting her ribbon legs.

“She wouldn’t show me, though. But I needed to see it一I needed to know if she was really my Bea. But when I looked, her butterfly wasn’t there,” ragatha started to cry, fat tears running down her cheek, “It wasn’t there and I didn’t know what to do. What happened to her?”

“If it wasn’t Beatrice with you, who was it? Who was with you?” Kinger pressed, squeezing Ragathas’ shoulder reassuringly. She flitted her blue eye away from the ceiling to look down at Pomni. The jester was watching her pleadingly, waiting for her to answer. She was hoping with all her might that the doll would say her stupid silly name.

“I was with一I was with…”

Jax suddenly got a nasty case of cotton mouth as he watched Ragatha struggle. As he watched her, he realized how Pomni could possibly deem Ragatha’s behavior as forgivable. She was unintentionally hostile, but she had little control over it. Pomni refused to hold anger in her heart because she knew Ragatha didn’t mean any of the things she did, because she didn’t intend to do them to Pomni. She was seeing someone else. Jax realized that even though he thought this way of thinking was absolutely wrong一he understood what it was. It was merciful. That’s why it was so strange to him. He knew very little of mercy.

But Pomni did.

“I was with一Pomni?” Ragatha croaked, locking eyes with the jester. Pomni watched as her friend's lip quivered and nodded slowly, never breaking her stare.

“P-Pomni,” the doll's voice broke in a strained whisper, “I’m so so sorry. I can’t believe一”

“Good job, Ragatha. Very good,” Kinger praised, rubbing his thumb across her collar bone.

“So you see that this is Pomni, here, on the bed. And everyone else is here with you, too. Jax is here, and so are Gangle and Zooble. And me, I’m with you too,” Kinger hummed soothingly.

Ragatha looked at Kinger and strained her eyes, but she recognized that he was wearing a mask. She looked at Jax and Zooble and Gangle, before finally settling on Pomni still sitting at her feet.

“Everyone is here,” Ragatha softly repeated, tasting a salty tear that found the corner of her mouth.

“Yes. Now we need you to do something that’s really really hard. But we’re going to be with you the whole time, ok?” he said.

“I’ll do anything if it means you’ll forgive me,” she warbled. Pomni felt a soft hand curl around hers, and was surprised to see that it was one of Ragathas’. Even as it was ripped off her body, even as her mind was caught between 2 different times一she mustered up enough energy to try and be present and give Pomni effort. The action reinforced everything Pomni believed about her. Ragatha was still in there, and she can come back. 

“Good. You need to tell us everything you remember about Beatrice. Every single thing,” Kinger instructed. Ragatha held her breath as his words sunk in. After a moment, she reluctantly broke the silence.

“M-my Bea was 35, the last time I remember,” she started.

“She was a Virgo, and she owned a bakery downtown. She had beautiful dark brown hair and hazel eyes, and I met her when I was buying muffins一I asked her if she would mix blueberry and chocolate chip for me, it wasn’t on the menu. She did it for me, and then she said the leftovers were a best seller一” Ragatha started crying harder as she remembered.

“We got married after three years of living together. And her daughter Mildred was the sweetest little girl in the world. She was so smart, just like her mamma. I一I’m so angry, I can’t一I can’t remember her birthday. But I remember what the last party we threw her was like. She loved dinosaurs, so we had a dinosaur themed party. She was so silly,” Ragatha sobbed.

Gangle was now not alone in her waterworks. Zoobles' stoic air had broken, and now they too were fighting back tears.

“Mildred called me ‘awwow’. She started calling me that as a joke; she said if you turn that word upside-down and backwards, it was ‘momma’. She couldn’t call me anything like mom because she called Bea mom. She said having two moms was so cool because it means twice as much good food. Can you believe that? Ha ha一I don’t know what the last thing I said to her was.”

Jax peeked around the room to see the rest of the cast bawling like babies, and he felt a little disenfranchised from his emotions. He felt so strange. Everyone else was so moved by her hardship, by her memories. But her plights are not that different from everyone elses’ here. Every person in the circus had memories that seared them like hot irons. Why was she so deserving of sympathy and empathy just because she couldn’t handle the pain of her memories anymore? He had handled his memories by himself since the start, and so had everyone else. She just chose to bottle it up, when everyone else had found some way to cope.

“I can’t remember if I said I love you before I left,” Ragatha cried.

The weight in the air was palpable.

“I don’t even know how I left! I would never leave them, God I can’t take the thought of it. They probably think I up and abandoned them of my own accord. They don’t know the truth一I would never have left my girls. I would never leave them. I’m not like that. I love them. But even though I didn’t mean it, I did it一and it’s the worst thing I’ve ever done.”

Pomni pushed herself onto her hands and knees and left the spot at the end of the bed. She crawled up beside Ragatha and laid down to wrap her arms around her torso, pushing her face into the doll's side. Gangle stood up from her seat and walked over to the bed too, climbing up to sit on the end. She was followed by Zooble, and when they both were seated, they rested their hands on Ragathas’ legs gently and leaned onto each other, wordlessly. And一by some miracle一Jax had had a sort of emotional epiphany watching the sickeningly bittersweet display of togetherness. He reached to the end of the bed and pulled her arms closer before lying down next to Pomn, and he placed Ragathas’ arms over the jester. He knew that if she had them still connected, they’d probably be embracing. 

And they stayed that way for a while. Pomni felt Ragatha’s arms curl around her, and she thought for a moment that she may have been hallucinating, but then she felt the larger, softer arms of the Bunny wrap around her too. He’d put them there. Kinger was still there, also, holding Rags’ shoulder in a way that no doubt kept her grounded. They existed like that, silently offering support and patience, until Pomni broke the stillness.

“Ragatha,” Pomni breathed, “I promise you that your family knows how much you love them. They know you’d never abandon them. But I think you need to keep remembering them as much as you can一because if you choose to forget them, in a way一you are running away from them.”

Pomni’s words were so painful. But Ragatha knew she was right. Even through all the years she spent trying to forget about them and how tremendously guilty she felt for leaving, she was actively abandoning them. Even if it was just emotionally, it was abandonment nonetheless. The horrible truth was that she was too weak to handle any of it, so she just pretended like it was fine一she faked being ok. Being guiltless. It was all a ruse to protect herself. Because the real Ragatha was weak and pathetic, and ashamed of what she did.

“I’m so disappointed in myself,” Ragatha rasped, “I’ve made so many mistakes.”

“You have,” Zooble suddenly chimed in, “but that’s true for every human being on planet earth. And I’m here to tell you that you should trust us when we say we understand.”

“You need to forgive yourself, Ragatha,” Gangle hummed, brushing her ribbon over the dolls’ legs.

“How am I supposed to do that when I’ve hurt so many people I love? I don’t deserve forgiveness.”

Jax stiffened as she said this. This whole intervention had been ripping the truth out of her so much, she was being more honest than he’d ever remembered. He’d never once assumed her true opinion of herself to be so low. He’d always thought that she was just self-centered and manipulative一he was wrong.

“Because the people you’ve hurt still love you. It’s the least you can do,” Jax blurted.

Zooble and Gangle turned to peer at him curiously, seemingly surprised that he said something so honest and real. Pomni stayed still, having heard this side of Jax before一she was no stranger to it. Ragatha let out a hitched breath and turned her body weakly to face the jester by her side.

“I’m so sorry Pomni. How can I ever make you understand how sorry I am for everything?”

After a moment of stillness, Pomni reached up to push a lock of her yarn hair away from her eye.

“By forgiving yourself,” she answered quietly. 

Ragathas’ tears soaked into the pillow under her head as she nodded slowly.

“I'll try...”

Chapter 47: CH.47 A TYPE OF SUPPORT

Ragatha did as she was told, and spewed her guts out about her family. She lamented her wife, her daughter, and her various pets, and the crew learned so many things about them that they almost felt like they knew them too. 

She had a rottweiler named Panzer, and a couple of horses that were boarded at her father-in-laws house. She mentioned that she missed them only for a moment before talking about her girls.

Mildred was her stepdaughter, but by the way Ragatha spoke about her, you’d have thought she’d popped her out herself. Jax realized his hunch that Rags had be a mother who spoiled her kids was right on the money一she must have been, by the way Mildred was lined in silver.
She was apparently very smart, and very strange. She loved dinosaurs, she collected rubber bands and buttons, and she was learning to play the banjo, of all things. Ragatha mentioned that Millie was never diagnosed autistic, but she’d had a hunch for a while.

Beatrice was an overwhelmingly kind woman, always donating her time and resources to community events and her little girls’ school. Apparently, she was unmatchable in wit and grit, being that she’d gotten pregnant at a young age and started her own business by herself without a degree at 24 years old. Ragatha was caught between admiration and remorse, recalling all of the wonderful things about her. Though she couldn’t remember her own name, as is common for all the digital circus-freaks, she did remember what her wife and daughter had called her. 

Bea had called her Opie, and Mildred called her Awwow.

The origin of Mildred’s term of endearment was known, but Beatrice’s sparked up some lively conversation. Zooble and Pomni pondered the nickname ‘Opie’, tossing ideas back and forth about it. 

‘Maybe Opie stands for Opal, or Opaline?’ 

‘Opie could be in reference to a show like The Andy Griffith Show, or Sons’ of Anarchy.’

Ragatha listened to her friends banter about it, and the immense weight on her chest started shifting. It wasn’t in any way gone一she still felt the crushing pressure that had been on her for years. But there was something. It was like standing after sitting for too long一it was quite uncomfortable, but it was the start of something better. Something healthier.

After she recounted her prominent memories, she felt more weak than she had in a long time.  So much raw emotion was incredibly draining. Kinger kindly offered Ragatha the bed in the living room so she wouldn’t need to move, and so she wouldn’t feel alone. He offered for her to stay as long as she needed一and when she choked on her response, Zooble answered for her. Pomni asked to stay with her for the night, to keep her company, and Jax begrudgingly followed suit. Gangle and Zooble jumped to join also, and Kinger clapped his hands excitedly.

“We’ll make a sleepover of it!”

The cast agreed to make this sleepover special for her, even if she was likely to fall asleep rather early. Kinger stayed behind as the rest of the crew left the pillow fort to plan out how the night was going to go, and to talk to Bubble about how to work in dinner while not forcing Ragatha to leave the safety of the fort.

“Easiest thing to do is pizza,” Jax huffed as he slumped on the commons sofa. Pomni sat next to him, fiddling with her fingers as his arm hung behind her loosely, and Gangle and Zooble occupied the loveseat across from them.

“Pizza’s good. All in favor of pie say aye,” Zooble grumbled.

A succession of ‘aya’s rang through the air, but Pomni caught the apprehensive look on Gangle's face.

“What’s wrong, G? Not a fan of pizza?” Pomni asked, drawing the others' eyes to Gangle’s weary face.

“No, I like it,” she mumbled, casting her gaze at the ground, “but I don’t want any flack for my topping preferences.”

Jax snorted and crossed his legs to bounce one, peering at her judgmentally.
“What Ribbons, you gonna say you want anchovies, olives and pineapple?”

“Hey, it’s fine if she likes that stuff! What’s it to you if she does?” Zooble spat, leaning forward to enunciate their point. Gangle shifted nervously beside them.

“I mean, I don't…”

“Y'all’re NASTY,” he enunciated, turning his nose up. 

Pomni felt a sense of relief as an air of normalcy returned, if ever so slightly一and in that moment, she realized something wonderful. Jax was doing this on purpose. He’d teased her on purpose before, and it helped to distract her from all the shit, and now, he was doing it for Gangle and Zooble. Jax was trying to help the others, in his weird, fucked up way. The biggest, brightest smile enveloped her face as she watched them nit-pick each other like elderly neighbors.

“What’re you smiling like that for?” Gangle asked suddenly, drawing the two bickerers attention.

“She thinks it's funny how gross you guys are,” Jax snapped, snatching any opportunity to mess with them more. Pomni brought her hand up to her mouth and stifled her laugh, pulling Jax’s attention away from Zooble.

“See? Those are giggles of repugnance,” he smirked.

“You literally know nothing,” Zooble grumbled.

“I want a pizza with feta cheese, bacon, tomatoes, spinach, and garlic herb crust,” Pomni said, after pulling herself out of laughter.

“Oh, see, now that sounds good! Gangle, try to copy Pomni and maybe your opinions won't be so wrong anymore,” he lilted, reaching out to flick her mask in the forehead.

“Insufferable,” Zooble sneered, swatting his hand away from her face.

“I just want one with pickles and barbecue chicken, and ranch to dip it in,” Gangle mumbled, still looking to the floor. Jax made an overly dramatic dry heave sound as Zooble turned to give a puzzled look to the ribbon girl.

“Yeah一? So that’s what you want?” Zooble asked incredulously, “Well一that’s一I mean, I’d…try it.”

Pomni broke out into laughter again, and Jax fell into it too一Zoobles tone was just too much. Gangle let out a raspberry as she leaned forward and fell into a fit of giggles, not believing Zoobles' attempt at reassurance at all. She was the one to finally coax a chuckle out of the stoic pillar of neutrality themself. 

After the laugh, everything felt a bit lighter. Gangle called out for Bubble, and he appeared as happy as a clam, being that he was usually never the one summoned by the cast. Everyone told him their pizza orders and he grunted at them, his excitement dissipating at the notion that they only wanted him for his cooking. He agreed to deliver it to the pillow fort if they gave him a ‘tip’, whatever that means.

“Hey, guys一Remember what Kinger said before the adventure started? The wardrobe?” she hummed, glancing around the commons.

“Oh yeah. Rags won it, I guess,” Jax grunted, giving her a side glance, “you wanna play dress up right now? Remember what I said about timing一?”

“We should get pajamas! Matching pajamas,” Gangle pipped giddily, earning a scrutinizing gaze from the bunny.

“Are you 6?” he snarked.

“I like the idea,” Pomni smiled, giving Gangle a thumbs up. Gangle returned the smile smugly as Jax snorted.

“You’re such a party pooper,” Zooble grumbled, standing to peer around the room, “where would it even be? King said it was pink?”

“King said it was coral. It’s coral, Zoob.”

“Whatever. Where is it?”

Over in the far corner of the tent, Pomni caught a glimpse of an orangish-pink piece of furniture. As she studied it, the shape manifested into an armoire. She stood abruptly and pointed before making her way over to it, being followed by the others. She pulled open the door, and when she peeked inside, there was an impossible hallway extending behind it. Jax poked his head above hers to get a good look too.

“Oh look,” he hummed, “It’s the thing!”

They stepped into the wardrobe to find two closet rods spanning the sides of the hall, and at the end of it sat a plaque. There was a step by step process for choosing clothes, apparently一this must be an AI feature.

Step 1: Visualize the outfit you desire

Step 2: Describe your outfit in as much detail as you can

Step 3: If you like the outfit, when completed, say ‘save’ and label it

Step 4: Don’t be skimpy, this is a family friendly show

As they read the plaque, Zooble let out a scoff.

“What qualifies as skimpy? Like, how would any outfit be skimpy on me or Gangle if we’re literally naked most of the time?”

“Weird,” Gangle muttered.

Jax thought he’d be the first to try it out, see if it was actually worth the effort.

“I want a set of plain, beige, pinstripe pajamas. The shirt is button-up and the pants have a drawstring, and make sure there’s a pocket in on the left side of the chest. Ooo, and make’um silk,” he rambled, flitting his eyes over the empty clothes rods.

In a flash, Jax’s pink overalls were replaced with a near replica of the pajamas Pomni had thrown into the fire. Everything was exactly as he asked, except for one thing一there was a little embroidered bunny head on his collar.

“Wow! That worked like a charm, huh?” he hummed, smiling brightly.

“We’ll see how it works with us. I’ll believe it when I see it,” Zooble huffed, stepping forward.

“Give me a Hawaiian shirt that has a black and grey theme, with skeleton hands giving the korean finger hearts. And I want a pair of baggy sweatpants, half black, half pink.”

“Specific,” Gangle mumbled, watching as the clothes appeared.

In a split second, Zooble was dressed in what they asked for, a little triangle embroidered on each piece一and it didn’t look terrible!

“Can we take this stuff off?” Pomni asked quizzically, peering at Zoobles’ new fit.

Jax brought his hands up to the collar of his shirt and started to unbutton it successfully, so he shot her a thumbs up. Guess so.

“Can we bring an outfit back for King and Raggy?” Gangle asked.

“Let’s try. What do you guys want to wear as jams, if we’re gonna match?” Zooble questioned as they peered at Gangle.

“You guys’re still on that?” Jax huffed, rolling his eyes.

“Let’s all wear a onesie of a purple bunny dressed in beige pajamas to force Jax to participate,” Pomni laughed, earning another eye roll from the bunny.

Gangle laughed at her and asked for exactly that, and she was dressed in a pj personification of mockery. It was so comical that Zooble and Pomni quickly followed, causing a healthy dusting of pink to dust his cheeks.

“Oh, are you embarrassed?” Pomni snickerd, elbowing his side.

“Nah,” he grumbled, turning away so he didn’t have to look at her. She giggled and asked for two extra onesies for Ragatha and Kinger, and the wardrobe seemed to understand her when she’d said they’d been for the others. Each set was uniquely marked with a cross and a button.

“Ok ok, joke’s over. We can put on the real pjs,” Jax grumbled, starting to tap his foot impatiently.

“Joke? What joke?” Pomni goaded, grinning mischievously.

“Yeah, Jax, what joke?” Gangle smirked, stepping closer to her.

“Shut up, Thespian.”

They made their way back to the pillow fort, and Kinger was elated to have been offered matching pajamas. He was just so giddy to be part of everything, while Ragatha peered at the set confusedly.

“He doesn’t like it, Rags. We’re doing it to piss him off,” Zooble explained mirthfully.

A microscopic smile pulled at her mouth as she eyed the pjs and looked back and forth between Jax’s unamused face and everyone else's smug satisfaction. 

“I’ll need some help if I’m going to put them on,” Ragatha whispered.

Gangle jumped up before Pomni could offer and assured Ragatha that she’d be glad to help, so they went into Kingers guest room to change. As they were getting ready, a knock sounded at the pillow fort door. Jax called out for him to come in, so he floated in, balancing a stack of pizza boxes on his head.

“Ok, freakwads, here’s your ’Za,” Bubble grunted, plopping the boxes in Jax’s lap. He didn’t expect it, but he still jumped up and caught it一thankful for his quick reflexes一but still incredibly annoyed at the soapy menace.

“Thanks, man…you’re a baller,” Jax hissed unconvincingly.

“Yeah, whatever. Where’s my tip?” Bubble spat.

“You want a tip?” Jax growled, shoving the pizza boxes over to Zooble, “I’ll give ya’ a tip!”  He stood up with a jolt and stepped toward the floating sphere, grabbing his cheeks and jerking him closer. 

“Open your pie hole,” he grumbled darkly. 

Bubble wasn’t phased at all by this, he did exactly as he was told. Jax threw back his head dramatically as he gathered a wad of spit一and he hocked a loogie into Bubbles mouth.

Pomni, Zooble, and Kinger watched it play out in horror. Jax let Bubble go and plopped back to his seat next to Pomni as Bubble smacked his lips together and hummed.

“Aighty. Bye losers.”

And he floated away.

…

“Dude. Not even hungry anymore,” Zooble warbled, staring at the pizza boxes.

“Eh. More for us,” Jax snarked, pulling the boxes over to his lap again.

They started eating, despite the nasty display they just witnessed, and Ragatha and Gangle returned fully dressed in their pjs. Ragatha seemed receptive to the food, and she ait with Pomni's assistance, though she didn’t really say much as she ate. Everyone got really curious about Gangle’s weird pizza and ended up tasting it, and all were blown away that it was actually not as nasty as it sounded. 

When they were finished eating, Pomni pulled the blanket over Ragatha and laid by her side. Jax wedged himself onto the bed too, determined to fit between her and the edge no matter what, and Kinger retired to sleep and let the others rest. 

“So,” Pomni started quietly, reaching over to take Jax’s hand, “today was a lot.”

“Yeah…You know it’s gonna be a pain in the @ss reminding her to be honest about everything. Behavior like that doesn't change overnight,” he agreed with a whisper.

“That’s true. But we can remind her,” Gangle chimed in, settling herself on the couch at Zoobles’ feet.

“We will remind her一and she’ll get better. She’s tough if she’s lasted this long torturing herself. She’ll pull out of it ok,” Zooble reassured sleepily.

“I think so too,” Pomni whispered, turning to look at her sleeping friend. 

She laid down herself, feeling a bit regretful that she didn’t tuck under the blanket with Ragatha as the cool air nipped her. Jax seemed to know, though, as he wrapped his arm around her and pressed himself into her.

“Goodnight, guys,” he said softly pressing into Pomni’s shoulder.

“Goodnight.”

Chapter 48: CH. 48 ACCESS?

“Hold still!” Gangle ordered, struggling to pull the needle through the doll's shoulder socket. Ragatha was sitting upright on the bed in the pillow forts’ living room next to Gangle as she barely succeeded in reattaching the dolls’ arm. Pomni was holding it upright so Gangle could have more control over the needle and thread.

“IT TICKLES,” Ragatha whined.

“Do you want your arms back or not?” Gangle gruffed, grasping her shoulder to steady it.

“I dooo, I’m sorry it’s just haaaard一”

“Let’s restrain her! I’d love to put her in a head-lock,” Jax hummed, stretching and smirking lazily.

“I’d love to put you in a head-lock,” Pomni grumbled. Her arms were getting tired of holding Ragatha’s in place.

“Ooo, now I’d really love that,” he snickered.

“Don’t be gross,” Zooble gruffed. They were not in the best mood either, and they’d been assigned the job of flashlight holder一because shocker! Kinger installed plumbing and gas lines for a stove, and electricity for the refrigerator, but no friggin lights. Because he liked the dark. Figures.

“Oh so my enjoyment of wrestling is gross enough to comment on, but no nasty remarks are made after I paid Bubble in literal spit?”

“That was the nastiest sh*t I’ve seen in a long time, dude. And shut up, I know you’re not talking about ‘wrestling’. Just make yourself useful and dial up that glow feature so I don’t have to hold this stupid light anymore,” they spat.

“I was talking about wrestling, I’ll have you know. It’s a fine hobby of mine. My stage name is StunBun and I have an unmatched winning streak,” Jax lilted, as he brought his hand to his nose. He started dragging his finger up it, almost as if it were a gear dial, and the light behind his eyes and teeth became brighter. Zooble dropped the flashlight on the bed with a huff.

“Pfft, StunBun,” Ragatha chuckled, wiggling again, much to Gangle's dismay.

“Ragatha, if you had a wrestling persona you’d be ‘Dollzilla’,” Pomni chuckled.

“Haha, that’s clever. What would yours be?” Ragatha asked lightly.

“I don’t know. Something way too big and scary to accurately represent me. Maybe AtomPom?” she joked. Gangle was almost halfway through the first arm when the thread started getting short, so she had to tie it and get more.

“Bombni,” Zooble muttered.

Jax snorted and moved closer to them, sitting himself directly behind Pomni. The light from his eyes and teeth were bright enough to illuminate everything before, so now that he was closer Gangle instructed him to dim it a little so she wouldn’t be blinded.

“Just so you know, Pipsqueak, I would absolutely demolish you in a wrestling match.”

“I don’t know, Jax一I’d put my money on Bombni,” Gangle mumbled as she struggled to thread the needle again.

“See? Again, you have the wrong opinions. Good thing money isn’t real in this place or you’d be livin’ on the street with a gambling addiction,” he hummed.

“Money isn’t real in the real world either. It’s an arbitrary concept; an abstract application of predetermined value to any sort of currency the majority of people in a given place agree upon. Throughout history, rarities were considered valuable, even if they have no practical application. Like, for example, gold is super valuable, yeah? But what makes gold so special to the average person? It’s literally a superconductor, and it’s hyper malleable, but that’s only useful if you plan on using it for advanced tech that’s heat resistant or for a super efficient transfer of electrons. The reason peeps liked gold for millenia isn’t because it’s high tech. Everybody just agreed it was aesthetically pleasing and said ‘oh yeah this is some good sh*t’,” Pomni rambled, adjusting the arm again.

“Wow,” Gangle muttered, casting an inquisitive look to the jester, “do you just, like一have stuff like that in your head all the time?”

Pomni immediately blushed and looked away, feeling sheepish. Jax grunted and patted her head reassuringly before badmouthing Gangle.

“Don’t be a d*ck just cuz she got mondo mama brainz, G,” he huffed, “Pomni may be a Nerd, but she’s sensitive. Be nice to her or I’ll rip your arms off too.” Gangle made a face that looked like regret as she apologized to Pomni, explaining that she didn’t mean to be rude.

“Money is so aggravating to me. It was the bain of my existence when I had an apartment and bills and sh*t,” Zooble mumbled, “Honestly the best thing about this place is that Money is totally arbitrary here.”

“Yeah, Money sucks @ss. But Pom’s got a point 一it’s kinda’ arbitrary in a way out there, too. The value of any currency’s dictated by the peeps who participate in trade. That’s why a trade and barter system is so wack. Everybody assigns value to their sh*t differently, so the advantage of money like coins ‘r paper notes is that there’s some level of basic agreement on it’s ideological value. A hundred dollar bill is literally just paper, it ain’t worth only as much as what it’s printed on.”

“I remember being poor and being well off,” Ragatha chimed in, “and I think there is value in money that’s more than purchasing power. I learned to be grateful for what I had when I didn’t have much, and then when I did have more, it was so much better. I’m happy I learned about it. I think it made me a better person.”

“That’s absolutely the truth, Ragatha. Hardship has the opportunity to make people better versions of themselves,” Kinger’s voice rang, as he entered the living room, “and you’re a special person for being affected by it that way. A lot of people use hardship as an excuse to act out.”

Ragatha shut up real quick and got lost in her thoughts for a moment as Gangle finished up the last few stitches.

“I think I’ve done both things, though, Kinger,” Ragatha muttered shamefully.

“That may be so. But isn’t it great that you have had the opportunity to do both, and learn from both experiences? Now you know first hand what result happened from each behavior.”

Pomni hummed as she happily let go of Ragas arm and rubbed her own soothingly. Jax noticed and pulled her back to be closer to him as he started squishing her arms like bread dough.

“You’re so wise, Kinger,” Pomni smiled, watching Ragatha flex and move her reattached arm about.

“That’s why he’s the king and you’re the jester,” Jax lilted, flopping her arms like wet noodles, “anyways, we got any leftovers? I want some more of Gangle's vomit pie.”

“Why are you harping on it if you say you like it?! That makes no sense!” she scoffed.

“Because maybe if I throw it up it’ll taste like legit pizza. Negatives cancel each other out, yeah?”

After Ragatha’s second arm was sewn on, the cast left the pillow fort to get started on a late breakfast. They happily ate breakfast and chatted about regular randomness. Ragath was sitting at the end of the table in her seat, watching as Pomni and Jax behaved chummily.

She analyzed herself as the bubble of jealousy resurfaced, falling into her mind as the rest of the table hummed along.
“I have no right to be upset about Jax and Pomni’s relationship, whatever it may be. Jax’s proven over and over that he only wants her safety, and that he has good intentions, as crazy as that sounds. He ripped my arms off because I was going crazy, and he was in the right when he did it. I’ve gotta be reasonable about this…”

“Sup with the face, Rags?” Jax asked, stiffening as he eyed the doll. He’d seen that face before…

“Oh, it’s nothing, Jax. I was just thinking that you two are sweet together,” Ragatha mumbled sadly, swirling her tea around in her teacup.

Jax and Pomni’s eyes both shot open wide, and they both tensed at her words. They didn’t have anything else to go by her choice of words except how she’d behaved previously, so they were understandably a bit on edge.

“Oh thank God somebody finally said it,” Gangle blurted. Everyone leaned forward and shot her an inquisitive look.

“What?! You guys are so obvious. It’s been so annoying having to keep my mouth shut about it! It’s been ridiculous,” she hummed, sipping some of her latte.

“Yeah, well, it’s not like we could have just come out and been like, ‘yeah, we’re mackin’ on each other’ while Dollface was literally having a mental breakdown. It’s personal anyways, we don’t gotta say sh*t about anything,” Jax explained casually, stabbing a pancake with his fork.

Pomni cast him a surprised look. She honestly never expected him to be the type of person not to tease her about it in front of others, or make fun of their relationship in some benign way, or use it as a way to brag. But he just kept chewing his pancake contentedly, giving the bare minimum of information to Gangle (who was obviously dying to get more details). She balked at him, eyes wide and blank as she drifted off into space again, preoccupied with the thought of his respect for their personal lives. His respect.

That’s hot as FUCK.

“Earth to Bombni?” Jax called, waving a fork in front of her vacant stare. She snapped out of it to see him smiling mischievously, no doubt assuming she was getting distracted by recent memories.

“Sorry, sorry. I was just thinking一”

“You’re literally never not thinking, Nerd,” he chuckled, picking up his OJ.

“Yeah…Do you guys remember what Caine said yesterday about the adventure? That it was for Kinger?” she asked suddenly.

“Oh yeah, he did say that, huh?” Zooble hummed.

“Yeah…strange,” Gangle muttered. Suddenly, her eyes got big and she turned to look at Kinger with a sad expression.

“What was the date yesterday?” she warbled.

“How the h3ll are we s’posed to know? Time is wackadoodle,” Jax spat.

“I think it’s January though, G,” Pomni said, trying to be helpful.

“Oh jeez,” Gangle huffed quietly, turning to look away from Kinger.

“Was it the 14th?” Gangle whispered.

“Maybe?” Pomni answered, “why?”

“The 14th was our anniversary,” Kinger replied happily, ripping Gangles’ attention back to him.

“Isn’t Caine nice for remembering? Queenie loved the bug adventures so much. They were her favorite! It was wonderful to do it again. I felt like she was with me the whole time.”

The whole table watched him poke at the fruit on his plate and eat them without a worry in the world. He wasn’t sad, like they thought he should be一he was just accepting of it.

“I know it seems strange,” Kinger started, “that I’m not more upset by it. But why would I intentionally be down about something I can't change? Queenie was my true love, I believe, but she’s gone now. But I still have an obligation to her. She loved me so much, and she’d want me to be as happy as I can be一so I’m doing right by her. It’s what she wants.”

Ragatha soaked up his words like a sponge.

So that’s how he dealt with her loss. He was making his own happiness in tribute to her. That made Ragatha ponder if she could frame her own perspective like that, too. Maybe she could一maybe she could be happy because it’s what her girls wanted. Maybe…

“I want to do right by the people I’ve lost too,” Pomni chimed in.

“It’s a good way to pay respects, I think. That’s why I still dance in Boogie Blitz, sometimes! Ha, she loved that game too. I really ought to update the songs in it though.”

…

“You need to update the songs?” Zooble questioned, leaning in towards him.

“Well yeah! Caine doesn't do it anymore. And anyway his songs are all rubbish. I like the real ones,” Kinger hummed.

“Wait wait wait hoooold the phone,” Jax started, “So you’re tellin’ me that YOU have the ability to program songs into the dance game?”

“Yes! It’s just a matter of understanding the code, Jax,” he smiled.

“You一you can tamper with the code一?” Pomni asked, flabbergasted, “YOU CAN ACCESS THE CODE?”

“What code?” Kinger asked cluelessly.

Jax and Pomni peered at each other with intensity and Gangle propped her mask on her hand. Zooble stared at him with a puzzled look as he continued to merrily munch his strawberries, and Ragatha sipped at her tea, content to just watch it play out.

“Is he f%ckin’ with us??” Jax barked uneasily, gripping the table's edge hard.

“Didn’t he used to be a computer coder, though?” Pomni asked, “一And I think I may have seen him do it…”

“This is news,” Ragatha mumbled as she shot her a curious look.

“When he made Ragatha’s bed, last night一the pillows just kind of appeared. They manifested out of nothing. Could that have been him accessing the code?”

“I think so, Pomtree,” Jax murmured, lost in thought.

“This is like, kinda huge,” Gangle hummed.

“Kinda huge is right, G,” Zooble muttered.

They sat in silence processing the new information a moment before Jax pushed away from his seat and pulled Pomni’s chair out with her still in it. She squealed as her weight shifted unexpectedly and watched him stand to stretch.

“Well, lucky for us we have a Pomnstein to help us figure out how to exploit the f#ck outa’ this,” he hummed, “We’re going to change outa’ these pjs. I hear a hoodie and a pleated skirt calling her name.”

She stood to follow him and waved to the others.
“Oh yes, I hear the skirt calling me too,” she mumbled.

He reached out and took her hand, smugly swinging it back and forth as they walked to the changing room.

“They’re so scheme-y,” Gangle said as she watched them leave.

“Yeah. But somebody’s gotta be,” Zooble hummed.

“I think I’m going to wait until they come out to go over there一I want to put on a new dress too,” Ragatha said before finishing her tea.

“I’m proud of you Ragatha,” Kinger piped.

“Thanks, King. I appreciate it.”

“I think I need to go dance. Would anyone else like to join me?” he asked hopefully.

Ragatha, Zooble, and Gangle all pondered him before agreeing to go along. Might as well see what all the hype was about with the game Kinger apparently has access to. So, after all were finished eating, they made their way down to Boogie Blitz, possibility after possibility flooding their minds.

Chapter 49: CH.49 PASS THE TIME

“So you go and see some wack sh*t like Kinger pullin’ pillows out of nothing and don’t think it’s a good idea to tell me?” Jax started annoyedly as soon as they were out of earshot.

“Please don’t be grumpy with me, Jax. It’s not like that. Last night had too much going on, I wasn’t about to add something else that doesn’t matter comparatively,” Pomni explained.

“So Ragatha having a bad day is more important that Kinger breaking the f#ckin’ matrix?!” he barked, scowling.

Pomni’s eyes widened in mild shock as she took in his upset face. This was the first time he was actually pissed for real at her. Her immediate retaliation was self defense.

“At the time, yeah! What was I gonna do, interrupt Kinger as he was talking her through it?!
‘Ragatha, tell us about your lost family’...‘oh, actually Kinger, no! I’m more interested in how you got the pillows!’ It's kinda’ obvious to me what’s more important!” she exasperated.

Jax was a little surprised at her bite back. He’d never seen Pomni act that way, and it crossed his mind that he may have pushed a little too much. His ears pinned back and he ripped his eyes away from her to introspect, but never let her hand go. He heard a sigh escape her lips. 

“Pomni一I get that yesterday was insane, but this information is a total game changer. I’m not tryna’ get all worked up, but一”

“But you kind of are. I get it, it’s exciting, and I’m excited about the prospect of code manipulation too一but we have to be realistic about it also,” she hummed.

Jax’s ear perked a bit as he squeezed her hand. Of course she wasn’t ignoring this一he had to slow down his racing thoughts and rein in his immediate reaction to jump and hyperbolize this. It was exciting, but Pomni was right. This situation needs multiple lenses to analyze it, and she has proven to be more level headed than him. He took a deep breath to calm himself.

“Kinger may have that ability, but we don’t know that for sure. If he does, hypothetically, then we also have to consider the known fact that he has real memory problems. You know how he is. I respect him and I trust him, but at the same time, I take everything he says with a grain of salt. The last time I went down a rabbit hole without a good foundation I ended up in the void.”

“Pfft, Rabbit hole一ok. You’ve got a point,” he grumbled, stopping in front of the armoire door, “this is just a lot to take in, ya’ know…”

“I do know. And I promise we’ll look into it further. But right now, I’m emotionally bankrupt, and I need to occupy myself with the prospect of new clothes. Freedom of expression sounds pretty d@mn great, right now,” she chuckled.

He nodded as he looked at her closely, and she brought his hand up to her lips to give the back of it a peck. His eyes widened and his nose twitched as she mumbled into his hand.

“I’m sorry for making you upset.”

His ears drooped as he opened the wardrobe doors. Even though this wasn’t even a moderate argument, by his standards, somehow it still felt awful. He stepped inside and guided her in behind him.

“No Problem. M’sorry for jumping’ the gun. S’not cool’a me with all the sh*t recently.”

They stood in the wardrobe and eyed the empty clothes rods as the tension dissipated into something more comfortable. Jax stepped forward to eye the plaque at the end of the hall.

“Zoob kinda had a point about the whole ‘skimpy’ thing. Everybody has a different opinion of what skimpy actually is,” he huffed.

“Yeah. Wanna find out what we can get away with?” Pomni inquired, shooting Jax a mischievous look. He smiled and nodded enthusiastically.

“That sounds fun,” he hummed, “you should lemmi pick your outfits.” 

“You wanna play dress up?” she giggled.

“I一Er, well technically I guess it does constitute as dress up if ya’ dress up for me, huh?” he snickered, smile widening.

“Mmm.”

“So? Come oooon一 If you don’t like it you can always change it,” he pestered as he closed the wardrobe doors.

“Sure. No harm in it, I guess. But I get to do you first,” she lilted, raking her eyes up and down his long frame. His cheeks dusted pink and he nodded happily, eager to see what she’d come up with.

“Ok, let’s get Jax in a floral blue and white kimono, as traditional as you can get it.”

In a second he was in  traditional Japanese dress, and a little confused. He tilted his head and stared at his garment.

“Of all the stuff you coulda’ put me in, you choose this一?”

“Oh hush. We can be silly for a moment. We’ve got time to see exactly what we can get away with, anyway,” she interrupted him, smile widening. His face heated up at her playfulness, the thought of testing the limits very enticing.

“Get Pomni in a ballerina leotard with a tootoo and put her in an African tribal mask,” he instructed. Pomni magically dressed as he wanted, and they both snickered at it.

“Put Jax in a full leather bodysuit, skin tight. Make it black, and put him in the impossible to wear toe stilettos,” she laughed, eyeing him. His amused face dropped into one of fear as he gained an extra 8 inches and was forced to balance on his toes by a ridiculous BDSM-inspired boot.

“Oh sh*t these shoes are impossible! Who would even design these?!” he yelped, catching himself on the wall. Pomni grabbed her belly and laughed so hard she shed a few tears, pointing mockingly at his struggle.

“Oh so ya’ like it when I’m humiliated? Huh? So that's yer’ kink, ya’ sicko? I shoulda known when you did the whole Jax-themed onesie deal with Gangle,” he snarked, pressing his back to the wall and sliding down to sit on the floor.

“But apparently dominatrix stuff isn’t off the table一very interesting,” he hummed, smirking evilly. He turned to Pomni and she shrunk a bit at his intense look.

“Put Jax in a pair of swim trunks themed with bananas and yellow flip flops,” Pomni muttered warily. He did change into them, and she noticed they came down to his mid thighs. He stood and smirked at her as she ogled his legs.

“Test the waters, huh, Pom? Haha一I’m funny. We should go to the lake on one of our days off, yeah?” he lilted, “put Pomni in a bikini. Make it light pink with a little bow on the back of the top and the bottom.”

When the bikini appeared, she instinctively hugged her arms over herself, but Jax scoffed and flicked her in the forehead. It wasn’t nearly as revealing as he’d have liked it to be, anyway, being that it covered her from her neck to where her ribs ended, and the bottom was really just a pair of shorts.

“I thought the point of this was to see how much we can get away with?” he asked incredulously, poking her arms that still shielded her abdomen.

“Mm, sorry. Habit一Um, so this it the extent of allowable skin on the female body type, I guess,” she muttered, looking down at herself inquisitively. Jax’s eye caught the plaque at the end of the hall again, and the last rule stuck out to him.

‘Don’t be skimpy.’

Hmmmm….

“Put Pom in a pink, deep v-cut bikini top, with high waisted bottoms that are no larger than 2 inches wide. Embroider on the inside of both the top and the bottom the words ‘not skimpy’,” he said intently, watching her body like a hawk.

Her modest, simple swimsuit morphed into something that one would associate with a pornography poster, leaving her terribly embarrassed and redder than arizona.

“Oooooo, Pom I think I found a loophole,” Jax grinned devilishly, hooking a finger around her bikini bottom and snapping it on her hip.

“OK! YOU FIGURED OUT THE LOOPHOLE,” she squeaked, turning her back to him quickly, “Put me in a black hoodie and a pleated skirt!”

Jax was a little disappointed when her bathing suit disappeared, but he was soon distracted by her new skirt. It was a liiiiitle too long…

“Make Poms’ skirt a mini-skirt, the words ‘not skimpy’ on the inside. And make it purple,” he snapped, watching the length shorten by a good 6 inches. It came just below her butt, and ripped an embarrassed noise out of her as she spun around to press her butt into the wall to shield it from him. She absolutely was not having it, if her face was any indication.

“NO! This is so short! I hate it!” she growled, grabbing the front of the skirt to pull down awkwardly. 

“Why’dya gotta act all shy like that? I’ve seen everything you got,” he chuckled.

“I’m not an exhibitionist! It’s different when we're alone and there’s privacy! Literally anyone can walk in and see, and I’m not about that!”

“Nobody’s here but you’n me, hehe. N’ I dunno why you don’t like it一it’s perfect for you, Pom,” he lilted, “You need a shorter hemline cuz you’re a tiny, puny little jester. It suits you.”

He leaned forward and pressed an arm into the wall above her, forcing her to lean back lest she be knocked over. He smiled a wicked smile and bent down slightly, raking his eyes over her as she peered up at him. His other hand landed on her hip, and he squeezed gently, causing her to catch her breath.

“I really like the skirt,” he purred, soaking up the change of color in her face.

“Mm一w-well, if you like it so much一” she warbled, shifting as he started to press into her, “th-then why don’t you marry it?”

…

Jax couldn’t help himself as he let out the most obnoxious laugh she’d ever heard. She was a bit taken aback一she didn’t expect him to be so receptive of her dumb joke. He must’ve heard it before? Oh well. He flung his head back dramatically and covered his eyes with his hands, stumbling backward to slump onto the wall behind him as he cackled. Pomni straightened herself up and asked for a new skirt with a longer hemline after stepping out of the one Jax had given her and folding it over her arm. 

“Wow, great crowd. I’m here every Tuesday,” she mumbled, reaching her hand out for him to grab so she could pull him up.

Instead of letting her help him stand, he pulled her to the floor with him and continued laughing as he rolled over her.

“THAT WASN’T EVEN THAT FUNNY!” he bellowed, grabbing her shoulders to shake her, “But OHMYGOD the timing一the way you said it一you’re so f#ckin’ cute I can’t handle it. Pom I’m gonna die, you murdered me.”

She rolled her eyes at his hyperbole and waited for him to calm down before she poke up again.

“I guess poor timing has some benefits,” she said.

“I don’t know how the h3ll ya’ can kill the mood so friggin’ hard and be gut-punchingly adorable at the same time. WIZARD,” he yipped. She brought her hand up to his jaw and scratched him idly as she shrugged her shoulders. 

“Put Jax in a red baggy t-shirt with the word ‘doofus’ written in cursive on the front, and a pair of grey basketball shorts with a stripe down the sides,” Pomni mumbled. He smiled at her, pushing away to stand and pulling her up with him. He glanced down and hummed, spinning to give her all the angles.  

“I like it,” he hummed, “Save this outfit as ‘Casual 1’. Nice job, Short-stack.” The outfit copied itself and appeared on one of the clothes rods.

“Glad you like it. I’m uhh一I’ll keep the mini-skirt, since you like it so much. You know一for later,” she mumbled. His eyes shot wide open and his smile took over his face as she asked the wardrobe for a bag to carry it in.

“What a generous jester.”

“I guess. Let’s go kill some time and relax. I didn’t get to say hi to the horses when I took Ragatha to the pet room, I’d love to see them,” Pomni smiled, snatching his hand.

“Actually, yeah. It'll be really nice to see them again,” he agreed.

So they made their way out of the wardrobe and down the hall to the direction of the hall of doors.

-

“So this is the place, huh?” Zooble mumbled as the foursome entered the dancing game.

“This place is really big,” Gangle hummed, “why’s there so many seats? There’s no audience.”

“I think I’ve been in here once before,” Ragatha said, gazing at the stage.

They approached the screen and pulled themselves onto the stage after Kinger, who was eager to get started.

“So, what types of songs do you kids like? I’m a fan of classic rock,” he said happily.

“I like electro swing,” Gangle mentioned.

“Any particular songs? Searching genres is harder when there's not a search engine,” he explained. Ragatha and Zooble side-eyed each other, seemingly having the same thought. 

“April showers?” she said. He nodded happily.

“King, how do you get new songs? Do you like一access the internet?” Zooble questioned, stepping closer to him. 

“Of course! It’s the only way, really.”

“Kinger一how do you access the internet?” Zooble asked, tensely.

“I close my eyes and see code, and then I can write my own where it needs to be,” he explained.

Ragatha and Gangle mumbled something to each other that Zooble didn’t catch, so they stepped back to be closer to them. Ragatha fidgeted with herself as she watched Kinger basically go into a trance. After a minute of him zoning out, he spoke up.

“The cool thing is that most of Caine’s games are AI driven, meaning they’re smart. They can take the songs I pick and make a dance for them, adding them to the game without the extra effort of programming dance steps along to the song. I’m happy it’s that way, I don’t have the mentality to program that much anymore,” he hummed, turning back to them.

“So, you only do part of it…Can you, um一Can you access other games?” Ragatha mumbled.

“Yes, it’s easy. The mini games have much easier set-ups than where we live. I’m not able to manipulate our living areas white as much as I can here!” Kinger piped, “You should do a dance, Ragatha! I added Gangles song, I hope it’s the right one.”

Ragatha was spoken to by the game and prompted to choose a song. She picked an older one, and the others sat and watched her boogie as they thought about what Kinger had said. It was all so strange, that he’s been able to do this all along and they’ve never known. He seemed so loopy, if anyone would have said he has internet access they’d all have laughed at it. But apparently, he did. And he didn’t have the capacity to explain how in a meaningful way.

When Ragatha finished her dance, tried to get Zooble to do it, but they refused. They were inconvincible, even with the prompting of an enthusiastic Gangle一so the ribbon girl took Ragathas' place on the stage and danced to the new song Kinger had uploaded.

It was as she remembered it, and it pulled a wide smile and a sense of nostalgia out of her. She was a pretty good dancer, for her first time, winning 4 stars her first try. Kinger clapped and encouraged her as she danced, and soon Ragatha and Zooble started hyping her up too. They had a merry old time in the dance room, and stayed there for what seemed like hours一Kinger uploading a new song every now and then. 

Zooble kept detailed mental notes about Kinger’s methods. He seemed to close his eyes and concentrate, almost like he was going into a meditation. He did it so fast, too. They recognized that he was completely still as he stood in his trance expert for his fingers that twitched and flitted about as if he were typing. It was all very strange.

After Ragatha, Kinger, and Gangle had all danced a couple of times, they decided that they’d had enough. Ragatha wanted to get to the wardrobe and dress herself, reasoning that Jax and Pomni were likely gone, now. Gangle and Zooble decided that they wanted to go chill, Zooble citing that they haven’t been practicing on the drums recently and wanted to go have a jam session. Gangle rolled her eyes at that, though一apparently she didn’t care for percussion practice. She was happy to go doodle in her room for a while. Kinger mentioned to Ragatha that he was going to disassemble the bed in the living room and prepare the guest bedroom by installing lights, for her一and Ragatha seemed receptive and thankful for his kindness.

With that, they dissipated and made their way down the hall back to the dorms and commons, passing Jax and Pomni. They were dressed in comfortable looking casual wear, and had explained that they were dropping off a bag to Pomni’s room before heading out to the pet room to see their NPC buddies. Ragatha wanted to ask to come along so she could actually see what Pomni wanted to show her before, but the cold sting of guilt and shame choked her out before she could even ask.

They all went their separate ways after that, having no other goal than to pass the time and speculate.

Chapter 50: CH.50 YOU'RE WRONG

Ragatha had gotten dressed in the wardrobe and decided that she wanted to head to her room to get a small semblance of familiarity. She was feeling quite uneasy being left alone with her thoughts, at the moment.

She pulled open her door and was met with the sight of her cosmetics stand and her tea-table placed by her bed, just as she’d left it. 

She pulled out the little chair by the table and sat stiffly. She hadn’t bothered turning on the light as she entered, feeling a bit of comfort from the dullness. She reached her hand out to her pretty porcelain teapot and huffed at the bland smoothness of it.

“I cannot believe I hurt my best friend,” she mumbled to herself, casting a glance at the empty seat before her. Suddenly, another doll appeared in the seat next to her, with 2 greenish brown button eyes and long brown hair. It was rather dull, with little to no features or distinguishing qualities.

“I’m sorry I forgot about you, Bea. I’m sorry I tried to forget,” she warbled, reaching out for the poor replica’s limp hand.

“I promise I’m going to remember you and Millie every day. I’m not gonna run away anymore. Because I was really, really wrong. But I’m gonna be better for you, ok? I promise. And I’ll be better for Pomni too. I’ll be a better friend一I tell you what Bea. I’m so sick and tired of being wrong. Of feeling wrong, all the time.”

The replica stared at her unblinkingly, but somehow it did offer a bit of comfort. Even if it was not nearly as detailed as Ragatha would have liked it to be, it still reminded her accurately enough. 

Ragatha stood from her seat and imagined another, smaller doll with red pigtails and glasses on the larger ones’ lap. For a moment, she stared at them一she gave them every ounce of attention she had in that moment.

Afterward, she reached under her bed to pocket something, and stood to turn to the door. Before she reached for the knob, though, she looked back at the dolls and tapped her fingers together.

She made her way over to them one last time, and gave them both a peck on the cheek. Then, she headed out the door to go see if she could talk to Kinger.

-

Jax and Pomni had found their equine companions in the paddock and decided that it’d be a good idea to ride around the perimeter of the pet room to scope it out. Caine had used assets from other maps that Jax had recognized, giving the place a good bit of room for goofing off and future proofing for to-be pets. They were bouncily trotting down a dirt trail along the barrier wall of the room, their mounts seemingly quite happy to get out of their enclosure.

“Ok,” Pomni started as they rode along, “give me your opinion on trick-riding.”

“MMMMNever heard of it. Elaborate,” Jax retorted comfortably, watching Hailstorm's ears as they swiveled to listen to their conversation. “Heh…look, she’s eavesdropping on us.”

Pomni glanced over to her ears, taking note that one was indeed zoning in on them. She chuckled at him, thinking it was cute how Jax had warmed up to being around the horses. He’s made a lot of progress since he first called them ‘crazy and freaky’ or whatever he’d said.

“Horses are smart, Jax. You better have an answer she likes or you might get bucked off.”

“Nah一Hailstorm loves me, Pomache. She’d never hurt me on purpose…Isn’t that right, ya’ big white puppy-cow?”

She didn’t respond.

“Trick-riding is basically acrobatics while riding horses,” Pomni explained, patting Zenith’s neck as his ear flicked in her direction. Apparently he was interested in their conversation too.

Jax shot her a smug look as fond memories flooded his mind. 
“So basically what you did on the last day of the Red Dead rip-off,” he hummed.

“Basically. Just flipping, standing and hanging off while riding. I’m thinking it would be a fun hobby, maybe.”

“That sounds dope, I say absolutely do it. We live in a virtual reality where pain is an illusion and consequences are basically nonexistent, and you already have a knack for acrobatics. Plus it’d be awesome to watch. I’d totally be your cheerleader,” he chimed. 

Pomni shot him a brilliant smile that nearly knocked him off the friggin' horse. He didn’t mean to, but he fell into staring at her, her grin impaling him and dragging his mind away from reality like a harpoon. He couldn’t help it…it was like being lured into a kitchen by the smell of cookies baking, or staring at a 300 year old oil painting. It was just一natural. He was caught up in the way the shadows of the trees passed over her skin, and how the gentle breeze blew her still somewhat novel longish hair around her face. It looked like it tickled. And she looked so happy, right now. She looked so beautiful一

“Jax? What’s wrong? Do I have something on my face?”

He snapped out of his stare and blinked, a little startled that he’d gotten so lost in thought. That was Pomni’s thing…

“Uh, S’nothin’,” he mumbled. He wasn’t embarrassed, per say, but her calling him out did  unsettle him a bit. He didn’t want to come off as creepy, just staring at her like a certain obsessed someone一they’re kind of trying to recover from the creepiness. He shifted his gaze to land on Hailstorm's pretty white fur, hoping it’d be a suitable substitute for her ivory skin.
 But it wasn’t nearly as pretty…

Jax peeked back at her as she looked forward and all around, taking in her surroundings. The light glinted off of her raven hair, revealing a strange indigo undertone. He noticed the musculature in her legs, eyeing the shape of them as she supported herself on Zenith's back. And the way her hands wrapped through his mane, so delicate and soft.
I bet she doesn’t even know…Of course she doesn’t know. Right?

He looked at the way she held herself so steadily on the silly NPC she grew fond of during that dumb racing game. He remembered about how she told him how she deals with grief一how she’d said that night when he’d tried to warn her about the pain of attachment that she knew he was real.  

But by comparison, he felt so ridiculously not real. 

Pomni was so incredibly different from him. She was so fucking real. But what the hell was it about her that made her that way? Sure, she was beautiful, but he was positive that he was just biased because he’d grown so fond of her. All of the avatars of this game have the same cartoonish quality, surely it wasn’t that. And yeah, she was smart, but intelligence doesn’t equal realness! Just look at Caine or Bubble! Jax came to the conclusion that it must be the combination of everything to make her feel realer than everything else. But most of all一he decided一it was how she loved.

Pomni loved that horse she was riding, even if it was fake. She loved the people around her, always unapologetically caring and putting effort in, even if it doesn’t reward her. She loved Ragatha through mental illness, she said she loved him一HIM of all people. Oh the irony. God, she was so good. So different from him.

“I bet you’d be the most enthusiastic cheerleader,” she lilted, still looking ahead. After a moment of taking in the environment, she turned back slightly to get a look at his face when he didn’t answer her as punctually as he usually did.

Jax was staring at her again. It made her feel strange, the way he looked at her一 her stomach flipped and butterflies tickled her insides. It was partially from nerves that she might look goofy, and partially because his face was just so intense that it felt like an interrogation. He was always so friggin' intense.

“Do you even, like一” he paused, motioning Hailstorm to ride parallel with her, “know?”

“Do I know what? I’ll be honest, there’s a 100% chance I’ll have an answer. But it’s 50% likely that my answer is ‘no’, and if it’s yes there’s only a 25% chance that you’ll like it,” she joked.

He chucked a little at her silly response before becoming intensely silent, again.

“Do you know, like, what you’re like? I mean, I know I’ve told you. Ragatha’s told you. But you don’t ever really act like you know,” he hummed quietly. She quirked a brow and tilted her head at his odd question.

“Uuuummmm,” she muttered, searching his gaze for a hint at the correct answer, only to be equally matched with curiosity. Damn.
“I’m not sure I really understand your question?” she asked, confusedly. He sighed and delved into his mind, searching through his cognitive filing cabinets to best reword it.

“Pomni, I’m一I mean, it’s like一” he stumbled over his tongue, finding it very difficult to find his words for the first time in a very long time. Pomni took notice and became a little more anxious, being that Jax was never one to fumble linguistically.

“You are unlike any person I’ve ever met,” he started again.

“Ok,” she muttered, “you are unlike any person I’VE ever met.”

Jax bit his cheek in a frustrated way as he continued to stare, trying to coax the words out. 

“I feel like you don’t understand what you’re like. You don’t get it. And I feel一frustrated, I guess? Because you are so very, very unlike everyone and everything. You are so real, in this place where everything is fake, and everyone is fake. I don’t get it,” he nearly whispered. Pomni let out a gentle ‘woah’, and Zenith came to a stop as she studied Jax’s struggle. 

“Why一why do you, I mean, why are you一with me? Like, right now?” he asked, a little brokenly. He couldn’t even really hear his own tone as he spoke, he was a little too focused on the content of his speech and her answer.

“Because I’m nothing even remotely special,” he explained, watching her features shift, “and you are the most special person I’ve ever一” he stopped as the situation struck him like a lead pipe to the knee.

Oh no. Oh no oh no she was crying. WHAT THE FUCK? IT WAS JUST A QUESTION! God dammit Jax!

“Hey! Hey hey woah I didn’t mean to make you sad! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to!” Jax reeled, attempting to salvage the situation. Poorly.

Pomni slid off her horse and landed with a small thud. She was still crying as she held out her hand as an invitation for him. He jumped off and took it, eying her tears, regretful he even asked anything. It was a dumb question; why did he do that? What answer was he even expecting?!

“Sit down,” she ordered through a sniffle. He immediately sat in the grass where she pointed and watched her intently, his body going into full on autopilot. She gently ran her hand over his head, smoothing his ears back and watching them pop back a bit. Then, she sat down criss-crossed behind him and directed him to fall back, his head landing in her lap.

“You listen to me, and you listen good,” she warbled above him, “you are SO special. Unbelievably special. You are beautiful and funny and believe it or not, you’re very kind, too. You are a good person, and you make me so friggin’ happy all the time!”

A tear fell down her chin and landed on the fur of his cheek as his eyes engulfed his face.

“I DO know what I’m like! I’m a jester who has the most amazing friends, making memories to fill in the holes of my past with the help of wonderful people! And Jax一 I’m the best version of myself when I have you around. H-how could you say that you’re n-not special? You’re the most special,” she whispered, cradling his face upside down.

“But, you don’t get it, Pomni,” he uttered softly, “you’ve gotta know that’s not true. I’m not like you. You’re so much better than…me...” 

It was so strange to her, how he was speaking. Like he was sad about it, but he’d already accepted it as truth. 

“I know you like to think that you’re never wrong,” she protested, “but this time, you are. Completely, 100%, totally, absolutely, undoubtedly, unmistakably incorrect.” 

A moment of silence overtook them as they stared at each other, Pomni’s eyes still leaking despite her attempts to stop herself. Jax took in her face and internally kicked himself for causing so much disruption after they specifically came here to wind down. 
Why am I like this?

“I’m sorry for making you cry, Pom. I didn’t think it would be that big of a thing. I know you wanted to stop feeling so bummed since the whole Ragatha thing一d@mn I didn’t mean it. I f#cked up again,” his voice cracked as he sat up abruptly.

“I’m sorry. I should go, I think I一” he turned to look back at her swiftly.

When she gazed at him, she saw a toiling river of emotion behind his eyes. He had so much in his head all at once. All she wanted to do was give him a vent for it, let him let it out. But just as she saw the river rapids, she saw the fast and furious construction of a solid and formidable dam to shield it. 

“I love you, Pomni. Try to forget everything I said. Try and wind down, I’m gonna go,” he muttered, before flinging himself onto Hailstorms' back and sending her surging forwards.

Pomni watched him as he got smaller and smaller, making his way towards the door.

“I love you too,” she whispered, hugging her knees to her chest, “but you’re wrong.”

Chapter 51: CH. 51 LIMERENCE

Jax was on his way to his bedroom, deciding that he’d benefit from a calm environment. His head was starting to feel like a balloon. As he entered the dormitories, his eye caught the visage of the jester opposite his door, and suddenly he felt like his room was more like a dusty cellar or a dungeon.

Jax stepped toward her room and looked at the pouty face jester sign, scolding himself again. He entered the calm dark green space and pulled the door closed behind him quickly, as if he didn't want to let in any cold air. He took a deep breath in and felt his body relax from the familiar smell, but his mind kept on racing.

He found the beanbag chair in front of the fire and plopped down in it, sinking deeply. He let his ears hang back over the chair and he slumped down, coaxing his muscles give out.

‘Why did I have to ask that? Why did she have to take it so badly?’

He brought his hand up to press into his face as thoughts of her flooded his mind; of what she said.

He was not special like she was. Kindness and beauty were not attributes he believed he embodied in the slightest一maybe funny, he’d give himself that. 

But kind?

Pom’s be trippin’.

He thought about how physical her reaction was. How everything she felt came out of her eyes, how her voice cracked and she shook like she was cold. Pomni was so emotional from his stupid question, he honestly totally miscalculated how that conversation would go down.

He didn’t know what he’d thought she’d have said exactly, but he sure didn’t expect to ruin her day! What even about the question was so jarring? Was it because一OH NO.

HE DID THE SAME THING RAGATHA HAD DONE.

He put her on a pedestal and expected her to tell him why she was better than him. And she still was, but it’s not his place to put that type of pressure on her! God, why didn’t he think about that?! He has to apologize and backtrack asap! But is it too late to backtrack?

The door behind him clicked open, and he jumped up from the chair to face her. She looked surprised that he was in her room, but she didn’t seem disturbed by it.

“I, uh一I wanted to sit by the fire,” he muttered. Pomni’s stare hardened as she observed him, and she made her closer. His posture was slumped a bit and his eyes were all flighty, darting around to anywhere that wasn't her.

“That’s a lie. You could change your room if you only wanted a fireplace,” she grumbled back.

“I wanted to sit by the fire and smell you,” he relented, shifting to smooth down the fur on his arms. 

“Jax, I’m sorry I got so emotional and freaked you out. I just care a lot about you一can you be honest with me?” He stared at his feet on the ground, feeling the tingle of nerves prick at his extremities.

“Four score and seven years ago…” he mumbled, ear twitching. The joke didn’t seem to land.

“I need to lie down. Please come cuddle me,” she huffed. He picked up his face to study her a second before stepping forward and scooping her up like a cat. He laid them on the bed and curled his body around her, owning the role of big spoon like he had a deed. She pressed her hand into his arm as it curled around her.

“Tell me what’s going on in your head,” she ordered softly. 

He stiffened behind her before curling up tighter. He tried to still his mind enough to talk to her like she wanted, but it took a minute. A minute she was eager to give him.

“It was sh!tty of me to put you on a pedestal like Ragatha did. Please forgive me, I won’t do it again,” he huffed, feeling her hand squeeze him.

“You think I got upset because of how you look at me?” she asked in disbelief.

“Yes? I did the same thing she did.”

“No you didn’t. You did the opposite of what she did,” Pomni corrected.

What? 

“Jax, Ragatha thought I was so great that she confused me for someone else she loved and tried to keep me to herself, all the while never seeing me clearly. You know who I am, and you think I’m too good to be true and left because you thought you made me sad. Kinda opposite,” she gruffed.

“I feel like an imposter. Like a user,” he muttered. Pomni wiggled just enough to loosen his hold on her and flipped in his arms to face him.

“Why?” she asked sadly.

“I’m so happy when I’m with you, Pom, but I’m such a bad person. And you are such a good person一but here you are, letting me wrap around you and leech off your kindness like tick. I’m such a d*ck. I’m mean. I’m apathetic. I’m a sh*tty friend, and I’m selfish and way too stubborn. You’re like一the composite of every good thing I don’t have.”

His face was tight and scowling, his eyes twisted shut. It looked like he was being stabbed.

“And yet一even though I know how bad I am, and how good you are, I still can’t find the willpower to remove myself from being around you all the time. You make everything better, Pom. And I make everything worse. And it’s the sh*ttiest thing that I’d rather stick around and soak up your betterness, making life harder for you, just because you give me a bit of relief from this insane asylum. I’m so selfish. I’m so f#ckin’ weak, I hate it,” he croaked. 

Pomni pushed away from him momentarily before lifting up his baggy shirt and pulling herself inside it. He just watched her do it wordlessly, he couldn’t find the motivation to laugh at her silliness. He just rested his arms back around her as she was buried in his shirt.

“Jax is so selfish that he wants to be happy. He helps distract everyone from the bad days, and lays out the truth more bluntly and accurately than anybody here, and he’s the ‘bad guy’. Jax is so weak because he’s a human being who craves connection and love, just like every other f#cking human. Jax is a bad person because he’s built walls around himself for protection. Jax uses Pomni feel better, and he feels sh*tty about it even though she does the same thing. Is that the gist of it?” she asked, muffled by his chest.

“Pom一”

“Do you hear it? Do you understand how backwards it is?” she huffed, “You are not a bad person! You are just a person who does bad things sometimes. But most of the time, you do good things! You ARE kind, you ARE thoughtful. And if wanting to be around the coolest person you know is selfish, then woo boy you’re gonna think I’m the most selfish prick in the circus.”

He sniffed out a little chuckle at her animated tone and pressed onto her tighter as she continued to lay into him.

“You’re an intensely intricate, complicated person, Jax. You’re like, the personification of an icosahedron一you’ve got so many sides. And you’re so friggin’ interesting. You occupy my mind all the time; I’m always amazed by the way you think and go about existing. For as intelligent as you are, I’m honestly so surprised how negative your opinion of yourself actually is. You’re like一 so amazing…I’d have never thought you’d be unable to recognise it.”

“I just feel like I’m not good enough for you, Pom. You can’t possibly understand, you’re too humble to get it.”

“Why do you feel that you need to be ‘good enough’ for me? What even is that?” she exasperated, rubbing her face into his fluff.

He took a moment to think really hard about what he was going to say next. Concentrated Jax flavored truth.

“I feel like I’m lying when I say I love you.”

…

“Y-you do?” she whispered, becoming totally ridged.

“The way you explained what you think love is一I feel like that word isn’t enough anymore. Feels like I’m using it wrong. But I don't know of any word that comes close to how I actually feel. You say you love Ragatha and Kinger, you say you love your little NPC horses, you say you love astronomy and the endless fun fact reservoir in your brain, but一” 

As he explained, her stiffness gradually subsided.

“I think I love you more than I’ve loved anything or anyone else,” he whispered, “I need a bigger word for it.”

She scooted herself up to poke her face out of the neck hole, eyeing him with too much intensity for someone who was trying to steal the shirt he was wearing.

“You feel like you’re not good enough for me because you’re in love with me?” she asked, quietly, still peeking at him. He pressed his nose into the little bit of hair poking from the collar of his shirt and nodded.

“That’s the closest thing to it,” he huffed.

A bright smile enveloped her face again, and yet again, he found himself falling into it. 

“I think a good word for what we’re feeling is ‘limerence’,” Pomni hummed. Jax quirked a brow and eyed her, prompting her to explain a little more.

“Limerence is deep emotional love, punctuated by the desire to protect and care for the other person. It’s intensely deep and difficult to fully explain. I feel this way about you…more than friendly, more than lusting, deeper than ‘love’. Limerence,” she explained.

“‘I limerence you’ doesn’t really roll off the tongue,” he huffed. 

“Shorten it to lime, then,” she snickered.
The way her eyes sparked even in the shadow of his shirt struck him. She backed out of it and sat upright by his side as he lay there, watching her.

“I guess I lime you, Pom.”

She blinked as what he said soaked in a bit more. She let out a laugh and snatched his hand, resting her head on his hip.

“I guess I lime you too, Bunny. We should probably put a name to what we are, right? I’d like to一I mean, I want to say you’re my partner, if that’s ok.”

Jax felt a wave of glee rush his body as she said that. He didn’t even know he was capable of feeling such a physical reaction to words, here. He smiled and sat himself up, causing her to follow suit. For a moment, his smile faded as he looked at her.

“Do you really want to be with me, with me? I’m not saying I don’t want that… I do, that sound’s wonderful一but you know what I’m like. And, I一I can’t give you everything you deserve, Pom. I can’t make this hell go away, or一”

“You make this place seem less like hell every day,” she interrupted, “I want you to be my person. And I want you to believe that you’re good enough to be my person, because I say so, and you just are.”

She balanced on her knees to give his nose a lick, and he hummed at the feeling. When she was done, he leaned forward to lick her nose too.

“What would you even call two people who lime each other?” he asked softly.

“I’m not sure? 2 limes aren’t enough to be a bunch. I bet there are plenty of recipes that call for limes,” she retorted.

“We could say we’re a Margarita?” Jax proposed, his nose twitching slightly.

“We could say we’re Pico de Gallo,” she laughed.

“Pfft, I love it. We should change it every time someone asks, too.”

“Haha, yeah. Gangle will be delighted to know we’re officially key lime pie,” she giggled. He suddenly wrapped his arms around her, pulled her in close, and squeezed, causing her back to crack. She hummed at the pleasurable sensation before he loosened his grip, but didn’t let go.

“I will try to be a better person, Pomni,” he said softly. 

“I lime you the way you are, Jax. But if you feel the need to change, for whatever reason, I’ll be there for you. Just remember you make me so happy as you are,” she hummed, stroking his back.

“How do you say lime in German?” he asked out of nowhere. She pulled away and laughed at his randomness.

“Die Limette,” she chuckled, “but ‘die’ is a direct article. You can say ‘Limette’ if you’re not saying ‘the’ before it.”

“German be weird,” he mumbled, smiling widely at her.

“It be,” she agreed, “but can I tell you something? All this talk about limey foods has cranked up my craving for lime. We should go make something limey.”

“Haha, ok Pom. Sure.”

So they both stood and made their way to the kitchen hand in hand to make something tart and citrusy, not really saying much at all. For the first time in quite a long time, both of their minds were peaceful.

Chapter 52: CH.52 RECIPROCATION

When Jax and Pomni had made their way down to the kitchen, they were greeted by Kinger and Ragatha, who were starting to feel a bit peckish. They were starting to set up some mixing bowls and cutting boards.

Jax pulled the door open and leaned against it as Pomni passed. “So what’cha wanna make, sailor?” 

“Sailor? That’s Captain to you, mate,” she corrected.

“Pomni? You’re a Captain? I’d have never known!” Kinger yipped excitedly, waving at her as she entered. She returned the sentiment happily.

“Hiya King, what’s happnin’? Grabbing some lunch?” Jax hummed, letting the door close behind him. He noticed Ragatha was staring at him, but almost in a detached way, quite unlike her fixated stares of earlier this week. It still made him uncomfortable, nonetheless.

“Ragatha said she wanted to do some cooking! I’m here to help. I’d really like a crepe,” Kinger answered sweetly.

“Hm. How’s crepes for lunch sound, Pom?”

“Sounds good! What flavors in a crepe would do well with lime?” she asked no one in particular.

“Lime’s great with coconut and other tropical things,” Ragatha offered, pulling out a carton of eggs and milk.

“Lime improves the set-time in concrete!” Kinger explained helpfully. They all peered at him a moment before turning back to continue the conversation.

“Lime is awesome with lighter meats and seafood. God, I want some seafood now. Need me some SHRAMPS,” Jax barked, sliding into a seat. “Come sit Pom.”

She nodded and made her way over to him, reaching to pull out a chair next to Jax before he pushed it away with his foot. Pomni shot him a scrutinizing look and crossed her arms at his antics. 

“Nu-uh, not there. Look at your hair, it’s all tangled, you need me to fix it for ya’. Sit here,” he grinned as he patted his knee. 

“My hair is fine,” she huffed, before running her fingers through the back of it, and getting them caught on a few knots… “Oh…”

“I toldja, PomCakes. M’notta liar,” he scoffed, “S’ok anyways. Long hair is a new deal for you, it’s bound to happen. Do you even know if it’s ever gonna go back to base?”

“Actually, part of the parameters of the spa-day I outlined was that we have the ability to have changed haircuts. I resonated that if Zooble gets to have interchangeable parts, then we should be able to interchange our hairstyles. So, if you want, you can keep your hair long. If not, you can go back to the salon and get it done again,” Ragatha chimed, sitting down opposite of Jax and laying all the ingredients in front of her.

“Oh? Wow that’s a really nice change, Ragatha. You managed to fit 2 level-ups in your request. That’s impressive,” Pomni praised her.  She decided that it wouldn’t hurt to slide onto Jax’s lap to let him detangle her hair. Ragatha watched tensely as the smaller woman sat, noting how she did so without a hint of embarrassment, and she felt her gut twist. Jax noticed her demeanor and felt a pang of protectiveness shoot through him. Distraction time.

“All of the changes started with you, ya’ know” Jax said idly as he brushed his fingers through her messy hair. Ragatha hummed quietly as she started to crack eggs into the bowl, her mind churning. After detangling it, Jax snatched one of the discarded shells and popped it into his mouth like a maniac, causing both women to stare in a mix of disgust and intrigue.

As he crunched, he stared at the doll challengingly. “Now we got legit food, clothes, improved freedom of expression, the ability to keep pets,” he crunched loudly, “But yeah. Kudos on the hair thing.”

“Why did you一?” Ragatha started, holding an eggshell in her hand tightly.

“Tastes like butterscotch,” he interrupted, sneering at her and wrapping his arms around Pomni to scootch her closer to him. The jester wiggled and failed to loosen his grip, so she just sighed defeatedly.

Ragatha eyed the eggshell in her hand confusedly and brought it to her nose to smell it. She was not met with the scent of sweetness. Pomni watched her in bewilderment, confused as to why she’d fall for something so silly. It was tame compared to some of the jokes he’s pulled in the past, but it was still poking fun at the most unstable cast member…Ragatha licked the eggshell and made a blank face before putting it down. She brought her attention to the bowl again to add the flour, not bringing it up again.

It did not taste like butterscotch.

Pomni watched as Ragatha made the batter and Kinger prepared various types of fillings. He sauteed veggies and ripped apart lunch meats, he chopped up all different types of fruits, and he fried up some shrimp for Jax. He was surprisingly with-it while he cooked, and so was Ragatha. They actually made a great team. Jax labeled them the ‘Kooky Cooks.’

They made a couple savory and sweet varieties一Pomni and Jax were very impressed with their culinary skills. They forgot all about making something themselves, and Gangle and Zooble never showed up, so they ate their fill. After the meal they said their goodbyes and decided to goof off in Pomni’s room.

The bunny and jester were chatting and playing twenty questions until Ragatha knocked on the door to call her to dinner. They’d been caught up in conversation and forgotten all about it. Before Pomni could answer, Jax hand shot out and covered her mouth. 

“Kinda busy, right now, Rags,” Jax called, grinning evilly. Pomni couldn’t place why his face was so smug and mischievous一he’s probably about to pull some shit. Great.

“Jax? You’re here? She’s busy一?” Ragatha’s muffled voice sounded from behind the door.

“Yeah, super busy right now.” He stood up on the bed, letting go of Pomni’s mouth to give her a shush. She watched him as confused as ever as he started jumping on the bed. As she sat with her back against the wall, hugging a pillow, Pomni wracked her brain for why he would do this. Just一being so weird and causing a ruckus for no reason at all. Like the eggshell thing…

What the hell is he even doing? Pomni was about as lost as Hansel and Gretel.

“OH! Oh my I’m very sorry, I’ll just一!” 

Jax was only satisfied when he heard the tapping retreat of doll shoes. He stopped jumping on the bed and plopped down dramatically to splay out as he’d been before, snickering to himself.

“Uhh,” Pomni mumbled, “What was that about?”

“What was what about?” he hummed, folding his hand behind his head. That cocky grin was sooooo punchable.

“You know what,” she deadpanned, peering down at him, “haven’t you heard the classic tale of the primates romping on their sleeping cots?

“Nah. Why don’t you tell me,” he chuckled.

“There once was a monkey who’d bore children five,
Who’s one and only wish was to keep them alive.
Her children were weary, and did love to play,
But death saw an opportunity to take them, one day.
He whispered to the little children so,
And they did as he said, all falling in toe.
The children gleefully leapt on their cots,
Just to fall, hit their heads, and well up in knots, 
And be stolen by the grim-reaper.
The physician warned them all to stop, 
But the indignant children simply would not.            
So they continued to jump, and did not abide, 
And they kept on concussing, until all of them died.”

Jax snorted out a deranged laugh at her morbid version of the childhood song as she repositioned at the end of the bed by his feet.

“Pfft that’s so dark,” he lilted, wiggling his toes as she looked at them, “The mom’s to blame, Poms. She didn’t discipline those kids at all, and that’s why they kept getting hurt! The story is about a neglectful mother monkey一so the moral is, watch your kids or they’ll die.”

She picked up one of his feet and stared at it as it rested on her knee.

“Jax,” she muttered, deep in concentration, “you have beans.”

“Beans and rice and everything nice,” he tittered, trying not to move as she manipulated his feet.

“No I mean, you have paw-pads. Bunny’s don’t have paw pads… They just have a ton of fur on their feet. What's with that?” she explained.

“We’re in a cartoon video game virtual reality hell, Pom. You really think Caine cares about accuracy here? Gangle is a f#ckin’ mask on a string, yet somehow, she eats and sh*ts like everybody with a butthole. Questions like that don’t have answers.”

Pomni pressed her thumb onto one of his yellow pads, causing him to shiver.
“You know, that’s a good point,” Pomni hummed, “Why did Caine go through the effort of giving us bodily functions if we don’t actually need them?”

“Same reason we have our human anatomy and senses. Too many people abstracted with the insanity of purely virtual life, so Caine had to incorporate things from reality so peeps would go crazy slower,” Jax grumbled, “But guess what? None of his bandaids can ever really give a sense of normalcy. Boo hoo.”

“Hmm, yeah, that’s sad. But you know what’s not sad? Your beans. You have happy beans,” she hummed, stroking one. “They're so squishy and cute!” 

Jax tensed and used all of his willpower not to kick her as she was starting to cross the line from touches to tickles.

“I’M GLAD YOU LIKE ‘EM,” he growled, “but’cha oughta stoppit before I accidentally punt you!” Pomni gave him her best pouty face and watched as his features pulled into annoyance and surrender. 

“Sorry,” she mumbled, “but can I kiss them before I stop? They’re sweet little jelly beans.”

His face heated up and his eyes got wider as she patiently awaited his answer, smiling a dopey little smile. She was so good at wordlessly begging, like a puppy for table scraps一he could tell this was likely to end poorly, but he also knew there wasn’t a way to avoid giving in. She’s a wizard, after all.

“You’re so weird, but ok,” he hissed quietly, “just don’t tickle me. I’ll feel bad if I hurt’cha.”

Pomni grinned and squeaked a delighted little squeak. Fuckin’ weirdo. She pressed her lips so gently to one of his paw pads, and it sent a shiver through his whole body. 

She pulled away and looked at him quizzically. “Did that tickle?” 

“No,” he huffed, draping his arm over his face.

“Oh good!” she chirped, before going back to press kisses to all of them. 

It was so gentle and sweet, the way her lips pressed against the sensitive yellow pads over and over. She was trying so hard to not make him uncomfortable, and it was obvious how cute she thought they were一and it tickled him in a way he certainly didn’t expect it to. After a moment of listening to her giggles and sounds of cooing, she’d abruptly stopped.

His ear twitched at the lack of her voice. “Hey, Giggly, why’dja stop? You can keep一”

“You liked that alot, huh?” she asked, tone wavering slightly. What? 

He drug his arm back over his eyes and lifted his head to peek at her, only to be met with that pretty shade of jester pink.

“What? You were the one who一”

Oh. Hmmm.
He must’ve liked it, what with his overly friendly neighbor popping up for a visit.

“Heh, well一” he stumbled, falling off there. He didn’t really have any excuses or smart-aleck things to say about it as she stared at him.

“I don’t think it’s weird, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Pomni started, moving to sit between his ankles.

“I mean It’s kinda weird,” he blurted. He found the corner of the room to be quite interesting, suddenly.

“I don’t even know what weird is, anymore. I think you’re adorable even if you are a little weird,” she smiled, scooting closer. He was able to bring his gaze back to her after that comment, as a bit of embarrassment had ebbed. It was soon replaced by anticipation ad she delicately placed her hand on his knee and began little circles with her thumb. She felt him tense up.

 “Can I help?” 

“M-hm,” he hummed, eyeing her expectantly. 

She chuckled and scooted up closer to him, one of her knees still slotted between his legs. She leaned forward to give him a kiss, and as she did, she felt his length lightly press into her stomach. Her breath hitched at the feeling, but she was determined to concentrate on him, this time. Jax shuddered and wrapped an arm around her back to pull her closer.

She started nibbling on his neck in the way he did hers, and was met with a brilliant reaction. A deep, rumbling sigh escaped him, and his chest began to vibrate with affection. As he purred, she felt him try to turn into her neck and nip at her too, but Pomni pulled away and gave him her assertive face.

 “No,” she huffed, “It’s your turn.”

Jax’s irises were gone. He looked like a purple bunny grey alien hybrid, the way his eyes engulfed in black. Pomni pushed herself off of his chest and slid further down, directing his legs as she did so. He’d pushed himself up on his elbows and placed some pillows behind his upper back so he’d have a little support. He wanted to watch.

She leaned down and pressed a kiss to his hip bone, massaging the side of his thigh as she did. He sucked in a breath as the tension kept building up from her touches. She trailed little kisses along a path under his belly button before reaching to cup him tentatively.

He let out a deep growl as she made contact, gently tracing her fingers around his length above his shorts.  

“Tease,” he grumbled, gritting his teeth. She squeezed only a little in response to his comment.

“I’m allowed  if you’re allowed,” she huffed quietly, before biting the elastic waist of his shorts with her teeth. He watched her tilt her head back and let it go, and it snapped on his pelvis in a similar way to how the bathing suit snapped her earlier, and he whined.
 
Pomni pinched the pant legs of his shorts and tugged them, looking at him expectantly. He rushed to rip them off, happy to oblige. She sat up all the way and looked down at his grey underwear to find him prominently outlined, pressed up against his lower belly. She nearly choked on her own spit, seeing as his boxers barely concealed him entirely.

Jax was trained on her face, and he didn’t miss the wild look that crossed her features. 

“What’s wrong Pom?” he asked nervously, shifting in his spot. She gave him the most honest look she could muster and swallowed thickly.

“I’ll try my best,” she whispered, before running her hand along him again. 

Jax didn’t have time to respond before she started pulling his boxers down. Instinct took over as he pulled them off for her, muted by desire一and once they were around his mid thigh, Pomni fell into staring for a moment.

His eager length sprung up to meet her, and it wasn’t exactly what she’d expected一but then again she didn’t know what to expect. It was girthy at the base where it came out of a sort of pocket, and he was friggin’ long. Colored a soft shade of pastel pink, it looked like soft silicone, with a small tapered tip that was already beading. It was veiny and intimidating, but at the same time, Pomni couldn’t help her wild thoughts.

DAYUM Bunny be packin’! It almost touches his belly button…fuck. Bless cartoon logic. 

Pomni leaned forward and laid on her stomach in between his legs before she pulled his cock to her lips and gave him a weary kitten lick. He threw his head back and let out a heady groan.

“Pooooommniiiii,” he hissed, “Stop teasin’一I need you一”
 
Sold.

She slipped the tip into her mouth and passed her tongue over it, swiping away his excitement. The texture was indeed like silicone. He tasted interesting, almost like a savory sort of flavor. She didn’t remember much about her previous intimacy, but she remembered that bodily fluids didn’t usually taste like that. Whatever, that doesn’t matter. Right now, she wants some bunny soup.

Pomni took more of him in and he shot out his hand to weave his fingers through her hair. He wasn't tight or forceful, more like he just needed something to hang onto for mental preservation.

She tried her best to relax her jaw and take it, but he was so big that she was only able to get a little under half in. She wrapped her hand around the base of his member, making sure to pump in time with her oral efforts. Jax groaned and started rubbing the back of her head with his thumb absentmindedly, following her movements. He let out a gasp as his dick hit the back of her throat and she swallowed around him.

“Ah, f&ck, Pom一oh my God...” he breathed, curling his fingers, “sh*t you feel一nnnnnf*ckin’ take it.”

The way he was drown in lust, the tone of his voice, the way he pet her only to steady himself一it made her whole body ache. She had to press her thighs together to attempt to distract herself from it; to apply some counterpressure. She really couldn’t deny that the way his hand guided her movements was hot as hell一she moaned, the vibrations shooting through his body and warping his mind further.

Jax released her hair and moved both hands to her shoulders, rhythmically squeezing in time to her sucks, and his breath started catching. His hands started to shake as she bobbed her head in rhythm with him. He took a deep breath and caught the narcotic smell of arousal coming off of her, and that was what finally pushed him.

“Pom, hnng一,” he groaned, tensing and pulling her closer to his pelvis, “S’comin’, take it, take it一”

She felt his release gush into her throat as his cock twitched in her mouth, and she swallowed him up. She tried to take him deeper to milk him, but she just couldn’t push any further. Even with all of his coaxing and the time to get used to it, she still only made it to halfway. 

“Hot d@mn,” he breathed out, hands still trembling on her shoulders. “That was so good一”

She pulled off of him and balanced on her arms as she looked down at his blissful expression, eyes closed and cheeks dusted pink. After a moment, he opened his eyes and raked them over her, the heat in his cheeks only growing.

Jax brought his hand to her lip and swiped away the string of saliva that connected her to his dick and he let out a breathy laugh.

“You’re so f#ckin’ hot it’s not even fair,” he huffed, heavy lidded.

“You’re really big,” she croaked, bringing her arm up to wipe at her lips. She cleared her throat and looked back down to stare at it as it softened, and a smile pulled at her cheeks.

“I guess Quipu is a good nickname,” she hummed. He reached out and pulled her closer to him, smile the size of Texas as he pressed his nose to her hair and inhaled deeply.

“Damn straight, Pom. Now come here…S’your turn.”

Chapter 53: CH. 53 GROUP THERAPY?

It was early morning, or Pomni assumed, when she was ripped from sleep by a voice she knew too well. 

“Na, I fed’ em already,” Jax groggily mumbled.

Unfortunately, even though it was relatively quiet, the fact that he was always trying to physically merge with Pomni whenever they slept within arms length of each other made his voice more prominent, as it was right in her ear.

“Jax一what’re you talking about,” she grumbled, attempting to reach up to rub her eye but being effortlessly prevented.

“I’m not back talkin’ Ma, n’said I一,” he gruffed.

Pomni felt his face scrunch up as he sleep-talked. So it’s not pleasant…hmmm.

“Did you feed all of them?” Pomni hummed, attempting to squeeze her arm up to slot between them. He only pressed tighter.

“Cows’re hmmm. N’th’chickens.”  

“Jax, wake up,” she choked breathlessly.

“S’not my fault she got out…stupid fence,” he rumbled, pulling her tighter.

“Jax, wake up or I’ll tickle you until you convert to Roman Catholicism!”

“Hmm一? Whassa’ matter, Pom?” he asked lazily as he came to.

She started bapping him on the forehead rapidly with her palm. “Let go! If you’d have pressed any tighter I’d have turned into diamond! You were talking in your sleep about feeding cows, and you started to crush me,” she huffed. When he finally let go she then pulled herself up in a big stretch.

When she was up, the blanket fell to expose her bare chest, and the memories of the night flooded her again. A healthy coating of crimson applied to her cheeks, and she moved to pull the blanket up to cover herself, but Jax held it too tight for her to dislodge.

“D’aaawwe, look at that face,” he snickered groggily, “what was your favorite part, Pom?”

“The part where you gave me my blanket and stopped asking embarrassing questions so early in the morning,” she snarked. He laughed at her and pulled her closer before he grumbled into her ear.

“You don’t like embarrassing questions at any time of day, don’t you try to bamboozle me,” he rasped, “And anyway my favorite part was that we didn’t have to change the sheets when I made you一”

“STOP STOP Don’t do this before we have to go out! Please?” she pleaded.

“Oh Boo-Hoo Pom doesn’t wanna be horny! Walk in my shoes for one day, sweet cheeks, and then you’d have the right to act like it messes you up! You don’t even HAVE a worm in your brain that tells you to do weird sh*t,” he laughed, roughing her hair.

“And what if I do and I’m always fighting it, huh, big guy? What if I have to will my way out of the clutches of my Bunubus? Walk a mile in my shoes, why don’t YOU,” she grumbled, trying to smooth out her hair again. Jax’s grin was so wide it must’ve hurt.

“HA! Bunubus一you’re so silly, I’d never fit into those tiny jester shoes, anyway. And you know, if you knew what it’s like to have a sniffer that can detect literal fear and ears that can hear your lecherous thoughts, you’d cut me some slack. Being me ain’t all peaches and cream.”

“M-Wha一Lecherous!? YOU DON’T EVEN一”

“And if you had a sex drive like mine, you’d go batty tryn’a tame it. You should be grateful that your avatar doesn’t pester ya’ every 5 seconds about it, or that you can actually have a one and done! Ain’t never been that easy for lil’ ol’ me,” he snorted, digging his hands into her armpits. She erupted into a fit of laughter and tried desperately to fight him, but her struggles only amused him more.

“AHAA ow ow oooow AH PLEASE,” she wailed, wiggling away finally, “you’re so rough! And what the h3ll do you even mean, no ‘one and done’s? The first time we一”

“The first time we did anything I didn’t let you mess with me because I wasn’t sure if I’da been able to be chill about it, which is what you asked for. When we went camping, you passed out and I had to deal with it by myself like 3 times before I even threw the blanket away. And guess what? Still went’ta sleep bricked up like a chimney,” he snickered, standing up to stretch.

“Really?” she asked, her brows raising. Jax reached over to her drawer and threw her jester suit at her to cover her face.

“Really,” he lilted, picking his shorts up off the ground, “Did you even pay attention last night? I mean, I understand if not一they call me Magic Mouth Jax for a reason. ”

“They…?”

Just as Pomni started to rebuttal him and snuff out his self-flattery, a knock sounded from the door.

“Hey Pom, Zoob here. I wanna talk.”

Pomni shifted her gaze to Jax and discovered he was not smiling anymore. He rolled his eyes and stepped into the shorts before sauntering over to the beanbag chair to sit lazily in it.

Pomni quickly dressed and was over at the door, pulling it open and offering them in.

“Hey Z. Are you ok? Something the matter?” Pomni pressed gently, closing the door behind them.

“Yeah I’m good. Just wanted to pick your brain, if you don’t mind,” they responded sensibly. Pomni nodded in agreement before imagining that her bed was fully made and gesturing for Zooble to take a seat.

“So, here's the deal. I’m coming to you because you seem to be the innovator of the group, and一”

“Rude, Zooble I’m literally right here,” Jax grumbled, watching them upside down from where he sat. They sort of startled at him, as if they didn’t know he was there, before they offered him a condescending face and an eye roll.

“I know you’re innovative, Jax, but I kinda want to talk to the person who doesn’t use that skill to f#ck with us,” Zooble deadpanned.

“Touche`,” Jax huffed.

“So what do you want me to help with?” she asked softly.

“Ragatha is obviously, like, a little better,” Zooble started, “一she was able to interact with us marginally normally yesterday. But I just wanted to see if you had any ideas on how to support her. When she had her episode at the spa-day adventure she was grasping at her neck, like she wanted to fiddle with a necklace. Do you know what that’s about?”

“I've seen her fidget with the invisible necklace too, and I’ve no idea what that’s about. But, um, to be honest, I have been really struggling to find ways to help. Unfortunately, the way I handle things isn’t good for her situation,” Pomni huffed, dragging her hand over her arm thoughtfully.

“The necklace is another memory that slips through the cracks when she gets blurry,” Jax butted in, still lazing in the chair, “N’ of course your style doesn’t help, right now, Pomster. You’re too sweet and empathetic and sh*t, that’s why you trigger her more. The sweet stuff is the trigger.”

“Huh,” Zooble mumbled as they glared at him. He was contributing meaningfully. They weren’t sure he had the capacity for such a thing.

“I don’t remember her telling me anything about a necklace, but then again, she never spoke of anything involving her family until a couple days ago. We talked about the past in a more abstract and disconnected way, like recounting emotions and life experiences. She never went into detail about any other people or possessions in her before-life,” Pomni offered.

“Did you?” Jax suddenly asked, turning over to lay on his stomach on the chair.

“Did I一talk about the people I knew before?” she asked.

“Yeah. Rags is a deceptive little sh*t, ya’ know? She acts like she’s all dandy, but she obviously hasn’t been. She’s the type that is extra cautious about things she says, even with her closest peeps. She ain’t likely to open up unless someone else does it first. It’s一it’s a way to protect yourself,” Jax griped.

“I, uh, I never opened up about it because she never asked,” she mumbled.

“How ironic that the person who won’t spill unless asked and the person who won’t spill unless spilled to become buddy-buddy in a place like this,” Zooble frowned, “I don’t think anyone here has been super open about their past with her. Like, G and I have talked about our stuff一but never to Rags.”

“Do you think that would be helpful for her? To talk to her about our pasts, too?” Pomni asked tentatively.

“Ragatha feels alone. She wants connection, even though I don’t really think she deserves it,” Jax butted in, again. Zooble and Pomni both peered at him, waiting for his next input.

“Look, all I’m sayin’ is vulnerability begets vulnerability. I would know. She’s got a lot in her noggin and we can use it to open her up. A metaphorical r’ emotional crowbar, if you will.”

“Jax, are you suggesting we talk about our pasts with her?” Zooble asked, astounded.

“If by ‘we’ you mean Pom and the idiot squad, then yes.” 

Zooble scoffed and rolled their eyes, landing them back onto Pomni, “That might help her a little more. I’m ok with talking about my deal. You cool with it?”

“Yeah. The only reason I never talked about it was because no one ever asked,” Pomni explained. Jax’s ears fell and laid on his head and his expression wilted, unbeknownst to the other 2 in the room who were looking at each other.

“Ok. So, I think it’d be a good idea to have a few gatherings to talk with her. Imma talk to G about it, get her input, and then start organizing it. I’m thinkin’ her room’s the best place, so she can feel safe,” Zooble explained as they turned toward the door. Before they left, though, they turned back to Jax.

“You know, Jax一I can’t believe I’m saying this, but,” Zooble paused, as if choking on their words, “I’m sorry for doubting you. That was a good idea.”

And then they left.

Pomni took a deep breath and sighed as she fell dramatically onto her bed, letting her legs dangle from the side. As soon as that door clicked shut, Jax was up and in front of her, leaning down to study her face. His eyes flitted over her and his mouth pulled into a taut line as his brows furrowed.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, reaching up to smooth down a bit of puffed fur on his neck.

“Pomni, I’m sorry I never asked you about it,” he answered promptly.

“Asked me about what?” she pondered, searching his eyes for an answer.

“I never asked you about your past. I’ve been waiting for you to tell me in your own time, but I should’a recognized that you’re the type to tell when asked. I一I never did and don’t wantch’a to feel like I don’t care.”

Pomni offered a sweet smile and opened her arms to embrace him, and he pressed into her as he so commonly does. She felt it must be awkward for him to lean down at such an angle to hold her, as her toes could touch the ground, so she imagined the bed was on a higher frame to support him better as they hugged.

“No hard feelings, FlapJax. I'm not someone to dwell on my own past, so it never bothered me that you didn't ask about it. The past has made me what I am now and that’s enough for me一but if you want to talk about it, I’d be happy to. And I’d love to learn about yours too,” she hummed.

“Yeah? You wanna know about my sh*tty boring past?” he snickered, nuzzling into her neck.

“I do,” she lilted, stroking the back of his head. As soon as she said that, his heart started hammering and he felt a nervous tingle all throughout his body.

Pomni pushed at his chest to usher him up, and as soon as he was off of her she sprung from the bed and meandered to the door.

“We can talk all about it, Bun, but first, I’m hungry. I’m feeling in the mood for biscuits and gravy.”

“F#ck yeah, I can get behind that! That’s like, my favorite breakfast. The first meal of champions,” Jax said excitedly.

When they sat at the table, Zooble greeted them with a wave, and Gangle offered a sweet smile while Kinger and Ragatha sang out a ‘good morning’. Jax had wordlessly confiscated the tray of biscuits and the gravy boat, placing them in front of his seat. When they sat down, Jax started piling biscuits onto his plate, and then slathering it in gravy.

When Pomni reached for the biscuit tray, Jax pulled it away from her with a sly smile.

“After I went through all the trouble of plating your food? How rude,” he lilted, pushing the heaping plate over to her.

Pomni eyed the plate piled with biscuits and gravy and then shot him an incredulous look. Ragatha and Gangle had been watching the exchange with interest, while Zooble and Kinger couldn’t care less. Pomni picked up her fork and stabbed it into a fluffy quick bread and took a generous bite. When she pulled away with gravy on her face, Jax let out a brilliant laugh and snatched a napkin to clean her face.

“Ha showoff! I dare you to eat everything on that plate,” he laughed as he wiped her chin.

“You’re trying to explode my stomach,” she grumbled, poking one of the biscuits, “you couldn’t even eat all this.”

“Yeah, Jax, there's no way any stomach could hold that amount of food in one sitting,” Gangle rushed to defend her.

He stole back the plate and easily started devouring it, consuming everything in an unhealthy amount of time. After about 5 minutes, he was done, and he pushed the empty plate back to her and smiled evilly.

“You didn’t do the dare, Pom. Now you gotta get punished,” he teased, crossing his arms behind his head lazily. Ragatha startled and gripped her dress extra hard as she heard this. Kinger patted her back reassuringly and she seemed to calm down slightly.

“What?! No! How did you even do that?” Pomni exasperated, poking his non-bulging belly. How the hell can he still have a flat tummy after that? Where’s the cartoon logic?

“Actually yes, that’s what we agreed to一you didn't do all 10 last game. And as far as the ‘how’ goes, I’ll have you know I’m very talented,” he chuckled.

“Oh geez,” Pomni huffed, watching him move to plate a more Pomni-sized breakfast. She frowned at it, seeing that he knew what she could handle all along一jerk.

They all ate their breakfast and chatted here and there about random things before Caine and Bubble showed up and jovially elaborated to them about the adventure of the day.

“You’ll never guess what we’ve got for you guys, today,” Bubble grinned, “It’s sure to leave a mark on ya’!”

The cast side eyed each other before returning their unamused gazes to Caine.

“Art is a wonderful, creative hobby that is stimulating and enjoyable! Today we are going to be stepping into our artistic eras by providing lovely creative art pieces on the NPCs at a tattoo convention!”

“Woah, really?” Gangle piped, excitement flooding her features.

“YEAH, WOAH REALLY,” Bubble howled, “And I’ll be there to get a cover up!”

“Caine! We have to dress up for the tattoo convention! Get the feel for it, ya’ know? Peeps in those places dig leather and spikes and stuff! C’mon, for extra points!” Jax exclaimed, standing up from his seat to emphasize his point.

“OOH good idea, Jax, my boy! Come along now, superstars, it’s a get dressed minigame! Whoever has the best outfit after one minute in the wardrobe gets 10 XP!” Caine bellowed, snapping his fingers and transporting them all to the wardrobe. 

After 6 minutes of the crew scrambling to dress in their own interpretations of alternative wear, Caine awarded Jax with the extra points for his particularly gothic style before ushering all but Zooble through the portal. Gangle seemed to be in good spirits at the prospect of an art themed adventure while everyone else simply meandered in without any idea of how an AI would imagine a tattoo convention.

Guess it's time to find out.

Chapter 54: Ch.54 TIT FOR TATS

“All right! Take up your stations and tattoo your customers, but make sure to give them what they want, or they’ll retaliate! Also, you’ll be graded on a scale of 0 to 5 stars! Get going, and don’t make anybody mad lest you want to be met with excitable rage,” he bleated before disappearing. Bubble remained with the cast and floated away to harass some NPCs while everybody else wandered toward their designated tattoo stations.

Caine didn’t tell them that he’d adjusted the NPCs' receptiveness to the players based on their outfits, making the more alternative ones more magnetic to them. Jax hadn’t a clue that his black ripped jeans and his edgy studded leather jacket would make for prime NPC bait. The others didn’t have as much of a draw, as they were dressed less flashy. Pomni chose a grey turtleneck and beanie with a pair of dark green shorts on top of her idea of edgy fishnets, while Kinger chose an outfit that looked remarkably like golfing attire, while Ragatha bypassed the ‘alt’ suggestion totally in favor of a modest floral sundress. Gangle at least tried to do a scene look, with a brightly colored graphic t-shirt and a denim skirt with one of the hot-topic chunky belts from her childhood memory.

Ragatha found her station next to Pomni’s, and she was grateful to be there. It made the toiling in her gut quiet just a little when the jester offered her a little wave of reassurance. Gangle was directly across from Ragatha, next to Jax. She seemed to be the most confident of the group, seeing as how she was as happy as a clam fiddling with all the stuff on the table.

Pomni approached hers, a simple wooden stand一identical to everyone else's一layed out with a tattoo machine and stack of books. She grasped one of the books to flit through it and discovered that it was stocked with different styles of tattoos. 

She lifted her gaze briefly from the book to glance around the room at the others, who were all investigating their own places一accept for Jax. He was already messing with the tattoo gun, pressing the needle to his arm experimentally.

“Jax, wait! What are you doing?” she asked from her station across from him. His smug face shot up with a smirk.

“Just wanna see if fur can be tatted,” he lilted.

“But what if it’s permanent?” she called.

“So what if it is?” and then he ducked under the table out of her view. A second later he was standing just beside her, causing her to drop the booklet she was holding as she jerked back in surprise.

“Turns out fur can be tatted! Oh, look, we’ve got a biker gang approaching. You go first,” he hummed, waving to a very tall, very burly NPC.

The Michelin-man looking thing came to Pomni’s booth and pressed his hands on the table to lean forward intimidatingly. 

“Hello,” he started, “I’d like a heart with a dagger through it.”

Pomni blanked at him. She stared thoughtlessly, prompting Jax to slot an arm on either side of her noggin and jostle her big head around af if she were a pinball. She broke her stare, grabbed the tattoo gun and nervously motioned for the NPC to sit in the chair at her booth.

“H-hello, um, Sir一” she stiffened, “Where do you want the heart?”

“Do it on my left shoulder,” he asserted.

She got him as comfortable as she could, and Jax decided to stay and watch her first job before heading over to draw genitalia and other profanities on the NPCs at his station. His presence at her table started drawing more NPCs to line up, much to her dismay. She started freeballing it, completely bypassing the use of stencil ink or doing a test sketch first, hoping to get it done in a timely manner and address the others waiting in line. Jax realized immediately that she’s never gotten a tattoo in her life. 

She was just absolutely going for it with no fucking clue. His smile beamed over her shoulder as he watched her struggle, squinting and tilting his head as she scribbled what looked like an amorphous blob with tubes in it, and then a poor excuse for a dagger stuck through it. After she was done, the NPC took the hand held mirror to look at it and frowned.

“What is that?” he griped, brow furrowing at the thing on his arm. Jax covered his smile and snicker with his hand, fingerless leather gloves cool to his lips. 

“I-it’s a heart? With a dagger…” she explained, brushing her fingers over the tattoo machine delicately.

“It looks like modern art! That’s not a heart or a dagger, it’s a blobfish with a spear through it!” he growled, a single star appearing above his head.

“B-but it’s an anatomical heart, Sir! It’s got all the ch-chambers and vessels in proper placement,” she warbled, swallowing thickly.

The NPC stared at it longer and a loading symbol appeared on his forehead, and the star rating jumped to 3.

“Oh! I see now,” he hummed, “I guess this isn’t total doo doo.”

As he walked off, Jax finally let his hand fall and his laugh caught Pomnis' attention. She turned around to face him incredulously, pouting and crossing her arms. He patted her grey beanie condescendingly.

“Of course your brain goes to a medical diagram,” he tittered, “you’re such a dork, Pom.”

She watched him leave, embarrassment pooling in her face, but felt a bit of relief as half of the NPCs that lined up at her station followed Jax back to his.

Gangle had been approached by a slender NPC woman who asked for a skull and bones tat on her chest, and she was giddy to oblige. After she was sat, Gangle wasted no time in scanning the booklets for an image that the NPC might like, offering her options, and choosing the most preferred one. 

“Ohhh, yes I like this very much,” the NPC hummed, admiring the new ink on her chest, “I’ll tell everybody how good you are!”

Gangle chuckled nervously as the NPC left and started idly chatting with others, drawing their attention to her.

Ragatha was feverishly studying the booklets on her table, scanning all the images and trying to imagine tracing them on synthetic skin, wood, fur, or scales一she was likely to encounter all of them. She was startled out of her book by a voice she recognized and wilted at.

“Wazzup, dude,” Bubble chimed, “I need me a cover up. You’re the lucky doll.”

“O-Ohh一how一special,” she warbled.

“Right. So it’s right on my back, here,” Bubble hummed, turning to show her.

She cocked her head to the side as she tried to figure out what exactly she was looking at. Bubble floated idly in front of her, patiently allowing her to get a good look.

“So, what is it exactly?” she asked, still puzzled.

“Oh that’s a QRcode. Gives me quick easy access to my personal website on the dark web. Caine says organ trafficking is not family friendly, so I have to scrap it,” he explained casually.

“W-WHAT?” she startled, tensing at his words.

“I know right? That’s total bologna, a lot of those organs end up in families! Kid’s need transplants too, and somebodies gotta organize harvesting一anyway that’s the deal. I don’t care what you cover it with, as long as it’s unrecognizable to Caine.”

“My Land,” Ragatha choked, gripping her tattoo machine tightly, “D一are you joking? C-can an AI actually run organized crime?”

“Mmmm I like to think of my business more along the lines of necessary work that most people don’t want to do. It’s easier to process if you think of it as ‘visceral agriculture,’ but call it what you will. I don’t care, just get going with that cover up.”

Ragatha motioned for him to rest in the seat by her station and he did so. She brought up the machine and held it barely an centimeter away from the barcode.

“Will you pop if I poke you with the needle?” she asked nervously.

“Nah, I turned that mechanic off. I’m unpoppable until I switch it back on, so you’re good.”

Ragatha nervously brought the buzzing needle to his back, placing it right on the outside of the barcode. She started scribbling around it, and drew a sort of pot beneath it to connect the dots to it with little lines. When she was done, she pulled the tattoo machine away and mumbled to Bubble uncomfortably.

His eyes elongated and curled around the top of his sphere to get a good look at the cover up, and he whistled in acceptance.

“You made it a flower pot, huh? Perfect. Caine will get off my back about it now! Right right, 5 stars for you. Keep up the good work, freak, I’m outie,” bubble beamed, his eyes slingshotting back into his head with enough force to pop him. Ragatha shivered, suddenly feeling very dirty. She needed to go wash her hands.

Kinger was approached by a large green dragon holding a small identical baby on her hip as he waited patiently for any customers.

“Yo, you ever inked a kid before?” the dragon asked roughly, her gravelly voice shattering the melodic buzzing of the background.

“Oh, me? Hah, I’ve never inked anyone before,” he replied happily.

“Oh, great. Junior’s never got one before! You guys are twinning. He said he wanted one for his second birthday一go on, Junior, tell the old man what you want,” she rasped.

“Misanfwopy,” the toddler dragon chimed, pointing to under his eye with a smile.

“What is it you want, young man?” Kinger asked.

“He wants the word ‘misanthropy’ on his cheek bone,” the mother dragon explained, setting her child in the chair, “what type of lettering do you want, Schnookams?” 

“Cuwsive swipt,” he answered happily, grabbing one of his clawed feet to mess with his toes.

“Hmm. Ok, young man一do you really want a tattoo? It’ll last forever,” Kinger hummed apprehensively, getting in position by the toddler.

“My hatwed of mankind is incontwovewtible,” Junior answered stoically as he leaned forward, presenting his cheek. Kinger shook off his nerves and lifted the needle to press into the toddler's cheek, and the child merely sat with his eyes closed and let it drag over his skin. Caine really had no clue, did he?

Jax was having an absolute blast as the NPCs sat at his booth expectantly, presenting their limbs for him to mar. He gracefully doodled profanity, intentionally misspelled every word requested, and scraped by with an average of 2 stars by the skin of his teeth.

“I’d like a rose.”          
They got a dick with thorns.

“Can I have a heart with mom on a ribbon around it?”
They got a pair of butt-cheeks farting, with the fart cloud spelling ‘ur mom’.

“I want the name of my girlfriend on my neck.”
They got ‘dumbass’ instead. Jax scoffed that the last part of his artistry was blurred out.

After a long while of the cast finishing the tats, the customers steadily started to run out. Jax made sure to pocket all of the different colored ink cartridges and hide the tattoo machine in his jacket before he headed over to pester Pomni, who was finishing up her last tattoo on a unicorn's butt-cheeks.

“Make sure to make my cutie mark lined in sparkles,” he instructed.

“It’s very sparkly, Charlie. I promise. The most sparkly interdimensional amulet you’ve ever seen,” she huffed, adding the finishing touches to his equine tramp stamp.

“Very good. I’d pay you, but my only friends stole all of my money and a kidney. Thanks for everything,” he huffed before trotting away.

“Nice work, Tiny. How many’d ya’ do?” Jax asked as he threw himself onto her seat.
 
“Probably, like, 7? I kind of lost track after the hamburger tattoo,” she huffed, massaging the hand that had been holding the tattoo machine for hours.

“I’m sure I did at least double that,” he smiled, spinning around in her chair.

Ragatha approached them and Jax had the intrusive thought to trip her, but Pomni’s standing to meet her deflated the idea quickly. Don’t want Rags to squish his Jester一that’s his job.

“Hey Ragatha. How’ve you been holding up?” Pomni asked as she closed the distance between them.

“I’m good, I think. So, um…turns out Bubble is into underground organ trade,” she warbled, happily accepting Pomnis’ proximity.

“That’s not even surprising,” Jax laughed, still spinning himself in the chair.

“What’s your average?” Pomni asked, “I got a 3 average.”

“Got a 4 average,” Ragatha hummed, smiling, “I noticed Gangle was getting lots of 5’s. I think she’s going to win.”

“Poppycock, I could totally win,” Jax sneered as he hopped up from the spinney chair, “I got a perk before the game started. My 2 stars could easily jump to 5.”

“HEY YOU, RABBIT!” an angry mannequin called from a hoard of displeased NPCs, “YOU RUINED OUR TATS!”

“Um, excuse me, that hurts my feelings,” Jax scoffed as he folded his arms, eyeing the group disdainfully, “I did my best.”

“You gave Jollyspot butt farting!” one of them called angrily, earning a hearty laugh from him.

“I gave her what she asked for.”

“You’re asking for a beating, with that attitude!” the NPC threatened, starting to stomp toward him.

Pomni skittered to jump in front of him, even as Ragatha reached out to stop her. As the NPC approached, she took in a deep breath and stood as tall as she could in a protective T pose. Jax watched her in disbelief for a moment before doubling over to cackle at the sight. The NPC stopped within a foot of the small jester.

“You better get out of the way, little girl, we’ve got a bone to pick with the一AAAAAAHHHH”

Pomni had grabbed the NPCs underwear in a flash and given him the most forceful front wedgie she could, pulling with all of her might to get the waistband up to where his sternum would be.

“FIRST OF ALL,” she gritted through her teeth, “Don’t you EVER threaten my people.”

She stepped closer to him to get more leverage and somehow forced the waistband higher, causing the NPC to whimper and brace his arms around her wrists.

“And SECONDLY, I’m no more a little girl than you are an empanada! You can go ahead and back the f#ck off!” 

Ragatha and Jax watched this play out with big eyes, Jax’s smile bright enough to outshine the sun and Ragatha’s fear plastered on her face. She started to move toward Pomni before Jax’s hand shot out and caught her shoulder to hold her back.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the NPC croaked, his knees shaking from the pain, “please let me go! I’m sorry一”

Pomni dropped him like a hot potato and stood stock still, arms folded on her hips and glaring at the other NPCs behind him. The poor wedgied mannequin hobbled away, and the others in the group dissipated after Pomni cracked her knuckles in display of intimidation.

Jax knelt down and grabbed her hips, plopping her right on his shoulders and laughing the whole time. He stood with his hands on her thighs shot that gamma ray smile at everyone within sight.

“THAT’S RIGHT YOU F&CKERS,” he hollered, “mess with the Bunny and you get the BOMBNI!”

Ragatha looked questioningly at Pomni, then to the NPCs, then back to her again.
“Pomni, that was so一” Ragatha started, a bit frazzled.

“Awesome? Hot as h3ll? Bad@ss? Hilarious?!” Jax nearly sang, spinning just because he couldn’t contain his excitement.

“I was going to say violent,” Ragatha mumbled, watching as Pomni’s eyes rolled around in her head. After Jax stopped spinning her she gave Ragatha a soft look.

“I know that’s not your style, Raggy,” she hummed, “but they needed to get the message quick. You saw how quickly they resorted to violence, that was the fastest way to get through to them.”

“I don’t care why you did it,” Jax beamed, “but you should really do that more often!”

“Do what more often?” Gangle asked from behind Jax.

She and Kinger came up to join the conversation as all of their customers had left. Gangle happily made herself comfortable by Ragatha while Kinger peered up at Pomni on Jax’s shoulders.

“You’ve grown, Pomni,” he hummed, smiling at her. She snickered and rested her elbows between Jax’s ears as she looked down at him.

“I really have,” she laughed.

After a moment of chatter, Caine appeared in their circle and congratulated them before ushering them back to the Circus. Jax refused to let Pomni down, so she almost bumped her head on the edge of the portal, while everyone else seemed more or less relieved to be back.

“Gangle, my dear, you have won with an average of 5 stars! Tell me, what is it your little heart desires?!” Caine asked happily. Gangle stared at him deeply, accessing an idea stored away in her mind.

“I want to be able to learn new skills,” she huffed, “I miss being able to look stuff up on the internet or read a book, start a new hobby一I want you to give us the option to take classes, or read about how to do things. REAL things…not just made up garbage.”

“Oh! Gangle, sweet Gangle, you know that there are so many copyrighted一”

“Objective information in itself is not copyrighted! You can give us an NPC that can teach us how to do things without infringing copyrights! The art claymation is not an owned process, and neither is a language or any type of science. I want to learn how to do origami, and Zooble wants to learn more about different instruments,” she grumbled, crossing her ribbon arms over her chest with a pout.

“Hmmm...I see,” Caine mumbled, tapping his chin, “you desire more stimulation for your minds in your free time. Well, I’ll see what can be done about this that does not break any of the rules.”

Caine got what he considered a decent amount of information from the crew and congratulated Ragatha on her stellar cover up of Bubbles crimes before zipping away to do some sort of AI thing.

Jax meandered over to the commons couch and sat himself before removing Pomni from his shoulders and replacing her on his lap like a trophy. She watched as Ragatha and Gangle followed suit and sat down with them.

“Gangle, I love what you asked for so so much,” Pomni smiled, “that may be one of the best changes yet! I really hope we get it!”

“Yeah, I figured that would be a good thing for everybody around here. I have a ton of things I wanna try,” the ribbon girl hummed.

“As do I,” Ragatha mumbled, staring at Jax’s grip around Pomni’s waist. Pomni noticed and reached her hand out to take the dolls tenderly.

“Yo G, did you like the whole tattooist thing? You think it was cool?” Jax asked casually, with an undertone of playfulness. Gangle immediately tensed, thinking he was about to fuck with her.

“I, uhh一” she stuttered, “It wasn’t the worst adventure I’ve been on?” 

“Yeah? Well,” he snickered, reaching into his leather jacket, “I got somethin’ for ya’.” Gangle grabbed a pillow from beside her and held it in front of her mask, expecting him to throw something at her or squirt her with something unpleasant, only to find him placing one of the tattoo machines on the table in front of him.

“Snagged this baby n’ thought you’d be the most qualified to handle it, if any of us wanted to get our own ink done,” he smirked, thinking her attempt to hide from him was amusing.

“Oh? You一you brought a gun back一for me?” she asked incredulously, her face gaunt with shock.

“No Ribbons, you ain’t that special. S’for everybody,” he scoffed, rolling his eyes.

Ragatha and Gangle gawked at him, then each other, in shock. Pommi smiled and shifted her weight to rest her head on one of his shoulders, closing her eyes to feel the wonderful atmospheric shift of fear to amazement. It was so refreshing to see the others finally take Jax in in a new light一to see him the way he is underneath all of his rambunctious behavior. They could finally see her good bunny.

Chapter 55: CH. 55 RECOUNTING: act Z

“So,” Zooble started, flipping the tattoo machine in a tentacle and a robot clamp, “I don’t know about you guys一but I’m gonna go ham with this thing.”

“Oh, I love ham! Can I have a tattoo of a ham, too?” Kinger asked excitedly from one of Ragatha’s chairs.

“Kinger, you get a buffet on yer’ back if ya’ want,” Jax snickered. He folded his arms to rest his head on them, the plush rug of Ragatha’s room offering more comfort than anticipated. Pomni sat on the small of his back and flitted through one of Gangle’s sketchbooks, looking for the most tattooable designs.

“Find anything yet, P?” Gangle pondered from the bed next to Ragatha.

“Not yet. None of it speaks to me,” she huffed.

“I got an idea, Pomski,” Jax hummed, “Why dontcha’ let somebody who knows ya’ real well pick for ya’?”

“That sounds like that weird British game show. It comes out either really good, or really bad,” Gangle mumbled.

“I would definitely choose the best thing,” Jax smirked, peeking back at her as she concentrated on her search.

“I don’t know of anyone who’d like profanities on their skin permanently, Jax,” Ragatha muttered, watching Pomni turn another page. He scoffed and shot her a look that screamed ‘me, dummy.’

“Actually, Pom, this is your punishment for not doing the dare. You have to let me pick your ink,” he asserted, pushing himself up from where he lay to jolt her.

“Waa! Well, are you gonna be the one to do it?!” she grumbled, tensing as she barley balanced on him.

“Course not, I’m no artsy fart,” he hummed, sitting up to have her fall off him, “Gangle’ll do it. She farts all the time.”

“Jax! I’m not gonna mark Pomni against her will!” she protested.

“You will or I’ll confiscate it! No tats for anybody! Better yet, I’ll tattoo on your forehead ‘no tattoos allowed’,” he growled in amusement, prompting Pomni to snicker through her attempt at remaining stern. He sat by her side as she failed to stifle herself.

“That doesn’t make any一” Gangle paused, looking back to Pomni to see that she was not in distress. Oh. He was teasing in a non-bullying way. Huh.

“Jax, I’ll agree to get a tattoo you pick if I can pick one for you,” Pomni gruffed, folding her arms and puffing her chest in a comically inadequate display of ‘big’. Jax snorted and grabbed her cheeks, pulling them out like rubber bands and squishing them back together.

“DEAL!” he cackled, grinning like a wild man, “Gangle, she said it’s good so you have to say yes or I will use your body as a jump rope!”

“Oh God, please, never again,” she whined. Jax pointed his fingers at his eyes and made the ‘I’m watching you’ gesture, pulling another unamused sound from her.

“That sounds like a fun game actually,” Ragatha mumbled, fiddling with her thumbs, “I wouldn’t mind if Pomni picked my tattoo.”

The jester shot her a sympathetic look and nodded her head, sinking into thought.

“I think I know enough about you, Z, to pick one you’d like,” Gangle hummed, looking intently at them.

“I plan on marking every piece I have, so you all can pick one, for all I care,” Zooble paused, “except for you, Jax.”

“Discrimination,” he snarked back.

Zooble stood from their seat and hobbled to the center of the room, looking to Ragatha.

“I know the first one I want, if you don’t mind us doing it here, Rags?” Zooble askes quietly, casting glances at everyone else. The whole cast sat straighter and sucked in a breath, knowing what they had in mind.

Ragatha hummed in agreement and manifested a comfortable chair, light, and make-shift booth for Gangle, while the rest of the cast stared intently at Zooble. Pomni pressed her shoulder into Jax’s arm, silently asking him to stay一but he needed no goading. He wasn’t gonna miss the spilling of tea if he could help it.

“So, what’re you thinking?” Gangle pressed gently as she motioned for them to sit.

“Doesn’t hurt at all, Z. Go big,” Jax hummed, earning a nod.

“I want an elephant skull on my upper back. Make it kinda big,” they answered promptly.

The rest of the crew offered them looks of puzzlement, but Gangle made a sound of determination as she took the sketchpad Pomni offered to her and quickly made a mock-up of Zoobles’ strange request. They nodded happily at it and told her not to worry if she messed up, because nothing here was real anyways. As Gangle turned on the machine and a melodic buzz filled out the silence, Zooble turned their head so they could look at Ragatha.

“Before I came here, I was in a band,” they started. The drone of the tattoo gun continued as all eyes locked on them, eager to hear the tales of the past.

“I joined the band in highschool. We called ourselves ‘SkellyElli’. We were all angsty little f#cks, started by my best friend Elliot… It was just a group of my friends, but it was really fun. It was a great distraction from my sh*tty home life.”

All eyes were glued, all bodies still, eager to know more about the second most mysterious carnie. Jax pulled his favorite neutral poker face, smiling blandly and waiting to get to the dirty laundry. Pomni nodded at the revelation, finding it fitting for Zooble to be in a band. They had a band sort of vibe. Gangle seemed to already know this, so it didn’t make any change on her face, but Kinger and Ragatha seemed particularly interested.  Ragatha leaned forward with wide eyes. She almost seemed relieved一Zooble took her interest as a positive sign and to going.

“Don’t have a clue what my name was, obviously. But we, uh, we all called each other Ellie, just because it was a thing. I played the bass guitar, and Elliot played the drums. Rose and Dylan sang and played regular guitar. We mostly did covers of grungy stuff. We had the stupid idea that we’d get famous and leave our old lives behind.”

“Well, I mean一ya’ kinda did,” Jax muttered, earning a quirked brow from Zooble.

“You did leave your life behind. We all did,” he explained. The rest of the crew took a steady breath, and Ragatha’s face pulled into a grimace, but nobody reprimanded him. He was being honest, after all.

Pomni started to float away into space at his comment, so he had decided to sit behind her and mess with her hair and step into the role of anchor until she came back. 

“I had no siblings, It was just me一” Zooble trailed off, overpowered by the buzzing behind them. Gangle stopped for a moment to offer them a drink of something, and they took it reluctantly before going on.

“It was me and my mom. She was, uh一she was always in bad situations. She seemed to attract trouble like a magnet. Drugs, debt, housing instability一and I was dragged through it with her because I was her kid. You know how that goes,” Zooble hummed, before taking a long drink.

“I sure do,” a small voice warbled from between Jax’s legs. Pomni broke her stare in favor of offering more presence for Zooble. After a moment of silence, Zooble took it as the go ahead to keep spilling. They were surprised at how this actually felt一in theory, it had all been for Ragatha, but they did feel the slightest bit different.

“My mom bounced around from guy to guy, place to place, for most of my younger years. She married a d*ckwad when I was 7. He beat her一but not all the time, it was really weird. Like, he’d get mad when she’d do the things she obviously shouldn’t have been doing and hit her. And I know that just because she f*cked up alot is no excuse to hit her, don’t get me wrong. But I feel really bad about the whole situation, because I, like一knew where he was coming from? I know why he got mad, I mean. My mom’s done plenty of awful sh*t to me, so it wasn't hard to see why…I think about that a lot. And I don’t know if I’m in the right or the wrong for feeling that way.”

“Oh Zooble,” Ragatha whispered, “I’m sorry your mother put you in that situation and forced you to even think about those things. No child should ever…”

“I learned a lot from her, though. Whether it was a good way or a bad way, I still learned about a h3ll of a lot of sh*t. Learned manipulation, self-preservation, how to be cautious, lying, cheating, people skills, and how to support myself. But I knew what was wrong and what was right most of the time. Most of the time, I tried to choose the right thing, or the ‘rightest’ thing, I guess. It was never really that easy, though,” Zooble sighed.

“Never is,” Jax grumbled as he tucked Pomni closer to him. She patted the fur on his arm soothingly at his melancholy tone.

“It’s so hard to choose the ‘rightest’ thing. Choosing the lesser of two evils is all we can do, sometimes,” Kinger said softly, adjusting his eye mask, “And I know it’s in the past, and you’ve grown from it一but I’m proud of you, Zooble. You’re a really good kid.”

The sheer momentum of his words struck Zooble to the core. They’d never anticipated feeling so strongly about something the senile old man would say, even after Ragatha’s intervention. Speaking of Ragatha一this was supposed to be for her. And Zooble was now on the brink of tears, fighting back a huge crushing tsunami of emotion at his simple acknowledgment. They felt childish and ridiculous and pissed that this whole group-therapy thing wasn’t having the effect it was supposed to have…

“Zooble,” Ragatha's strained voice ripped them out of their thoughts, “You did what you had to do to survive when you were younger. All the feelings you have are valid. You’re not wrong for feeling however you did, or however you do. You’re so much stronger than I ever imagined.”

That did it. 

Zooble brought their tentacle arm up and shielded their eyes to avoid the doll as she moved to face them. They sucked in a breath and held out their robot clamp to take Ragatha’s plush hand.

“That’s really nice of you, Rags,” they whispered harshly. Ragatha squeezed their clamp and stood there a moment before the buzzing of the machine stopped. 

Gangle pulled the needle away from their upper back and wiped away a few tears from her eyes before setting it down on the table before her.

“Toldja’ you’re a toughie, Z,” Gangle sniffled.

Zooble stood and went to go check out their new ink in the mirror, eyes watery, but still refusing to let any fall. They grabbed their head and popped it off, turned around and took in the elephant skull. After a moment of gazing at it, the wetness of their eyes calmed, and they smiled.

“It’s perfect, G. It’s strange to get a tattoo that doesn’t hurt. Or to use a machine that doesn’t run out of ink or force you to wipe the access off,” they hummed softly, before popping their noggin back into place.

“Oh my gosh, Zooble,” Pomni started out of nowhere, smiling so brightly, “you have the best pun on your back and you don’t even know it!”

Zooble spun to eye her quizzically as she broke out into a fit of giggles.

“You got a pachyderm on your pectoral dermis!” she giggled, tapping her feet and pressing the back of her head into Jax. He was just enraptured with the sound, leaving the rest of them to offer their confusion.

“Haha! G-get it? Pechydermis?”

…

Suddenly, Gangle erupted into laughter, followed by Ragatha and Jax. Kinger contracted it too and started chuckling, finally pulling Zooble in.

“I have no idea how that’s supposed to be funny!” Gangle blubbered, clutching her ribbon torso as she doubled over.

“HA! It’s NOT funny! It’s not even, a lil’ ha ha haaaaah一!” Jax grabbed her shoulders and shook her, causing her head to bobble wildly.

“Your so awkward it’s precious,” Ragatha tittered, wiping a tear from her eye.
“Oh boy, Pomni,” Zooble chuckled, moving toward the door, “thanks for that. You saved me there.”

Pomni eyed Zooble as they said that, feeling obligated to tell them that they have the right to be emotional about their past, but ultimately deciding against it. Zooble was a grown up, they know what they’re allowed to do. If they didn’t offer more emotion it was because they were not comfortable with that一and that deserves respect. They were the one to get the ball rolling by saying anything at all.

“Your SkellyEli looks great, Z. Thank you, Ragatha, for letting us watch Zoobles tattooing in your room. I’ll think about what your tattoo should be, ok?” Pomni muttered, offering a small smile to the doll.

“I’d really like that, Pomni,” she answered back. Pomni stood up and stepped toward Zooble and opened the door for them. Zooble stepped out and was followed by Gangle, leaving Ragatha, Kinger, Jax and Pomni in Ragatha’s room.

“I think I’m going to go see the pet room before bed,” Ragatha hummed, looking hopefully to Pomni.

“That’s a good idea, Rags. You’ll love it,” Pomni said, stepping out the door. The rest followed her, and they stood in the hall for a moment.

“Will you come?” Ragatha asked, stepping forward, “I’d love to see the horses this time.”

“Pom’s plum tuckered, can’t you see that, Dolly? Look at her, she’s about to keel over! I’d be more than happy to show you all the glorious pets! Come on, King, I know you’ll love it too!” Jax butted in. Pomni could practically smell the bullshit, but she kept quiet一partially because she really didn’t have much energy left, partially because the prospect of alone time sounded amazing. 

“Yes, what he said. Plumb tuckered. You guys go see the animals without me, this time. I need to decompress,” she said sweetly as she approached Jax. 

He shot her that laser smile and she acknowledged his offer with a kiss to his knuckles, which was received with a mixture of joy and regret to offer to leave her alone. He turned on his heel and waved Ragatha and Kinger along, and they both followed, although Ragatha reluctantly turned back to watch Pomni as they all walked away.

It did make Pomni feel a bit guilty, but the fact that she hasn’t been with herself for weeks now had solidified in her mind how lovely alone time sounded. She returned to her room after the others had made their way, ready to sit by the fire and analyze everything.

When she reached her beanbag, she sunk into it with reverence, grateful for the peace of having nothing happening. The fire cracked and popped in front of her, and the war glow coated her skin. She sat upright to look at her mantle as the framed portrait of Zenith caught her eye.

She stood to grab it, and absentmindedly grabbed her journal too, before falling back to sit again. She held the framed picture in her hands and set her book on her lap as she took in Gangle's handiwork. G really was a talented artist一and she’d have to figure out personal enough ideas for Ragatha and Jax, per their informal arrangement.

She set down the picture with a sigh and flitted to the next open page in her book that was held by her pencil to start writing her thoughts down.

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Today was really something. Zooble had the plan to help Ragatha with a sort of group therapy thing, and they were the one to start. I should have guessed that they had a rough past by how they act, but I was surprised by it. They seem so level headed and sure of what’s right. I've gone to them less often than Kinger for advice, but they still have a lot of good stuff to say. Even so, they revealed that they aren't all sure about everything. It makes me feel both better and worse to know that someone I looked up to is not so morally perfect…I don’t know if that's a selfish thing to think. But Zooble is a cool dude for starting everything一and I think Raggy needs it. I hope the others don't think less of me when I tell them about me.
-Day 45
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She brought the pencil to her lips and tapped them as she lost herself i thought. She sure had a lot of things to think about一Ragathas’ mental recovery, Gangles’ educational upgrade, her and Jax’s recent officialization, Zoobles’ confession, Kingers’ code manipulation一Ah, yes. The matrix breaker.

That one seemed to be the most world view altering, so she decided to brainstorm on that before analyzing everything else.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kinger’s ability to access code is probably the thing that has the most potential of altering life here一dare I even say, possible escape. Ragatha and Zooble told me about his ability to get into the dancing game, so that means he’s accessing the internet. So what are we going to do about it?
Kinger cannot teach any of us how to code. I’m sure of it, even if we got him in the dark. It’s too complicated for someone in his condition to try and tackle. But maybe he has enough mental presence to teach us the process of accessing it?
Gangle asked for educational opportunities when she won the last adventure. Maybe I can learn how to code, too, from that? If I learned how to do it well enough, and Kinger could teach me just how to see it一maybe I can mess with the code enough to have a real impact on this place.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pomni sighed and closed the book to hug it to her chest. There sure were a lot of things to deal with. She decided to tell Jax about her plan and get his input before trying to handle everything else. She layed back on the chair and let the warmth of the fire lull her into sleep as her mind’s toiling eased into stillness.

Chapter 56: CH.56 THAT GUY

“It’s juuuust this way, fellas,” Jax brandished as he walked backwards to keep an eye on them, “Just’a little more.”

He was happy to lead the doofuses away from Pomni so she could get a little time to herself, even if it was gonna be short lived. He regretted it only fractionally when she kissed his hand like a gentleman, sending his heartbeat into his ears, but hey一he has all night to raise her heartbeat back.

“I’m excited to see the animals, Jax,” Kinger piped, following him expectantly. 

Ragatha seemed a bit nervous, fiddling with her hair as she stared ahead of her, past Jax. Her look made him quite uncomfortable. She did seem to be doing a little better after the whole group thing Zooble started, but she still had a long way to go to reach ‘normal’. But then, he thought a moment about what normal actually meant for Ragatha一and decided she was not going back to normal. At least, not to her normal…the repressive, manipulative, unhealthy as shit normal.

“Here we are, kids! Let’s go see our favorite more-than-bipedal buddies.”

“We’re both decades older than you,” Ragatha huffed as Kinger pulled open the door.

They stepped into the big room and Ragatha felt a pang of guilt. This was the place she harassed her best friend一the best friend that forgave her and still loved her to pieces. She was so undeserving of a merciful, humble freid like Pomni一she really had to figure out a way to make it up to her. 

Kinger and Ragatha stepped toward the big red barn followed closely by Jax, who was actually quite eager to go inside. He’d only been in the paddock to retrieve the horses, and he was interested in what animals the barn was housing. The barn itself was huge, must’ve been three stories, and surrounded by various empty pens.

When they entered the barn, Jax was punched in the face by the smell of manure, and a whole ass Noah's arch of memories released to his brain. He craned his neck up to the loft and found a small enclosed room next to the hay storage. On the ground level, there were many empty pens, but there was a couple that had been filled with assets he recognized from old adventures and minigames.

There was a billy goat he remembered from one of his first days in the circus, the adventure called “La-ah-ah-ah-ah-and-scaping”, where they had to corral goats with black holes for stomachs around various overgrown yards. There was a pig that was from “When Pigs Fly”, the adventure where they had to slingshot swine into block towers, like a rip off version of angry birds. Then there was a sheep that had been from the adventure “Sweater Better” where they had to make a whole god damned sweater out of wool that they sheared and spun themselves一god all of those seemed so long ago.

“Oh I remember you,” Kinger hummed as he walked up to a stall that Jax had yet to analyze. He approached it with the chess piece to see what he was talking about一and was met with a black and white bovine that lurched yet more memories to the forefront of his mind.

“This little lady was from that one where we had to make all those dairy products. I remember I had to make butter!” Kinger chuckled, reaching out to pet her head.

“Yeah, I remember that too一sh*tty adventure,” Jax muttered, stalling as he saw Ragatha reach out for the stall handle.

He instinctively shot his hand out to stop her and gave her a nasty scowl.

“What the h3ll are you doing, Rags! Cows’re unpredictable! She might push out, you don’t wanna一”

He stopped abruptly, catching himself. What the actual factual fuck was that? Why would he care about the stupid cow getting out, that doesn’t matter to him! And it’s not like he gives a shit if Ragatha got trampled, she deserves it and can't get hurt for real anyway!

What’s the deal…

“Oi, she’s a sweetie though. Never been too pushy, that one,” a chipper, australian accent broke him from his thoughts.

He spun around so quickly his ears lagged to catch up to him, and he leered down at none other than the yellow-green candy coated crocodilian.

OH SHIT. THIS IS THAT GUY POMNI TRIED TO BRING BACK TO THE CIRCUS.
Alarms went of in the bunny’s head as he stared at the long forgotten threat一Pomni’s first memory of acceptance and recognition. The guy she fucking ‘experienced’.
How had he and Pomni not come across him the first一Ooh wait. They didn’t even go into the barn when they were here.

“YOU,” Jax said uncharacteristically loudly, drawing Kingers’ and Ragathas’ attention. They gawked at him puzzledly, stepping back from his outburst.

“V, W, X, Y and Zed,” Gummigoo answered cheekily, tipping his hat to the trio.

“It’s ‘Z’, you motherf*cker,” Jax steamed, ears pinned and sharp teeth showing, “Where the h3ll did一why are一HOW DID YOU GET HERE?”

“Oi, how’dja know I’m inta’ milfs, there, ol’ boy? Hah! Gotcha! Actually, God put me here and told me it was my duty to care for these critters. ‘Also said I was a pet…I’m no theologian, so I ain’t got a clue on that one. The name’s Gummigoo,” he answered happily, sticking out his hand for Jax to shake.

“Gummigoo!” Ragatha piped, “Oh my! Pomni will be so happy to see you!”  She stepped to him and gave him a big hug, causing him to awkwardly pat her back as a blush crept high onto his cheeks. 

Woah…was bro even joking about the milf thing?     
… anyway

“‘Ello, ma’am,” he huffed, “Well, ah一I’m charmed by your affectionate nature, but erm一who, uh, who is this Pomni?”

Ragatha tilted her head in confusion before a look of sadness took her features. He didn’t remember. She looked back to Jax to see the gears turning in his head like crazy, wondering what should be done about this. Kinger stepped forward with a smile.

“So you’re the farm hand, then?” Kinger asked, gesturing to the various stalled animals.

“Aye! Appointed by God, himself,” Gummigoo smiled.

“F#cking, STOP calling Caine God, you tooth-rotting freak,” Jax barked, snapping from his thoughts.

“I’m sorry if I offended you, mate,” the croc apologized with a look of worry, “I don't mean to impose my beliefs on anyone”. OOOOH that burned Jax right up.

“HEY! I’m not your ‘mate’, or yer’ ‘pal’ or yer’ ‘chum’. Notcher’ buddy, notcher’ friend…so don’t be saying anything even remotely like that! You hear me?” he hissed, reaching out to poke the shorter NPC in the chest.

“All right,” he said back, a bit confused, but still smiling. Jax’s fur started to stand on end as this guy looked almost through him, seemingly unaffected by any of his threats or posturing. What was this? Did this stupid NPC think he was better than him? Did this croc think he was tougher, meaner, smarter, nastier? OOOH no. No no no no no no no. Jax was the crowned KING of nasty, ain’t no way this little punk is gonna act all high and mighty just because he was Pomni’s friend first! HE HAS NO RIGHT一

“Well, Gummigoo! I really want to see the horses, would you show me?” Ragatha’s happy voice sliced through Jax’s pressurized thoughts.

“Well, I’d be delighted to ma’am. Come follow me, I’ll saddle the horse you choose,” he hummed, starting to walk toward the door that opened to the paddock. Ragatha happily followed behind him.

Gummigoo led Ragatha out and Kinger was close behind, but Jax was glued in place. He couldn't believe this一didn’t Caine say the pet room was for ‘lesser level NPCs? But this is one of the more advanced ones, right?! He shouldn’t be here!

So maybe he was a ‘lesser level’ NPC. Well… if he wasn’t that advanced, it was a good thing, right? The dummer this dude is the better, he guessed一but it still pissed him right off. 

Jax stomped out the front of the barn back to the open yard. He caught sight of a large glass enclosure gleaming in the sun and had to investigate. When he arrived, he was delighted to see his spider perched on a prettily spun web right in front, displaying her art for all to see.

“Demon! Ah, my girl,” he cooed, pulling open the glass door and reaching in for the spider. When she saw him she extended her long spidely front legs and tapped his hand before stepping fully onto him.

“How’re ya’ diggin’ this place, huh? Is Dummydoo feeding you enough? Want me to feed him to you?”

The spider made no sound as it proceeded to crawl up his arm.

“You are so much better than all the idiots who blabber my ears off. C’mon, let’s go f*ck with them,” he hummed, jogging up to the paddock gate.

When Jax arrived at the fence, he saw that Ragatha and Kinger were already on horses, riding around the enclosure with Gummigoo directing them from the middle.

“That’s good! Try to keep yer’ back straight, ol’ boy,” he called to Kinger, who was leaning forward way too much.

Ragatha was zipping by in a canter, having no need for instruction as muscle memory took over for her. She smiled and giggled, leaning into the horse as it ran, being tracked by that stupid croc.

Jax hopped the fence and went straight for the NPC as he stood in the center. He reached out his arm and gestured with his ears for Demon to crawl onto his hand一which, by some joke from hell, she did一and placed his palm between Gummi’s shoulder blades.

“Hey there, sorry I was so short with ya’ earlier. I was having a bad day, is all,” Jax lied, grinning evilly.

“Oh, no problem mate. Everybody has bad days. Had my fair share of em’,” he replied with a smile.

Fuck this guy right is his peppy crocidilinquent ass.

Demon left his hand to perch right on Gummigoos' back, and Jax pulled his arm away nonchalantly. He caught sight of Ragatha as she came up along the fence, closing in on their position, and let out a whistle.

“Oh, man, jeez, Gumdrop, ya’ see that? Oooh that’s dangerous,” Jax sneered, pointing toward Ragatha.

“What’s that?” he asked, a bit alarmed, following the direction of Jax’s finger.

“Just look! Raggy’s front cinch is all loosy-goosy! Better stop her and tighten it up so she doesn’t flip n’ spill. Go on.” Jax pushed him forward, and Gummigoo seemed confused, but nonetheless held his hand up to usher her to stop.

“Woah, there! Hold up, I need to check the cinch,” he called, successfully bringing her canter down to a trot, then a walk. She approached him with a smile and confident posture.

“Oh it doesn’t feel loose, but if you see it by all means go ahead!” She said happily. Gummigoo approached her and smiled, then bent down to check the cinch when一

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH NOOOOOOO!! Get it AWAY from ME!!”

Ragatha screamed and kicked him in the shoulder, sending him plummeting into the grass under his feet. Ragatha’s horse spooked at the sudden movement and reared, throwing her off一only her foot had caught in the sturrup. The horse became even more fearful and took off along the fence, dragging her on its side.

Jax leaned back against the fence grinning like a maniac as he watched it all go down. Ragatha was pulled probably 40 feet before her foot came loose, and Gummigoo had started running after the horse as soon as he’d gotten up from the ground. Kinger still trotted along the fence, absolutely undisturbed by everything going on. Jax only wondered where his lovely little arachnid had ended up.

“Woah, Rags, what was that about?” Jax asked, sounding so unbelievably pleased.

“Wha, I一YOU! It was YOU who put that thing on him, wasn’t it?!” she growled as she dusted herself off.

“Put what thing on who?” Jax asked dumbly, blinking at her as she stomped over to him.

“THE SPIDER!” she barked, pointing back aggravatedly at Gummigoo.

“There’s a spider? Oh, I wanna see!” he beamed.

“GGGAAAH! I’m going to my room!” she steamed, knocking into his shoulder angrily as she passed him.   Ha! Priceless.

He watched as Gummigoo caught the horse and started leading it back to the barn, and the sky started to shift to a more purpley version of purple blue. It was getting late一he should probably go back to see Pomni.

“Hey! What was up with Rag’s throwin’ a fit like that, huh? She seemed real mad,” Jax asked in a sing song voice, watching as the croc flashed him a puzzled look.

“I’d say she was more scared, what with the fallin off一I dunno what got to her,” he huffed.

Jax looked at the crocs shoulder and did not find his sweet eight legged baby, so he huffed out a whatever and spun on his heel back to the spot Gummi fell. 

“Ah! There you are, sweetness,” he hummed, reaching down to pluck her from the grass.

He walked her back to the glass enclosure and shut the door before turning back to see Gummigoo returning to the paddock to continue with Kinger. 

That guy was bad news. What is he gonna do about this? He can’t possibly kill him一could he? It’s an NPC, so there’d be no moral implication…but that was kind of harsh in this specific scenario. They weren’t on an adventure, they were in the pet room. Caine told Gummi that he was a pet. But Pomni was bound to find out, sooner or later. Maybe he can distract her from the pet room for long enough for her to forget about it, and she never has to come in and see that dumb reptile. Yeah…

That sounds like a plan that won’t absolutely blow up in his face.

He left that room feeling itchy and nervous. He was mad, and anxious, and he didn’t know why he felt this way, so it pissed him off more. He allowed himself into Pomni’s room to discover her asleep on her bean bag chair, clutching her book.

Jax sighed as he closed the door behind him and stepped quietly up to her sleeping form一she seemed pretty peaceful. 

And peaceful was a word he hasn’t been able to describe anything as, in the last week.

So, reluctantly, he decided it might just be best for her to stay there sleeping peacefully. He reached for her blanket on the bed and draped it over her, moving his hands so gently over her form. He removed her grey beanie and set it to the side before leaning down and placing a barely-there chaste pec to her brow.

“Ya’ really were plumb tuckered, huh, Pom? Haha一lime ya’,” he whispered, standing up from his knelt position. 

He made his way to the door and turned back to look at her one last time, an immensely conflicted expression crossing his face. He glanced over to the empty blanketless bed and contemplated sleeping on it just to be in the same room as her一but ultimately, he decided against it. He can handle his own bedroom without her.

He sighed and tightened his grip on the doorknob, slipping out and heading for the opposite side of the hallway.

Chapter 57: CH. 57 PEBBLE FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

Pomni woke after a couple of hours in the chair to discover that she’d been nearly swaddled with her blanket. She lifted her head up and cracked her neck, hoping to rid the dull ache that was there from the awkward position she’d been laying in. She looked at her bed, then at the hat by her side, then the fire, puffing her cheeks at her position. 

“Silly Bun,” she whispered to herself as she kicked the blanket off. Jax must have a thing for immobilization because it’s friggin’ neurotic how he has to wrap her up all the time. Maybe his job in the real world was a burrito maker.

She pushed herself off of the bean bag and stood slowly to stretch. It felt nice to be in the quiet, without need for worry. The lack of happenings was quite refreshing一so much so that she decided to play into it a little longer before asking to use Jax as a bed warmer again.

So, Pomni decided to put her book back on the mantle and go walk around in the dark.

Nighttime was so peaceful and yet energetic at the same time. She remembered going out and running around outside for fun when she was younger, and the idea of doing it again tickled her.
She made her way down the dark hall, toward the opening to the outside. She passed the wardrobe and decided sweats and a jacket would be better for a night stroll, as her current outfit was from the tattoo convention. 

When she stepped outside, the cool air hit her face and she smiled widely. The stars glistened, the moon was just chillin’ doing her thang or whatever. There weren't any clouds, and the ground under her feet felt hard like concrete.  She momentarily lost herself in thought at the texture.

It seemed like the mechanics of their home were always changing. Not only from the requests of the cast members to improve their situation, but also in very small, almost unintelligible ways. Pomni remembered that when she was first here, there were small things that weren't the way they are now一like how at first, the textures seemed less diversified. There was a squishy squashy quality to most of the things in the circus, until quite recently...

Like right now, the ground below her feld very hard. Different from how it usually felt. It’s such a small thing to consider, the texture of the ground, but it was an interesting thing to focus on. She decided to try and soak up as many strange details as she could on her walk, as a sort of game.

The path she followed wound its way into the dark of the forest, disappearing from view as it entered the treeline. She felt little fear here, being that they weren't on an adventure and the most harmful things she’s come in contact with are NPC’s and her own associates. 

As she padded her way along the path, her foot skimmed over a pebble and kicked it in front of her. She suddenly stopped and looked at the little rock in front of her. A very strange feeling overtook her.

That’s a pebble. A small, nonsymmetrical, hard, random rock…
Why did this make her brain short circuit?

Pomni bent down and plucked the pebble from its place to bring it closer to her face. She turned it in the barely there light of the moon, studying how it’s shadows fell around it and gave it more definition than many things that she’s seen一Oh. That’s why it’s weird as shit.

This pebble looks real. Feels real. What was it about pebbles Jax had said一Oh yeah! A while ago, before they really got close, they’d built a snowman together. Jax had informed her that small things like twigs and pebbles didn't exist, because Caine didn’t know how to render them. 

But here it was. A friggin’ pebble. 

She swallowed the lump in her throat and decided to keep pushing forward. 

So this little thing that didn’t exist when she arrived is a marker of Caine’s improvement. She made a mental note to jot down her thoughts about this in her journal when she returned, but continued on her walk in the dark. 

That makes sense, though, that Caine’s rendering and worldbuilding are improving. He’s an AI, and that’s what AI’s do一they learn and improve. Nausea began to bubble in her throat as the pebble in her hand started to feel heavier.

Caine is going to keep improving, isn't he? He is going to become better and better, and pretty soon, the world she lived in would not look as it does now. His goals were to make this world as similar to the real world as possible, right? At least in terms of sensory experience? To what extent is he willing to change the world? 

Pomni figured that this new addition was brought upon by an update that he must’ve programmed. The thought of the circus becoming nearly indistinguishable from reality slapped her across the face, and a whole new set of existential thoughts started brewing.

If Caine becomes so good at copying reality that he makes this place indistinguishable from it, what will become of us? Will we become more compliant to living in this place, and forget about reality? How will we know when the updates even get to that point? The memory of reality gets farther and farther away each day…

What are all of the things he wants to bring into existence to make it more ‘immersive’? Does Caine have morals other than the set of ‘rules’ he was programmed to have? Would he consider giving us diseases and other terrible things to be ‘immersive’ because it happens in real life?

When the circus reaches the point that it becomes indistinguishable, what are we to assume about the reality we left to come here? If they become so alike, could that mean that the place we came from is also fake? Is this simulation just a copy of another simulation? How would that even work…

The path started to wind around a large lake and it brought the jester to a stop. She gazed out at the water and pocketed her pebble, taking in the way the reflection of the sky shone in the water. She sighed and stepped toward it apprehensively.

“This is all fake,” she muttered, looking out, “but one day, it might not seem that way. That day will be the ultimate deception.”

Pomni placed her hand into the unearthly still water, pressing past the surface. The temperature was cool, but not as all-encompassing as she thought she remembered. The ripples that spread from when she disturbed the surface were also otherworldly, expanding outward in the shape of her hand rather than in circles. 

“It’s still easy to tell,” she whispered, looking at her face in the water.
“What are you going to do about it, huh, Pom?”

“I一I don’t know,” she whispered.

“Are you going to do nothing?” the reflection asked.

“No. I’m going to figure it out,” she insisted.

The reflection staring back at her shook her head and offered her a pitious look that curdles her guts.

“The day that you can’t tell the difference is the day that you’ll have failed. Not only yourself, but everyone else.”

“I’ve been trying to make this place more bearable. Isn’t that good? Jax seems to think it’s good,” she whimpered, tears pricking her eyes. She fell to her knees softly to be closer to the reflection and brought her hand up from the water, letting the cartoonish droplets roll off her fingers.

“Bandaids always hurt when they come off, and complacency is the body of fear. You need to stop being a coward, selfish girl. You’re just delaying pain for everyone else,” the visage scolded her.

Pomni felt tears start to run down her cheeks. “I don’t even know if we can all get out. Making this place better for the time being is the only thing I can think of to do! What do you think I should do, if what I’ve been doing is wrong?”

“How should I know? I’m just the part of you that knows the truth. I’m still as ignorant as you are.”

Pomni slapped the surface of the water to scatter the image of herself away. She stood up and turned to head back to the circus to squeeze under her bunny’s arm一the place that she always seemed to want to be when she was in a bad way.

She eventually reached Jax's bedroom and brought her hand up to knock at the door, only to have it pulled away from her knuckles.

“Wow,” she whispered, “that’s some impeccable timing.”

“I’m impeccable, and peck-able.. I’m worthy of a peck, don’t you think?” he joked, leaning down and tapping the fluff of his cheek with a finger.

Pomni leaned forward and pressed a kiss to where he tapped, earning a rumble from him. When she pulled away, he stood back up and gestured for her to enter.

“Have fun on your little personal adventure, Pomster?” he asked, shutting the door behind her.

She made her way to the pit bed and sat on the edge. “How’d you know I left?” 

“Well, I got eyes n’ ears, ya know? I peeked out when I heard you leaving, wondering一HOPING you were comin’ to harass me. I saw you leave the tent.”

“You一ppft, wait, you want harassment? If you wanted my company why didn’t you follow me?” she giggled, watching him hop into the pit in front of her.

“You seemed like you were enjoyin’ the you-time, Toots. Of course I want you to harass me一and I’d love to stalk you next time. We’ll make a date of it,” he hummed, wrapping around her waist and leaning forward to lick her nose.

“Oh, this random sexy guy keeps following me. Hmm, oh no, he’s sitting on the bench next to me…what a creep,” she snickered, pressing her lips onto his.

He kissed her slowly before pulling away slightly with a smile.

“Hey there, s’a’lil odd that you’re so far from the joggin’ path, huh?” he hummed.

Jax looked into her eyes for a moment before his smile faltered just a bit. His brows furrowed and he leaned forward just a bit, taking in her face.

“What’sa matter, Pom?” he asked, suddenly very serious.

“Hmm? What do you mean?” she warbled, shifting in his arms. He tightened his grip and stiffened.

“Your clothes smell faintly of fear. You were scared.”

“Oh一umm, well, I kind of一had a scary epiphany on my walk. It’s no big deal,” she hummed, reaching to stroke in between his ears.

“You can’t just give me a half @ssed explanation like that and expect me to be satisfied,” he grumbled, leaning back from where he stood in the bed. He kept his hold on her waist and brought her backwards with them, falling onto the bed below with a bounce.

“OOF! Well, you said yourself that you’re not easily satisfied, so…” she huffed, wiggling in his still too tight grip.

“That’s right. I’m insatiable,” he hummed mischievously, “ wanna see how insatiable I am?”

“If you’re not easily satisfied then what’s the point in telling? You won’t like the answer no matter what it is!” she struggled out through stifled laughter. He rolled them over and sat upright on her legs to pin her hands above her head.

“Maaaaaybe,” he grinned, “but you should tell me anyway.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, noting his sparkling eyes, “I could一”

Jax slid one hand down her arm and slowly traced the curve of her side, then back up to her chest. He pressed on the side of her breast, watching her as she took in a quick breath.

“If you tell me what you learned, I’ll tell ya’ what I learned,” he beamed. She looked up at him with big eyes and unintentionally quivered at the way his big fingers pressed to her so gently through her shirt.

“Ok,” she whispered, shifting under him, “I found a pebble.”

…

“PPPPffffftt AAAh hahahaHAA!”

“HEY! THAT’S RUDE!” she growled, wiggling harder to push herself away. She continued to fail.

“Pom, you got scared cuz’ of a rock? Are you f*cking with me? You’re messin’ with me!” he laughed above her mockingly.

“GRR! Nevermind! I’m not gonna tell you anything ever again,” she huffed, sticking out her tongue. His smile widened and he poked it, almost getting his finger bitten in the process.

“Ok ok I’m sorry. Please do tell me how the rock scared you. I’m very interested,” he hummed.

“When was the last time you came across a pebble, huh, Jokester? When?” she asked incredulously. He lifted his hand away from her wrists and she immediately sat up, pushing him off of her while he was startled.

He fell over and laughed at her having gained the upper hand. She tried to copy the position he’d had her in一but she couldn’t reach his hands from his legs, so she scooted up to his chest to effectively (or ineffectively) pin him down.

“Ha, well, I can’t remember the last time I saw one! I haven't paid too much attention to…oh wait,” he stalled, brows furrowing.

“Yeah, Jax. You haven’t. You were the one to tell me that Caine doesn’t bother making small things like that, but…hold on, don’t move your hands while I get it…” 

She removed one hand from his wrists and reached into her pocket to pull out the small stone. She held it in front of his face, all the while he contentedly laid there, and the light in the room turned on via Jax’s nonverbal instruction. He peered at it intensely.

“Bring it closer, gimmie a 360,” he instructed, still ‘pinned’ by her other hand. She complied and brought it closer, giving him every angle.

“He’s getting better,” he murmured darkly.

“I know. And he’ll keep improving every day,” she agreed. They stared at the stone for a moment before Jax decided playing along with her little game wasn’t to his liking anymore.

He sat upright and snatched the rock to place it on the floor, above his pit bed. She watched him turn back to her with no smile to be found.

“Were you freaked at the thought that he’ll get so good that we won’t be able to tell the difference?” he asked solemnly. She nodded slowly.

“Smart bunny,” she mumbled and she pressed her head into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her again, to offer comfort instead of confines, this time. She let herself melt into it, soaking up the safest place she’s come across yet.

“We’ll remind each other, Pom. And we’ll figure it out. And even if we never get out一you’re real enough for me,” he said quietly.

Pomni felt her heart pitter patter in her chest. “...I want to tell you my plan about the matrix tomorrow,” she mumbled through his fur.

“Sound’s good, m’lookin forward to it. But per our sleepover agreement we have to sleep shirtless一so strip like a chicken tender,” he snickered, slipping his hands under her shirt and pulling her down.

“Ok. You too…you know,” she whispered while removing it, “you’re real enough for me too.”

“I sure hope so,” he whispered back, pulling her closer.

Chapter 58: CH.58 RECOUNTING: act J

Jax woke slowly, with the smell of jester in his nose and the feeling of her little arms folded in on themselves pressing into him. He rolled over to face her, hoping to get a better look at her contorted cuddle position, but unfortunately it stirred her awake.

“Pom,” he whispered groggily. Her face shifted in acknowledgment, but she didn’t open her eyes.

“Pom you’re cuddlin’ like a T-rex.”

“And you have a big mouth like one,” she grumbled.

He let out a sleepy laugh and she sat up to unfold herself, and turned to stare him down unamusedly. She reached over to his face and gripped his chin lightly, causing curiosity to rise in him. Pomni leaned in and pulled his chin, only to be met with resistance. After leaning toward him, she paused.

“Do you have 2 mouths?” she asked suddenly.

Jax pondered for a moment. He never really considered his shark-toothed version to be a second mouth, but it would sort of make sense if it was like that. Like an eel set up, with a mouth inside of a mouth.

 “Ya know, I’m not really sure what exactly the deal is with my chompers. The default position is kind of annoying, and when I first came here I had to learn how to open them. Took weeks. It takes a lot of conscious effort to do it unprompted一but It’ll happen if I’m mad, excited, or whatever.”

“I remember your jaw unhinged when Zooble grabbed your neck one day. If I choke you, would it do that?” she pondered. Oh this is an opportunity if he’s ever heard one.

“Ooooohhh, Pomni~” he drawled out, “you really should. Call it an experiment.”

With that, her eyes widened and her face jumped by 30 degrees, and she unconsciously squished his chin with her pointer finger and her thumb. Jax snickered at her and pulled her over to sit on his stomach as he eyed her lazily.

“That’s a funny face. Do you think about grabbin’ my windpipe a lot? Ha! you ‘n everybody else, Toots,” he snickered, “Go on. Wrap those tiny hands around me and gimmie a squeeze.”

“N-no, Jax, that’s一I don’t一” she faltered, staring at his provocative smile, “that’s not what I think about!”

His eyes widened and his stomach flipped as the words dropped on his head like an anvil. That's not what she thinks about…so she certainly thinks about something. 

“Soooo…what DO you think about, Poms?” Pomni averted her eyes to the ceiling and bit the inside of her cheek. 

“I’ll tell you what you wanna hear if you tell me what I wanna hear,” she asserted, bringing her gaze back to him. 

“Oh, Pom I’ll tell you all the sh*t that gets me off一”

“I KNOW. I know, that’s not the information I want!” she blurted, still getting redder as she poked his nose.

“Hmmmm,” he scrutinized her, “Fine. But I get to ask first. And there’s no guarantee that I’ll remember everything you wanna pry outa’ me. Deal?”

She shot her hand out and gripped the tip of his ear very gently to give it a handshake.
“Deal.” 

“Pomni, tell me your most wild, crazy, debauched fantasy,” he ordered, “And I want DETAILS. Lemmi hear what’s in your dirty little head!”

“Oh my God, ok! Fine! G-give me a moment,” she growled, pressing her hand against his mouth to shut him up. Unfortunately for her, as they started to discuss earlier, his mouth was fucking weird. He could speak around her hand without opening it.

“And then I want you to do it to me,” he laughed. She sighed defeatedly and removed it from his face to fiddle with her hair as she thought about how she was going to word it and not sound like a dork.

“Ok it’s not the worst, but it’s the one I think about the most一s-so it’s kinda like一an experiment,” she started, squeezing her eyes shut to avoid his shit eating grin.

She waited for him to laugh at her, but when he didn’t, she peeked an eye open to find him stone still and alert as ever, ears up and eyes wide. The lack of teasing made it easier to explain more.

“Don’t call me a nerd for this because I know,” she huffed. Jax said nothing and listened harder.

“I have一I want to wear a white lab coat, and I want you to wear either very little or nothing at all. I want to have a note-pad and pen with a body diagram. The, um一the diagram is to take notes一t-to do a body map. Discover where is most sensitive, you know? L-like, ‘on a scale of 1 to 10, how good does this feel’ type of thing. Then I’d decide what to do with what I’ve learned,” she mumbled, her throat tightening at his dumbfounded expression. His ear twitched and he stayed silent, breathing deeply as his pupils grew一and as she stared at his unblinking expression, she felt the tendrils of anxiety wrap around her heart. Time to backtrack!

“B-but it’s not like, a make or break thing! I’m not saying, I mean, well, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF WE DON’T! I’M NOT一”

Jax lifted his hands to cup her cheeks and squished her lips together to stop her babbling. He sat upright and she slid back, her lips still fish-puckered in his grasp, and he let out a deep breath. 

“That sounds f#cking amazing,” he whispered. Her eyes widened as he released her lips to reveal her terribly flustered face. She pressed into his chest and begged for her cheeks to return to her normal printer-paper white.

“S’not even that crazy一but I wanna body map you too, now. Heh. Wizard powers inception ideas into my head,” he hummed, leaning down to sniff at her hair.

“N-now I get some from you!” she squealed, failing to rid the image she spoke to life from her head. This time, he laughed. 

“I’ll give ya’ some, alright,” he teased, squeezing her hips and pulling into him, “take these sweats off一”

‘KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK’

“AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH,”Jax growled, throwing his head back and gripping her tighter.  

“W-who’s there?” Pomni called without missing a beat.

“Pomni, it’s Ragatha,” she said from behind it, “I wanted to see if you and Jax would like to come swimming with us? We’re going to have a beach day.”

Pomni sat up straighter and Jax picked up his posture and they glanced at each other, knowing smiles flitting across their faces. Memories of goofing off with swimsuits seemed to better his mood immediately.

“Yeah Dolly, we’ll come,” he barked. Then, out of nowhere, he opened his jaw and chomped onto Pomnis' shoulder without mercy. 

She slapped her mouth with her hand to avoid making a lewd sound and tears pricked her eyes. He let go and then hopped out of his hole bed so she couldn’t pull on his tail or something.

-

The crew was making their way to the amazing digital lake dressed to the nines in wear that was made for swimming. Pomni insisted on choosing her own swimwear, much to Jax’s displeasure, donning a simple dark ruffled green one piece that looked like it jumped off of the page of a 50’s swimsuit catalog. After it was on, though, she saw the genuineness in his smile as he raked his eyes over it. He said he liked the one Pomni’d imagined for him last time, so he opted for the bananas again. Kinger put on a full ass scuba suit一because he’s a badass.

Ragatha and Gangle decided to let Zooble pick their swimsuits after Pomni had mentioned how good they were with finding cute clothes, and they proved themselves with how cute they both looked. Ragatha wore an adorable skirted bikini that was designed to match her, with intentional patches in the shapes of hearts wherever there was enough material to show it. Gangle wore a white single piece swimsuit with bow accents, and it made her appear remarkably more curvy than how she normally looked. Zooble chose a pair of swimshorts and a flowery bathingsuit cover.

“You guys look so friggin’ cute,” Pomni gushed as she walked with them down the path.

“Oh, thank you P. Zoobles’ got talent,” Gangle titered, blushing a bit as she peeked over her shoulder to see them. They waved at her, but still tried to play it cool一like a dork.

“I love the vintage look on you,” Ragatha hummed, shifting the bag on her shoulder.

Pomni smiled and reached out for her hand. The doll beamed as she held her back, earning a scoff from the bunny that trailed behind her. Jax had been chosen as the pack mule this time; it was reasoned that he should be it because Gangle had been on the superhero adventure because she was given superstrength. Since he was the strongest, apparently, that made him fitting of the responsibility.

They arrived at the beach and set up their ‘chill stations’ as Zooble put it. Towels and umbrellas were already there, along with other water stuff like goggles and inner tubes, but Jax had packed up a shit load of food and drinks, and various types of toys. A beach ball, a bat and baseball, buckets and shovels, and…rope? Ok… They laid everything out a decent distance away from the water and everybody started to ease into their own ideas or relaxing and fun.

Jax started building a sand sculpture that nobody could really identify was the subject of. He was putzing around the towel Pomni had decided to lay on as she talked to Ragatha, who was also lounging on a towel beneath an umbrella. Kinger was messing in the sand next to Jax, opting to make a sand castle with a mote. Zooble rummaged through the cooler for a sloda, and Gangle started the journey to the far dock where there was a variety of boats to choose from.

“So, Ragatha,” Pomni started, flipping to lay on her stomach, “I was wondering if you’d be willing to share something with me.”

Ragatha sat upright and peered intensely at her for a moment before speaking.

“Say the word and consider it yours,” she chuckled, attempting to hide her intensity with a flighty tone.

“When you and I were on the spa adventure一” Ragatha froze. She eyed Pomni with a mixture of regret, sorrow, and shame as she continued一 “you did something that caught my attention, and I’d like to know more about it.”

Ragatha hummed and grabbed her knees, ripping her eyes away from Pomni. Jax had heard the conversation, but opted to keep to himself, thinking that this matter was better left uninterrupted.

“When we were in the hot tub, you tried to mess with a necklace. Could you tell me about that?” she asked softly. Zooble had sat down next to Ragatha and popped the top on their drink, becoming interested in the conversation as they heard it.

“Oh,” Ragatha muttered, feeling relief that it wasn’t some terrible thing she couldn't remember, “Well, let me see…”

She stared off into the lake as she trudged up long repressed memories, bringing her hand to settle on her nose.

“I can’t be sure. I remember my family so easily, but remembering myself is so very hard. I’m not sure if it was a locket, or a pendant, or a letter necklace. I just remember fidgeting with it often,” she explained. Zooble nodded as they eyed her.

“So, you don’t know what it looked like,” Zooble repeated.

“No. I remember that it filled me with joy, though. I loved that necklace. It was my favorite piece besides my wedding ring.”

“I wonder why that is? You remember your family, you remember semblances of your life, but seemingly never things directly related to yourself?” Pomni asked, brushing her hair out of her face.

“I’ve gotta theory on that, Pomcakes,” Jax called from behind his sculpture. Zooble and Ragatha turned to him, expectantly waiting for his elaboration. He hopped up from his masterpiece to settle next to Pomni with an easy grin.

“I think一we remember the stuff that is actually us,” he hummed simply, casting a shadow on the jester with his lengthy body.

Zooble cocked an eyebrow at him, while Ragatha stared blankly.

“We remember the people who made us ‘us’. We remember our passions, the things that we loved to do, the stuff that we loved to know. A person’s name ain’t really them, ya feel?” he asked, deciding to wipe his sandy hands on Pomni’s legs to rile her up.

“So you think I can’t remember the necklace because it was not pertinent to who I ‘am’? Well…I mean, that’s a theory…” Ragatha muttered.

“Think about it. Zoob, do you remember what your job was in the real world?” he questioned.

“Nah. That’sa blank,” Zooble chuffed.

“Exactamundo, but you remember being in a band from highschool, because you loved it. Rags, what about you? Do you remember what your SAT scores were? Or how much money you had in the bank?” 

“Noooo but一”

“But all that sh*t doesn’t matter when thinkin’ about who a person is. A person, when you chalk it all down, is really just the extent of how n’ individual loves. The people they love, the art they love, their passions and interests一the rest is just whatever,” he explained, leaning back on his arms.

“Jax,” Pomni uttered from beside him, “that’s a beautiful theory.” He nodded in agreement before looking to Ragatha, who seemed deep in contemplation. Zooble offered him the smallest hint of a smile before looking out toward the water and taking a sip of their sloda.

After a few beats of silence, he pushed himself up to a crouch. “WELL,” he nearly bleated, “I’ve got a hankerin’ for the water. I request that the jester accompany me.”

“Mmmm,” Pomni hummed, “Request accepted.”

She squeaked as she felt herself being lifted by the waist and tucked under his arm like a football. She started flailing to try and get him to put her back down, but did not succeed in swaying him. As they made their way into deeper water, he pulled her in front of him. She treaded the cool water as he stood there smiling like a goofball. 

“So, you sneaky little sneak,” he hummed, “I know what you’re up to. Tryina’ sleuth out good tat ideas for the Ragdoll, huh? God it’s sexy when you’re conniving.”

She rolled her eyes as they nearly dipped into the pristine blue water. “What? Jax, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Personally, I’d have picked somethin’ like the butterfly she went batty over. Ya’ know…like a flower in the same spot, or somethin’.”

“YOU would choose a nice tattoo like that?” she balked, pushing away from his hold.

“Well, if it were ME, I’d pick somethin’ funny, like a unicorn with a d*ck for a horn. But I’m sayin’ if I were you.”

Pomni smiled wider and pushed herself further and further away, and of course he followed her. She got him to the point where his feet didn’t touch the lakebed anymore, and offered him a smug grin.

“Bet you can’t swim farther than me, Bunny.”

His ears perked at her proposition of competition and before he could even accept her challenge, she was off like a prom dress. He hesitated only a second before starting after her. He discovered immediately that his long legs were not doing him as much good in the water as they did on land一she was already a couple of lengths ahead of him. He still tried his best at a breast stroke to match her pace, though.

“D@mn, Pom!” he huffed from behind her, “You’re actually a fish!”

“And you’re actually a sweet pea,” she called back. It pulled out a little smile and a blush out of him, but he shook his head to get it back in the game.

After a minute of swimming, they were damn near the center of the lake. Pomni swapped her speed stroke in favor of treading, waiting for him to reach her with patience and calculation. When he arrived, his smile was bright, and something glowed behind his eyes. She waded a little closer to him, her long waterlogged hair blackened and clinging to her face. The smile she offered him was framed perfectly by the brilliant blues of the sky above and the lake below.

“Why’dja bring me out here, Pom? What’s so important that the others can't hear?” he asked sordidly, coming closer to her so he could purr in her ears. She took the opportunity to stare into his soul一it was rare that they were ever eye-level.

“We were interrupted earlier,” she giggled breathily, as the water lapped around her shoulders. His smile widened and then stalled for a moment, darting his gaze into the dark water and reaching around to grab her ass一

“NO!” she barked, splashing a little bit of water at his face. He startled with a look of both surprise and betrayal.

“NO? Whadda’ya mean NO? You just said一”

“Geez you're such a perv,” she laughed, pushing some wet bangs away from her eyes, “And how would we in the middle of open water? I’m not that talented.”

“Well, when there’s a will, there’s a way. So what is this about if you don’t wanna mess around? Huh, Pomfish?”

“I told you一so you tell me. About your past,” she hummed.

“Wha? Pom, you said you’d tell me about yours and then I’d tell you about mine.”

“No. You agreed to tell me after I told you something you wanted to know. This is what I want to know…just a little bit,” she pleaded, wading closer to him. 

He couldn’t resist the way her eyes got three times bigger一maybe they were that weird expandable material that grows when it gets wet? HA! Maybe he’s made of that stuff too…

“Fine. You wanna know what I can remember?” he huffed, stumped again by her pouty face. She nodded and he sighed.

“Well, it’s not that great一I grew up in the middle of nowhere, Pom. Had a big family out in the boondocks of some godawful state like Idaho, or f*ckin’一Utah maybe,” he mumbled. She was very interested.

“Grew up on a farm. We raised dairy cattle in a rural town where everybody else grew f*ckin' corn一the symbol for american consumerism and all that’s unholy一and it was the literal sh*ttiest place on earth. I’m not being exaggeratory at all, it was COVERED in sh*t. Everything. Including me and all my sibs.”

“How many?” she asked softly, eyeing his twitching ear.

“Had an older brother, an older sister, and two younger sisters. I was part of the triplets,” he grumbled, looking to the sky.

“Holy sh*t,” she whispered, “7? Your parents had 7 kids? And you’re a triplet?!”

“Yea, yeah, shut your trap. I remember their names, but not my Ma’ or Pa’s. It was me, Lial, and Lance. We were the triplets. Jennifer was my big sister一admittedly my favorite of the older kids一and John was my big brother. He was a prick, like my dad. The younger ones were named Ella and Aster. I played with Lial and Lance the most. We were the least favorite,” Jax explained.

“The least favorite? As triplets? That’s一I mean, I can see how that would be overwhelming,” Pomni pondered, more to herself. It still made Jax grit his teeth.

“Yeah. We were the troublemakers. Or, more like they were一believe it or not I was a little angel comparatively,” he snarked, poking his tongue at her.

“I see. So一is that all you remember?”

“No. I remember that when I was 13, I ran away,” he said quietly, “My dad died when I was 10, and my big brother tried to fill his shoes. But, he, uh一he turned to alcohol because of the stress. Managing a farm and taking care of 6 siblings and a sick mom was enough to break him. I don’t even blame him, honestly. I was just not able to deal with it when he turned on us”

They stayed there, treading water for a moment. Pomni’s eyes were so big and a bit watery, but he couldn’t tell if it was because she was weepy or because they were literally submerged mostly in water. He leaned in to kiss her cheek, hoping that might be nice enough to rid her thoughts if she was sad about what he said, when Jax’s ear twitched at the sound of a deep hum. He turned to see Gangle blasting full speed ahead, straight towards them.

“OH SH*T POMNI LOOK OUT!” 

“What?! What, What’s going on?” she whipped her head around to see a blur of marine white shooting their way, and was suddenly dragged under water.

Jax dived and grabbed her ankle to tug her down, narrowly avoiding the bottom of the speedboat. When they resurfaced, they say Gangle struggling to manipulate the controls一and she continued to barrel toward the shore opposite of where the rest of the cast lay.

“Well,” Jax huffed, “this oughta’ be good.”

Chapter 59: CH.59 RECOUNTING: act P

Ragatha, Zooble, and Kinger got to the opposite shore as fast as their silly little cartoon bodies would take them, while Pomni and Jax still had a ways to go since they were in the dead center of the lake. The amazement and terror was evident in their faces as they approached the situation, most of the terror coming from Zooble. They moved faster than anybody had seen them move in quite a while.

“GOD, F#CK, GANGLE,” Zooble yelled, exasperated, “HOW DID YOU GET THE BOAT IN A TREE?”

“I’m soooorry! I didn’t mean to, don’t yell at me, please!”

Gangle had also managed to be thrown from the boat mid arch to get tangled in the branches beside it. Her ribbons coiled and knotted in the foliage as if it were a christmas present.

“Oh, G…” Ragatha huffed, looking up and around the large trunk, “you know, it takes talent to get watercraft airborne, let alone into a canopy! How did you一?”

“It was an accident!I couldn’t stop it! The throttle stuck…It’s not my fault!”

“Well, that’s obvious, sweetheart. Say, are there any neat insects up there?” Kinger asked, bringing his hand to his brow to see her better. Gangle growled a high-pitched, frustrated sound, and it was all Ragatha could do not to laugh at it.

“Hold on! I’m一Ugh, I’m coming up, I’m一” Zooble groaned, starting to scope out the best way to reach her. This was gonna be shit, they knew it.

Jax and Pomni reached them after a good minute of swimming, slowed by Jax’s uncontrollable laughter. When they reached the shore, he had to lay on the sand, retracted and breathless from cramping, but he still couldn't stop the amusement from boiling over. Pomni ignored him in favor of going to see what happened to Gangle, and when Kinger pointed to the tree, she had to do a double take at her discombobulated friend.

“Oh, woah! G, what did you do?!” Pomni asked, concern lacing her words.

“Oh, Pomni, hi! Gangle’s in the tree,” Kinger hummed, pointing up to where Pommi was already looking.

“The boat’s up there too,” Ragatha muttered, pointing above the suspended Gangle. Pomni looked at both of them with an unintentional ‘no shit’ face, but was snapped out of it when Jax finally got a little bit of a hold on his laugh attack and decided to grace them with his presence.

“Oh, MAN, Ribbons! You’re in a real BIND, huh? HAAA! I’m so funny,” Jax taunted, pointing at her mockingly.

“NOTMYFAULT!” she whined, desperately trying to pull at her tightly wound limbs. As she was whining in the canopy, a cartoonish crashing sound effect came from behind the tree.

“AH! Ow…Godd@mmit,” Zooble huffed from the opposite side. Jax peeked his head around to find them on their back, an arm at their side and frustrated beyond measure.

“Wazzap Zooooooob,” he hummed with a grin, “Whatch’a doin?” 

“F*ck off Jax!” they growled, reaching for the arm that popped off.

Pomni and Ragatha rushed over to Zooble to help them up and assist them in reassembly.  Zoobles’ delicate and cumbersome body would never allow them to scale a tree like that; they could barely climb stairs. Gangle was possibly 20 feet up一or the equivalent of feet, digitally. How do they even measure distance here? Paces, feet, or pixels? Kilopixels…? Whatever, not the time.

“We’ll get her down, Z. No worries,” Ragatha attempted to reassure them, only to be interrupted by the brash bunny.

“Yeah, no worries!  Pom’ll get her! Come on, up up,” he cackled, laying down underneath the tree on his back, bent legs in the air. The rest of the cast looked at each other confusedly while Pomni eyed him with suspicion.

“Dafuq you mean, ‘up up’? She’s not a dog,” Zooble spat, resting a hand on Pomni’s shoulder in defense.

“POOOMNIIII, WE CAN DO THE THING! Remember, the thing? When I showed you how talented you are, in the hotel room we got together alone in the saloon∼” he lilted suggestively, earning a scoff from Zooble and Ragatha’s stiffening posture.

“Oooh! Yeah I know what you're talking about now. Ok, fair enough,” she hummed, stepping onto his foot without a second thought. He straightened his legs and she was sent high enough to reach the lowest branch if she jumped. His smile grew wicked as he watched her brush the bottom of it with her fingertips.

“Starting countdown to launch: Neil Pomstrong retrieves the idiot theater mask in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6一”

“Wait, wait! Don’t throw her into the tree, Jax! What if she gets hurt?” Ragatha butted in, rushing over to her to place a hand on her calf. If Jax wasn’t holding Pomni up with his legs, he’d have rolled over and bit her dolly leg just because.

“Ragatha, it’s fine. I’m good. We’ve done this before,” she assured her. Ragtatha frowned and let go of her leg to stand close by and watch like a hawk.

Pomni restarted the countdown and widened her stance. “5, 4, 3, 2一GO!”

Jax shot his legs up as forcefully as he could and it did indeed launch her a good 5 feet. She was able to grab onto a branch and steady herself without trouble before looking around for Gangle. When she found her, she started the climb一and when she arrived, she’d never seen Gangle so happy.

“Pomni! My hero!” she piped, trying to look her dead on and failing. Her neck was all wrapped up too.

“Oh geez…are you in pain?” she asked calmly. 

“No? Just kinda一uncomfortable,” Gangle huffed. Pomni took that as an ok to start pulling randomly to see if any of her end pieces would budge. After some work, she was able to free one limb, then another, then another. After diligently working for about fifteen minutes, Gangle was basically free, though she was whining the whole time she was being unraveled. When there was only one left to go, they were both flooded with relief.

“Thank you so much, Pom. You’re a lifesaver,” she squeaked, offering Pomni her best version of puppy eyes一Pomni would never tell her that it was creepy because she had black pits for eyes, but it certainly was a thought.

“No problem. Just一try not to fly the boat again any time soon.”

When she was finally free, they both carefully lowered to the branch closest to the ground and assessed the drop. The others were either being teased or doing the teasing, somewhat distracted, as the dainty women tried to gauge how to come down with the least amount of pain. Zooble was very agitated by the whole ordeal, so it was just so easy for Jax to poke them more.

“Hey, um, guys? Can we get a hand here?” Gangle called, stilling herself on the lowest branch next to the jester. Zooble turned away from bickering with Jax to give her their full attention, worry still plastered on their face.

“Don’t worry G! I’m一we’ll一” Zooble stalled, darting their eyes about. Jax hip checked them to the side and took their place under the branch, extending his arms out as they lost their balance beside him.

“Come on Pom! I gotcha’” he called with a smug grin, flexing his fingers at her.

“Catch Gangle first,” she called, smelling the bullshit before it started. His face soured.

“No, I’ll get you down, then Gangle after. Don’t talk back, just jump!”

“Liar…Ugh, fine, catch me first,” Pomni scoffed, standing up straight and peering at Gangle, who was obviously quite worried.

“Piggyback, G,” she whispered. Gangle's expression sank a little as she passed her glance from the ground to Pomni before nodding without a sound. She curled an arm round Pomni’s neck, and on que, she called to Jax to get ready. They leapt off the branch and without a hitch he caught them, but his smile inverted when he saw Gangle clinging to her like a baby monkey.

“Pom! You tricked me!” he huffed, dropping them abruptly.

“If you would have gotten her ‘later’ it’d be the end of the day before she came down” Pomni reasoned, helping Gangle stand up straight. As soon as she was upright, Zooble was right by her side fussing with her and scolding her at the same time.

“一Awe, Pom一you know me so well,” he feigned heartfeltness, before glancing back to the still suspended boat.

Pomni followed his gaze and locked on it too, placing a hand on her hip. “What’ll we do about that?”

 Ragatha approached her and offered a sweet smile before calling out for Caine. Jax, Zooble, Gangle, and Pomni all had a massive what the fuck moment, realizing that all the hassle with getting Gangle down could have been avoided by calling him in the first place.

*POOF*

“And I said, ‘no, I didn’t know you had water! That’s so interesting!’ And then she said, ‘yes, I’m cavernous, wet, and experienced,  I’d love to take you on a lunar expedition sometime,” whatever that means!” Caine balled, bringing a teacup to his teeth as he floated at a levitating tea table. He looked over to Ragatha and smiled brilliantly, disposing of his tea party in an instant.

“Sorry Superstars, I was just gossiping with Bubble! But that’s not that important! So WHAT’s poppin, my Putrid Pickled Peppers?” he shrieked.

“Yes, hello Caine. Gangle parked the boat in this tree and we can’t get it down. Will you help us?” she asked sweetly.

“Why of course! That is quite the parking spot, Gangle, I’m really impressed! I thought parallel parking was a doozy, but you’re very talented!”

He snapped his fingers and the boat was back in the lake, floating by where they’d set up earlier, parked at the dock. With a simple flourish of his cane, the entire map started to rotate while everyone stayed in place, like some sort of nauseating turn-table, and stopped when they were back at the towels and umbrellas. After the map stopped moving, Pomni ran over to the bushes behind their set up and spewed her guts as everybody else meandered over to their chill zones.

“Thanks Dentures,” Jax scoffed, waving his hand dismissively at him before plopping down on Pomni’s towel. Ragatha sat too, and Gangle and Zooble got comfortable on Zoobles towel while Kinger returned to his sand castle. Because priorities.

“Gangle, can you please explain what happened?” Ragatha asked, leaning her direction.

“The throttle stuck when I shifted it, and I tried to get it back, but it wouldn't work! So I pushed it forward, thinking that maybe I could loosen it up一It got stuck on the highest setting,” she explained bashfully.

“You shouldn’t have pushed it to go faster if it was already stuck!” Zooble huffed, wrapping an arm around her protectively. Jax noticed there was still a lot of distress in their face, even after Gangle was rescued and safe. 

“Well,” Pomni’s voice chimed as she approached from behind, wiping some black sludge from her lip, “at least she’s ok now. That’s the silver, ammIright?” She was met with silence.

“That’s the ‘silver’? What’s that mean, Pom?” Ragatha pondered as she smoothed out her towel.

“Never heard of it? It’s just, um一l-like silver linings? I didn’t think about how that might sound weird to people who never played before, sorry.” Jax shifted his gaze to the jester as she sat down by him comfortably, leaning against him to rest.

“Played what, Pancakes?” he asked casually, leaning against her in turn.

“Oh geez my head’s gone isn't it? I used to play a game called ‘Silver Linings’ all the time, with my little brother.” All eyes were on her, everyone thinking the same thing: it seems she’ll be the next to spill the beans.

“You had a little brother?” Ragatha asked softly, curling her arms around her legs to lean on them. 

“Sure did. He was the best,” she hummed, feeling Jax starting to pick through her hair like an ape, “His name was Cody.”

“What was the game about?” Gangle pipped. Pomni tensed a little at that.

“Well一Cody and I had a pretty good age gap. 6 years, 2 months, and 13 days apart.”

“Hah, I bet you were a terror when asked your age Pom. You were prolly like ‘I’m 8 and 10/12ths, or simplified as 8 and 5/6ths. If you want I can give you the decimal一’” she reached over and pinched his side to shut him up, but it only minorly succeeded. He decided to lay on her lap in retaliation. With a defeated sigh, she looked back to Gangle.

“Silver Linings was a game I made up to nurture his optimism. I wanted to teach him the value of seeing the goodness in things, so he wouldn’t have bad coping mechanisms or fall into depression like mom.”

Gangle and Zooble glanced at each other, a look of understanding crossing their features. Ragatha shifted to face Pomni more as Jax stilled like a statue on her lap. The jester absentmindedly started petting his fur between his ears as she went on.

“Our mom was never able to keep a steady place to stay, or a job. Kinda like your mom, Z. She was like that after she divorced my step dad. It was often hard for us一sometimes she had to choose between groceries or power, and we moved a lot. I helped to raise Cody as much as I could一helped him with homework, made sure he was safe, cooked when I could…and I played with him. I made sure that every game we played was secretly a lesson. Silver Linings was the game we played the most.”

Silence permeated the air as they thought about what she said. Jax turned slightly to look at her face, some train of thought chugging through his mind.

“So the more bad stuff happened, the more you’d play,” Zooble whispered knowingly. Gangles ribbon wrapped around their rubbery appendage in an effort to comfort them and be comforted.

“Yeah! Pretty much. He had some pretty good silver, most of the time. He was good at that game.” Pomni hummed, closing her eyes at the memory. The artificial sun pooled around her face beautifully, and the sight made Jax’s stomach drop, for some reason. 

“Tell us about the most important game of Silver you ever played, Pomster,” he asked quietly, staring at her with intensity she couldn’t see. She opened her eyes and floated off into space for a moment, gathering fragments of the past to share.

“Hmm一” she brought herself back and resumed tousling his fur.

 “My mom had gotten into a fight with her boyfriend at the time. He was stealing money from her. We ended up getting kicked out of the trailer because of the arrears. The first day we went to the shelter, Cody started the game for us. It kinda went like一”

She paused. The slight breeze of the beach wafted over her face and blew her hair gently, soothing her tightened expression. She moved her feet so they dug into the perfect golden sand, and it seemed to ground her a bit more.

“‘Silver in the roof up above our heads’,” Pomni whispered, scrunching her toes to feel the grittiness, “ and I said, ‘Silver in the blankets on our beds,’. He said, ‘Silver in the hand that’s holding mine.’ I can't remember what I said after that. But the last one I remember is, ‘Silver in my sister.”

When Pomni turned back to look at Ragatha, her eyes were watery and her lip was quivering. She reached out for Pomnis hand, and Pomni took it gently. Jax acted like he didn’t care that Ragathas hand was pressing against his shoulder, because maybe he didn’t. He was pretty preoccupied staring at Pomni like she was a rainbow giraffe eating a leather boot for breakfast.

“You showed him the value of optimism, Pomni. I bet you saved his life by doing that,” Ragatha whispered, stroking Pomni’s knuckle with her thumb.

“I don’t know about that, Rags. I kind of一lied to him for my whole life. He showed me the value caring for people, though. That night in the shelter I cried happy tears for the first time.”

“You lied to him, how?” Gangle asked quietly, her face contorted in worry. Pomni shot her a look that Gangle identified as deep seeded regretfulness.

“I pretended to be stronger than I was,” she whispered. Jax made a face of disbelief, and then anger.

“Naw, you’re trippin’. Bet he adored you, P. Sound’s like you made life bearable for him. I’d have’ killed to have a big sister like you to distract me from sh*t. Prolly would have gotten into less trouble,” Zooble chuckled softly.

“Cody was very smart, even when he was young. I try not to think about it often, but when I do, I wonder if he thinks that I was just disregarding the situation. I never showed weakness in front of him. I never let him see that I was affected by anything一even when I was a mess. And I think he might resent me for that now. I don’t know. I just know that when I turned 18, I promised myself to never act like that again. He deserved my honesty when I didn’t give it to him.”

Jax scoffed at her from her lap, pulling everyone's attention away from her. He angrily shot his hand up and gripped her chin to force her to look at him.

“That little boy knows you were his guardian angel n’ he loves you to death for it. You don’t getta’ say that he resents you, or any f*ckin’  bullsh*t like that, cuz that's wrong and you should know better! If we WAS smart, he would have seen through your facade of put-togetherness and thought’a you even more highly because he’d have known how hard everything was, and how hard you tried. You're his hero! Cuz' that’s what heroes do, Pom. They fight for the little guy and do it with a straight face.”

“I’m not his hero. I’m not heroic even a little bit, Jax.”

"You literally saved Gangle today," Zooble deadpanned.

“Yeah, that’s not true at all,” Ragatha said, squeezing her hand, “you try so hard, Pomni. In my opinion, the truest mark of a hero is not giving up. How many times did you play those games with him, or cook a meal, or help him with anything?”

“I don’t know…I can’t put a numerical value to it. It was just kind of a part of my life until mom lost custody of him. But not giving up is just an example of my stubbornness, I think,” she explained.

“Pomni, listen to me,” Jax sat up to grab her cheeks, “Batman is soooooo stubborn. So is the Hulk. So are most of the X-men, and like, half of the justice league!”

“Jax, you like Marvel and DC?” Gangle asked, a little off put. She obviously had a preference. He swiveled his head to shoot her a nasty look.

“I swing both ways, Crash-out,” he spat, before returning to face the jester.

“‘Point is, heroes are stubborn as sh*t! Every single person in this spill-yer’-guts group loves you to Saturn and back so you don’t get to belittle yourself in front of us! Especially me! Not allowed, not allowed!” he hollered, standing up suddenly.

They watched him run up to the boat and climb in to duck under the captain's chair. After some cartoonish sound effects, he hopped back out and grabbed Pomni by the waist, clutching her in one arm, and reaching for the rope and an innertube with the other.

“What are we doing? Don’t incapacitate me!” she ordered, flailing. 

He put her down on the sand and handed her the inner tube and the end of the rope while he hopped back onto the boat and tied it to the back.

“Wrap it up Poms, tie like you mean it!” he barked.

Ragatha and Kinger walked up to Pomni and watched Jax bounce around haphazardly, doing Caine knows what.

“Oh! I want to go tubing!” Kinger exclaimed happily, running up to the boat. Jax held a hand for him to climb into it, and offered the girls a blinding smile while Pomni and Ragatha warily eyed each other.

“Well,” Pomni sighed, pulling the knot as tight as she could, “I guess this is as good of a distraction as any.”

“Haha, yeah…But Pomni,” Ragatha sighed, “He’s right you know.”

“About the stubbornness thing?”

“About how much we love you, and how you shouldn’t disregard yourself so much,” she corrected.

After a pause, Pomni walked the tube into the water and clambered onto it, patting by her side.

“I’ll do my best to think of myself better. Will you do that with me?” Pomni asked, smiling as honestly as she could.

Ragatha slotted herself right next to her and returned her smile ten fold. “Of course I will.”

The engine revved up and the boat started slowly tugging them out into deeper waters before both of the girls had an epiphany at once.

"WAIT, JAX! The boat is broken!" Pomni shrieked, horrified that she didn't realize sooner.

"Oh, nah, it's good! I took the throttle lock off, so we'll be fine! READYSETGOOO!"

And they shot off, screaming bloody murder as he proceeded to fling them about like a flail, cackling all the while.

Chapter 60: CH.60 TWO ENDLESS THINGS

“Was that the best experience you’ve ever had, or the best experience you’ve ever had? Poms, you’re not legally obligated to answer cuz’ I already know all about your favorite experiences,” Jax yelled from the boat, wiggling his eyebrows. Pomni couldn’t see it of course, as she was busy trying to quell her protesting stomach.

Pomni was still gripping the tube for dear life while Ragatha opted to swim towards the boat. It seems she handled Jax’s flamboyant boat driving better than the jester, seeing as her eye was not rolling around in her head.

“That was pretty fun, but if you only wanted my opinion, you could have just asked, ‘hey Ragatha’. I don’t think Pomni is even able to speak, right now,” she huffed, grabbing the ladder on the back.

“It’s more of a formality, Ragatha. Jax doesn’t want to leave Pomni out,” Kinger explained, helping to pull her up. When she looked at the bunny again, she didn’t miss the tinge of pink on his cheeks, framed by his smile.

“She looks like she was used as a bowling ball,” Ragatha hummed, looking back at her still floating in the water.

“Pom’s best face is when her eyes are pointing in different directions. Riiiiight before she’s about to barf,” he snickered, smile growing. 

“You sadist,” she muttered, earning a scoff from him. He rolled his eyes at her.

“Let’s get her on the boat. King wants a go,” Jax dove off the side of the boat to swim up to Pomni and grabbed the innertube to tug it back to the ladder.

“You could have pulled the rope into the boat, you know,” she called.

“What are ya’ the fun police? I can’t go for a swim at the same time’s bein’ the lovable helpful scamp I am?” he spat.

“No, I never said that, I just一”

“You need a badge in the shape of a frowny face. Sheriff Nagatha Buzzkill, be-loathed of Partypoopsville,” he taunted, reaching the boat and helping Pomni on.

“Do you really think I’m that bad?” she whined, helping Pomni up too. The jester layed on the floor of the boat and sprawled out, eyes closed and breathing heavily.

“No Raggy, he’s just poking at you,” she managed to get out. 

“Hmm,” she hummed, watching Kinger climb into the floaty.

“If you’re no sheriff, why dont’cha take the wheel. Give Kinger here a good time,” Jax smirked, sitting himself next to the recovering jester.

“Oh? But Jax, you’re usually the one who一”

“RAGS. Raggy. Dollface.” he interrupted, “I am giving you an opportunity to show us all how you’re not Captain Killjoy! Prove us wrong.”

“Oh leave her alone, Jax. She can be a Captain Killjoy if she wants," Pomni scolded him.

Oh….
That got under Ragatha’s skin a little. 
Pom think’s she’s a buzzkill? Well一she’s NOT. She can be the LIFE of the party, if that’s what she wants!

“OK! Buckle-up一I mean, d-don’t! Yeah, uh, no seatbelts allowed on the S.S…um…Not a Buzkill!” Ragatha chirped, hopping into the captain's chair and absolutely flooring it.

Pomni and Jax were slammed into the back wall of the boat with a loud thud. One of them was cackling like a hyena, while the other was paralyzed with fear at just how fast the clouds above them were passing.

The boat made as sharp a turn as would allow, and Jax turned his head to peer behind him to see Kinger sailing through the air after he hit a wave. He was laughing, obviously, but the sound of it was drowned out by the whipping of the wind in his ears.

“R-ragatha!!!! What’s gotten into you!?” Pomni screamed, though Jax knew for a fact that Ragatha couldn’t have heard her.

He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her over to one of the weird boat-benches in the back so she could see the extent of Ragatha’s zoomies. Just as he’d hoped, she squeaked in terror and buried her face in his side to avoid it. 

After, in Pomni’s opinion, too long of a tubing session, Ragatha slowed the boat down and brought it into the dock by Gangle and Zooble. It was getting late and the sun was getting lower, so they decided that it was time for a fire and food.

“You SO proved me wrong, Rags. You’re totally unhinged,” Jax laughed as he helped Pomni onto the dock.

“Wh一unhinged? Like, dangerously reckless?” Ragatha cringed. She saw her friend wobbling like a loose wheel, being corralled by the smuggest bunny in the universe. She felt so awful when she looked at her friend's warped face一Oh damn…did she do to much?

“Pomni! Are you ok?!” she rasped, hopping out of the boat to go chase after them. 

“Mmmhmmmyamfine,” she responded curtly, staring in front of her steadfastly.

“Oh no, why did I do that,” Ragatha whispered to herself. 

Suddenly, Pomni stopped and shifted her gaze toward the lake, causing Jax to stop abruptly and look too. She patted his arm and weakly broke away from him without a word, meandering into the water. She waded over to Kinger, who was barely glowing beneath the surface, being held upside down by the innertube. Jax laughed, and Ragatha grew more horrified that she didn’t notice him stuck in that position.

She flipped him upright, and when he surfaced, he patted her head.

“Thank you! You’re so helpful, Pomni,” he said cheerfully. She smiled weakly at his praise before turning to dry heave beside him. Jax stepped toward her snickering and picked her up, letting her chin fall on his shoulder. It was so friggin’ gentle, even though she was more nauseous than she’s ever been it made her heart flutter.

“Greetings, Strings and Amalgamation. We come in terror. Fear us,” Jax hummed, not as loudly as they expected. He sat down on the towel carefully, being sure not to jar them, while Gangle watched with big eyes. Ragatha and Kinger passed them to sit on their towels too.

“Oh my God you guys are so cute!” Gangle squealed. At that exact moment, Pomni dry heaved over Jax’s shoulder, and it was perfect.

Jax laughed so hard at that, but still managed to keep himself steady enough not to induce more. Zooble turned to the cooler and plucked out a Caine brand Ginger Ale. They handed it to Kinger, who looked at it with a dazed expression.

“Yo, toss it here, big man,” Jax called softly, lifting the hand that was not wrapped around pukey Pomni.

Now, it’s obvious that the inner machinations of that man’s mind are an enigma一and Jax could see the milk spilling behind his skewed eyeballs as he stared at the pop can intensely. Jax’s casual smile twitched as he saw the chess piece break from his stare and absolutely heave the can of Sloda into the lake. Was a solid 60 mph pitch at least. 

And then, Kinger looked back to Jax, smiling hopefully, absolute joy radiating from his very being.

“Ummm,” Zooble mumbled, eyeing them widely, “my B一here.” They reached in and got another, and handed it to Ragatha this time. She handed it to Jax swiftly.

“Hey Pomadillo,” Jax mumbled, turning his head slightly, “you should sip on some anti-spew juice.” With a weary groan, she lifted herself off his shoulder and turned enough to see the can in his hand.

“Ok,” she sighed, removing herself from his lap. It pulled a deep frown out of him, but it eased as she settled at his side, leaning on his leg as she reached for the Ginger Ale. She popped the tab and smelled it first, the tiniest bit of relief showing in her features.

“Hey Gangle, did you bring the tat machine, like I said?” Jax asked, looking up from the jester.

“I did,” she mumbled, turning to rummage through her little bag, “But I only brought the black ink cartridge. I’m kinda interested to see what you want.”

Jax tittered out a mocking laugh. “Of course you would be. I’m delighted to disappoint一it’s not me who’s getting inked today.”

“Oh一? Wait, wait! Pomni is so sick, you can't be serious!” Gangle protested, giving him a snide look.

“Oh, I’m about as serious as…hey Pom, what’s something that’s really serious?”

Without missing a beat, she brought the can down from her lips and said, “The black hole in the center of the Milky Way is named Sirius A Star. ”

“I’m as serious as the Milky Way's black hole! That’s how friggin’ serious I am!” he yelped with conviction.

“Wow that’s pretty serious,” Kinger muttered.

“Yep, yep, and Pomni agreed to it. Isn’t that right, Pom?” Jax lilted, petting her hair down in the back a little.

“Uggh. Yeah I did. I gotta stop promising you things,” she gurgled, sitting up straighter and sucking in a deep breath. “Let’s just get it over with, I guess.”

Jax’s smile was blinding. Absolutely luminous, as he shot up from his spot and hopped over to Gangle, startling her half to death. He reached into her bag and snatched her sketchbook, causing her to protest immediately. He elbowed her away as he flipped to a clean page and started doodling.

Gangle was so interested now that she ceased her complaining entirely in favor of watching him. Zooble was pulled in too, and before anybody could comment, he barked out an order.

“Nobody says a word about the design or I’ll make life literal hell for the next month!”

That threat was taken to heart by both of them. Ragatha’s curiosity got the best of her, and she scooted over to see the image too…and it surprised her.

“So, like…you get the idea. Do the shape better and actually make it recognisable, but basically this is it. And make it detailed. Crisp lines, Thespian,” he beamed. Gangle tentatively took the sketchpad and on the same page, started drawing her own version presumably. Ragatha’s face lit up when she saw the more refined version, and it made Pomni reeeeally curious.

“Oh wow! That’s pretty neat!” Ragatha chimed. Zooble also nodded approvingly.

“Ok. Get set up while I start the fire,” he hummed. He left to gather wood from the pile while Gangle stood to move her towel more into the light. She gestured for Pomni to sit by her.

“Is it big?” Pomni asked, looking pleadingly. Gangle gulped and looked toward Jax to find his back turned, so she shook her head no enough for Pomni to get the message.

“Don’t you be tryna’ pry, there, Pom! Don’t wanna sew the seeds of misery for your pals, right?” he called ominously.

“No,” she mumbled, watching him approach with a handful of logs.

The fire was set up, red and glowing, and Pomni grumbled as she was forced into blindness by Jax’s stupid big hands. He had her lay on her back with her head supported on his crossed legs, while Gangle sat beside her and started working on her chest, of all places. Just slightly off center to the left.

“Jax, will you give me a hint?” Pomni pleaded, feeling remarkably less queasy as the needle hit her skin, “Wow I feel way better”. The buzz was melodic and the feeling was somewhere in between pain and comfort. She decided she liked it.

“Ha, that’s cuz these bodies aren’t programmed to handle two different types of pain at once,” he hummed, eyes glistening, “And you can have 1 hint. It’s 2 things that are endless.”

Oh. That’s a riddle, huh?
At the hint he dropped, Pomni heard Ragatha gasp, and Gangle let out a little ‘oh wow.’

Pomni was actually starting to get mad that she didn’t know what it was now. Why can’t he just tell her? Why are they acting that way?!

“Ahh一theorized infinitum is very vague, Jax. And wouldn't 2 infinites be contradictory because they’d encompass each other? Unless,” Pomni groaned, “Is it, like一a fraction involving a hyperreal number and infinity?”

…

“Um一No? I don’t一 Ya know what, nevermind. That’s all you’re gettin’ Pomstein.”

Gangle worked on the same patch of skin for over an hour. In the meantime, Pomni decided to enlighten everyone about her plan to learn coding from the education prize Gangle won. Everyone seemed very interested in the prospect of learning coding一so they all hopped on the break the matrix bandwagon. 

“I’d be more than happy to teach you how to see it, Pomni,” Kinger hummed happily as he roasted a sausage on the fire.

“I’d be happy to learn, Kinger,” she offered back. The whole time Gangle had been doing it, she was trying to feel what shape was on her chest, but her brain just made it out to be a blob.

“Kinger is your Guru, now, Pom,” Jax snickered, feeling immensely satisfied as he stared at Gangles’ work.

“He always was,” Pomni hummed. Kinger was more with it than they realized at that moment, but no one saw as he wiped a tear away from his eye silently. 

“Ok, P一ready to see it?!” Gangle asked excitedly.

“Oh God yes! I’ve been dying trying to figure it out!” she huffed, sitting upright quickly. Gangle pulled out the little handheld mirror from her bag and handed it to her.

“Oh!” Jax felt his mouth go dry immediately. 

“It’s a heart,” she said simply. The dim light made it more difficult to see, but as she angled herself toward the fire, the true depth started to reveal itself.

It was a heart一or the shape of a heart, that was colored in almost all the way with black. Except,  where it wasn’t blacked out, there were stars. Stars, and a few asteroids, and a ringed planet that she could juuust see in the flickering light of the flames.

Then, Jax’s hint replayed in her head. 2 things that are endless...

“You一don’t like it?” Jax whispered, watching her face fervently.

“No, I love it! It’s beautiful, Jax! And Gangle, you did such a good job! You know how much I love space, it’s perfect一 but I guess I’m a little confused about the riddle?” she explained with a sheepish grin. Jax felt the spit return to his mouth.

“Pom, Space is unquantifiable,” he paused, looking down at it. He brought his hand up to her tattoo and poked it softly. 

“N’ so is your heart一ya’ doofus.”

Well. 
That ripped everything she had left right out of her eyeballs.

“Oh my goodness,” she whispered, bringing her hand up to rest over it, “I’m一I can’t一I’m so sorry, I didn’t一”

She pushed herself forward and wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed like she meant it. Tears streamed down her face, and he laughed a relieved laugh一one that the others were impressed to hear. When she pulled away from him she hugged Gangle too.

“I love it so much,” she warbled, wiping a tear from her cheek.

“Sure f*ckin’ hope so. S’stuck on ya’ forever now,” Jax joked awkwardly.

“It’s perfect for you, Pomni. It suits you very well,” Ragatha giggled as she stood up. She wrapped her towel around her shoulders and dusted herself off before turning to the tent.

“You headin’ in, Rags?” Zooble asked.

“Yeah一I had a lot of fun today, but I’m quite tired. I think it’s in my best interest to get to bed soon,” she hummed. Kinger stood with her and accompanied her to the path.

“She still in Kings' spare bedroom?” Zooble questioned no one in particular. Gangle pulled her bag over her ribbon shoulder and watched them go with a smile.

“Yeah. He’s been helping her a lot,” Gangle informed them, “She’s making her way back to her room step by step. I talk with her about it when she wants to.”

“That’s good,” Pomni said with a smile, before standing herself.

“Ready to bounce, Pipsqueak?” Jax hummed, following her with his gaze.

“Yeah. I’m pooped,” she chuckled softly. He stood beside her and snatched her hand to pull her along.

“More like puked, haha,” he laughed, “C’mon. Let’s getch’a tucked into that lumberjack bed of yours.”

Pomni nodded as she looked up at him. He was looking forward, neutral smile slapped on his face, seemingly without a care in the world. The same guy who almost shit his pants when she didn’t immediately jump for joy at his choice of tattoo. Oh, her tattoo…She placed her hand over it and her heart ached. Not the one on her skin, the one in her little digital ribcage一and it felt incredible. 

He thought of her so highly, didn’t he? To say that her heart was endless…He was talking about her capacity for love, right? She wracked her mind to think of some other thing it could mean, but came to nothing. She sighed and squeezed his hand.

And he squeezed back. The way the firelight dimmed on his backside as they walked away, the way his hand curled around hers and tugged her along, soft but with intention一it hit her particularly hard. 

“Hey Jax.”

“Hm?” 

“I lime you so f*cking much,” she hummed softly. He let out a rich, deep laugh that tickled her ears.

“Lime you too…doofus.”

Chapter 61: CH.61 ADDICTIVE

Summary:

dub-con and partial somnophilia

It was waaay too early when his stupid nose woke him up. Jax was so comfortable, baking in her blankets while she wrapped around his middle. Pomni really was the best big spoon, and he felt more relaxed feeling her skin than with any other stimulus. He bet Pomni cuddles were more powerful than any half baked benzo Caine could pull out of his ass.

He shifted, nose twitching and body buzzing, to stretch his legs out on the bed. She didn’t wake up from it, but rather pulled her arm away and rolled over一which immediately made him grumpy. He turned around and wrapped an arm around her instead of continuing to be pissy at the loss of contact, but when he moved under the blankets, the warm air hit his face. 

Jesus Christ, not now. It’s way too early for this.

Jax squinted hard and pulled her closer, gritting his teeth, attempting to bury his face in her hair. Try as he might to fight off the battering ram of arousal his mind insisted on pummeling him with, it never seemed to work…especially since they were sleeping together so often.

Because fuck him, right? He’s not getting any more sleep tonight一today? This morning….whatever. It doesn’t matter, time and sleep are illusions here, as enjoyable as they seem to be. He doesn’t need to sleep, and neither does she. She deserves to be messed with because it's arbitrary!

But…Pomni looks so cute asleep. She’s so sweet and snuggly and she shouldn’t be woken up because she obviously likes fake sleeping, even if it is her fault he woke up…Actually, NO! Fuck Pomni! She’s the one who started this mess in the first place, being all cute and sleepy and smelling like…wait a minute.

Against his better judgment, he ducked his head under the covers and took a big ol’ sniff. As much as his lungs could handle一and boy that was a stupid thing to do.

Arousal pooled in his belly as the odor encompassed him. It made him light headed, like some sort of literal drug. Pomni is so addictive in so many ways, he considered that she may have been a dealer in the real world. As he felt the pressure build below the belt, she rolled over again, this time to her stomach, with one leg bent and tucked up by her side. Her smell was stronger, now.

Dammit.

“You’re so mean to me,” he whispered, completely flipping himself under the blankets. 

He laid his head right on her butt cheek, dizzy with the warmth and the intoxicating aroma that wafted over to him. He felt his mouth start to water and the pressure of his cock against the bed, but the fabric of her pajama shorts grounded him a little.

They also pissed him off, but you gotta pick your battles.

Jax brought his hand up from his side and grazed it along the skin on the back of her upper thigh, light enough not to wake her, but just hard enough so he could feel it's stupidly soft texture. She didn’t wake up, but she did shift from his touch一and his sensitive hearing picked up that her breath had changed. 

“So mean,” he hissed, rolling over so his head rested on her thigh. He slid one hand over to rub himself through his shorts, while the other made its way to her cute little caboose. He gave it the smallest squeeze he could manage, and from the depths of her slumber came a pitiful whimper.

That sound was absolutely ridiculous. HE was ridiculous. She’s not even awake and he’s an absolute mess over her一and he wants to resent her for it but he can't bring himself too with that aphrodisiac beating his body into submission. Jax swallowed his groan and freed himself from the elastic band of his pajamas.

“You don’t mind, right, Pom?” he rasped, dragging his fingers lightly from the base to the tip, “S’your fault anyway.”

The hand on her cheek gave another squeeze, and he heard her breath hitch again. Her body shivered just slightly in his hand, and that friggin’ smell got even more potent as his thumb traced the curve of her ass. He felt paralysed when it traced the fabric above her groin.

Jax squeezed himself and grit his teeth, feeling a bead of precum on his finger as he swiped the head of his throbbing member. He brought the other hand to his face and pressed into his nose, shivering at the sensation. He made sure to feel the slight wetness on his lips, God he wanted to be drowned in it. Before he even had a thought about it his thumb popped into his mouth and that flavor hit his tongue. A jolt of heat traveled straight to his dick and he had to release himself or he would have come undone.

Fuck, just a taste一just another little one would be fine. Maybe if he’s really gentle he could take her shorts off without waking her up? Maybe he could cut them off? Maybe一

“Ja-ahh一ah一”

He shot straight up from where he lay, the covers draped over his head as he sat on the bed. He eyed her in the dark intensely, studying her shallow breaths and random little twitches. He concluded that somehow she was still asleep, even after his unexpected knee-jerk reaction at her voice.

 So she was probably sleep-talking? But she said his name一or barely said his name, and she said it provocatively. And if he’s correct and she is asleep, that means she must be dreaming. Of him.  

Ok that tracks but now he has no reason to restrain himself. Not even a little bit.

He shifted under the blankets and slotted himself right between her legs as gently as he could. If she’s asleep, might as well make a game out of it, yeah? See how long she can stay asleep in this particular scenario. He decided the longer she stayed asleep, the more points he’d get.

Jax leaned over her and brought his face gently flush with her ass, and took another nice deep breath. God that shit’s unreal. He gripped her cheeks and slid down to lay on his belly, wild eyed and salivating like one of Pavlov's dogs. As lightly as he could, he pushed her apart enough to slip his tongue over her clothed heat. Hooking a finger on the shorts, he pulled them to the side just enough to get at her panties.

A shudder ran through him when he tasted it, the contact nearly frying his brain. She let out a moan, and he could feel her twitch beneath the fabric.

His ego inflated at the remembrance of her sleepy voice gasping for him, and he hummed in pleasure against her. She fluttered again, oh and he could feel her legs go taught against his cheeks and it was just evil. She knew what she was doing even if she WAS in dreamland…

Jax opened his mouth effortlessly, and he was silently thankful that his cartoon anatomy allowed him to unhinge it so wide. His long pink tongue pressed between her leg and her crotch, and he tasted everywhere that wasn’t covered. There was no patch of skin left un-tended that he could get to一and the sounds that came out of her made him realize that he actually didn’t give a fuck about her silly shorts, or her underwear. Not even a little bit.

He pulled the fabric taut and chomped clean through it, a staticky sensation gracing his lips at the broken pixels, and he scolded himself for not doing it sooner. A breathy chuckle escaped him and his smile widened at the sight of her glistening for him. Because he is who she’s dreaming of.

Pomni really was the best thing he’s ever gotten, here一that was the thought that pulled him forward. When he slipped into her, every reason he had to continue his little game had vanished. That delicious moan she cried out for him was plenty of reason to just go full don’t-give-a-shit mode, anyway. He groaned right back as he hunched his back to grip his dick.

She tasted so good. Better than sugar cinnamon toast, better than a mango smoothie smothered in whip cream. She tasted a little like every good thing he could think of, and he still couldn’t name a perfect match. His tongue was long enough to really stretch into her, and it gave him extra leverage to gather that taste and fall deeper into the high. 

She was certainly awake now一a writhing, moaning, quivering mess. She was probably pissed at him for waking her up this way, but she didn’t really have the ability to yell at him yet, so that was a plus. 

She can complain after she’s come a couple times, he figured.

Jax growled when he felt the damp spot beneath her, frustrated that he wasn’t going to be able to swallow it up too. The sound must’ve done something for her, because he felt how tightened and he chuckled delightedly.

“Not so sleepy now, huh,” he grumbled even with a mouthful, “me neither.” His hips thrust into his hand desperately as she arched her back.

“N-no wonder I was having that dream,” she whispered, gripping the sheets harder. She tried to angle to get better leverage against his tongue.

He slipped out of her and grinned. “Hey! It was YOU who started this, Pom, don’t try and flip the script on me.” Then, he drug his tongue up to her tailbone.

“F-f#ck,” her breath hitched. He pushed himself up and curled over her back so she could really hear her when he told her off.

“You woke me up in the middle a’ the night with that d@mned ambrosia ya’ got down there,” he huffed, reaching to bite her shoulder.

With the position they were in she could feel his dick slide against her pussy, just underneath it. It poked at her lower belly in this position, and she let out a desperate muffled sound as she pressed her face into the bed. She was barely awake, and she was already a mess一bless his heart. The combination of his teeth in her flesh and the feeling of his chest pressed against her back shocked her like a live wire.

“S-sorry,” she huffed, still clutching the sheets, “I’ll make it up to you”. She squeezed her legs together and started to rock her hips, gripping him as she moved. He choked at first, but then started his own thrusts enthusiastically after he caught his breath. 

“T-that’s right,” Jax stuttered, voice low and gravely, “you’re the dirty one.”

She’d never heard him stutter before, and the fact that his voice was so raw nearly made her come right there. But, ever the competitor, Jax barely beat her to it. She felt it spurt onto her stomach from below and shivered while he gripped her torso like a life raft.

“You have no idea how bad it gets,” he huffed, hips faltering, “when you smell like that一”

He sat upright with a jerk and planted a hand on each thigh to drag her backwards as he fell to his back. She squealed at the sudden shift, but when his hands squeezed her again she bit her lip to stifle it. She was now sitting on his chest facing away from him, leaning forward slightly, with her shorts made into a skirt and her panties made obsolete.

This fuckin’ guy.

“Heads or tails,” he grumbled. She could see he was starting to get hard again, and her mind drew a blank.

“Pomni, answer me or I’ll choose for you.”

“I-I don’t know Jax,” she whispered, “Heads? W-wait一”

“Good choice! Heh, maybe there is a God,” he snarked, grabbing her waist and lifting it off of him. He spun her haphazardly so she was now facing him, but she had to pull her legs the rest of the way over his chest. He burned holes in her soul with the intensity of his stare, and he noticed how much she liked it when the fur of his chest felt much damper than usual. 

“I need it again, Pom,” he hummed with a lecherous smile. She watched his face shift as he brought up a finger to tap at his bottom lip.

“W-what do you need?” she whispered, watching his smile falter. 

He gripped her hips and lifted her up to pull her close and set her on his face. Pomni gasped as she felt his mouth open underneath her, as that damn tongue invaded her guts again. She held his face and lifted herself barely off of him to protest.

“Jax I don’t want to do it on your face, please,” she pleaded, thumbs brushing under his dilated eyes.

“To do what on my face? What? You don’t wanna sit on it? I really want’cha ta’ sit on it,” he huffed before licking a scandalously long stripe up her slit. 

Pomni moaned and bucked her hips involuntarily as tears threatened to fall.

“No! I do want to! But I don’t wanna make a mess on一”

Before she could finish her sentence,  Jax pressed his thumbs into the sensitive spot on her tummy he loved so much and snarled from under her, forcing her eyes to be honest with him. She craned her head down to see his face, tears dripping down her cheek, and the angle of her on top of him made his dick twitch.

“That is literally the thing I want THE MOST right now! Please Pom, you don’t understand,” he begged, massaging her belly more. She hiccupped and grabbed his hands, her small fingers curling around his desperately.

“Fine! But d-don’t complain when I一” she didn’t have time to finish before he settled her on his lips with a jolt.

That crazy ass tongue slipped inside again, caressing every inch of her mercilessly. He frenzied but at the same time, she knew he was paying attention, because he was reaching all of her spots. It felt so good, she forgot immediately what she was so nervous about, and threw her head back to let out a strangled cry.

His grip on her hips tightened and he started to grind her into him as he licked insatiably. At the same time, he pressed into the spot on her belly with intentions she knew were dirtier than he let on. It was all too much, and she felt herself tighten up too fast to stop herself even if she wanted to.

She couldn’t stand to look at him as her arousal covered his face and collected on his awaiting tongue. Pomni felt him jerk forward, and he let out a broken moan a second after she came on his lips. After breathing for a moment, she attempted to lift her leg away from his cheek and roll to the side when he caught her knee mid swing.

He made direct eye-contact and stretched that beastly appendage across his face to swipe away anything he might have missed before having the absolute audacity to say, “Is that all?”

Apparently, the face she made was what he was going for, because he cackled at her and threw himself over her in a heartbeat. 

“You have no idea how much I needed that,” he huffed, face pressed into her armpit.

“You are literally so strange一but I’m glad you feel better. Not what I expected, but it was pretty great,” she muttered.

“Yeah it was. You know what’ll be even greaterer? When you put on that mini-skirt and we raw-dog it.”

"OH MY GOD! Don't say stuff like that...You’re still thinking about sex? You just came,” she huffed, sitting herself up, “Awe man you wrecked my jams一”

“Twice is only marginally better than none,” he hummed, watching her slip off the bed. The way her lower half was still coated in slick made him consider begging for a round 3 at the prompt of his southern neighbor.

“Oh boy. Ok, well, I’m absolutely awake at what…5am? So yeah, I’m gonna take a shower. You cannot join me this time, I can already see that Quipu is already raring to go again. It’d be too distracting for me一sorry.” 

“Pomni, you’d be distracted? Come on…if you can still go let’s get to it! I know I can. We got some time, like you said一” Jax hummed, slipping to the side of the bed. He leaned forward and laced his fingers together so his pleas would be more observable.

“‘Nother round, Pom? I’ll make it worth your while. We can do whatever you waaaaant,” he lilted, batting his eyelashes dramatically.

Pomni stared at him and let out a sigh. He was technically right…and why not? It’s not time to go yet, and it won't be for a couple hours. She turned to face him and smiled sheepishly一igniting the flame only higher.

“Ok. Get me as messy as you can before I take my shower, then,” she hummed, pulling off her shirt and remnants of her shorts.

“O-Oh,” he stammered, smiling ridiculously wide, “yes ma’am.”

Chapter 62: CH. 62 CHOICES

“What’s your favorite type of bug?” Kinger asked happily as he stared at his hashbrowns.

“Hm?” Zooble questioned dully.

“Your favorite bug?”  

Zooble sighed and put down their coffee mug, pressing their felt mannequin hand onto their eyelid to massage it. It was early, their brain was still rousing, so these types of tasks were a bit too lofty just yet. But still in their tiredness they turned to eye him blankly. See, it was only the 2 of them at the table at the moment. Gangle was making a latte and Ragatha was messing around in the changing room, while Pomni and Jax had yet to show themselves. 

So Zooble had a choice to make. They could either indulge the old man, or dismiss him一a very difficult thing to decide when there was no one else at the table to pass the responsibility off too.

Because Zooble is much more responsible and compassionate than they like to admit. They usually don’t have to admit anything pertaining to themselves when the others are around, because the others deflect the attention somewhere else, and they can be easily distracted by it. All of the cast mates are more than willing to interject or make some noise about the situation so the spotlight is taken away from them. But being alone with Kinger now forces them to participate no matter what ‘participation’ actually looks like. What a pickle.

The problem is that Kinger will forget no matter what they say. They could make him momentarily happy by saying they like ants or some random shit like that, and that would be nice for 3 seconds. Kinger would be overjoyed, and then he’d get distracted by something or make a mental leap to a topic he’s never even mentioned before. And this would in turn make Zooble feel like absolute garbage, because they basically just watched the old man’s joy slip through his disembodied glove-fingers. It’s just a reminder that happiness is unattainable and they don’t want to be reminded.

But if they dismiss him, what of that? 

Well, he’d be sad, of course. Momentarily, yes一but sad nonetheless. Ignoring his question feels like dehumanization via purposeful ostracization. He’s a person and he needs interaction to stay sane here, just like everybody else. But his microscopic heartbreak of being negated is nothing compared to the pain felt by the people who have to watch him lose himself every day, right?

So the real question is: Temporary relief for Kinger, or temporary relief for Zooble.

They want to put Kinger first. They want to be kind. The circus drains the kindness out of people, and they know they have the choice to give a little back.

It’s just not that simple, though. Because if Zooble decided to do it once based on reasoning that was sound, then other scenarios that proposed kindness in like circumstances would  logically be approached with kindness also. So they would be more inclined to choose kindness repeatedly, and in doing so expend much more energy than necessary. And pointless energy expenditure means less sanity, at least for them.

Zooble also likes consistency for the fact that it keeps them sane. They like when things are the way they are; when logic and reason provide the best answers. That’s why everyone went to them for advice一they were good at seeing the truth and thinking objectively. But the truth is that this whole 2 second conversation has already given them a massive headache and a philosophical dilemma of epic proportions, because logic has very little to do with it. They felt so selfish for even thinking so hard about it.

“Woah, Zoob, didja’ like一blow a gasket?” Jax’s voice broke them from their concentration.

They looked over to see him eyeing them questionably, not looking concerned so much as curious.

“What’s it to you,” they grumbled, bringing their coffee back up to their non-mouth.

Jax sighed and rolled his eyes, though he donned his neutral smile the whole time. He seemed way more relaxed than usual, even his air of aloofness was replaced by an almost droopy contentedness.

“So harsh, Zoobie. I’ve been try’na be more chill recently, ya know? I’m not sayin’ you look dumb or anything,” he huffed, pulling out his chair to melt into, “just sayin’ ya’ look a little in your own head. It’s kinda rare for you.”

Zooble stared at him incredulously. Is there a way on Poseidon's blue Neptune that Jax just said something nice一well, not nice nice. More like neutral-not-mean. But it’s still a difficult adjustment.

“I’m一just a little一,” Zooble trailed off, shifting from Jax to Kinger, “just not really, uh一sure about something.”

“YOU? Not knowin’ the answer? Well hot d@mn it’s a day to remember,” he joked, resting his head on the back of the chair to slip his eyes closed.

“There he is,” they spat.

“Zlooble, Zoopy, Loozeb, Boozy, Schmooble-Dooble. I can see the stick shoved up your butt comin’ out’cher mouth and you don’t even got one. Just spin your head on straight and get the mojo back, I’m not prodding for yer’ inner monologue.”

“The mojo? Monologue? I don’t even一wait a minute where’s Pomni? She’s not with you?” they asked confusedly.

“Nah Pom’s in the shower. What, ya’ miss her? Can’t blame ya’, heh. Wait a minute一I’m stupid hungry,” suddenly he leaned forward and started piling food onto his plate. Zooble cocked an eyebrow.

“Are you f*cking high?” Zooble asked with a bit of disdain.

“No?” he responded as he shoved a bite of hashbrowns in his mouth.

“Hello Pomni! You look very clean,” Kinger suddenly hummed, causing the others to look for her.

“Thank you Kinger, I am now,” she responded simply. Jax snickered through his mouthful of fried potato shreds.

“Hey, Pomni, what’s your favorite type of insect?” She slid into her chair just as he asked.

“Hmm…I’d say, maybe a praying mantis. They are beautiful, and they’ve got a really cool body plan. I love their eyes and how they basically have sword/nutcracker arms. The orchid mantis is cool,” she offered while plating her own food.

It’s kinda obvious that Pomni considers his temporary joy to be more important一but of course that’s what she’d choose. 

“Praying mantises are doperoni on bologna but not as bad@ss as my weaver spider,” Jax interjected, lifting his fork to really give his opinion weight.

Ughh…him too? God, even the asshole of the bunch is willing to give the old man a sliver of joy despite the pain it’ll cause. But does Jax even care about that? Does he even process the loss he’s setting them all up for?

“What about you Ragatha? What’s your favorite bug?” Kinger asked happily. Everyone looked to see her returning in a pair of jeans and a white blazer.

“I love butterflies because they’re pretty and they don't bite you. I like ladybugs if they don’t touch me,” she offered sweetly.

“Dude you look like a middle class white woman of suburbia,” Jax snickered, earning a bap on the shoulder from Pomni.

“Well, I mean一you’re kind of spot on?” she huffed awkwardly.

“I am a big fan of bees. Fluffy fuzzy bumble bees are the cutest,” Gangle chimed in, returning from the commons with her drink.

“AH, the gangs’ all here to give their opinions, but some broody-body hasn’t spilled yet,” Jax lilted, shifting his gaze to Zooble.

“Yeah. Kinger, you haven’t told us your favorite big,” Zooble deadpanned. A defeated look crossed everyone's faces as Kinger lit up like a firework and started to rant about all of his 957 favorite insects categorized by genus.

Right as Kinger had started explaining the magnificence of bombardier beetles, Caine appeared like an apparition of the virgin mary. Believe it or not, this was not the first time the majority of the cast were grateful to see him, though the instances of this happening are indeed quite rare.

“MY TESSELLATING TITANOBOAS, are you ready to go一”

“YES” all answered but Kinger. Even Zooble.

“Oh一wow this is a new experience for me,” Caine huffed dumbfoundedly, “w-well! Come on! I’ve a titillating new experience for you all!” he hollered, “Do you superstars know where the future of mining is?”

“Space,” Pomni said quietly, “Asteroid mining”. Caine just sort of blinked at her and then cleared his throat, nodding afterward.

“Yes一and that is what you will be doing today so I hope you like zero-gravity and perilous space expeditions一oh what am I kidding, I KNOW you love those things!!”

With a snap, the portal opened, and everyone stood to silently filter through. They arrived in what appeared to be the cock-pit of a spaceship, all dressed in sleek sci-fi looking space suits. 

“The captain will direct you to the asteroid belt where you will collect rare metals for the booming industry of rocket construction! Good luck, Miners!” 

“Oh look. Zooble, you’re the captain,” Jax snickered, flicking the brim of their captain cap, “bet you’ll be the laziest captain in the universe.”

“As the captain my first order is to send Jax on a mission. The mission: get as far away from me as you possibly can,” Zooble huffed. It pulled a chuckle out of Gangle and Ragatha.

“Or what?” he sassed, jutting his hip out and glowering. He crossed his arms atop Pomni’s head and stuck his tongue out.

“Or I’ll ask Bubble for our next meal to be nothing but variations of corn. Corn tortilla soup, cornbread, corn on the cob and elote, you name it and it’ll be on the table,” they grumbled. 

Jax’s ears fell back and his eyes widened before he looked down at Pomni. Upon seeing her inquisitive face he replaced his smile, determined not to look like that actually bothered him. Zooble noticed and decided just to mess with him more they'd up the ante.

“Pom, you're my vice-captain. The rest of you, go explore the thing while we figure out how to get to the rocks, I guess. Gangle一”

Ragatha, and Kinger did as they were told and left without much fuss while Jax seemed to boil at being pushed around. He wanted to retaliate but he knew Zooble would make good on the threat, so he stomped away begrudgingly. He turned back to give Pomni puppy eyes but she was already taking a seat next to Zooble. Gangle stepped toward them tentatively, looking with expectation for any orders一goofball.

“Go look for XP easter eggs. If you get 30 more points you’ll get the 100 bonus in the next adventure and you might be able to squeeze another prize out of Caine,” they explained.

Gangle looked up as if remembering and then smiled before leaning in to kiss their cheek.

“You always remember everything, Z. Thanks for reminding me.” 

As she walked off, Zooble turned to the big swivel chair behind them and sat themselves in it, clutching the armrests firmly and staring at the massive control board.

“So what’s on your mind?” Pomni asked quietly, leaning forward to mess with the controls.

“What do you mean, Pom?” They asked monotonously. They knew all right.

She tried to get the ship to move, looking at the map of 3D space on the front shield, but all of the buttons she pressed did nothing.
“Oh, you know. You’re more agitated today. You were preemptively protecting yourself against Jax even though he was kinda’ mild一and you look guilty.”

Zooble faced her not with a scowl, but with reservation. Pomni was smart, they knew this, but Pomni was also better at the component of decision making that involves ethics and morals. Philosophy. She’s probably the best person to rattle off too一but it seemed a bit soon after they did that therapy thing a few days ago. She might think they’re too needy, too unstable, or too一

“I don’t think poorly of you. You’re allowed to be bothered,” she muttered, turning a key. The damn thing finally started, but Pomni kept her eyes locked on the controls.

After a moment of silence, Zooble spoke quietly.

“I don’t like how selfish I am.”

Pomni looked up from the dazzling buttons on the panel in front of her and stared out the window into the vast expanse of inky blackness dotted with white. She tilted her head in thought as she peered out the window.

“Selfishness is like beauty. In the eye of the beholder. Do you have a difficult time with the concept that more than one answer can be right at the same time?” she hummed.

Zooble blinked, watching the side of her face as she eyed outer space. She gave them time to absorb it, and when that question sunk in, it knocked a little wind out of their sails. To be perfectly honest they never even thought about it before.

“Nurses must take a test called the NCLEX in order to become registered. That test is very difficult, because there is a unique type of question set-up. Often, in the multiple choice sections, there will be more than one correct answer. The goal is to choose the most correct answer一the lesser correct ones are considered wrong despite not being false,” she explained. 

“Nurses get marked wrong on the test even if they’re not wrong?” Zooble asked quietly, gently. They knew Pomni had a point to this, so they were trying to understand respectfully.

“Yes. I think you would despise that test. I think you would rip up the test in a fit of unbridled rage at the audacity of the implication of multiple correct answers and an absolute better,” she giggled, finally shifting her gaze to look at Zooble. They thought about it and nodded slowly.

“Probably. What’s that got to do with my selfishness, though?” they asked.

“When you say selfishness, what you actually mean is your perception of selfishness. Just like when I say ‘that thing is beautiful’ what I’m really saying is ‘that thing is beautiful to me’. Objectively, selfishness has a definition that is recognized generally, but the accuracy of the word is solely dependent on the context in which it’s used,” she hummed.

“‘I am selfish because I ate the last of the cereal’ doesn’t really make sense if you’re the only one who eats cereal. ‘I’m selfish because I don’t feed my children vegetables’ is in theory a valid argument, but is the person in a food desert with no access to fresh produce selfish? I don’t think they are.”

“I think in this scenario I am accurate in labeling myself as selfish,” they returned, reaching out to mess with what looked like a steering device, “Kinger asked about the bugs today.”

Pomni turned back to the panel to press random buttons again and the Spaceship started moving where Zooble directed it.

“And I一well, I didn’t know what to do. Should I have answered him, and watched the happiness slip away from him inevitably, or should I have ignored him and let him forget, potentially sparing myself from being reminded that everything here is taken away from us?” Zooble sounded so defeated.

“I feel that way too, sometimes,” Pomni muttered, “But the way I look at it is like this: he still has the ability to be happy. Some people who experience dementia and like diseases get so bad that they can’t smile or laugh anymore. That’s my reason. But you know…”

Zooble watched as the stars streaked by, and felt a twinge of bittersweetness in their chest. Of course Pomni would have some heartfelt reasoning.

“You are not a bad person for understanding the importance of self-preservation.” 

Oof. That hit a tender spot.

“But it is selfish.”

“I don’t think so,” she retorted with a pout. 

“You don’t even have the right to say I’m not selfish, though. I haven’t met anyone less selfish than you, so you don’t have the right一”

“Why do you guys think that?! Honestly一it’s like you all share the same eyes一” Pomni stalled and stiffened, then looked at them wide-eyed.

“Zooble, you and Jax are remarkably alike. I’m sorry to tell you because I know you’ll be offended, but it’s true to the bone. Keeping yourself functioning is not selfish as a concept. It’s the way you go about it that can be perceived as selfish. You’re not bad for needing to protect yourself, you just feel bad because you only know a few ways to do it. There are more choices than ‘ignore’ and ‘indulge’,” Pomni huffed.

“Hah一I guess...and it’s ok. I can sense the self-loathing in him, trust trust,” the grumbled. Pomni sighed.

“I think it might help you to play the game Angles,” she muttered.

“You wanna play a game now?” Zooble asked incredulously, though they really couldn’t name a reason why not to. They were both just sitting in the cockpit riding along with no distractions.

“The way you play is to say something. Anything. And the other player has to say almost the same thing, but everything has to be true. Like this: P1 says ‘Bananas are yellow’. P2 says, “Bananas are full of potassium’. You go first.”

“Ugh, fine, you persuasive little sh*t. Umm一” they pondered, “The sky is blue.”

“It can also be grey with clouds and orange when the sun sets,” she shot back, “my turn.”

“Gangle is good at drawing and bad at deadlifting,” Pomni hummed as they passed a large violet planet.

“Pftt…Gangle is good at making lattes and being cute,” Zooble chuckled. It made Pomni smile.

“Ok, well let’s see一the sum of 1 and 2 is three. Beat that smarty-pants,” they challenged.

“The sum of 1 and 2 is an odd number, has an absolute value of three, and is not divisible by any whole number besides itself and 1.”

“F&ck.”

“My turn. Bees are selfish because they take the pollen from flowers to make their own honey,” she smirked, eyeing them like she had them beat.

“Bees are helpful because they pollinate the flowers and keep the environment healthy,” they muttered, sinking into thought.

“Helpful and selfish at the same time? Or maybe, less selfish and more helpful? Possibly the inverse of that?” Pomni prodded.

“Yeah, ok, I get the point,” they gruffed. Far in the distance, a cloud of rocky bodies came into view, and Pomni pointed to them.

“That’s the belt. So一last round?” she asked.

“Whatever P.” Pomni nodded and grinned in victory. 

“Z  knows that there is more than one correct answer,” she said, standing from her seat.

“Since we’re almost there, I’ll go get the others and prepare to board an asteroid. Pick a big one, boss.” And she walked out of the cockpit, the futuristic sliding door shutting behind her with a mechanical buzz. Zooble was left alone to finish the game with no pressure or influence, and it prompted them to think a long time before they said anything.

“Z is weaker than they want to be.”

Chapter 63: CH. 63 SHINE LIGHT IN THE DARK

“Not gonna lie,” Pomni mumbled as she took a few floaty steps along the asteroid's surface, “this might be the most beautiful one yet.”

She was star struck, literally. The crew had boarded the gigantic asteroid Zooble chose for excavation and were walking along the dusty icy surface of it, leaving behind ribbed footprints in the regolith. The backdrop was pitch blackness as far as the eye could see, peppered with an infinite number of glowing specks meant to be stars. Pomni couldn’t remember feeling so miniscule and simultaneously overjoyed. She absentmindedly placed her hand over her tattoo, thumbing the material over it.
 
“Caines’ rendering is getting pretty good,” Ragatha whispered behind her, just as gobsmacked as the jester was.

“Yeah, I can’t remember anything as detailed as this,” Gangle agreed from her rover.

“Yeah well, remember that what we’re seein’ is basically the painted inside of a box. The stars aren't rendered in 3D, and it does eventually end, somewhere out there,” Jax huffed, slinging his pick axe over his shoulder and heading out to search for ore. Pomni could tell that the mention of Caines improvement made him uncomfortable, but left it alone for the understanding of how he’d react to questions about his discomfort while with the others.

After he started walking, everyone else got to it too, searching for any rock that might look different from the rest. As they walked along, the structure of the asteroid made itself known一it was very porous. There were caves everywhere.

“So, I’m going to guess that the stuff we need is probably in those dark scary caves,” Gangle whined, driving up to Pomni. She had claimed the rover first while on the spaceship, and nobody really had the desire to take it from her. Jax must’ve been feeling extra charitable this morning, because all he did was taunt her about her inability to drive and let it go shortly after.

“Yeah, probably is down there,” Ragatha mumbled, reaching up to climb into the passenger side of the cart, “Why don’t we team up? Your cart is faster, and it’ll be safer as a team.”

Gangle nodded while Pomni turned to Kinger.

“How about we team up too, huh? And if we can’t see you can hold your breath,” Pomni snickered, reaching out for him. He nodded happily and took her hand, waiting to be led to wherever she wanted to go.

They set off in different directions, and entered seemingly different cave systems.

Ragatha and Gangle turned on the lights on their helmets and drove into a random cave big enough to fit the vehicle, and after a minute of travel came upon a rock wall spiderwebbed with wide cracks, and an eerie black substance caked into them.

“Is that what we're supposed to be mining?” Gangle asked, pointing up to the odd formation. Ragatha hopped down from her passenger seat and snatched a pickaxe.

“Let’s find out,” she hummed, bringing back her tool just to send it forward with a ping.

The sound was similar to a bell, and it struck a part of the rock that was not black, but still a progress bar appeared above her head. Only one fifth full, she realized that for every five hits she would get one ore, so she got to work. Gangle watched quietly, knowing fully well that she couldn’t even lift a damn pickaxe.

Once the ore vein was depleted, they drove further into the cave and were stalled by a fork. The girls peered at each other warily before Ragatha stepped into her old role as comforter and brave face.

“Why don’t we split up for a bit? You take the left, I’ll take the right? We can see which one had more ore,” the doll hummed softly.

“Do you think that’s a good idea? This is a pretty big cave, and一what if we get lost? What if we can’t find the way back, what if it was like the glacier hiking adventure一” Gangle warbled, face twisting in fearful memory.

“Oh, it won’t be like that! It’s not nearly that big, and there’s no glacial rivers on asteroids,” Ragatha comforted, “If you really don’t want to, we won't. I just want to win more prizes.”

Gangle swallowed thickly and averted her gaze in thought. Hell, she could try and be brave for a little while, right? Caine didn’t mention anything about aliens or monsters, so that’s not likely to happen, and that’s Gangle's worst fear on the adventures. She’s really easy to fuck up, being made of ribbon and porcilan.

“O-ok一we can split up for a while. Will you meet me back here in say, 15 minutes?”

“Sure. I’ll go mine as much as I can down this way and I’ll come back here at 15. You should scout out more of that black stuff down that way,” Ragatha agreed.

They set off down separate paths, each intent on locating ore. Ragatha noticed that as she furthered down her path, the walls of the cave started getting shorter and more compact, like a long tapering cone. Ragatha reached a point where there wasn’t much room between the top of the cave ceiling and her helmet, but at the end of the cave, she discovered a very large composite of black material. 

She raised her tool and started chipping away at it, filling her limited inventory more and more. Eventually, she reached the end of the programming and all the ore was mined, revealing an opening to a massive cave system where the plug had been. She dropped to her knees and poked her head through the hole to find that the part of the cave she opened up was coated in shiny black walls. Woof.

Ragatha pushed through and stood up, the beam coming from her helmet reflecting off of the glistening walls. She took a moment just to take in the cavern, the immense void-like nature of it. Ragatha  startled though, when she heard an echoing ‘ping’ in the distance.

She made her way deeper into the open space, stepping carefully toward what seemed to be like an indentation in the wall. As she peered at it, a streak of light refracted off the wall ahead of her. It must be someone else mining一and that revelation eased her mind a bit. Maybe it was Pomni and Kinger.

As she rounded the corner, she found a tall rabbitoid hammering away at a shiny black wall, accumulating ore almost to his carrying capacity. She stilled immediately when she saw him, her foot making contact with the ground just as she made out his profile. He stilled, and she saw that ear flick to face her even under that damn helmet.

“I know you’re there,” he grumbled before starting to hack away again. She tensed and decided it might just be better for her to leave, so she turned quietly and stepped back the way she came from一only, a large gloved hand slapped her helmet visor, scaring the dickens out of her.

“AAAAHH!” she shrieked, “Oh God Jax! Why!?”

“Ha, you need some more of that d@mn CalmBalm, Rags,” Jax snickered, peeling his hand away from her sight and crossing his arms.

“CalmBalm? What are you talking about?” she hissed, straightening herself up. Jax eyed her widely and then found it in him to scoff.

“Seriously? You don’t remember gettin’ knocked on your @ss during the spa-day from hell?” She bristled and gripped her pickaxe tightly, averting her gaze. 

“No,” she mumbled quietly. After a moment of awkward silence, she tried to retreat again, but apparently Jax wasn’t in the mood to be run away from.

“Hold your horses, Dolly,” he sneered, stepping over to block her path of retreat, “why don’tcha’ let me jog that memory ‘fer ya’?”

“Jax一I’m not in the mood for your antics right now,” she huffed, backstepping slightly. His smile simmered with underlying emotions she cared not to name, but as he pushed himself into her space, those unmentioned emotions started to take over his face.

“Not一haha一not in the mood,” he chuckled hoarsely, “for MY antics.” The atmosphere, or rather lack of atmosphere, thickened intensely and Ragatha knew she was in for something unsightly or unsavory. She tried to prepare herself for whatever he was going to do.

“Ya know, Raggy一I think it ain’t so fair how when you go about survivin’ in this unholy place, it’s just ‘goin’ through the motions,’ or ‘dealin’ with your problems’, but when I’m tryna’ get by, it’s always ‘nasty antics’ and ‘blatant disregard for others’,” he grumbled.

“Well, you do tend to get more provocative than the rest of us, Jax. I’m not sure what you want me to say,” she muttered, eying his features with forced stoicness. His obvious upset morphed into disdain as soon as she said it.

“So you really think that you’re allowed to get violent, hurt the people around you, have mental breakdowns, and come to terms with sh*tty coping mechanisms but I’M not?” he hissed, yellow teeth threatening to form into spires.

“N-no, I’ve never said一”

“Oh no but that’s exactly what you imply, innit’? Every time you go off about my d@mn ‘antics’, ain’t nothin’ but the same sh*t packaged and delivered in a different way. Ya know, I’ve been holding back on given’ you a nice thick piece of my mind for too long, Ragatha,” he growled.

She held her pickaxe closer to her chest as he glowered at her.

“I’m so unbelievably mad at you,” he huffed softly. Ragatha startled, but not from what he said…more like how he said it. She expected unbridled rage, nastiness she would never be able to compete with. Instead, she was met with someone who sounded almost reasonable. He was holding back.

“You’re mad,” she warbled, “because of how I lost my head, right?” Jax leaned against the wall with a scowl.

“Well, I know I messed up! I’m trying to be better, to think better, so I never do anything like that again一”

“‘Like that’,” he snapped, pushing off the wall with a start, “you never even wanna’ talk about all the bullsh*t that happened! You’ve had a good few days to come to terms with it, yet you’re about as shut up as an ol’ boarded up window! How about you actually admit what you were wrong about instead of just sayin’ ‘sorry’, huh!?” he barked, reaching out to jab her pickaxe.

“What do you want me to say!? What exactly would make you feel better?” she snapped back.

She could see the steam vent from his ears. He was pissed一yet he wasn’t getting violent yet.

“I want you to say that you were wrong for blowin’ up at me in the first place! I want you to say out loud that I never hurt Pomni and that I helped her! I want you to acknowledge that I’m doing better!”

Oh…?  

Ragatha balked at him. Did he just say what she think he just said? Her first instinct was to be mad and spit right back, but his last order shook her a little. 

“Jax一” she breathed, eyes wide, “I一I’m sorr一”

“STOP SAYIN’ THAT! IT MEANS NOTHING!” he interrupted, stomping his foot involuntarily.

…

“I was wrong.”

Jax eyed her with a mixture of suspicion and disgust. He waited a few beats to see if she’d elaborate on it, but she didn’t and he tasted bile in his throat. He wanted so badly to just be reckless again, but if he did that, he’d lose all his momentum for his argument.

“About what,” he bristled. She mirrored him and grit her teeth, but his words replayed in her head. After a silent war with her own ego, she relented just enough to attempt appeasing him.

“I was wrong about when I got mad at you for taking Pomni’s clothes off.” Jax’s ears trained on her intensely, his eyes narrowed in scrutiny. He stepped forward, an inch away from Ragatha’s visor, to growl out one last effort to be cordial.

“One more chance, Doll,” his voice rumbled menacingly. She shivered where she stood, though her inner voice told her he wouldn’t hurt her physically again.

“I’m askin’ you to do this because I know if you say the right thing, I can beat myself into submission enough to forgive you. I want to forgive you, you selfish, arrogant @sshole. I want to forgive you because Pomni loves you, and she wants to be around you. An’ ain’t no way in hell I’m droppin’ her in favor of keeping this wack dynamic with you. You’re not even fractionally worth it.”

Ragatha was stunned. Here was Jax一the person she said she hated to his face. Who she pissed off to mars and back with her accusations…the guy who was in deep with the girl she almost lost her mind over. And he wanted to force himself to forgive her. Not because he wanted to feel better himself, not for some petty avengement一

Jax wanted to forgive Ragatha so he wouldn’t be mad when Pomni inevitably wants to be around her. Because Pomni’s happiness is worth more to him than any form of vengeance he could attain. It was worth more than falling back into old habits that he knew would trouble her.

He stared at Ragatha, angrily, pleading in silence. He was not about to grovel, but she could see the intention in his eyes, and suddenly, she felt a massive wave of conflicting emotion crash behind her skull.

Shame at her childishness, and her label of hatred. Confusion at his admission that she was essentially worthless to him, but that he wanted to play nice anyway. And the least familiar one of all, at least directed at the bunny一respect. Respect that he was a substantial enough person to forgo his own terrible habits and destructive cycles to bear his heart so openly to someone who has only proven to hurt him一all for the girl they both loved.

“Jax, I was wrong for getting so angry with you. I was wrong for being overly protective and letting my jealousy frame my perspective, and I was wrong for getting angry and trying to wedge myself between you two. I did terrible things, said terrible things, and I know that being a mess about my own past is no reason to lash out like I did. You are right,” she said softly.

“Right about everything you think about me. Right about my falseness, right about my lies. It’s taken a while for me to be able to see what you actually meant when you said those things, because I was running away from myself. But I get it now. Why you thought that. I know how incredibly deeply you love her, Jax, I see it. And even though I love her more than I should一I want to make things better with you too. For Pom, and for you.”

They stared at each other, surrounded by darkness and the heavy weight of confession. Ragatha could see the cogs turning in his head, and she loosened the grip on her pickaxe as the tension released from her limbs. Suddenly, he shot his hand out and held it stiffly in front of her, looking like a grumpy businessman who just made a sale. She reached out to take it, and he gripped her soundly to shake only once.

“That is one thing ya’ got right, there, Raggy. I lime that silly Dingleberry with every ounce of my d@mned little soul,” he whispered.

“I一I know,” she whispered back.

Just as the tension was starting to ebb, Jax turned back to face the massive open cavern. He heard Gangle squeaking as she squeezed herself through the same hole that Ragatha pushed through, and his neutral smile crawled back onto his cheeks.

“Not a word a’ this,” he huffed, before turning on his heel to go antagonize the ribbon girl.

Eventually, the three made it out of the cave the way the girls had come through. Ragatha took the gentle chewing from Gangle, who was quite displeased at their agreement to meet after 15 minutes being forgotten. They resurfaced, both Ragatha and Jax having full inventories, while Gangle was content to schauffer them around. They eventually met back with Pomni and Kinger, who had not only found a bunch of metal ore, but had also apparently gone so deep that they discovered some sort of mineral deposit full of bright red gemstones.

Gangle offered to drive them back to the ship, but Pomni refused on the account that the rover probably wouldn’t carry the weight of 5 as well as 4. Jax hopped off as soon as she refused to travel along, and the rover did indeed gain speed when it took off toward she ship. 

It wasn’t really that far, anyway.

“You just wanna look at the stars, huh, Pomstrong,” he hummed quietly. Knowingly.

“Jax, you must be a librarian, the way you read me like a book,” she hummed, sending him a wink. He watched her eyes reflect the stars, similarly to the way they did in the red-dead adventure when he’d had to remind her of her fragility. It sparked a bright smile in him.

He slowed his stride and snatched her hand to squat down beside her. Pomni laughed a soft little laugh that drove him crazy, and he pulled her closer to him. Looking up at her from this angle was something he found himself doing more and more. It just felt nice when he looked up at her every once in a while.

“Bun needs space cuddles? How precious,” she giggled. He leaned into her chest and wrapped his arms around her, sighing as he felt her do the same. After the embrace, he looked up from her clothed bosom to press his chin onto her, eyes nearly as big as hers.

“Pom,” he said softly, pupils reflecting the stars like hers did, “I think I cleared the air between Rags n’ me. Just wanted you to know so ya’ don't have’ta worry about it anymore.”

She stilled as she held him, searching his eyes for truth. Pride and delight welled in her chest and tears welled in her eyes as she let the surface of her helmet clunk into his. They stayed that way for a moment, just staring at the stars in each others eyes.

“That means the world to me,” she whispered. He felt an all encompassing warmth in his silly body at her heartfeltness, stroking along her back for comfort.

“Good. It was crazy hard.”

Jax stood from his bent position and pulled Pomni up into his arms, hugging her close to him just because it’s what he wanted. They made their way back to the spaceship, talking about the truce prompted by the most stubborn circus carnie of them all. She was so proud of him, and so grateful that he considered her important enough to quell a long lasting tension.

She knew she had to make it up to him, somehow. But of course she will一it’s for him.

Chapter 64: CH.64 SAPPY

“Jax, when we get back I want to celebrate,” Pomni said as she rested her cheek on his shoulder. He hummed through a sly smile as they approached the spaceship. 

“Whatcha’ got in mind Sweets? I could prolly think of一69 ways,” he snickered. It went right over her head and she tapped his neck as she curled around him.

They were only a few meters away from the huge rope ladder that connected the ship to the asteroid like a harpoon. Kinger, Ragatha and Gangle had already started their ascent, ready to be done with this adventure already. The rover was left parked next to the ladder.

“Well, how about we spend a little time in the pet room? I want to ride the horses again.” Jax’s ears fell flat against his head.

Fuck.

“And then after, we should do something else that’s fun. Maybe show me some of your hobbies?”

Think fast, Bunny.

“Hobbies? Pom wants to learn about how I pass the time? Weeeell, lucky for you we’ve got the whole day after this一I’ve got a bucketful,” Jax shot like a bullet. Pomni seemed more curious about his hobbies than the fact that he was so quick with it.

“Yeah? I remember you said baseball, and antagonizing everyone,” she giggled.

He nodded and stopped abruptly before he gripped the ladder with force, still holding her with one arm.

“We can wrestle and sword fight and I’ll show ya’ how to set a TNT detonator mechanism!” he laughed wildly.

“Sounds doable. You wanna go first?” she asked, pushing off of him slightly to point up the ladder.

“You sound doable! And nah, I wanna see if I can haul you up there. I think I can,” he smiled mischievously.

“Jax, that’s unnecessary,” she retorted, “we can piggyback and whatever else when we get back. Let me go first so you can get your fill of ogling my ankles.” She tried to slip out of his hold, but he was in a mood and his impulses got the better of him. He threw her over his shoulder and planted a hand on her butt to ‘keep her steady’.

“No Pom this is one of my hobbies; It’s called ‘rucking’! You do strenuous activities with a weight on you and it’s great for some reason! You’ll be the rucksack, READYSETGO!” Just as he hoisted himself onto the ladder, a blaring alarm sounded around them, and Pomni screamed as she nearly flailed herself off of his shoulder.

“What the f&ck is that!? Sound doesn’t travel through space?!” she whined, looking around frantically.

“Pom, calm down, it’s just tellin’ us to hurry up, no biggie,” he reasoned, though the blaring sound made his teeth grit. Just as he finished attempting to comfort her Zoobles very agitated voice rang around them.

“STOP FLIRTING AND HAUL @SS YOU HORNY B@ST@RDS!”

Pomni somehow paled at Zoobles' order and Jax’s smile faltered.  He figured Zooble was just still pissy from their forced participation, but he still leaned back from the ladder rung he stood on to look around them. Pomni started slamming her fists on his back.

“OK OK funs’ over, Z says we gotta go! It sounds urgent!” she squeaked, praying he’d humor her. Jax found Zoobles' tone to be rather convincing, and he did indeed haul ass. He reached the top in record time, and Kinger hoisted him up into the awaiting presence of a very done Zooble.

“Sup Dummies. Woah, captain Dummy, why aren’t you drivin’ this thing?” Jax snarked, setting Pomni down by his side with a plop.

“WE GOTTA GO,” they barked, wrapping an arm around Pomni and pushing her so hard she nearly toppled. Jax bared his teeth immediately but had no time to verbally rip Zooble a new one before they pushed him in the same direction. After, they grabbed Kinger and heaved with their whole might while Jax and Pomni felt arms wrap around them from behind. Ragatha and Gangle had pulled them into an odd type of chamber with 2 massive metal doors.

“What the f&ck’s a matter with Zoob?! Pom, you ok?” Jax hissed, ignoring the fact that Ragatha was pulling them both through another huge doorframe. Kinger was shoved through too, just before a huge crash erupted from the other side of the ship. Zooble slammed the first door tight as the others scrambled to comprehend the situation.

“No, Zooble!” Gangle shrieked, letting go of Pomni’s arm in favor of running up to the door. It hissed and sealed just as she wrapped her dainty ribbon hand around the handle.

Kinger snatched Gangle by the torso and pushed them the rest of the way through to this small room with a window to the outside and a plush wrap-around bench. Pomni’s heart sank when she saw the second door close behind Kinger. A loud slam and gaseous hiss filled her ears and her protest caught in her throat.

“Zooble!” Pomni screamed, though it was drowned out by the loud mechanical sounds of the room around them. Jax wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her down on his lap and try to shake some answers out of her.

“Pom! What’s a’ matter? You hurt?” Jax yelled through the cacophony of noise.

“I-I’m fine! The air-lock is activating without Zooble! We can’t一They’re not一!”

“God I hope this is not a painful Game Over!” Gangle cried, buckling on her knees and pulling her ribbons over her eyes. 

That’s when it hit her. They all knew this was a Game Over scene. A mass character death that she’s only heard stories of一unlike the very jarring single character deaths she has experienced, these ones were supposed to be ‘cinematic’ according to Caine. Kind of like an animated part of a video game. Ragatha leaned forward and slumped over Gangle, followed by Kinger. Pomni was hyperventilating as she turned to look at Jax, scared and unable to speak, but the look on his face body-slammed her fear into the ground. His features were calm and relaxed under his helmet visor, and his gaze trapped her like tar.

“Pom,” he hummed softly, reaching up to remove his helmet, “It’s ok. I’ll be here the whole time. Watch the show, why dont’cha?”  

Pomni swallowed and chanced one last glance out the side of the window to see what was happening. She felt his arm tighten around her, and her heart rate slowed to a steady pulse.

“M’here. Shouldn’t be long now” he huffed in a strained way. She pressed her helmet to the thick glass, and she squeezed Jax extra hard as she saw it.

There were massive droves of space debris whizzing past them, all lit up with the heat and warmth of cosmic travel, streaking blues and purples behind them. She couldn’t help the gasp of awe that escaped as she saw the zero-gravity rock-slide barreling toward them, crashing into each other and breaking into yet more projectiles. One of the massive asteroids had already struck the cockpit of the ship一the part she was in just hours before一while more still came toward them without any sign of deviation.

“Sweets,” Jax hummed, tapping her helmet. She turned to peek at him dumbfoundedly and the otherworldly glow of imminent death refracted off of her spacesuit through the window.

“Take off the helmet. It’ll hurt less.”

She blanked at him, watching as he slowly twisted it to set the release mechanism, and disengaged her helmet. She gently placed her head on his shoulder so she could watch the meteor shower head-on as her abandoned helmet rolled along the floor of the escape pod.

“Best way to die, by far,” she whispered, feeling his large hand rest on her lower back. 

He closed his eyes and focused on the feeling of the girl in his arms, and a strange joy took hold of him at the thought that this was a worthwhile death to her. He smiled and opened his eyes just in time to see that the window was letting in a blinding white light. Suddenly the wall was ripped open like tin foil, and the last thing he saw was Pomni’s amazed face staring out the window. The shearing of metal and loud crashing was cut off immediately, the last thing Jax or Pomni felt was a rush of intense cold and absolute stillness. 

Pomni suddenly found herself sitting on Jax’s lap, facing him, while he sat in a chair in front of an office desk. Ragatha, Gangle, and Kinger were still huddled together on the floor, faces very much pained, but still breathing. Zooble was sitting in the chair next to Jax, shaking like a leaf.

“Wow, my SPACE CADETS! You got a heck of a lot of ore, but OPE! Looks like you all died in the asteroid impacts! Zooble, Zooble, Zooble…you didn’t fly the ship away in time! Looks like you get一a B+!” Caine shouted happily. Zooble said nothing as their hollow face flitted to the others around them.

“You guys good? You good, G?” they rasped Gangle jerked her head at the sound of their voice, breaking the pile of carnies apart. She rushed up to them and hugged them so tightly they felt like they were wearing a too-tight scarf, but they said nothing as they felt the tickle of porcelain tears along their shoulder.

“It hurt bad,” she whispered. Zooble clutched her tighter.

Caine turned to see Jax and Pomni clinging to each other like legos too, and he chortled out a chirpy little laugh.

“Pomni and Jax chose to watch the death scene, what a cinematic way to go! You must tell me all about it, my dears!” 

Jax swallowed and tightened his grip on Pomni, and took a deep breath to still himself. The temperature and pressure change of a space death was never something he enjoyed, but Pomni had the wherewithal to speak on his behalf.

“It was a good show, Caine. Your details are getting better,” she whispered. Then she buried her face in his fluff and he let out a deep breath.

“Caine, I want to go rest now,” Ragatha huffed, the bags under her eyes alarmingly visible.

“Oh of course my dear! You had a full inventory, you worked so hard! A+ for everyone stocked to the brim!” he beamed, snapping his fingers and switching out the office for the commons area. 

“I have fully rendered a teacher for you, my Superstars! Gangle’s prize was hard to program, but I think I got the hang of it! Your educational experiences lie behind the orange door next to the commons’ kitchen entrance! Please, do go have fun with your learning, and give me feedback on how I can improve it!” he belted, “Tata, my Candid Little Carnies!”

Jax shot up from the couch he was placed on and booked it to the dorm hall as soon as Caine was done with his spiel, stopping in between their rooms. Pomni didn’t have to see to know where he was as she pointed to her own.

They entered and Jax went straight for her chair by the fire, settling in it softly before squeezing the living daylights out of her. Pomni let out a squeak, but she never protested his vice grip. She had a feeling he needed it for a minute. They held each other until she felt his breathing even out a bit more.

“You were so calm, Jax,” she whispered after a long time of feeling his deep breaths on her bangs. He loosened his hold on her so she could get a bit more comfortable.

“Had’ta be. I didn’t want’cha to be more freaked than you were, S’all.” Pomni frowned.

“Were you scared? You seemed a little more out of it than usual,” she asked softly, opting to lose herself in the flames before them.

“Scared? Me?? Well一” he huffed, “I guess I was, maybe just a little. Not the same as you, though.” She cocked a brow at him, and he finally looked her in the eye.

“Why were you scared then?” she asked. He paused and brushed a gloved hand along her arm to ground himself.

“Didn’t want you to hate the Game Over,” he responded quietly. Pomni tucked her chin in thought and tapped it softly. He had been the one to explain how the Game Overs work a long time ago, and since it was her first collective one, she figured he might be wary about it, but never scared. This seemed to be a bit more complicated than he was letting on. Just as she opened her mouth to pry more, though, he answered her unvoiced question.

“Cuz’ if you hated the Game Over with me tryn’a make it better for ya一then I’d have have kinda一flopped. Failed. Cuz’ what kind of partner am I if I can't make the sh*tty things less sh*tty? I’d be useless,” he explained.

 “I can’t give you much. It’s the least I can do.” He started nibbling at her hair absentmindedly. Pomni pressed her head into his lips and it pulled out a purr. She couldn’ help the smile that crept onto her face at how hard he was trying and still wanted to try.

“Oh Jax, you aren’t useless. You helped me一but even if you chose not to help, I wouldn’t say your useless. Your value to me is not based on if you can make death an easier thing to deal with,” she pressed.

“‘Course you think that, you sappy Sapperson. Bout’ as sappy as a Maple. Your name oughta’ be Miss Maple, how sappy you are,” he huffed.

“Maple is my last name,” she hummed.

“Mmm. I see. Well, Ms.Maple, did you get to keep that ruby you pocketed? It was a mighty fine specimen if I do say so myself.” 

“Oh yeah! Should we put it on the mantle? Or would you like it in one of your display cases?” she chuckled softly, pulling the stone from her pocket. It was about as big as her fist.

“Oh, it’d go good in a display. It wouldn’t match with the green theme here, anyway,” Jax snickered, snatching it from her.

“Hey! Who says I won’t change the room to match it? Maybe I want some red furniture with a 1870’s Victorian feel?!”

He laughed at her harder, the anxiety of the adventure now fully dissipated. He clutched her cheek and nuzzled it with a smirk.

“Yer’ mind really is like a bear-trap. How many adventures ago was that? Like a million?” he snickered, pinching her cheek.

“A million and 4. You know, I think you should keep it, really. It’s a gift from Ms.Maple to you.”

“Oh jeez Pom you got me a big fat rock? You’re want’n to get serious arent’cha? Try’na bag me up!” He grabbed her hand and licked her wrist just to mess with her, and she wriggled at the sensation before trying to smack him with the ruby.

“I don’t even have a fastener for it! I’m sorry if it’s not to your liking! You’d think an offer to be Mr.Maple would be met with more gratitude,” she snarked, bapping his cheek lightly.

As silly as their little spat was, he shifted the mood in a blink. He snatched both of her wrists and leaned forward, just as eerily calm as he was when they were trapped in the pod.

“You could give me a polished turd and I’d wear it like a crown, lil’ lady.”

The tone he used lit a flare in her cheeks and she sputtered out a nothing response, Jax having stolen all of her good sense. He continued to watch her face shift in cycles of embarrassment and happiness before she stopped his intensity with a kiss meant to distract the both of them. When she pulled away, she hopped off his lap and snatched his hand, feeling much more energized than when they’d first arrived.

“I might just do that, you know. Shouldn’t give me ideas like that,” she hummed. Pomni pulled him up off the chair and motioned to the door.

“You made me feel so much better, Jax. Let’s get dressed and go check out the education station Caine installed. What do you say?”

“I say, I’ll do whatever you want as long as we can have fun my way afterward,” he smiled.

“Great! Let’s go scope it out!” she chirped. 

“Mk. I think一I think I want to plant a tree in the garden after.” They made their way to the door to set course for the new addition hand in hand.

“What kind?”

Jax squeezed her hand as they pushed out the door, headed in the direction of the commons.

“Maple,” he hummed.

Chapter 65: CH.65 ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

“Zooble was kind of a bad@ss as the captain, huh?” Pomni casually stated as they strolled along.

She and Jax were on their way to the education room newly installed by Caine, via Gangle. Jax shrugged at her notion and swung her hand lazily.

“Zoobs was pushy and dramatic. They got in their own head about the whole ‘captaining’ deal,” he huffed. She peered at him in scrutiny.

“Why would you say that? They shoved us into the escape pod before the asteroids struck, they sacrificed themself for the wellbeing of the crew, like a good leader would.”

“Woah, you think deadly altruism is a good go-to for a leader? Efficiency and the general group beneficence would call for a leader's self-preservation because they got peeps who need em’! If the head honcho keels in some stupid ‘honorable self sacrifice’ then the people they lead are basically screwed. All I’m sayin’ is it was so over the top, and they prolly coulda hopped in too if they really wanted to,” he reasoned.

“Huh…I never really thought about it that way…But you can’t be sure they could’ve avoided that situation, though, Jax,” she scoffed.

“Neither can you, Silver-seer. You’re such a little optimist, sometimes the most basic truth slips away from ya’. I’m not sayin’ the situation wasn’t scary and I’m not sayin’ I’d have handled it any better n’ they did, I’m just sayin’ Zoobie made a quick decision and it was a dramatic one. Nothin’ wrong with drama, Pom.”

Well he got her there. She ruminated on what he said, and she suddenly remembered what little detail he’d exposed about his before life. His dad was had died when he was young一and his dad was the leader of his family. His dad was needed, and then suddenly wasn’t there anymore. Pomni suddenly felt very very small.

“Welp, we’re here, Tiny. Get out’a that big head of yours and get into brainiac mode.”

Suddenly, they were in front of the orange door by the kitchen. Just where Caine had said it’d be. She eyed the door with a vague anxiousness, seeing that this was going to be a huge step forward into improving their living situations even more. Possible even escaping.

Jax opened the door and peeked inside, and let out an uneasy breath at what he saw. 

It was a replica of a third grade classroom, decked out with a full ass blackboard, math and science posters, and the sprawling ‘ABC’s wrapping around the walls at the ceiling.

“The sh&t is this?” Pomni balked, a look of surprise etched on her face. Jax snickered at her unexpected outburst as they stepped inside.

“OH no, little lady! Language,” an cheerful NPC with a book for a head scolded her peppily. Pomni’s jaw dropped and her shoulders slouched at this一thing Caine expected to act as an educator. An elementary school teacher一the jester looked like she was gonna bash her head against the wall. Jax was just as off put, but he masked his unease effortlessly.

“Yeahhh…we do speak a language. English, specifically. She speaks others, too. How many do you speak, book?” Jax asked skeptically.

“You may call me Mrs.Scholar! I speak every language you can think of, and every single dialect! Rosetta Stone’s got nothing on me!” the NPC pipped.

“Wait一you speak every一how? What is the body of knowledge that you draw from, Mrs.Scholar?” Pomni asked with a knit brow. It was exceedingly important to determine if the information this thing has access to is reliable or not. If it’s not, they’d just be working with useless lies and nonsense.

“Well well aren't you the inquisitive student! How nice, gold star for you,” she hummed, stepping forward and reaching to slap a sticker on Pomni’s forehead. Jax caught her wrist in mid air and let out a growl.

“No touching the jester, Bookface.”

The NPC recoiled a bit and pulled her hand back to stand in awkward silence with them. After too long of her just standing in front of them like a statue, Pomni sighed and looked apprehensively at Jax, who mirrored her.

“Will you answer me, please? Where do you get your information?” Pomni tried again.

Mrs.Scholar stood there for a moment, seemingly loading a response, before giving Pomni a flourish and tone that sounded muuuuch too familiar to a certain toothy overlord.

“I gather my information from trusted, reliable sources, Pomni! I promise, it’s all correct information!” Ok it’s so unsettling that Caine programmed her to know their names.

“From WHERE?” Pomni spat, starting to get annoyed. Jax watched her intently, finding this situation to be suddenly much more entertaining than moments before. The NPC stalled again and Pomni and Jax simultaneously got hit with the horrible vague memory of experiencing this scenario before. Jax was the first to determine that this reminded him of talking to an automated voice messaging system over and over when all you want to do is talk to a damn human. Delightful.

“Let me try again. Are the sources you use to extract information .nets, .coms, .orgs, .edus, .tors or blogs? List the sources that you utilize to give us information that we ask for.”

It seemed to be the right way to word the question, because the NPC’s relentless dodging crumbled before them.

“I utilize sources based on a reliability system that is organized by domain as follows: edu, gov, org, net, com. These sources are utilized in that order unless the information requested is not present, in which case I have the ability to connect with other AI networks and access learned information and communicate.”

Ok so she does have internet access. Good to know. And she has the ability to communicate with AIs…Wait一did she say ‘other AIs’? Well…that's useful info too.

Jax wrapped his arm around her shoulder protectively as the tone of the book changed similarly to how Caine’s does sometimes. He glanced down to see Pomni’s blown expression, her little mouth agape with awe. It reminded him of earlier, though he was admittedly confused as to why she was doing the fish-face now. He glanced back to the book head.

“Okie-dokie. So, what are you able to teach us?” Jax pressed, tightening his hold on Pomni a bit.

“What would you like to know?” Mrs.Scholar asked excitedly.

Jax looked at Pomni for any suggestions that might help her discern more information only to be met with her astronaut stare. Time to be the lead sleuth for now, then.

“Can you teach me skills? Like if I want to know how to fix a car, or say…program an app?”

“Oh yes! I can teach you skills of all types! All about cars, all about computers!” she bubbled with glee.

“I see. So, you can teach me about coding? Pom and I wanna try it out for a new hobby,” he lied flawlessly. Mrs.Scholar couldn’t have been more elated.

“Stupendous! I can teach you about programming code and the physical aspects of computing! There is one parameter for our lessons, though, eager learners一I cannot teach you more than 5 lessons per 24 hours!” she beamed. Jax ears fell flat and his eyes rolled so far back he thought he might see his throat.

“Oh…greeeaaaat,” Jax deadpanned, slapping Pomni out of her stare with the back of his hand lightly, “get that, Sweets?  Dopus Opus over here says lessons are in sets of five a’ day.”

Pomni caught his eyes with her own and stiffened. She shot a look at the book and a strange look came across her face. She stepped forward.

“As an educator that has the ability to learn and adapt, I am expecting you to understand me and adapt to the situation. We are capable of learning and retaining large amounts of information. So if you give a lesson, it should not merely be one concept. You should teach concepts in groups of 7. Each 7 concepts constitutes a lesson.” 

The NPC seemed to stall and take in this information before a dial tone rang out from her, and she nodded shortly after. It seems that with the right finagling this NPC/AI or whatever she was is able to be persuaded into certain things.

“Wonderful. I look forward to learning from you, Mrs.Scholar.” Pomni waved to her, and Jax took the hint that they were ready to go, so he shot the creepy book lady a finger gun and slipped out with the jester. He turned to her, questions brewing.

“That was weird as h#ll,” he hummed. Pomni nodded abruptly.

“So weird. But we have valuable information about her,” she muttered, bringing a finger to her chin. Jax grabbed her free hand and directed her to the wardrobe to get into better clothes as he started probing her brain.

“So. M’ pretty sure I got the jist of most a’ what went down, but一what’s with the whole 7 topics’ thing?” he questioned.

“Jax, she said one lesson at a time. I’d bet your ruby that she would stick to that like glue. Imagine learning only one topic at a time, and only being able to learn 5 lessons in total?
If you are learning colors, and each color is a lesson, you’d only be taught yellow, green, blue, purple, and red. Then orange would be left out until the next lesson, and you haven't learned much of anything. That set-up is stupid and inefficient一it’s so much better to lump them all together as the lesson of color with 7 topics so you can learn all the colors at once.”

“Ah, I see. Gettin’ real particular. Like talkin’ to a genie. Also, you’re not allowed to bet my ruby, you proposed to me with that thing,” he huffed, sending her a sly smile. It fell as he thought a bit harder on what they just experienced.

“Wait, though, why specifically 7? Like if it’s for efficiency, why not say 20 topics per lesson?”

“The human mind has a general capacity for short term memory of 7 plus or minus 2 chunks of information. Learning with the median 7 is kind of like a good middle ground. Easier to retain in groups of 7, easier to commit to long term memory,” she explained, " I could have done 20, but I’m not a fan of extra work. Notation sounds awful after a tedious adventure.”

“Mmm, my smartie-pants,” he grinned, opting to scoop her up, “it’s so sexy when you use that big brain, Pom.”

“Glad you like it. I’ve gotten into a lot of trouble because of this thing,” she muttered, tapping her temple. She let her head slump over his arm and watched the circus move upside down as they approached the wardrobe.

“So like, if she has access to all this information, does she have access to一I dunno一books?” Jax asked, setting her down in the wardrobe entrance.

“Hm..maybe? Caine seems to have access to public domain stuff. Maybe she does too,” Pomni theorized.

“Maybe I can get a copy of the Kama-sutra,” he snickered. Pomni laughed and rolled her eyes. 

Jax voiced his outfit of choice and it materialized, a pair of tan cargo pants and a blue and black flannel, and leaned against the wall as he pondered their new resource. Pomni donned a simple flowy yellow dress and ballet flats, and when she was finished she peered at him.

“You probably could if you frame it in the context of studying Hinduism. That book isn't just about doing the do, you know. It’s a complex collection of ancient Indian insights, philosophies of love, social conduct, and meaningful life practices,” she huffed.

“Sounds like a great read, then,” he chuckled, “spoken like someone who read it expecting to learn about the best positions and came out a more well rounded dork.” She folded her arms on her hips and nodded in the direction of the kitchen, her smile betraying her attempt at sternness.

“Ok, ok. I want to get a snack. Do you want a snack?”

“Oh my GOD yes I need something in my mouth now or I’m gonna eat myself,” he so very casually threw out there. They set off for the kitchen with hushed giggles.

Jax was determined to show Pomni that odd combinations in sandwiches were the best, so he started making a sammie that Scooby doo would rave over. She watched in amazement from her seat on the counter as he stacked random ingredients on top of each other.

“Salami, roast beef, greek yogurt, raspberry jelly, melted gouda, all on toasted 9 grain wheat. You will be amazed,” he hummed, offering the sandwich to the sceptical jester.

“You literally made fun of Gangle SO HARD for having an unconventional pizza preference, and here you are pulling ingredients out of your butt and saying it’s good,” she snarked, taking the sandwich anyway.

“Not good. Great. And Gangle just has bad taste, Pom, you can’t use that excuse. My taste is better,” he assured her, “take a bite and eat your words along with my work of culinary art.”

She eyed the unholy creation and reluctantly opened her mouth, chomping a decent sized bite to humor him. She chewed tentatively, slowly, her face shifting about three times before landing on a very surprised expression. Jax’s grin was nearly to his ears as he leaned towards her.

“S’good, innit’?” Smug enough to smack.

“Mm, mm一s’not bad,” she hummed through her bite. After she swallowed, though, she handed him back the sandwich and opted to make her own less eccentric one. He chomped his own happily, shrugging at her loss and leaning against the counter.

Pomni made her own simple sandwich of turkey, mustard, and various veggies. She sat at the table and started another conversation before taking a bite herself.

“I was thinking about your suggestion for Raggy’s tattoo. I think it’s a good idea,” she hummed. Jax sat with her and dug out the memory of what he’d said.

“The flower thing? I mean, if you want. What’cha’ got in mind?”

“Forget-me-nots. Either on her back or around her neck,” Pomni explained. He nodded slightly.

“I can assume what the flower means. But uh, why the neck? I get the back,” he muttered, finishing his sandwich.

“She had a necklace, remember? I thought it might make her feel better to see something there. And it would have a good meaning.” Jax hummed and rested his cheek on his hand as he eyed her.

“Thunk of anything for lil’ ol’ me, Poms?” he asked softly. Pomni stopped and placed her sandwich on her plate, opting to lace her fingers together.

“I have. A couple of things, actually. But I’m not as confident as you are about the ideas, so I’d rather consult you on them than go in blind,” she chuckled. 

“How like you. Caring about how I’ll feel about it. You know if anybody else had the opportunity to mark me up they’d prolly put a pile a’ sh*t on my forehead or something even more endearing,” he chuckled, reaching out to grasp her hand. 

“I don’t know Jax, I’m pretty on par for the people here. I’ve been told more than once I’m troubled and off my rocker,” she jested, brushing her thumb over his knuckles.

Jax laughed and squeezed her fingers, eyes glinting in mischief. “It’s all true. She’s my evil genius, all conniving and planning, figuring out the creepy book-thing.”

“Yeah, creepy is definitely the right word. It’s gonna be so unnerving to deal with her on the daily,” she mumbled.

“Bet. But at least we’re a step closer to breakin’ the matrix. I’m ready to Neo this sh*t up,” he smirked.

“Same. I ought to talk to Kinger and try to learn how to access it,” Pomni huffed.

“We should both talk to him. My thoughts are一see who’s good at what. Like, maybe I’m sh*tty at coding, but good at seeing the code, and you’re a good programmer. We can work together to figure it out. Disperse our eggs in multiple baskets, if you will,” he mimicked her tone cheekily. She nodded with determination before standing up and snatching her sandwich.

“OK! Let’s go see how the Bunny entertains himself,” she said resolutely. She handed him the last of her sandwich as he stood with her.

“Oh yes, Poms. Let’s.” He popped the rest of it in his mouth, only to swallow it with a sour face.

“Ewe一mustard..”

Chapter 66: CH.66 REST AND RECOVERY

Ragtha had opted to go directly to bed after the space mining. She was not a fan of the deaths, same as everybody else, but this one was particularly draining. 

There was a lot of stress, seeing everyone so scared. It was also extraordinarily unnerving to know that each of her companions here were quite complacent with the idea of enduring massive amounts of pain in the event of planned demise.

She walked into the commons from the portal in a daze, realizing that Zooble and Gangle booked it as soon as they set foot in the circus, and Jax and Pomni ran as soon as Caine finished telling them about the education room. Ragatha stood alone by the couch, staring blankly as Kinger walked silently past her.

“Hello, Ragatha. Are we having a sleepover again?” he asked calmly.

“Oh, ahh一 well, um, I really don’t think一” she trailed off, her voice losing volume with the effort to verbalize.

“No worries. If you need to, the room is open. I am very tired, though, so I think retiring is what I’ll do.”

Ragatha watched as he slipped into his pillow fort without another word. She was there, alone again, in the emptiness of the circus. Her heart started to ache at it, but then a memory whispered to her.

She made her way to the dormitories and opened her door with a soft click. She stepped inside and took a long breath turning directly to the dolls sitting at her tea-table.

“Hello, Bea. Mills,” she hummed, stepping to them tentatively. She wrapped her plush arm around the  both of them and hoisted them over to the bed, plopping down with them.

“Today was scary. Beautiful. Painful,” she whispered, swinging her legs up onto the bed.

“I saw stars, though. They were lovely, Bea. It was a pretty nice view,” she murmured, “And I一I had a talk with Jax, today.” 

The dolls listened to her with patience.

“He confronted me on what I said a while ago. About Pom. And what I’ve done to him. But we also agreed to be better to each other. So that’s nice.”

And if Jax can find it in him to improve, that means I can too.

“That’s true,” Ragatha smiled, clutching her dolls tightly. Her eye felt very heavy, and in no time at all she was sleeping, snoring softly into her idols.

-

“At first there was like一a feeling of being crushed from every angle.”

Gangle curled around Zooble tighter as processed the memory, somehow tensing without muscle or bone. Zooble stayed silent to give her time to speak.

“Then, there was the actual contact. Getting hit was一jarring. A-after that I felt the stinging cold. And I一um一that was the last of it,” she whispered, her face pressed into Zoobles’ blanket.

“Sound’s rough. I’m sorry it was so painful,” Zooble whispered back, tone voice cracking, “I figured the escape pod would be the least likely place to get hit, using Caine logic”. A large fuzzy arm held snugly against the ribbon girls’ back, pressing her into the blanket that laid between them.

“How are you doing? I-if it was that bad in the escape pod, I can’t imagine一” she mumbled, lifting her mask just enough to look at her partners face.
 
“I’m better now than I was in there, G. It was a lot,” they huffed, “but certainly not the worst.”

Gangle flinched at those words, feeling suddenly quite faint. She hated the idea that such a kind, honest person like Zooble had to endure the pain of the circus as they do. That they had to endure death and misfortune more often than the others. 

Unfortunately, Zooble was prone to taking the most hits, being the most fragile carnie. They were used to being treated as a punching bag, even though they fought tooth and nail to avoid being in those situations. It was just the luck of the draw, presumably, that Zooble had been bestowed with a body that tended to topple like a past-it’s-prime jenga tower.

“You scared me when you shut the door and didn’t come in,” Gangle said softly.

“I’m sure I did,” they sighed, leaning their head back to rest on the bed frame, “there wasn’t a ton of time, though. I thought maybe I could get back to the cock-pit to steer us out of the way so nobody had to die, but I was too late. I was halfway back to the control room when the cock-pit was struck.” Gangle huffed out a little breath.

“It was an anticipated group death, though, Zoob. You should have saved yourself from the pain.”

“It was gonna hurt anyway,” they mumbled. Gangle suddenly pushed away from them, a look of hurt unmistakably etched in her porcelain.

“Zooble,” her voice puttered, “it hurts less when you’re with someone. I thought一”

Zooble understood immediately and rushed to console her. They didn’t mean for her to take it that way.

“Gangle I know it hurts less when you die with someone else, even if only mentally. I’m not saying I wanted to be alone more than I wanted to be with you. I was just trying to make it so that nobody had to die. I failed, and I’m sorry.”

Zoobles’ explanation seemed to be enough for the ribbon girl. Her features loosened as her thoughts shifted from reproach to a sullen acceptance before coming back down to rest in their embrace again.

“You did the best you could. I’m happy we’re ok now一I think maybe next time, though, just come with us,” she whispered.

“Even if it’s a selfish choice?” Zooble asked, tapping their fingers on Gangle's back.

“Oh, Z, you’re so silly. You’re the least selfish person I know,” she giggled softly. It tinged the amalgamations' face pink but thrust them into contemplation nonetheless.

“You don’t think I’m selfish, even when I opt out of adventures and put on the cool-guy mask to self-sooth?” they half chucked, dripping with apprehension.

“You have reasons for the choices you make, and they are all good, I think. I’d rather you stay back too, if it means your mortality stats don’t go up. And trust me, you don’t have a ‘cool-guy’ mask. You’re just cool. I would know, I have masks,” she chuckled.

Zooble felt much better after Gangle's little pep talk, and the weight of their happenings was suddenly less. They decided it would be nice to do something productive, so they tapped Gangles' shoulder and motioned to sit up.

“I’m feeling in the mood to do some tats. You wanna help me design them? I’ll let you do one of the back pieces, and I’ll show you every trick I know,” Zooble hummed, smiling with their eyes. Gangle lit up at their proposition and hopped off the bed, with a grin.

“Yes! Please teach me, o’ wise one,” she flourished, bowing to them. 

Zooble slid off the bed and did a quick change of the layout of the room before finding the tattoo machine and sliding their box of parts over to the table to get to work, Gangle finding the seat by their side with a quiet enthusiasm.

-

“No! No no no no no no NO,” Jax barked from behind her.

“What do you want me to do? I’m trying!” Pomni wailed.

“Not tryin’ hard enough, Tiny! Where’s the form, huh? Straighten those legs! Ya look like the personification of spaghetti,” he taunted, grin growing.

“Like this?” Pomni grumbled, straightening her legs and back stiffly, raising the bat perfectly perpendicular to herself.

“Dude, no! Keep yer’ back straight, but bend your knees and elbows! And twist that torso,” he hummed, tapping her hip with 2 fingers. She’d assumed by now that he was just messing with her.

“What IS it?! You tell me to straighten my legs and then tell me to bend them, what do you want from me!?” she gruffed frustratedly. Then she got an idea and bent one leg and straightened the other.

“Happy now?” she snarked, watching his face scrunch in amusement.

“When I said straighten them, I meant ‘less wiggly-wobbly-noodle-legs’, and more一I dunno, normal, bone-in legs. Like, use that skeleton, Pom,” he grinned, squatting down behind her to analyze her stance better.

“How presumptive of you to assume that I have internal bones,” she mumbled, drawing another rich laugh from him. Jax sighed and placed his hands on her legs, then hips, then shoulders and arms to position her properly. He was quite content with posing her like a mannequin, though he feigned annoyance at her inability to do it via instruction alone.

“Exoskeleton? So Pom’s a bug? Ha! Explains why Kinger loves ya so much,” he chuckled, standing upright and making his way to the wall with the switch on it. Pomni watched him with a bemused little smile as she rolled her eyes.

“Maybe I just have no bones. Ever thought of that, smart guy?” she huffed flatly, “I’m an invertebrate.”

“A boneless chicken wing! Well, Nugget, batter up,” he smirked, locking eyes with her. The switch flipped and he rolled around to press his back against the wall with one fluid motion, and she immediately shot her gaze back to where the ball would come from.

Pomni startled as she heard the mechanical clang of cartoon motion behind the far wall. A white baseball was spit out of the pitching pipe, and Jax’s eyes trained on it as it shot through the air and skimmed the top of her hat. Pomni, like a dote, still swung full force, completing a full 360 degree turn.

When she was back facing the direction of the pitching machine, she let out a whine. “Wha! Hey! No fair, that’s so high up, how am I supposed to一?!” She was cut off with an arm that wrapped around her waist and hoisted her up to be level with the shooter. 

“Jax! Put me down! You don’t need to一j-just adjust the pitching angle!” she argued, exasperated.

“MMM Sorry, no can do,” he hummed, “you can just bat like this. Oooo better get ready she’s comin’.”

“What happened to the importance of stance!?” she growled, only to turn away from him as the mechanical whirr started again.

“Well, now I’m gonna do the stance for you cuz’ you can’t even be bothered to be the right height. Ain’t nuthin’ but a thang, Chicken-wang,” he snickered, watching for the ball again.

It shot out from the far wall and Jax expected her to shield her face or bunt it or maybe hit him with the bat, but instead she swung with all her might and hit the damn thing right back into the pipe it shot out of. 

Jax gawked at the wall, as impressed as he’s ever been, at her sheer luck and unbridled jester rage. Well, maybe not rage, per say. Unbridled jester annoyance? Sure, whatever.

The sounds that erupted from the far wall hit his ears before Pomnis', and he was quite quick in his decision to high tail it out of there. He basically threw her in the air to flip her, caught her on the way down, and ran like Genghis Khan was storming his village.

“W-what! Jax, how did I do that! Did I break it!?” she squeaked.

He opened the door back to the circus and slammed it shut behind him just before a huge explosion sounded on the other side of the door. After a few beats of silence he started laughing maniacally, lifting Pomni up to throw her and catch her again. After doing it once, she looked a bit queasy, so he decided not to push his luck, but still一that was some funny shit.

“POMNI YOU EXPLODED THE BATTING CAGES,” he laughed, so hard it hurt, doubling over and wheezing after each breath.

“I don’t know how I did that! Caine will fix it, it’ll be fine一” she warbled, flustered and alarmed at her accidental destructiveness.

“Of course he will ! That was awesome! Wizard powers for the win!” he beamed, “BOMNI STRIKES AGAIN!”

“Oh my God,” she drug her gloved hands down her face, “your chaos is contagious.”

“Of course it is, Nugget, if you rub off on me I’m bound to rub off on you. Ah, that sh*t hits the spot though, dunnit?” Jax sighed in contentment, eyes sparkling in delight, “Whaddaya’ say we go sword-fighting next?”

Pomni paused and stared at him hollowly before swallowing and taking a deep breath.

“Sure, what could possibly go wrong.”

It wasn’t a question一she just knew if she said it, something would go terribly awry. She merely felt a little benevolent and figured the more destruction they endured, the more giddy her Bunny would be...so she would forge ahead and embrace the chaos for a bit longer.

Chapter 67: CH.67 A FEW MORE INSIGHTS

“Just一the fact that you somehow launched the friggin’ sword like a cannon,” Jax snickered, opening the door to his room for a very ragged jester.

“Heh,” she huffed, trudging inside, “I figured you’d like that. Bask in my amazing wizard powers.”

“You figured correctly! I’ll give it to ya that it was a neat little trick, but yer’ a terrible batter and an even worse trapper.”

She turned, slouching, to face him as he shut his door. It felt like she just ran a marathon. “I’m a d@mn good trapper and you know it. Just because I couldn’t lift the counterbalance一”

“I had to get you down! N'you couldn’t even lift the rope by yer’self,” he hummed, strolling over to the bed-pit to fall inside on his back. He'd been successful in keeping her occupied until dinner, and after eating, she was nearly ready to keel over. They put on comfortable bed clothes before going back to his room.

“Only cuz’ you threw it at me! I trapped you, didn’t I? That’s gotta count for something,” she snarked.

“You just admitted to being a HoneyPot,” Jax snickered. Pomni just rolled her eyes as her posture worsened.

“Oh I’m so envious of Ragatha sleeping through dinner,” Pomni whined, turning and flopping backwards just as Jax had. She hoped she’d fall on him and knock the breath out of him, but he just caught her and brought her closer to bury his nose in her hair.

“Eepy eepy baby,” Jax teased softly.

“Quite,” Pomni muttered, “You should let me face you. I need some fluff.”

Jax couldn’t help the grin that pulled out of him. The feeling was overwhelming, he felt that she should rip off her head and dribble it like a basketball.
“God, I just wanna slam dunk your big ol’ head!” He let go of her so she could flip, and she did, and he felt her unbutton his shirt and faceplant into the fur there. His laugh sent vibrations through his chest, and Pomni felt them in her face.

He rested his hand on the back of her head and let out a sigh, falling into a more relaxed state.
“Before you fall asleep, I’m curious what’cha been thinkin’ for my tats. Anything good?”

She lifted her head to place on her palm as her eyes drifted to the upper left field of her vision in thought. “I am caught between a couple of ideas. Tell me what you like the most. I was thinking you could get 2 keys on the back of your neck, looping through each other. Like a cool play on a celtic knot, I guess. One key will open the door that offers meaning in this place, and the other key has locked the door to all of the terrible things we experience.”

“Oh boy that’s deep’n existential innit?” he chuckled, “and the rest?”

“My other ideas were that you could get your spider on you, somewhere. I know you really like her. But then the last idea I had was the word ‘evil’ spelled in corn cobs,” she snickered. That caused him to scoff and pinch at her side, earning a disgruntled squeak from her.

“You little devil! Jokes on you, though, I’ll get all of em’! I’ll put the corn one above my d*ck and make jokes about it. You’ll have to live with my new motto ‘slob the cob’ forever, and it’ll be your own fault! And I’ll become a star on cornhub.” 

“Pppft Ahaha! Oh my gosh, neither Zooble nor Gangle would dare to give you any tattoo that was even relatively close to Quipu and you know it! If they see it they’d try to cut it off,” she chortled. Her limbs felt heavy now as the warms between them built to an irresistible level, and she sighed. Her head fell back into his fluff as she failed to fight it.

Jax was so happy right now. Just to have her here, cuddling, talking about random things he’d never expect to come out of her mouth. He honestly felt privileged that he got to see this odd, unexpected nature so up-close and personal. Pomni was so interesting, because there was always a probable chance that he’d have no clue what her responses would be, but they’d always be fun.

“Hey Pom,” he hummed softy, feeling lulled into relaxation himself, “you are always doin’ the d@mnedest sh*t, ya know? Like, you’re the most unpredictable predictable person.”

“What do you even mean?” she moaned, muffled by his fur still.

“You know一you jus’ kinda一I dunno. It’s neat. You’re neat.”

Pomni let out a raspberry even as she kept her head in place. It tickled him.
“Neat,” she repeated amusedly.

“I mean it! You keep surprisin’ me, Nugget. I remember when you broke the branch I gave you when we built that snowman, that was the last thing I expected. And when you came up with the scheme to milk Caines prizes, everybody was caught off guard. And when you forgave Ragatha一well…”

He trailed off, but the jester knew what he was talking about. She pinched the fur between her fingers rhythmically to soothe herself.

“Well, you surprise me all the time too. But the unexpected thing一I got that alot in the real world, too.”

Jax’s ears perked at that一that’s interesting. He lifted his hand to start gently rubbing her shoulder, and he felt her melt on top of him a little.
“Tell me more, Toots,” he pressed softly. Pomni hummed and turned her head so she could talk unobstructed.

“I was told more times than I could count ‘I’d have never expected that from you’. Swear to God, over and over and over. The way I dress, my personal style, my taste in music, my favorite foods. Seemed like everything I did was off-brand,” she huffed, rubbing her hand over his fluff slowly. A deep purr erupted from him.

“I wanna know,” he ordered.

“I like to wear a variety of fashions. Pant-suits and dresses, head-scarves, I even had a cloak and a bowtie collection. Self expression is a wonderful thing you know? I have an appreciation for it, but apparently I like more things than most people do. And as for music, kinda the same. I listened to most things. I had someone get weird with me after they saw I had metal, R&B, and old country in the same playlist.”

“Woahh,” Jax gasped in mock astonishment, “Pom’s is a metalhead? Who’d you listen to?”

“Old stuff and new stuff. But Iron Maiden and Avenged Sevenfold lived happily with Randy Travis and Dr.Dre,” she hummed. He moved so that both hands were now kneading her shoulders. She let out a little groan.

“I can dig it. It’s healthier to enjoy a lot of things, anyways. Better than hating everything. Some people make the things they hate their whole personality,” he chuckled, “So what’s Pom like to eat that’s so strange, huh?” Jax whispered, eyes getting heavier.

“Favorite一yawn一dish is curry. Favorite food culture is Mediterranean,” she barely got out. Jax hummed and nodded as his eyes slipped shut.

“Whoever told you ya’ve got an odd taste is whack-a-mole,” he proclaimed, sleepy and incredulous, “Curry’s delicious, and hummus goes good with everything. F&ck everybody who thought’chu were weird for that.”

“Well, I do have some odd tastes. I fell for a tall purple bunny. That says something.”

“Say’s you’ve got d@mn good taste,” he grumbled, rolling them over so they were on their sides, “now flip like a flop so I can spoon you.”

It took all of her effort, but she did indeed roll over. He snaked his long arms around her and pulled her closer, breaths deepening and slowing. As she traced the fur on his arm, falling with him, she realized that she did agree with him on the quality of her choices.

-

The next morning Gangle and Zooble were the first ones to sit at the breakfast table. They’d woken up early, and were soon joined by Jax and Pomni, who were bickering about something neither of them could make out until they sat down.

“I don’t trust you to go in there alone, though,” he grumbled, plopping down in his seat. Pomni pulled hers out and slid in, casting him a side glance.

“This isn’t like True Blue Trepidation, Jax. The book thing isn’t programmed to harm us.”

“What if she’s capable of it, though? She seemed to short circuit when we were talkin’ to her, she seems unstable! I don’t want’cha doin anything in there alone, is all,” he pleaded, though it sounded more like an order.

Gangle shot Zooble a curious look as she wrapped her hands around her cup.

“What’re you guys bickering about?” she asked meekly. Pomni turned to face her and a spark of something ran through her eyes.

“We’re talking about the education room, Gangle,” she responded softly. Jax rolled his eyes and shot Gangle a grumpy look.

“It’s a kindergarten room ran by some weird AI/NPC hybrid lady with a book face. I can’t believe I’m sayin’ this, but you really shoulda’ went ham on the details like Ragatha did with her request. Should’a known by now that if you leave Caine any creative freedom that he’ll spit in your eyeball and call it a christmas present.”

“Oh一w-well I didn’t think about that,” she muttered.

“So Caine put a character in the circus with us? Isn’t that like, the thing he specifically wanted not to happen?” Zooble groaned, sipping their coffee.

“Well, he did the pet room. Maybe Mrs.Scholar is trapped in there like the animals are,” Pomni offered. 

“Well, either way, I’m not ok with you just walzin’ in there by yourself. Who knows what that freak’s capable of?” Jax huffed, reaching for various breakfast tidbits. Pomni offered him a sympathetic smile and reached over to brush her fingers over his knuckles because they were so tight. He looked at her hand and stared at it moodily.

“Wait, why are you even concerned about being alone in that room? I’d have guessed you’d learn coding together to help each other understand it,” Gangle asked.

“If I’m bad at coding and Jax is good at learning from Kinger or vice versa, then that means it’d be more efficient for us to learn at the same time. He’s just worried that we’ll be good at different things and for efficiency’s sake I’ll want to split up. And I can’t even be mad about it because he knows how I think so there’s no point.”

Jax smiled a bit at her admission to his being correct, but his face fell back into pouting when he heard Ragatha’s chair scrape the floor.

“Good morning, everyone,” she said cheerily.

“Oh, go stub your toe, Peppy Gonzalas,” Jax snarked. Pomni snorted in amusement only because she didn’t see that one coming.

“Good morning Ragatha. Sleep well?” Pomni asked with a sweet smile.

“You know, I sort of did. It was nice,” she responded, tapping her teacup, “have you guys seen the orange door by the kitchen? I peeked inside and it was all weird.”

“Yeah yeah, we saw all the alphabet lined horror,” Jax huffed.

“Oh, alphabets? I didn’t see alphabets,” she paused. Pomni sat up straight and leaned in, curious as ever.

“It was pure white,” Ragatha explained, “Like the void.” Jax and Pomni shot each other a look, and Jax leaned toward the small girl with big eyes and a taut mouth as if to say ‘WHAT DID I TELL YOU?’. Pomni flitted her eyes to her lap and nodded, realizing he did have a good point earlier.

“When did you see the room?” Pomni asked quietly.

“Earlier this morning. I woke up too early and went for a walk, and I stopped by to peek inside. There was nothing in there when I saw it.”

“Some things that take a lot of energy or memory to run have to reboot, rest, and ‘sleep’. Ragatha probably stumbled right at that time,” Zooble interjected. Jax’s ears perked and he fell into thought at Zoobles comment.

“That’s right,” he muttered, leaning back in his chair, “that’s right一prolly takes a lotta’ memory and processing power to run that thing.” He turned to look at Pomni, who was deep in thought.
 
“This may come in handy,” she mumbled. Ragatha’s fork hit her plate and drew everyone's attention away from the jester and bunny, and she suddenly shrunk into her seat nervously.

“Oh, ah, sorry. I’m hungry…”

Jax’s snort broke the silence and he grabbed his fork too, shoving a scoop of something sweet smelling into his mouth. “Me too, Patches.”

Ragatha smiled awkwardly and started eating again, every so often flitting her eyes up to the others at the table. They lingered for a moment on Pomni before she spoke again.

“Pomni, your long hair is so pretty. Can I braid it?” 

Pomni set down her own utensil to give Ragatha an endearing smile. “Sure. After breakfast. Before I go talk to Kinger.”

Jax nudged her shoulder with his elbow and stared at her challengingly as he scraped his teeth against the tines of the fork, causing Zooble to tense. Pomni blinked blankly before what she’d said hit her一but she reached under the table to pat his leg reassuringly.

“You can braid my hair before we go talk to Kinger,” she corrected herself. Jax seemed satiated at that, but his smile still refused to emerge from the depths of his brooding. Pomi studied him a bit longer before an idea popped into her head at how to pull him out of it.

“Why don’t you tell them how I accidentally broke like, 3 things yesterday,” Pomni hummed, fishing for his good mood. He took the bait, and that shit eating grin ripped his face in half again.

“Oh my God, you guys won’t believe what she did! It takes some talent to break a whole godd@mned room,” he laughed, throwing his head back. Google, Zooble, and Ragatha all shifted their gazes to look at Pomni questionably, when Jax grabbed her shoulder and pulled her into his side.

“It all started with a bad case of spaghetti legs! But it’s not her fault, see, because she doesn't actually have any bones. Chicken Nugget got a swing and a miss that led to a height adjustment, but then! Oh, but then, aye karumba! Pom plugged the pipe when she got a hit and we had to skedaddle before everything ended in absolute annihilation! And after the swords clipped and the booby trap didn’t get set right, but I was able to cut her down without much of a hitch. Yesterday was insane in the membrane.”

They all stared at him confusedly, attempting to decipher what he said. Pomni laughed at his animated retelling of their shenanigans, and quieted when Gangle spoke up with a wavering voice.

“Sorry, but you lost me at Chicken Nugget…”

Chapter 68: CH.68 THE INTERVIEW

Pomni sat quietly next to Jax on Kingers pillow sofa, tapping her fingers anxiously on her knees. Jax trailed his gaze along the walls, illuminating them with his dim yellow glow as he did so. Kinger came out of the kitchen, which was lit up,  holding a pillow as a tray, and on top of it sat much smaller pillows.

“Orderve?” he offered sweetly, lowering his tray for them.  Pomni and Jax stared at the mini-pillows alarmedly, though Jax was the one to break the silence.

“Oh, thanks my guy, but I’m not really into down pillows,” he hummed. 

“These are memory foam,” Kinger answered without missing a beat. Pomni stared at him, completely at a loss.

“Kinger,” she muttered, “do you really eat memory foam…?”

Kinger paused for a moment, his eyes drifting slowly apart. Pomni nervously fiddled with the end of her braid while Jax just watched in masked annoyance before he snapped in front of King's face a few times. Kinger was still spacing out after the snapping, which prompted Jax to questionably look at Pomni in hopes that she’d know what to do.

“IT HELPS ME REMEMBER!” he suddenly blurted一nearly causing both the bunny and the jester to relieve themselves on his couch. Jax’s mask of aloofness broke and he couldn’t hide how done he was anymore.

“Yoooo-K, Loony-toons, you need the stupid mask, now. I wanna see when I’m talkin’ to you, and you’re about as helpful as a white crayon right now.” 

Pomni smacked Jax’s shoulder and tried to give him her stern expression, but as soon as he looked at her his annoyance morphed into amusement and he smiled like a fox. He kissed her on the cheek and thanked her for cheering him up, which only ticked Pomni off. After, he stood up to go rummage around for Kingers eye-mask, leaving her there with him to try and glean something useful in the meantime. She eyed Kinger awkwardly before he took a seat next to her and started eating the mini-pillows himself.

“Soooo, Kinger,” she wavered, leaning more so she could barely see him, “do you, uh一 remember why we’re here?”

Kinger looked at her thoughtfully as another tiny pillow-food thing fazed into where his mouth was supposed to be.

“I don’t know,” he hummed, “but I’m so happy to have you and Jax here regardless. You kids make my life so lively!”

“I-I’m happy to be here, too一” she warbled, trying to concentrate on her wording, “but we’re here to ask for your help, King.”

A bang erupted from the area of the fort Jax was in. “God d@mmit!” resonated throughout, and then a string of mumbled gibberish. Kinger and Pomni looked in the general direction, but Kinger slowly brought another pillorderve to his non-mouth as Jax reentered the living room.

Kingers mask draped over one of his fingers, while his opposite hand rubbed the top of his head.

“King, WHY do you have a hanging plant in your room?!” Jax spat, taking a seat across from them, steaming.

“I like the ambiance,” Kinger explained simply, “Oh! You found my mask. Thank you Jax.”

“Yes, put it on before I have a stroke,” he groaned, handing it to him. Kinger happily put it on and took a deep breath, and both Pomni and Jax could feel the atmosphere shift.

“This is better,” Kinger hummed softly, leaning back into the couch. Pomni ran through the checklist of questions in her mind and prepared to get lackluster results, just so she wouldn’t be totally disappointed.

“Kinger, you said before that you’d be happy to show me how you see the code. Do you remember saying that?” she asked.

“No, I don’t remember, but it makes sense that I said that, because I most certainly will.”

Pomni and Jax sighed simultaneously at that.

“That’s wonderful, Kinger. Thank you so much,” she whispered, feeling relief flood her veins.

“You’re welcome. I think to start, we should set up a routine. I am not so good without this mask, and I’m not that reliable in general , so you have to think critically and use your better judgment on whether or not it's good to listen to me on any given day.”

“We got it, King. I’m here to help with that,” Jax huffed, giving Pomni some sort of look.

“So, I think a good place to start is, what exactly does the code look like? S-so we can know when we see it?” she pressed.

“When I see it, it is like a shimmery coat that covers every object in the circus, and it labels everything. It is present everywhere but ‘empty space’, which is just placeholders for more code.”

“Huh,” Jax hummed quietly, thumbing his chin in thought, “so when ya see it, you also see everything else. It’s just like一another layer?”

“Surface level code is,” Kinger continued, “but if you interact with it, you can enter the secondary level. After that is the tertiary level.”

“What do the different levels do?” Pomni asked with a dry mouth, suddenly feeling way over her head.

“The first level is the concept of something. It is a basic build of an idea, a compilation of deeper levels of coded meaning, data storage, and programs. If you were to access the first level of code, you would see a name above an object or character, written in proper formatting for the system to recognise it as a symbol or concept.”

Jax’s ears fell back as he tried to process all of this一the looniest toon of them all had suddenly exponentially increased his communication ability, and he realized just how frikkin high this guys IQ must be. Pomni seemed to feel the same way as Kinger continued as if he were discussing the local sports team.

“At the secondary level you will encounter the extended version of the programs and data from the databases that elaborate on the properties that the object has. An example of this would be the first level of code is the concept ‘pumpkin’, and the second level would explain traits like ‘orange, round, small, and firm’,” Kinger elaborated.

Pomni was soaking everything up as much as she possibly could, while Jax struggled to maneuver Kingers fancy computer-geek words. He felt particularly stupid, right now.

“Then the tertiary level is the most complex, as it is the level that connects all the concepts from the secondary level to the external databases. 3 is where the AI interfaces with everything. Basically, 1=conceptualization, 2=translated properties, and 3=link to the Circus server and AI programs.”

After that, there was a heavy silence. Jax turned away from Kinger to look at Pomni, who was astronaut staring into nothing. He could see her head spinning, and it made him feel seen to know that he wasn’t the only dumbass in this scenario.

“O-ok,” Pomni warbled, snapping back to reality, “I think all of this will make much more sense when we take the classes一but so far, I’ve got that there are 3 levels, and level 1 is the one we’d see first. And it’d just be names and a sort of glitter effect?”

Kinger nodded. “That's about it, Pomni.”

 Jax cleared his throat and pressed his ears back as he cut to the chase. “King, we want to figure out how to access it. How do you see it?”

Kinger reached for another pillorderve as he hummed. 
“I can see the code when my mind is still,” he said softly.

“Ahhhh, ooooh of course it’s THAT,” Jax laughed sarcastically, dragging a hand down his face, “all we have to do is meditate to reach enlightenment!”

“Oh boy,” Pomni muttered to herself.

“It is easy for me, because often when I am confused, my mind is already still. I’d imagine that if you can ease into not thinking, you’d be able to see it.”

“Well, you’re just a master builder, aren't you? Good ol’ Empty-Headed-Emmet here to save the day!” Jax sassed, obviously distressed.

“At least we have an answer,” Pomni reasoned, hoping to lighten the mood. Kinger chuckled.

“Yes,” Kinger started again, “It is perfectly doable. Just promise me something.” Pomni and Jax both locked onto the old man’s mask, looking there instead of his eyes.
“Promise me that when you do see it, you will not tamper with any person's code.”

Jax and Pomni turned to eye each other, faces blank. Pomni realized Kinger was probably asking Jax more so than herself, but she also realized that this was a good rule for her to abide by anyway.

“I will not mess with anybody's code,” Pomni quickly reassured him. Jax hesitated, falling into thought at the request.

“Do you care if we tamper with the code of NPCs?” he asked. Kinger stalled a moment.

“I suppose an NPC is better than a human. But it is very very dangerous, Jax. Damage to deeper levels of code can be very difficult to fix, and if you tamper with it it can cause negative effects. Especially if it starts to replicate.”

“Wait, so if we mess with the codes of characters it can create viruses?” Pomni asked in worry.

“Basically, yes,” Kinger hummed. 

Jax and Pomni sat in his presence a little while and let all the information soak in. It admittedly was a lot for anybody to handle一but after the small reprieve, nobody would have guessed they just learned life-changing information. Stoic and determined as ever, reluctance subdued to their  sheer willpower as the jester and bunny stood wordlessly.

“Kinger, you have no idea how much this has helped us,” Pomni said softly.

Jax watched Kinger with a hard look as the chess piece also stood from his seat and faced them, still wearing his mask. He turned to offer Pomni a reassuring look, one he hoped would make everything seem a little less overwhelming. She met his gaze and offered him a smile in return, knowing they were in for an extremely complicated and potentially dangerous upcoming endeavor.

“I think he does,” Jax whispered in the quietest voice she’d ever heard from him. 

Kinger removed the mask and met Jax’s glowing features and offered a candid smile.

“Jax, you are like a firefly,” Kinger said, gesturing to his eyes. 

“Yes, Kinger. He is very bright,” Pomni offered with a smile. 

Jax huffed out a breath and snatched her hand to pull her out of the pillow fort. She was already exceeding the level of cuteness that made him want to chew on her, so they better get going and distract themselves before he acted on his impulses. Kinger waved as they retreated.

When back out in the open, they both took a very deep breath, syncing perfectly, but not paying enough attention to each other to realize they did. As they looked ahead, they saw Gangle, Zooble, and Ragatha on the commons couches. Zooble was tattooing one of their parts while the girl watched in fascination.

“Oooh, Pom, now might be the time to get mine done. Any more ideas?” Jax mused, cocking an eyebrow as he pointed to the group with his thumb.

“Wizard on a Cheetah,” she mumbled, staring at the couches. He sputtered out a snicker as he pulled her toward them.

“Don’t even think I won’t. Actually, better idea. You get a cheetah, I’ll get a wizard.”

“Oof, I dunno. A graceful, elegant cat on me? Where would I even put a cheetah?” she asked, staring off into nothing again.

“Um, obviously it’s gotta be a tramp stamp,” Jax brandished, “and the wizard would be in the same spot on me. Using my buttcheeks and bongos.”

They both burst into a fit of laughter at the image of that, and the stress of their revelations with Kinger seemed to soften in intensity. Their laughter drew the attention of the others, who welcomed them into the group casually.

“Hello! Zooble is showing us proper shading techniques,” Gangle piped, patting the seat next to her. Pomni promptly took it, while Jax opted for the floor to rest his head against her legs.

“Zooble, do you think when you’re done, you could do some more?” Pomni questioned softly.

“Depends. Not in the mood to do a big thing, I’ve already been messin’ with this a lot today,” they reasoned.

“Oh, uhh,” she glanced down at Jax, who offered her a cocky smile and rolled his tongue provocatively, waiting to see what she’d do. Instead of deigning him with a response, she looked toward Ragatha.

“No, the one I have in mind is not that big. Would you want yours today, Ragatha?”

She visibly brightened by about 10 lumens when she heard that. Nodding furiously and reaching out for Pomni’s hand, she giddily waited for elaboration as she answered yes repetitively.

“Want it to be a surprise?” Pomni asked, chuckling at her friend's excitement.

“No! You have to tell me what it is! Please please,” Ragtha chirped, nearly bouncing in her seat. Jax rolled his eyes at her over-the-topness, but still chuckled at it a little.

“I was thinking, a necklace of flowers, called forget-me-nots. They are the flower language version of ‘remembrance’, and they’re so pretty. Small blue flowers and tapered leaves, all on a vine that would wrap around your neck. What do you think?”

Ragatha stared at Pomni and her face lit up even more as she imagined it.
“That sounds so wonderful, Pomni! Oh I’m so excited, I do love flowers!”

In no time at all, Zooble finished their demonstration and drew a mock up, sat Ragatha before them in front of the sofa, and readied all of the ink cartridges. The doll was so giddy to get her flowers, Zooble had to remind her multiple times that stillness is key to a clean line, and she eventually calmed enough to let them work in relative peace. Ragatha leaned her head back against the sofa and let them get to work.

“So, did you guys talk to Kinger?” Gangle asked as she followed Zoobles experienced hand. Ragatha closed her eyes and grit her teeth as the needle pressed her skin, and her excitement morphed into restraint at the pain.

“Mmmyeahh,” Jax grumbled, “we had a great lil’ chat.” 

Pomni started gently tracing her pointer finger around his eye to try and help him relax, and he had to choke out the carnal urge to purr in front of the others.
“He says stillness in the mind is the key,” Pomni added.

“Stillness, huh?” Zooble hummed amusedly, “well that’s just hilarious.”

Jax bristled at them, shooting them a glare he knew they weren't going to pay attention to as they toiled away on the dolls neck. “It’s bullsh%t is what it is,” he snarked back.

Gangle rubbed her arm tentatively as she fell into thought. Pomni noticed and watched her patiently, wanting to see what she was focused on, while Jax pouted on her. After Zooble had finished the black outline of Ragatha’s flowers, they switched the cartridge and Gangle spoke up softly.

“Do, um一do you know if what Kinger said is actually, like, trustworthy? Not to be rude or anything一”

Pomni stiffened as Jax pushed himself upright and found a seat next to her without a word. He grabbed Pomni’s hand and turned to look at Gangle, staring at her just to make her uncomfortable before he answered.

“You’d know all about trustworthiness, huh, Ribbons,” he asked coldly, sneering at her. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as he continued to eye her.

“I didn’t mean to be offensive, sorry,” she warbled, looking at her own curling hands.

Jax huffed out a moody breath. “Well, ya’ were, G. King might be a bit gone, but he’s still a real motherf&cker, and he’s got good sh*t to say. You’d think after helping Patches with her mental break and being there for all of us so often you’d have a lil’ more respect for the guy.”

The buzzing momentarily stopped as Zooble paused to eye him. A brief period of staring and deep concentration passed between the bunny and the modern art mimic. They studied him for a moment, but then returned to tattooing soon after.

“He has helped us a lot, hasn't he?” they offered, “Well, I’m hopeful for it. I think we’re all hopeful.”

Pomni smiled as she felt Jax lean back against the couch and press his leg into hers for his own reassurance, and she felt so much pride at his step towards vulnerability with the others. Admitting respect for Kinger was something he would have never even considered a few months ago. And that’s when what Zooble said resonated with her…

Jax said that because he’s hopeful too. And that was only more motivation for the jester.
They’re going to figure this out.

Chapter 69: CH.69 ESCALATION

Notes:

This is kinda like, a half spicy? Idk. Will lead to more spice next ch. This is more mild stuff but if you don't like, don't read :P

Dinner had been a decent variety of soup and salad that nobody had complained about, and the air was full of opinions and conspiracy as they munched away. Everyone chatted about the happenings, about new tattoos and how to approach manipulating the fabric of reality. There was no real deep conversation from Ragatha’s perspective, until dinner had ended, and Pomni approached her. 

The small woman gave her a sweet hug and told her that her necklace was beautiful. Her best friend told her that she hoped the necklace would hold new meaning as well as nostalgia. And what she said got her thinking.

She stared at herself in the mirror of her room, her gaze magnetically drawn to the design on her neck. It was so strange to see something so pretty on her cartoonish body, so delicate around her. She traced her finger on the vine and watched herself in the mirror with a sloshing cocktail of emotion.

Pomni had explained that these specific flowers mean remembrance. Remembrance as in, purposeful remembrance. The desire to not forget. As Ragatha’s fingers brushed her own skin, that upending familiar feeling returned, and she felt a tear roll down her cheek. Whether rooted in joy or in pain, she couldn’t say. Probably both. 

Often, when she was occupied with too many thoughts, her mind troubled and reeling, she’d reach for the necklace that hasn’t been there since she was first trapped in this place. She would absentmindedly grab for it even though she knew it wasn’t there一and if she was aware enough to realize her itch was not scratched and was indeed unscratchable, the painful nostalgia ripped at her heart so much that it made her lightheaded.

Ragatha assumed that her necklace could never exist again. And to some degree, she was right. What is lost cannot be brought back. The insufferable part, though, was that it was not the fact that she couldn’t have it that irked her so much. It was the fact that she didn’t know what the necklace actually was. She had no way of knowing what was originally there, only that she had so much sentimental value invested in it that it would be a top tier ingredient in a witches brew.

She remembered the love she felt in that necklace, and because of that she had a hunch that it had been a heartfelt gift. But she had no idea what it actually looked like…only the vague memory of something smooth she’d run her thumb along at any time she had a whim to.  

But now, she had something to fill the space that was so unbearably empty. And it was the most bittersweet thing to see something so beautiful and so thoughtful take the place of a beloved distortion of beloved memory. As her eyes traced the delicate vines that curled around her neck, the tickle of soft tears met her plush cheeks.

There was something beautiful there now. All for her. Something real and meaningful, something not meant to replace what she lost, but to exist in the same space. It reminded her of when her old horse Juniper passed away. She cried for a week, but then there was room for her next horse, Claymore, who was undoubtedly one of her best friends in the real world. They were both wonderful and unique, but to have one, the other had to be lost一if only physically.

The old necklace is not here, and Bea and Mildred are not here either. But other good things are here. Good people. People who think she matters enough to rescue from insanity and offer kindness and sympathy. Ragatha knew that Zooble, Pomni, and the others had collaborated to talk about their pasts to open her up more, and that solidified in her mind that they don’t hate her. And it stands to reason that if so many good people offer her kindness, she should probably offer kindness to herself too.

The things Pomni, Zooble, Kinger, Gangle, and even Jax have done deserve acknowledgment just as much as her memories do. So she made another promise to sit alongside the promise to not forget her family.

She made the promise to accept the changes within this place and herself with as much grace as she could muster, not only for Beatrice and Mildred, but for herself. Because the others have proven they love her enough to want her around, and Pomni even said that the best way to apologize is to forgive herself. 

So be it.

-

“You really nailed it with Raggies ink, Pom,” Jax hummed, leaning his cheek on his fist at the table. He and Pomni were the only ones left sitting, passing the time with silliness.

“I think you mean you nailed it,” she corrected, smirking. He rolled his eyes at her.

“Nuh-uh, not me. You’re bonkers if you think that.”

“It’s true. I’m loony. Wacko. Off my rocker,” she chuckled, watching him lazily.

“Crazy. Kooky. Fantastically fanatical,” he shot back, grin widening.

“Deliriously demented. Stark-Raving-Mad. Unhinged, unstable, and unmistakably off the wall.” Ohhh you little shit.

“Nutty, batty, barmy, loco, and bananas with a screw loose!” he hollered, slamming both hands on the table. That’s gotta be it. HE won! But she just stared at him with affection and it made him want to smush her up like play dough.

“Oh my gosh Jax we missed the most obvious one,” she snickered, finding humor in his assertive pose that admittedly looked more like a defense.

“What? What, no, I missed nothing!” 

“We missed ‘insane’! Noooo it was so easy,” she laughed, light and breathy一it made him feel insane. He stood straight and yoinked her up from where she sat, and offered her a terrible smile.

“Pom, go to your room. I gotta do something real quick, I’ll be there in a munite,” he hummed. Pomni cocked a brow at him but ultimately nodded and left, not even looking back to see what he would be up to. He’d hoped that she would have peeked back so he’d have another excuse to mess with her, but so be it. There are never ending opportunities with that one.

He made his way to the wardrobe and asked for a very specific item of clothing. He folded it up and tucked it under his arm for safekeeping until he reached Pomni’s room, which she left a-crack for him. Oh she’s gonna give him diabetes.

“Hey Pooooom,” Jax called, hiding his treasure behind his back, “guess what I got?”

“Hhhmmmm一a big mouth?” she snickered.

“Hey,” he snapped, squinting at her with mock scrutiny, “Don’t isolate my features like that! Just because I happen to be bigger than you in literally every way doesn’t mean pointing it out constitutes as an insult. Like if I told you you have a tight @ss, it’d just be the simple truth.”

“Simple truth makes the insult better, Bun一what do you have, there?” 

“Oh, wouldn't you like to know? Well don’t think you should get it now,” he huffed, fighting his grin tooth and nail.

“A gift? For me?” Pomni suddenly perked up. It was so cute, the way she moved over to the side of the bed closest to him, like a baby bird prompting its moma to puke in its mouth.

“Well, duh,” he huffed, sliding over to stand directly in front of her, “I’m kind and generous and oh so considerate.”

Pomni furrowed her brow at him, thinking a little deeper than he’d intended to make her, but then she pulled out of it without his prompt. She offered him a sweet smile and he nearly forgot what he was even holding.

“I know you are. So sweet. Sticky sweet, like honey. HoneyBun,” she hummed, reaching out to scratch his chin. He cursed her internally for knowing exactly what buttons to push as he let out that pur. 

“You already know so many sweet spots it seems a little arbitrary to do a full work up, dont’cha think?” ha asked slyly, pulling out the white coat from behind his back. Pomni reddened like a tomato when she saw it.

“Ha hah haa一” she let out a broken little laugh that made him short circuit. Oh this is gonna be hilarious. How the hell does she even expect to role-play if she can’t get out a dignified response? Damn he wished he had a camera, right now.

“So. Tell me what you want,” Jax offered simply, popping his hip like the diva he was.

Pomni seemed to snap out of her embarrassment way too fast for him to keep up, because all in the same motion she’d snatched the lab coat from him and the layout of the room had changed. The bed, and dresser were gone一replaced by displays of adult themed toys. His jaw dropped when he landed on what he could only assume was a sex swing.

Holy fuck Pom you’re a freak…

“Only in my head, so far,” she laughed tepidly, looking up at him with big eyes. Oh shit he said that out loud.

“I’m not complainin’,” he breathed, watching her just as eagerly as she unfolded the coat. He watched with bated breath as she put it on and then pulled arms from the sleeves, rustled around, and then her clothes dropped and piled on the floor by her feet. Hot.

“Well, maybe we can make you an honest man. Take off your clothes except for your underwear,” she ordered softly, kicking her own aside. He did so without protest, but he never took his eyes off of her.

“Good boy.”

He should really feel embarrassed. He should feel ashamed at how those words affected him一but Pomni approached with a few small steps and placed her hand on his stomach and it flipped those feelings away in an instant. She watched him tense, and her smile grew wider as the fabric of his boxers became tauter. 

“Here are the rules,” she started calmly, “I am in charge until I say I’m not. You will sit,” she punctuated it with her finger pointing at the chair behind him, “and you will cooperate with me when I ask you questions. And I expect nothing but honesty.”

All he could think to do was nod his head. His mouth wouldn’t work, right now.

She pushed him back suddenly, only with enough force for him to teeter, and he immediately sat after he regained his balance. This whole demeanor shift with her is way more enticing than Jax would have ever thought. Well, see一he wouldn't have thought. There she goes again, little miss-mystery box.

He was tense as he sat in the chair, curling his hands around it to ground himself. He tracked her as she went over to the fireplace mantle and snatched her little book, flipping to the back page. She faced him and made her way back, and he noticed she looked a tiny bit taller and more determined than ever. She looked like she could kick his ass if she wanted to.

Well. It’s all the way up now.

“Pick a safeword,” Pomni ordered, stilling in front of him, leaning in slightly. He wanted to cackle at her insinuation that he even needed one, that anything she could think of to do would make him break when there’s no limits to their cartoonish bodies and he’s more stubborn than a wine stain.

She leaned forward more and cupped his chin, looking directly into his eyes. Something steeley flickered in them, sharp and stern. He decided it may just be a good idea to humor her for now. It’s her fantasy, after all.

“Limmett,” he muttered. She beamed at that.

Pomni took her little pen out and started writing in her book, scribbling down something she deemed important. Then, she placed the pen in it and knelt down to set it on the ground beside the chair. Jax’s tail swished behind him without his permission as she placed her hand on his foot gently. Sitting on her knees in front of him.

Then, she picked it up and set it in her lap. “1 is the worst, 10 is the best. On a scale of 1 to 10, tell me how this feels.”

She brought her hands around it and started kneading, offering a gentle massage. Then she lifted it up to have better access to his paw pads. When she planted a soft kiss on one, he let out a small hiss.

“G-god, dunno why you gotta…I mean you already know those are sens一”

“No commentary, or I will stop,” she shot, tone unwavering. Jax bristled. 

“It’s一a 5,” he huffed, closing his eyes to let his head fall back. She wrote it down in her book and returned to him.

Pomni focused her attention to his paws and kissed them both, back and forth, alternating legs evenly. She eventually got to his ankles, which tore a ragged breath away from him, and pulled a smile from her lips. Another quick little note, and she was slotted between his legs again. His head darted up to look at her as he pressed her hands to his knees, bent down so that her lips were at his shin.

“1 to 10. What is it?” 

She trailed kisses up his shins, alternating every now and then, as she wrapped her hands around his calves. The way she slotted her hands deeply into the fur there, the way her breasts pressed on him through the lab coat一he let out a small whimper. 
God it’s just a little touch, she hasn’t even gotten anywhere near his dick, why is it so intense?!

“6,” he sighed, trying to steady himself. Pomni retreated to write it down and was on him again in a second. Her hands drug up his legs and pressed his knees, pulling them apart so she could slot into them. Her hands left burning trails along his fur, and he felt like he was gonna boil over when they stopped at his mid thigh.

“And this?” she asked, pressing a trail of kisses from the side of his knee to the inside of his thigh. Jax grit his teeth as his hips rutted forward slightly without his permission, but it only pulled a small chuckle out of her. She was eating up that he wasn’t back talking, ugh look at that smug little face. She waited for his eyes to lock with hers before she dragged her tongue along the same path she trailed her kisses.

“Ahhhh 8,” he keened, thoughtlessly reaching out to run his fingers through her hair.

“No. No touching until I say,” she barked, snatching his hand and replacing it by the seat's edge. He looked downright pitiful.

Jax was so flustered, so needy for her一he was so hard it was starting to hurt. The lack of attention to where he needed it was most certainly some cruel torture to exact revenge for all the times he’s fucked with her too much. His boxers sported a sweet little wet spot at the apex of his tent, and he felt pathetic and weak and embarrassed that he’s feeling that way in the first place.

“You’re doing so well,” she cooed at him, earning a deepening blush. This is gonna kill him.

She pushed herself a little higher and felt up his upper thighs, completely bypassing Quipu, to his utter distress. She lapped little licks up his stomach as her hands searched  the softness of his fur under his boxers, but never his length. A tragedy.

Then, Pomni stood slowly and placed her hands on his shoulders before crawling into his lap. Jax groaned as her bare heat connected with him, pressing his cock down into his stomach. She was so hot, he could feel how wet she was through the boxers too. She’s really getting off to this.

“1 to 10, Bunny,” she rasped, letting her hands drift around his shoulders and chest. He was shaking, now, every touch felt like lightning. Jax felt tears threaten to fall as she brushed over his nipples and started mouthing at him.

“So much,” he whispered, straining to keep himself together for her fantasy, “gotta be a 9.”

“I like 9s. But I really like 10s,” she hummed, pushing herself up and away from his length. Jax growled at the loss of contact, but still held himself together as Pomni pressed her face into his neck to nibble at it. Her hands shot up to rest at the base of his ears, and when she pressed into them, he gave her a number without her prompt.

“Pom,” he warbled, “9. It’s 9. Please一” He reached up to clutch her hips desperately as they hovered so temptingly above his aching need, just barely out of reach. She didn’t scold him for holding her there, and he figured she wouldn’t as long as he didn’t try and guide her.

Pomni ran her pinched fingers along one of his ears and he moaned, pressing his face into her shoulder.

“Is there anywhere I could touch that would be a ten?” she hummed softly, sweetly, so full of mirth. He was going to explode.

“Here, please,” Jax hissed through grit teeth, squeezing her hips but not daring to maneuver her. She was so close, he was so close….

“Hmm. I see. If I touch you there, you have to do exactly what I say. You’ve been so good, I’d hate to spoil the streak,” she beamed, lowering her hand to the rim of his boxers. His heart was in his ears, he didn’t care is she asked him to scrape his butt on the floor in front of everyone, he’d do it if she’d just feel him一

“I’ll be so Good, Pomni,” Jax pleads, basically begging. The power trip is incredible.

Pomni planted a tender kiss on his lips and he moaned onto them, so tense he could shatter at any moment.

“Yes you will,” she ordered, still pressed against his lips, “take the boxers off.”

Chapter 70: CH.70 RELEASE

Notes:

Extra spice, beware frens

Praise the Lord, the stifling oppression has ended. Jax felt like he could rejoice with her simple command, like he jumped from being 10 inches to 10 feet tall. His heart hammered as Pomni still straddled his pelvis, smiling down at him in oversaturated lust. He squeezed his eyes shut and removed his hands from her hips and lifted his own to shimmy the despicable material away.

When his underwear was on the floor, Jax shot his gaze back to Pomni with a jerk. It’s gone now, the terrible barrier is gone. His mind raced with the knowledge that she had nothing to conceal herself under the coat, that if he humored her enough she might reward him with the thing he’s been wanting since the first day they touched each other like lovers. He shivered, his hands hovered above her tentatively, silently asking permission to touch her. 

“My my, look at you,” she hummed so quietly, like it was only to herself. She leaned back further, sitting down on his legs closer to his knees as she acknowledged his self control. She pulled her hand forward slowly, and only using one fingertip, she pressed a barely there touch to his pink tip as it bobbed against his stomach. He almost writhed under her hand, jaw tensing to the point that if his teeth were real, they’d start chipping. It was a miracle that he hadn’t developed a tension headache.

“You can rest your hands, but don’t squeeze.”

Jax shot his hands forward and traced the curve of her hips, fingers tensing and twitching with anticipation. It was so hard not to squeeze, all he needed was SOME tactile stimulation, that’s all, just a little一

“Good boy,” Pomni praised, voice low and smooth like bourbon.

That tone was enough to make him twitch, and she seemed pleased with his reaction because she wrapped her small hand around him with her own shit eating grin. He groaned and shuttered, pelvis pushing forward even with her still sitting on his legs. The movement did nothing but aggravate him more, and she could see the immense frustration on his face and had the audacity to chuckle.

Delicately, she slid her hand over his weeping tip and earned a hearty moan. Again, her palm brushed him there, and he felt the prick of tears in his eyes at the blatant avoidant  mistreatment, but he kept his mouth shut and willed away the waterworks as best he could. Pomni could see the wet sheen in his eyes though and brought her unoccupied hand up to his cheek.

“Awwe,” she cooed, “poor Bunny. What’s wrong?” He didn’t realize his teeth had become sharp as he let out an even sharper breath. Just as he’d processed that he was expected to respond, she started gently stroking, and he nearly choked again.

“一Jus’ feels good,” he harshly whispered, meeting her gaze challengingly. Sure, he’d been playing along so far, but there was a point where he couldn’t roll over anymore, whether from neediness or pure losing control of his bruised ego. The urge to push back within the parameters of her rules momentarily won一he wasn’t going to admit anything yet.

Pomni’s smile was sharp and almost intimidating. She brushed her thumb across his chin and watched his face like a predator, wicked and calculating. 
“Rate it,” she ordered.

Jax swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. That look on her face was dangerous. If she touched him any more he’d blow, and he wanted to wait even if the pressure became borderline unbearable. To drag it out to see if he could get her to let him inside.

“9,” he huffed, pulling his hands away for a moment so he wouldn’t squeeze her. It was her turn to offer him crazed spiked teeth.

“Hmm. Only a 9, still?” Her tone said she knew exactly what he was doing. “That just won’t do.”

She lifted her hips, and for a fleeting moment, he thought he won. Excited and overwhelmed, Jax let out a pitiful sound that withered him when he heard it. But the promise of contact erased his embarrassment as she moved to unbutton the bottom of the white coat. He stared at her exposed arousal as she brought her free hand to herself, and he consciously switched to mouth breathing so he wouldn’t come undone with her scent.

She pumped him quickly with a firmer grasp, now, as she slipped 2 fingers into herself. Her broken keen hit him like a sledgehammer, and he moaned desperately at the sight. He warred with himself, simultaneously wanting to give in and wanting to fight for the better prize at the end if he could hold out. Jax cursed this situation and himself for being so close to losing control in this game. That’s what she wanted一for him to lose control and give it to her. And he’d relinquished a lot already, as much as he could manage. More than he’d ever imagined he would. But she’s asking for all of it, and that’s not something he’ll just give up easily.

On the brink of orgasm, he was desperate to think of something that would keep him in the ring. He needed to win, he needed to show her that while she’s got the touch of a succubus he has the resolve of a war hero. 

“Oh d@mn Pom,” his breath hitched pathetically as he watched her touch herself, “S’only a 3 now.”

Pomni’s grin abruptly fell. Her eyes visibly darkened, and immediately Jax regretted what he’d said. Something that rarely ever happened.

“Oh no,” she rasped out, almost like she had to spit it out of her mouth, “how terrible. I’ll make sure to avoid it from now on.” She pulled her hand away from his length.

Jax’s stomach dropped. That’s not what he wanted to happen.
“NO! Please, please, I didn’t mean that,” he pleaded, lurching forward and pressing her hips closer, “I’m sorry please don’t.”

Pomni’s face contorted in thought, her calculations seemingly keeping pace with him. He realized then that she knew exactly what he was doing, and she had countermeasures for everything he would throw her way. An uncanny mixture of arousal, respect, and anticipation churned in his gut as she made her next move like a master chessman.

“You lied to me. That's against the rules, Jax. I told you I wanted honesty from you.”

“I know, I know! I’m sorry, I don’t know why I did it一”

“There you go again with the lies. If you tell the truth, we can keep going, but if you continue to be dishonest we can end this right now,” she snapped, pushing herself up on her knees and brushing the head of his cock against her lower lips. She then brought the hand that was pleasuring herself up to grasp his chin, and the smell trapped him. The combination was what broke him.

“I thought if I said it didn’t feel good you’d sit on it I’m sorry,” he whimpered, tearing up again,  “I just want it so bad一 I’m sorry I won’t lie anymore. Don’t stop…”

She hummed satisfiedly at his answer, and her smile returned.

“I’m proud of you,” she whispered, reaching for his hand. He froze, eyes wide and unbelieving as she pulled him between her legs and pressed him there. “Work me open, Bun. Slowly.”

He jerked his hand to cover himself as he let go too quickly to stop himself. He shivered as he pressed his fingers into her with enthusiasm while also trying to keep his spend hidden. To his relief and delight, their lips connected, and he was able to wipe it off on the bottom of the chair while she was distracted. She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull closer.

Jax has never been more aroused in his life. This whole situation is absolutely insane, the feeling it enveloped him in, especially for someone who was all too easily arousable. It was better than anything he’d experienced before. Pomni had the gall to be so titillating and so inexperienced at the same time, and it threatened to spill over again.

Her lips slid along his with fervor, sweet and painfully addictive. Like a razor dipped in spiced honey, her touch sliced his nerves open. Their tongues danced together as he pushed one finger into her, and she pressed her hips flush with his stomach, moaning a soft, high pitched moan into his mouth. He pumped with vigor, drinking up everything she was giving. He had the fleeting thought that he should give her controle more often before he slipped a second digit inside.

She was so wet and tight, and his head was swimming at the feeling of her walls around him. Jax could feel her legs brush his hand as she started to tremble一another finger for good measure squeezed in, and she squeaked at the intrusion. This is sure to break her, he thought, which might redeem some of his lost pride. She bit his lip when he didn’t expect it, and his unoccupied hand drifted to his cock in hopes of some personal relief, but she snatched his wrist before he had the chance.

“No no. That’s not what you want,” she stated, confidence dripping off of her. 

“Pom,” he whined, curling his fingers harder in hopes she’d falter like he did, only she didn't. Instead, she started rolling her hips in time with him. The sounds they were making were obscene enough to spur her on further.

“Tell me what you want,” she hummed, threading his fur through her fingers. A fat tear rolled down his cheek and burned on the way down, the proof that he was finally giving up.

“I want you, d@mn it! I want you, I want you to ride, or let me f*ck you, or anything! I need it, please, Pom…”

She let go of his wrist, and the chair he was on disappeared. He was now on a firm cushion on the floor, and Pomni had pushed his chest back so he was lying on his back. It was all so quick he got dizzy, closing his eyes to better get his bearings. When he felt her line him up, his yellow eyes shot open with hope and desire.

Pomni let her hips drop, and took him a little past the tip. He arched his back up, bucking forward, and he slid in deeper only momentarily. Jax had to come back down eventually, and Pomni was not ready to give him any say yet. She’d already rewarded him, after all.

The feeling was incredible. All the pent up frustration from being held back, from being composed, had stolen most of his energy. He groaned aloud, snatched her waist like it was a lifeline, and tried to ease into the feeling of her wrapped around him.

“So how is this, then? What’s the number?” she teased, though she was trembling just as much as he was.

“10!” he bawled, struggling to not pull her down to the hilt. She leaned forward and angled herself before she slid down slowly and deliberately.

“That’s what I like to hear,” Pomni whispered, coming to a stop in the middle of his shaft. Jax felt his soul start to leave his body as she lifted herself again, and came back down with more intention. She started at a steady pace, careful to fall lower each time she came down. Jax realized she was trying to adjust to his size and let out a broken, intoxicated laugh.

“God you’re perfect,” he whispered, deciding it would be a good time to test the waters, “F*ck you feel perfect.”

He gripped her hips harder and started to roll them when she was dropping, and that slight shift angled him so he could touch the bloom of arousal within her. Pomni moaned a broken chirpy moan, and her pussy fluttered around him as he twitched inside her. His hips shot forward, their bodies went flush, and the world tilted on its axis as she came hard on his dick. 

She fell forward, her little body convulsing like an epileptic, and he lifted her hips while she leaned on him. He was going to keep it going, help her ride it out. The feeling of her tightening and shaking in his arms pulled him over the edge too, but he kept rolling her hips as her orgasm milked him. By far, this was the best sex he’d ever had. 

“Jesus f*ckin’ Christ, Pomni,” Jax panted, still feeling the back end of her fluttering, “That’s a 20 at least.”

Pomni braced herself on his chest and pushed up, her face flush and sheepish. Total 180 from 2 minutes ago, but she regained that confident persona quickly as she cupped his own pinkened cheek.

“Good,” she whispered, shifting with him still half-hard inside, “because you deserve it. My good Bunny.”

She said it so sweetly and tenderly that he felt almost sick in the head for getting so turned on by it. Pomni’s eyes fluttered closed as she felt him fill her all the way again, arousal bleeding through her features.

“Yes,” he rasped, drawing his hand over to her tummy, “I want it again, please. Please, Pom一”

She smiled at him, but that sharpness from before was gone. Softness took its place, wrapping around her and enhancing the afterglow.

“Of course,” she hummed, pressing her hands into the fur of his chest. She started rolling her hips again, and Jax had to throw his head back as the sensation overtook his mind. Sounds of pleasure escaped him as she slid across him, squeezing perfectly and begging for his pleasure to make a home in her again.

They stayed like that for a long time, bypassing dinner. They were both thankful beyond measure that nobody interrupted them. Maybe the others thought they needed time to think after the code stuff, or maybe they knew better than to interrupt them by now. At least, that was a hopeful thought.

After Pomni was certain that she’d milked Jax dry, she was satisfied. He most certainly was, unable to move from where he’d gotten his brains fucked out. Pomni admittedly was out of it too, having worked so hard and succumbed to her own pleasure a multitude of times.

As she layed in the crook of his arm, her mind abuzz with the comforting droll of pleasure and floatiness, she smiled for the last time before she let sleep steal her away too.
She was sure of her success in showing her appreciation. He was as happy as she’d ever seen him. She turned into his side and let his arm act as a pillow as she hugged him in his slumber. 

He curled that arm she pressed against around her too. He was such a good Bunny.

Chapter 71: CH.71 PIRATE'S PERRIL: act 1(JUST A DRAG)

“I feel so wrong about it,” Zooble huffed as they debated between 3 arm options.

“I know,” Gangle muttered, “but you’ll be cute no matter which one you choose. That count’s for something, right?”

Zooble turned to look at the masked girl behind them, and her smile was warm and gentle. Zooble sighed and nodded their head, knowing that she was being sweet and trying to help, but she couldn't really understand.

“You’re a slice of cherry pie, G,” they hummed, snatching an arm at random and popping it into place.

“What does that make you, if I’m a piece of pie?” Gangle chuckled softly.

“Um…a pie enthusiast?”  They both laughed at that, and Gangle stepped closer to them with a smile.

“I know it’s hard for you. But you are wonderful whether you’re green or blue, or winged or antennaed. What makes Zooble Zooble is not their body parts. It’s the soul inside.”

Zooble paused and looked at her, brows furrowed. Gangle was right, their body parts did not make them who they were. It was their mind, their soul that made them who they were. So why the hell does it still feel so bad in this body if the body is arbitrary? Gangle frowned at the face they were making as they stared past her.

Gangle placed a ribbon hand on their cheek to snap them back to reality. 
“If you just can't get past your own perspective, then borrow mine for a while.”

That brought Zooble back to the conversation they had with Pomni about perspective and their falce perceived dichotomy of right and wrong. Maybe Pom had a point, if Gangle was bringing it up again without the knowledge of their previous conversation.

Gangle opened the door to the hall and gestured for Zooble to step through, and they did silently. The abstract duo made their way to the commons kitchen in thoughtful contemplation, and when they arrived, they were greeted by Kinger and Ragatha.

“Hello, Kids! Oh I missed you,” Kinger piped, full of joy and longing. He hopped right up from his seat and rushed over to pat Gangle and Zooble on the back. They were both a bit startled, but not upset with his display of affection.

“Hey, King一ha ha, you missed us?” Gangle asked tepidly.

“Oh yes! I always do,” he answered thoughtfully. Gangle felt very strange about this interaction.

“Good morning, guys. I was admiring your handiwork for a long time last night, Z. It makes me feel so pretty,” Ragatha chimed in, offering a charmed smile. 

“Hmm. I’m glad someone does,” they muttered dryly.

“Oh Zoob, whadaya’ mean? You’re totally gorgeous,” Jax’s obnoxious voice cut the calm atmosphere in half.

“Oh don’t start, you,” Zooble spat, turning to eye him as he…dragged Pomni by the foot to the breakfast table?

“What are you doing?!” Ragatha yelped, standing up to rush over to them.

“Hey! Nu-uh, back off Dolly, this is between me and the jester!” Pomni rolled her eyes.

“Oh geez, Jax. What he actually meant to say was, we made a bet,” Pomni clarified, though she was still laying on the floor with an ankle in Jax’s hand. He smiled smugly.

“No, no, I meant what I said and I said what I meant. It IS between us.”

“Well一care to, I dunno, explain?” Zooble huffed with a raised eyebrow. Jax placed his free hand on his hip and effortlessly raised Pomni to rest his hand on his shoulder, and she still hung limply behind like a big bag.

“If I can stay still for a whole day, he has to tell me some of his secrets,” Pomni explained casually as she dangled.

“And you agreed to this?” Gangle asked in near disbelief.

“Yes, she did. I am very interesting, ya’see? S’a good incentive,” Jax taunted, waltzing over to the table and pulling out his chair. He seemed to deliberate for a moment before plopping Pomni down in it and sitting on her.

“You’re gonna crush her!” Ragtha harped, rushing to the jester's side to pick up her fully limp hand. WOW she was really committed to the bit.

“Naahhh, she can handle it,” Jax smirked, starting to pile up his plate.

“What, you’re just gonna not let her eat?” Gangle asked incredulously.

Jax shot her a nasty scowl. “Of course I’m gonna feed her! I just have to eat first, to keep my strength up! What kind of a lime do you take me for, Ribbons?”

“Lime…?” Gangle responded meekly.

“He’s a lime, Gangle,” Pomni responded casually, as if none of this were happening. 

“Oh good God Jax’s craziness finally rubbed off on her,” Zooble huffed with an amused chuckle.

“D@mn right I’m a lime. Usedta’ be a lemon but a man can change,” he shot with a smirk. Pomni snickered at it and he decided he didn’t like using her as a cushion any more, so he stood up and swapped their positions.

“So, what are the rules then, for this bet? She can talk, but can't walk?” Ragatha asked cautiously, sitting in Pomni’s unoccupied seat to be next to them.

“No use of any limbs whatsoever. She can talk, eat, drink, blink, and breathe. And if she loses, I get a personal prize that will not be disclosed,” Jax offered sassily.

“Ewe,” Zooble spat.

“Can she engage her core? Like can she sit upright? Or move her neck?” Gangle asked, kind of invested in this weird game now.

“MMMMM no use of the core or neck allowed. This is high stakes,” he brandished.

“You just want to boost your chances of winning by making it stupidly hard!” Ragatha huffed, snatching Pomni’s hand in support. Pomni offered her a smile, but kept her hand limp as a wet noodle.

“Bingo bango bongo, Patches. You’re finally catching up,” Jax snickered. He snatched a grape from a plate on the table and brought it up to Pomni’s lips.

“Open wide, future loser,” he grinned maniacally. Pomni hummed as he did so, taking the grape with no bite back.

“You know, I think you may be outmatched,” Zooble chuckled. She was pretty good at being limp. What was it Jax had said before, when recanting their mischief with the batting cages? She was boneless?

“Me? No, never,” he snarked. He reached out for another grape and she took it again without protest.

“I dunno, Jax,” Gangle put her 2 cents in, “Pomni’s pretty hard core. I think she’s going to come out on top.”

Jax threw his head back and laughed with his whole being, and Pomni nearly choked on her grape as the rest of the table startled at his outburst.

“You have NO IDEA,” he cackled, pink high on his cheeks, as he wiped a tear away from his eye. He patted Pomni’s head belittlingly, but she shut her eyes and rested once he pulled her back to rest against his chest. She was still in the game.

“I think this whole thing is just an excuse for you to play with her like a toy,” Ragtha chimed in, starting to eat her breakfast in scrutiny.

“Oh, Rags. I don’t need a silly bet to do that.”

Pomni’s face went redder than mars and she growled at him, but made no effort to elbow his stomach or kick his legs. She just stayed put like a good sack of flour, and Jax could not have been more elated with hers and everyone else's disgruntled reaction.

In a jarring flashbang, Caine appeared in front of the table wearing Bubble as a hat before anyone could reprimand Jax for being a perv.

“HELLO,” he screeched, “ARE WE READY FOR A TROPICAL PARADISE?”

Everyone perked up at that. Well, except for Pomni. She stayed un-perked.

“Vacation adventure?” Gangle proposed hopefully. Caine just laughed at her.

“Oh, Gangle. Silly, stupid Gangle,” Bubble lilted from atop Caine’s head. Her brows furrowed in annoyance at the spherical nuisance. 

“So what then? I’d like a vacation, honestly,” Zooble gruffed, taking a sip of their coffee.

“NO! Today’s adventure is一” he gave them all a dramatic pause that raised no one's excitement, “一TREASURE HUNT!”  A flourish of confetti burst from his literal eyeballs, and Pomni flinched, but didn’t move otherwise. Jax made a sound of dissatisfaction as he let his forehead rest on Pomni’s shoulder in defeated annoyance.

“This is the 425th one,” Zooble deadpanned, meeting Jax’s sentiment. Ragatha tilted her head and peered at them amazedly.

“You’re keeping track?” she asked. There was only a grunt returned.

“Will your enthusiasm increase with bribery?” Caine asked, filled with hope. He rushed over to Zooble and gave them his gross version of puppy eyes.

“Uhh…I guess I can be bribed?” Zooble answered cautiously, “I haven't gotten to pick a prize yet.”

“YAY BRIBERY!” Bubble shouted, still sitting on the jaw’s head. Caine snapped open a portal and motioned for them to go through, and they all did so if a bit reluctantly. Everything needs to be taken with a grain of salt, with him. Jax stood with Pomni hanging off his arms and was met with Caines observant stare, and he maneuvered her to his back before he stepped through with the others.

“Oh, what the? Pirates? Again?” Gangle whined as she glossed over everyone's outfits.
Disgustingly accurate dirty linens, hot and stiff leathers, and itchy cotton covered the whole crew. The only one that wasn’t dressed in accurate pirate gear was Pomni, who sported the absolute opposite. She had on shiny boots and a black coat lined in expensive looking buttons. A frilly neck adornment made her look posh, yet the triangular frilled hat sporting a feather identified her over the top fantasy pirate-ness, apparently.

“Oh for f#ck’s sake, Caine,” Zooble hissed, already hating that they could smell everyone from a simulated lack of bathing, “don’t tell us you’ve rounded back to the pirate phase, please for the love of God!”

“Noooo they’re so itchy,” Ragatha whimpered, pulling at her dirty shirt. Kinger was fine, the lucky bastard, he only wore an eyepatch, bandanna, and sash.

Caine absolutely ignored them as he happily zipped right up to Pomni and Jax, the latter of which was still being supported via piggybacking. Jax just looked past Caine as he floated in front of him, out onto the pretty well rendered ocean view.

“Pomni is the captain, and she has the map! You will discover the location of the treasure by following the ‘X’! Also, whoever finds the treasure will receive a prize to activate upon returning to the circus! Good luck, skallywags!”

“NOT THE F%CKING PIRATE ADVENTURES AGAIN,” Zooble cried. If they had hair, it would have been ripped out by now from sheer frustration. Ragatha and Gangle were both just as upset, though they expressed it in different ways. Jax looked out to sea as the pair of dentures bid them farewell in this hellish adventure.

“So, not to be totally ignorant,” Pomni started, drawing everyone's attention, “but why is everyone so opposed to the pirate adventures? I’m not judging, just asking.” Jax squeezed her legs as they dangled in front of him and laughed obnoxiously.

“Cuz everybody here is LAME,” he hollered, swinging around to face the others.

“Oh come on! You can’t seriously like smelling like @ss no matter how hard you scrub? Or being raided by other pirates?!” Zooble asked incredulously.

“Naw, Z, see that’s where we differ. That smell can be conquered with sheer mental fortitude, and as for the enemies, they’re just a personified chill pill. Let’s off steam to slice an NPC with a cutlass, ya’ know?” Jax grinned.

“Being seasick and sunburned and dehydrated is NOT my idea of a good time,” Ragatha snarked, folding her arms with a pout. Gangle nodded in wilted agreement.

“But there are some nice things,” Kinger piped up from behind, “The air is salty and fresh. The sea shanties are catchy, and I love stocking up on citrus to prevent scurvy.”

“See? You tell’um, King. Least lame of the lame squad.”

“Ok一well, if I have the map, why don’t we get it out and locate that treasure so we can be done already,” Pomni hummed, still unmoving. Jax’s smirk reached his ears as he hummed at her.

“Oh yeeeah, Pom’s the Captain. Hm. Well, Captain, why dontch’a whip out that map’a yours?” 

“Nope,” she piped, “Not happening. Somebody else can get the map. I’m giving permission to search for it.”

“Ok, I’ll look. Hold her still, Jax,” Ragatha chimed, starting to step toward them. Jax snickered at her and shook his head, offering a ‘tsk tsk tsk’, like she was an ignorant child.

“I don’t think you will be doing a cavity search on my immobilized jester, Raggy,” he hummed, taking a big step back from her. Ragatha’s face contorted in confusion and then aggravation, realizing he was just playing keep away for the sake of his little game.

“You have to listen to Pomni, she’s the captain!” Ragatha huffed, stomping her dolly foot in a fit of puffiness. He laughed at her again.

“Weeeell, since I made a bet with Pomni, and Pomni is basically unable to do anything unless it’s done for her, and I’m the person doing those things, I guess Captain-hood is by proximity extended to mua.” Pomni was just as done with him as the others were, but she had her end of the bet to keep, so she just growled at him from his back.

“Z, G, King, Rags! I order you to apprehend me from Jax! I do not relinquish my captain-hood!” she proclaimed. Jax bubbled with glee at how intense she sounded even as she felt like a dead octopus on his back.

“You’ll never get her! AHAHAHHAHAH!” Jax yelled, taking off to the other side of the ship.

The others ran after him, determined to get the damn map to be closer to ending this stupid adventure. Jax, however, was just settling in.

Chapter 72: CH.72 PIRATE'S PERRIL: act 2 (VOTE)

“You should have given us the map when you had the chance,” Zooble said, snide and proud of their handiwork. They clapped their hands together in a passing motion, as if to rid them of dust, but there was no dust.

“You,” Jax hissed, full of malice, “are the Roblox equivalent of stepping on a Lego.”

“What does that make you? The Five Nights at Freddy's version of a Charlie horse?” they shot back. 

Jax’s face contorted in disbelief and annoyance. “That doesn’t make any sense!”

“You literally never make any sense.”

Jax blew a defeated puff from his chest. He could not take a swing, or pop off their limbs one by one like he was fantasizing about. Why, you ask? Because. Zooble was not having any more of his shit, plain and simple. They ambushed him with the help of Gangle and Ragatha, and now, Jax was suspended from a rope that hung off one of the huge wooden beams that sprouted from the main mast of the ship. Because Ragatha mentioned that Jax was wiley, and if they tied him to the post, he’d be able to still use his hands. And if they just kept him tied on the floor, he’d roll around and cause some chaos while cosplaying a cigar.

So they went with suspending him in mid air. Pomni was a bit sceptical as she hung off of Ragathas’ shoulder一something Jax was certain she was enjoying far too much一but ultimately agreed that Jax was just ‘too smart and too creative’ to not have extreme measures taken with his bindings. Honestly it stoked his ego for her to say that, but he didn’t have much of a reason to be smug when he felt like the lure on a fishing line.

“So it says that if we go northeast, well arrive on一 Ornitho一ornith一noophobia Island?” Gangle stuttered, squinting at the map.

“You had it right, G. Ornithophobia. But wait, why??” Pomni asked in bewilderment.

“Um, what type of phobia is that?” Gangle wondered aloud, glancing up at the noodle pirate captain.

“Fear of birds, you twit,” Jax spat before starting to swing himself to get closer to the map. He wanted to see.

“Birds? That’s a weird fear,” Ragatha hummed to herself. She was smiling through it while her arms crossed behind her back to support Pomni.

“Oh birds can be very scary, Ragatha. They’re the descendants of dinosaurs. Are you not scared of velociraptors?” Kinger chimed in. Jax had swung himself just enough to be able to read the map on his farthest passes.

“No, I’m一I mean I haven’t一er, but aren't most birds cute, though? Sure there are bound to be some off ones,” Ragatha persisted, “but maybe there were some cute dinosaurs too? I’m not一”

“You guys are gonna sail us through the sea named ‘Regret’? Ya’ll’r gonna kill us!” Jax yelped, now swaying back and forth like a cankerworm that dangles from a tree by its butt silk.

“Ragatha, would you let me see the map?” Pomni asked sweetly. It made Jax want to spit fire that she wasn’t using that tone on him, slumped on his back like melted butter. Ragatha quickly motioned for Gangle to hold up the map so she could see.

“Why are you guys humoring her? Ya’ never humor me! NOT FAIR!”

“You,” Ragatha shot him a suspicious glare, “are inclined to make everything harder. Pomni, on the other hand, is inclined to make things easier. Also, I’m rooting for her to win.”

“Same,” Zooble chimed.

“Oh yeah. I want Pom to school your fluffy butt. I want to see you lose at this dumb competition, and I want to see you get all pissy about it,” Gangle hummed.

Hmm. Seems he is not the favorite in this competition一well so be it. It’ll make his victory that much sweeter. Pomni raked her eyes over the parchment and her mouth tugged into a frown, but damn her she was as still as a rock the whole time. After her analysis, she spoke softly.

“Jax is right. There is a sea named ‘Regret’ that is in between us and the island with the X. There is a second way, but it involves circumnavigating a large landmass by deviating to the south, and it has various drawings on the surrounding waters. A sea monster, a castle, a mermaid, and a treasure chest. Knowing Caine, the images reflect real things along the way, and the name Regret can either mean regret for going or for not going.”

“Sea monsters and sirens are not something I want to deal with,” Zooble huffed, stepping closer to Gangle. The ribbon girl smiled and wrung her hands together.

“But the treasure chest? Isn’t that what we're after?” Gangle asked tepidly, looking toward Zooble.

“Yes! Yes we’re after the treasure!” Jax hollered, still struggling after too long. Damn his stubborn streak, he was missing all the Pomni potato-sack action!

“Caine told us it’s the X, not the chest. He’d for sure use that as a type of distraction. He knows we don’t pay attention most of the time. But, it also might be a trick in itself,” Ragatha mentioned, propping Pomni up on her back a bit.

“That’s true!” Kinger supplied helpfully, “Caine does like to be tricky. I say the X is the best bet!”

“Kinger is right. Caine plays tricks. I say we take a vote on sailing through Regret, or going around,” Pomni proclaimed. Everyone sort of murmured in response, waiting for her to sound off the options they were voting on. 

“In favor of circumnavigation, raise your hand.” Ragatha and Gangle raised their hands.

“In favor of passing through Regret?” Kinger and Zooble. Pomni couldn’t raise her hand. Neither could Jax.

“I vote for the straight shot. Northeast through the sea. Jax, what do you vote?”

Jax balked at that. She was asking for his vote in the current circumstances, and he wanted to coo at it sarcastically even though it did pull his heartstrings in that Pomniesque way, but before he could, Gangle interrupted rudely.

“Jax’s vote would make or tie it, why don’t we just skip him?” she asked meekly.

“No, Gangle. Jax’s opinion matters just as much,” Pomni assured her gently. 

Gangle huffed at that but didn’t protest further, and Jax felt such overwhelming pride even tied and hoisted above them all. Jax wanted to rub it in her face, to gloat like a goat, but he refrained. Instead, he thought deeply about whether he should contribute to the end of the adventure or make it harder on everyone, but especially Pomni, which would increase her chances of faltering in their challenge. But then, a scarier thought popped up.

Pomni is stubborn too. If he votes the long dangerous way, her integrity-having little ass will certainly go that route, and they’ll run into trouble. But Pomni is committed to this bet, she’ll die on this hill. Is it really worth putting her in danger even if he knows she’ll take it, and probably get hurt in the process?

“Um, earth to Jax? Captain Pomni asked you a question,” Ragatha hummed smugly, as if taking pleasure from her ‘position’.

“Yeah, uhh一go through the Sea of Regret. Yeah,” Jax muttered, staring off into the sea again. Pomni made a sound of surprise before she let out a cute little chuckle.

“Surprise surprise,” she lilted. It pulled his gaze away from the water to look at her expression.

It was dreamy and soft and made his heart flutter. And after seeing that little amused face, he didn’t regret picking the easy way. A crooked grin crept onto his face, and he totally forgot that he was suspended with rope for a millisecond. Then, Pomni mumbled something to Ragatha and she shifted her on her back again and he remembered.

“Zooble and Gangle, will you take the map to the Captains quarters and study it some more? And Ragatha, would you please get the compass and follow too?” Pomni asked. Very uncaptain like if you ask Jax.

“Of course!” Ragatha pipped, happy to oblige. G and Z nodded and rolled up the map to take it to the far side of the ship.

“Oh, and Kinger,” she called from Ragathas’ shoulder, “please get Jax down once we are inside the Captain's quarters. And Jax一don’t make me regret this please.”

Ragatha snapped her mouth shut and her face went stony, but after Pomni was done speaking she followed Zooble and Gangle to the room. Jax was surprised at this turn of events, but quite happy to be free of his confines, spurred by Pomni’s benevolence. The girls and Zooble were out of sight when Kinger started to lower him to the floorboards.

“You’re a baller Kingsley,” Jax huffed, relieved to be rid of the pressure of the rope. Kinger chuckled lovingly as the bindings loosened.

“I’m a cylinder, actually!” Jax couldn’t help but snicker at that.

As soon as Jax was free, he rubbed his shoulders as he stared at the spot Pomni and the others disappeared to. He wanted to go seek her out, reclaim his role as her hauler, his rightful place under her silly floppy body. But he knew the door to where they were was locked, and he was asked not to interfere again. He reluctantly turned back to Kinger to see if he could mess with him sufficiently to occupy himself.

Only, the chess piece was gone. Nowhere to be seen. Vanished.

“Kingman?” Jax asked idly, spinning around to look for him.

“Kinger, where’d ya’ go?” He walked over to the railing at the edge of the ship and leaned over, “Man overboard?”

“Aboveboard!” Kingers' distant voice called out. Jax’s ears twitched and flicked above him, angling toward the top of the mast. He pushed himself away from the edge and stalked over to the huge wooden pillar to get a better look.

Kinger was there, high up on the top of the beam. Sitting in a decent seized basket at the peak of it; the crows nest. Jax snorted and crossed his arms to eye the old man skeptically before succumbing to his impulses and climbing the metal pegs himself. He passed huge drapes of cream colored material that passed for sails, and the ropes clung to the wooden supports, but he didn’t spend much time absorbing everything on the way to the top.

“Oh hello Jax? Fancy seeing you here!” Kinger piped.

“Small world,” Jax hummed back, settling into the basket next to the old man. The wind ruffled his fur, and the salty air breathed a calm into him as he leaned back against the railing. Jax brought his gaze away from Kinger to cast it out over their view from atop the crows-nest. 

The vast navy blue ocean spread in every direction until it kissed the pale horizon. The sky was a slow but perceptibly moving overcast, probably on a massive loop, but the clouds didn't have that bubbly quality he was used to. The waves were present, but not large, at least from his perspective at the top of the ship. They foamed and frothed, churning with energy that seemed so realistic. The light rippled off the water in a scattering way, and it made it more like a mosaic of different shades and hues of blues, rather than one massive lifeless monochrome thing. Caine was getting, like…phenomenal, at this point. Realistic wave physics are super impressive, and the beauty of everything, it sunk his stomach.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” Kinger hummed next to him. Jax’s ear flicked, but he didn’t shift his gaze away from the water.

“It’s unnervingly realistic一at least, I think,” he nearly whispered. Just a hint of vulnerability for a madman.

“I agree. But this is the perfect place to practice, you know? No distractions, a calm place…this would be a really good place to try and see it.”

Jax did turn to face him, now. Kinger was covering his eyes with his hands as he spoke. “You’re talking about the code, right?”

“Yes.” Kinger sat with him for a second before he uncovered his eyes. When he lifted his hands away, he was looking at Jax with emotion that evolved from purpose of aloofness. It was rather jarring to see the chess piece transform from fully there to nearly gone in such a short amount of time.

“Easy on the eyes, easy on the mind, huh big guy? Well一I’ll see if I can ease into it,” Jax mumbled. Kinger smiled with his eyes and without another word started on his descent to the deck, leaving Jax by himself.

He looked out onto the water and tried to focus on the things Kinger’d said before, about seeing code. ‘Still the mind’ is pretty vague advice, but he had the basic idea of what needed to be done一go into a meditation, or some shit like that. Probably the least easy thing to do in the circus.

Because that’s all the circus freaks have. Their minds. Thoughts. The ability to occupy themselves via rambling, scattering ideas and imaginings.

But meditation and ‘mind stillness’ means conquering the running thoughts and feelings, and practicing mindfulness. He was admittedly rather intimidated by the information that he needed to conquer himself to see the damn code. But, he and Pomni had agreed in their late night pillow talks that they would work together to try and do this一to break the matrix, and continue to make things better.

Jax took a deep breath and rested against the rail. He draped his arm over the edge and let his head fall back, eyes closed, listening to the rustle of the breeze flapping the sails and the sloshing of the water. He had no idea what he was doing一he had no guidebook for this sort of thing. But that didn’t stop him from trying.

After getting comfortable, he felt an interesting awareness come over him. Unlike the daily hour to hour distraction from self, where he ignored the feeling of being a balloon strung along by a body that wasn’t his, he let himself feel his existence in this weird place. Jax felt like his limbs were detached, like they were phantom in nature. He felt like his skin was a blanket, and like his fur was a healthy coating of dust. It was uncomfortable.

Sitting with his true interpretation of reality, or digital-ality, or whatever, was uncomfortable. It made him want to stop. 

But he didn’t. He sat with it.

And when he opened his eyes, that acknowledged feeling didn’t go away. It extended to the rail of the crows nest, and the sails below. It engulfed everything, the external sense that everything he was interacting with, much like his body, was detached and being dragged along. The realization stilled his breath, but he averted his gaze to the looking clouds to resettle.

They were slow and drawling, easy going and far away in a fake way. They were lying to him, with their beauty and realism, but he sat in the anger they gave him.  Let it happen and studied the feeling. To his surprise, it dissipated after a little while, and the feeling was replaced by calm.

Stillness.

His body was so relaxed, it felt really nice actually. He stayed in it as long as he could, trying to go deeper into the feeling, thinking of nothing else. And out of nowhere, the whole world was covered in an ethereal iridescent glimmer. Like a 6 year old just spilt glitter onto everything.

He shot up, his heart suddenly hammering, reaching out for the cloud that was too far above him to touch, and his heart sank as the luminous sheen blinked out of existence.

Chapter 73: CH.73 PIRATE'S PERRIL: act 3 (STORMS'A'BREWIN)

It was there. IT WAS JUST THERE. He saw it一that damn sparkly coat covered every surface, even if only for a split second. Jax stared wide eyed into the cloud patched sky with excitement, hope, and frustration blooming in his gut.

He tore away from the sky to peek down at the ship, looking for Kinger. He had to tell King, Pom, or anyone, that he saw it. He actually fucking saw it. Kinger was nowhere to be seen though.

Jax hopped over the edge of the rail and hastily descended, hopping off about five feet from the floor.

“KINGER!” Where are you man?” he called, breathing roughly, “I SAW IT!”

He started sniffing the air and swiveling his ears, not even giving a shit that his bunny was showing, to find the old man. He caught the scent and it tickled him, he started running in the direction. He couldn’t help it, the pride was bubbling up in an unexpected way, he felt like he needed to tell him more than anything else, right now.

Jax had to skid to a stop when he saw Kinger at the nose of the ship, holding onto the tip and scanning the waters ahead.

“King! King! Oh my God dude you’ll never believe it!” he laughed, hopping up to hang off of the wooden figurehead. Kinger turned toward him and blinked slowly, offering a little wave.

“Hello Jax! You sure are excited,” he hummed. Jax was so excited he fucking giggled, and he was so distracted that he didn’t even realize how much he was breaking his cool-guy persona.

“Come on! Come on, follow me!” Jax pressed, ushering him back onto the bow. As soon as he was planted steadily on his base, Jax pulled up the sash on his chest to cover the eye that wasn’t patched and waited for Kinger to recalibrate. After the chess piece’s little ‘Oh’, Jax figured he was with it enough to brag to.

“I SAW THE F*CKIN’ GLITTER, MAN!” he cheered, gripping the old man's shoulders to shake him like a crying baby. Kinger made no noise, but placed his gloved hands over Jax’s and waited for him to be done.

When Jax stopped shaking him, smiling so big it ached his cheeks, Kinger placed his hands gently on Jax’s shoulders and mirrored his posture, even as he was blindfolded. 

“Jax,” Kinger said, calmer than the rabbit had expected, “that is so wonderful. I’m so proud of you.”

Jax’s smile fell immediately. With his hands still plated on King's shoulders, his grip tightened involuntarily as he stayed put. He tried to speak, to say something in return, but he found that his voice wouldn’t obey him.

So he just stood there with the old man. They clasped each other in an awkward ‘manly’ way, close enough to feel the weight of each other but far away enough for it to not be labeled intimate. Kinger broke the silence.

“I know how badly you and Pomni wanted this,” he spoke softly. Like he was handling something delicate.

“You have grown so much as a person, Jax. I know it’s hard to tell, but I’ve seen all of it. I notice all the little changes. And it takes a lot of self control to be able to see the code at all. You have really proven yourself to be the exceptional young man, and一I’m honored to have had the privilege of watching you become such a capable, strong, compassionate individual.”

No. No no no no not this. Jax felt his throat tighten up and his stomach drop. His heart was absolutely aching, feeling like a boulder in his chest. He can’t. He can’t. Crying because of mush is not acceptable. 

Crying because of anger and sadness is ok. It’s fine, he cried when Ragatha said that shit about him being dangerous, and he almost did when Pomni was being stupid on the cowboy adventure. And he was mostly alone during those times, Pom was the only one who he’d ever let see him break. He didn’t even cry when Ragatha lost her damn mind in Kingers pillow fort, and that was WAAAY more emotional than this! He CAN’T.

A terrible, fat, wet manifestation of betrayal streaked down not one, but both of his cheeks. 
Fuck everything and fuck him.

Kinger, without warning, gently stepped closer to him, and moved his hands to curl around his upper back. Jax could not move, he was stuck, trapped, pinned. Nothing came from his mouth as King's cool wooden cheek pressed against his fluff, with so little pressure Jax could barely feel it.

It was like he was speaking a foreign language, but he managed to wrap his own arms around the chess piece too. When he leaned into it, his arms tightened, and he heard Kinger sigh in relief. The old man hugged tighter, prompted by Jax’s reciprocation. Kinger felt his shoulder dampen, but did not say a word about it. He just let Jax cry一er, leak from his eyes一there for a minute.

Jax was the one to pull away. Kinger stayed exactly where he was, patient and accepting of everything, even though the bunnies’ head-voices were full-on berating him at this point. Kinger broke it again.

“It’s ok to listen to your heart every once in a while. The head tends to lie."

Jax swallowed the thickness in his throat and harassed himself to speak.

“Heh一 I guess,” he choked. Jax’s fluffy palm pressed at his eye as if that would make the tears go back in. Why was he so adamant on not crying? No one was here but him and King, and the damn chess piece was blindfolded! Egad, man.

“No一uh, nobody一” he paused, taking in a harsh breath. It was a hard thing to admit.

 “I haven’t一heard that. Before.”

Kinger smiled. “I’ll say it as many times as you need to hear it.”

That sentence shot him back to when he and Pom were in the Garden. When she first said ‘I love you’. She said nearly the exact same thing. She said she’d say it as often as he needed. Oh man, Pom and King had a lot in common huh? Gut-punchingly empathetic, willing to help everyone around them, seeing him through rose colord gasses一

Wait. Wait, Pomni and Kinger had both said similar things about him. Are they both seeing the wrong version of him, or一? Or maybe they’re both seeing a part of him he’s been pushing away for far too long. Maybe they both see something closer to genuine Jax, and they both like that version…

Stop thinking about this, too much right now. The key to seeing it is not having a bazillion things on your mind.

Jax didn’t even notice that Kinger pulled off the blindfold and scanned the horizon, staring intently at the encroaching grey sky. The water had become uncannily still, darkening ominously. Jax noticed the air smelled wetter, the distant threat of petrichor loud in his brain.

“Storm’sa’ brewin’, eh, King?” 

“I suppose so. We should tell the others. The sea has changed,” Kinger explained, pushing away from the rail to head to the Captains quarters.

“We’re on Regret, me thinks,” Jax’s huffed, feeling the air shift a few decrees cooler. Oh yeah, it’s comin’ all right. He watched the sky churn and whirl on itself in the distance, the huge formation of a supercell forming before his eyes.

Kinger had made his way up to the door that shut the others off. He knocked a couple of times.

“Hello! There is a storm coming. Is this thing on?” Kinger hummed, tapping the doorknob.

After a series of clicks and clanks, Zooble was the one to open the door. They peered past him to see the darkening sky, and their eyes bugged as darkness showed behind Jax, who was still leaning against the edge casually.

“H-hey! Get over here, dumb@$$! What are you一?” Zooble stomped out of the room and made their way down the stairs. Jax only noticed they were approaching when they were close enough to spit on.

When he turned around, Zooble stopped. He looked like someone took a crowbar to the back of his head. It was quite unsettling.

“Woah, uh一are you ok?” Zooble asked, almost in disbelief. Almost.

Jax was quiet for a moment, looking through them uneasily. Then his gaze shifted to the captain's quarters, and it locked on there. Zooble shifted uncomfortably. 

“She’s fine, if that’s what’s up. Are you fine? You seem not fine,” Zooble doubled down. He only blinked, but the statement brought him back forcefully.

Just as Jax was about to respond, a loud, angry crack of thunder split the air around them, and a thick streak of lightning whizzed within view. Jax pushed away and started roughly maneuvering Zooble back toward the stairs. Zooble realized this was probably for the best, so they hobbled up with him. They made it to the door just as the ship started to gently rock from the growing restlessness of the water.

“Fine as a gossimer, Zoob. Never better,” he huffed, only loud enough for them to hear as he grabbed the doorknob.

They stepped inside, and as soon as he saw her, Jax made a B-line to Pomni. She was laid down on a feather bead, positioned comfortably so that she could still talk and interact with the others. Her face brightened when she saw him, and then immediately contorted when she took him in.

“Jax, what’s wrong?”

“Nothin’, Pom,” he hummed, sitting on the bed and laying next to her. The whole crew watched as he did this, flabbergasted at how blatantly he was showing his tender underbelly. Vulnerability was a new look on him to everyone but Pomni…and now, Kinger, apparently. 

“Jax, call a pause on the bet. Only for right now, you can unpause any time. Please,” she pleaded with him, not turning to look at him as he laid limply beside her.

“Pause,” he mumbled. As soon as he said it, she rolled over and wrapped her arms around his head, pushing it into her fancy pirate coat. He mirrored her and let the fabric press into his face, shuttering out a sigh. Pomni pet the back of his head, gentle and reassuring.

“M’fine, Pomster. Just some emotional whiplash, s’all.” The crew started to move closer to the walls so they could steady themselves with the swaying ship. 

“We heard the thunder,” Ragatha said warily. 

Gangle was sitting by the map, holding the compass, and she seemed tense. Maybe sea-sick.
“Someone has to steer the ship,” she wilted, looking terrified. Her arms curled around the wooden armrests for stability.

“No one’s been steering so far. It’s been on autopilot,” Zooble huffed, crossing their arms, “it’s been fine.”

“Not in a storm though,” Pomni explained, leaning with the heavy tilt of the ship. “There needs to be a lot of control in a storm. Winds are stronger and waves get higher. I can go一”

“No.”

Every face turned to face the bunny, who was now sitting upright. Pomni pushed up beside him, brushing her hand over his with furrowed brows. She looked preemptively tired.

“Jax一” Pomni started, worry painted on her face, only to be interrupted by another loud crack of thunder. Gangle whimpered and shook in her seat while the ship groaned and the hiss of rain sounded outside.

“It’s honestly comical that you are so god d@mn reckless, and that you need to be reminded so often to not be so d@mn reckless. More so than even I am, and that’s saying somethin’,” he countered, turning to give her a stern look. 

Pomni tightened her features in turn. “I am the captain, and it only makes sense that I’d steer the ship. Don’t make this about一”

“You are the smartest dumb@ss I’ve ever met. I love you, doofus,” he snickered, a defeated tone hidden underneath. He leaned forward and kissed her softly, lingering there before pulling away. She looked at him with that irresistible gleam shining in her eyes again, and a puff of warm air blew out of her lips in surrender.

“I’m goin’ out there,” Jax hummed, standing abruptly, “Crybaby, gimme the compass.”

“Jax!” Ragatha barked, moving closer to Pomni in support, “why won’t you listen?”

Another increasingly loud thunderboom rattled the ship, and the jostling became even more pronounced. He looked directly at Ragatha and snatched the compass out of Gangle's hands, tilting his face downward and curling his lip in a sneer.

“I am listening,” he grumbled, pointing toward the ceiling, “that translates to ‘Jax at the wheel’.” 

Pomni felt as conflicted as ever. She knew he was just being protective in his pushy, over the top way, but it was a little much. Maybe that ‘emotional whiplash’ did a number on him.

 “Fine. But you have to make a harness out of rope and attach them to the ship. Let me go out there and help you fashion it, and I promise I’ll come back and stay with the others in here when it’s done,” she pressed, holding herself still. Jax’s eye twitched, but he relented the slightest bit.

“You will come back the MOMENT I say to, or so help me I’ll helicopter you until you barf all over everything,” he growled. Pomni shot up and snatched a coiled up rope from the floor and struggled to lift it, but steadied after she slipped her arm through the coils like Jax had showed her when they set up the booby trap.

She paced to the door, and he trailed right behind her. It flung open when she pulled the handle, revealing a monsoon of rain drops the size of quarters, and a menacingly rippling sky. The breeze was slight, not yet a gust or even a wind. Jax hooked his arm around her and pushed forward, already regretting giving in to her stubbornness as the rain started pelting them.

Chapter 74: CH.74 PIRATE'S PERRIL: act 4 (AT THE WHEEL)

Being small has many benefits, and having fur has many downsides. Pomni slipped out of Jax’s slippery hold as the rain stung her face, ducking and darting to another coiled up rope lying beside the door outside the captain's quarters. The rope she already held weighed quite a bit, but the one she sought out was water logged.

“Pomni! Stay close to me!” Jax ordered, reaching for her as she continued to slide away from him. Instead of heeding, she tossed his outstretched hand the dryer of the ropes.                 

“GODD&MMIT POM, LISTEN! STOP!!”

Her aim was good, and the coils slunk around his arm easily. The sudden shift caused him to plant his feet better so he wouldn’t stumble, though the tilt of the ship made it so he was starting to slide on the wet floorboards. He felt the wind start to pick up; the rain was starting to pelt them sideways.

Pomni was able to lift the drenched heavy rope from where it lay, and throw it onto her back with a solid sound of effort. The added weight was actually helpful to keep her steady as the wind threatened to knock her over and the ship’s angle acutened. She could barely see him.

Pomni dug in her heels and moved toward the dark outline of Jax to snatch his hand. As soon as they made contact, Pomni heard him make an indescribable sound, caught between relief and rage. She put all her strength into pulling him forward, toward the steering wheel.

“Come on! We're almost there!” she cried, intense pain shooting up her arm from how tightly he held on. He stomped behind her, his ears whipping in his face, the water slicing every inch of him.

He was so angry. He was SO angry.  She was not listening to him, not listening AGAIN. Blatantly putting herself in danger when he told her not to, again!!! How many times were they going to run into the same problem? She said she understood the first time, and she said she’d listen, and she did it anyway! And oh he just wanted to scream.

“Grab the wheel! Hold on, I’m going to attach the ropes to the sides of the ship!” She handed him one end of her own rope, and just as the ship started to tilt in the direction she was headed, she pushed toward the side rail. On semi auto-pilot, he grabbed the rickety wheel and used all of his strength to stop it from running away. He struggled with it, slipping on the slick floor as he battled for the ship to stay facing the waves.

“POMNI, STOP! You’re gonna get thrown off, you’re not heavy enough! It’s slippery, Pomni, LISTEN TO ME!” he belted, hoping it’d reach her over the cacophony of storm around them. It seems to have not, and a terrible hollow feeling made home in his chest at the thought of her being thrown into the water and drowning.

Even though she couldn’t have been 3 meters away, he couldn’t see her through the dark grey of the violent showers, but he heard her voice carry across the deck.

“TIE THE ROPE TO YOUR BELT, I’M COMING!”

A bit dazed, after a moment he felt her small hands on him, tucking the rope around his belt with a swift urgency. At the moment he felt her there, he let go of the wheel and wrapped both arms around her to squeeze the dickens out of her. It immediately started spinning haphazardly, and the ship started turning perpendicular to the waves and crashing into it with much more force. For as angry as he was, knowing she was there and safe made an unmeasurable relief wash over him.

“JAX! Let go, I’ve got to tie the other side, and you’ve got to steady the wheel! We’ll get washed out!”

He glanced at it, and it was spinning wildly, just going and going and going. He let out a terrible sound that physically shook both of them, and for the second time that day, tears streaked down his face. 

“Pomni!” he shrieked, full of hurt and anger, “You aren’t listening! YOU DIDN'T STOP! And you said you would! What are you doing?! Are you trying to get hurt? HUh? Are you trying to put yourself in danger to test me? IS THAT WHAT IT IS?”

Pomni looked up at his face as he held her against him, tight and unwavering, but broken. She’d seen him angry before, but this was something else. It was laced with too many tainted flavors and it stung her heart more than the rain ever could.

His angry cry was more disorientating than the tilt of the ship, or the battering wind, and the look in his eyes rivaled the intensity of the sky. Pomni opened her mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by a rippling jolt of lightning striking the mast and scattering over a sail in plasmotic spiderwebs.

“You’re testing me to see if I can keep you safe! Right? If I can make it better!? Because that’s what I’m doing! I can do it, I can be what you deserve! If it’s the only thing I ever do again, f&ck, I’ll do it! God, I’m trying so hard, Pom, I’m trying so hard一” he hiccuped, falling to his knees, keeping one arm curled around her as he grabbed a spoke of the wheel, “Can’t you see how hard I一Pomni I’m trying一”

She felt her own tears escape at the sheer desperation in his voice. The pain and anguish he had toiling on his tongue lashed her with heavy guilt as she heard him, but he was blinded by his own perspective, and it was crushing him. She had to set this straight, for his sake and for hers.

“Jax,” she cupped her hands on his cheeks and pressed her head against his, speaking loudly over the roaring skies, “It’s not your job to make things easier for me! Life is hard, and it will always be hard! Your job is not to take the blows, it’s to hold my hand while I take my fair share of them!”

He ripped his watery eyes open to stare at her, but he was barely keeping the wheel from spinning again. Pomni pressed her thumbs below his eyes and wiped away the wetness there, even though it was a futile effort with the spray of the water around them.

“You don’t get to stand in front of me if we are a team, Jax. You don’t get to get hurt and push me aside because you don't want me to feel pain. We have to work together. It’s the only way anything will ever happen! We have to talk, and understand, and trust each other! If you end up taking all the blows for me, you’re just a body guard! I don’t want a body gaurd一I want you to be my partner,” she wailed over the wind.

The hollowness in his chest was replaced by something far too heavy, yet again. Just as she finished, the wheel’s strength outmatched him, and it spun out of his grasp. With his other arm curled around Pomni still, she gave him a desperate pleading look as the ship started tilting severely.

“Let me go brace the other side! Stay here, man the wheel, and I promise, I promise I’ll be back! Trust me, please!” she pleaded, grabbing the other belt tucked rope at the end that fell by his feet.

“I一” A huge crack of thunder cut him off, and she used his jerky reaction as an out. Pomni ran over to the untied rail and got to work. 

She moved quickly, and tied a triple knot through it before the ship started to tilt in her direction. She couldn’t see Jax, but she could hear him struggling to regain control of the wheel again. The rope was taut, and she knew he needed help, but she wasn’t sure how much more pressure he could handle until his body gave out. 

It didn’t matter, though. If she didn’t get there to help him, they’d never get this thing back on track, and at this rate they’ll end up capsized. Pomni wrapped her hands around the rope and used it as a brace to hoist herself up the slippery floor, pulling with all her might to reach him. The angle was so harsh she thought she could hear the sloshing of angry water behind her, coming up onto the deck, but she pushed through and finally reached him.

She slid under one arm and grabbed the bottom of the wheel as he held the top, and with her added strength he was able to steady it. 

“TURN RIGHT! We have to face the waves or we’ll capsize!” she ordered, using every muscle in her fake little body to push against the wheel. 

Jax braced himself too, and channeled all of his anger and hurt into taking it out of that damn wooden helm. Together, they managed to wrestle it into the proper place, and the ship was maneuvered into facing the crashing waves head on. 

When the ships rocking diminished significantly, they both let out almost deranged, ragged laughs. Pomni death gripped the bottom rung of the helm as Jax stayed put on the top, holding the thing in place with every ounce of effort. The wind was still whipping, and lightning in the distance illuminated the crests of every wave, making the ocean look like it was full of curved, giant teeth.

“Pomni,” Jax called, though he was right next to her ear, “I do trust you! I just一” he paused, the words in the back of his throat. She let her head fall back and bump his chest to let him know she was listening.

“I’m sorry for一for getting so mad, and not seeing your side of it, but you have to understand!” The feeling of water under his fur was like wearing a wet bathing suit for too long, and he shuddered violently at it.

“I do! I do understand, I get it! You’re protective and pushy, and nearly as stubborn as I am, but it’s all out of love! I know! But that’s not how a good relationship functions, Jax. A good relationship requires a lot of hard work from every party involved! Like right now!”

He couldn’t help but snort at the irony of the situation, where they were both literally manning the helm of a ship in a storm. Well, maybe he needs blatant examples like this to get shit through his head, but it’s still funny.

“You can’t do this without me. And if you’d have come out here by yourself, you’d have drowned a long time ago一and I would be dead if it weren't for you, too! Together we can handle it, and that’s all I want you to figure out.”

“You’re right,” he huffed, resting his chin on her shoulder, “We can do it together. We will do it together, I promise.”

They stayed planted in front of the wheel, battling it with everything they had as the storm raged around them. Too exhausted to speak anymore, too tense to move, they stayed there for longer than either one had anticipated. About 2 hours into it, the waves started to settle, and the wind died down. The dark grey lightened, and the horizontal rain was replaced by a slight drizzle.

Neither had realized that the storm had eased up until they felt the soft hands of Ragatha and heard Zoobles worry laced words. They had to Peel Jax and Pomni off the wheel, as they’d gripped so tight and were so out of it that mere suggestion was futile. Ragatha and Kinger pushed under Jax’s arms, and Zooble hooked around Pomni’s shoulder. They directed the worn Jester and beaten Bunny back to the Captains quarters and set them both on the bed.

Gangle took back the compass from Jax’s pocket, and he did nothing but stare at her as she did. Ragatha tried to find better clothes for them, some that were dryer, but she only had a minor stroke of luck in locating some night gowns. She left them on the end of the bed, and to everyone's surprise, she wrapped an arm around both Pomni’s and Jax’s shoulders. Neither protested her affection, as they were both far to tired to do so.

“There are some cloths to use as towels," Zooble offered, setting scraps of linen next to the night gowns. 

After heavy silence, the rest of the crew left them on the bed, sopping wet and immeasurably tired.

Pomni stood first, wobbly on her little legs, and faced Jax as he stared at the wall in exhaustion. She started messing with his water logged clothes, and eventually he was stripped down to nothing but his matted, messy fur. She took a scrap of cloth and started padding him dry as he sat on the bed.

“You’re the strongest, bravest, craziest person I’ve ever met,” she huffed, her own voice raw from screaming over the wind. He broke his stare to lock eyes with her, and even turning his head made an ache spread through his neck and upper back.

“Jus’ tryna’ keep up with ya’, Pom.” 

She hummed, too tired to snicker.

After she was done with him, she peeled the clinging coat off of herself and dried off too, before slipping on the light weight sleeping clothes. Jax gripped her arm and pulled her to the bed before collapsing in dead weight fashion, not even bothering to put anything on. She fell beside him, the aching in her arms not able to keep them from wrapping around his chest.

“I never thought about it too much til’ now,” he mumbled, pressing his nose into her damp hair, “but you’re like an immovable object, and I’m an unstoppable force.” She started little circles on his shoulder-blades as she nodded, falling deeper into relaxation.

“Everybody knows the aftermath when they oppose each other. When they work together though?  Nations fall. Universes form. Life itself is the combination,” she mumbled. Jax reached down for the measly burlap blanket behind him to drape over them so they wouldn’t be so damn cold, grunting in agreement.

“Deep sh*t,” he gruffed. That was the last word between either of them for a good, long while. 

-

“Jesus Christ,” Zooble huffed, walking along the slick, shiny deck.

“They tied these ropes to the ship to use as an anchor,” Ragatha explained, brushing her fingers over the ropes adhered to the rail. Gangle was at the helm, where both ropes led to, trying to move it and failing.

“This is so heavy! How the heck did they steer this thing in the storm?!” she grunted, the effort choking her a bit.

“They steered together. That’s how we found them,” Zooble mumbled.

“Good thing, too,” Kinger piped up, “we probably would have overturned if they hadn’t gotten it straightened out. That was a bad one.”

“He was so upset,” Ragatha shrunk a bit, rubbing her arm, “I hope they’re ok. I一I mean, I get why Jax was so livid. I didn’t want her to go out here either.”

“They’re fine, Rags. You see that sh*t?” Zooble asked, pointing to the tied ropes, “You think he’d a done that himself? Naw. Not even. Pomni saved his @ss.” 

“That may be so, but it was still reckless and she could have gotten hurt,” she argued. Zooble turned back to face her.

“If she didn’t go, then he’d have gotten hurt. Then she’d have gotten hurt. Then we’d all be hurting, because nobody would be able to steer the d@mn ship. You underestimate her,” they huffed.

“I don’t think I underestimate her. I just care about her wellbeing,” Ragatha fretted.

“You sound like such a mom, Rags. It’s ok. They’re both ok.” Zooble turned to face the sea again, looking out and squinting.

“Woah一is that一? Gangle, what direction are we going?” Zooble questioned, walking toward her.

“Northeast,” she piped, showing them the compass. Zooble hobbled over to the wheel and fixed its position to head toward the landmass they saw in the distance, and pushed the autopilot button.

“Get ready, guys. We're about to meet some bird-haters,” Zooble mumbled. Everyone turned to face the growing landmass, weary looks drawn across their faces.

Chapter 75: CH.75 PIRATE'S PERRIL: act 5 (A FEW REVELATIONS)

Notes:

Jeepers I've been a busy busy bee. Future posts'll be more stretched out because I'm working like a middle aged man with daddy issues and classes start up soon, but they will come. I'll finish the fic by the end of the year or I'll eat my own foot, so...patience is a virtue, I guess. Thank you all for the love for the story!

“Ok, soooo一are we going to wake them up, or一?” Gangle asked as she stood next to Zooble, looking out at the island before them. It was not super big, she could see where the land ended in each direction. It was a dense jungle environment, and she was preemptively regretting getting tangled in the flora. Droves and droves of seabirds circled the sky in loops, causing flitting shadows over the ship.

They’d dropped anchor and were now debating the course of action for retrieving the treasure. Kinger was readying the dingy while Ragatha was struggling to secure the anchor's ropes, and Zooble was particularly ready to get back to the circus when a seagull dropped a fat doody on their head.

“F&CK!”

Gangle, Ragatha, and Kinger all jumped and turned to look at them for the outburst, and varying looks of understanding and pity crossed everyone's features.

“It’s ok, Zooble. You’re still beautiful,” Kinger suggested sweetly. Zooble growled.

“I can see why birds are scary, now,” Gangle muttered. She offered Zooble a handkerchief that she didn’t even know she had, and they snatched it aggravatedly to wipe the shit off.

“Let’um sleep,” Zooble huffed, obviously disgusted, “They were both way too worn out and we don’t really need them for this.” Ragatha’s face contorted with unease.

“Should they be alone, though? They were so exhausted, what if they need something and they can’t get it?” Ragatha pondered worriedly, “Maybe I should stay here in case一”

“No, that’s ok Rags. I can stay here while you, Z and King go get the treasure,” Gangle interjected, placing a hand on Ragatha's shoulder. Gangle was not fond of conflict, and she didn't fully trust Jax and Ragatha not to get into it when left alone, yet. The doll startled at Gangle’s slight pressure, but she cautiously accepted the offer and turned to Kinger.

“Right. Sit tight, we’ll move as quick as we can,” Zooble hummed. A look passed between the ribbon girl and the walking stack of duplo blocks, and Ragatha was instantly made aware that they were working around her. Trying to manage her, if you will. She felt a heaviness in her stomach, but said nothing as she approached the chess piece.

“You ready King?” Zooble huffed, clambering into the small boat suspended before them. Ragatha hopped in too, and with a very enthusiastic nod, Kinger slung himself in beside them and cut the ropes suspending the boat without warning. 

The little dinghy plummeted into the sea, all of its occupants screaming, Ragatha and Zooble from the drop and Kinger from the prompt of the others screaming. Gangle timidly peeked over the edge of the ship to see them safely floating in the water with exasperated expressions and waved at them before Ragatha started rowing them to shore.

Gangle turned back to peek at the ship as the discombobulated trio rowed in, tracing the smooth texture of her arms for comfort. She stepped back toward the wheel and placed her dainty hands on it once more, contemplating if it was really that difficult to steer, or if he was just that weak.

“Shoul’da tied you to the d@mn ship, huh?” Jax’s ragged voice startled her. She whipped her head around to see his still disheveled appearance, matted fur and tired eyes, draped in a damp night gown.

“Y-you don’t look so good,” she withered, sinking away as he approached the wheel, “why are you一I mean, shouldn’t you be resting?”

“Poms’ cold. Shakin’ like a maracca,” he grunted, tracing his eyes over the ship slowly. Gangle followed his gaze, trying to find something that might help, too. She noticed him linger on the sails of the ship.

He was so different, right now. Earlier, he didn’t care that everyone was there when he dared to show not only fatigue, but weakness to the whole crew. It did not go unnoticed that he had wet cheeks, or that his posture was less than ramrod. 

Seeing him like that was so jarrring一but not because she hadn’t seen it before. She’d seen it many times, on the back end of his interactions. After he was done acting perfectly fine and putting on that show of effortless ease, his ears would slump and his smile would fall. That cocky air would fizzle out as soon as he thought he was out of sight, and God forbid anyone call him out on it or they’d be verbally gutted and emotionally skinned. 

He would rather staple his own smile on to try to fool everyone than admit to being hurt. But what else could be expected of a bunny? A little meek prey animal, who could be swallowed up by anything bigger and meaner than him if he didn’t fight…That’s what he was. He was a fighter, he’d probably always been a fighter. She and Zooble had talked about it before一the fact that he was always resorted to retaliation, and the likelihood of that response rooting much deeper into his past than he’d ever let them become aware of. 

But today was absolutely different. Total 180. He didn’t spit, or bare his teeth, or act like nothing bothered him. He lost composure, he cried in the open, he kissed Pomni, and he saved everyone. Gangle felt that she needed to acknowledge it.

“You uh一you saved us from drowning,” Gangle muttered softly, watching his ears flick. He half turned to face her with a scowl, brows furrowed in annoyance, but he didn’t say anything.

“Thanks. For that, I was一that was really nice, that you一that you guys didn’t let us die,” she whispered. She looked away because she couldn’t stand eye contact, but she still wanted him to hear it. “Drowning is one of the most unsettling ways.”

He sighed a defeated, rough sigh before he turned to fully face her, and she tensed up, preparing for something painful. 

“You're welcome.”

Gangle whipped her head up and stared at him, the intensity of his stare not enough to beat back her shock. She stood there wide eyed with her mouth agape, and he rolled his bleary eyes.

“Oh for f*cks sake, stop with the face. I’m sick and tired of that face.”

“Wha一you mean my face?” she asked confusedly.

“No, not your face. That face. That stupid face that everyone’s always making when I don’t act nasty,” he glowered. She blinked in thought before her features shifted into mild annoyance.

“Jax, you act like the shock is unwarranted. You act like we’re all upset with you, but we’re not upset! It’s just not what we're used to,” she huffed. Jax scoffed and reached up for a sail to bunch it up before he bit and tore it, ripping a sizable portion off. He rolled it up on his arm like a spool before facing Gangle.

“That’s what it feels like,” Jax sighed, eyeing her challengingly.

“It only feels like that because you’ve gotten used to the bad reactions. It’s all backwards with you. You think we don’t like it when we’re just surprised in a good way, because not too long ago the only thing you were was nasty. You just got used to it and it became normal for you. But just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s bad.”

He looked at her without malice, now. Just surprise and contemplation, as if that hadn’t crossed his mind, which honestly was so refreshing for Gangle. She’d only ever seen an absence of ill-intent directed at Pomni and Kinger. He looked away momentarily, redirecting concentration onto the sail in his hold.

“Well,” he huffed, feeling the thickness of the material on his arm, scoping out its warmth, “I know it’s sh*tty. I’m not saying it’s not, I just一I’m trying, ok? It’s been a long time; I haven’t done this in a really long time.”

“I know,” Gangle laughed weakly, “but you know we support this, right? Everyone is so happy with it. It might feel strange to you, but that’s the truth.”

“I know. Everyone’s happier when I’m not the biggest @sshole on the face of the earth, anymore. But It’s not for you guys,” Jax grumbled quietly.

“We know that, Jax. Everyone with eyes knows who you're doing it for一but just so you know, we’re not just happier that we can have a break from your d*ckerey. We’re happy that you're happier, too,” Gangle sighed.

He turned to the captains quarters and started walking stiffly, obviously pained in some way he was unwilling to express. Before he opened the door, though, he called back to Gangle as she stood by the wheel.

“I am happier. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. That's why I want to be better一so it does come back to selfishness, in the end,” he huffed, hand on the door knob, “Don’t bother us unless we ask for you,” he slipped inside quietly, the soft click the marking the end of their conversation.

Jax made his way up to the bumpy bed where Pomni lay shivering, wrapped up in that pathetic little burlap cover. He sat down at the foot of the bed and unfurled the material on his arm to tuck around her. He curled up next to her again, hoping that the added layer would keep them warmer, but the inescapable wetness was not doing them any favors.

“I hate how real it’s starting to feel,” he huffed, pulling her closer to bully the cold away.

“He’s d-d-ed-dic-at-ted,” she shivered, pulling the extra material closer.

He was mad that she was cold. Usually he was so warm, warm enough to keep her warm, sometimes too warm. But the programming of this wetness in his fur was stubborn, and he wasn’t sure if Caine was aware that with body heat, the water was supposed to evaporate.

“S’getting a bad review,” he tried to make a joke. It landed, he heard a tiny snicker under the chattering of teeth.

“M-mayb-be the sun’s warm?” Pomni asked quietly, shifting to press her face into his fur.

“Overcast,” he huffed, “Come here. Get under my shirt again, I’ll squish the cold out a ya.”

Pomni listened and tucked under his night gown, and he wrapped them both up as tight as he could. He was so tired, but so many things and so many conversations happened today that he was having a hard time relaxing. He was feeling so much, and the residual form of everything else was rather distasteful. His mind replayed the look on Pomni’s face when she’d begged him to trust him, and he immediately felt guilt sink in his stomach.

“You know how happy you make me right? Pom, you know that I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you,” Jax said softly, pressing his fingers into her hair.

“I know.”

“I trust you so much. But I can’t stand the thought of you not being safe. You are the reason all the good things have been happening to me. You’ve made me so happy,” he huffed, “I don’t ever want to feel the way I felt before you again. I know it’s selfish…” he trailed off, voice wavering.

“Self-preservation is not selfish, Jax,” she hummed sternly against his chest. His breath stilled, and he tensed at those words. She noticed and blew a puff of hot air into his fur.

“That’s literally the definition,” he countered, still uncomfortably stiff.

“Then it’s selfish to breathe, to eat, and to sleep,” she huffed.

“What? Pomni that’s not一”

“Anything done to survive is not selfish. At least, not to me,” Pomni asserted. Jax sat in thick silence for a moment with her, soaking up what she said, his mind churning. He broke it reluctantly, feeling like he was just digging his own grave.

“Before I got trapped here, I did a lot of things to survive, Pom. A lot of things that you would find abhorrent.” She shifted under him, but only a little. She stayed quiet to offer him opportunity to continue.

“I’m一I’m scared to tell you, because you make me so happy, and if you know the things that I did...that I had to do…then you might not wanna be my lime anymore.”

“What happened in the past is of little concern to me if you’ve changed your habits,” she tried to be reassuring, but he was still apprehensive.

“I’m not like that anymore, I don’t have to be, but you don’t realize一”

“I don’t get mad at butterflies because they used to be caterpillars. I don’t get upset with oak trees that used to be acorns…growth is something to celebrate, Jax. I won’t hate you for what you were. I’ll love you more for what you’ve become,” she wiggled herself closer to kiss his cheek. He swallowed the bile creeping up his throat and surrendered to the apparent theme of the day, ‘Jax’s ego death.’ He went fully limp on her, willing her to stay underneath him in preparation for the horrible revelations to come. She wouldn’t be able to run away now.

“Before I came to the circus, I was not a morally dignified, law abiding citizen, Pom,” he started cautiously. She said nothing.

“You know I ran away when I was younger. I left after a一a disagreement一with my big brother. I left because I wasn’t gonna take it anymore. Dunno what everybody else did. I tried to convince Lance to come with me but he wanted to stay for the littles,” he grimaced, thinking back to the small siblings he abandoned with his older brother.

“I found my way to a nearby city, and I fell in with a bad crowd. Met a guy everybody called ‘Chef’, though nobody knew his name. He was a cook…and I worked for him.”

He stalled to give her a minute to absorb. He was so nauseous, not ready for but anticipating what she had to say. It was the longest 30 seconds he’d ever experienced.

“You were a drug mule?” she asked softly, but not disgustedly. Her tone eased him only a little.
 
“God, you make it sound like your askin’ my favorite sports team.”

“Jax,” she huffed, trying to stop his deflection, “come on.”

“I like the Vikings…Ah, f&ck me...yeah. Yeah. I did some bad things,” he relented. She thought about what he said, running her fingers through his fur.

“That must’ve been a really hard, scary way to live as a teenager,” she whispered.

“It was.”

“Did you ever get caught up in any drugs yourself?” she asked quietly.

“No. After seeing my brother go through it, and my Ma’一I wasn’t about to fall into that sh*t. But that makes me more of a hypocrite, cuz’ I was willin’ to help sell it.”

“I see how that would be painful.”

Jax pushed himself up to get a look at her eyes. He had to see what her face was doing; she didn’t sound appalled, but he’d know if he saw her face. He just had to make sure. When he saw her blue and red irises, big and absent of resentment, relief flooded him like a tsunami.

She cupped his face, her small shaking hand reaching up through the collar of the nightie. The cold touch felt much warmer than it actually was, and his voice cracked.

“I saw deals go bad. I watched people get hurt, I let people get hurt. I wanted to stop, when I’d had enough一I tried to leave it, but I couldn’t get out. I had nowhere to go; nobody to go to,” Jax choked, memories flooding his mind. Memories of crossing state lines and almost getting caught, of being held at gunpoint because he wanted out. They ripped open old wounds ruthlessly, the wounds he put so much effort into avoiding.

“Had to grow up fast, huh, Bun? You had to fight for everything,” she whispered. He nodded. “I know what fighting for everything is like.”

He fell back onto her and squeezed her so tight her fake little chest couldn’t expand. He wasn’t gonna let go until she started turning colors, pressed into him like another limb.

“You don’t hate me, now that you know that I’m a plague on humanity?” he rasped, burning his face.

“A plague on一I don’t hate you, Bun. You are not that kid anymore. I lime who you are now.”

Jax shuddered as she held onto him too. “Lime you too, Pom.”

Chapter 76: CH.76 PIRATE'S PERRIL: act 6 (Trouble and Treasure)

“We’re looking for this place,” Zooble explained, exasperated, “here. Right where this X would be.”

“X? Ich verstehe nicht,” the personified fast food NPC responded, looking puzzled.

“Zooble, that’s French fries. Maybe we should speak French?” Kinger suggested.

“It’s speaking German, not French,” Ragatha corrected.

“Oh! Zooble, it’s German Fries. Try German.”

“I don’t speak anything but English! It’s just an X, as in, the letter after W! Criss cross, got it!?” Zooble yelled frustratedly, pointing to the mark on the map. They’d been doing this for 30 minutes.

“Warten, meinen Sie dort? Lass mich meine Freundin holen, sie kennt den Weg.”

“Pomni would be really helpful, right now,” Ragatha hummed, thumbing her chin in thought, “I hope she’s ok.”

“She’s pretty helpful,” Kinger agreed, then suddenly turned toward the approaching fries hand in hand with a corndog.

“Επιδιώκεις τον θάνατο με χίλια ραμφίσματα, " the corndog warned as she approached, but Zooble, Kinger, and Ragatha knew not what the fuck she was saying.

“I think she said she’ll take us there? Maybe she knows about the treasure,” Ragatha suggested unconvincingly.

“Θα σε πάρω, αλλά θα αποφύγω να πλησιάσω τη φωλιά. Θα προσευχηθώ για το ασφαλές σου ταξίδι στον ποταμό Στύγα.”

“Ok, let’s go. Now,” Zooble ordered, pointing to the map. The corndog nodded and started the trek, leading the trio into the dense foliage.

They spent too long swatting vegetation away, following a corndog into the thickest part of the environment. Kinger was tangled in vines only twice, and Ragatha managed to not rip herself open by the skin of her teeth. Zooble was right behind the NPC, as silent as death, ready to be done, and ready to eat a corndog.

Suddenly, the corndog stopped on a dime, causing the others to bump into her from behind.

“Είστε αδέξι ηλίθιοι!” she barked at them, whipping around to backtrack a bit. 

“Don’t swear at me, you were the one who stopped without warning,” Zooble grumbled. Ragatha peeked over their shoulder to see the NPC and made a small ‘huh?’.

“Δεν θα προχωρήσω παραπέρα! Προσοχή στα πουλιά!” the corndog promptly raised her hands and hightailed it away from them in the direction they came from. Kinger waved at her as she left, but she didn’t see and didn’t respond. He then walked into the brush she stopped before and let out his signature “Oh!”

“No more trees,” he called. Ragatha and Zooble both sighed in relief and pushed through the last bit of vegetation to meet Kinger in the open area that was covered in rocks.

“Woah this place is barren,” Ragatha hummed to herself, trailing her gaze over the nothingness. She only stopped looking when she came upon a little pigeon in the middle of the clearing. She tilted her head in confusion before tepidly stepping forward.

The pigeon did not move a muscle. It just一stood there. Watching her back.

“What are you doing? Ragatha, there’s a cave back there. That’s where the treasure is, let’s go,” Zooble huffed, looking back and forth between the doll and the map. Kinger had already started forward, approaching the opposite side where Zooble said the cave was.

“Mmm, but, look at the pigeon,” she muttered suspiciously, “It’s not very一”

“Ragatha I just want to be done already, please let’s not get caught up in whatever stupid bird guardian bullsh*t Caine’s planted here. We can just hug the perimeter to get to the cave, let’s GO.”

The doll turned her body to face Zooble, but kept watching the bird. They both started making their way along the perimeter, when Ragatha noticed Kinger happily meandering along into the center of the space. She paled, tapping Zooble’s shoulder and pointing to the old man worriedly.

“What is it一huh? Kinger?! When did you wander off?!” Zooble groaned, “Ugh I need a leash for you…”

In the distance, Kinger was approaching the cave, and the pigeon was sitting there. It sat undisturbed until Kinger crossed what seemed to be an invisible line. When he crossed it, the pigeon cooed, and it caught the chess piece’s attention. He turned to see it flapping its wings while still on the ground, and his curiosity got the best of him.

“Oh, hello little pigeon! Are you ok?” he asked, concerned at it’s relentless flapping. As he bent down to get a better look at the ruckusing bird, a dark shadow engulfed him, and the distant eerie mashup of trills, coos, quacks, squawks, and chirps sounded from the skies. Zooble and Ragatha watched in horror as a massive flock of many different birds erupted from above and converged on not Kinger, but the little pigeon beside him.

The massive hoard of flying creatures dove headfirst into the pigeon, creating an incredible undulating mass of movement and feathers. The rippling structure of the flock took shape into a gigantic ripped guy, completely composed of the bodies of thousands of birds. The tiny pigeon was sitting atop its shoulders.

The huge bird guardian pointed toward the old man, and ominously shifted its stance into one that certainly emanated offense. “Coo,” the pigeon called to him.

“Wow,” Kinger hummed, bending backward to see the top, “they grow up so fast.”

The giant bird-amalgamation formed a fist and started to slam down, aiming for the chess piece. Just in the nick of time, though, Ragatha pulled Kinger out of the way and started booking it to the cave entrance, where Zooble was already headed. Kinger ran with her, but he looked back to find the bird guardian shifting shape again.

“He has a gun!” Kinger proclaimed excitedly. Ragatha whipped her head around to find that, yes indeed, the bird transformer guardian monster had formed a gun in its hand. It pulled the trigger and out shot a peregrine falcon, coming right at them. She screamed as its talons grappled her hair.

“Oh no, Ragatha! You ran over a bird!” Kinger exclaimed in worry. He grabbed the bird off of her head, which admittedly hurt quite a bit because it was tangled in her yarn dreads, but at least he got it off.  He looked it over carefully before tossing the thing into the air, which prompted it to fly back to the guardian body. She was impressed that he was doing this all while running, but then she came to her senses when he reassured her that the falcon was not harmed.

They reached the cave mouth breathing like they were on the biggest loser when they saw  Zooble popping open the treasure chest inside. In the chest there was a slip of pink paper labeled ‘adventure coupon’, a literal trophy shaped like a skull and crossbones filled with paperclips, a pink saxophone, and a book on horticulture from the 1800s.

They turned back to see the bird monster coming at them full force, Ragatha dropped to her knees covering her hair, and Kinger open armed as if accepting his fate of death from a thousand pecks. Luckily, though, Zooble hadn’t to worry about witnessing their friends deaths, because moments after the chest was opened, they were teleported back to the circus.

Caine floated there in front of them, smiling widely, holding the chest that they’d discovered.

“Oh, my Vibrant Viscous Vagabonds! You’ve found the treasure, you一”

“NO! No more pirate adventures, no more transformer monster guardians, no more treasure hunts!” Zooble interrupted him, full of anger and frustration.

“No more一but Zooble, that is 27% of upcoming adventure content,” he whined, not taking the criticism very well.

“I agree! No more pirates!” Gangle huffed resolutely, followed by Ragatha.

“You all disliked the pirate theme that much?” Caine asked like a kicked puppy. His gums were quivering in sadness一gross.

“We smelled like if an @sshole had an @sshole. Other than that, it was一well you know,” Jax’s ragged voice called out. Caine turned to him and he was clutching a sleeping, quivering Jester in his arms. Caine's eyes bugged as he shot towards the rabbit with hope and enthusiasm.

“I KNOW WHAT? WHAT DO I KNOW? TELL ME WHAT IT WAS?!” he shrieked, causing Jax to grimace and shudder from the volume.

“I would rather swallow broken, bleach-laced glass than do it again,” Zooble spat before snatching the chest from Caine’s grasp. He whimpered as if they hurt his heart as they stalked off toward their room, followed by Gangle.

The jaw turned back to Jax and Pomni, but they’d removed themselves as soon as the moment came, and that left him with Ragatha and Kinger.

“Did you all hate it too?” he asked sadly.

“I got shot at. The bullet was a falcon.” Ragatha turned and walked away with nothing more.

He looked at Kinger with a dying ember of peppiness, and the chess piece raised his hand as if he were asking to use the restroom in middle school math class.

“I liked the pigeon,” he said simply. Caine seemed happier that at least he had that. He patted Kinger’s back enthusiastically.

“Not all humans have terrible taste! Good job, very good! Now go sleep in a bed or poop in a toilet!” 

“I think I’ll do neither,” Kinger hummed simply, then turned to head toward his pillow fort.

Caine blinked as he processed everything before shooting off to wherever he goes to exist.

-

“At least you won! That counts for something, right?” Gangle huffed, attempting reassurance. Her partner sighed and nodded, rifling through the chest.

“At least I didn't get disassembled, this time. Or eaten. Or tossed into the ocean. But we did almost get destroyed by a giant bird transformer monster guardian…” Zooble trailed off as they pulled out the slip of pink paper.

“Oh. Oh,” they muttered, unfolding it carefully. Gangle approached with small quick steps and stopped at their back.

“Z! You got an adventure coupon! You can ask for anything you want!” Gangle hyped, wrapping her arms around Zoobles shoulders. They kept staring at the paper in thought as her words rattled around their wedge shaped noggin. A spark of hope lit in the depths of their consciousness, a whisper of something always out of reach.

“I suppose that is what this is, huh? That’s not一terrible,” they relented, leaning against Gangle as she rocked from side to side, still clutching their shoulders. The motion was relaxing and smooth, and it made them feel even more sleepy than all the action earlier.

“G一I need a fat nap.”

“How fat, exactly?” she giggled quietly, pulling off to offer them space to move.

“Phat, with a PH,” they grumbled, pushing up from the floor to hobble towards their bed.

Gangle followed them, pulling herself on the foot of the bed while Zooble clambered on top. Under the covers they slid, dreary and tired and ready for rest. Gangle leaned down to peck their cheek and tucked in the comforter slightly at the edges, like how she knew they liked.

“You can ask for a relaxing adventure, like Ragatahs’一or something totally different. Maybe you could ask for one that’ll make you feel a little better in your body?” she proposed softly.

“I wouldn’t even know what that would be, G.”

“Well…maybe you could get a break from this body for a while? It might not be a permanent change or a cure一but a break is always nice,” she hummed. Her suggestion sparked a glimmer in Zoobles’ eyes, and she felt a flutter in her heart at the sight. It made her sigh and smile, seeing the rarity of Zooble brand excitement.

“That’s a fantastic idea,” they whispered. Gangle nodded happily.

“You take your fat nap. I’m not tired at all一I think imma go make me a latte and check out the classroom. Do you need anything before I leave?”

“Leave me your pencil on the nightstand. I want to write my ideas down when they come.”

Gangle slid off the bed to place one of her pencils on the nightstand as instructed before glancing at the chest. She picked up the trophy full of paper clips and made her way to the door, leaving Zooble halfway between navigating a reeling mind and falling asleep.

Chapter 77: CH.77 RECOUNTING: act G

Gangle set the trophy down by the commons couch before she made her way to the kitchen. She got all of her fancy ingredients from the fridge, deciding that she was going to make a crazy latte that would cost 50 dollars at a ritzy coffee joint. When she’d set her heavy cream, belgian chocolate, gold flakes and saffron onto the counter, she heard the door click open. 

“Hello, Gangle,” Ragatha muttered quietly. She went to the fridge and pulled out a can of tomato juice before sitting at the table.

“Hey Rags,” Gangle hummed back, “you sound extra tired.”

“Yes, well…” she paused, her tired eye skimming the ingredients Gangle had laid out.
“I suppose I’m getting better at being honest, now, huh?”

Gangle paused her fiddling with the espresso machine to fully face her after that, offering one of the rare looks reserved for analyzing art. She put down the exotic Sumatren civet coffee grounds in favor of leaning against the counter and making eye-contact with the doll.

“You know,” Gangle started, studying her friend's face, “we can all tell how hard you’re trying.”
The most prominent feeling of Dejavu struck Gangle, and it occurred to her that she said nearly the same thing earlier today. Damn near word for word.

“Ha, ha…you can?” Ragatha huffed, at first awkward, but then genuinely curious. 

“I can. Pom can. King? I dunno…Z can,” Gangle laughed softly.

“You left one out.” Ragatha watched the ribbon girl’s expression like a hawk, trying to sift through any fluff that might be hiding meaning. It occurred to Gangle that Ragatha was so used to everyone deceiving her that she’d trained herself to pick apart every conversational nuance, and it made her sad as she realized that in communication with most people in the circus, that actually made a hell of a lot of sense.

“Jax,” Gangle turned to the espresso machine, “is going through a lot of stuff right now. I genuinely don't know what goes on with him 98% of the time anyway.”

Ragatha didn’t seem so pleased with that answer as she toyed with the pull tab on her drink.
“Well what’s the 2% that you’re aware of, Gangle?” Ragatha's voice was still tired and sweet, but a note of bitterness was hidden on the tail end of her tone. Gangle briefly wondered why she would care what Jax thought of her anyway, but she corrected that train of thought with his more recent becomings.

“The only thing I’m certain of is that Pomni has prompted his trying to change, too.”

Ragatha huffed to herself, resting her cheek on her plush hand. She agreed.
“Pomni’s the reason everything’s changing,” she muttered.

“Not everything…We’re all in charge of ourselves. The circus may be a prison but we still have free will over how we act and think, most of the time. So you guys are almost completely the reason for your own change.”

“We literally would be doing the same thing if she hadn’t shown up. I’d be pretending everything is fine and he’d be trying to make everything worse. She started it. And you know, I’m not upset that she started it. I love her, but I’m kind of一I don’t know, frustrated? With myself. That I couldn’t have had the foresight to change before she showed up,” Ragatha lamented, gaze downcast.

A soft hiss sounded from the espresso machine, along with the bubbling of the steamer frothing the cream. It was a soft, gentle sound, and for a moment Ragatha thought it’d be more fitting coming from Gangle herself than the machine.

“She started it, but the fact that you guys are continuing to change is like一on you,” Gangle clarified. She had two cups next to her now.

“I guess. But it still doesn't change the fact that I’m disappointed in myself for not being mature enough on my own to improve my actions and make things better,” Ragatha grumbled.

“But you realize that it was immature of you guys to stay in that loop now, right? That’s a sign of growth. Being angry at yourself for something you did in the past is not helpful. Especially considering how much you’ve learned.” Gangle set one cup in front of the doll and she picked it up happily.

Ragatha smiled as she brought the cup toward her nose and smelled it. “Pomni told me once that every day we’re different people from the day before. I thought she meant a completely different person, and I disagreed with that…but that’s not what she meant. In this context, it makes more sense.”

Gangle sat down across from Ragatha at the table, her own beverage warming her hands. It was calm and warm, the room was completely quiet aside from the gentle muffled sounds of hands shifting on coffee cups.

“You are very different now. So is he. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It gives me hope that I’ll have the ability to better myself, actually,” Gangle snickered.

“Oh yes…because if the most troubled souls in the circus can get better, anyone can,” Ragatha laughed genuinely, finding gratitude in the fact that she did in fact used to be more troubled, but was much less now. Gangle nodded and sipped her drink before giving Ragatha a serious look.

“You and Jax were stuck in a vicious cycle, Rags. You pretended to be fine, and he was upset with you for being unintentionally deceitful. He became more antagonistic to get under your skin specifically, and that expanded to all of us because一well, we’re all a bit deceitful in our own way. But neither of you are succumbing to the habit anymore. It makes me think maybe Zooble and I can hate ourselves less.”
 
Ragatha watched Gangle sip her drink slowly, calmly. She watched with big eyes, her heart stuttering at the blatant statement of her good friends having self-hatred. She didn’t know exactly how to respond, but Gangle made sure she didn’t have to.

“You know a bit about Pom. You know a bit about Zooble. Jax’ll probably never tell you about himself, and Kinger will if you meet him in the dark, but一I haven't said anything because I’ve been really disappointed in myself. Too disappointed to share with anyone but Z. But this conversation makes me realize that I am being silly too, thinking so poorly about my past," Gangle hummed.

“I was a Nothing person. I grew up as an only child and had everything handed to me, so I didn’t have many skills. My parents weren't that bad一kind of boring. I had a comfortable life, with a couple of pets and a decent childhood, and I was never spectacular at anything. Not good at sports, not good at studying, not good at making friends. I wanted to go to college for art, but unfortunately so do millions of other people who were more something than I ever was,” she whispered.

“Unmotivated, uncharismatic, unremarkable. In the real world, I felt like an NPC. I hated who I was,” she lifted her mask to peer at Ragatha’s wide blue eye, “but I realize that comparing myself to people is no good now. So…”

The doll nodded and blinked as she stared at her friend. Comparing oneself to another is something she was certain every human did, including herself. It made her cringe, thinking of how often she compared herself to the cast members even now一to Pomni and Jax mostly. It made her breath hitch uncomfortably.

“You are a very unique and special person, Gangle. And you have your own talents and downfalls like everyone does. I love you for everything you are一even if sometimes it feels like you and Zooble work together to manage me. I hope you both come to accept how lovely you both are,” Ragatha hummed, watching the mask as her eye twitched.

“Yeah一s-sorry about that一” Gangle started, brushing her hand on her neck, “you just get really protective sometimes, and they needed to rest after all of that一”

“No need to explain, I understand. I need help reigning in, sometimes. I’m happy you guys care enough about me and the others to actually step in and help.”

Gangle whipped her head up to stare at Ragatha, who was now swishing the remnants of her tomato juice can around the bottom.

“That is so一” Gangle smiled, relief washing over her tense shoulders, “that’s so mature of you, Ragatha.”

The doll sipped the last bit of juice before swapping to her coffee, taking a sip and making a twisted face. Gangle gently laughed at it, bringing her own up to taste.

“Tomato and coffee are not a great combo, then?” Gangle hummed, watching her.

“I suggest against it.”

Gangle pushed herself up from the seat and gave Ragatha a soft look, plucking her coffee away from the table with intention.
“I’m going to go to the commons to make a chain of paperclips. I’m gonna write nice things on paper slips and pin them to the chain to hang it up in Zooble’s room as a surprise. Wanna help me make it?”

Ragatha brightened immensely at that, the prospect of being useful. She nodded enthusiastically and mirrored Gangle, pushing her chair in all the way and following the ribbon girl to the commons.

They sat beside each other and started hooking paper clips into themselves, working on opposite sides of the chain and doubling the progress. They worked in silence for a good while, content with it all, sipping at their lattes every once in a while. 

“I’d like to write something for Zooble on one of the spots, if that’s ok,” Ragatha murmured as she hooked another clip.

Gangle smiled brightly as she could the long chain around in a loop by her side.
“Of course. Anyone is welcome to put up an encouraging word,” she hummed.

“I have some ribbon in my room, if you want to tie them up in little bows. Make it cutesy,” Ragatha proposed.

“What color?”

“White and blue,” the doll hummed.

“Oh. That’s fine, they just don’t like violet that much.”

“Hm. I didn’t know. What’s your least favorite color?” 

Gangle flitted her eyes to the upper left corner of her visual field in thought and pouted.

“I like all the colors. Call me homo but all the colors make me happy. Especially together,” she smiled. Ragatha thought it was quite cute and snickered at the sentiment.

“Hey...Pro homo here. And my favorite color is hazel...greenish goldish brown. Then pink,” Ragatha chirped. The chain was about 8 feet long by the time they’d finished, and Gangle hid it under the couch as Ragatha made it her mission to cut little ribbon pieces for the paper. They bid each other farewell, and Gangle made her way to the classroom to try and learn some origami. 

Ragatha felt warm and full after her interaction with Gangle, retreating to her room to cut the ribbons. She sat next to her pretty reminders of her family and spoke to them softly as she worked. She'd pull from the spool, wrap it around her hand twice, and then cut it at her knuckle for the perfect length. After about a dozen, she put the scraps away and brought her dolls to come cuddle her on the bed before drifting into a short sleep before supper. 

Chapter 78: CH.78 THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

Pomni had fallen asleep on Jax’s chest shortly after he wrapped them both up in the extra material. She was out cold, but still somehow shaking like she was doing the samba. It irked him to no end that she could even have the capacity to feel so cold, or more accurately that Caine could program such a thing. When the portal back to the circus manifested, he easily stood and carried her through, squeezing her tightly along the way.  

He was sore to the bone, and tired as hell too, but as soon as he stepped through the interdimensional digital doorway, the physical pain dissipated and left its partner psychological exhaustion to stake claim over his mind. That usually how it worked一somatic experience was usually eradicated faster than the mind could process. But damn that stupid overpowered AI Yackity Yak, she was still shaking. Still stupid cold. 

He didn’t question the programming or mechanics. He just left for his room as soon as Caine was distracted.

One objective: Warm.

When inside he imagined a fireplace of his own to warm her up. He didn’t want to be in Pomni’s room because she was still so out of it, and if she needed something, he could just think it up in here. He sat down right in front of the fire, imagining a dozen blankets and pillows beneath them to settle into.

He stripped the overalls and gloves away while managing to keep her pressed into him, needing to offer as much skin as possible to banish her shivers. She didn’t stir while on his chest aside from the shaking and repetitious breaths that passed every 3 minutes. He counted them with the rhythmic rise and fall of her back, though it was hard to be certain because she wouldn’t stop twitching. He growled at it一maybe he could scare the cold away if nothing else.

Her fingers curled through his fur like a lifeline, and it made him feel more important  and incompetent than than ever. She was holding on for comfort and it was neigh impossible to provide any, angry that he couldn’t fend off the cold. Nothing he was doing was working.

He traced the curve of her back, and cringed as the plasticky texture of her jumpsuit clung to his fingers and made a tacky sort of sound. It’s cold, uncomfortable一that’s gotta go.

He deactivated adventure mode and pushed her off of him with effort before he could the suit off of her, and he was so glad he did一that was the reason. 

Somehow between the transition from adventure wear to circus wear, some of Caine’s simulated water got under her suit and continued to suck the warmth out of her. Jax hissed as his fingers touched the dampness on her skin and were pierced with artificial chills.

Fuck that fucking fake guy and his hellish torture schemes! It’s not immersion, it’s cruel and unusual punishment一

After stripping that stupid costume off, Jax wrapped her up in the plushest blanket he could dream up. Instinct took over and his body went on autopilot, pushing and pulling covers and pillows to be in their proper place around her. Once the bedding pile was to his liking, he wormed his way under everything and burrowed in to wrap himself around her.

Thank all things holey, Poms’ shivers started to dissipate. He could feel her muscles loosen, and her skin started to ease into stillness. He sighed in relief. Finally. 

Under the blankets, in the warm dim shadowy light that filtered through them, Jax’s tired yellow eyes watched her face with bated breath. He knew it is irrational to think she’s actually hurt. She can't get hurt, neither can he, nobody can. Especially after the whole discussion about trust they had hours earlier.

But she’s so small. Pomni was so cold…what if it is different this time? What if she’s hurt for real?

It’s fake, it’s ok. She’s fine, just tired. Just tired. 

But she’s been shaking for hours, and she’s still not awake. What if something’s really wrong?

Nothing's wrong, it’s just the water. He programmed the water to do this.

Then WHY DIDN’T IT HIT ME THAT HARD?

I dunno, she doesn't have fur and she's not a mammal?!

“Jax一” her small, wispy voice broke him away from the tangle of thoughts.

He blinked and refocused on her half lidded, bicolored irises, her raspy voice like a balm to his racing mind. He let out a deep sigh and pressed her bare little body into him, burning his face in her hair that smelt of desperation.

“You’re ok,” he breathed, running his hand down her side shakily, “It’s fine. Still cold?”

Pomni listened carefully to his tone and realized that there was an undertone of fear. She traced the warm fur of his arms and let him squeeze.

“Not anymore,” Pomni huffed, “What’s the matter?” 

Jax grumbled, and she felt the vibration in his chest pass to hers. It wasn't for her, though一it was a warning for himself. He couldn’t just tell her that he was worried nonsensically, and he couldn’t give in to the frustration of his inner voice telling him it was his fault that she got so cold. He can't think that way, because Pomni was insistent that they were a team and that she needed to take all of that shit because he was unable to do it alone and…

Her small hands cupped his cheeks and ripped him away from those thoughts again.

“Are you mad at me?” she whispered, pulling her head away from his nose. 

“A little,” he whispered back. Jax’s throat dried up a little when those words left his lips, not even thinking about it before it left him. He backtracked immediately.

“I’m sorry, not mad AT you, just一just, you were so cold, Pom, I’ve never seen a body shake like that, and it wasn’t, I wasn’t一you don’t know,” he started rambling, looking away from her eyes as they bore into him.

“Jax一”

“You were so cold cuz you got wet with Caine’s torture water and you would’a been fine if you’da stayed back in the ship like I asked and let me steer and I thought you might’a been sick or hurt or一”

“Jax,” she tried again.

“I couldn’t getcha warm no matter what I did一took d@mn near an eternity to getchu’ back to normal and you can’t do that to me! You can’t get hurt, that’s not allowed! Especially after we promised to be a team, I can’t be a team by myself!”

“I’m sorry!” she yelped, determined to break his fearful rant. Her tone snapped him out of his subconsciously fueled speech and weighed on his heart.

“Ah f&ck,” he hissed, biting back the wobble in his voice, "I didn’t mean to get that way一sorry.”

She sat with what he said for a while and tried to let it sink in. She wasn’t upset that he was still stuck on it, and she knew he wasn’t lying when he said he trusted her. She also figured that the effects of the adventure didn’t help shift his perspective so fresh after they occurred.

“That must’ve freaked you quite a bit, huh?” Pomni pressed gently. Jax’s brow raised and he snapped back to lock eyes with her, and it smacked him.

“I一well, you just looked so sick,” he started, still trying to explain. His voice wavered unsteadily.

“I see. That gave you a bad feeling, huh?” she whispered. His lip wobbled and his face fell into a grimace. She petted his head and gave him time to express whatever was looming beyond his inclinations. There was something deeper than wanting her to not experience pain rooted in his actions. In his voice. She could tell, she could feel the rawness of it, and all she wanted was to expose the thing he insisted on bulldozing over with his overbearing concern.

“You are not allowed to get sick or hurt, Pomni. You are not allowed. You said we’re a team, right?”

“Yes. The best team.” She saw the darkness in his eyes as he burned her soul with the most thorny, searing sincerity she’d ever witnessed.

“Well, then you gotta understand that recklessness一gettin’ hurt, gettin’ sick一even if it’s all in your head, leads to the worst outcome. You gotta realize that every time you take a hit, it wears on your psyche like sand paper, and pulls you closer to the cellar.”

Ah. So that’s the problem.

She suddenly sat upright, flinging the blankets off of them, and rolled him over to his back unexpectedly. He was so surprised at her random little burst of strength, when his back hit the floor he let out a huff. She clambered onto his stomach with a pout. Pomni held his face as his wide eyes flitted over her bare pale skin illuminated from behind by the fire.

“You really think I’m so weak that I’d let a bit of pain or discomfort break me?” she asked softly,  not giving it an accusational tone, but driving home the point nonetheless.

“It’s not just pain and discomfort!” he cried, “It’s the constant reminder that nothing is real, and that even though we know that’s the truth, we still feel all of it! Pain and discomfort from people are real! Realness keeps the abstraction away, Pomni. Even stuff like anger, embarrassment, fear, and sadness is real if it stems from a person! But getting hurt by this place is totally different. It’s a reminder of how hollow and fake and horrible the Circus is, and you’re so f&cking REAL and I don’t want this terrible place to break you like it’s broken DOZENS of others! If you fell victim to this god awful place, I would…I’d…”

He trailed off. He didn’t need to finish, she knew what he was going to say. It hurt一it hurt to think about, but he was being honest. And it made more sense why he was so stubborn about everything with her ‘recklessness’ now. She wondered a moment how soon he started feeling this way, if it was back when they were outlaws, or if it coagulated after that.

“Oh, Jax,” Pomni started, heart thrumming from his dark confession, “I love you so much, and I know everything you feel is rooted with such good intentions一but that’s a big fat contradiction.”

He raised his brows and wanted to rebuttal, but her soft, empathetic look stapled his tongue to the floor of his mouth. The thought crossed him that she wouldn’t say shit just to say shit. Maybe he should hear her out.

“You are so right about this place being fake and awful. But I’m real, you said it yourself. People are the realest things in here. And I have the understanding that all the bad things that happen, fake or not, are worth enduring for the people. For you. Don’t you think if I’m taking what this place has to throw at me for everyone I love that the struggles themselves are worth it? Because I do. And I’ll keep taking everything I have to because in the end, the pain is worth it to make life better for us.”

Jax let his head fall against the pillow under him and let out a shaky sigh. Contorted and pained, his face revealed to Pomni just how deeply that fear ran in him, and she ached for him so. He cared so much about everything. Everyone. And he admitted it.

Being grounded in reality was his most base coping mechanism. Reminding himself of what's ‘real’ kept him sane, for the most part. And what’s real is anything that comes from a person一he’d said anger, embarrassment, and fear. Pomni felt her heart ache at the realization.

He was who he was before her in an attempt to ground everyone in realism just as much as to protect himself. He knew that no matter how deceitful they were, they were still people, and he tried to remind them every day that they were without directly saying it. Pomni didn’t even know if he knew the extent of the reason behind his own past actions一but she felt so at peace knowing that the goodness she’d seen in him wasn’t a filament of hypothesis or a baseless hope. He was more kind than he’d ever even known.

A soft snore distracted her from her psychoanalyzation, and she realized that Jax had passed the fuck out. He had been so drained, so tired from the emotional rollercoaster and the immense effort of steering the ship, of exposing deeply buried fears一Pomni was grateful he was finally resting.

She tucked the blanket around him before falling to his side, right into the pile of blankets. Sleep took her quickly. They slept through dinner and clean through the simulated night, never stirring from that cozy nest on the floor.

They dreamed of different things, though one element remained consistent. Each dreamed of being with the other.

Chapter 79: CH.79 GOOD NEWS

“Hey Pom, wake up. Pomni. Poooooomniiiiii. Pomeranian…Phenomapom?” 

Jax woke up first. 

“Pomelo. Pomadillo. Pomanche. Pomsicle. Pompadour. Pomstrong. Poma-lama-ding-dong.” 

His eyes were wide and analytical, but he was bouncing a little bit on his knees. The epitome of impatience. He started poking her cheek for good measure, not yet annoyed that she wasn’t awake, but getting there.

“Pomni if you don’t wake up I’m gonna forcefeed Ragatha a poison dart frog.”

Nothing. Time to up the ante.

“Pomni, I remember my name. It's Maya Dixie Normus. Pom, I accidentally ate my own foot. Pomni, I’m pregnant and you’re the father. ” 

As he stared at her unmoving form, he heard a choked little giggle escape and his ear twitched.  Overembellished shock took over his features as he gasped, appalled.

“HOW DARE YOU DECIEVE ME,” Jax growled, abandoning his obnoxious position leaning over her in favor of decimating her armpits. She jolted, giving up the facade of slumber instantaneously and gracelessly.

“AAAAHhhhh NO Jax, pleaseI’msorry!”  She started flailing, trying to get away in desperation. His fingertips dug only further.

“You’re impomsible, you know that? Hypomcrite!” he hollered in manic glee. 
This was waaaay better than watching her sleep. 

She could barely see it through her tears, but that sadistic smile plastered his face.
“I’ll never deceive you again if you stop! Please, I’m gonna turn inside out!” she wailed, tears pricking her eyes. 

“Oh really? What’s inside or your tiny jester body, huh? I bet it’s a bunch’a brown sugar bacon in there,” Jax beamed, retracting his hands in a suspicious blessing. Pomni pushed herself upright and wiped glaze from her eyes as she caught her breath. She stared him down challengingly.

“You had to wake me up in the most traumatizing way possible, huh? No good morning kisses or gentle taps for me?” she huffed, rubbing an armpit with a wince. Her eyes widened when she realized she was as bare as a newborn babe, and all the memories of last night crashed into her.

“I need to keep you on your toes, ya’ know,” he reasoned, “and we’ve got plenty of time for all the other sh*t.”

She sighed and wrapped her arms around her knees, pulling them close for a bit of unconscious protection. Jax’s smile remained as he leaned forward, eyes wide and gleaming with…something.

“What’s gotten into you? You’re all一”

“I’m all what? Charming? Handsome? A genius? A prodigy?” Jax started, absolutely drenched in his own ego, moreso. What’s that about?

“You’re acting like you got accepted to Yale,” Pomni muttered confusedly. She didn’t remember anything happening to be excited over, this seemed like an out of the blue thing for her. She skimmed the memories of the day before and landed on a solid nothing.

“Pomni一Yale is below me.” He grabbed both of her cheeks and squished her face together, “Guess what I did!”

“Yogh fig’r’d out y’r nume n’ I g’t yogh pr’gn’nt?” she asked, words garbled from his squish.

“NO! I mean yes, but SOMETHING ELSE!”

“Uuuuuhhhh一” she wasn’t able to get another word out before he started shaking her.

“I saw the glitter!” 

It took her a bit to process what he said, but after about a 30 second lag, it clicked and she matched his energy in a heartbeat. She lunged forward and cupped his cheeks, now shaking his face like a piggy bank.

“YOU SAW THE CODE?”

“YEAH I SAW THE FRIGGIN’ CODE!”

“THAT’S AWESOME! WHEN?”

“ON THE PIRATE ADVENTURE!”

Pomni stopped shaking him, and his smile never shifted, eyes never rolled. Like he was unable to be discombobulated from sheer pride alone.

“I am so proud of you! You saw the code? You saw the code!” she laughed and threw her arms around him triumphantly, and he was so enraptured by everything that he stood and spun her around. 

“God, I'm so happy! I’m a f*cking genius! Pomni, our baby is going to have an IQ of over 9000!” Jax laughed rambunctiously. Pomni laughed with him, eyes wenched shut, as he spun.

“W-wait did you say一?”

“Pomni you got me pregnant and I ate my foot because of the cravings and my name is Maya Dixie Normus and I feel like I just reached enlightenment!” 

“OOoohhh一man, that’s一a bummer about your foot…. Was it the lucky one, at least?” Pomni smirked, pushing away from his chest just slightly. Jax couldn’t remember a time where he was more proud of himself. He dropped his smile only to kiss her face, which was accepted with as much grace as she could muster before he set her down.

“Naw, could you imagine a lucky genius? They’d be unstoppable. And with my influence, they probably become a supervillain,” Jax hummed. He broke away from Pomni to grab her extra set of comfy clothes to toss in her direction.

“Maybe more like an angsty antihero,” Pomni snarked, catching the clothes.

“Pfft. Whatever.” Jax huffed, “Come on, let’s go get some food!”

-

“You seem a little out of it Rags,” Zooble started, staring at the doll as she furrowed her brows deeply in thought.

“Oh no, I’m absolutely in it,” she retorted with a small smile, “Just making an important decision.”

“I see. Well, good luck with that.”

Ragatha huffed a little puff of air from her lips and pouted, having hoped that Zooble would be curious and ask what the decision was, and then she could be sly and say ‘it’s a surprise.’
She supposed this was better. Less fun, but more safe, probably. Gangle would be peeved if she revealed anything, even a little hint, because Gangle was adamant on the Truth Chain™ being a surprise until it was finished.

She was still deciding what her card was going to say, anyways.

Maybe something like ‘Zooble, you are so independent and you stand up for yourself, and I admire that!’
…but that was kind of dull, it seemed.

Another option was ‘Thank you for always being the voice of reason,’ but that seemed to be lacking something too. She wondered if it would be weird to put something more personal to just them on it, like referencing when they’d helped her sort through her problems many a time. Alas, a stalemate was drawn as she stared into the abyss of her black tea.

“So, I went to the classroom yesterday,” Gangle started up an idle conversation, “and I was able to learn about a couple of interesting things.”

“What did you learn?” Zooble humored her.

“I was able to learn about basket weaving, macrame, and glass blowing.”

“Macrame’s are my favorite cookies,” Kinger added happily.

“I think you mean macaroons, Kinger. And that’s kinda dope, G. But what happened to origami?” Zooble chuckled with a smile.

“Oh, well…I kind of wanted to learn that with you, since you said you were interested in that,” she cooed shyly.

“How thoughtful,” Ragatha hummed. Hmm…maybe she could write that? Still kinda…

“Yeah, honestly I’m impressed. Didn’t know you could think!” Jax suddenly leaned forward to invade Gangle’s space. She didn’t even flinch at him, though.

“Mean,” Pomni grumbled from behind him, “hype down if you’re gonna go back to Mr.Hyde.”

“Pomni, who ever said my base was Jekyll? For all you know Hyde is what my soul’s default is!” he laughed, opting to pat Gangle's mask instead of slapping it off her face. She tilted her head at his gentility, and also the fact that he was still freakin’ buzzing.

“Whatever Ribbons, we all know you can think. I know very well about what you think. It’s fine, we’ve all got our weird little things,” he giggled. She turned red and whimpered, but he didn’t elaborate and she was soooo thankful lor that.

“Wow you are really hyper today,” Ragatha commented, quirking a brow at Jax. He just grinned at her and pushed himself away from the table to snatch Pomni under her arms.

“Spread your arms and make plane noises while I carry you to your seat, and I’ll let you have the honors of telling everyone the good news!” he cackled, delighted by her little squeak.

Pomni looked at him wide eyed, but her heart warmed up at how genuinely happy he still was. She’d never seen him so happy, feeling so accomplished. Her cheeks pulled into a big smile and nodded slowly, deciding that it’s better to cherish this while they have it. True joy was rare一take it while it lasts. In utter delight, Jax hoisted her up under his arm and she planked with her ‘wings’ spread, blowing a raspberry to imitate a plane poorly. He ran around the table just for shits and giggles before coming to a stop at her chair.

“Holy sh*t where can I get whatever you’re on?” Zooble asked amusedly, snickering to themselves. He grinned at them, beaming.

“Wouldn’t you like to know! Tell ‘em, Pom. Tell ‘em tell ‘em!” 

Pomni turned to the rest of the table, and they were all looking quite intrigued. Then she looked back at Jax, who was still wiggling in his chair giddily.

“You sure you don’t want to? It’s a big accomplishment, I think you deserve to say it.” All faces turned to face the bunny again, possibly more intrigued. Possibly a bit exasperated. 

“Pom I’ve said it to you and I wanna hear you say it to everyone else because everything sounds better when your weird high-pitched squeaky voice says stuff! Come on PLEASE,” he exaggerated, flopping his hand over his forehead and leaning onto her for added dramatic flair.

All faced her again, and she hummed. Fine.

“Everyone一I got Jax pregnant and he ate his foot because of the cravings.”

“Pfft, what?” Zooble huffed, squinting in disbelief. Gangle just shook her head confusedly with her mouthful of juice, and Ragatha stared at them with a blank face. Kinger was the only one who seemed to comprehend this fully, because he said, 

“Congradulations! A child and an amputation on the same day is an accomplishment.”

That comment was what broke everyone. Ragatha and Zooble busted out laughing just after Jax kicked away from the table and started literally rolling on the floor. Pomni held her belly as tears pricked her eyes from the absurdity of the statement, and Gangle just sat there covering her mouth with her dainty hand to avoid spitting her drink out.

“I’m so confuuuused,” Ragatha whined through her laughter, leaning on the table for stability. Just as after she said that, Jax hopped up from the floor and sat down in his chair as if nothing happened, though his smile was still ever present.

“This is so weird. You are weirder than normal, what’s wrong with you? Did Pomni perform a lobotomy on you?” Zooble snickered.

“Oh no…not even a lobotomy could stifle my genius,” Jax retorted calmly. He started plating scrambled eggs before he looked directly at Pomni as she sat down beside him. After a moment of silence, she realized he really was waiting for her to say it, which felt so strangely like a reward. She reached over and threaded her fingers through his on the table before casting her gaze to everyone else.

“Jax saw into the simulation, guys. Neo’d the f*ck out,” she enthused with a whisper. Every jaw dropped. Or well, metaphorically speaking. Kinger and Zooble were both astounded despite their lack of jaws.

“THAT’S RIGHT! NEO’D THE F*CK OUT!!” Jax hollered suddenly, before nonchalantly returning to his eggs. He was now suspiciously calm, eating as if this were a regular fish fry Friday. The gentle tinking of his fork was the only sound that filled the room as everyone stared at him, in complete shock and amazed disbelief. Smiles started creeping up on everyone's faces before they too casually returned to breakfast.

Just another day in the Circus.

Chapter 80: CH.80 DECISIONS

Notes:

WOAH I love love loved ep. 6. That shit was mad enlightening about the inner machinations of the each cast member and my brain is going goo-goo over it. Absotootly scrumdidilyumptious. I really hope it's a segue into deepening the Jax/Pomni relationship, as well as the Ragatha/Pomni relationship. I love the canon, I really do...but alas the Realist has already deviated from it pretttttty faaaaaar so...sorry! XD Pls continue to enjoy the story as it exists in it's own parallel universe! But on a side note, anybody catch that Kinger literally programmed his own fucking health boosts? AT LEAST I WAS RIGHT ABOUT SOMETHING

Zooble kept glancing at Gangle all throughout breakfast, and Gangle was noticing. She was so nervous一she was terrible at keeping secrets from them. They could tell whenever she was trying to be sneaky or set up a surprise, no matter the significance of it.

Gangle nervously picked at her food as Zooble's lingering glances tickled her like when a ladybug crawls on your hand. She was trying so hard to be nonchalant, but  she started cartoonishly sweating. Zooble wanted to laugh, because they knew she what she was doing一even if they had no clue what it was, they knew she was hiding something from them. But obviously, that something was for them, because she was trying desperately to avoid eye-contact, and she never does that.

“Well,” Zooble started calmly in an attempt to redirect Gangle from her nervousness, “I’ve been giving my adventure a lot of thought, and一”

“WOAH woah,” Jax interrupted her obnoxiously, “personal adventure? Did’ja getta coupon, there, Zoobie? When did that happen?” 

“When you and Pomni were sleeping it off. While Ragatha, Kinger and I were dodging punches from a huge bird monster.”

“Oh that guy sucked,” Ragatha huffed in remembrance. Jax beamed a smile at her and cackled, genuine joy still seeping through.

“Finally admitting it, eh? Good for you, Dolly! It’s about time,” Jax hummed. He turned to Zooble afterward and cocked a brow, leaning over the table.

“So whatcha’ gonna ask for? Personal get away? A hammock on a sandy beach with a martini and a bag a’dank?” he smirked. He wiggled his eyebrows at Pomni for some reason unbeknownst to her and she had no choice but to stomp out a laugh because this was a serious conversation.

“As great as that sounds, I was thinking something a little more一different. Like, physically. And, if you guys want to make it a team adventure, I’d be happy to gather input,” they snarked, though it held no venom.

“What do you mean, different physically, Zooble?” Kinger asked curiously.

“Well, I want to see if I can get Caine to give me a different body. I figured if I was successful, it’d be kind of a d*ck move if I kept that to myself. Our bodies are一”

“MY body is graceful and elegant and something to be in awe of,” Jax cut them off. Pomni gave him a very annoyed look and poked his shoulder.

“Your body is fluffy and soft and overly reactionary with prey-like tendencies. Don’t pretend you don’t get weird with it like everybody else does,” Pomni scolded him, causing him to whip his head around and glare at her.

“Wha一Don’t talk about my weird body at the table, Poms, it’s distasteful! And you love my fluff ‘n stuff anyway so don’t try and bring me down about it,” Jax huffed, a little taken aback, reaching over to ruffle her hair.

“I’m not trying to bring you down. You’re just being flippant and self-centric when this is a VERY important topic for Zooble and they deserve respect when talking about it. Like if you told me something deeply personal and I was like ‘well at least MY interpretation of that thing isn’t total sh*t,” she deadpanned. Jax’s eyes widened and he fell into thought for a moment before swiftly turning back to Zooble.

“Didn’t mean it that way,” he muttered. “Habit. Sorry.”

“It’s ok Jax. You were just anticipating negativity and your immediate reaction was to fall into your awful brand of humor,” Zooble chuckled, watching Jax’s face twist, “but it is very important to me.” 

Zooble gave a thankful look to Pomni and sighed.
“All I know for sure is that I want to be in a different body. Don’t really have much else in mind besides that,” they hummed, drumming their glasslike spike-fingers on the table. 

“So any ideas on what character traits that body has? Like I dunno…do you wanna be in a human body? In a specifically gendered body…?” Gangle asked.

“Honestly? Being Caine’s f*cked up idea of human sounds particularly awful,” they returned with a grimace.

“So…no humanish stuff then. Well that’s something, that at least decreases the probability that he’ll make a post-apocalyptic adventure,” Pomni jumped in. 

Jax shook his head and planted his cheek on his palm with a pitious, grinning face. 
“The presence of humans has nothing to do with Caine's choice of postapoco-game rip offs. There are some with no humans at all, like Horizon Zero Dawn and Stray. Ye’ver played Stray? That’s a d@mn good game with not a hominid to be seen. Just a smart little kitty and some robots. Yo! How about a robot bod, Zoob?”

“I don't want to be in a robot body. That sounds similar to the current state of things,” Zooble mumbled.

“No robots, no humans…um…aliens?” Ragatha offered.

“Guys, you’re glossing over a huge category of bodies. It’s kind of insensitive,” Jax huffed, crossing his arms. Pomni snickered and then bit her tongue to silence herself.

“Alien body could be really cool or reeeeallly not cool,” Zooble looked deep in thought, “What’s this now about your sensitivities, oh violent violet one?”

Jax made a hacking sort of sound before gesturing vaguely to his entire being. 
“Uh, hello? Best category staring ya’ll in the face and nobody’s yet to mention?!”

“He’s talking about the kingdom Animalia,” Pomni explained dryly.

“Animals, huh? I mean, I guess that’s not as much of a mind f*ck as being off-brand human,” Zooble hummed, “But like一specifics are important. It’s a hard no for ocean creatures.”

“What? Oh but Z the ocean is so cool…dolphins…” Gangle whined, looking genuinely disappointed.

“Uh-uh,” Zooble doubled down, “Caine goes crazy with sharks, and I am not going anywhere near an Orca. Killer whales are S tier for ‘nopeness’. Plus, dolphins are mad gross.”

“Actually that’s true. They’re super nasty. Dolphins are the oceanic equivalent of sex-offenders,” Pomni explained, nodding along with Zoobles' reasoning. Jax seemed amused at this revelation with dolphins more so than Gangle did.

“You could, oh I dunno, BE a friggin’ Orca? Ever thought of that, genius?” Jax snarked, still wondering about how a dolphin could be a sex offender.

“NO OCEAN CREATURES. Especially Orcas.”

“I mean I get why you don’t like them. They’re the wolves of the sea. They literally disembowel great whites just so they can eat their livers,” Pomni agreed.

“WOAH WOAH hold the cellular device,” Jax barked with way too much enthusiasm, “That’s the ticket! It’s perfect!”

“I don’t have a ticket. Can I still board?” Kinger asked meekly, looking bashful that he’d forgotten his ticket. Jax bulldozed over the nonsense to drive home his point.

“That’s the animal you need, Zoobs! A mammal that’s not so crazy different, lives on land, but still far away from being human-like! You wanna make it a group adventure, and guess what animals live in groups?”

“Horses live in groups!” Ragath chirped, eyes sparkling.
Jax’s ears flattened in annoyance. “No.”

“Lot’s of birds live together,” Gangle offered.

“N一cooler than birds! Oh my God, I said mammal anyway,” he sighed. After a moment of all staring at him, he smacked his face and groaned in exasperation.

“WOLVES. Wolves,” he spat, then turned to grab Pomni’s face and squish her cheeks together, “Back me up Pom. Drop the cool wolf knowledge, stat!”

“Ummm….” she started, “ they can run about 38 miles per hour一they use howling and body language along with scent to communicate? They mate for life? Their family dynamics are complicated and they have a much more democratic system than common alpha-beta tropes conceptualize?”

“Ok ok, thank you for the riveting performance, Pom, I’ll consider it,” Zooble rushed out. They had a lot to digest, and honestly they just needed everybody to shut the hell up.

“Well,” Jax stood from his seat and slid over to Pomni to pick her up by the scruff of her neck, “Since you Lame-o’s need time to figure out that my idea is amazing, we’ll be headed to the education room to get learn-ed. Later.”

“Whatever you decide on, Zooble, I will support it,” Pomni called as her limbs tucked in.

-

She and Jax made their way to the classroom, leaving the rest of the cast at the table to process the conversation. Ragatha and Gangle looked at each other questioningly as Zooble pondered to themselves, and Kinger finished up his breakfast in peace.

There were a lot of other options to consider, and Zooble was always one to take time on important decisions when they could, so that’s what they decided to do.

“Imma go play the drums a bit. Beat some rhythm into my thoughts. If you need me, that’s where I’ll be,” and with little else than their dismissive wave, they left the table too.

Ragatha and Gangle were happy it worked out that way, because they could start putting together the Truth Chain ™. They retreated as soon as Zooble disappeared down the dorm hall, Ragatha retrieving the ribbons from her room and Gangle setting out to her paper stash to cut  the cards. She put extra effort into them, making cute little shapes like hearts and stars…she wanted it to look pleasing to the eye so that Zooble would actually want to look at it. 

They worked for a couple of hours in Gangle's room, Ragatha finally having decided what her card would say. When she and Gangle had cut all the cards and secured the paper to the ribbons, the only thing left to do was to actually write their truths. Just as the last ribbon was tied to the last blank card, a knock sounded at the door.

Gangle skittered over in a hurry and motioned for Ragatha to hide their work somehow before she asked shakily, “who is it?”

To her surprise, it was Pomni who answered.

“Hello Gangle? Do you have a sketchbook I can borrow? I need it for studying,” she asked meekly through the door.

“Oh Pomni!” Gangle sighed in relief, swinging the door open, “Come on in! And of course I do!”

The door opened and Pomni stood there, her head being the designated armrest of Jax, who boredly stared at his nails.

“Uhh一do you need it now, or…”

“What’s with the sneaky attitude, Ribbons? You’re more shifty than usual. And is that…Ragatha, are you in the shade too? OH this is too good,” Jax laughed, now folding both arms across Pomnis’ head. She grunted with the added weight.

“Whenever you can. Preferably your smallest one,” she huffed.

Ragatha perked at the smaller woman's voice and her golden retriever started showing, giddiness emanating from her face. 

“Gangle, we should let Pomni write one! She’s got lots of good things to say!” Ragatha chirped. Pomni perked at the praise, but still didn’t fully comprehend it.

“Excuse me?” Jax snarked, raising a brow at whatever was going on that he didn’t know about.

Gangle ushered them both in and shut the door behind them softly before turning and sighing at the secrets expanding audience.

“We’re writing positive things for Zooble. Please don’t tell, it’s a surprise. Yes you can write something, as long as it’s nice,” the ribbon girl huffed. Pomni lit up like a christmas tree and Jax hummed to himself in thought, but soon forgot what he was thinking about when he saw how the jester glowed. Gangle smiled softly and revealed the blank cards, handing out some to Pomni, and even offering one to Jax.

“Please make it nice,” she reiterated, “if it’s not I’m gonna burn it.”

Jas snickered at that, but decided it would be good to play along. He and Pomni sat on the floor next to the bed where Ragatah sat, and Gangle handed them all writing utensils. 

When everyone was done, Gangle looked them over to make sure they were acceptable. Her heart warmed when she saw what everyone had put down.
--------------------------
‘Every decision you make is thoughtful and calculated, and I look up to you so much for that. You are an inspiration to everyone who wants to be rational and fair. 

‘There’s usually more than one right answer. Don’t beat yourself up over it too much, Z.’       

-Love Pom
---------------------------
‘You have always told me the truth, Zooble. I’m so grateful I can count on you for that.’

‘Everything you’ve done for me is beyond repayment. Honest, Kind, and Selfless are the three words I think describe you best.’

‘I appreciate how hard you try. It makes me want to try harder too.’

-From Ragatha
---------------------------
‘You’re too f😀cking hard on yourself. Look in the mirror the same way you look at everybody else, and you'll realize just how not bad you really are.’

-The Violent Violet One
---------------------------

Gangle’s porcelain tears slipped down from her mask as she nodded at each card, shuffling through them. She compiled them together and gave Pomni her smallest sketchbook, and after that, everyone quietly took their leave. Being the last to go, Ragatha hung in the doorway a moment longer to tell Gangle thank you before she left too.

When her room was empty aside from herself, Gangle made quick work of attaching the cards to the paperclip chain. Just as she finished, another knock sounded at the door. She hid it under her covers and rushed to it, knowing it would be Zooble.

“Hey! Did you, uh…decide yet?” Gangle asked sweetly, curling her hand around a neon claw.

“Heh…yeah, I did.”

Chapter 81: CH. 81 LEARNING

Pomni lay on stomach on her bed, scribbling into the small drawing pad Gangle gave her for studying. After a few key words were jotted, she tapped the pencil on her bottom lip shakily. For as easily as academics had come to her in the past, this information seemed wholly alien to her. Her stomach dropped as she felt the mattress beneath her shift with the added weight of Jax.

“Ok so, overview for the day…” Pomni whispered, concentrating so hard she nearly broke a sweat, “ just…basic stuff. Variables, Control Structures, Data Structures, Functions.”

“Yeah, sure. And don't forget math! Lots’n lots’a math.” He decided to make it as inconvenient as possible for her and plop down to smush her as she studied.

“Yes, I recall she said lots of math! I’m not worried about the math part! I’ve got a math brain, remember?” Pomni sounded like she was attempting to suffocate her worries, but also like she was in a pressure cooker.

“You are like SO on edge right now, Pomnado,” Jax chuckled a little, seeing her pouty troubled face. It scrunched up with his mention of the obvious, and he nuzzled her cheek. She let out an exasperated sigh and bit her lip, deciding it would just be better to spill now.

“This material is overwhelming and I feel an intense pressure not to fail, because if I can't do this then I am literally failing everyone in here, especially you, because you saw the code and if neither of us know how to tweak it then you worked so hard for nothing and一!” she word vomited, only to be silenced with a big purple paw.

“You have THE BIGGEST hero complex一I’ve ever seen.”

She pressed into his hand, defeated. “MM’sry ‘M wrkn n’t” she muffled under his fingers.

“Scuzi?” Jax lifted his hand from her mouth, an ear twitching.

“Said ‘I’m working on it’,” Pomni grumbled. She felt him wrap around her more, and the tightness in her shoulders started to relax as he pressed into her back. He slid his hand up to her eyes and shielded them gently.

“That’s better Pom. Relax. Now from the top一what’s a Variable in code speak.”

A moment of silence hung in the air as she recalled.
“Variables are containers for storing data. Like storage bins for information,” she huffed, paying attention to the feeling of his soft fur on her arms. It was grounding.

“Ding ding, she’s a winner! And what’s a Control Structure, smarty pants?” Jax took a peek at her open notebook and glanced over everything again, just to make sure he was telling her the truth about her correctness.

“Control Structures are instructions that tell the code what to do. Like to repeat an action, or how to change depending on the input.” 

Jax smiled widely and started massaging her arms. She was so smart, and she only acted like an idiot when she got in her own head about things. He couldn’t help but find it achingly adorable.

“That’s the money. Keep those peepers shut now…and define, ‘Data Structure,” he cooed. It was almost sultry, Pomni wracked her brain on whether to find it funny or to be flustered while her head was doing gymnastics with all the complicated learning material and he was simultaneously holding her in such a compromising position.

“Mmmmm,” she hummed uncertainly, brows furrowing and fingers twitching, “Data Structures are一kinda like a dewey decimal system. Methods of organization.”

“That’s 3 in a row…if you get the 4th one right, you get a prize,” Jax rasped, moving to nibble by her ear. She scoffed at him, but still blushed like there was a chill in the air.

“Tell me what a Function is.”

“Functions are一are一” she paused, attempting to remember what the book-face had told her. She breathed out slowly and clicked her tongue, and then made the cutest little growl Jax had ever heard.

“GGRRRR I CAN’T REMEMBER!” she barked, face planting into the bedding below. Jax’s ears perked at it, warmth bubbling up from his internals. Cuuuute.

“Wanna hint? Yes you do I’ll give ya’ a hint! What do you do with plastic bottles instead of throwing them away?” he snickered, ears trained on her little noises that meant ‘deep thought’.

“Oh yeah!” she perked up right away, “They’re reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks!”

Pomni gasped as Jax sat up abruptly and spun her around so that she faced him, her pencil still wrapped up in her fingers. She looked much more relieved now that she’d accomplished her task of vocabulary recall, but that slightly dazed look from his antics still tickled the bunny’s insides wonderfully. He scooted back and face planted right below her chest, pressing his nose there to nuzzle vigorously. She giggled like a child, grabbing at his head to stop him.

“Cease and desist! You said if I got it right I’d get a prize!” she laughed, pushing his cheeks gently. His smile widened, she felt it through her shirt.

“Yes. This is the prize,” he huffed into her solar plexus. After a moment, he sat up and leaned over her to brush his thumb over her eyebrow. The intimacy of the gesture caught her attention and her giggles stifled at the warmth in his face.

“All’a my faith’s in you, Pomstein,” he muttered softly. Pomni’s eyes tripled in size and threatened to water at the display of softness, how gentle it was. 

The pressure behind her eyes made his figure slightly blurry above her. She could see, though, that his posture worsened a smidge. Pomni lifted her own hand to press against his, and he sighed.

“I’m more worried about my abilities, ya’ know. You’re good at d@mn near everything. I’ve seen the sparkles once. Who’s to say I’ll ever see them again?” Jax mumbled.

“You helped me study,” she said with conviction, “so I’ll help you too! With whatever you need, Jax. My Matrix-breaker. My Neo-Bunny. Oh! BunNeo!”

He threw back his head and cackled, “Oh my God, that’s like, the first nickname that even comes close to matching my namegame! Good job, Pom.” 

Pomni wiggled out from under him and planted her feet onto the floor. She shot him a big grin and raised her eyebrows before humming smugly, “Not true, I’ve had plenty of good ones! But if I ever see the code you have to call me PomNeo too!”

-

“So, what’d you settle on?” Gangle asked excitedly, pulling Zooble away from her room with comically little force. She did not want them anywhere near her surprise before she even had a chance to set it up.

Zooble chuckled.
“I’ve given it a lot of thought, and Jax’s idea seems to be actually一not terrible.”

“Yeah? Wolves, huh? So what about wolves is better than dolphins?” she asked, a little grumpy about it. Zooble snorted in amusement.

“Come on, G, it’s not that I don’t wanna give you what you want,” they huffed, “It’s just that logically, that idea makes more sense to me.”

Gangle eyed them questioningly, awaiting elaboration with a bit of dissatisfaction.

“Ok, so…If we were dolphins,” they started, albeit a bit hesitantly, “then Caine’d make us hunt fish. Fish are f*ckin’ nasty. Also, he’ll make us fight sharks, and probably some other weird fever-dream type sh*t like going to court with a jury of mollusks about J-walking.”

Gangle continued to watch them speak, offering her attention but not her opinion.

“With wolves一if I can hone in on the specifics一it would be a lot better. Because wolves are apex predators in the areas they live. They don’t have to eat fish, and the biggest threat to them are humans and other wolves. I’m also interested to know what it’s like to run around at 38 miles per hour.”

“Ok,” Gangle muttered, “If it’s an apex predator you want, why not lions? That would be kinda cool, to be a lion.” Zooble gave her a look that translated to ‘hard pass’.

“The Savana is probably my second last environment choice. Just before the ocean. And as for lions一I’d rather not be in a body riddled with tuberculosis fighting over rotten meat with a pack of hyenas.”

Gangle blinked slowly, stopping just before the door to the classroom.

“Wow Zooble, I swear if there was a reverse-advertising job, you’d be the pro. You have, like, a doctorate in making things sound awful,” she snickered, imagining the grotesque scene they just described. Zooble chittered out a quiet laugh with her before they reached for the door.

“It’s a talent. And I kind of want to learn about wolves more, so I can really get the details right. That cool?” Zooble asked, gesturing to the orange door.

“Yeah…yeah. I’ve been wanting to learn more about perspective drawing anyway,” Gangle sighed. She followed them into the room, only to find Kinger sitting at a desk with huge eyes as a slideshow presentation of ants was running.

“OOH! Hello, students! What can I inject into your minds today!?” Mrs.Scholar beamed.

“Oh god please don’t say stuff like that,” Zooble groaned, visibly cringing. Gangle hummed nervously before taking a seat at one of the many desks.

“Please, uh, teach me about perspective drawing?” she asked meekly. The book-faced teacher clapped her hands together and rushed over to Gangle's desk, materializing paper and drawing supplies like dew on the grass. Zooble noticed that when the NPC directed her attention to Gangle, the slideshow entertaining Kinger glitched a little bit. He didn’t seem to mind, because it was still going, but it made Zooble wonder.

They sat quietly in the desk beside Gangle, watching as the teacher described what to do about vanishing points and curved lines on the grid. Gangle soaked up the information fine, and when she seemingly didn’t need help anymore, the NPC turned to give her attention to Zooble.

“What can I help you learn, today, dear?!” Damn she was programmed to be so excitable. Tone it down a little, yeesh.

“Teach me about wolves,” they mumbled, eyes flicking between the NPC and Kingers slideshow. Their brow cocked at the brief image of a wolf that showed up on the projector, and then a flash of a protractor. Zooble hummed uneasily.

“Yes of course I can teach you about wolves!” she barked, skipping over to a bookshelf behind her desk. She pulled out a book, and carried it back to Zooble like it was a bouquet.

“Facts about wolves! H-ie-ier-yy you go!” 

Zooble took the book, wide eyed. They stared at the teacher for a moment, trying to determine if they actually heard that. When they peeked over at Gangle, she was watching Mrs.Scholar retreat to her desk, just as surprised, and a tad bit more fearful.

“Did she just glitch out?” Gangle whispered harshly, her grip tightening on her ruler.

“I, uh一” Zooble checked back to Kinger, who was still happy as a clam, though his slideshow was now tainted with a split second visage of a wolf pack, followed by a  artists’ landscape’s skeleton. Their gaze narrowed suspiciously.

“Is it cool if I take this book to my room?” Zooble asked, standing up abruptly. Gangle looked over to them quizzically before glancing back at the teacher to see what she’d say. 

“Sure thing! Soak it up, buttercup!” she sang. That was enough for Zooble.

They stood and leaned over Gangle, dropping their voice to a whisper.

“This is really shady. I’ll step out, hopefully she’ll function better with less people asking to learn different things in her space. Be safe…if she glitches again, leave.”

Gangle nodded at them and watched as they stepped out of the door, leaving her there with Kinger. She didn’t notice, as she returned uneasily to her drawing, that Kingers' slideshow lost its half second frames of wolf images. Mrs. Scholar sat at her desk, hands folded together, watching her two pupils intently as they expanded their minds with the power of learning.

Chapter 82: CH.82 IT'S STICKING

“Huh,” Zooble mumbled, their face pressed into the book, “G, the average pack size is 6. Anything from 2 to 10 is common, but 6 is the most common. Fits kinda perfect for us, actually.”

“Actually,” she repeated monotonously.

“Grey wolves aren’t all grey. They come in black, white, tan, brown, and…grizzled? Oh…just, like, combination…”

“Mmhmm,” she hummed boredly, thinking about how she was going to plant her gift without detection. Zooble interpreted her distraction as distaste and sighed.

“Look. I’m sorry. I know you’re not excited about it, but it might be enjoyable for you.”

Gangle straightened her posture from where she sat slumped on the couch, stiffening at Zoobles change of tone. She immediately got nervous, because Zooble could see her change in behavior and she couldn’t explain anything yet lest she ruin the surprise. Her ribbon hands flitted together sheepishly.

“Ha ha, sorry I一I was just thinking, I’m not upset or anything. Please don’t fret about it,” she chirped. Zooble seemed to understand, because they nodded, but they were already a bit annoyed at her little scheme. Not because they were nosy, mind you一but because Gangle was worrying herself into knots trying to keep whatever the fuck she was doing secret.

Zooble put the book down by their side on the couch and motioned for Gangle to scootch closer with a pat, which the ribbon girl complied. She sat next to them and watched their face for any signs of annoyance, only to be pleasantly surprised when they gently took her hand in theirs.

“If you don’t get whatever you’re doing over and done with, it’ll start messing with me. You’re never this nervous around me, and that toxic part of my brain is trying to convince the rational side that it’s because you’re scared of me.”

Zooble started gently stretching out her arms and coiling them around their fingers, playing with the length of ribbon in a way that Gangle interpreted as the closest thing to a massage she could feel. She felt bad for making them worry, but she hadn’t figured out a way to get into their room with them not there.

She relaxed beside them as Zooble wound her limp limbs around their own like spools, falling into the strange yet comforting feeling.

“Let the rational side beat up the toxic side,” she chuckled. Zooble hummed in acknowledgment just as Pomni slipped her way into their field of vision.

“Hi guys,” she said simply, a smile spreading at their display of affection. Zooble quirked a brow.

“What’s with that look, Pom?” Zooble grunted, smirking back despite lacking a mouth.

“Nothing, nothing. You’re just cute together.”

Gangle’s relaxed expression gave way to a happy little smile and she suddenly felt so content that sleep seemed a plausible possibility.

“And where’s your shadow?” Zooble snickered softly, feeling Gangle curl into them more.

“He’s attempting zen. Desires to see the fabric of reality or whatnot,” she hummed, taking a seat in the loveseat opposite them. Gangle scoffed a little at that.

“We should have a different world for this place. Reality sounds like blasphemy.”

Pomni tapped her chin in thought, nodding slightly. “Fabrication, then.”

Pomni relaxed into her chair across from the others, simply resting with her eyes closed. The moment was not broken, Zooble and Gangle felt no threat or disruption from her, nor any trailing awkwardness at her entry. It was strange一so strange that Gangle had to bring it up.

“Why does this feel so normal?” Gangle asked, suddenly. She was still curled up at Zooble’s side, their arm resting behind her gently. They tilted their head in her direction, silently asking her to elaborate.

“Well, I mean,” Gangle started to explain, “like right now. We’re just cuddling on the couch and you just walked in and I don’t feel awkward or bashful about it. Maybe I’m just super tired?”

“Oh, G,” Pomni started to giggle, “Family is supposed to make you feel relaxed and ok. I consider you guys family by now.”

Gangle nodded slightly before adjusting so her head fell into Zooble’s lap and she was laying comfortably.

“I really like the feeling. It’s like being at home, eating peanut butter ramen noodles in your underwear with your cat. Feel’s relaxed and normalish and…” Gangle paused to look up at Zooble and offer her sincerity, “feels accepting. Not normal like before, but一more like a home than it ever has been.”

Pomni watched as Zooble’s body tensed, not from upset, but from the weight those words carried. They ran what slightly resembled a thumb over the porcelain cheek of her mask.

Zooble sighed. “Back in the real world, I rarely had a physical place that qualified as a home. We had different roofs, and I wasn’t as thankful for them as I could have been一but they were never homes. The people I found after getting emancipated, the friends that made sure I ate and made sure I wasn’t dead after a couple days of silence一they were my first home.”

Pomni shifted in her seat, not uncomfortably, but to deepen her presence there.
“I know what you mean. My home was my brother. Sometimes my mother. But never a place,” she whispered, “and I won’t tell you guys everything, because that’s not cool, but…I’m fairly certain that Jax never felt like he had one.”

Gangle and Zooble both turned to look at her with curiosity obvious on their faces. This was something Zooble would be willing to nose around about一because even though Jax was actively changing in front of their eyes, he still has explained nothing about his past.

“So, like…similar situation to us?” Zooble asked, petting Gangle's mask.

“From what I understand,” Pomni spoke lowly, “his situation was bad enough that he left it with nothing to fall back on. He dealt with a lot of pain out there.” 

“Even I could have told you that. Just a kid acting out,” Gangle mumbled softly. 

“I don’t think he’s a kid anymore. Ha, never thought I’d say that,” Zooble grumbled.

“I hope he tells me more. But I’m not gonna press anymore than I already have,” Pomni explained.

“Just win the bet and he’ll have to tell you.”

Zooble perked up at that. “Oh yeah! That stupid bet got called off. Call it back on and win already.”

“Oh sh*t I forgot all about that…” Pomni pressed her fingers at her temple like that would do anything.

“Yeah. Win in front of us so we can see how he handles defeat up close and personal,” Gangle giggled, glancing at Pomni mirthfully. She sighed through her grin, knowing fully well that he was the literal worst at handling failure that he set the standards for.

A moment of silence passed between them and thoughts tumbled gracelessly out of the jester's mouth, seemingly from nothing. “I miss my brother.”

Gangle and Zooble both stiffened a little at that, and Pomni noticed. She immediately raised her hand in a calming motion, her body language lax. 
“Not in a sad, mopey, longing kind of way. More like a…’huh I wonder if he still refuses to wear bluejeans’ type of way. An ‘I wonder if he does his taxes late’ type of way.”

They both eased a little at her explanation, but Zooble knew that wasn’t the whole truth.
“It’s ok to be sad about missing family, Pom. It’s a normal human thing.”

She threaded her fingers together and hummed in thought at this, looking past Zooble and Gangle in one of her staring contests with God. A moment later she sighed and pushed her hair back from her face.
“Do you guys ever miss people on the outside?” she murmured.

“Absolutly,” Zooble affirmed.

“I miss my cat, and my parents, and my algebra tutor, and my weeb friends. In that order.”

Pomni and Zooble couldn’t help but laugh, and she joined them with pride at having lifted the mood slightly.

“I miss my neighbor Carl. He used to yell at the trashcans and cat-call the construction workers. He always wore a Vietnam Vet hat, too. Dude was cool as f&ck,” Zooble chimed in. Gangle snorted at the mention of Carl, apparently she’d heard of him before.

After clearing their throat, Zooble gestured to the book. Pomni noticed and followed the movement, blinking when she read the title.

“So it’s wolves, then,” she concluded. Gangle groaned and threw the tiniest tantrum she’d ever seen, pouting and huffing so quietly she could barely hear it. Zooble rolled their eyes and patted her back before offering the most barebones explanation.

“Strictly anti-dolphin.” Pomni snickered.

After a little while of resting and lazing about, they all decided to head to the table for supper. Gangle slipped away from Zooble to go pester the jester. 
“Do you think, maybe for like一15 minutes, you'd be able to distract Z while I prepare?” 

Pomni had no hesitation, she stepped over to Zooble's side and asked to see their book. The pair made their way over to the table and Pomni had successfully gotten their attention asking about the facts they learned and how they planned to incorporate everything, if they wanted help with writing, and etcetera. 

Gangle rushed back to her room to grab the Truth Chain, and when she emerged from her room she was met with Jax closing Pomni’s door at her side. She faltered a little, not expecting to see anyone, but quickly composed herself to get the job done.

“That’s nearly as big as you are, twiggy. How can you even lift that?” he huffed, stepping toward her. The memory of past shenanigans played in her mind, but she hoped desperately that he wasn’t about to ruin Zooble’s surprise. 

“Haha, uhhh一it’s not that bad?” she audibly swallowed, and Jax’s ear twitched. His eyes darted to the mess in her hands, then her face, then the door, then nothing in particular. A moment passed where he fell into his own mind, but it broke as quickly as it started. He stepped past Gangle and headed to Zooble’s door, opening it and then standing by the entrance.

After a scrutinizing stare from the bunny, Gangle connected the dots and padded over to him, never looking away.

“Where’ya gonna put it?” he grumbled, like making small talk pained him.

“Oh! Well一I was thinking over the bed, maybe?” she responded sheepishly. He gave a swift headshake, dispelling that idea entirely.

“Nah, Zooble isn’t a fan of dangly sh*t. Remember the balloon adventure fiasco? Strings got all caught in their limbs. It’d give’em war flashbacks,” he stated matter-of-factly, “Just put it on the wall. By the instruments or somethin’.”

Gangle scanned the room and nodded at his suggestion, moving toward the drumset and base guitar in the corner. She looked at it for a second before nearly losing her mind, finding that there was nothing small or attachable to adhere the paperclips to. Jax snorted at her reaction and planted a hand on his hip sassily, watching her mini-freak-out.

“There’s nothing! There’s gotta be something! What一”

“Dude. You came up with the whole thing and you forgot that digital walls don’t come with digital command hooks? Ppppft,” he sauntered over to her, shoving a hand into one of his pockets and pulling out a stick of gum. He popped it in his mouth and watched her continually spiral.

“All I wanted was to do something nice for Zooble because they’re always doing nice stuff for everybody and they need to have it acknowledged because they’re so d@mn hard on themselves! Ugh I’m so stupid I didn’t even think about what would attach it to the wall!”

Jax hummed and hipchecked her to the side, but not nearly as hard as he could have. He pulled out the chewed gum, tore it in half, and then smushed the pieces into the wall, fairly hight up. Then, he extended his hand in waiting for Gangle to present him with the thing.

“You一gum? How’d you know that would work?”

“All this backtalk when I’m helping you, huh Ribbons? Noted and charted, compartmentalized, downloaded and dropped in the quick access folder,” he grumbled, flexing his fingers at her. She stepped toward him and gently placed one end of it in his hand. He stuck the last paperclip into the wad of gum before turning his head back to her with his smug grin.

“There we go, see?! Works like a charm, Dummy. Now gimmie the other one.”

She handed it to him, and he secured it. When it was stable enough by his standards, he started reading the cards and flipping them over so the names were facing the wall. Gangle watched him do this with all of them before he crossed his arms and stood back to observe his work. The ribbon girl eyed him as he tried to remain unreadable, but he broke his own facade before she could try.

“Well,” he hummed, “It’ll get the job done. I’m surprised they haven’t found out about it yet. You’re getting better at surprises.” Then, he turned on his heel and headed to dinner.

Gangle smiled as she looked back at the wall, a feeling of silliness overcoming her. She only hoped Zooble wouldn’t be grossed out by the gum on their wall.

Notes:

Bro my brain is goop from Med surg 3. That class is so time consuming stg, writing time is severely diminished from that class alone. However, I will continue to make time! MAKE IT FIT!!! I do feel like maybe I would benefit from a lobotomy, though.

Notes:

Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get. Guess what my chocolate box came with? A diagnosis of a rare autoimmune condition, an obsession with tiny houses, and a brain that holds on to every useless scrap of information I come across. But it ain't all shit stains...I've got a lot of good things too. One of them is this silly story. I'd just like to thank all the peeps who keep peepin' at it. It's a lil ray a' sunshine in my day, knowing the story is making other people happy.