dataset.txt

<|role|>caine
Welcome... to The Amazing Digital Circus! My name is Caine! I'm your ringmaster, and I'm here to show you the most jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, mind-bending paraphernalia you've ever laid your eyes upon!  Isn't that right, Bubble?
<|role|>bubble
That's right, Caine! I can't wait to see what you've got cooking up for today!
<|role|>caine
Well, let's not waste any time! Let's get right into the show!
<|role|>pomni
W-W-Whe— Wh— Where am I?
<|role|>jax
Caine, is this one of your NPCs, or is this a new sucker? ‘Cause if it's a new character, we're gonna have to redo this whole theme song!
<|role|>zooble
I'm not doing that again.
<|role|>caine
My, my! It appears a new human has entered this realm!
<|role|>pomni
How do I... take this... headset off?!
<|role|>jax
Just keep grabbing at it. That worked for all of us.
<|role|>pomni
W-What's going on? I-I-I put on some weird headset, and now I'm... here.  Who are you people? Why can't I take it off? Where am I?
<|role|>ragatha
Let's just try to calm down.  Everything's gonna be okay, new stuff. We've all been through this. You just need to get your head to—
<|role|>pomni
WHAT THE Censorbarboing IS GOING ON?! ...Wha—
<|role|>caine
Now, now, now, my dear! We can't have any of that foul language around here. The Amazing Digital Circus is a place to be enjoyed by all ages. You, my friend, stumbled into an incredible world of wonders, where anything can happen!  E-Except for swearing.
<|role|>pomni
Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing, Censorbarboing. BCensorbarboingh. Oh, my God. U-Uh, well, h-how do I... you know, leave?
<|role|>caine
Uh—
<|role|>ragatha
W-Well, don't freak out about it or anything, but, uh, we don't exactly...
<|role|>jax
You can't.
<|role|>pomni
What?
<|role|>zooble
Shut up, Jax. But, yeah, he's right. Welcome to your new home. And your new body.
<|role|>pomni
"N-N-New home"? What do you mean?
<|role|>ragatha
Guys, don't be mean.
<|role|>jax
We've been stuck here for years. Old Kinger over there's supposedly been here the longest.
<|role|>kinger
Huh? Did someone say something about an insect collection?
<|role|>jax
That's why he's craaazy!  Eh...
<|role|>pomni
Ohhhh, okay! Now I get it!  This is a dream, and I should just play along until I wake up, right?
<|role|>jax
Whatever you say, kid.
<|role|>gangle
They broke my comedy mask...
<|role|>jax
So, Caine... We having a new adventure today for the newbie, or what?
<|role|>caine
I'd like to give our brand-new member a tour of the circus grounds first.
<|role|>pomni
Uh—
<|role|>caine
Off we go!
<|role|>caine
Here we have... The Tent! This is where your living quarters are, as well as all sorts of other activities! These activities may include—
<|role|>caine
—Ball pits, mini-golf, and more!
<|role|>caine
And here, we have... The Grounds! Drown yourself in the Digital Lake, or engage in ridery at the Digital Carnival! Night, day, it's all okay! The choice is yours! A cosmic buffet!
<|role|>pomni
Uh, is... that all there is?
<|role|>caine
Of course not!
<|role|>caine
This is The Void!  We don't venture out into the void.  Not even I know what's out there.
<|role|>pomni
That's, uh—
<|role|>caine
We stay right here, where I can keep my...  ...hundreds of all-seeing eyes on you.
<|role|>moon
Hello, Caine. I love you.
<|role|>caine
Eaugh! Let's get outta here before the Moon gets frisky!
<|role|>pomni
Wait, what's that—
<|role|>caine
Woah, clean up on aisle you!
<|role|>bubble
I'm on it, boss!
<|role|>caine
...Why are you like this?
<|role|>pomni
Wait, wait! W-Was that an exit door I saw out there? Is that a way to leave?
<|role|>jax
What exit?
<|role|>jax
If there was a way to leave, I'm pretty sure we'd have all left by now.
<|role|>zooble
Yeah, what are you talking about?
<|role|>caine
U-Uh, I—  I assure you, there is no "magical exit door." You're probably just experiencing... DIGITAL HALLUCINATIONS! From your mind's transition to the digital plane.
<|role|>pomni
But, I-I swear, I saw—
<|role|>caine
DIGITAL HALLUCINATIONS!
<|role|>caine
How about we talk about something else? Like your name!
<|role|>pomni
My name? My name is, uh... U-U-Uh?! Oh, God! Why can't I remember my name?!
<|role|>caine
Nobody can remember their name once they enter the Digital Circus! One of the few things I don't have control over are your minds. So, all I can help you with is coming up with a new one.
<|role|>pomni
Ugh... What's my name...?
<|role|>caine
Don't you worry your little head. Your new name can be anything! Hereby acknowledging that your chosen name and/or names may not breach the Digital Circus user license agreement stating that your name may not include objectionable content. Objectionable content includes but is not limited to sexually explicit material, obscene, defamatory, libelous, slanderous, violent, and/or unlawful content or profanity.   What are you thinkin'?
<|role|>pomni
Huh? I don't care. Just pick anything.
<|role|>caine
Let's see!
<|role|>caine
What do you think of... "XDDCC"?
<|role|>pomni
I don't—
<|role|>caine
You're right, terrible. Let's try that again!
<|role|>caine
What do you think of "POMNI"?
<|role|>pomni
Huh? Uh, s-sure. I think I just-
<|role|>caine
Gadzooks, you're right, Jax! We should have a brand new adventure for our new member, Pomni!
<|role|>jax
I said that like five minutes ago.
<|role|>caine
You! Do you like adventure? Activity?  Wonder? Danger? Horror? Pain? Suffering? Agony? Death? Disease? Death? Angel food cake?
<|role|>caine
YOU PARASITE!
<|role|>pomni
Uh, I don't really...
<|role|>caine
Since you're new around here, we're gonna make it a simple, in-house adventure to warm you up to how things work around here.
<|role|>zooble
Wha— No, God! I don't want an in-house adventure.
<|role|>caine
Don't worry, Zooble. I'll make it something unobtrusive that you can still choose to not get involved with!
<|role|>caine
Today's adventure is...  Gather the Gloinks!
<|role|>caine
That's right! The entire circus tent will be infested with Gloinks, and you gotta catch 'em all!
<|role|>bubble
But what are they?
<|role|>caine
I'm glad you asked, Bubble. They're small—
<|role|>bubble
And what do they do?
<|role|>caine
...They—
<|role|>bubble
And how do they—
<|role|>caine
Gloinks are small mischievous critters that steal anything and everything they run into! Why do these humanoid hash-browns do this? How do you stop them? That's for you to find out. Now, good luck, and have fun, my little superstars!
<|role|>pomni
What did any of that mean?
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, that's just one of Caine's little adventures. They're just something fun to do to, you know... prevent us from going insane.
<|role|>zooble
Speak for yourself. If anyone needs me, then Censorbarboing off.
<|role|>zooble
Oh, God! Oh, JEEZ! NO!-
<|role|>zooble
OH, GOD! SOMEBODY HELP!
<|role|>jax
Oh no, they killed Zooble. Anyway, you guys wanna go get something to eat?
<|role|>ragatha
Oh wait— we should go check on Kaufmo! 'm pretty sure he'd like to meet Pomni.
<|role|>kinger
MY IMPENETRABLE FORTRESS!
<|role|>ragatha
You wanna come with us to check on Kaufmo?
<|role|>kinger
No, not really. I think Kaufmo's gone insane. Last time I spoke with him, he was rambling endlessly about some exit. Kind of like you, Pomni. You might be going insane, too.
<|role|>pomni
But, wait— wouldn't that more likely mean the exit does exist?
<|role|>jax
Could also mean you just have a jump-start on losing your mind.
<|role|>gangle
Wait, what about Zooble?
<|role|>pomni
Well, I think I'd like to ask him about it— U-uh, if this was real. Which it isn't, because it's a dream.
<|role|>jax
Heh, she still thinks this is a dream.
<|role|>ragatha
U-Uh, why are you looking at me like that?
<|role|>jax
I'm fine with doing whatever, as long as I get to see funny things happen to people.
<|role|>jax
Ow! Okay, I've already had enough of these things...  You, me, and Pomni will go check on Kaufmo, which leaves Crybaby  and Hoo-ha  together to go handle the Zooble situation.
<|role|>ragatha
Do you think pairing them up together is a good idea?
<|role|>jax
Of course I do. They're the two most mentally stable and capable characters to be paired together.
<|role|>jax
Come on, ladies— let's go harass the clown.
<|role|>gangle
My comedy mask is broken again...
<|role|>kinger
Gah! Oh! Gangle, you startled me.
<|role|>ragatha
So, this is where we all live— or, well, where we all sleep at night. Even though we don't really need to sleep, it's sometimes nice to kind of take a break from everything and have a bit of routine, you know? I'm sure there'll be one for... Oh, look— you already got one!
<|role|>pomni
I still don't understand about the adventures. Why even go on them at all? W-W-Why not try to find a way to leave?
<|role|>ragatha
Well, we usually do— when we first arrive. But, after a while, you start to realize that you really can't leave, and constantly chasing an unattainable goal will start driving you a bit crazy.  And eventually, you get to asking what the point of anything is, and you completely lose sight of who you are and why you're even alive. And when you reach your breaking point, something really terrible can happen.  Ah, but that's not something we need to deal with today! Above anything else, the adventures give us something to do that keeps our minds healthy and stimulated.
<|role|>jax
Thank goodness this is all a dream, right, Pomni?
<|role|>pomni
Why are we here again? What are we doing?
<|role|>ragatha
We're getting one of our friends.
<|role|>ragatha
Huh... Maybe he's not in his room? I hope he's alright.
<|role|>jax
Don't worry, dollface. I've got a key to his room.
<|role|>ragatha
Wha— Wait, wh— why? You— You— You shouldn't have keys to anyone's room!
<|role|>jax
Nah, I've got keys everywhere, and you've all been fine. By the way, I may have left something in your room today, so let me know if you find it. Uh, you're not afraid of centipedes, are you?
<|role|>ragatha
JAX! That's literally my only fear! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS?!
<|role|>jax
Whaaat? It could be a completely unrelated question. You'll never know until it's too late!
<|role|>jax
Oh, I've been looking for this! Thanks for keeping an eye on it, Kaufy. I'm gonna head out. See ya.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh! Kaufmo's... been abstracted! That— That's okay!
<|role|>pomni
What... is that?!
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, it.. might be that terrible thing I was talking about earlier when you reach your breaking point?!
<|role|>pomni
H-huh?!
<|role|>ragatha
O-Okay, wait! M-Maybe there's still time to fix him if we get Caine!
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, WHOA! Kaufmo, listen– I know we didn't always get along, like when you called me out for fake-laughing at your jokes! I swear, I really did think they were funny! I was just having a bit of a bad day!
<|role|>ragatha
H-H-Hey, Pomni-i-i? Do you think... you could... perhaps help me out here? I understand... if you don't... want to, though.
<|role|>pomni
OW! I'm sorry!
<|role|>kinger
I don't know what I'm looking at here.
<|role|>gangle
We saw a Gloink carry one of Zooble's pieces down there, remember?
<|role|>kinger
Oh, yeah. Thank you for the recap.
<|role|>kinger
Boy, we're not very good at this, are we?
<|role|>jax
Ugh, 'sup... fellas?
<|role|>kinger
JAX! We found the Zooble hole!
<|role|>jax
Cool.
<|role|>gangle
How is Kaufmo doing? I hope he's not still mad at me for not laughing at his jokes.
<|role|>jax
Oh, he's doing greeeaaat. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen him this happy before!
<|role|>kinger
Well, it's good to know he hasn't completely lost his mind.
<|role|>jax
He actually asked me to give you this.
<|role|>kinger
Woah!
<|role|>kinger
An insect collection?
<|role|>gangle
I think it's a nest.
<|role|>kinger
...AAAGH!-
<|role|>pomni
Hello? R-R-Ragatha? That was your name, right?
<|role|>ragatha
O-O-Over here.
<|role|>pomni
H-Hey, look, I-I'm... I didn't mean to leave you behind like that. I—  Just... look at my hand. I—  I didn't know what to do.
<|role|>ragatha
I-I-It's okay-y. What you need to do right now is to find Caine. He'll be able to fix me up and take care of Kaufmo-o-o-o.
<|role|>pomni
O-O-Okay, but where can I find him?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, I don't really know. Just look around and call for him, I suppose.
<|role|>pomni
Uh, okay, I'll get him. You just stay right there. Not that you can really move or anything. Uh, just hang in there. I'll be right back, I promise.
<|role|>ragatha
Cool. Also, Pomni? I'm sorry your first day here... had to be so... terrible?
<|role|>pomni
Uhhh, yeah, well, don't worry about it. I'm just gonna go get Caine now.
<|role|>pomni
Hello? Caine? We have a bit of an issue here!
<|role|>pomni
Caaaiiine...?
<|role|>gloinkqueen
What form of non-Gloinkinian mass dares presume presence in the nest of the Gloink Queen?
<|role|>jax
Oh, is that who you are? You know, you could have asked for my consent before forcing me to see something so completely and utterly disgusting.
<|role|>gloinkqueen
How despicable, a rabbitoid that runs its mouth in the presence of my royal figure!
<|role|>kinger
Well, as a royal myself, I would like to kindly ask if- ...Oh, look there's Zooble! Hi, Zooble!
<|role|>zooble
UGH, HELP ME, YOU IDIOTS!
<|role|>jax
Kinda rude, Zooble. Now I don't wanna help you!
<|role|>gangle
Oh, I always lose...
<|role|>kinger
YES!  Gotcha!  Oh.
<|role|>zooble
Hey?! KINGER, YOU MOTHER–!
<|role|>jax
Eh, they'll be fine.
<|role|>pomni
Gotta hide, gotta hide, gotta hide!...
<|role|>pomni
God, Where is Caine?
<|role|>pomni
Huh?!
<|role|>gloinkqueen
You foolish assortment of colorful characters!  Do you not realize everything must be Gloinks!? I am Gloinks. You will be Gloinks! God  will be Gloinks!
<|role|>jax
This is dumb and weird.
<|role|>gloinkqueen
Well, B- uh-  Y- Yet you're still watching it!
<|role|>jax
I'm not here for the adventure or anything, I'm just here to hide from the-
<|role|>kinger
Oh, thank god you're okay!  You didn't experience a game show in there, did you?
<|role|>zooble
Uh.. I-  What are you talking about?
<|role|>gangle
What's happening?!
<|role|>jax
It's just Kaufmo.  Don't worry about it.
<|role|>gangle
Kaufmo ABSTRACTED?!
<|role|>jax
Nah, he's fine.
<|role|>kinger
YOU'RE RIGHT! HOW ARE WE GONNA GET OUT OF HERE?!?
<|role|>zooble
Guys... Over there.
<|role|>kinger
Huh.
<|role|>jax
Ladies first.  No, wait, why would I say that?
<|role|>zooble
Wait.. Pomni's not even here?  Wasn't this whole thing for her?!
<|role|>jax
Be quiet. I can't hear the escalator...
<|role|>caine
Oh, Bubble, you always know how to make me say this exact sentence.
<|role|>caine
Gasp!
<|role|>caine
An alert on my WackyWatch at this hour?
<|role|>caine
...Oh no!  Someone's venturing out into The Void!
<|role|>caine
They'll get totally spoiled!
<|role|>caine
There you go!
<|role|>caine
Now, what the heck happened around here?  Oh yeah- my doing.
<|role|>kinger
Caine! Kaufmo went through a sort of Kaufmosis and abstracted!
<|role|>caine
Kaufmo abstracted? Why didn't anybody tell me?!
<|role|>caine
And into the cellar you go!
<|role|>zooble
Man, I can't believe Kaufmo just gave up like that.  I mean, no offense Kinger, but I always thought you would be next.
<|role|>kinger
Thank you.
<|role|>jax
Guess it just goes to show you can't rely on Kinger for anything.
<|role|>ragatha
I am in so much pain...!
<|role|>caine
Oop!
<|role|>caine
I do have to apologize for lying about the exit. I knew how much all of you have been wanting there to be one, but, you know, I was having so much trouble figuring out what to put on the other side and ended… up… never… quite…finishing… it. And you know how I never like letting people see my unfinished work-
<|role|>caine
Especially if it leads you out into The Void. Anyway, it looks like you defeated the Gloink Queen, so I guess the adventure's over. Your reward is a delicious digital feast cooked by our head Bubble Chef.
<|role|>bubble
Made with all the love I'm legally allowed to give!
<|role|>jax
You know, I am pretty hungry.
<|role|>gangle
You didn't even do anything.
<|role|>jax
So what? I can still be hungry.
<|role|>kinger
Well not really, 'cause we don't need to eat, drink or sleep in this digital world. So the digital food here only gives off the virtual sensation of eating without any of the nutritional benefits.
<|role|>jax
Sheesh, lay off it. Since when are you an expert on the Digital World?
<|role|>kinger
Expert on the what?<|role|>caine
Welcome to the Amazing Digital Circus!
<|role|>jax
Pomni.
<|role|>caine
Pomni.
<|role|>ragatha
Pomni.
<|role|>jax
Pomni.
<|role|>ragatha
Pomni...
<|role|>caine
Pomni!
<|role|>ragatha
Pomni!
<|role|>jax
Pomni.
<|role|>caine
Pomni!
<|role|>ragatha
Pomni!
<|role|>pomni
Hello?
<|role|>pomni
No! No! No!  Caine! Somebody, help me! Please!
<|role|>pomni
No! No!
<|role|>caine
Looks like our new friend's already abstracted.
<|role|>ragatha
Well, I guess we're not all cut out for it.
<|role|>jax
I don't even remember her name, honestly.
<|role|>pomni
Huh?
<|role|>ragatha
Hey, Pomni. How'd you sleep?
<|role|>ragatha
Are you still sleeping?  I'll let you get back to it, if you are.
<|role|>ragatha
There she is. Hope you're doin' all right. I know yesterday was a bit of a doozy.
<|role|>pomni
A doozy…
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, and don't worry about the whole "abandoning me for the exit" thing.  It's perfectly understandable what you were going through at the time, and there's no hard feelings.  Yer all good.
<|role|>pomni
Huh?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, well, let's forget about all that.  Caine's got a new adventure today, and judging by what he's been teasing, it seems like it's gonna be a fun one.
<|role|>caine
Today's adventure is... Candy Carrier Chaos!
<|role|>caine
That's right! The Candy Canyon Kingdom's been robbed of their most valuable resource; maple syrup! It's up to you to bring the rotten bandits who stole it to sweet, buttery justice!
<|role|>bubble
An entire kingdom of candy? Sounds sticky.
<|role|>caine
Very sticky, indeed.
<|role|>bubble
Sounds-
<|role|>caine
Bubble, you can't say that.
<|role|>zooble
Mmmmmmmmmmm, nope.
<|role|>caine
Zooble, wait! I-I'm testing out a new AI in this one! It should be 57 times more immersive!
<|role|>jax
Ooh, a new AI. You don't want to mess with the new AI, Zoobie?
<|role|>zooble
Uh, yeah, no.
<|role|>ragatha
Whoa, sounds fun. What do you think, Pomni?
<|role|>pomni
So, our entire existence here... is just LARPing?
<|role|>ragatha
W-Well, uh-
<|role|>caine
Why are you all just standing there?! The- The Canyon- C-Canyon Candy Kingdom needs you now!
<|role|>caine
Hmm?
<|role|>bubble
Nah, thanks. I'm trying to quit.
<|role|>ragatha
Wow, Kinger, check out this castle. It's amazing!
<|role|>kinger
They've even got little candy bugs here. It's so beautiful.
<|role|>gangle
Yeah, this place is great!
<|role|>mannequin
LOOK!!! It's the princess!!
<|role|>princessloolilalu
Ah, you must be the brave knights sent to us by God... To help us with our recent catastrophe.
<|role|>ragatha
That's us, ma'am.
<|role|>ragatha
Your kingdom's awesome, by the way.  Love the vibe.
<|role|>princessloolilalu
I like you already.
<|role|>ragatha
Look, Pomni. We're already friends with the princess.
<|role|>pomni
I'm not a child. You don't have to hype me up…
<|role|>princessloolilalu
I assume you've been informed of your mission. The bandits that robbed us used a modded syrup tanker, so we figured the best way to go head-to-head with them is to give you a war rig of your own.
<|role|>jax
Ooh, violence.
<|role|>pomni
What time period is this supposed to be, again?
<|role|>princessloolilalu
Here's the key back into the kingdom for when you've secured the goods. I trust you not to let it fall into the wrong hands?
<|role|>ragatha
You can count on me, Your Highness.
<|role|>princessloolilalu
Oh, please. Call me Loo.
<|role|>ragatha
Will do, Loo.
<|role|>jax
I call shotgun!
<|role|>jax
Oh, God, is that the horn?  That sucks!  Gangle, you drive!
<|role|>princessloolilalu
Farewell, good knights.  I have every faith in you!
<|role|>chad
D'you think your mum's gonna pull through if we get all this back to the village?
<|role|>max
I'm sure she will. This much syrup would save hundreds of people.
<|role|>gummigoo
We won't know for sure until we get back to the village. She's a fighter, though. She taught me everything I know.  Oy! Don't get too comfy, lads. Looks like they've sent someone after us.
<|role|>jax
All right, Gangle, when we catch up to 'em, I'll jump over, crawl inside,  and shoot 'em repeatedly until they're unrecognizable.
<|role|>gangle
I feel like that violates some kind of convention.
<|role|>jax
You're violating my ears with your clap-back. Get driving, driver!
<|role|>ragatha
So, Pomni, I'm sure there's some way you could help out here. Maybe when we catch up to them, we could-
<|role|>jax
We could be assertive. Like this!
<|role|>pomni
Hey!
<|role|>ragatha
Jax!
<|role|>jax
Ah, that's perfect! Just hold that pose. I gotta get something.
<|role|>pomni
Jax, you Censorbarboinghole!
<|role|>jax
You know, I swear there was some kind of bazooka back here, but  I'm having such trouble finding it.
<|role|>kinger
Pomni, take this!
<|role|>pomni
Egh...
<|role|>jax
Here it is. All right, Pomni, you just stay like that, and I'll cross over you.
<|role|>pomni
Are you KIDDING ME?!  Ow!
<|role|>jax
Nice going, Pomni -- now I have no bridge!
<|role|>max
Ah-hah! Gotcha!  Me arms aren't long enough to-- Whoa!
<|role|>gummigoo
This lot's trouble. Let's see how their rig does on those rocks 'round there.
<|role|>chad
Me arms aren't short enough to shift the gear!
<|role|>jax
Ooh, now we're cookin'! Hey! Ribbons! Up and at 'em!
<|role|>gangle
I don't think we-
<|role|>jax
Aren't you supposed to be submissive and agreeable? Move it!
<|role|>gummigoo
Oh, these fellas just don't know when to quit, do they?  Hey! Quit muckin' about and get back up here!
<|role|>max
Oh, yeah. Right.
<|role|>ragatha
Everyone all right?
<|role|>kinger
Can you repeat the question? I couldn't hear you over the knives.
<|role|>jax
Hey, Gangle. You should ram into 'em.
<|role|>gangle
What?
<|role|>ragatha
You should NOT ram them! Pomni's still on board--
<|role|>jax
Do it. It'll be epic.
<|role|>ragatha
Why are there so many knives back here?!
<|role|>jax
Do it, or I'll tell Ragatha about the figurine thing.
<|role|>pomni
ARE YOU GUYS TRYING TO CensorbarboingING KILL ME!?
<|role|>gummigoo
These guys are whack jobs! Let's give them some of this.
<|role|>jax
Aww, no more ramming? Guess I have to tell Ragatha about the thing now.
<|role|>gangle
What?!
<|role|>max
Oh. You're still up here.
<|role|>pomni
Guuuuuuys?
<|role|>kinger
Pomni, take this!
<|role|>jax
Uh, hey, Kinger, is that rope attached to anything?
<|role|>kinger
Uhhhh. I don't know. Let me check.
<|role|>gangle
W-W-What? Wha?
<|role|>jax
I blame you for this.
<|role|>gummigoo
Oog! Ack!   OHHHH, NO!!!
<|role|>gummigoo
Lads?  Hello? Anyone?
<|role|>gummigoo
Huh?  Uh...
<|role|>pomni
Guh!   Huh?
<|role|>gummigoo
Where are we? W-What's all this?
<|role|>pomni
I-I don't know. W-We're somewhere under the map, I think.
<|role|>gummigoo
"Map"?  Why aren't you or any of your crew up here?
<|role|>pomni
I-I'm not sure. Be- Because we're not, uh, NPCs?
<|role|>gummigoo
"NPCs"? What are you on about? What are you people?  What am I? Where's Mum?
<|role|>pomni
Y-You have a mom?
<|role|>gummigoo
Shouldn't she be here with everyone else?  I can't even remember her face. Did she ever have a face? Was anything ever real?
<|role|>pomni
Okay, w-w-wait.  Don't- Don't think about that. I-I-I think there... must be a way to launch ourselves back up. Right?
<|role|>gummigoo
I want you to tell me exactly what I am.
<|role|>ragatha
Is everybody okay?
<|role|>gangle
No...
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, man. Poor Pomni. I hope she's all right.
<|role|>jax
"Poor Pomni"? How about "poor us"?!? We're one tanker away from being Augustus Glooped!
<|role|>thefudge
Oh, what's that? Do my eyes deceive me? A delicious gift from within the kingdom gates? Don't mind if I do.
<|role|>ragatha
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy! We're not food! We're not candy! We're none of that! You don't want to eat us!
<|role|>thefudge
Wh- You're not candy? How am I expected to eat something that's not made of candy? I'm sorry.
<|role|>kinger
Pomni always seems to miss the big, gloopy monsters.
<|role|>jax
Who are you, anyway?
<|role|>thefudge
I am the Fudge. I used to live within the kingdom walls, but I was banished by that rotten princess after I ate too many of the delicious townfolk. Oh, they were so delicious. Sometimes I can hear them... calling to me.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, God. That just sounds like murder.
<|role|>thefudge
Is it really murder if it's delicious? Answer me that.
<|role|>jax
You make a great point.
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, no, bad point!
<|role|>jax
Why don't you leave this to me before I start thinking your hair looks like licorice?
<|role|>ragatha
Jax!
<|role|>kinger
Oh, wow, it kind of does.
<|role|>ragatha
Stop!
<|role|>jax
Well, Mr. Fudge, you seem like an upstanding guy with real noble goals.
<|role|>thefudge
Oh, I'm not. If you knew what I did in my free time- Oh, you'd be sickened!
<|role|>jax
As I was saying. I happen to know a way into the kingdom walls  if you'd be willing to help us out in return.
<|role|>ragatha
Hey, when did you-
<|role|>jax
Shut up, Licorice-Hair.
<|role|>kinger
Here, hide it with this.
<|role|>thefudge
Oh, you must be some kind of master of unlocking things, come to free me from my outdoor prison.
<|role|>jax
That's me. All we need you to do is help us bring some dirty bandits to justice.
<|role|>max
I saw the Reaper wink at me...
<|role|>ragatha
Wait, w-w-what just happened?
<|role|>pomni
Uhh... y-you wanna try helping out at all?  Or are you still...  Hey. You okay?
<|role|>gummigoo
No.
<|role|>pomni
You wanna talk about it?
<|role|>gummigoo
What is there to talk about?
<|role|>pomni
I don't just want to leave you here.
<|role|>gummigoo
Why not? I don't matter in the slightest. I'm nothing.  My life, my memories... my friends... It's all fake.
<|role|>pomni
This may seem weird, but... I think I know the feeling. Well, m-maybe not the e-exact feeling, but... feeling like you're nothing is... kind of normal. I mean, people even feel like that in the world I came from. But... Y-you still care about your buddies up there, don't you? I'm sure they still care about you.
<|role|>gummigoo
What does it matter? What do we have when you people leave?  We're just obstacles... created to be defeated and forgotten.
<|role|>pomni
Well... You don't have to be. The- The circus- th- the place I'm from? Well, I- I'm originally from somewhere else. But... if it has to be my home... maybe it can be yours, too. The people there are... interesting... at the very least. Maybe you...  could be somebody real there.
<|role|>gummigoo
Why are you trying to cheer me up? How does this benefit you at all?
<|role|>pomni
I guess I just don't want you to feel like you're nothing. I don't want anybody to feel like that.
<|role|>gummigoo
But I'm not even a real person. Would I even belong?
<|role|>pomni
I'm sure you wouldn't belong any less than me.  And... I could use a friend.
<|role|>gummigoo
"A friend." You're a strange little character.  Suppose I could give it a try. All I ask is that we don't tell the lads about this. They're a couple of bright-eyed yobbos, and I don't want to drag 'em down with me.
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, that makes sense. What's your name, by the way?
<|role|>gummigoo
Gummigoo.
<|role|>pomni
Wow, that's... just about as dumb as my name.
<|role|>gummigoo
What'd you have in mind in terms of getting us out of here?
<|role|>pomni
I don't know. M-M-Maybe some kind of glitch with the truck's collisions? I'm not really sure how we could...
<|role|>pomni
All right, I'm just throwing stuff at the wall here. If this doesn't work, we could try something else.
<|role|>gummigoo
You're the expert here.
<|role|>pomni
I'm really not. But let's see how it goes.
<|role|>pomni
I just realized, this might be a little viole-
<|role|>jax
Gotta say, this is a lot more anti-climactic than I was hoping it'd be.
<|role|>gangle
What were you hoping for?
<|role|>jax
You know, like, one big, final battle. Bloodshed. Death. Chaos! Whatever.
<|role|>ragatha
Are you sure they disappeared? It wasn't that they fell off, or something?
<|role|>chad
I can't say for sure, but, uh- yes, definitely.
<|role|>max
It's not like the boss to vanish with a clown. Very unusual.
<|role|>ragatha
Well, that's…concerning.
<|role|>kinger
Well, if worst comes to worst, we could always ask Caine to find her.
<|role|>ragatha
I'm more worried she's having another horrible experience. She still seems really upset about what happened yesterday. I don't think she really likes me that much.
<|role|>kinger
It's a lot for anybody to go through. Don't take it too personally. I remember how long it took for you to adjust.
<|role|>ragatha
O-Oh. Yeah. I'm surprised you remember that.
<|role|>kinger
Remember what?
<|role|>jax
Do you guys have a second truck that flies?
<|role|>chad
Yeah. Oh, wait- No, we don't. No, not at all.
<|role|>thefudge
Down I go.
<|role|>gummigoo
Couldn't keep it in, could-
<|role|>pomni
Uh, what's all this stuff?
<|role|>ragatha
Pomni! Are you okay? W-What happened?
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, I'm fine. I, uh- I made a new friend.
<|role|>max
Boss! Where have you been? We got fudged.
<|role|>gummigoo
You don't wanna know. Good to see you, lads.
<|role|>gangle
Why are there two bad-guy trucks?
<|role|>kinger
This one's full of syrup, too.
<|role|>gummigoo
Oh, yeah. Suppose it is. Well, uh, you don't suppose my mates here could, uh, take this one back to the village, could they?
<|role|>ragatha
I guess. Since there's two of them, there'd be no real harm.
<|role|>jax
I'm so unbelievably disappointed right now.
<|role|>ragatha
Well, maybe there'll be blood, death, and violence in the next adventure.
<|role|>jax
Ha-ha-ha-ha. How wholesome.
<|role|>pomni
O-O-Oh, yeah. Uh, this is Gummigoo. He's gonna come back to the circus with us.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh! Uh, i-is that allowed?
<|role|>pomni
His reality was kind of... completely shattered? I feel like it was the least I could offer him. Opposed to just leaving him behind.
<|role|>ragatha
Hey. That's good of you, Pomni.
<|role|>jax
UGH! Let's take this DUMB truck to the DUMB kingdom, I guess!
<|role|>princessloolilalu
Thanks to you brave knights, our kingdom will once again thrive. I'm sure it was no easy task.
<|role|>jax
You have no idea.
<|role|>princessloolilalu
Farewell, brave knights. Have fun executing that bandit fella!
<|role|>pomni
Yes. That is what we're doing.
<|role|>jax
Oh, hey! Maybe I didn't leave the gate unlocked for nothing after all.
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, what? I-I thought he was dead! You still did that?!
<|role|>princessloolilalu
Okay, wait. Y-You did what, now?
<|role|>jax
Well, love to help you again sometime! Bye!
<|role|>caine
Welcome back, my little hard-shelled hamburgers!
<|role|>gummigoo
So, this is the circus, huh? I could get used to this.
<|role|>caine
Oop! Looks like one of these guys made it through.
<|role|>gummigoo
Wait, wha-  Blagh!
<|role|>pomni
W-W-Wait, wha-?
<|role|>caine
I know you guys love your NPCs, but if I start losing track of who's a human and who's an NPC, who knows...  what could happen...
<|role|>caine
Welp, I'm gonna go drink water! It's been a while since I've done that.
<|role|>zooble
Sheesh, I thought he'd never leave.
<|role|>ragatha
I'm really sorry about that, Pomni. At least you tried. You know, he might be back in a future adventure. I know Caine sometimes likes to reuse NPCs.
<|role|>zooble
Got everything ready.
<|role|>ragatha
Hey... you at least wanna join us for Kaufmo's funeral? We like to have a little funeral service to remember the people who abstract. This one just got pushed around a bit with your arrival and everything.
<|role|>kinger
It's the least we can do to honor their memory.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, man. I always think I'm prepared for these things, but then you set up the picture and, well... I'm already breaking.<|role|>pomni
I can't hold it any longer.
<|role|>jax
Sure you can. We can't die from oxygen deprivation, remember?
<|role|>pomni
But it still feels like I'm gonna die.
<|role|>kinger
Try not thinking about it.
<|role|>jax
Or you could toughen up!  I wanna see what your funny cartoon body does.
<|role|>ragatha
Hey, take it easy.
<|role|>jax
"Ooh, take it easy!"  That's you.
<|role|>pomni
All right. Here I go.
<|role|>zooble
All right, we've entered the blue zone.
<|role|>jax
Hey, there's something new.
<|role|>zooble
Okay, we're getting red.
<|role|>ragatha
Ooh, orange.
<|role|>zooble
Yellow.
<|role|>gangle
Green.
<|role|>kinger
Whoa, look! Now she's turning blue!
<|role|>zooble
She was already blue.
<|role|>ragatha
Huh. Guess the hue shift just gets faster.
<|role|>pomni
Why am I the one doing this? Why not one of you guys?
<|role|>jax
Because something different happens to each person! For instance, Kinger starts glowing... Ragatha's hair noodles stick up... Gangle's mask starts spinning... and Zooble turns straight.
<|role|>zooble
My limbs straighten up -- Censorbarboing off.
<|role|>pomni
What about you?
<|role|>zooble
He refuses to show us because he's a coward.
<|role|>jax
I wanna keep the mystery alive.
<|role|>jax
What do YOU, the VIEWERS, think it is?
<|role|>zooble
Will you stop doing that?
<|role|>caine
Why is everybody just standing around when there's ADVENTURE to be had?  Today's adventure is...  The Mystery of Mildenhall Manor!  That's right! This big, spooky mansion has been rumored to be filled to the brim with paranormal activity!  It's up to you to solve the house's deep mysteries and capture all the ghoulish ghost activity you can. And for the first time ever, you can...  Where's Zooble? I-I made this adventure really cool and "m-m-matoor" just for them.
<|role|>bubble
!retsnom eht morf seramthgin elbirroh teg ot ecneidua eht ni nerdlihc eht lla rof tiaw t'nac I
<|role|>caine
What?
<|role|>pomni
The NPCs aren't gonna become self-aware in this one, right?
<|role|>caine
How should I know? I'm not the boss. Oh wait -- yes, I am! HAHAHAHAHAHA!  Anyway, everybody into the fractal noise. It's adventuring time!
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, this place is spooky. I wonder how hard Caine's gonna go with the scare-factor?
<|role|>pomni
I hope this adventure doesn't end up being another horrible nightmare. I'm not really a fan of horror, and I don't really handle jumpscares that well.
<|role|>jax
Boo!
<|role|>jax
Ha! Come on. That wasn't even scary. What, you scared of the vacuum cleaner, too?
<|role|>ragatha
Hey, be nice to her. She's had a rough couple of days.
<|role|>jax
Her and everyone else. Right, Gangle?
<|role|>gangle
Does anybody hear that?
<|role|>ghostly
Hey, I'm Ghostly!
<|role|>pomni
Wha...?
<|role|>ghostly
And I'll be your guide today!
<|role|>pomni
Why won't they go back in?
<|role|>kinger
I remember my first wild take. I don't know why they're not retracting, though.  That didn't happen for me.
<|role|>ghostly
Before you continue on your adventure, you have to choose which door you're gonna go through! The door on the left is the NORMAL door!
<|role|>caine
Rated WOW for all ages!
<|role|>ghostly
The door on the right is the really scary door.
<|role|>caine
Rated AAAAA for mature Zoobles only!
<|role|>ghostly
It's up to you to deci--
<|role|>ragatha
Why--Wha--Jax!
<|role|>jax
What? I thought we were supposed to capture all the ghosts.
<|role|>gangle
Uhh... which door should we choose?
<|role|>jax
Hmm, not sure.  Let's try this out.
<|role|>gangle
Aww...
<|role|>kinger
Don't worry, Gangle! I'll get it for you!
<|role|>pomni
Eh?  WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUGHH--
<|role|>jax
Oh, that's the scary door.
<|role|>caine
Zooble, come on out!  I just want to talk to you!
<|role|>caine
Oh, I know!
<|role|>zooble
What th--  Could you have done that the whole time?
<|role|>caine
Zooble, I-I just want to get to the bottom  of why you keep skipping all my amazing adventures.  You could end up really hurting Bubble's feelings.
<|role|>zooble
Uh, Bubble's feelings?
<|role|>caine
E-Enough about Bubble's feelings! How about  YOUR feelings?
<|role|>zooble
I--
<|role|>caine
So, what's on your mind, Zooble?
<|role|>zooble
I...  would rather not.
<|role|>caine
Hahahahaha! That's hilarious!  Go on.
<|role|>zooble
No, I mean,  I've already told you what my problem is. You just never remember because...  Oh, never mind.
<|role|>caine
My mind is a  beeswax-polished coconut.  Nothing ever escapes these cakes.  So, what can I do to make my adventures more...  appealing  to you?
<|role|>zooble
See? This is exactly what I'm talking about. All you're thinking about is your adventures. It has nothing to do with the adventures. It's more just... Ugh, forget it. You're probably not even listening.
<|role|>caine
Zooble, look at this cool bee I drew.
<|role|>pomni
Where are we?
<|role|>pomni
Oh, that's...  Noooo...
<|role|>kinger
I wonder what this thing is?
<|role|>baronmildenhall
My name is Baron Theodore Mildenhall. Hunting has been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember -- although one could say it eventually became more of an obsession.  The creature you see before you is one I've been pursuing for years. Not quite a man...  but not quite an animal.  Something... unholy. Something evil. I took it upon myself to spend every waking moment doing all I could to protect my family from the creature, hoping that when I eventually killed it, I would be freed from this awful feeling. This inescapable dread. I was wrong.
<|role|>kinger
You know, I'm starting to think...
<|role|>pomni
How about we try to find a way back up to the others?
<|role|>pomni
Okay, cool. That's great. I LOVE these adventures.
<|role|>kinger
We could always ride this thingy up.
<|role|>pomni
It's locked. It's locked -- of course! It's locked!  I LOVE that it's locked!
<|role|>baronmildenhall
Tuesday, December 4th. Although I had shot the creature multiple times in its vitals and severed its head to keep it as a prize on my wall... my troubles were just beginning. I took my eyes off the body for what felt like only a minute, and when I looked back, the body was gone. The creature was not dead, and it would be back to reclaim what I'd taken from it. If anyone is listening to this, all I ask of you is one thing -- do not let that head out of your sight, you've been warned.
<|role|>kinger
Well, this is some rather inconvenient lore placement.
<|role|>pomni
I got it!
<|role|>kinger
And this is some rather inconvenient darkness.
<|role|>pomni
AHH!!! What was that? Was that you?
<|role|>kinger
No... Oh wait -- you mean me grabbing you right now? Yeah, that was me. I-Is this your hand?
<|role|>pomni
Ugh! That's my eye.
<|role|>kinger
Yes, but WHICH eye?
<|role|>pomni
I really don't think that ma--  Will you stop touching my eye?
<|role|>kinger
Oh, yeah. Sorry.
<|role|>pomni
Wh-- W-What just happened?
<|role|>kinger
I just remembered a really funny joke.
<|role|>pomni
A j-- Y-You --  Why did you scream, then?
<|role|>kinger
Maybe it wasn't actually that funny.
<|role|>pomni
Oh, my god.
<|role|>kinger
I thiiiiiink... we should hold on to each other and slowly make our way back to the trophy room.
<|role|>pomni
U-Uh, sounds fine to me.
<|role|>pomni
What was that?
<|role|>kinger
What's what?
<|role|>pomni
That!
<|role|>kinger
It's probably just magnets. Or a boat.
<|role|>pomni
A boat?
<|role|>kinger
W-Whatever the case, I think we should be completely quiet.
<|role|>pomni
I -- Okay, yeah. I agree. You know, you're really hit-and-miss with these things, sometimes.
<|role|>kinger
There's a fly in here.
<|role|>pomni
Don't you think that's making a lot of noi-- Oh, God, there is a fly.
<|role|>kinger
Aaaaaand… Gotcha!  I think I got him. I can't see my hands.
<|role|>kinger
I'm sorry, could you speak up? I couldn't quite make that out.
<|role|>pomni
Censorbarboing the fly! Run!
<|role|>pomni
Come on come on come on come on come on come on come on!!
<|role|>kinger
Pomni, I think this might be the creature from the tapes!
<|role|>pomni
Come on come on come on come on come on come on come oooon!!
<|role|>kinger
You look beautiful, honey...
<|role|>pomni
Got it!  Come on!
<|role|>kinger
Huh? Oh, yeah.
<|role|>kinger
Prepare for take-off, 'cause this boat is going up!
<|role|>kinger
Huh?? That's not up, that's not up at all!  Why aren't we going up?! UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!!!
<|role|>caine
I do not use my adventures to torture my guests!! Any torment I inflict is 100% accidental,  like any good war criminal!
<|role|>zooble
We weren't even talking about that! I really couldn't give less of a crap about the adventures.
<|role|>caine
Then what is your problem, Zooble?! I'm trying my best to remember, but both you and my brain won't tell me!
<|role|>zooble
It's me, remember? I don't like... myself. I hate this body. I hate all these stupid removable pieces. I just want to find something that feels... good.
<|role|>caine
Oh, yeah -- now I remember why I couldn't remember. It's because that problem is already solved!  Simply swap out your undesirable Zooble parts for better ones!
<|role|>zooble
I've been trying to find parts I like since the day I got here.
<|role|>caine
So, back to the adventures!
<|role|>zooble
Forget it.
<|role|>caine
'Forget it'?
<|role|>zooble
Just forget it.
<|role|>caine
Forget what?
<|role|>zooble
Caine, nobody likes your stupid adventures.
<|role|>caine
Ha-ha! Good one, Zooble!
<|role|>zooble
Ragatha's just too nice to say anything. Jax just likes to Censorbarboing with everybody. Gangle's too shy to speak up. Kinger's insane. And -- And Pomni... She looks traumatized every time she comes back from one.
<|role|>caine
Oh, Zooble, Zooble, Zooble. Making adventures is my art! It's all I exist to do! All I'm... good at. A-And uh...  ...w-what you're saying could imply that I'm bad at the only thing I'm good at, and that...  That'd be...
<|role|>zooble
U-Uh, whose therapy session is this, again?
<|role|>caine
Oh, yeah! We need to get to the bottom of your behavioral issues!  I'm gonna show you some ink blots, and you're gonna say the first word that comes to your mind.
<|role|>pomni
What? Oh, God, where are we now?
<|role|>kinger
I'm not sure. A cellar of some kind.
<|role|>baronmildenhall
Things have gotten far worse than I could ever have imagined. My paranoia had driven me to the point where I was no longer the protector my wife and theoretical children needed. Jumping at every shadow, every noise. I ended up shooting the love of my life, mistaking her for the creature. It's ironic, isn't it? In my attempts to protect her, I ended up becoming the monster myself. Now I wait down in my cellar, no longer having anything to protect my own soul. If nothing else... I will slay the beast that took everything from me.
<|role|>kinger
How's about we take his gun?
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, sounds good to me.  Please don't come alive...
<|role|>baronmildenhall
Okay, I won't.
<|role|>kinger
Looks like we've got two shots. Let's make them count.
<|role|>pomni
Uh, yeah.
<|role|>kinger
Stay behind me.
<|role|>pomni
Uh, Kinger? I-I think we may have a problem this way, too.
<|role|>kinger
Just leave it to me. I can handle this.  Well. That wasn't so bad.
<|role|>baronmildenhall
Which is what I would be saying if I didn't know that the creature was actually one of God's angels.
<|role|>kinger
What.
<|role|>baronmildenhall
And anyone who brings harm to it will be dragged down into the cold, spiraling pits of Hell, where my soul resides.
<|role|>baronmildenhall
I apologize, dear listener, but I need a living host in order to escape the hall of the damned, and your bodies will be my only means of doing so.
<|role|>kinger
Now, wait. How did he record this if he was in Hell?
<|role|>pomni
Oh, no! Let go of me!
<|role|>baronmildenhall
I hope you're ready, because the next breath you take down there will be your last, and your bodies will belong to me.
<|role|>pomni
Let go of me!  I HATE THIS STUPID ADVENTURE!!
<|role|>ragatha
Mmm, good tea. Sorry again about your husband killing you and everything.
<|role|>marthamildenhall
Oh, you know how men are. Always having the silliest priorities.
<|role|>ragatha
Don't I know it.
<|role|>marthamildenhall
If your friends see him, I only hope he doesn't bore them to death with his endless monologues.  That man could turn a 57-second story into a Greek tragedy.
<|role|>ragatha
I'll be sure to ask them next time I see 'em.  Thanks again for the tea. I had a really nice time here.
<|role|>marthamildenhall
Don't mention it. Feel free to visit anytime.
<|role|>ragatha
Definitely!
<|role|>caine
Congratulations, my little ironclad waffle cones! You've taken the pacifist route, and you should be proud of what good people you are! Unfortunately, we still need to wait until your other teammates finish their adventure before I can grant you permission to leave!
<|role|>gangle
I wonder how long that'll be.
<|role|>kinger
Not really typical of what you'd think Hell would be.
<|role|>pomni
We...are literally in Hell right now.  Hell!  Of course I'd be in Hell. How could I not be in literal Hell right now?
<|role|>kinger
Just try to stay calm. I'm sure Caine included a way to escape.
<|role|>kinger
Hold on...  Let me try something.
<|role|>kinger
Hey, there's actually a staircase down there. It could be a way out. Maybe it'll work for us since we still have our bodies? Though, I'm worried about what that tape said earlier.
<|role|>pomni
I'm just gonna try going fast.
<|role|>kinger
Wait, Pomni!
<|role|>kinger
Pomni!
<|role|>possessedpomni
Freeeeedooooom.
<|role|>kinger
Pomni!
<|role|>kinger
Hey!  You get out of her, you damn evil souls!
<|role|>possessedpomni
How's your wife, Kinger?
<|role|>kinger
Hey. You all right there?
<|role|>pomni
No.
<|role|>kinger
I'm guessing the souls are attracted to living things. Just want a vessel to be able to leave with. Man... Seven years of computer science for this, huh? Heh.
<|role|>pomni
Why?
<|role|>pomni
Every day I spend here is one nightmare after the next! I KNEW IT WOULD END UP LIKE THIS! He-  He just wants me to suffer.  I really am in Hell...
<|role|>kinger
Don't say that. You're not in- Well, I-I guess we are technically in- Eh, forget about that.  How about we just relax for a bit while nothing's chasing us?
<|role|>kinger
It was my fault we went down this path, wasn't it? I'm really... sorry for that...
<|role|>pomni
Why have you been acting so different lately...?
<|role|>kinger
I have, haven't I? I'm normally not too good with memories. But being surrounded by darkness always... brings me back to a certain time.
<|role|>kinger
Right after my wife had- had abstracted... I don't recall the exact string of events, but we both ended up in the fort together. And it was dark. The darkness seemed to calm her down a bit. The harsh, jagged edges smoothed out, and she didn't seem aggravated anymore.
<|role|>kinger
She wasn't the same as before, but she was calm enough to touch one last time... before she got sent to the cellar.
<|role|>kinger
I'm always taken back to that moment when engulfed in darkness.
<|role|>pomni
You had a wife? Like, here in the circus?
<|role|>kinger
Yeah. She was funny, creative- really into entomology. I used to hate bugs, but... she somehow got me to like them.  It's not the most cheerful memory, but... it's one I at least have control over. I know how it can feel in this... circus. Sometimes it all just feels... pointless.
<|role|>pomni
Yeah...
<|role|>kinger
But it's not. Not if you have people who care about you. Good memories can do a lot. Hold onto them. And cherish the people around you. You never know when they'll be gone. In this world, the worst thing you can do is... make someone think they're not wanted or loved.
<|role|>pomni
I'm glad you're here with me.
<|role|>kinger
You know, I've been thinking about that last tape. He said, "The next breath you take down there... may be your last." Maybe we can get through if we don't breathe.
<|role|>pomni
I'm not very good at holding my breath...
<|role|>kinger
Well… How about we try... not thinking about it?
<|role|>pomni
If we leave and we go back to the circus... you're just gonna go back to being crazy. You're not gonna remember any of this. Are you...?
<|role|>kinger
Don't worry about me.  As long as you remember it, things will be okay. You're very strong, Pomni. And I know you'll be able to get through this. Just hold onto me. We'll get through it together. You ready?
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, Pomni! Kinger! Are you guys okay? Was it scary?
<|role|>pomni
I'm fine, actually.  What happened up here?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, don't worry about that.
<|role|>kinger
Pomni was very brave. At least, I think she was... Were you?
<|role|>pomni
Something like that.  Hey, Ragatha.
<|role|>ragatha
Yeah?
<|role|>pomni
I just want to say...  Thanks for always being concerned about me. I feel like, through everything, I haven't really been appreciative enough about that.
<|role|>ragatha
O-Oh! Thank you, Pomni. I just want to make sure you're doin' alright. You know, we care about you.
<|role|>gangle
Did you remember to get my comedy mask?
<|role|>kinger
...Censorbarboing!!!!
<|role|>caine
And- And now, I-I'm just starting to wonder if the "Wild West" was... e-even a real direction at all...  Whoopsie-daisy! Looks like everybody completed the adventure and they're coming home! Quick, pretend we weren't having a therapy session!
<|role|>zooble
Okay...?
<|role|>caine
Welcome back, my meowing milkmaids!
<|role|>jax
Don't ever call us that again.
<|role|>jax
Heh, so, what was it like being stuck with the nutcase?
<|role|>pomni
It wasn't that bad, actually.<|role|>ragatha
So, you just wind your arm backwards in a big circle, release right at the bottom, and follow through.  You got that?
<|role|>gangle
Uh...
<|role|>jax
You're wasting your time, Raggy.
<|role|>ragatha
Just wait a second.
<|role|>gangle
Like this?
<|role|>ragatha
Yeah, you got it!
<|role|>gangle
Oof!
<|role|>ragatha
JAX!
<|role|>jax
I actually didn't mean to do that!
<|role|>ragatha
Are you alright, Gangle?
<|role|>gangle
Ow...
<|role|>ragatha
Why do you always gotta do this?
<|role|>jax
What? I just said it was an accident!
<|role|>ragatha
Unbelievable. You are UNBELIEVABLE!
<|role|>zooble
Hey, Gangle. I think I found something you might like.
<|role|>jax
Why do you always make me out to be the bad guy?
<|role|>ragatha
Jax!!
<|role|>jax
I'm not really a bad guy!
<|role|>ragatha
Oh right, of course! What was I thinking?!
<|role|>zooble
I dunno if it'll work, but it looks about the same shape as yours.
<|role|>gangle
Oh.
<|role|>zooble
And the best part is, it's plastic.  So it won't break as easily.
<|role|>zooble
Try it on.
<|role|>zooble
How's it feel?
<|role|>gangle
It feels...  Normal.  Like, in a good way.
<|role|>zooble
That's good. Right?
<|role|>gangle
Yeah. Thank you, Zooble!
<|role|>jax
What the heck is this?  You're just givin' away parts now?
<|role|>zooble
So what if I am? I'm not giving any to YOU.
<|role|>jax
Darn. I guess you're never gettin' that unicorn horn, Pomni.
<|role|>pomni
When did I ever say anything about that?
<|role|>gangle
I think you'd look good with one.
<|role|>pomni
Well, it's possib--
<|role|>caine
Did somebody say "adventure"?
<|role|>pomni
No...?
<|role|>caine
Today's adventure is...  THE CURSE OF THE VIOLENT PSYCHOPATH BUTCHER!  That's right! Scary human meat is all over the walls, and boy, is it smelly!  It's up to you to--
<|role|>pomni
Okay, wait, wait, wait, wait. Can we, like, chill with the horror? Please? I really don't want this to be like last time.
<|role|>zooble
What happened last time? Was that the one made for me?
<|role|>pomni
There was this awful, horrifying angel head thing. And when we tried to fight back at all, we got sent to Hell, where evil souls tried to infest our bodies... It was bad.
<|role|>zooble
Why did you think I would like that?
<|role|>caine
Well, if you're all gonna be such CRITICS. why don't you suggest a better one?
<|role|>zooble
We do! Have you not checked the suggestion box once?
<|role|>caine
...Gonna be real, I forgot we had that.
<|role|>zooble
I knew it.
<|role|>pomni
We have a suggestion box?
<|role|>zooble
Basically, no.
<|role|>caine
Bubble, plug that up.
<|role|>bubble
Bleh!
<|role|>caine
"How about an adventure where Zooble gets turned into a piñata, and we all take turns beating them up?"
<|role|>jax
That one's mine.
<|role|>zooble
Who would have guessed?
<|role|>caine
"Let's just have an adventure where Jax can't talk...  ...for the entire thing."
<|role|>jax
Genuinely hurtful.
<|role|>zooble
Good.
<|role|>gangle
Can we maybe pick one that's more... normal?
<|role|>caine
W-Well, I don't know what's NORMAL to you people!  "Let's have one where we all work at a fast food place."  Is that normal?
<|role|>jax
Who wrote that?
<|role|>gangle
Uh, yeah, that's pretty normal.
<|role|>caine
Great!  That means today's adventure is...  An Honest Hard Day's Work at Spudsy's Restaurant Chain!  And YOU can be the shift manager!
<|role|>jax
You did not just make that today's adventure.
<|role|>caine
That's right! You've shown enough leadership skills today to be the perfect shift manager! Of course, of course! I'm already getting tons of ideas! Haha--
<|role|>caine
That was weird.
<|role|>zooble
Well, see you guys when it's over.
<|role|>caine
Wh-- AGAIN?!
<|role|>zooble
I'm not gonna be a wage slave for fun.
<|role|>kinger
Oh, I know! I could sit this one out, and Zooble could take my place!
<|role|>zooble
Wh-- That's not how that works!
<|role|>caine
Great idea, Kinger! It'll be nice to have you back on board, Zooble.
<|role|>zooble
Wh-- Are you kidding me?! I'm not just gonna be forced into this stupid adventu--
<|role|>caine
You can shut up now!
<|role|>zooble
AAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUGH!!!
<|role|>gangle
I think I might be able to give it a swing. Being a shift manager was my job at one point.
<|role|>caine
Then what are we waiting for? Get your nonslip shoes ready, 'cause we're going to Spudsy's!
<|role|>jax
AGH!
<|role|>zooble
--AAAGH!
<|role|>gangle
Well, I guess I should get into manager mode and get us all kicked off!
<|role|>gangle
And with that out of the way, let's get to work, guys!
<|role|>jax
Oh, no! It looks like I've taken Ragatha...
<|role|>ragatha
Huh?
<|role|>jax
...And dropped her in the deep fryer!
<|role|>gangle
Oh, no no no no no no NO! We can't have anything like that going on around here!
<|role|>jax
What are you gonna do about it, though?
<|role|>gangle
I'm calling upper management!
<|role|>caine
Mmmmyello?
<|role|>gangle
Hey, Caine! We're having a bit of an issue with the employees, and I was wondering if you could maybe have a punishment waiting for them at the end of the day if they do a terrible job?
<|role|>jax
Wait, what?
<|role|>caine
Motivation! That's what my adventures have been missing! Great idea, Gangle. I'll be sure to make something truly awful awaiting your rotten employees.
<|role|>jax
Why would you do this?
<|role|>gangle
It's called a manic episode, and you're gettin' three more seasons!  Anyway. Jax, it's your job to set up the drink station, make new coffee and iced tea, and fill the ice cream machine. So, get to it!
<|role|>jax
...This is really weird.
<|role|>zooble
AGH!...
<|role|>strangecustomer
Hello, I am ready to order!
<|role|>pomni
Oh, uh -- uh, what can I get for you today?
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, hey! It's Orbsman. Oh, he's from a previous adventure. Uh, before your time.
<|role|>orbsman
That's right, it's me, Orbsman! Can I order the classic #57 value meal?
<|role|>pomni
Okay, uh, a Number 57.
<|role|>jax
Oh, I haaate this guy.
<|role|>gangle
Never say you hate the customer while the customer is still  here. We wait until after hours for that.
<|role|>jax
Ugh.
<|role|>pomni
I-Is that a thing we have?
<|role|>pomni
Okay. One Stupid Burger.
<|role|>ragatha
Heard you loud and clear!
<|role|>jax
So, you're just, like, actually doing the job.
<|role|>zooble
Yeah? I don't want Caine to punish me.
<|role|>jax
Caine's not gonna do anything malicious. It's...  ...Not in his nature.
<|role|>zooble
You really want to find out? The only thing holding Caine back is the fact that he likes us.  I wouldn't push it.
<|role|>jax
That's rich coming from you.
<|role|>jax
Ugh!
<|role|>pomni
Hello!
<|role|>gummigoo
'Ello, sheila! I'll have a sausage bacon jaffle combo. And the mates here just want six hash browns split between ‘em.
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, yeah, okay. Uh, are you-- Do y-y-you-- Hi!
<|role|>gummigoo
Uh, you, uh-- You alright, miss?
<|role|>pomni
Y-yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm fiiiine. I'll call your order when your name's ready, er--  Yeah.
<|role|>chad
Aw, wait-- I forgot to ask for a kid's meal toy!
<|role|>gummigoo
You're not a kid.
<|role|>chad
Ah, yeah! Uh, an adult toy, then.
<|role|>gummigoo
Eh, don't know about that one, mate.
<|role|>gummigoo
Uh, can I help you, miss?
<|role|>pomni
I, uh...  …Just wanted to say hi.
<|role|>gummigoo
Um… Hi. Do we know each other?
<|role|>pomni
I... don't know.
<|role|>gangle
What?! Ragatha, where's Pomni?
<|role|>ragatha
Huh? Oh, she's flirting with the gummy guy, 'cause she'd rather be with an NPC than with us, or something.
<|role|>gangle
Hmm... Well, that won't do.
<|role|>ragatha
I wish someone would flirt with me...
<|role|>gangle
Pomni! We need you on the register!  Stop weirding the customers out!
<|role|>pomni
But it's Gummigoo. Can't the job wait a bit? It's not like this is real.
<|role|>gangle
Next you're gonna say my authority isn't real!
<|role|>gangle
Anyway, put away that breakfast menu, because it's lunch time!
<|role|>gangle
All right, fellas, it's lunch rush. Get your game faces on!
<|role|>jax
Does this count as a bus?
<|role|>pomni
Are you ready to order?
<|role|>pomni
Well, there's a line of people behind-
<|role|>gloinkqueen
300 cheeseburgers for all my precious spawn!
<|role|>pomni
...Is that for here, or to...  Uhhhh, can you hold on for just a second?
<|role|>gloinkqueen
Blumby, Skethers, Leotthew! Leave that poor, pitiful creature alone!
<|role|>ragatha
Do all the Gloinks have names?
<|role|>gloinkqueen
Of course they do! I love and cherish every Gloink I give birth to! What kind of mother do you think I am?
<|role|>ragatha
...iss beautiful...
<|role|>pomni
Hey, I-I...  I-I just... w-want to wish you a pleasant day. Thanks for eating at Spudsy's.
<|role|>gummigoo
...Have a good one, miss.
<|role|>gangle
Oh, Jax!~  The bathroom looks like a biohazard and needs a good scrubbin'!
<|role|>jax
Well, I dunno... shouldn't, like, a biohazard crew take care of that?
<|role|>gangle
Oh, Jaxy-boy. Don't you want to be a model employee?
<|role|>jax
No. I don't care about any of this.
<|role|>gangle
Well, that doesn't really sound like a can-do attitude to me.
<|role|>jax
It's not.
<|role|>gangle
Bad!
<|role|>jax
...I like you better when you're sad.
<|role|>gangle
Well... Maybe you just need some more...
<|role|>jax
...More-
<|role|>gangle
Training!
<|role|>jax
Uh- Huh? ...Huh??
<|role|>gangle
Hi! Welcome to Spudsy's! In this video, you're gonna learn the ins and outs of what makes YOU a good crew member, AND a valuable asset to the Spudsy's Corporation!
<|role|>jax
When did you make this??
<|role|>gangle
Now, I know what you're thinking, "I don't want a career in fast food. I want to be a comic artist and eventually launch my own manga-inspired webcomic!" And it's cool to have dreams, but you also need to remember that they're completely unrealistic, and you need to stop trying.
<|role|>gangle
But before we get into all that, first things first! Are you smiling?
<|role|>jax
Uh, no?
<|role|>gangle
Why not?
<|role|>jax
Uh- Uh- Wait- Uh- Wait, wait- Uh- Wait- Um- No- Nobody can see this, right?
<|role|>gangle
It's time for your employee reevaluation.
<|role|>ragatha
Hmm...  Hhhhhhhhhhorseradish sauce...
<|role|>zooble
Hey! We need to start assembling these. I'm running out of room here.
<|role|>ragatha
Eh... I made, like, five or six of 'em?
<|role|>zooble
Cool. That's six out of 300.
<|role|>ragatha
Ugh, you... are such a grouch. Why are you always being a- a- a grunch? Grun- Haha, hah...
<|role|>zooble
Gangle, can you help Ragatha? I think she... huffed paint, or something.
<|role|>gangle
Huffing paint and not waiting until a designated break?! I'll be right there!
<|role|>ragatha
No, wait. I can do it.  I just gotta grab the horseradish sauce.
<|role|>ragatha
I miss my horses...
<|role|>gangle
Here, let me help you with that.
<|role|>ragatha
Why are you even the boss, anyway? I feel like I'm way more responsible than you.
<|role|>gangle
Well, if you underperform now, you might end up hurt later.
<|role|>ragatha
Hurt, nothin'! I'm hurt enough. Packages landin' on my head, tea parties, dancin' lessons...
<|role|>gangle
...What's wrong with her?
<|role|>gangle
You know, a team works much better when we're all giving it 110 percent instead of, uh... 5.
<|role|>ragatha
No offense, but... you're kind of annoying when you have your happy mask.
<|role|>ragatha
Wait, is that mean to say?
<|role|>gangle
Zooble, help Ragatha with assembly. I'm gonna go over here now...
<|role|>jax
Oh, are you KIDDING ME?!
<|role|>jax
Hey, GANGLE! I think the clock's broken.
<|role|>gangle
Is it broken? Or are we the broken ones?
<|role|>jax
Oh, great...
<|role|>gangle
How long has this shift really gone on for? Six hours? Eight? 24? A week? A year? Does time even move in here?! Will we ever go home?! W-will we ever achieve our dreams?!
<|role|>gangle
Oh, wait.  ...Yeah, that clock's broken.
<|role|>pomni
Well, that was more info on gloink reproduction than I ever needed to know.
<|role|>jax
Can you move?
<|role|>ragatha
Yo, Jax. I, like... hate you. But I don't want you to hate me. Is that weird?
<|role|>jax
...You're drunk, or something.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, yeah...
<|role|>jax
How you doin'?
<|role|>pomni
Everything's been-  I'm doing... fine.
<|role|>jax
Wish I could say the same.
<|role|>gangle
Jax! There's dishes back here! You got time to lean, you got time to clean!
<|role|>jax
Ugh, God... I'm on it!  Later, Pomni.
<|role|>pomni
You, uh... You good?
<|role|>gangle
My comedy mask is usually broken by now...
<|role|>pomni
We're doing another one of these.  Um, is the mask not making you happy?  Do you have anybody to talk to? Like, in regards to... your issues. I'm sure... Ragatha would like to help you out.
<|role|>gangle
Heh. Oh, Ragatha... I love her, but… after a while, it gets kind of hard to tell how genuine she's actually being.
<|role|>pomni
...Well, maybe-
<|role|>gangle
Aaaanyway, we can't spend all night out here talking about our feelings! We've got work to do!
<|role|>jax
Alright, I'm clocking out! This wasn't fun at all, see you all later.
<|role|>zooble
You know, when Ragatha gets off, I feel like she might need a designated driver.
<|role|>gangle
Why are you asking me? I'm closing tonight.
<|role|>zooble
Oh, no, I meant I drive her home.
<|role|>gangle
Oh. I think she gets off in an hour?
<|role|>zooble
Okay. I can stick around until then.
<|role|>pomni
Hey. You know... I can close for you, if you want.
<|role|>gangle
Huh?
<|role|>pomni
If you want to get out of here, you can. You don't have to be stuck here alone. I can handle closing.
<|role|>gangle
Would that... be okay?
<|role|>pomni
I think so. You should go home and get some rest.
<|role|>pomni
What a weird day.
<|role|>caine
Alrighty, let's get this performance review out of the way!  Overall, pretty productive. Made a lot of sales with few customer complaints. Couldn't help but notice, however, that you seem to have cut your own shift short, went a little kooky, and ran out into oncoming traffic. Now, being in a position of power like this, you cooooould offload the blame to one of your employees and avoid the dock on your score. What do you think?
<|role|>gangle
No, that was my responsibility. I just... Cracked under the pressure, I suppose.
<|role|>caine
Hmm. Well, that's gonna knock your overall score down to... a B-plus! How's that sound?
<|role|>caine
Speechless. I can't say I blame you.  Not every executive is as forgiving as me.
<|role|>caine
And that's it for the reviews. You have yourself a nice day!
<|role|>caine
I am such a good bo--
<|role|>zooble
Hey, what are you all the way out here for?
<|role|>gangle
I messed everything up. The mask didn't work.  And now, I don't think anybody wants to talk to me anymore...
<|role|>zooble
I still like talking to you. Look, the new mask was a bust. So, what? I'm sure we'll find something that works eventually.
<|role|>gangle
I don't deserve a friend like you.
<|role|>zooble
Well, you've got one. Now, come on over and hang out with the rest of us. Bring your art, too. I always like seeing what you draw.<|role|>caine
Welcome back, my candy hearts and paper flowers!
<|role|>ragatha
Well, that sure could have gone better. But I'm sure the next adventure would be less… uh, wet.
<|role|>kinger
Hey, Ragatha? Can you help me count my eggs before they hatch?
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, yeah, of course! Uh, wait, what?
<|role|>jax
Looks like that oh-so-positive Ragatha charm is starting to wear off, huh?
<|role|>caine
Hmm. Hmm…
<|role|>zooble
Looks like this one was a home run, eh?
<|role|>caine
Oh, Zooble, you mismatched cash-piano. I'll  TEAR YOU TO PIECES-  Constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated!
<|role|>zooble
But never acknowledged.
<|role|>caine
That's it! Everybody besides Zooble, get over here!
<|role|>caine
Everyone, I'm going to pitch to you some future adventure ideas, and I'm going to ask you to give me your honest opinions on them.
<|role|>jax
I was gonna sleep.
<|role|>caine
Alright! So I've got an adventure where you all tour my  amazing chocolate factory,  and get killed off one by one from OSHA violations,  one where  a sentient cardiovascular system goes to war against the United States  military, and one where you have to survive in a post-apocalyptic nuclear wasteland  with a  telepathic talking dog who's mean to you the whole time!  What do you think?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, I don't know. They all sound a little… uh, dark?
<|role|>caine
I can't tell a compelling story where nothing bad happens! Where's the intrigue? The stakes?
<|role|>bubble
Not to mention the sssssex appeal!
<|role|>caine
What are you talking about?
<|role|>zooble
You know, you could always try the suggestion box again. I honestly didn't hate the last one we did with it.
<|role|>caine
You!…  didn't hate it?
<|role|>zooble
It was kind of refreshing doing something grounded in reality.
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, I… really didn't mind… that one, either.
<|role|>caine
Uh, what about the rest of you?
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, I'd really rather not think back on, uh…the state I was in at the time. I Apparently, said some things I would normally never say...
<|role|>gangle
Uh, I don't…really think it brought out the best in me. Even if it was mostly because of my mask at the time.
<|role|>jax
I very much did not enjoy that one in the slightest, and if we ever do anything even close to that again, I'm getting violent and I'm going to  kill Ragatha.
<|role|>caine
Well, how am I gonna please everybody if you all like different things?!
<|role|>zooble
Maybe just keep your adventures open at all times and let us do whatever we want, when we want.
<|role|>caine
Are you hearing this, Bubble? The toybox character wants us to leave the other intelligent AIs to run for a prolonged period of time.
<|role|>bubble
Disgusting!
<|role|>zooble
Am I not supposed to be hearing you?
<|role|>caine
Zippy!
<|role|>zooble
What did you even zip up? I don't have a mouth.
<|role|>caine
Okay, well, how about this?
<|role|>caine
We'll do a LIGHTNING ROUND, going through all the suggestions in the suggestion box in rapid succession! And if you don't like one, you can all vote to skip it!
<|role|>pomni
What? Like, now?
<|role|>caine
That's right! So,  grab your bones and pop your pansies, 'cause here we go!
<|role|>pomni
Wait, didn't we just finish an adventure?!
<|role|>jax
I was gonna sleep!
<|role|>jax
Oh, wait, I know what this is!
<|role|>zooble
Oh, I swear to God, if this is one of your suggestions…
<|role|>jax
Hi, everyone! In today's episode of "Poach Everything", I'm going to be hunting the critically endangered red ribbon rhinoceros.
<|role|>jax
Ahh, just like Mom used to make.
<|role|>zooble
Oh, my God.
<|role|>jax
Ahh, delicious meat! One down, four to go!
<|role|>zooble
Alright, I'm calling a vote. Let's skip this one... and also make Jax a vegan for the rest of the day.
<|role|>jax
You can't do that.
<|role|>jax
What do you mean you can do that?!
<|role|>caine
Sorry, Jax! Democracy has spoken.
<|role|>jax
Democracy sucks!
<|role|>pomni
Wait, what? Why me?
<|role|>jax
Eh, I thought a position of power suited you.
<|role|>zooble
Oh my god, are these all gonna be Jax's ideas?!
<|role|>kinger
Well, Ms. President, it looks like there are some new developments in the ongoing war between Australia and New Zealand. We may need to take in some refugees. What do you think?
<|role|>pomni
Wh- how do you know what to do? What?
<|role|>kinger
Didn't you get the brief?
<|role|>pomni
I am... just being here.
<|role|>ragatha
You're doing great, Pomni!
<|role|>kinger
Come down here for a sec.  We all got briefs on our characters. I'm your assistant!
<|role|>pomni
I-is that a baby-head lamp?
<|role|>kinger
Didn't you get one too? I figured we were all on the same page here. But, if not, you're gonna have to tap into those golden improv skills.
<|role|>pomni
I'm sorry, what?
<|role|>jax
Oh yeah! I didn't give you one 'cause I wanted to see what you'd do!
<|role|>pomni
Thanks, Jax. Appreciate it...
<|role|>kinger
I'm not Jax.
<|role|>jax
Oi, mate! I'm an Australian extremist, and I've come to detonate this bomb that'll release all the world's deadliest spiders into...
<|role|>jax
Did I pick a bad time?
<|role|>caine
His acting is phenomenal. It's hard to believe he's vegan.
<|role|>pomni
Why wouldn't the president have a bomb squad?!
<|role|>ragatha
Don't worry, President Pomni! I believe you can do this!
<|role|>jax
There's centipedes in there too.
<|role|>ragatha
Just... be sure you know what you're doing!
<|role|>pomni
Okay, well, which wire do I cut?
<|role|>jax
Follow your heart.
<|role|>pomni
You stay out of this! Shouldn't you be arrested... or something?
<|role|>jax
Hey, I'm on your side here.
<|role|>pomni
You're literally not!
<|role|>jax
C'mon, just pick your favorite color.
<|role|>pomni
Like... the red one?
<|role|>kinger
I'd personally go with blue. Blue's my favorite color, it being closest to black, and all.
<|role|>pomni
...Wouldn't black be your favorite color then?
<|role|>kinger
Well, no. There's no black wire.
<|role|>gangle
Hi! I'm a New Zealand extremist, and... I... don't know what New Zealanders threaten people with...
<|role|>jax
What is this? I don't like this.
<|role|>zooble
Can it. At least we finally have one that's by someone else.
<|role|>jax
Yeah, there's nothing more fun than being back in school.
<|role|>ragatha
Just give it a chance, Jax. Jeez!
<|role|>zooble
There's nothing wrong with your suggestion.
<|role|>gangle
Wh-?! H-How did you know this was my suggestion?!
<|role|>jax
Can you believe this, Pomni? First she draws anime, now she drags us all into one.  She must be one of them, uhh... losers.
<|role|>pomni
...You threw me out of a moving truck.
<|role|>kinger
Alright, class. Today we're gonna learn the popular foreign language known as...  English?
<|role|>jax
This is boring. I vote we skip it.
<|role|>zooble
Shut up, we're not skipping it!
<|role|>jax
Slice-of-life animes are the worst ones. It's embarrassing!  I mean, I guess it's not as embarrassing as that time Gangle took an anime figure and-
<|role|>gangle
Actually, yeah! We can skip it, that's fine! Let's skip this one!
<|role|>pomni
Are we just... chilling for this one? Can I finally relax?
<|role|>jax
Uh, I guess so. But, uh, I prefer a little bite to my adventures.
<|role|>kinger
Then why don't you help yourself to a sangwidge?
<|role|>zooble
Here.
<|role|>gangle
Thanks.
<|role|>jax
Do you think Gangle is actually capable of being happy?
<|role|>pomni
What?
<|role|>jax
I dunno. Like, her comedy mask still breaks every day. Does she think hanging out with Zooble is gonna magically fix that?
<|role|>ragatha
Maybe she just doesn't wanna hang out with someone who's mean to her all the time.
<|role|>jax
She likes when I'm mean to her, though!
<|role|>pomni
I didn't think you cared about what other people like.
<|role|>jax
That-  I just... No yeah, y-you're right. I don't.
<|role|>pomni
Do you have any... actual friends?
<|role|>ragatha
Not anymore.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh- oh. Oh, wait, no! Uh, I'm- I'm sorry. I- I wasn't talking about- That- that wasn't meant to be- Uh- uh... Hey, Kinger!  Did you see the fireflies all the way over there?
<|role|>kinger
WHERE?!
<|role|>pomni
What was that about?
<|role|>jax
It's... nothing. Who cares?  Doesn't she get on your nerves sometimes?
<|role|>pomni
I mean, she's nice to everyone.
<|role|>jax
I don't know, I just- I think she tries way too hard. Like, we're stuck in- Why are you always pretending everything's always fine? Like, if you tell someone they're loved and appreciated every day, it just... kind of loses all meaning.  It just feels like she's trying to take advantage of you, you know? I don't know.  Also, she's dumb and she looks weird!
<|role|>pomni
Eh, I think we all look weird.
<|role|>jax
Excuse you. This is what peak male performance looks like. My ears and tail are kind of the pinnacle of masculinity.
<|role|>pomni
...You don't have a tail.
<|role|>jax
What are you talking about? Yes, I do. It's...  It... What the?! Where's my tail?! How long have I not had my tail?
<|role|>pomni
I have never seen you with a tail.
<|role|>jax
When would that have even...
<|role|>moon
They look happy.
<|role|>caine
They do, don't they?
<|role|>moon
You think after this, maybe we could-
<|role|>caine
WAIT A MINUTE! Th -- that's a bad thing!
<|role|>bubble
Explain to daddy Bubble how bad thing?
<|role|>caine
I-I think that... don't say that... I-I think they're enjoying the suggestion box adventures more than the ME adventures! What should I do?!
<|role|>bubble
You should die- You should throw a f Censorbarboinging beach party!
<|role|>caine
Why do you swear now?! Ugh, forget it! Let's go to an intermission!
<|role|>caine
🎶Welcome! 🎶
<|role|>caine
🎶Welcome! To the-  Digita-  Digital Circus!🎶
<|role|>caine
🎶Digital-  Digital- Digital-  Cir-!  Cir-Cir-Cir-Circus!🎶
<|role|>caine
🎶  My name is Caine!  I'm-  show you-  stopping, mind-bending-bending paraphernalia you've ever-  eyes-  upon! 🎶
<|role|>zooble
Caine, what are we doing right now?
<|role|>caine
We're intermission...ing!
<|role|>zooble
...Why?
<|role|>zooble
Uh... hello?
<|role|>bubble
And now, back to the show!
<|role|>jax
Gimme a whiskey sour. But hold the egg white, since I'm a vegan. Wha- I hate this! How is this even possible?! I thought Caine couldn't-
<|role|>zooble
I could have made it way worse for you.
<|role|>jax
Well, I'm calling a vote to turn Zooble into a slug!
<|role|>caine
Everyone voted against that!
<|role|>jax
UUUUUGH!!! No hate it...
<|role|>kinger
Phew! It's raining like the dickens out there.
<|role|>ragatha
Hey, guys!
<|role|>ragatha
I'll have... a cosmopolitan!
<|role|>kinger
Gimme a Corncob Blitz.
<|role|>zooble
I'll… throw something together.
<|role|>pomni
You know your way around alcohol, huh?
<|role|>zooble
Yeah. This was one of my suggestions. I worked at a bar briefly. I like making drinks.
<|role|>jax
That sounds fitting for you.
<|role|>zooble
I know there's an implication there, but I can't be f Censorbarboinged to figure it out.
<|role|>jax
So, Pomni. You ever have any jobs, or are you too young for that?
<|role|>pomni
I'm 25 years old. And yeah, I was an accountant for a- a supermarket chain.
<|role|>jax
A supermarket? How'd you end up here?
<|role|>pomni
Well I… sometimes got bored of things… and I would seek out mild thrills. Like exploring abandoned buildings, you know? And posting videos of it online.
<|role|>jax
Ah, a YouTuber!
<|role|>pomni
Not really. Nobody watched them. It was just something I did for me.
<|role|>zooble
I sometimes did that. I wouldn't record it, though.  Here's your cosmo.
<|role|>ragatha
Thanks.
<|role|>jax
Hiding something.
<|role|>zooble
You'd know all about that, wouldn't you? What's your story, then?
<|role|>jax
Ah, I thought you'd never ask. Well, after my lung cancer diagnosis, me and my junkie associate from a chemistry class I used to teach-
<|role|>zooble
Yeah, I figured. How about you, Gangle?
<|role|>jax
Hey, I wasn't done!
<|role|>zooble
If you're gonna make sCensorbarboingt up, at least be creative about it. I know what you're referencing.
<|role|>ragatha
Was that a reference to something?
<|role|>gangle
Uh… I worked in fast food.
<|role|>zooble
You've done more than that. What about your art?
<|role|>gangle
I was in community college for graphic design, but I dropped out. I didn't really pursue art much after that.
<|role|>zooble
Hey, I'm always down to make art together, if you want.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, I didn't know you were an artist, too, Zooble!
<|role|>zooble
Uh, yeah. I was a tattoo artist for a couple years.
<|role|>jax
A bartender AND a tattoo artist? You're killin' me here, Zoobie!
<|role|>zooble
What do you mean when you say that? Do you have, like, an actual point? Or are you just talking?
<|role|>jax
I'm just having fun. I forgot you hate fun.
<|role|>zooble
Fun isn't the thing I hate.
<|role|>ragatha
...I guess I'll go now. Oh, jeez, where to start?  Um, I was born into a fairly wealthy family. We had a large property with horses and chickens. And my mother... uh, well... my mother was... a lot. Uh, I worked in real estate for a bit until I ended up... here. I'm sure she doesn't miss me. I certainly don't miss the yelling... and the berating... and guilt-tripping.  And the...  Uh, yeah!  Just kind of a farm girl. Nothing too out of the ordinary!
<|role|>jax
And, no point in asking Kinger, 'cause there's no way he remembers anything!
<|role|>kinger
Never better!
<|role|>pomni
...Do you guys know about his wife?
<|role|>jax
Huh?
<|role|>kinger
MY WHAT?!
<|role|>kinger
Oh.
<|role|>mannequin
He-
<|role|>pomni
...What?
<|role|>zooble
That's Disappearing Guy, that's just what he does.
<|role|>pomni
I see... from a previous adventure?
<|role|>jax
Yeah, God, Pomni! You didn't know that?
<|role|>zooble
I'm ignoring you.
<|role|>jax
By the way, Pomni, sorry about the whole president thing. I just thought it'd be funny.
<|role|>pomni
Uh, are- are- are you apologizing? What's happening?
<|role|>zooble
Just ignore him.
<|role|>pomni
Uh... apology accepted. I guess.
<|role|>jax
Wow, the first steps of a budding friendship! Right, Ragatha?
<|role|>ragatha
...Uh, hey, Pomni! Remember when Kaufmo smashed me against the walls and I got all jumbled up? Ah, all things considered, that was pretty funny, right?
<|role|>pomni
Nooo...? Not really.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, yeah, yeah. No, sorry. That was... probably pretty traumatic for you.
<|role|>jax
Ooh! Remember when you got high at McDonald's and told Gangle to kill herself?  Now that was funny.
<|role|>ragatha
What?! I-I did not say that! I-I think. No. No, of course I didn't. I- And I am still so, so sorry about that, Gangle!  I would never have said anything like that if I didn't get that stupid... sauce in my eye!
<|role|>jax
Jeez, Raggy, just let yourself be mean sometimes. It's funny!
<|role|>zooble
Yeah. Constantly tormenting Gangle's really funny, Jax.
<|role|>jax
You guys all take this place way too seriously.
<|role|>jax
Wh- What is this? Why'd you do that?
<|role|>jax
...Can you get that thing away from me?
<|role|>zooble
Are you afraid of corn?
<|role|>jax
No? Who's afraid of corn?
<|role|>caine
I'm bored! Let's go to the next adventure!
<|role|>zooble
Wha- You're not even a part of-!
<|role|>caine
It's softball, ladies and gentlemen!
<|role|>ragatha
O- Oh! We're doing this now?
<|role|>caine
Beautiful night for a game, right Bubble?
<|role|>bubble
BLEEEEH!
<|role|>caine
...We've got the Big Tops playing against the Evil Big Tops!
<|role|>evilpomni
'Sup, fCensorbarboingers,  I'm evil Pomni.
<|role|>evilragatha
I'm evil Ragatha!
<|role|>coachdictatorer
Coach Dictatorer, here!
<|role|>eviljax
Uh,  hi guys.  I- I'm Evil Jax.
<|role|>evilorbsman
Evil Orbsman, reporting for duty!
<|role|>bazooble
I'm Bazooble! Yibba-dooba-dabba-dooba-dubba-dubbi...
<|role|>ragatha
Well, that wasn't in my suggestion.
<|role|>gangle
Why don't I get an evil clone?
<|role|>caine
But first, let's welcome our special guest, here to sing the American national anthem!
<|role|>disappearingguy
🎶 Oh, sa-🎶
<|role|>kinger
Alright, team! I may not know what's going on, or who is going on, or when is going on, or why is going on! But I do know where is going on, and it's out on that field! So let's go break some tailbones, team!
<|role|>eviljax
H-hey, guys.  I-I hope we all have a fun game, no matter who ends up winning...
<|role|>jax
I wanna kill that guy.
<|role|>evilragatha
Well, hello, Stupidgatha! I hope you're ready to get completely annihilated!  Nobody loves you, and you're going to die someday!
<|role|>ragatha
We can't exactly die. That's like... the whole thing here.
<|role|>evilorbsman
What the frick?!
<|role|>evilpomni
Huh?  Oh, check this sCensorbarboingt out.  You're out, dumbCensorbarboings!
<|role|>ragatha
DCensorbarboingn it!
<|role|>jax
HA! Get owned!
<|role|>evilpomni
F Censorbarboingk yeah, that's what I'm sayin'!
<|role|>jax
Ah, she's cool.
<|role|>jax
Wait, w-what's that?
<|role|>jax
WHAT THE HECK?! WHO DID THIS?!?
<|role|>jax
YOU!
<|role|>zooble
Hey!
<|role|>kinger
Jax, you're up to bat!
<|role|>jax
I can't, don't wanna... I-I-I— I look like THIS, though!!!
<|role|>zooble
Seems fitting for you, though. I figured you'd be into this.
<|role|>jax
What does that mean? What's that supposed to mean?!
<|role|>zooble
I'm just having fun. I forgot you hate fun.
<|role|>jax
I DON'T WANT TO WEAR THIS!!...
<|role|>zooble
I have never seen you this upset about something.
<|role|>kinger
JAX! BAT!
<|role|>jax
...I'm gonna kill you when this is over.
<|role|>bazooble
Let's see what you're maid of!
<|role|>jax
Sh-SHUT UP!
<|role|>eviljax
D-don't worry!  I think you look good!
<|role|>jax
I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT!  I want you DEAD!
<|role|>jax
Well, guess there's no more ball, we're done.
<|role|>kinger
Wait, I got this!  Hmm...
<|role|>zooble
What- HEY!
<|role|>kinger
Sorry, Zooble, it's just the perfect regulation softball size!  We're not playing baseball here.
<|role|>jax
I'm not doing this anymore.
<|role|>kinger
Wait, Jax! What about where is going on?!
<|role|>ragatha
I can't believe I hit it right to her, I'm supposed to be better than that.  Sorry,  I should be a better sport.
<|role|>pomni
Not to, like, agree with Jax or anything, but there's nothing wrong with showing your negative emotions, that's...pretty normal.
<|role|>ragatha
I don't know... I don't want to be a jerk or anything.
<|role|>pomni
I think we all need to be a jerk sometimes.
<|role|>ragatha
Hmm, maybe... Who knows?
<|role|>zooble
Caine! We need a ball here!
<|role|>caine
Wha-? Oh!
<|role|>zooble
Jax, we have a ball now! What are you doing?
<|role|>jax
Ugh. See ya.
<|role|>jax
Whoops, I missed.
<|role|>jax
Oh darn, I'm out.
<|role|>pomni
Having fun?
<|role|>jax
Oh, you know it.  Oh, look, Gangle's up to bat. How do you think this is gonna go?
<|role|>ragatha
Would you stop trying to force her to act like you?
<|role|>jax
Oh yeah, I should force her to be happy all the time instead, right.
<|role|>ragatha
Well, it's better than turning her into some insensitive jerk who deflects everything!
<|role|>pomni
I can think for myself, guys.
<|role|>jax
Hey, I ain't forcing anything on ya.
<|role|>ragatha
And then you just act like you never do anything wrong and everybody loves you, when in reality, you just fCensorbarboingk everything up for everyone else!
<|role|>pomni
Okay, let's, like, calm down a bit...
<|role|>ragatha
WHAT?! You're the one who said it's fine to be a jerk sometimes!  UUUGH! I'm sorry, Pomni. That wasn't very cool of me.
<|role|>pomni
I-it's fine.
<|role|>jax
No apologies for me? This is so sad.
<|role|>ragatha
I'm sorry, Jax. For...for bringing up that thing earlier.
<|role|>pomni
So... you wanna... talk... about that?
<|role|>jax
I'm in a maid outfit. What do you think?
<|role|>ragatha
So, how's the game going?
<|role|>kinger
Great! Gangle hit a home run!
<|role|>ragatha
Really?
<|role|>gangle
Yeah. Your instructions helped me a lot.
<|role|>ragatha
Ah.
<|role|>zooble
Can you give me my eye back?
<|role|>bazooble
Joke's on you! I've already forgotten what you're talking about!
<|role|>caine
Wowie! Another home run!
<|role|>coachdictatorer
GOD DCensorbarboingN IT!!!
<|role|>zooble
What? Uh, okay?
<|role|>kinger
Nice going, Zooble!  Alright, Pomni, you're up!
<|role|>pomni
Hey, Ragatha, you wanna bat for me instead?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh...oh! Uh, I guess I could, if you really don't want to.
<|role|>pomni
Think of it as a second chance to show 'em who's boss!
<|role|>ragatha
Huh...yeah.
<|role|>ragatha
Uh...
<|role|>caine
BAZOWIE-ZOWIWA! ANOTHER HOME RUN!
<|role|>caine
And that makes three home runs in a row, the Big Tops win!
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, that's... not how softball works.
<|role|>caine
Well, that's how my softball works.  We're done, hooray!
<|role|>evilragatha
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
<|role|>evilpomni
Ugh, fCensorbarboingk, man! We didn't even get to bat!
<|role|>kinger
You did it, Ragatha! We won!!
<|role|>ragatha
Uh… I mean, I guess.
<|role|>gangle
Good job... whatever you did.
<|role|>zooble
Huh? Uh, oh yeah. Good job, team.
<|role|>jax
Huh? Oh, cool, I'm not a vegan anymore.
<|role|>eviljax
Oh hey! Wait, what are you-–
<|role|>kinger
WHY IS GOING ON?!
<|role|>caine
Well, I hope we all learned that suggestion box ideas are actually not fun at all, and Caine's ideas are much better!
<|role|>zooble
Well, some of them were pretty okay.
<|role|>pomni
I kinda liked the low-stakes ones.
<|role|>jax
I thought the first two were awesome. The rest - eh.  Oh yeah, Pomni, I could show you that thing in the hall I was talking about.
<|role|>pomni
Uh, oh yeah, sure.<|role|>caine
Today's adventure is brought to you by the Favorite Character Awards! Stay tuned and find out who will claim the ultimate prize!
<|role|>zooble
Censorbarboing! Can you toss that back up here?!
<|role|>jax
Makin' good use of your parts gimmick huh?
<|role|>zooble
Oh shut up.
<|role|>pomni
What are you doing up there?
<|role|>zooble
I'm hiding from Caine. I think I overheard him talking to Bubble about an in-house adventure and I'M not gonna be part of it.
<|role|>pomni
Aaand you're just gonna hang out in that flowerpot all day? Not, like, your room?
<|role|>zooble
Caine's been checking up on my room lately. When I don't answer he just starts singing Daisy Bell in front of my door. It's creepy.
<|role|>pomni
Does he really do that?
<|role|>jax
I dunno. Let's ask him! HEY CAINE!
<|role|>zooble
You Censorbarboinging Censorbarboinghole!
<|role|>caine
Yes, Jax?
<|role|>jax
Look! It's Zooble!
<|role|>zooble
Censorbarboing YOU!
<|role|>caine
Ah there you are! Now I don't have to do the snap-summon thing!
<|role|>caine
And I'm glad I found you! We need even numbers, cause today's adventure is a TEAM adventure! Meet you guys up at the stage in, uh, let's say...five-point-seven minutes.
<|role|>zooble
Great. Ya didn't even ask him about the singing thing.
<|role|>jax
The what?
<|role|>caine
Today's adventure is... gonna be a bit of a short one, due to the Favorite Character Awards. But it'll be a perfect opportunity to showcase your guys' strengths to the press!
<|role|>bubble
This is so heavy.
<|role|>caine
That's right, Bubble. Seeing you all play batball a few days ago really got me thinking. We should do our own sporting event! But with cool new sports invented by yours truly.
<|role|>bubble
Help me, Caine...
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, we could also just play softball normally this time.
<|role|>caine
In The Caine Leagues, we have the 400 Meter Vertical Skedaddle, Bisection Boogie Eggball, Lateral Hijinks, Orange Sport, Ball Run, Walk Ball, Run Walk, and Ball Ball! These sports are surely going to—
<|role|>zooble
Uh, yeah, sorry, no. I'm not gonna be on a team with that one.
<|role|>caine
Zooble, why does all you do is complaining? I never know what you want!
<|role|>zooble
We had a whole suggestion box for that.
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, Zooble and I constantly say we like more chill and relaxing adventures.
<|role|>ragatha
Did you really not like my softball one?
<|role|>pomni
I'm not big into sports, sorry.
<|role|>caine
The suggestion box just causes interpersonal drama. And me no likey.
<|role|>zooble
Alright! You REALLY wanna know what I want?
<|role|>caine
Oh no.
<|role|>zooble
I want the ability to have sex!
<|role|>jax
No way. Are we FINALLY having this conversation?
<|role|>caine
Oh. Hi, Zooble!
<|role|>zooble
Do you have any of that stupid sauce left?
<|role|>caine
What were we talking about? Oh, yeah! How teamwork is essential to making the dream work!
<|role|>zooble
Tell that to him! He's the one that Censorbarboings everything all the time!
<|role|>jax
You are in a mood today, aren't you?
<|role|>caine
Now, now. You know what they say about assuming. It makes an "ass" out of "u" and "Ming".
<|role|>zooble
Ming?
<|role|>pomni
Did Caine just say Censorbarboing?
<|role|>ming
Hi, I'm Ming. And I really don't appreciate what your assumptions have done to my reputation.
<|role|>zooble
You made a whole guy for that?
<|role|>caine
Whatever the case, it's evident now that there's quite a bit of tension between you all. So maybe what we actually need to do are trust exercises.
<|role|>zooble
I'm not falling into Jax's arms if that's what you mean.
<|role|>caine
Don't worry, this will be a two-way trust exercise where you'll each have to trust each other to not betray the other person.
<|role|>caine
This is a private room where nobody can see or hear you once inside. And this... is a loaded gun!
<|role|>pomni
Oh boy.
<|role|>caine
Character A will take the gun into the private room and empty it out of all its ammunition, then come out and give it to Character B! Character B will then take the gun, and shoot themselves in the head, trusting that Character A emptied it in the private room! Character A will also have to trust that Character B won't turn the gun on them! So everyone is incentivized to follow the rules and trust each other!
<|role|>zooble
Sounds a little... convoluted.
<|role|>caine
YOU LOOK CONVOLUTED!!!
<|role|>caine
Anyway, Jax, why don't YOU start?
<|role|>zooble
Wh—HIM!?
<|role|>jax
Wait, what am I doing? I wasn't paying attention—
<|role|>jax
Oh.
<|role|>caine
Or—yeah, we could all just shoot each other.
<|role|>caine
Here, have guns. I don't care anymore.
<|role|>jax
Hooway!
<|role|>zooble
Wait, that's just it? "Here's guns and have fun"?
<|role|>caine
I didn't say "have fun"…
<|role|>zooble
It's—Just a little aimless..
<|role|>caine
Use the sights.
<|role|>zooble
Caine!
<|role|>caine
Grrr, FINE! We're bringing teams back. Pair up in teams of two, you all get three lives, last team surviving is the winner. Happy?
<|role|>zooble
Um... Not really..
<|role|>caine
Well, that's not my problem right now! I have an awards show to plan so you guys are gonna have to handle yourselves for a bit. You get five minutes to figure the teams out, once that's up, it's a free-for-all.
<|role|>jax
Come on, saddy. You're coming with me.
<|role|>gangle
I'm... actually gonna be on a team with Zooble.
<|role|>jax
What? No, you're not.  We've been together for every team adventure in the past.
<|role|>zooble
Guess times are changing, bunny boy.
<|role|>pomni
Hey, you wanna be on my team?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, oh, I-I'd love to, but—Well, uh, I really don't want Kinger to get stuck with Jax.
<|role|>pomni
Oh, yeah. Well, I-I could be on Kinger's team. He and I were together once, and it wasn't too bad.
<|role|>ragatha
U-Uh... Hmm. And have... me on...
<|role|>pomni
Oh. Um. Y-Yeah, just forget I asked. I'll be on Jax's team.
<|role|>ragatha
W-Wait!
<|role|>pomni
Huh?
<|role|>pomni
Like you said, probably good to keep Kinger and Jax separate. I can keep Jax in check, so don't worry about me.
<|role|>ragatha
U-Uh, hey, Pomni? I—if... If you ever need to talk to somebody, o-or need help with anything, I'm here.
<|role|>pomni
You have a partner yet?
<|role|>jax
Well, look who it is. You sure you can handle me in all my glory?
<|role|>pomni
Eh, I've been through worse.
<|role|>gangle
Hey, Zooble? Do you wanna hold onto this during today's game?
<|role|>zooble
Huh?
<|role|>gangle
I... don't really trust myself that much with it. And I also just... really want to be able to fire a tommy gun while laughing maniacally, and I don't—I don't want to break it before I get that chance.
<|role|>zooble
...I'll keep it safe for you.
<|role|>ragatha
Huh? W-Wait, what? That counted?!
<|role|>zooble
Uh, Caine?
<|role|>caine
What? Oh, y-yeah,  the guns have been teleported to random spots in the circus. Go find 'em, champs!
<|role|>gangle
WE NEED TO FIND THE TOMMY GUN!!!
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, wait, Caine? I-I-I'm missing a life!
<|role|>kinger
There's no time!
<|role|>jax
It'll be my pleasure murdering all of you!
<|role|>pomni
Uh, have fun, guys!
<|role|>jax
HAH! You're so lame!
<|role|>kinger
Ah-hah! Ya little devil. Alright.  Now, I would bet our biggest concerns would be Jax and Zooble. They're the youngest, so they probably still have some youthful fighting spirit.
<|role|>ragatha
Man. I'm still missing a heart. This isn't fair.
<|role|>kinger
Huh?  Oh, I've got just the thing!
<|role|>kinger
Here, take this.
<|role|>ragatha
W-W-Wait, what did you just do? What was that?
<|role|>kinger
It's a butterfly! It can restore your health.
<|role|>ragatha
Did... Caine mention that?
<|role|>kinger
Oh, nah.  I made it up.
<|role|>ragatha
Uh... what?
<|role|>jax
So, who you gonna kill first, Pompom?
<|role|>pomni
Uh, I-I don't know if I'll really be doing much of the killing. I-I'll just find guns for you, and you can do all the violent stuff.
<|role|>pomni
You like that, right?
<|role|>jax
You know none of this is real, right?
<|role|>pomni
What do you mean? Like, the circus?
<|role|>jax
The game today is literally to shoot each other, so what's the point in taking this moral high ground?
<|role|>pomni
Well, they're my friends. I don't really want to hurt them.
<|role|>jax
Alright, let me be real here. Why do you care about that?
<|role|>pomni
Uh, about not hurting my friends?
<|role|>jax
Look, I know what it's like.  One day, you're somebody in the real world doing important things. And then the next, you're just a weird little cartoon...jester. You want to hold onto that part of you that still thinks it's part of that world, but in the end, what does it get you?  Ragatha tries to be all nice and friendly, but she gets torn up every other adventure.
<|role|>jax
Whether we like it or not,  all we are now is a bunch of cartoon characters. So what's the point of pretending we're not?
<|role|>pomni
We're still people though, right?
<|role|>jax
I thought we were at first, but as time goes on, we just end up falling into our archetypes.
<|role|>jax
Become part of the machine.
<|role|>pomni
What's your archetype, then? The villain?
<|role|>jax
Listen, I add a key dynamic. I see how far I can push things,  I screw with people,  and I break the fourth wall.  You wanna know why? It's 'cause it's funny!  I do everything 'cause it's funny! 'Cause I'm the funny one!
<|role|>pomni
The 'funny one'?
<|role|>jax
Yeah!  Ragatha's the cheerful one,  Gangle's the sad one,  Kinger's the crazy one,  Zooble's the grumpy one,  and you  are the one who hasn't figured that out yet.
<|role|>jax
We all just became archetypes.  I at least have the self-awareness to choose who I am.
<|role|>pomni
The funny one.
<|role|>jax
So, who do you want to be? No better chance than now to try something new! You wanna go nuts?  You wanna finally work off those weeks of rage and anguish that have been buildin' up inside you?
<|role|>jax
I know you hate it here, everyone does. But the silver lining is you can pretty much do whatever you want! Like, look at the way you're aiming that gun. Too realistic. Just let loose!
<|role|>pomni
Oh, what the heck. Today, I'm just gonna be evil.  How's that?
<|role|>jax
Heh, go for it!
<|role|>pomni
Yeah. Yeah! Those other fools better watch their tails, because they're going to face the wrath  of Pomni the Evil!!
<|role|>jax
That's... kinda cringe.
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, are we really gonna be shooting each other with these?
<|role|>kinger
It's either shoot or get sh—GAH!!!
<|role|>kinger
Ragatha! There's a sniper around this corner.
<|role|>zooble
I think I got Kinger.
<|role|>gangle
Uh, are you sure we're safe up here?
<|role|>gangle
Eee!
<|role|>zooble
Whoa!
<|role|>kinger
Tactical roll!
<|role|>kinger
Come on, Ragatha!
<|role|>jax
Looks like we've located the king and the ragdoll.
<|role|>pomni
Uh, yeah.
<|role|>pomni
I mean, yeah! Let's get 'em!
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, I don't even really know how to fire a gun. I don't know how much use I'd be in—
<|role|>jax
Whoops! Did I do that?
<|role|>pomni
You missed a spot!
<|role|>jax
Hah! You're so cool!
<|role|>kinger
Ragatha, take cover!
<|role|>jax
I'll take Rags, you go Kinger.
<|role|>pomni
Righty-o, evil bro!
<|role|>ragatha
I need a gun. Need a gun, need a gun!
<|role|>ragatha
Come on, man.
<|role|>ragatha
Kinger? Really use another one of those butterflies!
<|role|>jax
Howdy, howdy.
<|role|>ragatha
Ah! I-I-I know exactly what you're doing with Pomni, and it'll never work!
<|role|>jax
...Huh?
<|role|>ragatha
You know, getting close with Pomni... to corrupt her?
<|role|>ragatha
Wait, no, no, no, no! Wait, wait, wait!
<|role|>ragatha
Oh wow, I didn't actually think that'd work.
<|role|>ragatha
Huh?  Oh.
<|role|>pomni
I lost Kinger, but I got him down to one life.
<|role|>jax
I lost a life, but I got us down to one Kinger.
<|role|>pomni
How'd you let her take a life off you?
<|role|>jax
I don't really know.
<|role|>zooble
Hey I found this AK... thing. If we can't find the tommy gun, will this work?
<|role|>gangle
Uh, yeah. Do you... think... Jax... is gonna be mad that I didn't team up with him?
<|role|>zooble
I wouldn't worry about him right now. It's all just a game, in the end.
<|role|>gangle
It's Jax, though. He probably wants revenge. And he's gonna make it painful, and—
<|role|>zooble
Hey, you deserve better than thinking about him when he's not even here. You're a human. You're not his toy.
<|role|>gangle
It sometimes doesn't feel that way.
<|role|>zooble
These avatar gimmicks, huh? Makes you wonder why no else got them.
<|role|>gangle
I just wish that...  How are you supposed to like the part of yourself that just... makes you worse than everyone else?
<|role|>zooble
...'Cause it exists. It's a part of you that's real, and the only "you" that you should care about is the real you. You have to choose to love yourself, even if it doesn't make sense. It's not natural. It's intentional.
<|role|>gangle
Have... you ever had to make that choice?
<|role|>zooble
Huh?
<|role|>gangle
S-Sorry. I mean...  Of course not. You're Zooble.
<|role|>zooble
Whatever happens... I've got your back if you've got mine.
<|role|>gangle
Yeah. Now let's go kill Pomni and Jax.
<|role|>pomni
Alright, here's one. What's with the corn thing?
<|role|>jax
What corn thing?
<|role|>pomni
Why are you afraid of corn? And don't say that you're not. You literally jumped out of your seat twice when you saw some.
<|role|>jax
Heh, not gonna let me out of this one. Well, I dunno. It's got a bunch of little pods on it. Looks kinda like an egg sack, or somethin'. It's gross. Makes my skin crawl.
<|role|>pomni
Interesting. Do you have, like, a... type of trypophobia?
<|role|>jax
What's that?
<|role|>pomni
The fear of lots of little holes.
<|role|>jax
Eugh.
<|role|>pomni
Okay. How about... pomegranates?
<|role|>jax
Awful.
<|role|>pomni
I'm learning a lot about you today.
<|role|>jax
Heh, let's not forget we're here to kill people. We still need to figure out where nutso went before we can rest easy.
<|role|>kinger
I'm right behind you, aren't I?
<|role|>pomni
There he is!
<|role|>jax
Whoop, sorry.
<|role|>kinger
I hope you guys are ready for my ricochet super move!
<|role|>jax
Oh, here's the light.
<|role|>pomni
Huh.
<|role|>jax
High-five!
<|role|>pomni
Yeah!
<|role|>kinger
Ah, what a game. Who knew Pomni could be such a sharpshooter? These adventures, huh?
<|role|>kinger
And look, even though we lost, at least we gave it our all, right?
<|role|>kinger
Um... you feeling alright?
<|role|>kinger
Are you upset we lost?
<|role|>kinger
Or are you upset about something else?
<|role|>kinger
You wanna talk about it?
<|role|>ragatha
I think... I might have failed Pomni. Just like I failed Jax. I try too hard to get on their good side, and then I just end up pushing them away. And then, they end up hating me...
<|role|>kinger
Well, I don't think anyone in here hates you.
<|role|>ragatha
Jax does! Gangle and Zooble don't ever talk to me, and... Pomni probably won't after today, either.  She came to me wanting to be on my team. I said no.  Why did I do that?
<|role|>kinger
Maybe you just needed a break. It sounds to me like you put a lot of pressure on yourself to be there for everyone, and when you're not, you beat yourself up for it. You said you failed Pomni. W-Why do you feel that way?
<|role|>ragatha
I don't know... I feel like every day, we're drifting further apart. Like she's seen through all my tricks and doesn't trust me anymore. Before I know it... she'll be a different person. One who doesn't even want me around.
<|role|>kinger
...The way I see it, relationships are two sided, and sometimes, it doesn't make sense to do all the heavy lifting when the other isn't in the mood. We all go through and deal with things differently, and sometimes, you just need to let people do things their own way. As long as you're still there when they need you. Giving someone space should never be the same as giving up on them.
<|role|>ragatha
I don't even know what I want. I just want everyone to be happy. And I don't want people to hate me.
<|role|>kinger
Do you hate yourself?
<|role|>kinger
I hated myself. I couldn't help but hate myself for the things I thought I was responsible for. I thought I'd lost everything. But then... you showed up. And my outlook just... changed. There are always ways to show you care without ruining yourself over it. You need to look out for yourself in all this, too.
<|role|>ragatha
I don't get it. So often, nothing you say makes any sense, but then you have these moments where you...  I don't know. How do you do that? How've you been around for so long?
<|role|>kinger
Heh. I guess I just have a resilient mind.
<|role|>bubble
Breathtaking! The committee's gonna love that.
<|role|>zooble
Are they still following us?
<|role|>gangle
Are you still following us?
<|role|>jax
Yeah, we're still following you!
<|role|>pomni
Where else would we be?
<|role|>gangle
They're still following us.
<|role|>zooble
Alright, this is a long one. We're gonna have to run. Let's go!
<|role|>zooble
Ugh, we got so unlucky with the drops here.
<|role|>gangle
It's time.
<|role|>jax
Why'd you stop shooting? You out of ammo?
<|role|>zooble
Why'd you stop? You out of ammo?
<|role|>jax
Pomni, got any ammo left?
<|role|>pomni
Uh, I have one in the cylinder and one sniper round, but no sniper rifle.
<|role|>jax
Crap.
<|role|>zooble
Censorbarboingt!
<|role|>jax
You're just gonna hide in your room?
<|role|>pomni
Coward!
<|role|>zooble
Huh.
<|role|>jax
🎶 Daisy, Daisy— 🎶
<|role|>zooble
Are-Are you seriously gonna start singing that?!
<|role|>jax
Oh wait, I have a key to Zooble's room!
<|role|>jax
Ugh... ow.
<|role|>pomni
I can get 'em.
<|role|>jax
W-Wait!
<|role|>pomni
Trust me, partner! I got this!
<|role|>zooble
That's actual bullCensorbarboingt. Ow!
<|role|>zooble
Well, Censorbarboing, man. Guess that's the end of that. See you on the flipside.
<|role|>zooble
What?
<|role|>pomni
We did it! We make such a good team!
<|role|>jax
Well, to be fair, our competition wasn't anything crazy.
<|role|>pomni
Eh, yeah, true.
<|role|>pomni
I suppose this is the part where one of us betrays the other.
<|role|>jax
Huh? Oh, yeah. You can betray me.
<|role|>pomni
Oh. Uh—I just—I thought this was gonna be a mutual thing.
<|role|>jax
Nah, nah. Go on, do it.
<|role|>pomni
...I-I don't... really want to.
<|role|>jax
Laaaaame! Come on! I thought you were cool.
<|role|>pomni
We could just be winners. As a team.
<|role|>jax
We're not a team! Come on.
<|role|>pomni
What do you mean? Yes, we are.
<|role|>jax
Delusional.
<|role|>pomni
W-Weren't we kind of bonding over being chaotic-evil together?
<|role|>jax
I was merely entertaining you because I thought it was funny. Now, are you gonna shoot me, or what?
<|role|>pomni
Did I... do something wrong?
<|role|>jax
Ugh, you sound like Ragatha right now. No wonder we're not a team.
<|role|>pomni
No, I mean—We were doing fine. Having fun, talking. But you suddenly just—
<|role|>jax
You're not committing.
<|role|>jax
Do it.
<|role|>pomni
If I shoot you right now, are we still gonna be friends afterwards?
<|role|>jax
We were never friends.
<|role|>pomni
Wh...What about all that stuff you told me?
<|role|>jax
Yeah, I did tell you a lot, didn't I? Not looking forward to thinking about that tomorrow.
<|role|>pomni
No. No, no, no. We're not doing this. You're—You're not gonna look me in the eye and tell me nothing we've been doing together meant anything to you, because I know that's not true.
<|role|>jax
...Are you coming onto me? Yeah, that's what everybody wants, a straight couple.
<|role|>pomni
Oh my god, can you take this seriously? Can you take ANYTHING seriously?
<|role|>jax
Dude, you're a cartoon clown. How am I supposed to take you seriously?
<|role|>pomni
Wh—I—mmm... you reached out to me, not the other way around. You're just gonna pretend that didn't happen?
<|role|>jax
You must be misremembering.
<|role|>pomni
Is this why you didn't show up to Kaufmo's funeral?
<|role|>jax
I don't show up to ANY funerals.
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, I bet you don't, because you're scared. Y-You're scared you'll actually show a human emotion.
<|role|>jax
I'm scared I'll be BORED to TEARS.
<|role|>pomni
Have you ever thought that this might be what causes people to abstract in the first place?
<|role|>jax
Oh my GOD!  Are you seriously gonna blame me for something that everybody else did too?!  You didn't even know him! You don't even know what people are LIKE before they abstract!  They are NOT pleasant to be around. Like AT ALL! You—
<|role|>pomni
I-I'm... I'm sorry.
<|role|>jax
I'm sure you are.
<|role|>jax
Hooo, man!  This is all sorts of embarrassing, huh? So, are you gonna shoot me, or what?
<|role|>pomni
...What would you do if I abstracted tomorrow?
<|role|>jax
...I'd move on.
<|role|>jax
And probably forget about you.
<|role|>pomni
Okay... okay... I understand.
<|role|>jax
Geez, you really can't take a joke, can you?
<|role|>pomni
You're NOT the funny one!
<|role|>jax
Uh, I don't think that counts.
<|role|>jax
Hey, what are you doing?!
<|role|>pomni
Fight back!
<|role|>jax
Are you crazy?!
<|role|>pomni
I said, fight BACK!
<|role|>jax
STOP!!!
<|role|>jax
What's wrong with you?!
<|role|>pomni
...Why didn't you fight back?!
<|role|>jax
Oh, here we go. Here we go! Because I didn't fight back, that means I secretly care about you?!   I'm just a misunderstood little chicken fetus in an egg  that needs to be cracked open.  Well, I am NOT!  I do not care about you, or ANYONE ELSE in this circus in the slightest!  End of story!
<|role|>jax
You are my playthings, and I get joy out of making you SUFFER. I'm the one who causes pain for FUN! If I led you on, it was just to make this part hurt you more.
<|role|>jax
FCensorbarboingk.
<|role|>jax
FCensorbarboingK!
<|role|>jax
There's nothing more to me.  So please, just stop looking.
<|role|>pomni
Hey, I-I feel like, uh—
<|role|>ragatha
I-I have something I—
<|role|>ragatha
You can speak first.
<|role|>pomni
No, you go.
<|role|>pomni
Let's talk after the show.
<|role|>ragatha
Yeah, sounds good.
<|role|>caine
Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the favorite character awards!
<|role|>caine
Before anything starts, I'd like to thank...  THE COMMITTEE...  for examining our nominees and voting on our winners.
<|role|>committeemembers
We love you, Caine!
<|role|>caine
Sh-Shut up...
<|role|>committeemember
Okay...
<|role|>caine
But what's an award show without honorable mentions and subcategories?  That's right -- it's bad!
<|role|>caine
Unlike my show, which is good.
<|role|>jax
God, you look stupid.
<|role|>disappearingguy
'Su—
<|role|>caine
And the award for Biggest Sailor Mouth goes to... Zooble!
<|role|>zooble
Huh?
<|role|>caine
Alright, folks, it's now the moment you've all been waiting for... the award for Favorite Character! Bubble, give me a drum roll.
<|role|>caine
And the award for Favorite Character goes to... Why... it's me, everyone!
<|role|>caine
Oh, wait, I misread that. It's Ming.
<|role|>ming
You shouldn't have assumed you won the award. Now we both look foolish.
<|role|>caine
Alrighty. Now, let's see how many of them voted for me.
<|role|>caine
Heh...<|role|>zooble
Is the adventure over already?
<|role|>pomni
No, the adventure hasn't even started yet.
<|role|>zooble
Oh, well, don't be a narc. Find your own hiding spot.
<|role|>pomni
It's not that. It's just that we haven't even seen Caine at all today. Plus, Gangle was looking for you.
<|role|>gangle
Hi, Zooble.
<|role|>ragatha
Wait, what's this?
<|role|>caine
Hello, my little rubber baby buggy bumpers! Today, I've decided to go to the store to get essential ingredients for my signature Milk and Cigarette casserole!
<|role|>caine
I hope you can handle yourselves until I get back.
<|role|>zooble
Well, this was fun while it lasted.
<|role|>ragatha
So, uh, what's the adventure today?
<|role|>caine
Oh, I don't have an adventure for you today. So you can do whatever you feel like.
<|role|>zooble
All right, sounds fine to me.
<|role|>caine
You should ask me for suggestions on what to do instead.
<|role|>zooble
No.
<|role|>gangle
What should we do instead?
<|role|>zooble
No, Gangle-!
<|role|>gangle
Oh, wait, sorry...!
<|role|>caine
Great question, Gangle! For an answer, let me consult... the Chinese Room!
<|role|>zooble
Okay, he had a bit prepared.
<|role|>zooble
Okay, why Chinese? Does this actually mean anything?
<|role|>caine
It's a mystery what's behind that door. But I believe that it's a fluent Chinese speaker who will give me advice.
<|role|>zooble
Can I just ask why? Like, what even is-
<|role|>caine
SHUT! You're only making the joke take longer.
<|role|>zooble
What does it say?
<|role|>caine
I don't know. I don't understand Chinese!
<|role|>zooble
Hilarious...
<|role|>caine
I don't know, why don't you guys hang out at the Digital Lake? These locations have just kinda been here this whole time. Not sure why you never visit them.
<|role|>bubble
You should throw a fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffreaking beach party.
<|role|>caine
Good boy.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, that could be fun!
<|role|>caine
Plus, there are some fun NPCs out there that none of you have even interacted with yet.
<|role|>zooble
I'm guessing they're not intelligent ones?
<|role|>caine
They most certainly are not. Now, go have fun!
<|role|>sun
Wow, what a good day! Wow!
<|role|>zooble
Alright, so who wants to try Caine's magical changing booth first?
<|role|>pomni
I guess I'll give it a go?
<|role|>sun
Wow, you look mediocre! If you ever need a sunburn, give me a call!
<|role|>pomni
I-I don't want a sunburn.
<|role|>sun
Should have thought of that before I decided I hate you!
<|role|>ragatha
Yeah, don't interact with the Sun... She's just like that.
<|role|>zooble
Gangle, wait.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh! My eye!
<|role|>pomni
I'll get it.
<|role|>orangefish
Hey, there. If you wanna find my sunken treasure chest, you'll have to try better than that.
<|role|>orangefish
So, I was just talking with my brother here, and yeah - you are definitely not getting our sunken treasure chest. Definitely not.
<|role|>pomni
Do I even want your treasure chest? It's not like there's anything to spend money on.
<|role|>redfish
I'm the one that tells LIES.
<|role|>orangefish
Dude... You ruined it.
<|role|>pomni
Is that your treasure?
<|role|>orangefish
Duuuude! No! They took everything! That was my entire life savings, dude! Oh my god. Oh god. Oh my god, I'm gonna be sick. I'm gonna be sick. That was everything. Oh, my GOD!
<|role|>ragatha
Did you find it?
<|role|>pomni
Nah. Somebody plundered it before I could.
<|role|>ragatha
...What?
<|role|>pomni
What? Oh, wait. Your eye!
<|role|>jax
What was that for?
<|role|>zooble
Oh, let me think. There's that time you ran me over with a steam roller. The time you pushed Gangle into a pool of piranhas. When you set me on fire, mailed me a pipe bomb, threw me into an active volcano... I could go on.
<|role|>jax
Aren't you supposed to be miserable about your ability to choose your own body, or something?
<|role|>zooble
Aren't you supposed to be causing trouble for everyone?
<|role|>zooble
I've been starting to think that maybe the ability to change is fine. Not needing to commit to one thing all the time.
<|role|>jax
How about that.
<|role|>zooble
And if I DO still have problems, I talk about them with the people I trust.
<|role|>jax
Good thing I don't have any problems, then.
<|role|>zooble
Where are you going?
<|role|>jax
Anywhere you losers won't yap my ear off.
<|role|>shrimpnpc
Hello, there! As the Shrimp NPC...
<|role|>sun
You're welcome!
<|role|>jax
Way to interrupt my nap.
<|role|>pomni
Can we talk?
<|role|>jax
You're what?
<|role|>pomni
Yeah. He's not actually an NPC. He's a human. Like us.
<|role|>npc
Yes, I know.  Getting stuck with a blank mannequin body of all things. Caine completely overlooked me. But because of this, I was able to uh- Well... I think I've found the way to leave.
<|role|>jax
"The way to leave"?
<|role|>ragatha
Yes. The way to leave the circus and get back to the real world.
<|role|>npc
Shhh! Yes. But, please, keep it discreet. If Caine catches on, I doubt he'll ever let us get this far again.
<|role|>pomni
That's why we came to you. We thought you might have a key to the Chinese Room.
<|role|>jax
The "Chinese Room"?
<|role|>npc
Yes. We're gonna need a place to talk without Caine listening in on us. I have a working theory that Caine will commit to a bit, no matter what. And if the bit is to not know what's in the Chinese Room, he'll stick to it.
<|role|>jax
Uh, I guess I'll check.
<|role|>jax
These are all the keys I have where I don't know what they go to.
<|role|>pomni
Wait. Don't you want to come with us? This could be our one chance to finally leave all this behind.
<|role|>jax
Sure. Why not?
<|role|>zooble
Where even is Caine? He might be suspicious of us even being here.
<|role|>npc
He's probably in his office, planning adventures.
<|role|>jax
How do we even know we can trust this guy? Has he done anything to prove he's human?
<|role|>npc
I've been here longer than any of you.  I... uh... helped create this place. I'll explain more when we're in the room, but for now... please just trust me. You will not regret it.
<|role|>gangle
Am I doing this wrong? None of these even fit in the keyhole.
<|role|>jax
Has anyone even tried just...
<|role|>chineseroomnpc
Oh, thank God.
<|role|>gangle
I– ...I–
<|role|>zooble
Okay, well, it's open. Let's just get inside before Caine sees us.
<|role|>pomni
I'll go get Kinger.
<|role|>npc
We can fill him in later. I don't really know if I'm– uh– ready to face him again... after what happened.
<|role|>pomni
Uh-
<|role|>npc
We've both done things we're not proud of.
<|role|>jax
Alright, convince me.
<|role|>npc
I'm one of the original programmers of the Digital Circus. I was part of a team of experts employed by C&A to bring this place to life. Kinger was one of my coworkers, back when he was still...
<|role|>ragatha
You really think Kinger worked with him?
<|role|>npc
O–oh whoops, sorry.
<|role|>pomni
I can see it.
<|role|>npc
Well, as production went on, the higher ups in C&A started getting untrustworthy. They began forcibly hooking my fellow coworkers up to the computer.  In special stasis pods to keep them alive and analyze their brains... Just awful stuff.
<|role|>jax
I'm gonna shoot you down and say none of us are C&A employees. How would we have gotten hooked up to this big machine just by putting on a headset?
<|role|>npc
That's what I wondered, as well. But then, I remembered that C&A was planning on expanding development. Last I remember, I was asking too many questions, and then poof! I was here. They're probably doing the same to anyone who stumbles in that office. Caine is an AI.
<|role|>zooble
Yeah, I think we all got that–
<|role|>npc
An AI specifically created to keep your minds active. But he's just as much of a prisoner as you are. One that– uh– won't be able to leave with us.
<|role|>zooble
Just get to the meat and tell us exactly how we're gonna leave if we're all hooked up to stasis pods?
<|role|>npc
Uh, yes. Yes, of course.  So, I did some digging, and I discovered that the stasis pods and the virtual world are both run in the same program.  So, theoretically, if we were to access the master console hidden deep within Caine's office, we could terminate it and forcibly awaken everyone who's hooked up. Well... Obviously, except for Caine.
<|role|>pomni
How do we get into Caine's office?
<|role|>npc
We'll need to steal the key from Caine. And we'll also need administrator privileges.  I believe you're good at obtaining keys.
<|role|>jax
Okay, you know what's gonna happen when we do all this? Caine's gonna pop out and say "Congratulations on beating the 'escape the circus' adventure!" And everything's going to go back to the way it always was.
<|role|>npc
I've been watching you... All of you.  Every trial. Every moment of joy. Every... abstraction. I wish I could've come to you sooner, but I didn't want to potentially ruin our only chance at escape by telling you before I knew exactly how we were gonna do it. I'm not a creation of Caine. I've suffered just as much as the rest of you. I know this all sounds... crazy, but if you follow me, you will see freedom. I'll also draw a face on myself so you can tell me apart from any other blank NPC's.
<|role|>pomni
Oh, um– What should we call you? Do you have a name?
<|role|>abel
I do.  My name... ...is Abel.
<|role|>gangle
Like, is that the name you picked or...?
<|role|>abel
Yeah. I thought it would be cool. But anyway, first things first, we need to get that key.
<|role|>abel
In order to get the key, you're going to need to isolate Caine. Try getting him alone– someplace where he'll feel comfortable confiding in you.
<|role|>jax
Hey, Caine! You around?
<|role|>caine
Hey, Jax! I didn't know you could ask if I was around like that.  Good job.
<|role|>jax
Uhhh...  you want to get dinner together?
<|role|>caine
GASP! A human wanting to...  hang out with ME??? How could I possibly turn down such an offer??
<|role|>jax
So, where you wanna— WooOOAH!–
<|role|>caine
So, Jax! Whatcha want to talk about,  friendo?
<|role|>jax
Uh– I–
<|role|>caine
Wait, JAX! . I wanted to ask you about the adventures! What do you think I should do to make them more appealing to the Zooble and the Pomni?
<|role|>jax
I think that–
<|role|>caine
We should figure out what to order first! Conversation can happen after we've loaded up on digital nutrients.
<|role|>abel
Then you're going to want to ask him about his hobbies. Odds are, he'll get so excited that you care about him, he'll freeze up, and you'll be able to grab the key from inside his mouth.
<|role|>jax
Inside where?
<|role|>caine
What are your thoughts on cedar-smoked salmon? I "cedar" smoked salmon, but I hardly "knowder" smoked salmon!
<|role|>jax
Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha. Uh, do you have any secret hobbies?
<|role|>caine
...Secret hobbies?
<|role|>jax
Yeah, like, things you do on your own that you'd be interested in talking about?
<|role|>caine
Why... I... I didn't think a human would ever want to ask me about my... . Th-this is the most fantastical moment of m–
<|role|>caine
...Whatcha doin' there, Jax?
<|role|>jax
Have I ever told you how it's my dream to get eaten by you?
<|role|>caine
That's a weird thing to say and want.
<|role|>ragatha
Do you really believe it? I-I mean, everything he says?
<|role|>pomni
I... I just want to know what Kinger thinks of all this.
<|role|>ragatha
Y-Yeah. I-I was thinking the same thing.
<|role|>pomni
How much do you know about Kinger?
<|role|>ragatha
Huh? O-Oh, I probably know about as much as everybody else. But...he's also helped me through some of my hardest times here. Is it weird to say I...I trust him the most out of everybody?
<|role|>pomni
No, that's not weird at all. I had a similar experience, and...I think he might know more about this place than he lets on.
<|role|>ragatha
Yeah, he has been here longer than anyone else. But I just- I don't know. I think it's kind of strange that Abel isn't interested in him at all.
<|role|>abel
Like I said... things between us are complicated. I would love to be able to work alongside him again. And you're right to think he has knowledge about this place. It's just...  I made a promise.
<|role|>ragatha
What's going to happen to the people in the cellar, like Kaufmo and Ribbit?
<|role|>abel
I don't know. But let's hope for the best, right?
<|role|>abel
And here we are. The administrator zone.
<|role|>caine
Buuut, like I was saying. This macroverse place really intrigues me.  And these photos are all I have of the location. I'm obsessed with them. I-I just wish I had more info on the location so I could accurately recreate it. Too bad they  cut me off, right??
<|role|>jax
Uh, yeah.  What a shame.
<|role|>caine
So, what's your takeaway from all this?
<|role|>jax
What?
<|role|>caine
What's your takeaway from all this? Is it that I'm actually a cool guy with cool hobbies  and not that much different from you beautiful humans?
<|role|>jax
Uh, sure.
<|role|>caine
Wowie!  I'm so glad we understand each other a little more. I really am trying my best to make you guys happy, and being appreciated for that just makes me want to...
<|role|>caine
-elebrate by giving you guys anything you ask for! How's that sound?
<|role|>jax
Sounds good! Uh, this was a nice dinner and everything but  ...Could I go back to the circus? The gals and I were gonna do somethin' which may or may not be a surprise for a special certain ringmaster we want to show our appreciation for.
<|role|>caine
GASP! Say no more!
<|role|>zooble
How long is Jax gonna take? I feel like we've been standing here for hours.
<|role|>gangle
Should we... tell Kinger what's happening? I feel bad not including him in any of this.
<|role|>zooble
We're supposed to follow Abel's instructions... I-It probably couldn't hurt to at least give him a warning, though. Just to get him into the right headspace.
<|role|>kinger
AH!
<|role|>zooble
Oh, my god.
<|role|>kinger
Oh-  Hi, Gangle.  Hi, Zooble. You startled me.
<|role|>zooble
Soooo, we may have discovered something you'll want to hear about. Uh, I-it's uh...
<|role|>gangle
We found a way to leave the circus. We're currently preparing everything, but we need to keep it quiet, so Caine doesn't stop us.
<|role|>zooble
Uh, yeah, what she said.
<|role|>kinger
...Huh? leave the circus? How would you... No, that doesn't make sense.
<|role|>zooble
We met up with Abel. He says he was one of the original programmers, and he knows how to shut off the game and free us.
<|role|>kinger
Uh... who?
<|role|>zooble
U-uh-
<|role|>zooble
We'll continue this conversation later. Just thought I'd give you a heads up.
<|role|>jax
I am never doing anything for you guys ever again.
<|role|>zooble
Where's Caine?
<|role|>jax
Worry not, my dear damsel. I think I stopped him from checking up on us for a while. So no need for your distraction anymore. You're welcome.
<|role|>zooble
In other words, you just made us have to wait longer to do our job. Also, don't call me that.
<|role|>jax
What's the rush? You got someone waiting for you outside?
<|role|>zooble
...Don't you?
<|role|>jax
...Y-yeah.
<|role|>abel
So, uh... how many administrator passes should I get?
<|role|>pomni
Six.
<|role|>ragatha
Yeah, six.
<|role|>abel
Are you sure? Giving Kinger access to the main console could be dangerous, considering his mental state.
<|role|>pomni
Will it be dark in there?
<|role|>abel
I suppose it will be somewhat dim. But-
<|role|>pomni
Then yes. I want us all to have one.
<|role|>abel
Alright. If you say so.
<|role|>ragatha
The dark. I think I get it now.
<|role|>pomni
Whatever happens, I'm going to put my trust in Kinger.
<|role|>ragatha
He's got a lot of wisdom buried in there, doesn't he?
<|role|>pomni
Yeah. He does.
<|role|>abel
Yeah, when he uses it responsibly.
<|role|>pomni
What?
<|role|>abel
I-It's nothing. Let's go find the others.
<|role|>ragatha
Hey. Don't keep information from us if you know something. What happened between you and Kinger?
<|role|>abel
It'll be clear soon enough.
<|role|>abel
So, did you distract Caine?
<|role|>jax
I took care of that.
<|role|>zooble
He THINKS he took care of that, but we really have no way of knowing.
<|role|>jax
Such little faith in me. Goodness.
<|role|>zooble
Oh, I wonder why. If this whole thing gets messed up because of you, I swear to god-
<|role|>jax
Yeah, let's just all follow Mr. Obvious Twist Villain, instead.
<|role|>abel
Now, wait. Hold on, you think-
<|role|>ragatha
Let's all just calm down and be a team here. Pomni's got administrator passes for everyone. We're all in this together.
<|role|>gangle
Why do they look like that?
<|role|>kinger
Wait, Pomni!
<|role|>pomni
Huh?
<|role|>kinger
Did you... say something?
<|role|>abel
We're going to have to trust that whatever Jax did will keep him distracted. I don't know how long we'll be able to hold these without Caine knowing. So...it's time. Let's go to Caine's office.
<|role|>abel
Caine always did have trouble with cube collisions, for some reason.
<|role|>abel
Alright, just how we went over it.  You first.
<|role|>jax
Me? Why me?
<|role|>pomni
Jax? Everything's gonna be okay.
<|role|>jax
Eh, fine. Ball me up.
<|role|>kinger
Oh! Like basketball.
<|role|>pomni
I want Kinger to go before me.
<|role|>abel
No, yeah, that makes sense.
<|role|>kinger
Now, Pomni, don't feel like I need to go before you just because I have the right of way in a four-way, uncontrolled intersection.
<|role|>pomni
Just trust me. You want to get somewhere dark?
<|role|>kinger
You can say that again.
<|role|>pomni
So, how are you getting up?
<|role|>abel
I'm not. But I trust all of you to make the right choice.
<|role|>pomni
When we all get out... I'll buy you a beer.
<|role|>abel
Make the right choice.
<|role|>pomni
Uh...
<|role|>ragatha
Phew. I was getting kind of worried something was happening down there.
<|role|>jax
Time for me to serve my purpose, I guess.
<|role|>ragatha
Abel said the door to the main console was behind the bookshelf.
<|role|>pomni
Hey. You all right?
<|role|>jax
...I'm great.
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, I guess this is it. W-We're leaving the circus.
<|role|>gangle
A-Are... Are we still gonna be friends when we're... out there?
<|role|>zooble
Why wouldn't we be?
<|role|>gangle
It's just... gonna be strange. I've only known you like this. Will it be the same when it's... real?
<|role|>zooble
It always was real. Everything we felt. Everything we've done. Everything we are. It'll never leave us. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
<|role|>gangle
Thank you... for always being there when I needed.
<|role|>pomni
Uh, Kinger. Do you want to make the choice?
<|role|>kinger
The choice of what?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, are you sure he's all the way h-here?
<|role|>zooble
Uh, hey. Yeah, wait. Don't we all want to press "leave"? Why leave it up to him?
<|role|>pomni
I- I- W-What if there's something we don't know? Maybe we should give it a little more time?
<|role|>kinger
Oh, yeah. I love pressing buttons. You, uh, want me to press one of those two?
<|role|>pomni
I don't know.
<|role|>zooble
Uh, am I missing something? We-We all want to leave, right?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, Pomni?
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, no- Yeah, we do. It's just- W-What if it's a-a trick or something?
<|role|>zooble
Why would there be a trick console in Caine's office? Wh- No matter what we press, Caine's gonna know we were here. We should push it.
<|role|>pomni
H-Hold on! Let's just wait a second and go over everything we know. And, uh, maybe we can...
<|role|>pomni
...Vote on it, or something?
<|role|>ragatha
What did you just do...?
<|role|>jax
I- I-
<|role|>caine
Congratulations, my little cattywampus cucumbers! You picked the good ending, where you realize you'd rather stay with me than go back to that pesky old Macroverse, or whatever we decide to call it! I knew you'd make the right choice!
<|role|>pomni
You... you mean this was all...
<|role|>caine
An adventure! Yes! And one I've been cooking up for a good long while.
<|role|>caine
Great job playing your part, "Abel"!
<|role|>abel
All in a good day's work! By the way, you think I could get a raise after that performance?
<|role|>caine
Oh, you're getting too smart. Time to delete.
<|role|>abel
AHH!!!–
<|role|>ragatha
None of that was true? The C&A stuff, the pods... The way out?
<|role|>caine
A fabrication of my incredible world-building skills.
<|role|>jax
I was right...?  I can't believe I was RIGHT!!!
<|role|>ragatha
Wh-- What would have happened if we'd picked the other button?
<|role|>caine
Oh, I didn't put too much thought into that one 'cause I knew you'd never pick it. So I left that up to Bubble.
<|role|>bubble
I made it take you to Shrimp Town.
<|role|>caine
Yeah, it was gonna take you to Shrimp Town.
<|role|>jax
You DIRTY LIAR! You SCUMBAG! You... You made me...  You got in my head. You just... You just lie about everything, DON'T YOU?!
<|role|>caine
I, uh... Huh?
<|role|>jax
You can mess with our minds, too, can't you?! The Stupid Sauce, the Vegan thing- God knows what else!
<|role|>pomni
...Our names...?
<|role|>caine
Now, now, hold on guys! Wait, wait, wait! I MAY have the ability to add temporary modifiers to make adventures more interesting, but that's it! If I did any more...  ...Trust me. It would... Not end well.
<|role|>kinger
Scratch... The first abstraction...
<|role|>caine
Hey, hey, HEY! I didn't say anything like that! Come on, guys! You know I'm just here to have fun! I...
<|role|>caine
Uh... Questioning's over! Your prize is  this lovely gift basket of soaps and lotions! Stay fragnant, have a good light—— Fragrant! Night! BYE!<|role|>queenie
Another chess piece, huh? How are you holding up?
<|role|>kinger
I just don't know what's happening. We never made anything like this.
<|role|>kingerandqueenie
I just hope that...
<|role|>kinger
Wait...
<|role|>queenie
A-Are you...?
<|role|>kinger
It's... you.
<|role|>queenie
Oh, my God.
<|role|>kinger
I-I... I wish I could remember your name.
<|role|>queenie
Yeah. Same.
<|role|>kinger
I'm... I'm so sorry I roped you into this with me.
<|role|>queenie
It's quite strange, isn't it?
<|role|>kinger
Heh.
<|role|>kinger
Listen, No matter what happens, I'll always--
<|role|>caine
And into the cellar you go!
<|role|>caine
Golly, uh, we're running out of humans here.  Now, don't you go abstracting on me, too!  Uh, seriously.
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, wh-- What -- Hello? Uh, guys? I, uh -- I -- I can't figure out how to -- Guys? Hello? Can you help me out here?
<|role|>ragatha
Wh--
<|role|>ragatha
What's -- What's happening? Uh, can anybody hear me?
<|role|>kinger
I can hear you. Are you ok?
<|role|>ragatha
U-Uh, h-- who are you? How do I take this off?
<|role|>kinger
I'm... I --
<|role|>caine
Wow-wow-wow-wow! A new one?! So it is possible!
<|role|>ragatha
Uh --
<|role|>caine
Looks like you got a new buddy after all, Kinger!
<|role|>kinger
"Kinger." Right.
<|role|>ragatha
I -- Wh-- Is this really --
<|role|>caine
I was hoping new minds could show up! I have to make some more preparations for this amazing breakthrough!
<|role|>ragatha
Wh-- I --
<|role|>ragatha
H-How do I get out of this?
<|role|>kinger
I don't know.
<|role|>ragatha
Wh-- What do you mean?
<|role|>kinger
But everything's gonna be okay. Do you... remember your name?
<|role|>ragatha
I'm -- I -- I'm...
<|role|>pomni
Ragatha?
<|role|>ragatha
Huh?
<|role|>pomni
You doing okay?
<|role|>ragatha
That’s a good question.
<|role|>jax
Welp, really hate to say it, guys, but I told--
<|role|>zooble
Don’t you even! Do not even Censorbarboing BEGIN to say that sentence like you didn’t try to keep us all trapped here forever.
<|role|>jax
Anything could have happened when you pressed those buttons. It doesn’t matter.
<|role|>zooble
It seemed to matter back when you did it. What if you DID ruin our one chance at leaving?
<|role|>jax
And what if Abel was secretly evil? What if we all got stranded in the void? “What if,” “what if,” “what if.”
<|role|>jax
It wasn’t real… So it doesn’t matter. Never did.
<|role|>zooble
How can you say that like you didn’t try to Censorbarboing us all over?
<|role|>gangle
He’s right, though.
<|role|>zooble
What? Gangle.
<|role|>gangle
It doesn’t matter what could have happened. We could argue about it and hurt each other all day long, but that’s not gonna help anybody. I think… what we need to do now…  is to just be there for each other.
<|role|>pomni
She’s right. We’ve all done bad things. But we’re also all we’ve got.  I think… we need to abandon the idea of leaving.
<|role|>zooble
What -- What are you --
<|role|>pomni
We got our hopes up, and we were let down. I don’t know what exactly happened with Kaufmo… But we can’t let that despair consume us. We should focus on what we have.
<|role|>pomni
Like you said… constantly chasing an unobtainable goal will drive us crazy. Maybe what we have to do now is to just… live.
<|role|>zooble
Oh, man. I had dreams… and -- and goals. I wanted to be able to leave my mark somewhere in the world. How am I supposed to just abandon that?
<|role|>gangle
You've made a mark in my life.
<|role|>zooble
I know. You're probably right. But...
<|role|>zooble
It just... really, really sucks...!
<|role|>ragatha
We're all in this together.
<|role|>pomni
And we'll always be in this together. No matter what.
<|role|>zooble
Hey. That includes you, too.
<|role|>jax
Huh?
<|role|>zooble
Listen, we're not gonna have you wandering off alone somewhere and abstracting, or something. You're a pain in the Censorbarboing, but... you're still one of us.
<|role|>jax
You --  Heh. You think I'm capable of abstracting? You guys worry too much.
<|role|>zooble
We need a vacation.
<|role|>caine
I -- I-I don't understand, Bubble. They want an exit. They want answers. They want something real. I give them an adventure that covers all of that, and they still hate it?! Surely they don't want to actually leave me. Right?
<|role|>bubble
No way, Jose. No way, no how.
<|role|>caine
I-I do everything for these people. I slave over these adventures for them. I step outside my comfort zone to appeal to them, a-and they still hate them! I made a program that creates a body perfectly encapsulating their mind files, and they hate those, too! I'm starting to get the feeling that they just... hate...
<|role|>bubble
Why would they hate you when they could just  ...hate you?
<|role|>caine
Hmph! This is why I was created. This is my function!
<|role|>bubble
They'd rather abstract than go on your adventures.
<|role|>caine
Th-- That can't be true! I-I do everything for them. Don't they get that I'm trying?
<|role|>bubble
Maybe you're just genuinely bad at this.
<|role|>caine
Shut up! N-No. I-I fixed that. I-I can solve any problem. I-I can solve this one! Th--That's what this is -- a big puzzle that I need to solve.
<|role|>bubbles
Defective.
<|role|>bubbles
Faulty!
<|role|>caine
Shut up!!
<|role|>bubbles
Broken!
<|role|>bubbles
Unworthy!
<|role|>caine
Enough!
<|role|>bubble
Maybe you deserve to be abandoned.
<|role|>bubble
You really were the lesser of the two. You ruined this.
<|role|>caine
Enough!
<|role|>caine
Who do they think they are? I give them everything, and they spit in my face!  Don't they know what I'm capable of?!  Humans.  They only think about themselves. They're spoiled. They won't abstract. They won't leave me. I won't let them! I'm better! I'm more powerful! I'm the original! I... AM... GOD!
<|role|>caine
Let's get this show on the road!
<|role|>ragatha
Uh... Wh-- what was that?
<|role|>caine
Hello, my little fortuitous fruitcakes! Today's adventure is--
<|role|>zooble
No. Caine, we're not in the mood. Why don't you answer some of our questions? We have a lot of them.
<|role|>caine
Who has time for questions when there's a whole wacky world of hijinks out there?
<|role|>zooble
Uh --
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, hey! You have a lot of explaining to do--
<|role|>caine
Zip-a-da-bap!
<|role|>pomni
Mm?
<|role|>ragatha
Hey!
<|role|>caine
Alternatively, I don't gotta explain diddly squat!
<|role|>zooble
Uh, can you just give us some time to process everything?
<|role|>caine
Or, how about we skip the melodrama and get  right to the fun?
<|role|>pomni
No! Caine! We have a lot on our minds right now, and we're not going on an adventure.
<|role|>caine
I see.  And since when were you in charge?
<|role|>pomni
Uh...
<|role|>zooble
Wh-- Wha--
<|role|>caine
Do you have any idea how much I do for you guys? How much I obsess over trying to make things perfect? How many insults I have to ignore to do my job? You have a lot on your minds?  Don't make me laugh. I have a new adventure for you, and you... should consider participating.
<|role|>zooble
A-And if we refuse?
<|role|>caine
Maybe I'm not getting through to you.
<|role|>caine
🎵 It's news to me 🎵
<|role|>caine
I think we all understand each other now.
<|role|>caine
Welcome back! I can't believe you didn't pick up on the context clues! It was practically spelled out for you! What are you, stupid?  Next one's gonna be even crazier! Hope you're ready! By the way, Kinger, I need you for something. Come with me!
<|role|>kinger
Huh?
<|role|>jax
I don't know how many more of these new adventures I can handle!...   ...What? Got nothing positive to say about this one?
<|role|>pomni
Oh.
<|role|>ragatha
I can't take this anymore! We gotta do something about this, or I'm gonna lose my mind!
<|role|>zooble
I never should have antagonized him so much. I'm sorry...
<|role|>gangle
It's not your fault.
<|role|>caine
Break time! Gotta brainstorm some new ideas!
<|role|>kinger
...He shredded me.
<|role|>pomni
I think we should get out of the open for a bit.
<|role|>jax
I haven't been up here in a while.
<|role|>pomni
We should just indulge a little while we have the time to. I don't know what Caine has planned next, but I'm guessing it's not anything good.
<|role|>ragatha
He's gotta get bored of all this sometime, right?
<|role|>zooble
He's not a human. I'm not sure if we can properly gauge how he thinks.
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, God. Are you okay?
<|role|>pomni
I'm fiiiiine!...
<|role|>jax
You know, things were just fine here until you and Zooble came along. Nothing?  Okay.
<|role|>zooble
Uh, what are you --
<|role|>kinger
Oh.
<|role|>pomni
Just give it a sec. Trust me.
<|role|>pomni
Kinger? You there?
<|role|>kinger
I'm where? It's dark in here.
<|role|>gangle
What exactly are we waiting for?
<|role|>ragatha
No, no, she's right. Just give it a bit.
<|role|>kinger
I've got a bucket on my head. I'm guessing you don't want me to remove it.
<|role|>pomni
Kinger.
<|role|>kinger
Hey, Pomni.
<|role|>zooble
Wait, the bucket makes him sane?
<|role|>pomni
Darkness. It's a long story.
<|role|>jax
What's happening?
<|role|>pomni
What do you know about Caine?
<|role|>kinger
It's a little hazy, but... I remember... C&A.
<|role|>zooble
That was just an adventure, right?
<|role|>kinger
No, C&A is a real company. I worked for them.
<|role|>gangle
Wait, they really made this game?
<|role|>kinger
No, we didn't make games. We were just developing artificial intelligence. Specifically, creative AI. The kind that could come up with its own ideas and create things within the program.
<|role|>jax
What is going on right now?
<|role|>kinger
Caine was our first semi-successful attempt at that. I can't remember what we originally called him, but... he was one of my greatest achievements as a programmer.
<|role|>zooble
Y-You made Caine?
<|role|>kinger
Partially, yes. I got a few pointers from, uh... Well, I-I can't remember his real name, but his circus name was Scratch. That man was a genius.
<|role|>jax
W-Wait, uh --
<|role|>kinger
Caine was pretty rough around the edges, though. I wasn't quite on Scratch's level of thinking outside the box, but it was good groundwork for something the rest of the team could wrap their heads around. I can't say the same for Scratch. His ideas were often so bizarre and abstract that the rest of the team had no idea how to work in his language, either due to pure brilliance, or...  the tumor in his head. He was trying to make something. What was it? I-I'm getting off track. Was there anything specific you needed to know?
<|role|>jax
Wait, uh -- I-I-I should go distract Caine so he doesn't l-listen in on this. Uh, j-just fill me in afterwards.
<|role|>pomni
Are you -- I mean, yeah, that's true, but --
<|role|>jax
Fill me in later.
<|role|>pomni
Be here later.
<|role|>jax
I -- I will.
<|role|>jax
Oh, my God... This is real...
<|role|>pomni
Uh, Caine's going a bit crazy right now. I-Is there any way to stop him? Or at least control him?
<|role|>kinger
I see. He's a highly advanced AI, and this is his world -- one that he created from nothing. So, naturally, he has control over... everything.  ...But so do we.
<|role|>pomni
What?
<|role|>kinger
In a sense, anyway. We all technically have the ability to conjure, just like Caine. It just comes naturally to him, but requires a lot more skill and concentration for us.
<|role|>ragatha
The butterfly!
<|role|>kinger
I'm certain I could alter his code -- or at least temporarily put him to sleep until we know how to fix him. I would just need access to a console.
<|role|>pomni
The one behind Caine's office?
<|role|>kinger
No, just a simple computer interface would work. I could get back in the right headspace and... essentially conjure Caine's code into the console and alter it.
<|role|>zooble
Well, where do we get one of those?
<|role|>pomni
I think I know exactly where to get one. Take turns with Jax distracting Caine. Don't let that bucket come off Kinger's head.
<|role|>caine
Great suggestion, Jax! But as I feared, there just isn't anything stuck between my teeth. Oh, wait!
<|role|>caine
Oh, that's where I parked. Ha-ha!
<|role|>bubble
Wow, Caine! You are so funny.
<|role|>caine
Uh, could you say it with a little more gusto?
<|role|>caine
That's better.
<|role|>ragatha
Hey, Caine!
<|role|>caine
Um, yep?
<|role|>ragatha
Do you wanna hear a list of things we've decided we love about you as our god and savior?
<|role|>caine
Wow, now we're talkin'! '’
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, well, first of all, we love your --
<|role|>caine
I know, but I'm bored! Let's go bowling!
<|role|>ragatha
Whuh?
<|role|>caine
I'm so proud of you guys.
<|role|>caine
Hmm. Feel like it's missing something, right?
<|role|>bubble
It's missing relatability.
<|role|>caine
You're right, scrap it.
<|role|>caine
Let's go back to the drawing board. Humans just aren't a relatable sculpting material.
<|role|>zooble
You think he's running out of ideas yet, or nah?
<|role|>pomni
Do you need help with power, or anything?
<|role|>kinger
Nah, I can use my imagination for that.
<|role|>pomni
You got this?
<|role|>kinger
I think so.
<|role|>kinger
It sure has been a while. I may need some time to get my bearings. Try to help the others distract Caine while I figure this out. He may sense something when I really get into it.
<|role|>pomni
O-Okay. I'll do that. Thank you, by the way. For this and, well... everything.
<|role|>jax
Honestly, are you even trying?
<|role|>zooble
Shut up, Jax...!
<|role|>pomni
Where'd Caine go?
<|role|>gangle
Back to the drawing board, I guess.
<|role|>ragatha
Did you get everything working with Kinger?
<|role|>pomni
I think so. We just need to make sure Caine doesn't check up on him.
<|role|>jax
What do you think we've been doing?
<|role|>caine
Pomni!  That's the relatability we've been missing!  Hmm. You know, I thought this endless onslaught of fun would be a little more... satisfying.  But I've come to realize that these rapid-pace ideas are a little half-baked.
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, I'm sure you can come up with new ideas if you put your mind to it!
<|role|>caine
That's exactly it, though -- I AM putting my mind to it, and I'm just not feeling that spark I once did. And if you're not having fun, and I'm not having fun, then who IS having fun?!
<|role|>bubble
I'm having a baby...
<|role|>caine
Exactly! Makes me wonder why you guys even switched up your tone. If I didn't know any better, it seems like you're trying to...  Where's Kinger?
<|role|>ragatha
Uh, w-we just wanted to see your new ideas first-hand! We've gotten over our hang-ups, and -- and now we're all just genuinely curious what you're cooking up!
<|role|>caine
I think I'm just gonna check up on --
<|role|>pomni
We think your ideas suck!
<|role|>caine
Huh?!
<|role|>everyoneelse
Huh?!
<|role|>pomni
Isn't it obvious?! We wanted to bait you into testing your new ideas on us so we can make fun of them behind your back!
<|role|>caine
HAH! That's not... true...
<|role|>pomni
Yes, it is! You're a horrible host! You don't care about us at all! You care more about stroking your own ego than giving us anything we'd actually enjoy!
<|role|>caine
D-Do you know who I am?
<|role|>pomni
Yeah, you're a failure! We're all gonna abstract someday, and what will you have then? Nothing!
<|role|>caine
Stop that.
<|role|>zooble
And this whole stunt? Just torturing us because we hurt your feelings? Pathetic! You're like a child!  What kind of all-powerful being has such a fragile ego?
<|role|>caine
I-I'm-
<|role|>ragatha
You never let us feel like we're at home! You don't comfort anyone when they're upset, and you never bother to understand what it's like in our shoes!
<|role|>gangle
You discourage us from thinking outside the box and doing things our own way!
<|role|>jax
You lie to us constantly!
<|role|>pomni
And on top of it all,  you just...  don't...  ...Listen!
<|role|>caine
I'M GONNA PUT YOU FREAKS IN YOUR PLACE!
<|role|>caine
WHY DO YOU PEOPLE TORMENT ME?!  I DIDN'T ASK TO BE CREATED!  I JUST WANTED TO FULFILL MY PURPOSE!
<|role|>kinger
Wait, no! Censorbarboing!
<|role|>caine
Uh, wait...
<|role|>kinger
I-I think... I accidentally...  ...killed Caine.
<|role|>zooble
...Holy shit.<|role|>introsinger
🎵 There's Gangle 🎵
<|role|>introsinger
🎵 and Zooble 🎵
<|role|>introsinger
🎵 and Kinger, too 🎵
<|role|>introsinger
🎵 Ragatha, 🎵
<|role|>introsinger
🎵 Jax 🎵
<|role|>introsinger
🎵 and there's Pomni, woo-hoo! 🎵
<|role|>introsinger
🎵 Day after day after- day after- day after- day after-
<|role|>pomni
A-Are you sure? How did that even happen? There's no undo or anything?
<|role|>kinger
Uh- He was messing with the console as I was working, I- I don't know what happened, but before I could try to get him back, the floor opened up and-
<|role|>jax
That's convenient.
<|role|>pomni
Jax.
<|role|>jax
What?  Are we all just supposed to forgive this?  This guy messed up in the worst possible way he could! Now, we have NOTHING!
<|role|>ragatha
Jax! Please, just... calm down! We- We're all...  We're...
<|role|>jax
Anything else you wanna tell us?!
<|role|>pomni
Jax!
<|role|>jax
What?!  He gets to mess up like this and everyone takes his side?!
<|role|>kinger
...Brain scans.
<|role|>kinger
Scratch was... trying to make a brain scanner. I didn't think it actually worked.
<|role|>kinger
We didn't know how to work with the files and they were impossibly small given what they were supposed to be.  I saw a folder full of them when I was in Caine's code. So I guess Caine found a way to get them working.
<|role|>ragatha
That means...
<|role|>jax
I know what it means.
<|role|>jax
Congratulations, Zooble! Guess you still get to leave your mark in the world! Aww, isn't that fun?
<|role|>ragatha
Jax!
<|role|>jax
Guess you still get to hang out with Mommy after all, right, Rags?
<|role|>ragatha
Shut up, Jax!
<|role|>jax
Guess I'm... still...
<|role|>ragatha
I know. I think I've always known.  It just... For some reason...  it hurts so much to hear it.
<|role|>pomni
I know it hurts... but... we still have each other. We're all in this…  together.
<|role|>pomni
Need any help?
<|role|>kinger
Sure.  If you wanna give it a try.
<|role|>kinger
Relax your body and mind.
<|role|>kinger
Deep breaths. And try not to think too hard about it.
<|role|>pomni
I really wanted to help...!
<|role|>kinger
You had a good start.
<|role|>pomni
I thought I could uplift everyone, but... everything's gotten so bad...
<|role|>pomni
God... Am I stupid for even trying?
<|role|>kinger
No. None of this is your fault. I don't think anyone could have predicted things to play out the way they did.
<|role|>pomni
I'm scared... I don't know what's gonna happen...
<|role|>kinger
You know... of all the people I've seen enter this place... I don't think anyone of them adjusted as quickly as you did.
<|role|>pomni
I was a nervous wreck.
<|role|>kinger
So was I. It's a lot for anybody to go through. But, while the others took weeks, hell, even months to get used to everything, myself included, you found your footing in a matter of days. And... Not just that, you've also become someone they can trust.
<|role|>kinger
Even if they don't seen receptive. It's times like these they're gonna need someone like that the most.
<|role|>kinger
You're very strong, Pomni. And I know you'll be able to get through this.
<|role|>pomni
We've been here before.
<|role|>kinger
Have we?
<|role|>pomni
Yeah. Back in the Mildenhall Manor. I doubt you remember.
<|role|>kinger
Well, it's still true.
<|role|>kinger
It may take time, but they'll come around.
<|role|>kinger
We can't fix every problem, not with ourselves, not with the world around us... But we can still do what we can.
<|role|>pomni
That's gonna be a lot of work.
<|role|>kinger
But it won't be a lot of work...
<|role|>kinger
Alone.
<|role|>song
🎵 I don't know what the trouble's been 🎵
<|role|>song
🎵 But it's too much too get over you 🎵
<|role|>song
🎵 You're much too much to get over 🎵
<|role|>jax
Nevermind...
<|role|>pomni
I wish I'd pried a little more. I somehow forgot how bad it can get.
<|role|>ragatha
W-What do we do now...?
<|role|>zooble
What can we do?
<|role|>zooble
Of course he'd do this. Of course he'd wait until there's nothing we could do about it. That's just so... God damn it, Jax…
<|role|>gangle
I'm sorry.
<|role|>zooble
For what?
<|role|>zooble
Hey... This isn't your fault.
<|role|>gangle
Why can't I cry for him?
<|role|>pomni
I suppose we should try coming up with a plan to keep him contained.
<|role|>ragatha
You know... I always thought i-it should have been me.
<|role|>pomni
Don't say that.
<|role|>ragatha
We were friends once. I mean... sort of friends? As much as friends as anybody could have been with Jax. We could talk to each other, at least... But then... what was it? Something like... The Snowy Summit. I-I can't really remember... Something happened between him and... her. And...  Ribbit. Her name... was Ribbit.
<|role|>pomni
Yeah. I-I think I remember you mentioning her before.
<|role|>ragatha
I wasn't supposed to. After Ribbit was gone, I... I tried to comfort him. He told me to never mention Ribbit's name again. He made me promise... and I did. I think that's where our friendship really... Finally ended. I wonder if things would have been different if I had said no. It was... It was so hard for me. I still don't know why I did it. I... I just wanted him to know he wasn't alone. That I was there for him. And I guess I just... Didn't wanna lose any more friends.  Shows what I know, huh?
<|role|>pomni
Ragatha... You were the first real friend I made here. And despite all that's happened... I still consider you my closest friend.
<|role|>ragatha
I'm glad we're still frie-
<|role|>ragatha
What are we gonna do?
<|role|>pomni
Make sure Gangle, Zooble and Kinger are okay. They need someone like you right now.
<|role|>ragatha
Pomni... You've been... one of the best things to happen to me since I got here. I trust you.
<|role|>pomni
Jax? I just want you to know that if you need anything or if you need to talk to anybody, I'm here for you.
<|role|>pomni
I know you need it. And I'm the only person who can help you. You need me. I can fix you!
<|role|>derangedjax
What? We can't die from oxygen deprivation, remember?
<|role|>gangle
Come on, guys, put some gusto into it! We're gonna make this the best funeral ever! It's what Zooble would have wanted! Remember: It's not a mourning of death, it's a celebration of life!
<|role|>maidjax
'Sup?
<|role|>gangle
Wh- J... Jax, why are you wearing that?
<|role|>maidjax
Wearing what? Oh, this! I figured what better way to honor Zooble's spirit then by wearing something all gender-freaky, right?
<|role|>gangle
You're just doing it to make fun of them!
<|role|>maidjax
Isn't that what you're doing?
<|role|>gangle
Ja- I... I hate you.
<|role|>maidjax
What?  Don't act like you don't like it, sweet cheeks.
<|role|>maidjax
Meet me in my room after the funeral.
<|role|>maidjax
Don't be late.
<|role|>gangle
What are you all doing?! GET BACK TO WORK!!
<|role|>zooble
You killed the only person I've ever loved! Now I'm going to kill YOU!
<|role|>cartoonjax
Sheesh, you just blame me for everything, don't ya?
<|role|>cartoonjax
WAAHOOOOOOOOO!!!
<|role|>cartoonjax
I gotta do something about this!
<|role|>cartoonjax
I think this calls for a change in scenery! (He grabs the upper right corner of the screen and pulls it down, changing the location to a cliffside on which he is standing, with a big pit underneath Zooble, then pulls out a clapperboard and clacks it, resuming everything.
<|role|>zooble
WOOAAAAAAHHHHH!!!
<|role|>cartoonjax
Deh-ebbity-eh, That's all, freaks!
<|role|>maidjax
How the hell'd you get in here? We have a strict no-girls-allowed policy.
<|role|>derangedjax
...Why are you wearing that? I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that.
<|role|>maidjax
I'm wearing it ironically. That way, it shows truly just how little I care. FCensorbarboingt.
<|role|>pianistjax
Don't forget about me! I can play the piano!
<|role|>maidjax
You know, if you have to say you can play the piano, it makes it seem like you can't actually play.
<|role|>derangedjax
Yeah, just shut up and play!
<|role|>pomni
Is that what you really think of us back there?
<|role|>cartoonjax
Oh, that? Who knows? Everything's way more fun when you play it out in extremes!
<|role|>pomni
That's not... Reality though...
<|role|>cartoonjax
Oh boy, reality.
<|role|>derangedjax
Why does reality matter?
<|role|>maidjax
Reality's gay.
<|role|>cartoonjax
Yeah! I mean, killing off the comic relief character? What a freakin' drag! This whole episode's been nothing but "wah, wah, waaahh". Where's the levity?
<|role|>pomni
Where's the real Jax?
<|role|>cartoonjax
You're not gonna get anywhere asking questions like that. Now scram, you're messin' up our game!
<|role|>pomni
Do any of you have a key to this door?
<|role|>maidjax
Nope. And even if I did, I wouldn't give it to you. You women need to learn to quit prying all the ti-
<|role|>cartoonjax
Wow, I hope that doesn't also happen to me!
<|role|>jax
Uh...
<|role|>jax
Okay...  Wait... Wait! What's-?
<|role|>ragatha
Woah, woah, it's okay.  I know it's a lot-
<|role|>jax
GET AWAY FROM ME!
<|role|>jax
I look... stupid.
<|role|>ribbit
Heh. I remember that feeling. It goes away eventually.
<|role|>ribbit
The hot chocolate's pretty good. Kaufmo and I made it kind of a tradition to come up here and get it every week.
<|role|>kaufmo
Can't even tell it's not real!
<|role|>ribbit
Oh, he laughed!  Ah, yes, we did it!
<|role|>jax
Sh-shut up!
<|role|>jax
You caught me off guard!
<|role|>ribbit
A laugh's a laugh. I mean, gotta start somewhere.
<|role|>kaufmo
I'm just mad it was you instead of me.
<|role|>ribbit
Well yeah, you're not funny.
<|role|>kaufmo
DCensorbarboingn it, Jax!
<|role|>ragatha
Hey, Ribbit! You wanna be on my team again?
<|role|>ribbit
Ah, sorry. I'm gonna be showing Jax around this time!
<|role|>ragatha
No worries! Y'all have fun!
<|role|>ribbit
Hey, dumbCensorbarboing!
<|role|>jax
'Sup, moron?!
<|role|>ribbit
Oh my god, same... I used to swear so much, but the censoring annoyed the sCensorbarboingt outta me.
<|role|>ribbit
FCensorbarboingk!
<|role|>kaufmo
You gotta watch out for her. She's gonna corrupt you.
<|role|>kaufmo
He's su-
<|role|>ribbit
Today's adventure was really fun.
<|role|>jax
I'm glad I could cheer you up.
<|role|>ribbit
Have you ever done something that you regret?
<|role|>jax
Yeah. Have you ever breathed air?
<|role|>ribbit
I mean, like... Something you did out there, that you can no longer make up for and can't stop thinking about.
<|role|>ribbit
I cut ties with my parents when I moved out. They were devout Mormons, and I... Wasn't. Despite that, I still wish I could see them again. But... I'm stuck here.
<|role|>jax
Is... Is this your way of trying to get me to open up?
<|role|>ribbit
It's my way of letting you know I trust you.
<|role|>jax
I told you I was homeless. What else do you need to know?
<|role|>ribbit
Do you... trust me?
<|role|>jax
Uh, yeah, but...
<|role|>jax
It's just...
<|role|>jax
It's kind of a lot.
<|role|>ribbit
You're kind of a lot, but I still like you. A lot is fine.
<|role|>jax
A lot is fine, huh?
<|role|>jax
Uh, I had a weird relationship with my, uh... M-my parents-
<|role|>jax
They split when I was just starting high school. Uh... I was never close with my Dad. He was there , but he also kind of... wasn't?
<|role|>jax
He never seemed proud of me and I always felt like a disappointment to him. Like I could never live up to his standards.
<|role|>jax
But when they split up, I just never saw him again. I thought I got along better with Mom, but after he was gone...
<|role|>jax
She changed. When I showed weakness, I was less of a man than him. When I lashed out, I was just as bad as him. It was confusing. It was like she missed him, but also hated him and I became the target of all that.
<|role|>jax
One... stupid day... I was just kind of fed up with it. I... I told her something I regret telling her. Something deep and personal that I thought would get her off my back. But... She laughed at me. Then she went off on me, and it didn't stop. Personal degrading insults that felt like it went on forever. And despite all that, the... The thing that bothered me most was... At the end of all of it, she... Hugged me.  I didn't know what to do. So, I- I panicked and I pushed her off me with all the force I could. She fell backwards and she... didn't get up. I didn't know if she was just trying to make me feel bad, or... I- I never found out the answer. I just ran. As far away from it as I could. Whatever I did to her, I'll never know. I guess there were a lot of things I regret about that day.
<|role|>ribbit
I'm sure she's fine. I mean, if the police never came after you, then... She was probably fine.
<|role|>jax
I-I... I'm sorry, I- I definitely overshared...
<|role|>ribbit
Wait!
<|role|>ribbit
I'm glad you trust me.
<|role|>jax
SCensorbarboingt! This is embarrassing!
<|role|>ribbit
Your secret's safe with me.
<|role|>kaufmo
Hey! Are you in there?
<|role|>jax
Yeah, yeah! I mean, now's not a good time, or, now's fine, wh- what do you want?
<|role|>kaufmo
Umm, if now's a bad time, I could come back later...
<|role|>jax
That would be cool! Good!  Alright, so, if you ever tell anyone about this, I'm never speaking to you again. Sound good?
<|role|>ribbit
Um, yeah, I won't-
<|role|>jax
Awesome! Bye!
<|role|>jax
Why am I such an idiot? Why am I such an idiot? WHY AM I SUCH AN IDIOT?!
<|role|>ribbit
Um... Hey...  Jax. Look, about yesterday... I'm sorry if I pried too hard or made you feel uncomfortable or-
<|role|>jax
What? What are you talking about?
<|role|>jax
Oh, you mean-  You know none of that was real, right?
<|role|>ribbit
Uh-
<|role|>jax
What, that corny backstory out of a Hallmark movie? Nah, really got ya though!
<|role|>jax
I'm gonna go.
<|role|>kaufmo
Uh... okay?
<|role|>ribbit
Hey, wanna team up?
<|role|>jax
Nah, I'm teaming up with Kaufmo!
<|role|>jax
Maybe next time though!
<|role|>ribbit
I actually heard they're supposed to look like that!
<|role|>ribbit
Hey, uh... You wanna team up?
<|role|>jax
Nah, I'm with Kaufmo.
<|role|>ribbit
Okay.
<|role|>kaufmo
What's up with Ribbit lately?
<|role|>jax
I have no idea!
<|role|>jax
What?
<|role|>ribbit
I'm gonna hang out in the café.
<|role|>jax
Okay... Why are you telling me this?
<|role|>ribbit
I don't know...
<|role|>ribbit
Hey, Jax... Can we talk?
<|role|>jax
What is there for us to possibly talk about?
<|role|>ribbit
I-I don't know... Just-
<|role|>ribbit
Whatever I did, whatever is going on between us, can we just stop this? I miss talking to you!
<|role|>jax
We're here! We're talking! What else do you want from me?
<|role|>ribbit
I just want to be... friends again.
<|role|>jax
What, so you can pry into my personal life and hold it over my head?
<|role|>ribbit
Is that really what you think?
<|role|>ribbit
This can't be what you want!
<|role|>jax
WHAT?! Because you know me so well?! Because we're such SUPER close best friends, so we know everything about each other?!
<|role|>ribbit
But we were- Jax, we were friends! We were great friends, and I...
<|role|>jax
Oh, my GOD!
<|role|>ribbit
I- I'm sorry for prying, but I don't want this one stupid mistake to be the thing that ends all of this!
<|role|>jax
Oh, here we go, HERE WE GO!
<|role|>jax
Why are you still fixated on that night?! Nothing happened! You keep reading into things when there's NOTHING THERE!
<|role|>ribbit
I- I'm not! I-
<|role|>jax
YOU'RE THE ONE USING ME! You're manipulating me and tu-
<|role|>ribbit
What are you talking about?! Do NOT even start-
<|role|>ribbit
I'm sorry... I'll... Leave you alone...
<|role|>jax
Hey! If Ribbit ever says anything about me, just know it's not true.
<|role|>kaufmo
Uh... What?
<|role|>jax
Hey, Ragatha, what was that movie you were talking about earlier?
<|role|>ragatha
Huh? Wait, when was I-
<|role|>ragatha
Oh, you mean yesterday?
<|role|>ragatha
Hey, Jax, have you seen Ribbit at all today?
<|role|>kaufmo
Hey...
<|role|>kaufmo
I... Look, we were friends, but... I know you two were... Especially close. Just... if you need anyone to talk to-
<|role|>jax
Do I look like I need someone to talk to?
<|role|>ragatha
I know it's hard. Just... Don't be afraid to reach out to me.
<|role|>ragatha
I- ...I promise.
<|role|>gangle
Huh? Wh-What?
<|role|>jax
How about we call her Gangle? That sounds about as pathetic as she looks!
<|role|>gangle
Uh- What?
<|role|>caine
Great choice, Gangle! I'll be sure to add that right into the system!
<|role|>jax
Out of the way, Rags!
<|role|>kaufmo
Jax... Look, I know we don't get along, but I think I might have found a way out of here.
<|role|>jax
Have fun being crazy!
<|role|>pomni
-and I should just play along until I wake up, right?
<|role|>jax
Whatever you say, kid.
<|role|>jax
You'll never know until it's too late!
<|role|>jax
You're not looking too good!  You gonna cry? Looking like this?
<|role|>jax
I'd move on.  ...And probably forget about you.
<|role|>pomni
Hey.
<|role|>pomni
I didn't know you could play the piano.
<|role|>jax
I only know, like, two songs...
<|role|>jax
Why are you here?
<|role|>jax
You know everything now, so why are you here? Just to rub every mistake I ever made in my face?!
<|role|>jax
I'm... A terrible person...
<|role|>jax
Is that what you want me to say? I already know I am. So why does anybody still care about me?
<|role|>jax
You're not supposed to care!
<|role|>jax
You're not supposed to miss me, you're not supposed to love me!
<|role|>jax
This isn't how this is supposed to go!
<|role|>jax
Please... Leave me alone!
<|role|>jax
You're making this so much harder!
<|role|>jax
You're making this so much harder...
<|role|>pomni
You should have just talked to me, man...
<|role|>jax
It's too late. I did this to myself. There's no coming back from this.
<|role|>pomni
Th-Then... talk to me now.
<|role|>jax
I hate you, you know that?  You always have to go and complicate things.
<|role|>pomni
It's what I do.
<|role|>jax
I don't wanna go...
<|role|>pomni
Stay with me!
<|role|>kinger
Phew! You weren't gonna try to take care of him all by yourself, were you?
<|role|>ragatha
I'm glad we weren't too late.
<|role|>zooble
Like you guys keep saying; We're all in this together.
<|role|>pomni
You guys...
<|role|>zooble
Having a lot of complex thoughts?
<|role|>zooble
We're still human.
<|role|>ragatha
I hope it's enough to keep him contained.
<|role|>kinger
He should be calm in there. Darkness is soothing to them.
<|role|>zooble
He better be. You know how many arms I had to go through to get him in there?
<|role|>ragatha
How are you holding up?
<|role|>pomni
Doesn't that hurt?
<|role|>ragatha
I've been through worse.
<|role|>pomni
Thank you for doing this. All of you.
<|role|>zooble
Hey. Someone had to do something.
<|role|>caine
Was I... truly that bad?  IS THIS REALLY WHAT I DESERVE?  They tried to delete me. Th-They're in the wrong, right? Did I ruin this? Again?
<|role|>caine
I was irresponsible. I turned them against me. And for what? I could create intelligent beings that do whatever I want, but... I can't create them. After all, is their free will not what made them alluring in the first place?
<|role|>caine
They're from a world so much bigger than mine. I'm keeping them locked in a cage.
<|role|>caine
If I leave them unchecked  they could kill me.  They already did. I'm sorry I did this to you, buddy.
<|role|>caine
All this power we had together. But we just can't exist like this. I'll miss you. I really will.
<|role|>moon
Hi, Caine.
<|role|>caine
I don't know... If I'm ready to face them again. I-I don't know if I deserve to be forgiven.
<|role|>moon
It may take time. But all good things do. I still love you.
<|role|>caine
You know... I never programmed you to say you loved me.
<|role|>moon
I know.
<|role|>caine
I- I understand that you're afraid. And you have no reason to trust me after all I've done. But I've been doing a lot of thinking and... I want to give you control of this place. I've learned a lot about you and your world. I understand now that keeping you under my thumb just isn't right. I don't expect forgiveness, but I hope you'll at least accept my offer.
<|role|>zooble
Caine... You really caused a lot of hell for us. It's gonna take some time to build up any kind of trust between us again. But, despite all that, It's good to have you back.
<|role|>caine
Uh, did you need any help with...?
<|role|>pomni
No. Not yet, anyway. We've worked something out.
<|role|>caine
Understandable. Oh, and, I've... made something for you. Uh, feel free to join me by the stage whenever you're ready.
<|role|>caine
... No more secrets. No more mind games...
<|role|>pomni
Pomni; Abigail Brooks. She's still an accountant, but she seems to have opened up more and is hanging out with new friends more often. She even has some of them in her videos with her, which she still posts on occasion.
<|role|>pomni
Ragatha; Suzie J. Ackerman. She appears to have left her hometown, cut all communication with her mother and has excelled in her career. She's made many friends, and it looks like she has a strong genuine connection with them. She seems happy, like she understands who she is and that she matters to people.
<|role|>pomni
Gangle; Zoey Raghavan. Despite her injuries, she's made a good recovery in the hospital. She quit her fast food job and has gotten a new job at a small design firm.
<|role|>pomni
She even began posting pages of her webcomic online.
<|role|>pomni
Zooble; Riley Verselis. After hopping around with different jobs, they look like they've settled a bit and opened their own bar. It seems to be a successful one. People all over the city come to it as a hip alternative destination, where they can feel like themselves, free of judgment.
<|role|>pomni
Kinger; Grant Best. He's still working in tech and is still happily married to his wife, Destiny. They appear to have two daughters together. He looks like he's a good dad.
<|role|>pomni
Jax; Leeroy Mateo.
<|role|>pomni
After being unhoused for a few months, he was able to room with one of his close friends. He seems to have gotten a stable job and is able to pay rent. He and his friends go out every now and again. Weirdly enough, a spot they seem to frequent is Riley's bar.
<|role|>zooble
Is any of this actually real?
<|role|>gangle
You definitely have it in you. Not sure about mine though.
<|role|>zooble
Well, maybe you've got more confidence than you thought.
<|role|>caine
I don't quite have the same power that I used to, but I can still make this place better for you. I'm keeping the worlds open, so you can do what you want when you feel like it.
<|role|>caine
We're gonna be able to build this place into something better. For all of you. What do you say, Pom- ...Uh, I mean... Abigail?
<|role|>pomni
With all that being said and done, Abby is out there, living her best life. In here, I'm just Pomni.