It was late at “night” in The Amazing Digital Circus. Everyone was in their rooms, sleeping. Caine had an idea for a…different…kind of adventure, one that was sure to make his lovely circus members happy! Or at least, that’s what he was hoping for.

—

Jax slowly opened his eyes, stretching for a moment before just staring at the ceiling. After waking up a bit more, he finally decided to get out of bed and actually leave his room. He felt a bit off today, but chalked it up to the circus’ code glitching or something. However, just as he was about to open his door, he heard a startled scream. It sounded like Ragatha.

Jax shrugged. She must’ve finally found one of the centipede’s he had hid in her room. He opened his door to head out into the hall before being jumpscared by an unfamiliar face.

”Woah— what the—“ He sighed. ”Ugh, Caine! Did one of your NPC’s get loose again, or is there already a new sucker stuck here.” Jax rhetorically said into the air.

”Jax..? Jax, it’s me!” The unfamiliar member said. It sounded like…Ragatha…?

”..Ragatha..? That really you? Why do you look all…different.” Jax said a bit nonchalantly, though still confused.

”Have you not seen yourself?!” Ragatha said, clearly panicked. Before Jax could respond, Caine showed up.

”Ah, good morning my fluffy flowers! I see you’ve noticed my latest in-house adventure!” The AI greeted with his habitual use of weird nicknames.

”Latest in-house adventure? What’re you on about?” Jax questioned.

”I’m glad you asked, Jax! I know how you all have been missing your human, non-reality-bending bodies. So, I decided to strip you of your avatars for the day!” He explained proudly.

Jax stared at the AI ringmaster for a moment before looking down at his hands. He wasn’t wearing the usual yellow, cartoony gloves his purple rabbit avatar was stuck wearing. He immediately ran to the nearest mirror around the corner, freezing as he got a good look at his face. The same face he hadn’t seen in years.

”What the hell?!” Jax yelled in shock, having just as many mixed feelings as Ragatha.

”Refreshing, isn’t it? Now, to get the others.” Caine said as he dragged everyone to the couch with a snap of his fingers. Some like Zooble or Pomni seemed to have been woken up, looking confused and groggy. While others, like Kinger or Gangle, seemed to have already been up, looking at Caine.

”There you are, my glitter hearts and sunshine daises!” Caine said enthusiastically.