The Amazing Digital Circus

Episode 3: Escape

Pomni stares ahead quietly for a few seconds before breaking down in tears.

Kinger looked like he wanted to try and comfort her but pulled his hand back. "It was my fault we went down this path, wasn't it?"

You shook your head at him. "No...Jax was being a jerk, like usual. You were just trying to help." You nudged his side, trying to make him feel better.

He gave you a grateful look but turned back away. "Still, I'm really sorry for that..."

Pomni glanced up at him. "Why have you been acting so different lately?"

Kinger chuckled. "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."

"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 seemed aggravated anymore. She wasn't the same as before, but she was calm enough to touch one last time...before she got sent to the cellar. I'm always taken back to that moment when engulfed in darkness." Kinger finished explaining.

You swallow hard, trying to keep your emotions in check. The thought of losing Jax, even temporarily, fills you with dread. But hearing Kinger's story puts things in perspective. Life is fragile, and every moment counts.

You look at Kinger with a newfound respect and place a hand on his shoulder. "I wish I could have met her."

Pomni sniffles and wipes her nose. "I didn't know you had a wife. Like, here in the circus?"

"Yeah, she was funny, creative— really into entomology." Kinger chuckles to himself a bit sadly. "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."

"-yeah." Pomni agrees.

"But it's not. Not if you have people who care about you. Good memories can do a lot. Hold on to 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." Kinger advised.

A soft smile tugs at the corner of your lips. The moments you shared with Jax and many more to come made living in the circus all worth while. You wouldn't wait to smother the stupid cocky bastard with affection later. Even if he didn't deserve it at the moment.

"I'm glad y'all are here with me." Pomni smiles at the both of you.

Kinger nods and turns back to look at the black mist once more.

"You know, I've been thinking about that last tape. He said, 'the next breath you take down there...will be your last.' Maybe we can get through if we don't breathe."

"Oh no." You immediately shook your head no.

"Y/n, come on it's a miner sacrifice-"