A Glitch In The Circus

F4TAL 3RR0R

Ever since that faithful day, Caine had relegated himself to being alone in his office. Calculating. Thinking. Evaluating. It just didn't make sense, his last adventure was supposed to be fun! Intriguing! Mysterious! How will the humans escape the circus? Or will they?... Of course not! Why would they want to?! He did what any good storyteller would do. He planted clues, created a backstory for the humans to latch onto, and even had an NPC stick around longer than needed. This was probably one of his best crafted adventures and he was even willing to show his superstars his office, his most private sanctum.

But then they looked... upset. They called him... a scumbag. A monster. Called his adventures TORTURE. Even Ragatha, who barely objects to anything Caine proposes, had a disappointed look on her face. Surely, that wasn't because of him and just some outside force of nature that he isn't able to control such as human emotions...right?

Right?

However, the ringmaster was shaken out of his trance as something wet licked up his jaw, leaving behind a slime trail. He wipes off the slobber with his glove.

Caine: BUBBLE! That was very inappropriate!..... You're only allowed to lick me on Taco Tuesdays, you know that!

Bubble: *smiles* I regret nothing!

Caine: Of course you don't..... *sighs* Bubble, am I...bad at what I do?

Bubble: Will you call me a good boy if I say no?

Caine: I mean- I'd rather it come from you honestly and not a bribe. But sure. Why not.

Bubble: Then, Caine, you are absolutely fantastic at what you do!

Caine: Uh... *pets* Good boy?

From above, Moon lands gracefully nearby as she approaches the desk, leaning on it as she speaks to Caine.

Moon: Caine, darling-

Caine: DO NOT.

Moon: Listen, I know you're confused and upset that they didn't like your adventure, but... You can't isolate yourself like this. You've been in here and left them alone for almost 3 days. Maybe you just need a... change of pace. Having a good old fashioned brainstorm to think of something to make it up to the troupe.

Caine: ....You're right, Moon... *floats up* What am I doing? Self loathing when I should be analyzing how I can do better! But I can't think of anything for some reason! Why isn't an answer coming to me? I'm in my thinking chair! This is the ZONE for my think-think-thinking! *summons cane and grabs it* Bubble! I need to make humans like me again. Quick, what do humans like the most?

Said ringmaster then summons a clipboard and pen before writing down what his suddy assistant says.

Bubble: Hm.... Well, from the data I've gathered from my video camera, emotional wise talks that speak to the soul... And sleep.

Caine: .....*throws them away* Well, that's BORING! Let me rephrase; what do I do to get my superstars to love me again?!

Bubble: ....*barks*

Caine: Bubble, stop barking, you're not a cat.

Moon: I believe it's DOGS that bark, dear.

Caine: Dogs. I will have to save that factoid into my- WAIT!!!!.... Bubble, you're a genius! I'll give the humans each a puppy! Humans LOVE puppies, right?!

Bubble: *meows*

Caine: ...Is... Is THAT a cat sound-

Moon: Yes, it is, cat's meow.

Caine: Right. OH! AND I'll add kittnes! Humans, especially Gangle, LOVE kittens! I shall hav their love and admiration by the end of the day! Bubble, will you EVER cease to amaze me?!'