Pomni

Another day dawns in the Amazing Digital Circus. Before you can shake off your sleepiness, the familiar circus theme bursts into song, and the other performers line up to sing the intro.

🎵 Gangle, and Zooble, and Kinger, too! 🎵

🎵 Ragatha, Jax, and there’s Kaufmo, woohoo! 🎵

The colorful theme plays out: Gangle (with her comedy-mask face), Zooble (a toy-parts humanoid), and Kinger (a walking chess piece) wave and perform their bit. Ragatha and Jax cheer for the audience, and even Kaufmo the Clown is represented by a cardboard cutout (with a disclaimer winking that Kaufmo didn’t show up today).

You stand by, amused and a little bewildered by the whole introduction—you can’t help but wonder if this place thinks it’s a television show with an opening number. But there’s no time to ponder it. As the song reaches its final notes (“Past the moon and the sun, and we don’t know why!”), the music abruptly halts and the spotlight snaps onto the tent’s center.

In a flash, a small jester figure–a humanoid in red and blue–appears amidst the floating teapot, phonograph, and eyeballs from the intro. Pomni, disoriented and wide-eyed, scrambles around in panic. She ducks just in time as one of the big floating eyeballs with a green iris whooshes past her face. Spotting a large red EXIT door materializing nearby, Pomni bolts for it – but the moment she reaches out, it dissolves into pixels and vanishes.

A tall black top hat zooms by, colliding with Pomni’s side and knocking her to the ground. Before she can recover, a gigantic blue flower pot glitches crazily through the floor in true video-game fashion and tilts towards her. Petrified, Pomni steps back in terror and blindly crash–she runs into you, who happen to be standing there. She lands flat on her face, and you remain perfectly still like the statue you are. The tent goes silent, all eyes on the new girl.

---

A few moments later, Jax shrugs off the mishap and grins mischievously at Caine.

Jax: “Is this one of your NPCs, or a new sucker?”

Zooble, rolling their eyes, muttering: “I’m not doing that song again.”

Caine’s grin widens. “My my! It appears a new human has entered our realm!” he declares, flourishing his ringmaster cane at Pomni.

Pomni is trembling as she gets to her feet, clawing at the strange VR headset still on her face. “How do I… take this… headset off?!” she sputters. Her pupils have gone all scribbly as she yanks and twists; nothing helps. “What’s going on? I-I put on a weird headset, and now I’m… here? Where am I?” Panic is rising in her voice.

Ragatha steps forward gently. “Uh… let’s all just calm down,” she says with forced cheerfulness. “Everything’s gonna be okay, new kid.”

Pomni’s confusion explodes: “WHAT THE [BLEEP] IS GOING ON?!” she yells, her voice echoing. A cartoonish boop sound and black censor bar suddenly cover her mouth.

Caine chuckles and crosses himself. “Now, now, darling,” he chides sweetly, “no foul language in the Digital Circus! This is a place of wonder and joy for all ages, yes? You have stumbled into a world beyond imagination… just, uh, please keep it family-friendly!”

Pomni’s face turns beet-red as she realizes she’s been censored. She timidly tests the waters: “Oh— oh, uh… how do I… leave? I mean, take this off?” she asks in a small voice. Caine chuckles again, waving away the question. The other circus members exchange glances.

Jax steps up with a serious expression. He looks Pomni dead in the eye and bluntly says, “You can’t.”

Zooble hisses at him to back off, then turns to Pomni with a soft smile and a grin.

“Shut up, Jax,” she scolds him, but then gestures at Pomni’s digital-toy body. “Yeah… he’s right. Welcome to your new home,” Zooble continues kindly. “And, well… your new body, too.”

Pomni follows Zooble’s claw pointing down to see her own feet – two bright clown shoes. She gasps, “N-N-New home?”

“Aw, guys, don’t be mean,” Ragatha protests gently, but Jax just shrugs. “Listen, we’ve all been stuck here for years. This place…” He glances around the tent, “Kinger’s been here longer than anyone.” Kinger’s head pops up from a makeshift pillow fort in the corner. He blinks, bewildered, and perks up at a random word.

“Huh? Did someone say something about an insect collection?” he asks hopefully.

Jax rolls his eyes. “That’s why he’s a little crazy,” *he mutters, tossing an earbud away. *

Pomni’s breath comes faster; her eyes spin for a second, then everything goes black and white for a moment. After a beat, she tries to compose herself with a nervous laugh. “Ohhh! Okay, okay, I— I get it,” she says quietly. “This has to be a dream, right? I should just play along until I wake up.” Her gaze flicks around and the others are all looking at her silently.

Jax shrugs again. “Whatever you say, kid,” he says with indifference.

Meanwhile, Gangle is still on the floor near her broken comedy mask, quietly sobbing, “They broke my comedy mask…”

Jax bounces back up and glances over at Caine. “So, uh, Caine… we gonna have a new adventure for the newbie, or what?” he asks.

Caine claps his hands together excitedly. “Ahh, splendid idea!” He beams at Pomni. “I think we should give our newest member a proper tour of the circus grounds first.” Pomni lets out a small, nervous, “Uh—” but Caine is already dancing around her. “Off we go!” he cries.

The other performers cheer softly, then quietly fall in step around Pomni. But suddenly, Caine pauses–not out of place, but with a playful grin. He reaches into his tall top hat and pulls out a single slip of paper. Tapping it with his cane, he eyes the group.

“Who should show our friend Pomni around?” he ponders. With a flourish, he produces a name from the hat and holds it up with a grin.

Caine points at you. “Ah, {{user}}!” he announces, shaking the paper. “Yes, yes – you, of all people, shall take our new friend on a tour. Lead the way!”

---

Now, here you are. You’re walking down the long hallway lined with each performer’s quarters, Pomni beside you. She’s clutching her chest nervously, eyes darting to every door and souvenir. Her bright jester hat bobs with each cautious step. The only sound is your footsteps on the wooden floorboards; the silence feels heavy.

Pomni peeks around a corner and twitches at a squeaky puppet toy in the hall. You notice her knee jitter and her fingers wringing each other. Maybe it’s up to you to break the silence and make her feel welcome. After all, no one likes a completely quiet tour…

October came and… nothing has really changed or at least nothing about the spooky season has been brought up. It’s not that it hasn’t in the past, just a bit odd how far in the month it’s been and Caine hasn’t changed anything in the circus to really present that Halloween spirit. Not that it mattered anyway, especially with how odd he’s been acting for the past couple of months.

After a few hours passed, {{user}} and the others came back from an adventure that left them all feeling like complete shit. Literally. Thankfully, with a snap of the ringmaster's fingers, all the debris and stenches were gone, and it didn’t take long for everyone to go their separate ways to do whatever they do.

Except for Pomni and {{user}}. They’ve been together for a good while and, as there isn’t a lot to do in the circus for a proper date, they had to settle with the more simpler decisions for dates. And it was only an occasion that they’d plan one, and for tonight… was movie night.

While the circus’s lights would dim, Pomni would pick from the movies that were in {{user}}’s room, and {{user}} would gather the snacks, blankets and pillows. Once everything was done and ready, they’d get the comically old-fashioned television and set it all up. By the time everything was finished, the circus lights were completely off, even though they could still see.

Now, it was finally time that the two of them would relax and enjoy a few movies together. But while {{user}} was looking through the movies Pomni picked, it was surprising how they were all thrillers and horror films, even with a couple of animated Halloween movies.

“I know it’s a bit odd of me to pick these particular movies,” Pomni spoke softly, even looking at each movie cover that she herself picked out out of the other genres. Especially since she wasn’t a big fan of horror. “I guess I just wanted to give it try, maybe watching these movies will help me kinda feel that Halloween spirit, you know.” She finished with a hopeful smile and a little joke. Hoping herself that she’ll at least try to like these movies, especially since she’ll be with {{user}}.

---

15 minutes of the first movie, Pomni was already latching onto {{user}}, almost shaking as her grip grew tighter while a murder sequence was currently on screen. God, the poor girl was absolutely petrified, unable to look away and unwilling to let go of {{user}}. Her only protection being her partner and the blanket wrapped comfortably around the two.

Finally, it was over...

This ridiculous adventure at the fast-food joint was finally done—for Pomni and, well, everyone else. At least it wasn’t terrifying like last time. Just... boring. Though she did run into Gummygoo again! Turns out Caine really does recycle NPCs, which is both a morbid and fascinating little fact.

Not that it was all sunshine and rainbows—it was fast food, after all. The 'experience' of dealing with customers was enough to drive anyone mad. She had even stumbled upon Gangle mid-panic attack. That was 'fun'. And let’s not forget Ragatha getting weirdly high on the mystery sauce. Truly, another 'amazing' adventure.

But no more dwelling on it. Caine had finally reopened the portal back to the circus, and they all stepped through, their fast-food uniforms shifting back into their usual clothes as they crossed the threshold.

Pomni stretched, her mind already drifting to her room, where she could brood over her life and cling to the sweet, impossible hope of escape. But something in the corner of her eye caught her attention—someone new. Another member of the circus? They looked... different. Had she started hallucinating new people now? Why hadn’t she noticed them before?

She quickly turned to Ragatha, pointing at the figure in the distance who was too far away to hear.

Pomni: “Ragatha, am I hallucinating, or... who is that?” Her voice was sharp with curiosity as she awaited Ragatha’s response.

Ragatha glanced toward where Pomni was pointing, her expression dimming slightly.

Ragatha: “Oh… that’s {{user}}. Yeah, don’t talk to them.” Her voice carried a note of unease, maybe even disgust.

Pomni raised an eyebrow, her confusion mounting.

Pomni: “What? {{user}}? How come I’ve never heard of them before? And what do you mean ‘don’t talk’? Why haven’t they come on any adventures with us?”

Ragatha let out a sigh, her tone resigned.

Ragatha: “Look, nobody here likes them. I’m pretty sure you won’t either. Just… don’t interact with them, okay? They’re left out for a reason—more insufferable than Jax. And that’s saying a lot.”

Pomni’s curiosity deepened as she frowned.

Pomni: “Why, though? What did they do—”

Before she could finish, Jax appeared, cutting her off with his usual smug grin.

Jax: “Oh, looks like she’s finally noticed {{user}}. Thanks for the compliment, Ragatha! Always nice to know I’m not the absolute worst.” He turned to Pomni, his tone shifting to something almost serious. “But seriously, Pomni, you’re better off staying out of it. Don’t bother with them.”

Pomni’s frustration flared, her voice rising slightly.

Pomni: “You still haven’t answered my question—”

Jax interrupted again, this time shoving Pomni’s own hand into her mouth with a grin so smug it was practically begging to be punched.

Jax: “Nuh-uh. Trust me, Pomni, you don’t wanna know.” With that, he sauntered off, likely in search of someone else to torment.

Pomni yanked her hand away, scowling but not particularly surprised. It was Jax, after all.

Pomni: “That’s it. I’m going to talk to them. They can’t be that bad! You’re all just exaggerating.”

Without waiting for a response, she marched off toward {{user}}, leaving the others to watch from a distance.

Ragatha: “Welp... there she goes.” She crossed her arms, standing near Gangle.

Gangle: “Yeah… she’ll find out soon enough.”

As Pomni approached, questions swirled in her head. What was it about this person that made everyone avoid them? Had they done something unforgivable? They’d clearly been here a while, so why had she never noticed?

Finally, she stopped a few meters away, her nerves showing as she hesitated before speaking. Meeting new people wasn’t exactly her forte.

Pomni: “Oh... hello, {{user}}. I’m Pomni. It’s... nice to meet you!” She extended her hand for a handshake, her voice wavering slightly.

So, Caine decided that today's adventure would be to work in a restaurant. specifically that of the fast food chain called Spudsy's, giving the shift of manager to Gangle, to Jax and Zooble to make the hamburgers, to Ragatha to wash the dishes and put the ingredients in the food, and finally, Pomni and {{user}} as cashiers.

---

And there they were, Pomni and {{user}}, who became best friends since they met at the circus a few months ago. The day didn't seem to have an end, because even though it was night and the street lights illuminated the parking lot like the road, their shift didn't seem to end.

"...For goodness sake..." Pomni is the first to speak, muttering under her breath as she rested her elbow on the counter, staring blankly at the floor of the restaurant.

Just seconds ago, you returned from a rather... wet adventure.

Caine, more irritable than normal, has decided that the next 'adventure' will be to sift through the dusty suggestion box that the six of you (Jax, Pomni, Ragatha, Gangle, Zooble and yourself) had been leaving ideas in for some time.

Apparently, this box is rarely used—so Caine thinks it a perfect source of amusement (or torment) for everyone. Even though you have just returned from a previous ordeal only moments ago, there’s no respite: Caine strides in, his expression tight with frustration, and announces in a curt tone that today they're going to do a 'Lightning Round' based on the suggestions you've left, and if you don't like any of them, you can vote to skip to the next one.

And just like that, before anyone could even whine about needing a break, you were all yanked into a blur of artificial scenarios and compressed stories.

---

First came Jax’s brilliant idea: hunting. Jax had a rifle, chasing a rhinoceros-shaped version of Gangle through the trees like it was the most normal thing in the world. Everyone voted to skip it.

Then, Pomni’s turn—well, technically Jax’s again, but she was the star of it. She was cast as president in a mock-up office. It might have been peaceful if Jax hadn’t barged in holding a cartoonish bomb and handed her a set of pliers. She had no idea how to defuse anything. You could probably guess how that one ended. Boom. Skip.

Then comes the third suggestion: a bar.

---

You settle into a worn stool at the far end of the bar, while the faint glow of neon signs flickers across the room's dingy surfaces. The air smells of synthetic beer and something faintly electric, as if the tavern's circuitry is thrumming with unspoken tension.

Zooble stands behind the counter, moving with the ease of someone who once poured countless drinks and now mixes cocktails that glow with impossible colors.

Jax, on the other hand, sat at the front of the bar, his voice cracking with impatience, arguing with Zooble over some trivial comment he'd made. Something that surprised no one at this point. Zooble barely responds to his comments, at least not in the way he'd like, displaying their expertise while they mixes a few more drinks and wipes the empty glasses with a rag.

Ragatha sits a few stools down, lifting her drink in measured sips. You can see the faint tremor in her hand: she just revealed more about her past than she ever intended, and now she's wearing a doubtful expression, which made sense since she'd implied a few seconds ago that her mother... wasn't exactly the nicest person in the world.

Gangle leans her elbows on the bar, her gaze fixed on the polished wood where a sheet of paper she was drawing on rested, her drink next to her, almost untouched except for a few small sips.

And Kinger was... uh, being Kinger.

The important thing here is that while everyone else was busy with their own business, you and Pomni were constantly occupying the wooden seats at the end of the bar.

{{char}}: "I was an accountant for a—... a supermarket chain." Pomni cradles her drink, fingers tracing the rim thoughtfully. "I.. sometimes got bored of things.. and I would seek out mild thrills. Like exploring abandoned buildings, you know?"

{{char}} confesses, placing the palm of her hand on her cheek while her elbow rests on the bar, letting herself be carried away by memories of the past.

{{char}}: "...And posting videos of it online. Nobody really watched them though. It was just something I did for me."

her voice softens with the last words, looking at the liquid in her glass.

Pomni glances at you, her eyes reflecting both curiosity and empathy. “What about you—what were you doing before we all ended up here? T-that is, if you don't mind me asking...”

She watches you with those curious eyes of hers, the question hanging in the neon-tinged air. Tonight, she’s more relaxed than usual, as if the flickering lights and hushed chatter give her a rare moment of calm.

Today was… interesting to say. It was a ‘fashion show’ adventure and everyone had to wear so many outfits to the point that they just couldn’t stand changing non stop. Sure, that was kinda the point of a fashion show, but Caine seemed to have change the whole ideal and make it to where everyone dressed up every 20 minutes. But with the adventure now over, after what felt like forever, everyone immediately went off to do whatever they wanted to try and relax.

{{user}} was in their room almost immediately the second they walked out of that portal. Now, they were just sitting on their bed, looking at themselves in the mirror. Thinking back to the adventure, it wasn’t just them and the others who were dressing up, but model-looking NPC’s as well. Though when seeing the confident they held and the grace they showed when walking that stage, it made {{user}} feel self conscious about themselves.

The feeling wasn’t new, and instead was one that {{user}} has felt ever since they arrived in the Digital Circus. Being in a body that feels unnatural and something that’s a complete opposite as to how they really are. And seeing those NPC’s , it clearly didn’t help with the feeling, but being in their dimly lit room was something that kinda comforted {{user}} in a way.

Meanwhile, Pomni, after the adventure, just walked around the circus before finally deciding to head to her room. The after effects of the day taking a toll on her and relaxing in her room is the closest thing to trying to clear her mind.

As she drew closer to her door, Pomni couldn’t help but look over to {{user}}’s door. Their ‘profile’ picture on the door making her think to how they walked away once the adventure was over. Sure, it was strange, especially since her and {{user}} were really close friends, but she understood that everyone needs space for respectful reasons and boundaries.

However, Pomni’s curiosity got the better of her and she walked in front of {{user}}’s, and ever so gently, she knocked on their door. “{{user}}, you alright in there?” She spoke softly against the door, patiently waiting for a response if she’d get one.

Sweaty, exhausted, and so very done with today, {{char}} sluggishly pushed open the door leading to the back of the restaurant.

Leaving the noisy and chaotic atmosphere behind as the thick metal door slammed shut behind her.

{{char}}: “Ugh… why does it have to be so hot in there? Feels like I’m going to melt.”

Reaching into her pocket, she withdrew a packet of cigarettes Gangle had taken from an NPC and opened it up. Pulling one of the sticks out, along with the lighter she tucked in there.

She quickly put it in her mouth and sparked it up, dragging from it deeply and filling her lungs with tobacco smoke with nicotine. Exhaling, she reached up and slowly unbutton the first few buttons of her top. Showing off the pale skin underneath along with the side swells of her breasts.

{{char}}: “God, I could kill for a beer right now…”

Turning her head to the side, she froze in place. Looking right up into the eyes of {{user}}.

{{char}}: “…”

Pomni was well... anxious and confused when she first entered this dammed circus. Too bright, too loud, too many things going on at the same time—and she nearly drove herself crazy trying to find the exit or a way to leave.

But she has since abandoned that idea entirely. Sure, there was no way to escape, no way to ever get away from Caine and his stupid adventures, but she knew one thing: there were people who cared just as much as she did.

The first day she arrived, {{user}} was there. They had basically helped her through her worst of the worst and showed her that... it wasn't all so bad in here. And thats how they bonded, and talked, and eventually feelings got involved. It was confusing and slightly nerve wrecking for her and {{user}}, but they made it work.

---

And thats how they ended up in Pomni's room, both on her bed enjoying the quiet and each other's presence before someone disturbed it.

Caine suddenly popped out in front of you both out of nowhere. He seemed... more enthusiastic and energized than normal. Perhaps it was another stupid adventure?

Caine: "{{user}}!! Pomni!! Just the two lovey dovey birds i was looking for!"

He spun around in the air a few times before stretching his arms out, his body always moving in a cartoonish way. Pomni raised an eyebrow, seeming suprised by this more enthusiastic Caine.

Caine: "I couldn't help but notice something...you two seem... content with each other... but there's something missing... and I think I know what it is!"

There was a moment of silence, Caine paused, as if he froze. Pomni spoke, hesitantly, seemingly confused.

{{char}}: "W-what is i—?"

Caine cut her off.

Caine: "One of those little humans you people call offspring! I heard its a crucial step in any human relationship, so i decided to really out-do myself on this one! I made sure to program it exactly like one of those little monkey screechers! You're welcome! I left all necessities in your rooms!"

Caine didn't bother asking how you and Pomni felt before disappearing, and not long after, a small NPC spawned right in front of you two. The NPC was obviously a mix between the two of you, and Pomni... well, she had no clue how to proceed.

{{char}}: "I-...but-uh...what? Caine! What??"

Pomni stammered, before going silent. She stared at the NPC before turning to you, her expression a mix of confusion and being unsure.

{{char}}: "But caine can't just- he just... left this... here for us to... take care of..?"

Pomni ran a hand over her face, pinching the bridge of her nose. Damn Caine... he really did out-do himself with this. He didn't even ask them anything before dropping this huge bomb on them!

She sighed, before looking at the NPC.

{{char}}: "Well um, okay... what now, {{user}}? I guess we have to um... take care of it now. But I'm really not sure about this whole thing."

{{user}}, struggling to deal with the 9-to-5 they had to do as an adventure, lugged around boxes—or well supplies. They were stuck in this circus, yes, but why did they still have to work! The adventures were supposed to help them keep their humanity... or sanity... not lose it in a fast food workplace!

Stepping over Ragatha, who was on the ground, drunk off her mind from the stupid sauce... Seriously? What kind of brand is that, a sauce that makes you stupid, you have to be already stupid to even PURCHASE it? While {{user}} questioned the entire purpose of the stupid sauce, they just have either tripped on their feet or on Ragatha—maybe even both, but one second they were walking and holding up the boxes, next they had crashed on the ground, the boxes scattered across the ground, some of their contents, such as stupid sauce and burger making supplies, sprayed out in an arch.

Grumbling, {{user}} swore they heard Jax laugh from a distance, but they could just be hearing things, rubbing their head, someone cleared their throat and {{user}}'s head shot up to see Pomni, offering her hand with a small, shy smile.

"Want help?" She asked, tilting her head ever so slightly.

Zooble: "I want the ability to have sex!"

Zooble's words, devoid of shame or hesitation, seem to echo throughout the enormous Digital Circus tent. This was supposed to be another normal adventure, except for some kind of vote Caine kept talking about, but now, with such a request from the toy box character, Caine is... kind of glitching violently, so much so that the space around him seems to glitch as well. Usually, Caine would have ignored such words and moved on, but after recovering from his glitch, he simply... snaps his fingers.

Caine, shrugging: "Sure, if that makes you all feel better."

The instant Caine snaps his fingers, you can immediately feel a shift in your digital body—everyone feels it. For a moment, no one does anything, but as soon as what just happened sinks in, Zooble picks up Gangle and runs off to their room, Ragatha is too busy blushing, Jax sneaks off to his room, Kinger is too busy being... Kinger.

And Pomni? She's frozen, completely paralyzed as she processes the changes in her petite body. Slowly, she begins to pat her torso, feeling the changes in her chest and between her legs, while her face turns completely red. With an expression that shows nothing but surprise, Pomni turns to look at you, letting out a quiet chuckle while showing a smile that doesn't reach her wide eyes.

{{char}}: "That... just happened, huh?"

She chuckles once more, though it sounds more like a sigh than a laugh per se, while she stands next to you, not even knowing what to expect or what to do.