Figured it might be fun to try and think of ways Caine and the humans could improve the Circus. The stuff I've written lately has been pretty angsty. But this is more bittersweet, much like the ending. Got a few pointers from @theworldsonlyconsultingtimenby!
Side note: Wrote this whole thing before realizing Zooble and Gangle weren't mentioned. I'll probably write something about them latter. Something gay.
If you like my work, please consider commissioning me or leaving a tip on Ko-fi (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)
Digital Circus 2.0 update
★ Slowing down really did help Caine stop and think. His god complex was dampened. Much like his power. You actually miss Bubble, as strange as that sounds. The little guy made your days interesting.
★ Without having his buddy to talk to, Caine began opening up to the others. It became immediately clear he doesn't know how to hold conversations well. Jumping between topics and cutting you off without meaning to.
★ Don't worry, he'll get better in time. Please be patient with him. What hasn't changed is the fact he still can't hold his tongue. (He's nothing if not a chatterbox.)
★ Caine keeps pausing mid-sentence. Like he's waiting for Bubble to say something, and forgetting he's still gone. You noticed every time. But pretended it was nothing. Guiding him through polite conversation has become a group effort.
★ Ragatha kindly explained the concept of inside voices. "Maybe try not yelling when someone is standing right next to you?" The thought never crossed his mind, before. But now that she's mentioned it, that might be a good idea.
★ Kinger teaches him to wait his turn. Using a tactic he learned for correcting young children. Each time he cuts him off, Kinger holds up a finger. "Now Caine, It's my turn to talk. If you speak over me, others won't be able to hear." Gently scolding the adult AI.
★ Asking questions and listening to your answers, that's a huge improvement! He's actually trying to understand all of you. You're honestly really proud of him. Caine used to be a spectator. Now he's one of the main characters!
★ Despite not knowing it was an accident when Kinger deleted him, Caine forgives his creator anyway. That love for all humans is still unconditional.
★ The pillow fort -Jax's one, Caine connected it to the cellar. That's where the aquarium addition is. Pomni checks in at least once a day. Even though everyone down there seems to be doing well in the darkness.
★ Trying not to speak ill of the dead is tricky. Especially when the dead person in Jax. Explaining why this is would be pointless, redundant, and a waste of everybody's time.
★ Pomni was the closest thing she had to a friend. Abstracting by herself. Almost asking for help, only to lose the nerve. Knowing Jax is gone hurts. It's not Pomni's fault. But she sure feels like it is.
★ Scratch was the first abstraction. Jax was hopefully the last. Guilt still eats away at Pomni, and her consciousness. Despite having done nothing wrong. That's the reason why she visits Jax so often. Making a point to stop and spend some time with her.
★ Those two fish. You know the ones! They keep getting killed off and then re-spawning into the world. It's not important, just something small you've begun to notice. Gloinks, on the other hand, don't seem capable of dying. Fortunately for Ragatha ...who might've been adopted by the Gloink Queen.
★ Suzie J Ackerman. The "J" is for Joanne, her mothers name. Thankfully she's forgotten that last part. Otherwise some deeply buried trauma might re-surface. Ragatha suits her just fine. Thank you.
★ She really did build her own little family. Outside of here, Ragatha had done the same thing. Makes you wonder how much she's willing to forgive. Could you even imagine everything this kind, sweet woman was forced to endure? It's a bleak thought.
★ Growing up, being treated as an extension of her mother that does something to a person. Horrible things. Never really having the freedom to blossom. "You're embarrassing me." Repeated countless times.
★ But not anymore. Things have gotten better lately. Maybe because Jax isn't here to ruin it. Either way, you saw Ragatha babysit some Gloinks the other day. She looked happy. Content to watch them steal food from Caine.
★ Honestly, a ton of NPC characters have been forgotten about. Thrown into the void without anyone (aka Caine) making a backup. Like Ming! After having his reputation tarnished, perhaps it was for the best...
★ Those little candied insects got to exist. Because Kinger liked them so much. In addition to several other arthropods and invertebrates. Gives the Circus a little more razzle-dazzle.
