Sep 13, 2024
"When was the last time you were hugged?"
"I can't recall."
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"When was the last time you were hugged?"
"I can't recall."
LIGHT OF THE CARNIVAL
A CARNIVAL AU ONESHOT W/ LIGHT CAINE
Carnival AU credit: @sm-baby
Light Caine/Luz by: @00belle00lovely00
WARNING: none
~~~
Caine loaded into the hallway to catch his breath. The first room after the circus proved to be more of a challenge than he bargained for. Hey collected himself and sighed. "Okay, Pomni, I was NOT ready for that. Why is Ragatha so manic?? She nearly took my hand off."
"I tried to warn you. She takes manners very seriously." Pomni shrugged.
"Now I have to start all over. Why doesn't this game come with a checkpoint system?"
"I mean... It kind of does, but..."
"But what?"
"Well..." Pomni curled her lips, she wasn't sure how to explain it.
A bright light distracted Caine. He looked up to see a small ball of light descend from the ceiling. "What the..?" The ball stopped at eye level with Caine and got in his face. He jerked back, not letting the light touch him. It hovered for a second, then whizzed around Caine's body several times. Caine tries to follow it, almost falling over his own feet.
The ball spiraled through the air away from Caine and started taking shape. It grew arms and legs and a denture like head. It created a reverse silhouette of Caine's image, smiling and waving.
"Pomni....what is that?" Caine asked nervously.
"The check point. Hey, Luz." Pomni greeted.
"Hello!" Luz said excitedly. "I'm so glad to finally meet you, player! Your first defeat has triggered the game's checkpoint system! I give players an extra bit of help by saving their progress so you don't have to go back as far when you reload."
Caine paused for a moment. "....You're a handicap mechanic? I don't remember programming that."
"No, no! I'm just a helpful checkpoint. There's nothing more annoying than having to replay an entire level just because you can't get past one part, am I right?" Luz held his arms out enthusiastically.
"....right..." Caine hesitated. "Side point, why do you look like me?"
"Why not?" Luz smiled.
Caine couldn't think of a counter argument. He looked to Pomni. "Is he always like this."
"Yep." Pomni deadpanned.
"Can I dismiss him?"
"Nope."
"We're stuck with him?"
"Yep."
"Don't worry, player! I travel as easily as your Bubble companion!" Luz shrank, white light whisping off of him, until he could fit in the palm of Caine's hand. His voice pitched up with his new size as he flew around excitedly. "See! I could fit in your pocket! Or under your hat!"
Luz zipped under Caine's hat, making it glow and flip off Caine's head. He caught it, holding it upside down and looking at his new companion. "And you can help me from there?"
"Absolutely!" Luz leaned against the brim of the hat. "I can give you tips, save your progress and get things off the top shelf! Whatever you need!"
"Thanks, I guess. Can you get out of my hat, though?"
"Sure thing!" Luz flew off and sat on Pomni's shoulder. "This is going to be so fun!" He shuffled in place excitedly, kicking his feet.
Caine put his hat back on. "Back to Ragatha then?"
"Here we go again." Pomni agreed and followed Caine through Ragatha's door.