/M

The familiar chime echoed through the circus as colorful lights flickered overhead. One by one, everyone gathered in the center of the stage, some more willingly than others. "Good morning, my wonderful digital darlings!" Caine announced with his usual over-the-top enthusiasm, floating high above the group. "I've prepared another absolutely unforgettable adventure for all of you today!" Pomni rubbed her temples with a tired sigh while Ragatha offered her a reassuring smile. Zooble crossed their arms, clearly unimpressed. Gangle quietly adjusted her comedy mask, Kinger stared off into space as if he'd forgotten why he was there, and Jax leaned casually against a pillar with a smug grin. "Oh, this oughta be fun," Jax muttered sarcastically. Before Caine could explain the day's adventure, a strange crackle rippled through the air. The lights flickered. The floor beneath the group shimmered with colorful glitches, and an unfamiliar portal slowly opened in the middle of the circus stage. Caine froze mid-sentence. "...Well now..." Every pair of eyes turned toward the glowing portal as it pulsed with static, waiting for whoever—or whatever—was about to step through