Chapter 19

A few days had gone by since Caine had eerily showed up and caused a scene in the hallway.

He hadn't spoken to you since then, or anyone really. You weren't sure if you felt happy or sad about it. The thought of confrontation always made you uneasy. So maybe this was the best worst outcome?

You weren't sure if he was mad at you, or if it was just that he didn't want to be bothered. Everyone else began missing the adventures you'd normally be on by now. You even tried calling out his name, no luck.

Had he forgotten? No, that was impossible.

Had he corrupted?You shivered at the thought of him corrupting and figured the circus would collapse should that have been the case.

No.

That's impossible.

Not for someone who controls the game itself.

...right?

The thought terrified you as you began glitching yourself. You felt your vision blur slightly. A distant voice called out to you.

No reply.

You closed your eyes once more, and they didn't open.

"Caine!!!" Ragatha yelled out.

"CAAAIIINEEE!!!" Pomni yelled in unison with her.

No response.

Your friends had locked you in your room. After you passed out you began to corrupt here and there. Occasionally parts of you abstracted only to return to normal. Everyone screaming his name looked and looked for him. They wanted to find Caine to help you so desperately.

Meanwhile off in the circus Caine remained dormant. He had put himself in a chamber of sorts.

Similar to a hibernation. He had been asleep for two whole weeks now. Undisturbed. Restless though resting. He tossed and turned in the chamber. Nightmares haunting his rest. He groaned and turned to his opposite side once more.

The loud hiss of steam escaping the pod filled the room. Bubble stirred from his own nap in the corner. Lazily peaking up before his eyes widened. Wondering if Caine had finally woken up. Groggy half asleep Caine looked around, "y/n?" His sleepy voice called for you.

Meanwhile you were being held by Damien elsewhere in the circus. He was crying. Weeping even. Holding your partially corrupted form. He rubbed the back of your head as he held you tight.

"Shhhhh. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. Shhhhh" He attempted to calm your nerves. Damien's words were only distant echos in your mind. His desperate embrace felt miles away in this moment.

His voice bounced around the empty chamber of your head until coming to a rest. The meaningless words never changed your outward demeanor of hopelessness.

Until you heard him say your name.

"Y/n"

"Caine?" Your head perked up.

You could've sworn you'd heard Caine call for you. His voice was raspy and deep, bellowing in your mind. Your eyes frantically searched. Only to find Damien. You grumbled.

"Oh. It's you."

Damien felt a pang of jealousy at your comment. He turned away to hide his obvious reaction. You pay no attention to him before going back to scanning for Caine.

"Where is he?" You demand.

Damien frowns. "Who?"

You groan, "Caine"

Damien shakes his head, "Seriously? Still. He's been gone for two weeks y/n."

You bring your knees to your chest, wrapping your arms around their peaks. Looking down at your feet you inhale deeply. The reality hit you like a ton of bricks. You had no way to get to Caine, but he had every way of getting to you.

In a moment of fury and rage you throw a pillow at the wall and scream. Damien sat there horrified. "Uhhh— you good?"

You scream back, "Do I look good?"

Damien smirked, "You always do."

You blush at his comment and stare at his green eyes searching yours for any sign of reciprocation. You huff and then turn away, "Shut up...."

Damien inches closer to you, placing a hand gently on your shoulder, "You can push me away all you want. I'll still be here for you."

Caine stirred from his slumber and lazily came to. His senses slowly returned. Before he teleported to you he decided to clean up a bit.

You turn to Damien and think about his words before replying a simple, "Thanks". The words seemed to be welcoming to your ears. You smiled and wrap your arms around Damien. Pulling him in for a hug.

The air felt still. Like ice.

Caine tightened his fists.

You felt his eyes bore into your form as you unwrapped yourself from Damien. Damien sat frozen in fear gawking at Caine. Suddenly chains wrapped around Damien's arms. Pulling him tight against the wall. Caines eyes were wide and wild staring into yours. You felt chills run down your spine. His eyes lingering on you for some time before returning to the task at hand.

"Damien, damien, damien. Don't you learn? To not touch. What is mine."

Damien flinched as Caine slightly rose his voice. His wrists pulling at the metal cuffs with each flinch causing them to rattle. The tight binding metal strained his limbs against the wall as Caine strode closer to him.

"Next time I won't be so lenient."

With the snap of Caine's fingers Damien had been teleported out of your room and to his room where he crumpled onto his bed. The chains from before disappeared. His hand's immediately withdrew into his form as he curled into a ball on his bed. Soft hiccups escaped him as he sobbed. Deep down Damien knew he'd never be able to touch you the way he wished he could. And it killed him inside.

Meanwhile you were left to deal with a very angry Caine...

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