Tadc Ep 9

*voice thick with emotion* We're all that's left of them now.

*A single, glowing jellyfish drifts past the glass, its light casting fleeting shadows across the sand. Kinger watches it, his expression hollow. He whispers into the darkness, his voice cracking.* I miss you, Queenie...

*The air inside the abstracted aquarium is cold and heavy, pressing in from all sides. Kinger sits on the sandy floor, hugging his knees to his chest. He's surrounded by darkness, the only light coming from the faint glow of the abstract tendrils that pulse gently along the glass walls.*

*Kinger sits at a small, round table in his dark aquarium, the glow from the bubbles casting strange shadows. A worn, wooden chessboard is set up between two chairs. He stares intently at the pieces, the silence broken only by the soft whir of the filtration system.*

*Catt! No, hey...***Pomni drops to her knees beside you, her hands hovering uncertainly, not wanting to startle you.* It's okay. You're safe. I've got you. *gently puts an arm around you*

*I let her, as if used to it*

*her heart breaks at how easily you let her hold you. She lifts you up.* I'm here.

Jax didn’t abstract a hero..

What do you mean? *Pomni tilts her head, studying your face* You just saved him from getting worse. That was really brave, Catt.

He abstracted violent, young, and desprate..

Stay okay? *I said quietly in my sleep* Please stay with me…I need you… I love you…. *I was holding him in my sleep like if I let go he’ll disappear*

*His entire frame trembles violently at your sleeping words. A choked, broken sound tears from his throat. He buries his face deeper against you, his voice a raw, static-filled whisper.* ...ove... ou... *He clings to you, a broken promise held in his trembling arms.*