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Jax strutted along the lengthy hallway, lined with bedroom doors on either side of the wall. It was dark, and the circus was asleep, with only a few dim lights from the ceiling giving light. Jax made his way to his room until he stopped in his tracks when his ears picked up a faint sound.
Glancing at the door to his right was Pomni’s room, which he recognized by her dejected-looking logo.
Moving closer, he became aware that voices were coming from behind the door. Quietly, he pressed his long purple bunny ear to the door to listen.
“Don’t you see what Jax is doing?” A voice argued that he recognized as Ragatha. “He’s playing you, Pomni!”
Carefully, Jax peeks through a small opening in the door. He could see the doll and the jester talking.
“What if he hurts you or-”
“I’ll be fine,” Pomni assured, sitting on the side of her bed. “Besides, we can’t get hurt, remember.”
“W-well, yeah, but” Ragatha stammered. “He’s just like my mother! How can you want to hang out with him after everything he’s done to you and everyone here?” She shouted.
Jax became uneasy. Is that how low you think of me, Dollface?
“Are you jealous?” Pomni raised her eyebrow.
Ragatha’s eyes widen. “Wha-pfff! No! Me?” She stumbled over her words freaking out in motion. “Jealous that you’re forming a friendship? I've got no reason to be. I just think he’s got a bad influence over you. The guy is a jerk.”
“Well, maybe I want to give Jax a chance,” Pomni stated. “You should, too.”
“I don’t want to give him a chance! I want nothing to do with him!” Ragatha burst out.
Pomni flinched.
Ragatha realized her outburst and felt ashamed; she gripped her arm. She thought this was a bad idea. But she had to be respectful. “I’m just,” She said calmly. “Looking out for you.” She sat down beside Pomni.
Jax could see Ragatha’s downcast expression. He scoffed. Oh, Positive-Ragatha, being so delightful, is desperate to show kindness to her friends. But I guess I’m the bad guy here. There was no point in listening to Ragatha; she cared nothing for him. Backing away, he tore his head away from the door, and he slipped down the dark hall.
“I appreciated that,” Pomni said softly. There was a moment when it seemed like everyone held their breath. Then Pomni spoke again. “You know, people can change. Even if you think Jax can’t… The best thing you can do is help him.”
Ragatha frowned but said nothing.
“You don’t want him to be like your mum, right?” Pomni asked.
“N-no, of course not,” Ragatha said swiftly.
Pomni smiled. “Then why not give it a go. He might need you, even if he doesn’t admit it.”
Ragatha stammered slightly. Jax and her never really saw eye to eye. She thought of her past, of all the bad memories of her mother. She had endured years of suffering due to her mother's mistreatment, which made it easy to loathe Jax’s mischievous behavior. Maybe Pomni was right. It’s too late for her mother to change, but not for Jax to see the light. After a long thought, she made up her mind. “I can try… I’ll see”
An awkward silence fell over the room, but Pomni was satisfied with her answer.
“I think I should get going now,” Ragatha said.
Feeling drowsy, Pomni agreed. “Okay, night,” She said.
Ragatha left. She considered talking to Jax first, but assumed he wouldn't want to speak to her at this time. It would be better at a later point. Before reaching for her doorknob, a strange feeling occurred. Like she was being watched.
“Hello?”
Scanning the hall with her vision, no one was to be seen, but she could have sworn she caught a glimpse of movement around the corner, darting out of sight.
Was it Jax, Kinger, Gangle, or even Zooble? Why would anyone be lurking around this late? Jax most likely would be looking to set a prank in one of their rooms. But whoever it was moved in the direction away from the bedrooms. Looking for something else?
After some time staring, the feeling had gone, shrugging, she entered her room, closed the door behind her, and went to bed.