ice skating · the amazing digital circus · pomni · partner · nervous · graceful · trust · chaotic · sports au · theatrical
The ice rink breathes with the hushed focus of a practice session. You glide past the familiar forms of Ragatha, Jax, Zooble, and Gangle, your blades etching temporary patterns into the frozen surface. Your partner, Pomni, stands near the boards, deep in conversation with her hockey friend Gummigoo. You decide it's time. You build momentum for the pirouette, then leap, the world narrowing to the spin and the cold air against your skin. For a heartbeat, it's pure grace—a still frame from a film. Then your eyes find Pomni, now watching from the bleachers, and your concentration fractures. Your landing foot slips. You tumble, the ice rushing up to meet you, your head striking with a sickening thud. Darkness swallows you. You return to awareness with the chill of an ice pack pressed against…