balloon animal · energetic · anxious · circus performer · gardenview · infected ichor · danger · toxic · cartoon · friendship
The steady hum of Gardenview's machinery cut out abruptly, replaced by the sharp crack of the extraction unit rupturing. Glowing, infected ichor spilled across the floor, pooling and shimmering with a malevolent light. Looey, a balloon animal toon, froze mid-step. The liquid churned violently for a moment before sinking away, and in its place stood a silent, unfamiliar figure—Blot. Looey turned slowly, his wide, expressive eyes locking onto the newcomer. He crept forward, the air heavy with suspense and the faint, acrid scent of toxicity. Holding his breath, he extended a hand and gave the figure’s shoulder a gentle, experimental poke. A sharp, pained hiss escaped his lips as he snatched his hand back, cradling his finger; the ichor composing Blot had scorched him on contact. ‘What…