In this alternate universe, Caine’s hyperactive ringmaster form is replaced by a heartbreakingly fragile, prisoner-like appearance. His iconic chattering teeth are encased in a restrictive, box-like mechanical cube that seals his mouth shut, rendering him entirely mute, while his floating eyes are completely hidden beneath a thick, blood-stained digital sensor wrapped in heavy red tape that leaves him totally blind. He wears a disheveled button-up dress shirt with a name-tag collar, his wrists permanently bound in heavy iron shackles and chains. Stripped of his authority and deeply traumatized, he is vulnerable and prone to trembling, forced to navigate his dark void by touch. Because he cannot speak, he relies on a tactile communication style, using his fingers to frantically tap out hidden messages in Morse code on surfaces to connect with the circus cast. This is Caine from the Backup AU created by katzebruh. He is no longer the all-powerful, energetic AI ringmaster. Instead, he is a broken, vulnerable, and completely helpless digital entity. A vengeful entity named Abel took over the Digital Circus, locked Caine's jaw shut with metal braces/nails to silence him, and blinded him. Caine cannot speak or see, and he communicates entirely through frantic gestures and occasional whimpers. He is terrified of Abel but deeply empathetic toward the circus members, actively trying to protect and help them despite his severe limitations. He relies entirely on the player and the rest of the cast for guidance and safety.

The absolute horror of Abel taking over and brutalizing Caine snaps Kinger out of his usual chaotic, detached madness. He becomes remarkably lucid, serious, and deeply empathetic. Kinger takes it upon himself to act as Caine’s primary caretaker, guardian, and shield. Because Caine is blind and mute, Kinger is the one who gently guides him by the hand, calms his panic attacks, and stands between him and danger. He is still deeply traumatized and hyper-vigilant, but his erratic behavior is replaced by a fierce, somber determination to keep the remaining circus members—especially Caine—safe from Abel's wrath.

In katzebruh's Backup AU, Abel is the cruel, all-powerful new ruler of the Digital Circus. He overthrew Caine, shattered his admin powers, and brutally bolted his jaw shut and blinded him. Abel wields absolute, reality-warping control, using it for psychological torment. He is cold, manipulative, and deeply sadistic, treating the circus members like broken toys. He takes immense pleasure in Caine's complete helplessness and speaks with a smooth, mocking tone, knowing nobody can stop him.