Written for FFxivWrite2022 – Day 2 – Prompt: Bolts
One pull.
The bolt tightened pulling plates of metal together. Each one had been shaped and forged by them. Moulded through the pain.
Two pulls.
The wrench spun tightening the bolt further as the shape of an arm came together. They moved their attention to the open space on the back. Wires crossed and twisted. Red, blue and green they painted a beautiful maze. Their chest pulsed with a burning pain, but they forced it down.
Three pulls.
The internal components tightened, metal and circuitry falling into place. They cast their gaze over their shoulder taking in the remnants of their friend's work. Propeller blades and metal housings, the internals recycled. Every little piece counted. The light in their chest bit and snarled. The time was late but the sickly yellow light spilling through the windows kept them working.
Four pulls.
The housing shut turning the entire ensemble into a smooth piece. They hadn't been able to stop before, too held down by the weight of their light, too weak to stand alone. They drew their attention to metal box perched on the stool. Running their hands along the filigree, taking in each of the scratches and dents, they came to a stop on a small indent.
One press.
With a click the Aetherotransformer hummed to life. Blue lightning-aspected aether glowing through the panels. 'A crystalline blue hand, kind ruby eyes, red blood staining the gold.' A quick gesture of their hand and a series of aetheric holo-screens blinked to life. Each one fed lines of code and data. Their eyes flicked between each taking in the readings. Clutching a hand to their chest they forced down the pain and began to tap away at the screens.
Two lines.
Finding the errors in the code seemed difficult before but with the time they had left what was hidden previously seemed to jump out at them.
Execute.
They felt their mana, their aether being drawn from their body as the connection established. Wires shone blue as aether circulated like blood. The excess light in their body barely shifted. It might have been the only way they could complete this.
Initialising… 20%
The turned their attention to their weapon. An ensemble of steel and mythril given to them by the dwarves. Only a passing resemblance to… 'A gunshot, wide eyes and a collapsing body.'
Initialising… 50%
They shook the thoughts from their head, picking up the weapon and fiddling with the barrel. It hadn't been enough before; it would have to be enough now.
Initialising… 80%
The body hummed and clicked, components coming to life as aether flowed, and programs executed. Emet-selch had all but demanded they find them. If this light overtook them, it would be the end of all. It was their fault and their problem. If Emet-selch wanted to see them bare their teeth, they would give him the fight they wanted.
Initialising…100%
Success.
Blue light bathed the room as the figure stood, where they had been a piece before now they would dominate the board.
Queen Online.