Human At Heart (Inspired by Deactivated_Steambot)

12: On a Crescendo

Third POV:

Solemnly the petite bot begins to play, a graceful melodic tune permeates the stillness of the Manor. Cognizant of the vulnerability she has purposely placed herself in, she waits for her opponent to enter the game.

The Spine's POV:

My ears pick up on the slightest alterations of bioacoustics shifting, my attention focusing on what it could be. My heart sinks as I recognize the melody, Rose's music box's tune gently playing on the grand piano. I did not want to face Rose again, not while I am in this state.

Staring down at my hands, a torn piece of her turquoise dress snags itself on the opening to my right tesla coil. Soft clicks shifting behind my photo-receptors, displaying the moment when Rose's neck being clasped in my hands. Dangling in mid-air, the delicate contours of her face creasing into fear. Her voice, her cries of desperation haunts me. Any sorrow or longing I feel for her would only be washed away by immense wrath, a wrath that is not my own. And against my struggles, I could not command my body to deter from following the bittersweet tune to my...target.

Rose's POV:

The slow melody of the song quickens, my fingers articulating themselves to hit each precise key at every precise moment. For the briefest of seconds, I feel lost in its strain. With my eyes remaining shut, I acknowledge the undeniable sound of footfalls somewhere off behind me.

The Spine's POV:

The tune gradually picks up speed, thus inticing my legs to move quicker. Fearing for what I may do when my photo-receptors catch any sign of her, would I be able to hold myself back?

Rose's POV:

The footfalls reach the doorway of the Lounge, bearing such a heavy aura that is nearly too much for me to handle. Prevailing, my rapid articulations increasing as the song nears its crescendo. Choosing not to turn and look, stifling a faint cry in the back of my throat.

The Spine's POV:

Sitting at the grand piano is the little steam bot I have come to cherish so dearly, now on the cuspis of danger by my own hand. Her slender back faces me, does she know I am here? Her upper body flows with the melody, rising and falling with each note she plays. Her rose gold metal is highlighted beneath the emergency lights, a gentle glow can be seen emitting from the front of her form.

Anger stirs inside my core, boiling immensely. Taking a step into the room, each and every footfall closing off the distance. Still, she does not turn to face me. I do not know if I would want her to see what expression my face is displaying.

Third POV:

Just on the cuspis of the crescendo, the silver man severs much of the distance between him and Rose. Rose is aware of her companies' presence moderately approaching her, yet the only fear residing in her heart is the thought of losing the one she treasures so deeply. Now he stands frighteningly still at her back, the time has finally come for the crescendo to commence.

Rose's POV:

I feel The Spine's presence directly behind me, perhaps less than a foot or two away. Yet I allow my body to rise with the crescendo, vivid and colorful emotions flashing before my optics. Opening my eyes slightly, allowing hot oily drops to escape down my cheeks. A gentle drop of oil falls on the photo of Christine set on my lap, the faintest whir of electricity sounds off behind me. Biting back a cry, clapping my hands with all my might upon the ivory keys. The crescendo falls, the echo of the tune still wafts in the vicinity. The song may be over but not all are complete, my last act is approaching ever so quickly.