Revolution Machine

Prologue

The dark clouds looming over the skies of Lastation, though somehow it was in little contrast to the normal gloom the city gave. The clouds a soft gray, and while it wasn't raining, the smell in the air gave way that it wouldn't be long before the next downpour came upon him. A huff escaped his lips as he meandered down the rather empty streets. Despite it being a weekend and of good weather for Lastation, not many were out. He didn't mind, however. Less people to deal with for him. He looked towards the skyline, a small smile curving his lips when he saw that the top light of the Basilicom was still shining bright. As someone who helped make that light, Tech was delighted to see it still working so well despite it being a few years old by now. Looking back to where he was walking, he took a quick right, entering the park near the Guild HQ he just left, looking around for someone. On the swing set, he spotted the person he was waiting for: Noire.

Noire, despite being abrasive to him when they first met, quickly warmed up to Tech, and eventually becoming his only friend. They've only known each other for a year or so, but Tech was still happy to finally have a friend. As he walked up to the swing next to the ravenette, he cleared his throat.

"Sorry fer bein' late, got caught up in some new part orderin'. Lady Black Heart ain't the most patient o' people, an' I like my job, so I had to make sure everythin' was just right fer m'next project, y'know?" Tech rubbed the back of his neck. Noire narrowed her eyes at him before sighing.

"It's fine, just don't keep me waiting in the future! I was beginning to think you wouldn't show up... And if you didn't, I would've never forgiven you for it!" Noire spat, but Tech chuckled in response. There was that abrasive side of her again. Tech didn't mind it. He thought it was endearing, in some odd sense.

"Right, right. I'll make sure I order m'parts faster next time... So, y'said y'wanted to talk? S'rare that y'call me outta the blue just t'chat, so somethin' has to be up, aye?" Noire looked down, kicking her feet idly. The swing she was on began to rock back and forth as she picked up a bit of speed, but she stopped it when she collected her thoughts.

"I just wanted to say... Thank you. You've been the only person I could really talk to as of late. I know you're not always free to chat, but... I do enjoy our chats..." Noire smiled at Tech, earning a chuckle from him. She blinked, quickly growing flustered.

"D-Don't get the wrong idea! I simply enjoy your company, anything else would be dumb to even consider!"

"Naw, it's quite awright, Noire. I enjoy yer company as well. I could use more friends like ya. It's hard to really get someone to talk to when yer always busy, y'know? Bein' one o' the top tinkers fer Lastation isn't an easy job, an' with m'new project, it seems that Lady Black Heart is on m'back to finish it. Maybe when I finish it, I'll take a vacation. Go sight seein' in Lowee, like I've always wanted to as a wee lad." Tech was looking at his feet, but when he looked over to Noire, his heart dropped. She had a darkened expression, as if he said something to hurt her. Noire suddenly stood, going a few paces away before turning her head to Tech. Tech went to reach out for her, but she recoiled away.

"I'm leaving. I'll talk to you later, Tech. I'm... Sorry." That was all she said before walking off, leaving a rather confused Tech on the swing. He mentally kicked himself, rubbing the back of his head before readjusting the goggles on his head.

"...Shoot, I went an' said somethin' stupid again, now didn't I?" Tech huffed before standing up himself, dusting off his slacks and looking back towards the Basilicom. He had work to do, so worrying about Noire would have to wait. Last thing he needed was to anger both his friend and his Goddess. Rolling his shoulder, Tech started his walk to his workshop, hoping that whatever funk Noire was in would soon be over. While he enjoyed his work... He didn't want to lose his only friend.

(\/\/)

Four months have passed since Noire had last spoken to Tech. While most days, he'd worry about her, or debate with himself if he should call her and see if she's okay... though, he always talked himself out of it. He had work to do, and he knew Noire would probably not answer him anyways. Though, he tried to convert that worry into motivation. Day after day, working almost all day, he continued to work on his new project. One he's had on his mind since he first started playing with screwdrivers. A machine that could convert the very energy that the Goddesses use called Shares, into a more powerful version of it in a Crystal-like state... The Sharicium. Using both Magitek, simple collision and housing it in an adamantium shell, this machine could use a mere fraction of the Shares the Goddesses achieved to make one Sharicium gem, maybe the size of his own fist. Tech initially wanted to make it a surprise, but Black Heart found it while looking over his shoulder during one of his breaks. Almost immediately, she commissioned Tech to finish the machine, with promises of both wealth and critical fame across not only Lastation, but all of Gamindustri. Not one to turn his employer down, Tech began working with a new-found motivation. Despite his constant worry for Noire, he spent the four months finishing up the prototype for his magnum opus... Because progress stops for no one. After the final day of turmoil with the ignition switch, Tech had finally finished it: The Revolution Machine.

Tech slid out from under the machine, which was hoisted on a couple of lofts, taking his goggles off of his eyes and letting out a triumphant grunt, pushing himself upright. Stretching, he immediately ran over to the N-Gear on his desk, ringing the CPU herself.

"What is it, Tech? I'm busy--"

"It's done, Lady Black Heart! She's already fer ya to give a test run! The Revolution Machine is quite the beauty, I'd say--"

Almost immediately, Black Heart was at the door of Tech's workshop, along with a few heavy-armored guards. Tech stood to the side, his chest puffed out and a gaudy smile on his face. The guards kept their eyes on him while Black Heart walked around the machine, examining it slowly.

"Ain't she gorgeous? It took me a li'l longer than I wanted, but I was able to substitute the platinum casin' I needed with Adamantium, which turned out to work better due to it's hardness! I also made a few tweaks to the combu--"

"Start the machine." Black Heart barked, snapping Tech out of his ramble. He darted over to the ignition switch, sending the lever down. The machine roared to life, the engravings on the casing shining a bright blue. It rattled, and the air began to smell like both exhaust and salt. After a few moments, a gem started to materialize at the nozzle, it flickering a bright blue. A power symbol seemed engraved onto the face of the gem, and that was a gleaming white. Black Heart walked over to it, turning it around in her hand before shattering it with a hard grasp. This shocked Tech, but the CPU seemed to absorb the power. A satisfied look was now on Black Heart's face. It didn't seem to last long, as she began to exit. The Guards walked over to Tech, sizing him up.

"It's perfect. Guards, you know where to take him." Black Heart looked back at Tech, and just for a moment, the darkened expression looked... almost like Noire on that day. The Guards grabbed both of Tech's arms, though instead of fighting, he simply looked at Black Heart. His heart sunk... He was used. As the Guards escorted him out, he could only hear two words from Black Heart before she flew off.

"...I'm sorry."

Author's Note: I hope that wasn't all that confusing. As I was writing that out, I was noticing that I didn't write what I was going for, so I improvised as I went. I am still quite proud of this first chapter, and I'm hoping this same energy goes forward in the next chapters. Thank you all for reading, if you still are, and I'll see you all in the next chapter. Stay hydrated.