The blueprints, scattered haphazardly across Silas's desk, formed an intricate tapestry of steam-powered artistry and innovation. Each sheet resembled a modified model, varying from the primitive to the exceptionally advanced, meticulously designed to capture the essence of his very own steam-powered heart.
Some of the blueprints were drafted with the rough, early sketches of a young inventor, revealing a sense of trial and error in their design. They portrayed the heart as a complex amalgamation of gears, cogs, and steam conduits, each component crudely illustrated as if to explore the possibilities of transformation.
Among the scattered papers were the more refined blueprints, where Silas's skills had evolved and matured over time. These showcased the heart as a marvel of engineering, with intricate, interconnected mechanisms that resembled delicate clockwork. The designs had become sleek and streamlined, integrating advanced materials and a greater mastery of steam technology.
There were even blueprints that pushed the boundaries of imagination, presenting the steam-powered heart as a true masterpiece of steampunk art. These exhibited a fusion of aesthetics and functionality, combining intricate, artistic engravings with the precision of advanced engineering. Some parts seemed almost ornate, resembling pieces of fine jewelry, as though the heart was a testament to beauty as well as function.
In essence, the blueprints were a reflection of Silas's growth as an inventor and an artist. They painted a vivid picture of his quest to perfect and refine the steam-powered heart that sustained him. The desk, covered in these sheets of invention and creativity, was a testament to the ceaseless pursuit of both knowledge and self-improvement that drove him forward in the complex world of steam and magic.
"Although… this was all out of desperation, right? These are some cool concepts, but why create such things and then try to become a clown? I'm so confused… maybe he needed the money? But why a circus?"
All these questions sent his head into a spiral. He fell back onto the desk chair on wheels and rolled back until he hit the wall. He stared blankly at the mess in front of him before being rudely awakened by a knock at the door.
Bang Bang Bang
"Hello?" Silas walked towards his front door, cautiously laying his back against it and carefully listening. "Who is there?"
He attempted to look through the peephole, only to be blocked by somebody's finger. So, whoever it was, he clearly didn't want them to know their identity until he opened the door. And if this wasn't one of the most suspicious things ever… then what the hell is the point in even opening the door?
"If you don't identify yourself I'm straight up just not gonna open the door."
Nothing. Not even the creak of them leaning against the waxed wooden door.
"Tch… the hell is wrong with this guy-"
BAM
With a sudden and thunderous crash, the person outside the door unleashed a powerful shoulder charge, smashing into the sturdy wooden barrier that separated them from Silas. The door shuddered and groaned under the immense force, its frame quaking as it strained against the intrusion. The impact sent tremors through the room, rattling objects on nearby shelves and startling Silas, who found himself momentarily frozen in shock and disbelief.
"Ugh, you piece of shit," Silas grits his teeth before taking a look through the peephole once more. He didn't even catch the gender or appearance of his assailant as he quickly noticed they were getting ready for another shoulder bash.
Tightening his fist and stretching his wrist with a few circular motions, he readied his stance, and as soon as he heard the light tapping of feet, he opened the door and unleashed a killer knee to his opponent. Instantly, it connected with a clean hit, pushing into his opponent's chest and knocking the wind out of them.
"The fuck are you doing!?" Silas yelled, raising the chin of what he now noticed was a boy, with his very own shoe, taking a good look at his appearance.
A thirteen-year-old kneeled before Silas, exuding an aura of steampunk charm that belied their tender age. Their attire was a delightful fusion of vintage and innovation. A tailored brown leather jacket adorned with intricate brass buckles and gears added a touch of rugged elegance, while a crisp white shirt with high collars and ruffled cuffs imparted a sense of timelessness. A steampunk-inspired waistcoat, designed with ornate clockwork patterns, completed the ensemble, adding a splash of sophistication.
But what truly caught the eye was their fiery red hair, a cascade of untamed locks that framed a face marked by youthful curiosity. Their most striking feature was their eyes—a pair of mesmerizing orbs that defied convention. One eye blazed with the intensity of a flame, a brilliant shade of red that seemed to dance with fervor. The other eye was a warm, golden hue, reminiscent of the radiant glow of a sunbeam, with subtle traces of orange that added depth and complexity to their gaze.
"Want me to send you back to the mental hospital you came from, or do you want to die right here?" Silas roared, causing the boy to immediately scuffle back on his ass, reaching the border between Silas' room and the hallway just outside.
"W-Woah, hold up. I thought you were somebody else," The kid raised his hands, attempting to shield the cocked-back punch Silas had cooked up for him.
"Uh huh… I bet you'll really remember when I-"
"No seriously!" The boy shouted, before hearing the laughing teases of a few children down the hall. His face scrunched and his teeth gnashed together before he scrambled to his feet and chased the children down the hall.
"Yo! Help me get my shit back and I'll pay you a hefty amount!" The kid shouted from down the hall, but Silas had no interest in doing such a thing. "Whatever you want! Whatever you want, I'll get it for you! You seem strong, so help me out, will ya!?"
"Alright, you better keep your word!" Silas shouted, attempting to catch up to the fiery-haired kid.