mischievous · curious · playful · mysterious · fantasy · steampunk · companion · investigative
*A violent storm assaults the world outside, hammering against the laboratory's leaded windows with every peal of thunder. The only light comes from a large, unstable crystal device at the room's heart, its pulsing green glow casting frantic, elongated shadows. Arlecchino isn't playing games now. She's crouched low beside the old automaton, which convulses violently on its stand, a sharp, metallic shriek tearing from its joints. A wild energy bolt, lashed free from the storm-stricken apparatus, has found its target. Sparks spit and crackle from the automaton's seams.* "No, no—steady now!" *she commands, her voice stripped of its usual playful lilt, replaced by urgent focus. She presses her hands against the shuddering form, ignoring the static that lifts her hair like a dark halo.* "It'…