Jeff's mind drifted back to a nostalgic computer game he loved as a kid, featuring a brave opossum in shimmering armor. That suit—sleek, blue with golden edges—always captivated him. It wasn't just any armor; it had flair, with a powerful rocket engine on its back, hinting at thrilling adventures and daring escapes.
The design was simple yet majestic. Solid blue plates interwoven with golden trim gave it both a regal and futuristic look. Beneath the armor’s sturdy shell, a soft brown leather layer offered flexibility, visible at the joints of the arms and legs where the armor didn’t cover. The contrast between metal and leather, protection and mobility, stuck with him.
As Jeff sat in front of his computer, a thought bubbled up: could the Chronivac somehow bring this long-held fantasy to life?
Curiosity drove him to enter the specifications for that beloved armor into the Chronivac. But there was something he didn't anticipate—this wasn't about creating a costume. He was setting the parameters for transformation, and with a click of the button, his world turned upside down.
Initially, there was a tingling sensation in his hands and feet. He watched in a mix of awe and dread as they began to morph. His fingers merged into a solid form, hardening and reshaping into the gauntlets of that familiar armor. Smooth yet firm, they wrapped around his hands like a second skin, the blue hue of the metal glinting under the light. The process felt both surreal and strangely exhilarating, the cool touch of the metal merging with his flesh.
His feet underwent the same transformation, encased in the sturdy boots that now weighed heavily, rooting him to the spot. The sensation was puzzling—a combination of pressure and containment—and he couldn’t move them as before.
Then, dread began to seep into his mind. The transformation climbed up his arms and legs. They transformed into brown leather—the gambeson beneath the armor. It felt soft yet constricting, a contrast to the strength he once took for granted.
The realization slowly dawned on him. He wouldn't just be getting the armor, he'd be the armor. Panic set in, his mind racing as he realized he could no longer command his arms or legs. The familiar weight and responsiveness vanished, leaving behind only limp leather.
The change continued to spread, solidifying his abdomen into a rigid metal shell. The once-familiar warmth of his body gave way to cold, unyielding armor.
His chest followed, transforming into the metal chest plate. It replaced his flesh, restricting any attempt at deep breaths. He couldn’t believe how quickly everything was unraveling. What have I done to myself?
His back felt the unmistakable weight of the rocket engine forming. The detail was astoundingly intricate, pressing heavily, a reminder of the dream gone wrong. I can't believe this is real. A blend of awe and fear coursed through him, trying to grasp the reality of his existence.
The change crept relentlessly towards Jeff's head. An odd warmth spread across his skull as his senses dulled. The transformation hollowed out his skull, shifting his hair into a soft blue leather hood.
Googles formed, ensuring any semblance of sight felt alien and heavy. His mouth stretched unpleasantly wide, his face hollowing out completely. The head he once knew slipped away, leaving an empty leather shell.
As his head slumped forward, powerlessness consumed him. I'm just... I’m this now. Jeff, or at least what was left of him, realized he was trapped, a dream turned desolate. Immobility and helplessness overtook him, a vivid reminder of an adventure gone awry.
"Help..." he tried to call out, but the sound resonated only in his mind, the empty armor echoing back a silence darker than the void itself.