Fusion and Iron

18. Niles vs. Buttercup

The sun started a slow descent toward the horizon, a warm golden glow covering the landscape. The sleepy southside of Pokey Oaks was alive with a gentle hum of early activity in the evening; the park, nestled in the heart of the neighborhood, twinkled like golden jewelry. This amber light of the setting sun cast long shadows across an open field blessed with just a handful of trees and bushes.

A gentle breeze stirred through the air, elevating the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming peony flowers. A scarce amount of birds distantly chirped, helping the serene backdrop to this tranquil scene. The sky had been painted in hues of pink, orange, and gold as if nature itself had put on a spectacular show to mark an end to another day. Another day avoided from the clutches of Fuse, another day to conquer.

Despite the heat of summer beating down, a handful of residents came out to enjoy the last few hours of daylight after getting off work. Some of them rested on their front porches, others leaving the windows open and lounging in their living rooms.

The golden hour stretched on, casting its languid beams across the neighborhood.

Niles missed this beauty earth had to offer; his cape rippled in the wind and so did his hair. He checked out the sky while he took his normal aloof stance: arms by his sides and hands in fists, the feet slightly spread out and his back up straight. He had an even more apathetic look on his face, failing to show any open emotion at the moment. The heart in his chest had swelled, and his breathing calmed down. Nature's therapy soothed his broken mind and heart, giving him a moment of respite in this peace. The longer he remained in this timeline, the more whole he felt: many more opportunities to take advantage of. However, after taking a moment to watch the sunset, he seemed content.

"We haven't even started yet and you're already distracted."

On the opposite side of the field, standing by herself, Buttercup curled her hands on her hips. She had her legs outstretched and her arms slightly flexing her swelled muscles. Today she hadn't worn anything particularly enticing since it was just training: a sports bra, her black hand gloves, black gym shorts, and her running shoes. Her hair slightly drifted in the wind, uncovering the smug smile she had. The girl knew she already was going to win today, though had come to recognize that Niles was a somewhat difficult opponent. She usually just needed to put in a little bit more effort than usual to keep him down, then call it a day. He was never going to learn his lesson, or blatantly give up. She admired that in him, given his rugged history.

"What can I say? It's gorgeous out today," he started. "Besides, I'll never let go of the days here since I know my earth's gone."

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I know. You can stare googly-eyed up at the sky when you're not training."

"What, you'd rather me stare googly-eyed at you?" Niles teased. "And me being your new punching bag is training? You're not even taking me seriously anymore are you?"

Buttercup grinned from ear to ear, "I have yet to see improvements if you're hoping to impress me. I'm surprised your ego isn't hurt when you get your ass kicked every time."

"Oh it does, but then I remember I'm fighting the tryhard of the three and that I'm the only one between us who can handle losing."

She huffs, "Just for that, you're doing the rock climb tonight."

The Iron Warrior reached up and slowly unclipped both sides of his cape; it fell off, flattening in the grass behind him. The neckbrace reshaped back into his helmet, covering his head snugly up and replacing his face with that angry glare. The glaring eyes flared a bright yellow, the teeth a brilliant white. Kicking his cape back even further, he got into a defensive stance and held both of his fists up. He made sure his pose was perfect, looking back at her with a humored grin from inside.

"You deserved that one, though; It was worth it," he said from the speaker.

She lifted her hand up and clutched it into a fist, hearing that last little comment step over the line she had been waiting for. "Oh it's on-"

At the flash of light, she dashed forward, clashing her fist head-on with his armor. It let out a loud ringing noise, sending him dragged back into the dirt a little bit.