Fusion and Iron

24. Blending the Lines

Soapy water rinsed on the glaring metal mask staring out at the ocean. A trail of it waterfalled down the side of its cheek like runny blood. The hue of excess fusion that had caked the metal plates was slowly being scrubbed off by a thick, sluggish sponge. Though the fusion slime had been wiped away, the scrapes and scratches from the fight last night remained. The already brand new armor was weathered partially, used up. Maybe a few of the scratches would be buffed out, but otherwise, it would remain somewhat tarnished. Thankfully the suit didn't suffer any extreme damage, simply just a few nicks in the thick armor itself. As for the overall appearance: the black cape drifted slightly in the salty summer breeze with some tears and rips. The altercations ruined its rubbery and pristine design. Oh well, not all good things last forever.

Niles gave his suit a concerned look while brushing it all off. He was nearly finished cleaning his suit, though became obsessed with the scuffs that couldn't come off. It was somewhat aggravating to see, though deep down knew he couldn't do anything about it. So he just continued cleaning until it was finally finished, tossing the used-up sponge into a small iron bucket beside him. The excitement of yesterday's success woke him up early, feeling rejuvenated and well-rested. He still had bags under his eyes, as well as a few sores stretched across his body, but that was the least of his worries.

He was still in his equivalent of pajamas: a plain white t-shirt with a navy blue collar, navy blue gym shorts, and a pair of flip-flops which were resting right beside the suit. His bare feet were touching the ship's deck without any concern for dirt or grime. He could just wash it off later since he planned to take a bath. He also slept with his NanoComm, just in case if anything came up while he was asleep.

The first light of dawn had broken over the valley for some time now, the remnants of last night's storm leaving a little destruction in its wake. The ground was still wet and muddy, a few trees had fallen over and even a slight mudslide had drifted fully out to sea. Though the chaotic environment last night wasn't entirely for nothing; the morning after the storm came peacefully. In this early morning, the sky lit up in a blend of orange and pink, with only a few wispy clouds drifting across the ocean.

Our young hero stood beside his titanium suit, pausing to gaze out at the peaceful scene around him. The stress on his mind was eased thanks to his success, giving him a well-deserved respite. He placed a hand on the shoulder of the suit, using it as a rest, and just stared out at the sea in front of him.

The warmth of the rising sun gently touched his face, the wind invading his nostrils with a salty smell. His greasy hair drifted along with it too, indicating that he needed to find a shampoo bottle on this big post. Regardless, that didn't matter right now. His thoughts drifted along with said breeze as he stood there, feeling gratitude and peace. Somehow, it felt like the world stopped. At least the valley was at peace after a long time; no roars of fusion monsters, no anxiety of an oncoming attack, just a man and his time on the ocean.

If he had time in a bottle, which could stop at any moment in his life for as long as he wanted, this morning would be one of those moments.

"Hm, my records state that the Forsaken Valley was entirely infected in the future. This was its original state? What a sight."

Niles darted his head up and over to see X sitting on the other shoulder of the suit, swinging his little stubby feet. He also appeared to be looking out toward the horizon, enjoying the morning view.

"Yeah, that's right. I never got to see it like this since I was placed at Mount Blackhead for a majority of my easier years," Niles replied solemnly. "I can't remember the last time it was this quiet."

X spoke up, "What was it like, being here last?"

The man took a moment to think about it, the stress somehow shielded by the view. He felt like it was an open place to speak his mind, and so he did. "It wasn't safe. Near the end of the war, Jack was truly the last line of defense. The only reason they sent me up here to help was because I needed to get away from my captain, after the incident. It was just me, Jack, and thirteen other guys and gals. Without anything fantastical about us, we were some of earth's best. Most of the greatest guys on the field had already fallen, replaced with their fusions. But this.."