Fusion and Iron

25. Foster's Mystery with Imaginary Friends

She landed gracefully on the sidewalk, dusting herself off when she made the landing. Her phone served as a mirror while she adjusted her hair, using a hand as a brush. Even though it was unkempt in the back, it added some style. The only thing that needed a proper makeover was her bangs, which were parted in the front. Her hair was growing out, she thought, being naturally wavy and bouncy with each step. Occasionally there was a loose curl which would be corrected, but otherwise, it would have to do for now.

Buttercup strolled on a weathered stone path toward a pair of zesty Victorian iron gate doors. The perimeter of the approaching home was large, the most obvious thing being a towering home nestled in the center. Behind it, peeking out of its slim sides, the outline of a hedge maze. This grand home was adorned with intricate details that aged it. The walls were freshly painted in a pale crimson, a creamy white trip that highlighted the ornate woodwork around the windows and the doors. The windows themselves were tall and arched, the sight of peculiar rooms could be seen if you looked at it hard enough. However, as of late, they weren't cleaned. Ivy stretched on the sides of the house, adding a touch of nature.

The front yard was the only thing that remained well-kept, a row of flowers complimenting neatly trimmed bushes. The cobblestone path, past the front gate, had every stone polished and cleaned of any dirt or moss. Next came the creaky porch, a couple of rocking chairs unbothered. The porch itself was fairly wide and open, allowing a cool breeze to pass by if it wanted to. Puffing out from behind was a string of misty white smoke; this wasn't from the chimney, but nowhere near the house itself. Something was steaming, more off in the distance.

A single navy blue hover car rested gently on the house's right-hand side while a group of three conversed with one another. Each one had the standard Plumber uniform, only one of them completely hiding himself underneath a mask while all carrying tablets. They all seemed to be alarmingly conversing with one another, pointing at each other's devices and searching for some kind of answer.

Buttercup anxiously adjusted her fern green tee, trying not to hug so closely to her chest and biceps. Her beige baggy pants shuffled with each step as she frantically stuffed a pair of earbuds away, aiming to look professional despite the casual outerwear she had. It had been a while since her last visit to Foster's Home, and at the time it was to help with taking out some fusions in the backyard. It got out of hand, though she handled herself fairly well.

Seeing no one else in the front, she pushed the gate wide open. It let out a long, irritating screech until it was wide enough for her to come in. She slipped by, closing it shut, and decided to approach the Plumbers first.

The one in the full suit smacked his pointer finger firmly on the screen stating, "The evidence doesn't lie, Jerry. How would a fusion be able to even get inside the house if it landed back there?"

"I know the house is littered with imaginary energy, but that doesn't mean it's a barrier," retorted the other one. He brushed a hand through his greasy, stiff pompadour jet hair and lowered his tablet. "Don't you think it's a little weird how a meteor just so happens to land a little ways out from only Foster's? It's not just me, is it?"

"No, it's not," the third replied, quickly scrolling through. He looked nearly identical to the other unmasked Plumber, though wasn't quite as serious or adamant with his voice. "We can't make assumptions, though. This is Foster's home we're talking about. The house is wilder than Townsville Zoo."

The masked one shook his head, "Look, I won't forget about your theory. It's just not my problem. Talk to Tony and that ranger girl, uhh... Regine."

"Can do."

"Hey boys!"

All three of them looked back, widening their eyes at the sight.

Buttercup confidently strolled up to the three of them with a smirk, crossing her arms and raising a curious eyebrow. "Whatcha talkin' about?"

"Good to see you, Buttercup," Jerry nervously smiled, fidgeting with his fingers. "Just uh.. bit of a problem is all."

The other spoke, "Hey! I'm Plumber Steve, nice to finally meet you! That's Plumber Jerry and Plumber Jeff. We've got a bit of a situation."

"If you don't mind me asking," Jeff crossed his arms. "What are you doing here?"

The girl pointed a thumb at her chest and replied, "I heard there was an issue, so I got sent to help out. I'm the backup!"

"Y-You can back me up anytime, Buttercup!" Jerry's smile grew, his face turning red.