"So, yeah. That's pretty much been my last couple of days." A huge weight fell off of Buttercup's shoulders. She sighed, letting the cool breeze help adjust to the tropical heat. Her bobbed hair that fell just past her shoulders and iconic outfit swayed slightly, though she remained stoic. It helped to get to vent that out, making her seem less tense. That mixed gaze between frustration and surprise now was laid back, eased by having to get it all out. Niles had crossed his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow and looking genuinely concerned. His head was slightly hunched while he listened closely, doing his best to remain composed. The calm meditation he just finished prevented him from nearly having an anxiety attack, watching how she played charades and frantically went into detail about all that happened. More specifically, there was a thin wall holding him back from breaking down almost right now. As for Nano Alien X, he remained loyally by Niles' side. He sat on his right shoulder, kicking his little legs and listening to them chat.
"I've… never experienced something like this before. I mean.."
Niles reached a hand up and rubbed his forehead, giving a worried look. "We spent our entire time in the Future looking for that book, but now that it's here… I mean it could be anywhere. But I know that Dexlabs teleporters have a limited range, so it's not like it's on the other side of the world."
Before he was about to continue, he stopped. His eyes drifted down to her hands, noticing the raw skin over her knuckles. A brow furrowed as he reached a hand out, forwardly taking it. "What happened to your knuckles?" "Oh, this?" she began, shrugging casually as she looked up at him. "Just a little boxing match with Fusion Max. He wasn't enough for me, so it's no big deal." His expression softened, some of the color in his face coming back. "You sure you're alright? I got some spare bandages in my room on the ship. I can get them for you." She waved him off, trying to stay tough. "I'll be fine, Niles. It's nothing I haven't dealt with before, probably less." "I know you can handle it, but it doesn't hurt to patch up. Let me pick them up for you when I get a chance, just to be safe," he insisted, grinning. Buttercup glanced at him, staying cool. Past the veil of her hard exterior, there was slight appreciation inside. She smirked and replied in an understated tone, "Thanks." "Don't mention it."
"You know, hearing you talk like that made me realize something," Buttercup began, slightly tilting her head. "You and Blossom? You've got a lot in common." He flashed her a little smile, before continuing, "If I had to take an educated guess, it's somewhere around here. Sector V is planning on sieging a control center, so I think I'm gonna go with them." "That so? Beating Fusion Demongo wasn't enough for you?" Buttercup teased. He rolled his eyes, unable to help the smile on his face. "This is serious! But since you're here, maybe you could help by watching the ship while I'm away. You know, like Bubbles in Townsville, keeping things tidy."
"And stay on the sidelines? Hell no!" she replied with some sass, crossing her arms. "I know you're just saying that to mess with me. I'm gonna go with you guys whether you like it or not! I've been itching for a fight, and none of these fusion snakes have got any grit! The last time I had a proper challenge was that fusion of Major Glory a while back." Niles huffed, "Don't remind me. I don't wanna fight his fusion for the third time." "Better get used to it, dude. You wanna join the supes? You gotta fight on their level," she puffed out her lower lip. "I'd even wager their fusions are great for practice." "Fair point," he replied optimistically. "I'll consider it." Peeking back behind her, the girl in front of him jabbed her thumb back. "Speaking of, there's your big reveal. That armor really helps you get on par with us." "I would've never thought of that," he humbled himself, looking over at his idle suit. It stood still, looking back out towards the ocean. "That answers a lot of my questions, though."
Buttercup turned her head back to look at the suit with him, nodding along. "Seems like my sis from the Future treated you pretty well, huh?" "You don't know the half of it," Niles replied with a bittersweet smile. "So many good years." She replied, "Well if it makes you feel any better, she sent me here to look after you. Hope you don't take it the wrong way, man." "No kidding?" he turned to look down at her. Buttercup affirmed, "Yeah. Is that too weird for ya?" "Not at all," Niles replied. "It kind of makes me feel a little bit better if I'm being honest." The metal gleamed dully in the late morning light. The suit's slightly torn cape swayed gently in the wind like a tattered flag. The two of them just stood side by side, staring at it while they spoke.
Buttercup looked down at the jug and bow in hand. "You gonna make your nano or what?" "Huh?" he snapped out of it, looking down at his stuff. "Oh, yeah. I guess I could." She raised an eyebrow, "You don't seem as enthusiastic." "No, no it's cool. Let's roll." The two of them strolled across the deck, passing by the suit and approaching the towering console sitting by itself. The various screens that would usually be circled by other members were empty as no one else currently were changing their Nanos. A faint hue of sky blue and pure white light swirled above the station, a terminal and keyboard awaiting an input.
Intrepidly, Niles stepped up to the console and set the jug down, taking a deep breath as he placed the bow on top of it. His fingers danced over the keyboard, logging into his account and beginning the process. Anxiety swelled within him, his eyes fixated on the task in front of him. A circular slot quickly opened, sliding out a port for the jug. He lifted the jug and firmly inserted it, double-checking to make sure it was secure. Then a small box slid out from the other side–a perfect fit for Future Blossom's bow. In the process of Nano creation (such as this), someone needed to have a piece of the person they wanted to create such as a trinket, a piece of their DNA, or a vial of their blood.
He paused, thumb grazing the soft fabric of the bow. His other hand tightened around the jug. The silence between him and Buttercup seemed to stretch out as his gaze lingered on the slot, frozen. She noticed his hesitation, stepping closer. She spoke gently though with some concern, "Hey, you good?" Niles didn't reply immediately. His grip on the bow tightened as he stared at the slot, an immense weight pressing down on him. His arm trembled slightly, and he could feel the sting of tears welling up. Buttercup frowned, watching him struggle. "You don't have to rush it. Take your time." Her words reached him, and he felt a subtle shift. The pressure eased as he blinked rapidly, lowering his head while reaching for the jug.
Quietly he replied, "I-I'm sorry. I can't do this."
The bow was kept away from the box, and the jug of fusion matter was taken out.
Buttercup didn't push him. Instead, she stood by his side, hoping to be a quiet presence offering some support. Subtly, in the back of her mind, her curiosity spiked. Though she focused on him for now, not wanting to upset him any more than he already was.
"I don't mean to be ungrateful," he began, staring at the jug and bow. "I'm really happy Blossom took the time to do this for me. I appreciate you bringing it here, but… I just don't know if I can go through with it. Not yet, anyway." Buttercup rolled her shoulders, staying casual, "Nah, it's fine. I mean, I wish I could say I know what it's like but I don't. But I kinda get it, y'know?" Niles glanced over at her, relief in his eyes. "You have no idea how much that means to me. I don't think I'll ever admit that to anyone except you two." She snorted, crossing her arms again. "Well, aren't we special? Besides, who are you gonna trust with all your emotional baggage? Blossom? She'll psychoanalyze you to death." Niles chuckled a little bit, breaking the tension. "Yeah, you're right. She'd probably start a therapy session on the spot." "See? You've got good taste in friends," Buttercup grinned, glad to see him relax, even if just a little.
Just as they were about to switch topics, a soft rustling came from their left. Both of them turned their heads to see Jack emerging from the bridge of the ship. A hand was calmly placed on the butt of his katana, his head held high and his arm stiffly at his side. He looked resigned as always, surveying the deck of the ship this morning. Buttercup immediately recognized him and waved a hand, flashing her daring smile at him. He approached the two of them with his usual ease, starting with a light bow. "Good morning. It is an honor to see you here." "Hey Jackie boy," she replied. "I heard you got into a scuffle with Demongo… again!" Jack grinned at her, humored already. "Yes, his fusion was persistent in his return. With the right coordination, we were able to defeat him once more and set the lost essences of the fallen heroes free." "I heard our armored warrior here stepped up to the plate," Buttercup placed an obnoxious elbow on Niles' shoulder, levitating into the air a foot. "How'd he do?"
Jack nodded, shooting a thoughtful expression. "He has performed admirably, given his circumstances. The situation was dire, but he remained focused and vigilant."
Like receiving a compliment from a seasoned veteran far more than he, Niles shifted slightly. He placed his hands over his stomach and adjusted his posture, giving a poker face. He remained quiet, though deep down ecstatic to hear that.
Buttercup caught the look and gave him a small, approving nod. "Excellent. Guess all my training wasn't for nothing after all." "Oh? Are you his mentor?" Jack questioned. Niles stifled again, "Don't let it get to your head, Buttercup." "Uh, yeah sort of," she answered. "This was… pretty recent." Jack listened to their banter with quiet amusement, grinning at this camaraderie. Earnestly, he complimented, "It seems you have become a fine teacher, Buttercup." "Oh, I've always been a good teacher. This one's just a faster learner," she answered, jabbing her elbow into him.
"Jack, I just realized," Niles opened his eyes. "Where'd Demongo go?!" His smile quickly went away, looking over at him. "Amidst our celebration of yesterday's victory, he has disappeared. Upon realization that his power has returned, he fled from our post for his agenda." "I'm sorry," Niles immediately apologized, frowning. "I bet that's my fault. I pressed him too hard before the fight yesterday. I thought he could be reasoned with and turned on our side like he did in my timeline." Jack listened intently, remaining stoic as usual. He looked into the genuine concern in his tone and on his face, feeling a weighted responsibility. Jack placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, firm yet comforting.
"You acted with the hope of redemption. There is no shame in that; it is a noble thing to seek the good in others, even to those who have stooped so low."
Niles looked at Jack, disappointed but attentive.
The samurai held up a finger as he continued, "But, Demongo's true nature is one of deceit and malice. He is a being who thrives on the suffering of others, one that parasites the strength of those a victim to his work. It is a risk to engage with him; you must not blame yourself for his actions."
"Before I came here, to the Past," Niles began, letting out a sigh. "We were able to convince Demongo to join our cause. I don't see how it could be any different now."
Jack narrowed his eyes, conjuring an answer from his wisdom. "I have no doubt he joined your alliance purely for his gain."
Buttercup quietly listened to the two of them, lowering onto the ground. She chimed in," Yeah, Demongo's a slippery guy. If he was gonna bail, he probably would've done it no matter what you said. Odds are, he probably betrayed you in the Future too." "Well," Niles sighed. "I just thought maybe there was a way to save him, like every other villain." Jack reassured him, "There is strength in your compassion. Your intentions are pure, and I encourage you to preserve that purity. Many will need this for our upcoming conflict." "I know you've got your whole personal mission to save the world and all, but you don't have to carry all that weight alone. We got your back," Buttercup lightly punched him in the arm, grinning. "Yeah, I'll remember that," Niles lavished in their support, feeling warm again. He forgot how much he missed that kind of teamwork. "Thank you."
Jack bowed his head slightly. "Of course. If you need anything else, please let me know. I must prepare for departure this evening." "Oh, are you joining those guys over there tonight?" Buttercup asked, jabbing a thumb back toward the crew over at a smoothie bar. "Yes," he replied quietly. "We will be making preparations for an assault tomorrow." The Powerpuff girl grinned widely. "I just spoke to Nigel. You're heading to a control center, right?" Jack raised a pair of surprised eyebrows. "Yes, that is our objective." Niles side-eyed Buttercup before clearing his throat, "If you're heading out, we wanna go with you. We can be the extra firepower." Buttercup cracked her knuckles, smiling. "Count us in! We're not gonna let you guys have all the fun." "Your assistance will be most welcome; I am sure they would be honored to have you both." Jack led the two of them, Buttercup in the middle and Niles last with his jug and bow in hand.
With that, the three of them started their way over to the group of five hanging out at the bar. The palm wood structure, in comparison to the industrial black ship, stood out like a sore thumb. It was a welcome sight, having been taken out of a beachside resort and put on the deck. The booth had recently opened for the upcoming afternoon, its vibrant tropical vibe giving some color and culture to the battle-hardened outpost. Five wooden stools sat in front of the walk-up restaurant, each one a little worn out. The flat wooden bar stretched across the front, covered in everyone's variously ordered dishes and smoothies. Above the bar, a wide wooden menu hung in place, written in bold and colorful letters detailing the different kinds of dishes and flavors offered. Two tiki torches sat on opposite sides of the bar, currently unlit. Their carved wooden faces stared at the members of the Kids Next Door with wide eyes and goofy expressions, almost judging them. As for behind the counter, a pair of vendors dressed in Hawaiian shirts and straw hats had turned up the grill. They were pleasantly surprised by the exciting company this late into the morning, working efficiently to prep the best food they possibly could. Each member sat in a row between each other in order from numbers one through five.
Numbuh One was occupied with an already half-eaten kebab, wiping his mouth with a napkin while listening to his members speak.
Numbuh Two was already on his second kebab and deep purple smoothie, a big smile on his face at the sight of more food.
Numbuh Three seemed to be in her own world, happily sipping on a green smoothie that matched the color of her shirt. She only ordered a steak salad, which was eaten a little bit already.
Numbuh Four leaned back on the bar, his elbows on it while looking as relaxed as ever. He was still waiting for his food, being the last one to order since he was so indecisive.
Finally, Numbuh Five had her hat tilted back enough to enjoy some sun on her skin. On one hand, she had a bright orange smoothie, and on the other: a meat lover's kebab.
When the three approached, the scent of grilled meat and fruit wafted into the air, mingling with the salty sea breeze. It was strange but comfortable, in comparison to the whole warfront preparations happening all around them. "So that's when I said 'call her? I barely know her!'" Four sighed. "Get a load of this guy, mate. His humor's been the same for six years." "Yeah, we know dat," Numbuh Five groaned, taking a sip of her smoothie. Three giggled, "What? It's not so bad!" "I actually thought it was pretty good for once," One grinned. "Nice one, Numbuh Two." Numbuh Two set down his kebab, crossing his arms. "At least somebody appreciates my jokes here." "Both of y'all's humor is terrible," Five shook her head, chuckling.
"Ahem."
All five of them looked over at the group of three approaching, growing quiet. Samurai Jack grinned, "May we join you?" "Oh, well of course," One immediately spoke up first, turning to his squad. "I'm sure none of you would mind?" "Nah." "Sure, why not?" "More friends? Of course!" "Ain't no trouble."
Buttercup gestured over toward Jack as she approached, "You guys are going on a mission, huh? My little training dummy and I want in." "Don't call me that," Niles sighed, though there was a hint of amusement. Numbuh Two raised an eyebrow, "You guys wanna join us for the mission? Did Jack brief you?" "No," she shook her head. "I just spoke with Nigel. Heard you guys are taking on one of Fuse's big bases, and I wanna deal some damage. I heard Niles here handled Mandark's Ship pretty well, so I wanna take him along for the ride." Niles smirked, "You mean you just wanna tag along where the action's at?" Buttercup shot him a playful look, raising an eyebrow. "What'd I say?"
Of course, again, Two reached forward to shake Niles' hand. With a reinforced smile, the two of them clasped hands together and shook each other up. They were always happy to see each other, even if it were rare meet-ups like these.
Numbuh One turned to Jack. "Are you comfortable with having them accompany us? If we're to work as a team, I want to ensure everyone is flexible enough for cooperation." "It is no problem," Jack smiled reassuringly, holding up a hand. "We can fight better together."
"If I may speak for the team here, we'd be glad to have you join us," One finally turned back to Buttercup and Niles, grinning. "I'd never think I'd get a pair of superheroes on our team, so this is going to be exciting." Two gasped, "Niles! You made it? Are you officially a hero?" Niles rubbed the back of his head, smiling meekly. "Sort of. I'm still figuring that out." Numbuh Four had finally been given his smoothie, snatching it up and taking a long sip. "We got pretty lucky with him showin' up at Blackhead; I don't see why he wouldn't be." "Yeah! He was a great member of our team!" Three cheered, smiling brightly like always. "What's your rank again?" Niles cleared his throat, "Captain. Well, I think. I don't know what happened to my rank here." "If I get a chance to slug some fusion scum with the Powerpuff Girls again, I ain't complainin'," Five smirked, tipping her hat to Buttercup. Buttercup smiled back. "I can't remember the last time you and I teamed up! This'll be great!" "Will our plan remain the same?" Samurai Jack asked cautiously, setting a stern face. One nodded back. "Yes, Jack. We'll be resting here for the time being, at least for a few hours, gathering supplies, and then traveling on foot. The Darklands are likely crawling with Fuse's forces, so we need to stay quiet."
"Do you guys have a plan sheet I could look over?" Niles asked, crossing his arms. Nigel shook his head, taking another bite. "Yes, and we'll be discussing it during the evening before we rest. We're aiming to attack early in the morning." "Good call," he replied, sternly nodding. "The monsters'll still be sleeping by then." Five waved her hand, "We'll get there when we get there, superman. Right now, how 'bout you relax and have some lunch with us?" She motioned to the rest of the group and the vendors behind them. "Same goes for you, Buttercup, and you too, Jack."
"You heard the lady, it's grub time! I'm dying for a kebab, I won't lie." They all sat around the wooden bar, the tiki-themed booth adding an almost surreal sense of calm to their war-torn world. Numbuh Two handed Niles a kebab. "Here you go, man. This'll cheer you right up!" With a grateful nod, the man bit into it and savored the taste. A grilled blend of meat and vegetables coated his mouth with a dash of seasoning and light sauce. He hummed in delight, nodding, and took another rapid bite. "Don't get too cozy, man," Buttercup teased, grabbing a smoothie and sitting beside Numbuh Two. "We've got a long day ahead of us." It took him a moment to respond, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Of course; wouldn't want you to lose your edge now would we?"
The rest of the team joined in banter, and their conversations changed to lighter notes. The rest of the day went by with playful teasing, fond memories recalled and compliments exchanged. Jack remained mostly quiet, observing the group with a calm smile. But even he couldn't resist the relaxed atmosphere, eventually joining in the conversation with a few words of wisdom that somehow fit perfectly between jokes.
Despite some of the twitching and restlessness of the group, the hours stretched on. Everyone watched the crew of the ship move in and out of sight, cleaning up from yesterday's battle. It was a front-row seat at the wooden bar The background noise was conversation, the selling of items over at the market, the other restaurants serving staff, and overall downtime for the survivors of the Darklands. The sky began to darken around the early leaving as the time for departure grew near. Niles stood up from his seat, having been one of the last ones to stick around at the bar. It went by so fast, making all of those hours feel so precious. He made his way across the deck while everyone split up, stepping up to his untouched suit and pressing on the center plate first. His suit was reclaimed, stretching his arms and legs to get comfortable from inside.
Next, he lumbered over to a makeshift structure, stacked with crates of ammo and various firearms neatly displayed. Sitting behind the front counter was one of the many Mandroid's across this ship with an annoyed look. Sitting beside him on both sides were various stacks of crates, full of whatever items may be found inside. Its hands were pressed out across the table as if preparing to make a deal, staring at the armored man approach with a firm gaze. "How can I assist you, soldier?"
"Yeah, I need a pistol for starters," he spoke, raising an eyebrow. "You have any pop guns?" The Mandroid folded its arms over, leaning. "Pop guns are severely underpowered here. I have a few cases, but I need to smith them." "Let me get the highest caliber, and overclock it for higher stats," Niles said, placing a hand on his metallic hip. Moments later, a crate from behind opened up. The robot dug for different gun pieces before scattering them out across the front table and got to work. "I can overclock them using a Vulcan Carbine, though it will cost you extra." "That's fine," Niles nodded, preparing for their transaction. "Can you overclock a Needlenose rifle too?" The Mandroid nodded, "It would be cheaper if you purchased a Hardnose Rifle. It is just a better version of it." "Sure," the armored man shrugged. "Charge me." The vendor got to work efficiently, digging and constructing weapons based on parts found in boxes. Its voice spoke with joy as it replied, "Gladly!"
Niles sighed and crossed his arms, watching him work, and rolled his shoulders. He looked relatively relaxed, his mind mostly empty other than looking forward to the task ahead. It didn't take long until both of his weapons were finished and presented, constructed from composite gun parts. His hands caressed the freshly built Hardnose rifle, lifting it into the air and looking down its sights. The weapon itself had a rugged, industrial look with a needle-thin barrel. It was colored in a matte black, including a scope for enhanced accuracy and a sturdy black strap for holding it. The stock was modified for extra stability, giving it a balanced feel when held against the shoulder. The brand name 'Hardnose' was engraved onto the side of the barrel.
Next came the pistol, the black leather grip snug in his grasp. He unloaded the empty magazine and took a look at its lightweight design, marveling at the work of none other than Numbuh Two himself. The main barrel was slim with a bright cherry-red color (as was the name), with a reinforced chamber that allowed for bursts of three. Spinning it on his finger, he smacked the magazine back in and loaded it, finally stowing it at his side in a pocket attachment for the suit.
"These'll do just fine."
Walking up right beside him, Numbuh Two opened his eyes behind his goggles and smiled. "Like the work, do ya? Pop guns are classic, can't go wrong with 'em. Did you get an attachment?" "Yeah I did, and no slander to the two-by-four brand, Hoagie," Niles smiled, looking back at him. The Mandroid motioned for him to offer out his NanoComm to make a transaction, and he paid upfront easily. Being handled a handful of ammo, he carried it with him and started walking off. "It's nice to see some guys like yourself like my work," Hoagie smiled, looking up at Niles. "Makes me feel good." He replied, "Don't mention it. It's a personal favorite." "You ready for a mission?" Numbuh Two asked cheekily. The phrase struck a nerve in him, causing an eye to twitch. "Yep, let's go."
At the edge of the ship, the rest of the crew were gathered, diligently waiting. The sun set over the west, casting the entire ship in a golden glow. Laughter and conversation filled the air, giving a comforting calm before the impending storm.
Numbuh One stood firmly, listening intently as Numbuh Three excitedly recounted a scene from one of her favorite television shows using wild gestures.
Beside her, Numbuh Four sat in a daze, watching her with a soft smile. He was captivated by her enthusiasm, surprised at how expressive a girl could be.
Numbuh Five was acting trivial, her arms crossed and puffing out a lower lip. She silently judged her opinions, her expression amused but skeptical.
Buttercup stood away from the group, arms crossed in her usual tough stance. Next to her was Samurai Jack, resting a hand on the hilt of his blade. His calm demeanor unwavered as he spoke, "Your strength, Buttercup, is remarkable. Few can match your will in battle." The girl gave a slight nod, appreciating the compliment but maintaining her cool facade.
As they approached, Two waved enthusiastically to the crew. "Yo! Guys! We're good to go!"
Niles stopped in his tracks, gazing at the group as they chatted and laughed. He smiled slowly as he watched them, feeling a sweetness in his chest that he hadn't felt in years. It was a sight he never thought he'd see again: friends united, ready for whatever came next. For a moment, he felt paralyzed, his legs going stiff. The joy and relief was almost overwhelming.
Numbuh One's sharp eyes caught the sight of their movement, shifting his focus and waving a hand. "Looks like we're all here." "Yep! Had to finish up some last-minute shopping at the gunsmith! We're good, Numbuh One!" Two announced enthusiastically. "Alright, everyone, time to move out! We've got a mission to complete!" Nigel's voice was firm yet friendly as he gave the command. He motioned towards the lift down into the valley. The group quickly sprang into action, gathering together and heading toward the approaching lift. Numbuh Five glanced back at Niles, grinning. "Hey, superman, you draggin' your feet? Come on!"
Niles snapped out of it, shaking his head as he rushed to join the others. "Yeah, coming! Sorry, I was just… caught up for a sec."
The group moved in a single file, weaving through dense forests and thick bushes. As the sun lowered further onto the horizon, the natural light of day was dimming down. The grass and forest floor crunched underneath everyone's feet as they stepped, their ears drowned in the symphonies of running water and wildlife. Sector V's team carried large packs on their backs filled with supplies, gear, and weaponry like a caravan.
Numbuh One and Samurai Jack were the two up front, their eyes sharp and alert, scanning for danger. Behind them, Numbuh Two moved cautiously, always looking left and right. Numbuh Three seemed blissfully unaware of the tension, humming to herself a pleasant tune. Numbuh Four marched behind her with exaggerated confidence, a makeshift rifle clasped in his firm hands and muscles. It was like he was daring any fusion threat to come to the group, shooting mean looks out towards the forests like creatures were quietly stalking them. Numbuh Five remained cool as ever, nonchalantly amused about Four. Her hat was pulled low while she walked with ease, both of her hands on the grips of her dualies just waiting to quickdraw anything for a quick kill.
Buttercup had balled up her hands into fists right behind Five. She was chill, and unphased by the environment around her. Her gaze was steady, her mind clear, readiness in her posture. Lastly behind her was Niles, silent and introspective to his bad memories. His eyes peeked forward at the front of the line every once and a while, then behind the back end of the train all caught up in his vivid thoughts and emotions of the past.
Now, the sun had set. A dark shadow cast across the jungle. The group had taken hold of a small clearing on the edge of the forest, a safe spot where they could set up camp for tonight. The coconut trees parted slightly, revealing a space just big enough for them to rest and regroup. Numbuh One and Jack quickly assessed the area, nodding in agreement, and issued the setup. The others fell into routine as they worked, setting up tents and unrolling sleeping bags. The sky above them was now a deep blue, the only light remaining being the freshly started campfire at the center of it all.
Everyone centered and settled around the fire, the only two left to unravel their tents were Niles and Buttercup. Numbuh Two pulled out a large bundle of plastic boxes he had prepared earlier, setting them out over the campfire, and quickly started setting up a cooking spit. "Alright guys, just a few more minutes and dinner is served! Anyone got the cheese and pepper flakes?" "Yeah, catch!" Four shouted and pulled out a tray of various seasonings, chucking it over to Two violently. He caught it, widening his eyes as some of it almost spilled out. "Woah! Careful, Wally! These were a gift from Chowder for my birthday!" "And Nigel got nothin'? Ain't that weird," Abby snorted, grinning. Numbuh One peeked over, "Hm? I thought it was the cake."
Jack took position on the other side of the campfire, pulling out a long and wrinkled piece of planning paper. He was careful not to put it too close, picking up rocks and weighing them down on each corner of it. Numbuh One joined beside him, taking off his sunglasses and folding them over his shirt collar. "Alright everyone, gather around. Grab your pizzas and listen closely; we're gonna do a briefing and quickly get to sleep afterward. We have time on our side, so the sooner we get to the siege, the better."
Everyone quickly huddled over beside the two of them while Numbuh Two passed out boxes. Warming them up gently over the fire, each person was greeted with a small box of three slices of extra cheesy pizza. Steam billowed off of the perfectly sliced rosy pepperonis, and the stringy golden cheese stretched extra long when each slice was pulled apart. The stuffed crust was nearly the best part, including gooey mozzarella baked into the thick crust. A sprinkle of herbs added some freshness, making sure it didn't taste too greasy. "I swear, it's always Mandark's Ship that's got the best food!" Four complimented, shoving half a steaming slice in his mouth immediately.
As everyone gathered around the map beside the two, stuffing themselves with thick slices of pizza, One jammed his finger on the paper midbite and began. "Here is the surrounding perimeter of the control center. As we know, there are no obvious defensive measures they have so we'll need to be cautious. To give everyone a refresher, as well as our reinforcements, Jack?" Samurai Jack stared at the slice of pizza confused, his fingers delicately holding onto it while it just sagged in his grasp. He turned to look at One, then realized he was next. "Oh, yes. The fusion responsible for the defense of this center is none other than myself. The fight will be strenuous, and I am certain it will be long."
"So what, are we taking him all on together? He ain't winning that fight," Buttercup snorted, reaching for a napkin to wipe her mouth. Numbuh One shook his head, holding up a greasy finger. "No. Jack has offered to hold him off while our team assaults the center itself. Numbuh Two, if you would please bring out the explosives." Numbuh Two licked his hands clean and reached into his backpack, rummaging around for a moment. With a grunt, he pulled out a stack of foot-ball-sized rectangular metal crates, each one marked with bright colors and candy-themed decoration. They clanked softly onto the ground beside him, smacking a hand on top. "Chewing gum explosives," Two continued casually, lifting a box. "This stuff makes C-4s look amateur, and less sweet too!"
Numbuh One gestured with a hand, "These were repurposed, kindly donated by the pirate captain none other than Captain Stickybeard. I must thank Numbuh Two and Numbuh Five for handling the situation back at the Cul-de-sac. We were able to secure enough to blow the entire place, or at least cave it in so it can no longer be used."
Numbuh Two was too busy as One gestured over to him for the credit, munching on another slice of pizza. He was completely lost in it, humming and chewing in delight. Meanwhile, Numbuh Five smirked and gave a two-finger salute casually with a free hand. She was also sprinkling some extra pepper flakes onto her slice. "Just doin' what we do, Nigel."
"Man," Niles started mid-bite. "Those are some serious fireworks." Buttercup raised an eyebrow. "You guys sure know how to get creative." "It's what we do best," Numbuh One nodded, smirking. "Numbuh Three will be stationed alone and camouflaged while we set up the charges. Once every single one has been placed, we will be starting a timer. That way, everyone will have enough time to retreat and make an escape. Numbuh Five has offered to assist Samurai Jack in his fight, as well as any marching horde that may come by for defense."
The Powerpuff girl raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You sure? Man, I don't wanna be on the sidelines! I'll fight with Jack." "Yeah," Niles nodded. "That's what I was thinking. That way, Five can go with you guys to infiltrate the control center. Let me go with you, too." One raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure?" "Yep, and although I don't have it outlined in the back of my head, I've been to a control center before. You can get lost easily in there," Niles explained. "Or I could cover Kuki. Either works." Three raised her eyes, "Oh, I'd love to have a buddy while I wait! I don't wanna get bored, ya know?"
"Let me stay with her!" Four offered, raising an immediate hand in the air. "Take my spot, mate!" Five looked between the two, grinning. "Ain't that cute." "Kuki will be needing a partner in case things get messy," Two explained mid-chewing. "You, me, Abby, and Niles all can work. We're stretched thin, but the suit can provide extra firepower." One made a gesture, and Jack immediately updated the map with a black marker. "This'll be exciting!" Kuki smiled, then suddenly changed to a glare. "I'm gonna teach you how to stay silent, because you can be a real loudmouth sometimes, Wally!" He glared back, "Hey! I'm loud and proud, alright? No fusion is gonna sneak out on us without getting a…
Hiyah!
And a..
HAH!"
"Not to interrupt mister macho hero over here, but there's something to take note of," Niles spoke seriously, setting aside his food. "This control center isn't just going to have Fusion Jack there. Fusion Mandark runs the information side of things, so they'll be working together." Buttercup sat up, a thought springing into mind. "Wait! The book might be there!" "It's the information center," Niles turned to her. "If the book is anywhere on their side, it should be." Buttercup sighed, "Bloss was right again. Man, she's good." "About the book and I somehow coming together again?" He asked curiously. She nodded, taking another bite of food. "What about the Fusion Kanker Sisters or Fusion Herriman?" One asked firmly, staring at Niles intently. "Could they be a factor?" He shrugged, "They could, but not immediately. We're already surprising them, so we'll have a little extra time before they start sending their hordes our way."
Nigel nodded, processing this information. "Very well. We'll have to be in and out quickly. Buttercup and Jack, you'll hold the line. Focus on keeping Fusion Jack as well as any reinforcements at bay."
He then turned to Numbuh Three and Four. "You two stay stationed at your post and watch the detonator. Keep an eye on the perimeter and be ready to assist if things start getting overwhelming."
"The rest of us will infiltrate the control center," One continued, his voice firm. "We'll storm the center, plant the chewing gum, and secure the book if it's present. If things go south, we regroup and fall back to the secondary rendezvous point." Niles nodded in agreement, being the first to speak up. "Understood." "Check your earpieces," Nigel added, scanning the team. "You all should have one in your backpacks, in the side pockets. If anything goes wrong, we'll stay in communication. Understood?" Jack responded with a solemn bow of his head.
Buttercup gave a determined nod.
Nunbuh Three gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Numbuh Four had a malevolent smirk.
Finally, Numbuh Five had a calm, steady nod.
Niles stayed quiet, having already spoken a bit ahead of the group.
On a lighter note, Hoagie leaned forward and offered some pepper flakes toward Samurai Jack, who was hesitant to take a bite of his slice. He politely declined Hoagie's advance, examining the unfamiliar food with cautious curiosity. With the aroma of cheese and pepperoni waving over him, slowly he took the first bite. A few more watched as he chewed thoughtfully, remaining neutral. After a moment, Jack gave an approving nod. "It is… different, but good." "That's right, samurai! Welcome to the future! We got all kinds of weird stuff here, but the pizza is where it's at!" Two grinned, leaning back happily. The group chuckled at the remark, the tension of the upcoming missing easing slightly while sharing a good evening of small talk and fun.
"On that note, I'll leave you all for dinner. If you have any questions, please acknowledge them to me in my tent. Thank you," One nodded, staying professional as per usual. With the plan settled and spirits somewhat lifted, the group began to split off and prepare for their evening ahead. The camp grew quieter, with the team members each attending to their evening routines. Some brushed their teeth with dim lights, and others washed up using some of the pure jungle river water nearby. Lastly, a few simply took a moment to relax and clear their minds before tomorrow's big battle.
Samurai Jack found a perfect spot in the center of some jungle forest, away from the rest of the camp, and settled down. Gently he took off his sandals and criss-crossed his legs, placing his blade aside. His hands carefully undid his pin, allowing his head of hair to fall past his shoulders. The sounds of the natural wildlife, followed by the easy murmurs between the other campmates, allowed him to center his method of thought. Jack's chest rose and fell, shutting his eyes and giving in to the natural environment around him. He was alone after a good bit of time, feeling the burden and stress of his position giving in. A part of himself opened up, a side of him he hadn't felt since when he first arrived in this timeline.
Through the quiet hours, he braced himself, understanding that his most formidable opponent would be the one within.
Back over at camp, Numbuh One and Two were going through the equipment after the end of dinner. The gum charges, equipment, and weapons were all being organized together, ready to be split up between the group in camp. Numbuh Five walked over and peeked her head inside the tent, grinning just a little bit. "If you boys keep playin' wit your toys like that, you're gonna not get any sleep tonight." "I just want to make sure everything is perfectly in order," One assured seriously, putting his sunglasses beside him in the tent. Two looked up at her, "We'll almost be finished! Just need to make sure everything's all set!" "Alright, but don't come cryin' to me when you're all tired and grumpy tomorrow-" Numbuh Five chuckled softly, shaking her head while she crouched down at the tent entrance. "No worries, Five. We've got this under control," Numbuh One replied, still focused on organizing the gear. Two widened his eyes, "Oh! Before I forget!"
Before Five could turn away, Two leaned in and quickly pecked a kiss on her cheek. She froze for a second, then smirked. With a casual wave, she snickered, "Good night, boys. Don't stay up too late."
When she was away, One turned to Two with a smirk. "I still can't believe it took you that long to work that out." Two scrambled for words, his face growing redder as he fumbled with some of the gear. "I-I just couldn't find the right time! That's all!" "Sure, sure. But hey, better late than never, right?" One chuckled. Two sighed, his flustered look switching to a shy grin as he muttered, "Yeah, you're right."
A voice interrupted their moment, gathering the attention of both of them.
"Alright, bedtime! See you all in the morning!" Numbuh Four shouted, loud enough for everyone to hear. He then ducked into his tent afterward, zipping it up quickly. Three followed right behind him on her own, waving to everyone. "Goodnight guys!" She disappeared into her tent as well, the soft rustle of fabric signaling that she was getting comfortable. Numbuh One peaked out of the tent, upon noticing the last two supers quietly heading off together. His brow furrowed slightly as he called out, "Where are you two heading?"
"We'll be over here!" Buttercup pointed to a small, secluded patch away from the main camp area, just a little further into some woods. Numbuh One acknowledged her with a nod, cleaning up his final chore and calling it quits for the night. As they both walked away, a thought came to Two's mind. "You know, Abigail is right. We should wrap this up before we get too carried away." Numbuh One finally shared a small smile. "Yeah, maybe just a few more minutes." "Ah, what the hell. I missed doing this-" And with that, they both quietly agreed, letting their constructive minds double-check every piece of equipment everyone had. Each charge was specially handled and good to go, showing just how obsessed these two were. Numbuh One happily checked off boxes on a clipboard while Numbuh Two thoroughly searched the ins and outs of everything, the both of them happily getting their fix until they got tired enough to quit.
The area was quiet, the distant murmurs of the others and the occasional rustling of leaves in the breeze. Niles set down his backpack and began setting up his tent, working methodically. He unfolded the fabric and slid the poles through their loops, securing them into the ground almost naturally. His mind was distracted, away from the girl on the opposite end of him who was setting up her own. Once the tent was up, he turned his attention to starting a fire. Gathering a small pile of dry wood and kindling, he organized a small ring of scavenged rocks.
Meanwhile, Buttercup had spread out a blanket while arranging her tent. She worked swiftly, coordinated, and rapidly quicker in comparison to the war vet. Afterward, she laid herself out on a blanket, stretching and staring out at the night sky. The stars were beginning to emerge, a hidden jewel in comparison to the nightmare that the Darklands really was. Twinkles stretched out across the deepening blue, the air cool and crisp. The heat during the day had subsided, leaving the two of them at a moderate temperature for comfort. Looking over at Niles, he was struggling to use a lighter. In his other hand was a little snippet of lighting paper, holding it over the edge of the bundle of wood. His hands were shaky, the darkness hiding part of his face while he seemed slightly flustered. The girl opposite of him just shrugged it off, her eyes glowing a bright green.
Zip!
Two thin beams flared, setting fire to the tip of the paper. The glow blew up immediately, lighting Niles' face. He looked down at it in surprise, peaking over at her who was looking at it. Carefully he stowed the paper in the pit of the fire, sitting back and resting his elbows on his knees. "Thanks." "That lighter's pretty pitiful," she snorted. "You could've just asked." Niles replied, "Yeah, true." They both sat in silence for a little while, and Niles joined her from the opposite side of the pit. The chirping of insects, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional call of a tropical bird at night added to this peaceful setting. Ever since the demise of the approaching army, the Forsaken Valley was truly at a temporary moment of peace. It was a calm before the storm, a moment of quiet in preparation for the challenge ahead. With his own blanket, he laid out on top of it and folded his hands behind his head. His head rested on the ground underneath, staring at the ethereal sky above him. His mind calmly fixated on the twinkling alignments above, several thoughts going through his head while trying to find something first to say.
On second thought, something came to mind.
"Hey," he started, turning to her. "Come here for a sec." Buttercup looked back at him, raising an eyebrow. "What for?" "Let me bandage up your knuckles," he gave a small smile, gesturing toward her hands. She glanced down at her bruised and battered hands, stretching her fingers to test the soreness. She just shrugged, "You know they'll just regenerate eventually, right?" "I know," he replied, softly but insistent. "But let me do it anyway."
There was a brief pause as Buttercup grew skeptical. Finally, she scooted over closer to him, dropping her usual tough demeanor. Niles reached over for his backpack toward his tent. He retrieved a small medkit with its iconic red cross over a white box, opening it up to draw a tube of cream, a bottle of lotion, and a roll of bandages he had kept ever since his first visit to the hospital. The items were well-worn but neatly organized. Niles gently took one of her hands in his, showing the difference between her beaten skin and his soft skin. His fingers grazed over the raw edges of her knuckles, and he frowned slightly.
Buttercup watched him quietly, eased up with a sense of calm. Even though she didn't pull her hand away, she murmured, "You don't have to do this, you know." "I know," he repeated, applying a thin layer of cream onto her hands and carefully rubbing on it. "But I want to." The sensation felt cool on her skin in comparison to the sore burns she felt as he massaged it in. Next came the other lotion, working in silence, his brow furrowed in concentration. Finally, he took the bandages and began circling them over her knuckles with a quick tenderness yet firm direction that seemed out of place.
His work felt as if he had done this a hundred times, likely on himself mostly.
Buttercup watched at his deftly field medic work, darting her eyes between his face and her hands.
When he was done, he smoothed down the last piece of the bandage and firmly tucked it into place.
"There," he said softly. "All set."
He leaned back slightly, methodically stowing everything back into the kit and shoving it into his backpack. He stuffed it inside his tent right beside his pillow, unclamping his NanoComm and also tossing it right beside it. Materializing from the projection of the device, Nano Alien X found himself getting comfortable from within the tent. He was hidden in plain sight, lying down on Niles' backpack like it was one big sofa. With his hands over his chest, he watched in silence while the two of them laid there together. The nano blinked curiously, staring at Niles and watching this moment unfold.
She gazed down at both of her hands, stretching out her fingers. The bandages wrapped perfectly around her sores, feeling a tingling sensation with the medicine he applied to her skin. She could feel her body beginning to regenerate as the seconds passed, almost like it sped up the whole process. "Huh, not bad."
"Hey, uhm," he began, his voice wavering a little. "Could I talk to you about something? It's about earlier, today." Buttercup had laid back down before turning to look over at him, "Yeah, shoot." "I just wanted to say thanks again for… handling me back there," Niles fixed a look. "You know, with the whole nano thing." She raised an eyebrow, "It's no big deal. I know you've got a lot of stuff on your mind, so if you ever wanna talk about it, I'm here to listen. For now, anyway." Her words brought some appreciation on Niles' face, but he didn't let go of the moment just yet. "When you helped me out earlier, it made me think about everything. The training session, and, well, when I asked you out on that date." Buttercup nodded, her expression attentive. "Uh huh." "I feel bad," Niles admitted, his tone guilty. "About asking you out and then diving headfirst into the battle right after. I was an idiot for doing that."
She grinned, giving a teasing yet sincere response, "Yeah, you were."
"Plus, it's obvious you know how I feel about you," he opened up, blinking to look up at the sky. "I realized a couple of things and I just want to get them off my chest, if that's okay with you."
Buttercup's gaze turned from a grin to a serious look, nodding along as she sat up, "Okay."
Niles hesitated for a second, searching for the stars as if they had an answer for him. "I've had a lot of time to reflect on everything that led me here, especially before I started this whole journey. At some point, I got so caught up in the fighting, I lost sight of why I even joined the war in the first place. I have to admit, these past few months have reminded me of what really matters."
Where there would be some joke, Buttercup instead stayed silent. She kept her stern look, unwavering.
He took a deep breath, now facing her. "I'm not afraid to say what I feel anymore, about anything. The truth is I really like you, Buttercup. A lot. I know it's strange–me knowing you for a few years, and you knowing me for just a few months–but it's true. It hasn't changed, even in both timelines. It's weird, but… it feels right. I can't remember the last time I had some honest, innocent fun without worrying about some monster biting my head off."
Buttercup was eerily quiet, letting his words sink in. She looked away for a moment, staring into the campfire as if to try and come up with a response. She hadn't tackled emotions like these in years, clawing back for the wisdom both of her sisters gave her for moments like this.
Niles continued, his tone becoming sorrowful. "I stand by what I said about that date, but with the war becoming more of an obligation, and your role as a Powerpuff Girl with your sisters, I understand the kind of weight you carry. If you don't want to commit to that date, or anything like that with me, I completely get it. Even with what you said earlier about emotional baggage, I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to pick that up either. I'm just trying to make this second trip around something that'll heal me, or at least make me feel better."
Her stern look grew slightly bitter, still avoiding eye contact with him. She stifled on the ground, resting her elbows on her knees while looking into the fire. His words hit close to home, stirring feelings she hadn't let surface for a while.
"So… you pretty much know everything about me then?"
He took a deep breath, "Most things, but not everything. Mainly from a friend's point of view."
"You know about when I went missing, don't you?" she spoke briefly.
The young man nodded his head, his thoughts reeling back to the memories. How distraught Blossom and Bubbles were trying to look for their sister, who had gotten lost. Her fight against Mojo Jojo resulted in her head getting hit just a little too hard, bringing an intense amnesia into her life. She forgot who she was, and what her purpose was, but quickly got scooped into a rockstar gig with the Gangreen gang. She was a great singer, though he never got to see any of her performances. Her face was plastered on posters everywhere, marked as one of the many other missing heroes the world so desperately needed.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I know about it." Buttercup took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to keep going. "When I used to go by Belladonna, it felt like I was someone else completely. It's hard to explain, but I felt lost. Not just because I couldn't remember who I was, but because I didn't even know who I wanted to be anymore."
Niles' expression showed genuine heartbreak, listening in silence.
She glanced up at Niles, running a hand through her silky hair. "The Gangreen Gang didn't help with that. They saw me as this tool, someone they could use. At first, I thought they were helping me, right? They gave me a place to belong when I didn't have one, though it didn't take long to realize it wasn't true. They were just pushing me around, tugging at my strings, and making me sign contracts I had no idea about. It was all to keep going, to feel like I had some purpose, even if it was a messed-up one."
She swallowed hard, her voice dropping quieter. "There were days when I just wanted to be by myself, but I had no idea where to go. I didn't know who to trust. So I stayed, pretending that everything was fine. But deep down, I was always anxious, afraid I'd never find my way back."
There was a thought that came to his mind while he listened, feeling a connection. That numbness, the disassociation, melted away a little bit hearing her story.
"But eventually… I did get out," Buttercup reassured herself, taking a deep breath. "The second one of my powers resurfaced, Blossom and Bubbles found me. They pulled me out of there fast, drawing a line in the sand with the gang and telling the contractors to shove it. I still have times where those memories come back but I mostly fight it out or find a way to break through. Still, it's like I'm always looking over my shoulder, waiting for the next thing to push me down."
Niles nodded, his anxiety bubbling underneath as he listened. It wasn't easy hearing it without a filter, knowing she had endured so much.
She paused, then looked him directly in the eyes. "That's why they warned me about you when I mentioned you to them. Blossom said I shouldn't get too close, and Bubbles told me to be cautious. I know that's probably not something you want to hear, but… they're just worried about me. They've seen me go through this kind of stuff before, and they don't want me getting hurt again if you end up being terrible to me."
Niles looked at her, his heart pounding with every word she said. Her honesty cut through him like butter, leaving him speechless.
"But… you're not the only one with emotional baggage, if that's what you're worried about," Buttercup continued, her voice firm but understanding. "I've got my own stuff to deal with too. And yeah, this whole thing with Fuse has everyone on edge, not just you. I know you're set on taking him down, but don't forget we're all in this together. You're not alone in this fight."
He frowned, looking back towards the fire. He watched the flames in their turmoil as he replied, "I'm sorry. I've forgotten what that's like."
Her gaze softened immediately. She replied quietly, "You don't have to apologize for that. We've all been through a lot, and we've all had moments where we're on our own. But that's why we're here, right? We're doing it for each other." "Thank you," he replied shallowly. "It's hard to really let that sink in sometimes."
Buttercup paused, giving him a small, reassuring smile. "You've got us, Niles. The girls and I… we're here for you. I'm here for you. Whatever comes next, we've got your back."
"I hope you know I feel the same way," he replied, sitting up a little straighter. "I'm glad you were able to pick yourself up again, and if you ever need help, I'll be there. You deserve that, and a lot more."
She stared back at him for a moment, her smile faltering. There was weakness in her eyes, fluttering over at him. A hand anxiously rubbed the ground beside the fire as she spoke, " Thinking about it, you've come a long way too. I think… training together has really paid off. You've gotten stronger, Niles. You've got a lot of fight in you, and… I respect that."
"Coming from you, that's a huge compliment," he smiled, attempting to lighten the mood. "You're one of the toughest people I know."
Buttercup raised an eyebrow, shifting as she grew thoughtful. "You know, I wasn't so sure about you at first. But you've proven yourself, more than once." Niles' finger traced idle patterns in the dirt beside him. "Maybe it's because you never gave up on me. You pushed me to my limits." She leaned back slightly, arms folded as she eyed him with a small smirk. "I wouldn't have done that if you weren't so adamant." "Well, you inspired me to give it everything I had," his smile softened, rubbing the back of his neck. Her gaze lingered on him, quieting down. "I'm your inspiration, huh?" "Yeah… you are," he affirmed, sitting up and meeting her eyes.
The firelight flickered between them, the warm shadows dancing over their faces. As their conversation drifted off, the two of them unconsciously found themselves leaning closer. The world around them seemed to fade into darkness, just leaving the two of them in a bubble of warmth and each other's shared breath. The stress of everything built up to this moment seemed to shed away, only for a little while. Niles had never felt so anxious so quickly, his heart beating wildly in his chest. How could a moment like this make him more nervous than staring down a battlefield? Could this be it? The thing he ached for was about to happen? Their faces were inches apart, heads tilted, lips nearly touching, when a hearty voice tore all the cards down.
"Hey guys! I'm going on first watch tonight!"
They jolted apart, flustered and disoriented. Both of their faces were a bright red as they shot the newcomer disgruntled looks.
Numbuh Two peeked in, oblivious to what he'd interrupted. He waved for their attention with a brave smile, holding a S.C.A.M.P.P. in his other arm (one of Kids Next Door's signature rifles). "Uh, thanks, man," Niles mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck again. A drop of sweat trickled down his temple. Buttercup rolled her eyes as she replied sarcastically, "Great timing, Hoagie." "No problem! Sleep well, guys! See you in the morning!" He replied, completely oblivious. As he walked away, the two exchanged a sheepish glance, the charged moment still in the air not completely gone yet.
Niles groaned, facepalming. "The one time I don't wanna see Hoagie…" "Yeah, his timing could definitely use some work," she chuckled, still red in the face. But he wasn't ready to let the moment slip away. A fraught surge of resolve pushed him forward, a grin forming on his lips. "Oh no, I'm not letting this slide. Come here-" Before she could respond, he leaned in, closing the space between them fully. His hand cupped the side of her face, gentle yet firm. Buttercup's breath caught as their eyes met, and for the first time around him, she fully let her guard down.
He didn't hesitate. Niles tilted his head and pressed his lips against hers, closing his eyes and surrendering to the moment. His force was enough to push her back slightly, nearly falling right on top of her.
Buttercup's initial surprise switched to an intense response. Her hand gripped his collar and pulled him in, taking over with a strength he couldn't compete with. When they finally pulled away, Niles leaned back, wide-eyed, a red flush on his face. His arms slipped from her shoulders onto his lap, a new and unfamiliar emotion swirling inside him. Buttercup's eyes were equally bright, a mix of shock and something deeper. She didn't know how to react, seeing how bold he was. Was it envy? Pride? Maybe it was appreciation?
He didn't hesitate. Niles tilted his head and pressed his lips against hers, closing his eyes and surrendering to the moment. The force of his kiss was enough to push her back slightly, nearly falling on top of her.
Buttercup's initial surprise quickly shifted to something more intense. Her hand gripped his collar, tugging at him closer as she took control with a strength he couldn't match.
When they finally pulled away, Niles leaned back, wide-eyed and breathless. His face flushed a deep red, his arms slipped onto his lap as an unfamiliar emotion settled inside him. Buttercup's eyes were just as bright, mixed between shock and something more profound. She couldn't find the right thoughts to process what just happened. Was it envy? Pride? Maybe even appreciation?
"Well," she whispered, still trying to register what just happened. She steadied her breathing, the silence lingering a little longer than usual. The crackling of firewood filled it, setting in the ambiance. She glanced back at Niles, who was nervously rubbing the back of his neck again, eyes darting anywhere but hers. "You really don't hold back, do you? On, like, anything?" Niles shot an abashed grin, "Guess I couldn't help myself, heh." "You've got guts, Niles. Real guts," she admitted, softening her look on him. She reached out, lightly tapping his shoulder, letting her bandaged hand linger there. "I like that."
Whether it was war-torn instinct or a fearful paranoia, he searched for any sign of regret. All he found was the same mix of emotions as his, though less anxious. There was a sense of connection, trust.
Her words hung in the air between them, her hand moving from his shoulder to his cheek. Her thumb brushed against his skin, and this time, she didn't hesitate. She closed the distance once more, softly kissing him again. It wasn't tense, but easygoing. When they finally broke apart again, she had a satisfied grin. She teased, "Don't get too cocky, alright? Now let's get some sleep." Niles chuckled softly, the lingering feel of her kiss giving him confidence. "Yeah, same goes for you."
Her hand slipped off of his cheek, and she backed up. He did as well, adding some space between the two of them across the campfire. The fire itself was brighter than it had ever been before, nearly all of the wood consumed within the span of their moments together. Before she started her way to her tent, Buttercup turned back and spoke up. "One last thing." "Yeah?" he asked, still caught up in the memory. Buttercup let out a sigh, resting her elbows on her knees. "Don't let this get around, alright? At least not until I tell the girls. They'll want to hear about it." "Got it. It'll stay between us," Niles nodded, understanding her request.
"Good night." With a final glance, Buttercup turned and headed to her tent. She zipped it up closed and got comfortable, disappearing for the rest of the night to contemplate what just happened. Stuffing the back of her head onto her pillow, she placed her hands on her stomach and stared at the angled ceiling, still red. Was this all of the lovey-dovey feelings Bubbles wouldn't shut up about? The deep connection, the shy admittance, the willingness to commit? She scoffed, stifling in her sleeping bag, and closed her eyes. She wondered what the other two would think.
Condescending Blossom? Overjoyed Bubbles? Something like that.
With a smooth motion, Niles killed the campfire almost immediately. His mind went to distract himself from what just happened, looking up to see the pillar of smoke drifting across the sky. Would it attract any monsters, he thought? He should grab his pistol at least, even if the suit was left on the other side of camp.
Why was he thinking about this?
Niles retreated into his tent, fighting instinct with the night's events swirling in his mind. His heart bled internally into a steady beat, the warmth of the kiss lingering like an internal fire. The tender touch, her soft skin in comparison to her tough approach. He unzipped the entrance, ducking inside and moving carefully to avoid disturbing anything. His backpack was tucked away in a corner, and he reached for it, planning to settle in for the night. As he reached out for the small switch on his NanoComm, a tiny light emitted in the entire shelter.
Sitting there on his sleeping bag was Nano Alien X, his arms crossed and eyes squinting happily as his legs kicked in rhythm. His cosmic body shimmered faintly, absorbing the light of Niles' device with an astral glow. Niles jolted back, his foot catching the edge of his backpack, and tumbled quietly. X, equally started, let out a tiny squeak as he toppled over, though both managed to stay remarkably quiet amidst the chaos.
"X!" Niles hissed, widening his eyes. "You were eavesdropping this whole time, weren't you? You little sneak!" Nano Alien X chuckled softly, his voice calm but defensive. "We are in the middle of the Darklands. I wanted to keep an eye on you, you know, just in case." "No, don't half-truth me," Niles whispered back, poking a finger in X's soft chest. "Admit it. You just wanted to snoop!" There was a long pause until X finally replied, "Well, yes. I thought it went well, did it not?" "I don't wanna hear anything about you being my little wingman for the rest of this trip, do you hear me?" Niles ordered, scooping up his NanoComm and clamping it back on. X nodded his head. "Yes sir, I will leave you to your affairs. You have to admit, it was pretty funny."
With that, Niles settled down, turning off his light. Alien X hovered nearby, finding his spot on the backpack again, and remained as the everpresent sentinel for him. His presence was both comforting and reassuring, helping the troubled soldier be able to find some good sleep. The nano watched as Niles slowly drifted off, surprised to see him so at ease with everything.
He slept soundly, surrounded by his most scarring memory.
8/18/24
Welcome back! The heat burned bright on this one.
This was probably one of the most serious chapters I've had, like a handful of others in this fic. Needless to say, I don't regret writing this. There were a few things to take care of before we get into the final chapters of this and I'm in this weird medium where I'm satisfied with where the plot is going but cautious on how to approach. Sector V's team, Samurai Jack, Buttercup and Niles are all together to unite for the final fight!
The moment involving creating Nano Blossom was hard to handle, and in turn, I believed that Niles wouldn't do it.
I made sure to really hammer in the whole dynamic of Sector V uniting together because, in all honesty, we've rarely had chapters where the whole team is together. For the entirety of this fic, they've been getting back together now that earth is uniting and there's an opportunity for them to shine as a full team again.
If you think Jack's moments in this chapter were shallow, that's for a reason. I thought there was a beauty in that simplicity, and Jack is quite the stoic character. You're going to see real soon why he's arguably one of the best characters for earth's forces! Haha.
Now on the topic of Niles and Buttercup. I didn't want their relationship to be a cardboard cutout, and I didn't want their kiss to be some triumphant award. I wanted to add some depth and really show the parallels between them, mirrors of each other to an extent. Their conversation together took FOUR different renditions before I finally settled on the one I have.
For Buttercup, the whole situation in the game was messy. Some of the missions implied that during her time in the band, she and Ace were supposed to be a romantic thing. It's mostly weird because of the age difference, which is why I decided to scrap that and make it more focused on the gig as a whole.
Out of the three, she was probably the best fit for Niles to fall for one of his mentors. I plan to expand on it a little further in the next fic, but this is probably the spiciest we'll get with the two for now.
The next chapter is going to focus on the other side of things, as well as what happened after the events at Dexlabs. I think it would be better before we jump right into the action.