#44 Have at Thee!
"Are you sure you wish to proceed Master Mini-Max? This whole thing seems trivial given your advance programming and previous experiences," the gentleman butler Heathcliff asked as he straightened his jacket and cufflinks. He stared across the circular pavilion where the diminutive superhero Mini-Max stood in his blue armor, attempting to stretch his nonexistent muscles.
"On the contrary my immaculately-dressed chum. You are still a quite capable and highly skilled former secret agent, trained in all manner of offensive and defensive moves that has possibly escaped my database, not to mention the techniques and combos you have honed throughout the years," the robotic being countered, reaching his short arms up to the sky.
"If you insist my fellow acquaintance," the older human replied, giving a shrug as he braced for the other to go first. Since learning of Heathcliff's spy history, Mini-Max had become rather fascinated in wanting to know more about him, even observing him while he performed his daily tasks around the mansion; eventually though, he decided to ask for this sparring session, both out of vital superhero training and because he did think it'd be fun.
Once Mini-Max gave a satisfied sigh after his stretch, he then prepared his attack stance with his arms held up and loudly asked, "Ready to do battle with someone much smaller than yourself, righteous friend?"
"Always ready good sir," Heathcliff responded with a smirk as he stood waiting on the robot.
Nobody so much as twitched for almost 10seconds when Mini-Max let out his battle cry and activated his tiny thrusters, charging straight first at the butler. When he was within inches of his target, Heathcliff suddenly sidestepped to safety, leaving the surprised hero punching nothing but air as he quickly turned back to try again. Mini-Max attempted three more times to at least make contact with the other, but the retired spy's only concern was swiftly dodging rather make any offensive attacks.
"This is quite the frustrating quandary you are putting me in. I was single-handedly able to subdue five member of Big Hero 6, and yet you prove vastly more elusive; then again, I did have mechanical and chemical assistance in their capture," Mini-Max wondered out loud as he put a hand to his nonexistent chin, apparently now realizing that key fact.
Heathcliff faced his opponent again and tucked his hand behind his back before informing the superhero, "A good fighter makes use of what's around them, both objects and the terrain. You are certainly no less a worthy adversary just because the situation is different from then." He briefly paused due to Mini-Max moving his hand from his face and tilting it like one does when processing something, then continued as few seconds later. "A lot of energy can be wasted on offensive moves, which is why I prefer evasive techniques; they also have the added benefit of allowing me to get in close and strike with impeccable precision," he added with a suspicious glint in his eye. The instant he finished speaking, he swiftly pinched Mini-Max's wing, demonstrating the lesson he was trying to instill into the other.
While still in midair, the robotic companion turned his head, looked at the held wing and faced Heathcliff once again to utter, "Oh."
The gentleman butler released Mini-Max afterward, taking a step back and offering, "If you wish for me to be more confrontational and less dodgy, merely say so sir. I'm very well capable of performing both."
"Hmmm," Mini-Max debated while his opponent waited patiently until he finally raised a finger and declared, "Offensive would be beneficial to my training, but I wish for the genuine world-traveling spy treatment, so if that means I have to calculate a way to land a hit, then so be it!"
Heathcliff nodded in acknowledgement before telling him, "Very well. Ready for round 2 as they say?"
"Indeed, righteous chum," the smaller robot answered before he quickly moved his thrusters and flew towards his target, trying to get the element of surprise on his side; the well-trained human anticipated as much however and avoided being hit. Mini-Max did not repeat the same tactic as before though as once he failed to punch Heathcliff, he fired one of his rocket fists at the other, loudly proclaiming, "Mini-Maximum Rocket Fist!" Despite the rocket's fast speed, it was still small enough that his opponent managed to knock it away with a backhanded motion, leaving it to return to its owner without dealing any damage. The flying hero only had to contemplate his next move for a second as he aimed his other gauntlet at the butler's legs now, shouting his battle cry again as the little weapon whizzed through the air.
With a smirk on his face, Heathcliff rapidly jumped and backflipped on the spot, leaving the blue fist to collide with the stoned surface he was standing on. He landed perfectly on his two feet and promptly looked at his sparring partner as he attempted to charge without waiting for his weapon to come back. "I'm sorry Master Mini-Max…" Heathcliff matter-of-factly started, only to pause as he leaned forward and with an outstretched hand, placed it on top of the flying robot in time to leap over him while deflecting the other downward.
"Huh?" Mini-Max uttered in confusion as he was left flying through the air.
"…but you did request I give you proper treatment for when I face a challenger," the polite man then finished his sentence as he stood straight and dusted his jacket. "I believe this means victory is mine for a second time," he added with a small smile.
The energetic robot reoriented himself so as to face Heathcliff once again, giving a thoughtful hum before he loudly said, "Clearly, it's my own tactics that need adjusting loyal butler of the Fredericksons! Villainy will likely not hold back when I do battle with them and neither should you! Allow me a moment to determine an optimal attack though if you would be so kind."
"I will of course oblige Master Mini-Max, but I fear we may only have a short time left to which to duel as there are other matters to attend to," the retired spy informed his opponent with a nod.
Mini-Max returned the gesture and replied, "Very well! Thinking on your feet is shall be then until you must depart for your inside affairs. Round 3 in one, two, three!"
Without further delay, the armored robot used his rockets to fly towards Heathcliff, except this time, he rapidly circled the human, staying far enough away to avoid being kicked or swatted; unfortunately, this meant the movements around his opponent were not as fast as they could be if he was closer. Heathcliff maintained his composure as he followed Mini-Max with his eyes, waiting for the inevitable attack.
The first blow came from behind as the robot managed to actually land a rocket punch on the back of the butler's leg, resulting in him reflexively turning his head to where Mini-Max would be coming into view. "Ah ha!" the diminutive superhero exclaimed at his small victory as he continued to fly and have his gauntlet return to his arm; his win was short-lived though as the former spy proceeded to get down low and swiftly rolled out of Mini-Max's loop, popping out onto the other side.
"Gasp," the tiny robot stated as he ceased his flying and switched gears to close combat while Heathcliff initially tried to right himself up, resulting in him tumbling to the left to avoid being hit.
"Excellent change of tactic sir," the eloquent man complimented once he was on one knee again, flashing a genuine impressed smile while maintaining his focus.
"I am merely taking your advice to my metaphorical heart," Mini-Max shot back as he arced and swooped in low to the ground.
Rather than standing up, the former spy proceeded to deliver a sweeping kick in hopes of hitting the other, but the latter had enough space and time to aim his wings so he lifted himself safely above Heathcliff's foot. The taller of the two then leaned back to avoid Mini-Max punching him in the chest, getting close enough though to feel the hot air of the thrusters brush his face and taking this opportunity to finally get back onto his feet while the small robot made a 180° turn.
"That was the proverbial close shave I must say," the gentleman quipped before he heard the call of "Mini-Maximum Rocket Punch" once more. The blue blaster came and although he swiftly turned his torso, Heathcliff didn't avoid the attack this time as it struck him in the sternum; fortunately, the force felt barely stronger than a shove, so he was able to still stay up right. Mini-Max came straight for him again as the butler regained his focus on the other and rather than dodge this time, switched to offensive. When the robotic superhero was an arm's length, Heathcliff held his limb out with his palm open as he used his hand to take hold of the flying one's helmet as he struck him and quickly swung his arm upward.
"Aaaahhh!" Mini-Max couldn't help but scream as he found himself shooting through the air against his will and needing a moment to get reoriented. "Well played smartly dressed chum," he said with excitement and let out a hearty chuckle. He proceeded to dive bomb back towards the ground as his opponent braced himself for another attack; just before the diminutive bot was about to reach the other however, he veered off course to come in from the side as he gave his battle cry and launched another gauntlet this time, managing to hit Heathcliff's shoulder.
"Nice move on your part too sir," the mustached man slyly complimented before turning himself to keep his eye on Mini-Max as he circled him yet again.
"I say let's end this final round," the blue-clad superhero loudly proclaimed, soon increasing the power to his jets and preparing for his last attack. Up to this point in the fight, Heathcliff was left at the mercy of the other and forced to react rather than take the offensive; so, as Mini-Max came in a final time, he switched roles and took the initiative, running away from his incoming attacker.
"How unexpected," the mechanical one remarked, leveling himself out about 8ft off the ground as he was left to chase after the butler, who seemed to be making his way towards the hedges. The well-dressed gentleman then leapt over the green shrubs and quickly got down before tucking himself under the branches.
Mini-Max flew a couple feet lower now as he prepared to surprise his counterpart, inching closer and closer until he eventually passed over the plants and yelled with his arms out ready to attack, "Ah-ha!" Instead of being greeted to the sight of a crouching human however, there was nothing but some well-kept greenery. He cocked his head in confusion and uttered, "Well, this is confounding." He was just starting to scan for Heathcliff when he suddenly found both of his suit's wings being firmly held, making him quickly turn his head completely around to find his desired target keeping him in place.
"I believe that is game, set and match Master Mini-Max," Heathcliff told the aforementioned robot with a satisfied smile, followed by releasing him and brushing off his suit.
After he felt the former spy free him, Mini-Max rotated the rest of his body towards the other before emphatically commenting, "Defeated once again! Here I thought I had gotten the drop on you, but it was you who got the drop on me! I was correct to say this would be good for my training!"
Heathcliff gave a small, genuine grin and nodded at the other before he humbly said, "I'm glad I was able to provide you with a different experience sir, although I'm sure you've had your share of more riveting fights."
The flying hero spread his arms and legs wide in exclamation as he informed the butler, "Nonsense! True I have faced mutants and monsters alike, but one should never discount the trained fighter or covert agent!"
The taller of the two made a dismissive gesture now as he replied, "It's all part of the spy game. No big deal really. I wouldn't have been nearly as successful if I weren't so well-versed in stealth, but if it was beneficial to you, I'll once again say I'm happy to be of service."
"And I thank you good chum for being so accommodating! We really must do it again in the future," Mini-Max suggested, offering a hand to shake like one does to make a deal.
Heathcliff merely stared at the small appendage for a moment before smiling warmly at the idea and politely shaking it like the gentleman he was. "It would be a pleasure." The duo continued this action for a couple seconds and would have probably started conversing again had they not heard a voice cry out in disbelief, "What?!" They both rapidly turned their heads to find Fred, who had somehow managed to sneak up on both of them, staring at the pair with a look of hurt and frustration.
"You two were doing some sort of superhero training and didn't tell me about it?! Do you have any idea how cool that would have been to see?" Fred huffed with arms stretched out in exasperation.
Mini-Max and Heathcliff glanced at each other, realizing they weren't going to get off easy for this slight against the comic book fan, which prompted the former to start with, "We can explain."
NOTES
Hopefully you found this little duel entertaining and I could see the two of them having a few bouts. ;) Poor Fred though missed out on all the fun. ;)
I plan on posting another Meganiper story in about a month or so and then we'll see when I post the next "Cutscenes" (hopefully 4-5 weeks after that) because I have few stories saved up, but the surplus is running low and I haven't been writing as fast lately, so I'd rather wait just a couple extra weeks so I can hopefully get one with Karmi done and another Globby one written after that. So sorry there will be a bit of a wait, but with all the time it's been taking, I don't want to promise having something in a few weeks when I don't know how long it'll take any story to get written and typed up. :/
The next "Cutscenes" will be about Megan's 15th birthday. ^_^333