Zuka meets probably the shortest Inphernal in the Inpherno.
Warning(s): Smoking Ig it's Zuka what did you expect
Characters: Party, Zuka, Rocket
Notice: Rocket and Zuka use He/Him pronouns, Party uses They/Them, Party's speech is normal but you can read it like Party Noob talking if you want
@sp4rkst4rzz @bugginwithsif
I tried </3
—
Party was walking their way around Crossroads, chatting with Rocket who had to look down to even have eye contact with them, though Party seemed to barely notice as they rattled on about their most recent party even while holding their, currently broken, gear.
"Seems you had some fun, huh? Shame I couldn't join ya!" Rocket teased, poking at Party's party hat playfully with his prosthetic arm earning a gasp of mock offense from the short Inphernal who swatted his hand and fixed their party hat.
"Well that's your fault! You're too busy getting into Phights!" Party retorted, crossing their arms in that playful manner Rocket was so used to.
"Oh give me a break! I'm not meant to be in them anyways!"
"Exactly! That's why you should come to my parties instead!!!" Party insisted, sticking out their tongue as the two neared "Da Shop" or "Zuka's Stop n' Shop" as others called it.
Zuka himself was at the counter as usual, arm holding up his hunched posture by the elbow as he blew out the smoke from his cigarette, it was a slow day so he got a pass this time around for smoking so openly in the Crossroads.
"DAD!" Rocket called out suddenly as he and Party made their entrance, Zuka sighed, stubbing the cigarette before standing up straight.
"What, kid?" He grumbled, looking at the short Inphernal beside his adopted son, Party, they waved at Zuka happily in greeting and Rocket had that devious grin he always had when he was being mischievous.
"This is one of my friends from Playground! I've never introduced you to them, have I?"
"Don't think so." Zuka spoke... bluntly, though that was to be expected with him, it made Rocket groan softly but more for dramatics than actual annoyance.
"Well, this is Party, one of my friends! They kinda... broke their gear." Rocket introduced and admitted, nudging Party forward so they could put the Confetti Cannon on the counter for Zuka to examine, their head and a little past their shoulders was all that could seen when they were actually near the counter, damn they were short but Zuka wasn't one to judge... out loud, that is.
Zuka examined the Confetti Cannon without much issue, asking a very simple question while he did so. "How'd you even break this thing?"
"Umm... partied too hard, I guess? I don't really do Phights so..." Party replied, swaying back and forth on their feet for movement in general. Zuka didn't reply verbally, just grunted as if unimpressed that they came here for this.
"Simple fix," Zuka stated, handing the Confetti Cannon to Rocket, who looked at him in confusion before he added: "simple enough for you to fix on your own, kid."
Rocket sighed and led Party away so they could watch him struggle with figuring out what was even wrong, Zuka was watching too, he thought it was amusing to see his adopted son so clearly confused and mildly embarrassed.
-
After a genuine 10 minutes of Rocket trying to figure it out, he did eventually and fixed it easily, handing the gear back to Party who jumped up happily.
"YAYAYAYA!! THANK YOU!" Party exclaimed, hugging Rocket tightly as their fluffy tail wagged behind them, Rocket hugged them back after a moment of shock.
"No problem..?" He sounded so confused, even more-so when Party pulled away to hop out of the shop, pausing at the front where Zuka was.
"Your son was in another Phight by the way." They said simply before skipping along, Zuka blinked a few times before his attention was on Rocket instead of the fleeing Inphernal, a glare noticeable to really only Rocket as his dad looked over at him.
Party is a ranged unit with a shorter distance than Rocket but a larger AoE, basic attacks deal 40-60 dmg depending how close you are. Fires a "cannonball" of confetti at an enemy that explodes on impact, this can hurt you as well.
-> @sp4rkst4rzz @bugginwithsif @goobermikusstuff
—
Interactions below, very long!! :]
SWORD
Party: Sword! Sword!
Sword: Huh?
Party: You GOTTA show me that new move you learned!
Sword: Oh! I will!
Party: YAYYAYA!
—
SKATEBOARD
Party : Got any new tricks?
Skate: Oh yeah! I learned a few before we got here!
Party: Oooh! Show me! Show me!
Skate: I will!
-
Party: Where are you gonna go?
Skate: I'll move so fast you won't see me the whole Phight!
Party: Woah!
—
BIOGRAFT
Bio: PLAYGROUNDER DETECTED.
Party: Huh? Oh!! HI A ZETA!!!
Bio: GREETINGS, SMALL ONE.
Party: Wh- HEY!
—
KATANA
Party: Are you doing okay, Mr. Katana?
Katana: I am fine, little one.
Party: Hey!
Katana: Apologies.
—
BAN HAMMER
Ban: Hey little sib!
Party: Hey Banny!
Ban: Let's make Momma proud!
Party: YEAH!
-
Party: BANNY! BANNY!
Ban: Yeah?
Party: I CAUGHT A CRIMINAL RECENTLY!!!
Ban: Good job! Soon you'll be working with your big brother in the Banlands!
—
ROCKET
Rocket: Hey Party.
Party: HIII!!
Rocket: Excitable as ever I see!
Party: Always and forever!
Rocket: Ready to party?
Party: HECK YEAH! CONFETTI CANNON IS READY!
-
Party: Rooooccckkkeeettt!!
Rocket: What?
Party: Carry me around!
Rocket: Hm... nope!
—
SLINGSHOT
Party: SLING! SLING! GUESS WHAT?
Sling: What?
Party: I LEARNED HOW TO BAKE!!!
Sling: I'm so proud!
—
HYPERLASER
Party: Mr. Hyperlaser?
Hyper: Hm?
Party: Do... Do you ever take off your helmet?
Hyper: ...Only when going to sleep.
-
Party: Mr. Hyperlaser, didn't you mention you had a cat?
Hyper: Hm? Yeah, Princess, why?
Party: Can I see her some time?
Hyper: Yeah, sure.
—
SHURIKEN
Party: SHURI! SHURI!
Shuri: HUh-
Party: I GOT A SURPRISE FOR YOUUU~
Shuri: Should I be worried?
Party: NOPE!
—
SCYTHE
Scythe: Hey, little fella.
Party: Hi Scythe!
Scythe: Sweet as ever, huh?
-
Scythe: Y'know, yer brother is tryin' to get me again... maybe ya could get him to stop?
Party: Hmm... not happening!
Scythe: Here I thought ya liked doin' favors.
Party: Not when they involve avoiding the law!!!
—
MEDKIT
Party: Hi Medkit!!
Med: Hello, Party.
Party: If you ever have enough energy, wanna come to a party I host?
Medkit: I will... try.
Party: YAY!
—
BOOMBOX
Boom: Hey, Party! I made a few new songs!
Party: Oooh? I wanna hear!
Boom: I'll send you the mixtapes later, yeah?
Party: Yeah! After this Phight!
—
SUBSPACE
Subspace: Oh great... YOU.
Party: What did I do?
Subspace: Tch, you're HERE, that's enough reason for me to hate your presence.
The chatter of the crossroads was uniform for once this coming dusk, all talking about one thing as missing papers were taped to walls and light posts haphazardly, some in the hands of Inphernals who wanted to look at them more closely.
"Where did they go?" "Did someone take them?" "Now that I see these... I haven't seen them in forever!" "Normally we'd hear their voice by now.."
It was... too quiet without that familiar excitement, even though the chatter was loud, that one voice always cut through... and it wasn't there, not tonight, it hadn't been for four weeks now. Most assumed they were just sick, but four weeks? Even sick they'd be up and about, albeit not doing jobs and wearing a mask!
-
Ban Hammer was staring at one of the missing papers, it was crumpled a little with how tight he was holding it, his gear was leaned against the wall before he let out a soft growl and crumpled the paper into a ball in annoyance.
Windforce was using her godly powers to try and find them, it wasn't working, she couldn't see anything and it pissed her off more than usual. Even Darkheart couldn't find them, concerning at worst.
Slingshot was trying to comfort Coil with Vine Staff and Shuriken, mostly because the usually cocky Phighter was suddenly breathing quickly with narrowed pupils while tears fell from his eyes, an unusual sight from the Hellhound himself.
"I couldn't... I couldn't protect them..."
This had been going on for hours...
"You tried, none of us expected this, Coil."
Boombox walked into the apartment a few times, trying to give Coil something to drink but he wouldn't take it, just curled up on himself while quietly sobbing into his arms, it was so rare for them all to see.
Katana had peeked in a few times but never said anything, going back on his smaller search for them, even Katana missed them and that was saying something!
-
"Eh... Scythe..? Don't you think tying up the kid was a little much?" Broker questioned, poking their cheek as tears streamed down their face.
"Oh come on, they're the little siblin' of The Warden, I ain't gonna have them running off on me." Scythe retorted, making Broker raise his hands in false innocence, Medkit wasn't there... he didn't know.
"Now c'mon, we got things to do."
Broker rolled his eyes at Scythe's words but followed anyways, dragging them with him as he walked, their words muffled by whatever gag they had on.
"Shut it, Party, I ain't dealin' with that today." Scythe snapped, making Party flinch since... it was so new for them to hear her so annoyed with them... a soft whimper left their gag but they mostly stayed quiet for now, just scared is all.
Where was Scythe taking them? Why were they in the middle of Lost Temple? Everything hurt... the scratches were doing worse due to sand and the sun, they were too fluffy for this weather and it showed badly, it made their fluff damp with sweat and they felt like they were burning up.
How were the Banlands colder than here?!
-
"H- Hey, hey, hey! Uh- Flipside here!" Valk's voice came from the TV, Medkit must've forgotten to turn it off on some random channel, he was about to change it when...
"Some... shocking news has happened with the rather popular party planner around the entire Inpherno." Dom continued, a picture of the missing papers appeared on the screen, it made Medkit jolt as awake as he could be with narrowed pupils and wide eyes.
"While we don't... normally cover news like this, T. Vee does, we- we thought it would be good to cover since Party is our friend too!" Valk exclaimed, clearly worried despite trying to keep up his act, it was falling apart quickly.
Dom pat his brother on the shoulder, speaking for Valk so he didn't start crying. "Indeed. Reports have said Party has gone missing, last seen around 12:40PM four weeks ago on Thursday by some of the awake Inphernals. They have not been..."
Medkit barely noticed Dom's words as they continued like static to his tired mind, suddenly? He was more awake than before, Party... was missing? And he didn't know until now?!
He got up, getting on more proper clothes and grabbing his medkit and revolver before heading to the door, the phone hadn't rang today, Broker didn't call.
These idiots are stuck in my head PLEASE make them leave- also I've posted two writings today? Too many me thinks...
—
Such a calm evening for once in Party's life, chatting with Shuriken, Vine Staff, and Slingshot even though Thieves Rest was technically closed, they didn't really have the hearts to tell Party to get out when they looked so sleepy.
"So, Party, how many things have you planned today?" Vine Staff asked sweetly, absentmindedly tending to plants on her cursed arm while speaking, a habit she had gotten into when Thieves Rest wasn't busy and she needed something to do absently.
"Oh! Well.. only four! But they were SO particular..."
Party yawned softly, tail slowing to a gentle sway after they answered, their energy had died down to something soft for once, they were too tired to keep up their usual energy.
"How about you get home? It's getting really late..." Shuriken suggested, glancing out one of the windows where the sunset could be seen, the sky was fading into twilight before night made its presence fully known. Stars were starting to appear, lighting up the sky with their presence.
"I should... see you guys later." Party mumbled sleepily, standing up with a stretch before walking out of the café, Slingshot noticed something before they began walking. "Keep your eyes open! You're going the wrong way, Party!" He called out gently, making Party open their eyes with a nod and a thanks, they were a lot more tired than usual...
Concerning.
-
Coil was in the middle of a, rather difficult, match in whatever phighting ring he was in currently. He didn't know what time it was, you never could, but he did perk up just the slightest when he heard some quiet cheering, he recognized that voice almost instantly, him having it memorized helped, and it made him want to show off... just a little more than usual anyways.
The extra flair to his punches wasn't too noticeable if you didn't know him, he normally put on a show no matter how difficult the match, cheering continued but that one voice he heard was all he could focus on, along with the match of course.
Through the chorus of his own name and title, he heard one thing...
"Hehe! YOU GOT THIS COIL!" Party's voice was a little quieter than usual from tiredness but they still shouted loud enough to join the chorus, barely anyone heard their words but Coil? Oh, he heard every one, how could he not when his favorite inphernal was cheering him on?
The dramatic flairs got a little more noticeable, with a wink sent towards the crowd every few punches, well... towards Party, but the crowd took it anyways. He even blew a playful kiss in Party's direction before getting back into his small phight.
He could hear Party's giggles, that just made him want to do more of those teasing actions...
-
That match left Coil's opponent sweating and hurt, Coil? Not so much as a hint of fatigue, but he wasn't focused on the crowd, well, not entirely.
"PARTY!" The Hellhound called over the cheers, walking towards the short inphernal who smiled up at him happily, their tail wagging in a rather excited manner despite their tiredness.
"Coil! You did great!" Party exclaimed, yawning a little after their excited outburst, they were still tired after all. "Sorry for being late... I only had four parties to plan but they were so particular!"
"Don't sweat it! But The Hellhound was struggling a little without ya cheering me on, though." Coil teased, gently bumping Party with his elbow as he snickered, earning a soft shout of mock offense from the shorter.
Party was about to retort before they let out another yawn, so tired... so they mumbled their response instead. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I thought I'd at least see one match before I went home."
Coil shrugged at those words, leaning against a wall with that smug smirk he always had after winning anything. "What'd I win this time around?" He asked playfully, Party looked at him before crossing their arms and turning away.
"Nothing!" They responded quickly and with a teasing tone, which made Coil let out a gasp before he grabbed their waist to pull them over and up into his arms, giving them a teasing peck to the cheek which was more teeth than anything. "Nothing for your favorite Hellhound? I'm hurt!"
Party let out a surprised giggle, being lifted up with ease due to their... small stature, not that they minded, they quite liked being carried! The peck? They swatted at him for it with another giggle. "Well, you almost lost!"
"Hey!- I was doing that for the entertainment factor!"
As much as I love writing angst, this kind of fluff is SO fun <3
Anyways, FLUFF!! Also probably ooc for most... and very long
—
Party yawned as they were woken up by the light taps of paws against their face, a sigh from Hyperlaser could be heard a few seconds later as well as a meow from the culprit currently pawing at Party to wake up.
The small inphernal slowly sat up with a soft hum, earning a purr from Princess as the spoiled kitty curled up in their lap, they yawned again, opening their eyes to look up at Hyperlaser.
"Sleep well?" The Blackrockian asked with an uncharacteristic softness, leaning against the doorframe as Party gave a nod and got off the bed, picking up Princess which made the cat purr like a damn motor while they walked to Hyperlaser. "Good, I can make some breakfast before we get going, alright?"
Hyperlaser led Party out of the room, motioning to the dining table as the shorter set Princess down so they could sit more easily on the chair they were motioned to sit in. "...Thank you, Mr. Hyperlaser."
"No problem, kid."
-
It was... weirdly quiet in Crossroads as the two walked through the strangely empty streets of morning, a few Inphernals were in alleyways against walls, some smoking, but few turned their heads, mostly because seeing Hyperlaser out the corner of their eyes was enough to make them mind their own business.
"Um... Mr. Hyperlaser? Where is everyone?" Party asked softly, worried for their friends and their two actual family, before Hyperlaser gave a rare chuckle and pat their head.
"You'll see."
He didn't give much more of an explanation, headed towards "Da Shop" where he had asked Zuka to get the others over to meet up, it wasn't a busy day if you could ignore the fact basically everyone was there...
The Swords included.
"Why did you call us here?" Ban Hammer muttered when he saw Hyperlaser approaching, keeping his voice down for Medkit's sake while Rocket and Sword nodded in agreement, only really stopped in their movment closer by Zuka and Venomshank. Darkheart came from the shadows curiously, his head tilted.
"We are curious as well, you said you found something?"
Hyperlaser only nodded, gently nudging Party to be in front of him, where the shorter waved happily though not with that usual spark, they seemed tired and in pain but alive. A series of gasps came from the group, even Darkheart's grin faltered to surprise as Medkit went over to check under the bandages Hyperlaser had put on their burned arms and pricked skin. "Oh... you poor thing, let's get you patched up."
Medkit began slowly healing them, the others? Still shocked, Coil was staring off into space before looking over when Skateboard hit him in the back of the head with his board. "Dude! You're lover is back-"
Coil shot the other Playgrounder a glare, opening his mouth to retort before pausing at the sight of Party, he blinked a few times before looking to Medkit for permission, the older looked up and nodded, moving aside just enough so Coil could pull Party into a hug.
"Hehe! Hey Coil!" Party said happily, their voice slowly raising to that usual volume as Windforce and Ban Hammer came over next to pat Party on the head and shoulder respectively.
"You're- You're safe!" Shuriken stumbled over his words, relief flooding his tone and expression as he looked at Vine Staff and Slingshot who looked just as shocked that Party was even found, surprise that faded to relief.
Even Zuka's expression went to light relief, a rarity for the Inphernal but it happened anyways. Everyone besides some obvious few couldn't really help but smile when they saw how close Coil was holding Party, even pressing a kiss to the top of their head in a gesture way too sweet for Coil's usual attitude.
"Alright, enough sappy stuff in front of my shop." Zuka chimed in, not rudely just... straightforward, causing Darkheart to snicker as Coil set Party down so they could stand properly and get their attitude back up. Katana wandered over, not to Party, but to Hyperlaser to gently bump his forehead against the top of Hyperlaser's helmet.
"How about we go to Thieves' Rest? I'm sure Party would love some hot chocolate, huh?" Vine Staff recommended, earning an enthusiastic nod from the shorter, Slingshot and Shuriken didn't mind either.
"A drink and some food? Count us in!" Skateboard chimed into the conversation, pulling Boombox closer by the shoulders.
"Fine, but you're paying, Skate." Boombox nudged his friend in the side with his elbow. "Oww... fine.." Skateboard huffed playfully, looking at Coil who wasn't talking surprisingly, he seemed a little busy with staring at Party though.
"...I guess a rest wouldn't be too bad, especially if with my children." Windforce relented, seeing as Ban Hammer seemed rather excited to hang out with his little sibling after so long apart.
"Of course, I'll go too, Sword would probably force me anyways." Medkit sighed, earning an indignant shout from the aforementioned Inphernal, not like he took real offense to it.
"Oooh... unfortunately, we're a little busy." Darkheart said in exaggerated sadness, earning an eye roll from Venomshank behind his mask.
"I should head back before Sisyphus starts squawking from being hungry." Venomshank stated, though he didn't stop Sword from going since... the little fella looked happy.
"I'll go if Sword's going." Rocket piped up, looking at Zuka who only sighed and nodded, mostly so Rocket would get him something for later.
"If... you'll allow me, I'd like to go too.." Illumina murmured, his voice quiet even as Vine Staff responded kindly to his request. "Of course, Illumina, everyone is welcome!"
Ice Dagger and Firebrand weren't there, they'd likely hear the news from Venomshank, Darkheart, or Windforce since... they didn't really feel like going to that little meetup.
"...I suppose I could go, it would be my first actual visit." Katana tilted his head with his words, curious as to what the reaction may be. Slingshot and Shuriken shared a glance before smiling and Vine Staff gently clapped her hands together. "That would be wonderful, Katana. Are you coming too, Hyperlaser?"
The helmet wearing Inphernal didn't answer for himself, a little... confused by the request..
"I say he will!" Party exclaimed, earning a glance from them all before Hyperlaser pat them on the head with a nod.
"Then it's settled, right Sling?" Shuriken looked at his brother, albeit not biological, with a smile hearing how many people were coming to Thieves' Rest, Slingshot just sighed with a nod and began walking off to the little building known as Thieves' Rest.
-
Laughter and conversation, that's all Party could hear as they sat down with Ban Hammer and Windforce, the former putting his little sibling on his shoulders before they could fully sit down making Party giggle happily before playfully trying to get down, not like Ban Hammer minded, Windforce seemed amused too! Well, she was always amused when watching her children but that was besides the point.
Party looked over their shoulder to wave at Skateboard, Boombox, and Coil, all sat at a separate table because... eh, Windforce and Ban Hammer mostly. "Why couldn't they sit with us againn?"
"Not enough seats." Ban Hammer lied playfully, looking over at the three, Boombox and Coil being the only two who waved back seeing as Skateboard was rambling about some trick he had done... where he promptly smacked his helmeted head onto some concrete when he landed it. "Just kidding, they didn't wanna for some reason."
"I wonder why." Medkit deadpanned, sipping the tea he had gotten, he was sat beside Ban Hammer since Windforce didn't mind. Party hopped off Ban Hammer's shoulders and went back to their seat beside Windforce, blinking a few times when Medkit ruffled their hair, why were they confused? Because Medkit was being... affectionate, a rarity.
The small yelp of Skateboard getting the top of his head bonked by Vine Staff with her gear didn't go unnoticed by Party, mostly because he was talking with his mouth full again and that's why Vine Staff did so, Boombox chuckled at the two. Dom let out a sigh at the antics he walked in on with Valk cheerfully waving at Party as the two made it just in time for whatever mess was happening. Dom being greeted by Boombox with a little kiss as usual and Valk hopping over to Slingshot for a hug.
Coil rolled his eyes at his friends, getting up to go sit beside Party, mostly so he could hold them in his lap. What could he say? He missed them! Even the infamous crystal thief could miss someone like Party, though, his actions made Windforce and Ban Hammer chuckle with Medkit sighing fondly.
"Clingy, huh?" Ban Hammer teased, poking Coil's shoulder which made him huff softly and hold Party a little closer. "Mhm..." He hummed, technically admitting how... clingy he really was, not that he cared, he missed Party dearly.
How lovely, Party got to be happily eating pastries and drinking hot chocolate like they love AND be held by their favorite Inphernal?! How lucky!
...If you could ignore Rocket and Sword having a light argument in the background and then Slingshot forcing them to kiss to make up, what could Slingshot say? He dressed up as "Cupidshot" on most Valentine's Days for a reason!
-
A lot of time passed since that, Party was asleep in Coil's arms with their head against his chest while he walked back to his apartment that he shared with Steampunk, his roommate was watching some dumb TV show and drinking some kind of coffee to keep him up for a match or two in whatever boxing match he'd get into next.
"You gonna join me for a match or two?" Steampunk asked as he turned off the TV, getting up off the couch and stretching a few times before he noticed Party.
Coil shook his head, still walking towards his room since... Ban Hammer and Windforce certainly didn't mind the fact Party fell asleep with him and he wanted to take them back to his apartment.
"Ah, gotcha, well, see you tomorrow." Steampunk said as a goodbye, walking out the door and locking it behind him, Coil? He nodded and opened the door to his room, closing it behind him as he went to set Party down on the bed.
He didn't speak, just set them down before settling beside them and pulling Party into his arms to sleep, something that came quickly for once.
Steampunk would be greeted by silence when he got back at 1AM in the morning, but when checking on Coil? He didn't mind, as long as he got sleep he was fine.
