Chapter Text
It was a regular afternoon in the inpherno, but not for sword
——-
“Another point for the red team! Only a few more and our team will win!” Sword shouted to his teammates. The Phights have been going well recently, Sword had been getting kills left and right!
But….. one thing has been going rather weirdly for him… The FLIPSIDE duo has been acting rather weird, and only to Sword for some reason-
Before Sword could finish his thought, he felt a blow to his side, dammit, it seems like Rocket decided Sword needed to look like swiss cheese today.
“Hey- not fair! I wasn’t looking!” Sword yelled playfully to Rocket, already dashing to the side to avoid another rocket. Sword never really got too mad when Rocket hit him on the opposing team, it’s a sport after all.
“Hah! Should’ve paid more attention then!” Rocket hollered back to Sword. It was all just wholesome banter and games so far….. Until Rocket saw Sword power up his phinisher-
“PREPARE YOURSELF!” Sword screamed, throwing his signature phinisher at Rocket, who failed to escape fast enough. Sword smirked, another kill for the red team! The round was going good, just a few more kills and-
“SWORD!”
Sword nearly dropped his blade from the sheer surprise, who the fuck was calling his name in the middle of the match! And as Sword turned around to check who it was, he could see the FLIPSIDE duo watching the battle from a balcony with the recording crew. Sword blinked in surprise as he saw them, what were those two calling his name for, was he in trouble!?
“You’re doing great so far, Sword! Keep it up!” Valk hollered from where he stood, it was a miracle his minuscule body could produce such a loud sound. Contrasting from his piss-colored brother, Dom simply nodded to Sword.
Sword felt a little confused on why the FLIPSIDE would complement HIM of all Phighters, did he do something good enough to impress them?! Sword couldn’t fathom the reason why they would do that. Maybe he was just overthinking… Sword nodded towards the two idols before heading back to battle, nearly getting slimed out by Banhammer THRICE.
—-------------
After the Phights ended
Sword sat in the locker room, tired, and a little embarrassed by the lecture Medkit just gave him on the importance of safety gear. But Sword was lost in thought about his interaction with the idols. Why did they call his name in specifics!? Why did they call out to him so0 casually?! Why did they-
But Sword’s thoughts were rudely interrupted by a certain demi-god, warden of the Banlands, son of the child-hater Windforce, Banhammer.
“HA! You weren't half bad out there pipsqueak! Could’ve done better though, but I ain’t gonna judge considering your puny sword…” Banhammer ‘teased’, honestly it felt more degrading than affectionate in Sword’s eyes. Banhammer leaned against the locker room wall, smugly showing off his hammer before looking at the younger man before him. “So, you comin’ to that SFOTH family reunion tonight? Or are ya skippin’ out?” Banhammer asked as he ruffled Sword’s mohawk, much to the latter’s displeasure.
“Family reunion? Banhammer I’m not-” Sword tried to say before getting interrupted by Banhammer again.
“Hopefully uncle Shanks brings his classic Blackrock salad, that shit goes HARD with my momma’s mashed potatoes.” Banhammer twirled his hammer, nearly hitting poor Sword in the noggin. “Honestly I wonder why you never go to the dinners, I know our family likes to um….. Catch up in violent ways, but it's not that bad- Uncle Lumina’ and Uncle Heart’ promised they would try not to kill each other this time” Banhammer let out a hearty laugh, leaning against his weapon like the fruity bastard he was. “Welp, I've gotta scram, the Banlands doesn't run itself! Hope ya make it to the reunion!” Banhammer said, not even giving Sword a chance to speak before making his exit.
.
.
.
.
What was all of that about? What family reunion? Sword….
Sword doesn’t have a family.
—-----------
The streets of Crossroads were bustling with the noise of passerby, locals at markets, shops full of people, and just the denizens of Crossroads in general.
But unlike the strangers on the street, Sword and Rocket were engrossed in conversation.
“-yeah! And then Banhammer kept ranting about this ‘family reunion’ as if I’m gonna be there. Weird, right? I’m not even related to the SFOTH, I think Banhammer went crazy or something…” Sword ranted to Rocket, all Sword was looking forward to was getting home and relaxing- if Venomshank didn’t force him to do hours of training…again.
“Dude, that must’ve been really weird, what did he even want from you anyway?” Rocket replied, stretching both his organic and prosthetic arms up and folding behind his head as he walked. Rocket then continued “Anyways, you were telling me earlier that your dad-”
“Mentor” Sword corrected, his face turning a little pink from embarrassment at the implication that Venomshank was his father, no way did Venomshank view him as a son! Sword thought, shaking off that tiny sad feeling in his chest.
“Fine, fine your Mentor. happy, prince boring?” Rocket snorted as he replied, kicking a pebble with his organic leg. “Anyways, you were telling me earlier about how your mentor was mumbling about some sort of event?” Rocket recalled, tilting his head at Sword as if staring at a 45 degree angle would give him the answer.
“Oh yeah! He’s been acting off all week… he’s been doing that thing where he paces around the room, he usually only does that when I’m in trouble or when he’s worried about something. I wonder why though…” Sword went quiet after saying that question, looking at the floor instead of Rocket.
Rocket looked over at his friend in concern before changing the topic in order to restore the positive atmosphere. “So… about that hangout session tomorrow-”
—--------When Sword got home—------
Sword opened his front door, kicking off his boots and hanging his cape on a hook in the hall. “Master Venomshank! I’m home!” Sword hollered up the stairs looking around as if that would spawn the poison god. “Master?” Sword repeated and stepped out into the home more.
Venomshank suddenly walked out from behind the doorway to the living room, he seemed to be dressed in even fancier attire than usual, with more golden accents and green tints, what could be the occasion? “Ah, Sword, I had just been searching for you.” Venomshank noted, he seemed to be ready for some fancy dinner party. “We must venture somewhere tonight, I would highly recommend you wear something more elegant.” Venomshank instructed to his mentee, who was really fucking confused but didn’t question his mentor.
Sword nodded his head, and quickly rushed up the stairs to change, he slid into his room and closed the door while already removing his helmet. Where was Venomshank gonna take him? And why did he need to wear something nice? Whatever, Sword better hurry or else Venomshank would think he’s slacking off again.
Once Sword reluctantly pulled on a suit and put his helmet back on, he walked down the stairs to meet his mentor again, tugging on the suit collar. “Im dressed, sir!” Sword announced like it was some sort of great achievement, what a chud.
“Good, we must depart immediately.” Venomshank said whilst walking into the hall, why was Venomshank holding a covered bowl of Blackrock salad?
Where was Venomshank gonna take him again?