#Giant disembodied suit of armor he will stay

[hughmanbean]

How Do You Do, Fellow Humans?

Now, Fright Knight is a very experienced ghost. He's served millennia, gone through the whole ordeal that was Pariah Dark, tolerated the Observants, and generally has a large area of competence.

But perhaps he should expand his skillset.

As he was guarding an outing of the Royal family, his Queen had inquired of his pastimes. He had answered with his duties.

"I mean, you should definitely get out some more, dude. Chill a bit. Not in the Far Frozen sense."

The Princess had agreed, saying that traveling would be quite the eye opening experience for him

His Queen assured him that the royal family could suffice without his presence "for a year or two, just make sure to visit."

So the Knight of Autumn sets out to find a mortal settlement that will work. He comes across Gotham City and its respective city spirit, Lady Gotham. She graciously invites him in, and he vows to remember her contribution. She merely gives an amused smile.

Within Gotham City, Fright Knight comes across a mortal woman controlling plant life, and even if subconsciously, follows her due to the familiarity to another ghost the Queen had "known."

She has a rendezvous with another mortal woman, and they go inside a house/haunt that radiates their love. Fright Knight stands outside of it for a week straight, attempting to deduce a way for him to meet them.

Harley, on the other hand, had just opened the door at like, 2:48 in the morning and her hyenas shoot straight out the door and around the house, barking. They jump around the legs of- a giant suit of armor? Really? Just staring at the wall, is it?

Gotham, truly, is delightful.

#dpxdc #dcxdp #dp x dc prompt #dp x dc #dc x dp #dp x dc crossover #Guess who? That right! #fright knight #good parents jack and maddie #queen mother danny phantom #poison ivy #harley quinn #fright knight does NOT have a mortal form #Giant disembodied suit of armor he will stay #If you want to continue this be my guest!

[antiquechampagne]

Antique Champagne - CH 43 - Glitz

Stepping out onto the platform, Payne couldn’t help but chuckle as Hancock wobbled on shaky legs. The movement of the monorail had played quite a trick on his equilibrium.

“No sea legs, eh boss?”

“Some people think ghouls aren’t meant to fly.”

Strong frowned as he passed by Hancock. “Ghoul not flying. Ghoul standing.”

Payne wrapped an arm around Hancock. “He’s got a point!”

“Ah, shut up! I’m fine!” He sat down on a bench. “Just give me a sec. I’m not used to the floor moving all around like that… at least when I’m not buzzed.”

Nate turned to the group, a serious look plastered on his face. “Now, I’ve got some ground rules. Here, in Nuka-World, I am the Overboss. There are three extremely large and deadly raider gangs I’m in charge of. They’ve been warned that I am bringing in some friends from the Commonwealth. They should leave you alone… but don’t push your luck. I’m trying to…” He paused, thinking of the right words. “…free a population of enslaved traders here with as little blood shed as possible. They are completely under the raider’s thumb. If things go sideways, a lot of innocent people will be caught in the crossfire.”

“Okay, don’t start any fights. Got it.” Payne could tell Hancock wasn’t thrilled but agreed.

Nate continued. “Second, you need to stay in the main parks. Don’t go wandering off into the bush. There are a lot of nasties out there… shit a lot bigger and deadlier than what we have in the Commonwealth. If I have to report to Fahrenheit that a cave cricket ate you, I have a feeling my head would end up on a pole.”

Hancock agreed. “I can see that rubbing her the wrong way.”

“Lastly,” His glare brightened into a smile. “Enjoy yourselves. There is a lot of stuff here to do. You have three days to explore the parks, but don’t forget to take some time to relax! Especially you!” He pointed a finger at Payne. “It’s no secret what you went through while this lug was taking his extended nap.”

Payne shooed him while she readjusted the bag on her shoulder. “Enough talking. Let’s get going! At least… if you can manage to walk.” She ribbed Hancock.

“Bah!” Hancock stood up. “I thought you wanted to spend your whole vacation in the parking lot.”

As they made their way across the vast empty expanse of pavement, Payne couldn’t contain herself as she passed under the giant marquee. She felt like her smile reached from ear to ear. As they walked by, groups of raiders would spot Nate, turn and nod at the Overboss.

“Let’s head over to the map so you guys can get your bearings.” Nate started to shuttle them around to a raised dais when they crossed paths with a giant walking cola bottle. It raised a rusted oversized gloved hand.

“Well, hello there, young lady! Welcome to Nuka-World!” a cheerful voice buzzed over a tinny internal speaker. “I’m N.I.R.A., your friendly Nuka-World Informational Robotic Assistant. Is this your first visit to Nuka-World?”

Payne snorted and smiled. “I’m not sure ‘young’ is the right way to describe me.”

“You know, a lot of people say just the same thing. The way we see it, everyone who steps through that gate is a child at heart. Now, before you set off on our grand Nuka-adventure, let me tell you about…” A strange electronic noise emitted from the robot, it’s arms shaking with some internal glitch.

“Error. System Malfunction.” The cheerful voice dropped an octave. “Are you finished wasting my time, you filthy, low-life scavver? Cause I’m getting bored, and when I get bored, I get violent!”

Payne’s eyes widened with surprise. “Ah… what?”

“Aw, what’s wrong, dirtbag? Too hopped up on chems to understand English? Or just too stupid? Well, I think you heard me just fine.” A grating tone interrupted N.I.R.A.’s tirade.

“System restored.” N.I.R.A.’s original cheery voice reasserted itself. “Oops! Sorry about that little glitch. Data logs indicate unauthorized tampering with my personality subroutines. Please contact a Nuka-World maintenance technician as soon as possible.”

From behind her, Nate stifled a laugh behind a fist. Payne turned around. “You knew that was going to happen, didn’t you!”

“Welcome to Nuka-World!” he quipped. Nate ushered the pair up the few steps to a giant map. “Get familiar with this map, there are plenty of left over brochures if you need one.” He started pointing to the map as he spoke. “Okay, we are in Nuka-Town USA. I’ll give you a tour in a bit, but I’ll warn you now: stay away from the raider dens. There are three of them, each easily identified by the graffiti around them.” He quickly pointed to the locations. “There is a bar, market and arcade you can check out. You will be staying in my personal apartment on top of Fizztop Mountain while you’re here. It has some of the best views in the park, if I do say so myself. It’s completely private and secure. If you really feel the need, you can go and talk to Bradberton under the old park offices… but I wouldn’t recommend it. He’s not the best company.”

Payne baulked. “Wait… Bradberton is still alive?!”

Nate shrugged. “In a manner if speaking… if you call a disembodied head in a jar being alive.”

“Holy shit! That’s nuts!” Hancock shook his head.

Nate nodded in agreement before pointing to an area on the map ringed by tall stone pillars. “That’s Dry Rock Gulch. It’s an old west themed park that has a decent saloon. The cowboy robots are a nice touch, but there’s not much else to do there.” Next he moved on to an area with a giant tree sprouting from the middle of it. “Safari Adventure specialized in exotic animals, quite a few even survived the war. Hancock has even arranged for a little something special there tomorrow evening.”

Payne glanced at the ghoul, who was hanging back watching her. She cocked an eyebrow, a wordless question that he left unanswered except for a coy smile.

“I’m sure Hancock is going to want to check out Kiddie Kingdom. Not only does it have quite a few working rides, but it is a ghoul safehouse. Oswald’s a stand up kinda guy and very protective of his friends.”

A man stepped up to the side of the dais. He was wearing yellow armor, one of his eyes similarly covered by a matching eyepatch.

“Boss? You gotta minute?”

“One sec, Gage.” Nate looked concerned as he turned back to Payne and Hancock. “Galactic Zone and World of Refreshment are still too dangerous for causal sightseeing. I suggest taking a minute to think about it. There is a lot to do in the park… if you are so inclined. Excuse me.” He stepped away to confer with the raider out of earshot.

Hancock came up behind Payne, wrapped his arms around her waist and gave a little squeeze. “Whatcha want to do?”

Payne gave a little sigh. “I’m a little overwhelmed, to be honest.” She turned her face to his. “I still can’t believe I’m actually here. I never thought I would see this place, even before the war.” Stepping free of his grasp, she slipped her hands into his. “You didn’t have to do this, you know.”

“I know, but you deserve something special for everything you did for me.” Before she could protest, he gently took her cheek in his hand, giving it a slow caress. “But don’t expect this every time you pull my ass out of the fire.”

She couldn’t help but chuckle. She turned back to the map. “I don’t know where to start. What do you want to do?”

“Lady’s choice.”

It was clear she wasn’t going to get any help from him.

While she studied the map, she remembered something Nate had mentioned. “What about the arcade? I haven’t been to one of those in ages. Hell, I think the last time I was in one I was… I don’t know… 11? We can drop our stuff off in the room, then hit the arcade. The winner can buy a round of drinks at the bar Nate talked about. We can worry about the other parks tomorrow after we get some rest. Sound good?”

Hancock nodded. “Sounds like a plan, chief.”

When Nate returned, they told him their plan.

Soon they stood at the foot of the towering Fizztop Mountain waiting for the industrial lift to lower to street level. Someone moving on the edge of Payne’s vision caught her attention. She turned to Nate and pointed to a man splashing around in a giant stagnant pool of water.

“Um… what is that guy doing?” She asked.

Nate rolled his eyes a bit. “That’s Dave. He thinks there is some kind of treasure hidden in the water.” “He hasn’t found anything.” Dave looked up. Nate gave him a little wave. “He’s been at it for weeks.”

The lift hit the concrete with a heavy metallic clank. As the group was slowly pulled into the air, Payne stared at the towering structure above her. The view reminded her of looking up at the dazzling lights of Lucky 38 casino as she walked the streets of Las Vegas so long ago. Once inside, Nate gave them a quick tour. It was clear the apartment had once been a swanky restaurant of some kind. Now it was retrofitted with a couple of bedrooms, several work benches and a variety of amenities to make the space more comfortable.

Returning to the dining room turned living space, Nate turned to them. “Well, I hope you enjoy it up here. I have some business to take care of. There is a stash of Nuka-Cade tokens and old world money in the bar. Feel free to use ’em. If you need me, just ask around.”

Soon the Overboss was lowered out of sight, leaving the pair alone. In the living room, a huge bed sat in the corner, partially quartered off by a myriad of trunks and tall dressers, creating a semi-private room. Opening a large footlocker, Hancock stashed his pack inside, Payne following suit.

“It’s so quiet up here! I’m not used to that anymore,” she commented as she gazed out the floor to ceiling windows… most of which were still intact. The night speckled with rows of lights from the various facades dazzled her for a moment. “The view up here is amazing!”

“The view’s not what I’m looking at…” Hancock smiled before giving her a quick squeeze. “But we’ll have time for that later. Right now,” he released her, and gave her a little shove. “I’m ready to kick your ass in the arcade!”

Payne headed to the bar, pocketing the stash of tokens and cash. “Remember, loser buys drinks!”

“You’re on!”

They made their way to the arcade, their spirits high. Inside, Payne felt transported back in time. An array of blinking neon lights and shrill music bombarded her senses. A gruff raider grunted as they entered.

Payne’s eyes went wide. “Oh my god! They have Whac-a-Commie! I haven’t played that game in ages!” She ran over the squat red square contraption, grabbing the mallet. She fed coins into the slot, raising the weapon in giddy anticipation.

For the next few hours, they drifted from machine to machine, carousing, cursing and laughing the whole time. Payne was a natural at Whac-a-Commie, while Hancock quickly became an ace at Atomic Rollers. He easily sunk shot after shot in the center hole, so much so that Payne took to poking and tickling him randomly to throw him off his. They were cackling so uproariously by the time they got to Hoop Shot that, even though both of them tried, neither could concentrate enough to get close to landing on the leader board. After the ticket machine totaled their armful of tickets, Payne raised her Nuka-Cola Victory in triumph, leaving Hancock to nurse his loss with a paltry Nuka-Grape and a plush sloth.

“You cheated.” He playfully grumbled. “You just couldn’t stand how great a throwing arm I have.”

She brushed him off. “The only reason you’re so good with that arm is because of how much time you spend stroking yourself with it! Now, pay up!”

They headed to the bar. The older woman behind the counter served them a couple of beers. While they stood chatting and drinking, a raider approached them.

“You two are the Overboss’ special guests in the park, aren’t you?” Her voice was low and even, almost calculating.

Payne studied the woman. She wondered how the raider could see at all, given her matte metal helmet seemed to encase the top of her head, with no perceivable eyeholes. The shape was reminiscent of an angry gecko, its frill stretched out on display.

“Yeah, we are. What’s it to you?” Payne asked.

“Oh, I mean no intrusion. We occasionally get traders that wander through, but never actual guests. The Overboss must think very highly of you.”

Hancock nodded. “I suppose he does.”

“How are you enjoying our little slice of heaven?” The evenness with which the woman spoke unnerved Payne. Her tone was like silk dipped in poison.

“So far so good. We only just got here. Gotta say, your arcade is riot.” Hancock pulled the purple sloth and playfully made it nod its head. “I might just have to start a collection.”

Payne had a suspicion that the raider was not interested Hancock, but somehow scrutinizing her.

“Delightful.” The raider barely tilted her head in Payne’s direction. “May I beg an indulgence?” Payne nodded. “I am quite the admirer of blades. Some may even call me a collector of sorts. I noticed the knife at your side. May I see it?”

Payne glanced down at the weapon strapped to her hip. She gave a small shrug. “Sure.” Deftly, she unsheathed the blade and handed to the woman.

The raider turned the knife over in her hands, studying the curve of the blade and testing the balance. Her thumb traced the D carved into the handle.

“Where did you happen to find such an exquisite beauty?”

“I pulled it out from between my ribs.” Payne said flatly. Something about this woman rubbed her the wrong way, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“You should have seen what she did to the one who put it there!” Hancock interjected.

“I see.” The raider flipped the knife gracefully, facing the hilt towards Payne. “Let’s hope she serves you better than her previous owner.” Payne replaced it in its sheath.

The raider walked away without another word and disappeared out the door.

Hancock leaned over to her. “Well, that was random.”

The bartender spoke under her breath. “You might want to be a bit more careful.”

“Why?” Payne asked.

“That was Nisha. I suggest you don’t get on the Disciples leader’s bad side… unless you want to end up sliced up like a brahmiluff roast.” Before they could ask any questions, the bartender found herself something else more pressing to clean at the opposite end of the bar.

Payne and Hancock quickly finished their drinks and retired to the apartment high in the sky.

“It’s been a long day. I think I’ll hit the sack.” Payne said.

“Where are you going? The bed’s out here!”

Payne pointed to the giant windows. “I’d rather not sleep in a solar oven, thank you very much.”

Hancock winced. “Forgot… sorry.”

Payne quickly fell asleep. A few hours later, she felt the bed bow as Hancock crawled in next to her. She smiled, hoping tomorrow would be even more fun than today had been.

#antique champagne #fallout #fallout 4 #nuka world #fan fiction #fan fic #fanfic #ao3 #payne #hancock #sole survivor #nate #strong #gage #vacation #fluff