05


After the 'appropriate' greeting, Judy angrily pulls out her pistol and points it at the intruder.

Judy: Who the fuck are you?!

Man In Black: Why, is that any way to greet a guest?

Judy: "Guest" my ass! Now spill it, the fuck you're doing here in my house?

Man In Black: Well, since I feel like I'm not welcome, I just want to inform you that the one who took the Sandevistan...was Jack Kubo.

Gloria: What?!!

Judy: How the fuck you know that?

Man In Black: Not only that, but as we speak, he's been expelled from Arasaka Academy after assaulting Katsuo Tanaka.

Judy looks at Gloria, who has her head down and is shaking. But when she turns back to the man.........he's already gone.

Judy: What the fuck? Did he just pulled a fuckin' Houdini? *turns back to Gloria* Gloria, you okay?

Gloria doesn't say a word, but keeps her head down.

Judy: I know you're worried about Jack. I am, too, but we can't just sit here and do nothing. Whoever that guy was, he knows who Jack is, and he might try something to get his hands on that Sandy--

Gloria: Of course I'm worried about him... He and David were the only two I've had... But I'll find Jack, and when I do........................... *pissed off mother mode* HE IS SO FUCKING GROUNDED FOR GETTING HIMSELF FUCKING EXPELLED AFTER EVERYTHING I DID FOR THAT LITTLE SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!

Judy: *mutters to herself* (-_-) Oh boy. Jack's gonna be in serious shit when he comes back.

Back to Jack

While Jack is showering, he gets a strange chill down his spine.

Jack: Why do I have this feeling someone's talking about me? *shrugs* Probably something I caught from that Sandevistan.

After cleaning up, Jack goes to the closet to put on something on, since he's now a drop-out, but while he's doing that, he notices something behind the clothes. He moves the stuff out of the way to get a better look at it, and to his surprise, it was a katana. Curious, he takes it out to get a better look at it. He then takes the blade out of the scabbard, and is shocked to see that the blade is red.

Jack: Holy shit, where the fuck did Gloria get a sword this preem?

Jack looks around to see if the cost is clear before smiling at the sword.

Jack: I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I 'borrowed' it for a while.

Soon, he gets dressed in his clothes, grey hoodie, black pants, shoes, and gloves. And to accessorize, he puts on a face mask he bought a week earlier. He picks up the katana and is now ready to go.

Once outside, Jack goes to the same rails that he and David would always go. Once on top, he looks down and sees the garbage that's down below. He jumps off, and lands safely in the garbage. From there, he goes to the sights he usually goes to when going to school. He once again sees a woman and a girl waving at him.

Woman: *waves at him* Hey! How you doing?

Jack simply waves back at her. He goes to where the guy is masterbating again. It cuts to him sitting on some stairs where a cop is making a call.

Cop: Shit happens all the time. I'm telling you it's a load of crap.

Finally, he rides in the public train, wearing his sword over his shoulder and his hands in his pockets. But then, he sees the same rainbow-colored hair from before, going past him.

Jack: Huh?

He looks around until he sees the woman standing behind a man. He sees her doing something that causes a socket to come out of the guys neck before taking it and walk away from him. He sees her go to another man, repeats the same process. Jack decided not to pay any mind. That is, until he feels it happening to him, so on instinct, he uses the Sandevistan to move fast and grabs the woman's wrist.

This catches the woman off guard. Jack maintains a calm expression. The woman pulls her hand free from Jack's grasp and takes his wrist.

Woman: Come on.

The woman pulls Jack along with her towards the other end of the transit.

Woman: So, what's your angle? Spill it.

Jack: My angle?

Woman: Whay do you want? You're mussing up my work.

Jack: *sarcastic* Work, huh? Since when did picksocketing became a career choice?

Woman: So, what? You're gonna put cuffs on me?

Jack: If I was a badge, I would.

Out of nowhere, the woman places her hands on Jack's face, as he lets out a nervous gasp.

Woman: Hmm... Do I know you?

Jack: *blush* No, uh... Not really. I don't think so. *thoughts* Shit. I hope she didn't noticed me or Dee watching her from two days ago--

Jack is taken out of his thinking when the woman forcibly turns him around and pushes him to the wall before pulling down the collar of his top to see the Sandevistan.

Woman: *cool* Ah! Lookey, here, you are in trouble.

Jack: Huh?

Woman: Really? A Sandevistan? Damn. Do tell me where you found it. Wait. Curiosity killed the cat and all that. *scoffs* Crazy idea. How about we work together?

Jack: Doing what? Stealing?

Woman: Is it stealing if I only hit Arasaka suits?

Jack: Come on. Do I look corpo to you?

Woman: Funny you should ask. Scan did pick up an Arasaka Academy ID. But you're right, you're definitely don't look the type, that's for sure.

Jack: I, uh... I kinda dropped out.

Woman: Ah! What a bad boyo.

Jack: *groans* So, you just target 'Saka, huh?

Woman: *chuckles* Why? You in? Gonna break poor mama's heart if she finds out, you know.

The woman let's Jack go......all while unraveling the Monowire she had around his neck, this whole time. The then goes to the next car.

Woman: Listen up. Lesson number 1. Less judgement, more awareness.

Jack: Yeah, sure, whatever. So, what's my cut?

Woman: Well split the haul, 80-20.

Jack: What? Fuck that. We both he halfsies on the work and then I get ennies?

Woman: I'm the one who'll be pushing the klepped shards. Plus, got a trainee to supervise now.

Jack: Trainee? Come on. I'm really tight on eddies right now. 60-40's fair, ain't it?

Woman: *turns around to face Jack* 70-30. And I'll pay the second the job's done. I think that's fair.

Jack: .......Alright. That sounds fine.

Woman: It's a deal. *holds up her hand* I'm Lucy, 'kay?

Jack smirks and shakes Lucy's before shaking it.

Jack: Jack...

It cuts to the transit now going into a tunnel. Lucy can now be seen sitting next to an old woman while on the phone with Jack.

Jack:
[Clear? Reading me clear?]

Lucy:
[Crystal. Good.]

Jack:
[My end too. Our mark, yeah?]

Lucy:
[Three o'clock. Don't turn.]

Jack sees a man in a suit who's trying to keep his head up, but was a bit tired.

Jack:
[Got 'im.]

Lucy:
[Moving in. Okay, set? Ready...to roll. Three, two, one...

Jack gets ready.

Lucy:
[Showtime.]

A shard ejects from the man's neck and Jack quickly catches it, thanks to the Sandevistan without being noticed.

Jack:
[Well, that was easy ;⁠-⁠)]

Lucy:
[Chill, noob, chill. Real deals next.]

Jack:
[*smirks* Bring it!]

Lucy:
[Three chirpy shesuits? Yada-go!

Jack speeds passed three women who're have a conversation before taking their chips.

Lucy:
[Then the two-two braindance glazed.]

Jack repeats the process with two more men who are looking through some kind of BD.

Jack:
[Easy. Come on. Give me a challenge, please.]

Lucy:
[Okay, okay. Big fish, big loot coming up.]

Jack:
[Sounds...]

But when Jack sees the next target, he realizes that he's...a little bit bigger than the rest.

Jack:
[Doesn't scream corpo to me.]

Lucy:
[Nope. Hired muscle. Ready? Three, two, one.]

Jack:
[(0_0) Wait!]

The chip ejects, so Jack uses the Sandevistan and jumps in the air and catches it before hiding so to not get caught...or get his legs broken.

Lucy:
[Nice, nice. We've bled this car dry. Next stop, ghost.]

Jack sighs in relief.

Jack:
[Yeah...]

Later, Jack's POV

After a bit of picksocketing, me and Lucy goes somewhere to relax.

Jack: So, how did I do?

Lucy: I'd say you're well worth the 20%.

Jack: Hey, it's 30!

Lucy: *giggles* Kidding.

Jack: *sighs* So, you wanna keep this up? Another car?

Lucy: A different line maybe? Someone's probably tipped the pigs off by now. When we hop around, less chance--

But while she was talking, I started to feel...dizzy, like the world around me was spinning, and blood was coming out of my nose. And before I knew it, I blacked out...

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When I came to, I find myself in the back of a fucking ambulance. Shit, that means we're going to a hospital. If you're not insured or a client, then you're fucked.

Lucy: How bad is he?

EMT: Typical rookie mistake. Hasn't taken any precautions since the implant was installed. Which immunosuppressant is he on? Hey, this guy insured?

Lucy: Haven't got a clue. For sure doesn't look like he would.

EMT: Any family, legal guardian? Anyone I can call?m

Lucy: Dunno. Parents, I guess. Used to go to Arasaka Academy.

EMT: Arasaka? *scoff* No wonder he could afford... Hey. Hold on a sec.

Lucy: *looks at Jack* Morning. So, how are you feeling?

Jack: Like utter shit.

Lucy: Remember which pills you take?

Jack: Pills?

Lucy: What? *laughs* Wow, man! *giggles* You're psycho.

Just then, I can hear engine buzzing, which can only mean one thing...

We'd just passed the hospital. And that also means that this nurse is gonna try and sell me off to somebody for the Sandevistan . I gotta get the fuck out of here.

Lucy: Hey, lady, we just passed the hospital--

*Gun cocked*

I see the nust pulling out a Unity (a pistol).

Lucy: Oh, my.

EMT: Listen, choom, this kid got an implant on him that's fetch at least a couple of K. So, just sit back and relax and--

Lucy: *scoffs* Is that right? You, like, cut a deal with some Scavengers?

EMT: I said sit back and chill or we'll probe you for chrome too.

Lucy: Sorry, Jack. Looks like we gotta change our plans. You're back to 20.

Jack: *blunt* Whatever, just get me the fuck out of here.

Adter saying that, she kicks me towards the Nurse, pushing her back. I then see her unlock the doors and jump on top of me, all thile having this crazy facial expression.

She then kick the doors open, and we both go strolling out into the street...in moving traffic.

Lucy: *cheering* WOOHOO! LET'S GO! YEAH!

While we were moving, I can tell that Lucy was maneuvering the gurneys to avoid any passing car. Even though this was supposed to be frightening, something about the moving lights, moving fast in front of my eyes. Like...I was going through some kind of portal. And this woman... Lucy... The way she smiles...

I think... I think...

Jack's thoughts: I think I'm gonna puke...

Later, Lucy's POV

After getting away from the ambulance and traffic, I stop us from moving. I look and see that Jack...wasn't looking too good.  There's puke all over his face and his are almost rolled up to the back of his head.

Lucy: Whoops. Hey, doin' okay? Not gonna die, are ya?

Jack: *groaning* Doc's...

Lucy: Huh?

Jack: Doc's clinic. Ripperdoc. Get me there.

Lucy: *sighs*

Doc's clinic

Doc: Jack, buddy. *chuckles* Man, you look like shit.

Jack: *scoffs* Yeah, thanks a lot.

Doc: *chuckles* How many times you fire it up?

Jack: Don't know. Maybe eight.

Doc: Jesus Henry Christ. Grown-ass man couldn't take that punishment.

Jack: I was fine an hour ago and then...my nose started bleeding.

Lucy: Gonk had no immunoblockers. You care to explain?

Doc: Ah, didn't really see the need.

Lucy: *scoffs* Thought wrong, then. Sell him the meds.

Doc: Shit off the shelf ain't gonna cut it. Different league. *looks at Jack* You good for it?

Jack: You're fucking charging me?

Doc: Fucking right, I am! Ain't runnin' no charity, choom.

Lucy: *takes out some shards and puts them on the desk* How much will these buy?

Doc: Heh. Two days' worth.

Doc put down a bag of some immunoblockers.

Lucy: That's it?

Doc: Hey, feel free to shop around, sweetheart. 'Course that might land you back with the Scavs. *laughs*

Jack: Greedy bastard.

Lucy heads out.

Doc: Sure you really wouldn't rather have it gone?

Jack: Since it's already installed, there's no point in getting it off.

Doc: Still can't quite believe you fired thay thing up eight times in one goddamn day. You're either a total masochist or... Listen close, Jacky. Two a day, no more. Three maybe, but that's then max. No bullshit. Evem if your body can take it, that egghead of yours sure can't. Keep fucking around and that implant gonna scramble ya brain.

Jack: So... You're saying a single implant could make me a cyberpsycho? Is that fucking possible? Never heard of that happenin' before.

Doc: Well, Jack, guess you just heard it from me, didn't ya?

After the chat with Doc, Jack gets up to leave.  Once he's outside, he sees Lucy, who was waiting for him.

Jack smiles back, and the two goes to a nearby bench to sit down.

Lucy: So, you all done?

Jack: Uh, yeah.

Lucy: Well, then I guess that's a wrap for today.

Jack: Hey, I can still run.

Lucy: You big dope.  I'm not about to start babysitting a cyberpsycho.  Sandevistan, only use it when you got no other choice.  Lots of other ways to churn out eds.

Jack: Still wanna work with me even after that?

Lucy: Think I'd let you go without paying me back first?

Jack: *chuckles* Well, that's good.  'Cause I definitely need the eddies.

Lucy: That's the spirit.

Jack: Sure you're not up for some more tonight?  I'm kind of lagged on rent.

Lucy: Not tonight.  Tomorrow.

Jack: Okay then.

Lucy: *stands up* Come on.

Jack: Huh?  I thought you said didn't want to.

Lucy: It's not work-related.

Jack: Huh? :⁠-⁠\

Later

Lucy: Right here.

The two arrives at Lucy's apartment. 

Jack: You live here?

Lucy: Hm-mmm.  And?

Jack: Nothing.

Lucy: *chuckles* What?  You nervous or something?

Jack: Of course not.

Lucy: This your first time?

Jack: Fuck, no.

Lucy: *giggles*

Jack: *a bit annoyed* Shut up!

Once they got inside her place, Jack looks around.

Lucy: Beer's all I got.  You drink?

Jack: Uh, well...

When i muttered that last part, I started to think about the first time I drank with David.

Flashback, Jack's POV

I was completely wasted and David had to walk me back home 'cause I was too drunk to drive.  When we got there, we were met by a very concerned Gloria, who had her hands on her hips.

Gloria: Where have you boys been?  Don't you both know that you have school tomorrow, 'ey?

David: *chuckles nervously* Well...  The thing is...

Jack: *hic* We were at the *hic* bar and got WASTED!!

David: (O_O) CHOOM!!

Gloria: *sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose* You realize that you're both grounded, right?

David: (-_-) Right...  Thanks, Jack...

Jack: *drunken speech* Hey, Gloria, I not sure if anybody told you, but are ONE sexy mama!  And for ass looks pretty nice.

Gloria: *blush*

David: Okay!  You had a little too much to drink.

End of flashback, No POV

Jack: *mumbles* That was humiliating...

Lucy: What was that?

Jack: Nothing.  Sure I'll take a beer.

Jack takes one of the bottles off her hand.

Jack: Cheers.

*Glass clank*

Jack takes a seat and takes a sip of beer, while Lucy lights up a cigarette.  When she blows the smoke near Jack's, he starts to cough.

Lucy: *chuckles* Oh, boy.  Seriously?  So, it is your first time drinking.

Jack: No, I have.  It's just--

Lucy: *drinks* Hm-mmm.

Jack: I'm not a fan of smoking.

Lucy: I wouldn't tease you about that.

Jack: I'm telling the truth!

Lucy: Sure you are.  What's with that getup anyway?

I see her get up and go in front of me.

Lucy: Take it off.

Jack: *confused* What?  Why?

Lucy: Just do it.  Come on.

Jack was abit reluctant at first, but does what she says.

Lucy: Oh...

Jack: What?

Lucy: *flirty* Nice abs.

Jack: *blush, hands her the hoodie* J-just take it already.

The boy watches her drape it over her shoulder and starts typing up something.  A few seconds later, he sees the word, "Edgerunners" on the back.

Jack: Edgerunners?

Lucy: Another word for cyberpunk.  It's who you wanna be, don't ya?

Jack: *scoffs* JK's Edgerunner series.  I'm a fan.

Lucy: *giggles* You serious?

Jack: *turns to a poster* Right back at ya.  Like that gonk poster.

Lucy: ........Got a problem?

Jack: No.  Just kinda whacked me out a bit.  All of those ads makin' it seem like it's kind of paradise or something.  Lots of peeps died trying to turn that fucking rock into something useful.  More like a fucking prison camp than paradise, if you ask me.

Lucy: *lays behind Jack* Sounds to me like someone did their homework.

Jack: It's just a bunch of shit me and David learned in school.

Lucy: Begging your pardon, prep boy.

Jack: Fuck off, it ain't like that.

Lucy: Isn't it?  Never met a pleb who attended a 'Saka school.

Jack: It's not!  *gulps down some beer* *gasps* We weren't very well off.  There's no way they would accepted two kids off the street like that.  Gloria worked damn hard to keep us in the Academy, scraping together eddies anyways she could.  You wanna know the real kicker though?  We knew from day one we'd never belong there. 

Lucy: So why srick around for so long?  Or at all.

Jack: Good fuckin' question.  Guess it was for Gloria.  She wanted us to succeed.  To climb up the ranks of the corpo ladder at Arasaka, top floor.

Lucy: And why'd you keep calling your mom "Gloria"?

Jack: ...

Lucy: Hm?

Jack: To tell you the truth, I never knew who my real parents were.  For all I know, I could've been abandoned or some shit like that.  Gloria found me, took me in, and raised me like I her own blood.  David was a brother to me.  Heh, we sometimes get ourselves into all sorts of trouble.

Lucy: And where is this David.

Jack: ........Dead...

Lucy: What...?

Jack: *somber* From a car accident.  Last night.

I then feel her moving her face close to my own.

Lucy: ...Tell me something.  Is working at Arasaka your dream?

Jack: My dream?

Lucy: Well, yeah.  You, Gloria, David, you're different people.  Why should you work hard to achieve her dream?

Jack: Actually, there's no problem with that.  Besides, I wanted to thank her for giving me a home.

Lucy: You need to find your own dream.

Jack: Sounds to me like you already found yours.  *looks at the poster* Is that a joke, or what?

Lucy: You called it a prison camp.  To me, this city's a whole lot worse.

Jack: This place?

Lucy: I wanna go away.  Far as possible.

Jack: ...

Lucy: Come on.  Got something to show ya.

Jack: Huh? 

It then cuts to them now laying on Lucy's bed with Braindance headsets on.

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Jack: Whoa.

The two are now in a simulation...of the moon itself.

Jack: Holy shit!  Check out this resolution!  I can feel the fucking sun.

Lucy: That's through your personal link.  It's what allows you to feel the heat of the sun.  Of course, you'd be fried crispy if I gave you the actual temp.  I made sure to lower the settings, mellow out the experience.

Just then, Jack takes a step and soon, he finds himself floating in zero gravity.

Lucy: Dial it back up?

Jack: *excited* No way, this is fucking awesome!

Lucy: *laughs* You look ridiculous!

(Cue "I Really Wanna Stay At Your House")

As Jack continues to jump around in zero gravity, Lucy joins him.

Lucy: *giggles* Nova, huh?

Jack: *chuckles* Yeah!  This is totally preem!

Lucy: Isn't it?  *gestures* Over here.

It cuts to the two walking on the surface of the moon, while a space station can be seen from afar, and walking passed a astronauts who are busy.  While they're walking, Lucy gestures her fingers.  Jack sees them curiously till he realizes that she wants his hand.  Jack is about to grab it, but Lucy grabs his instead, and the two goes up.

After a few seconds, they land back down to a Lunar Buggy.  Lucy get in the driver's seat while Jack hangs on them side of the vehicle.  Lucy turns on the ignition and starts driving.

Jack: *chuckles*

Lucy: *giggles*

They drive all over the lands till they came to a stop and get off.  They find a pair of helmets and put them on.  Jack sees Lucy, who is drinking from a pouch while wearing the helmet.  She tosses it to Jack, who catches it and looks at it.  He drinks from it.

Jack's POV

I'm not gonna lie.  This DB...was the most exciting thing I'd ever experienced in my whole life.  After our fun, me and Lucy sits by this nearby crater.

Lucy: First time I've shown anyone this.

Jack: Oh, really?  *blushes* Uh, so, like, why me?

Lucy: Dunno.  Guess it just felt right.

Jack: Hmm.

Lucy: *smiles* Got this feeling.  *turns to face Jack* Think you and I'd make a pretty good team.

Jack: Really?  I think so too.

Lucy: ...

The way she smiles.  I don't know how to subscribe it.  I then see her leace the simulation, leaving me by myself, but I didn't mind.  I'd just smiled to myself and just look up at the Earth.  For the first time, I felt like nothing could go wrong from here...

(Cut the music)

Maine:

Jack: *confused* Huh?

In the midst of my confusion, I was suddenly pulled out of the BD when the headset was yanked from me. 

Maine: Tough deal, but...

When I sat up, I was greeted by three people, consisting of two men and one woman.

Maine: That implant you chipped is all mine.  I be takin' back now.

Judging by the big guy's voice, I could tell that he's fucking pissed.  I turned to see Lucy, but she was sitting there, having a smoke.

I turned back to the three, in hopes of trying to explain, but when I did, the last I saw was a--

*PUNCH*

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To be continued

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