(Marvel, DC, images, manhuas, and every anime that will be mentioned and used in this story are not mine. They all belong to their respective owners. The main character "Karito Josue Valdez" and the story are mine)
The two brothers, David, and his older sibling were in the living room surrounded by Maine's team, who were suspended upside down from the ceiling. David felt intimidated by his brother's commanding presence and remained silent throughout the ordeal. Karito had warned David that his brother was not here to hurt them but instead, sought to ally with them, leaving David bewildered but willing to go along with it. He watched from a distance as his brother conducted an intense interrogation on one of the couches.
(Karito) He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. "I know I might have come on a bit strong with you guys. I'm sorry about that."
(Maine) He tried to break free from the webs that were holding him down but to no avail. "What are you talking about?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
(Karito) Karito met Maine's gaze with a serious expression "Listen, I don't want any hard feelings between us. To be honest, I've been in a bit of a bad mood for the past few days, and it might have influenced my behavior when we first met. But I don't want to hold any grudges. So, tell me, what is it that you want? I have a feeling that this whole situation might just be a misunderstanding."
The room was silent as everyone tried to process what Karito had just revealed. They had all been on the receiving end of his violent outburst, but now he was claiming it was just a release of pent-up stress. Despite his explanation, it was hard for the group to trust him fully. After all, he had just viciously attacked them, so the idea that he was trying to play the role of the "nice guy" seemed a bit far-fetched. Nevertheless, there was something about Karito's demeanor that gave people an odd sense of comfort. His expression seemed sincere and inviting, almost as if he was offering a safe space for them to open up to him. It was a strange dynamic, and everyone was trying to make sense of it.
(Maine) "If what you're saying is true... then cut my team down from the ceiling and tear these webs from my arms and legs. I want to see if you're telling the truth."
(Karito) "I swear on my honor that I'm not lying to you. But, I need you to promise me that you won't attack me. I have a feeling that you might be thinking about it, and I can sense that you're considering it."
Karito approached the group with caution, as they were still wary of his intentions. He extended his stinger, which emerged from his forearm, and used it to carefully slice through the bindings that held Maine and the others captive. As they rubbed their wrists and regained their footing, the room was filled with an air of tense anticipation. No one knew what to expect next, and they remained on high alert, ready to defend themselves if necessary.
(Karito) "...Honestly, I just want to put this all behind us. I'm exhausted from all the shit that's been happening. Can we just sit and talk?"
(Pilar) "Really?"
(Dorio) "Okay, let's give him the benefit of the doubt. He could easily overpower us, but he's not. So maybe he's telling the truth."
(Kiwi) "...He does seem genuine, so maybe we should hear him out."
Everyone cautiously took their seats in the living room, the atmosphere was thick with distrust and uncertainty. Despite this, Karito appeared relaxed and unaffected, lounging on the couch with a carefree demeanor. This only added to the tension in the room, as everyone tried to gauge whether or not Karito was being truthful about his intentions. The situation was becoming increasingly complex, and no one was quite sure what to do next.
((Karito) "Okay, let's try to get to the bottom of this. What's the issue here?"
(Maine) "I want to know why your brother is wearing my chrome."
(Karito) "You mean the Sandevistan?"
(Maine) "Yes, the fucking San-"
(Karito) Interrupting, he slams his beer on the table "Please, let's keep the language respectful."
(Pilar) GULPS nervously.
(Maine) "...Yes, the Sandevistan."
(Karito) "Your chrome? We had no idea, I swear."
(Maine) "Yes, I bought and paid for it. But my supplier disappeared once I made the payment."
(Dorio) "That's what you get for paying in advance."
(Karito) Puts on a thoughtful expression.
The silence in the room was palpable, with the tension rising and making Maine and his group feel uneasy. The air was thick with anticipation as they waited for Karito to respond, their nerves on edge and the sounds of their breathing the only noise in the room. The pressure was almost unbearable as the seconds ticked by, making it seem like an eternity before anyone spoke again.
(Maine) "She's good people, one of our own. Just looking to make some fast scratch. She'd been good for it too, up 'till now."
(Karito) Clicks his tongue in frustration. "Oh...fuck..."
(Maine) "What? What is it?" Maine leans forward, his voice filled with anxiety.
(Karito) "Your supplier... Is her name Gloria Martinez?"
(Maine) "Yes, she's your mother. Lucy told us your second name so we thought that we could find her through you guys."
(Karito) Facepalms in disbelief. "Goddamn it..."
(Dorio) "Why do you keep slouching down?" She furrows his brow.
(Karito) "We didn't know it was yours, that was our bad. But she didn't ghost you... she died." The room falls silent, everyone's thoughts weighed down by this news.
Everyone gasped in shock at the news, except David who hung his head in sadness. The room was filled with an eerie quiet as everyone tried to process the sudden turn of events. David's quiet demeanor only added to the heavy atmosphere, as the weight of the loss seemed to weigh down on everyone in the room.
(Karito) "To be specific... it was yesterday. Reason why I beated you guys badly... sorry."
(Maine) "What the fuck? But I just talked to her two days ago. What happened? The badges get'er? Or-"
(Karito) "Car accident. We got in the middle of a crossfire from some crazy dudes and one of the cars broke down and hit us straight on. The car had explosives and... the whole bridge went down and me and my brother survived, but she didn't. Nothing to do with the Sandevistan."
The group let out a collective sigh as they processed the information. The tension in the room dissipated as they began to understand the situation. The group became less cautious, their guard lowering as they absorbed the news.
(Dorio) "It explains why she never returned our calls."
(Maine) "I'm sorry for your loss, guys. It's tough, but..."
(Karito) "I understand. The Sandevistan was yours, but my brother has it now. We can work something out."
(Pilar) "Yeah, I remember being a kid too. Chipping away at all the military-spec chrome my mother left lying around. Good times, good times. Christ! This kid's obviously got a screw loose!"
Karito simply smiled and shrugged, showing that he wasn't bothered by Pilar's rambling. This caused a sense of relief to wash over Maine and his group, as they had been bracing themselves for a potential outburst from Karito. But it became apparent that he was more understanding and relaxed than they had initially thought.
(Karito) "So you're saying you grab scraps too?"
(Pilar) "Really? You're a builder?"
(Karito) "Yeah, I sell most of my work on the black market."
(Pilar) "Impressive, kid."
(Dorio) "But you two were unaware of what your mother was doing."
(Maine) Sighs
(Karito) "Are you guys cyberpunks?"
(Maine) "What's it to you?"
(Karito) "Here's my proposal. Let David keep the Sandy. I can't pay you right now, but I'll work it off with gigs, however many it takes. Deal?"
(Maine) "Not good enough. The Sandy is military-grade and not easy to replace."
(Karito) "We'll get back the payment my mom made to you."
(Maine) "No deal."
(Karito) "Think about it. My brother and I can be valuable assets for you. You've seen what I can do. Do you want another demonstration?"
(Maine) Sweats nervously "No... I know what you're capable of... but what about your brother? I ain't taking care of him."
(Karito) "You don't have to worry. My brother follows my orders and we work together perfectly. I take full responsibility for him."
(David) "I can fire the Sandevistan."
(Pilar) "No way. You're just a kid, you can't even operate it without collapsing."
(Karito) "Don't underestimate him, he has some surprises up his sleeve."
Dorio, Maine, Kiwi, and Pilar all turned their attention towards Karito, their eyes filled with intrigue. They were eager to hear what he had to say and were interested in learning more about his brother and his capabilities.
(Pilar) "Body his size'd sizzle up after two hits."
(David) "Try eight. No sizzle."
(Dorio & Maine) "Hmm?"
(Pilar) "C'mon. That's a load of bunk and we all know it."
(Karito) "See for yourself." Throws a recording from the train from his point of view
(Pilar) "...What kind of tech is this?"
(Karito) "My own, now look." The video plays showing David activating his Sandy and emerging unscathed.
All of Maine's group except Lucy watched intently as the video recording played out. Karito could be seen giving David precise instructions, which he followed with precision. David's fingers moved deftly over the controls of the Sandevistan as he activated it no fewer than 8 times, just as Karito had promised. The group was amazed at the level of control and endurance that David had over the advanced technology.
(Pilar) "Holy shit! What in the fast-forward fuck was that?!"
(Maine) "That's really impressive."
(Karito) "Don't worry, we won't let you down. My brother and I work well together and we're both skilled in what we do. We won't mess up any job you take us on."
(David) "And I promise I'll do my best to control the Sandevistan. I won't let you down."
Maine locked eyes with Karito, searching for any hint of deceit or untrustworthiness. But all he saw was truth and determination in the young man's eyes. After a moment of consideration, Maine finally made his decision.
(Maine) "Alright, one chance. But you better come through for me, Karito." He scrutinizes the younger brother. "And as for you, little one," he nods towards David, "you've got a lot to live up to. Let's hope you're as good as your brother says."
(Pilar) "I'm still skeptical," Pilar grunts, crossing his arms.
(Dorio) "I have to admit, I'm still a bit uncertain about David. But Karito, I think he's got the skills to pull it off."
(Maine) "I'm taking a chance here, but it's for Gloria's memory. And who knows, maybe the younger brother is cut from the same cloth."
(David) "Thank you, Maine. You won't regret it," David promises, determination etched on his face.
Lucy approached the brothers and was about to embrace them, but she had a hidden motive - to plant a tracking device on them. However, her plan was interrupted as she noticed that Karito didn't have anything slots on him to plant the device on.
(Lucy) "What is this?"
(Karito) "I don't have any cybernetic enhancements, I'm all organic."
(Pilar) "...You're like a real-life mutant, you know that?"
(Karito) "I'm aware."
(Maine) "Every time I think I've got this guy figured out, he surprises us again."
(Dorio) "It's freakin' scary."
(Maine) "Either way, your little bro has a tracking chip implanted. We don't want you two running off on us. I know you wouldn't abandon your brother, right?"
(Karito) "I understand your caution, but we have no intention of running."
(Maine) "Yeah, I've heard that before. A lot."
(Karito) "Could they take you all down, by themselves?"
(Maine) "..."
(Pilar) "He's got a point though. He could have taken us out easily."
(Maine) "Touché."
Maine, Pilar, Kiwi, and Dorio rose from their seats in the living room and made their way toward the exit door, their footsteps echoing through the silent space. As they approached the door, Maine reached out and grabbed the handle, ready to lead the group out into the unknown.
(Maine) "Be hearin' from me tomorrow." He leaves with his team
The group's departure left Lucy, David, and Karito in an awkward silence until Karito spoke up, breaking the hush.
(Karito) "So, cyberpunks. Those are the types of people you associate with."
(Lucy) "Uh-huh..."
(David) "I thought you could've at least warned us."
(Lucy) "Warn you about what? It's not like I had a say in the matter. Maine wouldn't stop talking about his missing prized Sandy and I saw you using the same model on the train. I knew you had it when I went to your ripper."
(Karito) "So, you put on a seductive act just to lure us in, huh? Too bad I was here. I've got trust issues now, even though I knew you were lying the whole time."
(Lucy) "How...?"
(Karito) "What?"
(Lucy) "How do you know? It's like you have a sixth sense or something. The way you fight, talk, sense things, and always know what's wrong. Just what are you?"
(Karito) "If you want to know what I am, I suggest you treat me and my brother with a little more respect. Then I might consider our friendship and tell you."
(Lucy) "... Just go home..."
(Karito) "Don't have to tell me twice. Let's go, David."
(David) "Yeah."
The two brothers headed towards the door, which silently glided open. As they stepped out, Lucy spoke up to offer her condolences.
(Lucy) "About your mother... Sorry for your loss."
(Karito) "...Thanks."
Karito and David walked back to their home apartment, their steps echoing down the quiet hallway. As they reached the door to their unit, Karito's eyes caught sight of the red holographic display saying: "Rent Due Notice".
Karito let out a sigh as he ignored the notice. He looked over at David, who was looking down and was tired after everything that went down in just one day.
He activated his hacking skill with a wave of his hand and quickly hacked into the building's security system. The door to their apartment suddenly clicked open and the two brothers stepped inside.
Karito entered the kitchen, his thoughts heavy with the weight of the day's events. As he began to rummage through the cabinets and refrigerator, David slumped onto the couch with a weary sigh. The younger brother watched as Karito's gaze fixated on the small container holding their mother's ashes, a pained expression etched on his face. With a deep sigh, Karito set to work, making a simple yet satisfying meal for the two of them to share.
As they ate in silence, their thoughts consumed by the day's events, the two brothers reflected on their situation. Despite the hardship and loss they faced, they still had each other. And as they retired to their respective beds for the night, exhausted from the day's events, they found comfort in the knowledge that they would face the future together.
...
...
...
It was early morning and both brothers were geared up for an action-packed day ahead, now that they were working with Maine and his team. From Karito's point of view, everything was progressing smoothly. He felt fortunate to have met the rest of the cast the previous day. He was relying on his intuition to guide him in the direction the original story was supposed to take, as he hadn't watched the anime. So, for now, he was going with the flow, only intervening if something unexpected occurred that required his attention.
Karito stood in front of the stove, chopping up ingredients for the breakfast dish "Migas". He diced up some onions and bell peppers, grated some cheese, and beat some eggs in a bowl. He heated up some oil in a pan and tossed in the onions and bell peppers, sautéing them until they were fragrant.
Next, he added in torn pieces of stale bread, letting them cook until they were crispy and golden brown. He poured in the beaten eggs and stirred everything together, making sure the eggs were well combined with the bread, onions, and bell peppers. He sprinkled in some cheese and continued stirring until the cheese was melted.
Finally, he dished out the Migas onto two plates and garnished each with some fresh cilantro. He called out to David, who was still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and the two sat down to enjoy their breakfast together. The savory aroma of the dish filled the apartment and the sound of their satisfied grunts could be heard as they devoured their meal.
(David) "This is fantastic, Karito. You've outdone yourself," He said between bites.
(Karito) He smiled, "Thanks, little bro. I learned this recipe from Mom. She used to make it for us when we were kids."
As they ate, they reminisced about their childhood and the memories they shared with their mother. The warm, comforting dish was a perfect way to start the day, filling their stomachs and their hearts.
Karito carefully dried his hands on a dish towel and tapped the side of his head. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw that it was the principal from David's school and he sighed, steeling himself for whatever news was about to come his way. He pressed the answer button and started the conversation.
(Karito) "Hello?" he said, his voice steady.
(Principal) On call "Mr. Martinez, I bring good news for your brother. Based on his exemplary academic performance, the Arasaka Corporation has awarded him a scholarship. Just like you. That means that he can return to his studies. This is an exceptionally rare opportunity and a great honor for your brother. Send him my congratulations. However, there is still the matter of his recent violent behavior regarding Mr. Tanaka on Academy grounds. Now, I spoke with Mr. Tanaka..."
(Karito) Thoughts "...These fuckers really want to get my brother. I won't let them. They are sweetening this shit so that we take the bait."
(Principal) "...And he has graciously agreed to strike several demerits from his permanent record should he offer an apology."
(Karito) Clicks his tongue
(Principal) "For details, please-"
(Karito) Hangs up "Such a waste of time..."
(David) "What's wrong?"
(Karito) "Your school is acting fucking weird."
(David) "How so?"
(Karito) "I just know they are, don't know why." Receives a call from Maine "Fucking finally."
(David) "That Maine?"
(Karito) "Yeah. Let's go." Picks up
(Maine) On call "Kid, your up."
Karito and David made their way to the secluded area of Night City, where the warehouse was located. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange hue over the city, and a cool breeze rustled the sand that lined the narrow streets. The brothers approached the warehouse cautiously, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger.
The brothers approached the group, their expressions determined. Karito took in the room, noting the smoke and various materials scattered about. Maine sat on the couch, surrounded by Dorio, Kiwi, and Pilar, who were all looking at the brothers expectantly.
(Maine) "Mornin', sunshine. Are you ready to get started?"
Karito nodded in response, a determined look in his eyes.
(Kiwi) "We have high expectations for you two."
David shot a quick glance at his brother, before returning his attention to the group.
(Pilar) "Let's see if ya'll aren't just all hands and no brain."
(Kiwi) "Why do we even put up with you?"
(Maine) "This one here is-"
(Karito) "The one with the mask is Kiwi. And Dorio and Pilar, I know."
(Maine) "Someone did their research."
(Karito) "Nah, I just knew." He saw all their ID's after knocking them all out
(Maine) "Make yourself comfy."
(Karito) Sits down "My name is Karito, as you probably know."
(David) "My name is David."
(Maine) "Let's get right down to biz, boys." Places a shard on the table "Make your brother slot the shard."
(Karito) Grabs it and gives it to David "Lil, bro." Saw everything that the shard contained with the hacking skill
(David) Grabs the shard and slots it into his neck
David was taken to a scene where underground fights were taking place. There were two women fighting in the middle of the arena. One was like a giant, with bulging muscles while the other had a much smaller frame but seemed more battle-focused. While David saw the video, Maine talked about the job's description.
(Maine) "Say hello to Arasaka Corpdriver and bodyguard..." The camera then zooms into a man with a yellow mohawk who was screaming in the crowd "Maxim. We're gonna swipe the nav data from the limo he rolls around in."
(David) "Just the data? Not the car?"
(Maine) "We klept the ride and 'Saka's ninjas swarm us like flies to shit. So yeah, just the data."
(David) "How?"
(Maine) "Betting on fights is this leader heads sole joy in life. His ass fills one o' those seats every weekend. He always puts a fat stack on the butcher, bankin' on that skull-splitin', uppercut o' hers. An' he ain't alone. Most peeps show up just to see her paint the cage red with some poor gonk's blood. Except... this weekend, ain't gonna go down like that, the Butcher's getting butchered in round one, like a sack of meat."
(David) "What makes you so sure?"
(Maine) "Just trust me on that. Anyway. He in the habit of drownin' his sorrows at this one hole-in-the-wall dive. That's where you make your move. Few drinks in when he's good'n'greased."
(Karito) "Alright, let's get this show on the road."
...
Location: Bar
Maxim sat at the bar, fuming after losing his bet on the underground fight. He swigged beer after beer, ignoring the fact that he was heavily intoxicated. However, little did he know that Karito and David were quietly observing him from a corner. They were carefully formulating a plan to make their move on Maxim and his ill-gotten gains. The two brothers, cunning and stealthy, bided their time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
(Karito) Telepathic "Go." David activates his Sandevistan
David approached Maxim, who was passed out on the bar counter, with stealth. He managed to deftly retrieve the shard from around Maxim's neck and dart to the other side of the bar where Dorio was waiting. David hid behind Dorio for protection as he quickly placed the shard in Dorio's pouch. Dorio swiftly activated a device to extract all the necessary data from the shard while Maxim remained unconscious. Meanwhile, Kiwi and Maine were waiting outside in a car, ready to make their getaway once the mission was complete. The final stage was for David to replace the shard back around Maxim's neck, but things took a sudden turn when Maxim's boss began calling him, causing the target to stir from his slumber.
(Kiwi) On call "His master's calling."
(Maine) On call "Sheesh, bastard can't catch a break. No rest for the wicked."
(Maxim) Sighs sadly
(Karito) On call "Damn, his life is not Daijobu."
(Maine) "What?"
(Karito) "Nothing."
(Kiwi) "Not good. Boss needs him there."
(Maine) "Shit, on his day off?"
(Karito) "Poor bastard."
(Dorio) On call "Data's not copied yet!"
(Karito) "Seriously?"
(Maine) "Fuck! Change of plans, kids. Key to the car. Grab it."
(Karito) "David."
(David) "On it."
(Maine) "Becca-"
(Karito) "Actually, I have an idea."
Karito stood in front of Maxim, trying to get his attention. Maxim was about to leave, but Karito wanted to keep him distracted for a little while longer.
(Karito) "Hey man, have you heard the one about the guy who walked into a bar and said 'ouch'?", He asked with a chuckle.
(Maxim) He sighed and tried to push Karito away. "I don't have time for this, kid."
(Karito) He kept being persistent. "Come on, just one joke."
(Maxim) "Fine, why?" He grumbled.
(Karito) "Well, the bartender asked, 'Do you want me to call a doctor?' and the guy replied, 'No, just a beer.'," He laughed.
Maxim rolled his eyes and was about to walk away, but Karito continued.
(Karito) "Okay, okay. I got another one. Why did the scarecrow win an award?"
Maxim stopped and looked at Karito, intrigued despite himself.
(Maixm)"Why?"
(Karito) "Because he was outstanding in his field!"
Maxim let out a chuckle, despite his initial resistance. He couldn't help but be impressed with Karito's sense of humor.
Karito kept the conversation going, telling Maxim joke after joke, making him laugh and forget about the call from his boss.
(Karito) "And what about the one about the two goldfish who were in a tank. One says to the other, 'How do you drive this thing?'", He said with a big grin.
Maxim couldn't help but burst out in laughter, nearly spilling his drink.
As time passed, Karito's jokes became more and more absurd, causing Maxim to laugh even harder. Rebecca, who had initially tried to distract him, found herself also laughing at Karito's antics. Standing at just a petite stature, Rebecca was a stark contrast to the room with her soft features and alabaster skin. Her tattoos, in shades of pink, decorated her neck, stomach, and right thigh, proudly displaying the words "PK DICK".
Rebecca's preferred attire was minimal, consisting only of a black bra and underwear, paired with a high-collared black jacket with green accents and matching sneakers. She wore her green hair in pigtails, held in place with a dual-clipped hair band, and her makeup was understated, allowing her pink and yellow cyber-optics to stand out as her only noticeable adornment.
(Rebecca) On call "HAHA! I LOVE THIS DUDE!"
(Maine) On call "I can't believe that worked..."
(David) "It's like a superpower... I swear..."
(Maine) "Get in the car. Nab the data 'fore he shows."
(David) In front of Maxim's car "How in the hell?"
(Lucy) "I'll handle that. You get in."
Lucy and David stepped into the limousine, and David's eyes widened in awe at the luxurious interior. From plush leather seats to the fully stocked mini-bar, he had never seen anything like it before. As he took in his surroundings, Lucy got straight to work, pulling out a device from her pocket and connecting it to the car's computer system.
(David) "You good?"
(Lucy) Device beeping "Don't talk. Focusing. Arasaka ICE walls are such a huge pain in the ass." Suddenly she hacks the car "...What the?"
(Karito) In call "You're welcome."
(Lucy) "How did he..."
(David) "I don't question how he does things, just go with it." Tries to open the door "Huh? It won't open."
(Kiwi) In call "What? But you still had time before the security went back online."
(Maine) "Oh, shit. Change of plans again."
(Karito) In call "Take the car and leave, fuck it."
(David) "Huh?!"
(Karito) "Just like how I showed you, remember?"
(David) "That was hacking!"
(Karito) "Oh shit... true. Well, time to learn on the fly."
(Maine) "Punch it, kid."
(David) "I don't know how to drive!"
(Karito) "Listen up, little bro. This car is automatic, which means it'll do most of the work for you. The middle pedal slows the car down, but don't get too trigger-happy with it or we'll be making a sudden stop at the next lamppost. The skinny pedal on the right is for accelerating, but same rule applies - don't go full throttle unless you want us to become human missiles. Now, to turn the car on, step on the middle pedal and press the engine start button. And remember, when you want to drive forward, just pull the stick towards you. Reverse is for when you want to go, well, in reverse. I mean, it's not rocket science, but still, it pays to pay attention."
Maxim patted down his pockets frantically, searching for his keys. He had a feeling of panic rising in his chest as he realized he couldn't find them anywhere. He checked the bar counter and the floor around him, but they were nowhere to be found. His boss was already calling him again, demanding that he come back to the office immediately, and Maxim felt his stress levels skyrocket as he couldn't locate the keys to his car.
(Maxim) "HEY! WHERE ARE MY KEYS?!
(Karito) "Uhhh I haven't touched you, man."
(Maxim) "DAMN IT!" Runs toward his limousine
(Karito) Incall "Covers been blown."
As David's anxiety rose, Karito could sense his younger sibling's apprehension. He quickly looked into the call to reassure his brother, his voice calm and steady.
(Karito) "You got this, little bro."
(David) "Fuck it!" Turns on the vehicle and starts going in reverse
(Maxim) "Hey! Stop! My car!"
As David tried to make his escape, his nerves got the best of him. He accidentally backed into a nearby lamp post, causing a loud crunching sound as the car collided with it. David quickly shifted into drive and tried to speed away, but in his haste, he sideswiped another lamp post, leaving long scratches down the side of the car. David's heart raced as he realized the consequences of his actions, but he took a deep breath and tried to focus on the road ahead.
(Maxim) "Wait!" Tries to run towards them but is too slow "THAT'S MY CAR!!!"
(Karito) Laughing his ass off
(Maine) Incall "AHAHA! Sure glad them ain't my wheels."
(Lucy) Giggles
(Maine) "Take it straight to Aldo's. You hash the GPS?"
(Lucy) "Can't from inside. Got a jammer up, but encryption's shaky. They'll snatch our position soon unless we find solid cover."
(Maine) "Then Aldo's it is. Should be safe there. On our way." His voice starts cutting off "Ah, fuck comm's cutting out."
(David) "Do I pull over?"
(Maine) "NO! Ceo stats ping you, they'll drop a hit squad on your ass. Drive like hell!" Coms were cut out
(Lucy) "Sending the route."
(David) Nervous "Thank you!" Grunts "You think we can make it?"
(Lucy) "It's up to you now."
(David) Grunts
(Lucy) Teases "Look at you. You're practically a pro."
(David) Scoff "You think so?"
(Lucy) "I mean, maybe if autopilot wasn't on."
(David) Clicks his tongue "Whatever."
(Lucy) "We got company. And... those look like the ones Karito took care of yesterday... and... who are those in tuxedos and demon masks?"
(David) "HUH?! Tyger Claws?!"
(Lucy) "Maxim musta put a bounty out on our new ride."
(David) "That fast?"
(Lucy) "That's why we don't fuck with corpos. They've got the advantage down here on bikes and 4x4 wheels. Hit the highway here."
(David) "Karito, Karito, Karito, Karito..."
(Lucy) "The fuck are you doing?"
(David) "Whenever I do that he magically appears. He said it was something like a remix version of... Bloody Marry?"
(Lucy) Snorts "...Oh god that brother of yours..."
(David) "I gotta lose those guys..." Notices a traffic jam "OH SHIT!"
Twip!
Spider-Man swoops in with his signature grace, weaving webs to execute a daring rescue. With a flick of his wrist, he pulls the front of the car into the air and slides beneath it, propelling the vehicle above the chaos of the city streets. The world slows down for the wall-crawler as he uses his hyper-senses to react at lightning-fast speeds, leaping and dashing with effortless ease. In a triumphant moment, he lands on the opposite side of the road and sets the car down gently, its occupants staring at him in awe. Lucy can't help but burst out laughing, while David looks on in stunned amazement. Spider-Man stands tall like a badass.
(Spider-Man) "...What?"
(David) "HOW THE FUCK DID YOU JUST DO THAT?!"
(Lucy) "DO IT AGAIN! THAT WAS CRAZY!"
(Spider-Man) "Later, now go!" Lands on the top of the car "Keep driving!"
(David) "DAMN IT!" Steps on the accelerator
(Dark Demons) "GET BACK HERE!" Quickly catches up
David continues down the road, desperately maneuvering through the oncoming traffic. With a flick of his wrist, Spider-Man uses his hacking skills to make the other cars clear a path for David, expertly guiding him to safety. The hero then attaches a device to the car, causing it to become weightless and hover above the road. David and Lucy look on in disbelief as Spider-Man gracefully glides over to the driver's side and with a swift kick pushes it to the other side of the highway, landing on the right side of the road. The two inside are in awe of the hero's mastery of technology and skill in action.
Spider-Man quickly assessed the situation as the gangster's car approached him. He saw the four henchmen inside, all armed and dangerous. Using his web shooters, he aimed at the lamppost closest to him and fired a web line. In a split second, he activated his lateral repulsion and shot towards the car.
As he landed on the hood of the car, he swung his legs forward, slamming one of the henchmen's head against the window with a satisfying thud. The henchman lost consciousness and slumped in his seat.
Spider-Man then quickly wrapped another web line around the henchman's waist and shot the line towards the lamppost. The henchman was yanked out of the car and left hanging upside down from the lamppost, a web-line tightly wrapped around his upper body.
With one henchman out of commission, Spider-Man focused on the other three. He deftly dodged their shots and used his web-shooters to disarm them. He then used his strength and agility to take them out, one by one, until most of them were all down.
He then rapidly fires web shots at the Demons on motorcycles, causing them to crash into the pavement. The last Demon attempts a blind shot at Spider-Man while driving, but the hero expertly leaps forward, delivering a powerful drop kick to the Demon's face and sending him flying out of the vehicle. As the car careens out of control, Spider-Man lands on the ground and deftly catches it, showcasing his unmatched agility and reflexes.
(Spider-Man) "I'm getting a sense of dejavú... Meh, whatever." Web swings away
A few minutes of driving had passed and David alongside Lucy had made it to the warehouse Maine told them to go. But it seemed close, much to David's confusion.
(David) "Seems shut tight."
(Lucy) "Aldo should be inside. Well, at least the jammer is still running stable." Gets out of the limousine
(David) "Huh? The doors weren't locked?"
(Lucy) Scoffs "Been unlocked for a while."
(David) Sigh "Stay here. I'll scope it out."
David cautiously explored the warehouse, checking for any signs of compromise. He had been on high alert since Arasaka had put a bounty on everyone's head. As he made his way deeper into the building, he suddenly heard a loud noise behind him. He spun around to find one of Martin's henchmen, armed with a sword, closing in on him.
David tried to evade the attack by rolling across the floor, but the henchman was too quick. The demon pinned David to the ground, holding his sword high and ready to strike. Just as the henchman was about to deliver the final blow, Lucy intervened, wrapping a glowing rope around the villain's sword. Despite her best efforts, the henchman's strength proved too much, and Lucy was sent flying back several feet.
Not wanting to let Lucy's sacrifice be in vain, David activated his Sandevistan, a powerful device that granted him superhuman abilities. With a roar, he charged towards the henchman, hoping to overpower him with his newfound strength. But the gangster was no ordinary foe, and he was able to match David's movements, causing the young hero to trip and roll across the floor once again.
The henchman slowly advanced towards David, his black and white masked face becoming increasingly intimidating. With a sinister smirk, he raised his sword and swung it at David, hoping to finally finish the job. But just as the sword was about to make contact, Maine appeared, driving his car straight into the henchman. The villain's sword sliced through the car, nearly cutting it in half, but it had bought David the time he needed to get back on his feet.
Maine was taken aback by the henchman's strength, and he quickly aimed his arm cannon at the villain's face. With a loud blast, he unleashed a powerful energy blast, but to his shock, the villain tanked the attack straight to the face, unscathed. The sword demon grabbed Maine by the collar, pulling him out of the car, and slammed his face into the ground, leaving a small crater in his wake.
The villain strutted towards David, his sword in hand, ready to finish his mission of kidnapping the world's protagonist. But as he reached out to grab David, he suddenly felt a chill on his back. He spun around to find Spider-Man, ready to face him in battle. The villain's cocky demeanor turned to fear as he realized that he had finally met his match.
(Dark Demon) "...Ah fu-"
Crack!
The Demon lies on the ground with his face down, defeated by the sheer power of Spider-Man's strength. With precision and ease, the hero activates the blast and the energy from the impact rips through the demon's head, obliterating it completely. The force of the blast knocks the demon's lifeless body to the ground, with smoke rising from the charred remains. Standing tall, Spider-Man surveys the aftermath of his victory with a cool and confident demeanor. With a nonchalant flick of his hand, he wipes away any remnants of the demon's blood.
(Spider-Man) "Sorry for the wait."
(Maine) "Ngh... H-How did you..."
(Spider-Man) "It was easy. Anyways, are you all alright?"
(David) Sighs in relief "I'm so thankful that my brother is Spider-Man..."
(Lucy) "Okay, your brother is officially on my list of coolest people I've met."
(Karito) Takes off his mask "Thanks." Smirks
...
Night time
Turgo Small Plaza
As Pilar continued to entertain the crowd with his silly antics and juggling tricks, a lively atmosphere surrounded the food trucks. The buzz of conversations and laughter filled the air as people enjoyed the treats offered by the trucks, sipping on cold drinks, and chatting with friends.
The area was filled with the sights and sounds of sports cars revving up and parking nearby, adding to the lively energy of the gathering. David, Karito, and Maine were among the crowd, soaking in the festive mood while they took a break from their hard work. They had climbed to the top of Maine's car, taking in the view of the festivities while sipping on their beers, and enjoying the moment of peace.
As Pilar's performance continued, the small crowd around him laughed and cheered, appreciating his silly antics and impressive tricks with bottles and plates. The trio on top of the car watched on, enjoying the carefree atmosphere of the gathering. The light of lampposts beat down on them, and the breeze carried the scent of delicious food and drinks, making for a perfect night of rest and relaxation.
(Maine) "Well, gotta say that you two exceeded my expectations by miles, rookies."
(Karito) "I told you we weren't bad. Just have a little faith, you have the Martinez brother's in your group."
(David) Chuckles "So, we're cool now?"
(Maine) "Sure. Welcome to the crew. But remember you two. Ain't no one in this world you can trust more than yourself, luckily for you two, you have each other." Scoffs "Start using us as your crutch, and you two are good as dead."
(Karito) Smirks "Verbally dead you mean, because keep dreaming if you ever hope of defeating me."
(Maine) "Can you just let me have a cool moment?"
(Karito) Snorts "Nope." Laughs
(Maine) Sighs
(Pilar) Continues doing stunts with bottles and plates "Check out the precision chooms! Fastest fingers in the West. These were made by that anonymous cybernetic engineer that went MIA a few weeks ago!"
(Karito) Coughs
(David) "You okay, bro?"
(Karito) "Yeah, just didn't drink it right."
(Dorio) "Not the only thing I heard's fastest in the west." Does a jacking-off motion and laughs
(Pilar) Throws the plates and bottles to the floor "OI! Spit it! The hell did you say?!" Grabs a broken bottle and starts "fingering" it "Ain't hazin' me! You wanna take 'em for a test drive?!"
The people watching started laughing at Pilar's jokes.
(Maine) A waitress gives him a bag and places them in front of David "Immunoblockers. Enough to get you through a month. And..." Sends Karito and David their cut for the job "Here's both of your cuts."
(Karito) "Thanks."
(David) "Holy shit!"
(Maine) "Everybody gets a fair shake. Only way I operate." Looks at the brothers "Is Karito the only one who's completely 'ganic?"
(Karito) "Yeah, I'm the only one. Not like I need it. David has the Sandy, that's the only cybernetic he has."
(Maine) "Trust me, I know you don' need anything. You're just a completely different breed. Save some eds, then look into uppin' David's cyberware. Meat'n'bone can't keep pace with a Sandevistan for long."
(Karito) "I know. I already have a few things in mind to build for him."
(Maine) "Wait, that's right! You said you were an engineer! What do you make?"
(Karito) "Everything."
(Maine) "...It sounds believable when it comes from you."
(David) "Why didn't you upgrade me before?"
(Karito) "I didn't want to worry our mother, but that's not an issue anymore. Things are changing and I want you to be able to defend yourself without my help."
(Maine) "That's a good brother right there. Get ready, Karito. You're gonna get a lot of orders from us."
(Karito) "Trust me, I know."
(Maine) Smirks
The sudden arrival of a sleek, red sports car caused a stir in the mall. The sound of the engine died down and all eyes were fixed on the mysterious newcomer. Faraday stepped out of the vehicle with a confident stride, his every movement exuding elegance and power. His tall, slim frame was draped in a burgundy suit, with black trim and striking yellow accents. The material of his suit was immaculately tailored to fit his form, hugging his frame like a second skin. He completed his look with black gloves, sleek black shoes, and a crisp white button-down shirt.
But what truly set Faraday apart from the rest was his unique facial features. He had four cybernetic eyes, three of which were arranged in a row along the right side of his face, glowing with a menacing red light. The sight of Faraday was unlike anything the crowd had ever seen, a fusion of human and machine that exuded an aura of mystery and power. The sight of Faraday made David who were sitting on top of the older man's car, freeze in awe as he gazed upon his striking appearance.
(Maine) Places his glaces "Shit..."
(Karito) Spider-senses "..." Thoughts "...Fuck a member of the cast was turned into a dark..."
Maine stands up and leans against a nearby lamp post, looking at the newcomer with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. He crosses his arms over his chest, a clear sign that he's ready to listen but not necessarily trust the person in front of him.
(Faraday) "I believe I was clear when I requested only the navigation data, not Arasaka corporate property."He says with a stern voice, trying to maintain his composure.
(Maine) "You got what you asked for, didn't you?" Shrugs, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
(Faraday) "What I asked for above all else was your discretion in the matter." His frustration growing.
(Maine) "We tried, but you know how things are sometimes. Gotta improvise." He smirks, but Faraday is not amused.
(Faraday) "It was imperative I learned Tanaka's routines and the places he frequents." Says with a deep sigh, his frustration turning into disappointment.
(Maine) "So check the navigation data. It's all there." Nonchalant attitude.
(Faraday) "Your joyride puts us back at square one and Tanaka on high alert. He's already switched sites. The data is useless." His disappointment turned into anger.
(Maine) "Okay, switched sites for what?" Raises an eyebrow in confusion.
(Faraday) "That's not for you to know." Says in a cold tone.
(Maine) "Goddamn it, man. How the hell are we supposed to do the job right when you leave us in the dark?" His annoyance turned into frustration.
(Faraday) "The less you know, the less I risk. Understand this and understand it fast. I do not pay you to think. I pay you to check the boxes off my list. It is my place to see the larger picture. It is yours to listen. You will do as you're told. That is how our business is done. Are we clear?" Says with a commanding voice, his anger turning into authority.
(Maine) Scoffs "Yeah, we're crystal, dawg." Says it with sarcasm, still frustrated with Faraday's lack of transparency.
(Faraday) "Very good. For now, we'll wait until he lowers his guard again. I'll be in touch." His authority turns into a matter-of-fact tone.
(Maine) "Uh-huh. See ya." He rolls his eyes, still frustrated but resigned to Faraday's demands.
As Faraday climbed back into the driver's seat of his gleaming, high-end car, a sense of calm descended upon the mini-mall. The hum of activity that had come to a halt when Faraday made his dramatic entrance resumed once more, as people went back to their drinking and chatting, completely undisturbed by the brief interruption. Faraday himself was a picture of confidence and nonchalance as he adjusted his seat and began the journey back to his penthouse. The car was a testament to his success, with its soft leather interior, gleaming chrome accents, and the latest in automotive technology. Faraday was a man who appreciated the finer things in life, and his car was just one of the many ways he indulged himself. As he pulled out of the parking lot, Faraday couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that his reputation preceded him and that his mere presence was enough to disrupt the lives of those around him. He was the man in charge, and he wouldn't hesitate to assert his authority when necessary.
(David) "Who was that?" Asks curiously
(Maine) "Faraday. The middleman who landed us the gig. He happens to be a top fixer around these parts."
(David) "Thought you were the big boss making all the calls."
(Karito) "Nah, he's the one who gets shit done. Faraday is the one holding all the eddies, right?"
(Maine) "Exactly. Without him and his scratch, you ain't nothing in this biz. It's as simple as that." Starts walking away but looks at David "Don't think too hard about it. We celebratin' tonight." Goes to a food truck
(David) Sighs
Karito and David looked around at the people, each doing their own thing. David couldn't help but stare at Lucy, who was perched atop one of the cars. She looked distant, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Pilar was stumbling around, clearly drunk, and attempting to flirt with Lucy. But his attempts were fruitless, as Lucy was clearly not interested.
Karito noticed his little brother's interest and decided to tease him a bit.
(Karito) "Looks like someone's got a crush," he said with a smirk
David immediately turned red, embarrassed by his brother's observation. Karito chuckled and quickly changed the subject, not wanting to embarrass his little brother any further. The two brothers continued to look around, taking in the sights and sounds of the mini-mall, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and each other's company.
(Rebecca) "Yo."
(Karito & David) "Mm?" Looks down
(David) "Um, sorry, but, who are you?"
(Rebecca) "Remember? Come on, choom. After all, we've been through?"
(Karito) "Weren't you the one who was laughing her ass off alongside Maxim?"
(David) "Oh, that was her?"
(Rebecca) Snickers "I fucking, loved your stand-up comedy in that bar. Totally would see it again." Lends David her second drink "I'm Rebecca. I hear you're joining up with Maine's crew?" Looks at Karito "Sorry pretty boy, I would've given you a drink if I had a third arm."
(David) "Maybe. Is this carbonated?"
(Karito) "Don't worry. There's always a next time." Smirks
(Rebecca) Grin "I really like this guy." Cheers to David "Be seeing you around, then. Bu-Bye!" Leaves
(David) "Yeah. See you."
(Karito) Waves
The food trucks continued to blast funk music, filling the air with its contagious beat. People danced and laughed, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Karito took in the sights and sounds, feeling carefree and relaxed. Suddenly, his phone rang, interrupting his good mood. He glanced at the caller ID and sighed in annoyance.
(Karito) Clicks his tongue and answers
(Principal) "Mr. Martinez, hello again. Is this a good time? It sounds rather rowdy on your end."
(Karito) "Yeah, the neighborhood is annoyingly active tonight but it's fine."
(Principal) "I trust you received the message that I left?"
(Karito) "Yeah, I got it and David knows."
(Principal) "Excellent. Now, about his apology to-"
(Karito) Scoff "Apology? Pass this along to Katsuo for both me and David, would you?"
(Principal) "Er, perhaps it's best if you would-"
(Karito) "This is coming from both me and David. Tell that son of a bitch that if he wants payback then we'll be waiting. We are done with their bullying and we are not going to stand by as they all mock our family and status. AND YOU CAN ALL SUCK MY DICK! FUCK YOU!" Hangs up "Shit. I'm so mad."
(David) Stares in amazement "Wow, big bro. You actually said it?" Smirks
(Karito) "Yeah, I'm sick and tired of their shit."
Karito and David were standing outside the mini-mall, surrounded by the bustling of people and the sounds of the food trucks and street vendors. Karito turned to his younger brother and put a hand on his shoulder.
(Karito) "Hey, little bro. Are you getting tired? Do you want to head back home?" He asked concern etched in his voice.
David looked up at Karito, then around at the lively scene. He shrugged.
(David) "Yeah, I guess I am getting a bit tired. Let's head back."
(Karito) He smiled, relieved "Alright. Let's go."
Karito and David walked on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of their neighborhood. They made small talk, catching up on each other's day and reminiscing on old memories. As they approached their house, Karito suggested that he cook dinner for the both of them. David agreed, and the two brothers headed inside.
Karito walked into the kitchen, feeling a bit peckish after a long day at work. He wanted to cook something special for himself and David, so he decided to whip up some Mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish.
He rummaged through the pantry, pulling out ingredients as he went. He placed a large pot on the stove and filled it with water, salt, and garlic cloves. As the water heated up, he washed and peeled a few green plantains, slicing them into rounds. When the water had reached a rolling boil, he added the plantain rounds to the pot and let them cook until they were soft.
Once the plantains were cooked, he drained them and let them cool for a few minutes. Karito then mashed the plantains with a wooden pilón, or pestle, until they formed a smooth dough. He shaped the dough into small rounds, creating little wells in the center of each one.
Next, he heated a generous amount of oil in a frying pan. Once the oil was hot, he placed the Mofongo rounds into the pan and fried them until they were golden and crispy on both sides.
While the Mofongo rounds were frying, Karito prepared the filling. He diced a few pieces of cooked chorizo and sautéed them with onions and garlic in a separate pan until they were fragrant. He then added in diced potatoes and cooked them until they were tender.
Once the Mofongo rounds were done, Karito took them out of the oil and placed them on a paper towel to remove any excess grease. He then filled the wells in the center of each Mofongo round with the chorizo and potato mixture.
Finally, he served the Mofongo with a side of chicken broth for dipping and garnished with fresh cilantro. David eagerly dug into the Mofongo, declaring it the best meal he had ever had. Karito smiled, happy to see his little brother enjoying his cooking.
Karito finally brings out the steaming hot Mofongo from the kitchen and sets it on the table in front of David, whose eyes widen in amazement. The savory aroma of the garlic and pork filling fills the air, making David's mouth water.
Karito starts to serve the Mofongo, breaking off a large piece for himself and passing the plate to David. As he takes his first bite, David's eyes close in pure bliss. The crispy exterior gives way to a warm, soft, and pillowy center that's bursting with flavor. The savory taste of garlic, olive oil, and pork fills his mouth, making him feel as if he's in heaven.
(David) "Wow, big bro," He says, still in awe "This is amazing. The flavors, the texture, everything, it's all just perfect."
(Karito) He grins, "I'm glad you like it, David. This is my favorite dish to cook, and I put a lot of love and effort into it. The secret is to get the right balance of flavors, to make it savory but not too overpowering."
As they continue to eat, the conversation flows effortlessly, with the Mofongo acting as the perfect backdrop for their catch-up session. They talk about their day, their hopes and dreams, and everything in between.
David takes another bite of the Mofongo, savoring the flavors, and feels grateful for this moment with his brother. He's never tasted anything like this before, and he's grateful for Karito's cooking skills.
(David) "You know, big bro, you should open a restaurant," He says. "With cooking like this, you'd have customers lining up for miles."
(Karito) He laughs, as the feeling of nostalgia hits him "I would have clients flocking all over me it'll get annoying eventually. But for now, I'm happy just cooking for the people I love."
As they continue to enjoy the Mofongo, David feels grateful for the bond that he and Karito share, and for the simple things in life, like good food and good company.
David sat back in his chair and let out a satisfied sigh as he finished his last bite of the delicious Mofongo.
(David) "Big bro, that was amazing. Thank you so much for cooking for me."
(Karito) He smiled, "No problem little bro, I'm happy to see you enjoy it."
(David) He looked at his older brother with grateful eyes, "You know, I'm really grateful for everything you do for me. You're always taking care of me and making sure I have everything I need."
(Karito) He ruffled his little brother's hair, "That's what big brothers are for. And you're my little bro, I'd do anything for you."
(David) He smiled, feeling warm and loved "I really appreciate it. And this Mofongo, it's the best I've ever had."
(Karito) He chuckled, "Glad you like it. And remember, I'm always here for you. No matter what."
(David) He nodded, feeling happy and content. "I know, and I'm lucky to have you as my big brother."
Karito and David both went to bed that night, exhausted from the day's events. Karito crawled into his bed, feeling content with the delicious meal he had made for his brother and the grateful expression on David's face. He closed his eyes and let himself sink into the soft mattress, feeling the weight of the day lift from his shoulders.
As he lay there in the quiet of the night, he couldn't help but think about how lucky he was to have David as his little brother. Despite the challenges they faced, they always had each other's backs.
David, on the other hand, was snuggled up in his own bed, unable to stop thinking about the amazing meal Karito had made for him. He was so grateful for his brother, who had always been there for him, no matter what.
The sounds of the city outside their window gradually faded away, and the two brothers drifted off into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of all the amazing things they would do together in the future.
To be continued...