Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Location: Luna (Moon)

City: Copernicus

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Lucy looks out upon the Lunar surface from the large viewport in her apartment, smoking a cig as she usually does, her eyes looking around at the pockmarked lunar landscape, reminiscing on the past, her retinas flashing as she gets a call from Falco on the holo. She perks up. Hasn’t heard from Falco in weeks, she’s hopeful everything is going well enough down there and that Falco is safe.

[Falco]: “Hey Lucy, is uh… now a good time? Hope im not interrupting anything?”

[Lucy]: “Falco, heyo, been awhile, what can I do for you?”

[Falco]: “One of my contacts in Night City informed me about this merc, a solo, whose been poking his nose around, he’s been inquiring about David’s crew.”

[Lucy]: “And? What about it?”

[Falco]: “Well, what I hear ‘bout this merc is he’s only been back in NC a couple of weeks and has already been making quite the wave around here, wondering if you could do me a fave and do some digging on this guy for me, his names V?”

[Lucy]: “V huh? Hmm, sure, yeah, ill see what I can find, ill ring you on the holo when I find something.”

[Falco]: “Preem, can always count on ya Luce!”

[Lucy]: “Happy to help Falco, be in touch ‘kay?”

Lucy ends the holo call and proceeds to walk over to her Netrunner ice bath and begins to undress herself, she then dips into the ice cold water and hooks herself up, then lays down and she begins scouring the net for information on this “V”.

Handful of files scroll across her retinas, notes he spent about a year in Georgia, she dismisses the files pertaining to him there, she opens the ones for when he returned to Night City.

[Lucy]: “hmm, only recently returned to Night City, been quite busy seems like.”

She briefly scans through some files on some low end gigs he did, nothing notable until she notices the news report on Saburo Arasaka’s assassination, Lucy’s eyes widen. She opens the report on the incident at Konpeki Plaza. Two individuals involved, V and a man by the name of Jackie Wells, she taps on the news reels on the incident.

[Lucy]: “Saburo’s dead!? How’d I not hear of this? Looks like ‘Saka is pinning the blame on him too, hmm”

While Lucy is relieved to learn of the death of Saburo, she understands that V has kicked the hornets nest, Arasaka will be gunning for him, she has doubts about his chances of survival.

Poor fool, gonk got himself in way over his head, she thought to herself. In her mind, she’s already written V off as a goner, ain’t no way he’ll survive too long with a target like that on his head. She rings Falco on the holo to inform him of what she found.

[Falco]: “That didn’t take too long, what you got for me?”

[Lucy]: “Zipping you the deets on what I found, your right, he has been making quite the wave, we should keep our eyes on that one.”

[Falco]: “Much obliged, ill give em a look over.”

[Lucy]: “And Falco.”

[Falco]: “hm?”

[Lucy]: “You heard about Saburo’s assassination?”

[Falco]: “‘Course I did, was quite the buzz down here, damn Saburo himself bit the bullet.”

[Lucy]: “Strange I didn’t hear of it, must’ve been been out of the loop lately.”

[Falco]: “Been keeping busy?”

[Lucy]: “You could say that.”

[Falco]: “Well that is indeed strange, screemsheets were buzzing when the news broke on this, damn Saburo Arasaka himself pushing daisies.”

[Lucy]: “You think this “V” was behind it as they claim?”

[Falco]: “Can’t say for certain but if he was i’d really hate to be in his shoes right now, ‘Saka is going to come gunning for him.”

[Lucy]: “You still have David’s jacket right?”

[Falco]: “I do, yeah.”

[Lucy]: “Can you do me a favor, give it to V for me, think of it as like a good luck charm, and he’s going to need all the luck he can get.”

[Falco]: “You…you sure you want to do that?”

[Lucy]: “Yeah.”

[Falco]: “Alrighty, ill leave it off with my contact, then I’ll shoot V a message, don’t be a stranger now ya hear?”

[Lucy]: “hah, right, later Falco, be careful down there alright?”

[Falco]: “Oh you know me always the careful one, you take care of yourself too ya hear?”

Lucy smiles as she ends the holo call, she takes a puff of her cig as she looks out across the Lunar surface towards Earth. Brooding on the information she has learned. Much has changed already in the year since she left and things are about to get very interesting in Night City.

Chapter Text

Lucy returns to her lunar apartment after getting some supplies from the store, some beer, food, some anti-depressants along with some meds for her anxiety, as she walks through her apartment door she gets a news pop up broadcast on her holo screen, the attack on Arasaka tower and the downfall of Arasaka as a company. She doesn’t bother to read the rest of the report as she hurriedly settles herself in and proceeds to call Falco on the holo to tell him the news.

[Lucy]: “Falco, hey, you been seeing this? The news?”

[Falco]: “‘bout Arasaka? It’s the talk of the town, everyone knows about it.”

[Lucy]: “What happened? Any ideas?”

[Falco]: “Heh, well yeah actually, your not gonna believe me if I told ya.”

[Lucy]: “huh?”

[Falco]: “Remember that merc I was telling you about few weeks back?”

[Lucy]: “Sure, I remember?”

[Falco]: “Well, get this, crazy bastard waltzed right through the front door of Arasaka tower, alone, guns blazing, single handily kicked Arasaka’s ass, I couldn’t believe it myself.”

[Lucy]: “Thats…incredible, who the hell is this guy?”

[Falco]: “That’s not all either, he killed Adam Smasher to boot, this V is a damn legend.”

Lucy struggles to believe what Falco is telling her, Adam Smasher? Dead? The borg who killed David and Rebecca? How? How can this be?

[Lucy]: “Falco I…this is hard to believe, just one guy?”

[Falco]: “I know, I know, it sounds insane, but it happened Lucy, and here check this out, this V was looking for something called Makoshi, he uploaded Alt Cunningham onto it, and she wreaked havoc on Arasaka’s sub net.”

[Lucy]: “Alt Cunningham? The Alt Cunningham? Legendary netrunner? She’s right up there with Rache Bartmoss!”

[Falco]: “Yeah, turned out she’s been an AI all this time, she’s been living in cyberspace, she aired a bunch of ‘Saka’s dirty laundry too, it’s leaking out all over the net, people are scrambling to grab as much as they can!”

[Lucy]: “Really? I gotta check this out, we’ll talk soon alright?”

[Falco]: “Right, later!”

Lucy hops into her Netrunner ice bath and begins scouring the Net for the information coming from Arasaka. She sifts through hundreds of petabytes of information, searching for something specific. She finds a security recording, dated days after her and Falco’s escape from Arasaka tower, the rest is buried deep behind ICE walls, can’t crack it from her end. She closes the files for now and stores them for later. She then rings Falco on the holo.

[Lucy]: “Falco, I’m booking the next shuttle back to Earth, me and Arasaka have some unfinished business.”

[Falco]: “You sure about this Lucy? I mean, after everything that happened?”

[Lucy]: “Definitely, contact this merc V for me, tell him I have a job for him, ill be waiting for ‘em at Afterlife.”

[Falco]: “Will do, and Lucy be careful will ya? You left Night City for a reason remember?”

[Lucy]: “I know Falco, but I can’t ignore this, don’t worry about me ill be fine, we’ll talk soon alright?”

She ends the holo call. She appreciates Falco’s concern, especially after everything that happened and his honoring David’s final wish to make sure she made it out alive. But this, this is something she can’t turn a blind eye to. If Arasaka is up to something and it involves David, whatever it may be, she must put a stop to it, and she hopes that this merc V will help her do it. Lucy starts to gather her things. After she gets everything together she heads to the door and takes one last look at her apartment before heading for the spaceport, just incase she doesn’t make it back.

Chapter Text

Location: Afterlife

City: Night City

————

V strolls into the Afterlife bar, looking around for the contact Falco told him to meet here. He notes a women sitting near the corner towards the back with very unique hair, surmising that she might be the contact he’s looking for he walks toward her direction.

Lucy notices him approaching and looks towards him as he approaches, taking a puff of her cig and letting out a long exhale.

V stops and stands across from her with his arms crossed.

[V]: “So uh, I take it your the contact Falco told me to meet? Lucy is it?”

[Lucy]: “Mhm, I take it you must be V, heard about your recent stunt on the Crystal Palace on the way down, mighty impressive that. You’ve become quite the Edgerunner around here.”

[V]: “Yeah, just got back recently as a matter of fact, before I got Falco’s message, so, mind telling me what’s this about?”

[Lucy]: “Let’s take a walk, we’ll discuss along the way, too many eyes and ears ‘round here.”

[V]: “Uh…sure, let’s delta.”

V and Lucy head outside and stroll along the sidewalk. They both get quite a distance away from the bar, after a brief awkward silence Lucy finally speaks.

[Lucy]: “So, Falco told me you were asking about David’s crew some time ago.”

[V]: “Huh, oh right, yeah, I did.”

[Lucy]: “Curious, why the interest? What did you wanna know?”

[V]: “Well, I found an XBD around Megabuilding 4, thought it strange that a random XBD would just be lying around, popped it on to check it out, showed something about a Cyberpsycho incident that happened while back, there was a message that popped up at the end, I messaged Reyes, see if he knew anything ‘bout it.”

[Lucy]: “A message? What message?”

[V]: “ehh, it was a warning of some kind, don’t remember the exact deets, it’s been awhile.”

[Lucy]: “Hmmm, I see.”

[V]: “That what this about? Curious why I was asking ‘bout your crew?”

[Lucy]: “Hm? No, no, just curious is all. I had Falco message you because I’ve got a job for you.”

[V]: “What kind of job?”

[Lucy]: “Arasaka tower, there’s something there im looking for.”

[V]: “Arasaka tower? You want me to go back in there?”

[Lucy]: “I know I-

V is reminded of the events that happened in that damn tower. The disappointment in finding out everything that led him to that point was for nothing, not only did he learn he was doomed to die anyways, but he lost yet another close friend. Bad memories in that place.

[V]: “Listen, uh Lucy right? Look, ill be straight with you, my time is limited here, I dunno how much longer ill be walking among the living, how much longer ill be sane, I hadn’t exactly planned on spending my final months of life going on a suicide run.”

[Lucy]: “I- im sorry I didn’t…”

[V]: -sighs- “Listen uh, lemme just…think on it, I’ve had a busy week, alright?”

[Lucy]: “‘course, no problem. Your probably tired after your recent gig.”

[V]: “Preem, listen, we’ll be in touch alright, im…I’m swamped right now?”

[Lucy]: “Sure, understandable.”

Lucy watches as V walks over to his ride. She turns and begins to walk in the other direction. V glaces back as she’s walking away before getting into his car and driving off.

About 2 days pass, V looks out across the cityscape of Night City from the balcony of his apartment, smoking a cig, brooding on the events that have happened over the past few weeks and months, lately, Lucy’s gig offer has been stewing in his mind. Bringing back the memories of his last run through that damn tower. V’s thoughts started to dwell on Johnny, the memories, and Johnny’s final words to him, “…Goodbye V, and never stop fighting.”

[V]: “Dammit Johnny.”

V rings Lucy on the holo.

[V]: “Lucy? It’s V, I uh, gave your offer some thought, you free right now?”

[Lucy]: “I am, ill zip you the spot where we’ll discuss.”

[V]: “Right, ill be there, c’ya soon.”

Lucy is leaning against the railings overlooking the waterfront across from the spaceport, she hears the load roaring of a car behind her, she turns around and sees V’s ride pulling up near her. V steps out and lights his cigarette.

[Lucy]: “Hey, nice ride.”

[V]: “Sup Lucy, nice outfit you sporting there.”

[Lucy]: “Thanks, thought I’d try something new for today atleast.”

V leans his back against his car as Lucy moves closer towards him.

[V]: “Quite a view this.”

[Lucy]: “One of my favorite spots from when I stayed here in NC.”

[V]: “Listen, sorry if I came off as…rash the other day, just had a lot on my mind lately.”

[Lucy]: “it’s fine, sorry for throwing a new gig at you so soon.”

After a brief awkward silence Lucy’s curiosity about what V mentioned earlier about his time being limited gets the better of her.

[Lucy]: “So…you mentioned before that your time among the living was…limited? What you mean by that?”

[V]: “heh, well its uh, long story.”

[Lucy]: “I’d be interested to hear it?”

V lets out a long sigh

[V]: “Well if you insist, you know about my gig at Konpeki Plaza right?”

[Lucy]: “mhmm.”

[V]: “Well, the gig involved me stealing a biochip, things went south, bio chip got damaged, so, had to slot the chip to keep it from going critical…”

Lucy interrupts briefly

[Lucy]: “Were you the one who also killed Saburo?”

[V]: “No… was a witness to his death though, he was killed by his own son, when our cover was blown we were a convenient scapegoat I suppose.”

[Lucy]: “I see.”

[V]: “So…after all that went south my best friend Jackie died, and the fixer who set us up for the gig shot me in the head, thought that was the end for me, but, the nanites from the damn biochip fixed the hole in my head and I started seeing visions of the engram that was stored in the biochip, Johnny Silverhand, long story short the biochip was overriding my DNA to the point where my own body saw me as a foreign body that needed to be eliminated. So yeah, my body is killing itself.”

[Lucy]: “Haven’t had any luck finding a cure?”

[V]: “Well, we thought…me an Johnny… that if we brought in Alt to help separate us, it would fix everything, but as usual it wasn’t that easy, Alt was able to get Johnny outta my head but, damage was already done, the neural degeneration had progressed too far by then, my body still viewed me as the intruder, so it was either I let Johnny take my body and go with Alt beyond the Blackwall, or I go back to my body and live whatever life I got left, Johnny insisted on wanting me to have my body and the rest’s history after that.”

Lucy takes a moment to process everything she’s heard.

[V]: “So…how about you? What are you after at Arasaka Tower?”

[Lucy]: “I was searching through the data that was released onto the net, found security footage dated back to a few days after me and Falco’s escape from Arasaka tower, they took the body of one my crewmates.”

[V]: “Lemme guess, David Martinez?”

[Lucy]: “Mhmm.”

[V]: “Know where they might have him?”

[Lucy]: “No, the rest of the data was either too corrupted or buried under thick ICE walls, if im to know for sure I need to get in there.”

[V]: “This David must’ve been really important to you, was he your…output?”

Lucy took a large puff of her cig.

[Lucy]: “Not something i’d like to discuss right now.”

[V]: “Sensitive topic, I get it, I know the feeling, it’s rough, hell still to this day I still leave voicemails on Jackies holo, letting him know about my day, it helps me cope.”

Lucy knows all too well, she can’t count how many times she tried calling David in the days and weeks after that day, hundreds of voicemails, hoping against all hope that somehow he would answer, and tell her everything would be okay.

[Lucy]: “yeah.”

[V]: “So, whatever it is you got planned, im in, I’ll help you get to the bottom of what happened to David if it’ll help bring you the closure you need.”

[Lucy]: “I appreciate that V, and, while I won’t make any promises but, ill try and see if I find anything that can help with your condition.”

Lucy reaches out her hand.

[Lucy]: “From one former Edgerunner to another.”

V cracks a smile and returns the gesture

[V]: “Appreciate the gesture, don’t sweat if you don’t find anything useful, I’ve already made my peace with my fate, I just figure, might as well try to do some good with the time I got left.”

[Lucy]: “Kicking Arasaka while there down on the ground, I’d say that’ll do plenty good.”

[V]: “Couldn’t have said it better, so got any plan on how we going about this mission of yours?”

[Lucy]: “Was kinda hoping you would have a plan, seeing as how you waltzed through the front door without too much trouble.”

[V]: “Funny, doubt that plan will work twice, you didn’t find anything on where they might’ve taken David’s body? Floor? Room number, anything?”

[Lucy]: “Nope, couldn’t hash it from the files on the net, like I said, we’ll need to get inside, find a terminal somewhere, only way we can find out.”

[V]: “You are aware of the risks right? It won’t just be you in the ‘Saka sub net, Arasaka netrunners are all over that joint, im sure Alt did a number on em but there’s bound to be more when we get in there.”

[Lucy]: “I’ve dealt with ‘Saka netrunners before, haven’t dealt with one yet that I couldn’t handle.”

[V]: “Right then, what kind of crew we taking in?”

[Lucy]: “Just us.”

[V]: “Us two? Falco didn’t want in?”

[Lucy]: “He wanted to but I turned him down, didn’t want to risk it, ‘sides, working with the legend of Night City, shouldn’t be too bad right?”

[V]: “Hah, right, okay then, ill see about cooking up a plan, get some things together, then I’ll give you a ring on the holo.”

[Lucy]: “Right, ill get some things together on my end while I wait for your ring, be seeing you.”

Lucy and V both go their separate ways as they make preparations for their raid on Arasaka tower.

Chapter Text

V walks in to Afterlife, as he walks over to where Lucy is sitting he makes a nod towards Claire and Rogue who are sitting at the bar having a drink. He then approaches Lucy and takes a seat at the table.

[Lucy]: “Mornin’, sleep well?”

[V]: “Don’t really sleep well anymore but, yea, did get a little shut eye in, how about you?”

[Lucy]: “Slept well enough, so, think up a plan for how we going to do this thing?”

[V]: “I did as a matter fact.”

[Lucy]: “Well what you got?”

V pulls a shard from the slot in his neck and slides it across the table over to Lucy.

[V]: “Slot the shard have a look.”

Lucy grabs the shard off the table and slots it in.

[V]: “So, im going with a wild hunch that Arasaka won’t be stupid enough to fall for my front door trick twice so, this time around we’re hitting them from the roof, we get in using my Delamain AV. I managed to pull some strings with Blue Eyes and get us a Militech radar jammer truck, one of Rogues boys will park it somewhere near Arasaka tower, should mask our approach but only for a moment, which should give us enough time to get to the roof without being blasted out of the sky. From there, we work our way down till we find a security office. Once inside you jack in and start looking for where we can find David, ill buy you sometime if our cover gets blown, once we get a lock, we move in, and the rest is up to you from there.”

[Lucy]: “Hmmm seems like a solid enough plan, but, no mention on how we’re going to get out?”

[V]: “If all goes according to plan, same way we came in, if not, we’ll have to fight our way down and out of the tower, i’ll have Rogue on standby as my wheelman just incase.”

[Lucy]: “No, ill have Falco as backup as our wheelman.”

[V]: “Thought you didn’t want him involved?”

[Lucy]: “He won’t be, he’ll be on standby unless we need him, he’s a great wheelman, he’s the one who got me out of Arasaka tower the first time.”

[V]: “Alright then Falco will be our wheelman, any other objections?”

[Lucy]: “None, sounds like a preem plan, if everything goes well enough, if not then, well, least we’ll go out in a blaze of glory.”

[V]: “Hah, the true way of an Edgerunner.”

V stands up walks over to Lucy and extends out his hand. Lucy looks up with slight confusion.

[V]: “Grab your hottest iron, we mobilize tonight, here at the bar.”

V smirked, he couldn’t help himself, he had to use one of Johnny’s lines from before they embarked on their wild suicide run. He just hoped he didn’t make it sound too cheesy.

Lucy cracks a smile and grabs V’s hand.

[Lucy]: “Hm, alright then, we’ll meet up here tonight.”

[V]: “Rest up, it’s gonna be a busy night.”

[Lucy]: “You as well, we’re gonna need to be on our A game.”

[V]: “Right, see you tonight.”

V turns around and heads for the exit.

[V]: “Rogue! Is Nix ready for tonight with the jammer?”

[Rogue]: “He’ll be there V count on it.”

[V]: “Preem, see you again tonight!”

V continues towards the door and heads towards his ride. He hops in, and drives off to go see an old friend.

[Vik]: “Well are my eye optics glitching out or is that V I see in my clinic?”

[V]: “Doc, good to see ya, it’s been awhile!”

Vik gets up to give V a big warm hug.

[Vik]: “The hell you been all this time, too much of a big shot now to see the old doc these days?”

[V]: -laughs- “Something like that yea, where’s Misty? Didn’t catch her on the way in?”

[Vik]: “I have her out running some errands for me she should be back in a few hours, so what can I do for you today V?”

[V]: “How ‘bout an old fashioned check up?”

[Vik]: “For you V? Always, take a seat and lets have a look at ya.”

V takes a seat in the docs chair as Vik pulls down some monitors to run some diagnostics.

[Vik]: “So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?”

[V]: “What? Can’t say hi to an old friend?”

[Vik]: “Mhmm”

Vik scoffs sarcastically at V for his sarcastic remark.

[V]: “But uh, I got another gig im doing.”

[Vik]: “What? The damn Crystal Palace wasn’t big enough for you? Jesus V where you stealing from now the White House? The Moon?”

[V]: “Nah, Arasaka Tower.”

[Vik]: “Again? One ass kicking wasn’t good enough?”

[V]: “Im helping someone, woman named Lucy, used to be part of David Martinez’s crew.”

[Vik]: “David Martinez, name does ring a bell, did hear something on the news about him sometime ago, nasty business that was.”

[V]: “Well apparently Arasaka still has his body, so we’re going to get to the bottom of it and put a stop to it.”

[Vik]: “Sounds risky.”

[V]: “Isn’t it always? So how am I looking doc.”

[Vik]: “Well those special meds you ordered from Biotechnica seem to be slowing down your neurological degeneration for the time being but other than that V your clock is still ticking down. At best you’ve probably bought yourself an extra two or three months.”

[V]: “Well enough to do this gig?”

[Vik]: “Far as I can see sure, should be fine.”

[V]: “Preem.”

[Vik]: “Listen V, I don’t know what possessed you to go back into Arasaka tower but, be careful in there alright? Make sure you get this Lucy out of there in one piece too ya hear?”

[V]: “No worries Doc, I plan on it, should be fine, ran through ‘Saka tower before, alone, can do it again this time…listen im uh, gonna get going, gonna hit the sack before tonight’s gig.”

[Vik]: “I’m sure I’ll be hearing all about it on the news in the morning.”

V once again gives Vik a big hug.

[V]: “Thanks again Doc, your the best.”

[Vik]: “Take care V and be careful out there.”

Vik once again sits in his chair watching his boxing match as V makes for the stairs to head out. A big night awaits him.

Chapter Text

[Falco]: “Hmm, sounds like a decent enough plan.”

[Lucy]: “Well what ya think? Thoughts? Objections?”

[Falco]: “Seems well enough, i’ll be on standby as agreed, engine will be hot and ready all y’all gotta do is say the word, you got the gear I left you for this gig of yours?”

[Lucy]: “I did, appreciate it Falco.”

[Falco]: “Ah, don’t mention it, you know im always happy to help Luce.”

[Lucy]: “I know.”

[Falco]: “So this V fella? Whatcha think about him?”

[Lucy]: “We chatted for awhile, for an Edgerunner seems like a decent enough guy.”

[Falco]: “Rare thing in our line of work. He remind you of David somewhat?”

[Lucy]: “He’s no David, but he’s got some similarities sure.”

[Falco]: “To be honest I’m surprised he took you up on your offer for this gig.”

[Lucy]: “He was hesitant at first but he thought it over, was just happy to help.”

[Falco]: “I did happened to have a nice chat with Reyes about him the other day, he was telling me V was the best damn merc he’d seen, completed every contract to the letter, so…at least that gives me some relief that he’ll be joining you on this mission.”

[Lucy]: “The guy killed Smasher Falco, im sure he would be able to handle your average ‘Saka grunt in there.”

[Falco]: “I know it’s just…im worried about ya, it’s only us two left from the original crew ya know? After what happened with David…well.”

[Lucy]: “I know Falco, it’s why I didn’t have you come with us, safer if you hung back as our wheelman, couldn’t risk something happening to you either.”

[Falco]: “Appreciate the concern Luce, just…be careful in there ya hear? Watch each others backs.”

[Lucy]: “Will do Falco. Thank you…for everything.”

[Falco]: “Right, well, im gonna check on the ride, make sure she’s in top shape for tonight, go get some rest alright.”

[Lucy]: “Plan on it, later Falco, see ya tonight.”

She ends the holo call and squishes her cig out on the ashtray in her hotel room before getting up to walk over to her bed. She would normally undress herself to get comfortable before laying down but she’s in a rented apartment, doesn’t want to be in the nude ‘case she happens to have uninvited guests. She lays down under the sheets and stares up at the ceiling.

[Lucy]: -sighs- “It’s been awhile since I last tried this, but, one more wouldn’t hurt.”

She decides to ring David’s holo once more, if anything just to leave a message, to let him know that she’s coming for him, to put an end to whatever Arasaka is scheming.

[Lucy]: “Huh?”

Lucy sits upright, something’s off, normally the call doesn’t ring for this long, why’s it still ringing? Lucy ends the call and scrambles the connection, in case Arasaka is attempting to trace her location. Lucy lays back down, Arasaka is definitely up to something.

[Lucy]: “Whatever it is Arasaka is doing, im putting an end to it, once and for all.” She says to herself.

She pulls the bedsheet up to her neck and rolls to her side, before finally shutting her eyes to rest before tonight’s gig.

Chapter Text

V is making the final preparations for the mission. He turns around when he hears a woman’s voice calling out to him.

[Lucy]: “V! Hey!”

Lucy waves as she approaches V and the awaiting AV.

[V]: “Lucy, glad you can make it, you ready to get going?”

V can’t help but notice the large duffel bag slung over Lucy’s shoulder.

[V]: “What’s all that if I may ask?”

Lucy removes the duffle bag from her shoulder and hands it over to V to carry for the coming mission.

[Lucy]: “Satchel charges, we’re going to need em.”

V takes the duffle bag off her and looks at it with visible confusion.

[V]: “Satchel charges? What for?”

Lucy leans against the hull of the AV to explain to V her thinking.

[Lucy]: “Whatever Arasaka has planned, whatever it is they are doing in there I don’t plan on leaving it in one piece, soon as we find what we’re looking for, we are torching it, burning it down.”

[V]: “You’re going to need a lot more than this if you are planning to bring down the whole damn tower, where did you even get hold of these? These things are military grade explosives?”

[Lucy]: “I had Falco pull some strings for me, and no we’re not going to bring down the tower, just whatever it is they are working on, if it involves David, I want it gone.”

[V]: “Right, gotcha, I presume you want me carrying this?”

Lucy shrugs her shoulders.

[Lucy]: “Naturally.”

V rolls his eyes as slings the duffle bag over his shoulder.

[V]: “Right, so we ready to go?”

[Lucy]: “Ready if your ready.”

[V]: “Let’s fly.”

V and Lucy climb into the cozy passenger seats of V’s Delamain AV.

[Delamain]: “Good evening V, how may I be of assistance to you?”

[V]: “Evening Del, take us to Arasaka Tower, set us down on the roof.”

[Delamain]: “Certainly, however I feel I must point out that Arasaka Tower has defenses against unauthorized landings, and after your last visit well-“

[V]: “Don’t you worry about that Del we got it covered, speaking of which.”

V rings Nix on the holo.

[V]: “Nix? You in position with the jammer?”

[Nix]: “In position, waiting on your sig.”

[V]: “Preem, i’ll give the signal when it’s time.”

Lucy looks out upon Night City as the AV shifts and maneuvers through the towering skyscrapers of Night City. She doesn’t have a particularly fond memories of the last time she was in one of these things so it is nice to finally see Night City from up here without being a prisoner for a change.

V pops the side hatches open as Arasaka tower draws nearer.

[V]: “Nix, we’re almost in range, pop the jammer.”

[Nix]: “Done, make it snappy V it won’t take long for Arasaka to figure out something’s wrong.”

Lucy takes a glance towards V as the wind ruffles and runs through his Samurai jacket, she takes note of his facial expression, he’s not too thrilled about coming back here.

The AV gently lands on the roof of Arasaka Tower and Lucy and V quickly disembark.

[Delamain]: “We have arrived, hope you have a pleasant visit.”

[V]: “We’ll call when we need a lift Del.”

[Delamain]: “Of course, I shall be awaiting your call.”

The AV lifts off as Lucy and V make their way towards the stairwell on the roof.

V and Lucy descend down the stairs, gun’s drawn keeping their eyes peeled for any guards.

[V]: “Alright, if this tower is anything like the one I remember from Johnny’s vision, should be an elevator ‘round here we can use.”

V and Lucy descend down the final flight of stairs and see a corridor with elevators.

[V]: “There they are.”

V and Lucy form up on either side of the elevator doors as Lucy works her Netrunner magic to call up an elevator.

[Lucy]: “Got it, elevator is on it’s way up.”

After a brief wait, the elevator doors part open and the two of them enter.

[V]: “Right, any ideas on what floor the security office is?”

[Lucy]: “You mean you don’t know?”

[V]: “I only know of the Netrunner ops room, could probably find what we need there but that’s way down below, we need something closer to where we are.”

Lucy rolls her eyes and presses a random floor number couple levels below where they are.

[Lucy]: “Just need to find me a terminal somewhere, could probably locate it through there.”

[V]: “Here’s hoping.”

The elevator doors part open, Lucy peaks out to quick hack the nearby security cameras.

[Lucy]: “Clear, go!”

V and Lucy dash from the elevator and crouch behind some low walls, they look around for any signs of guards and security cameras as they make their way to an office with a computer terminal.

They come up to an office room, the door was left slightly open, V peeks in and nods the all clear.

Lucy runs over to jack into the computer terminal while V minds the door. Lines of code dance across Lucy’s retinas as she makes inquiries for the whereabouts of the security office.

[Lucy]: “Got it, just three floors below us.”

[V]: “Preem, just need to get back to the elevator.”

V peeks out the office door to check if the coast is clear. He walks out and signals Lucy to follow. They sprint down towards the elevators, briefly pausing to make sure the cameras are still deactivated, before punching the floor number they need and entering the elevator.

The elevator descends down to the floor level they need, however when the doors part open this time an Arasaka employee gasps as he is stunned to see them. Lucy wasting no time uses her monowires to promptly remove the poor souls head before he could get another word out. They both quickly stash the guy inside the elevator as they quickly make their way to the security room. V peeks into the window.

[V]: “Two guards, their watching the monitors.”

Lucy peeks over the window and fries the two security guards inside. V and Lucy promptly enter.

[Lucy]: “Stow those bodies somewhere while I look through this.”

V moves to collect and hide the bodies while Lucy approaches the security terminal and jacks herself in. She quickly scours through the security data to find what she’s looking for, until…she finds it, David was moved a couple days ago to a data transfer room, that’s not all, she zooms the camera in closer to a mysterious figure next to where David is being kept.

[Lucy]: “Oh no…”

Lucy is shocked to find that the figure is none other than Adam Smasher, suspended from the ceiling by a device alongside David, the two of them seemingly connected to each other.

[Arasaka Netrunner]: “Hey what the, who are you, what are you doing here!?”

Lucy is immediately snapped out of her horror and quickly fries the Arasaka Netrunner who spotted her in the net. The security office’s lights switched to a dim red as an alarm is sounded in the tower.

[V]: “Ah fuck what the hell happened?”

Lucy quickly jacks herself out of the terminal and makes her way towards V.

[V]: “Lucy what the hell just happened in there? You trip an alarm?”

[Lucy]: “A ‘Saka Netrunner spotted me in the system, I took care of it but the important thing is I know where they are keeping David, follow me.”

As they leave the office Arasaka guards spot them and open fire. Lucy and V drop them with ease as they run back towards the elevator. More guards briefly appear out of the other set of elevators and are promptly defeated while Lucy and V re-enter the elevator. Lucy punches the floor number where David is being kept.

V notes Lucy’s attitude has changed, she appears angry, determined.

[V]: “Lucy, you alright?”

[Lucy]: “I’m Fine.”

The elevator descends down the tower. Lucy is determined to put an end to whatever scheme Arasaka is planning.

Chapter Text

The elevator descends down to the floor level where Lucy discovered David is being kept. The elevator doors part ways and they step off the elevator, guns drawn, scanning the room for any potential threats. Satisfied that none are found, Lucy makes her way towards a nearby terminal to open up the doors to the room, after keying in a series of commands the doors open, and both V and Lucy enter the room as the lights flicker to life.

[V]: “What the fuck is all this?”

The lights reveal in the center of the room a massive computer server, and on either side of the server is suspended the mangled torsos of David and Adam Smasher. Lucy drops her sidearm and falls to her knees in shock, tears swell up in the corners of her eyes. V walks further into the room.

[V]: “The hell is Smasher doing in here?”

Lucy snaps out of it and collects her sidearm and walks over towards David, who is suspended from the ceiling of the room by some kind of device.

[Lucy]: “V help me get him down from this thing. Please.”

Lucy begins to unplug the connections that are connecting David to the machine.

[V]: “On it!”

V makes his way behind one of the terminals connected to the server and the devices keeping David suspended from the ceiling. After keying in some commands Davids body is lowered to the floor as Lucy helps to separate him from the machine.

[V]: “Got it!”

V walks around from the terminal and walks over towards the mangled torso of Adam Smasher, poking his body with the barrel end of his pistol.

[V]: “Sorry to shit on your parade chrome freak!”

V looks towards Lucy as she holds Davids lifeless body in her arms. Visibly distraught she rubs Davids cheek with her hand.

[Lucy]: “Oh David, what have they done to you?”

Lucy notes the repairs Arasaka made to Davids right eye, clearly indicating that they tampered with his corpse. Tears roll down Lucy’s face and pepper Davids body as Lucy sobs. Lucy notes that Davids hair is stiff and his chromed skin is noticeably very cold. David has been deceased for quite some time and it would seem they kept his corpse on ice until they had a use for it.

[V]: “The hell is Arasaka doing with Smasher and why are he and David hooked up to this machine?”

Lucy looks up towards the machine.

[Lucy]: “It’s a data transfer server, they use it to transfer Smashers consciousness into another one of his bodies.”

[V]: “Alright so where does David fit into all this?”

Lucy looks back down at David.

[Lucy]: “If I were to venture a guess, Arasaka probably planned on transferring Smasher’s consciousness into David’s, as a way to try and lure me out of hiding.”

[V]: “Yeah well, that ain’t gonna happen.”

[Lucy]: “No…it’s not.”

Lucy opens her palm and pulls out her connecting wire.

[Lucy]: “V here, plug me in to the machine, I’ll see if I can find anything useful to help you.”

V takes the end of Lucy’s connection wire and plugs her into the server. Lucy begins downloading the files from the computer as she continues holding David.

V removes the duffel bag from his shoulder and removes one of the other satchel charges from the bag and leaves it beside Lucy.

[V]: “I’ll uh…give you some privacy, I’ll be outside guarding the doors making sure we don’t have company, when you’re ready, set the charge and torch this thing, just…don’t take too long.”

[Lucy]: “Thank you V.”

Lucy watches as V heads out the door before looking back at David to say some final words.

[Lucy]: “David?…it’s me, it’s Lucy, I…I came back.”

Tears once again stream down Lucy’s face.

[Lucy]: “I uh…I made it to the Moon, just like you wanted…it’s just…it’s not the same without you…I wish we could’ve went together…I…I miss you…so damn much.”

Lucy sobs as she leans in to kiss David on his forehead, she holds both of his cheeks in her hands.

[Lucy]: “Rest now my darling.”

She takes the gold cross David wore around his neck and puts it around hers, one final momento to remember David by. She suddenly hears the sound of gunfire outside the room, Arasaka is coming and V could be in trouble. She quickly takes the satchel charge and sets a short fuse timer, enough time for them to make it to the elevator and escape, she places the charge on the server tower and disconnects her wire from the machine before running for the door. She steps out the door relieved to see V already handled the guards.

[V]: “You good?”

[Lucy]: “Yeah, I set the charge we gotta move, now!”

Lucy and V run past the corpses of the Arasaka guards as they enter the elevator, V quickly punches the number for the roof and the elevator begins it’s ascent.

[V]: “Del? It’s V we’re gonna need a lift, same spot where you left us off.”

[Delamain] “Affirmative V, I will be arriving momentarily.”

[V]: “Del’s on it’s way to pick us up.”

[Lucy]: “Good.”

[V]: “How you holding up?”

A loud thunderous explosion rattles the elevator, the satchel charge successfully detonated.

[Lucy]: -sighs- “Im just glad I finally got to say goodbye, and put an end to whatever scheme ‘Saka had planned.”

The elevator doors part ways as V and Lucy step out onto the roof and make their way up the flight of stairs, as they approach the landing pad they can see the AV approaching. Suddenly the loud whining of a missle streams towards the AV and blasts one of it’s engines sending it hurtling towards the landing pad.

[V]: “Watch out!”

V and Lucy quickly dive for cover as the fiery wreckage of the AV crashes and slides across the surface of the roof before rolling over the edge and falling off the side of the tower.

[Lucy]: “So much for that plan.”

[V]: “You alright?”

[Lucy]: “Im good, you?”

[V]: “Yeah, looks like…we are gonna have to fight our way down.”

[Lucy]: “Don’t have much choice, let’s go.”

V and Lucy chamber their weapons as they make their way back down the stairs. What was supposed to be a quick torch and burn has now become a fight for survival as V and Lucy now have to fight their way down Arasaka Tower if they are to escape.

Chapter Text

V and Lucy make their way back down the stairs and make their way towards the elevator doors.

[V]: “Can’t use those elevators to go back down, the explosion probably took out that elevator shaft, can’t risk it.”

[Lucy]: “Right, good call.”

[V]: “We’ll have to use the stairs till we get down enough floors to be able to use another elevator.”

V kicks open the door for the nearby stairwell for the roof. V peeks over to see the dizzying number of stairs they have to go down. V and Lucy descend staircase after staircase, guns at the ready for any surprises. They finally manage to reach a floor level below where they torched the data transfer room.

[V]: “Through here, this way.”

V and Lucy walk through the door as they carefully navigate through the floor, the building still lit a dim red will alarm sirens blaring. A patrol of Arasaka security guards spot them and immediately open fire. V and Lucy duck for cover immediately and return fire. V opens up his wrist cannon and sends an explosive round down range to quickly dispatch the group of guards. They quickly form up on the elevator doors as they wait for the doors to open. The doors slide open revealing two more Arasaka guards. Lucy’s monowires quickly decapitate them both, Lucy and V then enter the elevator.

[Lucy]: “Shit! What’s happening now?”

[V]: “Looks like their finally catching on to us.”

The elevator abruptly grinds to a halt, Arasaka shut down the elevators. V pries the elevator doors open with his hands then pries open the second set of doors, the opening is just barely big enough to fit the both of them, they got lucky.

[V]: “Right so no elevators, stairs it is then.”

[Lucy]: “V watch out!”

An Arasaka combat mech rounds a corner and immediately starts open firing on the both of them. V and Lucy immediately duck for cover. V pops his head out to quickly send another round from his wrist cannon towards the mech, promptly detonating it and destroying it. The opposite end of the room is engulfed in flames as the sprinkler system kicks into action.

[Lucy]: “Well, can’t go that way.”

[V]: “I’ve got an idea.”

[Lucy]: “Huh?”

V puts down the duffel bag quickly and takes out one of the satchel charges.

[V]: “We’ll make our own exit.”

V sets a short fuse timer on the satchel charge and tosses it towards the opposite side of the room. Lucy and V keep their heads down as a thunderous explosion seemingly shakes the whole floor. V gets up to assess the results of the explosion.

[Lucy]: “It worked!”

[V]: “Sure did, blasted a hole straight through a couple floors it looks like.”

[Lucy]: “I’ll see if it’s clear.”

Lucy jumps down into the hole.

[V]: “No wait!”

Lucy ignored his protest.

Lucy lands at the bottom and notices a group of disoriented Arasaka personnel struggling to get back on their feet. Lucy promptly whips out both her monowires and with one quick spin and a flick of her wrists and the whole group of them are decapitated in an instant. V lands on the floor behind her as she stands up.

[V]: “You could have gotten yourself killed!”

[Lucy]: “Could have, but didn’t.”

[V]: “Now is not the time to be getting reckless.”

[Lucy]: “Here toss me another one of those charges.”

V opens the duffel bag and takes out another satchel charge.

[V]: “We don’t have many of these left so use ‘em sparingly.”

Lucy takes the satchel charge, primes it and tosses it to the opposite side of the room. The both of them once again keep their heads down as another thunderous explosion rocks the building.

V and Lucy quickly run over to the hole in the floor.

[V]: “Im going in this time.”

Lucy rolls her eyes as V jumps down through the opening. Lucy peeks over as V scans around.

[V]: “Looks clear so far come on down.”

Lucy follows through and jumps down the hole.

[Lucy]: “Right so this time we’re taking the stairs dow-“

[V]: “Look out!”

A pair of Arasaka mechs appear at the end of the floor and immediately start throwing lead down towards V and Lucy. V tackles Lucy to the ground but not before she takes a round through the arm. Lucy grimaces in pain.

[Lucy]: “Grrr fuck V! Thought you said it was clear!”

[V]: “You’ve been hit! Here lemme take a look.”

As V takes a look at Lucy’s arm she uses her short circuit quickhack to knock the mechs out of commission.

[Lucy]: “Fuck! How bad is it, ahh.”

[V]: “The bullet went through all the way.”

V goes through the duffel bag and grabs a tourniquet and wraps it tightly around the bullet wound.

[V]: “There, that should stop the bleeding till we get you to a doc.”

[Lucy]: “V if I don’t make it out-“

[V]: “Don’t be such a drama queen, you got hit in the arm you’ll live.”

[Lucy]: “Remind me to kick your ass when we get out of here.”

[V]: “Hah! Comon, stairwell is this way.”

V helps Lucy to her feet as they make their way down the stairwell. V is on heightened alert making sure they don’t get jumped once again.

[V]: “Stay close Lucy, you’re not a hundred percent right now, won’t be able to shoot accurately with one hand.”

[Lucy]: “Thanks for the reminder.”

[V]: “I take it this is the first time you’ve been shot?”

[Lucy]: “Uh huh.”

[V]: “Take it from me you got it easy, I got shot in the head.”

V reaches into his shirt and quickly flashes Lucy the charm that has the bullet that was lodged in his head.

[Lucy]: “Yeah, guess I really shouldn’t complain huh.”

V motions to stop as V hears voices from the stairs below, V peeks over the railing and sees three Arasaka guards coming up the stairs. V grabs one of his grenades and pulls the pin, then tosses it over the railing and onto their heads, the explosion kills all three instantly.

[Lucy]: “How much longer till we’re out of here?”

[V]: “Not much longer we’re almost there, we’ll use the final few satchels to get there quicker, you should probably ring Falco, tell him we’ll be out of here soon.”

[Lucy]: “Right, Falco.”

Lucy rings Falco on the holo.

[Falco]: “Lucy? Everything going alright?”

[Lucy]: “Preem Falco, everything is just preem, listen, plan A was a bust, so we’re going with plan B, we need you ready to grab us.”

[Falco]: “Ready ‘n waiting Lucy, just say the word and im there.”

[Lucy]: “Thanks Falco, be seeing you soon.”

Lucy ends the call.

[Lucy]: “Falco is ready and waiting.”

[V]: “Preem, here’s the floor, we’ll pop a satchel here.”

V pops a fresh clip in his pistol before slowly pushing the door and peeks his head out. V spots about a dozen or so guards in the room.

[V]: “Got company, gimme a sec.”

V opens his wrist cannon and fires a shot into the group. Half of them explode into bloody meat pulps the rest are too disoriented and are promptly prosecuted by headshots to the dome from V’s pistol shots. V motions for Lucy to come out from the stairwell. Lucy take’s cover along side V as he prepares the satchel charge. Sets the short fuse and tosses it some distance away. Lucy and V both brace themselves as the bomb detonates.

[V]: “Two more left, should be enough to get us out of here.”

V puts his arm around Lucy’s waist as they both jump through the hole in the floor. Two more satchel explosions later and the two of them jump down into the main lobby area. The two of them make a mad dash out the front door. Falco’s ride, sporting the Edgerunner logo David had made, pulls up in front and the both of them hop in the back.

[V]: “Alright we’re in punch it!”

Falco hits the gas and speeds away.

[Falco]: “V! Pleasure to finally meet you, Luce how you-“

Falco notices the dried blood running down Lucy’s arm from the rearview mirror.

[Falco]: “Lucy your injured!”

[Lucy]: “I’ll be fine Falco.”

[V]: “Need to get her to my ripper, he’ll patch her up, I’ll send you the coords just get us there.”

[Falco]: “On it! Hang tight folks!”

As Falco speeds down the highway, V and Lucy relax in the back seat, exhausted, but happy they both made it out alive and relatively in once piece.

Chapter Text

Falco pulls up to the location V sent, the location of V’s trusted ripperdoc Vik. V helps Lucy get out the back of the truck as she groans in pain.

[V]: “Thanks for the lift Falco, much appreciated!”

[Falco]: “Ah, don’t mention it, just glad to help ya’ll out, take care of Lucy will ya?”

[Lucy]: “Your not coming in with us Falco?”

[Falco]: “I’d love to but we gotta assume ‘Saka has our ride pinged and is looking for us, im gonna duck out make sure we’re all clear first, ill be in touch.”

[Lucy]: “Be careful Falco.”

[V]: “You run into any trouble Falco gimmie a ring, ill be there.”

Falco gives a V a salute before driving off. V helps Lucy over to Misty’s Tarot Reading shop.

[V]: “Misty, hey…is Vik in his clinic?”

[Misty]: “My goodness V she’s hurt! Here let me help you!”

Misty takes Lucy from V and holds her by her arm and helps V gently escort her down the stairs.

[Misty]: “I don’t think I’ve caught your name before, V doesn’t really visit much anymore.”

Misty looks back at V with a snide look, V returns the look with an eye roll.

[Lucy]: “Name’s Lucy.”

[Misty]: “Nice to meet you Lucy, im Misty, any friend of V’s is a friend of mine.”

The trio make it down the stairs and approach Viks clinic. Vik notices them and immediately gets up from his chair.

[Vik]: “Jesus V you could have given me a heads up you were coming atleast.”

[V]: “Sorry Vik we were a bit occupied.”

[Misty]: “Vik this is Lucy, V’s friend.”

[Vik]: “Pleasure to meet you Lucy, now please take a seat and lets get you fixed up alright.”

Lucy looks back at V and Misty.

[Lucy]: “Sorry guys, I prefer to be alone.”

[V]: “Sure no problem.”

V motions to Misty to follow him.

[V]: “Vik let us know when she’s finished up, we’ll be outside.”

[Vik]: “You got it.”

V and Misty make their way outside and wait by the stairs.

[Misty]: “So what’s that all about?”

[V]: “Just finished up a gig. Arasaka Tower.”

[Misty]: “Again? V why would you go back there?”

[V]: “Vik didn’t tell you?”

[Misty]: “You know how Vik is he doesn’t want me to worry.”

[V]: “Eh, it’s…a long, long story.”

[Misty]: “You look exhausted V.”

[V]: “It’s been a long night.”

[Misty]: “Well…next time you come by I’ll wanna hear all about this gig. I’m happy to see you again, glad the two of you made it back in one piece, just don’t be a stranger will ya?”

[V]: “Thanks Misty.”

Vik calls from the bottom of the stairs. Wiping his hands off with a towel.

[Vik]: “Hey you two, just finished up your good to come in.”

[Misty]: “You go ahead V i’ll be in the shop if you need me.”

Misty walks over back to her Tarot shop while V turns and heads back downstairs and re-enters Viks clinic, Lucy still sitting on the doc’s chair as he walks in.

[V]: “Well how’s she holding up?”

[Vik]: “She’s good as new, tried to reduce the scarring as much as I could but she’ll still have a little scar there.”

Lucy examines her arm and runs her fingers over the fresh new scar she earned.

[Vik]: “She did lose a good amount of blood, she just needs to take the meds I gave her and get some food in her stomach and she’ll be right as rain.”

[Lucy]: “Thanks doc…Vik.”

[Vik]: “Don’t mention it kid, just remember the dosage I told you alright, and try not to do any heavy lifting for awhile till that arm heals.”

[Lucy]: “Noted.”

She hops out the chair and slips back on her cropped white jacket and walks over towards V.

[V]: “Thanks again doc, your the greatest, it’s getting late, time to get going.”

[Vik]: “Take care yourselves you hear, and V, no surprises next time.”

[V]: “No promises Vik.”

V and Lucy head out up the stairs and walk through Misty’s shop.

[V]: “Later Misty have a good night.”

[Misty]: “Take care you guys, glad you’re doing better Lucy!”

Lucy smiles.

[Lucy]: “Thanks Misty.”

They head out onto the sidewalk and begin walking.

[Lucy]: “So that ripper of yours, great guy, probably the nicest ripper I’ve come across, sure as hell beats the last one I knew.”

[V]: “Yeah Viks a great guy, known him for years, saved my neck countless times.”

[Lucy]: “You sure know some interesting folks, and Misty?”

[V]: “She’s a tarot card reader, tells people their fortunes, should see her sometime maybe she’ll tell you yours.”

[Lucy]: “Maybe.”

V whips out his key fob and signals for his ride. His car peels around the corner and pulls up in front of them.

[V]: “Hop in, I’ll give ya a ride home.”

[Lucy]: “Thanks.”

Lucy hops into the passenger side seat and V walks around and enters the drivers side.

[V]: “So…where am I leaving ya off at?”

[Lucy]: “The No Tell Motel.”

[V]: “Jesus that place?”

Lucy gives V the stink eye.

[V]: “Alright, No Tell Motel it is.”

Lucy looks out the window as the car drives around Night City.

[V]: “So, a successful gig, I’d say that calls for a celebration, what say we grab a drink in the morning to celebrate?”

[Lucy]: “Hm? Uh sure yeah sounds fun.”

[V]: “Christ, you look exhausted.”

[Lucy]: “You heard the doc, lost a lot of blood.”

[V]: “Right, aaaand here we are.”

V pulls up in front of the motel. Lucy opens the car door and hops out.

[Lucy]: “Thanks for the lift V, and…thanks, for helping me with this, wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without your help.”

[V]: “Don’t mention it, you sure you’re alright? Don’t need any help getting to your room?”

[Lucy]: “Ill be fine, thanks, have a good night V.”

[V]: “You too Lucy, oh and hey don’t forget to take your meds!”

Lucy waves him off as she walks away into the hotel. She climbs up the stairs and keys in her room card and opens the door. She sets the bag of meds Vik gave her down on the table and heads for the shower to wash off the dried blood. She undresses herself and tosses her clothes in the washing machine to get the bloodstains off. She turns on the shower and starts washing herself. She turns around and sits down on the shower floor, she clutches the gold cross she took from David and holds it in her hand. It finally starts to sink into her mind, that David is well and truly gone. She shuts the shower water, dries herself off and heads for the bed, she’s much too tired to even bother with putting on another set of clothes. Soon as her head hits the pillow she knocks out and falls into a deep sleep.

Chapter Text

Lucy’s eyes lazily open as she hears her holo ringing. She notices the ID says V, and looks at the clock over on the night stand.

[Lucy]: “Ughhh.”

She groans as she answers the call.

[Lucy]: “Morning.”

[V]: “Hey, hope I didn’t wake you.”

[Lucy]: “You did wake me.”

[V]: “Damn, my bad.”

Lucy stretches her arms and rubs her eyes.

[Lucy]: “It’s fine what do you need?”

[V]: “About what I mentioned last night, thought it’d be a good idea to celebrate after kicking some ‘Saka ass last night, you still up for it?”

[Lucy]: “Sure, yeah.”

[V]: “Preem, I know this nice dive over in Heywood, i’ll stop by and come pick you up?”

[Lucy]: “Yeah, just gimme a minute to get myself ready.”

[V]: “Take your time no rush.”

The call ends, Lucy sits up on the edge of the bed and rubs her hand over the scar on her left arm. She then gets up to go to the bathroom, she tosses her clothes in the dryer and hops in the shower. After washing herself she dries herself up and takes her clothes out of the dryer and gets herself dressed. She receives a text from V “I’m outside”. She takes a puff of the meds Vik gave her and proceeds to head outside where V is waiting.

[V]: “Morning!”

[Lucy]: “Hey V.”

[V]: “You sleep well?”

[Lucy]: “Best sleep I’ve had in a long while.”

[V]: “Really?”

[Lucy]: “Well yeah, till you woke me up.”

[V]: “Alright alright, sue me.”

[Lucy]: “I might.”

V rolls his eyes at Lucy’s sarcasm.

[V]: “I bet, but seriously though, glad your rested up you looked really out of it last night.”

V and Lucy both hop into V’s car and pulls away from the hotel.

[V]: “Will Falco be meeting us?”

[Lucy]: “He’s laying low for the time being, just a precaution.”

[V]: “Right.”

[Lucy]: “So, what’s this dive of yours we going to?”

[V]: “It’s called the El Coyote Cojo, spent a lot of time there me and Jackie, we’d always went there after a gig before we started going to Afterlife. His mother runs the joint too.”

[Lucy]: “You and Jackie were really close huh?”

[V]: “He was a true friend, the only one I had in this city for awhile, he was the best choom you would want by your side in a pinch.”

[Lucy]: “Sorry for your loss, sounds like a great guy.”

[V]: “So uh…you and David? If you still don’t want to talk about it I understand…”

Lucy closes her eyes and lets out a soft sigh.

[Lucy]: “Let me get some beers in my system first, then we’ll talk.”

[V]: “Well your in luck, we’re coming up on it right now.”

V pulls in to the parking lot of the bar. V and Lucy both step out the car and enter the bar, heading straight towards the bar counter.

[Pepe]: “Well look who it is mister big shot himself!”

V and Lucy grab a seat on the stool.

[V]: “Hey Pepe long time, how’s the wife?”

[Pepe]: “Ah, no complaints so far V, ever since you helped me out hasn’t been too much trouble.”

[V]: “Glad to hear things are going well!”

[Lucy]: “What? Your a merc and a marriage counselor now?”

[Pepe]: “Haha, so who’s this pretty young lady V?”

[V]: “Pepe this is Lucy, Lucy this is Pepe.”

[Pepe]: “Pleasure to meet you sweetheart.”

Lucy waves in response.

[Pepe]: “So, what can I get you two?”

[V]: “Beers will be fine Pepe thanks.”

[Pepe]: “Coming right up.”

Pepe grabs two cold Broseph beers from the cooler under the bar counter and hands each to Lucy and V.

[Pepe]: “I’ll go let Mama Wells know your here V, she’ll want to see you.”

[V]: “Sure thing.”

Pepe steps away from the bar and heads toward the backroom. V notices the television in the background playing a news report on the latest incident at Arasaka Tower. V motions to Lucy to turn around and see.

[V]: “Hey check it out.”

Lucy looks over her shoulder and sees the news report.

[Lucy]: “Hah, good riddance.”

[V]: “Well, here’s to a successful gig!”

[Lucy]: “To a successful gig!”

V and Lucy lift their beer bottles and clank them in a toast to a successful gig and to both living to tell the tale. They both take a swill of the beer before setting it down on the counter.

[V]: “So uh-“

[Lucy]: “Your really curious about me and David aren’t ya?”

[V]: “Well it’s just…I feel I told ya plenty about me, would just like to know more ‘bout you is all?”

[Lucy]: sighs “Fair enough, me and David we were…really close…he was my boyfriend, my soulmate.”

[V]: “He meant a lot to you didn’t he?”

[Lucy]: “He was everything to me, my whole world, and…now he’s really gone.”

V gently rubs Lucy’s shoulder in reassurance.

[V]: “I could tell back at the tower, you and David had something special, but…Arasaka, whatever it was they were doing, it’s done, David can finally be at peace.”

[Lucy]: “He sacrificed himself so that I could escape Night City, go to the moon, but…that wasn’t what I wanted anymore, I just wanted him to live.”

[V]: “So long as you hold onto his memory, he’s never truly gone, what he did for you, he did it because he cared for you, more than anything, more than himself. With Jackie, I think about the good times we had, we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot, but sometimes you meet the right people in the most unexpected ways, holding on to those memories, makes it feel like he’s right there with me.”

Lucy clutches David’s cross on her chest. She’s grown to appreciate V’s company. She never really expected to find a kindred spirit with whom she could share her grief with. Someone who knows what it’s like to lose someone you care about.

[Mama Welles]: “V there you are! You could call every now and then you know! Ah and who might this be?”

[Lucy]: “Names Lucy.”

[Mama Welles]: “Ahh Lucy, pleasure to meet you!”

[V]: “How you been holding up Mama Wells?”

[Mama Welles]: “Should be asking you that question, I take it that must be your latest handy work?”

She points to the news playing on the screen behind her.

[V]: “Yeah, might have something to do with that.”

[Mama Welles]: “Mhmmm, well, I’ll leave you two to your business, happy to see you again V.”

[V]: “It was good seeing you again, take care.”

[Lucy]: “So um…how ‘bout you? Did you have an output?”

[V]: “I did yeah, her name is Panam.”

[Lucy]: “What is she like?”

[V]: “Geez, where do I even begin, strong willed, stubborn as all hell, short tempered but…she’d never hesitate to jump into the fire for the people she cares about.”

[Lucy]: “Hmm, you two still together?”

[V]: “After I came back from ‘Saka tower, well, she didn’t want to stay in this city anymore, I still had the Crystal Palace gig ahead of me and wanted to see it through. She’s an Aldecado, her heart belonged out there in wilds, not couped up in Night City, and with my clock on borrowed time, we thought it best to go our separate ways.”

[Lucy]: “Sorry to hear that, mustn’t have been an easy decision.”

[V]: “It wasn’t, still eats at my mind whether or not I made the right choice, or if im just some dumb gonk who ruined a perfectly good relationship, but, the way I saw it, im gonna die anyway, she was going to get hurt either way, thought it best to get it over with now rather then later.”

[Lucy]: “You did what you thought was best for the both of you.”

[V]: “I suppose.”

Lucy raises her beer bottle once again.

[Lucy]: “Here, to Jackie Wells.”

V smiles and raises his to toast.

[V]: “To David Martinez.”

They both toast their bottles and drink the rest of their beers.

[V]: “So, what will you do now that this is done?”

[Lucy]: “There’s some places that I want to visit before heading back to the moon, for nostalgia purposes mostly, wanted to remember those good memories. What about you?”

[V]: “Well, I got an old friend over in Oregon, her name’s Judy, you’d like her she’s a real tech wiz, especially when it comes to BD’s.”

[Lucy]: “Interesting, what’s in Oregon?”

[V]: “Well check this out, it’s got great views, seems peaceful enough.”

V whips out his phone and shows Lucy the photos Judy texted him from her time in Oregon.

[Lucy]: “That does seem like a pretty nice place.”

[V]: “She loves it out there, way better than Night City she says. Think that’s where ill spend my final few months.”

[Lucy]: “Oh shit…I almost forgot, about your payment for helping with the gig, sorry this isn’t really something im used to.”

V lifts his hand.

[V]: “Lucy, keep your Edds, I got plenty of em I don’t need anymore. I did this because I wanted to help.”

Lucy stands up and gives V a hug.

[Lucy]: “Thank you V, you’ve been a good friend, I couldn’t have done this without your help.”

[V]: “Don’t mention it it’s nothing, so your gonna get going?”

[Lucy]: “Yeah, got some places to visit, I’ll go over that data I pulled from Arasaka and see if I find anything that might help your condition V, I promise you that.”

[V]: “Hah, thanks Lucy, I appreciate it I really do, you take care of yourself out there, im always available on the holo if you need to chat.”

[Lucy]: “I will V thank you again! Take care!”

She waves farewell as she walks out of the bar. Before she makes her stops, she has someone she wants to visit first. Misty’s Tarot Reading shop.

[Misty]: “Oh hey Lucy, how are you?”

[Lucy]: “Im fine, V tells me you tell peoples fortunes? I’d…i’d like for you to tell me mine.”

[Misty]: “Sure thing have a seat.”

Lucy sits on the stool in front of Misty, she shuffles her deck of Tarot cards and then pulls the top one off the deck and looks at it.

[Misty]: “Ahhh, yes.”

[Lucy]: “What is it?”

[Misty]: “You have the card of The Sun, it reads:

“The Sun symbolizes success. It is a card of freedom, renewal and a bright future that lies ahead. The Sun also represents truth, for its light will always pull back the curtain of shadow that hides the world's secrets. It is also represents greatness and splendor.”

Lucy thinks about the card’s meaning, she pulled back the curtain of shadow on Arasaka’s scheme pertaining to David, and before that, David’s sacrifice so that she would have a chance at a brighter future, this is what David wanted for her, as much as Lucy may not want to believe it, but it would seem fate has determined this outcome for her, though she would have preferred a better one where she would have lived out her days with David at her side, but now she must deal with the hand that has been given.

I won’t waste this opportunity you have given me David. I promise.

For the first time in what seems like forever, Lucy finally has the closure she needed. David made his choices. David’s dream was for her to escape, live on, have a future. She finally got the chance to say goodbye, and save him from whatever fate Arasaka had planned. Now David is finally at rest, she will keep his memory alive.

[Lucy]: “Thank you Misty.”

[Misty]: “Sure, anytime Lucy, you’re always welcome here.”

Lucy stands up and walks out the shop, and onto the sidewalk. She puts her hand covering her eyes as she glaces at the morning sunlight, she smiles, basks in it’s warmth, while holding David’s cross.

[Lucy]: “To a new beginning.”

Chapter Text

Lucy is finishing up packing her things for her return trip back to the Moon. She grabs her bags and heads out the door and down the stairs. V is awaiting for her outside.

[V]: “Hey Lucy, here lemme help with that.”

V helps carry the baggage Lucy is carrying and puts it in the trunk of his car.

[Lucy]: “Thanks, really appreciate it.”

[V]: “Doc told you to ease off on the heavy lifting remember.”

[Lucy]: “Right.”

[V]: “Comon hop in, don’t wanna miss your shuttle, Falco will be waiting for us at the terminal.”

V and Lucy hop in the car. Sometime later they arrive at the spaceport, V pulls up to the drop off area at the terminal to let Lucy out of the car, Falco is already parked there and waiting for them. V parks the car and heads around to the trunk to get Lucy’s things, Falco comes around too to help with the luggage.

[V]: “Falco, good seeing you again glad you made it.”

[Falco]: “Wouldn’t miss it, wanted to get my chance to say my farewells, dunno when I’ll be seeing Lucy again after today.”

Lucy smiles.

[Lucy]: “All you gotta do is say the word and I’ll come visit ya gonk.”

Falco and V let out a light chuckle.

[V]: “Well here we are.”

V, Lucy and Falco stand outside the boarding terminal for Lucy’s shuttle, Falco and V both hand Lucy her luggage and she fastens them to her body. Lucy gives Falco a big warm hug farewell.

[Lucy]: “Your the best Falco, thank you, im glad you both are here.”

[Falco]: “Awe shucks now you’re gonna make me blush.”

Lucy giggles. Falco can be a real comedian. Lucy turns towards V and gives him and equally big warm hug farewell.

[Lucy]: “I’m glad I met you V, for the short time I’ve known you you’ve been a good friend, I don’t have many friends these days but just know that I cherish the two of you dearly.”

[V]: “Comon now your gonna get me all teary eyed.”

[Falco]: “Take care of yourself Lucy, holler if you need anything, we’ll be here.”

Lucy’s heart warms from the kind words, she considers herself lucky to have these two as friends. She heads through the terminal gateway and looks back one last time, both V and Falco wave goodbye and Lucy returns the wave in kind. Little did she know however, today would be the last day she ever saw V again….

Eight and a half months later…

Back in Lucy’s apartment on the Moon, Lucy is doing her daily routine, running on the treadmill for roughly thirty minutes, she’s sporting her usual jogging outfit. After the timers up she hops off her treadmill and goes into her kitchen to warm up food. She’s had a peaceful few months with her introverted lifestyle, she grabs a carton of ramen noodles from her fridge and puts it in her microwave to heat up, she then grabs a beer from her fridge, pops the cap off and washes it down, the microwave makes a ear ringing ping noise, Lucy takes her warmed ramen out, grabs a sleeve of chopsticks from her counter and walks over to her living room and plops herself down on the couch. She grabs her remote for her holo screen and sees what she can watch while she’s eating.

[Lucy]: “hmmm let’s see what we have on here, ahh.”

Lucy has been meaning to watch this documentary about the ongoing colonization efforts of Mars, this is the third Mars related documentary she’s watched this week as Mars has recently become a fascination of hers. She’s been searching all over the net for a good quality Mars BD so she can enjoy the Mars experience but hasn’t had much success finding any yet. About twenty minutes into her documentary she gets a ring on her holo from none other than Falco, always happy to hear from him.

[Lucy]: “Hey Falco what’s up?”

[Falco]: “Lucy is uh…is this a good time.”

Lucy’s starting to get anxious, she’s not liking Falco’s tone right now, it’s somber with a touch of sadness in his voice.

[Lucy]: “Falco what’s wrong? Everything alright?”

There’s a frustratingly long sullen silence, Lucy doesn’t like long dreaded silence like this, as it’s usually followed with bad news.

[Falco]: “Well uh…it’s uh, about V…he um, he passed peacefully in his sleep the other day, Reyes broke the news to me few minutes ago.”

And there it is, the bad news. Fuck!

Lucy sets her ramen noodles down on her living room table, she’s suddenly lost her appetite. She begins to regret not checking in on V couple days ago. She hates she didn’t find anything in that Arasaka data that could help him.

[Lucy]: “H-how? What happened?”

Another dear friend…gone.

[Falco]: “His uh, neural degeneration took a turn for the worse last week, his friend Judy went to check up on him the other day and…he was just gone, passed in his sleep.”

There is another long pause, Lucy tries to hold herself back from sobbing over the holo.

[Lucy]: “When’s uh…when’s the funeral?”

[Falco]: “This Wednesday evening, at the El Coyote Cojo, his body just arrived in Night City last night from Oregon, Mama Wells is preparing an Ofrenda for him.”

[Lucy]: “I’ll be there, I want to pay my respects. I’ll leave early tomorrow morning, try to catch the shuttle.”

[Falco]: “I’ll meet you there, give ya a lift over to the funeral.”

[Lucy]: sniffles “Th-thanks Falco.”

[Falco]: “Im sorry Luce, I’ll be here if you need an ear to talk to.”

The holo call ends, this is definitely not how Lucy wanted to spend her evening. She swipes away a tear from the corner of her eye and grabs her phone from the living room table. She begins scrolling through the recent text conversations between her and V. She types out one final message to him. I’m so sorry V, I really wish there was more I could do to help, you we’re a great friend, I miss you already :’(.. She sends the message and starts scrolling through her previous messages. Cracking a smile at the occasional back and forth banter they had and the occasional wisecracking they’d lodge at each other. She looks through the pictures V sent her of his time in Oregon, she enjoyed looking at them, never seen so much green before, and the trees! Lucy definitely makes it a point to visit that place one day. She stands up and starts gathering her things to prepare for V’s funeral.

Two days later…

Lucy is standing around outside the spaceport terminal, looking around waiting for Falco to arrive to pick her up. As she looks around she finally sees Falco’s truck pull up, same one that her and Falco escaped from Arasaka tower in, he still drives it, still kept David’s Edgerunner logo on it too. Falco steps out and gives Lucy a hug.

[Falco]: “Hey Luce, sorry im late ran into some traffic on the freeway, how you holding up, you doing alright?”

[Lucy]: “My list of friends keeps getting smaller it would seem.”

Just me and Falco again.

[Falco]: “Don’t beat yourself up, we both knew that this day was coming sooner or later.”

[Lucy]: “I know…would have preferred never.”

[Falco]: “Hop in, the funeral starts soon.”

The car ride was quiet. Lucy spent the whole ride just looking out the window. They finally pull up to the El Coyote Cojo. Falco and Lucy both step out to enter, quite a crowd has gathered to pay respects, both to the legend of Night City and to a friend. She notes some people she knows or heard about, Rogue and Claire are here, some various fixers V ran gigs for, some she heard about but never met, some she doesn’t know, she notes Panam is here, Vik and Misty are here of course. Misty notices her and approaches Lucy giving her a big hug.

[Misty]: “Hey, thank you for coming so glad you made it.”

[Lucy]: “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Vik approaches and gives Lucy a hug as well.

[Vik]: “Lucy how are you, how’s that slugger of an arm been doing?”

[Lucy]: “Much better now, thank you Vik.”

[Vik]: “Just remember my door is always open anytime.”

Lucy nods appreciatively.

Mama Wells notices Lucy talking with Vik, she maneuvers her way through the crowd and approaches Lucy to say hello.

[Mama Welles]: “Lucy, so glad your here, V would be happy you came.”

She embraces Lucy in a hug.

[Mama Welles]: “Today’s a dark day for me mija, my heart is heavy, feels like I just lost another son, but…atleast I know V and Jackie are together again in the next life, getting themselves into trouble most likely.”

Lucy cracks a smile at the thought.

[Lucy]: “Im happy to be here, miss ‘em already.”

[Mama Welles]: “Will you be saying a few words at the ofrenda?”

[Lucy]: “Of course.”

Mama Wells nods in appreciation. She then makes her way towards the small table where a picture of V is displayed flanks by rows of candles and flowers and various trinkets and tributes. Lucy wishes she had something to offer.

[Mama Welles]: “Thank you for coming everyone, please be seated.”

She announces and everyone quiets down and finds a seat. Lucy and Falco find a chair closer to the table where V’s photo is displayed.

[Mama Welles]: “Friends, colleagues, acquaintances, we are gathered here tonight, to pay our final respects to our dear friend V, who recently left us, peacefully. We honor his memory, his achievements, his legacy. Not only was he like another son to me, but he was a legend of Night City, and a dear friend to those who knew him, I will give each of you an opportunity to speak, if you have some final words to share.”

Mama Wells turns around and clasps her hands together in prayer, then performs the sign of the holy spirit. Various people stand in the center of the crowd to speak about their memories of V, the work he did for them, how he bailed them out of trouble. Lucy was in awe on just how many people V touched. Finally, after several dozen speakers came and went, Vik stands up to pay his respects.

[Vik]: clears throat “V was, he was probably the nicest guy you’d ever meet. A streetkid through and through. He had my back and I had is, he was always ready and willing to help those in need, always ready to help a friend, no matter what it was or what the risks were.”

Vik removes his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose and wipes a tear away. He turns around and leaves an offering on the table, the charm V had shown Lucy that held the bullet he had in his head.

[Vik]: “Rest easy kid, save me a spot at the bar up there, drinks on me when I get there.”

Lucy’s eyes begin to water up. She looks around in awe at just how many people V touched. Misty follows after with her speech.

[Misty]: “The..the fondest memories I have of V were when he and Jackie were together, the two of ‘em were inseparable, the best of friends in the truest sense, they had each other backs all the way till the end. When I lost my Jackie, V was there for me to make sure I was okay, he helped me pick out an offering for Jackies ofrenda too, that’s just the kind of person he was, always willing to help a friend. My offering to V, is this, the final Tarot reading, The Star, it reads:

The Star is the card of hope. In the darkest of nights there is a light that shines the path to home. The Star is inspiration, motivation and gives us strength to move forward.”

She turns around and sets the Tarot card on the table and says a small prayer. Mama Wells nods at Lucy, she’s up next. Lucy stands and slowly walks up to the center of the crowd.

[Lucy]: “I um…I may not have known V for as long as some of you have, but, for the few months I have known him, I knew he was a one of a kind, like everyone else here has said, he was always willing to help, he helped me to find the closure I needed, he helped me to move forward from a deep pain. Me and V were kindred spirits in a way, we both knew all to well the pain of loss, losing someone we held dear in our lives. He wasn’t just a legend of Night City, he was a friend, and friends are hard to come by these days, he knew how to bring people together, just as he brought all of you here tonight. That’s a testament to how good of a man he was, and how much of an impact he had in our lives. He will be missed terribly, we lost one of our best. But V told me once…”so long as you hold onto their memory, they are never truly gone.””

Lucy turns around and looks at the table. She stares for a moment at V’s picture frame, and looks around at all the offerings people have left for him. She clasps David’s cross in her hand, and after a brief moment she removes it from around her neck, and places it on the table in front of V’s picture frame, a memory of not only David, but of the gig they did together. Her eyes swell up with tears and she wipes them away.

[Lucy]: “Thank you V, for everything.”

Lucy turns around and returns to her seat, Falco rubs her back with reassurance.

[Falco]: “You did good Lucy, beautiful speech.”

[Lucy]: “Thanks.”

[Mama Welles]: “Thank you for coming everyone.”

Mama Wells walks over to Lucy. Lucy stands up.

[Mama Welles]: “Beautiful speech, V would be proud. Your welcome to stay with us for drinks.”

[Lucy]: “Thanks, I’d love to but I have a shuttle to catch.”

[Mama Welles]: “Of course, thank you for coming I really appreciate it.”

Lucy nods. Mama Welles walks away and starts talking to another group.

[Lucy]: “Right, best to get going.”

[Falco]: “Lead the way.”

Misty notices Lucy leaving and moves to intercept her to say goodbye.

[Misty]: “Thank you for coming Lucy, I know V would have appreciated it.”

[Lucy]: “Thank you Misty.”

[Misty]: “Your welcome to come by my shop anytime.”

Lucy smiles and nods as she and Falco walk to the door. She looks back and waves at Misty who returns the wave. She steps outside and notices the full moon is out. She closes her eyes and takes a deep inhale and exhales. Ready for whatever the future might have in store for her.

Chapter Text

End Credits Song:

Night City

By R E L & Artemis Delta

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