Ghost in the City: Cyberpunk Gamer SI

[OneFallLeaf]

Going to a ripper is like going to a dentist only far more intense and vulnerable, especially when you're getting your fucking arms taken off and you have trauma specifically related to that act. To not only be pushed into having that process filmed, but also to not be informed beforehand as your best friend drops that on you at the door is insane.

 

[Terrabull]

( <_<? ) . ( @>_> )

5 Eddie's says while Motoko is asleep on the table, she gets posed by Anderson with a knife to her neck with a caption of "Skill This!" Or a pose saying "She's Armless!"

Motoko awakens, finds out and shifts payback to Overwhelm Pranking Payback!

 

[Despacitoleo]

"I am willing to hear your proposition." Hiromi demurred, and… Oh no! I was right, Hiromi! Don't fall prey to the wiles of an elder corpo dommy mommy

Click to shrink...

you know

mokoto probably has like a archive from her past life of all the fetishes from her old world (Japanese tentical rape robots they exist since the early 2000's ive seen the videos)

not some amazing new thing but probably a new (old) lens of what dommy mommy is and the varieties of such a thing which would breath a new refreshing wholesome (for them) sex stuff

mainly cause cyberpunk just worsens and makes reguler things extremely toxic dommy mommy is probably just abuse lol

Edit Also new terms from the olden eras like a 360 no scope and squeaker and other things

We need to bring LMG edits back lol


Welp im finished with my weird train of thoughts

 

[5h4wn]

Chapters back to back? Your spoiling us seras

 

[trudny1]

I'm cautious if the recording might show something off with her physiology.

 

[Terrabull]

Posted a comment on SB.

About a old game shown on Wreck it Ralph. Tapper.

Can Motoko make it Distracting? Hiromi the Bartender and SUDDENLY MOTOKO IS ON STAGE! SINGING AND DOING POSES IN HER FACE!

Before she gets booted from a Game Over.

Would it make Hiromi try to hit Motoko?

 

[BoML]

...okay, did NOT expect to see Anderson again. I did get a chuckle out of the interaction, so it's all good.

Lots of stuff is happening for just getting her arms upgraded, but honestly, Misty seems to be happy, and Vik is getting paid (hope you took them to the cleaners, Vik, if only to wash away the headache of being harped on about "warranty").

You know, I have to wonder how all this has affected Hiromi's Academy life? Is she getting even more bored than she already was, or is she making a jump in grades now that she's actually motivated by doing real business. Food for thought.

 

[Terrabull]

You mean is she a Corpo Delinquent? She is Top Graded! Motoko got a Security Pass!

 

[The Throngler]

It always brightens my day to see updates for this amazing story. Motoko is itching for some mayhem lmao.

 

[Mariadreaming9]

You know, I have to wonder how all this has affected Hiromi's Academy life? Is she getting even more bored than she already was, or is she making a jump in grades now that she's actually motivated by doing real business. Food for thought.

Click to shrink...

We definitely know she's gotten a jump in status as someone who's successful on her own merits

 

[vinzzz001]

To me, this chapter feels like a setup for conflict with a big corporation. I really hope it does not end with the corp discovering about the system/nanites, hope Vic stashed the scans safely. And I hope there is no need for a scan to confirm everything is alright/it takes less than 8 hours. Because everything here will likely be captured in camera.

 

[Conneysseur]

I'd imagine Alex could do a 180 from biggest hater to biggest stan if they were dragged into a firefight by a third-party and Motoko bails them out (she just wants to get home and some dudes are having a shootout on the highway or something). Seeing her Cool and competence firsthand would upset his previous preconceptions.
Hiromi would seethe at another unwanted "rival" sticking around like gum on a shoe and Motoko feeling awkward she doesn't have a reason to kill him anymore. He's setup to die from how the plot's moving at the moment.

 

[Seras]

"Hey kid, take it slow." Vik's voice called out, as I opened my eyes. I hadn't slept, hadn't had any sleepy juice, or even just forced myself to sleep for an hour. The change had been while I was wide awake.

But, honestly it wasn't that bad. All Vik had done was remove my old arms, alter some of the attachments and then re-attach my new arms.

All while the camera's rolled, and I had an annoying Militech Corpo in my ear, urging me to say tag lines, like 'With these Militech Arms, I'll be invincible!' And stupid shit like that.

It was super cringey so I didn't. Instead I went through the surgery mostly quiet, laughing and joking with Vik while he worked so he knew I was okay, but otherwise keeping it more intimate.

And then I slowly sat up. The Silver Chrome arms shifted, having finally had their connections completed, as I brought them up to my face and looked my new palms over.

It would take some getting used to, but all the little dings and scrapes, things my Condors had from even before I ran them through the wringer were gone. Clean untouched chrome.

"How they feel kid?"
"Like a million eddies." I said, loud enough to finally make the woman in my ear chattering shut up, as I showed them off a bit more for myself than the camera's but they were tracking every movement in multiple directions as well.

And then I closed them into a tight fist.

Yeah that strength felt different. In a good way.

"They feel like I can take on the world." I admitted, the least cringey thing closest to what Militech wanted… "Or at least a small Corp." I said with a smirk, and Vik chuckled.

There.

Good enough.

—--

It wasn't enough for the corpo's but a few additional lines they had me repeat over and over from different angles, and me going full cold to keep from losing my temper at how fake it felt, and we were finally done.

Militech was happy enough, and I'd have the tour planned for next week, so that would be interesting.

But it was over. I hung around as the camera equipment started disappearing hauled by men that must do it quite often.

"At least they're quick to pack up." I muttered to Vik and he chuffed.

"They're just doing their job." He reminded me. He was having me go through dozens of little tests, finger touches, punches, and shifting each joint.

It honestly felt amazing. No… Better than amazing.

There was a flexibility in these arms I had never had with my Condors. Not only could I still spin my hand around, I could almost do the same with my elbow. Which was kinda weird at first, but it wasn't disruptive or anything. In fact as I went through the motions it all felt… Completely natural?

I blinked over as I continued the motions under Vik's watchful eye, checking my system, and then I was surprised.

Militech Eagle MKV *Adaptation Militech Eagle 4/4*

The condor spot in my adaptation list was different… Wait..

Oh.

Condors used to take 5/5, but the Eagles only took four adaptations, and…

I had a stat point.

It had refunded me, the point! Nice!

1 Stat point.
3 Skill point.

Hmm. That gave me some ideas, but… Last thing I'd done had been an intelligence point which means this point should just go back into Adaptation…

Looking over my chrome list, and what needed more Adaptation, there really was only one good option.

Everything else was already fairly well invested, but…

Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.2 *Adaptation Dynalar Sandevistan 2/4*

I knew I would be updating Sandy's soon, and when I did that… I highly doubt that monstrous thing was going to stay at 4 required adaptation points.

I dropped my free stat point in, bringing it to 3/4. I already burned my Sandy pretty hard, but this should make it much easier to deal with.

It didn't feel any different as I put in the point, but I wasn't using it right now either.

"Alright kid. I don't see any issues… At all, that thing must be really easy on the nerves. I'm not noticing any tearing, or inflammation. You're handling it great."

"Thanks Vik. I guess I've gotten used to the chrome since I had the Condors for so long." I said, the best explanation I could offer with people still around.

"Maybe." He said, his eyes locking onto me for a moment before just nodding and turning away to check his screens. "Well I'm pleased with how you're handling it. Light work only for a day or two, even with how well it's going alright? Take it slow kid, you really aren't used to the differences in strength alright?"

"I will. Promise. I'll go home and put my feet up and be lazy for a few days."

"Heh, well maybe not that light. Do some stretches, a few pushups every few hours or so, get your body used to the changes. Oh, and here." He dropped a pill bottle on my lap. "Take one of those before bed."

"You sure?"

"Kid that's already an incredibly light dose, but I'm still going to take care of you."

"Yes sir." I said firmly, throwing him a salute, and he just laughed.

"Motoko!" Hiromi called out as she sauntered into the clinic from the stairs. She'd disappeared upstairs at some point during the surgery.

"Hey Hiromi, all good?"

"All good. Oh you should see Alex, he's seething right now." Hiromi whispered pleased with herself, then frowned. "I should have expected the Militech issue. Even if it was just pressure for a deal, if I had made sure it was clear beforehand they couldn't have tried to push things." She whispered to me admitting her mistake.

I just shrugged.

"Mistakes happen. As long as you learn from them, who cares?" I said with a shrug, which felt a bit weird, but not a bad weird. I rolled my shoulders a bit more, getting a feel for how the motion was settled slightly lower than I was used to. The Eagles were sleeker and they were more feminine as well.

Where the Condors had been off the shelf, throw them on. The Eagles were designed with special forces in mind, and making sure a woman's arms would fit her better was probably with the extra alterations in Militech's mind.

"Yeah I won't make that mistake again… I keep getting swept up in that assholes rhythm. He sets up the deals behind my back and then I have to rush to keep any control over things."

"He knows what he's doing. It's a shame he isn't working with you instead of against you. Want me to kill him yet?"

"No, not yet. I don't know who the higher ups will send to replace him, and he's still fumbling as well, trying to get control over you. As long as he can't, he's an annoyance, rather than a problem."
"And he can't."

"Exactly." Hiromi said haughtily, and I grinned. It was nice that she knew I wouldn't work with this guy.

I mean… He was causing trouble for Hiromi, and only I got to do that!

"Speak of the devil." I muttered quietly, and Hiromi looked towards the entrance.

Alex walked down the steps a sleazy smile on his face as he approached.

"Motoko, how are you doing? Any problems?" He asked, half looking at Vik, and then looking around further as if expecting another face.

"Fine. Vik does excellent work."

"Good! Good! We should have enough for the commercial, although the Militech guys were thinking of maybe adding some music to it. I was thinking-"

"Music is good, Rise would probably be best. Showing Motoko rising up with the new arms." Hiromi offered, and I hummed at the thought, pointedly enjoying how she had cut off Alex.

I didn't really care, they could figure it out I'm sure.

"I'll let them know your suggestion." Alex offered, but I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever."

"It was surprising that we ran into Thomas Anderson again." Hiromi offered out of nowhere, and I looked up to see her ignoring Alex who was frowning a bit.

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting that. I guess since we aren't protecting his target, he's not interested in continuing." I said, going with whatever Hiromi was up to.

"Indeed. If they knew a bit more about our past that might have been treated as an insult. It's too bad, there was the other issue that Katalina jumped on." She explained then sent a look at Alex.

"What is the connection between you and the Militech guard. You said he threw you out a window? Will there be an issue?"

"Eh, he was trying to kill someone. I was stopping him from doing that. It's fine. If we didn't fight today we probably won't." I waved him off staying calm and Hiromi was smirking.

"I didn't realize your… Gigs as a mercenary are so dangerous." He commented and I looked at him, then at Hiromi. It's your game Hiromi.

"Oh Motoko was rarely in any danger." Hiromi commented, sounding like she was trying to downplay what I could do.

"Well that's good. We certainly don't want our talent put at risk. We should speak about those gigs in fact. While keeping a Mercenary image is good, gunfights tend to be high risk."

"You don't have to worry about that. Motoko is very competent! She's only been shot at a few times. Nothing to worry about." Hiromi said smiling, and I could see Alex twitch a bit… What were you planning Hiromi?

Oh well. Whatever she was up to, I would let her do it.

"I'm going to help Vik put his clinic back to normal. Everyone should get out of here now that this is all over." I said firmly, as I noticed Hiromi looked pleased with whatever she was up to. Alex headed off, quiet. Obviously thinking about something.

I decided to let Hiromi have whatever plot she was in the middle of, and went to help out.

"Honestly kid, you should be resting. I don't want you straining those shoulders." Vik said the instant I walked over to help him pick up a box.

"I'll pick up the lightest ones." I offered doing just that and helping.

He just chuffed and got back to cleaning up.

—--

"Nice arms." Jun said a bit flatly for my taste. I mean, sure I'd entered the apartment walked right up to him and then basically showed my arms into his face by climbing over the back of the couch, but that didn't mean I wanted him to appreciate my new chrome or something!

"Thanks!" I chirped and then slipped a bit away but waved them a bit in front of me showing off the range of motion. "Militech Eagle. Mark Fives. Got a Militech Gorilla arm module integrated."

"That tracks."

I narrowed my eyes at his comment, but sniffed.

"Vik said I'm to be careful for a few days, I wouldn't want to accidentally hurt you." I decided calmly, and Jun sent me a smug look, but didn't actually push.

"The whole… Militech thing… Went well?"

"Yep. Ran into an old… Enemy? Did I tell you about the guy who defenestrated me?"

"Yeeees." Jun said, slowly eyes narrowed.

I nodded. I was really glad Jun didn't know what defenestrated means, because I don't think he would take well to having me thrown out a window. I'm pretty sure I never mentioned it to him when it happened?

Eh, probably not he would have gotten all worried about it.

"Anyways, it was alright it'll be an ad, but in exchange I get the arms."

"You should bring them down. Make sure they don't have any bugs or something in them."

"Vik already looked them over. You think I'd let anything get chipped in that he hadn't cleared? You think he would let me!?"

"Motoko, I know you like the guy and he is talented, but he's not the one that decides what chrome you have."

I looked at Jun. Poor simple idiotic Jun. That went to a ripper that would just stick any back alley scop into his body.

Heh. If only he had a legendary Ripper to keep watch over him.

"Why are you shooting me that stupid arrogant look? Just because you have to take it easy doesn't mean I won't throw your ass around."

"Just thinking of how much more you have to learn about Night City." I said, sighing sadly at my poor brother's foolishness.

"Whatever… So it all went well."

"Mhmm. There was a bit of trouble, that Alex guy is trying to cause trouble and then swoop in to fix it. But Hiromi handled it… And she told him a bit about my merc work, but only in like… I don't know, she's trying to mess with him somehow, but I don't get it."

"Hiromi is smart, she'll probably be okay. Just make sure when it all blows up in her face you pick her up and run."

"Right?" We both agreed at what would happen with a simple nod.

"Alright! I'm going to take a nap, and do some of the practice stuff Vik told me to do for my arms."

"Pfft. No one does those. It's dumb."

"You're dumb! Literally!" I yelled back, already slipping into my door as Jun spoke.

He was so dumb!

—---

The next day I woke up feeling right as rain. There wasn't any of the weirdness from having new chrome or anything, I stretched feeling the slight differences in my arms, but nothing that felt wrong.

Then I was off.

"Motoko! Don't run just yet." Jun called out as I stepped out of the bathroom cleaned up and ready for the day.

"What's up?"

"I need a favor. Don't come to the apartment today until at least five, okay?" He said, looking over the couch and I felt my nose wrinkle

"Ew."

"I'm not! Jeeze. Motoko get your head out of the gutter! I just need it for some business stuff. Not until five, okay?"

"Yeah… Yeah alright."

"Oh! And dinner will be at five so get your ass here then. Not before! At five."

"I can't come home until five, but only after five, not before? Jeeze Jun."

"It's a business meeting. Should have some left overs though. But if you're late I'll eat them all."

"The hell you will!" I snapped at him, finger pointed. "You better save me some!"

"Five! On the dot!"

"Fine! I won't come in until after five. But I'll be here! Anyway I'm going to Vik's!"

"You getting chipped?"

"What? No. Jun I just got new arms. Vik is going to run me through some boxing practice to make sure I know my new strength."

"Just do it. You don't need a ripper for that… Go hang out with your friends today."

"I'm going to Vik's! Stop telling me what to do. Weirdo." I grumbled at him as I headed out. Jun was so weird.

—--

"Alright kid, nice and easy." Vik called out, we were standing in the alley outside his clinic, Misty watching us with a smile from inside her shop as Vik held out a pair of mitts. I wasn't sure what they were called, but they were the opposite of the boxing gloves. The ones to protect someone's hands as I punched them.

Training Mitts I guess.

I threw a jab, sharp and it smacked into the mitt and instantly Vik swiped at me, forcing me to Juke down head low to avoid it and then I swung the other fist.

Over and over we went as we fell into a rhythm.

"Good, keep the guard up, you got it, weave with the swipes." He commented, as we worked, his voice a low drone, despite the exercise, his voice stayed calm and his breathing light.

Seriously, Vik was a monster.

I was adjusting my punches, getting a feel for just how much strength I had in my arms.

It was a lot, honestly. Even without activating the Gorilla Mod, my arm strength was probably twice what it had been, I hadn't even switched on the mod yet.

"Alright Kid, pull out the stops, let me see what you got." He called out, stepping back and I did just that. A slight twist in my wrists and my forearms expanded. Myomer strands held under tension, I could compress them with a thought giving me immense grip strength, or enough additional torque to yank a door open.

Or I could release it in a single motion and add even more to my punching power.

I did just that. Cocking back and sending it. Vik had stepped back so even my full punch couldn't reach him, but the punch still jerked his hand back from the force as I thwaked into the mitt.

"Nice. You held back there."
"I did."

"Well I'm not gonna break, torque it up. I want to feel what you can give me."

"Hehe! Prepare yourself Vik!" I called out, and this time I didn't hold back. Smacking his mitt as I unleashed the strained Myomers, it basically made my fist jut out another inch or two like a jack hammer as I struck, but unfortunately the timing was slightly off.

Still it send Vik back a few steps as he laughed. Shaking his had.

"Haha! Now that's a punch, alright Kid, let's get that timing down, you felt it right?"

"Yeah I was off." I confirmed, and settled in for more training. Honestly, it was soothing, moving my body hammering out punches.

And every once in a while getting a little alert.

*100 Street Brawling XP Gained.*

I grinned in delight at every update. It was coming in fairly fast as well. I'd trained with Vik before, but he was really driving me today and finally I heard it.

*100 Street Brawler XP Gained.*

*Street Brawler skill level up!*

Aaah what a good feeling! A level up! I loved level ups!

Street Brawler 9. I felt the shift in my head, the experience guiding me through what I was doing. It wasn't drastically noticeable. It wasn't like I was suddenly punching better, It was instinct and experience.

"Alright kid, alright. I think my hand is going numb, so let's take a break, how's the shoulders holding up?" He asked me, backing up a few minutes later with his hands raised and I laughed.

"Perfect, not a hitch or a tingle feels great."

"Well that's good news, come on I want to give a look even so."

"Sure Vik."
I followed after him watching as he took a moment to grab a towel to wipe his forehead, and grab a drink. "Ah I love this time of year, the air is crisp and cold, lets you train a bit harder." He said, sounding pleased and I shared his smile.

"Yeah I hate when it gets too hot. At least we get the ocean breeze through the year."

"Yeah, that does help. Alright, let me see that shoulder of yours. While I do that, you tell me about a rumor I heard about a girl beating up a street fighter, then cutting through an entire pack of 6th Street?"

"Ah… Hehehe!" I laughed awkwardly, but Vik was giving me a dad look!

Crap!

"Okay so that sounds way worse than it ended up being."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeeeah." Oh god it was actually worse than that. I rode a guy over the edge of a building. Vik would not be impressed! Crap!

—--

"Seriously, what is it with everyone today?" I sighed, as I slipped into the apartment elevator and headed up. It was five-oh five. So if Jun was still doing his business meeting that was on him now.

But first Hiromi having cancelled all the events today, not that there was much just another recording session, but that was cancelled then she told me she was busy for the day. Then Malcolm and Ichi both said they were doing stuff today.

I'd called Hayato, but she hadn't been up for a spar either. Probably for the best, but I'd told her about my new arms and she had sounded half furious and absolutely ready to throw hands with me anyways.

Hayato was like that.

So after a morning with Vik. I'd just sort of idled around the city. Bored.

I'd considered getting a gig set up, but Hiromi would frown at me if I took a gig without the rest of the crew, and well… I was still getting used to my arms.

I'd almost torqued the Kusanagi's gas a little too high while driving today.

It wasn't too bad, but the increase in strength was something I was adapting to. Heh. Adapting.

The elevator stopped and I headed to the apartment. Jun's meeting better be done, I was going to yell at him if it-

I opened the door, and the moment I did it all happened at once. The lights came on, and I leapt.

The room was full and-

"Surprise!" The screams of my friends echoed out, as I stared at them. Then they stared at me.

"Okay this is seriously your fault." I told them, as I hung from the ceiling, one hand pierced through the ceiling to hold onto whatever beams I could reach, the other already pointing my Burya at them. Only instinct kept me from shooting.

"Motoko! Sorry! Oh we didn't mean to scare you." Hiromi called out rushing over.

"Scare her? I'm the one pissing myself." Malcolm commented but he was actually looking completely calm drinking… Punch? Why was there punch?

The banner hanging from the ceiling tied to the entertainment system, and the kitchen drawer…

"Happy Birthday?"

"Happy Birthday!" Jun called out then chucked a pillow at me, and I yelped and fell. "Now get down from the ceiling, you Gorilla!"

 

[Blue_Jay]

I agree, 100% their fault

 

[Terrabull]

Motoko can blame her gonk memory.

 

[Winged One]

Actually, did anyone tell Motoko when her birthday is?

 

[Terrabull]

Surprise Birthday? How many were invited? S9. Jun, Hayato. Is Becca there? David? Judy? Doc Vik & Secretary?

Had the idea Wakko was as well or the owner of a Record co who knew Silverhand, just to listen to New Music fresh from the press of Motoko's muse~! Cause Hiromi asked~!

 

[Eruvadhor.1]

Motoko can blame her gonk memory.

Click to shrink...

I don't think anybody bothered telling her when her birthday was. Wild that she's like 15y now.

 

[Vasstago]

She likes numbers go up and up but she forgot that particular number. Shame on you Motoko, shame on you! What a lousy gamer forgetting her irl level going up!

 

[Seras]

Actually, did anyone tell Motoko when her birthday is?

Click to shrink...

Nope.

 

[NitroNorm5688]

Insert meme of the Joker laughing after he fell off the church:

Hee hee hee hee haa haa haa haa hee hee hee hee haa haa haa haa hee hee hee hee haa haa haa haa hee hee hee hee haa haa haa haa . . .

Hilarious!

 

[BoML]

Hah. This was a nice surprise, in the chapter and out of it.

At least putting the arms on went without a hitch, though the fact Motoko was awake for the procedure was a surprise. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense, especially with complete strangers and Anderson in the room.

Heh, Motoko having to explain herself about that street fight event...yeah, Vik was definitely NOT impressed about how it ended.

And a surprise birthday party to end the chap. Nice.

 

[Messmaker]

Nope.

Click to shrink...

Okay, that's just hilarious

 

[Terrabull]

Motoko after Blood bath spree of killing!

Hiromi: Happy Birthday Motoko!

Motoko: Gosh! Really?! I look a Mess! I gotta get Ready! *Leaves!*

Hiromi: Pay up! I stopped her from her Finisher!

Victims: Thank you!

Too cheesy or would she act like that?

 

[Despacitoleo]

"Ah… Hehehe!" I laughed awkwardly, but Vik was giving me a dad look!

Click to shrink...

The legendary dad look

Wonder if Motorola corolla can get a mom/disappointed adult look

 

[DannyPhantom619]

Happy Birthday Motoko!

 

[NitroNorm5688]

Just went though this looking for a specific chapter. And wow Motoko knows a lot of people. Looking forward to seeing them again.

Also would like to see what happened to the little spider bot. And the kids from the parking lot rooftop gang.

 

[Seras]

I looked around the room. Jun was casually waving a hand over the back of the couch, Ichi had thrown confetti into the air, with Hiromi, Malcolm looked like he had half-heartedly joined in.

"I didn't know." I mentioned slowly coming down hanging by one hand for a moment as I holstered the Burya and then dropped the rest of the way back to the ground.

Let's just ignore the hole in the ceiling and the mess that left behind.

"Sorry! I just wanted it to be a surprise." Hiromi offered looking a little nervous after my reaction, so I just laughed and hurried over scooping her up into a hug and spinning around, she had a moment to start laughing.

Then I chucked her ass on the couch.

"Motokooo!" She shrieked, as she bounced around, and… Oh Rebecca was here too, drinking some of the punch and sitting next to Jun.

"Oh hi Becca."

"Sup choom." She greeted back, barely taking her eyes off my brother who was looking a bit nervous.

As he should be. Rebecca was like a shark, and she was obviously interested.

"Motokooo!" Hiromi shouted at me as she got back up and flailed at me a bit, but I just danced away from her blows laughing.

"You did all this for me? I've been trying to hang out with you gonks all day."

"Hiromi grabbed all of us, sorry choom." Ichi offered, and passed me a cup of punch, which I took. Ignoring Hiromi's glare.

"So… This is my birthday huh?" I muttered, it felt weird to think this was my fifteenth birthday.

"Yep. I didn't get you anything, cause I forgot… But I figure since you did too, that covers me." Malcolm called out, and Hiromi turned from glaring at the back of my head to glare at him.

"I told you to get something!"

"Eh." He shrugged then looked actually nervous for a second. "Not that I didn't want to or anything choom. I just figured some rushed thing I picked up today wouldn't be a preem gift."

"It's cool choom. I… Apparently forgot everyone's birthday, so I think you're clear."

"That's what I said!" He called out glaring at Hiromi who glared back.

"I told you it was today!"

"Yeah yeah."

I sipped at the punch and choked, spitting it back out while coughing.

"Wow choom. There's like barely any alcohol in this, was that too much for you?" Rebecca asked, as I coughed.

"I didn't think it was alcoholic! I don't like drinking."

"You have to! It's a birthday bash!"

"I don't really drink Becca."

"Nope!" Ichi was at my side.

"Yeah, you can't refuse today." Malcolm agreed on my other side.

"I can tear through both of you like butter." I whispered threateningly at them, but both boys just grinned.

"Drink drink drink." They started chanting in tandem, and I rolled my eyes.

"I'm not-"

"Drink drink drink!" Hiromi called out, and now that I got a better look at her, she looked a little flushed already.

"I'm-"

"Drink choom! Drink drink drink!" Rebecca called out as well shouting from the couch.

I looked at Jun, who stared at me for a while, before he slowly started smirking.

"Drink drink drink." He repeated in monotone, and I glared at him!

"FINE!" I yelled throwing slaps at both Malcolm and Ichi to get them to go away. "This is stupid I don't even like alcohol!"

"Hahaha!" The boys laughed like gremlins as they grabbed their drinks and raised them up.

"To another year!" Malcolm called out in a toast.

"Malcolm, new years is in like two week-""

"Hey hey hey! No arguing! It's a toast." He told Hiromi, and I just shrugged.

"To a new year." I agreed, cup raised.

"Hell yeah! To a new year!" Rebecca called out excited and then I drank.

Eww. The punch was sweet, but the alcohol in it was awful.

Whatever. The only way to solve this was to drink it all fast enough that I wouldn't have the nasty taste on my mouth anymore.

—--

I groaned a bit as I woke up, stretching feeling my thighs stretch out and my chest flex a bit. Not having fleshy shoulders meant stretching my arms was instinctive but not really the comforting feeling it used to be.

Opening my eyes I looked around my room…

I shrugged. Well time to get up. It was another great day in Night City after all.

Yawning, I got up and padded across my room, passing Tachikoma, who was still working on whatever it was working on.

And opened the door…

"What the hell happened here?" I whispered, the entire room was a disaster zone. My chooms were completely out, laying like a tornado had picked them up and just thrown them somewhere.

Hiromi was hanging off the kitchen counter, her arm and leg hanging.

Ichi was on the couch, but more rolled over it like he'd been thrown and just gave up, and Malcolm was… Oh he was over there under the table…

"Jeeze guys. You really partied yourself out huh?" I wondered, and my voice got a few moans… I guess they were all hungover. Better start cleaning up.

I did my best not to disturb them too much as I padded around and grabbed some bags to pick up trash but the ruffling of the plastic had them groaning in pain and slowly coming too.

As I worked picking things up…

Yeah I don't remember much past some makeshift Karaoke where I had started singing… Something?

I don't remember, then I think Rebecca had stuffed a bottle of something in my hand.

Oh well. I felt fine. Honestly though these guys sure left a mess…

"Uuugh." I looked up as Ichi, slowly shifted, and then sort of rolled off the couch groaning the whole time.

Hungover huh?

"Kill me." Yeah fair enough.

I sighed. Let me get some shoes. I'll pick up some breakfast junk food for them.

—---

When I got back with dozens of meat sticks from the guy downstairs no one had really moved.

Gathering a clean plate I dumped the meat sticks and brought them over to the couch table. Then I started helping my chooms. Ichi was still looking rather uncomfortable, so I helped him shift around a bit. He groaned at every touch as he was waking up and then tried to weakly slap my hands away as I got him mostly sitting normally on the couch.

So I just pushed a meat stick into his hand and a bottle of water into the other.

That seemed to wake him up as the smell hit him, and he groaned, blinking before looking at me and flinching.

"Morning choom." I whispered to him and he winced, reaching up pushing the meat stick into his hair as he clutched his forehead.

Poor boy. I walked over and carefully pulled Malcolm out from under the table holding a hand over his head as he jerked when I started tugging on him and he nearly bashed his head into the table.

He started groaning but I got him out and onto the couch beside Ichi, with his own wake up meatstick and water.

Then I wandered over and with Hiromi just scooped her off the kitchen counter, not sure why she was up here.

She groaned instantly, but I carried her over and set her next to the boys, and did the same for her.

Each of them flinched when they opened their eyes and saw me.

Was it too bright? I went to grab some sheets to throw over the windows to help dim it a bit, the Cali sun was pretty bright.

And slowly my chooms came too. Looking like death warmed over as I made sure they had water, and I put a trash bag nearby.

"If you have to puke, use this." I told them and just got a flinch from all of them. I just rolled my eyes. "Honestly, if you are this weak the next day why did you even drink that much?"

"H-ow." Malcolm croaked, looking at me with red shot eyes. "How are you so fine? Yo-You drank more than al-Urph!" He reached for the bag and I helped him as he lost himself to puking.

"Please. I'm a very moderate drinker." I told him. I didn't like drinking so I didn't do it, so obviously I was fine.

I got glares from Hiromi, and Ichi until finally Malcolm finished puking.

Ew.

Okay let me put that in the bathroom to take out later.

"Seriously you three shouldn't drink this much." I told them, putting on a serious tone. "What would you do if someone attacked you in this state?"

"Puke on them." Malcolm replied instantly and I… Well yeah that's true. Fair enough.

"She did all that, and she's fine… This is fucking cursed." Ichi whispered and Hiromi and Malcolm both groaned in agreement.

"Huh? What? Last thing I remember was singing karaoke on the table." I pointed at the table in question and then all three of them looked from it to me, before shaking their heads.

"Nope."

"Fuck that."

"I'll never tell." Hiromi said haggardly… Then she perked up, weakly as it was. "Motoko… You're never allowed to drink around anyone but us ever." She declared pointing at me, and I just tilted my head.

"Oookay. Why?"

"She did all that, and she's fine? This is fucking cursed." Ichi repeated quietly dropping his head onto his knees.

"Yeah I agree. No drinking… Uuugh, ever again maybe, this sucks."

"Eat some meat sticks, the grease should help, and drink the water. And when you three are done acting so weird maybe you can share what happened."

"Never."

"No."

"So cursed."

"Whatever. Fine." I rolled my eyes at my three idiots and continued cleaning up and helping them recover.

Then the door opened. I looked up and stilled.

Rebecca walked out in just her bra and panties…

"Is that breakfast?" She asked with a yawn, as she sauntered towards the meat sticks grabbed a few and two bottles of water. She gathered it all under one arm as she walked past me.

*Slap*

"Yeek!" I yowled as Rebecca slapped me on the ass hard!

"What the fuck!?" I demanded spinning on her, but she was grinning cheekily.

"Ooow."

"No noise."

"Cursed." My idiots all groaned at my noise and Rebecca sauntered away before turning to look at me with a grin.

"Last night was wild Strings, you're going to break a lot of hearts ya know?"

"What?" I whispered shocked at what just happened and then… Jun was there in the doorway… Were those scratch marks on his-Nope! I turned away and very pointedly didn't process Rebecca returning to my brother's room.

—--

"So what the fuck happened?" I hissed but Hiromi continued to just flush a little brighter, and look away never answering.

I glared at the other two traitors.

None of my chooms would tell me what the fuck happened last night!

The only thing I could get out of them was them telling me not to drink around anyone else!

Obviously I wouldn't I don't even like drinking but now I was-

I took a breath and let it out. They were fucking with me or something. I probably sang for a while and passed out. I was back in my room, so they probably continued partying without me… I didn't have like marker across my face did I?

No, but… Did I put on lipstick last night? I walked into the bathroom, and had a bit left on my lips, so I washed that off… Weird.

Whatever.

It was totally whatever! They were just going to be jerks!

I took out more bags of trash and vomit out to the actual dumpsters. Not that the entire place wasn't absolutely packed with trash, but I did try and place them where they would actually get taken away.

Night City Sanitation wasn't exactly impressive though.

And slowly my chooms came back alive. Stuffing them full of greasy food, and water they slowly came alive.

"You guys want a ride home?" I offered, but all three of them just shook their heads, looked a bit sick for doing that.

"No, I'll drive!"

"I'm good! Don't need it!"

"No thanks!" They all seemed a bit eager to not have me go with them which was weird…

I shrugged. "Drive safe and have a bag or something to puke in just in case." I told them and sent them off.

I continued cleaning up and eventually Rebecca came out wearing her big jacket and she sent me a smug look.

"See ya later Charmer. Happy Birthday again."

"Charmer?"

"It's what I should change your nickname too after last night! Hahaha!" She disappeared and I just…

"What happened last night?" I called out and didn't get a response.

Whatever.

"Motoko."

"Jun… I should kill you, but I am repressing what just happened."

"Preem." He agreed and both of us had a sibling moment where we just decided to pretend nothing happened.

—--

I spent most of the day cleaning up, the confetti that Ichi had thrown really had gotten everywhere.

Then well… Hiromi had cleared today from the MSM schedule, but I felt kinda bored just hanging around the apartment…

And maybe I really wanted to escape from hanging around Jun because holy shit he'd totally-Nope.

That thought was not being completed.

I guess I could go do some electronic stuff…

I had wanted to do some Daft Punk, and with the full recording studio at MSM, I totally could…

Shrugging it was a better idea than just doing nothing. I could listen to One More Time, or maybe that Pentatonix song, sure that was A cappella style, but I could combine that with some actual electronic sounds. It had stymied me before, as I'd had to basically generate every line without any of the sources, but still.

I liked Daft Punk.

I took the Kusanagi out, driving out onto the streets of Night City, slipping though traffic to the MSM building. Once more I easily got through security with a scan, and found a spot before sliding into the elevator. As I was going up one of the floors the elevator stopped early.

Blinking a bit at the Rockerboys that slipped into the elevator, their eyes glanced over me before moving on so I did the same.

They hit the same floor I'd already hit, and so I just relaxed until we hit the floor. They moved out first, and I followed.

Let's see… It was recording room… 48. I popped open the door noticing the band entering the room behind me, and they noticed me. I just glanced at them and moved in.

Just because they didn't recognize me wasn't my concern.

Alright. It was quiet for once. Usually when I got here there was the entire band, and of course the audio manager constantly trying to alter my shit.

But I knew how this all worked. I flipped some switches, setting it to electronic control, and pulled out my Personal Link, drawing the cord out of my neck and slipping it in. Okay set control to automatic and… Done.

I pulled out and headed inside. Grabbing my guitar off my back and settling it in, I walked around to the instruments.

I was going to start with one more time, and the sample to start was three parts…

This, I thought with a laugh, this was going to take a while.

At least I knew the sound perfectly. I just needed to recreate it.

—--

"Ooone more time." I sang, altering how I sang it again, taking the track and layering it in.

"No, not quite there." I grumbled. Altering a bit more settings, before trying again.

"One more Tiime!" I tried it again and just frowned… Close, but not…

I slipped into the system of the recording area and started altering some settings. Thankfully Rockerboy did give me the knowledge of how to alter this, and I'd been hanging around the guy they got doing it for a while with Stand Alone Complex.

Okay, try that.

"One more time!" I sang and this time when I played it over… Yeah, that would work.

I took off the headset and just had it play over the speakers.

Bobbing my head as the sound came through. That was it. One More Time. Now I just needed to finish the lyric track.

So I started working. It wasn't that hard really, only a few lines but I had to alter and adjust them to fit into the song perfectly.

And then after all that work, getting all the tracks…

I took off the headset and just set the song to play.

I didn't hesitate in reaching over grabbing my guitar and just strumming along, singing with myself and a song from a childhood long lost.

And then it was over.

I did it. The most complex song I've ever made. Completely from scratch, every sample had to be completely crafted trying to get it perfectly right.

*100 Rockerboy XP Gained.*

*Rockerboy skill level up!*

*1 Perk Point Gained.*

Level 10 Rockerboy. I'd done it.

"Heh! Hahaha! Yes!" I cheered into the recording booth. I'd done it!

Level ten! I could play it all! No matter how complex, or difficult no song could escape me!

I closed my eyes just humming as I opened the system. Taking a look at the perks. There were a lot to choose from. But…

When I first went through these perks, I'd ignored a bunch of them. Of course I had, I had no interest in some of what Rockerboy gave, but…

I was a Rockerboy for real now. I went up on stage and if I did, then just like everything I did, I wanted to be the best.

I looked through the perks shaking my head at a lot of them. But…

Yeah. If I wanted to make the best shows I would need this.

Force of Personality: While performing, you know exactly what to do to draw the eye, to force the attention upon you. Stand on a stage and throw a hand in the air, and none will resist you.

It was… It made me nervous, but it would help. Sure I performed on stage as best I could, but I could be better. Do better.

I selected it, and shivered a bit as the know how, the experience, heck even the training settled in.

Opening my eyes I shook it off and instead headed for the recording room. I could grab a copy of One More Time, and show Hiromi or something later and-

Clapping. "What are you doing here?"

"Watching a performance of course!" Alex offered, with a wide smile that made me want to punch him. There was the guy always trying to fuck with my songs, at the booth, he was running settings, and.

"If you change that song I'll shoot you."

"Hey, no worries. We want a raw edit." Alex said, trying to re-assure me, and the fat annoying guy threw me a thumbs up.

"I won't touch it yet. I like the idea, create samples and then treat them like an electronic recording. It's fun. Usually you don't see people make their own samples like that."

"You've been watching?"

"Yep, had a band across the way say they saw someone sneak in, but they just didn't recognize you, once security let me know I had to come down and see." He was grinning, but his eyes told me it was all greed.

"Yeah well." I waved him off, I was going to grab a copy of the original, and leave.

"You know, there is something that might interest you. Now I know Ms. Mitsunashi is your manager, and I'll talk with her about this too, but I didn't know you could do this before. There is a movie coming out. MSM is doing the music." He said but I was getting my copy, which thankfully they'd been truthful no editing. Just the song perfectly recorded.

"Motoko?"

"What?"

"I was saying, there is a large bonus involved for any of our artists whose song gets picked for film. It also does very well for sales, and future projections. If you can be inspired to make a track like this, you could do well with it."

"I'll think about it, but-"

"Hiromi will decide?" He said, smirking as if he knew something. "As I said, I'll let Ms. Mitsunashi know all about it. But think about it."

I left after that, not wanting to be around the guy without need.

A movie soundtrack? Okay? Who cares?

Whatever.

 

[trudny1]

They were fucking with me or something. I probably sang for a while and passed out. I was back in my room, so they probably continued partying without me… I didn't have like marker across my face did I?

No, but… Did I put on lipstick last night? I walked into the bathroom, and had a bit left on my lips, so I washed that off… Weird.

Click to shrink...

She's sooooooo~ dense, like Smasher is less denser with his entire equipment.

 

[Mariadreaming9]

It's a Bushido film isn't it lol. Aka the series Motoko hates