TuckTuck out cold on the carpeted floor is laid flat on his back… the steady pattering of rain graces the high elevation megabuilding windows deep into the still night. Warm… high up and away from any and all of Night City's hazards.
Gina gently tosses and turns in her sleep... her hair and blankets a sloppy mess barely draped atop her tanktop and pjs. Her and TuckTuck's sleep breathing being the only sounds present with the pattering rain.
She drifts into a dream… the sound of heavy rain gently gracing her unconscious mind carries in a now long distant memory:
A crack of lightning is quickly followed by the deep roar of thunder above her head. Gina's little kindergarten school shoes crunch rocks beneath her feet as she frantically hurries home. The heavy gusts of wind push and yank her little body while she struggles to carry her backpack about the same size as she is. Its dark and hard to see as she tries to use her little hand to keep rain from pounding her eyes. Foot traffic this evening in Japantown is almost non existent… no one in their right mind would be caught out in this.
Breathing heavy in a panic, she makes it to her front door… frantically trying to slide it open... it won't budge.
She glances at the keypad lock – Under Maintenance -
She desperately pounds on the door with her tiny fist… struggling to get it open as she notices a note left stuck on it... too high for her to even reach. She jumps and jumps to try and reach as the heavy wind gusts by blowing it away to the floor as she chases after it. She grabs the short note and reads… hearing it in her father's grumbled voice.
"Last minute business trip. Go to your mom's."
She releases her grip on the note as the heavy wind yanks it away into the darkness… she looks up and desperately tries even harder to get into her home… wanting to do anything but what that note's telling her.
Her tiny body shivers to the bone… being faced with the struggles of a full grown adult as a kindergartner. No shelter… no safety. She hurries through the streets with the elements baring down on her… desperate for even the smallest refuge of cover away from the weather… and unoccupied by shadowy vagrants opportunistically watching her pass by.
Using her small purple backpack as frail cover from the rain… the wind effortlessly rips it away. She wraps her little arms around herself with hunched shoulders as she picks up her pace… feeling her little face and fingers tingle with a cold numbness. The steady wind gradually piercing through the thin fabric of her clothes.
She ducks into a group of thick hedges without thinking… the cold's just unbearable… she cries to herself… weeping… scared... alone and confused on what to do. The wind sends a heavy gust yanking the hedges around as she flinches and curls into a ball... falling to her side.
Gina looks up and notices an open door not too far away. The interior lights were dim but on… inside looked dry... warm… about the only thing her little primal brain could think before she makes her move. She crawls out of the hedges and heads for the stairs leading up into what looked like a dojo. The floor in the entrance was completely empty… several statues and shrines were spread throughout but barely visible as she approaches uneasy.
Suddenly, the silhouette of a short man approaches the entrance from inside with the pace of someone about to close the doors up. The silhouette stops in his tracks as they notice little Gina just standing there alone… shivering to her core.
He stands there shrouded in shadows… the two of them just... looking at each other.
The bite of the elements fades... replaced by adrenaline and fear as she watches him reach to the side of the doorway. His hand returns with what looks like a long stick about the same height as he is. He steps out of the doorway into the rain toward her… she instinctually backs up… scared of his imposing size.
He stops a foot or so in front of her and points the stick in front of her face… making her flinch. She gasps afraid as she backs up even quicker… turning a shoulder in fear of being hit.
The man closes the distance again and shoves the stick in her face more aggressively… Gina's little voice squeaks in fear as she stumbles… falling back on her butt. She frantically scrambles backward toward the hedges she crawled out from as the man continues toward her slowly. She covers her little head, shivering as she grits her teeth with eyes closed tight… bracing for the pain.
When the pain doesn't arrive… she opens her eyes slowly.
She looks up to see the stick… right in her face… the silhouette of the man standing shrouded in a dark, weathered evening with it pointed at her… a grumble of rolling thunder emitting from the skies behind him.
An impossible moment passes in each other's presence.
Surrounded by rainstorm darkness and the crack of lightning…
Gina's tiny hand… slowly reaches for the stick.
*BEEP!! BEE-*
Gina taps the alarm in her room… again awake several minutes prior.
She sends a deep breath up toward the ceiling, filled with numbed melancholy as TuckTuck rummages around quietly on the apartment floor. When does this end… when is this gonna stop.
The work day passes by, taking us into the evening. Gina posts up a few blocks from megabuilding H-eight under a couple of neon Speed Loans and Delamain advertisements silently blinking away.
{Start Song Now: Syberware Youtube Channel Chapter 90}
Katana on her back... hydration in her flask, and all of her training gear in a duffle bag she waits patiently… casually flipping her custom made, fixed blade with a gut hook. The black blade contrasts it's marble white handle. The small, red Araska logo in the handle's center having been chiseled out and smoothed over. Her mastery over it's weight and balance is mesmerizing as she makes play with it look effortless.
Eventually, a muffled pounding slowly approaches from the street as a pair of headlights grow larger moving toward her. Gina holsters her knife and picks up her gear as the squeaky brakes roll to a stop in front of her. She takes a brief glance down the street behind it as she approaches.
She hears the overly loud music blare out like a flood as she opens the door of the Archer Hella ec-d and hops in the front seat.
"Peace choombinaaa!! Good to see you mommy!" Gina's friend greets with a high energy smile from the driver's seat.
They each present a hand to each other... receiving it gracefully with the opposite as they both kiss each other's knuckles. A mirrored action… and the most endearing ritual greeting of The Mox.
They drive off into the gradually darkening night.
Her choom lowers the volume on the track to talk.
"So, how's corpo life bitch? I know ya'll got NDAs and all that fancy shit but that don't mean cut me out."
A quick flash of the assistant in the break room being punted in the ribs for spilling the coffee enters her mind… her shriek of pain. She doesn't respond.
"Sure the eds've been good right? Guessin' should be enough to get outta that scop hut up in H-eight. Didn't they do another sanitation lockdown up there just last week? What about that cadmium thing goin' on with the taps… they still got em running?"
"Beats livin' in fuckin Beaverville… andconapt's still well outta my league."
"Really? Some of the girls've been all through there. Said its like a fuckin'… patch of luxury in a wasteland. Real white picket fence type shit.
"Yeah sure maybe for a nightcap.. not a lease on your life. You sign? Becomes a prison cell. Ties your nine to five directly to your private life. Twenty-four hour surveillance... everything from your corporat neighbors down to the cameras and microphones on your own damn coffee pot. No thanks… I'll stick to my little closet for now."
"What, you don't want them to see you play with your little coochie mommy?"
Gina rolls her eyes.
"Look, you better keep your options in mind hyna. Gotta take advantage when you got a IN with these rich fucks and that unlimited cash flow. Milllk that fuckin' COW cheena… how you can while you can love-"
"-Not that simple Beretta… the further you 'rise' through this system... the more locked into it you become. Higher you get to the top... less likely you survive the fall."
What was left of the sunset's now gone. Replaced by a layer of neon light pollution and a starless night sky as they drive.
"Ready for tonight? Alex gettin' shark tanked."
"I guess… been working on my quick draw more these days though."
"Girrrlll you're obsessed. Been at it like there's no tomorrow. What're ya tryna prove now?"
"Heard Kanji just died." Gina mutters flatly.
Beretta scoffs, shaking her head. "jesus christ G… and you're tellin' me your cute little ass is gonna just up and join the sacred eight huh. No one even knows who or where the hell they are... andwith Derrick still tossin' you around in wrestling training? Ha.."
"This is blades bitch.. not arm wrestling. And at least I don't gotta deal with handsy Howard like you do… ha." Gina slings.
"Hey! That fucker GOT the message last time don't you worry about-"
"-Yeah.. you say that now... till he starts followin' your ass home… start finding him jerkin' off outside your megabuilding window. I've seen the way he stares at your big feet hahaha-"
"-SHUT UP!"
Gina's laugh only grows louder… a release shes desperately needed for a while now. Beretta bites back.
"Fuck you bitch. I'll cut his bargain basement mister stud clean off his fuckin' nutsack."
"Haha... no need. Just give me a buzz. Your blade sucks."
Beretta remembering something, quickly glances over at Gina. Shifting tone.
"Speakin' of which. Been meaning to mention… Mox could really use a quality blade like you these days. Y'know... restless johns… booster gangers really been pushin' up ever since we started plantin' flags."
Gina doesn't respond.
Beretta looks over at her... a serious expression.
"You're always welcome Gina... I hope you know that. Always treated you like one of us… hell, pretty much ever since I joined. Y'know most of our girls by now and… dunno… just don't want you wanderin' the streets alone with a blade and a head full of no direction… just... promise me you'll think about it alright."
At times the pull down into Night City's criminal underworld comes from the beckoning hand of someone you trust… someone you love. For all the right reasons. Ensuring there are no avenues for the average or innocent that won't be exhausted by Night City's insatiable appetite to feed.
Gina looks over... the pair meet eyes.
The sharp pops and thumping of heavy bags and thai pads ring out alongside focused grunts and shouts. Combinations being called with idle laughs and loud chatter filling the space while fighters stretch limbs and wrap up hands. The sharp, sleek sounds of katana blades being holstered, swung, or tended to with care fill the room with a commanding presence. The heat generated from the high intensity training output spills out onto the cold streets. The smell of used leather and disinfectant permeate throughout the air. The night's positive with high energy… just another night at the lab. Gina sits on the mats with her coach off to the side before session.. halfway through a conversation.
"Heard about that fight got canceled last weekend? Shit, apparently three servos in the left shoulder and three servos in the right hip. All recalled. Cytech sited software defects in protocol and directive."
"What?? No way! So Razor Hugh is out?? or are they gonna give em a-"
"-Nope, they're just giving him the big guy now. Straight for the belt."
"The big guy-...who? Chungus??"
"Yup" Coach smiles and nods.
"ooo shit!" Gina says as they both laugh. "That should be a good one."
"ah, I think Hugh'll be fine, he's been on a crazy streak... if anything I think he'll do better now that he can add some more weight. Remember they separate chrome weight from your ganic now with the new NC commission rules."
"Damn man!! I wanna get on a circuit!" Gina shouts cleaning her shin guards. "Heard there's even this new underground one makin' the rounds think its called like… fuck, I can't remember… Rhino told me. Maybe pick up on some of those weekend classes to get ready huh?? Throw in a few more conditioning sessions n' should be good right??"
Coach's face shifts along with his tone. A light shake of the head.
"Cmon Gina, talked about this already.. you're not comin' in on weekends anymore… remember you moved outta here for a reason. We're in the process of working on reducing your days in here, not throwin' more on top."
"Awe cmon but-"
"-You're young… you're beautiful… you're more than capable and... you're directionless. You've climbed all the mountains in this damn place. Haven't I told you enough times that its about time to take a leap off that motherfucker?"
She doesn't respond.
"You're more than this Gina. This place." Coach says looking up and around the gym before a sincere look in her eyes. "Not gonna let you use it as a crutch anymore.... time to grow up."
A pause rests between the two in the moment as she thinks deeply on his words… her mind shifting in the moment. Her curious nature pulling at a relevant question… one shes never had the nerve to ask… dropping it on him like a sneak attack. Her tone soft.
"Why did...… why did you take me in….. way back."
Coach's positive charisma radiating off of him doesn't shift in the slightest. His smile remains firm… but he gets real quiet.... being a coach, his responses are always prompt. However this time… his lack of a reaction hits her hard…. stands out… hes never done this before.
As he looks down at the mats... smiling warmly... she can see the thoughts… the memories of years past playing in his head.
Sitting with his arms crossed.. in a moment of deep, silent reflection… he responds with squinted eyes… and wrinkled eyebrows. A low mutter… a near whisper... almost as if responding to only himself… like Gina wasn't even there.
"I mean you were just a kid y'know." He gestures a slight nod down toward the mats.
Another flood of memories silently hit... returning his smile back to him while she listens closely to insight she's never had. He mumbles "You know there was always a-"
"-Hey coach! Got a question-" One of the fighters jogs up. Coach promptly gets up to field the question, naturally pulling his attention away... leaving Gina to ponder with just a moment… a kernel of insight into a lifetime of layered complication… and mutual dependency.
A short while later, Gina's off in a corner with her earbuds in… deep into a heavy bag session. Sweat flys from her soaked hair with every roundhouse. She works some standard combinations and sharp pivot drills… sweat drips from her chin to her chest with Samurai's Kerry Eurodyne screaming A Like Supreme in her ears.
During a short rest between rounds she glances over past the ring ropes and sees an entire group she doesn't recognize near the entrance… appearing to be lead by some tall, late aged man. She looks over at her coach take the time between drills to greet them. She can feel their energy all the way in the back of the gym… seeing their tough guy mean mugs on their faces as they gaze about unfamiliar territory. No idea who they are.. but definitely knows the type… knows what this means.
She focuses back in on the bag before an unfamiliar shout stops her in her tracks.. she removes her earbuds and looks back over. Gina notices her coach walking across the gym with eyes trained on her… he raises his eyebrows with his hands out and pursed lips as he approaches. The exchange is brief as the ambiance of the gym shifts… whispers pick up as the entire gym slowly makes their way toward the mats.
"Told em we got a shark tank scheduled tonight and they weren't havin' it. They came back too so… not lookin' too interested in this goin' away." He mutters with Gina at his side, making their way back across the gym. Gina quickly glances at the entire gym shifting.. fighters in the middle of training stop mid set to make their way over to the mats.. a rare sight. Her face remains rocksteady... heart rate increases with a look at this group of… outsiders with the nerve to step into her coach's castle.
Coach stops midway... standing in front of her with his back toward the gathering gym. She looks up into his eyes but he doesn't meet her there. Instead looking up and off to the side with hands behind his back. His whisper serious.
"Alot of people here tonight- a lot of new people too so…"
He finally looks down, meeting her eyes.
"Quick. Painless. No Screams."
Gina nods at the given order without hesitation. Recognizing his voice on a level TuckTuck recognizes hers. So much said with so few words. They both continue toward the chattering crowd waiting with anticipation.
Coach speaks up for these outsiders... the gym cuts quiet.
"There you go, good luck" He says flatly gesturing toward Gina before promptly turning to walk toward the mats.
"pfft… what? You're serious? This girl?" The leader sneers. Giving Gina a quick look at him. Its obvious to her why this guy speaks for his crew. Built like a linebacker for the Night City Corsairs he naturally makes his guys look far less intimidating. He leans over and whispers aggressively toward his ace student hes brought for the challenge as they both gaze at Gina without an ounce of underestimation.
"Hey, said you wanted the best right?" Gina's coach mutters dismissively. He silently gestures toward her again before impatiently turning again to walk to the mats... ready to get this shit interfering with his gym's training flow over with. The entire gym promptly follows behind him as Gina makes her way over to her katana.
All of the regulars are now beyond amped up to see this. "OHH SHIIIT!! GINAA!! MOMMY!!" Beretta shouts smiling with adrenaline off to the side stood with the rest of their fight team. The various woos and laughs mix with the serious whispers and mutters of those in attendance. Filling in newbies who've never seen what's about to go down while others hype Gina up with serious tones of expectation.
The air in the gym fills with a different type of energy… a quiet you don't often find in here. In the house of respect… discipline and camaraderie... challenges aren't something just flippantly tossed around. Especially blades. With the gym's best blades in attendance alongside it's best fighters, this impromptu event has sudden stakes… pride… reputations put on the line. With their lives on the mats… they'll only ever cross swords once.
Gina on her knees, rests her blade on the mat before her… closing her eyes in meditation… her opponent removing his gear and prepping his blade with his own tried and true routine. He's taller than her… long limbs, athletic build… coated in body tats that scream Tyger Claw... the uniform of a street samurai no doubt. A series of sharp tally marks grace his jet black sheath, too many to count. His implants look tailored to his spec but… nothing out of the ordinary… no micro-electrodes, no RealSkinn.. standard EMP threading through that mustached face. Crazy how your economic standing and general capabilities can be spotted at a glance. The entire gym takes seats on the mats or stands far off to the side.. restless with anticipation as the frantic whispers continue.
The quiet energy of the building simmers with intensity.
Her opponent re-holsters and settles in... a serious look of preparation on his face as Gina slowly rises to her feet with eyes closed and a deep breath.
She turns to see her coach stood between them, the entire gym near dead silent looking on. He speaks up.. looking at everyone in attendance.
"This is of course blades everything-….. sheathed start. All other active blades in attendance… feel free to tribute witness now."
"Witness-"
"Witness-"
"Witness-"
All the various active blades throughout the gym make their voices heard… from her coach's own, to the very crew who crashed the night. Those in the know wouldn't dare abstain on this one.Newbies quickly turn heads toward different voices... confused by the ritual.
"Blades feel free to bow now." Coach announces glancing at Gina and her opponent.
With the stare of daggers in each other's eyes… neither blade bows. Ooo's and ahh's billow out from the educated among the crowd. The finality of this engagement will carry with it no modicums of respect.
"Steel!" Coach barks with a firm clap... quickly stepping back out of the way.
Her opponent casually draws his blade.. dropping his sheath to the mats.. stepping forward toward Gina with steady, calculated steps. He points his blade directly at her amongst an intensely silent gym. Each step and motion clearly heard by all. Gina stands firm… still sheathed and in stance… eyes locked on her target.
Its as if the entire world seized to exist… she sees only her opponent… she feels his energy a mere few feet in front of her… understanding his intention… and anticipating his actions. A whirled mix of snap judgments and primal muscle memory take the wheel.
With a low blade, he lunges forward toward her to anxious gasps in the building. A sharp side step with a slick feint he's clearly trained countless hours on, becoming a reliably tried and true technique.
Gina bites on the feint... the subtlest of motions in her shifting weight and grip of the blade catches his eye.
He quickly shifts the direction of the swing off the feint… swinging the blade down with refined speed.
Gina draws her blade with a single sharp step forward.
The sound of flesh and chrome sliced deeply screeches out in impossible silence. Anxious viewers flinch with wide open eyes at the sight.
Gina's opponent staggers a half step… dropping to the mats with a heavy thud lifeless. His entire team with hands on their heads in complete disbelief.
Screams of panic ring out right alongside screams of cheers as thick red blood begins to pool on the jet black mats underneath him. Several newbies sprint for the exit while Beretta and Gina's fellow blades pound their chests in the faces of the outsiders. As the audience starts to disperse, one of the newbies pukes on the mats, falling to their knees overwhelmed by the moment. One of the gym regulars takes it upon themselves to administer the newbies deserved beat down… barking at him to clean it up.
After her sharp step… Gina doesn't miss a beat, continuing her pace forward… not a single look back… not a single shift in her walking momentum… stoic steadiness rested on her mug.
She promptly returns to her position of meditation… laying her bloodied blade at her knees. Hands rested on her thighs, she closes her eyes with adrenaline seeping out of each heavy breath as one of her fellow blades approaches. He promptly grabs Gina's katana and walks off with it, chatting with another fellow blade about the complexities of the engagement… on their way to clean and take care of the tool. Gina re-opens her eyes and rises to her feet with a light stretch. Placing her earbuds back in, she returns to fighting stance… continuing her heavy bag set with focused, heavy strikes.
"There you have it. Scrape this shit up and leave the blood. That's ours now." Gina's coach mutters dismissively to this group of outsider's leader.
This Corsairs linebacker of a man with no words worth winding, watches his crew streak drag their dead choomba toward the gym entrance… his thick red blood painting the black mats in just the right way. He stoops down and grabs that tally marked black sheath.. then the blade.. re-holstering it and presenting it to Gina's coach.
"Here. Hers now." He mumbles in defeat, unable to handle eye contact.
With victory, the blades claimed… no right to be used in the hands of any other. Its continued use living through the strong… or dying alongside its owner.
Coach stares down at the presented blade at his waist… he glances back over his shoulder at Gina working her combinations on the bag.
He responds under his breath… just audible enough for the leader to hear him.
"She won't want it."