The Following is a Non-Profit Fan-Based Parody, I Own Nothing
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Chapter 1- Catch the Rainbow
Megabuilding H4, located in Santo Domingo's sub-district of Arroyo, is home to petty criminals, drug dealers, and the scum of the southeastern side of Night City. In one unit of the Megabuilding, is what the Martinez Family calls home.
Within the darkened apartment of the Martinez Family, laying down on the couch with a Braindance Wreath covering his eyes, is the youngest son of the family; seventeen year old David Martinez. Or as his mom and brother call him, D.
David is a Latino teenager with light brown eyes and brown hair that he wears in a quaffed hairstyle, with the sides shaved. He has a thin athletic build typical of a teenager his age, with his skin being lightly tanned. David is sporting a black t-shirt, two golden chain necklaces (one with a cross), gray cropped sweatpants with two yellow straps on either side, and white tennis shoes with blue straps.
Unknown to the teen, a taller figure is leaning over the couch, his rich brown eyes observing him, and with a tired look on his face. Standing at 6' (183cm) tall, and wearing only a pair of black sweatpants. He has reddish-brown hair that reaches just past his shoulders, with the sides of his head being shaved. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, the man's hand brushed over the cyberware installed in his head. The silver metal was installed under his eyes, and running over the bridge of his nose.
He has a rather muscular build, with his tanned skin being covered in scars and healed bullet wounds. On his left bicep is a tattoo of a burning red oni head with gray colored cybernetic attachments to its skull. His right bicep is inked with a black and blue colored lotus flower tattoo. On his back, is a tattoo of clasped hands in front of a crucifix, with the words Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat written above.
This is the eldest son of the Martinez Family, twenty one year old Samuel "Sam" Martinez.
"D, stop it with the XBDs, it's a school night. You should be in bed already." Sam said as he pulled the Braindance Wreath off of his younger brother's head, shocking and startling the younger Martinez.
"What the-Sam! I told you to stop doing that!" David yelled as he glared at his older brother. Only to fumble catching the Wreath as it was tossed back to him.
"And I told you to stop staying up so late, and say goodnight to Doc, you shouldn't be using these XBDs anyways." Sam said as he sat down on the other end of the couch, before laying down with his arms crossed behind his head.
"Yeah yeah, I hear that from you every night. Besides, it's not like anyone at school would care if I'm there anyways. All those Corpro kids hate my guts anyways." David said as he stood up from the couch with a sigh.
"Look D, I know it's hard for you. You can't, and won't ever fit in with those kids. Don't let what they do or say get to you. They're just spoiled brats who think they're hot shit cause their parents are face-down, ass-up at Arasaka everyday of their lives." Sam said as he closed his eyes, missing the look on his little brother's face, who was trying to hold back a snicker.
"It's not just that, I don't get why you and mom are working so hard to keep me there. You both know I hate it there, I don't fit in with those Corpo kids. They have all the money they could ever want, and I'm just me. I'll never end up a Corpo either." David said as he looked down at his brother.
"Even if I do, I'll be stuck on the bottom of the ladder. Constantly being shit on by the ones who were born into that life. I should just drop out and look for a job somewhere instead." David said as he sat down on the couch across from his brother.
David never understood why they worked so hard. His mom always took extra shifts at Night City Medical Center. Same could be said for his brother, who described himself as a "courier" of sorts, whatever that meant. Sam was never home, like their mother. Working over twelve hours a day, coming home every other day with new scars or bullet wounds.
And for what? To keep him at a school that he hates? Where upon graduation, the only thing his life would amount to is being a corporate slave at Arasaka? Pooling their money together, both Sam and their mom barely scraped by paying for rent and utilities. They're wasting even more money sending him to Arasaka Academy. Paying so much for tuition and cyberware upgrades just so that he could attend the corporate school. He just couldn't understand it.
"We work hard because you deserve to be there, David. You're a gifted kid. Mom works hard because she believes that you can go farther than she or I could ever go in life." Sam said, catching his brother's attention.
"I stopped going to school for both of your sakes. Mom didn't have enough eddies to support us both, and then I knew what I had to do. I knew that I'd never go far in life, but you? You have a bright future ahead of you. The only thing I know for real is that, in this city, in this world, not everyone is just handed these opportunities."
At this point, Sam stood up from his spot on the couch. Making his way to his brother, the elder Martinez crouched down in front of David. Placing a hand on the teenager's knee, the elder of the two looked his brother in the eye.
"We work so hard because we both have faith that you would make it to the top floor at Arasaka Tower. Everything we do, everything we sacrifice, is so that you can rise up from the slums, David." Sam said as his brother turned to look him in the eye.
"This is the opportunity that mom and I are working hard for. So that you can live the life we want you to have. A life where you aren't working for some gang, dying off in some alley in the city. Where the only thing you can trust is the gun in your hand. Instead, live the life of someone who won't go hungry again. Of someone who knows the value of the opportunities that are being handed to him." Sam said as he patted his brother's knee, before standing up again.
"Now duérmete, it's already late." Sam said as he ushered his brother off of the couch, who silently stood up and made his way to his bed.
The Next Morning
"I told you to wash your uniform when you had the chance." Sam said as he stood at the bathroom doorway, seeing his brother sitting on the floor; who let out a sigh as the machine stopped.
The elder brother now has his reddish-brown hair tied up in a ponytail, with it reaching just past his neck. Wearing a pair of plain blue jeans and black shoes; a button-up white shirt with a protruding collar kept partially buttoned, a plain gray hoodie, and a black leather jacket with a red interior, with two horizontal white lines on each sleeve. On the back of his jacket, is a white endless knot within a circle, with wings on each side.
The wing on the left, is a blue bird-like wing, almost akin to an angel's wing. The wing on the right, is a red bat-like wing, seemingly demonic in nature.
Catching David's eye, is a utility belt that Sam has strapped around his waist. Its contents are unknown to him, but the younger brother can see a sheathed knife clipped to the side of the belt. Along with this, the elder brother has a holster strapped around each of his thighs, with a Militech M-10AF Lexington being holstered in each one.
"Yeah yeah." Davis said as he opened the washing machine, after the water had mostly been drained. Seeing his wet uniform, the teen let out a sigh. His jacket, pants, and shirt were completely wet, not even an open flame would get them dry enough for him to wear.
He was about to stand up when a set of clothes had been thrown at his head. Pulling the articles of clothing off of himself, the teen saw that it was another Arasaka Academy uniform.
"Where did-"
"I went and bought another uniform for you last week. I had some extra eddies and thought another set would be a good thing to have." Sam cut off his brother, he then proceeded to leave the bathroom to let his brother change.
A few minutes later, the two Martinez brothers stood in the living room, observing their mother; who was sleeping on her with a blanket draped over her. Her reflective yellow EMT jacket was laying on the bed next to her.
"She came home late last night, let her sleep for now. I'll take you to the station." Sam whispered as he placed a hand on his younger brother's shoulder, who was now wearing his school uniform.
Receiving a nod, the two brothers began to make their way out of the apartment, only for them to stop as they heard their mother shift from her spot on the bed. Turning around, the brothers see that their mother is now waking up.
"Buenos días mis hijos." Their mother said as she pushed herself up. Like Sam, she has long reddish-brown hair kept in a high bun, with a few strands covering her face. Her eyes are the same shade of brown as her eldest's eyes. Unlike her son's tanned complexion, her complexion is fair. On her right cheek, just under her eye, is a Dermal Implant.
This is Gloria Martinez, the Matriarch of the Martinez Family. Who works as an EMT at Night City Medical Center.
"At least you slept in your bed this time. If you keep sleeping on the couch, you'll get Early-Onset Arthritis." David said as he approached his mother, and gave her a kiss on her forehead, earning a tired smile from his mother.
"It's fine mijo, I'm just dead tired from my nightshift." Gloria said as Sam also gave her a kiss on her forehead, which earned another smile from the tired EMT.
"You and the washing machine, I'm lucky that Sam had a spare uniform for me. Did you forget to re-up it?" David asked as his mother looked him over from her spot on the bed.
"I already sent Mr. Ditkovich the eddies for the machine and rent yesterday. Whether he gets off his ass and does anything is another story." Sam said as Gloria gave a small nod to her oldest son.
"Speaking of money, you mentioned a wreath update for class. Did that happen yet? When did you say you needed it?" Gloria asked her youngest son, who put his hand up in a stop motion.
"It's fine, I got Doc to take care of it." David said as he waved it off. The Matriarch was about to say something, but Sam placed a wreath around his brother's neck, earning a befuddled look from David.
"I don't trust Doc's work. You can use mine until we get yours properly updated. Now come on, it's time to go." Sam said as he grabbed a pair of motorcycle helmets from a nearby shelf, and then motioned for his brother to follow him. Before they could leave the apartment, the television turned to the news.
"A Military-Grade Implant was found missing from the body of Lieutenant Colonel James Norris, shot dead by MaxTac last night."
"Woah Mom, you're on TV, Nova." David said as he noticed the backside of his mother on the screen, who was helping move the corpse of James Norris into the ambulance.
"It's not nova, D, a blood bath. Now, go to school, I'll see you later." Gloria said as Sam walked over and flicked the screen away. With a quick bye from her sons, the mother watched her sons leave the apartment. When the door closed, her eyes glowed as she made a phone call.
Outside Megabuilding H4
A few minutes later, the Martinez brothers were outside of the Megabuilding. Just in time as a red and yellow off-road Brennan Apollo, with a yellow and black top box attachment, pulled up in front of them. Turning the top box to the side, Sam put on his helmet, before mounting his motorcycle.
"I still don't know how you scraped enough eddies to get this thing." David said as his brother handed him the other helmet. Which he then put on, before sitting right behind his brother.
"I found Scarlet here after she was sent to a scrap yard. It didn't take long for me to fix her up, modifying her here and there. Ella es mi regalo de Dios." Sam said as he rode away from the Megabuilding.
"You know, you didn't have to lend me your wreath. I got Doc to give me the upgrade." David said as his brother turned the corner.
"Like I said, I don't trust Doc's work. If you want to get your tech upgraded at a Ripperdoc, let me know. I happen to know a few that do better than Doc." Sam said as he passed by a crashed car.
"You don't have to keep doing this. Taking me to the station, buying me uniforms, even lending me your wreath. I'm seventeen, I can start doing stuff on my own." David said as his brother made another turn.
"I know you can, but I want you to save those eddies for yourself. Let me worry about your upgrades and uniforms. As for taking you to the station, I think riding Scarlet beats walking there." Sam said as he began to slow down, coming to a halt in front of the station.
"You keep saying that, but I don't want you and mom to spend every single eddie on me." David said as he got off of the motorcycle. Putting the top box back in its place, the teen took off the helmet.
"I'll let you know when I get to school. See you later." David said as he handed Sam the helmet, before making his way up the stairs and into the station.
Reaching into his jacket pocket, the twenty one year old pulled out a bungee cord. Passing the cord underneath the top box, the latino man secured it on top of the box. Underneath his helmet, Sam's eyes began to glow as he made a phone call. After a few moments, the person on the other end answered. Caller ID showed the other person's name to be Vik.
"Alright Vik, what needs to be delivered or picked up today?" Sam asked the person on the other line.
"Good morning to you too, Sam. All I have for you today is a pick up from my supplier on Jig-Jig Street. You'd be amazed at what could travel through that street." Vik said on the other line.
Vik, or rather, Viktor Vektor is a well known ripperdoc operating out of Little China, Watson. Formerly a professional boxer turned ripperdoc, he sees a steady supply of customers. In turn, a steady job as a courier for one Samuel Martinez.
"You mean other than horny teens and diseases? I'd say some black market implants that you need picked up." Sam said as he started up his Brennan Apollo again.
"You'd be correct, pick it up from the joytoy. I'm sure you're already familiar with her." Vik said with a laugh as he ended the call. Hanging up before he heard the dry laugh from the courier.
Later
After picking up the package from the joytoy. Sam found himself at the entrance to Jig-Jig Street, right where he parked Scarlet, now with his hood over his head, and a white oni mask covering the bottom half of his face. After opening the top box, the Martinez man secured the package inside, and securely closed the lid. Before he could mount his Brennan Apollo, Sam's eyes glowed as he received a call.
"Mom? What's wrong?" Sam asked his mother, who only gave a tired sigh of defeat before replying.
"D used the wreath upgrade he got from Doc, and it ended up spiking his classmate's wreaths as well. Now I have to go have a meeting with him and the principal." Gloria said, earning another sigh of defeat from her eldest son.
"I told him to use my wreath for today. I'm by Corpo Plaza right now, I'll head over for that meeting, while you stay home and rest." Sam offered as he pulled the hood of his head.
"No mijo, you're working right now. I'm his mother, I should be at that meeting instead." Gloria insisted as her son took the oni mask off his face. Placing it in his jacket, before putting on his helmet.
"Too late, I'm already heading over there. You need to rest mom, it's your day off after all. I'll talk with D after the meeting, hopefully I can smooth everything over." Sam said as he ended the call, and then drove off on Scarlet.
After weaving past other cars, Sam began to call Vik again. After a few moments, the former boxer answered the call.
"Sam, looks like you didn't get roped into another fun hour at Jig-Jig Street." Vik said with a laugh, earning a groan from the courier.
"That was one time, anyways, something came up. My brother got into some trouble at Arasaka Academy, and I'm going in for a meeting with the principal. Your package is gonna be a little late, but I'll deliver it right afterwards." Sam said as he made a right turn.
"No worries, I understand. Kids can be a handful, which is why I never had any. Just remember to swing by to finish your delivery afterwards, of course, I'm gonna have to cut part of your fee."
"That's fine, better to have part of it cut than to get nothing after this." Sam said as he then ended the call, before speeding down the street to Corpo Plaza.
One drive later, Sam is down the street from Arasaka Tower, where David's school is located. Parking his ride, he took off his helmet and secured it on his bike, before locking his utility belt and gun into the top box. After making sure everything was locked and secure, the young man made his way to the Academy.
Making his way to the school, Sam ignored the looks he was getting from the Corpos in the area. The glares of hate and disgust sent his way would make anyone uncomfortable, but he simply didn't care.
Entering Arasaka Academy, Sam immediately made his way to the principal's office, finding his younger brother sitting outside. In his hands, is the wreath that was lent to him. The older of the two could see small sparks coming from the device.
"So that's what happened, someone hacked the wreath and everyone else's." Sam said as he walked up to his brother, and held out his hand for the wreath, which was placed in his hand.
"Katsuo Tanaka and his friends always mess with me. Only this time they hacked the class system and pinned it on me, saying that there was a glitch on the wreath." David said as he stood up from the bench he was sitting on.
"I'll let mom know later, now let me do the talking." Sam said as he opened the door to the office. Walking inside with his brother and sitting down in the chairs that were in front of the desk.
"Ah, Mr. Martinez, I was expecting Ms. Martinez to be joining us today." The principal said as he clasped his hands on the desk.
"Well I was close by when she called, so I came instead." Sam said as he clasped his hands together. "Now let's cut to the chase. We both know that nothing was wrong with the wreath David was using. If there was something wrong, the system would have stopped any use of it."
"Well yes, the system would have stopped any use of faulty equipment-"
"Then that also means that we both know that it was David's classmates that hacked his wreath and the class system itself." Sam said, cutting off the principal mid sentence.
"While that may seem like a plausible answer-"
"You mean the only answer. All of us know that everyone at this school, you included, don't like David attending this school. A street kid attending a school only meant for the children of Corpos." Sam continued as he now began to lean forward, staring intently at the principal.
"Now that's an untrue statement, Arasaka Academy is open for any student-"
"Who's parents can afford the tuition, meaning the only kids in this city attending this school are Corpo brats. Ones who hate when someone of 'lower class' is among them." Sam said as he cut off the principal again.
"Now you're simply bad mouthing students-"
"Who hacked the wreath David was using, as well as the class' BD system. All in order for my brother to be kicked out of this so-called prestigious school. Who also sit back and watches as Katsuo Tanaka has been bullying and abusing my brother." Sam said as he leaned back in his chair.
"There is no evidence to suggest that Katsuo Tanaka hacked the wreath David was using or the class system-"
"Except the cameras that are in every single classroom. Used to keep an eye on the students, but are also modified to make sure there is no hacking or anything of the sorts taking place during class. Not to mention the countless other cameras placed around campus that are also modified to make note of students using their phones during school hours." Sam finished as he unclasped his hands, ignoring the look of defeat from the principal.
"Now, if there is anything else, I'll be taking David home for today." Sam said as he stood up from his chair, with his brother following in suit.
"But you still need to pay for the damages-"
"We both know that Arasaka already paid for it, whatever it is, it's chump change for the company. If not, send the bill to Mr. Tanaka, as well as the recording of this conversation from the camera hidden in the ceiling fan." Sam said as he opened the door and walked out with his brother, and then closed the door behind them.
Outside
"Hey, how did you know about the camera in the ceiling fan? Also about the cameras hidden everywhere?" David asked as he put on the helmet and hopped on the back of Scarlet, making sure not to touch Sam's utility belt that is once again wrapped around his waist; or the gun strapped to his thigh.
"Before we enrolled you into the Academy, I got Kiroshi Mk1 Optics installed. When we toured the facility, I made sure to scan for any cameras or anything else like that." Sam said as he started up his motorcycle, and drove off.
"By the way, I was in the middle of a delivery when mom called. I'm gonna drop off this package, then take you home. If we're lucky, Vik can fix the wreaths." Sam said as he rode past different vehicles belonging to Corpos.
A few minutes into their drive, Sam stopped at a red light. Pulling up right next to the brother duo, is a man riding a Yaiba Kusanagi CT-3X. Most interesting is that, instead of its normal red paint job, it is painted a rich black color with silver accents.
The rider is a man whose head is covered by a black helmet, with a muscular physique. He's wearing a light gray undershirt, a simple black hoodie with a red interior, a dark olive jacket with a protruding collar, black fingerless gloves, a brown leather belt, dark blue jeans and combat boots. While his outfit covers most of his body, parts of his tanned skin can be seen.
Neither Sam nor the man looked at each other, both simply looked ahead, waiting for the light to turn green. Beneath his helmet, David received a private call from his brother. Confused, he nonetheless answered the call.
"David, hang on tight. This guy right here is bad news. I'll try to lose him before he can fire any gun he has on him." Sam said through his thoughts as he ever so slightly gripped the handles on his motorcycle tighter.
"What do you mean-" David thought, but was cut off as the light turned green. Causing his brother to speed off, with the teenager only barely being able to tighten his grip against his brother's waist.
Scarlet's engine roared as it sped down the street, with Sam skillfully weaving past cars. The Yaiba Kusanagi's engine roared even louder as it sped after them, before it pulled right next to the Martinez brothers. Hitting the brakes, Sam watched as the man sped past them, with the courier quickly turning around and driving the opposite direction.
"Shit, what does this guy want? Have you ever seen this guy before, Sam?" David thought as his brother began to maneuver around cars, before making a hard left at the previous intersection.
"I saw him when we left Corpo Plaza. He must be after the package I was delivering." Sam thought as the sound of the CT-3X's engine roared behind them. Both turning their heads to see the man catching up on them.
"What was in that package!?" David thought as his brother made a quick right, making a u-turn right behind the man. The teenager braced himself as his brother pulled out the Lexington strapped to his left thigh, and fired at the man.
"It's just something for a ripperdoc, his usual delivery of cyberware implants for the arms and legs. It's usually what Solo's have implanted." Sam thought as he fired several bullets from his pistol. Each either hitting the man or impacting the motorcycle.
Using that as an opening, Sam quickly sped off, making a right at the nearest intersection. Turning onto the sidewalk, passerbys dove out of the way as the courier drove into a nearby alleyway.
They made it about halfway down the alley, the back wheel of Scarlet was suddenly caught on something, sending the brothers flying off of the bike. While in the air, Sam skillfully turned around and caught David in a tight bear hug. The brothers fell down with a loud thud, rolling a bit after the impact. Groggily letting go of his brother, Sam saw that the man on the black CT-X3 stopping his motorcycle a few meters from them.
Quickly grabbing both of his pistols, Sam began to fire both at the man. What shocked both of the brothers, is the fact that the man held his hand out, and silver colored wires began to spill out from the extended limb. Forming a thick wall, the bullets impacted the wall of wires, each shot doing nothing.
"David! Run, just run!" Sam called out as his little brother sluggishly stood up and tried to run away. Before he could, the wires shot out and wrapped around the younger Martinez.
"Let go of my brother you freak!" Sam yelled as he fired even more bullets, until the magazine of each pistol was empty.
"The package you stole, return it to me and I'll let your brother go." The man said as he calmly held out his other hand towards Sam.
The Latino man quickly made his way to his downed Brennan Apollo, and opened the top box. Grabbing the package, Sam turned back to the biker and looked down at the package in hand.
Good Karma: Give the man the package to save your brother. This is the first step to becoming a Hero
Evil Karma: Take the package for yourself and leave your brother. This is the first step to becoming Infamous
"Here, just take the package." Sam said as he extended the package towards the man, who in return, let go of David. Immediately wrapping the wires around the older brother, who was then pulled towards the man.
"Now that wasn't so hard." The man said as he grabbed the package and proceeded to let go of the tied up courier. With a wire, he opened the box, and pulled out a Military-Grade Sandevistan.
"Seems to still be in one piece, good thing too." The man said as the wires began to retreat into his body. Suddenly, Sam lunged towards the man and grabbed his right hand.
Instantly, Sam's world began to shake as wires began to move from the man's hands and be absorbed into himself. Images began to flood his head, each containing the man through parts of his life. It was too much for both of them, with the courier letting go of the man's hands, and both fell to the ground.
"Sam! Sam!" David yelled as he took off his helmet and ran towards his brother, Shaking him to see if he was alright, this earned a groan from the teenager's downed brother, who then began to push himself up.
"Shit, what was that!" The man yelled as he pushed his right hand forward, sending wires at the duo.
Pushing his brother out of the way, both Sam and David were shocked to see wires coming out of the former's hands, which then pushed the latter away. The man's wires hit Sam, sending the courier flying away. Instantly, the man's wires began to head towards the downed brother again.
Reaching his hand out, more wires were formed from Sam's extended limb, which wrapped themselves around a nearby dumpster. The wires retracted, pulling the ponytail-wearing man away from danger. Wires from the man began to be recalled as a look of understanding was on his face.
"I see, you're a Conduit too. Seems like you copied my powers, and made them your own." The man said as he took off his helmet, revealing that he has tanned skin with graying black hair.
"A Conduit? Those no longer exist, they were all wiped out." Sam said as he began to stand up, using the dumpster next to him to brace himself.
Back in 2010, a device was used in Empire City, killing thousands of civilians. In turn, this gave birth to Conduits, superhumans with abilities that can range from the manipulation of certain forms of energy or matter to flight, enhanced senses, and even super strength, or other physical and mental enhancements.
Most notable was Cole MacGrath, who had the ability to manipulate electricity. Using these powers, Cole became a hero in Empire City. Before a powerful Conduit known simply as The Beast appeared, battling Cole and then destroying Empire City, ending the lives of millions of people.
After this, Cole escaped to New Marias in search of a way to stop The Beast. In its wake, The Beast killed untold amounts of humans, and also activated the abilities of those who held the Conduit Gene. With a powerful device, Cole MacGrath sacrificed his life to stop The Beast, which resulted in the deaths of Conduits all across the world.
Well, almost every single Conduit. There were many that survived the death of their race. After this was known, countries from around the world began to hunt down Conduits. Eventually, a task force was created by Arasaka in order to deal with them. Conduit Apprehension and Relocation Service, or simply C.A.R.S was tasked with detaining or eliminating Conduits from around the world.
By 2030, it seemed like Conduits went extinct, no new cases made news. Either they went into hiding, or C.A.R.S did a splendid job at finding every single Conduit on the Planet.
"That's what Arasaka wants you to think. We're not dead, we're all still here." The man said as he began to form more wires from his hands. "I don't want to have to kill you, but I was hired to get that package from you boy."
Sending wires to wrap around a nearby window, Sam pulled himself into the air. Creating more wires, the courier sent them towards the man. Who simply created a wall of wires to defend himself. Sam's wire pierced part of the wall, which he then used to pull himself towards the man.
In midair, Sam sent wires to wrap around the dumpster, with a grunt, the courier threw the dumpster towards the Conduit. In return, he created even more wires, catching the dumpster mid-air. The dumpster was ripped to shreds as the Conduit sent more wires towards Sam, who used his wires to pull himself away.
While the two Conduits were fighting, David made his way to his brother's motorcycle. Opening the top box, the teen desperately looked for something that would help his brother. Pulling out a X-22 Flashbang Grenade, David pulled the pin and threw it at the Wire Conduit.
Catching the grenade with his wires, the Conduit was unprepared for the flash as it blinded him. This gave Sam the opening he needed, creating even more wires, Sam sent them to grab Scarlet.
"Sorry girl." Sam said as he used his motorcycle as a makeshift flail and swung Scarlet at the man, who quickly attempted to form a dome of wires around himself as a barrier.
The alleyway shook as the Brennan Apollo exploded upon contact due to the force of the swing. The result was that part of the unprepared dome was destroyed, just enough for Sam to send wires to pull out the man, crashing him to the ground in front of the courier. Thrusting his arms forward, the courier grabbed the man's hands once more, causing the visions from before to appear in his head.
"Life as a Nomad is what you expect. We kill, rob, and steal all for the sake of our clan."
Images show the man without his helmet, with him having messy graying black hair and stubble across his face, and a Dermal Implant in his left cheek. He's wearing Nomad style clothing as he stood with his clan, The Aethers.
"When I got my powers, I thought I could use them to take my clan to the top. Thinking back now, I was a naive fool."
Wires began to come out of the man's hands, next it showed his clan members looking at him with fear and hate.
"Next thing I know, some soldiers from Arasaka came for me. I fought to protect my clan, but ended up being betrayed."
The man was using his powers to fight C.A.R.S soldiers, before taking a bullet to his back from a member of his clan.
"After that, I wound up in some sort of facility. Every day, they would slice me open, wanting to see how my powers worked. Wanting to see what made me tick."
The man was strapped down on an operating table, with a look of fear in his eyes as doctors stood over him.
"They knew of a way to stop me from using my powers, from any Conduit from using their powers."
The man is being held in a cell with a large chunk of metal around his wrists, and objects around his ankles. Then it panned to his cell being a part of a larger holding unit.
"Time passed, and I was waiting for an opportunity to escape. Eventually, some Arasaka Corpo came, apparently looking for candidates for something."
A man in a fancy suit walking through the holding unit, before stopping in front of the Wire Conduit's cell. Looking at the Conduit with interest.
"I was one of the ones chosen. They shipped me off to Night City, on the way, a golden opportunity showed itself."
The man was now in the back of an armored Arasaka Cargo Truck, before it was attacked by Nomads. Using a key dropped by a dead guard, the man used it to release his restraints.
"Now here I am, surviving in Night City. Everyday killing, everyday surviving. Sometimes I wonder… am I even human anymore?"
Now in Night City, the man is shown to be in a dark alley. In the background, multiple wires sprouted out of the ground and impaled multiple gang members. All while the man was in deep thought.
After the images popped into their heads, both Sam and the Conduit fell to the ground weakened. Rushing towards his brother, David began to help his brother up. Turning back to the downed Conduit, the teen gave him a strong kick to the head, knocking him unconscious. Quickly picking up the Sandevistan, the highschooler began to lead his brother out of the alley.
"Is there a ripperdoc or something around here? You're pretty beat up." David said as his brother used him as a crutch to limp away from the alley. With the teen using his jacket to hide the Military-Grade Implant.
"Vik is close to here, sending you the coordinates…" Sam said as his eyes glowed, before falling unconscious in his brother's arms. Before everything went black, he could here his brother telling him to stay awake.
Unspecified Amount of Time Later
Sam let out a groan as he groggily opened his eyes. His vision was blurry as he tried to move himself.
"Easy there kid, you've been out for a couple of hours."
"Vik?" Sam groaned out as his vision began to clear up, turning his head to see the ripperdoc.
"Good to see you're awake. Your brother's been worried about you, it took Misty some time to calm him down." Vik said as he rolled his chair over to the groggy young man.
"D, where is he?" Sam asked as he tried to sit up, only for Vik to place a hand on his shoulder.
"Easy there, he's up with Misty. As for you, nothing seems to be wrong with you, other than a case of exhaustion." Vik said as he handed the Conduit a Bounce Back, which he took and then used.
"Did he tell you everything? Sorry about the delivery." Sam said as everything began to become clear, his body no longer aching.
"He did, kid was hysterical when he dragged you to the door from the street. Misty nearly had a heart attack." Vik said with a small chuckle.
"Then you know-"
"About you being a Conduit? Yeah, I know. I've met my fair share of them in my time on earth. Even gave some of them some cyberware. As for the delivery, it seems like someone sent that Sandevistan in the package instead of my usual order. Guess their plan was to have someone take the package from you."
"God, mom is probably worried about where David and I are. How long have we been here, Vik?" Sam asked as he stood up from the operating chair he was sitting in.
"About eight hours or so. Your brother didn't call her yet, he wanted to do that when you woke up." Vik said, earning a sigh from the Conduit.
"Shit, seems like we're gonna get an earful from her. She's probably gonna hit us with la chancla." Sam said as he made his way out of Vik's clinic, giving a nod of thanks to the ripperdoc.
"Wait, what about the Sandevistan? That thing is Military-Grade stuff?" Sam asked as he turned around, only to be waved off.
"I already took care of it, you just make sure you get some rest." Vik said as the Conduit nodded and left the clinic.
Making his way upstairs, Sam walked in on David sitting in one of Misty's chairs, with the gothic woman explaining something about the different chakras. The odd thing is that the teenager was wearing a thick black jacket that was too big for him. Seeing that his brother was standing there, the teen darted out of the chair and tackled his brother.
"Sam! You're awake! You've been out for hours and-" David began, but was cut off as his older brother brought him into a hug, to which the teen returned.
"I'm glad you're safe." Was all Sam said as tears began to drip from his eyes. Seeing this, Misty approached them with a small smile.
"Glad to see you're awake Sam. Let me take you guys to the NCART station. You guys probably want to get home as soon as possible." The goth woman said, earning a nod from the brothers.
As they left the building, small wires began to form from Sam's hands. At the same time, a piece of Cyberware attached to David's spine began to glow from beneath the large jacket he was wearing.
And that's a wrap for the first chapter of Falling Off the Edge of the World, I hope you all like it. In case anyone is wondering, the title of this story comes from the Black Sabbath song of the same name: from the Ronnie James Dio era of the band. The chapter's name comes from Catch the Rainbow by Rainbow.
Anyways, I hope you all like my OC, Samuel "Sam" Martinez, especially his relationship with David. I tried to write about their relationship from personal experiences I have as an older brother. So Sam's basically David's voice of reason, as well as someone to go to for advice. Because younger siblings, at least in my experience, never go to their parents for advice.
Basically, Sam is David's moral compass, similar to Trish Dailey/Lucy Kuo for Cole, and Reggie for Delsin. The same is also true for David and Gloria acting as Sam's moral compass, everything he does would be for his mom and brother.
Also, in case it wasn't obvious, David has Vik install the Sandevistan, who would also give the teenager the drugs he needs for the implant. Because Vik is the best.
As for Sam's Conduit Powers, I gave him Delsin's Power Absorption from Second Son. Which gave him the Wire powers from our mysterious Wire Conduit. Why I went with Wire is simple, I saw the Concept Art and thought it would be really cool to use.
As always, leave a review for any ideas or thoughts on the story. This has been Draak D. Sol, and I'll see you chooms later. PS: I left some references to different video games in this chapter. See if you can find them all.
Sam's Powers
Power Absorption: Unique in that it grants a Conduit the ability to absorb and use different powers and elements, independently from one another.
Wire: The ability of absorbing, controlling, and manipulating Wires. Excels at maneuverability and crowd control.
Drain Wire: Allows Sam to absorb wires from damaged vehicles, machines, robots, drones, etc
Blood Wire: Allows Sam to absorb wires from the Cyberware from enemies and civilians (Requires Evil Karma)
Wire Hook: Wraps a length of wire around a person or object, allowing Sam to pull himself towards it, and vice versa
Death Hook: Impales an enemy with razor sharp wires, allowing Sam to tear them apart from the inside (Requires Evil Karma)