(A/N: Triple feature, baby!)
Cue Opening Theme: GTA 4 - Pause Menu
TWG:R
~Endless Possibilities Arc~
Chapter 77: Liberty City Isaribi Chronicles 9
Liberty City, 2008. Things felt different…I guess I was changing after all. That time away from the Lost was helping me to slowly realize who my real friends were. Jim, Terry, Johnny, Clay? None of them even bothered to call me to ask how I was doing. Ashley did…only when she needed something. The bitch. Even Estelle was ignoring me when we began to piss me off. So while Luis went to deal with the issue with his mother's 'loan shark', I was riding with Niko again on the way after a snatch job for Stevie when we ran into Marnie again.
[Random Character (Marnie II)]
"Niko! Isaribi! Hey!" Marnie said coming off the light post she was leaning on.
Isaribi noticed Marnie looked a bit different. Her clothing and skin looked a bit cleaner. Niko greeted her asking if she was all right. She looked downcast.
"No, I'm not. I screwed over a john…I think I'm going to get killed. I fucked up!" Marnie said, fighting tears. "I wasn't built for this…"
"What were you built for?" Niko asked.
"I got a nice family…I'm just a fuck up…and fucked up." Marnie admitted. "I've been trying to kick the heroin…I mostly succeeded. Isaribi…I want to apologize."
"For what?" Isaribi asked.
"For ignoring your advice three years ago. After you vented at me, I…couldn't do it. I was going up to the dealer with the cash, but I felt guilty. I couldn't do it…as much my body is craving it…I couldn't do it. You were right…there's no reason for me to be here living like this. I need to go home…" Marnie admitted. "I've a mom and a dad, they ain't so bad."
"And where's home?" Niko asked.
"The Midwest. It's boring, but there's nothing left for me here anymore." Marnie said. "Look at you two, last like I saw you two, you were in suits and you're still in suits. I used to be a cheerleader and now I'm in the gutters. But can you get me to the train station?"
"We can do that." Niko said.
Niko still had Jason's Zombie and still does. Marnie would ride on the back of his while I followed right beside them in my Diabolus.
"I'm glad you're getting off the street. How long have you been living here?" Niko asked.
"Since I got to this city three years ago. On my way here, I thought it was going to be different. Thought that in Liberty City, that everybody was a somebody. Maybe some big producer would discover me on the street. I think Isaribi can tell you that it didn't end well." Marnie mused. "I was 'discovered' by a producer, but not for a Vinewood movie. I ended up with a two bag a day habit and videos of me doing shit I haven't heard of on the internet."
"Motherfucker." Niko spat.
"They preyed on us. As soon as we got off the bus, girls and guys." Marnie said. "Isaribi had warned me, but I didn't listen." Marnie said bitterly.
"I wish you had." Niko said sympathetically.
"If this person producing is who I think he is…he's not going to be listening on this Earth for much too longer. That I can promise you." Isaribi remarked.
"Thanks, Isaribi. I never realized that you had my back all this time…" Marnie remarked. "But I don't intend to ever return to this city."
We arrived at the station. Niko handed her some more cash before bidding goodbye, but I offered to walk her to the train.
"Isaribi, we've got to meet up with that 'associate' later. McReary…not the pleasant one." Niko mused.
"Oh great, that asshole. I'll meet you at Joliet after I'm done." Isaribi said as Niko rode off.
Isaribi walked with Marnie downstairs.
"Marnie, would it be okay for me to ask about the john you screwed over?" Isaribi asked as Marnie sighed.
"I was turning tricks in Alderney…I really needed the money because I realized I couldn't help doing the drugs. I fucked up because the john was connected to someone…"
Oswaldo Quiroga. A Peruvian pimp based in Alderney. The John that was connected to him? Turned out to be Hank. Ironically, talking to her more got me to realize she also screwed over Brian. The shittiest part of it was I couldn't just go and tell the Lost MC he did this. I already had little respect in the gang and was losing it slowly. I did have any intent to put Oswaldo in the dirt, but I never would be able to find the fucker. A combination of never having the time, not knowing where to do, and the possibility he could have taken off when the Lost fell to shit. I saw her off and gave her my contact info. Marnie wasn't a bad person, nay an innocent lamb to the slaughter that was Liberty City. Though I wonder why the hell she came to Liberty City to be an actress when she could have gone to Los Santos. Oh well.
[Holland Nights]
I'd return to Niko's place in Joliet before changing to a matching onyx suit with my low heeled boots. Riding with Niko in the FIB Buffalo again and with our shades on, we got to the precinct in Westminster. Ugh, Francis was a scumbag and the side eye he gave made my younger self's skin crawl. He wanted to whack some guy in the projects…claiming we'd be doing some justice. Niko said that he wanted to be paid 5 Gs.
"Each." Isaribi said.
"And the silent Asian speaks." Francis said.
I could have asked him to clear my record, but I didn't trust him enough to do that.
"A fresh off-the-boat killer and some barely legal orphan having more balls than brains? Aren't you a pair? You got a deal. Head on up to Vauxite and call me." Francis remarked as Niko and Isaribi got up to leave.
"Consider this my last job for you, Francis." Isaribi said as she left.
We'd ride over to the place and I'd immediately recognize what we were dealing with. Clarence Little and his small-time drug gang. When I worked for Elizabeta independently, I had to deal with several of his guys. So there was a benefit for me to kill them all…I'd have their money and their drugs. Francis basically gives Niko some instructions. Not that they helped too much given the moment we walked in nearing the stairs, we got confronted. So we started blasting. I swear the Assault SMG was a beast of a weapon.
"Shit!" Clarence said as seeing Niko and Isaribi slaughter his men.
Isaribi had taken one side of the building while Niko took the other forcing Clarence to go up. Isaribi snatched up what she could get. Extra guns, money, and keys. She noticed the keys that were for a Bravado Dukes.
Yeah, that's how I got the key to my beloved muscle car, the first one. When I ultimately left Liberty, I sold them that one to get a second one at my destination. Sucks it wrecked…I sank a lot of time and money into it. Either way, we slaughtered the gangbangers and we had Clarence dead to rights on the roof.
"You wouldn't shoot an unarmed man, would you?"
"I want the keys to your apartment…and your wallet." Isaribi said as he tossed them.
And then we shot him. Fall off the building and into street pizza. Thus, I snatched up the wallet and the keys. Thus, me and Niko split. Niko's leaving got the cops to go after when I hid in one of the apartments. I made sure to clear out the places for cash before slipping away in the Dukes. Francis would call, and I went to meet him to pick up my pay. I was serious about it being the last job I ever do for him and while Niko had another job for him, he would do that on his own. I did return to the apartment building to stash all the drugs in a van that one of those dead pricks had. Then, I decided to pay Luis a visit.
[Corner Kids]
I ended up walking on Luis chiding Henrique and Armando for dealing drugs as usual. Not going to lie, Luis did have a point on how they were doing it. Then we briefly greeted Luis's mom.
"Isaribi, how are you doing? You can suggest Luis go to college." Adriana remarked.
"I have college degrees…college is not the end all be all. By all means, Luis shouldn't waste cash on college unless the area of study needs it." Isaribi said.
"Well said. Now we have to go help these morons." Luis said before sliding her some cash. "Later mami."
And we were off driving Armando's Cavalcade, chatting about as per usual. Ironically, the cops seemed interested in looking into Luis. Not for stuff he was actually doing…though.
"Yeah man, you get bagged with a couple of punks, it's like you are associated with them for the rest of your life. Five-O's dumb, fucking useless bro. No wonder crime's outta control in this city." Luis remarked.
"I'm more surprised they never ask about Isaribi, but you know how it is." Armando stated.
"What?" Isaribi said.
"That cops don't think a woman is capable of all that hardcore crime shit." Henrique said. "It's kid gloves with them."
"Some women want the privileges of a man and the accountability of a child. It's bullshit." Isaribi remarked. "But what's the plan for tonight?"
"Me and Rique got a new package. Shit's good enough for us to start seriously stepping on shit and making some real profit." Armando said excitedly.
"Product then profit then pussy: 'P .P .P.' That how it works, bro." Henrique mused.
"Sure it does, Rique. Can you remind me why I'm coming along on a motherfucking dope deal? I don't touch that shit no more, man. I got a legitimate source of income." Luis remarked.
"Chill out, bro. We just having a final meet with the guy to smooth out some details. It would really help if we had a respectable punk like you along. Or really two punks."
"Yo this is just for appearances right? You sure?" Luis asked.
"Yo. Sure. I'm sure. Just for appearances. We shaking hands with the man is all. Nothing incriminatory." Armando remarked. "Meet should be quiet."
"Fuck, bro. Okay. Okay. Only 'cause I love you guys. You should know that." Luis said.
Before Armando and Henrique could make a gay joke, Isaribi cut in musing about having some ideas for aiding in the business.
"At the most, I want to help you guys to make the money, but I also want to ensure your exit strategy." Isaribi remarked.
"And this is why we need Isaribi, she got the brains. No offense, Armando." Henrique said as Armando rolled his eyes.
"Isaribi's got the right idea, at least." Luis remarked.
"Either way, I got something for you both. Take an auto shottie and some grenades. Heavy shit keeps foolish cats from action." Armando said.
"Nice…I've grown to prefer automatic weapons nowadays." Isaribi remarked.
If anything, my weapon output was basically the automatic pistol, an Assault SMG, and the auto shootie. Given I couldn't just carry a carbine rifle like that back then. Of course, the meeting went wrong. My mistake was not bringing up the possibility of a bugged phone.
"Fuck me! What the hell warrants them seeing the Annihilator after us?" Isaribi shouted before blowing off a cop's head with the shotgun.
"I don't know….we were just talking." Armando said as before Luis shot it down.
"Fuck! What a shitshow!" Luis said. "All this for a conversation."
"You ain't going back inside." Henrique said firing at some cops. "We promise."
"So much for that fucking package." Armando said.
"Don't fret about it. Just move." Luis said as they came to the wall.
"I got it!" Henrique said before slapping a bomb on it to blow it up. "And there's the wrecking crew."
They went through to see more NOOSE agents coming at them. They all took position to fight back against the coming law enforcement before another armed chopper came at them. Luis checked the nearby NOOSE Enforcer before finding a rocket launcher.
"Fuck me, bro. The NOOSE is some well equipped motherfuckers." Luis said.
"As they should be, this is America." Isaribi said as Luis fired it, blowing up the chopper.
With that wasted, we got a car and Luis drove us out of there. During the drive, we'd all talk to which Luis had the genius idea that always stuck with me. Why make drugs to sell when you can just steal it from others to sell? Who were the victims going to call? The cops? It was basically Drug Wars.
"And I think I may be able to make an early investment. Luis, I need you to pass in Dukes. Cerveza Heights on Inchon Avenue." Isaribi said as Luis made the turn.
Once they arrived, she showed them the van and opened it up to all the products she had.
"Isaribi, where did you get his?" Armando asked with a grin.
"Remember Clarence Little?" Isaribi asked.
"You mean Chicken Little? That fucker tried to put a hit on me." Luis snarked.
"Yeah, well he's dead. Dirty cop hired me and a friend to kill him because Little decided to talk shit threatening said cop. I had a feeling that the cop wanted the drugs and cash he and his little gang left behind, but I decided fuck McReary." Isaribi said. "So boys, I think we got some to get started."
"Isaribi, you the fucking woman!" Armando said as Henrique high-fived her.
He closed the van.
"Ok, we need to move this, but tomorrow." Armando said as Isaribi gave her the keys.
"Seems you got a head start." Luis said. "Come on, we need to get back to Northwood."
We'd all go back with Armando driving the van.
"Look, Luis. I'm glad you and Isaribi were there to back us up. It's good to have people you trust with you on this. But are you going to help us with our operation?" Armando mused.
"I could use the money, I'll think about it." Luis remarked.
"Come on, Luis. We can start tonight." Isaribi remarked. "All these guns in my backpack…and I could use some target practice while making profit."
"Fuck it. I'm in." Luis remarked.
Drug Warring was fun and a good money maker. Unlike the gang attacks I did with the Lost, I was actually getting paid. I was hooked since the first one…and we'd do about four in one night…that very first night. We were chilling out at the Superstar Cafe with it being close to midnight.
"You didn't have to spend money to take us here, Isa?" Armandom remarked as they ate.
"I insist. It's been a while…since I got paid so well." Isaribi remarked.
"I thought you were making good with the Lost." Henrique remarked.
"Fuck no. I barely get paid, and shit is getting worse. Our old president got caught by the feds which I should be happy about, but the damage he did is already done. I don't doubt that he is in custody is going to be an issue since he can still try to pin shit on me. The new vice president is an asshole who never liked me to begin with. I got suspended from the group because…"
To say that when I told them why, they were all pretty pissed.
"Good, what a piece of shit." Luis remarked. "You got forced into oral and that dickhead thinks it's fucking funny. And the leader didn't even do shit."
"Yeah, the only reason I still have my bike and jacket is because Elizabeta threatened them." Isaribi said. "Honestly, I'm seriously considering quitting at this point because really…what has being in the Lost done for me?"
"I don't blame you." Henrique remarked.
"By the way, about Carmen Ortiz. I didn't know you were seeing her, Armando, because she was cheating on you with one of my friends. Also I had slept with her in the past…" Isaribi admitted as Armando facepalmed. "Yeah, she has a dating profile still calling herself 'SoBoHoe'. What did you expect?"
"Fuc-"
He was cut off by my phone. My mood soured to see it was Angus calling. He informs me that Brian's formed his own faction and my loyalty to the Lost is being questioned. I thanked him for telling me and hung up. I went back inside asking for the check.
"Hey, Isa. You going to be available tomorrow morning? We got a job we could use you and Luis for." Armando asked.
"Yeah, I'll be there." Isaribi remarked.
[Lure/Clocking Off/End of Chapter]
I'd go home to which the next day I'd aid in some contract work with Armando, Luis, and Henrique. Nothing all too special. But while Niko was dealing with Francis, I was in Alderney doing some investigating. Suspension be damned. I hadn't returned wearing my usual MC jacket, but instead one of Niko's brown leather jackets which was oversized on my frame. Maybe I was unconsciously showing my lack of loyalty, something that Estelle seemed to chew me out when I ran into her on Babbage Drive.
"Estelle, fuck you." Isaribi snarled.
"Excu-"
"No, you don't get it. You're just a damn groupie who doesn't see the big picture. The Lost never would have accepted me, Danica, or you!" Isaribi said, getting in her face. "Why do you think Danica went solo?"
"So that's it, you're going to flake on your brothers?" Estelle asked. "When they need you most."
"What about when I needed them?" Isaribi asked simply. "This is a sinking shi-"
"Isaribi?" Ashley remarked coming out of her apartment complex. "I thought you were suspended?"
"Look, where's Johnny?" Isaribi said cutting to the chase.
"Port Tudor. I overheard Jim on the phone with Brian earlier, something about a…."
I didn't need to hear more. I knew it was going to be a shitshow as I raced off. However, Estelle followed despite me insisting for her to go home.
"And why should advice from you?" Estelle snapped.
"Because it's a civil war and you're an easy target. And last thing I checked, you're still a hangaround with no rank whereas I do. So go back, that's an order." Isaribi said sternly.
"So you're going to pull rank on me?" Estelle remarked.
"Yes, now you have your orders." Isaribi said. "Don't make me repeat myself."
I was just glad she complied, but it truly shattered our friendship. But honestly, I just really care about that given I rather her hate me and live. I would arrive at the battle only to get to the tail end…managing to pop a few of Brian's goons. I only got chewed out for coming as we rode back to the clubhouse which looked more empty. Jim acknowledged that they were all that's left of the Alderney chapter. Him and Johnny forgetting about their 'sister'...again.
"Considering I just prevented Estelle from trying to pull a Blade Runner when she can't shoot for shit, I think I deserve a fucking thank you." Isaribi thought bitterly.
I didn't even bother trying to tell them that I came in clutch for them. I just left. As I had rode off, I got a call from Angus and I wound up telling him about Estelle.
"You did the right thing, Isaribi." Angus said. "She might not realize it now, but she will eventually."
"I doubt it, but I'm seriously considering just quitting the Lost. I put in all this work and for what…no respect, barely any pay, no acknowledgement…nothing." Isaribi remarked.
"Maybe you should…" Angus remarked. "To be honest, when discussing who would be the new Vice President, I had suggested that you take the position. Apparently, they wouldn't be taken seriously if they had a woman as vice president. Something Johnny had agreed with…I'm sorry, but I was the only one who voted for you. Honestly, if you want to walk away to make your own path, I'd understand. And honestly, I'd suggest for you to do so."
At that point, my lone reason for staying was giving him his blessing to leave. But my day would brighten when I could get a phone call from Yusuf Amir, himself.
(A/N: While I originally had it in mind that the Isaribi's last straw was going to be the shitshow with Johnny doing the Russian's dirty work, I realized that there's a lot for Isaribi to be pissed off about her lot in the Lost. If anything, ironically through Niko and Luis, she inadvertently has an exit strategy.)
