(A/N: The 50th chapter. How fitting, but here we are. The midpoint of the story for Niko, the beginning of the end for Johnny, and the start of Luis's story. Side note, Chapter 48 was fixed for errors.)

Cue Opening Theme: GTA 4 - Soviet Connection ~slowed~

TWG:R

~Endless Possibilities Arc~

Chapter 50: Liberty City Isaribi Chronicles 7

Liberty City, 2008. I remember that Saturday afternoon like it was yesterday. Not every day you hit up a bank. Unknown to everyone else, I had planned far ahead like crazy all that week leading to that Saturday. I actually had not told the others of my secondary plan. Not that I wanted to backstab, it was a backup plan.

[Three Leaf Clover/I Luv LC]

"This is it boys, moment of truth." Packie said as Isaribi nodded.

The helmet was over Isaribi's head and she had dressed up in an ebony suit with a three buttoned jacket. With wraps and body armor under her clothes, she looked like a shrimpy guy. Isaribi activated the helmet as they got out of the car, guns on the ready.

"None of you fucking fucks move. Get on the floor." Patrick said as they charged.

"None of yous is gonna get a medal for playing hero. All you's gonna get is a bullet to the heart." Michael remarked.

"Don't none of you worry about nothing. We're here for the bank's money, it's going to a greater cause." Derrick said.

"Spare me the morals." Isaribi said.

Red X. I had Danica make the voice changer to make me sound like Red X. Yes, I was a Teen Titans fan. Ironic, I know.

"No one moves. I…"

Then the plan hit a small snag. I saw Luis. Seeing him, I went quiet. We forced the door open and the explosive on the vault was sent. I was casually robbing the tills while Derrick and Packie were arguing.

"Hey, will you two stop-"

"Motherfucker!"

Down when Michael. I feel bad, but I can't feel too bad. Where was his bulletproof vest? I don't feel bad for the wannabe hero next to Luis. Dumbass had a pistol. We had rifles. When the vault exploded, I went down with Niko to get the money. If there was one thing about money, it was that it made good for blocking bullets. I stuffed my bag full of it, some in my pockets, my hidden pockets, and the second bag filled while Niko went up.

"I got all the money I could. There's still some in there though." Niko said coming up as Isaribi did.

"Don't worry, I lit the vault on fire." Isaribi said as everyone looked at her.

"Why?" Derrick asked.

"Because why the fuck not?" Isaribi said. "Best case scenario, the bank employees get a week off and raise for the trauma."

"You're fucking crazy…you know that. And looks like the cops…"

Isaribi clicked the detonator as the car they came in blew up causing a chain reaction of several cop cars blowing up.

"Crazy, no? Prepared with a plan just in case someone fucked up? Yes." Isaribi said as Niko gave Packie and Derrick the side eye.

"Well then, come on…let's get the fuck out of here!" Isaribi said.

We had to go out fighting. Shooting cops left and right through the city on foot. Bullets and blood flying. Niko blew a helicopter up and I'm pretty sure I murdered over forty cops. I do remember shooting one in the balls before Derrick stole my 41st kill. However, my plan would have split away from the group, but not before giving Niko something.

"Listen guys, if you're going the Subway route. I left a black Presidente for you guys to use. It's near the service exit further in town. So…this is where we split ways." Isaribi said.

"What? How you-"

"Don't you remember? They're looking for men. Not a woman. Now go!" Isaribi said.

I escaped to the Dragon Heart Plaza. Thankfully, my ties to the Triads came in handy. Having done small jobs for this, netted me a key to a service entrance. Thankfully, a lot of the building was still under construction. I found an empty room and started changing.

Out of the suit, she was now in a black sports bra, matching track pants, white socks in white tennis shoes, white armbands, a bit of makeup, and a blonde wig.

Yes, I deliberately wear them tight. Looking like a cute jogger would have any cop less inclined to bother me. I got my things loaded into a Huntley Sport I borrowed from Brucie. I didn't exactly tell Brucie what was doing…so when I got to my apartment, I thanked him for house sitting.

"Thanks again, Brucie. I just had some business in mind." Isaribi said carrying in the bags. "Had to get off the street, there's some kind of robbery."

Isaribi handed him his keys and a grand as thanks before he left. Isaribi went to her room to emptied the second bag of cash onto her bed before laying on top of it.

Niko called. They got away from the cops. Funny thing is Packie never did find out that I had a second plan to make more of a score. However, considering I made a distraction and got them a getaway car…I could say it's about even. I was pretty damn happy given I knew I had 1.25 million dollars. Most fools would spend it on frivolous things, but I knew what I had to do. For one, half a mil would go straight to shares in Bellic Enterprises. Another half to the Maisonette 9. Ironically, I'd be left with $250,000 as spending money. With some of the money put away, I took off the wig and went out for an actual jog. On my run, I'd end up back at the bank. Of course, that was on purpose…I wanted to check on Luis and when I saw the cops harassing him…I stepped in.

"There you are. We're going to be late." Isaribi said, taking Luis's arm and charging him away from the officer. "Excuse me."

"Isaribi? What are yo-"

"Just walk. I'll explain when we're away from the pigs." Isaribi whispered. "Just act normal."

The funny thing is he was calling Tony and crossing the street, we nearly got hit by Niko who was driving the McRearies. The awkward look on our faces to keep a poker face was agonizing as I had to drag Luis forward. I'd hear the rumble of Johnny's bike whizzing by as Luis and I stopped at Videogadden. Luis was finishing up a mother before finally hanging up.

"Ok, can you explain now?" Luis asked.

"Behind closed doors." Isaribi said as they walked to Tony's apartment.

Luis hit the buzzer as Tony whined asking who it was.

"It's me, Tone." Luis said.

"And Isaribi." Isaribi chirped.

"Whatever. Come up." Luis said as there was a click for the door to open.

Anthony 'Gay Tony' Prince. Owner of some of the most prominent nightclubs in Liberty City. Maisonette 9 and Hercules…but mostly Maisonette 9. He was many things. Drug addled, hedonistic, but he was good to the people who employed…or who had stake.

"Oh, how are you two?"

"I'm good, boss. How are you? You look terrible." Luis said.

"That's good, because I am terrible. Fucking wretched."

"Tony, what's the matter? Aside from Evan being a leech…like seriously can you just rid of the prick." Isaribi said as Luis high-fived her.

"Right aside from that, what's wrong?" Luis asked as Tony rolled his eyes.

"Oh, the usual. One nightclub catering to the rich mindless crowd in a city where the rich mindless crowd are suddenly poor and mindless. Another club catering to the gay and decadent crowd when the gay and decadent crowd suddenly think decadence means buying outrageous new throw cushions instead of getting loaded in a bar, and every half-wit, part time hood in the city thinking, "I know, let's put the squeeze on the club owners... they must really really want to substitute my inadequacies with their money because, after all, they wanna stay up all night talking bullshit to morons because they enjoy it."

"To be fair, we're in a recession." Isaribi pointed out. "I'd blame the politicians."

"Who wouldn't?" Tony snarked.

I let them have their back and forth before Luis found the money…that Tony was apparently skimming off his clubs. And then two assholes showed up.

"Hey Tony, the door was open... man, it's easier to get into your apartment than into your nightclub." Rocco said as Isaribi groaned.

"Yeah, we have a no guido policy at the club, here I ain't so sure." Luis said as Isaribi gave him a look for that.

"I love getting racially abused by a spic." Rocco snarked.

"Yeah, who's the fucking taco, Tony? And this fucking chink?" Vincenzo snarled.

"Question for the old fart. Are you a made man?" Isaribi asked.

"No." Vincenzo said.

"No wonder. You don't have any sense of fucking respect. I'm not Chinese. I'm Japanese." Isaribi said icily.

"Gentlemen, this is Tony, my business partner. And this Isaribi, my lesser business partner, gofer, and fixer." Tony said, trying to diffuse the situation. "Beisdes, we're in the great melting pot; we're not spics, or guidos, or fags - we're proud Americans! Luis - this is Vince and Rocco, relatives of Gracie."

"And you're not here about her…so this is about money." Isaribi asked.

"I guess someone in your group has a fucking brain." Vincenzo said.

Guns drawn and money was taken. Rocco was so annoying that all his words blended together. When he and his sycophant uncle left, I had words for Tony.

"There goes payroll." Tony mused.

"Actually, about that." Isaribi said, taking off her duffel bag. "I wanted to invest some money in Maisonette 9, to increase my stake. Put money in for it to grow."

"You're going need a lot…Dios mio." Luis said seeing Isaribi pull out half a million. "Where did you get this?"

"If you really want to know, it stays between us." Isaribi stated.

"Wait, did you rob a ban–Isaribi, you crazy bitch. How?! There were five guys in there." Luis remarked.

"Why do you think I wore the motorcycle helmet with a voice modulator?" Isaribi said as both Tony and Luis were stunned.

"Shit, I'm not complaining. Look, I'll invest it…but I need to stash in here someplace safe. But seriously, thanks." Tony said, taking the cash.

"You're welcome. I'm going to go change…seeing it's about to be nightfall…we're likely to go to the clubs." Isaribi said walking off to a room. "And thanks for having some of my clothes here just in case."

When it came to the club scene, I typically wore cheongsams. Customizable, comfortable, good for hiding shit under them, and they made me look good. I did have three over at Tony's just in case…and I went for the black and white one with the silt. Getting the dark makeup and right heels, I was ready to go. Luis took Tony's car, and we were off for Hercules as the night sky was slowly setting. Nothing much happened there. Troy was complaining about working the door there to which…considering his pay and the fact we're in a recession…he was whining. But then we headed straight for Maisonette 9…and there's where we got to work.

Isaribi was watching from the VIP section to keep an eye on things before her cell rang to which he answered.

"Isaribi, it's Packie." Packie remarked.

"Packie, you guys made it. That's great." Isaribi remarked.

"Yeah, look. I just wanted to say that we should hang out when we're not working. I've kinda come to see you like a sister-in-arms and…"

"Thank god. I don't have to hang around your sister anymore." Isaribi said relieved. "I'm sorry, but I can't really stand her. After I admitted I wasn't a virgin, she's been passive–aggressively giving me shit about it. And it's not like she knows any details…just not that I'm not a virgin. And she treats me like I'm some shank who gives it for free."

"I didn't know it was getting that bad. Look, I'll make it up to you. And by the way, I need you to call Niko. He'll fill you in on a favor I need from the both of you. Also Gerald wants you to call him too. Later." Packie said before hanging up.

Tony called on the earpiece to tell me to go help Luis with something. I go out and there's our boys in a bit of an issue.

"Wow, downtown's really changed you, man. You're too good to take money from me and Henrique now?" Amando asked as Isaribi cleared her throat.

"It's not that. If you wanted to get into the club, I would have bought you both more semi-formal clothes." Isaribi remarked. "You two are my friends too, you know."

"Well thanks for the senti….senti…it's sentiment, right?" Henrique asked as he got nods. "Yeah, that."

Tony came out and basically roasted Luis.

"Alright, so take some time off, the girls in there could use a night off too." Tony remarked.

"Cuidate." Luis said annoyed as Tony went inside.

"Nice boss you got there, stuck up fucking fag!" Armando said as Isaribi cleared her throat. "Oh, right. Wait, why are you making an issue…aren't you…"

"She's bi, Armando." Henrique remarked, making Armando feel dumb. "It's kinda obvious why she's giving you the side-eye, bro."

"If it makes you feel better, Tony can be an ass, but he pays." Isaribi remarked.

"Amen to that." Luis said.

"Well, can you take us back to the Heights?" Armando said as Luis nodded.

In Tony's car, the four were off to the Heights having a chat in catching up. But when the topic of IQs came up, Isaribi interrupted.

"Remember that IQ test we all took as a bar bet? The result came back. Henrique's IQ isn't 76. It's actually about 86. For context, average intelligence is anywhere between 90 to 109." Isaribi remarked.

"So he's only slightly dumber than the average mook?" Armando said as Henrique gave him a dirty look. "Look on the bright side, you're not sub eighty."

"What about Armando's score?" Henrique asked.

"99." Isaribi said.

"What can't you score 100, Armando?" Henrique teased.

"What about downtown's?" Armando asked.

"118." Isaribi stated. "Upper level of above-average."

"And you?" Luis said as Isaribi blushed.

"121." Isaribi said as Armando was stunned. "I was actually surprised when I got the result."

"Don't be. You got into college early…and weren't you working on several degrees? Pretty sure, you need to be some kind of genius." Henrique said.

"Man, have you done nothing but make valid points." Armando said.

"Still, IQ doesn't mean nothing, man. You guys are better than this. I don't want any of us to go away again." Luis said earnestly.

"Then, come on board with us. We can start selling our own product. Your connections, man, we'll have the whole city on our gear." Armando said. "Isaribi too."

"I took a bid for you once, man. I ain't going back there. You think I put in all this work to go back inside?" Luis remarked.

While Armando had a point about Luis getting toughened up in prison, I still wouldn't say prison is a good thing. Though, we got to Northwood…he dropped them off and bid them goodbye. I came off here as well bidding goodbye to Luis as he drove off.

"So Miss Genius, got any tips for my plan?" Armando said they were walking along.

"Simple. Don't get high on your supply, mark down what drug that each gang specializes in, do not underestimate greed, save most of your money, and when you make enough profits…you cut and invest in something legit so you can slowly 'retire' out of the drug game with your ill-gotten gains." Isaribi said after thinking about it. "Got any place you've always wanted to buy to put under your control?"

"Maybe Fan Dang's or maybe get a strip club." Armando said thoughtfully.

"Restaurant. Or a grocery store would be more practical. A bar would be nice though." Henrique mused.

"Well save your money, and I might be able to help you." Isaribi remarked as he flagged down a cab. "Later guys, you got my number."

Ironically, my later actions would allow both of them to seize several properties in Alderney. Funny how life works. And after my brush with Petrovic, they were fine to run their business with no trouble.

(A/N: This was going to be longer, but after a lot of thought…I decided against that. Isaribi would have one to mostly keep quiet during the robbery. Could she have stopped Michael from dying? Not really…she was concerned about keeping Luis alive. Speaking of Luis, I'm so eager to get into the Ballad stuff. As for the bit about IQ, I figured it'd be a nice tidbit highlighting Luis and Isaribi's sharp wit and expanding on the IQ bit from the game. Plus, Henrique is smarter than he appears…you got to have some brains to hijack an APC. As for Isaribi, I did say she was the brain to Naruto's brawn (not that he's dense by all means.)