Can't catch a break!
or
Motoko will never get her own theme.

Warning for a tiny bit of Smasher-typical violence closer to the end.

Fuck, that was awesome!

She fucking loved that song, holy fuck was that a rush!

She stood there, catching her breath as the adrenaline high faded. She took one last breath, grinning to herself, so very giddy. At her command, her car rolled up, and she quickly hopped in. She needed to get this one to Judy ASAP!

She could feel it, this one would be great! Though, thinking on it now...

As she peeled away, she shot a text Judy's way, warning the BD editor about the contents of her newest recording. It wouldn't be as visceral as her DOOM one, but it probably warranted some kind of heads up.

She arrived a few minutes later, wandered down to see Judy, handed off the BD, and was on her way. She did her best to get the giddy energy out of her system as she went, but she couldn't resist the giggles that came out. She managed to ignore the odd stares at quickly got back to her car.

She was so glad she picked that song!

"Whaddya mean it got claimed?!"

"Sorry, choom. Some 'saka goons showed up and said the song was 'now property of Adam Smasher.' They're paying me royalties or something for it- I'll be sending that your way, so don't worry on that end. Anyway, it was definitely official, so I guess that means the Boogeyman liked your BD?"

Motoko felt her eye twitch. This- this would not stand. First her stupid big brother tried to claim "The Only Thing They Fear" as his 'Oni Theme Song,' now Adam Fucking Smasher was trying to take the "Ready to Die"/"Party, Party, Party" mix from her? No. No. This would not stand. She whirled around, ignoring Judy's attempts to stand up and grab her (who had quickly figured out what Motoko was thinking/planning), and raced up the stares.

"Motoko! Whatever you're planning, don't do it!" She ignored Judy's pleas. She had business with Adam Smasher!

"Rita, stop her!" She couldn't, however, ignore Rita suddenly picking her up, nor could she ignore being hoisted over bouncer's shoulder.

"Dammit Rita, let me go!" Motoko struggled half-heartedly. She could definitely get out of Rita's grasp, but she didn't want to hurt Rita in the process.

"Sorry, 'Toko," said the amused bouncer, who didn't sound at all apologetic, "no idea what's going on, but I know you well enough when you're planning something stupid, reckless, stupidly reckless, and recklessly stupid. So before you rush off, I'm calling your brother and having him come pick you up."

"Wait! Don't call Jun, I'll behave, I promise!" she cried- she knew if she had to explain the situation to Jun, he'd lay on top of her and use his weight to stop her from running off and achieving her revenge!

"Too late," said Rita, before her eyes glowed gold, "Hey, Jun, it's me- can you come pick up your sister from Lizzie's?"

"Nooo!" Motoko wailed. She was betrayed!

"Oh, she's fine- but she had that look on her face when she's about to rush off and nearly get herself killed." She did not!

"No idea, hadn't gotten that far yet. Figured I should get you heading over here before I asked."

"How could you betray me like this, Rita?"

"Stop being so dramatic, gonk. No, talking to Motoko- though I suppose it applies to you, too." Rita chuckled at whatever Jun's response was. Motoko's eyes narrowed. Were these gonks really flirting while Rita had her in a fireman's carry? She squirmed and struggled again, but Rita's grip was firm. Motoko went limp, whimpering in despair. This sucked.

The meat's head popped under his foot, blood and bone and brain splattering across the concrete, and the song ended. Adam Smasher no longer had a mouth, but he smiled all the same.

Music, true music, not that garbage most meat peddled and played nowadays, and how glad he was to hear it. To think, some Night City nobody managed to have talent. He'd have to visit and see if he couldn't get an album.

His mood soured for a moment as a thought crossed his mind. What if they were a one hit wonder?

Well, for their sake, he hoped they weren't. He really did.

And if they did, in fact, continue to produce true music, he'd have to sponsor them. Maybe hire them... While he wasn't a fan of the usual PR attempts at theme songs, if he had someone to write songs of quality...

He turned and crushed the head of another meatbag who though they were slick, making his way to the exit.

He liked the idea.

-Fin-

I can do nought but shrug.