Chapter 2: Hoe cakes

Date: 2nd of June 2062

Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands

POV: Victor Von Doom

Just why was this bitch following me still? Reaching some rocks overlooking Night City I decided it was better to just ignore her.

"Don't think you can run away from me!" She shouted. Just how do people tolerate her? Perhaps I should've chipped in early and got mufflers of some sort. Or at least get some air buds. Lesson learned: carry earbuds around just in case I ever get involved with someone annoying. Can't even kill her too. Attempting to ignore her voice I stared at the city, the sights quite charming from afar. Seeing that Panam quieted down I noticed that she too was encapsulated by the sight as well.

"Are you enjoying the sight, monkey?" I asked.

"Not much, Rat," She spat, her counter leaving me silent. Unable to rebuttal her words I decided to remain silent. I had already stated that she was a lower life-form, any more banter would further tarnish my image. I hated this.

Here I am out here in the sand, when I could be at home training, studying to be better. Yet here I was out in the middle of nowhere in the chilly weather, the sun now coming to a close. Stuck with some stank ass Nomad girl who probably hadn't seen a shower in years. At least in the city no one dared to offend me. Here, some random girl dared to speak against him. Such blatant disrespect would not be forgotten. Just you wait Panam, my father will hear from this!

Sitting there awkwardly not knowing what to do we continued to stare at the city, our gazes both telling a different story. While I looked on knowing it's ugly truth she looked on at its beautiful lie. That was how the city drew you in and that's how it trapped you. Mr Night knew exactly what he was doing when designing the city and even after his passing the city continued to draw people to its light. While some say he envisioned a perfect city full of opportunity that was a lie that would make any corpo and prole laugh. Similar to the American dream you had to be asleep to believe in it.

As Bubbles would say "Night city is like an open flame, where the proles are moths. The smart ones stay away."

"What's life like in the city?" Panam asked genuinely. Deciding to humor her I decided that it was best if she cooperated then be a pain.

"Depends on who you are… For me, it's just another city. I live on top of the world in the night city. I'm a god compared to the monkeys below and with a single word I could topple empires. I'm a god walking amongst men, to me night city is but a single place my influence spreads." I responded.

"Tch, typical corpo thinking highly of themselves. Not everything has to involve Power and schemes you know. You think low of me, but have you felt the wind through your hair? Have you ever felt free? To me you seem like just another rat stuck in their cage. The only difference being that compared to other rats your cage Is bigger and fancier." She expressed, to which I only smiled.

"When you live like this, I'd rather be a rat in a diamond encrusted cage, then a monkey not knowing their place," I barked. How dare she. Does she not know where she is in the food chain? I could order an artillery strike right now on her family. I could send a death squad that could tear her to bits. Hell, bubbles could very well destroy every single nomad present in a second if he ever so ordered it.

"I live in the comfort that the water I drink, the food I eat and air I'll breathe will be present for tomorrow. Do you ever go to sleep knowing that you whole family could be slaughtered?" I asked.

"Don't you dare threaten my family! How could you ever sleep knowing what your family does? I know what you people do. I know exactly who you are. The Von Dooms are a family full of psychopaths! I wish auntie would come back home, you people are plane evil," She slandered, feeling my hands almost reach to end her. I stopped myself. I must swallow my pride for my mother. In the end father will deal with these people. I can't ruin her happiness simply because a monkey dared to bite back.

"I will have you know my family is generous compared to other corporations. We offer fair compensation and affordable healthcare to all. Even to your kind. To our employees we offer competitive salaries' which would make any Arasaka or Militech employee jealous. We also include family benefits with their children being able to be safely looked after without the fear of being flatlined like some random fodder," I chimed.

"But at what cost? I've seen your people raze towns of people simply to build factories. I've seen the bodies you've laid on the ground to ensure you're on top. Stop hiding behind chivalry and heroics, just because you save a few and help a drop doesn't excuse the destruction of thousands," She stated.

"And so? Who cares about those individuals? We've ensured that those who cooperate are compensated fairly, hell I would dare say we compensate quite charitably. Any other corporations would have razed them down without a second notice." I explained.

"A lesser evil is all you are. What even is the difference between you and Arasaka? At the end of the day, you're still a dirty rat. All you do is take and destroy. Just because you're nice to a few doesn't mean you're any different. You still leave bodies in your wake and take what you want by any means," She continued.

"I would not expect a nomad what it is like to live my life like the way I do. You do not have what it takes to see the bigger picture. To take what is yours. While you play checkers, I play chess. You look at the street, I look at its continental borders. One day this world will be mine Panam." I revealed.

"That's exactly what I mean. You're power hungry. I wouldn't expect a corpo to know what it's like to live as a nomad either. I live knowing I'm free. Dying tomorrow or today… It doesn't matter, I've got family, people I cherish. I could go to any of the thousand people here and they'd genuinely love me. Who can you name that'd say the same besides the muscled-up freak with the weird haircut and your parents?" She answered.

"I don't need anyone else's love or sympathy that is simply beneath me. My parents are my biggest honor and do not ever dare insult Bubbles! That man has gone through hell to be where he stands. He has sacrificed many things to ensure that he's on top. What would you know of sacrifice and hard work? Do you think pushing one load of cargo to the next is tough? You're simply mindless drones that pilot one piece of cargo to the other and even then, you are less capable than our actual shippers." I barked.

"What do you mean what do I know of hard work? Look at you? You've been basically given everything in life. What have you amounted to that anyone else could have done in the same position? You're nothing without the name Von Doom. You're simply a cog to your family machinations," She spited.

"You…You dare!" I spat. How dare she undermine my capabilities.

"I have done many things which have helped my family. I am neither a cog nor a part of the system. When you live and know what I have. I am the god that made the machine," I exclaimed.

"Yet, you're still human. You're as much flesh as I am. For all that talk of being God it won't take much to end you as it would me." She sneered.

"I am merely on my journey to God hood. When I rule the world, you will be the first to see it. The people will bask and beg for my embrace. They will scream my name in reverence, and you will beg for my mercy," I exclaimed.

"Mere delusions of a child!" She hissed.

"What do you mean? You are but a little child too!" I tossed.

"I'll have you know I'm thirteen years old! So, I'm not little. I'm a teen,``she confessed.

"Yet you speak like a little gronk!" I flamed, slowly realising she was around my age. What an odd coincidence… Gross. I shared the same birthday as this idiot.

"I'm not the one who speaks like an old man though. You're the real gonk here and it's Gonk not gronk you gonk!" She snapped.

"It's Australian slang you illiterate fool. I should've known a monkey like you would be stuck here. I've been places you'd dream of only going," I explained chuckling.

"Why would I ever want to leave here? My family is here. You only seek to roam the world to look for a dick to fill up that void in your heart and ass loser," She swore before running away.

"Tch, vile beast," I muttered. Seeing her departing figure, I looked on at Night city. Nomads… Stupid creatures they were. How my mother and father ever came to be, I wondered. Such lifestyles… Were never meant for each other. One demanded order, structure, and safety . The other embraced chaos, freedom, and danger. While my father was stoic my mother was emotional, one could tell her emotions by the look on her face, while my father was a mixed equation to ponder his mind was to wander the ocean. You'd drown if you went too deep.

I had once pondered his machinations and ended up laying in my bed dazed. I had been so obsessed that my mother had been left worried. If not for my mother's warnings I most likely would have been hospitalised. Worse drowned forever in my own thoughts. At times I felt as If I had been trapped in some sort of world of my own. A landscape which entitled every conceivable thought of mine.

I'd often get lost in my mind. Sometimes literally, as I had the unique power to enter it. In it, I would ponder the future, life or randomly think of nothing. Because of this, studying was ever so easy. A single glance would be all that I needed. Night city had become my playground. Due to the schematics of the city being seen by yours truly I could transverse in night city with my eyes closed. Every weapon schematic in my system was memorised. All was known to Victor Von Doom… Or so I thought. This had been an enlightening awakening. I could not just rely on the devices of my father. I had to be vigilant. Perhaps this was his test to me.

Yes, my father was brilliant. In such an indirect way he placed me here to humble me of my incompetence and complacency. I had to be better. I had to break outside the box that I had created for myself. I had to study more, experience more and create more. The known had to become known, the truth must be exposed, all stones shall be set.

Entering my mindscape which was filled to the brim with blank space though I would always be greeted with the sight of five flames each one signalling a power or essence. I had unlocked all but one in it's first tier. Such essences were Essence of the Sorcerer Lord, Essence of the Artificer, Essence of the binder, Essence of the Archmage, Essence of the Inner world/home. The essence of the binder had been locked to me, its grasp so close to me. The varying abilities I was granted with each corresponding essence was: A body above peak human ability, The ability to recycle random junk into usable components, Perfect memory with infinite storage and an unlocked inner world I was very much in. While knowledge of its uses were gifted to me such powers were heavily restricted into tiers or levels. It was due to my weakness. Perhaps, I was far too weak as of now to fully capitalise on these boons. With time they would come. As they say, "Patience is a virtue."

To be perfectly honest though Panams' assessment of my character was correct… For all my gifts I truly was lacking. I had been too complacent with comfort. What would others do in my position if gifted with such boons? They most likely would've have travelled the stars by now and for that matter I shall correct that. I guess I must thank her for truly opening my eyes. Again, my father intellect was in genius. This was truly a test to rid me of my complacent mindset. I had to be better and to be better was strive for perfection.

Date: 2nd of June 2062

Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands

POV: Panam Palmer

What a piece of shit that corpo was. Santiago was correct. Every corpo was the same. Preying on the common folk and doing whatever they wanted. Ugh the look on that suckers' face. If only I could punch the hell out of it. Thankfully I held it in though. Family was everything and by the rules I couldn't just place my interests before the family. Not until I was strong enough to protect them.

"How's our guests?" A voice asked. Turning to face him I saw it was just Saul who seemed to overhear everything.

"What the hell Saul! Where the hell have you been?" I asked, the damn bastard was missing the whole day.

"Been busy scouting the area just in case any wraiths decide to surprise us. Besides It's always the same when it comes to Auntie June. Guess things changed. Who's your little output?" He asked, the word leaving me pissed.

"Screw you Saul, I'd never date such an asshole. The guy never compromises and is hard stuck on his shitty beliefs," I swore.

"Sounds a lot like someone I know," He chuckled.

"Shut it Saul. Not in the mood." I replied before storming off. What a drag, I guess it was time to catch up with auntie. How she dealt with that little demon amazes me. Walking past the others slightly chuckled at my sight.

"Guys watch out Panams' on another strike today!" One of the boys teased me. Hearing his words, the others abrupted in laughter leaving me to silently wither in anger.

Getting back to the main campfire I saw many of them looking towards me chuckling, the heavy scent of whiskey, bourbon or whatever concoction spilling into the air.

"Did you guys hear that? Panam might have a new output!" Cassidy laughed as he continued down shot after shot. Seeing Auntie June, I asked her why Victor was such a pain when Auntie was so nice.

"Auntie why is Victor such a jackass?" I decided to ask bluntly.

"Panam! Mind your tone," Santiago shot, his eyes like a shotgun ready to put down a mule.

"No, it's fine," June softly swayed, looking me in the eyes. I was lost in them as they were as ethereal as her looks. She reminded me of the old photos of my mother. Her eyes were a mixture between hazel and gold. While they hadn't been sisters by blood they were by bond.

"Why you may ask… Well, it's simple. He was raised that way by his father. Under all that tough bravado and God talk is the real Victor Von Doom. My son. He simply acts that way because he doesn't know any better. It's simply the safest way. To push the unknown instead of embracing what his father has taught him. It is only until he has controlled the truth and manipulated all aspects can he accept his surroundings. With time he'll change, and perhaps he might even be as sweet as you and me." June smiled, her happiness now stretching across to me. For a moment I almost forgot that the two were related. Noticing now, seeing the difference between their auras I almost chuckled at the drastic difference.

"I don't know auntie, he seems firm on being an asshole," I commented, laying my head on her lap. Feeling her hands pat my head I nuzzled her in her embrace.

"I wish you'd never leave…" I muttered, my hands clutching her shoulder.

"Oh child… I wish I could too. Perhaps in another life sadly. I can only imagine what could've been if I had stayed here… Or at least raised Victor amongst us… Only in a perfect world," She muttered sadly. The whiskey now kicked into effect as she felt the liquor finally mellowing her out. Laying on her lap I eventually fell asleep… Until I was rudely awoken by the voice of the rat and weirdo. Slightly opening my eyes, I noticed that nearly everyone had gone to sleep on a very few standing guard.

"Fuckin Wraiths…" I heard Victor swore, his anger now drawing me in. What wraiths? What the hell had happened while I was asleep.

"You know for a Corpo you're a pretty good shot you know. Would've almost mistaken you for one of us with the way you handled that revolver. You sure you're not chipped in? Could've sworn you were possessed." Cassidy cheered.

"Yeah kid, haven't seen hand movement that quick since my teenage years if you know what I mean," Another oldie joked earning the laughter of some of the boys. Gross.

"Especially the way you took out their leader from over 200 metres away… That's some skill kiddo," Another chimed leaving me dazed… He did that, without being chipped in?

"Don't be so shocked, they were mere pests. How I disposed of them is of no concern. Such ease should be expected for a Von Doom." He praised me. How typical, what's next? Is he going to marry himself?

"Listen kid, how you manage to take em out does matter. It's all about style and finesse," Scorpion chimed. His hand wavering from side to side to orchestrate his point.

"Elaborate," Victor demanded.

"Damn kid, you've got quite the authority. Ain't no one gonna like that. Especially the ladies you know. Well besides Panam," He joked, the joke being totally unfunny.

"I insist you do not tie each other together. I'd rather have a partner that did not challenge my authority and is subservient, similar to my mother. That would be the ideal partner," Victor envisioned. Yeah, right like any female would ever want to be near you. They'd probably kill themselves before they ever dared touch you.

"Tch, with your skills and that money you might be able to afford one of those. Hell even that pistol of yours was packing some power. I haven't seen anything on the market like it. Guessing daddy's gift?" He cackled.

"I made it." I revealed, making the others sneer as if it were a lie. Jealous peasants, tch. Skipping what I said, the man continued his rant.

"But to finish what I was saying. The reason style and finesse is important is because it's all about rep. Do you know why people respect Morgan Blackhand more than Adam smasher?" Scorpion asked.

"Because one is a literal psychotic Borg who is sadistic in nature and the other is decked out solo who is at least sensible and follows orders to the dot." Victor answered.

"You're right yet wrong at the same time. Both got their contractors, so they'll be hired to do what they were intended to do but it's just cause Morgan Blackhand is more of a badass. Flatlining a guy is easy when it comes down to it, but have you heard of the time Morgan Blackhand raided an Arasaka compound and didn't kill a single person? The man walked right in and grabbed the tech he needed before leaving. The guy uses non-lethal weaponry for Christ's sake. The mans a living legend and his work is always preem." Scorpion fangirled, stop riding his dick for crying out loud!

"I see, but such things should not matter to me. I am neither a merc nor a solo. I do not require such a reputation. I only need to ensure that those who wish to cross me, that they will not survive an Von Doom encounter," He replied. Von Doom encounter? This guy must be a dorph head. It'd explain everything.

"True but here's the thing. How many bodies are you going to drop before it becomes too annoying? If yah do the job right once, the rest will understand. There will always be someone that gonna wanna mess with you. It doesn't matter if you're a part of the big three, there's always gonna be some Gonk that'll wanna have a piece of the pie. I say leave em a message. A dead body ain't say much, but a man living to tell that tale will," He remarked.

"A loose end is all I am hearing. I would rather finish the job then waste an effort on a possibility. Certainty is key in the business. Relying on such variability? Such concepts never ever end well for those who wish to live long. Johnny Silverhand the terrorist, believed that nuking night city would change it. Look at it after fifty years. He took his bet and lost. A Von Doom never bets for bets that are uncertain. Von Dooms are always certain," Victor replied before walking away. His words leaving the others silent.

"Cocky kid, eh," Cassidy muttered to Scorpion.

"His mothers right though. He's heart, just gotta warm up to us." Mitch replied, leaving me stunned as to why he would say such a thing.

"What gives? All I see is a little shit that's got too much attitude. He screams corpo runt more than anything. I give him a day or two till he goes crying back to his father. He's soft, ain't got no balls," Scorpion spat, at least someone understands.

"Who do you think was first on scene fighting the Wraiths?" Mitch asked.

"It was Saul," Scorpion replied only to be shocked by Mitches answer.

"It was Victor, while you were all drinking and partying, he was the first on site. The kid managed take twelve of em alone by himself before backup arrived." Santiago stated.

"But I swear Saul was on watch duty," Another chimed.

"Nope he was with me, unloading cargo. Knew some of y'all we're going to slack. Decided I'd rather help the family than to waste time. Whoever was meant to be unloading the payload forgot to do it. Apparently drinking was more important than doing their job. Almost cost us our lives too," Mitch countered.

"Do you think just cause we're near night city we can daze off? Member this chooms, we're nomads not corpos. We can't afford such luxuries." Santiago explained. His disappointment immeasurable. Wasn't he drinking last night though too? The hell was going on.

"While I was drinking it didn't mean y'all could slack off. We're a family not a bunch of street dunks," Santiago chimed before walking away.

-

Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands

POV: Omniscient

Sitting by his car Santiago was disappointed in himself. He had let his emotions overrule the fact that while he was almost like a father to June he was still the Aldecados leader. And that position required him to take full responsibility. Yet he cowered out, he had taken the easy way out and blamed everyone. He had gotten too complacent. Had this been the past not a single person would've slacked off that night. The comfort of relying on June had made him lose grip on what made the Nomads before him stand out. They ere getting all of the benefits on being a corpo slave without paying a single price.

While it was true that the marriage was toxic, most women weren't gifted out as wives but joy toys. There was no shame to admit they had lucked out. But like life they could not have everything. He was getting greedy. He realised that today. His group had also expanded too much and too fast. The Family of old built experience through battle and hardship. While the same applied that edge was now lost due to the safety net that Von Doom industries supplied. Why worry about taking an extra few trips when he could simply return to night city and request help.

Most would laugh at them. Night City was not a safe haven. It was a place where those who entered was swallowed by It's jaw thoroughly. Yet here he was. Leeching off like a parasite off of Von Doom enterprises. Juan was probably rolling in his grave seeing this all unfold. If only he were here to guide them. To Santiago leading the Aldecado was just another mission, yet it grew to be bigger than that. If it hadn't been for the safety net that June provided they would've most likely not been here thriving. From what he knew the 2000 that he led would have never been possible without the extra assistance.

He had lost some good men last night. Today he would have to host a funeral. The timing of such an incident was terrible. Just as he decided to relax they had struck. Had it not been for the boys initial shot they would've lost more. The Wraiths that tried to raid his family ranged from a hundred to another two. While not a lot, compared to his they were still caught with their pants down. Such a mistake can never be replicated. Every member was a life. He couldn't treat em like a statistic, else he himself would turn into Virgil. He'd become the everything he swore to destroy.

"Big guy now, eh?" Bubbles asked as he picked his nose. Seeing his casual demeanour, Victor looked around to see if there was anyone watching before dropping to the floor exhausted.

"Don't know If I should be impressed or disappointed," Bubbles explained, his booger thoroughly wiped on one of the Aldecados vehicles.

"I did what I did because I can," Victor explained.

"Or you did it cause your big head wanted to prove something. That's how you get killed on the field. Never mix pride and heroism with life kiddo. It's the difference between seeing tomorrow or being flatlined." Bubbles muttered before wiping another booger on an Aldecado trailer.

"Regardless of what you did, good job. Your marksmanship was almost good as mine," He complimented, leaving the young Doom to smile.

Until Bubbles continued, "Well, if I was half asleep with my hands behind my back as I aimed the wrong way."

"I could've finished em in a second you know. Could've just smiled and they'd all die," He joked, or so Victor hoped so. He had only snippets of the man's work and every report always seemed to redact the how but never the what. So, seeing his achievements but never how he achieved it infuriated him to no bounds. One couldn't just scale up Arasaka building in seconds, especially while under fire from Arasaka and Militech forces.

'In fact, one of the reports stated he went against Adam smasher… and won? He knew he was strong but to go against the near century old relic was an achievement. Adam Smasher was often fully fitted with Arasaka tech yet even he failed to fully contend with the Polynesian warrior. Just what secrets was the man hiding,' Victor thought.

"A commendable effort yet you exhausted more stamina than you should've. You took longer to aim and ended up only getting twelve kills. Had I limited myself to your standards I would've at least hit fifty, minimum. You know as well as much as I do that I detest having shards do the work for me. You're smart Victor but being smart isn't enough. I've seen many geniuses in my life, it's a pity that many end up more in coffins than offices. There will come a time you alone will have to face the world. When the time comes will you be able to stand on your own two feet? Or will you falter and be fucked as the world watches you suffer? Choose wisely Young Doom." He explained, before staring at his phone.

"Tsk, fucking hate the desert," He muttered.

"How long are we supposed to camp here? I already found the natives… Lacking." Victor asked, his eyes shifting to the now awake Panam. Seeing his gaze, she quickly shifted her eyes to the floor before walking away.

"As to be expected, it seems she finally knew her place." He muttered sneering.

Scanning the area, he decided to check the nomads' vehicles and or other technology to further give him ideas. It was all that he could as of right now that would interest him. He had neither the facilities to which he could efficiently train his other skills nor care to do so in front of the proles.

"How fascinating," Victor muttered as he scanned one of the tuned vehicles. Seeing that the hood was open he decided to watch as one of the Aldecados went on with maintenance. Seeing such tuning made him think back to when his father wasn't so stoic. It seemed that he grew further and further away with time.

"Is that?" Victor muttered before seeing a modified Quadra type 66. A vehicle which he begged his father to get him at one point, only to be turned down. His own words being "Why waste time on an outdated vessel?"

While the vehicle was not outdated when it was released, Victor did agree with his father's point. The technology it used compared to Von Doom industries was simply poor. He always wanted Von Doom industries to branch into the vehicle industries but alas his father had prohibited it due to its inefficiency. Instead, it was more profitable to focus on the other branches of the manufacturing sectors. With the increased need of Augments a single piece could possibly sell for 10'000 eddies. A far cry to the possible eddies a vehicle would ever amount to. While creating a car needed a week to be manufactured, cybernetics only took an hour with their technology being starlight year ahead of any other distributor. It had to be known that even Militech and Arasaka used their technology.

While it seemed odd when discovered such a fact, it was instead humorous when he realised the difference. This was due to the fact that the technology that was sold… Differ heavily to the ones that Von Doom industries used… and by a large margin. So large in fact that it was comical. The technology and cyber enhancement that existed today in the market was already used by the Von Doom family in the early 2000's for personal use. While some might wonder why they hadn't taken over or destroyed all other companies due to the secret war between 1980-1990. All reports of it had been wiped from his database and redacted until further approval. Not wanting to overstep his fathers rule he decided it was best that he remained quiet until it was time.

Though that did not mean they were weak, the number of companies which were under Von Doom Industries was astronomical. Ties to media, agriculture, manufacturing, computing, augmentation, service, banking, and Armed forces were all but the tip.

"You like my ride, eh?"

Hearing the man's voice, Victor turned to see an old, bellied man with tattoos all around his body. Similar to Santiago he had chocolate skin with his features damn near close to my mother. He had a beard, and a mohawk, his left eye and arms highly augmented. He looked to be around his fifties.

"I've seen better."

"Hmph but they aren't as sweet as this I bet," He smiled before cranking the hood to reveal the specs. Victor, still absent minded, viewed the interior.

'Impressive… A v10 Twin turbo tuned to perfection with off road suspensions to ensure that the thing doesn't kill its passenger within. It even had a light armour finish with CrystalDome technology which ensured incognito for its user.'

"Not bad, though personally I would rather acquire a hybrid. Better speeds a v10 could ever compare too," Victor flamed.

"Yeah, but those hybrids are usually more expensive to maintain, not as reliable as the v10 twin turbo I've got in. Besides Don't ever think I'll need to use the 900HP on this devil," The oldie explained, grinning.

"Money ain't an issue where I'm from."

"So, I hear…" He muttered before leaning against his ride, a cigarette flashing towards his hand.

"You ever raced before?" He continued.

"Never had the chance," Victor explained. Empty thoughts of the city view and family compound coming to mind.

"Ed be a shame then, could've ran a mark if you were keen."

"I could probably create something better than what you're running."

"Perhaps, perhaps not, all I know is you've yet to see the dashboard without a booster seat."

"Hmph, time is all I need. You're most likely running on your last legs at this point."

Smacking his thigh, he coughed a few laughs.

"Kakakaka! You've got me there, kid… Say how's your old lady doing?"

Staring at him deeply Victor raised a brow at his question before answering.

"My mother? How do you know her?"

"More than just knowing kiddo, she's my sister. She practically raised me," He replied.

Practically dead panning the old man, Victor waved it off as mere delusions, "I don't believe that is possible."

"Yah do know your mothers practically 60 this year, the only reason she looks that young is cause you rich folk got money. Had she stayed here she'd be as raggedy as me."

Unable to comment on such accusations Victor remained silent. If his words rang true, then he was conceived when she was forty-seven.

[SCANNING TARGET]

[SEARCHING DATABASE…]

[DATA MISSING…]

[ERROR…]

[UPDATING SYSTEMS…]

[DATA PACKET RECEIVED…]

[BOOTING SYSTEM…]

[COMPLETE…]

[SCAN RESULTS: JULIUS "KAISAR" ALDECADO]

[AFFILIATION: THE ALDECADOS]

INFO:

- WANTED BY NCPD (BOUNTY $20'000) *****

- WEAKNESS: FIRE (30%) ELECTRICITY (10%)

ABILITIES: NULL (UPGRADE NEEDED)

NOTE: NULL (UPGRADE NEEDED)

Interesting…

"Yo, gramps! Heard some wraiths made their way over. Also, what's this talk about some suit walking about?" A voice called out.

Turning to face the figure Victor was met with an individual around his age. Wearing a leather Aldecado jacket he possessed a somewhat model look. Short hair and a somewhat charismatic charm. To put into perspective the pre-teen matched the looks of a certain celebrity of the early 2000's... Michael B Jordan? Whatever I looked better, like that one warrior Jason Mamoa.

"I'm guessing you're the suit that Panam and Saul was chattin bout? You don't seem like much to me," He scanned, a tint of disgust at the end of his words.

"Since when could trash cans talk?" Victor puffed, his hands crossing at the others remark.

"I guess we're off to a great start then." The old man beckoned, a slight grin on his face as he viewed the two of us.

"Well, I guess I didn't have to rope him in. Victor, meet your cousin Vincent. Vincent, meet Victor. I have a feeling this'll be the start of a wonderful friendship." He revealed once before walking away. Leaving the two of us to ponder his words. Vincent hearing such words couldn't help but frown.

"Oh, fuck off."

-

Date: 3rd of June 2062

Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands

POV: Vincent "V" Aldecado

"Hey you okay? Did something happen?" I asked Panam who seemed to be absent minded. Her eyes flickering to Night city before turning back to her hands.

"Don't mind her, she's been like that all morning," Saul revealed walking by.

Seeing that Saul was my best bet I called on him, "Hey what's the big fuss then she okay?"

"Ah she'll get over it. Just thinking about some stuff," He voiced before turning to face me once, "Ah also Aunt June came to visit. Makes sense you don't know her since we only ever pop around here every five years."

"Auntie?" I questioned again.

"Aye look all I know is she married into being a corpo. She's here with her son and her bodyguard. To be honest, I kinda like the little squirt, reminds me of someone." He smiled, rolling my eyes I bolstered my hand by my hip as the other aimed forward, "Whatever, ain't no one got a trigger finger like me."

"Heard he got 12 confirmed kills last night from 200 metres."

"Whatever Saul." Sticking the finger, I walked over to my boys. The crew consisted of Hazza, Fredo, Durk and others. Guys that were a tad older than me.

"Hey, V, you think you can get us a few puffs from Julius?" Hazza asked.

"Aye, look I don't think I'll be able to. You already know what he said about it. He's limited on supplies right now and I don't think he'll be keen on handing it over to us to waste."

"Yeah, yeah, but you should be able to convince him, right? You are his favourite?"

"Look I just don't he'll accept it-"

"Ah come on man. Do it for the boys."

"Fine…" I reluctantly accepted before pacing my way over to Julius' car. The man being the best Ripper-Doc I knew.

"Yo, gramps! Heard some wraiths made their way over. Also, what's this talk about some suit walking about?" I called out.

"I'm guessing you're the suit that Panam and Saul was chattin bout? You don't seem like much to me," I spat disgusted.

"Since when could trash cans talk?" He puffed his hands crossing as if to intimidate me. Whatever Gonk.

"I guess we're off to a great start then." Julius beckoned, a slight grin on his face as he viewed the two of us.

"Well, I guess I didn't have to rope him in. Victor, meet your cousin Vincent. Vincent, meet Victor. I have a feeling this'll be the start of a wonderful friendship." He revealed once before walking away. Leaving the two of us to ponder his words. Hearing such words I couldn't help but shout.

"Oh, fuck off."

The damn suit was pissing me off already. In almost ten seconds of meeting him I'd already detested his very being. He thought he was top shit. It didn't help that the Gonk wore those corpo shades which emulated 'stick-up-ass' energy. He fashioned the simple corpo look but what shocked me was his lack of any visible cybernetics.

Either he was chipped in to the extreme or he had none, I believe it was the latter. Lord knows how much money it'd take to have subtle implants but that didn't matter when you were loaded. While doing it to younglings like us did pose a threat, there was no possible way these demons wouldn't know how to go around fixing it.

"There's no way I'm related... To this Gonk."

"The feeling is mutual, peasant. I feel as if I am looking at a lesser lifeform. Perhaps you're the missing link?"

"Shut it suit. I ain't got time to hear your trap shit out lard!"

Before turning to Julius. The words to utter a plausible sentence still running through my mind.

"Hey uh… Oldman, I need some help…. One of the boys got hit with a stray. Wraiths left him in a mess. Need your help getting him up," I asked, only to receive a tap on the head. His sandevistan booming forward. Fuck was he quick with it.

"You sure it was the wraiths? Or did one of your boys bug out again? I told you I ain't fixin a junkie! Already warned em twice and now I'm warning you thrice." Julius snapped, leaving me to drop to my knees pleading.

"Come on J! We're family! Family looks after family! We gotta stick together!"

"Nice try kid but your honey words aren't stickin. Better go back and tell those Dorph-heads I ain't budging," He spat, leaving me psyched. Come on J! Turning my head, I could see the suit smirking.

"What's with the grin rat?"

"I'm amused by your incompetence, monkey. A nomad and worse… A druggie… How pathetic."

"You shut your trap!"

Spitting what ever profanity I could shout I walked away disappointed. The boys were gonna be so pissed! Come on V. Think! Think of something…

"Hey V my main man! Did you get the stuff?" One of the older boys asked.

"Soz Hazza… Couldn't convince the oldman to give us some…" I muttered.

"Not cool man… We were really keen on you nabbin us some…" Hazza replied disappointed.

"You know this means you can't hang with us right? Only cool kids like us can hang around here. Go hang with Saul or Panam." He continued shooing me away.

"Please! I can do something!" I begged.

"Look bud. It's nothing personal you just can't hang with us anymore, now scram. I don't wanna get physical." He flicked. Unable to answer him, I walked away defeated. Turning to face ahead I was met with the suit who had packets of dorphs by his side.

'this fucker!'

"I heard you fine gentlemen were looking to acquire enhancers. Please, be my guest. It's on the house." He expressed taking a step back. What was he doing? Those were my friends.

"Fuck man, the suit might not actually bad," One of the boys laughed checking the crate. Looking in he was astonished by the amount inside.

"Aye! He's a corp. How do we know your shit's safe? You tryna trick us kid?" Another mustered before being swiped to the side.

"Fuck it man, I've been meaning to get a fix for awhile now. You only get these shits while in the city," Hazza slimed before taking one shoving the canister up his nostril. The sight always unnerving to me.

"AHHHH" Fuck that hits the spot… Not bad kid. You wanna hang out with us?" Hazza offered the suit. Clenching my teeth, I slowly walked away. Fuck these guys and fuck that corpo especially.

"I'd rather rot behind a joy toy then be in any proximity near you pests. Enjoy the Dorphs while they still last."

"And you Vincent… How disappointing…" Victor continued. Cracking my neck, I rushed him, my fist being caught in a second. Fucking chips.

"What's your deal corpse? You come here waving your dick around acting like you're better than the rest of us? For what? Cause it makes your dick hard? You didn't have to steal my friends away from me like that." I snapped by my hands continuing to pressure him, the former not budging.

"For someone of my blood, It physically pains me to see you so… Disappointing. I had grand expectations for those of my kin. Yet all I see is a wimpy child seeking attention."

"Oh, yeah? All I see is a judgemental prick who doesn't know a rat ass about family. Stick to your skyscrapers Victor. Your kind will never understand what it means exactly to live… they never do…" I whispered before walking away, the other seemingly paused in thought.

-

Date: 3rd of June 2062

Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands

POV: Omniscient

"Are you done with your little pet project Virgil? Getting bored sitting out here doing jack shit," Bubbles called.

"Not quite, soon it shall. Ensure the boy is safe, we cannot allow ourselves to be distracted." Victor revealed.

"Can't believe you made me come all the way out here cause of "damage control" can't you just build another tower?" Bubbles fumed disappointed.

"The Tower symbolises our strength and foothold in Night city. This cannot be afforded, enjoy the sky view Junior," He voiced before disconnecting the call.

"Damn shithead… Could've at least taken us back to the family compound." Bubbles muttered, his eyes viewing Von Doom industries tower. The sleek skyscraper being 500 metres tall, the logo being a large V.

"You're not gonna hang out with us Bubbles?" June asked the hulking figure.

"Not my kinda crowd." Was all he stated before returning to stare beyond the abyss as his mind faded elsewhere.

"Look… Thanks again for looking out for me." She thanked.

"Your gratitude is accepted but you must understand I'm merely doing my job," He replied.

"That's not what I'm thanking you for, you know," She sighed, staring beyond to see her child arguing with his cousin.

"That's but the past." He stated.

"Wouldn't be here if it weren't for you," She expressed.

"I only wished for history to not repeat itself. A child always deserves a parent and sometimes a parent doesn't deserve a child." He replied.

"Look… I'm sorry." She apologised sheepishly.

"I don't believe you owe me an apology." Bubbles muttered now eyeing Victor. Victor, oblivious to their gazes, sat alone away from every group.

'Fuck I hate it here,' He thought as everyone avoided him like a plague. Sitting alone for what seemed like hours his mother approached him.

"Greetings mother," He greeted.

"You don't have to be so formal, you know. We're out of the city now. Your fathers not here. Your home," She expressed leaving the young Von Doom to physically cringe at her words.

"I must apologise in advance, but this can never be a home mother. These are your people, not mine." Victor replied.

"Look it'll take time but these people are good people you just gotta open up."

"All I see is inefficiency and incompetence mother. It pains me to see such disorganised forces within a faction. You call this family I call this trash."

"Look Victor life's not all about pushing one's own agenda to the next… Sometimes you gotta live life. Live in the moment and see where it takes you."

"And how would you do that? Allow yourself to be back stabbed and schemed upon? Father always told me it's better to wield a dagger to one's own heart then be stabbed by another."

"Your fathers from a different time in a different place. You may be his son but you're just as mine as he is yours. Look around you child, what do you see?" She asked.

"I see people wasting their time. People who seem to grasp that tomorrow may not come that today is all that'll last. I don't see people mother, I see walking corpses," Victor dropped, leaving June to frown.

"Look Victor… Sometimes it's that drive that pushes people to move beyond their limits. It's times like this that make you appreciate life more. If life is hard then death is easy. You say you see corpses, I say I see life. People living their life to the fullest without worrying about corporate bosses or if some gonk's gon end em. It's beauty in its rawest form, it's life. Sometimes… It's better to live than survive, son. One day we might now walk alongside you. Eventually, you'll have to find your own family," She explained, her arms now covering the young Victor her motherly embrace keeping him warm. Feeling the warmth he remained quiet not feeling like refuting her claim. Far from them Panam and V stared.

"Momma's boy. Called it," Vincent snickered, seeing Victor with his mother.

"Yeah… Real momma's boy," Panam muttered.