Summary: Amidst thrilling bounty hunting missions and perilous confrontations, Ren and River discover that, despite their differences, they share a common commitment: unmasking the mega-corporation and restoring justice in Night City. But as they delve deeper into the depths of the conspiracy, they also find a connection that goes beyond friendship and professional collaboration.
In the heart of betrayal and danger, love blooms in this tale of action, intrigue, and romance in a cyberpunk world filled with bright lights and dark shadows. As Ren and River fight together against ruthless foes and deadly conspiracies, they also fight for a love that defies all odds.
Author notes: this is going to be a long series so... im ready for it because I haven't seen a lot of stories of River and im obsessed!!! This is a brief summary of what's to come. Hope you all enjoy it
This is the chapter II of the series I'm doing, hope you enjoy it!!!
Ren's alarm clock jolts her from her slumber at the crack of dawn.
"Good morning, Heywood," Ren murmurs silently as the city that never sleeps greets her with its endless car honks and the constant waft of filth that haunts the city. Ren had a childhood marked by tragedy on the streets of Night City. When she was just a child, a ruthless cyberphycho killed her parents in a senseless act of violence. This tragic event left Ren orphaned and traumatized, struggling to survive in the shadows of an unforgiving city.
After the tragedy, Ren was taken in by the Heywood district, which became a kind of maternal figure to her. The people of the district rallied to care for the orphaned girl, providing her with support and protection in the midst of Night City's cruelty. Although the city could be a dangerous place, Heywood offered her a refuge and the opportunity to grow up in a safer environment.
Throughout her childhood, Ren developed a strong will and unwavering determination to face the challenges presented by the city. The loss of her parents and her experiences on the streets shaped her character and drove her to become the brave and determined bounty hunter she is today.
As always, her routine begins with a rigorous morning workout. Hand-to hand combat and target practice keep her peak in condition. After a refreshing shower, Ren dons her hunting suit and prepares to head out into the streets of the Night City.
As she rushes down the apartment building's stairs, she decides to make a quick stop at the neighborhood cafe, where she often runs with her friend Max. Max, a skilled hacker, has been her friend for years, and although Ren is unaware, he secretly harbors deeper feelings for her.
Ren enters the cafe and finds Max at his usual table, surrounded by electronic devices and cables. He looks up and smiles when he sees her walk by in. "Does Nigh City's bravest bounty hunter need her morning caffeine fix?" Max quips as he gestures to an empty chair across from him.
"Wel, you know I can't start the day with a decent cup of coffee," Ren replies with a smile. As they enjoy their drinks, they discuss her upcoming mission, and Max offers some technological advice that might come in handy. As they chat, Max can't help but feel a mix of admiration and unrequited love for Ren, emotions he carefully keeps hidden. Knowing the past of Ren.
After bidding Max goodbye, Ren readies herself to face the day's challenges and head to the underground bar where her next bounty awaits. The city never stops, and Ren knows it better than anyone.
The underground bar, known as "The Neon Shadow", is a clandestine meeting place where hackers and criminals rub shoulders in search of valuable information and secret deals. Ren meticulously prepares for the mission.
Before entering the bar, Ren syncs up with Max.
"Yes, Max, I'm starting to smell the stink of poorly places chrome in these sons of bitches'flesh," Ren's murmurs as she scans the crowd in the underground bar, her cybernetic eye discreetly analyzing people for clues.
"Be careful this time. I don't want to pick you up again by your pretty hair to take you to see Viktor," Max responds, concerned in his voice.
"I don't think Viktor has had time for me lately. He's too busy with another patient," Ren sighs. "I should go check on them. Misty must be devastated by the loss of Jackie. I didn't know him well, but I know he was one of the best Valentinos. Have you heard the news about what happened? I don't know how they got themselves into that mess."
"And I hope you never find out or you'll end up like them," Max warns. "I don't know how his chum survived. People say he's turned into a cyberphycho"
"Well, I'm going in," Ren concludes as she is prepared to confront Arachnid and the uncertainty that looms over the mission.
As she scans her surroundings, Ren notices an individual who seams unusually nervous and avoids eye contact. This could be Arachnid. She discreetly scans him and confirms his identity.
"Max? Confirmation?" Ren asks happily knowing this man was scared to death.
"Why is it that the ones with the toughest nickname turn out to be the most terrified, Max?" Ren whispers through the holographic device.
"I don't know, all I know is that lately, you've been way too lucky. I swear, I sense something bad, like in those old space war movies."
"Max, it's Star Wars please! A little more retro culture. And yes, I also have a feeling that something bad is looming over us, chum, karma can't be that good to us, or that's what Misty says. But as long as we enjoy this mediocre place and make some eddies."
As Ren and Max exchange these words, Ren can't shake the feeling of impending danger. The dimly lit bar, filled with shady characters and the buzz of clandestine deals, only adds to the tension in the air. Ren takes another sip of her drink, her eyes constantly scanning the room, alert for any sign of trouble.
Meanwhile, Max, back at their safe virtual hideout, keeps an eye on the bar through the security cameras, ready to assist Ren if things take a turn of the worse. He knows that Ren's instinct is usually spot on, and he's prepared to act swiftly to help her in any way he can.
Max is a tall, lean man in his late 20s with a hacker's signature edgy style. He has shaggy dark hair that falls messily over his forehead, partially obscuring his sharp, intelligent eyes. His pale complexion is a testament to countless hours he spends in front of computer screens. Max often sports a black leather jacket adorned with various cyberpunk-inspired patches and a t-shirt featuring obscure references to old-school pop culture.
A pair of stylish augmented sunglasses, which he often pushes back onto his forehead, adds to his mysterious and slightly rebellious appearance. Max's fingers are agile and nimble, well-suited for intricate keyboard work. He's always seen with a holographic device, constantly fiddling with it to access information, communicate with Ren, or hack into systems.
Max's personality is a blend of tech-savvy brilliance and a quirky sense of humor. He's fiercely loyal to Ren and would go to great lengths to protect her. Despite the dangers of Night City, Max maintains a cool and composed demeanor, but there's a deep sense of concern for Ren beneath the surface.
Ren positions herself next to the bar in the filthy and repugnant bar to speak quietly, without drawing attention with Arachnid. A few words could be enough to apprehend him without any problems, as he was alone according to Max's observations on the security cameras.
"Arachnid, do you think you can escape this? You're surrounded, and there's no way out."
"Oh, Ren, you've always been the tireless hunter, haven't you?"
"Oh, what a surprise, how do you even know my precious name?"
"Of course I know it, how can't I know one of the legends of Hellwood? Ren the bounty hunter, even though that's not your real name..."
"For you and all this scumbag yes, It's Ren, nothing more and nothing less, just Ren. And now with the deal..."
"Let me tell you, you don't know who you're dealing with. I have influential friends in dark places."
"Your threats don't impress me, Arachnid. You've committed crimes, and you'll pay for them. There's no escape."
"You know something, Ren? You might be right, that there's no escape. But that doesn't mean I'm the only one with secrets to hide."
"Speak, Arachnid. You don't have much time."
"Maybe you're right, maybe not. But there's something you should know before I hand you over. Night City is about to change forever, and not in the way you imagine."
"What are you insinuating, Arachnid? Speak plainly."
"You'll find out soon. I can't reveal more. But keep in mind that nothing is as it seems in this city."
Suddenly, a police patrol surrounds the place, and all the scum in the bar flee for their lives. Of course, everyone had a record, not even the bartender was clean. In cases like this, the NCPD doesn't get involved; they know how dangerous these people can be, especially cyberpsychos, and it wasn't a good night to call Max Tag, they were a pain in the ass, even for the NCPD.
"This is the end of the road, but I might come to visit you in prison and maybe bring you some flowers,"
Arachnid, though with a defiant expression, knows he's cornered. The police surround Arachnid, handcuff him, and proceed to take him into custody.
"Thank you, Ren, you should work with us more. You're really good at this, chum," says Watson, Ren's partner who gives her the toughest cases of the police.
"You're welcome, chum, but you know I don't get along with the NCPD. Too much corruption, even more than in this dive of a place."
"Not all of us are like that, Ren, you know it."
"I only do it for the eddies, Watson, and because I don't let down my lifelong chums."
"Goodbye, Ren, and thanks again. They'll transfer everything to you tomorrow without fail."
Ren nods and watches as Arachnid is escorted out of the bar. As they take him away, Arachnid glares at Ren with resentment and unfulfilled promises.
Ren observes the scene with determination, knowing she has fulfilled her duty. As the police move away with Arachnid, Max approaches Ren.
"As always, a job well done, chum."
"Yes, Max, but I can't help but think about what Arachnid mentioned earlier. Night City is on the brink of change, and we don't know in which direction."
After the mission, Ren and Max find themselves outside the underground bar, where the night in Night City is still alive. Max looks at Ren with concern in his digital eyes.
"Ren, would you like to grab a drink? We could celebrate another job well done."
"Not today, Max. Today is the day when everything happened." sights deeply
Max nods, understanding the reference to the tragic loss of her husband.
"I understand, Ren. If you need anything, I'm here."
Ren bids farewell to Max and walks away from the bar, lost in her thoughts. As she strolls through the illuminated streets of Night City, she takes a small photo of her husband from her pocket. She gazes at the image with nostalgia and affection, reminiscing about the happy times they shared.
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