Archive of Our Own

He sighed and rubbed his face, the perfect picture of total exasperation, as he looked at the woman sitting across from him. His cheek twitched faintly as he saw just how happy the woman was, which only made his frustration even worse. Not that he held her being happy against her, Maine knew just how much she wanted a child so he wouldn’t hold that against her, and he certainly wasn’t going to kinkshame anyone.

But did she really have to do it, in Night city!? She could’ve easily left the city limits, as his jurisdiction was strictly limited to the city as most of the ‘problems’ he had to manage seemed to congregate in urban environments for some reason. Perhaps better hunting or something, he didn’t know nor did he care.

“I’m not getting paid enough for this shit…” He thought for the… trillionth time since he took the position of Warden of Night city.

Though really it was more Minder than anything.

Shaking off his thoughts he took a fortifying breath, he was going to be calm and professional-

“Goddamnit Glory, did you really have to do this shit in the city?”

-Well… there went that. Though it did pull Glory out of her daze, and at least she had the decency to look apologetic. Not that Maine had any doubt that in her mind if she wanted a child she would get a child other “victims” always had children….I wonder if those outsiders are just always horny 24/7.

Still, Maine should apologize… as much as he really didn’t want to. Glory was his best friend after all!

He sighed, “Sorry Glory.” And he legitimately was, “Just… long nights. And because “The fucking cheapskates ” that run the supernatural division won’t actually pay what’s required so I’ve been doing jobs on the side.” He explained.

Glory just nodded, she didn’t fully understand of course. After all she was just playing around until she actually did summon it, so she doesn’t have all the deets about how things worked. And as the Night City Warden it’s Maine’s job to give her the deets as well as to lay down the law, not that there was much to the law… which amounted to ‘Keep the Masquerade’ so honestly the Supernatural world was like the Wild West in regards to law and order.

And on this side of the world? Might makes Right, and the Council had the most Might… as the other beings and spooks that had more power didn’t really care what humans did.

“Okay. As you… found out thoroughly.” Glory just blushed, “That the Supernatural is very much real. And your Output? That is an Outsider from Outside.”

“Outside?” Glory pushed some strands of red behind her ear.

“Outside, as in Outside of our Reality.” Glory blinked, “Kinda like what Lovecraft gonk a couple hundred years ago wrote about. And while the gonk was kinda right he wasn’t completely right. Outsiders are ultimately unknowable and completely alien in our perception. That doesn’t mean they’re all apathetic creatures. You got really lucky… the whole city and possibly state really, what you did is called an Open invite. I guess you can figure what that means?”

Glory nodded, “Kinda on the nose.” She said, “But go on.”

“Okay now I can confirm that you’re pregnant.” Glory’s eyes went wide at that, “Outsider spawn always, always takes. Be it a drop or an ocean… it would get you pregnant. But what matters most is what comes after.” And now comes the difficult part.

Taking a fortifying sip of broseph Maine sighed, “Half Breeds are an issue, so I really hope the kid takes more after you than his dad.” He said, “Now that doesn’t mean he’s going to be a target or anything, but by law I’m required to keep your kid under observation until he reaches adulthood. And if your kid goes off the reservation I’m obligated to either zero him if possible or banishing him to the Outside.”

The look Glory gave in at his words almost made him chuckle, “That’s the law Glory. I have to maintain the separation of the mundane and the Supernatural through any means necessary. And it’s hard to do that when a newborn half-Outsider randomly decides to go full abomination and tries to assimilate everything. Five years ago the same damn thing happened over in the Tygers territory, it was just bad luck that Tatsuo had such a violent Awakening that he did. He was a punk but overall a good kid.”

Honestly he was still surprised that the entire incident didn’t blow the masquerade wide open, but then again the Supernatural division of Arasaka didn’t want it known that it was entirely their fault.

“So, what now?” Glory said.

“Well first of all I’m going to introduce you to the rest of my crew.” Maine said, “And when your kid’s old enough he’ll have to join to improve our ability to react if he Awakens.”

“What does that even mean?” Glory asked, “Awaken I mean.”

“It's basically a catchall phrase for anyone that comes into supernatural powers.” Maine said, “For example. I’m a human, but when I went through my Awakening I learned I’m a Limited Technopath. Which means my Technopathic abilities are limited to technology on my person or Cyberware.”

Which also helped him save on maintenance, it also didn’t hurt that he could integrate meat and metal smoother than any clinic so no cyberpsychosis for him! Besides, his job requires him to reach out and make connections, which helps keep him grounded as well.

“Huh, so could anyone Awaken?” Glory asked.

Maine nodded, “Yep. Though if you don’t have any Supernatural ancestry it’s a bit harder. But honestly all you have to do is use a basic cantrip and that’s enough to get the process started.” He said before looking at her dryly, “Not many humans do a massive ritual which amounted to a Booty Call to the Outside, so dare I say you probably already went through an Awakening. And if you ain’t, you’ve got the potential to Awaken to a lot of power.”

Glory just blushed even more and Maine finally allowed himself to chuckle and proceed to tease his best choom.

He’d introduce her to the crew later.

“Alright crew, I want you all to meet Glory! Er, Gloria.” Maine said as he sat down, “She’s new to the otherside so don’t overwhelm her.” He added looking straight at Pilar as he said it.

The irreverent techie just waved it off, causing his sister to start yelling at him, which evolved into another sibling spat that would normally amuse him but right now it just frustrated him. Rubbing his face he just looked at Dorio with a silent request, to which she just nodded with a chuckle before she reached over and physically separated the two very mismatched siblings apart and held them like two disobedient cats.

“Okay. Shorty is Rebecca, she’s our resident Gun Gremlin and Gun specialists. If it shoots or explodes she’s your woman. Also she’s actually a Gremlin as well.” Maine said before pointing at the gangly Pilar, “Our Techie and medic, don’t let his attitude fool you he actually knows what he’s doing. And… I’m about ninety percent sure he’s a Ghoul.”

“Sup Red! So whatcha do to get the chrome junkie on your case?” Pilar asked, uncaring of his current position.

“I summoned an Outsider to knock me up.” Gloria said bluntly, though she still blushed at her words, “I… didn’t expect it to actually work.”

Rebecca and Pilar both cackled in amusement, even Dorio cracked a smile. Sasha just giggled as her tails waved back and forth in amusement.

“Heh, anyway this is Sasha.” Maine said gesturing to the catgirl, “She’s a Nekomata… or something. I can never keep track of Japanese supernaturals. Anyway she’s our Ritualist and resident Nekorunner.”

“Nekorunner?” Gloria asked with an amused smile.

“Well, I am a cat. Nya~” Sasha sassed with a smile, “ I do some solo netrunning on the side, so realistically Maine only calls me in when he needs my skills. So if you ever need anything just ask, my rates are open to negotiation!~” She added with a wink that made Gloria blush.

“Oi! What about me!” Rebecca cried, “You need anything Red I’m willing to throw down to!”

“And to think I was worried that the crew wouldn’t like her.” Maine said quietly to Dorio.

The large woman just chuckled, “Please you know these misfits are the most personable Supernaturals you’ve dealt with.” She said dryly, “Though I won’t deny it’s like herding cats at times.”

Gloria looked at Dorio curiously and Maine realized he forgot to introduce her!

“Oh and this is Dorio.” Maine said with a grin, “She was assigned by the Council to help me, she’s a Frankenstein but don’t call her that unless you want a chrome jaw and cyberware throat. She prefers the term Homunculus.”

“And she’s your input?” Gloria asked with a knowing smile making Maine shrug.

“Well our relationship was strictly professional.” Dorio said, “What can I say the gonk got under my skin.”

“Not to mention he found all your stitches hot.” Pilar quipped just before Dorio threw him across the room with a blush.

“Lively crew.” Gloria said, “Are all Edgerunners well…”

“Supernaturals?” Dorio chuckled, “Not really. Most want to be left alone, crews like this are something of an oddity.” She explained, “This crew not only supports Maine in his duties, but doubles as a… rehabilitation of sorts. You’re looking at the core crew, but it can expand depending if Maine finds any that require observation… like your kid will need when it's old enough.”

That made Gloria chew her lip, “I… don’t want this life for my child.” She said, “I grew up in this life and I burnt a lot of bridges when I got out. I want my child to make something of himself…”

“Hey, Red I know what you’re thinking.” Rebecca said as she went over to the redhead, “Corpo life isn’t all that amazing. Before I Awakened I was a Corpobrat, and take my word for it… I wouldn’t wish that life on anyone. To survive you have to be heartless, cold, ruthless, and bit by bit they’ll suck your soul out until all that’s left is a shell.” She added holding Gloria’s hand.

“And… your kid doesn’t have a choice.” Maine said, “Sorry but… the risk is too much. By all means if you want your kid to have a better life? Do whatever, but trust me Corpo isn’t the way. The price isn’t worth paying.”

“So… just because of his father?” Gloria asked, looking upset.

“Yes.” Maine said, “Especially in this case. If it was any other Supernatural it wouldn’t matter as much, but Outsiders? Hell yes. Outsiders are an anathema to reality, they twist and distort it… it’s why Outsiders are dealt with so swiftly and harshly. They change the rules, and make reality more suitable for themselves. The thing is what is comfortable for an Outsider is lethal for anything else.”

“Here.” Dorio said as she passed her a drink, “You could use one.” She added with a sympathetic look.

Gloria just nodded and slugged it down without a second’s hesitation, Maine just chuckled and took a drink himself.

“Oh and if you’re thinking about getting a man to give your kid a role model? Well unless the guy is in the know I wouldn’t suggest it.” Maine said, “The Council has very firm regulations about ‘inducting’ the mundane.”

“Wasn’t thinking about it. Zebheg… kinda ruined sex for me.” Gloria confessed though she frowned when everyone shuddered at the name.

“Another lesson Glory.” Maine said, “Generally you can say names whenever. But when a being has a lot of power? It’s not a good idea to say their name out loud, it attracts their attention and in some cases it’s almost like an Invitation for them to interact with you. But... he gave you his name huh?”

“Yeah? Is that bad?” Gloria asked, looking confused.

“No, but it tells me two things… that may be good.” Maine said, “He likes you… which can either be a good or bad thing. And your kid is gonna be the definition of Built Different!” He finished with a laugh.

“What the gonk means is that your baby-daddy is a well known Outsider.” Rebecca chimed in, “Oh don’t mistake it as me saying he’s understandable, but he is one of the few Outsiders that has visited this reality that actually doesn’t mean any harm. His spheres of influence are biology and technology so… like Maine said. Your kid’s gonna be Built Different.”

“Constructed with alternate directions!” Pilar quipped with a laugh, “He or She will simply be built incorrectly, the kid will just be wrong.”

“Don’t you have a corpse to nibble on Pilar?” Sasha said with a huff, “Come on, the kid might take more after her than Zeb. So stop being an asshole!”

Maine just got up and went to get himself another drink, happy that his crew seemed to have taken a liking to Gloria. God knows they need access to a medic that isn’t likely to nibble on your meaty bits.

“So!” Maine decided to change the subject… before he had to give Pilar a thumping for being himself, “Gloria, would you be interested in doing some medical work on the crew? We’d of course pay for your services… and medics are always in demand in the Edgerunning scene never mind among Supernaturals.”

“Well… I do need the money. And certainly seems safer than scavenging cyberware from dead cyberpsychos…” Maine blinked at that and Gloria snorted, “I told you I grew up in this scene, and I had to pay for my education in a chop shop. I’m just glad the people were already dead before I had to do my work.”

“... Huh, learn something new every day…” Is all Maine said.