4Author's:
So I'm not really sure if there's still a fandom for GTA fanfiction out there but I happened to have the urge to write one, especially after I decided to play GTA IV after so many years. Damn, old days GTA was good. To this day, I still find Niko Bellic as my favorite GTA character of all time. Please mind that I write what I thought with a little to no preparation at all. Heck, I mean I wrote this on my phone's note.
Important Note: this story is actually a re-write version of my previous Niko Bellic story under the same title. The main idea was still very much the same however some narratives are either simplify or added to broaden the plot. As I told you this is a very abrupt story and I have no preparation whatsoever lol. Sorry for the inconvenience
#1
Was it his fault? Had he done something wrong? Or the world just seemed so unfair?
First were bastards He trusted so much turning backs on him. That day when the air strike bombarded their hideout, he lost his friends, his war-brothers. He lost himself.
Now this Dimitri bastard, running behind him like a mad bulldog. Niko didn't understand. All he did was be nice and followed orders. Followed his orders. He didn't even ask questions. Yet Dimitri began pointed fingers at him, and guns too. And his reason? Fucking Bulgarin. The fuck he was doing here? The fuck he was working with Dimitri? Niko was certain he was somewhere far away, probably making his way with those Italian sex slaves and human trafficking. Fucking Bulgarin and his selfish ass. One wrong move and he blamed everything on Niko just because he was the only survivor in the ship incident. Even when the police report said it was caused by engine malfunction, still, Niko was targeted.
A month of living in Liberty City and fucking Russian assholes already ruining his life. And Roman... he had done nothing wrong yet he lost everything. All because of him, Niko Bellic, stupid idiot who always ran unto trouble because he couldn't keep his fire low and action down.
What was wrong with that anyway? Was is his fault? Was it a mistake he handled everything with anger and violence?
Fucking people want to be nice. The world wasn't so nice to begin with. Why the fuck did people want to behave? Niko didn't understand the point of peacefulness when peace itself was never an option. At least that was what he learned from too many years in warzone.
Ah fuck his life.
And now a fucking headache.
This was one of the reasons why Niko always trying so hard to find some work to do, some problem to solve, somethings to keep his mind busy. Five minutes of daydreaming and nightmare came around instead. Nah, he didn't like thinking. He liked action better.
Suddenly his phone rang and vibrated altogether, waking him up from whatever thoughts he was restoring.
"Hiya Niko?"
"Hey Mallorie, what is it?"
"I just ring to let you know that you made a good impression of Lizzy. And I think, you're gonna go see her soon. She might have something."
"I could do that. Been looking for some more work lately."
"Great. You should really go check on her. How is she treating you, by the way? Is everything going well? Good, yeah?"
"She is cool. So far she pays well."
"Good, good." there was a pause from the end of the line. "So Niko, how you two doing? You doing okay?"
"We're fine, I guess."
"Please tell me, Niko. How is Roman?"
Niko glanced at the poor cousin by the sofa bed, face relaxed and quietly sleeping, different than earlier.
"He's much calmer now. He's sleeping. Very tired and shaking, you know, with everything that's been going on." Niko said. "At least he plan to start over the cab business, somehow."
"Yes I heard the same. We'll see where we go with that. What about you, Niko? Do you need anything? Money?"
"No Mal. This apartment is more than enough. You have done more than enough for me and Roman."
"If there's anything I can do to help. For you and for my Roman. I'll do anything."
"I appreciate it Mallorie. Alright."
"Just be careful, Niko. You and Roman, both. And don't forget Elizabeta."
Even being stabbed in the back by mafia didn't stop Niko to take his chance within the criminal world. Well how could he not? He was always surrounded with crime almost his entire life. And Bohan was known to be the place with a lot of gang wars and drug deals. So to work for a drug lord like Elizabeta was a fortune. She gave jobs, she gave money; that pretty much what he needed now.
Funny, Niko always remembered that one day he would stop doing this crime stuff. He would stop and try to be the legitimate good guy with ordinary life. He dreamed of living on the outskirt of town, having nice ranch for his family, owning some farms. That sounded nicer than gun shots.
Guess the day wasn't very close.
...
Niko had planned to visit Elizabeta prior to this but before he had the chance to cab away to her apartment, some guy had called beforehand, telling him to go see her this late afternoon for business talks.
For a supposedly discreet drug dealer, Elizabeta was far from secret. People already knew her; from fellow dealers, gangs, police, even ordinary citizen knew of her. Her reputation was already well-known as the person to go to for some powder. Her lifestyle wasn't the one you called hiding either. She openly stated about her entrepreneurship, often times bloat of it. Well how could she not? She got the money from the people and the people give money to. It was subjectively a success. She was basically enjoying life.
Oh, she even had party nights now.
"Aye Niko! How you doin." Elizabeta exclaimed, waving to him.
"Good. You?"
"Surround yourself with cocaine and the assholes soon follow."
At one point, Niko envy her seemingly unburdened freedom.
Niko was introduced to Johnny, a biker guy who was going for a heroin deal, which of course Elizabeta wanted it watched over. Only this time he would take a stand on the ground and accompany the man as security or whatnot. He then met with Playboy X, or Playboy, fun name. A great wolf of the town, no one dared to pull his tail, as he claimed. Said he was going to be there too to witness the exchange just because he could.
Playboy took him to meet up with Johnny to the place, which was located inside an old apartment complex, third floor, with enough walls and covering. And so far not many people lounging on the hallways. It was very quiet going upstairs. Almost too quiet. Niko's war instinct soon came into play because there was something uneasy about the place instantly.
Unfortunately, he jinxed it. And cops had already swarmed the building.
"Shit Money, the door's locked. We gotta head for the roof! Quick, cover me!"
Playboy said he didn't bring enough ammo but Niko knew better that this lone wolf who owned the town was a scaredy cat, almost always hiding whenever shots were fired. So he was the type of guy, always depended on his men to fight back, he thought. That was a definite coward. Thankfully, he had Niko, a man who could fight back. No, who always fought back. To Niko, the sound and smell of gunshots and blood and groan made him felt giddy. It was an automatic adrenaline rush he enjoyed. Probably a little too much.
"Damn it, Niko, we're trapped. The police had us man. Man, I'd rather poor than dealing with them feds. Fuck this."
"Calm down Playboy. Keep your head low while I think of something."
Playboy was right, they were trapped. The deal was a trap and now NOOSE agents had swarmed the place like hunting a prey. Damn, there were too many. He was at disadvantage. What more choice he had? Going back in and down was not the best move, they were easily trapped inside. So, they needed to stay out. The only choice Niko could think of at the moment was jumping out of the five-floor building and hoped for the best.
"What the fuck!" Playboy jolted up straight when his phone began to rang vigorously, vibrating around his pocket. "That scared the shit out of me. The fuck callin' me just now? Hello! Who the fuck - Sid? H-how… where - a-alright, yeah I see. Fine—Niko my Money, prepare for a run to the other door there! It has been cleared. On the signal."
"What signal?"
Suddenly he heard a clinking of metal hitting the ground. And then smoke screen started to vaporize the view, temporarily blinding the cops. With limited time, Niko and Playboy ran off and went downstairs through another door. Niko could faintly hear the yell of an officer informing the target was off sight.
The building indeed had been cleared out, with dead cops all over the route downstairs. Coming out through the back door, Niko and Playboy was again screened by a couple of smoke grenade thrown on the streets. "Stay here, I'll make a run for that car—"
"No, playa. Use the smoke, stay hidden. Sid is coming to get us in any second now."
Through the thick fog, a pair of headlights was quickly approaching. "Get in now, hurry!"
"Shit Sid, baby. What the fuck are you doing here?" Playboy exclaimed once they were inside the car.
"Uh, you're very welcome?"
"Thank you! Now get outta here, bounce!"
"What you think I've been doing you. Just shut up and lemme drive. Shit."
At this point Niko was too locked on the cops tailing behind, that he didn't make a fuss about the extra lady in the car. By the looks of it Playboy seemed to know her. Sid, he had said her name was.
…
"So Sid, really tho. Whatchu doing around here, baby? How you know we are there?" Playboy X began once the coast was clear. "Thought you ain't back in Liberty yet?"
"But here I am. Just got off the plane actually. Look! Still have my luggage behind there all that."
It was then Niko realized an unzipped travel bag next to him. The top layer was a silencer and a couple of fog bombs.
"So what brings you back here 'nading cops then?"
"Geeh, we all know you always needs a babysitter with them deals. Momma Lizzy called to get to you boys. She said some sketchy buyers," Sid shrugged. "Look how sketchy it turned up to be huh?"
"Shits man. I'd a fucking died instead of being caught by them feds. You take a bid on some heroin beef, you ain't seeing light for a long time. You rotting up in that shit."
Sid nodded. "Uh huh. I heard Dwayne's still in there."
"Yeah, Dwayne my boy inside for some old crack beef. Dunno if he's ever gonna out. But man things changed. There be more to it than the crack tip nowaday."
"Market's getting bigger and bigger. People just want more." Sid blurted out.
"Exactly. I'mma expanding my horizon, reaching for the stars and all that shit. You hear me Niko."
"Loud and clear, Playboy."
Niko could feel eyes began staring from the rear mirror. A pair of intense blue eyes glared at him. "So the new pet could talk." Sid sneered.
Niko curtly huffed. "Yeah, I can fetch stick too if you want."
"Oh yeah, Sid, this is Niko. Niko here is decent. Been doing work for Elizabeta for a good bit, taking your place while you gone." Playboy chuckled. He noticed his destination was close and then turned to Niko. "Hey man, I'll hit you up when I need your ass. Oh and Niko, have a bit with Sidney here. Ain't no worry about her, she barks worse than she bites."
"Get the fuck out, player."
"See? Chill Sidney. You still Lizzy's fave."
"Yeah yeah whatever," Sidney said as he exited the vehicle. "New guy, take the wheel, woulda? I'm tired."
Within a blink, Sidney already jumped and sat on the shotgun without giving him time to think what was going on. Surely, Niko instantly climbed to the front drive.
Sid began. "As I said I just got back home only to deal with this drug shit. I'm fucking tired, it cost me my beauty sleep. Take me back to Bohan. Around Northern Gardens, yeah?"
"Yes ma'am."
For the first six minutes the ride was silent, with Niko stayed his mind on the road and Sidney lazily humming along the song, eyes were closed. But then Sidney decided that she couldn't actually sleep in a car with a stranger. Little to none was heard about him other than Elizabeta's quick explanation about him: some European protection guy watching the deal. Perhaps Sidney's expectation of European dudes were much higher so when she saw this grumpy looking crook beside her, she couldn't help but frown in disappointment. His accent was kinda fun to hear though, there was that.
"So, dude, what your name again?" Sidney began.
"Niko. Niko Bellic."
"Bellic? Aren't you Mallorie's boyfriend then?"
"No, that's Roman Bellic. I'm his cousin."
"Ah, right Fat boy Roman. I shoulda seen it. You don't give me that of fat retard vibe."
"And what does my vibe give?"
Sidney shrugged. "A suck-up asshole? I dunno. Anyways, I see you been working around the hood, callin' here and there."
"Just looking for money opportunity really."
"As you should. Money always starts everything, eh? Just look at Playboy. Look at Momma Lizzy, and her drug crown. All journey begins with money."
"And drugs?"
Sidney couldn't help but snickered a little. "And exactly drugs."
Niko couldn't agree more. "And what about you then? What kind of journey you are in?"
"Me? Tch, I'm no dealer, let's start there. I'm just some gig in between. Doing here doing there."
"If not drugs, what work are you into then?"
"Watch over deals, securing threats and all. Playboy said, you've been filling out my role while I was gone. I guess we're the same breed. I assume you understand how we roll."
"He said something about Elizabeta's favorite. Must have done a lot of gig for her then."
"Our partnership goes waaaaay back, dude. I trust her and she trust me. Mutual respect, that all."
When they arrived, Niko took a close attention to the woman who was packing up the bags on the back. Although she looked so small buried under those layers of coat, she actually came really tall and well-built. She was a fair woman, ordinary looking woman. If he had met her across the street, he'd only think of her as regular pedestrian and nothing more.
"Alright then, dude. Lemme talk to Elizabeta about what happened. Now that the cops are trying, I suggest you keep your guns low." Suddenly she offered a hand. "I'm Sidney, by the way."
Slightly confused with the sudden introduction, he shook it nonetheless. "We drove for a good hour. By then I already know your name."
"And now you know it from my own mouth. Go on now, Bellic, get movin."
"Where should I park your car?"
"What car?" Sidney waved him off before she disappeared behind the house.
#1
Things had been really quiet this past few days. Playboy X did send a text but no work so far. And none was heard from Elizabeta again, probably laying low from the cops. Niko did have his way with this hot dog vendor just across his apartment after helping him to get some buns from the store. It was different than what he used to, but he could get away from guns and bullets for a bit. The payment wasn't much but at least it paid. Plus he got two hot dogs for free.
Speaking of money, he could sell the yellow Comet he got from a race with Brucie. Sports car gave some easy money if you found the perfect buyer. Or at least that was the plan, until Roman begged him not to. He begged that the car could really be useful for his car business. That, and he already promised to rent a sport car to a client. In the end Niko let him have it.
But before that, he decided to take one last ride around town.
The town Algonquin was packed with a lot of things. Neighborhood, financial district, landmarks; it was what made people wanted to visit Liberty City. Back at home, Niko could only imagine from Roman's emails. Pictures of the tallest building, the Rotterdam Tower, The Triangle, so much more. He remembered showing to mother, she was ecstatic to see them, mesmerized with all of its concretes and lights glory. And now he was here, driving between the tall skyscrapers. Perhaps he should email some new pictures to mother, she would be very glad to see, to let her know he was doing great in the city.
The central district was fun but Niko's favorite place to go now would be Pier 45, though not for shopping nor seafood dining. Oversaw the water beyond, late night in here was quiet and calming; a good place to clear heavy minds away.
Niko thought back about his life now in the State. Former war hero now working his ass off just to earn money, which didn't look as bad as it sounded to be honest. Besides he had done numerous of things, dirtier as it went. A part of him wanted to get away from this criminal track, it's pretty damn tiring, physically and mentally. Boy, even great men had episodes too. But he got attached, a little too much, that he couldn't possibly imagine a life without chasing and killing. After all, it was what grew him to be the man he was now. Sounds pretty fair.
"Hey dude, is this one occupied?" Niko looked up to a woman who pointed out the empty seat next to him. "May I?"
She already sat down anyway.
Niko only snorted. "Didn't expect to see you around here."
Sidney casually leaned back. "I just had a little dinner date in there. Might as well enjoy the view. Nice view, don'tcha think?"
"Sure."
There was a silence between them as they had already indulged with whatever business. He noticed she was already reading a magazine with a cup of steaming coffee on the other hand.
For a moment neither seemed to mind each other business. That was until Niko felt a gaze. He could clearly see her on the corner of his eyes, staring close. He furrowed. "Can you stop that?"
"Stop what?"
"Staring. It's getting annoying."
"Oh well in that case, you have a butterfly perching on your head."
Niko instinctively swung his hand above his head to make it go away. Sidney snorted a quick laugh. "Sheesh, calm down with the hand there."
Niko just shook his head and turned his eyes back to the ocean.
Sidney failed to hold a frown. "You're one silent motherfucker huh?"
"Oh I'm sorry. Is there anything you like to talk about?" Niko sneered.
"I dunno, actually."
Their conversation, if that was a conversation, were abruptly cut after a faint siren began closing in. Niko saw the red and blue lights as several police officers and paramedic had swarmed into the restaurant. He then heard Sidney snickering. "Yeah it would be to late for that."
"What do you mean?"
"Let's just say the guy I was having dinner with shouldn't have died as I wasn't supposed to be here."
Just then Niko saw some paramedics carried out a stretcher with a man laying on his back. He rose an eyebrow. "What exactly happened to him?"
"Oh well, he ate something in his food that he's allergic to… and some cyanide." Sidney said, watching the them taking care the patient. "I don't think they could do anything about it really."
"Poor guy."
"Well, don't feel too attached to him. This sumbitch is a pedophile."
"A pedophile?"
"Uh huh. Been stalking a minor for a couple of days, who happened to be my client's daughter. Taking pictures, followings, and whatnot. And now he is dead." Sidney got up, stretching her body as she was. "I guess it's time to bail. Remember, I wasn't supposed to be here. Our little secret, 'kay?"
"I don't remember seeing anybody here."
"Gotcha. Hey one more thing… I lied. There was no butterfly on your head. I was looking at your scar there, on the brow—anyhow, take care now Bellic." Sidney smiled, before going to the other direction, already merging with the crowds.
…
Something odd happened today.
Niko remembered officer McReary. He met him at one of Manny's show takes the other day dong script about praising Manny after saving the day. And now McReary wanted to pay him for a kill. He claimed he was blackmailed by an unknown party, that needed to be taken care off as soon as possible, which was not a problem. The problem was he didn't know who he was killing.
That said McReary had constructed a plan to call for the blackmailer, arranging meeting out in the public. Therefore the killing would take place in the middle of the day in public spot, a small park docked on the side of Humboldt River, around Sillicon Street.
Niko thought of two ways to get it done. One, poison the guy in the middle of the day. Two, fuck it just go barbaric. Well whatever it was, he needed to locate the culprit first. So that day he scanned down the area, looking for a suspicious guy in the middle of a swarming pedestrians.
"Never thought you would want to be in a crowded area. Don't look like that kinda guy." The voice came from a figure standing next to him. "Hey dude."
"What kind of guy?" Niko could have sworn he wasn't being followed. He was being careful. Where did she came from? "What are you doing here?"
"It's a free country. I can be wherever I want. The question is what are you doing here?" Sidney implied. "Don't get smart on me, Niko. I know a man on a hunt when I see one."
Of course she knew it straight away. He should have known; they were the same breed.
"Aye, don't worry. I ain't gonna snitch. You can say I am not here at all." She stated. " So what are you up to?"
"Just some gig in the middle of the day."
"Who's the poor guy?"
"Heh, that's the thing. I don't know yet. I am tracking him."
"Now that's a real deal." She laughed quietly. "So what's your move on him?"
"Why do you care?"
"Mm I dunno. So what your plan?"
Niko didn't really have a chance to lie about what he was doing. She was already aware of him. There was no point not talking. Considered it mutual understanding of the same kind.
"I'm need to call him first. Then we will see what's going on." Just then Niko dialed up the number, scanning for people who also took out a phone.
"Keep him talking," Sidney whispered. "Right now I have eyes on four dudes on the phone."
Niko hummed. "He hang up."
"So, Officer McReary, huh? Yeah that bastard always got something to clean."
"You have worked with him?"
"Nah, I'm never down with cops. I don't trust cops. But I took a guy to him before." Sidney told him.
"What can I say? He's got the money."
"Suuure. Hey, go call the number again. I'll have a look out."
The second time Niko called, Sidney actually went few stairs down to the dock area where the crowds were, pretended to be some woman chilling her coffee down, relaxing by the water. After a couple of sips of drinks, she came back up with additional information.
"On the bench. Leather jacket, yellow hoodie. See him? That's your target," Sidney informed. "You got a silence weapon?"
"Uh, no."
She shrugged. "Hm, here I thought you were a professional. Here."
A clinking sound, and a pistol with a silencer attachment was placed on concrete block in front of him. This, Niko couldn't help but smirked. Quickly he grabbed it and went down to the docks and took the shot. Of course, people were still going to notice the bleeding body sitting on the bench, hence the panic peds began screaming and running. With the silencer however, no one would know where it came from. He still had a window to blend in and walked away.
The sound of sirens closing in signaling a pace to quicker. Niko fastened his haste, which he almost got hit by a hunchback, driven by Sidney herself. "Oi, get in."
…
"Hey, serious though. Why are you helping me? You want to get paid too or what?" Niko insisted. "Personally, I don't like sharing."
"I ain't coming for your money, boy, please. But for real, no reason, really. I was around and saw you." Sidney pointed out. "Relax tough guy. I heard you've made a name of yourself. Hitman for the mafia. Done Manny some work. Now you've done Liz. I wanna see it myself. I wanna know how you roll."
"Okay then. So far, like what you see?" he taunted.
"You not having a silencer is a minus for me. Man, silence weapons are so underrated… Hmm, I could only guess you don't like to do some stealth shit."
"I can be very impatient and stealth takes too long. Why crawl when you can run."
"Huh, that's cute – so tell me something, Niko."
"What thing?"
"I dunno. Anything. Like… what brings you to the State?"
Niko pursed his lips. "I don't think you need to know about that."
"Hey come on. I'm straight. I won't snitch or bitch. Also I won't judge. I know we killers does have shitty story to begin with." Sidney offered some validation. "If anything, you have my gun and my hands are already full for driving. Look, we pretty much work around the same business, for the same people. I just wanna have a small talk, get to know each other. That all."
Niko shook his head. "If you really must to know, I'm in debt, in need of big money. Quick money. So I did what I had to do to keep the money flows."
"Huh, that's why I don't like how money loans work. I take some money, I turn it to profitable gold. They still wants the money and not the gold. Anyway, who's after your ass then?"
"That, I'm not talking about."
"Fine. Fine. Have it your way."
Niko shook his head and kept his eyes on the road as Sidney started to sing along the radio, whatever the song was.
"So Sid," Niko said after a little while. "You and Lizzy seems close. How long have you been working for her?"
"Now you're talking, hey? Yeah, we've known each other for about four, five years now. That's a long time, yeah dude. We sorta work things out."
"Enough to make history together." Niko implied.
"At first it was y'know a helping hand. Then money got involved. And now it's more of a 'I have your back you have mine' typo' situation. As I said before, we have respect for each other. That should say a lot between us."
"When we first met, you said you just got off the plane. Where were you coming from?" He asked again.
"Oh! I went to Tennessee for a couple of weeks."
"Was that a gig you do?"
"Hmm… all I can say is it was until it wasn't."
"I've always wanted to visit other places in the US. Do you think Elizabeta has one like that for me?"
"Calm down, sugar. You're still green here. Don't rush. B'sides it not for Elizabeta I traveled to. Just something I do for myself."
Niko nodded. "Speaking of that, I haven't heard again from her. Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, maybe. She's just being quiet at the moment. Big girl like Elizabeta has big enemies too."
"Like who?"
"The police, of course!" Sidney exclaimed. "Dude, better watch out with this cops gig. You have my word I am not gonna snitch on this but you better tell no shit 'bout shit."
"Relax. I know how the game is played – oh, here."
"What? No, no. Keep the gun, you need it more than I do apparently."
By the time they reached Astoria, Sidney pulled over just few blocks away. Before she drove off, she told him. "Hey, I like you. You seem clean. We cool tho, right dude?"
Niko nodded, his lips twitched a little. "Yeah, I think we cool."
"Alright, see ya 'round, sumbitch."