Cybergate 2027 - A Baldur's Gate 3 / Cyberpunk 2077 Crossover

XXV

"I'm sorry," Astarion said with a doubting stare, "do you expect us to go against a crazed killer?"

"No, of course not." Vi returned an innocent blink. "I'll go against her, with your support."

"But we helped you with that detective!" Shadowheart said from the back. "We were under threat enough times already without asking for more!" She squeezed Astarion's shoulder. "Well? Say something!"

"Despite our good intentions, Vi, we're not a commando team."

The blonde took a moment, then nodded. "Of course not. It's just that, honestly, I don't have anyone else to ask."

"Why not inform the police?" he said, perplexed.

"That's... personal."

"And so is asking us to endanger ourselves, so I expect a damned solid reason why we should—"

"The murderer knows my true identity."

Utter silence filled the car. Vhonthra entered a side street and parked where there were few people. "If she's captured, she might reveal my history, which will inevitably reach Shar through her agents in the police. Got that?"

Astarion nodded slowly, taking in the meaning of her words. Naturally, he was curious about the connection, but it was clear Vhonthra wouldn't reveal how a serial killer knew her. "So that's why you're so interested in this case?"

"Yes, it's self-preservation."

Shady frowned at the blonde. "If it's so important, Vi, I want a favour back from you."

"Oh? Like what?"

"Like..." The influencer cleared her throat, suddenly looking unsure. "After you help us start anew, maybe you can help me look for... my parents?"

A warm smile spread on the Selunite's face. "Sure, I can do that." She looked at Astarion. "Are you also looking for someone?"

There was Cazador, of course—he'd sleep much better knowing where that vicious fiend was hiding. "In truth, yes."

"Then I promise to help you both. So, do we have a deal?"

Astarion kept his eyes on the brunette, who eventually let out a puff of air. "Fine, I'm listening."

***

The footsteps, soft on the stone yet harsh on her sensitive ears, brought Lae'zel out of the stupor. Orin approached with her knife clean of blood; ready to plunge it again into her still-hurting flesh.

"Do you enjoy my hospitality, Creche'Kliir?"

"I find it... lacklustre."

The murderer chuckled. "But I gave you time to think, no? Have you figured out who the other killer is?"

She shrugged, hanging on the verge of consciousness. The Bhaalite hadn't provided food or water; that, and the continuous bloodletting, had taken a toll on her.

"Perhaps her identity will mean little to you, but it's important to me, so try not to die before I reveal it." Orin began cutting into her arm. "That would be terribly disappointing."

"Go to Avernus, minge."

Swift as a snake, the pale-eyed devil stabbed into her side. Lae'zel retched on the pain as the blade twisted and turned, ripping muscle and tissue.

"I like tough girls; the longer they last, the longer I get to play." Orin tapped on her cheek, putting on a cruel grin. "I wonder, Detective, what's your driving force? What makes you... tick?"