The Rat
Raimundo's POV
"Alright so everyone knows the plan right? We get the info we need and then leave. If we talk to long people will think we're suspicious." I said.
They all nodded in agreement. Everyone was in casual clothes that we had to go buy, since everyone's casual clothing would draw attention. Once we headed out to the streets there weren't as many people out this morning which was good, just in case we had to use our powers. As we walked in silence the streets started to become more beaten up and it started to look like the ghettos.
"We're almost there, but keep cool and act normal." I replied and they nodded.
We turned into a dark ally and there I saw him leaning against the wall smoking. Once he saw me he gave a grin to me and I smiled back. He came up to me and shook my hand.
"It's been a while Pedrosa, what brings you hear." Marcelo greeted.
"It's nice to see you too Marcelo, these are my friends Clay, Omi, and Kimiko. We need information about someone." I replied.
"Anything for an old friend, who is it?"
"The Shadow Man,"
Suddenly I saw my friends face go from a grin into a look of fear. He started to take a few steps back from us unsure what to do.
"As my friend I'm telling you to stay the hell away from him! He's bad news Pedrosa! Turn back while you still can!" Marcelo shouted.
"We can't do that, we need to stop him. Please Marcelo if you know anything, you have to tell us!" I exclaimed.
He glanced at me to my friends and then back at me. He slowly nodded his head and led us to somewhere else. He probably did it so no one would hear us. He led us to a building and we all willing went in and then he let us into a room and closed the door.
"What do you want to know?" He asked getting to the point.
"Everything you know," I replied.
"I don't know too much about the guy, but I've seen what he does. This Shadow Man has some freaky messed up powers."
"We know we've fought with him before,"
"Then you've seen his power to influence people."
"Influence?" We all said at the same time.
"Yeah, I saw him do it to Cruz and his gang. They made a deal with each other on drug dealing. I knew Cruz was bad news, but now he's just plain dangerous. My guess is that this Shadow Man is about to start a drug war."
"Why on earth would the Shadow Man start a drug war?" Clay questioned.
"I'm not sure, but I bet Cruz and his gang will know something." I said.
"Dude you're not seriously considering going to Cruz are you!?" Marcelo exclaimed.
"We need to put an end to his reign of terror." Omi said.
"You people are crazy! But at least someone around here is doing something about it." Marcelo said.
"Thanks for your help," I said giving him a good-bye hug.
"Look if you're really going to Cruz my advice is you and that chica go and see him. Those two still stand out even after you put causal clothes on them. You and I both know Cruz, so please be carful."
I nodded to him and we left the building. I put my hood over my head and we all continued to walk back to the apartment. Once we got there we all sat down and began to talk.
"So all we really know is that Irial is about to start a huge drug war." I spoke.
"That's not enough info to go by. We need to go and find Cruz." Kimiko said.
"No way, that's not an option anymore!" I exclaimed.
"Why not? We need to stop him Rai if Cruz had an answer then . . ."
"As leader I decide what we do and going after Cruz is no longer up for discussion!"
"What's so dangerous about him that you don't want us to go after him?"
I saw everyone's eyes on me and I gave a deep sigh and put my head down. I looked back up and began to explain.
"Before I became a Xiaolin Warrior I used to work for Cruz. At the time Cruz was like a brother to me. He was family and families protect each other. Back then I wasn't exactly a good person. We always got into fights with other gangs and do some other stuff, but I made sure it stayed that way that I wouldn't do anything far beyond that. Well on day Cruz decided to get into drug dealing and that's when I put my foot down. My buddy Carlos, Marcelo, and I got out, but it wasn't easy and Cruz would never forget the day he was betrayed by his brothers. If I see him again, I have no idea what he'll do. He's changed and if he's more deadly than the last time I saw him . . . I just don't know if I could put you guys through that . . ." I explained and I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"We'll get through this together, you're not alone. Besides you've changed too and I have to say I like this side of you more." Kimiko reassured me and I smiled. Realizing what she was doing she let go of my shoulder and turned back to the group, which made me a little disappointed.
"We need plan fellers," Clay spoke.
"I think it would be wise if Raimundo and Kimiko go to see this Cruz person, while Clay and I follow from behind." Omi said.
"No way of we're doing this I'm doing it alone! Cruz is my business and not any of yours." I exclaimed.
"Didn't I just get through with you that you're not alone? You can rely on us Rai no matter what. We're in this together." Kimiko said and smiled just like everyone else.
"Alright, but if we're doing this we do things my way. First we need a disguise," I responded.
