Reflections of a swimming bird...
Chapter 2: Happiness is a warm gun

Now it was up to you,' Mao said. I had to show Vicious the ropes, and teach him all I know...He was now my responsibility. From then on Vicious went on all my assignments, all the collections, everything. But even so, even after all the time I spent with him, every day back then I'd learn something new that he never outright told me. When a thug pulled a knife, Vicious would use a Judo throwing technique I hadn't taught him, (being as I didn't use Judo.) When we needed a good stake out, Vicious knew just which roof to use...sometimes even before I did. And when a fight broke out, he loved it just as much as I did.

Vicious was my brother. It's pretty plain and simple. Never again did I need someone to go shooting with...someone to spar against...someone to back me up no matter the danger. We never fought...we knew what to do and when to do it...never on each other's toes. Mao used to call us ying and yang; both beast and burden.

We had no fear. As long as Mao wasn't around, we took every dangerous mission we could get. No need for fear...we had everything and nothing to lose. Death being at our door was the best way to live as far as we were concerned, and it stayed that way for quite some time. I can remember once, years ago, when we were set up...it's as clear as water to me now.........

The fog was thick...the air was damp...and twilight was setting in. Mao had planned this day for quite some time; a smaller gang was trying to push into our territory, and he knew what to do...show them what the Red Dragons demand from its competitors. The offer was simple...a non-negotiable reparation of 5 million woolongs a month, or else we'd be taking them out. Mao needed security, so the day before the meeting, he came to me. I'll remember what he said as long as I exist...

"Spike my son...there are times when we have no choice in the matter, times we do what we have to in order to protect everything we stand for. We are constantly living like a coiled snake...watching all that happens, and doing little to interfere...but when the time is right, we have to strike with all we have. I want you to assemble your team to protect me tomorrow night...I know you four can do what the others cannot...but keep your morals where they should be...always at our sides...never failing."

I informed my comrades...tomorrow is going to be our big chance. Shin and Lin will be posted on the roof, while Vicious and I will stick with Mao. Anything happens, make your move...don't doubt yourself for a second. A good man once said that every second used hesitating is a second gone from your life forever...and on that night each second was going to count. Mao gave us the day off to prepare, not only physically and mentally, but spiritually as well; 'An uneasy spirit clouds the mind,' he said........I knew we were ready...or at least that's what I thought...but life is like water, ever changing...