Rio Loco
Kimiko's POV
I slowly began to open my eyes, but all I could see was darkness. I slowly sat up and looked all around and saw nothing. Soon though a spot light was one me and the area I was at, but everything was still too dark to see. I slowly got up from the spot I was sitting down on and noticed that I was in my old Xiaolin Warrior robes. It felt weird to be in them after all this time, but it also made me feel somewhat relieved as well. Suddenly I could hear something from the distance, but I still couldn't see. However, as the noise got closer and louder I noticed it was the sound of water running. Soon I saw water coming up to my feet and ankles. I was rather lost as I didn't know what it meant. The moment I turned back to look into the direction the water came from it just hit me. Water crashed down on me hard making it hard to concentrate and get a hold of myself. I just kept tossing and turning through the water and soon enough it seemed like the whole place as filled with water. I held my breath as long as I could, until eventually I just couldn't do it. However, just when I thought I couldn't breathe anymore I noticed I was still alive and not drowning. I could actually breathe under water.
I was confused more than ever, but then I started to swim around hoping to find something as to why I was here. I looked up and tried to swim up to the light, but I couldn't for some reason. The more I swam up the more the light got further and further away from me. As I looked around for another exit, I noticed something in the distance. I swam closer to it as the figure did as well and when I got close enough I noticed that the figure was me! What the heck is going on here!? Suddenly though I watched myself place there index finger up to their mouth as she grinned wickedly to me. She then swam closer to me and examine me from every place as I just felt like I was be stared at by my own self. Suddenly though as I looked away from her for one second, I felt something sharp stab me right in the stomach. I screamed in pain from the shock of being stabbed and eventually the water around us began to decrease and I was back lying on the ground in pain from the dagger in my stomach as I watched myself grin at me with satisfaction. She then got down on one knee and to my surprise spoke.
"This is you fear, this is your greatest demise." She stated as I glared at her, but still couldn't move because of the pain and loss of blood.
I watched as my crimson blood poured out of my body and how I struggled to stay alive and deal with the pain. Soon though she laid her hand on the dagger gently. She looked to me as I looked at her in shock and fear. A grin formed on her face as she slowly leaned closer to me and whispered one last thing that left me haunted.
"Find the last Xiaolin Warrior and remember what is that your were so afraid of that made you forget." She whispered shocking me.
Suddenly she pulled out the dagger and I screamed from the top of my lungs in pain and everything once again went black!
"AAAAHHHHHH!" I screamed suddenly jolting up from where I was laying down.
My eyes widen in fear as I looked all around me to see Omi and Clay staring at me in shock as I started to hyperventilate. I looked to my stomach and saw that there was no blood or dagger. I placed my hand on my head and felt the sweat as I wiped it away still taking deep breaths. `I closed my eyes for a moment and sighed in relief while trying to stay strong.
"Kimiko, are you alright!?" Omi shouted worriedly as I nodded slowly.
"Yeah . . . just a really bad dream." I answered.
"What was it about? You've been out for nearly ten hours! It's already 11 PM!" Clay exclaimed as I looked as surprised as him.
I looked to the clock and couldn't believe how much time had passed. Soon Clay's father walked into the living room as I was sleeping on the couch with a blanket and pillow. I thought he was going to yell at me to leave, but instead to my surprise he set a tray down with some food and water as I looked up to him really surprised as he tipped his hat back to me.
"Clay and your friend here have been telling me all that's gonna on . . . I'm not sure I can fully believe everything you've all said, but I do know I trust my son . . . even his decisions to go with you folks." Clay's father said much to my surprise.
I looked to Clay who smiled to me as Omi gave me a huge smile and thumb's up. I laughed a little in relief and sighed.
"However, tomorrow before I leave I need to speak to my gal Annabella. She deserves to know the truth about everything, especially if I'm leaving." Clay explained and I frowned a little.
"Are you sure about that Clay? I mean is it safe for her to know everything? I mean what if she thinks you're crazy and hurts you in the end?" I questioned, but he gave a small smile.
"I trust her Kimiko, I mean I've been with her for the past year. I'm sure if she loves me enough she'll understand. Besides a relationship has to be built on trust, ya know." Clay stated.
As he said that statement, I started to feel a little depressed and guilty. I had lied to Ren about my true intentions of coming here. I mean if I truly love and trust him then I should have told him the truth. He didn't deserve the lie and I know it's going to be a lot harder later, when I have to explain all of this to him. I only hope he can be as understanding as Clay thinks Annabella is.
. . . . .
The next morning I made a huge decision to leave Clay and Omi behind while I go and get Raimundo. The reason being is that I honestly don't know how much time we have left. I still don't exactly know or understand why we're on a time crunch, but something tells me it might have something to do with that dream I had last night. The reflection of myself . . . Speaking of that dream, I just couldn't tell the Clay and Omi. They already have too much on their minds and I decided that its best they don't stress over something like this . . . at least not now. For now I'll carry this burden alone.
"So you're just going to go get Raimundo on your own?" Clay questioned as he lifted an eyebrow to me as I nodded.
"I just have this bad feeling something is going to happen soon. So I need you guys to be ready and back at the temple before me just in case. Besides, I think it would be easier if I just go. We'd stand out more with all of us going. I mean when we first say you Clay you thought we stood out right from the start." I explained.
"We still should do this together." Omi argued, but Clay shook his head.
"Now hold up there littler feller, Kimiko's got a point. We'd stick out to much and if were running out of time then it's best I go talk to Annabella while Kimiko heads to Brazil." Clay pointed out as I placed a hand on Omi's shoulder.
"I'm sorry Omi, but I promise I'll meet you all back at the temple in no time." I smiled as he sighed and nodded.
"Please do be careful on this journey Kimiko, for I fear this is just the calm before the storm." Omi replied as I nodded.
"Alright kid let's get a move on!" Dojo exclaimed from Omi's robe as he jumped out and transformed.
"I almost forgot you were here Dojo, most apologies." Omi replied as Dojo shrugged.
"I'm used to it kid," Dojo replied as I got on his back.
I looked down to Clay and Omi and explained to them that Dojo would be back for them after he drops me off. After that I'll call them when I get Raimundo and Dojo will come back for us. I said my final good-byes to them and gave a warm smile to them as I took off and they waved good-bye to me. Soon though once I was far away from them, my smile faded. It sadden me right after we got reunited that I had to leave so soon. It's like the same feeling I had when I left Japan leaving my whole life behind . . . or at least the life I thought was real behind. I sighed and tried to not over think it. I still have a lot of decisions and explaining to do after all this, but for now I just needed to focus on getting Raimundo's memories back.
. . . . .
I felt the sun shining down on my skin making me feel warm. There was a slight breeze in the air as I sat down and leaned on the cherry blossom tree. It felt so nice and peaceful unlike the last dream I had. That dream still haunts me as I still can remember the pain and agony I felt. The images still were fresh in my mind which still dawned on me. Soon the wind picked up and I opened my eyes and knew he was here. Although I didn't see him as I only could see the mountains in front of me, I knew he was on the other side of the cherry blossom tree with me.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be in your dreams last night . . . Something was pulling me back. I couldn't help you like I wanted and tried to." He admitted.
"There was nothing you could do. Whatever happened happened. Not much you can do about it, but to move on." I replied.
"It still bothers you though, doesn't it?" He asked, but I said nothing.
However, I knew that he took that silence as a yes. We sat there for a moment in complete silence and I was the one to speak first.
"Where will I find you?" I asked him, but he gave a hollow laugh.
"Somewhere down a dark path . . . I'm not the same Raimundo you once knew. I'm a different person and you have to remember that I don't have my memories. I'm going to tell you now that I'm going to be hard to convince. No matter what though, you have to keep trying even if it seems hopeless." He explained to me as I nodded.
"Where will you be?" I questioned.
"The Nest," He answered.
. . . . .
"Welcome to Rio, Brazil milady!" Dojo exclaimed as we flew over Brazil.
"Whoa," I breathed.
My eyes widen in surprise. Brazil was so beautiful, I mean the scenery itself left me breathless. Now I know why Raimundo was raved about Brazil so much. I looked and saw the beaches and saw how gorgeous the water looked. Dojo eventually landed as I got off and then looked around the area and saw that the place was pretty packed with people. I turned to Dojo and smiled.
"Thanks for the ride Dojo, I've got things from here now." I spoke as he nodded.
"Hopefully you won't be here to long kiddo," Dojo said.
"Hey I'm not a kid anymore," I laughed as he gave a small smile.
"Sorry force of habit. I guess it's really been a while; you kids grow up so fast these days. " He smiled while sighing as well.
That last part actually made me feel a little upset that he was right. I'm not a kid anymore . . . I'm an adult now and I've got a lot of responsibilities now. I waved good-bye to Dojo before he took off into the air. As soon as he was out of sight, I turned my attention to the crowded city before me. Brazil was a pretty big place and I just now realized that I don't even know where to start. Without much choice I began to walk around the city looking at all the places I went to. Raimundo told me to find a place called "The Nest". As I started to ask around about the place it seemed like a lot of people kept leading me in the wrong direction, or I just misunderstood where to go. However, eventually thanks to this guy's help after using me charm on him I eventually found the place. The place looked huge from the outside and it was right across the beach. I knew from just one look at it, that I wasn't dressed right.
"Looks like I've got some shopping to do," I grinned as I took out my credit card.
There were a few things I needed to do, before going over to "The Nest" and meeting Rai. First I needed some new stylish hot clothes, a place to stay for the night as I really doubt it will take me one day to convince him, and I needed to figure out what I'd even say to Rai when I met him. After shopping for four hours, I noticed it was getting late and that the nightclub would open soon. I quickly headed to a hotel and got a room where I could freshen up and get changed. The hotel room I got was pretty classy as it was a suite. I got an ocean view, nice bathrooms, a comfortable bed, and lots of closet space. Despite how glamourous this all was, I still had to focus on getting Raimundo back. What worries me the most is what Raimundo had said to me about him being a different person. I mean what could be so different about him? I mean I've already seen what he's like when he turned to the Heylin side. What could be worse?
"Not too bad," I spoke to myself as I looked at myself in the mirror.
I wore a simple classy black off the shoulder dress with a flowing top and tight bottom. I had on ankle high high heels, some dark make-up, and my hair was just a little wavy with my bang to the side. I looked the part, but now I would have to act my way in to get into the club. I took a deep breath and then headed out the hotel room with my purse and headed to "The Nest". Thankfully my hotel was actually right down the street from the club, because these shoes were really killing me. By the time I got to the nightclub, I already saw how crowded it was. How the heck was I going to get in? I looked at the long line and knew that the front door was out of the question. Maybe the back entrance? I went around the back without anyone noticing, but when I got back there I could see already a few guys laughing and drinking away next to the door I needed to get into. I didn't exactly want to face them, but I knew I had too in order to get to the door. As I walked slowly to the door with holding my purse tightly they noticed me and began to whistle at me as I rolled my eyes.
"Hey there pretty chica!" One of the exclaimed drunk.
"Wanna play with us?" Another winked as I ignored them and kept walking.
I tried to get to the door, but then one guy got in my away. He was bigger and taller than me and I could see he had a gun and knife in his jacket.
"The entrance is upfront sweetheart." He grinned.
"Lines to long and I'm meeting with a friend." I replied, but then he shook his finger at me and grinned more.
"Never seen a pretty thing like you before? I don't believe you're from here or meeting a friend. So what's your story?" He asked leaning closer to me as the other two guys were now behind me.
I took a step back and was in the middle of all of them and I sighed knew it would come down to this.
"I don't want trouble; I'm just looking for someone." I replied annoyed.
"Are you a cop?" One questioned.
"No, now please let me through." I said about to walk past the guys, until he grabbed my wrists in one swift motion and slamming me into the wall.
I flinched at the pain and when I glared at him he had his knife now out pointing it at me. I saw him grin wickedly to me as he placed the knife near my cheek and then playing at my dress. I saw the other two guys behind him grinning as well. Soon he spoke as I struggled a little to break free.
"This place isn't actually a place for a chica like you to be messing around in. There are people just like us waiting in there. I believe you need to learn your place chica." He smirked as I felt his knife at my collarbone.
That just did it! On instinct I used both my feet and kicked him hard in the gut sending him flying to the wall and slamming into it hard. As I landed on the ground I was a little surprised to see that I still had remembered all my fighting techniques after all this time. I stood up looking at my hands and then clenching them into a fist. I may not have my powers, but I still know how to kick butt! Soon the other two guys joined in as they took out there knives and tried to strike me. However, I was too quick and fast for them to fight me as I dodged and then attacked. I threw a punch and kick each time and soon I was able to knock all three unconscious. I dusted my dress and wiped my hands and sighed.
"It was fun playing with you guys, but I've got some things to do." I mocked as I blew them a kiss and walked inside through the door.
The moment I walked in, the music was booming through my ears loudly. How the heck can people hear themselves over the music. As I walked in closer to the area I noticed so many people dancing and having a good time. Granted a lot of them were drunk, but still the night club really seemed lively. I scanned the room hoping I'd spot Raimundo, but with so many people here it was already hard enough to get through the crowd. Within the past hour of being here, there was just no luck. I deicide to just hang by the bar and at least sit down for a bit. The bartender asked if I wanted anything, but I just passed. It's not like I've never drunk before, however I don't exactly quiet trust this place. The more I look at the bar, the more drugs I see being slipped into the drink making me gag. Suddenly as I looked past the drugged drinks my eyes widen a bit. I saw someone that looked like Raimundo that was standing only five feet away from me; however I only saw their back. I watched as the guy was flirting with this blonde bimbo who obviously flirty back. I watched as she gave all the signs away like playing with her hair, laughing at everything he says, and touching him a lot. Soon within seconds they made out and honestly it was quiet nasty as she kept getting closer to him. They stood there for a solid five minute making out non-stop. However, it was when the guy tipped over his drink and slipped it on me did they stop.
"Oh sorry about that," He spoke as I looked from my dress and then to his face.
I was about to say something, but the moment I looked up to see the guy's face I completely forgot what I was going to say. My eyes widen a bit as I now was face to face with him. I felt myself frozen the moment our eyes meant. I couldn't believe it was actually him.
"Raimundo?" I breathed as he looked at me confused now with an eyebrow lifted up at me.
"Do I know you?" He questioned confused, which hurt me a bit.
I watched as the blonde bimbo now looked at us appalled by something as she glared at the both of us, but mostly at me. She then hit Raimundo on the shoulder as he turned his attention back to her.
"Who the hell is she!?" She exclaimed like she was a girlfriend of his or something.
I honestly believe they just hooked up, because truthfully even I knew Raimundo didn't really do relationships.
"No one, I don't know her! Do I?" He exclaimed and then looked to me as I was lost on what to say.
However, before I could say anything they girl just threw her drink at Raimundo in the face which also actually got me wet as well as she stormed away. He stood there calling out to her and then sighed in frustration and slumped back down into his seat. I didn't actually understand what just happened, but I was just completely lost in what to say. He then turned to me and a dumbfounded expression.
"Thanks at ruing my chance with her." He said taking a sip of his new drink as I stared at him a little dumbfounded and a little mad as I gave a hollow laugh.
"Oh please like you had a chance." I replied and then blinked a few times as I didn't even know what I was saying let alone doing.
He then looked to me upset and just rolled his eyes and shook his head. He took another sip of his drink before speaking to me.
"So do I seriously know you, or something? I mean are you just another pissed off girl I hooked up with and didn't call back?" He questioned as I stared at him appalled.
"NO!" I shouted disgusted.
"I must really get around if you've heard of my name. So . . . would you like to-?" He grinned as he leaned closer to me with his drink as I moved back from him.
He reeked of alcohol and it was sort of creepy having him trying to flirt with me. I watched as he looked at me and then I quickly spoke as I felt uncomfortable.
"Listen I came here to talk," I explained as he lifted an eye brow to me and grinned moving closer to me as I pushed him away.
"Not like that!" I exclaimed as he shrugged and took another sip of his drink before speaking to me.
"Alright then what do you want? How exactly do you know me then?" He questioned and I sighed knowing how this was going to play out the moment I would speak.
"You don't remember me . . . However, we've met before." I answered as he gave a hollow laugh before speaking.
"So you're telling me we've met, but we never . . ." He questioned as I looked at him disgusted.
"For the last time no!" I shouted.
"Then how did we meet? I mean I certainly don't remember a pretty face like yours in Brazil before." He grinned as I sighed knowing this was going to be harder than I thought.
"Look I need to talk to you, but in a place that's a little bit quieter. There's a lot you're not going to understand, or believe however I need you to just hear me out in what I have to say." I explained as he looked at me with a confused look.
However, I noticed for a second that his gaze wasn't on me, but on the dance floor. He grinned a little as he looked at the girls dancing and trying to be flirty with his as I just groaned. Out of irritation I pulled his color shirt toward my face and glaring at him as he frowned.
"Pushy aren't we?" He spoke as I rolled my eyes.
"Just give me a few minutes to say what I have to say to you. Please, this is important." I said with a hint of sadness and begging in my voice as he stared at me a little in wonder.
He took a few minutes to think about his options. He looked to me with a lot of curiosity, but then slowly grinned a little. He then turned away from me and got the bartenders attention and it looked like he ordered something. Soon the bartender nodded and took our two shot glasses out and began to pour something into them. Suddenly before I could say anything someone had bumped into me and when I looked to see who it was, it was just some guy passing by. Rude much? I looked back to Raimundo who was grinning to me as he held two shot glasses in his hands. He then handed one to me as he spoke.
"One shot and we talk." I grinned.
"I don't drink," I replied, but then he shrugged.
"Then I don't talk," He smirked.
I looked at him surprised and a little upset. I looked at the shot in his hand and then to Raimundo as he grinned. This wasn't the Raimundo I used to know. Granted he was arrogant, a smart ass, selfish, and self-centered, but he was also kind, noble, caring, funny, and my closest friend. He really has changed and not for the better. I remember what the Raimundo in my dream told me and how it was going to be hard to convince him. How he had gone down a dark path and now I'm starting to see it unfold. Without much of a choice I knew what I had to do. In order to get Raimundo to remember, I have to do whatever it takes. I looked to the shot and took it slowly out of his hand and into mind as he grinned more.
"Bottoms up," He smirked taking it in one go.
I looked to the shot and knew I'd regret this as I don't drink. With one swift motion I drank the shot in one go and then felt it burn down my throat. It was way too strong and definitely gross. I tried to shake off the feeling and soon I heard clapping. I looked to see a very pleased Raimundo has he clapped to me as all I wanted to do is hit him. However, that wouldn't help the situation.
"So let's talk," I spoke up now as he gave a small smile and nodded.
"Alright, let's talk." He replied.