Tales From New Jump City

4. Blast From The Past

Present Day....

"Right Ronaldo?" Hector said incredulously. Ronaldo quickly stood up and got into a fighting stance when he suddenly began coughing and started to hunch over. Emi had a look of concern on her face and began to scold Ronaldo.

"Damn Ronaldo. You can't just stand up like that after a fight like that.'' She then turned her attention to Hector and walked up to him and put a finger in his face. "And you!" She began to scowl. "Don't you know when to quit. What the hell are you doing this for?" Instead of being angered by Emi's confrontation, Hector just sighed before saying.

"Dontcha notice anythin' different about me?" Emi paused for a moment and looked at what he was wearing. It was a simple outfit of jeans and a grey hoody, which covered his head.

"I see you've finally changed your wardrobe to something less ugly." Emi paused for a few moments before coming to the realization. "You don't mean you..." She began.

"That's right", Hector replied. "I left The Orange Vipers. I'm my own man now. Besides..." Hector plopped into a chair carrying a wrapped up rectangular object. "They aren't the same anymore." Emi gave him a puzzled look.

"Haven't they always been about messing with people's lives and getting into fights?" Emi asked.

"Hmm." Hector thought about it for a moment. "I guess you're right."

"Then what's different?!?" Emi asked angrily. A serious look fell over Hector's face.

"She showed up." As Hector said this, Ronaldo's ears perked up. Emi was intrigued.

"Who?" Emi asked.

"Cynthia Ryoshi", Hector said. Ronaldo gripped his umbrella.

"Is she the reason why there's been a resurgence in the Vipers?" Emi asked.

"Yuh," Hector replied. "The Vipers were getting overwhelmed by other local gangs and our numbers and territory had been shrinking. Then she rolled in with her Lieutenants. We weren't happy with outsiders at first, especially since they wouldn't rep our colors, but there was nobody stronger. I've never seen anything like it before. We beat every one from the Purple Rabbits to the Silver Dukes. Our numbers and influence started to grow again, but the original leaders became upset with losing their place. They plotted to overthrow Ryoshi, but when she caught wind of the plot, they all ended up in the hospital. Now she rules the Vipers with an iron fist, and that's just the beginning." Emi paused to process all this information.

"I guess that explains why the gang is bein spotted more." She said. "So what made you leave?"

"Well," Hector began, "After I lost my fight with Ronaldo, I wandered the streets trying to understand how someone as strong as me was able to lose, and how anyone outside of the Vipers could be that strong." Hector paused for a moment recounting the ordeal. "While I was walking through the scum covered streets, with my wounded pride and my manly pompadour in tatters, I saw an old bald Asian dude smiling at me. I don't know why but I just lost my cool and started yelling at him. The old geezer didn't even flinch. He just began to laugh, and I lost it. I took a swing at him with my bat, and before I knew what happened I was lickin' pavement." Hector started to chuckle. "First some random guy on the subway and then some viejo. Just didn't make sense. I never felt so low." Hector looked up at the ceiling. "Then it started to rain. I was ready to die right there, but not a drop hit me. He was holdin' some traditional umbrella with a dragon on it, with that same smile, even though I took a swing at him." Hector started to smile. "He told me 'strength is more than just appearance or overwhelming others. Sometimes all strength means is willing to stand up after falling down.' It made me realize something." Hector took his hands and put his hood down. Ronaldo and Emi nearly fell out of their seats at the sight.