Featured Characters: KCC, Laura Caine, Baby Peter, Ping Hai, A Monk of Shambhala

Warnings: None

Story Line: A short story in two parts. It is the first few days after Peter's birth. Kwai Chang and Laura take him to the Temple for blessings and discover their son's destiny will be filled with many changes as well as their own lives.

Copyright © 1998 by Alisa Joaquin
All rights reserve.

Disclaimer: Kung Fu: The Legend Continues is a creation by Michael Sloan and distributed by Warner Brothers. This piece of fiction is based on KF:TLC. No copyright infringement is intended or implied. This work is available to the public for reading. Permission for reproducing this story in another form must be aquired from the author. (If you ask nicely, I may grant it, but all rights revert back to the author after one year.)

(I give permission to archive.)

Kwai Chang stared down at his sleeping son. He could not believe this small being had come from part of him.

"Kwai, you should let your son sleep." Laura tried to coax her husband away from the crib. "He will not disappear. He will be here tomorrow just as he has been here since he was born. You've been in here so many times, you're going to put down roots."

"I cannot help it, my love. He is so beautiful. I want to protect him from all that will harm him."

"Oh Kwai, that is a pie crust promise; easily made and easily broken. You know that as he grows, he must find his own way in the world."

Suddenly, Kwai Chang remembered something very important. "What day is this?"

"Wednesday, why?"

"No. I mean how long was it since our son was born?"

"It's been four days, why?"

"We must take our son to the Temple tomorrow."

"Why?"

"On the fifth day, when a child is born, they are taken to the Temple and blessings are placed upon that child. The child's horoscope must be read and his or her name must be written in the book of life. We must go to the Temple tomorrow before sunset."

"I don't understand, why must we do this?"

"Our son must be dedicated and his destiny determined."

"Kwai, no one's destiny can be determined. Besides, he was baptized at the hospital by the minister there. If you're worried about our son's soul, it's safe."

Kwai Chang sighed deeply. There have been many times when Laura and he had disagreed on religious philosophy. For the sake of peace, Kwai did his best to try to understand her beliefs and to be accepting if only Laura would be open to his.

"It is not his soul I am worried about. It is merely a dedication ceremony naming him so the Tao may know him. Please, Laura, it is important to me. What name have you chosen for our son?"

"I know you left that up to me, but I can't decide which name I want. I like them both."

"Why not use both?"

"But which one should come first? I want to be fair to both of them."

"It does not matter which name comes first. If you wish, I will decide."

"Oh, would you? You are so good at finding just the right words."

"You honor me, my wife." Kwai Chang bowed to his wife, eyes bright. He then kissed her deeply on the lips and turned once more to stare down at his sleeping son.

"Here, make yourself useful." Laura handed Kwai Chang a basket containing clean baby clothes and diapers. "If you're going to stay here, at least you can do is fold these while I get a nap in. If he wakes, there's a bottle in the fridge ready to warm."

"I thought you wanted to breast feed?"

"You know the doctor told me that I'm not producing enough milk. Besides, I've seen the look on your face when I'm feeding him. Plus, he tries to look at you, so here's your chance to hold him while I get some much needed rest."

Kwai Chang smiled with anticipation and proceeded to fold the clothes. He could not believe how small clothes could be, let alone how many it required to clothe a baby. He questioned Laura on the merits of having to purchase so many, until they brought their son home. He was already looking forward to the day when his son did not need to wear diapers any more. Suddenly, Kwai Chang heard the small stirring that would become so familiar to him in the weeks and months ahead. He put down the small shirt he had been folding and walked over to the crib. His son stared up at him, eyes wide. His little hands were balled into fists and he tried to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Suddenly, the child sneezed and his whole body shook from the reaction. It scared him such that he began to cry. Kwai Chang could not believe how much noise could be produced from his son's tiny lungs. In response, Kwai Chang gently picked up his son, surprised at how small and delicate he felt. Yet, he could sense the chi force within him and was pleased at its strength. Kwai Chang cradled his son close to his chest, sat in the rocker, and quietly soothed away the fear. It did not take long before Kwai realized his son had another need. Kwai Chang placed his son on the small daybed and soon he was clean and dry once more. Feeling his son's little tummy rumble, Kwai Chang headed for the kitchen and the much needed bottle. As Kwai Chang fed his son, he looked deeply into his eyes and saw they had changed from the common birth blue to hazel. Usually a child's eyes did not change color for at least a month. This certainly was unexpected. Kwai Chang marveled at his young son. It seemed at that moment as if they were the only two people in the world. Kwai Chang could feel his son's heartbeat and found that it matched his own. It was said that when two hearts beat as one, their lives were forever linked.

A that moment, Laura appeared in the doorway. She watched them and felt a small pang of jealousy. Her son did not seem to respond in the same way when she would hold him. Oh there was deep love but the child seemed more tense, as if to say, I don't want you. Only during feeding would he respond to her touch. Laura could not understand why this was so. Usually the bond between a parent and a child was through the mother. Suddenly, Laura felt a pain deep in her abdomen. It started soon after their son had been born. It was as if something inside her had been torn. It could just mean her body had not fully recovered from giving birth. It was going to take time before she felt back to normal. She had felt so tired these past few days. If there was no change, she would have to go see the Doctor. She feared telling Kwai. He would worry so when he felt there was any danger. Laura turned away and went back to the bedroom to sleep some more. 'May as well take advantage of the situation,' she thought. Tomorrow was going to be a big day for all of them.

Ping Hai entered the hall of sacred knowledge and examined the book of Shambhala. As if by magic, new pages had been added and at the end, a new prophecy; "And the Last Shall Save the First." What it meant would not be known for many years. Ping Hai read each passage. A new life was added to the fabric of the Universe. This one also had the gifts but it would not be known for many years. Ping Hai examined the horoscope of the child and was brought up short with the knowledge he was shown. Before the dedication could take place, he would have to consult the Masters. Only they will know what was to be done. The one thing he could not do was reveal this knowledge. To do so would tempt fate.

Ping Hai opened the book to it's middle where the blank pages laid. A flash of light surrounded him and he was gone.

"Ping Hai, why do you come back so soon? It is not yet time. Your tasks have not been fulfilled. You must guard the worthy ones."

"I know my duty but I come seeking advice."

'You wish to know what is to be done about the child and his father."

"Yes. They must be protected."

"You cannot change what has been written. However, you are correct. When the time comes, seek me out. I will give you what you need to know."

"What should I tell the parents?"

"Tell them nothing."

"The father will know that everything is not as it seems."

"Tell him the truth without revealing too much. The child will see many changes as will the father."

"What of the mother? Should she not also be saved?"

"There is no cure for her. All that can be done is to extend her time for only a little while. This you can do. Go, they approach."

Ping Hai reentered the Temple with sadness. It would be difficult to hide what he knew but it was necessary. Still, he could be grateful that it would not happen for several years yet. Maybe something else would interfere to change their destiny just enough so they could remain together but he was not hopeful. There were some things within ones destiny that could not be changed. Ping Hai sighed and closed the book. It would soon be time to make the dedication, but first he must speak with Master Kwan.

"You must persuade Kwai Chang Caine to remain here with his family."

"Ping Hai, I cannot. You know he would refuse. He is much like his father and it is said, like his grandfather. He is a wanderer. He would say it himself. He must be out among the people doing good and helping those in need."

"He has a family now. They must be protected."

"Ping Hai, do not concern yourself. Kwai Chang is very much capable of protecting his family. I am sure he will do what is necessary."

Ping Hai shook his head at the futility of it all. If he was to reveal to Master Kwan what he knew, it would jeopardize that trust the Masters of Shambhala had given him. With Kwai Chang away from the Temple, there could still be a chance, though a small one.

"Come we have a dedication ceremony to perform. This should be a time of celebration. One of our own has come home, bringing with him a son whom one day may also enter these walls."

Ping Hai and Master Kwan left to oversee the decorations in the great hall.

*****

Kwai Chang carried the tiny bundle with joy and the fierce protectiveness of a tiger. The cold wind that came up threatened to tear away the protective clothing that they all wore and he pulled the cloak closer. Laura muttered under her breath. This was not the way she envisioned going to the Temple. At this rate, they would all freeze.

"Kwai, I don't understand. Why do we have to walk? The temperature must be below zero degrees. Our son will get frostbite."

"Laura, all life is a journey. Each new life must make that first journey in humility. The walk symbolized that humility and the struggle we must all make."

"Couldn't we have taken my car at least part way? My feet are cold."

"It would defeat the purpose and lessen the meaning. The dedication is also a pilgrimage for the parents. It symbolizes the long road that we all take."

"Is this done for every child?"

"No, only those children that come from the Shaolin."

"Great. Remind me to have our next child in the summer."

Kwai Chang had to smile at his wife. She could have remained behind, but her protective instincts would not allow it. Kwai Chang, however, was grateful for her being there. It would make this journey that more meaningful.

Kwai Chang and Laura entered the great hall. Banners of all description could be seen. What flowers had been available decorated every column. The caldron used in the taking of the brands had been moved to one side. This signified one path. The other side of the room was empty, signifying the unknown. There were many monks lining the hall. All wore the orange and yellow saffron. This was a day of celebration.

"Come Kwai Chang. Let us see this new life."

Kwai Chang uncovered the child. All eyes fall upon him.

"To be blessed with any child is a great gift. The son of a Shaolin is doubly blessed. It is time to cast the I-Ching."

Three coins are tossed six times. A symbol is drawn. It is wind over thunder with change to come.

"Your son, born in the year of the horse will be brother to the wind. He will come in like the storm, fierce in his love, but calm in the center. There will be much change in store, not only for him but for the you as well. What is the child's name so the Tao may know him and he the Tao?"

"My son shall be called Peter Matthew Caine."

Laura's eyes were bright with tears. Those had not been the names she had chosen. It never occurred to her to name their child after someone they loved. Laura loved her parents deeply, especially her father. He had given her understanding and acceptance when she told him of her love for Kwai Chang. Just days before their wedding, her parents were killed in a car accident. To honor her father's memory in this way brought her great joy. The second name, however, was curious. She knew no one by the name of Matthew. Maybe it was someone from Kwai Chang's past that she did not know about.

Laura watched as a bowl of water was brought out and it was poured on her son's head. Like a traditional baptizism, prayers were said over him. Then a green round stone was brought out and circled above the child's head. Peter tried to grasp the stone in his tiny hands. Reflections of light bounced off the stone and marks of the dragon and the tiger appeared on his arms then faded. Only two people were aware of this. Ping Hai and another. Kwai Chang looked up into the eyes of Ping Hai. The Ancient monk bowed to Kwai Chang letting him know that he too, was aware of what just happened. A destiny was observed in the making. It would be up to those to see that destiny fulfilled.

Kwai Chang bowed to the assembly and presented his son after the dedication was complete. He turned to his wife expecting to see her by his side, but she was not there. She stood back away from the crowd leaning against a pillar. Pain and sadness was in her eyes. Something was wrong. A darkness filled her that Kwai Chang could not fathom.

"Are you alright?" He questioned his wife quietly.

"I'm just tired. It has been a long day. Let's take our son, Peter home."

Deep in her own thoughts, Laura took her husband's arm and caressed her son's head with her other hand.

"Actually, we are invited to stay the night. A storm is brewing and we would not want to get caught in it."

"An omen?" Laura said referring to the I-Ching.

"Perhaps. We shall see."

End