Featured Characters: KCC, Laura Caine, Baby Peter, Ping Hai, and an unknown adversary.

Warnings: Some possible violence but I'm not sure how much.

Story Line: The Story continues. We learn the nature of Laura's illness and someone tries to end the line of Caine before it can have a chance to grow.

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.)

"Are you sure?"

"I'm afraid so."

"How long?"

"Six months, a year on the outside."

"Thank you doctor. Please, don't say anything to my husband."

"He has to know."

"I know. I want to tell him in my own way." Laura reached for her son.

"Come to Mama, Peter. It's time to go home. Your father should be home soon."

Laura placed Peter in the stroller and quietly made her way home from the doctor's office. The warm spring day had brought many people outside, but Laura didn't seem to take any notice. She hoped the doctor would not violate this confidence, unlike the last time when she became pregnant with Peter. She avoided the main streets, not wanting to run into anyone. It was bad enough that some of the men in town would leer at her and called her a chinaman's whore. She did not want to have her son hearing those words. With their son growing bigger each day, and her strength weakening, she did not think she could face a showdown. Soon Peter would be crawling and getting into everything. The thought of not seeing Peter growing up threatened to engulf her. Without family, Kwai Chang would have to raise their son alone. Laura turned down the road that led to the small house they shared. In the distance, she could see the Temple high on the cliffs. The sunlight falling on its walls gave it the look of burnished gold. Suddenly she stopped. She may not have family, but there was one place she knew where she could turn to for help. Laura turned the stroller around and headed up the road leading to the Temple.

"Master Kwan, you must do this for me when the time comes."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Kwai is going to need as much help as he can get. I have no family that can help him."

"The doctor did say you had only six months?"

"At the most a year. Oh Master Kwan. I don't know who else to turn to. I want to be sure that our son is taken care of and I don't want Kwai to have to do it alone."

"Do not worry my dear. I will consider your request. I must warn you. Kwai Chang can be a stubborn man. He may not want to come back to the Temple. It has been many years since he has been a student and a monk here. It will be a long and difficult road. I will make sure he is not alone. As for you, I will send Ping Hai over to your home with some teas. Maybe he can help."

Kwai Chang arrived home to find his wife and son gone. A note left that morning indicated they were out running errands. He could not blame them. The weather was getting warmer and soon some of the wild herbs that he sought would be peeking up out of the grown. Since he began his training as an apothecary a year ago, Kwai Chang took every opportunity to go out and try to identify roots, flowers, and plants that could be used in medicines. His walks with Ping Hai had been very useful and Kwai Chang was learning a lot. It wasn't enough just to know one plant from another. Ping Hai was also instructing him in the mixing of herbs to achieve desired results. He was also learning how to read someone's chi to determine what an illness might be and what would require to alleviate it. Just then he heard the screen door open and the wail of his son.

"It's all right Peter, we're home. Mama will fix you something to eat."

"Laura?"

Laura jumped at the sound of her name.

"Kwai, you started me. I didn't think you'd be home so soon."

"I finished early." With his new found ability of reading a person's chi, Kwai could not help but notice that something was not right. "My love, are you all right?"

"Sure, why do you ask?" Laura tried to avoid her husband's scrutiny. She was not ready to deal with him just yet.

Kwai Chang shrugged his shoulders not sure how to approach the question. "You seem distracted."

"Yeah, well, I've had a lot on my mind. Excuse me. Could you check Peter's diaper. I think he needs changing. I'm going to fix him some dinner. After I put him down we can talk."

"Laura, something is wrong. You are avoiding the issue. You always turn away from me when you do not want to talk about difficult things."

"Kwai, I do not. It's just that I need to take care of the baby." Laura still tried to avoid looking at her husband.

"Do not lie to me. Something is wrong." The tone of Kwai's voice was beginning to show anger, yet there was also deep concern.

Laura stopped in the hall, her back still turned to her husband. When she returned from the Temple it took all her strength to fight the tears that threatened to spill. She had almost made it home before the first tear had been shed. She hoped to be able to let the tears fall for at least a little while in privacy before Kwai got home and to try and work up the courage to tell him the news. Now he was putting her on the spot. Maybe it would be best just to get it over with. Laura took a deep breath and turned around.

"I went to see the doctor today."

Kwai Chang's heart skipped a beat. 'It was too soon to be thinking about having another,' he thought. Then he looked into his wife's eyes and his heart did more than just skip a beat. It sunk down to the pit of his stomach.

"I don't know of any easy way to say this. I'm dying Kwai."

Kwai Chang felt the weight of the world pull him down. 'I am dying.' Those words tore into his heart and he questioned again the possibility of there being a curse on the line of Caine. His grandmother had died when his father had been around 10 years old. His own mother had died when he was barely five. And now, Peter will loose his mother as well.

"How long?" Kwai Chang barely whispered the words.

"Six months, maybe a year if I take care of myself."

"What was the diagnosis?"

Laura could not help but smile at her husband's choice of words. Since his training to be an apothecary, he was learning the proper words and phrases, making him sound like a doctor.

"It's ovarian cancer. It's primary and it's spreading faster than they can treat it. Surgery at this point wouldn't do any good. All they can do is give me drugs for the pain but that's about it."

Kwai Chang remained silent as his wife continued to explain.

"The doctor wanted me to go to Los Angeles for more tests and see if they might have any new treatments but it would mean leaving you and Peter behind for several weeks. There would be no place where you could stay. It wouldn't do any good anyway. I'd be just a guinea pig and I wouldn't like that."

Suddenly, Laura burst into tears. Kwai Chang gathered her into his arms and held her.

"Oh Kwai, what are we going to do? I don't want to leave you and Peter. I don't want to die."

Kwai Chang tried to soothe his wife's fears. "We will do what is necessary."

Just then, a knock came on the screen door.

"Hello? Is any body there?"

"Master Ping Hai?"

"May I come in?"

"Of course. What brings you here?"

"I have brought some tea."

"Oh, thank you Master Ping Hai. Master Kwan did say he would send you by."

"You went to the Temple today?" There was a hint of annoyance in Kwai Chang's voice realizing he had not been the first to receive the news.

"I needed to get some advise and Ping Hai thought he might be able to make me some teas that could help with the pain. I don't like taking a whole lot of drugs. The doctor had given me something in the office and it upset my stomach."

"The tea will help to reduce some of the pain and may help in prolonging her life."

"How?" Kwai Chang's curiosity was peeked.

"Certain herbs can help in increasing her immune system and also increase blood circulation."

"Which herbs? Tell me Master I must know."

"Patience, Kwai Chang. I will teach you. I cannot always come here. Come to the Temple tomorrow and I will instruct you on what herbs to look for and which mixtures will be most effective. I must return to the Temple. Oh, one more thing. This is for young Peter."

Ping Hai handed Kwai Chang a bundle. He unfolded it and saw that it was a blanket. The material had been hand woven. The design around the edges contained a parable, a favorite children's story about the stone mason and the mountain.

"Thank you Master."

Ping Hai waved goodby and left for the Temple.

Laura took the blanket from Kwai Chang's hands and wrapped their son in it. When Ping Hai had arrived Peter had taken an interest in the new arrival and watched them intently, his hunger forgotten for the time being. After Ping Hai left, Peter started to fuss, aware that he had not eaten. Then his mother scooped him up and wrapped him in this new soft cloth. It felt warm and comforting. Kwai Chang came over, stroked his son's cheek with one hand, and hugged his wife with the other. He breathed in the scent of her hair washed with the smell of jasmine, trying to create a memory. These next months would be very hard on both of them. Arrangements would have to be made before she would become too weak to make them. They will have to try and enjoy what time they had together. Hopefully, the medicines created from the herbs will help in keeping her with them just a little longer. Peter, in some ways would be the lucky one. His memories of his mother will only be scant. And yet, at the same time, his loss will be the greatest. He would have lost a part of himself without understanding why. The memories of her would not be strong enough to remain. Kwai Chang vowed some day to tell his son about his mother and to give him what memories he held. Kwai Chang could already feel the deep loss to come and he clung more tightly to his wife and child. When the time would come, Kwai Chang will have to do the grieving for himself and his son.

October had come and the leaves had turned their true colors of red, orange, and yellow. Preperations were underway for the annual Halloween festivities that would be at the end of the month. Laura and Peter were alone in the house while Kwai Chang had gone on an excursion looking for those herbs that grew in another part of the state. It was going to be several weeks before he would be returning. Since the news last spring, Laura tried to keep up her daily routine as much as possible. The past week though had been very rough. She was starting to experience more pain and Ping Hai had to try and find another herbal conbination that would help in alleviating it. Peter was growing fast. He had grown out of most of his clothes and Laura had to start looking for larger sizes for him to grow into. Peter was also crawling and trying to keep up with him was like trying to outraise the wind. Since Kwai Chang's departure, Peter was getting into trouble left and right. One minute he would be fine and the next minute he'd be racing along the floor to get into mischief somewhere else.

Laura could not believe just how quick and fast Peter was, even at this stage. His curiosity, however, had to be the next dangerous thing about him. On his good days, he would explore every nook and cranny in the house, playing what looked like an elaborate game of hide and seek. On his worst days he would sit in front of the screen door crying until he got the hiccups. He would look out the door expecting to see his father come up the walk. When he didn't, Peter would crawl over to the dining room table and pull on the tablecloth. For the umteenth time, Laura had to act quickly and grab what items were being pulled off the table from Peter yanking on the tablecloth.

"Peter, stop that. That was mommy's sewing basket."

Peter let out a cry after being thwarted again.

"Why don't we go for a walk? We can go to the park and watch the ducks? Would you like that?" Laura picked Peter up and placed him in his stroller. At first, Peter tried to get out but was soon belted in tightly. Then he started bouncing up and down, and pointing at the door.

"Okay, we'll go. Just let me get my purse and your diaper bag."

Soon they were out the door and headed for the park and the duck pond. As they came up the drive, a lone car could be seen parked by the side of the road. A man watched them as they came into view. This had to be the right one. It was the only house on this stretch of road that fit the description. It had taken three years to track down the man he was searching. He heard rumors about a Temple in northern California and that the man he searched for could be found there, but when he did arrive three years ago, the man was not there. He was wondering the countryside doing good, said one of the monks. It was their way when a student had become a priest. The man asked when the priest would return but he did not know. So the man waited and tried to listen for where the man might have gone, hoping to track him down. Now, he was back in this small town. It was rumored that he had a wife and now a child. He had not seen the man but if he was here, he would wait. He could be patient.

The man had watched the house for three weeks. The only ones he saw were the mother, child, and two monks from the temple. Then on a cold November day, a man dressed all in earth tones, wearing a battered old fedora, and carrying a soft brown leather pouch came up the drive and approached the house. The man in the car grabbed his binoculars and focused on the man's face. The resemblance was remarkable. Except for the darker hair, the face was nearly the same, even down to the eyes. The rumors were true. The line of Caine had not disapppeared with the father as was hoped. In fact, the line was being continued since he also had a child; a child that apparently was a son.

The job was going to be far more complicated than expected. If the priest had a son, that could mean difficulties in the future. He was going to have to talk with his employer about what needed to be done. The man drove back to his hotel room and dialed the number he was given.

"He's returned. It's as you suspected. The son is alive and he also has a son of his own. I could take care of both of them."

"No," said the man on the other line. "Be sure that the priest isn't around and bring the mother and child to me. Then burn the house. Make it look like an accident. Make sure two bodies are found. Then I'll let you know when to kill the priest." The man on the other end smiled to himself. 'If the priest does survive somehow, he will never find his wife and child until it is too late."

"Kwai, I am so glad your home."

"Laura, it is good to be home. How is Peter?"

Just then strange shuffling noises could be heard coming from the hall. The shuffling noises were followed by the familiar sounds of a child's laughter. Kwai Chang looked up to see his son crawling toward him. The bright silvery light that was Peter's essence reached toward the golden light that was his father's. Kwai Chang marveled at the link and the awarenesss his young son had. The potential for being Shaolin was deep within and Kwai Chang hoped that one day, his son would choose the same path.

"You'd think he would forget you when you leave for weeks at a time. Kwai I don't know how you do it. When you're here, Peter behaves like an angel. The first night you left, he threw such a tantrum I had to put him in his crip and let him cry himself to sleep. Kwai, isn't there any other way you can get the herbs you need without having to leave? Peter just doesn't seem to want to mind me. Oh, he'll be okay for a couple of days then he starts right in and throws a tantrum when you don't come home soon enough. It's as if he's afraid that you're not going to come back."

Kwai Chang could see the weariness in his wife's eyes as well as something else.

"This is not just about Peter. You are experiencing more pain."

"Please, Kwai let's not talk about my illness. Now, you're avoiding the issue. What are you going to do about your son?"

Kwai Chang had hoped to come home to a peaceful home, instead it felt like a firestorm was brewing. Kwai Chang sighed and tried to concentrate on his wife's words.

"Laura, what is wrong? You seem very tense."

"Oh Kwai, I don't know if I can go on like this. This week was one of the worst. Peter kept getting into all kinds of mischief. He always behaves when your home. Now the herbs from Ping Hai don't seem to be working as well. I'm tired all the time. And yes, I'm feeling more pain."

"You know I must seek out the herbs that Ping Hai has instructed me to get. He believes I have the skills to become an apothecary. If I can do this, I may help a great many people."

"Yeah, well, what about me? I need you, and your son needs you, too." Tears started to form in Laura's eyes. The pain of her illness, trying to raise Peter partially alone, and the pain of loneliness for her husband threatened to over whelm her. "You know my time is growing shorter. Please, can't you stay? I need you to stay. I don't want to die while you are gone and leave Peter alone. It wouldn't be right."

Kwai Chang felt ashamed of his actions. He had only been thinking of himself and his ambition when he should have been concentrating on those that needed him the most. In truth, the illness that his wife had scared him. He did not fully understood what cancer was until he privately went and saw the doctor. What he learned about the illness shocked him to his core. To think that someone would suffer and die from such a devestating disease was bad enough, but to have his own wife dying from such an ailment was unthinkable. In his own mind, Kwai Chang tried to justify his reasons for leaving and looking for herbs. He said it was to find those herbs that would help in alleviating illness. In truth, he was trying to cope with the idea that his wife would not be there, not only for him, but for their son. It was difficult for him to stay and watch his wife slowly die before his eyes. His wife, however, had been right. He was needed here. If she died with only Peter there, Peter too could die just from neglect.

"My love, I am sorry. I did not mean to leave you alone with Peter for so long. I will stay. The herbs I was searching for are ones that Ping Hai had requested. He said they may help to alleviate your pain. I will need to go to the Temple and begin working on the remedies as soon as possible."

The news that Kwai Chang gave his wife, hopefully would calm some of her fears. In truth, he was still having a difficult time coping with the knowledge that his wife was dying. Still, if he could find the right combination, maybe he could hang on to her a little longer.

"Just don't be too long. There are a lot of repairs that need fixing before winter sets in. Why don't you take Peter to the Temple with you? I need to get some rest. The other monks can watch him and you can also see that he stays out of trouble."

Before Kwai Chang could protest, Laura wearily walked down the hall. Kwai Chang followed after her with his eyes and he could see that she was in a great deal of pain and was unsteady on her feet. Kwai Chang hoped that the herbs he brought home would help her to cope. Ping Hai had told him that some herbs had properties that seemed to slow the process of disease so the body could fight more effectively. Secretively, Kwai Chang hoped that these herbs would do just that.

The man in the car was getting frustrated. Another two weeks had gone by and the priest did not look like he was going to leave. Every day the priest was working on something. Whenever he went to town or to the Temple, he took his family or son with him. Each day the priest was here made it that much harder to put his employer's plan into action. The man questioned exactly what his employer wanted with the child and his mother.

"The mother is no consequence. She will die soon without anyone lifting a finger. It is the son who is of importance."

"What's so important about that kid?"

"If nurtured right, he will grow. His abilities will grow. He knows not the difference between real power and the weakness of the priests. I intend to teach him that difference. He will become the Dark Warrior's enforcer. That is the destiny I have planned for the child."

"What about the father?"

"The priest will not be able to stop me if you do your job."

"Wouldn't it be better to kill the priest and his wife then take the child?"

"No, fool. If you kill the parents first and take the child, you will have a manhunt. It must look like an accident. The priest must see the burning. He must believe his wife and child are dead. Then he will be vulnerable and easy to kill."

"Why do you want to kill the priest? Why not simply take his family and disappear?"

"That is my business. I want that mother and child. I do not care if it takes until Christmas. Just do it."

It took nearly another two weeks before the man could act. In fact, it was two days before Peter's first birthday when the opportunity came. The man watched as the priest left to got to the Temple. Many of the students became ill from an outbreak of flu. Ping Hai requested Kwai Chang's assistance to administer remedies.

Since Kwai Chang came home, the harmony in the house had changed. Peter was far happier and Laura also seemed stronger. The new teas that Kwai Chang and Ping Hai gave her seemed to have helped in alleviating her pain. Tomorrow she would go to the doctor and check on her progress. That evening, Laura sat on the couch playing with Peter. A soft knock on the door caught her attention. She got up to answer it and was thrown back when the door suddenly imploded. Pieces of the door flew in all directions, some barely missing young Peter. Laura tried to go to her frightened son but was grabbed and a needle was jammed into her arm. It only took a few seconds for the sedative to work. The intruder then picked up the woman and carried her to a waiting van. The man returned carrying a large bundle wrapped in cloth. He then scooped up the crying child and again exited the house. Peter struggled in the man's arms. The man shoved the child into a car seat and headed back to the house. In a few more minutes the man emerged and drove off leaving the now burning house behind.

Kwai Chang Caine felt danger. The source was new to him but it did not take long for him to identify it.

"Peter."

Ping Hai watched as Kwai Chang raced from the Temple. He had seen the look on the young Shaolin's face and understood it's meaning. He would have to speak to the Masters about what he observed. It would seem that Kwai Chang Caine would be more than just Shaolin someday.

Kwai Chang raced home as best he could. There had been an ice storm earlier and the ground was slippery. In the distance he could see smoke and a red glow against the night sky. As he got closer, fear clutched at his heart. Terror and shock set in when he saw the fire engines working on the blaze. At this point, they were doing their best just keeping the fire from spreading to nearby trees and houses.

"No!" Kwai Chang tried to run to the house but someone grabbed his arm.

"It's too late."

"My wife, my son!"

The fireman shook his head. Sympathy was all he had. He pointed over to where an ambulance stood. Two bundles were wrapped in white sheets. Blood soaked through. The stench of burned flesh could be smelled. The site caused Kwai Chang to sway. He was suddenly supported by two others, Master Khan and Michael. They were returning to the Temple and saw the fire.

"We will take care of him."

Grief overwhelmed Kwai Chang and he let the other two monks take him from the scene.

"I have the woman and her son."

"Good. Bring them to me. You can kill the priest."

Kwai Chang sat next to a stone marker. No carvings could be seen. It was temporary until a more permanent one could be made with his wife's and son's names. This space was picked out within a wooded area where Kwai Chang and his family would frequently walk together. On this day, the ground and the marker awaited its new occupants. Ping Hai sat next to the stricken priest.

"You must not blame yourself, Kwai Chang. The heavens unfold, a child's and woman's destiny are revealed."

"This is not destiny. It is random chance. Fire destroys all, unplanned and without reason."

"Will you not return to the Temple?"

"No. There is no life for me here. I must seek out the essence of my wife and son."

"Caine?"

Kwai Chang looked up to see a man dressed in a heavy overcoat. His face was set in a look of concern but there was something in his eyes that spoke of urgency.

"Yes?"

"I apologize for the interruption. I'm from the coroner's office. It's about your wife and son."

"I know how my wife and son died, in the fire."

"That's impossible. The two people that were pulled from the fire don't match up with the dental records. Your wife had three fillings in her teeth. The woman found in the fire had nine. Plus, there were no dental records for your son and the kid that we found had six baby teeth."

"What are you saying?"

"Your wife and son weren't in that fire. Someone went to great lengths to make it look that way."

The man had been driving for two days. He had given the woman another shot just two hours ago, keeping her sedated. The kid was another story. He had to stop and buy diapers, a bottle of milk and some crackers. He tried to give the milk to the kid, but he refused to drink. When he had to change the kid, Peter did not try to crawl away. Being dry was better than sitting in a wet diaper for hours. There was no point in trying to get away. He was bigger than him and Peter's mother could not help him anyway.

"Pahhpa, Pahhpa." Peter whimpered and started crying again. Those were the first words that Peter had uttered and there was no one to hear him but the man who had taken him away from his home.

"Your pop's not here kid. With any luck, he won't be anywhere. A friend of mine has plans for him. So shut your trap."

The man put Peter back in the car seat and headed east.

Kwai Chang Caine listened intently at the coroner. He had gone with him to town to see for himself if what the man had said was the truth. The man pulled out the dental records for both Laura Caine and the unfortunate woman who had been found at the scene. He pointed out the differences and Caine's jaw clenched. His eyes narrowed and he questioned, who would do such a thing as to murder a woman and child and make it look like his own wife and son had been killed by fire?

"There's more. It would seem the fire was deliberately set. Of course that's pretty obvious since this poor woman and child had been killed ahead of time to hide that fact."

"Caine, we need to talk." It was the sheriff. "I need to know where you were during all of this."

Kwai Chang was non-plussed. If the man suspected him of foulplay, it certainly was not the truth. "I was at the Temple assisting Master Ping Hai with students who had the flu."

"Okay, don't get your gut tied in knots. I just needed to check all possibilities."

"No offense was taken, sheriff."

"Did you speak with the coroner?"

"Yes."

"So far we haven't found any clues. A neighbor did recall there was a black van in the vicinity. We're checking it out. But, it's been two days and that van is long gone by now. Since your house is gone, it looks like you'll be returning to the Temple?"

"Only until my wife and son are returned to me."

The lone gunman hid within the grove of trees just off to the right from the entrance to the Temple. He had spread a tarp on the ground to protect himself from the cold. He was lucky that the ground had froze during the night. It would hide what tracks he might make either leaving or entering.

Quickly the man prepared his gun. The gun was new in its design. Parts could be taken apart and screwed together for easy storage within a specially designed case. The man quickly attached the butte and screwed the barrel into place. He then added a silencer to muffle the noise. The man did not have to wait too long before his intended victim came into view.

At first the priest was not aware of the man hiding in the trees. Then he suddenly turned just as the man fired. The force of the shot piercing Kwai Chang sent his body backwards into a small snowbank. Kwai Chang stayed very still. He could hear the gunman leaving the scene. As soon as he knew it was safe, Kwai Chang tried to move but the injury in his rib cage brought waves of pain that threatened to black him out. Kwai Chang managed to get up on his feet and stumble to the entrance of the Temple. As soon as he was inside, he called out to anyone who may be near by. Ping Hai and Master Kwan came running to assist. At that moment, Kwai Chang succumbed to the pain and fell into darkness.

Kwai Chang Caine woke and found himself in the infirmary. He tried to rise but he was soon pushed down to the bed.

"You should continue to rest. The bullet is lodged against your ribs. You will need surgery to remove it."

"I cannot rest. My son and wife are still in danger."

"How do you know this, Kwai Chang Caine?" Ping Hai asked with curiosity.

"I have heard my son's cries."

Ping Hia was quite surprised at this new ability this young Shaolin had. Not even the Masters of Shambhala had that ability, and their skills were quite formidable.

"Are you aware of where your family is?"

"They are a great distance from here. My wife's mind seems clouded. I cannot reach her. I can only sense my son. I must find them." Again Kwai Chang tried to rise but the pain and stiffness forced him down again.

"Chew these herbs they will strengthen your chi. You must rest for at least a day before you can be of any help to them."

Kwai Chang sighed and gave in. The Master was correct in his assumptions but that did not make it any easier. Kwai Chang tried to focus his chi and to reconnect with his family. If he could calm Peter's fears, he could try and focus through his eyes and to see where his family had been taken. He did not know if he had the strength, but he had to try.

*****

The van arrived at its destination. The house was very old. Reminiscent of an old manor houses in England. The man carried the drugged woman into the house first and took her up to one of the bedrooms. Then he came down and took the child. Again Peter tried to struggle from the man's grasp.

*Peter, it is alright my son. I will come for you.*

Peter stopped struggle when he felt his father's essence. His eyes were wide and watchful. He sucked on his hands for comfort. The man carried Peter to another part of the house and placed him in a crib within a room that had been specifically prepared for just such and occasion. Then Peter was left alone. The man then went to the study where his employer waited.

"You have the child and his mother but my fee is doubled. When do I get paid?"

"Right now." The man in the high backed chair turned and fired the .38. The other had the look of surprise and then betrayal. Slowly he slumped to the floor and did not move.

"You didn't finish the job. My contact at the Temple tells me that the priest still lives. I will take care of your brother when he returns with the news."

The man in the high backed chair rose and signaled for one of his men to remove the body. Then he went to look in on his guests. The woman was still asleep and would be till morning. He checked her pulse and found it to be weak but strong. He could feel that the illness she had was slowly advancing. It would not be long before she would be dead, maybe within a year. It did not matter. By that time, the child would be grown enough where a mother would be just excess baggage. He would have to kill her anyway.

The man went to check on the child. Peter was curled up in the corner of the crib. Tears were silently running down his face. When he saw the man, however, a smile started to appear and he reached toward him then suddenly stopped. This was not his daddy.

"You mistake me for another. No little cousin, I am not your father, but I am your teacher. Soon you will learn the true power of the line of Caine. I am Lee Chung Caine, son of Chung Wang Caine, and grandson of Kwai Chang Caine."

Peter looked up into the face of the man that looked like his father but older by 10 years and started to cry. This man who should have been family had the essence of evil around him. Peter uttered a single word, "Paahhpa."

The next day, Laura woke to find herself in a strange room. Clothes were laid out on a chair and she could hear the sound of running water. Laura watched and waited. Soon a woman dressed in a black and white maid's uniform came out and stood by the door. She gestured and bowed. Laura got up and cautiously went to the now opened door. The room contained an old fashion tub with claw feet. Steam rose out of the tub as Laura realized the woman had drawn her a hot bath. A towel could be seen draped across a chair.

"Where am I? Where is my son?"

The woman did not answer Laura but beckoned her into the room. The bath was a tempting offer. She did not know how long she had been drugged, but the shape of her clothing told her that if she was to find her son, she would not want to touch him in the condition she was in. As Laura entered the bathroom, the maid closed the door behind her.

Fifteen minutes later found Laura cleaned and dressed. The maid had returned and she again gestured Laura to follow her. As she was lead from the bedroom, Laura tried to concentrate on her surroundings. She was lead into a dining area. Food had been laid out on the table. There were no other plates. Laura sat at the table but was reluctant to eat.

"Where is my son?" She asked again, but no one would answer. "I won't eat a thing till I know my son's alright."

"Is that a way for a guest to behave? I can assure you, the little tyke is all right. You, on the other hand, need to keep up your strength. He's going to need his mother until he can begin his training. I am afraid you and your son will be here for some time to come."

Laura turned toward the voice. A high backed chair was facing a large set of windows. The chair turned and the light fell on the face of the man. Laura caught her breath. Except for the grey peppering the man's hair, the face was the same, even the eyes. Stories of another Caine came to her. This could not be the same man.

"Who are you?"

"The name is Caine, Lee Chung Caine."

Lee Chung? The name was not familiar to her. She had recently learned of Kwai Chang's father Matthew who perished in an expedition to the Himalayas when Kwai was 14 year old. Kwai never spoke of any other family members. The puzzled look on Laura's face amused the man.

"I see your husband has failed to clue you in. Allow me. First hand, your husband and I had the same grandfather. My father on the other hand was Chung Wang Caine. Kwai Chang Caine's first son."

Laura was still perplexed. Why had she not heard of this man?

"Our grandfather, it would seem, had a little indiscretion with a woman that helped him escape from China. She had a son, my father. The ruling house of China at that time found out and took the child to be raised. The mother met with an unfortunate accident. The son was raised by the Manchus and later used to try to kill granddad. Only they didn't count on him learning far more than just kung fu. Granddad later tried to teach his son the 'Shaolin' ways." The man spat on the word. "He learned, and in his gratitude, he went back to China to rebuild the Temples and restore the Shaolin. Later, my father having been raised by the Manchus, discovered more power than he could handle. He taught me this power in hopes that I would learn to control it and focus it for good. He found out too late that not all were cut out to be priests. I killed him to keep him from summoning help. Of course, I later learned that the person he tried to summon was our father, only he would not have come. He died in a rock slide trying to rescue some minors. I did find out his other son, Matthew, I believe was his name, actually followed his father's footsteps. He actually entered ZhanjZhou Temple, the very Temple that my father started. I heard later his mother died of a broken heart."

"What does this have to do with me and my son?"

The man glared at Laura. The icy stair from his hauntingly familiar hazel eyes caused Laura to shiver. What compassion there might have been had been driven out long ago with the hunger of power.

"You see, they all had it wrong. Long ago an old blind priest saw within my grandfather the potential for great power. He saw that he held the capability to tap within the power of the universe. Instead of teaching him the ways of the Tiger, he taught him the ways of the Crane. Oh, he learned all the systems, but he never used them to their full potential. That's where Peter comes in. I intend to teach him the full power of the universe. With this power, he could as powerful as the Dark Warrior. Now that is true power."

Laura shivered but not from the cold in the room. She remembered Kwai Chang relating stories about the Dark Warrior and how the monks of the mystical place of Shambhala had entrapped him. Laura at first did not give the story any credence, but the look in the eyes of the man before her told her that he believed in them. Laura said a silent prayer, hoping that somehow Kwai Chang would find them before this man could put his plans into action.

Lee Chung Caine took Laura to Peter. Peter was whimpering and he had not been fed or changed since he had been placed in this strange place. When Peter again saw the man that looked like his dad, Peter again tried to call for his father.

"Pahhpa. Ppahhpa."

The man came closer and Peter tried to crawl away into one of the corners of the crib. Then Peter spotted his mother and he reached toward her. If he could not have his father, he would have her. Laura picked up her son and held him close, caressing his dark curly head. The whimper that was there earlier had calmed to a series of silent hiccups.

"Very touching. I will leave you two alone, for now. He needs changing and feeding. If you try to leave, I will kill you." The man pointed to Laura only. "I do not think the little tyke would appreciate it. For a kid that's only a year old, he certainly can understand a great deal. It's up to you to make him understand that this is his destiny now. There will be no other."

Kwai Chang Caine concentrated for the second time. The first had drained his energy so deeply that Ping Hai insisted that he rest for another day. As he concentrated, feelings and impressions were being formed. He could feel the small spasms of hiccups that had invaded his son. He also felt the presence of his wife. She was holding him.

*Laura, my love. Where are you?*

Laura was startled. She thought she heard the voice of her husband. She looked around and found she and Peter were alone. Kwai Chang tried to reach her again. When the voice came a second time, Laura understood that somehow, Kwai was reaching out to her through a psychic connection. It fascinated her and she tried to concentrate on his voice. Kwai Chang asked her to picture the place she was at. Laura tried to send him images of the interior of the place but could not give him any images of the exterior. For Kwai Chang, having the link to his son and wife was enough.

*How is this possible?* Laura asked with wonder.

*Peter is our link. So long as you hold him, I can contact you. Who took you from our home?*

Laura hesitated on the question, not sure if her husband would accept the answer.

*Your cousin.*

*Cousin? I have no cousin.*

*He says his name is Lee Chung Caine. He said you had the same grandfather.*

Confusion came across the link. He could tell that Laura was telling the truth and yet he did not understand how it was possible. Then Laura sent the image of the man and suddenly the link was broken by Kwai Chang. Peter started to cry feeling the sudden loss of that golden light.

"Sshhh, it's all right, my son. Your father will come. I hope." Laura tried to comfort her son, but Peter would not be comforted that easily. Laura concentrated on making sure Peter's needs were met. She changed him and tried to feed him, but Peter just refused to do anything.

"Oh, Peter please. You must eat something. I know you miss your father. I miss him, too."

Tears formed in Laura's eyes and a sudden pain racked her body. She was beginning to feel the affects of not having drank her medicinal tea in the lost time. She did not know how many days they had been away from their home. She did not know how many more days it would be before Kwai Chang would find them. She only hoped she could try and control the pain and not let their captor know her condition.

Kwai Chang broke the contact. He needed answers. The man holding his wife and child obviously was a relative but how that was possible puzzled him. His father never mentioned he had a half brother. Maybe his grandfather's journal would provide him the answers he sought. Kwai Chang went to the temporary quarters that had been provide for him at the Temple. He kept a few items here that he felt needed safeguarding. One was a large jewelry box that Kwai Chang had planned on giving Laura for her next birthday. Two other items were his father's and grandfather's journals. His own journal he kept in the brown pouch that his father had given Kwai Chang before he had gone on that fateful expedition. Kwai Chang recalled that day.

***Flashback***

"My son, I must leave. The cross has been sighted in the Himalayas."

"Father, why must you go?"

"I must preserve and protect those items that help to bring us understanding and enlightenment. Others would use their power for corrupt means."

"Will you return?

"Do not fear, my son. I shall return. I would like to be able to see you finish your training. I am proud of you, my son. Your grandfather would be proud as well. Before I leave, I have something for you."

Matthew Caine handed Kwai Chang a worn soft brown leather pouch.

"It belonged to your grandfather. He gave it to me to use and I in turn am giving it to you. Inside you will find two books. One is your grandfather's journal and the other is mine. Please keep them safe until I return."

"I will." Kwai Chang could not meet his father's eyes. A feeling of foreboding came over him and he was afraid that he would not see his father, again. Matthew Caine lifted his son's face.

"Will you walk with me to the entrance? Please, no tears. I will return as soon as I can. You are my son, and I love you."

***End of Flashback***

Kwai Chang found himself clutching his father's journal as he was brought back to the present. Tears formed in his eyes and he quickly wiped them away. He then found his grandfather's journal and he soon found the entry about Chung Wang and about Lee Chung. As he read, a chill went up. Suddenly the entry ended. Another's handwriting could be seen. This entry was in english instead of the customary chinese. The handwriting was unknown to him. Perhaps it had been his grandmother's. The entry told of his grandfather's death. It hinted at the possibility that the death had not been an accident. After finishing it, Kwai Chang mourned. There was so much he did not know about his family. Why his father had not told him about his uncle and cousin he could not fathom. Maybe his father did not know that Chung Wang and his son existed. Maybe grandfather died before he had a chance to tell him or maybe someone killed him to prevent him from telling his father. Kwai Chang would not get all his answers here. He did know where those answers could be found; in a house two days journey east of Braniff. It would be a long walk.

Laura spent as much time with Peter as she was allowed. In fact, Lee Chung did not try to prevent them from being together. There was no need. The house was surrounded with guards and the doors were locked at night to prevent anyone from entering or leaving. Two days had passed since Kwai Chang had contacted her. Peter seemed more calm after that. It was as if he was aware that his father would be there soon. Laura watched as Lee Chung tried to play with her son. During these times, a guard was placed by her to prevent her from interfering. Peter, on the other hand, began to show his defiance in other ways. He was learning to say no. Laura was secretly pleased that her son was not co-operating with this man, even if he was family.

"NNOOO!" Peter screamed; not wanting the man to hold him no matter if he looked like his Dad. He knew the difference. The feelings that Peter got from him were scary and mean. He knew in some way this man was out to do him harm. He did not want any part of it. Peter struggled in the man's arms until the man finally put him back down in his crib. Peter scrabbled to the far side and picked up the blanket and began sucking on his thumb. Angry tears rolled down his cheeks as he continued to stare defiantly at the man. An almost visible silvery essence seemed to stretch outward like a shield protecting the child.

The expression on the man's face turned hard. He could not understand how a kid like this could be so perceptive at his age. He thought it would be easy to try and turn this kid to the purposes of the Dark Warrior. The man used his own chi to try and over power the kid's but found strong silvery shields instead. Where the kid had such developed shields he could not understand. They felt almost natural to him, while Lee Chung's dark essence had been cultivated by his father. The secret must lay somewhere within the line of Caine.

Lee Chung thought back to his own father. Chung Wang had first been raised by the Manchus for the sole purpose of killing Kwai Chang Caine, their grandfather. When Chung Wang was defeated by his own father and the spell had been broken that had been placed upon him, his father tried to teach him all that he knew of the Shaolin way of life. Though Chung Wang had been a willing student, his understanding did not reach the level of his father's. Something still lingered within that later drew him to the darker forces.

Chung Wang had only spent a few years with his father. He had become Shaolin, but did not have the brands. There was no cauldron to help him to the next level. When Lee Chung's father returned to China, it had been under the pretence to rebuild the Shaolin Temples. For 10 years he trained new Shaolin priests. Many did not have the brands until records thought lost were found and the taking of the brands was reintroduced. For some reason, Chung Wang declined. He gave no real reason. Lee Chung later learned that his father did not want the reminder of who and what he was. For him, the brands only served to remind him of his past.

During those first five years when Lee Chung was born and growing, his father never mentioned his grandfather Kwai Chang Caine. His father did not use his real name. It wasn't until years later that he learned about his grandfather and the murder of the Emperor's nephew. Chung Wang tried to tell him the truth of the events as his father had told him, but Lee could not understand why they had been abandoned by their grandfather. His father had said it was for their protection while they were in China. But shortly after that, Chung Wang changed. He did research into the background of the Manchus and where their power had originated. It was during that research Chung Wang learned of the Dark Warrior. He wanted to learn more, to be able to defeat it he had said. Instead, he became obsessed with the legend of the Dark Warrior and his power. And in so doing had been swallowed up in it's darkness. He left the Temple, taking young Lee Chung with him, never to be heard from again. What the Shaolin did not know was that his father was passing down the knowledge to Lee Chung. His father had discovered that his own son had the capacity for understanding the dark just as much as Matthew had the capacity for understanding the light and had passed that down to his own son, Kwai Chang Caine, their grandfather's namesake. And now, it would seem Kwai Chang's son had that same capacity to understand the light within him.

'This wound never do,' he thought. 'If I cannot turn him to the services of the Dark Warrior, I will have him as a sacrifice. I will separate his chi force and draw it into myself. Then I will kill his father and the line of Caine will begin again with me.'

Lee Chung watched as Laura was allowed to go to her son.

'It won't be long little cousin,' he thought. 'All we need to do now it wait for your father. He will come and when he does, I will be sure he sees just what will happen to the line of Caine. It would seem your destiny has changed, again little cousin.'

Kwai Chang Caine gathered what belongings he was going to need. His wife Laura had been without her medicinal herbs for several days. Through Peter he could tell she was in a lot of pain and trying her best not to show it. Kwai Chang marveled at her strength.

"Kwai Chang Caine. How do you plan to reach your family?" Ping Hai asked, even though he knew the answer.

"Walk."

"It is a journey of several days. You may not reach them in time. There is another way."

"What other way is there?"

"You must follow me."

Ping Hai led Kwai Chang down a set of stairs behind one of the many large statues inhabiting the Temple. Two red doors could be seen. Chinese lions guarded the entrance. Ping Hai pulled out a key and opened one of the doors. Quietly they stepped inside. All that could be seen were candles burning brightly, four books on peditals, and a wooden box on a side table.

"You must swear never to reveal what you are about to witness."

"Why?"

"Do not question me now. All will be revealed in time. Swear that you will not reveal what is here. It is vital for the safety of all.

Kwai Chang took a deep breath. "I swear that I will not reveal what is witnessed in this room."

Ping Hai walked over to one of the peditals. This one contained a thin white book with little ornamitation. He bowed to the book then opened its pages to the center. An illustration of a Temple shrouded in mist could been seen. Suddenly, Kwai Chang and Ping Hai were engulfed with the purest light. Kwai Chang could feel its goodness. When the light cleared, they found themselves at the steps to a Temple that had never been seen in this realm. Monks in white irredescent robes could be seen in groups of two and three. They eyed the pair curiously but did not approach.

"Where are we?" Kwai Chang questioned.

"In a very special place. You will learn more about it in time. Come we must go this way."

Kwai Chang followed Ping Hai and did not question, though his curosity had been brought to bear. The place felt familiar, yet he could not recall if he had been here before. Ping Hai led them down a hallway with several doors and they stopped in front of one.

"This will take you to your wife and young Peter. Think only of them and you will reach your destination quickly. Good luck, young Caine."

Kwai Chang watched Ping Hai leave. The older monk was filled with surprises. There was more to him than Kwai Chang would fully understand. After watching Ping Hai leave, Kwai Chang turned back to the door and opened it. All thoughts were on his family. The next thing he knew, he was standing outside in a place he did not recognize. A wall was behind him. It surrounded the property where Laura and Peter were prisoners. Kwai Chang scaled the wall with ease. Just as he was about to leap down, a guard walked by carrying a machine gun. Kwai Chang dropped silently behind him and grabbed him between his shoulder and neck. The man collapsed at his feet. Not a sound had been uttered. Kwai Chang picked up the machine gun and tossed it over the wall. He then picked up the unconscience man and threw him over his shoulder in a fireman's carry. He placed the man behind some bushes so he would not be spotted then proceeded to look over the area for any more guards and headed for the house.

Laura paced the nursery feeling anxious. Peter was asleep. The need to be near their son was very strong. She knew Lee Chung was planning something but she did not know what. Then two men entered the room and approached the crib.

"No! You cannot take him."

Laura tried to block the men from taking her son but they brushed her aside like paper. Laura was surprised just how weak she had become. Hearing the noise, Peter set up a wailing that could be heard in the next state. One of the men grabbed the screaming child and carried him under his arm like a sack of rice. Laura tried to recover from the weakness she felt to try and go after the men, but truth be told, she felt greatly defeated. How was she going to stop a madman from harming her son? Suddenly she felt gentle arms surrounding her from behind. She turned and looked into the eyes of Kwai Chang Caine. She knew it was him from the gentle but sad look that was there. In his eyes was also a question. Where was Peter, where was their son?"

"Lee Chung has him. I could not stop them." Tears were in her eyes. "I was too weak."

Kwai Chang stopped and pulled out a small pouch from the large brown one. He handed her some herbs.

"Chew these. They will strengthen your chi. It is the best I can do for now. I will go find our son and stop Lee Chung," Kwai Chang hugged his wife. "I will not let any harm come to him."

Then Kwai Chang quickly rose. Laura nearly went cold when she looked into his eyes. She did not know that a Shaolin had also the capacity to hate. The gentle priest was gone replaced with the soul of a warrior ready to do battle. She prayed that both her son and husband would survive.

Peter continued to cry as he was carried into the world of Lee Chung. The room he found himself in was deep under the grounds of the house. It had been a place where bootleggers could hide their stash of whisky and homemade corn liquor. Evidence in the floor showed there had once been a still. All that had been removed when Prohibition had been eliminated. When Lee Chung bought the house and discovered the room, he added his own touches. At the end of the room was an alter. On that alter was a statue; a replica of what the Dark Warrior was suppose to look like.

"Bind the child's arms and legs." Lee Chung was already dressed in the robes of a Sing Wah Master. In his hand he carried a dagger. It's handle was in the shape of a springing tiger; it's claws clutching the blade. It will take three small strokes of the blade and one final thrust to sever the chi. One across each forearm, and one across the forehead where the inner eye rests. They were the three points that joined the chi at it's center. The last would be the final stroke, in the abdomen, where the cosmic ball lies. The blade of the knife contained a spell that would draw the chi of a person into the holder of the knife. Even if the person were to survive, their spirit would be forever lost within the Bardo world, never to find a path home. Their body would be left, an empty shell.

Lee Chung bowed in Shaolin fashion. It was not meant to be out of respect. It was meant as a farewell gesture to an enemy. Lee Chung raised the blade.

"STOP!" Kwai Chang stood at the top of the stairs.

Lee Chung turned and smiled. "Well, cousin. Come to witness the end of the Caine line?"

"You will not harm my son. I will not allow it."

"You will not allow it? How will you stop me?"

Suddenly Kwai Chang was grabbed from behind. Large powerful arms tried to surround the priest but Kwai Chang slipped from their grasp and sent the man flying down the stairs to land at the feet of the man in black. Kwai Chang stared down at his cousin. A challenge was issued without saying a word. Two other men approach the young Shaolin but each time, Kwai Chang sent them back.

"Enough! This is getting us nowhere. All right cousin. Have it your way. Let's just see how good you really are."

Lee Chung laid the dagger on the alter beside Peter's head. During the exchange, Peter had suddenly gone quiet. He stared up at his father, eyes pleading. Kwai Chang's heart went out to his son. Seeing Peter tied angered him. Kwai Chang stared at the man who called him cousin. Though the man was an older version of himself, he felt no kinship with this man. He reached out his senses and found only darkness. There was no light within. As a Shaolin, he should try to help the man see the light and alter the path that he was on. As a Caine, he should have tried to persuade his cousin that he was part of the Caine line and that held great responsibility, but Kwai Chang could feel that the man knew nothing of that. All he sensed was the hunger for power, the power that laid within the line of Caine. This man believed he could have it by taking it from his son. Kwai Chang was going to prove him wrong.

Lee Chung removed the outer black robe. He stepped away from the alter and waited. Kwai Chang removed his sandals, hat, coat, and pouch. He placed all of them in a neat pile at the top of the stairs. Then he descended with the grace of a cat. Even in his bare feet he made no sound. Each poised in front of the other. Caine waited patiently. Lee Chung circled Kwai Chang. Immediately each chose which form they would fight with. Lee Chung took the form he thought would give him the most strength. It was the form that fascinated him the most when he was a boy at his father's Temple in China. Over the years, Lee Chung tried to perfect the form. Adding small knives if the hands were not enough. He had fought against many and killed those less skilled. It was always the way of the Tiger.

Seeing Lee Chung's choice, Kwai Chang responded in the only way that he could. From the grace of the cat, he switched positions and went back to the beginning; to the form that was kung fu. He did not know the skill level of Lee Chung. He only knew that this form was the appropriate one to take, not only based on the form that each had chosen in response, but what laid upon the alter. Kwai Chang raised his arms and his left leg in perfect balance. When the Tiger struck, the Crane again did battle for the protection of its young.

The two men fought in equal measure. Both tireless, but soon the Tiger was beginning to get frustrated. Each time the Tiger tried to strike with his claws, the Crane brushed them aside with his wings and his legs would come up kicking. Like a dance, each time the Tiger tried to scratch and tear, the Crane would beat it's wings in response, turning aside causing the Tiger to become more off balanced. Then it happened, the strong arms of the Crane came down and again off balanced the Tiger followed by a kick that felled Lee Chung. Rage overcame him and he blindly sprang at Kwai Chang. He barely turned aside in time. Without realizing it, Lee Chung ran into the major support posts, and from his strength and momentum, broke it in two. The sound of the ceiling creaking could be heard as tons of earth forced it's way downward. The room, though thought to be part of the basement had been buried under the yard. Only three support beams were keeping the ceiling from caving in. Without the one in the middle, nothing could stop the earth from moving.

Kwai Chang dashed to the alter and picked up his son. He ran up the stairs and placed him in another part of the upper basement out of harms way. He started to head back down to save his cousin in hopes that he might help him, but the roof collapsed. Kwai Chang watched in horror as Lee Chung was buried under a ton of rock and soil. Suddenly the rest of the ceiling started to give way and Kwai Chang gathered his belongs, picked up his son, and went to find his wife.

Laura heard the rumbling deep beneath the house, and yet it also sounded like it came from outside. She ran to the window and watched in horror as a portion of the immaculate lawn caved in. Horrible thoughts came to her of her husband and son buried alive. She stared, grief stricken, not knowing what to do or how to even cope. Then a soft noise came from behind her. She turned to see Kwai Chang covered in sweat and dirt holding Peter as if his life depended on it. Relief and love shone in his eyes along with a touch of sadness and regret. Laura ran to them and gathered both in her embrace. Tears fell freely, relieved that her worst fears had been unfounded. She then pulled back from Kwai Chang and said, "Let's go home."

"The shadows are falling. Hold me, my love. Please, do not berate yourself. You could not stop it. You at least prolonged my life and I got to see our son's second birthday, even though we missed his first," Laura said weakly with a smile, remembering the events from the last year. "I know you will watch out for him. He is very special. I could all ready see in many ways, he's like you. Do me a favor, please don't try to raise him alone."

Kwai Chang nodded as he felt his wife's life slowly fading. It would not be long. Peter sat on the bed beside his mother and father playing with one of his stuffed toys. Suddenly his mother grabbed one of his hands and placed it in his father's. She grasped both of them. Their hands were warm in hers while her hands were cooling and getting colder at each passing minute.

"I gave him to you at his birth, I give him to you at my death. Love him with all of your being, express that love at every turn. And tell him when he is older that I loved him, too."

Kwai Chang Caine hugged his wife and child. Then Laura's body went limp and the essence that was Laura Caine was gone. Peter reacted to the sudden change and began to cry. He pulled away from the coldness of his mother's body. In some instinctual way, Peter knew she was gone and he did not like it. The feeling of being left behind and abandoned began to rise within him without fully understanding why.

Kwai Chang buried his face in his dead wife's hair and tears fell silently. He breathed in the last of the Jasmine that she always wore trying to create a memory for all time. He then laid his wife back upon the bed, folded her arms across her stomach in a natural pose, smoothed out her hair, and bent down and gave her lips one last kiss. As he pulled Peter into his arms to comfort him, Ping Hai appeared at his side.

"She was a radiant light that will be missed."

"Thank you Master."

"Where will she be buried?"

"By the lake. It was a favorite place where she and I liked to walk together."

"I will have one of the monks carve a stone for her. Will you be returning to the Temple?"

"I . . . do not know," Kwai Chang shrugged his shoulders.

"You may need the help of others as young Peter grows."

"I cannot think about that right now. The shadows have fallen and the light is gone."

"The light is not totally gone. It shines within your son. Look to him when you feel troubled."

Kwai Chang pulled his son's face away from his shoulder to look more closely. His eyes fell on his features and realized Ping Hai was right. Laura was not totally gone. A part of her was here, in his arms. He could see her in the shape of his son's face, in the shape of his mouth, and soon to be in his son's nose. He briefly caressed his son's cheek then Kwai Chang pulled his son close once more and wept.

End