Distant Cousins
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Challenge
Kwai Chang Caine waited below. Though Tan created this place, it was fitting for one such as the Tiger. The Mayor wanted to have the arena torn down, but Caine and a few others persuaded the Mayor that the arena could be put to other uses and it would be good for the community. Plans to convert the arena into a multiplex center with shops, movie theaters, and offices were in the first stages of that development. Architectural firms in the city had been given the opportunity to place bids and submit their designs. For now Tan's temple remained in tact, but once construction began, it would be removed.
Caine sat in the center of the floor. Candles surrounded the perimeter giving off a warm deceptive glow. Even though Tan's presence was gone, the temple still had an air of evil about it. It was fitting that this place would be finally destroyed and the space used for other purposes. Caine did his best to concentrate on the battle ahead. He had never issued a challenge before, but for his son's sake and the sake of his cousin, it seemed fitting that he do so. Although he would prefer not to kill Bon Bon Hai, he understood the necessity of preventing the ex-Zhong Li Quan leader from spreading his evil, and the evil of the Dark Warrior. Perhaps there was another way, but it would require them to be in Shambhala to do it, and all Caine had was the crystal medallion as the means to that sacred space. It would require that Caine get Bon Bon Hai into a hold that he would not be able to break in order so that both of them could enter into that sacred realm together. The brothers will not be pleased, but it may be the only opportunity, and the only way they will be able to stop the ex-Zhong Li Quan leader.
Caine heard footsteps approaching. It would seem Bon Bon Hai did not follow what Caine had requested.
"My instructions were for you to come alone," Caine stated unemotionally, as if he was instructing a disobedient child.
"You take me for a fool?" Bon Bon Hai questioned. "If I were you, I would not have come alone, but would include someone as a second to insure a defeat."
"You judge me by your own perception," Caine replied. "I am Shaolin. My word is my bond."
Caine watched Bon Bon Hai as he circled the temple courtyard. He knew the Tiger was stalking the area to determine if there were any hidden doors or to see if Caine had any hidden allies.
"You will find no one else is here but us," Caine stated. "The Crane and the Tiger."
"I do not plan on using such tactics. I am well aware of what the Crane can do against the Tiger."
"Then we shall use the weapons of the challenge. Choose"
Caine pointed to the weapons that lay on the floor. They were similar weapons that Caine had Master Khan deliver to Bon Bon Hai's office.
Bon Bon Hai started to reach for one of the weapons and Caine did the same. He heard the telltale click of a hammer being pulled back to cock another kind of weapon.
"No one must interfere. This is between your Master and I," Caine sternly stated, his voice raising to echo off the walls. "If anyone interferes, they will have to answer to me."
"And me," Bon Bon Hai exclaimed. "Caine is right. This is a challenge between us. Put your weapons down, or I will put them down for you. Whatever the outcome may be, you must not interfere."
Both men waited until Bon Bon Hai's men did what they were instructed. They watched as both men surrendered their weapons to the floor. Having reached an agreement, the Crane and the Tiger prepared to meet each other on the battlefield.
Continues with Part 29
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2003.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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