Soulmates Beyond Time
Part 3
by Alisa Joaquin

Notes: When speaking in another language, it will be denoted by < > signs. Since Ping Hai and Lo Si are the same person, I will be going back and forth with the name usage. In private, Peter will be calling Ping Hai by his real name. In public, he will be called Lo Si.

Jordan slammed her fist into one of the walls of her living room. Why had she reacted that way? What was the matter? She had not been on vacation for six weeks. Partners, her and Peter? They had been lovers and worked on cases together from time to time. It was Jody who had been his partner. Her thoughts were all mixed up; as if someone else was putting thoughts into her mind; creating false memories and stirring hidden feelings that she never knew she had.

Jordan tried to recall what it was she remembered. She had to sort out what was real and what was false. She remembered being at the precinct when Peter left. It had been a shock, and it did hurt that they would no longer be together in the same way, but to react the way she did was not like her. Even Skalany seemed to think I had been gone. And what about Peter and the Ancient, they both acted much the same way. Still, it was odd seeing the brands on Peter's arms. And she did feel as if Peter had been forced into it in some way . . . no that cannot be.

'What is happening to me?' she questioned herself. 'Why do I feel as if I am drowning? Who am I any more? Something is happening that I can't explain. Could it be one of those forces that Peter mentioned? No, I don't believe in the supernatural.'

Suddenly more thoughts not her own came to the surface. Kill the father and all will return to normal. No, those were not her thoughts. Peter, where are you when I need you?

*****

Peter stared as Jordan left. Now where did that come from? As if in a dream, his mind cleared. Something was not right. He held on to what Jordan had said.

'That could not be right either,' he thought. 'I remember her being there when I left the precinct. There was a sadness but not what had been displayed here.'

"Ping Hai what just happened here?"

Ping Hai also seemed dazed. "I do not know." Lo Si closed his eyes and reached out with his Chi. Something in the fabric of time and nature was not right. It seemed to stretch farther than he could see. How many were affected could not be determined.

"There seems to be a disturbance. If only your father was here. He would be able to help me find out the cause."

"Is there something I might do?"

"I do not know if your skills will be enough."

"Ping Hai, I have to try."

"I know young Caine." Ping Hai thought on what Peter requested. "There may be a way. If you was to gather certain herbs, we may mix a potion that will strengthen your Chi so you can meditate and learn what is doing this to your friends."

"What herbs do I need?"

"I will make a list. There is an extra pouch on the shelf over there."

Peter went to the shelf where Ping Hai pointed toward and found the brown carrying bag. It looked much like his father's bag. Attached was a note addressed to him.

"My Son, I thought this may come in handy. You have earned it. You have come a long way. Do not forget I will always be proud of you. You are my son and I love you. We will see each other, again someday if all goes well. If I need you, you will know. Love, your father."

Tears came to Peter's eyes. His father was not one for writing notes. This one was very special because of that. He will keep it and remember. Peter took a deep sigh and cleared his mind from the memories. He took the list from Ping Hai and headed out the door to look for the required herbs.

*****

Mai Chi walked through the unfamiliar streets of this particular Chinatown. She was not aware that there were other Chinatowns in other cities. The one she was most familiar with was in San Francisco. She marveled at how they were quite similar and yet, very different. After being left off by the cab, she wished she had picked up a map at the airport. Finding the Shaolin was not going to be an easy task. Sing Ling, the emperor had given her directions but his memory had been sketchy. What he did remember came from memories when he was forced to leave his safe house to find Peter because agents had attacked, trying to prevent him from fulfilling his final task confirming that he was the rightful heir to the throne. Mai Chi tried to think what the emperor had said to her in finding the elusive priest. Of course, "Come to Chinatown, ask for Caine. He will help you." Remembering those instructions, Mai Chi set out to question anyone who might know how to find Caine. She was soon rewarded for her efforts. An old restaurant owner pointed the way. She followed his directions and soon came upon the ally way that lead to Caine's apartment. At first she was hesitant to enter but she knew if she did not succeed in this mission, the new emperor would die, and all hopes of freeing China from the grip of the communists would be lost. What also made this search vital was because the emperor had not taken a wife, yet. There was no heir to succeed him if he should fail.

Mai Chi entered the building and climbed the steps to the top floor. A doorway stood open. Just inside, she could see that the room was sparcely furnished. There was a small shrine off to the left. As she entered, she could see an old man standing behind a workbench mixing remedies of all types. Suddenly, the old man looked directly at her. Mai Chi bowed and spoke in Chinese.

<Master Caine, my name is Mai Chi. I have come to ask you for your help.>

<I am honored that you think I am he, but I am not. Can you speak English?>

<Yes>

"Then do so. It is easier on the voice."

"I am confused. I was asked to find Master Caine, the Shaolin. I was given directions to this place. Are you not him?"

"No, I am not. I am called Lo Si. My friends call me the Ancient, because I am so old. Master Caine is not here. He is on an errand. I expect him back very soon. Would you like some tea while you wait?"

"Yes, please."

"What brings you to this place?"

Mai Chi at first did not want to explain why she was here. She did not know who the old man was and the emperor never mentioned him. Just then, Peter came in.

"I have the herbs you requested. I had a hard time finding some of them. I don't think all of them are in season yet. Besides, around here, I wouldn't trust their condition with all the pollutants."

Ping Hai leaned in close. "You have a visitor, Master Caine."

Peter turned to see a young attractive Chinese woman. Her eyes scrutinized him.

"You are not Caine." It was a statement based on her knowledge and understanding.

"I am Caine." Peter replied.

"I was told to look for an older man with grey flowing hair. You are not the Shaolin."

Peter understood the reason for her declaration. "No, but I am Shaolin. How may I help you?"

"I will speak only to the Shaolin that I was sent to speak to, and you are not him."

"And who were you sent to speak to?" Peter tried to remain patient and humor the woman.

"Kwai Chang Caine."

Peter turned to Ping Hai with a look that spoke of why me. He would have to set this woman straight if he was to help her in any way.

"Kwai Chang Caine is not here. I am his son, Peter Caine."

When Peter mentioned his name, Mai Chi could not believe what she was hearing. Her eyes became far too wide, then closed as her body grew limp. Peter quickly caught her before she hit the floor.

End of Part 3

Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2000.
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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