Soulmates Beyond Time
It had taken several days to get to Hunon Province in Northern China. The small party at times would talk quietly at night about their fears. Peter would usually do his best to reassure the group that the Emperor was still with them even though his Chi was trapped within the Gamemaster's world.
"Sing Ling is strong. He will not give up without a fight. I should know. He decked me once," remembering with humor.
"Master Caine." the young man that was their guide spoke up. Peter did not realize the young man spoke English. They had spoken nothing but Chinese for nearly a week. It helped Peter's rusty Chinese to become more fluent. "Are you really a Shaolin? I saw what you did back at the shrine. I did not want to draw anyone's attention. We have to be very careful."
Peter did not speak a word. In the light of the fire he slowly rolled up his sleeves and brought his arms out for the young man to examine. The brands of the tiger and the dragon could be seen. The flames seemed to make them appear as if they were on fire. Peter remembered the day he took the brands.
***
"Only a full Shaolin can help your father. You must take the brands."
"Lo Si they are just symbols."
"No, they will take you to the next level." Lo Si had brought out the robes necessary for the ritual.
Peter had changed into them and a small part of him wondered if he was doing the right thing. Then he thought of his father fighting himself. The good had been weakened and needed his strength. Without it, the aggressor could overpower the good and never return. The thought did not set well with Peter. Then he though of his life as a cop. Though he had helped many people, the violence of that life would soon begin to eat at his soul. There was no room for compassion and Peter knew at that moment just what he wanted.
Peter stood next to Lo Si. The cauldron was before him. Though Peter knew there had been more to the ritual, there had not been time to prepare. As if in a dream, Peter walked up to the cauldron. He did not say a word. He bared his arms as so many others had done. He lined his arms up with each of the images. He took a deep breath to center himself and placed his arms on the glowing images. Pain shot through him but only for an instant. Something else happened that could not be described. Suddenly it was as if he had been opened up to the universe and he became more aware than he had ever been. The power of his Chi soared to new heights and in an instant, it was gone again but not lost. He knew he could draw on this power whenever he needed it. He took his arms away from the cauldron, leaving skin behind as testament to seal his fate. The pain of that removal again shot through him and threatened to engulf him. But he remained, backing into a post for support himself. The scars were fresh and raw. Lo Si wanted to bind the wounds but Peter would not let him. His father needed him. He was running out of time. When Peter came into his father's rooms, he could feel the good side of his father was weakened badly. He held out his arms and presented them to his father to replenish his Chi. No father could be so proud as Caine was at that moment. His father took his arms in his hands and drew from him what he needed. With his Chi replenished, his father was able to defeat his aggressive side, embrace it, and then accept it back into himself. He became whole once again.
***
Peter was drawn back to the conversation. They were again voicing their doubts and asked Peter if he had any. Peter would not voice his own doubts. As a Shaolin, he needed to be centered in order so he could do what was necessary. On this night, the party had to hide from troops that were patrolling the area. Someone from the last village had become suspicious and reported their movements. This was a time when the Shaolin took over. Peter doused the fire with a wave of his arm. The shutting down of the flames was so complete that the embers and the charred wood were cold to the touch. If the fire were found, it would have to appear that it had been dead for many days. Peter motioned their small band to get behind him and placed a finger to his lips for silence. Then Peter pulled out a small vial from his satchel. And sprinkled it's contents in front of them on the ground. Just as a mist rose up to engulf them at that moment, a small patrol of three men came walking by. They spotted the campfire and checked it. Just as Peter hoped, they believed it to be old and they soon moved on. Peter had them wait for at least 15 minutes then he dispelled the mist.
"That was good thinking Peter. Your father would have been very proud."
"We're not out of the woods yet, Lo Si. Lee, do you know of an alternative route to the Temple?"
"Yes, but it will take us another two days to get there. It will require going into the mountains further."
"We may have no choice. We need to be able to avoid any troops. Plus, we better not set any more fires. It may draw attention."
Mai Chi had not said a word. She preferred to let the men take the lead at this moment. There would come a time when her skills would be required later. The small troop packed up their belongings. Peter walked up next to Lee Chin and helped him to see where they were going.
"Can we not at lease use a torch?" Mai Chi said. "It will be very dark within the mountains."
"We cannot risk it Mai Chi. Besides, the Moon is nearly full. We should have plenty of light to see by as it gets higher in the sky. We better not talk from here on out. We don't want any more troops hearing us."
They soon were traveling again in silence, back with their own thoughts. Peter especially thought of his father. Was this how it was like during your travels father? Maybe we could travel together some time, if we can get through this nightmare. Peter reached out with his Chi to find the essence of his father. It was there but at the same time unreachable. The realization of what they were up against hit him. 'Give me strength father. Help me to defeat Wei Ch'i. We will be together again soon my father,' Peter thought, using the formal words and turning it into a declaration. 'I promise.'
End of Part 9
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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