Soulmates Beyond Time
Part 14
by Alisa Joaquin

Peter woke to the smell of jasmine incense. He had been moved from the great hall into one of the rooms down the hall. He did not know how long he slept only that the sleep he received restored his energy and also something else. He felt a faint tingling at the back of his mind that was the presence of his father. The feeling was of deep pride but mixed with sadness. Peter wanted to know what was disturbing his father but for now, he concentrated on other matters. His stomach was telling him he had not eaten for some time. Then he realized something else. He needed a shower very badly. Peter looked around the room he had been placed in and found on a small table with a freshly brewed pot of tea, some clean clothes, a couple of towels, and his satchel of herbs. Peter was about to poor himself a cup of tea when one of the attendance to the Emperor came in. He picked up the towels and motioned Peter to follow. Curiosity won out over hunger and Peter followed. Soon he found himself standing in a room with a steaming tub and a smile formed across Peter's face. Yes, just what he needed to loosen up the rest of his sore body. Peter quickly undressed and eased himself into the steaming water. It felt like heaven. How long had it been since he had a proper bath? Three or four days, a week? It did not matter now. Every fiber of his being told him that this moment in time was all important. Peter dunked his head into the tub and let the water run down his face. He then picked up a wash cloth from the side and began scrubbing himself all over. His legs, his arms, his chest, around his neck, his face, and finally behind his ears. Every area of his body where sweat and grime coould hide. After Peter dunked himself one more time, he grabbed a small pillow to support his head, closed his eyes, and began meditating.

Suddenly he felt the presence of someone else. Peter opened his eyes and saw it was Mai Chi. Peter watched as she removed the towel around herself and gingerly stepped into the tub. She was deep in her own thoughts and not aware that Peter had even seen her. Peter at first thought about the embarrassement of being caught with his pants down so to speak but then a memory came to the surface that he had not thought about in years. It was a lesson from his father. How to construct walls of privacy, even when you were in a crowd. This lesson he remembered was in a place such as this. There had been men and boys of all ages soaking in tubs, laying out on pallets, and receiving messages from other monks. Peter had been about 10 years old. He was beginning to see other boys and monks at least 5 years older than himelf in different ways. He saw the bodily changes taking place and found it to be embarrassing and even at times envious. He wanted to be growing as they did but at the same time wanted to remain that little boy. The thought of growing hair other than on the top of the head felt strange. Now he looked at himself and realized that there was no reason to be embarrassed. Everybody, whether they were boy or girl grew in their own time and in their own way. Having Mai Chi here, however, was a bit unnerving and a bit tempting. It had been a while since he had been in the presence of a woman and a naked one at that. Still, it would not be right to interrupt her bath. Peter closed his eyes and tried to think of other things. He continued to try to recite the lesson that his father had taught him but found it was rather hard to think. Then he recalled a time when he had watched Shogun with Paul. There had been a similar scene. Peter thought if Richard Chamberlain could do it, so could he. So he settled back down within himself. Twenty minutes later, he was being gently awakened.

"Peter, the emperor requests an audience with us."

"Ping Hai?" Peter looked around and still found himself in the now cooling bath. Mai Chi was

gone. "I guess I fell asleep. Help me out will you?"

"I have a towel for you right here."

Ping Hai held out the towel and Peter climbed out. Ping Hai wrapped it around him and he found he was grateful for the assistance. A smile came to Ping Hai's lips as Peter began drying himself off.

"I use to do this when you were a little boy whenever your father was busy. You let me dry you off until you were about six years old."

"You know, I remember that. You use to tell me if I did't wash behind my ears, I could grow a

potato crop back there."

"Did you wash behind your ears?" Ping Hai said with a tinkle in his eyes.

Peter smiled at the memory and drew the towel closer.

"I will take you back to your room."

Peter followed Ping Hai. Once back in the room, Peter found other things waiting for him. His old traveling clothes had been cleaned and washed but on the bed were saffron robes. It was then that Peter noticed that Ping Hai was dressed also in the formal robes of a Shaolin.

"Am I going to have to wear that?" Peter asked.

"Yes, Peter. The audience with the Emperor is very important today."

"I haven't worn robes since I took the brands. I hope I will remember how."

"I will help you. These robes are far different. These are ceremonial and specific to Chinese tradition."

Peter picked up the black sash and was surprised to find it was made of silk.

"Am I going to have to shave my head? What's this all about?"

"No, you will not need to shave your head. And I do not know. I was instructed only to help you

get ready and to take you to the Emperor."

Peter shrugged his shoulders and turned toward the table where the tea sat looking longingly at the pot. His stomach at that moment announced its intentions.

"Can I have some tea? I haven't eaten yet."

"Of course. You may have some while you dress."

Five minutes later, a knock came on the cell door and Ping Hai and Peter were escorted to the main hall. Sing Ling was dressed and looking more refreshed and alive. Though he had lost some weight during that time, it did not diminish the power and strength that he showed while sitting on the makeshift throne. Off to one side and behind him sat Mai Chi looking radiant. She had changed into traditional chinese ceremonial dress as well. Ping Hai bowed to the Emperor and Peter did the same feeling somewhat awkward.

"Shaolin Peter Caine. Come forward and stand by my side."

Peter gave a questioning look to Ping Hai but did not say a word. He then mounted the steps and stood by Sing Ling.

"It was nearly four years ago that you petitioned with your father to regain your family's honor by offering to protect me during my ascention. A year later, your father and you escorted me back to China for the final passage in becoming emperor. And now, I have you to thank once again for saving my life and soul. During the past two years, I and my councils have been working diligently to put in place new policies for China and my people once I have returned as her new Emperor and the present government has fallen. Since last night, my councils and I have made a decision that will effect this country quite profoundly." Sing Ling held out his hand and one of his advisors, Mai Chi, came forward. She handed him a page.

"On this day, that is on the day that I am recognized as China's Emperor publically, be it known that the restoration of all Shaolin Temples will take place starting that very day. They will be considered China's National Treasure. This Temple and your grandfather's Temple will be the first to be restored. Also, all Shaolin will be protected by the throne of China no matter it's Emperor. The Shaolin will again become China's spiritual leaders. Anyone harming a Shaolin in any way will be imprisoned. And on this day, the name of Caine shall be added to my own in brotherhood never to be dishonored again. A holiday will be declared upon that day and it will be called the Day of Caine. I so decree, Sing Ling, rightful Emperor of China."

Peter was speechless. Tears brimmed his eyes. All he could do was bow in humble silence. His thoughts at that moment were with his father. Wondering what he would think and say to this event.

"A copy of this decree will be sent to all Shaolin Temples existing outside of China and those also hidden within. I will give you a copy to take home to your father. Now, let us celebrate this occasion with a feast, pizza anyone?"

Peter laughed to himself at the memory that last line evoked.

"Peter, your father would be very proud of you. Your first couple of weeks as a Shaolin have proven you to be worthy of the brands. What will you do?"

"I do not know. I think I'm going to need some time alone to absorb all that has happened. One thing I know I want to do is go and walk around outside. I feel I need to. We'll be going home soon and I want to say goodbye, at least for now."

"I understand."

Hours after the feasting, Peter walked up to the level of the first temple. The artifacts room was bare of dust. Two men stood at the entrance to the rest of the Temple. Night had fallen. The two men cautioned Peter that patrols may be out. Peter replied that he would be careful but no one would see him. Silently Peter walked among the rooms and soon found other parts of the Temple that had been destroyed from decay and from people seeking souvenirs. Peter found himself remembering the days and weeks when his father and he came to the Temple to teach the monks kung fu. It had been a time of changing and seeking. It was during this time that Peter was beginning to question where his true destiny lay. As Peter walked, he thought of all the things he learned and when he was teaching. He thought about how he had to defeat his father during the demonstration of kung fu. He did not know if he could have done it. Usually when he and his father sparred, he would end up on the floor. Then he thought of Kwai Chang and how that gentle soul would also become a tower of strength.

"And the last shall save the first. In a way, Pop, I've saved more than just Kwai Chang, I've saved Kwai Chang's Temple as well."

After that, Peter had been aware that something had changed between them. There was a feeling of family and a deep sense of gratitude. Peter found himself within the courtyard space by the foundation and another conversation took place here. The conversation with the first Mai Chi. She had wanted Peter to take her with him but it was not possible. Was it possible now? As Peter sat and thought, another came and stood watch.

"I dreamed of this place, and of you. I did not know it's meaning until now. I have felt as if a

piece of my soul was missing until you came. You are he."

"Yes." Peter had not turned, not wanting to break the spell.

"Somehow, you came to this place long ago and prevented a tragedy. You also met someone.

Someone who is a part of you. A piece of your soul as well."

Peter bowed his head. Tears were beginning to fall from the memory of leaving her behind.

"You could not take her with you."

"No."

"You believed she was lost to you."

"Yes." Peter's voice was filled with emotion and he whispered his reply.

"She is no longer lost to you now. She is here waiting."

Peter turned and saw the truth. She was here. He gathered Mai Chi in his arms and wept. He had found a piece of himself.

"When I saw you sitting behind the Emperor I thought . . ."

"The Emperor saved my life. He asked me to be his liason and to find Caine. I have found more than just a Shaolin. I too have found a piece of my soul and the answer to my dreams."

"Will you remain with the Emperor?" Fear of losing her again was coming to the surface.

"I have asked to be released. I told him of my dreams and of you. He is quite an understanding man."

"Yeah, he is." Peter remembered the time before when he first met Sing Ling and smiled at the memory. He's come a long way. "We have a lot to catch up on. Do you have family back in the states?"

"Yes, they are in San Francisco in another Chinatown. I will need to see them before I decide where I may end up. I am going to need help deciding where I belong."

Peter smiled to himself. "Well, come to Chinatown, ask for Caine. I will help you."

The two reunited souls talked through the night and watched the sunrise. A search almost had to be called when they did not return but they were found and all was well. Ping Hai pointed a scolding finger at Peter and reminded him that they needed to pack. Sing Ling had arranged for them to meet with another guide and this time they acquired transportation to take them back to Bejing where they could catch a flight. When the talk of returning home became prevelent, Peter again thought of his father. There was something they would need to discuss. Peter hoped by the time they returned, his father would be there waiting. It was going to be quite a reunion.

End Part 14

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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