The Synopsis
Character(s): Peter Caine
Time Period: After Caine leaves in Requiem
Story: Peter Caine reflects upon his new life as a priest.
Author: Alisa Joaquin
Disclaimer: All characters are borrowed except those created by me. All other characters (from KF:TLC and we know who they are) are property of Warner Brothers. I promise to give them back when I am done with them (of course I do not know how long that will be.) I give permission to archive.
The Story
Peter buried his face in his hands as realization set in. A priest! He was a priest. How was he ever going to face this. The turmoil pulling at his heart and soul forced him to seek that calm that he knew was somewhere deep within, but it would not come easily. It seemed simple at first, his father needed his help. Only another Shaolin, a newly created Shaolin could help him. Even more specific, only the son could help the father. Even now, after it was all over, doubts filled his mind. He looked at the pebble that rested in his hand. He had snatched it. It had not been a dream. It was there, resting in his hand, solid and real. He had succeeded in doing what he thought he would never be able to do. Even the things that he thought only his father was capable of doing were now his to command. The force of his chi had grown in proportion to the training he had received and the calming of his tortured emotions. But still, a small spark of doubt still remained. Peter looked out across the city from the terrace that had been his father's place of sanctuary, now his to guard and protect.
'Can I really do this?' he thought.
Suddenly he felt a familiar presence within his mind filling him with love and acceptance.
*You can do this. You are my son.*
The words reached him and Peter was grateful for their presence. Though his father was out of sight, he was not out of mind, literally. The link that they shared had only been strengthened. It was a bond that forever would remain, no matter how far they were apart. Peter stood out on the balcony for what seemed like hours. Before, the cold would have forced Peter to rush back inside to the warmth of the candle lit room, but now, it no longer seemed to bother him. He wanted to remain there, feeling his father's presence until the very last moment, sensing that his father was safe and at peace with the world. And yet, a small spark of pain remained, not for him but for another, another who waited across an ocean. Was it his mother? Peter forced his feet to stay planted in that spot, despite his own feelings of wanting to know the truth. He had a responsibility and a promise to fulfill. He could not abandon the people of Chinatown, no matter what his own heart tugged at him. He knew there would be a time when his father would need him, but for now, he would remain as the resident Shaolin; the spiritual guide and protector of the community. He just hoped he would be worthy of the task. Still, minute doubts fluttered at the back of his mind, asking him if he truly made the right choice after all.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for Caine?"
Peter turned toward the voice that had called from behind him and turned toward the future, making his decision.
"I am Caine, how may I help you?"
End
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2002.
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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