Hey peeps so sorry it has taken this long to update, hopefully now Christmas is approaching I'll have time to write more. Thank you for your patience!

Chapter 10: The Forgotten Star

The group of teens sat silently in Tyson's dojo, moonlight illuminating their concerned faces. For such a beautiful night, the sombre mood that consumed the teens could not be lifted.

Three hours had passed since Kai had rushed through the door carrying a limp Cassie in his arms…. Three hours since the doctor was called to the emergency… Three hours since anyone had heard any news about the girl…

All the teens were weary but none could sleep. No one dared to speak; no one knew what to say. No one even knew what had happened. It had all happened so fast you see; there was no time for questions. So now they all waited patiently, watching the door to the room where Cassie, Kai, Tyson's Grandpa and the doctor where.

After a little more waiting, the door finally opened to reveal a relieved looking Grandpa and the doctor. They walked straight passed the teens, not even acknowledging them.

"She'll need lots of rest" said the doctor, rubbing his tired eyes. "And don't let her get out of bed for at least a week. I'll come check on her in a few days, she'll need that bandage changed. If her condition changes, contact me immediately ok?"

The two men shook hands.

"Yes doctor, I will. Thank you again."

A huge sigh escaped the old mans lips as he shut the door. He returned to the group of anxious teen awaiting news. They all looked up expectantly to the elder.

"She's going to be ok"

The wave of relief was visible throughout the group.

"She was very lucky though," continued the elder. "The doctor reckoned the knife narrowly missed a main artery on her arm. If that has been struck, well, it doesn't bear thinking about. She's patched up now though, our main concern is how much energy that whole palaver has taken out of her."

"Can we go see her?" asked Hilary hopefully

Grandpa shook his head

"I'm afraid not my dear, she's asleep now at last, and I think its time we all did too. Don't worry Kai will look after her now."

After a couple of days recuperation Cassie was back to her old self. The wound on her arm was 'healing nicely' as the doctor had commented. However she had become increasingly frustrated as Kai made her stay in bed.

He sat on the nearby chair, examining Cassie's blade, whilst listening to the usual routine of Cassie, as she desperately tried to get her freedom back.

"I feel fine though" she huffed

"Maybe so, but the doctor said bed rest for a week…"

He found it amusing how his girlfriend seemed so defiant against this simple task

"Since when have you ever listened to what doctors say?!"

Kai frowned; he knew where this was going.

"I seem to remember you went against them and came home early when you were meant to be in bed… I don't see why…"

She crossed her arms shapely, wincing slightly as she caught her wound. The Russian boy smirked slightly, sat on the bed and caressed her arm softly

"This is why… It's only a few more days"

"But it's soooo boring" she tried to give him a puppy dog look.

He chuckled

"That won't work on me…."

She frowned again and gave an exasperated cry

"It's just until I work out who did this to you…. If it's the same people as last time…"

"Kai it was probably just some random in the woods – a mugger or something."

"Would a mugger still attack you even if you had a panther beside of you??"

"I…. err…"

"Exactly…. Are you sure you don't remember anything else? What he looked like or…"

"Kai I've told you, he was all in black, and I couldn't see his face. He had nothing that could identify who or where he came from"

"But he did…"

"Pardon?"

The girl watched as Kai pulled out a torn piece of black cloth from his pocket. He turned it over to reveal a purple five-point star, the edge of which was lined with gold. Cassie looked like she had seen a ghost.

"Where did you get that?!" she demanded shakily

"It was in your hand when I found you; it must have come off the attacker… Does it mean anything to you?"

For a brief moment it looked like the girl was going to say something but after a short pause of contemplation she replied.

"No, no it doesn't… Kai I'm feeling tired I think I'm going to have a lie down, can we talk about this later please?"

"Of course, I'm sorry – get some sleep."

He kissed her forehead gently as she closed her eyes and left her to sleep, unaware of the tear that trickled down her cheek as he left.

Outside, Kai watched the rest of the team continue their usual day of practising but for once he could not concentrate on helping his team mates. His mind was too consumed with worry about this mysterious star and the persistent attacks on his beloved Cassie.

"Everything ok Kai?"

The Russian looked up to see the friendly gaze of Rei.

"It's not like you to day dream," stated the Chinese boy

"Hmm"

"What's up?"

Kai thought to himself briefly before saying

"Not in front of the others…"

He began walking further down the garden leaving a puzzled Rei watching. Sensing this Kai turned and signalled Rei to follow. When they were out of earshot of the others, the Russian stopped and gazed into the distance.

"I'm worried about Cassie. I think someone is after her."

"Because of the attacks? Kai maybe it was just a coincidence? I mean those first thugs were after some Cantou and Cassie isn't…."

"But that's just it, she is Cantou…"

"Huh? But… how? I mean…"

Kai groaned slightly and hung his head in dismay; suddenly he snapped it up facing Rei with his piercing crimson eyes.

"If I tell you, you have to promise me you will not breathe a word of this to anyone."

"Of course Kai, I wouldn't betray you or Cassie…"

"I mean it; I will personally find you if this is not kept between us. It's vital no one knows the truth…"

Rei nodded

"Cantou is… was Cassie's birth parents surname… her real family was murdered when she was just a baby… as far as she knows no one knows that about that apart from me, her adoptive parents and now you…. I think she's the one they're after."

"But why?"

Kai sighed with frustration

"I don't know and I can't figure it out, it doesn't help I don't know who they are either…"

"If only there was some sort of clue," muttered Rei

"There is, but I have no idea what it means"

"You do?"

"Yes, it's what I wanted to show you, you're quite knowledgeable about symbols and tribes and such aren't you?"

"Well I can't guarantee I'll know for sure, but yes I know quite a lot about these things."

"Here."

Kai handed Rei the black piece of cloth. Carefully the Chinese boy examined it, his amber eyes tentatively noting every detail.

"Does it mean anything?" asked Kai

Rei frowned

"I'm not sure… I think I recognise it, but I don't want to alarm you especially if I'm wrong…"

"Alarm me? What's wrong? What is it?"

"Kai calm down, I'm sure it's nothing…"

"But what do you think it is…"

Rei sighed, he looked up and Kai could clearly see the concern on his face

"I think it's from Korea."

A feeling of dread filled the boy

"But as I said Kai, I can't be sure… lot's of tribes use a star as their symbol. If it's who I think it is then I know someone who can confirm it."

"Who?"

"Hilary… she lived there remember?"

"Let's go..."

Rei nodded as they returned back to the dojo, but in his heart of hearts he hoped for once he had got it wrong.

Ok that's it for now, I'll update soon, I promise. I've finally escaped from writers block! Any comments would be gratefully appreciated!

Wreckless Spirit