Chapter 14: The Family of Mas

Ryozanpaku, at night

Ma Sougetsu couldn't be in Japan, could he? Master Ma thought, his brows knitting into a deep frown. He was deeply troubled. There was no point pacing around the room, wondering if he was indeed back in Japan. His lesson with his beloved disciple had completed, leaving him time to muse over the battle Ken-chan had fought the night before.

The opponent was merciless and far beyond Kenichi's level of martial arts. Master Ma was surprised that Kenichi managed to stay alive despite the fierce battle. Kenichi's timely grasping of the peripheries of the idea of a 'sei' user, helped him to match up to his opponent. His disciple was showing tremendous improvements in his martial arts.

He was delighted at the growth that his disciple had shown but he was concerned over another matter- Ken-chan's opponent. The martial art his opponent had used was a agressive Chinese martial arts style that Ma Sougetsu particularly favoured-powerful and heartless, suggesting the young man might have been his disciple at a point of time and that Ma Sougetsu might be in Japan.

He frowned at the thought of Ma Sougetsu in Japan- he had a developed a cruel thirst of killing people. It wasn't good that he was in Japan.

He disliked meeting with his contacts so that he could gather information, however he had little choice if he wanted the truth.

He had to meet Ma Sougetsu if he was in Japan.

With firm determination, he swiftly put on his hat and slipped out of the Dojo into the darkness.

Yokohama, Chinatown, at night

The clamour of sounds assaulted his senses, giving him a slight headache as he tried to seek that familiar diminutive figure among the hordes of people that thronged Chinatown. Glaring bright signboards on buildings with distinctive Chinese designs blinked continuously, adding strain to his eyes- he wasn't used to being in the crowd. Kenichi haphazardly drew his hand through his hair, as he stood rooted to the spot and searched for Master Ma among the sea of people.

Kenichi, noticing that his master had been behaving oddly, decided to tail him when he saw him slip out of the Dojo. He lost track of his master when he entered Yokohama and Master Ma was promptly swallowed by the immense crowd.

He cursed inwardly at his own stupidity, too pre-occupied in berating himself to notice that someone was standing next to him, with a look of concern on his face.

"Ken-chan, did you lost something?"

He turned, absently regarding the speaker, "Yeah, I'm looking for Mas… Master Ma!" Kenichi jumped when he saw the person he was looking for, standing in front of him. "When did you get behind me?" demanded Kenichi in astonishment.

Master Ma shook his head. "I've been standing behind you for a while, Ken-chan." The amused smile from his face disappeared suddenly. "Take some money, go have some soba then go back," continued Master Ma solemnly, offering his disciple some money.

To his surprise, he refused to take it. Kenichi folded his arms in a determined way and shook his head.

Master Ma would have teased him if it was in other circumstances. "It might be very dangerous for you if you follow me. I beg you my pupil, please go home," said Master Ma, meeting his gaze.

His eyes narrowed in resolve. "I'll not allow you to go alone, Master. I want to share your worries because I'm your disciple."

Master Ma would have smiled at the fierce loyalty he had but it was too dangerous for him. "Have your decision been made then?"asked Master Ma.

"Yes," answered Kenichi, a confident smile spreading across his face.

A ghost of smile appeared on Master Ma's face as he turned away to led him to his destination. "Well, since you're so determined to court your own death, I shall abide your decisions," answered Master Ma.

Kenichi gave an uncomfortable laugh. "Please don't talk like that, Master."

"Well, considered yourself warned," answered Master Ma with a grin. He led him to a two-storey Chinese restaurant in the middle of Yokohama. It looked rather grand from the outside with its distinctive Ming dynasty architecture, decorated with red Chinese lanterns and intimidating dragons on the tiled ceramic roof.

"Imperial wrath Chinese restaurant? Are we planning to eat first?" asked Kenichi curiously, peering at the Chinese signboard placed above the large entrance.

Master Ma ignored him and entered the restaurant. They were greeted by an older Chinese bespectacled man with long beard and moustache. He had two striking features, his long white eyebrows, which contrasted sharply against his black facial hair, and his bald head.

"Oh, so you decided it was time to come?" said the older man in a deep voice.

His master became very respectful and greeted him politely. "I've been neglectful, Uncle Hakubi."

"Both of you share a striking resemblances," observed Kenichi quietly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Well, that's because he's my uncle, Ma Ryou. Be polite. He is the most knowledgeable man in Chinatown," admonished Master Ma.

Kenichi rubbed the back of his head apologetically as he offered a nervous apology. Ma Ryou didn't seem to be affected by his lack of politeness and invited them to seat around one of the table, knowing that Master Ma won't be here if he didn't need information.

"I'm here about my long lost brother, Ma Sogetsu. Is he here in Japan?"asked Master Ma after he was seated.

Ma Ryou chuckled and stroked his beard thoughtfully but before he could answer, there was a loud feminine shout and a girl flew across the air and smashed the table into pieces with a strong flying kick. There was a loud crack as the table split into half and collapsed onto the ground.

Almost automatic, Kenichi was battle-ready.

He gasped when he realised it was a girl, dressed in a body-hugging qipao that highlighted her lush curves and he immediately dropped his stance. Her long and wavy hair was secured firmly into two pony tail with bells. Her eyes were solely fixed on his master.

"You've a beautiful body but never in a thousand years will you be able to kick me," said Master Ma , smiling in amusement. He had neatly side-stepped the attack. When he lifted his head to look at the face of the girl, his jaws nearly touched the ground.

"Papa, are you that shocked to meet your daughter?" asked the girl, lifting one of her brow sarcastically.

"What!" exclaimed Kenichi, unable to believe his ears. How could this girl before him be his Master's daughter? She was quite couldn't be his real daughter, could she?

"Your Enjokousai*?"said Kenichi with disbelief, staring at her incredulously. ( Enjokousai is a paid female student companion)

"Don't be an idiot, she's my daughter!" said Master Ma, looking affronted at the thought. He feigned a dignified manner and introduced his daughter. "Meet Ma Renka."

She did not acknowledged Kenichi, since her attentions were solely fixed on her father.

"You're going home with me this instant, Papa!" declared Renka, locking his wrist with a well thrown rope. She yanked the rope as hard as she could but she could not move her minuscule father.

In a patronising voice, he asked her to give up but she flatly refused. Seeing that he had no way out, he sacrificed his disciple for his freedom; he pulled Kenichi into the way when she tossed the rope again so that it would bind him instead.

"Wait Papa!"

Kenichi rolled his eyes at his master's devious attempt to flee. "See you," bade Master Ma, leaping out of the restaurant and disappearing completely from sight. Renka turned on him immediately, frustrated that her father escaped her clutches again.

"It's all your fault! Do you know how to find him?"demanded Renka, untying him. "We need him back at China. He is after all the leader of the Phoenix league and he has a hundred thousand followers back home."

His eyes nearly popped out at the thought. How can a man as frivolous be the head of such a big organisation?

"One day, he left a letter to my mother, turned the full control of the organisation to her and disappeared!" huffed Renka. "I became an exchange student here so that I could find him and take him back and you ruin my plan!"

They dashed out of the restaurant, trying to chase Master Ma.

"Do you know where he is heading to?"asked Kenichi curiously, easily keeping up with her pace. With that question, Renka suddenly stopped.

Her eyes widened in shock. "I thought you knew!"exclaimed Renka loudly.

"No, I just follow you out," admitted Kenichi honestly, rubbing the back of his head. Ma Renka, unlike her father, had a very volatile temper.

"By the way who are you?"demanded Renka finally. He was an average-looking Japanese teenager with a band-aid on his face. She would even consider him small for his age. "Why are you with Papa?"

Kenichi grew sheepish. "I'm sorry for not introducing earlier. I'm Shirahama Kenichi and I'm Master Ma's disciple."

Without a warning, she punched him and he felled like a tree from the blow.

"You're supposed to dodge or block, idiot! You can't be Papa's disciple. How could he take you, such a talentless guy?"moaned Renka as she turned away from him.

He drew his hand nervously through his hair as he picked himself up. "I'm sorry?" offered Kenichi, scratching his head.

She stood wide-eyed, unable to believe that he could pick himself up after that particularly nasty blow. "Wow, so you can take strong hits," said Renka in surprise.

"Um… thanks?"

"THAT'S NOT A PRAISE!" She kneed him painfully his chin and he collapsed onto the ground, holding his chin.

"Violent girl," mumbled Kenichi to himself, picking himself up. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted two suspicious looking men. The way they swaggered as they walk, their outfits of pure taste, strange outrageous hairdo, all screamed thugs. He climbed onto his feet gracefully and watched them.

They seemed to be cornering another guy.

The thin sinewy, narrowed- eyed man, accompanied by a man that was built like a bull, approached the worker menacingly. "What is your reason not to pay?" demanded the smaller man, eyeing him distastefully.

"Mr Hakubi is calling everyone together. We're not paying," answered the man bravely, standing up to the bullies. "You mafia'll be cut off!"

"Brave talk!" answered the smaller man, giving his subordinate the signal. With a fierce gleam, he grabbed the worker by the collar and lifted him up as if he weighted nothing and send him sailing across the air with a toss.

"That old man Hakubi can't do shit," said the smaller man proudly, laughing.

Kenichi instinctively leapt, grabbed the man and set him on the ground gently. The worker blinked continuously, surprised that he was not injured and thanked Kenichi before hurrying off.

"Who the hell are you?" demanded the thin man.

Kenichi, with clenched fists, turned to glare at the speaker. However, it was Renka who spoke up.

"Only his relatives can call Uncle Hakubi that way. I give you five seconds to disappear," declared Renka, her eyes narrowing in anger as she lifted her hand and started the countdown. A flame was lighted in her when she saw them bullying him.

"You're his relatives? Get lost!" said the burly man, lunging at her. She easily dispatched him with several fast jabs to his body, causing that massive man to collapse. While she was still occupied with the man, she did not notice the second assailant.

He whipped out a belt knife and tried to hurt her but Kenichi grabbed him firmly by his wrist, using his momentum, he easily threw him. The man crashed onto the ground and passed out. She was surprised to see that he could deal with an armed mafia easily and her opinion of him increased a little. "Thanks for the help," she said, turning away to face the mafia.

"Don't you think it's over. Just one word to Ma Sougetsu's master and-"

Renka grabbed the man by the collar and lifted him up. "Where is Ma Sougetsu?" demanded Renka fiercely. She applied pressure onto one of his pressure point and he began to yell in pain.

"Headquaters! Our Headquarters! I bring you!"yelled the man.

Kenichi smiled. Ma Renka was good at connecting the dots. Master Ma was here to get information about his brother. If they had found his brother, then they would locate Master Ma.

She forced him up. "Are you coming? With one wrong step, you could lose your life. It's not a place you would want to go," said Renka, looking at him, while ignoring the man's yells to release him.

"Are you certain about it?" asked Kenichi, his eyebrows knitting into a frown.

"Of course, I will not give up until I've found Papa," replied Renka, sounding insulted.

"If that is the case, then I shall go. I can't let a girl go alone into such a dangerous place," said Kenichi with a resolute smile.

She raised a brow for an instant, surprised that a meek and timid boy like him would accompany her at the expense of his life. "Don't blame me if you get killed," said Renka indifferently, masking her shock skilfully. With the help of the thug, they were led through the dark alleys to a large building. She tied him up in some ropes and left him at the entrance. Together, they barged into the heavily fortified place.

She was astonished to see that he was quite skilful despite his lack of talent for martial art. While she cleared a way through, Kenichi also lend a hand, covering her back. They tackled each level with ease. On the way, she shared with him the tale of the two brothers and how they were separated for twenty years. Apparently, their differences in belief had driven a wedge between them, putting a strain on their relationship. Finally, Ma Sougetsu left the country after killing several people in China. They took all the cronies on easily and climbed to the highest level of the building where the boss was. Ma Sougetsu was his bodyguard, thus he would be found with the boss.

They were walking along the narrow corridor when Renka suddenly leapt on him and pinned him onto the ground. Scant seconds later, the wall next to them collapsed- a man had crash through the wall, causing it to crumple. He had passed out from the attack.

"A strong killing aura," whispered Renka, lifting herself above him and searching around the small room.

A booming voice spoke up as a man walked through the hole. "I thought I felt Kensei's aura, apparently I've made a mistake." The speaker towered over them and he looked enormously strong. It was his emotionless eyes that send chills down their spine when they lifted their head to meet his gaze.

"Ma Sougetsu!" spat Renka.

Her eyes narrowed in anger at the sight of her uncle.

"I guess I should move on," said Sougetsu, ambling away. Renka climbed onto her feet immediately and did a flying kick.

"Take that, disgrace of the family!" shouted Renka.

Sougetsu easily caught her and pinned her onto the wall with a hand on her stomach. The impact caused a huge crater while she screamed and writhed in pain. Renka was like a helpless fly pinned on the wall, making fruitless struggles to survive. Kenichi had no doubt that Sougetsu would have no qualms in killing her.

"Stop that! She's Ma Kensei's daughter and your niece!" shouted Kenichi in panic. He knew he couldn't help her out of this fix since Ma Sougetsu was a master class warrior.

"She lifted her hand to me and I've no blood relatives," declared Ma Sougetsu, making his point by applying pressure on his niece's body. She let out another blood-curling scream.

"Let go of her!" shouted Kenichi, balling his fists. It was futile but he had to make an attempt to free her. Ma Renka was more powerful and gifted in martial arts than him and he knew he stand no chance against him.

Casting all thoughts away, he charged at him, in desperation to free her. He ducked when he heard the shattering of glass window. A man had apparently leapt through the window and attacked the hand that was holding Renka onto the wall. It was so fast that everything was over in a blink of the eyes.

Ma Sougetsu dropped her immediately. Kenichi, without any thought, threw himself forward, caught the girl in his arms easily and lifted her to safety as Master Ma stood protectively in front of them.

"Master Ma!" said Kenichi, finally, glad that his master was here.

"Brother, are you still living like this?"asked Master Ma. There was a hint of disappointment and finality in his tone.

"It's time to settle everything between us," replied Ma Sougetsu.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Kenichi cradling Renka gently. "Kenichi, take Renka and leave."

Sougetsu's eyes darted slightly to regard the boy. "Is that your disciple, Kensei? I still don't understand why you've pour your effort into a talentless guy like him."

"It is unfortunate that after twenty years, you still don't understand," said Master Ma. "If you can't get back to the proper path, then I'll have to end your journey of being a Martial artist," declared Master Ma, saluting him with the sign to duel to death.

"Don't be too proud, shall die, witnessing the true meaning of martial arts," said Sougetsu, returning the salute.

"No, don't do that. Brothers shouldn't kill each other!" yelled Kenichi, from the corner.

It was too late. They had begun to fight.

The fight was a real treat to all aspiring martial artist.

There was power, a finesses, speed and grace in their moves, something that he had never seen. The fight was lethally beautiful and entrancing. They exchanged blows. It was so fast that Kenichi found it difficult to keep up with them.

It was clear that they brothers equalled each other in terms of strength and speed. The force of the blows was so strong that they shattered all the windows and the walls that stood in their way. Kenichi could not take his eyes off them as the two master class warriors parried. They continued to exchange blows, destroying everything in their path with the sheer power of their attacks.

It was the disciple's duty to sit in the corner to watch and so he did.

In his arms, Renka stirred slightly. Her eyes bulged and her cheeks blushed when she realised that he was cradling her but it was soon forgotten when she saw her father and her uncle having a showdown.

They soon disappeared into the connecting room.

"Quick! Follow them!" commanded Renka anxiously, stumbling onto her feet. She was too weak and dizzy to stand properly. Kenichi sighed, lifted her up in a bridal carry and dashed after the two warriors.

It was difficult to tell who the victor of the match would be since they were equally strong. They were staking more than just their lives, it was an ideological battle to prove which school of martial art was stronger and thus correct.

Kenichi hoped for the two brothers that his master would turn out to be the victor since he would never kill his brother.

Master Ma was on the wall, facing his brother who was on the ground. It was as if the face-off was drawing to a close. There was ear-splitting explosion and sounds of windows shattering from the impact could be heard. Everything started to collapse as fire began to blaze in the small room.

They could hear the distinct cracking of the walls and ceiling.

"Crap!" said Master Ma, as he lost his footing.

He was falling, straight onto his opponent.

"No!" shouted Kenichi in panic.

"An opening!" shouted Ma Sougetsu, stepping in to deliver his final blow. The blow struck his brother's stomach and Master Ma spat out blood immediately. Master Ma landed on his feet, a distance away, clutching his stomach, appearing quite fine even after taking the blow straight.

Ma Sougetsu yelled in pain and bend over when he realised that his brother had landed two attacks on his body. "H-how did you improve your skill that much?"questioned Ma Sougetsu, spitting out blood.

"I train with a group of friends diligently," said Master Ma, calmly. He looked as if he was fit enough to continue fighting. "While you train alone, that's the difference."

His eyes widened slightly before he burst out laughing. He coughed out more blood and bend over from pain. Around them, the fire was getting large and large, encircling them. They were already perspiring profusely from the intense heat. Their lives would be in jeopardy if they didn't leave soon.

"Friends? Just like always. Everyone is your friend," said Ma Sougetsu, laughing as he wiped the blood with the back of his hand. "Even though we had the same power, I was always feared by everyone while you were adored by everyone. I didn't leave China because I killed someone. I left China because I never had a place there since the start."

"Brother…"said Master Ma.

The beams began to crush and the fire began to consume the place.

"We've to leave immediately, Master Ma!" called Kenichi.

"As usual, everyone is worried about you. Go, brother. For a Martial artist, defeat is death!"said Sougetsu, sitting on the ground.

The two brothers held each other's gaze for a was Master Ma who relented.

Reluctantly, Master Ma turned away. "Let's go. We've to leave." He made his way towards the elevator. The door of the elevator had opened.

"Are you going to abandon your brother?"demanded Kenichi. How could he just abandon him like that?

"I know my brother. He would kill himself if I try to go near. I want to give my brother the honour to die as a Marital artist," said Master Ma peacefully, walking into the elevator with Renka. "Hurry up, the fire is around the elevator."

Kenichi couldn't believe his ears. Surely a defeat wouldn't mean death? How absurd would it be? He began to move towards the elevator but he halted suddenly and turned back.

"No! I can't permit such a tragedy! You haven't seen each other for twenty years! "yelled Kenichi, dashing through the scorching flames towards Sougetsu. The older Ma was too surprised to mask his shock. The flames burnt Kenichi but he was too intent on his task to let it bother him. He narrowly side-stepped the falling beams and finally reached Ma Sougetsu.

"That idiot!" said Renka, keeping the door of the elevator open.

"Take my hand," said Kenichi, offering his hand to Sougetsu. For a moment, he saw a sincere smile on his harsh, weather beaten face. There was no hatred in his eyes, just amusement and astonishment.

"Kensei trained a strange disciple," muttered Sougetsu, chuckling. Kenichi didn't know if he should make the comment as praise or an insult. Instead of taking his hand, Sougetsu gently lifted him and tossed him through the flames into the elevator. Master Ma caught him easily as the door of the elevator closed.

The last thing they saw was Ma Sougetsu lifting up his gourd of wine to them, bidding them farewell before he drinking it up.

They survived the whole incident unharmed but Master Ma remained unusually quiet. Ma Renka, sensing that her father needed some time to himself, kept her silence and allowed them to leave. Renka couldn't insist on taking her father back to China when he was facing a personal crisis.

Master Kouetsuji, Master Sakaki and Miu were waiting for them at the main hall when they finally returned. Casting a look at Master Ma's solemn face, neither of them spoke a word since minding one's business was the unwritten code of Ryozanpaku between the masters. Miu seemed relieved to see that Kenichi returned back uninjured. Without saying a word, Master Ma retired to his room.

Imperial Wrath Chinese Restaurant, Yokohama

Ma Renka was staring into space blankly, thinking about the way her heart raced when she realised that Kenichi was holding her gently in his arms. Her heart fluttered when she remembered the clean scent, the feel of his well defined and lean muscles against her. Renka recalled the way he was willing to lay his life down to save her and she blushed.

Maybe she could take him back to China with her, she mused, smiling to herself. After all, she knew where they live, so it was only a matter of time. She would give her Papa just one week to himself then she would look for him and insist that he return with her.

Ryozapaku

All the mafia were rounded up after the blaze. The police had searched through the entire building but they did not find the body of Ma Sougetsu. Kenichi had a feeling that he had escaped from the fire. It was very peaceful for the next few days. Master Ma did not speak until a week had past. On the seventh day, Master Ma thanked him in a quiet voice.

He was walking along the corridors, after a particularly intense training with Master Kouetsuji when he heard the tinkling sounds of bells. A girl jumped over the high walls that surrounded the Dojo and landed just in front of him.

"Hi, Kenichi, just finished training?" asked Ma Renka, smiling warmly at him.

He gaped and spluttered. "W-What are you doing here? H-how did you find us?"

It was a stupid question to ask and he was expecting that she would hit him.

Instead, she put her hands on her hips in an akimbo, much to his surprise. "Did you think I wouldn't have followed you? I'm here to take Papa back to China," said Ma Renka. "Well, if I can't do that, maybe I can convinced Papa to let me stay with him so that he can train me." She looped her arm around his. "Take me to look for Papa, would you?"asked Renka gently.

"Umm... sure. M-master Ma should be in h-his c-clinic," stammered Kenichi, unsure at the change of her attitude. He led her towards Master Ma's clinic.

Unknown to either of them, Miu who was watching them from a far had smashed one of the thick training pole with a swift and powerful kick. She could tell from their conversation that this girl was Master Ma's daughter.

What was this feeling? Why would she get so upset when she saw another girl being so intimate with him?

Troubled, Miu turned away.

A/N: Hi everyone, I apologised for taking such a long time to update this story. I know I promise I'll do it every two months but I can't seem to find the motivation to write.

Anyway, I'm looking for a beta-reader to look into this story. If you're interested, you are welcomed to drop me a private message. With a beta-reader, I'm sure I can update faster =)

By the way, thank you for all the reviews. Of course, thank you for reading-it amazes me that someone would actually read my work. I hope you have a wonderful week.