A Scent of a Woman
by Shaolin Kitten
Part 13
Master Dao continued to think upon his life as he walked slowly back to the temple.
'Why did I become a priest?' he thought. Rolling back the years, Master Dao tried to answer this most basic question.
When Dao had entered the order, his parents had been livid. They could not understand why he was doing it, but he knew why, even as a young lad. His great-grandmother had instilled in him the need to know one thing; to understand your enemy, you must become like him. Dao took this comment literally to heart and began his long study into the history of Kwai Chang Caine. As he continued his search, he also read his family's account of how they had tried to be rid of the priest. Honor demanded that Caine pay, but the Kwai Chang Caine of the past always managed to defeat his enemies. Dao could not help but continue to admire the man, but something deeply rooted told him that Caine should not have been allowed to continue his life as a priest.
As Dao's training continued, he thought he understood much of what had driven the other man to the order. When trained properly, the mind and body became a perfect weapon to defeat many. The knowledge that was gained was formidable. It was no wonder that Caine could not be defeated. When it came time for Dao to leave, he suddenly felt sad that he would never meet the wayward priest. Dao had learned that he had died suddenly under mysterious circumstances. He tried to figure just how old the priest would have been if he lived and was surprised by his answer. No one could have lived that long, and yet, there were whispers that seemed to say that he was still alive. Dao dismissed them believing instead that Caine had died and felt that should have been enough to satisfy his family's honor. Dao would learn otherwise.
When Dao began his wanderings, rather than wear his traditional robes, Dao chose to wear the clothes chosen by the government to hide what he was. Even after many years had passed since the communists took over China, it was still dangerous for Shaolin to show themselves. He even tried to hide his brands by applying makeup. The Communist government still continued to arrest those suspected of being Shaolin. Many priests had been forced into hiding. Though some of the temples still survived, they had to give the appearance of being mere Buddhist monasteries where monks prayed all the time. They had to go back to their basic roots, to hide their true natures, or be killed. It was during his wandering that Dao continued to hear whispers of a man named Caine who helped those in need. Dao tried to learn more, thinking at first, that they were talking about the Caine of the past, but he soon learned that another Caine was responsible. As Dao wandered, he learned more about this Caine. He learned that this one was the son of his great-grandmother's hated enemy. It was surprising, however, to also learn that this priest would be quite old by now as well, even possibly dead. Dao would have dismissed these whispers except, he learned that Matthew Caine had fled to America with his young son when the Communists took over. Another Caine? The line had continued while the honor of his line was still in question?
Confusion again rose within Dao and he found he did not like what he was hearing. With the death of Kwai Chang Caine, he believed his family's honor would have been restored but it wasn't. His grandfather and father continued to speak as if nothing had been done. For them, the line of Caine still held the responsibility of the death of his great-grandmother's brother. Then his father made a mistake, and he, along with his mother, and grandfather had been killed. Evidence was planted to suggest that Matthew Caine was somehow responsible. Again, honor dictated that Dao seek out the killer. But he had been too late. Dao discovered that Matthew Caine had died from some unknown accident. But the honor of his ancestor and his family needed satisfying. So, Dao set his sights upon the son. But it would be years before he would get his chance. Now time had found Dao at his most hated, yet admired, foe's temple. It was as if he could not escape. Shaolin training demanded that he follow the path of gentleness, forgiveness, and peace. The man in him demanded honor be satisfied. Trapped between two worlds, Dao knew he had to find some way to be free so that he was free to act.
"Did you inform Caine?"
Master Dao was startled out of his ruminations by Master Kwahn. He had not been aware when he had re-entered the temple.
"No, Master. He was unavailable."
A puzzled look came over Master Kwahn's face but he did not pursue it. "We will inform him in the morning. He would want to know."
"Yes, Master." The old priest was about to leave but Master Dao drew him back with his words. "Master, I must leave the temple for some time."
"I see, and what brought on this sudden decision?"
"I wish to accompany Master Michael on his trip to China. It is very dangerous, and I wish to be sure that he is safe. And I wish to leave as soon as possible."
"I will inform Michael of this news. He will be pleased to have a traveling companion. However, he will not be leaving until his students are finished with their term. That will be in three weeks. Do you think you could wait until then?"
"It will be difficult, but I will manage."
"Master Dao, I know you have had difficulty here for some time. There is much anger in you still. Your negative reaction to a certain priest, who shall be nameless, is evident. What could have caused such pain? Is there any way that I might help in this matter?"
"No, Master. I must make this journey alone."
"What will you do?"
"I . . . do not know. All I know is that I must leave."
"Will you return?" asked Kwahn.
"Perhaps. When the time is right."
Master Kwahn watched as Dao left. A shroud of violence still hung around the young man and the old Master could not help but shudder. Perhaps it would be best if Master Dao left for a time. Whatever was troubling the young man, he hoped that it would not destroy him and that he would find peace.
End of Part 13
