A Scent of a Woman

by Shaolin Kitten

Part 16

Dao waited at the appointed place. It had not taken long to contact those who would be his allies. They were the very same ones who had killed his family. In that respect, he had told the old Master at the temple in America the truth, he just did not tell him that they also had been a part of that very same group. As Dao waited, he could feel eyes peering at him from the darkened corners of the garden. A slow rumble could be heard and he turned to see a tiger cub approaching him. Soon after, its owner also approached.

"What is it that you want Shaolin." There was a hint of contempt in the man's voice as the man voiced his question as more of a statement, one that held a challenge.

"I wish to join your order."

"You, a Shaolin, become a Singh Wa? Why?"

"You do not know who I am?" The sound of Dao's voice had indicated that the man should have known whom he was dealing with.

"No, and why should I?"

"My father was Lee Quan, I am his son, Tan. It is my birthright."

"Go on." The name the priest mentioned surprised the man.

"It was my ancestor who witnessed the battle between a tiger hunting a crane. Though the tiger could not overcome the crane he learned that the movements of the tiger were the perfect fighting form. He developed the system that is used by the Singh Wa."

"And yet, there was also a second witness."

"Yes, a Shaolin priest." Venom laced Tan's voice. "He took the crane's movements."

"But you are Shaolin, sworn enemy to the Singh Wa. I ask again, why do you wish to join our order?"

"I have found that the Shaolin Way is not my way. I sought revenge for the murder of my family. They would not give it to me. Though I have learned their ways, in my heart I am not Shaolin."

"Then why did you become one?"

Tan thought on what the man asked. Why had he become a Shaolin? Tan realized that the only reason why he had done so was because he had wanted to study the life of a particular Shaolin priest, a priest that he had grown to admire. But that priest was long dead and his son and his grandson both had taken up the mantle while his family's honor was still not satisfied. The death of a relative 100 years ago at the hands of that very same Shaolin priest still pulled at his heart. He had become confused as to where his loyalties belonged. And because of his choice, his parents had been executed as traitors to the Singh Wa. They had been punished because their son dared to follow a different path. Like the Shaolin, children born of those who were in the order of Singh Wa would usually become Singh Wa themselves, or become agents, helping the order to thrive and continue their activities. Those breaking with the order would not live very long, or those close to them were the ones that paid the price.

Tan would never forget the day he had gone home to visit his parents. He had just taken the brands, proud that he had accomplished what very few had been able to do during that very difficult time. But when he entered the house, he had found their throats ripped open and a warning had been inscribed in their own blood. Tan had been younger then and filled with the ideals of the Shaolin. At first, he had been afraid. He had fled China and headed for America, hearing of the temple there and believing he would be safe. He had hoped that some day he would be able to take revenge. But revenge would be denied him. As Tan became a part of the temple, he had many hours to reflect. He realized that if he had not studied the life of Kwai Chang Caine, his family might still be alive. Instead of taking responsibility for his own choices, the line of Caine became a target for his hatred. But that target would not be available for Tan to take what action he needed to give him back his honor. Instead, Tan began to realize that the way of the Crane was not his way. For him, the Tiger was the true strength. While at the temple, he believed he had an opportunity to teach the monks and help them to see this. Without realizing it, Tan was beginning to follow another path. With the return of Kwai Chang Caine's namesake to the temple, confusion between his hatred, his duty as a Shaolin, and his views between which style to follow would again force Tan to make choices.

Now, back among the Singh Wa, Tan believed he was returning home. Becoming a Shaolin had been a mistake, one that had cost the lives of his parents but did not have to cost him his. He was here, now, and he was going to prove to the person in front of him, that it did not matter, but what he knew did.

"I do not have to answer to you regarding my choices. It does not matter whether I am Shaolin or not. I am the great-grandson to sister of the Emperor's nephew and descendant of the one who created the Singh Wa. It is my birthright." Tan stated.

The other man glared at Tan, trying to see just how far this man was willing to go. Birthright be damned. No one entered the order without paying the price of admission, no matter who they were. Tan would have to prove himself worthy one way or another.

"What of the other who was with you?"

"You know of him?" asked Tan.

"Of course. He should be killed. He could be a threat to our order."

Tan gave a small laugh. "He is no threat. He came here only to worship. He will be returning soon."

"You say you wish to join our order and yet, you will not kill a Shaolin?"

"There is only one Shaolin that I wish to kill."

"I see. Tell me Shaolin. Are there other ways you could be of use to us?" The man came closer, purring his question into Tan's ear.

Tan could feel the man's chi probing him, seeking out what knowledge would be useful. At first, he felt offended that the man continued to call him by the very title that Tan was trying to rid himself of. Didn't the man understand by coming here in this way, he was showing them that he was no longer a part of the Shaolin order? There had to be another way to prove his loyalty to the Singh Wa so they would accept him. Suddenly, Tan knew the answer and let the man enter. The man smiled at what he found.

"Tell me about this temple in America and this one called Kwai Chang Caine."

End of Part 16