-----------------------------------Chapter 24 Reflections---------------------------------

15 years later, Japan.

It was a beautiful summer day in Yokosuka, and at the Hazuki residence things seem to be even more pleasant. A traditional japanese house was were a powerful martial artist resided. His name, Ryo Hazuki, his dojo set up in front of a cherry blossom tree. Many students lined the walls hoping to one day become master of the Hazuki style.

Ryo face showed obvious signs of maturity, though his hair was still a dark ebony. He walked into the dojo, every student bowed in respect.

"Today's lesson will empahsize the use of the Pit blow technique. One of the most basic techniques of the Hazuki style. Hazuki Kyo will you demonstrate the Pit blow technique?"

Hazuki looked at his son seriously, his son frowned. He had his father's eyes and ears, but possessed his mother's cheeks and lips. He was only ten years old, he had been born when he was twenty five, and trained him diligently like his father taught him. Ryo added several additions and applications to the Hazuki style since leaving China so long ago.

Kyo stepped in with his right leg and punched straight as an arrow, quickly stepping with the other leg, and performing a similarily accurate punch. Ryo was not impressed since Kyo did not add the application of the elbow assault to it as he had instructed him to do the other day. The other students begin to clap enthusiastically.

"That was perfect, except you forgot to add the application we talked about."

"But...sensei" His son seem to be upset that he had disappointed his father.

"No, everyone spar and practice the pit blow. I will return in an hour."

Ryo exited the dojo and walked over to the cherry blossom tree that had been standing there for generations.

"You shouldn't be so hard..." A femenine voice spoke from behind him.

"It is the only way he'll master the Hazuki style, Nozomi."

Nozomi, she had came back from Canada two years after what occured in China. Since then she got together with Ryo; married and had a kid shortly after. She wore a traditonal Japanese white kimino, her ebony hair wrapped in a bun. A white hair pin holding it in place.

"Ryo, I found a picture of a woman. She looked Chinese..."

"Did she have red hair?" Ryo questioned.

"Yes, you were standing with her. Was she your friend?"

"Joy, her name was Joy. She was a great asset and friend in my quest."

"Oh, did you meet any others?" She went on.

All this time they had been married. Ryo never really told Nozomi about the quest for revenge or anybody who wasn't really involved.

"Yes, there was..so many to name."

----

Flashback

Ryo walked once again on Scarlet hills, he had to say his final goodbyes to the Master who had guided him on the right path. It was as Lishao Tao knew he was coming as she stood in front of Man Mo temple. He bowed to her respectfully.

"So did you find what you were looking for?" She questioned.

"I found the answer."

"Revenge wasn't the answer, I'm glad you realized that Hazuki."

They both paused.

"Master, I also found your brother...we battled..."

Her eyes widen with disbelief, she knew it was possible though since he was crossing paths with the chiyoumen.

"Ryo, I hope he has found peace."

"I believe he did, I felt his aura after I defeat him. It was clouded anymore."

"Your skill has evolved, your kung fu however has not surpass mines." She said with a smile.

Ryo didn't even want to bother, perhaps she was right it didn't matter to him anymore.

"Xiuying, when I came here. You treated me like a Mother would treat a son.....Thank you for..everything."

The words he spoke touched Xiuying deeply.

"You make me sound like I'm old, but I understand Ryo. You will be a Master one day."

He bowed once again before leaving once again.

----

Flashback

"Ren, you got the treasure you've been searching for now what?" Ryo asked quizically to his thief counterpart.

"I don't know, maybe I'll do something virtuous. Like opening an ophanage or something. I don't long to be a thief forever."

"Ren..?" Ryo couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"That's right, this whole ordeal has gave me a new light on life. You can't things for granted. Maybe you should take that advice back with you to Japan."

Ryo extended his hand to Ren; shaking before he went on his way.

"Eh, Ryo! Don't forget Ren of Heavens, I'll be watching you!"

He called to him one last time, Ryo smiled and kept going never looking back.

=-----

Flashback

"Ryo, me and Guizhang are a pair" Joy said excited as ever.

"Guizhang?" Ryo looked at him with awe.

"Its true, we've been friends since childhood. I guess she is my type." Guizhang agreed.

"But we are talking about Joy here...."

Joy punched him in the head upon him saying this.

"What is that suppose to me!?" She said angrily.

"Nothing...I wish you good fortune.." Ryo rubbed his head.

---------------------------

Flashback

Baliu village after the ordeal in the hidden dragon cave.

"Shenhua, I must go back to Japan. I want you to come with me..." Ryo pleaded.

"I can't, I am the guardian of this village you know this Ryo...why don't you stay here." Shenhua countered.

"I grow homesick...."

"Ryo I love you, but I cannot force you to stay. If it hurts you this much to be here."

"Shenhua I love you......."

End Flashback

--------------------------

"So this Shenhua, you said you loved her Ryo..." Nozomi seem to be upset.

"Yes and I still do...love her" Ryo admitted truthfully.

"So how can you love me...?"

He turned around and hugged Nozomi, but to her it didn't feel true.

"Nozomi I do, but Shenhua will always have a place in my heart."

Nozomi walked away, she knew he wanted to be left alone with his thoughts.

Ryo watched as the cherry blossom beging to fall in unison, he caught one in his hand. It reminded him of Shenhua's innoncence.

Above, unknown to him a Phoenix was watching him, it smiled.

-Kez Apr 2004