Requiem III: The Search for The Truth

By Bonnie Eagan & Alisa Joaquin

Part 15: Shambhala

Li Pei stared in disbelief, his mouth gaping open like a small cave. He watched as Peter replaced the book in its box. "Where did they go?" he asked as his voice returned.

"To Shambhala," Peter stated in a matter-of-fact manner.

Li Pei shook his head one more time, still not quite believing what he had just witnessed.

Peter gave a crooked smile. "Believe me, the place is real. It's not like any other temple you've been to. It's bright and there's a peacefulness there that's often lacking in the Shaolin Temples. I guess it's because we humans are still striving for that enlightenment and often fail."

"You sound like Master Caine," Li Pei said.

"I'll take that as a compliment. Come on, we've got work to do. But first, let's get you changed into something more suited. No offense buddy, but you could use a bath."

Li Pei smiled at the younger man's comments. "It has been a long time."

Peter showed him the way to the bathroom and placed a towel on the toilet. "I'll get you some of my clothes to wear, though we might have to tuck it in here and there. You're shorter than me by a good three inches. I still have a credit card. That's one good thing. It seems to have unlimited credit and the balance is always paid. I think someone decided that the new Shaolin priest still could use a few things from the modern world and decided out of gratitude to make certain I'm provided for. Peter suspected he knew who gave him that credit card. He would have to travel to meet the man and thank him. At least that's one good thing. Before we start combing the neighborhood, we'll get you something you can wear."

"Thank you, Peter."

"No problem."

Reluctant to let the young man go, Li Pei asked one more question. "Tell me, why is Kwai Chang so angry with his father? As a boy, he adored him."

Peter had to smile once again at Li Pei's words, and he thought about his relationship with his own father, both as a boy and as a man. All sounds from the same flute, he realized. "It's a long story. And I'm not sure I should be the one to tell you. But you know, my Pop just might need a friend to help him get through it." Peter thought about Paul Blaisdell and the advice that he had told him. 'I'm your friend, friends are easier to talk to than fathers,' Paul had said. Then I said something like, whatever I say comes out wrong. Then Paul followed up with, 'Then don't say anything. Back off and let it happen at its own pace.' Peter gave a slight nod and a smile appeared on his lips. It helped a great deal. Perhaps Li Pei might offer the same kind of advice to Kwai Chang, um, my father. "I better let you take a bath. How about afterward, we get some lunch and then we can ask some questions."

Fifteen minutes later, Li Pei was bathed and dressed. Peter had placed some clothes outside the bathroom door. Li Pei walked into the workroom, trying to keep Peter's jeans from falling off. The shirt looked like a tent and Peter could see the man was very thin. Apparently, he had not eaten very much, perhaps not even for several days or even weeks. The only thing that Li Pei may have been able to get was water to sustain his life.

"It would seem I have lost a great deal of weight."

"I'll say. You would never guess within those robes how thin you were. Here, let me see if we can't do something about keeping those clothes on until we can get you something that will fit you. We'll have to see if we can't fatten you up a bit. I know a great place that serves the best pot roast you will ever taste."

"Oh, I could not eat meat," Li Pei replied.

"Li Pei, in order so your muscles stay healthy, you need protein," Peter argued. "If my mom saw you like that, she'd insist on you eat every bite she would place in front of you. And believe me, you don't want to argue with her."

Li Pei gave out a deep sigh. It had been too long since he had a good meal. "Very well. Now tell me of this place we are going to. Is it far?" Li Pei was hoping they would not have to walk far. The thought of having Peter's pants fall off him while they walked did not appeal to him.

"We can take my car, but it's not far. Just down the street aways."

"You have a car?"

"Yep, and once again, though the community won't come to me for my apothecary skills, they will keep my car's tank filled. Go figure. I'm a modern-day Shaolin who still has a lot to learn about being part Chinese, again. Some of the people accept me, but others still see me as an outsider. If they only knew."

"I am certain they will eventually learn," Li Pei consoled. "You must give them time as well as give yourself time. You are new at this."

"I guess so. Sometimes I've had second thoughts about turning my back on the police force. But being a priest and a cop just didn't seem to mix well with me. I'd still be required to carry a gun and there are restrictions that would hamper my duties as a priest. Most cops will see a first-time offender as someone who could commit a crime, again. They don't give them the opportunity to see that there is another way. I've had to learn that the hard way myself. But my Pop's right in that factor. Given the chance, a lot will turn away from making the same mistake twice."

"What caused you to leave the force, besides taking the brands," Li Pei pointed out, seeing Peter's brands peeking out from his shirt sleeves.

"A Commissioner who did not see that even a cop can go bad, and a Chief, though a great guy at times, who simply did not see the point of going against the rules when there was a need to. The Law protects cops, even perps at times. But when you have a cop that's a perp, then you really get into a sticky mess. I also knew it was time. I thought I could do a lot more for the community outside of the force than inside. But I'm finding that even my hands are tied as a priest. There are times I wonder if I can even be both."

"Have you told anyone else about this?" Li Pei asked.

"Only my father, but I don't think he fully understands. He's done many things, but he's always remained a priest. I guess it's one priest confessing to another," Peter quipped then went serious again. "I guess I needed to tell someone else. Lo Si really doesn't understand, though I am sure he tries. As for my grandfather, he'd probably side with my father. And the man that I would talk to about this is gone, fighting his own demons now for three years. He's probably the only one who would understand. I'm beginning to wonder if he's ever coming home. I may just have to go find him myself and convince him it's time to stop running."

"Perhaps you should do that."

"You mean just up and leave?" Peter asked. "I don't know if I can do that."

"You will find a way, Peter. I can see that you love your father very much and the thought of leaving him alone scares you. But you must find your own path as a Shaolin. To live in your father's shadow may not be the best way."

"Pop is always saying that I'll find my path. I thought I had when I completed my training. But it wasn't enough. I went back to being a cop, but there was too much cop and not enough Shaolin. And then when I took the brands, I knew it was the right thing to do and it was time, but now, I'm not so sure. Now it's too much Shaolin and not enough cop. As my father would say, 'My path which seemed so clear is obscured.' I just don't know what to do."

"Then use your skills in the best way possible. Seek out my wife using all your skills, both Shaolin and cop. I will help you in any way that I can. Perhaps in doing that, you will find your answers."

"You know, I'm glad you came back into my father's life. You sound like an uncle. Hey, you are. Since Marlene is my mother's sister, she's my aunt and that makes you my Uncle by marriage. Can I call you Uncle Li?"

"I was wondering when you would notice, Nephew," Li Pei smiled, then ruffled Peter's hair.

"We better get some lunch," Peter stated.

"And some better fitting clothes?"

"Oh yeah."

Continues with Part 16