Requiem III: The Search for The Truth
By Bonnie Eagan & Alisa Joaquin
Part 14: Old Friends United
Li Pei gave Kwai Chang a questioning look as he watched his old friend administer to Master Matthew. Seeing them together was quite astounding. He had not realized how much alike his old Master and friend resembled. A child's perspective would not. Master Matthew, though older now, did have some differences. Within his hair were traces of blond, evidence of what color his hair had been before it had grown white. His eyes were the same as Kwai Chang's and surprisingly Peter's, evidence that some things had stayed the same throughout the generations. Though Li Pei was hard pressed to understand why Peter did not resemble his father more. Perhaps the Tao had its reasons for creating such a mix. Peter could pass unnoticed in the western world. The prejudice that would often follow the Caines because of their Chinese heritage would not be present for Peter. In the Chinese world, things would be different. It would be a reversal of what had befallen earlier generations. Peter would be considered an outsider, and yet, seeing how he had been accepted by the elder of this community, it certainly would help to open doors for the young man.
Li Pei shook his head at the sadness he felt there. The road the Caines walked was never an easy one, and yet they still manage to help others and to retain a dignity that seemed almost unworldly. Li Pei could not help but notice in his own travels how the name of Caine was still present on people's lips. He hoped that someday he could leave such a legacy for his own son, if he only knew where his son could be found. Li Pei was brought out of his thoughts when he heard a soft audible cry come from his old Master.
"Auuuugh."
"I am sorry, my father. The wound must be cleaned, and a fresh bandage applied."
"It is not that, my son," Matthew stated through clench teeth. "It is the poison. My joints have suddenly become quite painful."
Upon hearing what Master Matthew professed, Li Pei stepped closer. "Allow me," he asked.
Matthew gave a slight nod and Li Pei gently took his old master's right hand.
Li Pei flexed Matthew's wrist. Matthew tried to hold back the anguished cry. "It is as I feared. He has entered the next stage. The poison at this point is often mistaken for advanced arthritis. Every joint within the body will become swollen and ache."
"How do you know so much about this poison?" Peter questioned; a hint of suspicion colored his words.
"Some of the followers of the Dalai Lama had been poisoned in this same manner. It was meant as a warning."
"A warning, why?" Kwai Chang's ears pricked up at those words.
"His holiness was working to try to bring peace to a troubled area between the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. There were accusations of terrorism between both countries. No one knew for certain who was responsible. The Dalai Lama tried to negotiate peace, but someone did not want him to, so they sent some very nasty messages. Three of the Dalai Lama's followers took sick two weeks after they received boxes that showered them with a powder. They showed the same symptoms as your father. Two weeks after, they suddenly died. They just stopped breathing. The Dalai Lama asked both parties who was responsible, but both denied it. They were just as shocked as he was."
"Do you know who might have done that?" Peter asked, his cop instincts kicking in. They still came in handy now and then.
"Someone who did not wish to see peace come to the area," Li Pei said.
"That could mean a third party, someone supplying weapons to both sides. How long ago was that?"
"I do not know. It has been many years," Li Pei answered.
"I know who it might be," Matthew spoke up. "He calls himself the Master. He would supply arms to troubled areas, accelerating the hatred between the two factions. I was able to help bring him to justice several years ago. I assisted a man by the name of Paul Blaisdell. We never met, though I was able to get word to him as to the whereabouts of that man. He had been operating from Paris. Then I was called upon by Father Vashon to guard the chalice and I never heard as to whether they succeeded in capturing the Master."
"You knew Paul?" Peter asked excitedly. "How come you didn't tell him you were my grandfather?"
"That was many years ago, Peter. He did not know who I was. I was asked to go undercover. My service record still showed me as active. We never met. He only knew me as the Crane."
"How could your service record still be considered active?" Peter asked, confused.
"Because he is Shaolin," Kwai Chang answered. "They knew of his abilities."
"And how would you know that?" Peter asked his father.
"Because I, too, was approached to serve my country. I had just lost Laura. I could not leave my son in the hands of strangers as my father had done with me. You were barely two years old, Peter. You needed me, as I needed you."
Matthew listened intently to his son's conversation with his grandson. Though Peter might not have noticed it, Matthew could sense the bitterness that came from his son. They still needed to talk, to try to reconcile all the years they had lost. Matthew hoped they would have more time, but time was quickly vanishing along with Matthew's strength. If only a cure could be found, Matthew would vow never to leave his son's side until all had been mended between them. With the bitterness in his son's voice, it seemed doubtful that Kwai Chang was willing to forgive Matthew for the pain that he caused. The aching in his joints told him otherwise that no cure was forthcoming. Perhaps death was Matthew's only answer, to end the suffering. Though it may mean his life-force would not return to the source of all things, it was a price he was willing to pay for so much pain.
Just then, the Ancient came in carrying a box made of rich cherry wood, a crystal medallion its only ornamentation.
"I have brought the book, Kwai Chang Caine," Lo Si stated.
"Thank you, Master."
"What is this book?" Matthew asked.
Kwai Chang Caine opened the box and pressed the secret mechanism. A hidden drawer opened revealing a white book with the same design as the medallion.
"Peter, would you mind holding the book and opening it to the proper page. The Ancient and I will take my father to the temple and find the herbs that are needed to produce a cure. You and Li Pei must remain here and see what news you can gather regarding Marlene."
"Sure, no problem, Pop."
"Where are we going, my son?" Matthew asked.
Kwai Chang Caine gathered up his pouch and wrapped his arms around his father, lifting him from the raised platform. Lo Si stepped next to both Caines and waited.
"We are going to Shambhala," Caine stated.
"Shambhala?" Li Pei said surprised. "But that place is a myth."
"Then we are going to see a myth," Kwai Chang replied.
At that moment, Peter opened the book. Golden light emanated from its pages, and before Li Pei could blink, the three older Shaolin vanished.
Continues with Part 15