RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER ONE

by

BlackFury



Peter woke up, drenched in sweat even though it was the

middle of January. He hadn't turned up the heat in his apartment and

yet, he felt like it was mid August in Texas! He sat up, suddenly

shivering as if the January wind had come through his room. He

pulled the quilt around him as he slid out of bed and padded into his

kitchen. He put on a pot of coffee and stood there, trying to

remember what woke him up so suddenly. He had his eyes closed,

trying to think, when he heard it.



He slowly opened his eyes, hoping against hope that he was

wrong. He wasn't. Standing across the room was that grey wolf

again, snarling at him and suddenly, it all came back to him. He

remembered five years ago, when that, Brujo, his father called him,

had come to try and force Peter to assassinate Enrique Campos, a

foreign diplomat visiting the city. If it hadn't been for the

intervention of Peter's father, Kwai Chang, Peter doubted that he

would be here now.



The coffemaker buzzed and Peter poured himself a large mug,

cradling it between his still ice cold hands. He sipped as he moved

to the living room and sat on the sofa in his usual half lotus

position, quilt pulled tightly around his still shivering body. The

young man tried to clear his mind but that growl came again. In

spite of the steaming liquid going down his throat, he shivered as

the wolf disappeared as quickly as it had appeared and he heard that

voice whisper in his mind,



"I am not through with you yet, Peter. Remember, My voice

you will hear and my will you will obey, Remember, I prepared you a

long time ago." Peter shook his head, trying desperately to dispell

that image from the temple, the wolf head on the wall, painted from

shadows. The sorcerer grabbing him by the tunic, whispering into his

ear that phrase again and again.



There were a lot of things that had happened during that

sorcerer's visit to the temple that Peter had never told anyone

about, no one. His father didn't know, nor Paul, Kelly, Jordan, no

one. This was one secret Peter was keeping inside out of sheer

desperation. He tried to meditate but he couldn't find his center.

He had been depressed lately, especially when Kermit had taken off

two weeks earlier, without telling anyone where he was going or when

he would be back.



Peter knew that the older man was hurting after the

acrimonious break up with Karen Simms. Kermit had been confused,

hurt, dumbfounded when all of a sudden, Karen had called off their

developing relationship. Peter and the others at the 101st had not

found out exactly what had happened between the two but, Kermit had

been more shuttered than ever and Karen was living up to the

monkier, "Ice Queen".



No one had dared to ask either of them what had happened but

it had to be bad to affect Kermit the way that it did. Kermit hadn't

even spoken to any of them when he had come to the office three days

after the split happened. Karen had not even acknowledged his

presence unless it was offically, in the course of their duty. Peter

could sense the bewilderment radiating from his friend and partner.



As Peter finally opened up his eyes to look around, he really

wasn't suprised to see his father standing there in the doorway. The

look on his face told Peter that his father had sensed his disturbed

dreams and had come to check on his only child. The young man took

another sip of coffee and grimiced as he found it was cold. He

looked up, puzzled.



"Father, how long have you been standing there?" Caine

smiled slightly.



"About an hour. You appeared to be in deep meditation and I

did not wish to disturb you. Your dreams have been...disturbed?"

Peter smiled ruefully as he got up to get more hot coffee. Caine

took the cup from him and looked down, suprised. He took his son's

hands in his.



"Peter, your hands...are like blocks of ice. What has

happened to you, tell me, my son." Peter looked into those warm,

loving grey eyes and felt safe. Caine then handed Peter another

steaming mug of coffee and father and son sat on the sofa. Peter

took a few more sips, feeling the invigorating warmth rush down his

throat and spread throughout his extremities.



Finally, Peter sighed and looked at his father. Caine

waited, knowing some of what Peter had been feeling, that was what

had brought him here to his son's side. Peter set the mug down

carefully and pulled the quilt around his shoulders again.



"Father, he's back. The Brujo. The wolf was in my bedroom

when I woke up. He's gone, for now, but, he's back for me. There's

something he wants me to do and I don't know if I can stop him.

Father, I'm scared." Caine saw the fear in his son's hazel eyes and

pulled Peter's head onto his shoulder.



"We will fight him, my son. You have grown in strength and

ability since the last time he was here. Remember my son, you are

now Shaolin. I know that you returned to your career as a cop but

you still bear the brands and you are, indeed Shaolin. He will not

find it so easy to control you, this time. We will fight him,

together. Now, what else troubles you. It is Karen and Kermit, is

it not?" Peter nodded.



"I don't understand it Father, they were getting along so

well and then, Karen's the one who cuts it off. Kermit was

bewildered, hurt and angry and, as for Karen, it's as if......" His

voice trailed off as he thought it over. He then looked at his

father, comprehension dawning on his mobile face.



"It's as if she's a different person. Father, is that

possible? Or is someone forcing her to do this?" Caine shrugged one

shoulder in a characteristic gesture.



"I do not know, my son, but, perhaps we can...find out?"



Peter nodded and went to his room to get dressed. Five

minutes later, Caine heard a blood curdling scream and ran into the

room to aid his son.



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER TWO

by

BlackFury



Caine ran into the bedroom and found his son crouched in the

corner, knees drawn up to his chin and his arms around his legs,

rocking back and forth, eyes staring into space. Caine knelt beside

him but didn't touch him. His voice was calm, quiet and cool as he

asked Peter.



"What do you see?" Peter continued to stare, not seeing his

father but, the question got through. His voice was thick and there

was a hestiant quality to them as he spoke.



"He's showing me....who he wants......me to kill. He isn't

in the.....city just yet but....in three more days." Peter's head

turned and the look in his son's eyes told Caine that this wasn't

really Peter. The young cop spoke again, unwillingly, as though the

words were being forced out of his mouth.



"And you cannot stop us this time, priest. This time, he

will do as I command, we are ready for your interference. He will

obey me." Then, without warning, Peter slumped over onto the floor,

unconscious. Caine picked up his child and put him to bed.



What he had heard disturbed him far more than he would ever

admit to anyone. He knew that the only reason he saved Peter five

years before was because the Brujo had not known of his presence.

Now, he knew and Caine feared for his son's soul as well as his life.



After making sure that Peter was sleeping, Caine settled onto

the floor in his usual half-lotus position and began meditating. His

worry was sensed and soon, a familiar voice answered him.



"My son, what disturbes your chi?" It was Matthew Caine,

Peter's grandfather. He was also meditating in his home in St.

Adele, France. His voice sharpened with concern.



"What has happened to my grandson?" Caine sighed and told

his father everything about what had happened to Peter five years

before. Mathew Caine listened and nodded in understanding. Caine

continued.



"My father, the Brujo has returned for my son and now, he

knows I am here and had prepared for this. I fear that I am unable

to save him this time. Peter has the brands of the Shaolin but, his

will has been taken by this sorcerer once and now....I am very much

afraid."



Mathew listened and heard the despair in Kwai Chang's mental

tone. His son and grandson needed him. He came to a decision and

told his son to guard Peter as best he could. He would send

assistance as soon as he could arrange it. Caine acknowledged him

and came out of his meditation to see Lo Si bending over Peter's

sleeping form.



The old one still bore the facial scars of their encounter

with the Brujo and his familiar five years ago. Caine remembered

that battle, with so much at stake and now, he felt helpless. Lo Si

looked at him, his eyes twinkling.



"You are concerned for your son, I know this. You are

stronger than you know, so is Peter." Caine smiled sadly as he

placed a hand on his mentor's shoulder.



"The Brujo has already spoken to me through my son and told

me there is nothing that I can do to stop him, this time." Lo Si

looked at him, an other worldly smile creasing his weathered face.



"My friend, the Brujo is not as all powerful as he would have

you believe. He deals in deception and deceit, using illusion to

make you and your son believe that you cannot stop him. Remember

that you are a Shambhala Master and your son is Shaolin. Combine your

chis and the brujo can be held in abeyance until the assistance

arrives that your father spoke of."



Caine looked at him in suprise but nodded. Then, another

thought crossed his mind and he asked the Ancient to stay with Peter

and guard him until he could return. Lo Si nodded, bowed and watched

as Caine left the apartment. The Ancient then looked at the sleeping

young detective/shaolin and smiled.



"No, Brujo, you will not have him, not as long as this old

one is on this earth. I will protect him, more than you know." He

then settled to watch and wait. Peter tossed and turned a little

but, when Lo Si laid a hand on the young man's arm, Peter would

settle down and go back to sleep.



Caine walked into the 101st and headed straight to Captain

Simms office. He did not look either way as he didn't even bother to

knock, he just walked in and closed the door behind him. Mary

Margaret and her colleagues looked at each other in suprise. They

had never seen that look on the shaolin's face before and it made all

of them uncomfortable.



Karen looked up in suprise when she heard the door close and

she then scowled when she saw Caine. He looked at her and didn't

even say hello. He looked into her eys and saw what he was afraid he

would see.



"You are dating someone new that you met a few weeks ago, are

you not?" Karen was flabbergasted. She looked up.



"As a matter of fact, I am. Why do you ask, not that it's

really any of your business." Caine's face had suddenly grown cold

and Karen was frightened of him.



"The man you are seeing is a sorcerer and he intends to

destroy my son, using him for his own evil purposes. It is the same

one who tried to use Peter to kill a foreign diplomat visiting this

city five years ago. He is a Brujo, sorcerer. He visited our temple

once, when Peter was a child and, to my sorrow, I did not know that

he was terrorizing my son to obey him later on. I was able to stop

him five years ago. He is using you to get close to Peter and to

me. You must find the willpower to resist him or we are all

doomed." He finished and, opening the office door, left, leaving

Karen wondering just what she had gotten into and whether or not

Caine had finally lost it.



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER THREE

by

BlackFury



After Caine had left Captain Simms office, he went back to

his son's apartment to find Lo Si still sitting in vigil over Peter's

sleeping form. Caine sat on the floor to meditate, wondering what he

could do to save his son this time?



Peter began stirring, moving slowly, as if in a trance and

then, the two older men began to hear Peter's voice, softly pleading

to be left alone, that he didn't want to do this. Tears rolled down

Caine's cheeks at his son's pain and his own feeling of helplessness

over what was happening.



Then, Caine had an idea, it was wild, audacious even but, it

was worth a try. Caine sent a mental SOS to an old friend, one he

hadn't talked to in years but, he knew that if he could reach him, he

could help his tortured son. He recieved a faint reply and was

counseled to wait in patience.



That was the hardest thing for Kwai Chang Caine to do but he

knew it was necessary to help Peter. He opened his eyes and looked

across at Lo Si, who had a serene smile on his weatherbeaten face.

Caine cocked his head, looking at his mentor.



"You knew I would call him?" Lo Si nodded.



"You are right, my old friend. He can help your son this

time, when you cannot but, he will not come alone. He will bring a

friend with him who can also assist you in this. He is right, you

must be patient. They will arrive in time to save your son. Peter

will not kill anyone that he is ordered to kill, my friend. We will

prevent it from taking place, that, I promise you."



Caine inclined his head in acknowledgement and the two men

waited, praying for Peter's peace of mind and continued peace in his

soul.



*************************************************************



Deep in meditation, the Dali Lama had heard the cry for help

from his old friend. For Caine to call to him, the situation had to

be grave indeed. He settled himself to reach out to find out what

was bothering his friend and instinctively recoiled when he lightly

touched the chi of Caine's son, Peter. The misma of evil surrounding

the young man was palpable.



The older monk again settled himself and probed gently.

Soon, he discovered the reason behind Caine's concern and knew that

he must travel to his friend's side but first, there was someone he

had to find and thanks to the Ancient, The Dali Lama knew just where

to find this one person.



He clapped his hands together once and, as his servants

scurried to his side, he issued instructions. In a half an hour, he

was on his way to Carlsburg, with a side trip to pick up the person

in question. He hoped that this would help free Peter from the

Brujo's domination for, if it didn't, then a battle was in the works

that Peter would have to fight, alone.



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER FOUR

by

BlackFury



The Dali Lama's plane landed in Paris, France and a car took

him from there to the address the Ancient had given him. The

limosine pulled up in St Adele in front of a small house. The

elderly man who came out, stared in shock as the small man climbed

out. Mathew Caine bowed low in deep respect. He then looked at his

old friend.



"I am honored. Why do you seek my presence?" The Dali Lama

smiled as they walked into the modest home. Mathew made tea and the

two men talked. Mathew's face clouded in concern when he was told of

the danger to his grandson and son. Mathew looked down, looking

within himself. Then, he looked across at his guest.



"It is time, is it not?" The Dali Lama nodded.



"Yes, my friend, it is. I know this is much to ask of you,

especially now that....." His voice trailed off. Mathew had a

serene smile on his face.



"I know, my friend, but, It will be better than sitting here,

waiting and, my grandson means everything to me. I must help him. I

only hope I can mend fences with my son before this is over." The

small, elderly man smiled at Mathew.



"I am certain that you will be able to but, there will be

time for that later, after Peter's safety is assured. I will insure

that you and your son have time to talk and wrap up things between

you. There is another who can assist and you and I must find him.

Your son Damon will also be instrumental in releasing Peter from this

Brujo, forever. He has the strength and determination necessary"



Mathew nodded silently. He knew Damon had been wrestling

with his own demons ever since the time he had tried to kill his

younger brother. However, Martin had told Mathew how Damon had begun

to reevaluate his life after that and had broken away from the Singh-

Wah. He was now in seclusion, trying to get his life back. Only the

Dali Lama knew where he was.



One hour later, both men were on the plane to go and get

Damon Caine so that the line of Caine could save the youngest and end

the Brujo's hold on him, forever.



**********************************************************************



In a small shaolin monastery high in the Spanish Alps,

Damon Caine sat in a lotus position, eyes closed as he meditated. He

was wearing a simple saffron coloured robe and didn't even notice the

cold wind blowing across him. He was still trying to figure out just

what he was supposed to do now. He still had the skills and

knowledges passed on to him by the Singh-Wah but also know that he

possessed the inherent abilities unique to the Caine line.



Then, it hit him. The Singh-Wah had known this as well, that

was why he had been kidnapped as an infant, so they told him. He

knew, deep within, that they hadn't told him the entire truth about

that but, he was sure they had lied to him. He had been suprised by

his own reaction when he had tried to kill his younger brother and

had discovered that his heart simply wasn't in it. That had confused

him, deeply and he had left the Singh-Wah soon after.



Now, his inner soul was in turmoil and he was grateful to the

Dali Lama for bringing him here, where no one knew who or what he

was. He found his gaze drawn down to his bare forearms and found

himself imagining the shaolin brands there. The thought no longer

filled him with dread, in fact, it was almost comforting to him.



The soft voice behind him did not make him jump, he simply

looked around and nearly fell over. The man standing before him was

dressed in the robes of a shaolin master. The features were those of

his father as a younger man but, this was not Mathew Caine. Then, he

spoke to Damon.



"What troubles you, my grandson?" Damon's mind screamed at

him.



"This has got to be a trick but, I wasn't even thinking about

him." Then, Damon gathered his courage in his hands and looked up.



"Is it really you, Grandfather Caine?" He asked. The man

before him smiled and bowed, giving the shaolin salute before he sat

down in front of the startled man. Kwai Chang Caine looked at his

grandchild and smiled sadly.



"Your path has been very troubled and unsure. Now, you doubt

all you have been told. You do know that if your father had known

about you, he would have come for you, no matter what the Singh-Wah

would have placed in his path. It is time that you knew the truth.

You were not abducted as an infant, my grandson. The Singh-Wah

abducted your mother and, after you were born, they killed her and

raised you. Your father thought both of you had perished and so, he

and Kwai Chang went to the temple."



Damon listened and knew, deep within, that what he heard was

true. Rage rose up within him learning about his mother and, deep

within, he felt sorrow that he had been kept from his rightful

heritage all this time. Damon felt something he hadn't felt before

and, he touched his own face to find tears on his cheeks. His

grandfather smiled sadly and laid a hand on his arm.



"Embrace the pain, make it a part of you and then, let it

go. Only then can you see clearly where your path will lead you.

Remember, you are a Caine and no one, not even the Singh-Wah, can

take that from you. You will know what to do and when to do it.

Listen to your heart, my grandson, and you will not go wrong." He

rose to his feet and , bowing again to Damon walked off.



Damon watched as, with every step, his grandfather shimmered

out of existence. Damon still could feel the tears as he cried for

what he had forever lost and he did what his grandfather told him, he

embraced the pain and suddenly, it was gone, leaving a peace Damon

had never believed existed. He drew in a deep breath and expelled it

slowly, letting that peace fill his entire being and then, in a

flash, he knew.



He rose to his feet smoothly and headed for the small room

the Master of this temple used to meet with others. Damon Caine now

knew who and what he was and he was ready to fully embrace his

heritage and whatever that entailed, not knowing that what he was

about to do would be the key to his nephew's salvation and freedom.



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER FIVE

by

BlackFury



Kwai Chang Caine was still in Peter's apartment, watching

over his sleeping son when Kermit arrived, back from god knew where,

looking for his friend and partner. Caine answered the door and let

the ex-mercenary into the living room. Kermit was shocked when he

saw the lines that had deepened on Caine's face and there were bags

under the Shaolin's eyes.



"Caine, what is it, what's wrong?" Caine looked at his son's

friend and then back at the bedroom door.



"My son is being assailed again, from within. My friend, do

you remember the Brujo?" Kermit hadn't been in the city at the time

but had heard the story from both Peter and his father once he had

come home. Kermit's face suddenly went hard.



"You mean he's back and after Peter again?" Caine nodded.

He then looked at the 101s resident computer guru.



"My friend, I need your help. The Brujo wants my son to kill

someone who is coming to this city in three days but, I do not know

who it is. Can you help me? It will be someone important, someone

the city is preparing to welcome." Kermit nodded and, pulling out

his laptop, got to work.



Caine went into Peter's bedroom to check on his sleeping son

and saw that even now, his dreams were being invaded and, perhaps

manipulated. He started to lay a hand on the younger man's arm when

suddenly, Peter let out a yell of anger and his hands were locked

around his father's throat, trying to squeeze the life out of him.

Caine called out and suddenly Kermit was in the room, and, with an

apologetic look at Caine, clocked Peter on the back of the head.



Peter fell back unconscious and then, Kermit went to Caine,

who was coughing. Kermit led him back into the living room and got

him some water. Lo Sei appeared out of nowhere with a steaming cup

of tea and handed it to his friend. Caine sipped it as Kermit checked

on Peter again, making sure he hadn't hurt his young friend. Kermit

then came back out.



"Caine are you all right?" The elderly man looked up at

Kermit and smiled sadly.



"Yes, I am fine however, I had not realized how deep the

Brujo's hold on my son is. I fear for his soul." Kermit shook his

head then, turned back to his computer, continuing his search. Lo

Sei looked at his friend.



"Peter's help will be here shortly. All we have to do is

insure that you son does not leave this apartment for any reason, do

you understand?" Caine nodded as Lo Sei went and locked the door to

Peter's bedroom. There were no windows in the small bedroom or

bathroom so, they knew the only way Peter could leave was through the

door.



After a few more minutes, Kermit looked up from his laptop

with a look that could only be described as frightened, even for

Kermit. Caine laid a hand on his shoulder.



"Are you all right, my friend?" Kermit looked at both men and

swallowed hard. He then stood up and began pacing the room.

Finally, he turned to the two shaolin.



"Caine, the Brujo has decided to use Peter to try and

kill....The President of the United States. He's due here in two

days. He must want Peter to assassinate him."



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER SIX

by

BlackFury



Peter was locked in his own mind. He had retreated into that

secret place that even the Brujo didn't know about but, that hadn't

stopped him from invading the young cop's dreams. Peter tried to stop

himself when he saw his hands reaching for his father's throat and

was horrified when he couldn't. He was relieved when Kermit came in

and conked him on the head.



Peter remembered suddenly that he was shaolin now, no longer

a cop. He could, somehow, feel his father's chi reaching out to him

but it was being blocked, probably by the Brujo. Then Peter felt

something else, something familiar but yet, elusive right now but

there, on the edge of his awareness.



It felt safe, like someone was trying to send him their

strength but it wasn't quite strong enough to reach him yet. He then

heard his bedroom door lock and smiled inwardly. Trust Lo Sei to

know exactly what to do. Now, he could feel the Brujo's anger at

being locked in but even the sorcerer couldn't get Peter's body out

of the bedroom. Not now.



Peter knew that he had to stop the Brujo and he really wasn't

sure how to do it. He knew that he couldn't stay locked in his own

mind forever, eventually he would have to come out and fight but

something told him to wait, so, he waited.



But then, he could hear the Brujo in his mind again,

laughing, as if he was playing a huge joke on everyone. Then with

growing horror, Peter heard the Brujo talking to him again.



"Fools, Little do they know what I intend my young servant,

You will do as I command, you have no choice. You will do this."

Peter kept thinking to himself.



"No, I won't. I will not, I can fight you and I will." He

continued to wait in his secret place, waiting for help to arrive.



**********************************************************************



Mathew Caine and the Dali Lama arrived at the small shaolin

monastery in the Spanish Alps and were shown into the small room the

Abbot used for recieving visitors. There, they both sat down to

speak to Master MaiLai. The abbot was honored and suprised by the

appearance of the Dali Lama and he listened carefully to what was

said.



"Yes, he is here and he had been speaking to me about the

very thing he came here to find." The Dali Lama nodded and turned to

his companion.



"My friend, Damon is here and has been for several months,

seeking his destiny. I brought him to this place away from everyone

he knew so that he would not be distracted by outside influences. I

believe that he has made his decision, which is why we are here." He

turned back to the abbot and smiled.



"This is Damon's father, may we see him?" The Abbot nodded

and led them to one of the small rooms. He knocked once, opened the

door and stepped back.



Damon turned and he smiled as the Dali Lama stepped into the

room. His expression turned to one of apprehension when he saw his

father walk in. Mathew Caine looked at his younger son as he walked

in. There was a serenity about Damon Mathew had not felt before, but

welcomed.



Damon bowed to both men, giving them the shaolin salute. The

two older men returned it then, all three sat down. The Dali Lama

cocked his head at Damon and smiled.



"Have you found what you were seeking, young Caine?"

Damon looked at the floor for a moment and then, a serene smile

spread across his face, unlike any Mathew had seen before. For an

answer, he rolled up his sleeves.



Tears of joy streamed down the older Caine's face as he saw

the unmistakeable brands of the dragon and the tiger on his son's

arms. The Dali Lama nodded, a sweet smile on his own face.



"So, you decided to embrace your heritage after all. That is

good, my friend. Your new strength is needed. Your nephew, Peter,

is in trouble and needs your help. Listen, and I will tell you."



Damon's face clouded in anger as he listened to what the

Brujo had done and was again doing to his nephew. When all was

silent, Damon looked up.



"Yes, I will come with you."



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER SEVEN

by

BlackFury



Mathew, the Dali Lama and Damon were on board the private

jet, heading for Carlsburg, NY. While they journeyed, Mathew told

his younger son everything they knew about what was happeneing to

Peter. The two then linked their chi in an attempt to reach the

younger shaolin but they were being blocked.



Damon was silent and then had an idea of his own to try once

they arrived so, all three men sat back and meditated until the plane

touched down. They were met at the airport by the Ancient, a broad

smile on the weatherbeaten, winzed face. He bowed low to the first

man and inclined his head to the others.



"Come, Peter is confined, for the moment and his father and

Kermit Griffin are keeping watch." He shot a look at the Dali Lama.



"You know why the Brujo is waiting." The small, yet powerful

man smiled a serene smile.



"Yes, my old friend, I do know and, the sorcerer is not as

powerful as he believes. Peter's newly awakened shaolin talents are

keeping him even more at bay than he realizes. Come, we must free

him from the Brujo's influence once and for all."



All of them climbed into the limo and were soon on their way

to Peter's apartment. Damon conversed with the Ancient in low tones,

seeking and recieving advice on how to comport himself once they

arrived. Mathew sent a message to his son.



"Kwai, we are soon to arrive. Have no fear, we know what the

Brujo wants my grandson to do and he will not succeed. Be patient

and all will be well." Caine looked over at Kermit, who was on the

sofa, worry plainly etched on his rugged face.



"Help is coming, my friend. Soon, my son will be free from

this sorcerer, forever." Kermit had his shades off and his blue eyes

were filled with concern for his friend.



"I hope you're right, Caine, I really hope that you're

right." A knock on the apartment door brought both men to their feet

and Caine looked at the other.



"We shall soon see, my friend. The battle for my son's soul

is about to commence." He went to open the door. Kermit watched as

The Ancient came in, followed by Mathew Caine, Damon Caine and

finally, the Dali Lama.



Kermit whistled and said, under his breath,



"Talk about reinforcements."



In Peter's bedroom, the Brujo laughed in his head and Peter

could hear him speak.



"He's here. You are going to kill him, my young servant."

Peter's answer was flippant, as always.



"Oh, really? And just who do you want me to kill?" He

asked, dreading the answer. The sorcerer laughed loud on that.



"The Dali Lama. Then, you kill yourself."



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER EIGHT

by

BlackFury



Peter drew back in shock and then, everything that he was,

everything that he was destined to be surged to the forefront.

His mind flared in strength as he cried out.



"NO! NEVER! I'll never do what you want, ever again!"



The Brujo was caught by suprise and then, at that precise

moment, five others joined in the fray. The sorcerer found himself

surrounded. At Peter's back were Kwai Chang Caine, Mathew Caine, The

Dali Lama, Lo Si and one other. The last one looked at the Brujo and

strength blazed, unlike any the sorcerer had ever encountered before.



In Peter's bedroom, his cry had brought all of them into the

room. Kermit watched as the others surrounded Peter then, Damon

Caine moved forward and took Peter's arms, turning them with the

brands facing up then, placed his own newly healed forearms over his

nephews.



The blaze of energy that flared had Kermit falling back and

then, they were all watching. Only Damon and Peter knew what was

happening now. All the others could do was wait and have their

strength ready if it was needed.



Inside Peter's mind, he looked around and was suprised to see

his uncle, Damon Caine. The Brujo was screaming in anger at what was

happening. He couldn't get anywhere near Peter and he was twisting

in the wind. Damon looked at Peter.



"Are you all right? I came as soon as I knew." Peter smiled

sadly but still in puzzlement.



"Uncle Damon, what happened? You're Shaolin now?" Damon

smiled. He kept his arms on his nephews as they talked, the energy

keeping the Brujo from hearing or reaching them.



"I finally embraced my destiny and became what I was meant to

be. Now, we have to stop him, in fact, you have to stop him. Peter,

he's channeling through someone. His angel, the one you remembered,

is no more. He has to have a new one, someone who is, or was, close

to you. Do you know who it might be?"



Peter thought then looked at his uncle in horror. His face

paled as he got the words out.



"My god, no. Captain Simms."



Damon never turned but he spoke out loud to his father and

uncle.



"The Brujo has a new 'angel'. Peter's Captain." Kwai Chang

looked at Kermit.



"I must go with you. As long as he has her in his power, he

can get to my son. Do you still love her?" Kermit removed the green

shades and his blue eyes looked deep into Caine's grey eyes.



"Yes, Caine, with everything that I am, everything I have

ever been." Caine smiled and laid a hand on the ex-mercenary's arm.



"That love will help to bring her back to us, my friend.

Come, we must go now. They are in her apartment." As they turned to

go, the Dali Lama smiled and handed a jade pendant to Kermit.



"Place this around her throat and it will protect her. Go,

both of you. You have my blessing." Both men bowed and were out the

door as the Holy One turned back to the battle raging within Peter

Caine.



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER NINE

by

BlackFury



The Brujo stood over the unconscious form of Karen Simms

stretched out on her bed, mummuring as he held his hands over her.

She had a very powerful connection to his target and so far, it was

working in his favor. He was fully concentrated on the unexpected

battle he was involved in.



He was so determined to accomplish his goal that he never

heard the apartment door open and knew nothing until the butt of a

Desert Eagle crashed down on the back of his head. He dropped like a

stone as Kermit gathered Karen into his arms, cradling her head

against his shoulder. He then turned to Caine.



"What do we do with him?" An unexpected voice made them look

around. Lo Si stood there.



"We will deal with him, my friends. Take the Captain to

Caine's apothecary. Go." The two left with the unconscious woman,

leaving Lo Si standing over the crumpled form of the Brujo. Then, he

pulled a white crystal medallion from under his robes. With a flash

of pure, white light, both men disappeared.



Caine handed the ex-mercenary the pendant the Dali Lama had

handed to him and Kermit slipped it over Karen's head.

He looked up at his friend, anguish in his blue eyes. Kwai Chang

smiled, laying a hand on the younger man's shoulder.



"Bring her, we will go to my apothecary. There are herbs

that will help in her recovery. She will awaken soon, freed of his

domination and she will need your reassurance. Hopefully, she will

remember nothing of what he forced her to do." Kermit nodded. He

and Caine left to take Karen to the kwoon.



In Peter's room, his body slumped and Damon staggered back

into his father's arms. In a few moments, Peter stirred and looked

up, his eyes bleary. He then looked around more.



"Grandfather? Uncle Damon? What happened? Where's Father?"

Then, he saw someone he never expected to see. He sat up straight.



"Your Holiness, why are you here?" The Dali Lama spread out

his hands in a gesture eerily reminiscent of Lo Si and bowed.



"Your father asked for my assistance and I was glad to be

able to come. Your father is helping rescue another of the

sorcerer's victims. The Brujo will trouble you no more, my young

friend. His hold on you has been broken." Peter looked back at his

Uncle and saw the forearms.



"You really are shaolin? I thought at first that I just

dreamed it." Damon smiled and Peter could sense how his uncle's

whole attitude and demeanor were different, more peaceful, more like

a Caine. Mathew had a very proud smile on his weathered face. Peter

nodded to himself.



"You helped me the way I helped Father when he faced his

trial as a Shambhala Master. Your energy helped me fight him off.

Uncle, thank you." Peter embraced his uncle and Damon smiled.



"You are family, Peter. I did learn that family is very

important. I couldn't let anything happen to you. Now, go to your

father." Peter nodded and left. Mathew looked at his son and the

Dali Lama.



"Should we leave or visit my other son?" The Dali Lama

nodded and they headed for Caine's apothecary.



Peter walked in and saw Karen on the raised platform, his

father working on her and Kermit watching from the door. Peter laid

his hand on his friend's shoulder. Kermit smiled when he saw his

partner.



"She'll be fine, Kermit, you do know that? Dad needs my

help." Kermit nodded silently as Peter joined his father.



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER TEN

by

BlackFury



Caine looked up with a smile as Peter came to stand beside

him as he worked on the still unconscious police Captain. The

younger shaolin laid a hand on her arm and let out an exclamation of

suprise, his hazel eyes looking back at his father.



"Pop, what did he do to her?" Caine shook his head as Kermit

started forward, concern etched on every line of his face. Peter

reached back for some herbs he knew his father would need. Caine

looked at them both.



"The Brujo used her chi to strengthen his hold on you, my son

and since she was not the familiar he was used to, it has weakened

her considerably." Peter was worried and looked up as his

grandfather, uncle and The Dali Lama entered the room, followed by Lo

Si.



"Geandfather, Lo Si, can you help her?" Before any of them

could move, Kermit already had Karen in his arms, her head against

his shoulder. Peter and his father stepped back a few paces. Kermit

looked down.



"Don't leave me, Karen. I love you and it's time you heard

it, from me. You mean more to me than I ever believed possible and

I'll be dammned if I'm going to let some freakin sorcerer take you

from me." Tears began raining from underneath the green shades as

the ex-mercenary continued talking to her.



"Please, come back. I really do need you, Karen, you

complete me, you make me whole." He gently kissed her lips then,

laid her back on the platform. Peter put a hand on his friends

ahoulder and steered him to the terrace. Caine and Mathew bent over

her but, the Dali Lama waved them off. Kermit and Peter turned in

time to watch what happened.



He turned to Lo Si and held out his hand. Without a word

being spoken, the Ancient handed him the medallion of Shambhala. The

Dalai Lama laid the crystalline medallion on the center of her chest

and then, turned to Peter and Damon.



The two younger shaolin joined Mathew, Kwai Chang, Lo Si and

the Dali Lama in a circle around Karen Simms. Kermit watched as the

men joined hands and began a low chant, one that sent chills up and

down the ex- merc's spine as he listened.



He watched as they continued and the chant began to rise both

in intensity and volume. Then, the medallion began to glow with a

light Kermit had never seen before. It surrounded Karen and seemed

to permeate her body, like it was shining through her, not just

around her.



Then, as the chanting reached its peak, there was a flare of

purest white light and Kermit, even with the shades, had to hide his

eyes. When he finally was able to look around, he saw Karen sitting

up on the platform, sipping a cup of tea that had, apparently,

appeared out of nowhere.



Peter and Damon looked a little frazzled but the others

looked fine. The Dali Lama said something to the captain in a soft

voice and she looked across the room at Kermit. For once, Kermit

blushed and looked at the floor. Karen slid off the platform and

came over to him, taking his hands into hers as he finally looked at

her. He caught his breath.



He had remembered the hard, angry, cold face he had seen when

she had crisply informed him that their relationship was over, her

green eyes like cold orbs of emerald ice. Now, he was seeing the

woman he remembered, the one he had come to love more than life

itself and she was herself again. Her eyes were warm and loving and

her face, no longer hard but soft, smiling and mobile.



"Kermit? Can you ever forgive me?" He was shocked, why was

she asking him? His face must have betrayed his thoughts because she

reached up one hand and cupped his cheek. He leaned into her palm

and she smiled. He finally found his voice.



"What is there to forgive? That woman wasn't you, Karen, he

made you do that. I'm just glad you're back. Karen, I love you."

She caught her own breath on his admission and flung her arms around

his neck, burying her face into his wide shoulder. Peter grinned

like a mischevious schoolboy as the two left the loft heading for

either her place or his.



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER ELEVEN

by

BlackFury



As Kermit and Captain Simms left Caine's loft, Peter sat on

the edge of the raised platform all traces of mischeviousness gone as

he looked at the floor. Caine and the others sensed the change in

the young shaolin's mood and Kwai Chang walked over to his son.



"Peter? What troubles you, my son?" Peter looked, not at his

father but, at the serene face of the Dali Lama. It was a few

moments before Peter spoke and when he did, his voice was laced with

sorrow.



"He wanted me to kill you. you know, and you came to help me

anyway." The man nodded silently and Peter continued, finally

looking at his father.



"The Brujo thought that he had it all figured out. He came

after me and knew you'd call for help. Then, he would make me kill

him and then, just to complete our shame, make me kill myself in

front of you. The one piece of the puzzle he didn't know about, was

uncle Damon. That was the one thing that stopped him and allowed us

to find him. But, what would have happened if..." Peter looked

around.



Lo Si smiled as he moved to the younger man and laid a

comforting hand on his shoulder.



"It matters not young Peter, not now. The Brujo was taken to

Shambhala and stripped of his powers. Where he is now, he remembers

nothing of who and what he once was. He can no longer harm anyone,

ever again. You are free, Peter."



Peter nodded, smiled and then hugged his father. Mathew,

Damon, Peter and Kwai Chang spent the rest of the day together, Damon

learning what an extraordinary legacy he was truly now a part of. Lo

Si conducted the Dali Lama to his home where the community welcomed

the Tibetan holy man.



TBC

RETURN OF THE BRUJO

CHAPTER TWELVE

by

BlackFury



Kermit drove Karen to his building. She was suprised when

they parked in the underground garage. They walked to the elevator

in silence and then to the apartment door. Kermit stepped back and

let her go inside first. Once the door was closed, things changed,



Karen was pulled into Kermit's arms and his lips fastened on

hers in a kiss unlike any she had ever experienced before. His arms

tightened around her body, almost crushing her against him. She

leaned into the kiss, her arms winding around his neck, one hand

tangling itself in his hair.



After what seemed an eternity, he pulled back and looked down

at her. She suddenly coloured and walked away, to the large window,

staring unseeingly at the setting sun. Kermit walked over and pulled

her back against him.



"What is it, Karen? You can tell me. It's not your fault,

you know. He made you say and do those things. It wasn't you." She

suddenly pulled away from him, her fists clenched at her sides.

Then, she turned to look at him and exploded.



"I'm suppossed to be stronger than that, Kermit. I had a

feeling, when he first showed up that something wasn't right but, I

never acted on it. I let him sweep me off of my feet and look what

happened! I....I...." Kermit pulled her to him again as she tears

came, soaking his suit jacket but, he didn't care.



"Karen, you are human, no matter how hard you try not to be.

If anyone should have 'sensed' him, it should have been me but, I

missed it too. It's ok, now. Peter's fine and so are we. Karen, I

love you. Look at me." He pulled off the green shades and let her

see what was in his blue eyes. She let out a suprised gasp as he let

her see his heart.



He did love her, no matter what had happened between them.

She clung to him, sobbing in relief and release. Kermit rested his

cheek against the top of her head and talked to her softly as she

finally let go of her feelings of failure. Kermit knew that in this

woman, he had finally met his match, his soulmate, his other half.



At the kwoon, Peter was standing on the terrace, looking out

at that same setting sun with a half smile on his face. His

grandfather and uncle had retreated to talk alone and Kwai Chang had

his flute in his hand as he stood next to his son. He looked at

Peter's now serene face.



"Peter?" Peter turned to his father and the older shaolinsaw the mischief again dancing in those hazel eyes. Then

unexpectedly, Peter blushed.



"It's Kermit. I can 'hear' him. He's trying to tell Karen

that this wasn't her fault. If anyone can convince her, it's the

frog. He loves her so much, I hope she can see and feel that. It

will help her heal." Caine smiled and laid his hand on Peter's

shoulder. he heard the sigh as Peter dropped his head.



"I know, my son. The one for you has yet to make her

appearance but, you will know when you meet her, this I promise

you." Peter nodded silently and walked away a little. Caine knew

how his son was hurting. He had lost Kira to the Shadow Assassin,

Kelly had found someone new, Jordan didn't understand why he became

Shaolin and had never spoken to him again and then, she had died

during that undercover assignment.



There was only one woman Peter had truly loved

unconditionally and she was forever lost to him, or was she, Caine

wondered. For several weeks now, he had been 'aware' of a familiar

presence, there and yet, not there. Peter didn't yet have the

training to sense it for himself but, if what Caine had been feeling

turned out to be true, then, perhaps, his son would again be truly

happy.



A young woman arrived in Carlsburg the next day and found

herself drawn to Chinatown. She had no idea as to why since, as far

as she knew, she wasn't Chinese, but, it felt, familiar, like home.

She had studied Chinese in college, before dropping out and

remembered what she had learned. She had flame red hair and grey

green eyes with a very slight, but noticable, oriental slant. She

found an apartment and then a job and still wondered why she was here.



The answers would come in time but only after much pain and

struggle. Once they did come, however, life in Chinatown, for a

number of people, would never be the same again.



The End