Note:
As usual the following characters from Kung Fu: The Legend Continues do not belong to me (sigh), but the story is all mine.

A special thanks to my beta, Zoe, who keeps my work honest and grammatically correct.

“Mother is the word for home in the hearts and mouths of children” Eric Draven in The Crow.

/Sam

Coming Home

by Sam Mallory < sammallory@hotmail.com >

Chapter 1

“No!” he screamed shaking with fear and anger. Peter shot up in the bed gasping for air. It took precious moments to realize that he was in his own bed and that the nightmare was over. He wiped sweat from his forehead and chest using the sheet that was covering his athletic frame. He was still shaking.

“This is ridiculous,” he chided, shaking his head.

Peter knew that he would not be able to return to sleep any time soon. He decided to get up and go for a drive to clear his head. He glanced at the clock to confirm that his watch was not in error. The clock confirmed that it was indeed 3:00 in the morning.

“Great, another sleepless night.”

He pulled his jeans up over his boxer briefs and padded into the bathroom to splash cold water on his face. Checking himself in the mirror, he noted the dark circles and haunted look of his eyes. He hadn’t slept well in nearly 2 weeks and knew it had to stop because it was starting to affect his job. Peter couldn’t put off talking to his father any longer.

He grabbed a blue T-shirt from the closet and pulled it on as he walked out into the living room. He was suddenly relieved that Jordan stayed at her place tonight. She had to be in court in the morning, and his nightmares had been waking her as well.

Pulling on his socks and his boots, he went into the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water. Gulping it down, he refilled the glass and went to the door to get his keys. He took a look around, as he always did, and locked the door, heading down to the garage where the Stealth was parked.

---

Thirty minutes later, he pulled into a parking place at his father’s building. He hated to disturb his father at this late hour, but he had to stop the nightmares. They were taking over his life.

He bounded up the stairs two at a time and went in the front door. “Pop,” he hollered quietly, hoping not to disturb anyone else that may be staying with his father.

“Peter, it is late.”

“Yes, Father, it is.”

“You are troubled. You have not called me father since you were a little boy. What is troubling you, my son?” Caine asked gently.

“I’m having the nightmares again, only worse this time,” Peter replied tensely.

“Worse?”

“Yes. They have been coming every night for the past 2 weeks, Father. I can’t make them stop and they have to stop.” Peter eyed his father cautiously, looking for any hint of disapproval on his features and finding none.

“Two weeks is a long time to be without sleep, Peter. Why did you not seek my help sooner?”

“I...I...” Peter looked away from his father.

“You were afraid that you would disappoint me. That I would see this as a...failure?” Caine probed.

“No, Pop, not a failure, a fault,” Peter replied embarrassed.

“Peter, I accept you with all your faults. You should know this. You are my son. I love you.”

“I’m coming to you now, Pop. I need your help. I have to see her...know her,” he started cautiously.

Caine nodded, “I knew you would come to me when you were ready. You wish me to tell you about your mother.”

“Yes, I need to be with her.”

“Peter, she is dead. It is not your time to be with her,” Caine reassured his son lovingly.

“Yes, but you have traveled back in time before. This time, I want you to take me with you to a time when you were with her. I want to know my mother. In the nightmares, she reaches for me and is torn away before I can help her.”

“Very well, Peter. I will help you. We will need to talk to the Ancient. You must also...request leave?

“Yes,” Peter replied amazed as ever at the things his father knew.

Chapter 2

Peter strode across the squad room and knocked on Captain Simm’s door.

“Come in,” she replied flatly. Looking up, “ What is it, Detective Caine? I have a meeting with the Commissioner in less than an hour, and I have to get this report finished first.

“Well, Captain. I need to request leave.”

“Peter, are you alright? Is your father...?” she questioned concerned.

“My father is fine, Captain. I need the time off for personal reasons,” he worded delicately.

“Listen, Caine. I’d love to give it to you, but we’re swamped right now, and I can’t be without my best homicide detective without a damn good reason.”

Peter took a deep breath and proceeded to explain.

“Well, Captain. I haven’t slept in two weeks, so I doubt I’m the best detective you’ve got right now. I can’t seem to eat or focus on anything. I’m a mess. I gotta have at least a week. I know we’re busy, but we always are and I’m tellin’ you, I can’t do the job right now,” he exploded with relief.

“I can’t believe you got all of that out in one breath,” she replied with a smile.

“It’s a gift,” he retorted.

“Okay, Caine. I’ll split your cases between the other detectives and cover you for 7 days, but no more. You must be back here and ready to resume your duties on day 8. Is that clear?”

“Crystal,” he replied gratefully. He turned to leave. “Oh, and Captain?”

She looked up when he didn’t finish his thought.

“Thanks. This means a lot to me.” He smiled at her and strode out the door without looking back.

Chapter 3

Peter returned to his father’s place to find him deep in meditation. The Ancient was busy putting together the herbs needed for the journey. Peter settled in on the windowsill and waited for his father to acknowledge him. A few moments later, his patience was rewarded.

“Are you ready, Peter?” his father asked in all seriousness.

“Yeah, I guess so. I didn’t know what to pack,” Peter replied smartly.

“If you will not take this seriously, then you must leave. It will only work if you are pure of conviction. Your concentration must be unbroken. Are you ready?” He asked again, a bit perturbed at Peter’s levity.

“Yes, Pop. I’m ready. I’m sorry. I...I want to do this. I’m just nervous.”

“Come, sit across from me.”

Peter crossed the room and sat down facing his father. He assumed the lotus position and took a deep breath to clear his thoughts.

Caine handed Peter a mortar filled with herbs the Ancient had helped him prepare earlier. “You must eat all of this,” he said as he ate from an identical bowl.

Peter took the proffered bowl and smelled the contents. “Oh,” he said grimacing. “Pop, you can’t be serious; this stuff smells nasty.” Peter could see the disappointment in his father’s eyes and began to eat the foul smelling mixture. “Sorry, Father,” he said sheepishly between bites.

“You must begin the journey, now, Kwai Chang Caine. Concentrate,” the Ancient beckoned urgently.

Caine started instructing Peter on how to begin, “Very good, Peter. You must focus all your being on the destination. We must travel far. Close your eyes. Think of your mother.” Caine gripped Peter’s hands even tighter and narrowed his own focus to thoughts of his Laura.

Peter felt himself being pulled out of time and thrown into the floor roughly.

“Pop, did it work?”

“I do not know. Come,” he gestured to Peter to follow him through the door.

“Where are we, Pop?”

“We are at the temple,” Caine replied. “We must find Ping Hai.” Caine led him through many twists and turns finally coming to a stop in front of Ping Hai’s quarters. He knocked and patiently waited for the answer from within.

“Come,” he heard weakly spoken from inside the room.

Caine and Peter entered to find Ping Hai lying on the floor. They rushed across the room to aid the old priest.

“What has happened here?” Caine asked of the old priest.

“We were attacked by bandits. They stole relics,” he paused not wanting to continue. “They took Laura as well,” he finished. “You have returned from your journey early. You were not to return for 2 more weeks.”

“What do you mean, ‘they took Laura’? Someone took my mom. Where did they take her? Is she okay? Can we rescue her? What’s goin’ on?” Peter’s whirled a barrage of questions at the old priest.

“Peter, be quiet,” Caine said with more force than was necessary.

Ping Hai looked into Caine’s eyes and from their depth read their purpose.

“You have made a most impressive journey. Why have you come here?” He questioned sternly.

“You know why we are here, Ping Hai,” Caine chided.

“Yes,” he admitted, “I do. It is a worthy undertaking, but you know the pain you must face.”

“Yes, I do,” Caine replied sadly.

“Pain?” Peter questioned confused at the turn of the conversation. “What does he mean by pain, Pop?”

“I will explain...later. First, we must find Laura.” Caine turned and left the room abruptly with Peter following closely.

“Pop, why won’t you tell me what’s goin’ on? I’m supposed to be learning on this trip. Remember?” Peter was beginning to get agitated by his father’s silence.

“You will have your answers in time. Please be quiet. Follow me,” Caine replied sharply.

Chapter 4

Laura Caine firmly stood her ground as the town’s men circled and taunted her.

“We want you and your kind out of this town, lady. You and your weirdo husband are not welcome here,” Vance Cavanaugh taunted as he pushed her to the floor.

“Why are you so afraid of us, Vance? We only want peace,” Laura spoke quietly.

“I’ll say it again slowly so ya understand. We...don’t want...your kind...here,” he spat the words in her face.

“Leave the lady alone,” Peter cried out angrily. “She obviously doesn’t like your company, Vance,” Peter interjected disdainfully.

“Who are you?” Vance questioned angrily. “This is none of your concern, stranger. Why don’t you just move along?”

“It takes a really big man to push around a woman, especially when she’s pregnant.” Peter held his hand out to his mother. “Come with me. These jerks won’t bother you anymore.”

Laura hesitated for a moment, but found she trusted this young man she had never seen before.

“Wait just a minute. You can’t take her...” Vance began angrily.

“Watch me! You know there are plenty of anger management classes. Maybe you should go and look for one,” Peter suggested as he turned to walk away.

Vance launched at Peter full force. Peter stepped to the side allowing Cavanaugh’s momentum to take him to the floor without ever laying a finger on him.

“Come on...Laura,” Peter tested the name. “Let’s go!”

He took his mother’s hand and led her from the angry men who meant her harm.

“You did well, Peter. Laura you are safe now. We must get back to the temple.”

“Kwai?” She looked at him with confusion in her eyes.

“I will explain later. We must go now.” He took her hand and moved her forcefully, yet gently, in the direction of the temple.

---

Once back in their room at the temple, Caine made tea as they took their seats on the floor.

“You never told me that they hurt you,” Caine quietly accused his wife.

“I knew that you would worry. You’re not my Kwai Chang Caine, are you?

“I am, only much older now. You are with child?”

She nodded quietly. “I haven’t told his father...um, you, yet. He’s been gone for awhile. I was going to tell him when he returned,” she defended.

Peter stared at his mother aghast. He was unprepared for the fact that she would be pregnant with him and had never expected to be able to interact with her, only to see her.

“Why did they take you?” Peter asked quietly.

“I was in town at the market. I told Kahn, Mike and Ping Hai that I would be fine and I only needed a few things.”

Caine’s eyes flashed with anger. “Laura, you know that you are not to leave the temple by yourself. The townspeople are dangerous.”

“We always had that argument, didn’t we? I refused to be a prisoner, and you worried for my safety. Where have you come from? Another time?”

“Yes, Laura.”

Peter was again surprised at her acceptance of this. “You don’t find this hard to believe?” he blurted out to his mother.

“Kwai has a very powerful chi. He has always wandered far and often to where help is required. It is not surprising that he could cross time. His power grows more each time I see him. I would imagine that far into the future his power would be quite great. He is the best man I know,” she finished with a smile.

She turned to Peter. “Now whom should I thank for saving me?”

“My name is Peter. Peter McCabe,” he replied, wincing as he lied to his mother.

“Well, thank you, Peter. I appreciate all that you did for me. Will you be staying at the temple long?”

Peter glanced up at his father who answered, “A few days.”

“Well, you must be tired from your journey. I must go pick some herbs for the evening meal. You must rest. I’ll return shortly,” she promised.

When she had gathered her basket and left the room, Peter turned to his father.

“She was so kind and beautiful, Pop.”

“Yes, she was. She loved you very much. In two weeks, I will return from a journey. She told me that night that she was pregnant with you. It was the most joyous moment of my life,” Caine stated with pride.

Peter kissed his father on the forehead and wiped the tears from his eyes as he turned and went in search of his mother.

Chapter 5

Laura Caine hummed as she picked the herbs from the garden. She loved gardening. It always brought her peace when her husband was on his journeys. Although they had been married for several years, Laura missed her husband dearly. Seeing him aged today had given her a little peace. She always worried that he may not come back, but he had traveled a great distance to see her.

Peter watched as his mother worked in her garden. He was awed by how gracefully she moved, the way she checked each leaf before gently removing it from the plant. She hypnotized him with her movements.

Laura turned to return to the temple and was startled to find Peter there watching her. She dropped her basket of herbs.

“Oh,” she cried startled. She bent down to retrieve the fallen herbs.

Peter started, “Let me do that. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.” He was embarrassed at having caused his mother so much trouble.

“It’s nothing. The herbs can be washed. You surprised me, that’s all,” she replied gently.

“Well, I’m still sorry,” he replied sheepishly.

“You look tired. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be resting?”

“Yeah, I’m sure, but thanks. Tell me about your husband...please,” he inquired quietly.

“Kwai?” she continued when Peter nodded in affirmation. “He is a gentle man with a soaring spirit. Sometimes I feel like he swooped down and lifted me up, taking me to greater heights than I could ever imagine,” she smiled embarrassed with her romanticism. “He sounds like a really good guy,” Peter said a little guiltily at tricking information from his mother.

“He’s the best. I just wish he was here so I could tell him about our baby,” she said, glowing with joy.

“How long has he been gone?”

“Almost 4 months. I’m 5 months pregnant. I found out a few weeks after he left. He moves around a lot, but he always comes home to me,” she said with a sigh. “Listen to me going on and on about myself. I’m sorry, Peter. What is your family like?”

Caught off guard, Peter stammered, “My father and I were separated when I was 12. We thought the other dead, and I spent the next few years causing trouble in an orphanage until I was adopted when I was 15.”

“What about your mother?” She asked with sadness in her eyes.

“My mother died before I turned 2,” he said with tears in his eyes. “I never really knew her,” he said unable to face her. He jumped suddenly when he felt her hand stroking his hair to comfort him. His sadness grew at the touch of her hand, and he found himself holding on to her crying softly. She held him close; offering comfort, until he pulled away a little embarrassed. “Sorry about that. I guess it’s been weighing on my mind lately.”

“No, you have nothing to be sorry about. I’m so sorry, Peter. I didn’t know. You have had so much pain for one so young,” she said with sympathy. “I can’t imagine losing your parents at such a young age. My parents disowned me when I was 18.”

“Wh...What?” he started flabbergasted, “How could they do that to you?” He surprised himself with the sharpness in his tone.

“I married Kwai when I was 18 years old. They thought that I was throwing my life away, so instead of being supportive, they turned their backs on us. They didn’t approve of his philosophical view of the world. They thought he would never amount to anything. I knew he was a great man. So...I said goodbye to my parents, and Kwai and I got married and traveled around until coming to the temple a few years ago. The rest is ancient history,” she finished with a smile.

“This must be very boring to you, one who has traveled so far and seen so much. What do you do?”

“I’m a cop,” he replied with conviction.

“Really? Your mother would be very proud of you for devoting your life to helping those who can’t help themselves,” she replied gently.

“I hope so,” he said under his breath.

“I know I would be proud to have a son like you. Now let’s get inside and get dinner started,” she said, pushing him toward the door.

Chapter 6

Peter sat bolt upright in bed and gasped loudly. He thought he had left the nightmare behind, but even with his mother so close, it still haunted him. Sweat was rolling down his chest from the fear that welled up there. He suddenly felt a cold wet cloth touch his face. Startled, he turned to see his mother there taking care of him.

“What’s going on?” He asked fighting the fog of sleep to think clearly.

“I heard you yelling and when I got here could see you struggling with a nightmare. Are you alright?” she questioned concerned.

“Yeah, I just don’t sleep much,” he said shaking his head to clear it. “How long were you standing there?”

“A few minutes. I don’t sleep much either. There’s always too much stuff running around in my head. Kwai helped me quiet my thoughts through meditation, but tonight I feel a little nauseous and restless,” she admitted smiling.

Peter relaxed somewhat as he realized he and his mother had something in common.

Peter and his mother spent half the night speaking of the things that fed their wakefulness.

Laura suddenly gasped, “Oh, my...we’ve talked all night. I need to get ready for breakfast.”

“Thank you,” Caine replied startling her in the process. He turned to Laura. “We will be leaving after breakfast. It is time to move on.”

Peter glared up at his father as Laura made her way out of the chamber.

“Pop, why do we have to go. I’m getting to know my mother and it’s great. I want to stay longer,” he pouted as if 5 years old again.

“Peter, that is not possible. I returned from the trip early, sensing Laura’s urgency. I’ll be back tonight,” he smiled at the remembrance.

Peter got up from the bed and dressed quickly. He wanted to spend as much time as possible with his mother before they had to leave.

Caine was meditating when he returned. “I have made the necessary preparations for our return. Come sit down.”

Peter reluctantly crossed the floor sitting in front of his father in the lotus position. He begrudgingly ate the nasty mixture and took his father’s hands.

“Now Peter, you must concentrate on going home. Close your eyes,” he commanded quietly.

Peter took a deep breath and, against his will, concentrated on going home. His father’s grip tightened on his own and he suddenly felt his body ripped out of time more violently than before.

---

“Peter? Peter...open your eyes,” his father’s voice ordered.

“Pop? Why do I feel so sick this time? I feel like I’m swimming in molasses,” Peter responded slowly and thickly.

“Easy, my son. Your chi was damaged. You were not concentrating,” his father scolded with a look of disappointment.

“I didn’t wanna leave her, Pop,” Peter could barely be heard. As he turned away from his father, tears flowed freely down his cheeks.

Caine placed a gentle hand on the back of his son’s head. “I know,” he affirmed quietly.

“What...happened...after?” his voice broke quietly through the tears.

“I returned that night. Your mother waited for me in the garden, as always. She told me that she was expecting you. She also told me of the stranger who saved her from Vance Cavanaugh. After you were born, she told me she wanted her son to grow up to be the kind of man who helped people, a caring man. She named you Peter after the stranger who helped her through such a difficult time.”

Peter wiped the tears from his eyes. “Wait a minute, Pop. Are you saying that mother named me after...me?” Peter laughed nervously. “But how is that possible, Pop?”

“You were there. She is now a part of your memory as well as mine.”

Peter nodded absently. His mind still entangled in the paradox.