Beyond Loyalty

By Summer

Beta Read by: Achila

The Immortal: The Next Generation

Episode Five

Special Appearance: Kwai Chang Caine (Kung Fu)

Warnings: Same as usual, strong language, slash, bondage issues. If you are not aware of this…(I would be shocked at this point) and if you don’t like that kind of thing…well, then why are you reading this?

Takes place during the same time frame as Episode Four: Unveiled.

He stared out the window as the black car continued to make its way to Maine on the highway. Sitting back, Dominic Fletcher tried to calm his thoughts, but he couldn’t. For several days, he kept having the same dream. He could see Elijah on a distant shore, and he was standing on the other side. The ocean raged in between them, making it impossible for him to get across. As Dom kept waiting, he thought Elijah was getting further away from him. Then, he would see him. Jericho. Standing beside Elijah. And then he would start to move away, taking Elijah with him.

"No!"

Always he would wake up and find himself in the presence of his master, Vincent Caesar, who worked dedicatedly for his father; in between, he trained Dominic in the arts of Samurai. Although Vincent was kind, he was also mysterious and tightlipped, and as a result, Dom knew next to nothing about the man. He knew that he had started working for his father about ten years ago and that he had lived in Japan. That was all.

Turning to face his teacher, Dom saw that he was looking over a map, illuminated by a night light. Even at one in the morning, he was thinking and calculating how to capture the Richards family. How far would he go?

"Another bad dream, Master Dominic?"

Dom sighed and nodded.

"You still do not wish to discuss it?"

"I can’t."

"As you wish, I shall not force the issue. For now." He returned to looking at the map, and Dom leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

A loud popping noise caused him to reopen his eyes just as the car swerved and came to a sudden halt.

"Wait here!" ordered Vincent, as he put the map away and stepped out of the car to join their driver and find that they had not one, but two flat tires.

Walking the road a bit, Vincent found a pack of nails that had probably been thrown by some kids or perhaps had fallen from a truck. Returning to the car, he saw the driver looking in the trunk to see that he had only one spare tire. Taking out his cell-phone, Vincent tried to call for a tow, but for some reason, the connection would not go through.

"It’s probably the mountains -- they’re blocking the reception."

Vincent didn’t argue with the driver, and handed him a flashlight. "Go to the nearest town and call a tow."

"What about you and Master Dominic, sir?"

"We’ll be fine. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll get back."

After the driver had gone, Vincent got back into the limo to see Dom waiting expectantly. He shrugged and closing the door behind himself, sat back in his seat and told Dom the situation.

"We may be here for a few hours, possibly until morning. You might as well try and get some sleep."

Dom nodded, but though he tried, sleep proved futile. All he could see was Elijah on that cliff, and an ocean raging between them.

"Vincent.…"

Vincent, who had taken out the map again, was looking it over when Dom called his name. Putting it down, he turned to the young man. "Yes, Master Dominic."

"May I…could I ask you something?"

"You may ask me anything you wish, and if I have the answer, I will tell you."

"It’s just…you always seem…I mean…why are you doing this?"

One of Vincent’s eyebrows rose upward. "Why am I doing what?"

"You know…working for my father to kidnap Elijah and Ben Richards? To do this when you’ve always said that the innocent should never be harmed? The lessons you teach me, the honor you wish me to live by? I don’t understand. Please? I can’t sleep and I would like to know, and to understand how you justify all of this."

Vincent blinked and then folded the map. Leaning back in the seat, he crossed his arms and smiled.

"Hmm, I see at last that you are indeed showing some promise.…"

Seeing the boy’s confusion, Vincent continued. "Ever since I was told by Master Fletcher to instruct you, I feared that you were beyond my ability to teach…oh no, I do not speak of the lessons, the combat I have taught. You are healthy and physically-fit and very eager to obey me, however I was thinking more along the lines of your mind, and the ability to teach you control and self-awareness. Pardon me for saying so, Master Dominic, but you have always had a one-track mind and like your father, it is always on wealth and power. However, unlike your father, you are now seeing that there is more to life then just influence and opportunity, and you are starting to learn other lessons as well. I shall try to enlighten you."

Eagerly, Dom turned on his side and faced Vincent, waiting patiently.

"First, I must explain my life…I was born in Kushiro, Japan. My mother was American but my father was Japanese. It was during World War II and my father, who was a general in the Mashiko army, went off to war when I was not even a year old. We stayed with my grandfather, who was too old to return to active duty, though he too served the military during his lifetime. My father, of course, never returned."

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

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

"When the war was over, we were quite destitute. Many times, my mother wished to return to the States, but the government would not allow it. I was only seven when she came down with a terrible illness and died. Soon after, my grandfather contacted the same illness. Fearing that I would be left alone, I was sent to a special school, a Shintoist temple. I was given over to Master Zinhakkan, who was one of the last remaining descendants of Akira Kanzi, a Samurai Master, who founded the school and taught many Japanese children the arts of the old ways."

Vincent closed his eyes, remembering his old but gentle teacher watching him at his lessons; sometimes he would laugh and other times, he would gently, chastise him. On one particular day, Vincent was performing a simple combat maneuver with a fellow pupil he disliked, and, instead of getting the best of his adversary, he lost his concentration and found himself sprawled on his back.

Clicking his tongue, the old master came over to him and smiled softly. "Master Vincent, always remember the words of Tao Te Jing. In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present."

Dom looked on at Vincent, almost mesmerized by his story, was becoming lost within its tale.

"And so, I began my tutelage. In the ways of the Samurai, there are not only many codes to abide by, but we must always remember to show respect to our ancestors and our heritage…to honor those that came before us. Honor is the most important thing a Samurai could live by and to become dishonored is more then just a disgrace…it effects the individual’s entire family and it holds a high penalty for all. I was taught how to fight and labored hard in the fields to learn responsibility and discipline. Learning to read and write gave me knowledge."

"The Code, you have told me this before…what is the Code?"

Vincent nodded softly and leaning forward, tried to explain.

"Codes are rules that we lived by. Codes that were to be upheld and not to be broken. I shall mention only those that are most important, the ones that I live by. In the Daimyo house, one rule states that those who lack special talent or positions, yet are dedicated, must be treated with compassion and understanding. Those who are effeminate may still be used as followers or messengers if their manner is outstanding, and they must not be so dismissed. However, if they lack both, then it is useless to keep them. I have learned in this life that all are important and essential and often can be used, if used correctly, to further one’s place in the world. In other words, never discard someone who may be of service to you somewhere down the road. Even in a small way."

Dom sighed and nodded. "Go on."

"All Samurai must behave modestly, respectfully. Never think of yourself above anyone. For, overconfidence and vanity can lead to one’s demise. In later centuries, each code was updated and though not altogether changed, they were altered slightly for the times. All Samurai submit themselves to Zen and follow the life of a Buddhist. In the final lessons, even at war, it was and is considered a great dishonor to lay harm to any innocent, even though they are under the rule of your enemy. This means that women and children are not to be included in war. Not only because they lack the skills to defend themselves, but also because they are considered…second class citizens."

Dom smiled lightly. "Don’t say that too loudly – Women’s Lib, you know."

Vincent didn’t smile back. "I did not say that I believe as many Samurai do, that women are second class citizens. I am simply stating what codes we live by. As it happens, you would find that I know a great many women who could not only defeat me in battle, but have."

Dom dropped his smile.

"Day by day, year by year, I continued my education under Master Zinhakkan. He was truly a noble man and I admired him greatly. In some ways, he became like a father to me. But then war came to our village. An old enemy who secretly worked for the government and who did not agree with our ways desired to put us in our place. They killed many of the Masters, including Zinhakkan. I never got to see him again, for before the attack, all the pupils and children were placed in hidden caves. It took me three days to find the courage to venture out. Many bodies lay on the ground, many in whom I had come to care for as my brothers."

He could still see a young boy just about to enter manhood walking along the temples grounds and staring in horror at the slain bodies. Women were crying, the pupils running in terror. Smoke filled the air and the smell of the dead flooded him.

"When I found my Master’s body, thrown on the ground just at the temple stairs, I felt as if my entire world had ended. I asked who had done such a deed. It was a young handmaiden, a wife of one of the teachers, who came forth to say that she saw a great general who was called Koshama come into the temple and plunged a sword into my master‘s back. He never even gave my master a chance to defend himself. I swore that someday, I would avenge my beloved teacher and so I remained in the Temple, training on my own and planning for the day that I would find and kill General Koshama. I was just entering adult hood when I felt I was ready, and so I went out into the world in search for the General. Along that road, I began a journey that would teach me many things."

Smiling, Vincent remembered one particular day when he had walked along the road and was met by another man. He was young and yet, looked older at the same time. He was bald and dressed in simple robes, looking humble and wise; this man had many different facets. It was as if a mystical force emanated from his body. For a moment, the two simply stared at each other and then finally, the stranger spoke to him.

"I remember asking him his name. He smiled and bowed his head. ‘I am no one of consequence, and our paths shall not cross again, but as you wish, know me as Caine.’

"He then walked past me and continued his own journey. I never saw him again. But always, his words would echo in my mind."

Vincent paused in his story to open his cell-phone and tried once again to make a call. Nothing. He closed the phone and turned back to face Dominic.

"I eventually came to a small village and there I worked for a farm owner. I stayed for more then five years, but not because I had come to care for my employer, but because I came to love his daughter, Mireska. Beautiful beyond words, my heart beat whenever she was near and faded when we were apart. As custom demanded, I asked her father for her hand in marriage. He agreed, but only if I worked for him five years without payment. I agreed. And so I patiently waited and worked for Jahm. All the while, Mireska would come to me and we would court as is also custom, under the eyes of her mother and sisters. Five years I waited, and after five years, as promised, Jahm gave me her hand in marriage."

They stood quietly on the bridge with their hands held together. She wore a long, soft, pale gown, with her hair adorned with many white flowers. Her eyes held lovingly to his, and he looked back with love that would last beyond time.

"ai shiteru" <I love you> "Forever!"

"For a time I was happy, but then I began to have dreams. Dreams of my Master and how he had been slaughtered at the hands of General Koshama. I tried to lay it to rest, but for the love I held for my Master, I could not. Finally, unable to bear it a moment longer, I bade my wife farewell and went to find the General. And find him, I did."

***

The party was quite lively and many wealthy people spoke and ate as if they hadn’t a care in the world. The figure stood quietly in the shadows, watching as the General spoke to several beautiful women. They seemed to be completely taken in by the old military man.

It wasn’t until an hour later that Vincent saw an opportunity open to him. The General was walking with a lovely woman into a small chamber. Following, Vincent waited as the General undressed the woman and then removed his own clothing. They lay together on the mattress, touching each other and gasping as they became aroused.

Vincent slowly began to unsheathe his sword. Hate flashed within his eyes, but once again, a soft voice spoke in his mind:

Shaking off the voice in his head, Vincent stepped forward and just as the General reached his climax, he brought down his sword.

Holding her blood-stained clothes to her breast, the woman stood up and ran from the room, screaming. Vincent remained where he was, kicking the body over in triumph so that he could look into his enemy’s eyes. To finally have his revenge! The eyes were still open, but his mouth now gaped, horrified. It was then that Vincent saw something sparkle around the old man’s neck.

Bending down, Vincent pulled at the chain and looked at the small medallion. It was a picture of a great tiger and underneath it were the moon and stars. Gasping, he turned and reached for the medallion around his own neck and stared at the same markings.

Unable to believe his eyes, he began to look over the General’s clothes and there he found what he dreaded all along. An old faded picture of a woman that Vincent recognized. His mother.

Dropping the medallion, Vincent got to his feet and ran.

***

"It was your father, but I thought he had died," Dom said, staring at his master sadly. He truly felt sorry for his teacher. How horrible fate could be sometimes.

"So did my mother and my grandfather. Later on, I learned that during the war, my father had been injured and lost all but a few of his memories. By the time they fully returned, and he tried to find his family, he learned that his wife and his father had died…and I was missing. He believed that I too had perished. He went on with his own life, vowing his loyalty to a small regime, working for the government, which regrettably caused our paths to meet. For my father and a few mercenaries had been offered a huge payment to kill the Temple priests within."

Closing his eyes in pain, Vincent suddenly opened the door to the car, and got out.

Dom followed Vincent into the woods and finding a small clearing, watched Vincent fall to his knees and staring up at the stars, he began whispering words in Japanese:

"hontouni sumi masen (I’m very sorry), kudasai (please), otou-san (father), forgive me, forgive me!"

Not sure what to do, Dom remained where he was. After a few minutes, he went to his Master’s side and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Vincent, it wasn’t your fault....Vincent?"

Vincent only continued to stare at the stars. After a long time, he rose to his feet, and led them back to the limo.

"But it was my fault, Master Dominic-" he replied softly as they walked, "-for I allowed anger to control my actions. As such, I knew what I had to do and went to the men that my father worked for and told them of my deed, expecting to be punished with death."

"What happened?"

"They chose instead to make me take my father’s place. I was to pledge my life and services to the regime until they felt I had paid my debt. A debt of course, they would see that I would never repay."

"Who were they, Vincent?" asked Dom.

"That I will not reveal…for your own safety, Master Dominic, I shall say only that these people held no honor or loyalty and that they were no more then assassins, who not only enjoyed the kill, but gloried in it."

"What about your wife? What happened to her?"

"I sent her letters and money when I could. After a time, I asked her to forget me and that I released her from our marriage so that she could find another. She wrote back, refusing to do so. It was only then that she told me of the birth of our daughter, Kara Jade."

Dom stared in stunned silence to learn that Vincent, his master, had a daughter.

Vincent smiled. "She would be about twenty years old, I think."

"Did you ever see her again?"

Vincent leaned up against the car and returned his gaze to the heavens. A shooting star flashed along the sky, and disappeared behind a cluster of trees.

"I was in my tenth year of service when I was given my orders. Orders to destroy the village in which my wife and daughter lived. The village had a poor year and could not pay certain taxes, and a government agent wanted to make an example out of them in case other villages followed. He contacted the regime. None were too be spared."

Dom looked at Vincent in horror, almost wanting to ask him to stop, that he didn’t want to hear anymore. But he could not speak, and Vincent did not stop.

"I was in complete terror and feared for their safety. I sent a message to warn my wife, to flee. But the man I sent the message too had been a spy for someone who wanted to further his own position. I was thrown in a cell and was expected to face death for my treachery. I waited and waited. During my wait, a visitor came into the cell, and he was not Japanese but possibly American with a slight Scottish accent, which confused me. He wanted to know my crime and the guard told him. Then he asked me why I had turned against my employers to whom I owed such debt. At first, I did not speak, but the man was very interested and desired to know. I finally told him. Without another word, he left. Days passed, my death was upheld, and I waited, no longer wishing to live now that all I held dear were no more. For surely my wife and child now lay dead, as dead as my Master."

Dom crossed his arms around his waist. "And?" Curiosity was now making him impatient.

"And, then about a week later, the visitor returned and told me that I now belonged to him. That he had paid for my services and that I was to be under his employ, until I had paid my debt to him."

"Dad? My dad bought you?"

Vincent nodded once.

"What was there price for your freedom?"

"I don’t know. I never asked. Steel then handed me a letter from my wife. He told me, that although he could not save the village, she and my daughter were rescued."

"What did the letter say?"

"She said that she agreed to end our marriage and though she promised to love me forever, she asked that I never look for her and Kara Jade. Fletcher swore to me that he had given her a new place to live and a great deal of money to live comfortably for the rest of their lives. And so I went with Fletcher and came to the States and here I have remained faithfully serving him as he so pleases and orders. Though he bought me, he has since treated me with respect and honor, though it is not honor that I so deserve."

Dom sighed and looked away. When he finally met Vincent’s eyes, he couldn’t help but say, "You must hate my dad a lot"

"Hate? No, Master Dominic. I know that many would consider your father an evil man, but I have found him in most ways honorable. He never breaks his word and he has never asked me to break any of my codes as the Regime often did. He has been considerate to me and has given me as much back as he has taken from me. I believe it has equaled things out."

"But he did order you to capture Ben Richards and Elijah. Isn‘t that against your code?"

"Capturing is one thing, Master Dominic, killing is another. Yes, Ben Richards and his son, Elijah, are innocents but my orders stand not to harm them and I won‘t. Therefore, my codes are not broken. But I will do whatever I must to see to their capture. Everything and anything I must do, I will, and I will not allow anyone to stand in my way."

"But…."

"I owe your father the life of my wife and daughter. Two lives…and once I bring Richards and Elijah to Steel Fletcher…my debt will be paid in full. Now do you understand?"

Dom found he could not speak. All he could do was nod.

As Vincent turned to get into the car, Dom reached out and touched his shoulder. "Vincent.…"

"Yes, Master Dominic?"

"I’m in love with Elijah.…"

Vincent smiled softly and raised one eyebrow. "And this is news – in what way?"

Dom swallowed and shook his head. "I thought, that maybe you might…not want to teach me anymore. Or have nothing more to do with me."

Vincent smiled then, and putting a hand gently on Dom’s shoulder, he shook his head. "Escape me? Never -Beloved ! While I am I, and you are you, So long as the world contains us both, Me the loving and you the loveth, While the one eludes, must the other pursue."

"Who said that, Confucius?"

"No, Robert Browning."

"So, you don‘t think less of me?" asked Dom, looking rather testy since he was not really in the mood for another lesson.

Vincent laughed for the first time. Dom looked back at him in mild surprise. "No, Master Dominic. I think no less of you. You are at the beginning of life. Always remember that the beginning of a journey starts with the first step. You’ve just taken your first step and have learned an important lesson."

"What’s that?" Dom asked, not exactly sure now what he had learned.

"When you care for someone, you want to know their feelings and opinions. You stopped thinking about yourself. That is a very big step."

Dom shook his head but slowly smiled as he realized what Vincent was trying to say and slowly got into the car. A few moments later, when Vincent followed him, he found the boy sound sleep.

***

The tow arrived early the next morning. As soon as they got to the nearest garage, Vincent reconnected with a few of his men. As Dom came out of Dunkin Donuts with some fresh coffee, he met Vincent by the car.

Seeing Vincent close the phone, Dom knew something was up. "What is it?"

"My men got a lead. They think that Mr. Chevalier and Jericho are at a farm owned by a Ms. Jane Fielding."

Dom cursed under his breath and handing Vincent his coffee, got into the car. Seconds later, they were moving.

***

They pulled up to the farm to see a woman in her forties coming down some steps carrying a suitcase.

Vincent got out first, and Dom followed.

"Where is he, Ms. Fielding?" questioned Vincent.

The woman only smiled at the two of them, then turned and walked away. Dom gritted his teeth and trailed after her. Before she could get to her Volvo, Dom had her by the arm.

"Ms. Fielding…I’m Dominic."

"I know who you are."

"I’m Elijah’s friend…tell me where he is. He needs me, he needs my protection. Our protection."

"No, you WERE his friend."

Frustrated, Dom tried to explain the situation without going into details, while inside, he knew that with every second,Elijah was getting further and further away from him.

"I’m doing this for his own welfare. Tell me where he is."

"If you care for him in any way, you’ll stop this. Right now! Or I promise you this, you will lose him, forever."

Dom went very still and looked at her in surprise. Did she just say what he thought she’d said. "What?"

"You heard me. Now get out of here, before I get my shotgun."

Not knowing what to do, Dom turned to see that Vincent was back on the cell-phone and gesturing for him to come. Dom reluctantly went to him.

"They’re heading up I-11, let’s go."

The young man paused to look back at the farm and at Jane Fielding. Dom didn’t know what to do. He wondered again about his strange dream. Once again, he could see Elijah on the cliff, standing, waiting, while he stood on the other side with an ocean between them and the waters raging.

Dominic then thought about his father. How his father always got what he wanted, always took what he wanted. If he stopped now, if he suddenly changed sides….Dom closed his eyes and felt torn.

He could see his father standing behind Elijah with a chain in his hands, wrapping it tightly around his body, laughing. Elijah’s eyes were full of horror and fear, screaming for help. Screaming for Dom to save him!

He had no choice, as he had had no choice from the start. This was the only way to keep Elijah. The only way he could have him. It was then that Dominic realized that either way, he was going to lose Elijah. But at least this way, he would have Elijah physically. In time, maybe he could even win Elijah back. Maybe, with his love, he could--.

Dominic got into the car with Vincent, closing the door behind him with a bang. The car began to roll.

They were just getting onto 1-11 when Vincent turned to Dominic.

"Do you want to tell me that dream now?"

Dom lowered his eyes and with deep regret in his voice, he nodded.

"I dream of seeing him standing upon a cliff, and I’m on another. An ocean is between us and the waves ripple and dash against the rocks, unsettled. I know what it means now. I think that no matter what happens, I’m going to lose Elijah. That I have already lost him." Looking into his teacher’s eyes, he felt hot tears falling. "It’s too late, isn’t it? You were right, I didn’t know…I didn’t really believe…I thought it was all a game, just a game. I’m not sure -- even if I win, will I?"

Vincent let loose a small breath and shrugged. "My Master, once said to me, and perhaps these words could also be given to you, that ‘Fate is never set, only what may be.’ I cannot tell you what path to choose, I can only tell you this. That every path we make, it can either break us, or make us. In the end, all that is, all that matters."

Dom stared back at Vincent and sighed.

He leaned against his seat and shrugged. "When I learned of Elijah‘s blood, all I could think about was how my father would take him from me. When I knew for certain that he would…I made a deal. I won‘t break it. Ben will belong to my father, but Elijah will be mine. Even if Elijah hates me for the rest of eternity, I can‘t let him go, never. If I lose him…life wouldn‘t be worth living. No matter what comes…I will do what ever it takes to capture Elijah and Ben Richards. To whatever end that may be. I made my deal with the devil and my soul is no longer my own."

Vincent looked away and silently, he nodded. Fate was set, and the Chase would continue.

The End