NEW LIFE : A SECOND CHANCE

Master Shifu waited, wondering what worth he could possibly have for the power couple in front.

"I have found a protege, who will take over MIB in the future," said Kyle, "And I want you to train him. If he is worthy, then make him the successor of your art."

Master Shifu shook at that, and felt it wasn't too bad. The martial arts he had taught wasn't so unique and he was about to nod when he then heard the next words that sent chills down his bone.

"A true successor."

At that, Master Shifu couldn't sit still anymore. He stood up, pointed a finger at the screen and he gasped out loud, "TRUE SUCCESSOR?!!" How did this young man know about that? About the Family Art that was only passed down from Father to Son? Thoughts of his own son flashed through his mind.

His beloved son, his flesh-and-blood, was supposed to inherit it all. He had already begun passing down the art, though it wasn't complete yet. His son, cut down in the prime of his life, could not continue on. It was unfair! And this young man wanted to steal that legacy away from his son?!

"You think this is a game? Do you think the Art is something that can be given away so easily? That it is so easily bought?!" he snarled.

Kyle let Master Shifu go on his tirade. He had expected this reaction. It was only natural. He simply let Master Shifu go on and on, letting out the anger and dissatisfaction that he had been piling up inside.

After noticing Master Shifu calm down slightly, Kyle then responded before Master Shifu got his second wind. "No. Your Family Art is invaluable and undeniably precious," Kyle began, "And it would be a shame for it to die with you. You have no more descendants, and that was through the despicable acts of those whom you had placed your complete trust and loyalty to."

Master Shifu's breath began ragged, his eyes that were once listless seemed to spark lightning in it as he glared at the computer screen. Kyle was unfazed and continued, knowing that the anger wasn't directed at him. Well, not fully anyway.

"Your legacy can continue. Your Family will not die, it can continue. Your enemies wanted to wipe you out, but with this, you won't be."

"Think about it. Not only will you be able to get rid of the traitors, their descendants will continue to be monitored by the one who receives your legacy. You need a successor. It's not feasible nor logical for you to have another son, but I can provide you with one," Kyle persuaded, "If he is worthy, you can adopt him through the family rites. He can enter your clan, and effectively be your son. Wouldn't that suit your purpose?"

"And if he isn't worthy?" asked Master Shifu.

"Then so be it," Kyle replied, leaning back on the chair. "Whether he succeeds or not, I will still uphold my promise and help you get your revenge."

Kyle waited, as Master Shifu thought about it. His face changed from the earlier anger, to contemplation, to hope then uncertainty. Finally, he sat down and frowned as he asked, "I don't have to choose him if I don't want to, but you'll still help me? I can set the test as according to my Family's Standards?"

"Yes," replied Kyle.

"Why should I believe you?" Master Shifu asked.

He was skeptical. After all, he didn't know this "J". Even if he didn't impart the secret skills, the knowledge and effort that is expanded is not simple. And if he DID decide to do so, who is to say that this "J" wouldn't stab him in the back either?

"Oreo," was all Kyle said.

Puzzled, Master Shifu looked up at the man in front of him. He had a file in his hands, and he silently handed it over. Master Shifu took it, flipped it open and his eyes went wide.

"For free," said Kyle, "As a sign of good faith. Even if you don't agree to this transaction, the deed is already done."

Tears formed within Master Shifu's eyes before it trickled down his cheeks.

Master Shifu didn't say anything as he placed down the file, opened. On it, was a single page. It had the picture and information of one of the man responsible for his son's death. Big, red letters of "deceased"was chopped on it, along with several pictures of the said person's "accident".

"Furthermore," Kyle said, "Proof of all the illegal activities of his family has been handed to the authorities. Their assets are frozen, pending trial. It isn't a stretch to say that most of the family will be behind bars, their fortunes reversed. In short, the family has been eliminated."

"Thank you," began Master Shifu. He then straightened his back, and with a firm resolved, he said, "I agree."

No matter what, "J" had done a good deed for him. He had to return kindness with kindness. At the very least, he would teach this young protege of "J". If the protege was as "J" said, then the Family Art would not die. That would be something to look forward to.

"Good. Oreo will update you," said Kyle as he terminated the connection.

~~* Master Shifu's perspective after the meeting *~~

Master Shifu looked at the black screen and Oreo then took back the laptop, closing it. Master Shifu observed the quiet man, who didn't seem to speak. His actions were meticulous, and careful as he took the laptop and placed it back into his bag.

"Now, we need to clean up," said Oreo.

"Clean up?" queried Master Shifu. He then followed the gaze of Oreo who just looked around him, and then at him. Now that his mind had cleared a bit, and his life has some purpose again, his eyes began to see clearly.

His house was a mess. There were empty soju and beer bottles all over the place. Rubbish strewn here and there, dirty dishes in the sink and dirty laundry scattered about. As for himself, he can't even remember when was the last time he actually bathed or brushed his hair, and his clothes had some food stains from God knows when. There was a pungent ordour emitting from somewhere and when he sniffed his armpit ... he almost fainted.

"Clean up," agreed Master Shifu.

It took Oreo about two weeks to get everything done. He was very efficient. He not only cleaned the place, but he also fixed it up. There were also new clothes bought for Master Shifu, of which Oreo just said solemnly, "A Welcome gift. For the Master."

It was customary that there would be a token gift given once a Master accepted a disciple. However, J's protege wasn't his disciple yet, and his face scrunched up a bit at that. Was J forcing him to accept? Was the earlier promise a lie?

Oreo noticed the expression on Master Shifu's face and he explained slowly, "For accepting the job. Nothing more."

At first, Master Shifu was doubtful. Was he overthinking it? However, as time went by, he got to know a little bit about "J" through Oreo's eyes. He could tell how much the man admired his boss, and it was real admiration and respect. It wasn't something feigned, or something borne from riches. It was genuine.

Once, Master Shifu jokingly said, "You sound like you'd die for him, the way you talk about him."

At that, Oreo just smiled, looked at Master Shifu in the eye and said unhesitatingly, "I would."

From that, Master Shifu's impression of "J" improved, and he became increasingly curious about this 'protoge' of his. "J" appeared to have a discerning eye, if Oreo was anything to go by. Such steadfast loyalty was hard to come by, more so in this time and age. His own experience made him even more wary of such fake people, but he could tell Oreo was the real deal.

Master Shifu acknowledged that his own weakness was that he would often see the good in people. It wasn't that he was naive, but rather, he didn't expand much effort to seeing the 'bigger' picture. He was only concerned about those around him.

His intuition was good but unfortunately, it was useless against those hidden in the dark. Which was why he had failed his son so miserably. As a result, he didn't trust anyone anymore, and finding some 'light' at the end of the tunnel warmed his heart. These people seemed trustworthy indeed.

Oreo proceeded to explain to him that the protege was the son of the Smiths, a rather powerful and influential family in Country TZ. The Smiths were devoted to their two children, and would most likely come personally to ask him to mentor their son.

One thing that Oreo warned Master Shifu sternly about was that his existence, and their son's status, was not known to the Smiths. They were completely oblivious and needs to remain that way. Although curious, Master Shifu understood and did not press further for an explanation.

**** Back to Present ****

Kyle switched off the computer. He then kept the files back into their boxes, and placed them in the locked, hidden compartment in their closet. After that, he brushed his teeth, switched off the lights and went to bed. Kay, still asleep, nonetheless turned over and hugged him. Kyle smiled as he stroked her back and slowly fell asleep.