8

The pack of pseudo wolves had found themselves in a small Chinese village named Bain Goin. The plan had been to travel through the large country without stopping since they would have a much harder time hiding in a country made up of people they could all see over, even Harry. But being nomadic westerners they found they had made the mistake of trying to go through the village during the Chinese New Year and quickly found all the roads had been closed to vehicle traffic for the celebrations. They could have walked the bike through, but the crowded streets would have made things overly difficult, so they opted to stay for the celebration.

Remus was hungry, so they searched around until they found a small cafe that had some free outdoor seating for the three of them. Remus left to do the ordering while Sirius and Harry held down the table. Sirius was busy leering at some of the young ladies nearby, so Harry took out the journal he recorded his dreams in and began to write in it. He was in the middle of writing about his latest dream when they got caught in the celebrations this morning and he felt he needed to make sure that his dreams were written out. So with a huff at his panting dadfoot he opened his book back up and then closed his eyes trying to remember the details of this dream.

A female with bright red hair.

A snake that could talk.

His forehead feeling like it was on fire.

None of what he dreamt made total sense to him. Then again, most of his dreams never made much sense beyond being a series of unconnected pictures and concepts. He scribbled out everything he could remember and put the notebook away, turning his attention to some commotion in the market square near them. There were young men that looked like some kind of monk that seemed to be setting up for some sort of a display.

Someone nearby them said that this was the annual tournament being put on by the local Monk Monastery. They began jumping and twisting in ways Harry had never seen before. The magic they radiated flooded the entire square, blinding him to any other magic in the area. He wanted to know more about them, but knew that was not likely to happen. This was China and he didn't speak a word of Chinese, the translation charms were really so that the three travelers could hear what was happening, so he would have to be content with watching the show.

"I have no idea what I've ordered, but it'll be ready soon," Remus announced as soon as he sat down at the table. "I swear, if I had known we were going to get hung up in this country, I would have grabbed one of those pocket translator books."

"A pocket translator book? Have you asked Harry? He may picked one up somewhere." Sirius suggested with a smirk as he kept feasting his eyes on the ladies.

"I did ask, you numpty." Remus retorted with little venom. "He had one for Spanish, Porteugues, Maori, and Russian."

Sirius continued to smirk at Remus as an older woman walked up to their table and set down several bowls of rice, noodles, chicken, and pork, as well as several cups of sauces. It all smelled delicious.

"Think you ordered enough food there, Remus?" Sirius snarked as he began putting food in an empty bowl for himself.

"Like I said. I had no idea what I ordered." Remus shrugged as he did the same.

Harry snatched up some noodles and chicken pieces with some of the sauce before turning back to the display. They continued to watch for some time while they ate. Harry noticed a much older man dressed in a similar fashion to the monks making his way through the crowds slowly, flanked by two middle aged monks. He walked slow and greeted everyone in his way, and everyone greeted him back.

Must be the monks teacher, Harry thought as he turned back to his food. He still kept an eye on the trio as they made their way through the crowds. They were outsiders here and it would be difficult to try to slip away without magic and so many people milling about.

The old man had made is way right to them. "Hello!" He greeted them happily in english with only a slight accent. "It's not often we get travelers this far inland. I welcome you," The old man bowed his head to them.

"It's a pleasure, truly." Sirius spoke cordially, but Remus and Harry remained on guard, their eyes making contact before Harry's lip twitched up at the corner of his mouth. 'Two books' he mouthed to his dad who shook his head and scowled. Sirius continued his comment without noticing his son and fellow dad, "This festival has been incredibly enjoyable. We look forward to experiencing more of your culture."

Harry often forgot that Sirius could actually be civilized when he wanted. It was clear he rarely wanted to. Stifling a laugh he tucked back into his bowl of chicken and rice before he drew attention to himself.

"Very good!' The old man spoke happily, though Harry didn't miss how his eyes lingered on him. "How long do you plan on staying in the country?" He asked carefully. Harry knew the tone well from his fathers. The man was keeping polite conversation going while he gathered more information. Harry was immediately concerned about what this man wanted but was thinking his bet of two books becoming more and more solid as he followed the conversation..

"Just for the celebrations." Sirius responded politely, though Harry could see his own defenses rising. This man was more interested in them than the other people he greeted. Par-for-the-damn-course on this trip. "Then we'll be on our way again."

"We have business to attend to before you leave." The man smiled warmly, though the trio didn't feel the warmth. "Come to the monastery. We can speak in private there." The man motioned to one of the middle aged men standing behind him. "Jun will guide you when you are ready." The old man walked away with a smile.

Sirius and Remus shared a serious look while the middle aged man settled into a relaxed seat near their table. Harry tried to think of a way to get away from their new shadow, but between the amount of people around them and the magic coming off the monk, there were very few options available to him. Well, peaceful options. Flicking his eyes to the tournament and the demonstrations still going on, maybe he would just play along.

"Don't do whatever it is you're thinking about, pup." Remus spoke up as he sipped his tea, "We cannot do anything here without creating an even bigger problem."

"As much as it pains me, Moony here is right." Sirius replied with his mouth full of food, losing his previous civility faster than Harry could blink. "Let's hear him out, at least. Who knows. He might have some more trinkets for you." Sirius shrugged with a smile thrown at Remus.

Harry was unconvinced by Sirius' words, but history so far had proven that each time they'd been stopped Harry got more information, and he had practically won the bet that Remus would try to back out of. Regardless of his apprehension with the situation, he did agree with Remus. There was little they could do right now. At least at the Monastery they could fight it out without worrying about non-magical people getting injured.

They took their time to finish eating, since there was no rush, and returned their dishes to a very grateful old woman. Jun motioned them to follow him through the crowds, which they did so begrudgingly. Sirius split off from the group right away to get his bike and met up with them again just outside the village.

Jun led them down an ancient stone road that wound its way between the trees and large moss rocks that jutted out of the ground. Harry could admit to himself that this pace was the most beautiful place he'd ever been to, even when compared to the lands of his mothers. He then secretly hoped that Hausis wouldn't find out about this treacherous thought.

A large, ancient stone building that must have been the monastery came into view. Jun waited at the front door while Harry helped Sirius secure the bike not far from the door. Remus stood near Jun while Harry and Sirius were distracted by the bike, never letting his guard drop even has Jun led them into the building. The stone walls and floor inside were left exposed except for a few decorations and mats. They could hear people training and talking in other rooms down the various hallways, but they saw no one else in the hallways. Jun stopped in front of a plain looking door, opened it, and motioned them inside.

The old man from before was sitting on the floor behind a short wooden desk that seemed to have some kind of design carved onto the surface, but Harry couldn't tell what kind from this distance. Three of the walls were covered by tall bookshelves full of enough books and scrolls to make Harry immensely jealous. Jun shut the door quietly behind them without entering.

"Good to see you three again," The old man greeted them warmly once more. "Please. Have a seat." He motioned to the other side of the desk.

Harry sat down right away with crossed legs, followed by Sirius once he gave a worried look to Remus, and then finally Remus sat however slowly tightly coiled and ready for anything. The old man didn't seem bothered by their reluctance as he waited patiently.

"You are quite kind to invite us into your Monastery. We are incredibly grateful," Sirius bowed his head to the old man with his unusual grace that Harry had seen once today, a very rare occurrence to have Sirius play 'Snooty Rules' nice twice in one day.

"I am known as Grandmaster Yi, as you are not my students you may just call me Yi." Grandmaster Yi set out several small tea cups with delicate designs on the sides and poured tea from a lovely matching teapot he produced from seemingly nowhere.

"Thank you for the tea and hospitality, Mr. Yi." Harry greeted as he sipped the hot tea. It was high quality Jasmine tea, steeped to perfection, he hummed as he sipped.

"This is an unusual situation, I admit," Yi sighed as he sipped his own tea. "The other training monks might not be happy about it at first, but they will warm up to it eventually." Yi smiled warmly at Harry.

"I don't understand." Harry replied. Both dread and vindication swirled in his gut. Bet won.

"Our day starts at dawn with morning meditation. It's easy to learn, but hard to master."

"Excuse me, sir." Sirius spoke up softly. "What are you talking about?"

"The teachers will make sure you get caught up and are only paired with fighters of your level." Yi nodded to himself as he sipped his tea. "You will enjoy it for the time you are here."

"Excuse me, Mr. Yi." Remus spoke a bit too loudly for the quiet conversation. "Please explain what this is all about." Remus may have sounded calm, but Harry could see his hackles rising. He lost a bet but obviously he was more concerned with what was happening.

"We will all be affected by an evil we cannot fight if we don't help you." Yi spoke softly as looked upon Harry with an intense gaze as if he was seeing more than the boy that sat before him.

Harry felt a sense of deja vu as the Grandmaster spoke until he remembered the words suddenly. He remembered the unpleasant Voodoo Priestess in Louisiana said something very similar. Not her exact words, but it the intent was close enough. Amaru had spoken of the evil that had taken his parents and scarred him. Evil that apparently would soon take a fight to the whole world without Harry. The magic this Seer knew must have been terribly important to his destiny if he chose to echo the words of other seers.

"I'll train with you" Harry said, surprising his fathers but making the Grandmaster smile.

"What? Why? You can't just make that decision!" Sirius sputtered while Remus looked at him, stunned.

"I've heard those words before. From another Seer. If he says I need to train here, then I need to train. Besides, didn't Grandma Hausis stop you a little more spectacularly?"

"But pup...we have to move on…" Remus added worriedly. Neither Remus or Sirius were comfortable sticking out like a wand splinter.

"We're remote enough that few outsiders come here. There are enough magical defenses around the village that no one will know you're here unless we let them know." Yi smiled warmly into his tea.

"Absolutely not." Remus muttered threateningly at Yi. This was his pup and his pack, he would fight before he let them come to harm.

"Why do you have so much defense for such a small village?" Sirius pondered aloud, earning him a sharp glare from Remus.

"This monastery was nearly wiped out by European Wizards almost a thousand years ago. We aim to make sure that doesn't happen again." Yi set his empty cup of tea with a frown. "I cannot say why your boy must stay and train here, for Fate hasn't felt it necessary. All I know, is he must stay...for now."

Remus gave Sirius a pleading look, but they both knew that there was little to be done. It wasn't like this was the first time this had happened. They had spent six years with an aboriginal tribe in Canada all because the leader had demanded it. Was it truly surprising that they had come across yet another person whom insisted they stay so Harry could receive special training in little known magics.

"Alright." Remus deflated and sighed unhappily. He hadn't really planned on them staying in China, but it was clear they were now. "We'll stay, so long as you swear nothing bad will happen to him." Remus threatened Yi politely.

"With my life." Yi replied firmly. "Jun." Yi called out and the man that led them here opened and stuck his head back into the door. "Will you please get one of the vacant homes ready for this family? They will be staying here for a while."

"Of course, Grandmaster." Jun replied before closing the door again.

"If you will excuse me for a moment. I need to make sure preparations are underway before it gets too late." Yi spoke kindly before getting up and leaving the room.

"Are you sure about this pup? Staying here with these strangers?" Remus asked Harry once he was sure Yi had walked away from the door.

"As opposed to getting rides across the ocean with shady strangers?" Harry replied with no small amount of sarcasm. "I don't trust them, but we should at least see what they can teach me. Who knows! It could turn out to be really helpful!"

"Define helpful." Sirius asked sarcastically, earning him another glare from Remus.

"Oh, like you're one to talk." Harry replied just as sarcastically, earning him his own glare from Remus.

"No books, that was a bad bet," Remus said after he narrowed his eyes at his boy.

Yi returned not too long later and collected the family. They followed Yi back down the hallway they came in to find a waiting Jun.

"Jun will take you two to the house that you will be staying in while you are here." Yi motioned to Remus and Sirius. "We have rooms for the other training monks behind the monastery to protect them."

Sirius walked to the bike as soon as they passed through the door, however Remus lingered by Harry. Harry could feel his worry, even without his magic.

"You are really sure about this, pup?" Remus asked pointedly. He always took his role as a parental figure far too seriously with Harry, but Harry always appreciated it.

Harry knew Remus would worry himself sick over this whole situation, so he stepped in close to him to speak. "How about this?" Harry whispered. "I go with them and if I even think I smell anything funny, I come straight back, by any means necessary, and we hoof it out of the country?"

Remus looked physically relieved by Harry's suggestion. "Of course, pup. Sounds perfect. Tracking spell?" He asked his son with a small sad smile on his face. Harry snorted and shook his head before he reached for his father. Remus gave him a tight hug before heading to the motorcycle and a very smug looking Sirius. Harry gave his fathers a wave as they followed Jun away from the monastery. Remus gave Harry a few worried looks over his shoulder, but they left his sight quickly enough, giving Harry the chance to breathe. Grandmaster Yi chuckled slightly.

"It's plain to see they care very much for you. That is good." Grandmaster Yi spoke sagely next to Harry. "They won't use you to further their own interests"

Harry turned to looked at Grandmaster Yi. "Now that they are gone, will you be honest with me about this situation?" Harry asked pointedly.

Grandmaster Yi chuckled warmly as he turned and began to walk back into the monastery. Harry followed him dutifully through the stone hallways as he waited for him to answer. Grandmaster Yi led Harry out the back of the Monastery through a courtyard beautifully sculpted with tall, twisty trees and various flowering bushes. There were a few people wearing similar clothes to the monks in the town square doing strange exercises amongst the plants.

"We teach spirit magic here." Grandmaster Yi finally spoke as he continued to walk. "It's difficult to learn to manipulate one's soul, so we also teach several different types of martial arts to help hone one's mental and physical control. It makes things easier." Grandmaster motioned to a couple of older monks standing near an old looking wooden building. They quickly left with only a nod. "With time and diligent work, I have faith you can master this skill."

Grandmaster Yi led him to a sparsely decorated room with a bedroll directly on the floor. "That doesn't really answer my question." Harry asked as he turned to face Grandmaster Yi. He didn't like how Yi was dancing around his question.

"I know it doesn't." Yi smiled at him. "You're clearly a sharp-witted boy and you hold the fate of many in your hands." He paused for a moment before his jovial look melted away and left Harry looking at a very serious looking man. "I can sense more than one soul within you."

"More than one?" Harry repeated shocked to hear such a thing. He stammered out a question as he mind floundered with the new information. "How is that possible?"

"Magic has many uses. Good and evil. You have been touched by both, young one. You require our help to get to find the cause of this parasite and how to remove it."

"Touched by evil magic?" Harry asked himself in a soft voice. He pushed his bangs up with his hand to reveal the jagged scar on his forehead. "Is this made by that vile magic?"

Grandmaster Yi took a step closer to Harry and leaned in close to see. "Yes, I can sense a soul with evil intent behind the scar." He quieted and reached inside himself to gently brush magic across his senses. "But also another soul, nearly suffocating it. How strange." Grandmaster Yi muttered as he straightened up. "We will need to speak with the Dragon Elder about this. But later. Get settled in for tonight. You're teachings will start at dawn tomorrow."

Grandmaster Yi smiled and Harry before nodding at the young man and turning to walk away back towards the monastery. Harry looked back to the room he was given to use and sighed. He wasn't going to be getting anymore answers today so there wasn't much else to do now but try and get comfortable in his new surroundings. Thankfully he carried all of his belongings in his bag, so he could at least make himself comfortable.

Two extra souls. An evil intent smothered by another. How was this possible?