The crowd hustled and bustled in the streets of downtown Hong Kong. People haggled in the stores, vendors sold things on corners, and everyone was in general hurry to reach whatever destination they were going to. Nobody really paid any mind to anyone else. Not until an old man in purple, traditional Kung-fu robes came onto the scene.

The man’s general presence demanded respect. The people around him became quiet as he passed. He moved for no one, which didn’t make much of a difference since everyone moved for him. No vendors spoke to him. No people bumped into him. They all knew better than to bother the famous assassin, Gen Lee.

Normally, it wasn’t this dramatic when he came around, but something in his walk seemed more powerful, more angry than usual. Something was bothering the old man.

Gen noticed that he was creating a bit of a scene, but he had more pressing matters on his mind. Matters that involved the past. Matters that involved his family. Matters that involved his son, Lee.

He had traveled the path many times, from the Lee family store to the wharf downtown. It seemed to take longer this time. Maybe it was because of the anxiety he was feeling now, be it joyous or troubled. He wasn’t sure if the information he was going to receive was what he really wanted. Did really he want to see his son again?

Lee wasn’t exactly what Gen truly wanted in a son. He never trained long enough, nor did he have any ambition to follow him in the Triads. Though he understood it better now, Gen always harbored a small grudge because of that. He could never forget the anger he felt when Lee purposely abandoned all ties with the Triads.

He also didn’t appreciate Lee’s leaving of his sons in his care. Gen always saw that as a way for the past to repeat itself. However, the boys turned out better than Gen expected. He was very happy that Lee's "talent" didn’t show through in his sons. It was something that he didn’t have to regret.

He wasn’t even sure where Lee had gone when he left his sons. An associate told him that Lee was residing in America. He also found out that the young man had run across trouble and was imprisoned against his will. That suited Gen well enough. Lee was out of further trouble and unable to make his reputation any worse.

After a while, the situation his son was in began to eat away at Gen inside. He came close several times to sending someone to bring about his release, but he always stopped himself. It wasn’t until he saw one of Lee’s sons, Yun, creating a completely new fighting maneuver, that he was reminded of the time he spent with his own son.

Soon after that, Gen swallowed his pride and sent a messenger to find a fighter he’d heard of recently. One named Fei Long. The messenger was to tell Mr. Long of Lee’s location and to free him by any means. The message was sent, and Fei Long was set to do his task.

Gen was sure that the information he was to receive today involved Fei Long’s status. He had a feeling that the young fighter was successful. That was supposedly good news, but that also meant he would soon see his son again.

Gen furrowed his brow at the thought.

The wharf. He was finally there, and he would soon be told what he probably didn’t want to hear. He didn’t pause as he entered an entrance under a wooden deck. He didn’t slow his pace as he walked down the dark tunnel underneath. He didn’t even stop for a thought moment as his small “station” came into view. He walked straight in. The last thing he wanted to do was prolong the anticipation.

A man in a black business suit walked out form the shadows. “Master Gen, I have arrived as requested sir.” He nodded his head in a greeting.

Gen looked at the man, Reckan Tsunan, with a watchful eye. He had only known the man for a few months, so it was very difficult to trust him. His previous assistant had, unfortunately, run across difficulties that prevented him from continuing his career. So a new man had to be brought in. It would take awhile for Gen to get used to this new fellow, but he had no choice.

Mr. Tsunan coughed at the old man’s silence. “Shall we start this inside, sir?”

Gen walked though the door into his office. “It already started, a long time ago.”

Tsunan followed Gen through the door and closed it behind him. He hated it when the old man was difficult.

Gen sat behind a small desk. Everything on it was in a seemingly perfect place. No loose papers, a clock centered directly in front of the chair, and a large, black book in the center of it all.

Mr. Tsunan stood in front of the desk and quietly waited until Gen was situated before he began.

“It seems that Fei Long was successful in completing his duties. We have been told that he has freed Lee from his imprisonment.” He took a breath before continuing. “We’ve also been information of a gang following them. Their leader is unknown to our sources, but the gang should be familiar enough to you. You’ve said that you want to pay Mr. Long personally?”

Gen nodded.

Tsunan adjusted his coat. “Then, we’re all ready for your departure.” He pulled out a suitcase and a ticket. “Here is your plan ticket, and the sum agreed upon. You are set to leave this evening.” He put down the objects in front of the desk.

Gen paused for a moment before he spoke. “Tell me, when did Mr. Long free Lee?”

“Two days ago, sir.”

“Then I should have been told yesterday. Why did you delay?”

“I had to confirm the sources.”

Gen was silent for a few moments.

Mr. Tsunan shuffled his feet. “Master Gen, if I may ask a question?”

“If it is necessary...”

“If it’s true that Mr. Lee is your son, then someone could possibly use that to get to you. Is it such a good idea to go personally into such a dangerous situation?”

“Mr. Tsunan, that does not concern you in any way.” With an air of finality, he rose. “Now, I have to make preparations. Please let yourself out.”

“Thank you sir.” Tsunan bowed deeply before exiting.

On his way out, Tsunan loosened his tie and unbuttoned his jacket. Master Gen was always such a stiff shirt. He wouldn’t even answer a simple question. Tsunan was so unused to his code. It would be a long time before he got used to being so respectful to an official of the Triads.

Gen got on the plane later that night. It was a long flight, but it was necessary. He tried to picture Lee’s face when he would see him again.

Inwardly, Gen shuddered.