Chap 29
Happy Birthday Inuyasha, part 2: Kenichi and Miroku
The following day Inuyasha contacted Kenichi to ask him to join them for dinner at the house in Canada. Kenichi countered the request and asked that they join him at a new casual restaurant he had found in The University's town. Inuyasha said "Sounds great, what's the address?"
The Inuparents walked through their teleporter onto the square near a bustling street skirting The University's campus. Initially the noise was overwhelming in comparison to their quiet home. Inuyasha's ears dropped to mute the noise instantly. He glanced at Sesshomaru and noted a slight wince, the discomfort noticeable only in the few wrinkles at the outside corner of his eyes. He rubbed his mark. 'Bet you wished you had my ears right now,' Inuyasha smirked impishly.
Sesshomaru turned, hugged his mate, and whispered in the nearest auricle, "I love your ears", and then promptly started nibbling on them.
The inuhanyou moaned loudly and melted in his arms.
The romantic actions and amount of pheromones in the area increased exponentially and bystanders turned to look just as the president of "The University" walked into the square.
Shrugging he laughed loudly and called out to his parents.
"Break it up. No PDA on campus grounds." But any seriousness he had attempted to add to his authoritative tone vanished at a stern glance from his father.
Fortunately, Inuyasha came to his senses and broke away from his amorous mate, stepping quickly toward their oldest son.
"Mr. President, What a delight to see you!" Inuyasha thrust out a hand and grabbed Kenichi's. The two snickered but continued the mock professionalism. "We're so glad we could garner some of your precious time."
"Why anything for the rulers of Castletown!" Kenichi returned, the two well engrossed in their roles, the silly banter continuing for another several minutes.
Sesshomaru watched the two carry on but decided enough was enough.
"Son, we are here regarding our official roles as rulers. It's time to talk seriously."
Kenichi froze. He stared and smelled his parents. No one was ill. What did Father mean? He bowed properly and spoke.
"Father, Dad. Come with me and we can converse privately."
Kenichi led his parents down the crowded bustling street to a small alley that was only four feet wide. It was a narrow brown and gray brick alley where most would have never looked twice. In fact, most would have dashed past it. Its shadowy atmosphere would have given the bravest adventurers a case of the chills. At first glance it looked like the alley was only twenty feet long and dead ended into a brick wall, but if one focused long enough, the edge of the alley ended several feet before the dead end. Sesshomaru stood at the opening of the alley and watched as Kenichi and Inuyasha walked further into the faux dead end. Sesshomaru's left eyebrow rose but then his nose picked up a delightful smell and he relaxed and took one step to follow. Inuyasha, following closer to Kenichi, voiced his concern regarding their current location.
InuYasha sided up to his eldest son, gripping his arm. "Son, are you sure about this? All I see is a dark dank narrow alley with dirty damp old bricks! " He scrunched his nose.
"Take a sniff, Dad. That'll help you decide if it's okay," Kenichi threw a look over his shoulder and noticed his Father was relaxed and dare he imagine, even eager to arrive at their destination. Man, he hoped he was right. He loved to please his father.
Inuyasha sniffed anticipating smelling spoiled diapers and other excrement but instead was greeted with an amazing aroma, one that brought him back many years to when the air was clean and green was the color of the ground.
"I can't eat here often," Kenichi offered. "I don't want to upset Peter. I know these are dumb animals but still…"
"Rabbit," Sesshomaru murmured reverently. "Where..?" He started to ask Kenichi more questions when Kenichi disappeared around the corner.
Inuyasha vanished around the corner next.
Sesshomaru increased his speed and turned the corner. The dead end wasn't a dead end. It was just the side of a building that extended far enough beyond the alleyway to look like a dead end. As he walked two more strides passed that building he found a small café with a small serving area. The whole area must have been the backyard of someone's home once upon a time but now it was a private dining establishment. A chalk clap board stood next to a glass door boosting the specials of the day. At the top it read, "Rabbit with Rosemary". A number of other dishes followed but Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Kenichi were keyed in on the words that corresponded with the delightful aroma they had all sensed.
A plumb short shrew-like humanoid stood at the maître d's podium. He had just finished talking to some interested customers and looked up to see Kenichi and his party approach. He greeted the men warmly, beady eyes squinted and star shaped mustache wiggling humorously.
"Mr. President!" he hugged Kenichi firmly. "Thank you for honoring us with your patronage! We are so delighted to see you. Who are these gentlemen with you? They look like you. Are they your brothers?"
Inuyasha laughed openly. "Sir, you are so free with compliments!" The inuhanyou stuck out a hand to shake the maître d's.
The maître d' hugged the hanyou instead.
Sesshomaru growled possessively.
The maître d' jumped back from the hanyou and then looked closely at Sesshomaru.
"My Lord – Is that you? Lord Sesshomaru?"
The kingly demon raised his head briefly and tilted to the side in acknowledgement.
The maître d' dropped to the ground prostrate.
"Dad, that's why I never tell any demon my last name," Kenichi shrugged as he caught Inuyasha's attention and pointed to the worshipping demon.
"Get used to it son. It's only going to get more frequent. That's one of the things we want to talk to you about," Inuyasha spoke to Kenichi. At the same time Sesshomaru turned to the adoring demon and calmly spoke, "Raise good demon. We are here for some of your delicious smelling rabbit. It would be nice if we could have a private spot to speak to our son."
The demon maître d' sprang from the ground and rushed about clearing the restaurant of the few individuals that had passed by to see what was going on. Quickly he called his waiting staff, barked out a few commands and then he yelled into the kitchen and placed the orders. One server placed a portable folding wall at the entrance from the alley with the note "Closed for a Private Party". Another set of his waiters prepared a table with the best tableware while another found a pricey bottle of sake. The waiters sneaked peeks at the three men standing casually at the maître d's station, curious as to the behavior of their maître d'. The maître d' brought out a tray of aperitifs to serve the three men. Again, the waiters were baffled. Serving customers was part of their job.
Kenichi observed their surroundings. He had only recently started patronizing this café but had recognized two of the waiters, a brother and sister who attended his school. He excused himself from his parents and walked casually to the duo who were standing several feet back from the table they prepared.
"Good Evening students." Kenichi stood tall, his motions fluent and elegant.
"Hello Mr. President. We're happy you are joining us for dinner. We'll be happy to serve you." The siblings bowed.
"I look forward to your best, just like you put into your studies." Kenichi returned the bow.
The brother leaned forward and whispered, "Sir, who are your guests?"
"Just my parents," Kenichi smiled. "Just treat them as you would your parents, okay?"
The siblings nodded enthusiastically.
Just then the maître d' brought Inuyasha and Sesshomaru to the table and offered them seats.
Leaning into her brother, the waitress whispered, "Wow, President Kenichi's dad is so cute!"
Her brother responded, "I'd say handsome – amazingly handsome."
Kenichi covered his mouth to hide the smile. His parents definitely heard that. He walked to the table and sat down. The maître d' waved the siblings to the table.
"I expect the best from you two," he patted them on the back as he walked back into the kitchen to check on the appetizers.
Inuyasha smiled as he took in the eager visages of their waiting staff. "Thank you for serving our son. He has only said good things about this café."
The young waitress blushed and bowed. Her brother was mesmerized by Sesshomaru. She elbowed him and he blushed and bowed.
Kenichi just shook his head.
"Dad, Father, these two are honor students in our science division. We are all expecting great things from them."
"Do they know our Sango?" Inuyasha asked, his ears perked.
"I believe she was pretty tough with them from what I remember from the grade sheets," Kenichi nodded.
The siblings eyes opened wide. The president knew their grades!
The young woman stuttered quickly, "She was tough, sir, but I learned a lot from her."
Inuyasha turned to Sesshomaru. "Wasn't it just yesterday when you were helping her do math?"
"Perhaps longer ago than "yesterday" Koi, but yes it seems fairly recent," Sesshomaru nodded.
The parents continued in that train of conversation for a while longer. Kenichi turned to his students.
"Just treat them like your parents, okay. I'm sure you've heard your parents say the same things about you."
"Thank you, sir." Then turning to Inuyasha and Sesshomaru they got their drink orders and let them know they would return shortly.
Kenichi sat back. Perhaps the evening would go smoothly. It was silly to ask his parents out to dinner but this café's rabbit with rosemary was so good. He had thought of his father immediately when he had it the first time. His train of thought was interrupted when he heard a glass shatter and a young male shriek, "THE KING?!"
Kenichi turned to his dad. "See what I mean".
Sesshomaru didn't say anything. Inuyasha took the initiative. "Son, I told your father I would let him throw a party to celebrate my millennial."
Kenichi cheered.
"But there are some rules young man. And we'll talk about that in a minute. Right now, your father and I would like to talk to you about something else we would like to announce at my party. We are ready to retire from ruling Castletown and we would like to train you to take over."
Kenichi glowed. "Me? Really? But what about Keiko? She's the firstborn. I mean I would love it but she should have it. I would really love it, but it's hers." Kenichi vacillated between happy and somber as he spoke.
"Lucky you, we talked to her first. She wants you to have the honor."
Kenichi was speechless.
Sesshomaru had been silent since the time Kenichi had said "see what I mean". His voice was icy and direct when he spoke.
"Kenichi! Are you embarrassed to be a Takahashi?"
"NO Father!" Kenichi called back immediately, a flush on his cheeks.
"Then explain yourself! You told your dad that you don't use the name because of how demons respond. We taught you how to carry yourself and respond properly and with dignity. If you don't want to be a Takahashi then you definitely aren't suited to be the crown prince."
Inuyasha's face froze. He hadn't realized his mate had taken those comments so negatively.
Kenichi's mind was whirling. In one second his lifelong fantasy was given to him and now it was disappearing from his hands like sand. Mentally saying a quick prayer to his grandfather, he addressed his comments to Sesshomaru.
"I'm sorry Father. My comments were spoken carelessly. It is my greatest honor to be your son. I adore you Father." Then turning to Inuyasha, Kenichi smiled. "And Dad, you are always there, a rock to hold on to in storm and fair weather." He looked at his father again. "Father, when you told me that I resembled Grandfather even more the older I have gotten my heart jumps with joy. I am very proud to be a Takahashi."
Kenichi took a deep breath and fought the angst and anxiety that was building up in his heart.
"Father, when we lived at the castle we had servants and towns people that treated us with respect and deference all the time. It was second nature. When you left for Canada, I had a chance to earn that respect for myself. I realized then that I didn't want to depend on you or the family name to get respected. I wanted people to respect me for me. I've been working my way up the academic ladder, earning respect, and learning what it means to me. Becoming The University's President meant so much to me. I'm glad you were there to share that day with me. I feel like I am worthy of the respect when they say, "President Kenichi Takahashi" but becoming the Crown prince is my highest aspiration."
Kenichi paused as a staggered breath escaped. 'Well, I may have lost that battle but I did finally tell him what I've always wanted to say.'
Sesshomaru remained silent.
Inuyasha looked back and forth between his brother and son. The silence grew heavier and heavier. Inuyasha considered saying something about how proud he was of what Kenichi had said when Sesshomaru took a deep breath.
Both men turned to look at the patriarch.
"Well said Crown Prince Kenichi. Thinking on your feet and speaking your mind are important parts of the job we'd like to give you. Let me give you more details about being the heir apparent and then we can discuss your dad's birthday party over the rabbit." Sesshomaru leaned forward to elaborate on the responsibilities they intended on giving him and his need to seek out Uncle Jaken.
In the kitchen of the restaurant, the young waitress had finished cleaning up the broken glassware from the dropped glass while her brother recovered from his faint. When she had hung up the broom and cleaned her hands she prepared a tray with fresh drinks and a cold compress. Tossing the compress at her brother first, she teased him. "Rabbit will be done in less than five minutes. You need to carry the tray. The president and I are counting on you. Afterall, they are "just his parents". Giggling, she smiled as she walked toward the royals to present their drinks.
Once Keiko and Kenichi had been informed of the plans for royal succession, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha quickly informed the other eleven children. Word traveled amazingly fast through the siblings and by the time Inuyasha spoke with Sango and Kohaku, he found out that Miroku had been listening in on the conversation with Keiko and had been preparing the others for the news. None of the children were worried about their parents health as Keiko had been and all congratulated them on their approaching retirement.
Sesshomaru listened carefully as Inuyasha finished his last phone call. When Inuyasha hung up the phone, Sesshomaru spoke, "Should have known Miroku was listening. Probably should have started with him first since he is here at home and we could've used his skills to placate and calm his siblings."
"I'm at your service anytime Father," came a disembodied voice just outside the door.
The parents looked at each other and shook their heads. Inuyasha sighed.
"Well then, let them know the process will be slow. We will still be in charge for another 50 years or so. Kenichi will have training to take our place. The transfer of power will take place in small steps. He will have to show us he can do smaller things like events, parties, and festivals. Plus, Uncle Jaken will have his say in the matter," Inuyasha said out loud, anticipating Miroku was still listening.
Miroku walked around the corner appearing sheepish.
"I'm sorry Father, Dad, for eavesdropping. When Keiko cried it was hard not to listen. I had to stop the Three Musketeers from rushing to her side. I told them if Grandpa, Grandfather, and their dad couldn't fix it…well time would. They believed me. I haven't ever lied to them. Father said to never lie and I have followed that instruction very carefully. So, you have to understand, I'm not lying now. I am at your service anytime. I love our family and I love you both." Miroku kneeled and bowed his head.
Inuyasha reached over and pulled their son to his feet, embracing him. "You are nothing like your previous incarnation and yet you share certain traits. Come with me. I'll tell you a few tales."
"But first", Sesshomaru stood and walked to the duo, "I'm not happy with eavesdropping but I am grateful you helped your siblings. Next time come to us first, am I understood?"
"Yes Sir," Miroku replied quickly and sharply. His face smiling benevolently.
Inuyasha shook his head. "That expression would be an example of a trait you share. Let's give your Father some privacy." He led their son out of the office toward the dojo.
