Chap 32

Happy Birthday Inuyasha part 5: The event

4 Dec 2297

Place: Castletown

Inuyasha woke up and stretched luxuriously. There was just something special about sleeping in the master bedroom of the castle. Inuyasha patted the bed and felt the sheets. So crisp and clean. He wrapped his arms around his pillow and inhaled. He loved these pillows that smelled like the two of them. He sniffed happily for several breaths. Then his hand crept a little further across the bed to find his mate. Sesshomaru wasn't there.

Inuyasha jolted up and looked around. No trace of his mate in the bedroom or the bath. He took a sniff. Fresh coffee. He turned to his bedside table and noticed the freshly brewed cup of java. He picked it up. It was still hot. Cradling the cup carefully he raised it and took a sip.

"Delicious," he murmured.

"Glad you like it, Koi," answered Sesshomaru as he walked through the shoji door carrying a tray of breakfast treats. "Chef wanted to send up a few goodies before we met up with everyone at breakfast."

"I'll have to make a point of dropping through the kitchen after breakfast," Inuyasha smiled.

"I'm sure he would like that," confirmed Sesshomaru.

"Did everyone get in last night? Or are we expecting some of them today?"

"Not sure," Sesshomaru replied as he eyed all the Danish. "I admit I was "distracted" by my handsome mate and our wonderful bed."

Inuyasha smiled. He patted the bed near him. "Want to be "distracted" again?"

Sesshomaru sat the tray down and shed his clothes. In a flash he was in bed embracing his mate.

In time the duo bathed and clothed and entered the dining room where thirteen children and four grandchildren awaited them.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA INU!" all four grandchildren called out.

"Happy Birthday Dad," added the adult children.

"Shippo and his tribe will be here by lunch," called Keiko.

"Yay, Grandpa's here. We can eat!" called out one of the Musketeers. Benji echoed the sentiment.

The patriarchs found their seats and arranged themselves. Within seconds hot coffee, tea, milk, and juice glasses were at their right hands. Castle servants brought in piles of dishes full of delicious smelling foods. Voices and silverware mingled to fill the dining room with pleasant ambient sounds.

Inuyasha smiled and looked about him. It was nice to have the family together. He turned to Sesshomaru.

"What's on the agenda?"

"The grandchildren would like to see us duel, but I told them they would have to ask you first. Beyond that," but Inuyasha butted in.

"You guys want to see us duel?! Awesome! Let's do it!" The inuhanyou started to get out of his seat, but Sesshomaru put a hand on his thigh.

"Dad, don't you think it might be better to wait a little after breakfast, just to let the food settle?" Keiko injected quickly.

"Yes, Koi," murmured Sesshomaru. "Don't want to get any cramps, do you?"

Inuyasha beamed. "Best present ever! I can't wait!" The hanyou's right foot started bouncing, his excitement mounting exponentially with each passing minute. He caught the eyes of his grandsons and the five of them became next to impossible to contain.

Keiko shook her head as she spoke to her father. "You should have waited to tell him that one. Everything else will seem minor in comparison."

"You mean there's more," startled Inuyasha, his attention now focused on his oldest.

"Yes Daddy. Every one of us has a little something special for you. They are things we know you like," Keiko smiled.

Inuyasha looked down the table at all his children and smiled. He couldn't wait.

After the meal the children asked their parents to meet them in the library in twenty minutes. Inuyasha wanted to rush up to the library right away but Sesshomaru had been told to stall him while the family got their gifts ready. Sesshomaru reminded Inuyasha that he had said that he wanted to say hello to the chef and thank him for breakfast. That took only a few moments. At the nineteenth minute Inuyasha drug Sesshomaru through the halls of the Castle to the library wing. An owl was draping a puppy ear flag over the opening.

Inuyasha stood affixed.

"That's the same banner from the festival in 1769," Inuyasha said, his voice soft.

"It's a replica," responded Sesshomaru. "The pattern was in Uncle Jaken's files. So was everything else. Uncle Jaken has an amazing record. He will be the perfect instructor for Kenichi."

"Where is the old imp? I most definitely want him to be here for my birthday."

Sesshomaru nodded. "He'll be here. He's just putting the finishing touches on a few things."

Inuyasha walked the last ten steps into the library to find only Keiko and her youngest sitting at the worktable. They were looking at a map. The youngest was wearing a musketeer's cape

"I'm here," Inuyasha called to her.

"Grandpa Inu! You made it! Now we have to start looking for everyone."

Inuyasha looked from Keiko to Sesshomaru and back to the youngest.

Keiko smiled. "He's right you know. You have to go look for them. He'll be your partner. Remember the Three Musketeers had a fourth and today that is you. Now off with you. Here's your map and your cape." Keiko put the musketeer cape on her dad and picked up the map of Castletown with all sorts of clues written on it and thrust it into her Dad's hands. Father and I will be right behind you. I just need a minute of Father's time."

The youngest musketeer grabbed Inuyasha's other hand and pulled him out the library and down toward the courtyard.

Sesshomaru turned to Keiko. "Did I delay him enough, My Blessing?"

"It was perfect, Father. As soon as they step on the front step the sound barrier should break and we'll know we can get the staff to put the finishing touches on the courtyard."

"I'm impressed you and your siblings were able to pull this together. Very impressed."

"Uncle Jaken had everything Father. It was prepped and ready to go. It's almost like he was waiting for your permission to have this festival."

"Hnnn. He was there for the first one while Inuyasha planned it. He must have taken notes. I'm eager to see how he remembered the event."

"I'm dying to see it Father. I've heard stories about it all my life."

Just then there was a loud pop and a dramatic increase in noise.

"They have exited the castle. Let's go," Sesshomaru turned and walked out of the library, Keiko following closely behind.

—-

Keiko's youngest rushed through the doorway pulling on Inuyasha's hand. They felt the barrier flex and then pop. Then noise assaulted their ears.

The child dropped Inuyasha's hand to cover his ears. The change from absolute quiet to the noise of a bustling festival was enough to surprise the little one. Instinctively Inuyasha grabbed him and pulled him to his chest. But as he looked about the courtyard he saw townsfolk, castle servants, and castle guards. Capt Kenichi was directing them.

"Didn't realize that barrier would make so much noise when it popped," Capt Kenichi said as he stepped over to his best friend. "Sorry. Bet that hurt your ears."

"Huh?" Inuyasha said as he stood up and greeted Capt Kenichi with a warrior's hug. Capt Kenichi kneeled to check on the young musketeer.

"Are you okay young warrior?" Captain Kenichi queried.

Just then Keiko and Sesshomaru arrived.

"Mom, That was loud!" Screamed the boy, his hearing still affected by the proximity to the barrier pop.

Keiko looked to her Father.

"We should make a detour by the clinic to check on their ear drums. I'll let Steven know where we are." She rubbed her mark.

Sesshomaru grabbed his grandson and his mate and walked to the clinic there on the castle grounds. He quickly assessed their ear drums. Both had ruptured drums but were healing as he watched. They sat at the clinic for 15 minutes before Sesshomaru spoke.

"Koi, can you hear now?"

"Yes, I'm okay. How's my fellow musketeer?"

"I'm okay Grandpa Inu," came a soft voice at his side. "That was something I don't wanna do again. That was LOUD!"

"Shall we get moving again then," Inuyasha smiled happily.

"Let's read our first clue." Keiko had the map open to a little square that read:

Keiko's first clothes

"Wow, that's a tough one," the young musketeer whistled. "Mom, do you remember your first clothes?"

Keiko shook her head no. "I think we might have to ask Grandpa and Grandfather."

The patriarchs were already smiling at each other.

"Come on. We have an idea where that might be." The quartet walked out the castle gates and down the bustling street. Pop up shops had begun to fill in the sides of the street selling all sorts of knick-knacks to celebrate the Prince's millennial. Shop keepers and customers yelled out birthday greetings as the hanyou passed by.

Inuyasha smiled and waved and took it all in as he walked beside his family. They had somehow managed to recreate the festival from 1769. He was amazed.

Sesshomaru stopped and pointed to his right. Several tailors stood next to their booth. They bowed to the royal family. Just then Suzy, Rin and Sango bounced out of the booth carrying an adorable replica of Keiko's first clothes. Keiko squealed as she looked at the mini Sesshomaru outfit.

"It's so cute! I had clothes like Father!" She rushed to join her sisters.

While the other three Inu females shared her joy and repeated things like, "I love it!" "I wish I had something like that too", Inuyasha accepted birthday greetings and wishes from the descendants of his tailor friends.

When the women quieted a bit, Inuyasha's grandson pointed to the map. "Time to check out the next clue." He read:

"Asleep on your feet. Musketeers beware."

"That's sounds ommy-nos," the young man stuttered.

"Scary?" Inuyasha asked.

"Yeah," he grabbed his cape and pulled it tighter. "We had better prepare for a duel."

Sesshomaru and Keiko covered their mouths and snickered. Inuyasha saw the twinkle in his mate's eye.

"Do I need to go back to the castle and get Tessaiga," Inuyasha volunteered.

"No," the lad replied. "I think Dad has four wooden swords for us." He paused and then looked to his mother. "Oops."

Inuyasha had put a finger in his ear to scratch it and missed what the boy said.

"Grandpa forget I said anything okay?" The young man looked worried.

"Huh? I didn't hear you. Between the barrier burst and a little wax my hearing isn't perfect yet."

Sesshomaru looked at Inuyasha to be sure he was okay. Inuyasha waived him away.

"I know where we go next – a place I was asleep on my feet."

"Really?" the boy asked.

"Really truly. I'll tell you about it while we walk to the square."

Inuyasha told his audience of the time he was pregnant with Keiko but didn't know it yet and how he got worn out by the leash as they toured the festival. He paused as he thought of Bunza and the leash but let the thought slip as their group rounded the corner to the old town city square. He glanced around the square. Colorful banners and balloons flew celebrating the millennial of Inuyasha. Townsfolk mingled at the Dutch museum and sat outdoors drinking ale at the town pub. Nikki and Jalen waved hand towels from the front door of the "Cake Demon's". When the towns folk saw him they cheered. "Hip! Hip! Hoorah! Hip! Hip! Hoorah!"

Inuyasha blushed and waved at everyone. Sesshomaru continued to lead them toward the statue.

Inuyasha was so busy waving and greeting everyone he missed the call to fight.

The oldest of the Three Musketeers called a second time.

"Who are you to wear our cape! Have you kidnapped our youngest brother?" It was clear by his stilted cadence that he had practiced his lines multiple times. The two eldest stood together, their father behind them reminding them of their lines and tossing props to them. Fumbling a bit, they took up their wooden swords and moved forward to surround their grandpa.

"No, brothers," cried the youngest. "I have not been kidnapped. I have found the fourth musketeer!"

"I think he has been tricked," cried the second after getting his line prompt from his father. "Fight us and prove you are worthy to wear our cape."

Inuyasha smiled and laughed loudly. "I'll take you on! Beware Musketeers for I am quick with the sword."

The youngest leaned in and whispered to Inuyasha. "It's all make-believe Grandpa. Don't hurt my brothers, okay?" He looked very concerned.

"Fear not young musketeer. I shall just school them in the art of the sword," Inuyasha winked and remained in character.

Turning to Steven he motioned for a prop. Steven slid the sword to him. His back to the audience Inuyasha admired the light wooden katana, prefect for plays and stage demonstrations. He attempted to control the huge smile on his face and then turned to face his audience.

"My good people, I have been challenged by these noble musketeers to determine if I am indeed worthy to wear this cape. He pointed to the clearly homemade cape on his shoulders. "I am to prove my worth right now, but allow me one last request."

The townsfolk and family members applauded favorably.

Inuyasha strutted to his mate.

"My love, should this be the last of me, let it be known that you are the "air I breathe" and that I love you with all my heart," Inuyasha kissed Sesshomaru offering a stage kiss complete with deep bow and genuflect. Sesshomaru offered his scarf as a favor and the audience roared with laughter.

The three boys stared at each other confused.

Steven and Keiko were fighting the laughter but found the strength to prompt the boys to say their lines again.

"Fight us," the two oldest cried.

Inuyasha went on the defense. Both boys attacked him. He allowed them to attack for several hits just to get an idea of how hard they were hitting. He didn't want to overpower them so badly it hurt so he watched their foot work and sword play until he noticed the middle boy didn't slide his feet but instead crisscrossed them, a mistake which could cause a trip and fall.

The audience was playing along well cheering and booing. He could tell the boys were having fun. Maybe he should suggest Keiko and Steven start their swordsmanship lessons. While he was distracted with that thought, the oldest boy made a good hit on his upper left arm.

"My arm! My arm!" Inuyasha cried. "I believe you might have given me a bruise," Inuyasha stepped forward forcing the boys to back up. He flipped over the duo to catch them by surprise and then swatted both on the buttocks.

Both dropped their swords.

"You spanked us!" the boys pouted. "That's not fair. Mom, Dad, That's not fair."

But Keiko and Steven were laughing so hard they were holding each other up.

Inuyasha dropped his play sword and knelt before them. "Boys, are you okay? Did I swat you too hard?" He pulled them into a hug as they reassured him they were okay just surprised.

The youngest rushed into the hugging group, tears in his eyes. "Are you sure you're okay. I told him it was just pretend."

As Inuyasha comforted his grandsons he decided it really wasn't time yet to teach them swords. He moved his cape to cover the group and then whispered, "The show must go on. Are you ready?"

They nodded.

He stood and leaped back a few steps.

"I have bested you and proved that I am worthy to wear the cape. Do you accept me?"

"Sure Grandpa. It's your birthday! You are the best!"

The audience applauded and laughed as the four musketeers held hands and bowed.

Keiko was still wiping off tears of laughter but called out to Nikki. "Nikki, did you get that on film for the others?"

Nikki nodded. "I've already posted it on the birthday site."

Inuyasha turned to look at Nikki. "What birthday site?"

"Why the site that was a secret to you but how we all coordinated for this party!" she laughed.

Inuyasha took in all the family and friends that were surrounding him and smiled. What a lucky hanyou he was. He walked over to Sesshomaru and gave his mate a hug. "Thank you," he whispered.

Just then the youngest musketeer pulled on Inuyasha's arm.

"We have more clues, Grandpa."

Inuyasha turned, his back pressed to his mate's chest and smiled. "Read it to me and let's continue our quest."

"It reads: Dutch museum, formerly a place for a mirror"

Kenichi walked up to the family group. "This is the Dutch museum. Sometime ago it was the store where Dutch travelers traded goods with Castletown. Grandfather knew the Captain who later became an ambassador."

Sesshomaru nodded.

Inuyasha spoke to the other musketeers. "I traded some things for a long mirror. I think it's still in the master bedroom. It was a very ornate mirror." Inuyasha flashed to the moment he first saw his baby bump and smiled. He squeezed Sesshomaru's hand.

"What's next?"

The boys looked at the map. The oldest said, "Pictures on the wall, ale on the tap". Inuyasha stepped toward the town pub with his family in tow.

At the pub patio Ryuu and Kyo were drinking lemonade while Yuki was telling an airplane story. After the mock battle several of the townsfolk had stopped into the pub for lunch and drinks. Yuki's entertaining airplane stories captured the attention of many and she had gathered a crowd.

"Hello Yuki, boys," Inuyasha nodded to the crowd. "It's getting close to lunch time. Are we stopping here?"

Keiko moved closed to her dad.

"No Daddy. We're supposed to be back at the castle for lunch." Then she turned to Yuki. "We'll give you five minutes to wrap it up."

Keiko turned to her oldest. "I'm so proud of you guys. Is it okay if I take the map now?"

"Yes Momma," he passed her the map and grabbed his brothers hands.

"Time to go back to the castle. Uncle Ryuu promised we could ride on A-Un, right Uncle Ryuu?"

Ryuu looked up to see Keiko's eyebrow elevated.

"Only if your mom says it's okay," Ryuu spoke quickly.

"I can ride with them," volunteered Steven. "I haven't ridden A-Un in years."

"He's not a stable horse, you know little brother, he's actually quite old for a dragon," Ryuu scolded.

"Then maybe the boys shouldn't ride him," butted in Keiko.

"OH MOM," whined the boys.

"I'm sure we can work something out," Sesshomaru inserted himself in the conversation. "Afterall, it's your Dad's birthday."

"Right, sorry Daddy," Keiko replied contritely.

Steven gave Ryuu the "puppy eyes" and Ryuu rolled his.

Yuki concluded her tale and the Takahashi crowd moved back up the street to the castle courtyard. As they walked back up the hill to the castle, Inuyasha noticed even more sales booths filled the street. Keiko sided up to him with the map. "There are a number of clues on the castle grounds. I'll just read them to you."

"Herbs are good for you."

"Is it magic or illusion?"

"Keep those kids in line or I'm going to whistle."

"Milk so cold it's frozen"

"Music makes your feet tap."

"A building for all religions"

Keiko finished this list just as the gaggle of Takahashis and Nikki and Jalen reached the castle gates. There, near a silk curtain stood Shippo.

"Happy Birthday Dad," Shippo called out. "I'm supposed to do a magic trick for you. Ready?"

Shippo snapped his fingers and stomped his feet. A puff of pink smoke filled the courtyard. Within a few seconds it resolved and revealed Barbie, Bobby, Benji, Miroku, Kohaku, Tsuki, Usagi, Suyuki, Peter, Capt Kenichi, Uncle Jaken, Jinenji, A-Un, and the rest of Shippo's family.

"The Shippo's Leash and Usagi's Fluffle are here!" cried Inuyasha in joy.

The youngest rushed over to their great, great grandpa Inu and covered him in affections. Shippo quipped. "You know it was hard keeping them corralled. It required all of us."

Tsuki pulled his ear. "Don't lie to your Father or your Dad. Miroku did all the work in containing the leash. I will have to have him teach me those tricks!"

Miroku nodded.

Uncle Jaken stepped out of the crowd. "A picnic lunch is served on the green. Make your way—oof," but anything else he was trying to say had been knocked out of him for the giant hug Inuyasha gave the old imp.

"Thank you so much Uncle Jaken. This is the best birthday present ever! You have recreated our festival."

"It's missing a few things," Uncle Jaken cleared his throat, "but it's safer this way."

"Thank you so much," Inuyasha repeated, his eyes misting.

"It's my honor to assist in your birthday celebration. Now how about leading your family to the castle greens." Uncle Jaken pointed to the path that would take them to the back of the castle which opened onto a lush green.

"Don't you mean "Our" family, Uncle?"

"I am still honored to bear that title, My Lord." The small imp bowed and backed into the crowd.

Sesshomaru grabbed his mate's hand and started the crowd in the direction of the green.

During the time Inuyasha had been touring Capt Kenichi had been directing the staff and volunteers to set up the small greens for a picnic and the large greens for a sword match between the lords. It had been close but everything was in place by the time Nikki sent him a text.

The spread on the green was perfect. When Inuyasha saw it he glowed from smiling.

"It's perfect," he whispered to his mate. "Thank you."

Sesshomaru pulled his mate close and whispered back. "Thank you for letting us celebrate, Koi. You are so important to us all."

Inuyasha gave him a hug.

The lords were directed to their place and everyone sat on the grounds around them. Then chef and the castle staff brought out the meal. Soon everyone was eating and a natural silence was laced with silverware on flatware and a low buzz of talking to each other.

The meal was phenomenal. As soon as Inuyasha finished, Nikki and Jalen got up and excused themselves.

Soon the chef's people cleared the scraps and tableware and soon all eyes were directed to a table and booth a short distance from the picnicking crowd. Sesshomaru led Inuyasha to the booth.

There the dairy man's relatives lined up and bowed to the royals.

"We are pleased to provide your birthday ice cream. Allow us to serve you, Lord Inuyasha."

From behind a temporary folding wall came Nikki's voice, "Birthday ice cream needs birthday cake, don't you think, my Prince?" Jalen and Nikki walked out from behind the wall and bowed. They were dressed in matching chef's clothing. The brand-new white jackets were so well starched they could stand on their own. "Cake Demon" icons with Nikki, owner, and Jalen, junior partner caught Inuyasha's eye. Jalen's smile effervesced.

Nikki continued, "Jalen and I proudly present "The Cake"!"

The temporary folding wall was removed and there stood a life size statue of Inuyasha with Tessaiga.

Inuyasha studied the statue. He stepped closer to it. The surface was frosting!

"IT'S A CAKE!" the hanyou declared. "Nikki! Jalen! It's ART! I can't believe it!"

He continued to praise the cake as he walked slowly around it studying every angle. His mouth hung partially open in awe of the statue.

Finally, he got his wits about him. "What an amazing work of art! We can't eat this! It's too amazing!" He stared at it.

"Besides," he whispered, "it's weird to eat yourself."

Nikki snorted as she fought to remain professional.

"I was afraid you'd say that so we made several sheet cakes with images from your life. You can eat this cake, can't you." She pointed to several sheet cakes that her assistants brought to her side.

Inuyasha drooled as he looked at the luscious cake with whipped light frosting.

"Yeh, I'd love to eat this!" Then the hanyou studied all the images Nikki and Jalen had transferred to the cake and chose the piece that had a photo of the brothers dueling.

"I'm getting pumped up. When can we battle?"

"How about after the afternoon entertainment?"

"You mean there's even more?"

Sesshomaru nodded.

"Best birthday ever!"

Musicians filed onto the green next. They played a variety of music, some even soft enough the leash took a nap. But Inuyasha was still thrumming with excitement. He buzzed from person to person greeting, hugging, chatting, and commemorating friends and neighbors that had already left the moral plain.

When he reached The Three Musketeers, they gave Inuyasha their book of pictures. They had him sit with them to tell him what every picture meant. Inuyasha hugged them and held the book to his heart.

When he arrived at Barbie and Bobby's area, Benji gave him a flower arrangement that looked like a white puppy. "It looks like me, Grandpa Inu," Benji joyfully declared.

Inuyasha told him he loved it.

Sesshomaru let him wander through the crowd. Sometimes he joined him but other times he just watched. Sesshomaru was never alone for too long either. Someone would meander by and chat. One of their children would drop by and verify an event, or a servant would come by and offer praise. Eventually Benji wandered by and crawled up into his lap. They locked eyes for a moment and then Benji's grew heavy. The little tyke fell soundly asleep snuggling with mokomoko. Sesshomaru purred contently.

Moments later Bobby wandered by.

"Hey Father, have you seen—" but he was shushed by Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru pointed to the small pup resting in his mokomoko.

Bobby leaned in to look and smiled just as quickly. He rubbed his mark and shortly after Barbie popped by with Suzy and Rin. The four Takahashi children were mesmerized by the site. The tableau collected more curious individuals and soon Inuyasha returned to his mate's side.

Barbie gently picked up Benji and snuggled her son. She sat down at her father's feet to enjoy Keiko's dance demonstration.

A temporary stage had been constructed on the green. As the musicians left, Keiko stepped forward dressed in a flowing gown. Steven took the seat in the very front of the stage with his boys at his sides.

Keiko bowed and nodded to a musician. The music started with a haunting, rushed tempo. Keiko flew across the stage, leaping and twirling. It was breathtaking. Then the music slowed. Keiko's steps were as though she was gliding on ice. As the end of the song approached, the finale took off softly. Keiko began her pirouettes. As the music crescendoed, her speed increased. When the music decrescendoed, she slowed. Her audience lost track of the number of times she spun but when she finally came to a stop at the end of the sustained chord they all rose and cheered loudly for her. She made an elegant bow and exited the stage. Steven and their boys greeted her with roses. She covered them in kisses.

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru smiled. Pride radiated off the pleased patriarchs.

Next, Shippo walked on stage dressed in a magician's costume. He looked around the area. He was on the stage by himself with four boxes of assorted shapes and sizes.

"Where is she?" he called out to the audience. "I can't find my assistant."

Some young rabbit-fox hybrids from Usagi's fluffle called out, "She's in there!" They pointed to a small box to the right of the stage.

"No, I don't believe you," Shippo called back. "That box is too small. How about this one?" He tapped a tall box to his left. The box collapsed onto the floor. Nothing was in it. He jumped back in surprise.

The young ones cried out louder. "She's in there!" Again, they pointed to the smallest box on the stage.

"Not possible," the magician called out. "She is a grown woman." Shippo moved his hands in an hourglass motion and whistled. The adults in the crowd roared with laughter. The children continued their assertion that the smallest box was the location of the assistant.

Shippo walked to the large square box in center stage. He walked around it and tapped on the lid.

"This must be it," he claimed. "Darling, come out. It's show time."

But the children weren't convinced.

"Abracadabra!" he called and tapped the box with his stick. Uncle Jaken walked out of the box, a bit dazed.

Everyone laughed.

Shippo appeared startled. "You aren't my darling."

Uncle Jaken shook his head and walked off stage.

Shippo broke character and stepped to the front of the stage. "Everyone! Give a hand to Uncle Jaken for being such a good sport." Applause rose dramatically as did several balloon hands from Shippo's oldest children.

Again, laughter passed through the crowd.

Shippo watched the crowd. Always a master of timing he waited until the audience had returned to his paws. He resumed his character.

"I can't imagine where my assistant went," he called out.

The fluffle stood and pointed. "She's in the little box!"

Shippo tilted his head and pointed to the small box.

The fluffle screamed, "YES!"

Shippo tapped the remaining large box instead. But nothing was there except a stuffed toy.

"Hey that's the baby's toy," cried the leash sitting next to the fluffle.

Shippo picked it up and examined it. "So, it is. Wonder why that is here?" He stuffed it under his arm and walked to the small box.

"You think that's where my assistant is, right?"

The leash and fluffle were thoroughly involved now. "YES!" they all called.

Shippo shrugged his shoulders and tapped on the box.

The sides collapsed and the baby sat in the center sucking his thumb.

"Ahhhhh," the audience cooed.

Shippo reached under his arm and placed the stuff toy in the baby's grasp. The baby loved on his stuffed toy much to the audience's delight. Shippo picked up his grandbaby and gave him a kiss. He walked to the center stage.

"Alas, this isn't my Tsuki. I need my Tsuki to continue the show. What should I do?"

An older fox child heckled him, "Come one Dad! Put him back in the box and get Mom instead."

"What?" Shippo called out. "Do you think I can turn the baby into Tsuki? I'll try. Afterall I am a great magician!" At that he spread his eight tails like a peacock and strutted around the stage.

Laughter abounded.

Shippo lifted his grandson to eye level. "What do you think?"

The baby babbled nonsense.

"I couldn't agree more," Shippo said matter-of-factly. He replaced the baby on the small box and carefully closed the sides. He walked around the box and checked the sides. Once he was content he spoke a few nonsensical words and stomped his feet. The box opened with a puff of pink smoke and out stepped Tsuki wearing a sequin costume and strutting her own eight tails. The two magicians stood facing each other and leaned forward to kiss, tails wagging happily.

The audience was in their paws.

The rest of the show was as phenomenal. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were enthralled.

Shippo used the same trick for his finale as he did in the 1769 only this time Tsuki helped and it was even more amusing. There were twice as many kits and bunnies running around on the stage. Movement on the stage was near impossible. Tsuki and Shippo threw up their paws in mock despair. The two magicians vanished and reappeared next to the birthday star. Applause filled the air.

Another group of musicians filed on stage. They played a lively tune.

Couples and groups rose and started dancing. Sesshomaru stood and walked over to his mate. Bowing he offered his hand. "This Sesshomaru would be honored if you would join me to dance."

Inuyasha beamed. "This Inuyasha would love to dance with you."

He stood and took the proffered hand. Together they stepped to an open space on the lawn. They danced and twirled around the yard, smiling at each other and their friends and family. As the dance ended they arrived at the stage. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha faced the crowd of people.

Inuyasha started. "I have had such a lovely day. Thank you all for such a wonderful birthday." He bowed to the crowd.

The crowd roared their approval.

Sesshomaru spoke. "We would like to announce Prince Kenichi has been selected to be the Crown prince. We have spoken to our children and clarified that Prince Kenichi will be the next ruler of Castletown. Princess Keiko supports this decision 100%."

Keiko nodded from her position in the crowd.

"Uncle Jaken has recorded our wishes. We intend to announce it to the general populations as well, but wanted to tell you all first lest you have any questions."

No one spoke. Sesshomaru continued.

"We have set our swordsmanship demonstration for 20 minutes from now on the large green. It is open to the public and we anticipate a large crowd. There is a section set aside for family. Capt Kenichi and the guards will guide you. Inuyasha and I have to gather our swords. We want to reassure you that we have taken all measures to assure each other's safety and our audiences. Shippo, are you and Tsuki well enough rested?"

"We are Father. We are privileged to be of service." The two eight-tailed foxes bowed.

"Are there any other questions?"

"You promise you won't hurt each other," a small fox-rabbit hybrid had his hand raised.

Sesshomaru walked to the tyke's side and knelt so he was at eye level.

"I promise I would rather die than hurt your Grandpa Inu. I love him with all that I am." Turning to Inuyasha he continued his oath of love, "I need you. I love you. I want to continue taking walks with you. To eat at our table with you. To bathe with you. To allow you to wash my back and me yours, To sleep with you in our bed," Sesshomaru looked lovingly at his mate.

Inuyasha dropped from the stage and knelt next to his mate. First he looked at his great grandson. "I also promise I will not harm your Grandfather. He is the air I breathe. He is my reason for living." Then he turned to Sesshomaru, "I need you. I love you. I want to continue taking walks with you. To eat at our table with you. To bathe with you. To allow you to wash my back and me yours, To sleep with you in our bed and to bear your children," Inuyasha kissed his mate.

Before the kiss could get any more intense, the small child interrupted. "That sounds good to me."

The crowd broke up as Capt Kenichi and the castle guard led them to the large green. Steven lingered a second to watch his parents. They only had eyes for each other and they spoke volumes. Steven yelled at them. "Have fun Dad! Have fun Father! We're all excited to see your legendary skills in action!"

It had the effect he had hoped. Both looked at him and smiled. "We will," they said together.

"You know it's been a bit since we've gone all out. Should we just jump through the meido to a safe dimension?" Inuyasha asked.

"Shippo and Tsuki are no slouches. They are almost strong enough to be fox deities," Sesshomaru acknowledged.

Inuyasha nodded reluctantly. "It's just—I remember protecting the brat." Inuyasha kicked a turf of grass.

"That was 700 years ago and now he has eight tails," Sesshomaru stressed the "700" and "eight".

Inuyasha heard him but didn't acknowledge. "How about starting with some katas? We could do them side by side. That would be a good warm up."

Sesshomaru watched his mate. "I like it. Great idea. I'll grab Tenseiga. Do you want a practice sword?"

"Yeh, that's a good plan," Inuyasha agreed. "If Tenseiga and Tessaiga fight again they may cause another earthquake." The men cringed at the thought of the Tsunami of 1792. "We are stronger than we were then even."

"Father used to fight in the sky to avoid collateral damage. We could try that." Sesshomaru contemplated.

"I had to use Kilala to stay in the air back then."

"We could ask A-Un to be your back up," Sesshomaru offered.

"Okay. I'll swing by the stable and grab them while you get the swords."

Moments later Sesshomaru met Inuyasha and A-Un in the courtyard near the stables.

"All right! I'm psyched!" pumped Inuyasha.

The men flew their dragon over the castle and on to the large green. They were greeted by applause befitting a rock star. They dismounted in the middle of the field and sent A-Un to Ryuu. The old dragon nuzzled their friend affectionately.

Sesshomaru magnified his voice and spoke to the crowd.

"Castletown and guests, My mate and I are honored by your presence at his millennial. We intend to give you a display of our swordsmanship."

The crowd roared its pleasure.

"You may hear a pop. That is the barrier that will surround us and protect you. Then we will start with some katas which will showcase our fighting rhythm. We will start slowly so you can see our movements."

The mates bowed to each other and then turned to face the audience. Cameras filmed the action from multiple sides and displayed it on large screens.

The katas started slowly. The brothers executed a series of 50 moves, emphasizing stepping and turning, while maintaining perfect form.

As the Three Musketeers watched they noticed the similarities in the kata to their mother's dance moves. "Mom! Look! You do that when you dance!"

Keiko smiled. "That's where I learned it."

"You mean you can do that?!" they cried out.

"Yep, and so can your dad."

"Wow."

The first kata complete, the swordsmen repeated it faster. It was still possible to see their feet slide and move but barely. Upon completion of the kata, they faced each other and demonstrated how the kata was simply the tools and techniques to use in a battle. As Inuyasha advanced, Sesshomaru defended. The warriors moved slowly so their audience could see their steps. It was though they were dancing. As the kata ended, Sesshomaru did a flip over Inuyasha and swatted him just like Inuyasha had to the Three Musketeers.

Inuyasha smiled and glanced at the boys.

They were staring — mouth open wide in amazement.

Next they performed a kata that started from a sitting position. They also did that in slow and medium speeds before performing it as a sparring exercise.

That pattern continued through several more katas until Sesshomaru stopped and made another announcement to the audience.

"These are but a few of the katas we have trained with. We have demonstrated them in slow and medium speeds for your ease in following our footwork. Now we intend on demonstrating our sparing at our normal fighting rhythm."

The men bowed to each other and smiled. Then it was as if two fireflies were bouncing around a glass bubble. One couldn't be sure but it was possible the radiant light was from the smiles on their faces.

The audience was thrilled with the display and some squealed with delight. Total Sesshomaru and Inuyasha gave their audience two hours of demonstration. Even when they finally gave their last nods of respect they weren't panting or sweating from the work out. If anything, they were even more pumped up.

Tsuki and Shippo were no worse the wear having often practiced by containing their children and grandchildren's noise. They smiled at their parents as they walked over to the family section after the demo.

"Great job, Dad, Father. Even more beautiful and deadly than ever."

"Wow!"

"I want to learn to be that cool," came the response from many of the children.

"So glad I could see that."

"I want to see it on slomo."

And many other comments.

"Dad, We have one or two last things but they happen after dark. We want to wander through the booths. Want to join us?"

"Go on, have fun," Inuyasha replied. "I want to spend a minute with your Father first."

"Okay," Suzy called as she grabbed Rin and Sango and rushed off to the castle gate.

Sesshomaru brought an ice-cold glass of water to Inuyasha.

"Thank you," the young lord sipped the beverage.

"We've planned a fireworks show for you to complete the day. I believe dinner was to be BBQ. Hope that makes you happy. I put in a large order with our favorite BBQ joint in Canada. Some of the castle staff were to go pick it up here shortly. Time zones, have to double and triple check everyone has it right."

Sesshomaru added, "Oh, don't worry. I ordered tons of ribs."

A million-dollar smile lit his brother's face.

"Did you have anything else you wanted to ask me about dinner?" Sesshomaru studied his mate carefully.

Inuyasha shook his head.

"Did you want to follow after the girls?"

Inuyasha shook his head again.

"What gift can I give you, my love?"

A large smile crept up on the hanyou's face. He leaned in and whispered to his mate.

"That's all?" Sesshomaru appeared surprised.

"That's what I want," Inuyasha nodded.

"Okay."

Seconds later the earth shook and a large shiro inu stood where Sesshomaru had. The dog crouched down and Inuyasha scrambled up his leg. When he was secure Sesshomaru bounded into the air.

A joyous "whoop" echoed through the sky.

The view of Castletown from the sky was amazing. The city stretched out, surrounding the castle. The square was visible as was the spoke and wheel pattern of the streets. Beyond the old town wall stretched the newer sections of the town. Inuyasha saw their girls and shouted his greetings to them. They jumped up and down and squealed in joy.

A-Un nuzzled Ryuu and nudged him to look skyward. "Want to fly with them?" Ryuu asked. A-Un nodded both heads. Ryuu let go of the dragons' lead and off it zoomed to fly with its master.

"Aw, Uncle Ryuu. You said we could fly with A-Un!" complained the Three Musketeers.

Steven glanced at Ryuu. "You take two and I'll take the other?"

And quick as a flash two smaller shiro inus crouched to allow The Three musketeers a chance to board them.

After that all sorts of flying demons took to the air. Shippo's pink balloon form carried the youngest leash while his older fox children carried one or two of Usagi's Fluffle.

Had there been a booth for hot air balloon rides they would have made their weight in gold. There were barely enough flying demons to give rides to the non-flighted ones but some creative thinking happened and soon "five-minute flights" were in business.

December was no longer a cold time of the year. Climate changes had affected every place but that evening was the nicest weather nature could offer Castletown.

Soon Capt Kenichi's magnified voice was heard and the Takahashi extended family returned to the upper green for BBQ.

The ribs were a hit and quickly were gone. Partly empty stomachs were filled with side dishes and more ice cream and cake. The salads were also a hit especially after Usagi and Peter had a salad eating contest. Bobby and Barbie smiled. Rib eating contests were still their favorite.

Finally, the sun set and darkness came upon Castletown.

"Pop!"

The firework display started. It was followed by multiple explosions and heart stopping colors. A whistling sound coiled as it reached the apex, then

"Boom!"

a dazzling display of light glittered in the night.

The audience oohed and aahed, clapping as the mood moved them.

"Whish!"

A sparkling light soared to the sky, bursting into a star pattern whose legs blazed their way back to Earth.

"Spit!"

Another sputtered and spurted like an old car that couldn't get started only to leave the audience speechless as they admired its large size and distribution of colors.

Sesshomaru squeezed his mate's hand. The inuhanyou was mesmerized by the elaborate display. He turned to face Sesshomaru, smiling happily. Sesshomaru could see the reflection of the fireworks in his mate's eyes.

"Sizzle!"

Just then a spiral explosion filled the sky. Glittering star dust rained down around them. The hanyou appeared as a magical being. Sesshomaru reached out to touch him.

Inuyasha leaned into his mate's side and allowed the alpha to surround him with mokomoko.

More twinkling sparklers filled the night.

"Crackle!"

A jet shimmered as it raced through the air, competing with a whirling glowing stream next to it. Both crested and amazed the crowd with their magnificent displays.

The following was a spinner, whisking the air as it rose only to scatter color over the sky.

A few climbed quietly to the heavens only to explode and splatter star dust.

One barely floated upward before it flittered to Earth blasting close to the ground.

The display went on for twenty minutes or so before a fire demon was seen lighting what appeared to be a light pole. The pinwheels at the bottom of the pole started spinning and the fire moved up the pole and jumped to the one next to it. As the fire whizzed the symbol was clear. It read "1K".

Sesshomaru whispered, "Happy Birthday" just as the finale detonated behind the "1K". It was as if all the fireworks were set off at the same time. Explosion after explosion. The sky was lit as if it were day with shimmering, extravagant, glorious pyrotechnics

It was magical.

The last event done; the family rose from the green to wander back into the castle. Hugs were given all around. Inuyasha thanked everyone twice and some more before Sesshomaru grabbed his hand and led him to the master bedroom.

Evening ablutions complete, the inuhanyou rested his chin on his arm as he looked out the bedroom window. Sesshomaru walked up behind him and finger combed his hair.

"Thank you for coming after me all those years ago," Inuyasha whispered.

"I'm still sorry it came to that," Sesshomaru sighed. "I was such a fool."

Inuyasha stood and turned to face him. "I was too." He raised his hand to touch his mate's face.

Sesshomaru leaned into the hand. "Come let's go to bed. You and I have one activity left." The demon waggled his eyebrows.

Inuyasha loosened his pajama bottoms and allowed them to drop to the floor as he swayed to the bed.

"I love this bed!"