Been a while hasn't it. Now coming back with a filler wasn't really planned, but so are a lot of things that prevent me of writing. I was late putting this up but I can't be too late for saying this:

Happy Birthday, Illusionist Owl.

That's right; this week FFW's favorite owl hybrid celebrated her birthday. While this isn't much and it's late but it is never to late to wish someone a happy belated birthday. So this is for you Illu and everyone else to enjoy. With help from Ravena, we hope you enjoy it.

Now, ON WITH THE SHOW!

"Aargh…my head, this is now how I pictured waking up today." Shawn spoke while lightly massaging his head to nurse a headache away. The previous night he was up finishing some work his boss had sent him only to be up half the night; also his current migraine was also a result from the late night work.

"Seriously even when I'm not there he finds ways to send me his work so that he can slack off. Lazy boss…." Shawn continued to grumble out as he made his way to the clinic the building had. Hikari had made sure that the building had a small clinic installed, so he made his where there to see if any of the staff was on duty. As he made it to the door and went to open it, the door pulled back revealing a surprised Kohaku.

"S-Shawn-san, ano I mean, what are you doing here?" Kohaku asked nervously as she seemed to try and shrink out of his gaze, causing Shawn to raise a brow.

"Hey Kohaku, I'm looking to just get some aspirin to help me with this headache I woke up with. I'm surprised to see you in the clinic this early, is everything ok?" Shawn asked wanting to know why the girl was nervous coming out of the room.

"I-it's nothing really, I j-just came to see if I caught a cold. It's been getting c-colder on the island since winter hit and I just wanted to be certain." Kohaku explained.

"Sure you don't need to go back; you're still looking a bit red." Shawn pointed out as the redness on her cheeks didn't fade (in fact for a second they seem to turn redder). Clutching his throbbing head in pain Shawn just decided to dismiss. "Well the nurses know what they're doing here so I'm sure you're fine. Sorry if I'm keeping you from something."

"Oh…eep I forgot!" Kohaku suddenly forgot her nervousness as she quickly left out the clinic. Before she ran too far she stopped to catch her breath and turned around to bow to Shawn. "Gomenasai, I d-didn't mean to…"

"Don't worry about me; it's just a headache I'll live." Shawn then cut her off. "But you may want to get back to what you're missing."

"Hai!" Kohaku shouted back as she then left leaving Shawn alone in the hallway. Before he could proceed into the clinic for much needed relief he stopped feeling the familiar vibration of his new PT.

"Who could need something from me now?" Shawn sighed before pulling out the small tablet and answering the message.

"Well it's good to see you up; you know staying up all those hours of the night isn't exactly healthy for you."

"Didn't really have much of a choice last night, I was pretty much swamped. But enough about my sleeping habits why did you call me Abby?" Shawn asked.

"You do know what day it is right?"

"Sunday?"

"More important than that, take a look at your calendar."

Wondering what she meant by that, Shawn pulled up the calendar on the terminal only to palm his forehead. "I can't believe I forgot, I even took the time to wrote it down and set it on my calendar so that I wouldn't forget it." He said in frustration.

"Hey at least you're reminded now, I haven't seen much of Kohaku have you seen her?" Abby asked.

"I just saw her leave out the clinic; from the direction she left she looks like she's heading back to her room." Shawn answered.

"All right, well that's taken care of. The rest of us are going to meet in the lounge to discuss you know what, can you make it down in a hurry?"

"Right now my head is throbbing; I'm going to be taking some medicine for it. You can tell me all that you guys talked about later; I'll say I'll be about ten minutes here before I leave here." Shawn answered. "Just tell me my part later, I already got everything set up last night."

"Last night? Just how many things were you working on?" Abby asked.

"I like to multitask; anyway I'll talk with you guys later." Shawn then ended the call and opened the door to request some aspirin from the nurses on duty.

(Scene change)

Abby ended the call before turning to the rest of the gang in the lounge. "Well Shawn's in the clinic while Kohaku's in her room. This is as good a time as any to get the plan started." She said as she sat down with everyone else at the table.

"Man, time flies by fast, I can't believe the day's today already!" Bella said in excitement. "So what should we do, should we plan a little trip out somewhere? Or do we throw it at our little island home?" The hyperactive teen asked.

"I think the latter sounds good," suggested Leon giving it some thought.

Abby adjusted her glasses and nodded slightly. "I second that notion. After all, how often do we get actually get to celebrate something together in person?"

"My thoughts exactly!" agreed Mike enthusiastically.

"Then it's settled! We're having the party here! Tonight!" cheered Bella joyously.

"Yeah!" cheered the guys in unison while Abby simply fist-pumped in the air.

"Alright then, looks we're going to have to get the stuff ready and keep Kohaku distracted at the same time," noted Leon taking the lead. "Mike, you are with me for getting the party stuff. Abby, Bella, you go make sure you keep Kohaku from finding out and I'll ask Shawn to see if can do anything about getting a cake. Are you guys ready?"

Abby, Mike and Bella all exchanged looks and smiled as they quickly lined up and saluted before bowing formally. "Yes, My Lord…." They all said solemnly before bursting out into loud snickering.

"Yeeeah! I always wanted to try saying that!" said Mike excitedly.

"I can see what you mean!" agreed Bella while Abby clapped a bit.

"I agree, it is quite thrilling to say for some reason," the girl noted still keeping an aloof expression although truth be told inside she was fan-girling her heart out at the Black Butler reference.

"Ok, ok, quit goofing off guys, it's time to get to work!" commanded Leon pulling out his PT while rushing everyone out.

(Elsewhere…)

Back in her office, Hikari had a headset on communicating with a colleague. "I understand you are on your way here as we speak Manami-san?"

"Of course, Hikari-chan~! I haven't been to the island in long while after all~!"

Hikari smirked in amusement. "Still as casual as ever I see. As if I don't know the real reason behind your sudden visit."

At that moment, a white chopper could be seen flying in from the distance bearing FFW company logo on its side. Inside, a middle-aged Japanese man laughed heartily. "Aah, nothing ever gets past you Hikari-chan~! Well, since the secret's out, has she been doing well?"

"Of course, she has your spirit after all.."

(Scene Change)

"So you want me to head out into town to try and buy a cake for the party?" Shawn asked; answering the call he had gotten from Leon a minute ago.

"Yep, since you're already out, it's been decided that you procure the cake for the birthday girl. Mike and I are going to try and decorate a small bit while Bella and Abby take Kohaku out back to distract her." Leon explained the plan to him.

"Well I don't know that much about stores, but Hikari has to get the food from somewhere. I can call her for directions to the closest store and pick something up." Shawn said as he began to think of something else as well. "I also might need to pick up a gift for Kohaku too while I'm there."

"A gift, didn't we all give her something for when we next go to FFW?"

"That's the thing, if we were celebrating in FFW I wouldn't be worrying since I bought her a present weeks ago, but I've had so much work pushed my way I haven't had time to decide what to get her." Shawn sighed. "Hopefully I can pick something up while I'm getting the cake."

"Good luck to you…oh, and try not to bump into the girls incase Abby and Bella pull Kohaku towards town."

"Noted" Shawn then ended the call as he then began to look for Hikari's number.

'I swear, he better have a pretty good reason to be sending me his work or he'll be doing his paperwork alone for about a month.' He cursed his boss silently in his head while waiting for a Hikari to reply.

(Scene Change)

"Ano, not that I mind but…why did we need to come outside?" Kohaku asked as she was being led by her two female friends, though Bella was taking point while Abby just walked by Kohaku's side. The three were dressed in outfits suited to match the cold weather.

Kohaku wore a long teal jacket that matched her usual sea-green dress, for the day the girl had her hair free, though she kept it from being too wild with a ribbon. She still had on her favorite brown knee high boots and had red scarf wrapped loosely around her neck. Bella chose to wear a green sweater with snowmen printed on it, a long red skirt with flecks of gold on it and purple slip-on shoes. Abby had decided to wear a Maneki Neko hoodie with the hood up so that the ears stuck up along with her slacks and running shoes

"Do we really need a reason to check out more of the island Haku? We're just having a little girl's day out." Bella answered, using the nickname she had for Kohaku.

"Everyone needs a little change in scenery now and again." Abby also added to her friends words. "I'm just surprised I got Bella to agree to come on this trip as well. I didn't think you would come considering how much of a tomboy you are Bella." She pointed up.

"Hey, this natural look doesn't come over night. I may not be like most girls but I enjoy small makeovers sometimes." Bella defended herself. "Any do you remember where the place is?"

"I thought you were leading the way, wasn't that why you took point?"

"I don't know where anything is in this place, plus wouldn't it be weird if I knew where to find a spa on a random island?"

Seeing her two friends arguing Kohaku decided to step in between them while at the same time pulling out an Ipad from her bag. "I can always do a search for one here, or at least find another place to go since we can't really go to jungle during the winter." Kohaku offered to solve their problem.

"Would you even have wifi here?" Bella asked. Abby took a quick look around before pointing their attention to a nearby coffee shop.

"We can stay there while Kohaku does her search; maybe grab a small snack as well." Abby said as all three of them went inside and ordered some drinks and snacks before finding a table by the window. As the three settled down and waited for their orders, Abby decided to start the conversation. "So Kohaku, why did Shawn say he found you coming out of the clinic? Do you have a cold or something?"

That question also got Bella's attention. "Oh yeah, I saw you coming out of there a few times last week." The brownish-blonde haired girl pointed out as she looked to a somewhat nervous Kohaku. "Are you ok owlgirl? You haven't caught anything bad have you?"

"I'm p-perfectly fine, really." Kohaku tried to reassure them. "I go to the clinic just to have small checkups and sometimes I keep the nurses there company. You don't have to worry about me you guys." The girl said as she then connected with her Ipad to start the search. As she got to work, Bella and Abby couldn't help but notice how much Kohaku had customized her Ipad.

"Wow, where did you go to find such a cool Ipad like that owlgirl? I mean I have mine and I wouldn't trade her for anything, but where did you go so I know who can add all those extras to mine?" Bella asked, slightly admiring the designs and the attachments.

Kohaku stopped her search and looked to Bella as she softly giggled. "I didn't go anywhere Bella-chan. I customized my Ipad myself. When I'm bored, and I don't have anything new to take pictures of I sometimes tinker with some of the electronics I have lying around. To be honest, I just blindly went through customizing up and made sure that I didn't break it."

"That's one hobby; it's almost like you took it apart and put it back together again." Abby said impressed.

"T-that's usually how it starts." Kohaku admitted with her cheeks pink with embarrassment. "I just got curious one day about how they were made and just decided to take it apart and find out. I've been tinkering with electronics for years ever since my Tou-sa…" At that mention Kohaku decided to stop and became a small bit reserved.

"Tou, your Dad right? Does he work in an electronics store or something?" Bella asked curiously.

Kohaku averted her eyes a little while tugging slightly at a lock of her hair. "Uh…kinda…"

"Hmmm…." Was all Bella and Abby replied taking note of her behavior while they exchanged glances.

"Um…I have to go to the bathroom! Excuse me…" Kohaku said standing up and leaving.

Just as soon as the girl was out of sight, Abby pushed up her glasses and stood as well.

"I need to go too, watch our table ok Bella?" asked Abby while Bella responded with a peace sign making Abby smile before she departed.

Inside the bathroom, Kohaku splashed water on her face to calm herself down.

"Ano sa…Anata wa usode wa hijō ni waruidesu..." she heard a voice say behind her. Kohaku jumped in surprise as she looked in the mirror to see Abby leaning against a wall looking at her while pushing up her glasses. (Translation: You know…..you really suck at lying….)

Kohaku froze a little. 'Did she figure something out?' she thought before turning around to face Abby with a smile and a small chuckle. "Hidoi na Abby-chan…Naze anata wa sono yōna koto o iudeshou?" (Translation: That's mean Abby, why would you say that?)

Suddenly Abby began tugging at a lock of her own hair making Kohaku tilt her head in confusion. "Anata no kami desu…."(Your hair….)

"Hai?"

"Anata wa anata no kami de yusaburu….Watashi wa anata ga uso toki ni nomi sore o okonau koto ni kidzuku..." Explained Abby bluntly making Kohaku widen her eyes in surprise. (You were tugging at your hair…I notice you only do that when you lie…)

"Eh? But I'm not lying!" protested Kohaku only for Abby to reply with raised eyebrows and point to her hand.

It was at that moment Kohaku felt her hair being tugged when she looked to see her hand really was lightly tugging at a lock of her hair. The girl quickly released the hair before sighing and leaning at the wall opposite of Abby chuckling a little bitterly. "Huh…I guess nothing gets past you, Abby-chan…"

Abby smiled a bit as she walked towards Kohaku and took her hand in hers. "Look Kohaku, you are one of my best friends, in and out of game. I may not be the best person to tell you this, but you have to learn to trust us with your secrets…"

Kohaku looked at Abby's face to see the concern reflected in her eyes."Hai…." She replied softly.

"You know me well enough that I won't force you to talk, but at the very least, take what I said to heart…."

Having said her piece; Abby then turned and left out of the restroom. Kohaku took a moment alone inside the empty room before she also left back to their table.

(Scene Change)

"Well, I made sure that the lounge would be free for us today." Michael came back in the room where Leon was waiting. "I just told them Hikari need it to have a meeting with us and all the other workers agreed to stay clear of this whole floor." He said proud of his accomplishment.

"So a small white lie was enough? Why didn't you just tell them why we needed the room?" Leon asked, curiously.

"I didn't know if they could keep a secret. Besides it's just a small lie. It's not as if they're going to find out, them or Hikari." Michael said. Leon sighed, letting him bask in the moment until he noticed the sound of footsteps coming to the room.

"Ugh, Mike…"

"I already told you Leon, it's foolproof!"

"Oh, and when did I say that we were having a meeting today?"

Mike froze solid and slowly turned around to see a smiling Hikari just enter the lounge. Leon just brought a palm to his forehead and looked to also see that Hikari had a guest with her. The man who walked in had short black hair that fell to the base of his neck with the bangs that reached the top of his sea green eyes, though Leon did notice a few grey stands of hair as well showing the man was older than he looked. The man was wearing a casual dress shirt and black pants along with black dress shoes.

"Did you need to the lounge for a meeting with your guest, Ms. Murakumo?" Leon asked. While they were hoping to use the room for Kohaku's surprise, they would have to move if Hikari needed it for something important.

"Oh no, feel free to use the room." Hikari waved off their worries, causing the two boys to breathe a breath of relief. "I was actually looking for you all. Have you seen Kohaku, this gentleman would like to see here." She gently explained. The man in question walked over to the two and offered his hand out.

"So you two are part of the FFW test group that Hikari-san brought here. It must have been a tough decision, but you won't find a better volunteer job." The man said. "I know a bit of what it's like to be the new guy. It's only been a few years now that I've been a part of one of the Murakumo branches." After Leon and Michael shook the man's hands he then continued. "Oh, before I forget, I might as introduce myself. I am Takahiro Manami."

"Takahiro Manami, as in CEO of Manami Electronics?" Leon asked, surprised at seeing a very influential person standing in the same room.

"Manami Electronics?" Michael repeated those words.

"Manami-san's company is one of the few that is partnered with Murakumo industries. Much of our electronics come from their company in fact, and they helped improve on existing technology." Hikari quickly explained. "The PT's that are on the market now, the idea was actually conceived by this man here."

"I don't do much. One of my main goals is to make an already popular game even more popular…at least that's what it says on paper." Takahiro joked lightly. "And Hikari, we can stop with the formalities. Right now I am not here as a CEO or employee."

"Huh, then why are you here? Vacation?" Mike asked.

"Something like that. Usually at this time I would've been back at my desk behind stacks of paperwork. At least, that's how it is now thanks to a certain someone 'borrowing' my assistant." Takahiro said.

(Scene Change)

Aaachoo!

"Sir, are you catching a cold?"

"No, I think a certain someone just talking about me. Anyway how much to have this wrapped?"

(Scene Change)

"The way you say that, you seem to be accusing me of theft Manami-kun. I had no influence over your assistant's choices; he chose to volunteer of his own accord." Hikari said, already knowing that her co-worker was joking. "Now, back to why you came to visit. These two are Leon and Michael, they happen to be friends with your daughter as well."

"Wait, daughter?" The two said aloud.

"Hai, and how has my little dragon been doing?" Takahiro asked cheerfully.

"Little…" Michael started.

"Dragon?" Leon finished as a thought went through his head. "Wait you said daughter, you wouldn't happen to be related to Kohaku Manami would you Takahiro-san?" He asked, wanted to make his conclusion clear.

"Why of course!" Takahiro then quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture that he all but forced into Leon and Michael's faces. On the picture they could see a younger Takahiro holding a little girl that shared his eyes but with brown hair. "My cute dragon, Kohaku, originally I was worried for her volunteering for Murakumo-san but seeing her friends go out of their way to prepare for her special day! Now where is she, I can't wait to surprise her!"

"Well…Kohaku went with Bella and Abby into town. It was their way of distracting them while we set up everything here." Leon told them the truth.

"I see, it would make sense seeing as Shawn called me beforehand about where to buy a cake." Hikari said, thinking back to before she went out to meet Takahiro. "The best course of option would be to wait for Kohaku and the others to return."

"I see, it would make a good surprise present for Kohaku!"

(Elsewhere)

"Aww, do we really have to go in?"

"Come on Bella, we've all have to take one for the team sometime. Besides we're only here for a quick treatment. It's not like you're getting a full makeover." Abby said as they all stood outside of the local spa.

"T-think Bella-chan, it could be just like the spa we went to at Ember Island. It may even be twice as good now that we're experiencing it in the real world." Kohaku also pointed out in a happy tone.

"I know but I'm not into much girly things. Manicures I can work with, but I don't really like it when anyone I don't know touches my feet." Bella pouted.

"Come on Bella, I'm sure you can let go of some pride and come out of the place looking pretty." Abby said.

"Hey, I can work with cute but I draw the line at pretty!"

Seeing them go back and forth again, Kohaku had to stiffen a giggle as she had gotten used to Abby's humor. "Huh?" Kohaku then stopped her laugh and looked off across the street. Bella was the first to notice her straggling behind and turned to see her look of confusion.

"Is there a something wrong owlgirl, if you're looking for a treat then we should make our way back home." Bella said, wondering why Kohaku stopped walking. "Come on, I got a stash of chocolate hidden away that I want to make sure is there."

"Oh gomen Bella-chan, it's just that, isn't that Shawn over there?" Kohaku asked while pointing so that the others would know where she was looking towards. The two followed her gaze and inwardly gasped as she was right and Shawn was walking back carrying a bag in tow.

"Guess that is Shads, I wonder what's he's doing out here? He hasn't exactly been around a lot this week." Bella asked in fake wonder, as she and Abby tried to keep Kohaku from becoming suspicious. "It looks like he's heading back towards HQ though." She noted.

"It could be he was out running another errand or maybe Hikari sent him out for something." Abby offered a reason. "He has been working a lot lately, wouldn't put it past him if he was still out doing a job."

"Then we can all walk back together, we're all heading to the same place." Kohaku said and was about to call out to Shawn before Bella placed her hand over her lips, surprising her.

"Let's not do that Kohaku. If Shads is really busy, then he wouldn't need us slowing him down." Bella said, trying to cover her nervousness. After a moment she noticed where her hand was and pulled it away while laughing slightly.

Abby, who was having a better time maintaining her composure than her accomplice decided to intervene. "Bella's right, we should just leave him be. Besides it wouldn't be a Girl's Day Out if we had Shawn joined us. He wouldn't look good in a dress." She finished in a tone that was hard to tell if she was joking or not.

"Well…ok then." Kohaku then turned back and now saw nothing but other pedestrians walking the streets. "I guess it was just my imagination then. Let's head back."

"Sounds like a plan." Bella said as they all then made their way back to the Murakumo building. Abby followed behind the two girls after placing her PT back in her jacket pockets. While walking with the other she glanced up to the roofs and saw a figure ride from one building to the other.

'Good thing I was able to send a message in time.'

(Scene Change)

"You know I never would have thought that shy little Il-I mean, Kohaku, would be related to someone like you Mr. Manami." Leon said. "No offense sir, it's just she doesn't really come off as the rich girl type."

"I know, I remember the time that she took apart one of the computers Hikari let us use in like a second. She did it like it was the simplest thing in the world." Michael recalled.

"Well she did inherit the best of both worlds! There are times where my traits show up, but she's a gem just as her mother was." Takahiro said. "She's always been a good girl, never asking for much. While I may not be home often she has my father as well as her grandfather from her mother's side, the old fart. She also has Kyouya and his friends too."

"Well I guess in a way you had Kohaku sheltered." Leon concluded.

"Of course I did!" He then yelled surprising the two boys while Hikari just shook her head knowing where this conversation was going. "I couldn't trust my little dragon with any crowd, in fact until she called to tell me of this volunteer work Kyouya and her friends were her only male contact!" Reaching back in his pockets he began to show them waves and waves of pictures from a small album.

"Even now the thought of her being out here is nerve-racking! I trust none of you have done anything to hurt my daughter, right!" Suddenly something soared through the air and struck the man in the head causing him to fall.

"Already at it again, Takahiro-san?"

"Ah, it seems we have a visitor." Hikari signaled to the one walking into the room. Before any of the guys could figure out the situation Takahiro was already in front of Shawn.

"My, so here's where you've been, you when you said that you wouldn't be able to come to the office for a while I got a little worried." Takahiro said in almost genuine worry. "Though I'm glad you were able to finish the work I sent you."

"So you knowingly sent you your work, why couldn't you have finished it yourself?" Shawn asked, letting a small part of his frustration show.

"Without my assistant's help in making sure all is sound?" Takahiro said. "Besides, if I had to finish all the work myself I would have never been able to make it on time. I only sent you half of the work."

"Yeah, the half that doesn't require your signature."

"Yare yare, no need to be so mean."

"Hard not to with a boss like you."

"Hmm…touché."

Before the conversation could go on Michael dragged Shawn back. "Hold on, hold on, time out! Shawn you told us you worked for one of Murakumo's branches but you never said that your boss was Takahiro Manami!"

"A while ago you didn't know how big Takahiro Manami was." Leon reminded him.

"Not the point, come on man why are we only finding this out now?" Mike asked.

"It never came up in conversation. When we talked about say life I mentioned my job but you never asked who exactly I worked for." Shawn then sighed. "Really the excitement of working there dies quickly when you meet some of the stiffs in the office. I was lucky to be interned with Takahiro despite his quirks."

"I was also new at the time, so they figured having an intern to report to would keep me in line." Takahiro explained. "Naturally, we've reached an understanding and after a period I was able to hire Shawn as a full assistant."

"Whoa…"

Leon then noticed something. "If that's how you felt then why were you complaining about the work you were swamped with this week?"

A tick mark then grew on Shawn's forehead. "Half of the work he gives me are parts that he's too lazy to do himself and I don't have the same resources here that I had back in the office. Not to mention you messaged me over and over again with more family photos."

"What, is it a crime for a man to love his family?"

"That's not a crime, what's a crime is basically forcing your family in my face." Shawn said with clear irritation. "I mean you basically pull that book out whenever you feel the need to…which is a lot of the time."

"I can't help but take pride in my family."

"Good for you, just stop trying to eye rape everyone else."

"Sorry but I would need to ask you to keep your conversation rated PG." Hikari intervened before the situation got out of hand, she then clapped her hands as if to steer attention back to her as she motioned to the bag in Shawn's hand. "I assume that bag you have is for Kohaku's surprise?" She asked.

"I guess we couldn't keep it secret for long. Is it ok that we use the room for the party, we've kind of had this big plan figured out and we needed a large room to have it in." Shawn explained.

Hikari nodded her head. "It's fine with me, but the next time, don't feel the need to sneak around me. All you have to do is ask and I will give you my answer." The head of Murakumo industries then turned to the rest as well. "That goes for you all as well; I rather not have you think I'm untrustworthy."

"Yes Ma'am." Leon and Michael bowed their heads.

"Good, now what was the reason for your trip? Abby and Bella are still with Kohaku so what was your part in the plan?" She then asked.

"It's not really a birthday party without a cake, so I went out to get one." Shawn explained as he then reached into the bag and brought out a medium sized yellow cake with white frosting. Besides a few frosting flowers decorating it, the picture on the top of the cake was of a chibi Illu along with Mukurowl and Nyoka. "I called ahead a day ago and sent an image to decorate for it and I picked it up today. I also got some candles for the occasion to." He said spilling out the contents.

"Oh and what is this?" Takahiro noticed a wrapped present that was also pulled out of the large bag.

"It's the present we all chipped in to give Kohaku." Shadow said.

"Wait, chipped in?" Both Leon and Michael began to check their wallets.

He nodded his head and spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "Yeah, I thought you already knew since I bumped into Abby who gave me the cash. It's just something that we can all give her."

"Great, no wonder, she must have swiped a cut from us when we didn't notice." Michael said.

"We would've chipped in anyway but she didn't have to reach in and steal our cut." Leon sighed.

"Ara ara, it's too late for you two to do anything now so might as well forgive and forget." Takahiro said. "Now I'm curious to know what it is that you have bought my daughter Shawn."

"Now, don't start that tone with me." Shawn waved off the threat. "Besides I didn't even know she was your daughter until you started parading pictures like you did the last week."

"Huh, really?" Takahiro asked in surprise.

"I figured Manami was a common surname, no way am I gonna automatically think that a friend I've made would be related to my boss because they have the same last name." Shawn said. "Besides the pictures you usually showed just had child pictures. I never saw anything past five years old until last night."

"Oh, guess it must have blew your mind huh." Takahiro replied sheepishly.

"Whatever you want to think." Shawn then turned to Michael. "So have you heard word from the girls? I managed to make it back before they did."

"Nothing on our end." Michael answered.

"Abby and Bella haven't gotten back to us yet. We've been waiting for you to get back before sending any message." Leon said. "Did you bump into them while you were out?"

"Almost got caught but I managed to avoid them." Shawn said just as the last members of the party arrived.

"Not well enough!"

"Yo."

"O-Otousan?!"

In the middle of the two girls stood a shocked and surprised Kohaku who was surprised to see her father standing in front of her. Before she could say anything she was then swept off her feet and pulled into hug by Takahiro.

"Sore ha amarini monagai sare te iru, watashino sukoshidoragon!" He said excitedly.

"Otousan, naze anata ha koko to watashino jiyoutaiwo oboe te i masu o!" Kohaku managed to say as her father spun her around twice now. Having heard her, Takahiro then placed her back down on the ground.

"Gomen gomen, it's just I haven't seen you in a while. Look at you; you've already grown so much from the time that you left." Takahiro continued to dote on her. "You've been taking care of yourself right? Taking your medicine like you should?"

"I've been fine Otousan." Kohaku said. "But last I talked to you, you said you were busy. When did you get here?"

"Oh, I was able to quickly finish my work and take a chopper over. Especially thanks to the help of my assistant!" Takahiro then dodged another blunt object aimed at his head. "Now now, think of it like this, you helped a father join her daughter for her special day."

"Still didn't have to flood me with your work." Shawn said silently.

"Shawn-kun, Otou-san, how is it that you two know each other?" Kohaku let her curiosity show.

"As I said, he's my assistant who helps me with my work." Takahiro said. "I was sure I told you about him and him about you but it looks like I forgot to make things clear. The old fart's old age might be getting to me." He began to laugh while Kohaku shook her head a bit.

"So how long did you…"

"Only since yesterday, as you know Takahiro isn't good at explaining everything, so I had to piece it together after his latest gallery parade." Shawn answered. "The experience is more shocking than anything else, but course I never treated you any differently."

As he said that he turned away, only to miss Kohaku dropping her shoulders in relief. Bella then decided to step forward to start the celebration. "Well it supposed to be kind of a surprise party for Haku, but we can throw that plan out of the window. Right now let's just enjoy our pal, Kohaku's, Happy Birthday!" Bella called out grabbing a glass of punch from another table.

Everyone then followed her example and got glasses of their own that they raised for the toast.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KOHAKU!"

"Minna, I mean, I don't know what to say. You didn't have to go this far for me." Kohaku said.

"We didn't, but we did anyway. That's what friends are for." Michael smirked.

"Go ahead and open your gift Kohaku!" Bella said eagerly as she handed the fairly-sized wrapped box to her. "From all of us to you!." Kohaku nodded her head and then started unwrapping her present. Soon she pulled out a large plush version of Mukurowl.

"Ha, totemo kawaii, Muku-Chan!" Kohaku said happily, hugging to plush toy. "Where did you find this? I didn't think there were stores that sold something like these." She asked, still holding her present.

"There was a store selling stuff like this on the beach strip, this one was a special made order for you, apparently." Shawn said.

"I called in a favor…" Abby said bluntly adjusting her glasses. "Anyway; the party doesn't start until the birthday girl blows out the candles." She then pointed to the cake that now included lit candles. "Hope you don't mind the picture, it's one I drew to give to the chefs."

"Of course I don't mind, I love it." Kohaku smiled.

"Well don't keep us all waiting, go ahead and blow out your candles Kohaku." Takahiro said placing a hand on her shoulder. "No need to keep your friends waiting after all the work they put into this." He smiled down to her.

Kohaku smiled back at her father before to all her friends as she bent down and blew out the candles as everyone applauded while Abby snapped a photo with her digital camera..

"Now that we've got that out of the way…" began Mike as he reached under the table and pulled out a radio. Just as he was about to push the button Hikari raised a hand.

"I can do better than that dear Michael," she said with a smile as the young woman clicked her fingers. All of a sudden, the room dimmed as a disco ball came out of the ceiling as party music began to play.

"Let's PARTY!" cheered Bella.

That evening the party went by without a hitch as the group danced, played games and ate. Abby smiled as she went around taking pictures of everyone, occasionally passing it to others. There was a shot of the guys and girls facing off in a game of Limbo with Bella beating out the competition with her crazy flexibility. Another showed Hikari and Takahiro in a drinking battle where it appeared Hikari was winning due to the straight face she had compared to Takahiro's flushed face. The following one showed Hikari passing out with Kohaku trying to wake her while Mike held Takahiro's arm up in victory.

There were a few shots where Abby was shown beating all the guys in an arm-wrestling contest followed by a shot of the guys dipping their hands in an ice-bucket. Another picture showed the girls having a group picture including Hikari who had managed to sober up. There were candids moments that showed Kohaku trying to dance before tripping but was quickly caught by Shawn. The following showed Kohaku blushing madly with Shawn chuckling, then them noticing Abby taking pictures which quickly escalated to a flustered Kohaku running up to cover the lens. One shot following that showed Shawn running away from Takahiro who chased him with a piñata bat.

It was dark outside when the party was reaching its climax. Hikari, now fully sober, approached Kohaku and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "I apologize for not bringing you a present Kohaku-chan," apologized the woman.

"Eh? No-no! It's fine! I'm happy as long as everyone else is!"

Hikari smiled at the girl. "Then at the very least, let me show you something I think you all would like," she offered slipping on a pair of gloves and leading everyone to the patio outside.

Everyone quickly pulled on either a pair of gloves, scarves and hats and followed the woman out. "Everybody….I present to you one of the most magical sceneries of Infinity Island," she said as Hikari gazed upwards with everyone following suit.

Multiple gasps of awe were heard from the gang at the beauty of the night sky above them. It was all clear, revealing masses of clusters of stars that illuminated the night sky. It was simply breathtaking..

"Woah…." Was all Shawn could say

"Oh my goodness…." breathed Abby in awe. "I could barely even see one star back in Singapore….This is amazing…."

"Jesús Cristo…." "Blimey…." muttered Leon and Mike in simultaneously while Bella for once had nothing to say.

"Sugoi….Honto ni Arigatou, Hikari-san…" Kohaku said giving a hug to the woman who at first appeared to be caught off guard before smiling and hugging her back.

Takahiro smiled happily at seeing his daughter smile and nodded his own thanks to the woman who returned it silently. All of a sudden, Abby raised hand. "One final picture for the evening?" she suggested out loud. "

Everyone readily agreed and got into position as Abby quickly set the timer and rushed to Kohaku's right while Bella flanked Kohaku's left with Takahiro right behind placing his head on Kohaku's while the girl carried the Mukurowl plush in her right arm. Hikari stood to the far right with Shawn while Mike and Leon to the left.

"Smile~!" cheered everyone as they held up peace signs and smiled just as the flash went off, finally ending the evening on a beautiful high note.

Well that's the end of this little filler. Hope you all enjoy your week and the holidays no matter what you celebrate and give a final Happy Belated Birthday to Illu. Until next time everyone.