Characters: Kwai Chang Caine and Peter Caine

Warnings:  None

Short Story: Takes place right after Dragon's Lair

Disclaimer: All characters are borrowed except those created by me.   All other characters (from KF:TLC and we know who they are) are property of Warner Brothers.  I promise to give them back when I am done with them (of course I do not know how long that will be.)  I give permission to archive.

Kwai Chang Caine climbed the steps to his apartment; a deep weariness had set in.  The battle with Wei Ch'i had taken a great deal out of him. His emotions were drained.  He had not expected to react with great anger from the Game Master's manipulation of his friends.  He had returned from the Chang House, staring up at its empty windows, but knowing in some way that Wei Ch'i was not totally gone.  Their paths would cross again, but for now, everyone was safe from the malevolent spirit of the Game Master.

As Caine stepped into his rooms, they felt cold and alone.  The candles on the altar were burned out and the incense had burned down to the end of its stick.  He brushed his fingers along the features of the small Buddha statue, thinking about how proud he was of Peter and how well he handled the situation today.  His chi had grown since he finished his training at the temple and soon there would come a time when Peter would have to make a choice, one that he hoped would be right for his son.

Caine turned away from the altar and headed down the hall to the larger of his apothecary rooms.  The shadows of night had faded as the clouds gave way and the room was bathed in the light of the full moon.  A sliver of light came through one of the windows and illuminated a small package wrapped in orange paper with a black ribbon that had not been there earlier.  Who could have left it?  Mary Margaret had indicated she also had a gift, but it would be given to him on their picnic on the weekend.  Everyone else had wished him a happy birthday at Delancy's, everyone that is except Peter.  Could the gift be from him?

Caine carefully removed the ribbon and with equal care removed the wrapping paper.  He opened the lid of the small brown box and pulled out the wad of tissue paper surrounding whatever the item might be.  As he carefully unwrapped the tissue, nestled inside were two small objects, their craftsmanship exquisite to behold.  Caine held them up and smiled.  Such an appropriate gift.  In his hand rested a tiny crane, its wings spread wide, poised as if coming down to meet the water.  The second figure, no less beautiful was a stalking tiger.  Together they told an age-old story.

As Caine gazed upon the tiny figurines, a gentle tingle at the back of his mind told him that his son was near.  He looked up to see Peter standing in the doorway, a smile present on his features.

"I thought maybe you'd appreciate a private gathering."

Peter at that point came in carrying a small cake with two candles appropriately placed on a cake that had been decorated with white and dark frosting in the pattern of the symbol of the Tao.

Tears of joy filled Caine as he realized his son had not forgotten this important day, even though Caine had not said a single word about it.

"Would you like to make a wish and blow out the candles?"  Peter asked.

"I have my wish right here," Caine stated, and brushed his fingers along Peter's cheek.  Then Caine blew the candles out, but not in the customary way.  Only a Shambhala Master would wave his arm and use the force of his chi.

"Pop, I think that could be considered cheating," Peter grinned.

"I will not tell if you will not," Caine winked.

Peter gave a small laugh then wrapped an arm around his father's shoulder.  He pulled him into an embrace, gave him a loving kiss on his forehead, and stated, "I love you, Pop.  Happy Birthday."

The End