And the plans for Max's 12th birthday involves the Jade Palace masters...

Chapter 10: Preparations for Max's 12th Birthday

Mako and most of his kids, stepkids as well as Reiko plus some of Max's close friends from the MMA class were meeting at the Jade Palace to discuss what Max's wants for his 12th birthday and as they entered in the room, Mako anxiously waited for some of the masters to come in and participate in this discussion so they'll know what to do. Just the fact that Max is turning 12 makes Arizona surprised to know that his ltitle tiger brother has grown up a little bit and it made him stop and think where did the time go. As happy as he is about Max growing up, there's a little part of him that isn't ready for him to be older yet because he feels as if he hasn't fulfilled his role as a big brother, despite the fact that he is a father now.

After several minutes of waiting, in comes Shifu, the Five and Po coming in the Hall of Heroes as they see Mako and his family as well as Max's friends, plus his trainer Jason and his panther foster father coming by and Shifu was definitely surprised by the amount of loved ones Max has gained recently and just then, the Elemental Hazards, plus Akashi, Miyo and Saori came into the forefront and joined the masters as well and Akashi said, "Can we make it fast? Miyo and I have some private smooching to keep up with."

"All in good time, Akashi." Mako replied.

All of the masters sat down as well as Mako and his family and he clears his throat and said, "Glad you're all here and thank you for taking the time to come together so we can all plan something for Max's 12th birthday. As far as you know, we're keeping it all a surprise while Max is out dragon riding with Blaze."

That part alarmed Viper the most with Max riding with his dragon friend and she asked, "And you didn't stop him?"

"Max has got some safety gear of his own...that we didn't know about." Samurai replied.

"Actually, I gave him some safety gear a few months ago...him and Blaze." Akashi pointed out.

"And we are grateful for that. Now, for more important matters...in seven weeks, Max will be 12 years old and he says he wants a small, intimate dinner with all of you guys here at our house. I'm just hoping that we can all make this happen." Mako answered.

"A small birthday dinner?" asked Akashi.

"Yep. He doesn't want a surprise birthday party extravaganza. He's very appreciative of those he had before, don't get us wrong. This time around...he just needs a small party with no hype, no extravagants and no big fuss about it. Just you guys and us together in this small dinner to celebrate his 12th birthday, since this will be the last birthday he'll celebrate here at the Jade Palace because after Musaki's 21'st birthday, we'll be moving to Shanghai Secluded Valley so we can all be closer to our relatives." Mako answered.

And this is where it gets real...in a few short months since Musaki will be 21 this year, the Bushido-Akio clan will be leaving the Jade Palace for good and it was a moment that many were expecting, but not all of the Jade Palace masters are ready to say goodbye to Max or anyone else there...especially Tigress. Shifu nods his head understanding the reason behind it and said, "What do you need us to do to help?"

"What I want you guys to do is to just help out with getting everything in order from decorations and also clean up for Max's birthday at the house. Our house has always been clean, but in most days, it can get a little messy." Mako replied, saying the last sentences towards most of his kids with a stern glare.

"Don't blame us. Sage messes up 87% of the house." Tsunami said, in his defense.

"Well, what about the other 13%?" asked Zoey, her hands on her hips.

Samurai tried to think of an explanation for it and only responded, "It could've been anyone."

Mako knew that this was not the time to talk about it and he just went forward with the planning for Max's birthday and he said, "Anyways...Miyo, can you bake a cake for Max?"

"Of course I will! Max has been like one of my sons to me and I would be honored to make a cake for him." Miyo replied, happily.

"And Akashi...the one job you have is to keep your aura closed so that you don't give Max any immediate details about the party." Mako stated.

"My aura's always on when I something's up around everyone, like last night when Tigress and Taiga mated in her room." Akashi spat out.

That part shocked everyone and Tigress was fuming with embarrassment that Akashi would spit it out in front of everyone that she had a moment with Taiga the night before and Shifu was even speechless to hear it and Akashi realized that his aura has captured the most private moments and Mako turned to the younger kids and said, "You didn't hear that part, right?"

"No." they all replied.

"I think I should turn my aura off." Akashi said, chuckling nervously.

"Moving on then before Akashi fills out heads with more disturbing images...we've got seven weeks to plan this out. Hazards, you, Musaki and Arizona are in charge of gifts. Nothing too extravagant, nothing fancy. Kids, you make sure that Max doesn't know about the party. Samurai, you and Okami will be busy on the menu, Miyo can handle the cake and the rest of us will look over every detail to see that it's fit for Max. Po...since you have the mind of a kid, think about what a 12 year old would want for his birthday." Mako added.

"No probs! I've been known to think like a 12 year old." Po responded.

"And you act like one too." Mantis finished off.

"One question though; how come we're having the meeting here?" asked Takami.

"Because there's barely enough space at our house." Mako answered.

Takami then feels stupid for even asking that question and Ryo elbowed him and said, "Nice move, T."

Ryo elbowed him again, causing his injured arm to be tested again and responded with a loud, "OWWWWWWWWWW!"

Not realizing that Takami's arm is still injured, Ryo grits his teeth in embarrassment and chuckled nervously and said, "Sorry, Takami. Forgot you had an injured arm."

"Ya think?!" Takami exclaimed.

So...where is Max in all of this? The answer is in the next chapter!