We're inching closer and closer to Musaki's 21st birthday and the realization of moving out of the Valley of Peace sinks in...

Chapter 26: The Day is Coming Closer

As Musaki's 21st birthday approaches, he starts thinking back on all the memories that reflected on his time at the Valley of Peace over the past 18 years since his parents died. He has always felt like there's this sense of identity when he stayed there from the time he was an orphan until now and just knowing that he's actually leaving it all to be closer to his relatives seems very bittersweet to the soon to be birthday panda. He lets out a huge sigh as he looks over at the entire village and the Jade Palace...the one he called home from age 13 until 18 where every single memory has been treasured a lot.

Mako walks outside and saw his nephew just sitting there and he puts his paw on his shoulder and asked, "You okay, nephew?"

Musaki looks at his uncle and asked, "Do you think this was a good idea?"

"What, moving out of the Valley of Peace?" asked Mako.

"Yeah. I'm starting to have a little bit of second thoughts about it. This has always been my home after I lost my parents. I've faced a lot of obstacles, had my first family, first friends, found my mate, my first kiss...just all of these amazing things that had happened to me." Musaki answered.

Mako was a little take aback on his nephew having second thoughts about moving to Shanghai Secluded Valley ebcause he's got such a personal connection to the Valley of Peace that it's almost like he's kinda not ready to go, but is almost emotionally torn between moving out of the Valley of Peace ot stay there for a while. Mako blinked his eyes and he told him, "Saki, all of those things that had happened to you were some of the most fulfilling memories you'll always have and they'll never go away."

"Part of me wants to stay, but I know the other part of me wants to get to know my relatives more and be closer to my grandparents and my brothers. That's really what I've always wanted to do ever since I found you and my cousins." Musaki answered.

Mako looks at his nephew and asked, "Musaki, what is it that your heart's telling you?"

Musaki know that this is a very huge hurdle, but he knows that he has to make the right decision and what's better not only for him, but for his own family as well and he takes a deep sigh and said, "I really want to move back to Shanghai Secluded Valley. I just want what's best for my mate and for my kids."

"The move will do just that. And don't worry...you can always visit here." Mako stated.

Musaki nodded in agreement with that and he knows he wants to do right for his family and said, "I just want to do all I can to make sure my kids have something that I had for a little while until I lost it. I don't want them to go through the same thing I had went through with losing my parents."

"I know that your kids will never see your parents, but the best way for them to know about your mom and dad is through stories and pictures of them." Mako added.

"Yeah...I want them to know what they look like and what they're all about. They're really awesome people...and one that I'm super proud to call their son." Musaki said, with a smile.

Mako takes one look at Musaki and he noticed the similarities between him and Sakamoto and everytime he looks at his nephew's face, he sees a little bit of his brother there and he said, "Spoken like your father. I know he would be very proud of you."

"He is." Musaki agreed.

"Yep, I remember the day when you were born. Your dad was so happy to see you born that he never stopped smiling since then because he was just beaming with joy that you're here. I have never seen him so happy and with you having adopted two foxes cubs and raising your son, you have grown into a very fine young man. I know that nothing would ever take your father's place, but I've done a good job filling in so far, haven't I?" asked Mako.

Musaki chuckles in response and said, "You always have, uncle."

That made Mako really happy to hear that and he reaches out and hugs his nephew and Musaki hugs him back as well and both pandas were really happy with each other and Musaki became more happier now that all those things he went through as a kid made him the person he is now and he's looking forward to starting a new chapter.

"So...are you ready to be 21?" asked Mako.

"Yes, sir." Musaki answered.

Just then, the door opens and out comes Sage looking groomed and cologned up and from the look on his face, he is not happy about that and he lets out a very annoyed snarl and said, "I'm gonna kill those girls. Whoever thought that grooming would make me more attractive must've been born a wimp."

"Sage, I think you needed a good grooming anyways. I've been telling you that 10 million times." Mako added.

"I'd rather surround myself in my own dirt and stink." Sage growled, annoyed.

We're inching closer to Musaki's birthday, so stay tuned!