Chapter 6: Special Day

2 weeks later, when Mantis came to Mr. Ping's noodle shop, he expected something very unexpected. When he saw the candles and about 10 seconds...

"SURPRISE!!" everyone exclaimed.

Mantis felt shocked to know that this was something he missed out on in 9 years. He asked, "How did you guys--"

"When you told us you spent most of your birthdays isolated, we thought you would enjoy with you missed out on. So we decided to make your 21st birthday the most special days ever." said Po.

He could feel the joy coming inside his heart and tears coming from his eyes, though he tried not to let them fall.

Shifu felt happy and joyful toward Mantis as Mr. Ping and Po brought out a little cake and two candles that says, "21" in it. Mantis blew out the candles and everyone applauded.

"So what's your wish?" asked Po.

"You can't ask him that, cause then it wouldn't come true." said Tigress.

Mantis sighed and said, "I don't wish for anything, but I always wanted my birthday to be special... and it is."

"That's awesome." said Crane.

A few hours later, when they got back to the Jade Palace, Mantis felt as if he had a great time with his birthday and it was one that he'll never forget.

"Hey, thanks for an awesome birthday. It was so cool." said Mantis.

"So, how does it feel to be 21?" asked Shifu.

"It feels great!"

"I'm glad we all did this for you." said Viper.

"Hey, what are friends for?" asked Po.

Later on, Mantis went in the Sacred Peach Tree of Wisdom and looked at the sky, thinking about his mom and hoping that she could've been there to see his 21st birthday.

"Hey, birthday boy! What you doing?" asked Po.

"Oh, I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"Well, I used to hide in places after what happened with my mom and what I've been through. Today, it was the most memorable day of my life because I get to grasp on what I missed out on." said Mantis.

"Well, hey, if it was me, you would've done the same thing for me." said Po.

"True. But anyway, thanks for everything you've done for me. You really are a good friend and a master."

"Well, hey, what do you expect from an awesome dragon warrior?"

Mantis laughed and felt as if he got his happy childhood back. Po said, "I like when you smile and you laugh."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"I haven't seen you like that in a long time, it seems."

"I guess you're right."

Mantis hopped in Po's shoudler and they both went back to the Jade Palace and for the first time in Mantis' life, he's really enjoying being 21 and is happy to remember his mom because he knows she's looking down at him, happier for him as ever.

That fic took almost 3 1/2 weeks for me to complete, but I did it!! I hope you like this one! Read and review, please!