I'm so happy to finally show off the collab Howlingscrawler and I have been working on! They wrote this one-shot, while I drew a piece that went alongside it.

PLEASE GO READ THEIR STUFF! They have terrific Tanyamao fics that I adore! You can check them out on AO3, their user name is "HowlingScrawler)

You can see my part of the collab on either my Tumblr or Instagram!

This one-shot takes plays in an AU where Howling's Tanyamao fankids (Soeren and Noriko) are Sun's younger siblings! The idea is just so cute haha.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

The sun had gone down over the horizon and evening had fallen over Pure Heart Valley. The denizens had turned in for the night and were preparing for the next day to come. But as they were snuggled away in their beds, dreaming of sugar plums and fairies; others were still wide awake and still active, even at this hour.

Those individuals being: Tanya Mao and alongside her, were her children- Soeren, Noriko, and Sun Mao.

Normally around this time of night, the three kids would be in bed and well off to the land of dreams, seeing as how their father drilled into their heads the: 'Early to bed, early to rise!' mentality, valuing the importance of a good sleep schedule.

But tonight was a special night for the three of them-

Tonight was the night they were being bequeath their very own Legendary Weapons! Naturally, the kids were expressing their emotions in their own way.

Noriko was easily bouncing up and down as she couldn't stop thinking about getting her own weapon! She expected to wait a little longer but seeing as how her father was given his as a child. Now that she was going to get hers... she could barely contain her excitement.

Sun on the other hand was a bit more precautious about the whole idea of getting a weapon so soon. He expected to wait a little longer, so he was apprehensive about the whole thing.

Soeren was deep in thought the entire time. While his brother and sister were going on about getting their weapons, the young boy was thinking up various ways of what would be the most effective use of his.

All in all, they were excited in their own way.

"Can you believe it? We're getting our very own Legendary Weapons! This is so cool! I wonder what mine is gonna be like. I hope I get something cool like Geraldine!" Noriko cheered, bouncing up and down in a single spot.

"I-I guess so, but don't you think it'd be safer to wait until we're just a little bit older?" Sun replied, looking at his sister bounce in place.

"What? No way! We should get them now! That way, we can train early and get a better head start."

"Nori has a point, Sun," Soeren added in, speaking up after he was finished thinking. "I can get why you'd be nervous, but I'm also ready to get my weapon. The sooner we begin the better our chances of being trained."

"That is true, but these are actual weapons we're dealing with. Not makeshift practice toys..."

"With Mom and Dad helping us, we'll be okay! Just you wait and see,"

"I guess so..."

"I know so! Speaking of which, Hey, Mama," Noriko turned to her mother that was sitting nearby, casually watching the three of them, a warm smile on her face. Tanya noticed her daughter approaching and leaned forward once close enough.

"What can I do for you, my little blossom?" Tanya asked her, patiently waiting for a reply.

"When's Papa going to get here? He's always the first to be here before us."

Tanya chuckled, resting a paw on her head and gently petting her daughter. "Patience, dear. He'll be here soon. You know your father, he can't resist a grand entrance~"

"But we've been waiting all day...!"

"Patience is a virtue, as he says," Tanya chuckled, remembering his words.

"Did someone say Patience?" Boomed a voice, gaining everyone's attention. They all turned to see that Mao Mao was standing behind them at the entrance of the Dojo, along with Badgerclops holding a chest in his arm. "One of the many rules of being a Hero, my precious children, always have patience."

"Papa!"

"Dad!"

"Father!"

All three of the kids called out as they ran over to him and on instinct, he crouched down with open arms and brought them into a hug, holding them tightly as the trio did the same in return. "I'm so proud of you all, receiving your weapons at such a young age."

The three kittens could only smile widely at their father as they let him go. Standing at full height, he clapped his paws together and they knew what that meant. Going back to their original spot, they waited on him as he walked over to Tanya, while Badgerclops placed the chest in front of them.

"Thanks for keeping them busy today, Cherry-blossom. Gave me enough time to get things ready." Mao Mao whispered to her. Tanya only chuckled and kissed him chastely on the lips, a smirk appearing on her face.

"It was no trouble, Mittens. You know our kids, always eager to prove themselves to the valley."

"That's good, it means they're prepared to take up the mantle of being a Sheriff!"

"I would usually question such a statement, but seeing Adorabat as a Deputy at the tender age of five, I'm inclined to believe that. Speaking of which, where is she? Normally, she's always tagging along with us."

"School night. Eugene wanted her home to rest, so she couldn't make it, sadly. I'll just have to tell her tomorrow. Now," He glanced over to see that they were all still in the same spot, while their daughter was burning a hole where she stood. "I believe I kept them waiting long enough. Let's get this ceremony underway."

"I'm curious to see what they'll get."

"They'll get what suits their abilities best. You and my Father made sure of that." Mao Mao turned his attention to Badgerclops who just got done setting a monitor near the chest. "Let's begin."

Now that everything was in its proper setting, Mao Mao was standing before his children with Tanya by his side, a paw resting on his arm as Badgerclops was on the other; stuffing his face with a random subject of food. It irritated Mao Mao of course, but he'd let it slide for now. Tonight was a special event and his children were the sole focus. Reaching into his cape and pulling out his sheathed Geraldine, he held it in front of him and cleared his throat, preparing to speak.

"Sun, Noriko, Soeren," Mao Mao started, calling their names. The three kitten's attention perked as they listened. "On behalf of the Mao Clan, today, you three shall be receiving your very own Legendary Weapons."

"SO COOL! I was waiting all day for this!" Noriko cheered, her little paws clenching into fists, earning a hearty guffaw from Mao Mao.

"Indeed it is, my little flower warrior, but we've only just started," the little kitten only nodded and went back to being silent. "Now, as I was saying. Today, my children, as of this moment, you shall be given your very own Legendary Weapons as your forefathers and foremothers have done before you and their fore-bearers before them, continuing the time-honored tradition."

"Like how you got yours, father?" Soeren asked, inspecting the katana in front of Mao Mao.

"Correct, my boy. That's exactly how I received my treasured weapon, and with time, hard work, practice, and dedication, you all will become masters of your own rite!" In a flashy display of handling and mastery with a bit of flair thrown in, Mao Mao yanked the katana from the scabbard and tossed it into the air. It did a series of flips before the experienced feline, without needing to look, caught it seamlessly in his hand and twirled it around before re-sheathing it once again, ending the small spectacle and satisfied grin on his face. "Like so,"

All three of the kittens looked at their father with wide eyes at what he just did, but Tanya could only roll her eyes at his show-offy presentation, a sly smirk appearing on her face. "Now! Before we get to that, we have a very special guest with us tonight. He wouldn't miss this for the world. Badgerclops, the monitor if you please,"

On cue, he pressed a button and the screen blinked to life, pulling the kittens' attention to the device, only for them to gasp at a familiar face on screen. "Hello? Is this thing on? Hello? Ava, I think it's broken-"

"GRANDPA!" the kittens called out, instantly recognizing who the person was. Surprised to hear his name called, Shin Mao was able to see his grandchildren on the monitor, waving at him.

"Oh, so it does work! Haha! Hello, my little warriors! Look at you all, all prepared to receive your weapons. Oh, I am so proud of you all."

"Uh-huh, we've been waiting all day for this. Papa was about to give them to us." Noriko pointed out while turning her eyes back to her father.

"Seems like I'm just in time then. Mao Mao, my boy. Don't keep the tots waiting, do the Mao Family proud, and present them with their weapons!" Shin Mao pointed out, eager to see the tradition continue with the new generation. Mao Mao could only nod before continuing.

"My children, by the code of the Mao Clan, to receive your very own weapon is a great and noble honor. Why, I was no older than you were when your grandfather bequeathed mine." Mao Mao started, the kittens listening closely to his words while their eyes remained locked on the older feline of the family. "But, thanks to your demonstrations and aptitude in your abilities, you will be given a weapon best suited for your capabilities. Will you three accept your weapons and swear to uphold the honor of the Mao Family name?"

"I totally will!"

"I-I suppose..."

"Without question, father."

"Then by the right as Patriarch of this household, I will present you all with your weapons, starting with my oldest. Sun," Mao Mao called out to him, causing the kitten to jump slightly.

"Y-yes, sir?"

"Step forward and receive your weapon,"

Sun did exactly that and waited upon his father, his paws extended, waiting for what he would be given. Once Mao Mao had found what he needed in the chest, he turned to face his child, delicately placing a lavished Golden Dice in his paws. Naturally, Sun was confused as to how a dice was a legendary weapon but decided not to raise his voice. Not only that, but his grandfather was there watching them all, so he only offered a nervous smile and nodded. Turning to Shin Mao, he gave a simple bow and stepped back, standing beside his siblings. "Thank you, dad. Thank you, grandpa."

"You've been given a very special weapon, Sun. Passed down through our family until it reached you. In fact, you're the second Mao to wield this weapon in the last five generations." Mao Mao explained, causing Sun's eyes to bug out of his head a little bit from the new information.

"I-I'm the second after all this time? Then... who was the first?" his voice trembling but the mention of being the second own piqued his interest.

"His name was Seven Mao; The Virtuous High-roller," Shin Mao pointed. They all turned, seeing that he had pulled up a portrait of the dapper looking black cat, dressed in a sharp blue and white zoot suit, sporting the same Legendary Weapon that Sun had. "Sun, my boy, this is your great-great-great-great grandfather. Not only was he a warrior of the Mao Clan, but he also ran his very own casino!"

"Dude, your ancestor was a gangster?" Badgerclops snickered, a smarmy smirk on his face, one that Mao Mao ignored as he rolled his eyes.

"He was more than just a casino owner, Sun." Mao Mao added. "He was also known for his kindness and heroic deeds. Helping an old lady across the street, dealing with thugs, maintaining a fun and safe atmosphere in his casino. You name it, he was well-loved by his community and peers."

"Wow, dad... He sounds like a really good guy," Sun asked, looked at it in his paws, a bit of a sparkle in his eyes. "...and I'm going to inherit his weapon?"

"That you are, my son. I know you can do it." Mao Mao flashed Sun a confident smile, but the kitten could only offer an awkward one in return, something that didn't go unnoticed by Tanya.

"T-Thank you, sir. I won't let you down... I promise."

"I have faith in you, my boy. Now, Soeren," Mao Mao called out to the middle child, his ears standing up and his focus locked directly onto his father. "Step forward."

Soeren did as he was told and walked up to Mao Mao, paws behind his back as he waited for his weapon. Turning around and presenting a green leafy scarf, the elder cat passes it on to the boy and he graciously accepts the weapon.

"Soeren, your mother and I have noticed that, despite your age, your gift for magic is astounding. A bit rough around the edges, but with her guidance, you'll be able to master it... possibly even surpass her!"

"That may be true, Mittens," Tanya spoke up, a half-smirk on her face. "but he'll come to understand that magic isn't something so easy to use." She noticed a look of concern on his face and that smirk instantly turned into a warm smile. "Don't worry, sweetie. I'll be with you every step of the way."

"Thank you, mother, I look forward to your teaching." Soeren then turned to his father and bowed graciously for his gift. "And thank you, father. You as well, grandfather." He stood back upright and went back to his spot, taking the chance to examine his weapon.

"And last, but certainly not least, Noriko." Mao Mao started as the youngest kitten was called.

"Yes! Finally, it's my turn!" she cheered, as she bounded over to her father, bouncing on the tips of her feet, paws clenched and against her chest as she waited eagerly for her own weapon. Mao Mao could only laugh heartily as he looked down at his eager little warrior, seeing himself at her age.

"Indeed it is, my little blossom warrior. This weapon is a gift from your grandfather," Mao Mao turned away and reached into the chest, as she looked on in wonder, excited to know what it was. Turning back around with a katana in hand, Noriko's eyes flew open and sparkled like the night sky upon seeing hers. "This was custom made for you, my little flower petal. Courtesy of your grandpa, after he saw your little dance with the blossoms. This katana meant to help with your magic and under my tutelage, you'll be a master of the blade, just like me."

"Really?! Papa, you're gonna train me?" Noriko asked excitedly as she was handed her weapon, clutching it to her chest.

"Indeed I am. Don't think I didn't notice you practicing with that wooden sword I gave you. I see great potential in you, my little flower petal, we just need to bring it out." Mao Mao replied as he crouched down to her height.

Out of reflex and joy, Noriko went to hug her father which he gladly reciprocated. "Thank you, Papa, I can't wait to get started, this is going to be so cool!"

"Indeed it is my little flower petal. Now, back to standing beside your brothers, I need to wrap up this ceremony."

"Okay!" Letting go of her father, the youngest kitten excitedly bounced back over to her brothers, briefly showing her weapon to them. Just as he was about to speak again, Tanya tapped Mao Mao on his shoulder, gaining his attention. He turned to face her, only to be met with a gentle kiss to the lips. It surprised him, but he could only smile during the whole thing. She pulled back and smirked her trademark grin as she turned to face their children, watching them talk among themselves.

"This was a rather pleasing little ceremony, you pulled together. I've never seen them so excited about something." Tanya pointed out, earning a chuckle from her husband.

"Well, it's a Mao Family Tradition. I knew after seeing what they could do, they'd be ready for weapons."

"Despite them being so young?"

"I was only five when I received Geraldine and I turned out fine. If I can, so can they. Besides, the earlier they train, the better they'll be prepared."

"That's all well and good, Mittens. Just make sure they have a balanced childhood. All work and no play makes the kittens dull warriors." Tanya teased while playing with his whiskers.

"Relax, we're experts! They're in good hands, Cherry-blossom," Mao Mao chuckled, a paw slipping around her waist. "Besides, by the time we're done with them, they'll be top-notch warriors. The valley will be in good hands."

"I'm sure they will be. Just... be sure to not be too hard on our Sunshine. The poor boy is under enough pressure after you gave him a weapon that belonged to one of your ancestors."

"He'll be able to handle it. I have the utmost faith in him. I can't think of anyone other than him to wield it. Besides, we'll be busy having our paws full with me training Noriko and you training Soeren. Plus, we'll be bouncing Sun back and forth between us during his sessions. I'm afraid that isn't going to leave us a lot of... personal time, you know,"

Tanya giggled as she planted another kiss, this time on his cheek. "Oh, don't you worry about that, Mittens. We'll find a workaround for that, I'm sure. You are far too determined to quit~"

Mao Mao felt his cheeks heat up a bit and a nervous chuckle followed. "W-well, you know me, I do like a challenge."

"Good, I'm looking forward to it~"

Another hearty laugh left him as the two of them watched their children chat away with each other. Pride and joy swelled in his chest as he looked upon his kittens, proud to see them carrying on the mantle of protectors of the Valley. He could rest easy knowing that it would be incapable hands, long after he and Tanya were gone. For tonight and tomorrow, this would give them a chance to get used to their weapons and each other, but come the day after, that was when the training for the next generation would truly begin.

If you enjoyed this, you'll love Howlingscrawler's works! (Makes sense, they DID write this after all)

Please go take a look at their stuff!

You can check them out on AO3, their user name is "HowlingScrawler)

Thanks for reading :)