The summer's heat was unbearable for everyone who attempted to step outside. This would normally be no big deal for the Mao kittens since it let them relax inside, even their parents allowed them to take off from training till the weather was less uncomfortable. Unfortunately the air cons of each kitten's homes broke down whether they had overheated or was damaged by a rouge monster attack. The past few days, the only relief from the heatwave were consuming multiple cool drinks and small breezes from small fans. Sadly that relief wouldn't last very long when the heatwave only got worse. The sisters believed it would be best that the kittens should spend the weekend at Mao Mao's since the heatwave wasn't as bad in Pure Heart Valley as well as give the kittens some time to spend with their only uncle. It would also give them a chance to repair or replace the ACa in the meantime.

"Momma, will you be okay?" Aura asked, holding a bronze brown covered book close to her with a soft pink suitcase by her left side.

" Yes, Sweet Lily" Brunhilde patted her daughter's peach colored hair. "Me and your father have travelled to places with much hotter weather on our missions, so we're used to it" She explained. Proud not to let some troublesome weather get the best of her.

"Hilde, I got the bags packed. I was thinking about stopping at that ice cream place in the way to the Valley, sound good?" Atlas asked from outside, wiping some sweat from his brow.

" Sounds like a sweet treat. That's a great idea, babe" She agreed, not wanting to admit that a ice cream cone would be a great relief from the heat.

"Yay!!" Aura cheers and raced to the car where Akemi was already napping .

"How can put son sleep in this heatwave?" Atlas asked as he got into the front seat.

Brunhilde drove.

Atlas used to drive his arrival before losing his eye. Since then Brunhilde drove the family any place they needed to go to.

"Well, I'm not anymore" Akemi eyes cracked open a bit, his neon green eyes held a mixture of annoyance and a tab of anger from being awoken from his nap.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up" Atlas chuckled as he was trying to lighten his son gloomy mood.

"So we're going to that Ice Cream Parlor near Uncle Mao's? I'll take a Blueberry and Vanilla slushie" Akemi closed his eyes as he attempted to return to his nap.

"Ooh, may I have a vanilla ice cream with Carmel syrup and marshmallows on a honey waffle cone?" Aura asked.

"Sure thing! I can go for a Rocky Road myself" Brunhilde smiled, managing to find a parking spot right in front of the parlor.

Surprisingly the parlor wasn't packed as they would expect it to be. In fact their car was the only one in the whole parking lot. It would only ever get this empty on Fireday.

Which was sadly today.

They drove to Mao Mao's, sadden that they wouldn't taste the sweet taste of ice cream along the way.

Hopefully the others were having better luck dealing with the summer's heat.

Minori packed a lunch to take with him when usually flew to his uncle's. Her son had made the trip several times before, so she wasn't worried. Though she always asked him to call her once he got there.

"Have everything packed sweetie?" She asked as she handed him his lunch.

" Yes mom. I should be there by this afternoon. If the the wind is blowing slightly then maybe I'll be there sooner" He put the lunch in his backpack and went out the door.

"Alright, be safe my little Dragon warrior. Call me when you get to your uncle's. Also don't forget that I love you" Minori kissed his son's head and nuzzles it against her own.

Buster face turned tomato red in embarrassment. If any of the Scales clan saw this,he be ridiculed by his dragonic brothers.

"Mother please!" Buster broke free from his mother's embrace and flew off. " I love you too" He muttered, blushing a bit from embarrassment.

Buster went to pick up Lynelle since the weather didn't bother him. He never mind the extreme temperatures due to his Dragon DNA. Whenever the kittens went to visit their uncle, Buster always picked up Lynelle. Though Buster wasn't affected by the heat and can handle even more brutal temperatures. This sadly wasn't the same case for the youngest kitten.

"We're almost there,Lyn" Buster spoke softly to the whimpering kitten in the baby carrier.

Lynelle was all fussy due to the heat, holding her small dragon plushie as a source of comfort. That didn't make her cries less painful to hear.

Buster's heart was breaking at the sound of her cries which only led to him flying even faster to reach the Valley. For Lynelle sake. They arrived in half the time it would usually take them to get there. Buster made a small stop at Muffet's Bakery to get Lynelle some cold milk and he wouldn't mind a hot chocolate himself.

This made Lynelle much happier which made Buster happy as well. Lynelle smile was the greatest reward that Buster will ever receive.

Yasu and Shun were dealing with much more than the heat. Chiyo and Bakula attitudes worsen with the weather. Every little thing that went wrong led to a full blown argument. Hopefully the twins stay at Mao man's would give them a break from the heat, also give Yasu and Shun a break as well.

"MAMA!! CHIYO DRANK MY APPLE JUICE! I WAS SAVING THAT FOR THE TRIP!!" Bakula yelled from her room

" DAD!! BAKULA ARE ALL MY CHIPS!! " Chiyo screamed from the kitchen

Yasu sighed as the twins were always bickering with each other. The car couldn't be packed sooner. Shun packed some sandwiches and some juice boxes for his girls. He made a special mint and raspberry lemonade for Yasu. He knew she needed to relax and even though he was just as tired, he wanted her to have a peaceful time. He could feel that the girls would probably make this agruement last the whole ride to his brother in law place. He decided to go out a stop to this.

"Girls that is enough! Car. Now." Shun time was form and serious.

The girls went silent and went straight to th e car without a single word. Whenever Shun used that tone, the girls knew better than to get Shun upset. He would always get the girls to listen. One of the many reasons why Yasu loved him.

"What did I ever do to deserve you?" Yasu asked, kissing Shun on the lips.

" Nothing. All you deserve is to be loved, my dearest Golden Eyed Sorceress " He kissed her back. For a moment his usual frown became a small smile.

Sadly the moment was cut short since one of the girls got impatient and honked the car horn.

"We should get going" He sighed, walking to the car. Not a drop of sweat appeared on his bright yellow fur.

Yasu giggled a bit. Holding Shun paw in hers, leaning on his shoulder as the two made their way to the car.

Summer would surely be fun for the family this year.

Hinata was usually the cheerful out of her siblings. However this weather was truly testing her limits. For the first time since given to her, she removed her golden scarf to help maintain her cool. Hopefully her family would understand her removing one of the Mao Chan's sacred golden weapons for this.

"Mama" Fabron called out to his mother, crawling to her.

"Yes my little ninja?" Hinata picked up the kitten into her arms. She was sure Fabron was suffering from the heat like they all were.

Though in reality, Katsu and Fabron reptile DNA made them immune to high temperatures. Lucky them. How very lucky they were. How could Hinata possibly forget?

Fabron held a small juice box in his paws, pushing it towards his mother.

"Fabron got mama juice" He smiled as  he tried to get his mother to take the juice box.

"Aw, thank you" She takes the juice box and took a sip of the sweet apple juice inside the green and red box.

"Mama feel better?" He asked cutely

" Much better" Hinata rewarded her youngest son a kiss on the head as a thank you.

Fabron smiled and g ave his mother the best hug he could.

Hinata didn't hesitate to return the hug.

Meanwhile, Katsu and his stepson were packing their bags for the trip to the Valley. They never lived far from the Valley, a short hour walk at best. Katsu made sure to pack extra water and cloaks to keep them all cool. He packed the usual: food, first aid, a map, a compass, and sunblock as well. Weapons too. Just in case of a monster attack.

"Are we taking the path through the forest or the short one past that village that sells those famous Carmel cakes?" Euno asked, putting one last bottle of water in his bag.

"The only reason you ask is to get some cake to eat on the way to uncle's" Carmin eye roll.

"Well you aren't wrong. I think we all should have a treat. We need it after this crazy weather" Euno joked a bit, wiping a few drops of sweat from his forehead.

"Usually I disagree but it does sound like a good idea" Carmine nodded

"Why this is quite the surprise. You two agreeing is as rare as a Phoenix sighting" Katsu chuckled to himself.

"Father"

"Dad"

"I suppose we will take path through the village. I, myself enjoy those Carmel cakes that they sell. As you said Euno, we could all use a treat for dealing with this weather" Katsu finished packing his bag. He adjusted his bag strapped to fit just right.

"Awe Yeah!!" Euno was excited. He could practically taste those cakes now.

Carmine put his backpack on. "May we get some tea as well?" He asked as the three walked outside to meet Hinata and Fabron.

" Sounds like a perfect combination! " Euno nodded.

"You do realize that will have them after a forty five minute walk before we can enjoy them" Carmine explained as the family started their walk.

Euno eyes widen in realization that Carmine was right. It would take them exactly forty five minutes to reach the village in question. He hung his head low as  he slowly started to follow his family.

"Don't worry, we'll be there before you know it" Hinata encourage him.

"Yeah....sure...." Euno followed a bit slower than he usually walked.

Well one thing was for sure. It would be a long, long walk.

At the Valley as he promised, Buster contacted hiss mother to let her know that he got there okay. After confirming his location to his mother, he had also promised his aunt Shiori and uncle Arakan to let them know that he and Lynelle got there okay.

Buster dialed the number and waited through the rings for his aunt to answer. After the third ring, Shiori answered.

"Buster? Are you two at Mao Mao's?" Shiori wasted no time to ask right away .

"Yeah. Right now, Uncle is giving her some juice" Buster looked at Mao Mao and Lynelle having fun together. Both having an "Who can drink the most juice" contest.

" Alright. Thank you again for taking her there again. Arakan wanted to but he can hardly fly in this humidity" She turned to see  Arakan looking down in the dumps.

"It's not a problem, Aunt Shiori. I don't mind doing it anyways" Buster smiled a bit, happy to help his family any way he could.

"Thank you Buster" Shiori repeated once more before ending the call.

Buster put his phone away before going to unpack his stuff. He and his cousins would be camping out in the living room. He was sure Uncle Mao would keep an eye on Lynelle till he was finished.

Mao Mao and Lynelle had to stop their contest since Badgerclops yelled at them.

"Just because the heatwave isn't bad here, it doesn't mean that it may not get worse. We should be saving it in case a shortage of a drought comes! Look dude, you want to make Lynelle happy and I get that. That isn't an excuse to drink all the juice. Eat all the snacks is my job!" Badgerclops hugged before putting the remainder of their juice supply back in the fridge.

" Badgyclops mad? " Lynelle teared up as she was only a few moments from sobbing.

Badgerclops winced at his mistake. He didn't want to make her cry not did he mean to. He could feel Mao Mao glare from there. Such anger.

"WAAH! WAH! Lynelle made Badgyclops mad! Me villian!" The small kitten hiccuped and sob alot which was only making Mao Mao much more angrier with Badgerclops.

Mao Mao took the sobbing white kitten in his arms. Her small wings brushed his arms as her small body shook violently as he tried to comfort her.

"No no no, little angelic hero. You are not a villian. Badgerclops was mad at me not you" Mao Mao wiped her tears away.

"Why Badgyclops mad at Uncle? He no do anything rong" Now Lynelle asked, now confused.

" Well I drank all the milk in the fridge again" He chuckled, a bit embarrassed by this.

"Dude! Again?!! This is like the eighth time this week! I am going to build another fridge in the garage right now!" Mao Mao couldn't tell if Badgerclops was playing along or if he was truly being serious. This was answered shortly since power tools could be heard from inside the garage.

Mao Mao sighed frustrately but he would deal with Badgerclops later. He looked doan at Lynelle, her golden yellow orbs grew heavy. She was probably tired from the flight to the Valley. He softly rocked her in his arms till she drifted off to sleep.

"Hey Uncle Mao! Your favorite nephew is here!" Akemi opened the door , allowing himself and Aura to enter before closing it.

"Hello Uncle Mao Mao" Aura greeted as she started to unpack her belongings.

"Chiyo! Stop playing that annoying song!!" Bakula practically yelled as she entered the heroes headquarters.

"This is my favorite song! I can play it as much as I want!" Chiyo argued , raising the volume even higher.

The music started to disturb Lynelle as she started to whimper.

"Chiyo, shut that off or I will burn it" Buster warn, small sparks of fire could be seen from his mouth.

Chiyo flinched but turned off her music player.

On cue, Lynelle went back to her peaceful sleep. Buster calmed down a bit but snatched away the music player until Lynelle nap was over.

"I see that we're the last to arrive yet again" Carmine entered, holding Fabron who was eager to run around HQ.

Euno entered with a few boxes of the Carmel cakes for his family. He already helped himself to a couple, so why not share the rest.

"Ma wants to speak with ya, Uncle Mao" Euno entered the kitchen to put the Carmel cakes in a hidden spot so a certain badger wouldn't eat them all.

"Alright, I'll be there once I put Lynelle to bed for her nap, ok? " Mao Mao nodded, taking Lynelle to the crib that he asked Badgerclops to build a while back. Just in case Lynelle ever stayed the night.

He went outside to see Brunhilde, Atlas,Hinata, Katsu, Yasu, and Shun. They were all chatting among themselves. They all seem to enjoy their little break from the massive heatwave they been suffering for the past few days.

"You are looking well, Shun. How have you been since you became a hero? I was pretty surprise when I hear the news. I know this doesn't mean you aren't an assassin anymore, though I'm really looking forward to doing missions with you" Atlas grinned, playfully punching Shun's arm.

Shun said nothing. He nodded to Atlas words but was greatly annoyed by the punch. He never really spoke to anyone aside from Yasu and his daughters.

"You seem to be fairing well, Atlas. It amazes me that you still have both arms considering all your injuries in battle" Katsu was impressed that Atlas hasn't gotten any new injuries lately.

"What can I say. My Hilde always has my back" Atlas turned to Brunhilde and smiled.

Brunhilde looked away, blushing greatly in response.

Hinata giggled at the sight of her always serious sister who was now as red as a red cherry tomato. Atlas really helped her relax more and in return, Brunhilde helped Atlas became a bit more serious.

"Sisters, Brother in laws, I welcome you" Mao Mao bowed before them. As a sign of respect which was taught through many generations of the Mao clan.

"Hello Brother" Yasu turned to Mao Mao, happy to see her brother.

Shun just nodded. He had respect for his brother in law. Though it would still be quite some time before he would hear his voice.

" Mao Mao! Why don't you ever call or visit?! I've been trying to reconnect but you never answer" Brunhilde helped at her only little brother, and that whenever she visit the Valley alone or called, he didn't answer.

"Brunhilde, I'm sorry.... Monster attacks and the Sky Pirates have more frequent in the valley lately" Mao Mao began to speak.

"Look.... I know I'm not the best sister and haven't really been there for you but... I want to try to be a sister that you can depend on. So next time I visit or call.... Just answer, okay?" She pulled him into a quick hug before releasing him.

Mao Mao was shocked for a bit before realizing he hasn't been teaching out to his family much lately. He could spare a few minutes from his schedule to call his sisters. Maybe when they visit, they could help Mao Mao gave the Sky pirates or monsters. They would make some legendary memories together.

"I will. I promise that I will" He answered, trying to keep up his tough hero persona.

"You better or I will pierce you with my spear" Brunhilde warned with her usual serious glare.

"I will" He chuckled. Sweating a lot due to fear.

"Good" Brunhilde relaxed her glare, smiling.

"Thanks again for watching the kids. They really needed a break from all this weather. We're trying to find or repair our AC units. We're really sorry to put this on you last minute" Atlas and Mao Mao shook hands.

"It's no problem. I will always be there to help my family. Besides I do anything for my nieces and nephews" He would allow no harm to come to any of them. He defeat anyone who dares to try.

After a while, the parents said farewell to their kids before they left. Mao Mao returned to the kids.

Buster was reading Lynelle another tame about heroes. This story was about a silver tailed cat hero who won a prince's heart by acts of kindness and how she respects all.

Akemi listened to Aura chatting about the contents of the book she is reading. It spoke about every magical relics or item which heroes used throughout the centuries. Even members of the Mao clan used these relics. Aura wondered if her grandpa had any in his possession.

Carmine and Adorabat were happily drawing pictures together. Adorabat was drawing her defeating the Sky pirates using her smoke bombs. Carmine was drawing himself by a lake surrounded  by his head flames.

"Woah, your drawing is so pretty! How can you make those flames look so real? " She asked as she became curious about Carmine power.

Carmine summoned one of his flames to show her. "It's one of my powers. I can use it as an attack or a shield but mostly I play with them if I get bored"

"That's so cool!!!" Adorabat squealed

Carmine chuckled as the two continued to draw while chatting more about battle tactics.

Fabron,Chiyo, and Euno were on the couch watching some television. Euno was actually taking a nap while the others eat their Carmel cakes.

"Yummy! Hey, where's Bakula?" Chiyo began to wonder where her sister was now.

Mao Mao began to wonder the same thing. Where was Bakula? It wasn't like she left, he would have surely noticed if she did.

"GST BACK HERE YOU LITTLE MONSTER!!! " Badgerclops screamed,he looked weird with the bluish lipstick and other varieties of make up smeared all over his face.

Bakula ran ahead of him, reading him the whole time he chased her.

"Aw, can't take a joke? I thought you were supposed to be the lay back funny guy" She giggled and kept running.

"Oh I'll teach you how chill and funny I can be" Badgerclops growled, getting his her launcher ready from his robo arm to lock on to a very annoying kitten hybrid.

Mao Mao simply faceplates as he went to stop the two before this got out of hand like all Bakula's pranks did.

Truly this would be a weekend that be full of surprises and probably be restless .