The next move of the Rocket clan

4th of March

The next morning, instead of training, you take Charlie around the village, showing her the area where you live and the surrounding crop fields.

Charlie is incredibly happy and excited—everything is completely new to her.

Midori and Charlie are also getting along really well. In fact, Midori even lends her some clothes so she doesn’t have to walk around dressed like a cavewoman

The people of the village are kind to her too. Probably because Charlie has a warm and friendly aura that naturally draws others in.

Later, you stop to get some ice cream, since Charlie was curious to try it. While you're eating, one of the farmers approaches you.

"Hey, youngsters. We found a strange wagon near the edge of the village. It’s abandoned, and there’s a weird smell coming from it… we’d rather not get too close. Could you go check it out?" the man asks.

"Sure, we’ll take a look right away," you reply.

You finish your ice cream and head toward the edge of the village.

When you arrive, you find the wagon exactly where the farmer described it.

A strange smell lingers in the air.

You approach carefully and peek inside—it seems empty.

Then Charlie suddenly speaks up.

"Mmh… guys, this thingy smells… flammable," she says.

"What do you mean?" you ask.

"I don’t know… but it reminds me of stuff that burns really easily," she replies.

"Maybe it’s her instincts," Midori suggests.

"Flammable… wait—"

At that exact moment, you notice a small flash of light coming from the forest.

Your eyes widen.

"Girls, get down!" you shout.

You grab both of them and jump away just as a flaming arrow strikes the wagon—

BOOM!

The explosion sends you flying, and you crash into a nearby field.

You hit the ground hard, but manage to recover.

You’re all slightly injured—but alive.

"W-what was that?!" Charlie asks, clearly shaken.

"A trap…" you mutter.

"And now you're surrounded." The voice comes from behind.

You quickly get back on your feet and look around—

Ten figures encircle you. Members of the Rocket Clan. Some carry swords, others guns, others wands.

You’re completely surrounded.

"We let our guard down…" you say quietly. "Charlie, stay low. We’ll handle this."

"Y-yes…" she nods, scared, and backs away.

Midori steps beside you.

"Ready, partner?" she asks.

"Always."

The fight begins.

As the enemies raise their weapons, you act first. You summon your sword and Midori releases a dense cloud of poisonous spores, instantly covering your position.

The enemies fire blindly into the smoke.

That’s your opening.

You burst out of the cloud at full speed—closing the distance in an instant—and slash down the closest enemy before he can react.

He drops immediately.

The others turn their attention toward you.

Guns and wands aim in your direction—But that shift gives Midori her chance.

Her vines shoot out from the smoke and with a powerful hit she smashes another enemy on the ground, knocking it out.

Now the group splits and half rush toward you.

Two sword users charge in together, attacking from both sides.

You react quickly by lowering your stance and then blocking both blades—

Then push them away with a sharp deflection.

They stagger back.

Meanwhile, Midori is under heavy pressure.

Projectiles and spells rain down on her position.

She dodges, jumps, and moves constantly—faster than before thanks to your bond—but the attacks are relentless.

She creates a wall of vines to shield herself.

It buys her time, but not much.

You try to reach her, but the two swordsmen block your path again.

They attack together and you counter before suddenly releasing a burst of paralyzing spores at close range.

They inhale it and their bodies freeze for just a moment—

—but that’s enough.

You step in and use your sword to cut them down.

You immediately turn and sprint toward Midori—

—but too late.

A gunner from the group that was attacking you is already aiming at you.

You turn to block, but you’re not fast enough...

Before it can it you, sudden ember flies past you and hits the gunner in the face.

He screams as flames engulf him.

You glance back—

Charlie.

She’s panting, but she gives you a thumbs-up.

She have found the courage to act and at the right time too.

You don’t waste the opportunity.

You dash forward, jump and strike down two of attackers targeting Midori with a wide whip-like slash.

They collapse.

Midori drops her vine wall and steps out.

You both finally catch your breath—

—but only for a second.

A shadow looms over you.

You look up.

Three remaining enemies stand at a distance. Their wands raised.

A massive magical circle forms above you and from it a huge boulder begins to materialize.

"It's over for you, lowlives—ROCK WRECKER!" one of them screams.

The spell completes.

The boulder falls.

Too fast... Too big...

No way to dodge.

"Comin’ through, you bastards!" A voice cuts through the air.

A figure launches forward—Almost flying—And slams into the side of the falling boulder with a warhammer.

The rock shatters into pieces—Fragments scatter in every direction—Crashing down onto the three casters and knocking them out instantly.

The figure lands in front of you, it's a Machop musu wearing a light armor and with a warhammer in hand.

"Nice. Got here just in time to smash a few heads," she says casually.

Then she turns toward you.

"Oh, hey. Good to see you're still alive and kicking citizens."

"Uh… thanks for the help. Who are you?" you ask.

"Oh right—Marceline Marshall. Soldier of the Pewter City guard."

She gives a quick military salute.

"Nice to meet you. I’m Erik. These are Midori and Charlie."

She grins and raises her fist.

You get the message and bump it.

"Good work out there. You’re pretty strong," she says.

"Thanks… and seriously, we were in trouble without you," you reply.

"Just doing my job. We've been tracking these guys—they’ve caused trouble near our city too. My squad should arrive soon to clean up what's left."

"Then we’ll leave it to you Marceline. We need some rest," you say.

"Sure thing man. And just call me Marcy—it’s faster," she winks.

"Got it. Thanks, Marcy."

You help Midori and Charlie back home.

After a few hours of rest, you begin preparing dinner. Charlie sits at the table, humming happily.

"Even though we got attacked, today was really fun. I saw so many new things… and I even fought for the first time. My sisters always say we shouldn’t fight until we evolve, but that was… exciting," she giggles.

"That was probably adrenaline," Midori says.

"Adrena—what?" Charlie tilts her head.

"We’ve got a lot to teach her," you say.

"Then I can stay with you?!" Charlie suddenly jumps up.

"Of course. You’re welcome to stay with us for now," you reply.

She rushes over and hugs both of you tightly.

You hug her back.

Later, you sit down and start eating.

As the meal is almost over, Charlie suddenly says something unexpected.

"Since I’m staying… can I mate with Erik too, like you are, Midori?"

Midori nearly chokes on her drink.

"W-what?!"

"Well, my sisters said we should mate with people we like… strong ones, or cute ones. Erik is both," Charlie says innocently.

Midori hesitates, clearly flustered.

"I-I mean… that’s sudden… and he’s my boyfriend…"

"A boy can only have one mate?" Charlie asks.

"Not… necessarily…" Midori admits quietly.

"Then can I?" Charlie looks at her with sparkling eyes.

Midori glances at you… then sighs.

"…Fine. I guess we can share."

"Yay!" Charlie cheers.

Guess an 'hot' night awaits for you.