You hear some explosions from the forest

3rd of March

You are doing your morning training with Midori and Leaf when you suddenly start to hear the sound of explosions coming from the forest.

You immediately stop training and look toward the source, noticing a few small pillars of smoke.

"Seems like there are some problems in Viridian Forest," you say as you make your weapon disappear. It's not an issue since you can summon it whenever you want.

"We should go and check. Emma, go warn the guards while we handle this," Leaf says.

Emma nods and quickly walks away.

You all run toward the forest and enter it, searching for the source of the explosions. As you go deeper, something—or rather, someone—suddenly runs toward you.

"AAAAAAHHH, help me!"

The girl running toward you is a Charmander musu wearing only a ragged top and some kind of long leather thong.

She stops in front of you, sweaty and panicked.

"Ah… ah… you guys seem strong… please… help me… I can't… run anymore…" she pants.

"Alright, but who's chasing you?" you ask, surprised by the situation.

"T-thanks… it's… those guys…" she says, pointing behind her.

From behind the trees, a group of figures emerges. They are almost completely covered by black cloaks with hoods, making it impossible to see their faces. However, one detail makes them recognizable: a large red “R” on their chests.

"T-the Rocket Clan?!" Midori gasps as she sees them.

"It's been a while since anyone from their group was spotted around here," Leaf says.

The Rocket Clan is a well-known criminal organization operating in Kanto. Not much is known about them, except that they are involved in countless thefts, murders, and schemes to control key areas of the region.

"Hand over the girl, and we'll consider letting you go," one of the men says as he pulls out an arcane gun, while the other prepares his wand.

"What’s your name?" you ask the musu, who has dropped to her knees, both from fear and exhaustion. The flame on her tail burns weakly.

"Cha-Charlie…" she replies.

"Then get behind us, Charlie. We'll handle this," you say, and your teammates nod.

Charlie crawls behind you, while one of the cloaked men loses his patience and pulls out a wand.

"Go fuck yourself, you bastard! We chased that girl for two damn days—I'll wipe you out and take her!" he shouts before casting a powerful Flamethrower toward your group.

"Amateur… Whirlpool Shield!" Leaf casts a spell, creating a large barrier of swirling water that absorbs the attack.

At the same time, the other enemy moves to the side and fires at you with his gun.

You quickly summon your Bulbasaur weapon and use its whip-like blade to deflect the bullets.

Midori steps forward and releases a cloud of paralyzing powder, but the enemy dodges and keeps firing.

You take cover while Midori provides support with Razor Leaves. Then you rush forward, drawing the enemies’ attention before slashing the air and releasing a cloud of toxic spores.

They avoid the attack, but Leaf uses the opening to strike the caster with a Shock Wave, sending him crashing into a tree.

The other enemy is caught off guard, lowering his guard just enough for you to charge in and land a clean slash across his chest. He staggers back, injured but still standing.

Both enemies are wounded, but the caster manages to get back up and rejoins his ally.

"We have to withdraw. You’ve won this time, but we will be back," the gunner says.

The caster creates a smokescreen, and by the time you cut through it, they have disappeared.

"Well… I guess this is a win for us," you say, turning back to the others.

"It definitely is. Does anyone need healing? Maybe you, Charlie?" Midori asks, turning toward her.

"…mmh… meat…" Charlie is still on her knees, now… asleep, mumbling in her sleep.

"Seems like she was really exhausted after everything she went through," Leaf says.

"Let's bring her home so we can take care of her," you reply, lifting Charlie onto your back yo carry her.

You all return home and call the town doctor to examine Charlie.

After checking her, the doctor confirms that she only has minor bruises. Aside from that, she is fine—just exhausted and in need of rest.

You let her sleep for a few hours.

Since it starts to get late, Leaf heads home to inform her mother about what happened, while you and Midori begin preparing dinner.

"Oh, I smell food!"

Charlie suddenly jumps up from the couch and looks toward you, startling you a bit.

""Oh, I see you're finally awake. Welcome to my home," you say.

"Oh wowie… so this is one of those famous 'houses' where you hoomies live? My older sisters told me about them," Charlie says.

Midori chuckles at her unusual way of speaking.

"Come sit with us, we were just about to eat," you say.

She happily accepts and sits at the table.

"So, what are your names, new friends?" Charlie asks.

"My name is Erik—Erik Scarlet—and this is my partner Midori, Midori Sauria," you reply.

"Oh, nice to meet you, Erik Scarlet and Midori Sauria," Charlie says.

"You can just call us Erik and Midori. No need for surnames," Midori says with a smile.

"What’s a ‘surname’?" Charlie asks curiously.

"We’ll explain that later. For now, let’s eat," you say as you serve rice with curry.

Charlie's eyes light up at the sight of the food, and she starts eating enthusiastically, quickly going through multiple servings. She was probably starving.

After dinner, you spend some time chatting to make her feel more comfortable.

"So, Charlie, do you know why those people were chasing you?" you ask.

"Oh, I don’t know. I was exploring with my sisters and while i was climbing a really cool tree those guys showed up and tried to catch me. But us Charmanders are good at running, so I ran and ran for about two days until I got here," she explains, surprisingly calm.

"Oh… wow… do you think your sisters are okay?" Midori asks.

"I dunno, but my tribe sisters are super strong, so I’m sure they’re fine," Charlie replies proudly.

"Tribe sisters?" you ask.

"You can find us charmies living in small groups on the slopes of Mount Moon. We call each other sisters, even if we’re not related by blood," Charlie explains.

"That’s quite interesting," you say.

"Now… you said you're partners before, but is that like a work thing, or are you mates?" Charlie asks innocently, making Midori blush slightly.

"You could say… both," you reply.

You spend a bit more time talking, and Charlie quickly proves herself to be a cheerful and playful girl. It doesn’t take long before you all become friends.

You decide to let Charlie sleep in the guest room, while you and Midori return to your bed.

"Such an unlucky girl… separated from her family and chased for days. Who knows what those people wanted from her…" Midori says while cuddling close to you.

"I don’t know, but I won’t let them take her. We’ll be ready for whatever comes next," you reply.

"I knew you’d say that. Always trying to help others… say, are you thinking about making her your partner too?" Midori asks, poking your cheek.

"I hadn't thought about it, but… it might not be a bad idea. It would also help me grow stronger," you admit.

"I know… I’m still a little jealous, but I guess I’ll have to get used to it," she pouts.

"Well, you can always remind me why you’re the best," you chuckle.

"Oh, I know how to do that…" she teasingly says as she lifts herself up, showing you her beautiful, naked body.

You spend some more time lovemaking before eventually falling asleep.