As the group of three began walking up to the massive stone walls of not a town but an actual city, Ivy could see the large arch of two Kabutops with their scythe-like arms holding up a Kabuto at the arch’s peak. These large stone statues were embedded into the city walls that protected Pewter City from the pokemon in the surrounding areas. It was a place that had both a pokemon gym and a pokemon center. The center was where Ivy needed to go to get her pokemon warrior license.

Ivy was once more on Ellee’s back. They took some time to train along the way and bag a few pokemon to sell as well. They were attacked by a pack of Growlithe along the way…

- - -

“Ivy, you are doing much better with the sword and your orders are on point.” Ellee was hanging on Ivy as they walked down the road. Her breasts were pressed against the back of Ellee’s head, and her arms were hanging over Ivy’s shoulders. She had become much more clingy ever since she found out she could kiss Ivy as much as she wanted now.

“Yes, I agree with Ellee, Ivy, I think you really have a talent as a Pokemon Warrior.” Nia, who was walking at the side, was amazed by how well Ivy saw the situation in front of her. She knew when each attack should be done and how they should work together so that they would not end up clashing.

“Th-Thanks…” Ivy was blushing. She did not know how well she really did, but since Ellee and Nia were praising her, she felt happy. It had always been her dream to become a Pokemon Warrior.

“Stop.” The girls’ good time ended when Ellee felt her ears twitch. She scanned the tall grass along the road they were on and slowly pulled Ivy behind her. Her lips curled up as she let out a low growl, and her tail pointed straight up into the sky. “Growlithe! A whole pack of them!”

Ivy quickly drew her sword and got ready to fight as both Nia and Ellee stood in front of her. “Nia, concentrate on keeping them tied down, give Ellee enough time to use Chain Lightning.”

“Got it!” Nia made sure to call out that she understood. This was something they had all decided on. When in battle, make sure you call out when you receive orders and when you are in trouble. In battle, communication was key.

“Ivy seven growlithe incoming!” Arcs of lightning began to appear around Ellee’s body. This was her battle mode and armor that she could discharge at any time.

Ivy’s breathing slowed, and her eyes narrowed. She could feel her Soul Breathing technique empowering her body.

“Awhooo!” Growlithe came running out of the tall grass, spotted the three girls, and let out a howl. Its sharp teeth were exposed as its drool dripped endlessly down to the ground.

“Nia, watch out for its flame attacks. If it even looks like it's about to use a skill, retract your vines and let Ellee try to stop it.” Ivy knew Nia was weak versus fire.

“Got it!” Nia yelled out in reply as she sent her vines flying toward her side, waving her hand and controlling them as if they were on strings. They shot into the tall grass and wrapped around an unsuspecting growlithe’s front legs and pulled hard and up into the air.

The growlithe was tossed into the air and then slammed onto the hard dirt road, causing it to let out a small whimper of pain. Only to be roasted from the inside out afterward by Ellee’s thunderbolt attack. “Six left! Chain lightning!”

Ellee shot out a stream of lightning from her hands that shot towards the three growlithe that were charging at them. It slammed into the first and second one, but the third growlithe quickly jumped back and out of range. “Four left!”

“Two to your right, Ellee!” Ivy called out before charging to her left. She grabbed Nia and pulled her to the ground as a stream of fire passed by just inches away from them. She turned and saw the last two growlithe walking out of the grass. After getting back on her feet, she lowered her body and got into her stance: “Echo Slash!”

- - -

“Ivy, thank you again for protecting me.” Nia had not noticed the two growlithe coming at her side, never mind ready to attack her with their flames. If Ivy had not protected her, she would have been roasted alive.

“We are family now. I will always do what I can to protect both of you,” Ivy replied with a smile. And grabbed Nia’s hand and squeezed it gently.

“Ivy’s right, we are family.” The happiest of them all was Ellee. She now had a new family. A new pack for her to run with. She nuzzled her nose into Ivy’s hair as they continued to walk towards the gate.

Sometime later…

“There's a long line.” Ivy was now leaning against Ellee as she stared at the long line in front of her. There were at least a hundred people here, and the sky was already getting dark. “I think they may be refugees.”

“Refugees?” Nia did not know what a refugee was nor did Ellee.

“They are probably coming from areas hit by the strange weather. Survivors if you will. Those who decided to risk it all to come to this city in hopes of protection. If we are lucky we might be able to enter tonight. It depends on what they are doing with the refugees.” Ivy could only hope they could enter the city tonight.

As time passed, she felt a little more relaxed as she saw the line moving faster and faster. Many were being turned away while others were passing through the gate. When it was finally their turn, the guards stepped forward and blocked them. “State your business!”

“We are here to sell some pokemon and go to the Pokemon center to register.” Ivy pointed at the pokemon they were carrying. Two growlithe and a few rattatas.

“You can pass. But remember the first signs of you causing trouble you will be kicked out like the others.” The guard replied sternly. Ivy nodded and the girls quickly passed through the gates, allowing them to enter Pewter City.