The trio walked to the river just south of the village, Rontu carrying a large basket that held a net Karee had made of vines and stones a few weeks ago. As they made their way through the forest Kaden kept jogging ahead ever to learn. After a short walk they arrived at the river. The sun filtered through the canopy of leaves, casting shimmering patterns on the rippling water. The air was cool and fresh, the sound of the river a soothing melody. Karee sat down on a smooth, moss covered rock, her eyes scanning the water's surface.

"Rontu, will you teach Kaden how to throw the net?" she asked, a playful glint in her eyes. "I'm sure he's itching to try." Rontu smiled, his gaze meeting Karee's. "Of course, love," He said, his voice full of affection. "But I'm afraid he might need a little more practice than he thinks." Kaden, his impatience bubbling over, grabbed the net eagerly. "If I just need to throw it it can't be that hard." Rontu chuckled, taking the net back from Kaden. "That's true, but there's a knack to it, a rhythm. You have to feel the water, understand its flow." He demonstrated, his movements fluid and graceful as he cast the net, the stones sinking with a gentle splash. Kaden watched with intense focus, waiting for the net to be usable again. Rontu retrieves the net placing the fish trapped within in the basket they had brought, Karee had placed it where the water of the river could flow though, keeping any fish they caught alive until it was time to go. Rontu handed the net back to Kaden a smile on his lips, "now you give it a try." With the net in hand Kaden turns back towards the river mimicking the motions he had seen Rontu make, but his net landed with a clumsy thud, the stones scattering on the bank. "See?" Rontu said, his voice laced with amusement. "It takes more than just throwing. You need to be one with the water." Kaden, despite his initial disappointment, was undeterred. He tried again, this time with more care, listening to Rontu's instructions. He learned to feel the weight of the net, the resistance of the water, the gentle tug of the stones. Slowly, with Rontu’s patient guidance, Kaden’s throws became smoother, his movements more fluid. The net dipped into the water with a graceful arc, the stones singing a quiet melody as they sank to the riverbed. He quickly retrieved the net and in it he found 3 fish causing him to turn and smile with pride at Karee and Rontu. "I got 3!" He yelled while jogging to the basket to empty the net. As the sun climbed higher, the three of them worked together, their laughter and gentle banter filling the air. Karee, with her keen eye, spotted the fish, pointing them out to Rontu and Kaden, overlooking the water, watched them with a fond amusement, she idly traced the patterns on a basket she was making, she had realized the one they had brought wouldn't be enough to hold all of their haul. In the beginning Rontu, with his strong arms, expertly hauled in the net, the captured fish glistening in the sunlight. Kaden, his face filled with pride, carefully released the smaller fish back into the water, ensuring they had a chance to grow but slowly as time went by they swapped places allowing Kaden to get more practice with the net. The riverbank became a tapestry of their love, woven with shared laughter, patient instruction, and the gentle rhythm of the water. Rontu, Karee, and Kaden, each with their own unique strengths and personalities. Hours passed by as they cast and reeled, the rhythmic sound of the water and the playful chatter filling the air. Kaden, his initial clumsiness replaced with growing confidence, began to catch fish. He cheered with every successful catch, each one a testament to his burgeoning skill. "Look, Karee! I caught a big one!" Kaden exclaimed, his face beaming with pride as he held up a wriggling fish. Rontu, his eyes crinkling at the edges, offered a heartfelt, "Well done, Kaden!" Karee, her heart swelling with affection, watched the two of them, her love for Rontu and the growing feelings for Kaden begain to glow within her. They complemented each other so perfectly, their differences forming a harmonious whole. As time went by Karee took notice of the sun, it would be getting dark soon for they had been out much longer than entered. She approached the edge of the river to look at the now 3 baskets each yielded a bounty of fish from carp, trout, and plump catfish, all wriggling in the baskets embrace. Karee, with a smile of satisfaction, declared they had enough."That's it," she said, her voice full of contentment. "We've caught enough for a feast tonight." They packed up their gear, the air filled with the sound of laughter and the chatter of accomplishment. Rontu, his heart brimming with love, helped Karee with the baskets, his gaze never leaving her, while Kaden, his face flushed with pride, carried his share of the catch. "You know," Kaden chuckled while looking at Rontu's basket, "if you'd let me help, you wouldn't have caught so many small ones." Rontu snorted. "You call that help? You were more focused on scaring the bigger fish away with your splashing." Karee smiled, the warmth of their camaraderie spreading through her. They were a strange, unconventional trio, but they were hers. As they returned to the village, their playful banter echoing through the dirt path. Their joy was abruptly shattered by the arrival of Misty accompanied by her male entourage, she swaggered towards Karee, her eyes blazing with envy. "Well, well, well," Misty drawled, her voice dripping with malice. "Look what the cat dragged in. Fancy meeting you here, Karee." Karee tried to maintain a calm facade, her heart pounding against her ribs. This was the part she hated, the constant threat of confrontation that clung to every move she made. She couldn't afford to let Misty's venomous words get under her skin. "Misty," Rontu intervened, his tone even but firm. "It's good to see you." Misty ignored him, her gaze fixed on Karee. "So, you've been out fishing, I see. Fancy that. You caught all those fish, did you? And what a fine haul it is, too," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Give them to me. I deserve them more than you." She commanded. Kaden stepped forward, a protective hand on Karee's shoulder. "Those fish are ours. They're for our family." Misty's eyes narrowed. "Family?" she sneered. "Don't make me laugh, your not even apart of this village." She said before looking to Rontu. "You know you belong with me, not with that...that...woman.' Rontu shifted, his instincts bristling. "Misty, enough. You know im lart of Karee's family. This isn't your business." "Oh, it's very much my business," Misty retorted, stepping closer, her men mirroring her movement, closing in like a pack of wolves. "I want those fish, Kaden. And I want them now." Kaden's jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. "No girl, You're not taking anything from us. You're going to respect Karee and leave." His voice cold and steady. "Respect?" Misty laughed, a harsh sound that echoed through the clearing. "You can't make me respect that thing. I deserve those fish. They belong to me. If you hand them.over I might even consider making you my mate." Her words only made Kaden growl in disgust. "Misty," Rontu said, his voice low and dangerous. "You're pushing this too far. Karee and Kaden are my family. And we will not be bullied." "You think you can stand against me?" Misty hissed. "You think you can protect her? I am the most sought after female in this village, i have the power to crush you both." Kaden's eyes blazed with fury. "We'll see about that, Misty." He placed Karee behind him, his stance a clear warning. "You can leave or you can face the consequences. But you won't take anything from us." Rontu stood by his side, his own fury simmering beneath the surface. He had always tried to be the peacemaker, but he was well aware of the dangers of underestimating Misty. Her ambition was as insatiable as her jealousy. Karee, her heart pounding in her chest, stood behind Kaden and Rontu, there protective stance, and steely gaze, offered a sliver of comfort. She knew she was safe with them, even if she couldn't understand the ferocious devotion to her. It was like a fire burning within them, an unwavering commitment she couldn't explain but felt deeply in her bones. The air crackled with impending conflict, the tension between them a tangible force that threatened to erupt with violence. Kaden, his patience wearing thin, drew himself to his full height, the growl in his throat a warning. "I'm warning you all. Back down, or you'll regret it." Despite Kaden’s warning, Misty’s men, fueled by her jealousy, charged forward. They were met with a wall of resistance, Kaden and Rontu, two formidable forces, defending their beloved Karee with unwavering loyalty. Fists collided with bone, and the air was filled with the guttural roars of beast and yells of men. The fight was fierce, a whirlwind of aggression and desperation. Karee, caught in the maelstrom of violence, fought back tears, her fear and helplessness overwhelming. She knew she had to do something, but what? As she was about to scream out to just let Misty have the fish, a voice rang out, clear and sharp, cutting through the chaos. "Stop! This is enough!" A figure, tall and imposing, emerged coming down the path towards them, his eyes flashing with an intensity that chilled the blood. It was the village chief, his presence commanding silence and respect."What's this commotion?" he asked, his voice resonant. "Chief," Misty whined, "Karee is refusing to share her catch with me. I asked politely and she sent her males to attack me. It's only right, she should give it to me now." The chiefs gaze swept over the group, landing finally on Karee whos form was still on the ground, tears streaming down he face. "Is this true?" He asked skeptical to what he was just told Karee lifted her chin and met his gaze. "No sir, We caught these fish, we worked hard for them." she said, her voice firm. "She demanded we give them to her, and when we refused her males attacked on her order." The chief nodded, his eyes piercing. "Then you will not share them," he declared. "Misty, I understand your need for sustenance, but you cannot simply take what others have rightfully earned. If you want fish, you must learn to fish for them yourself." he said, his voice heavy with disapproval. That only caused misty to let out a furious scream wanting to protest, but before she could the chief begain to speak again, "This is not the way of the village. Your actions are unbecoming even for a female." Misty, her eyes burning with defiance and anger, glared at the man, but something in his gaze, a deep-seated authority and wisdom, quelled her anger. She stepped back looking at Karee's tearful form before she left her entourage cautiously following her lead. The fight ended as quickly as it had begun. Kaden and Rontu, their bodies bruised and bloodied, stood protectively around Karee, their expressions fierce but relieved. The two males quickly approached Karee making sure she was uninjured. While they helped her back to her feet Rontu faced the chief, "Thank you chief Luke, if you hadn't come I'm not sure what would have happened to my mate." The chief nodded his head before he spoke, "You have helped me many times over the years , and since your mates arrival in the village she has helped many people recover from sicknesses we couldn't figure out how to save. You have my gratitude for that, as long as I am chief no harm shall come to any member of your family. If Misty tries anything else let me know and I will handle it." He said before turning to leave, his red tail swinging behind him. Kaden gently picked Karee up in one arm as she wrapped her arms around his neck for comfort, in his free arm he carried his basket. Rontu carried the other two baskets in his arms, the net had been destroyed in the fight so they left it on the ground. As Karee held on to Kadens neck she couldn't help but apologized to both men, "Im so sorry," she said voice barely a whisper. "If I had just let them take the fish yall wouldn't have gotten hurt." Kaden ruled his cheek onto of her head in a comforting manner as Rontu spoke, "You don't need to apologize, Misty had no right to demand our food. I'd gladly fight all of her males again if i had to." "He's right Karee, we would both do it again in a heartbeat. These wounds are small and will be gone in a day max so don't blame yourself, Ok?" Karee nodded her head, her words solft as she spoke, "Ok, You guys just can't get hurt next time." Both males chuckled and agreed to her terms as the continued their walk to the old doctors home to cook tonight's meal.