It happened two weeks later.
Mimi had wandered off to gather herbs. It was something she did often, finding comfort in the quiet work. The forest near their territory had good plants for cooking, for medicine. She knew every path, every clearing.
She didn't know about the men who had been watching.
"Well, well. Look what we have here."
Mimi froze.
Three men emerged from the trees. Bandits, by the look of them. Dirty armor. Cruel smiles. One of them carried chains.
"A slime girl," the leader said, licking his lips. "Haven't seen one in months. And this one's all alone."
"Please," Mimi whispered. "Please don't."
"Don't what? We're just going to have some fun." He stepped closer. "Then we'll sell you to the traders in the east. They pay good money for monster girls. Especially ones that can regenerate."
"No. No, please—"
He grabbed her arm. She screamed.
The scream echoed through the forest.
Back at camp, Lizy's head snapped up. "Mimi."
Wixi was already running.
Pinky heard it too. He dropped his training sword and sprinted toward the sound, overtaking the sisters in seconds. Lyriel stumbled after them.
They found the clearing.
One of the bandits had Mimi pinned against a tree. His hands were on her body. She was crying, begging, her form flickering with distress.
"Stop squirming," the man growled. "This'll go easier if you just—"
He didn't finish the sentence.
Pinky's sword took his arm off at the elbow.
The man screamed. The other two drew their weapons. They were dead before they could swing.
Pinky stood over the leader, sword dripping, chest heaving. The bandit clutched his stump, whimpering.
"Please," the man sobbed. "Please, I have a family—"
Pinky's boot connected with his face. The man went silent.
He turned to Mimi. She stared at him with wide, trembling eyes. He knelt before her, slowly, carefully. He didn't touch her. He just waited.
Her sisters reached her. Lizy wrapped her arms around Mimi, pulling her close. Wixi stood guard, fists clenched, tears streaming down her face.
Pinky stood and walked back toward camp.
He had made a decision.