Planet: Mars

Location: Quiet Grove

Charley awoke on the morning of their return to headquarters, feeling refreshed. She and Throttle had spent the night with Amelia, Modo and Vinnie spending the evening with their own family's respectively. Amelia had prepared a large meal for the three of them, in celebration of the new clan member. Charley smiled brightly. She still couldn't believe it.

Back in her own time, she had always gotten along with Throttle fairly easily. He had been the first (and only, Charley realized with a start) of the three bros to share a mind link with her. While Vinnie had always flirted with her and Modo had been the compassionate big guy, Throttle had been the steady rock, the silent strength of the group. She recalled the time with the Road Ravens, how Throttle's gaze had turned ice cold when Modo and Vinnie had gotten hurt, and how easily he had slipped into the persona of a street gangster to get back at them. His determination and drive to protect his bros (his family) were all traits that Charley had admired him for…

And now he was her brother.

She smiled as she made her bed and got dressed for the day. Since they were returning to Headquarters, she got dressed in her gear once more. She took time to braid her hair out of the way. She still needed to ask help with that, but figured it could wait until they got back to headquarters. Modo and Vinnie would be meeting them half way. She looked herself over one more time before leaving her room, only to yelp as arms lifted her off the ground in a bear hug from behind.

"Morning Sis!" Throttle chuckled as he swung her in a circle. She laughed as she wiggled to try and free her arms that were trapped at her sides. Failing that, she started kicking him lightly.

"Put me down, ya big lummox!" she exclaimed.

"No can do sis. As your new brother, it's my duty to annoy you as much as possible!" Charley wiggled her arms and twisted them to poke at Throttle's sides, and with a yelped he tripped and let her go to try and defend himself.

"Then you had better be prepared to receive payback, little brother." She stressed as she stalked him. Throttle was backpedaling so fast he forgot the couch was behind him and went end over end over the back. Charley quickly rushed around the couch and leapt onto him, pinning him down with her bodyweight while attacking his sides with her fingers. Throttle's roared with laughter as he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to wiggle out from under her. At this point, Amelia walked in from the kitchen and chuckled at the sight.

"Ok, enough you too, breakfast is getting cold!" she called heartily as she stepped back into the kitchen. Charley finally let up, and stood over the still gasping mouse, who gazed up at her with a peeved expression.

"Why'd you call me little?" he asked as he pushed himself up off the floor. Charley snorted and poked him on the nose, which came just above her eye level.

"I'm eight years older than you, squirt. You're the youngest sibling now!" She teased. Throttle groaned, but the smile on his face betrayed his true feelings about the situation. Charley laughed again and raced to the kitchen, her furry sibling following close behind. Amelia shook her head at their antics, all the while smiling at them as they poked and prodded at each other good-naturedly during breakfast.

All too soon, they were getting ready to leave. Amelia pulled them both into a tight hug, which they gladly returned.

"You two take care of each other, you hear me?" She pulled back, giving them each a kiss on the forehead, before turning to the bikes. "And you had better keep them in line, alright?" The bikes beeped in response, making Amelia laugh and Throttle and Charley cringe. Amelia turned back to them. "And please, don't get in trouble again. The next time I see you, I want you to have taken proper shore-leave." They at least had the decency to look sheepish at her raised brow. Throttle stepped forward and gave her a hug.

"We will mom. Promise." Charley stood awkwardly for a moment, before a tail caught her wrist and pulled her into the hug as well. She smiled as she accepted the embrace from both mice. Amelia pulled back, smiling as she cupped their cheeks.

"Now, you two better get a move on." She stepped back as they retrieved their helmets and got on the bikes. Starting up their engines, they both threw a final glance and wave back at Amelia who waved back, then they were on their way.

Charley glanced over at Throttle after a while. He seemed very focused on the road. She smirked, before revving her engine and pooping a wheelie. She took a moment to take in Throttle's surprised head turn, before she dropped and pulled away from him at high speed. She threw a glance back at him, taunting him. When she heard the rev of his engine, she knew he got the message.

Soon, they were racing each other down the plains. She heard the static in her ear as Throttle connected his helmet communicator with hers.

"You sure you wanna do this Charley?" He heckled. Charley laughed out loud.

"Oh heck yes!" she called back, listening to Throttle laugh in response.

"Wait, what are you guys doing?" She suddenly heard Vinnie's voice over the communicator. She quickly pressed a button on her helmet to spot Vinnie and Modo stopped ahead of them next to a Modo was astride Lil'Hoss, leaning against her handlebars, while Vinnie was standing a bit away from Sweetheart, with his back turned to her. Charley decided to mess with him a bit.

"Yo, Vinnie, look behind you." At which point, she revved hard and flew clean over his head. She heard his yelp over the comms, as well as Modo and Throttle's laughter. "Race ya, slowpoke!" She yelled looking back, seeing Throttle follow her lead by flying over the now fallen Vinnie while Modo was speeding to catch up to them.

"Hey! No fair!" Vinnie screamed indignantly as Charley assumed he finally managed to get up and rush over to Sweetheart. "You guys got a head start!"

"Sorry, Vincent!" Throttle sang.

"But it looks like you taking last place this time!" Modo added. Charley only laughed as she raced over the Martian plain. Pretty soon, Charley saw the silhouette of the Serene Monastery before her.

She spared a quick glance behind her. Throttle was mere feet behind her, with Modo just behind him. Vinnie was valiantly trying to close the distance between all of them, but seemed to be failing, miserably if the grumbling over the comms was taken into account. Charley laughed as she sped towards the hidden entrance, which began to open as they approached.

Entering the hideout, she came to an elegant stop. Throttle skidded to a halt next to her, followed by Modo, and finally, Vinnie trailed in behind. The white furred mouse immediately ripped his helmet off in indignation.

"Ok, that was a bust! I want a rematch!" he snapped, but Charley could tell there was no real venom in his voice. So, she let out a giggle.

"What? Are you being a sore loser Vinnie?" she teased, leaning forward on Comet's fuel tank as the bike beeped in quick succession, almost as if she were goading Vinnie herself.

"No!" Vinnie scoffed. "Just making it clear that you totally cheated!"

"You're accusing my sister of cheating, Vinnie?" Throttle whistled as he removed his helmet. "That's harsh, even for you, bro."

"Yeah Vinnie. I thought you were a bigger man than that." Modo taunts playfully. Vinnie grinds his teeth.

"You two so dead." He growls.

"Hey! What's all the ruckus?" They all turn when Stoker calls, and for the first time Charley noticed the crowd that had formed around them. Almost all of the Freedom Fighters were now staring…at her. Stoker makes his way through the crowd, crossing his arms when he reaches the front. "Ah, should have known you mudpuppies would come blazing back in her…" he trails off when his gaze turns to her, his eyes widen in shock as his arms drop down to his sides. "How…is that…Amelia Threemane's bike?"

Murmurs break out between the Freedom Fighters.

"What?"

"I knew it!"

"But how?"

"No way!"

Charley cheeks heat up as the mice continue to mutter. Throttle dismounts from Lady, putting his helmet down before turning and holding his hand out to her. She accepts it as Modo and Vinnie stand from their own rides to stand behind them. Throttle puts his arm around her shoulders and turns his head to the Freedom Fighters.

"Stoker, bros. Allow me to introduce… my sister, Charlene Davidson-Threemane." Charley takes this opportunity to finally remove her helmet, gently shaking her hair out of her face where it stuck to her forehead with sweat. When she looked up at the mice again, she found most of them gaping at her, with the exception of Stoker who appeared dumbfounded. As the silence stretched, she dropped her gaze and began to fiddle with her helmet, her shoulders starting to hunch. Throttle's arm tightened around her as his free hand made its way to her other shoulder, grounding her. She drew strength from him and focused her gaze back up...

Just in time to see Harley rushing towards her, arms wide open.

"Congratulations, Charley!" she squealed as she flung herself at the woman. Charley let out an 'oomph' as the wind was almost knocked out of her by the embrace. She felt someone take the helmet from her hand, freeing her arms to reciprocate the hug. But as quickly as she did, Harley released her to fling her arms around Throttle. "And you too, Throttle." she pulled back to look at her again. "How was your battle, Charley?" Harley beamed.

Charley let out a relieved chuckle. At least one of the Freedom Fighters seemed to accept her still.

"Oh, it was a rough one. Comet really took me for a ride." She confessed, peeking back at Comet who beeped proudly. At this point, one of the mice stepped forward.

"Hold on, you actually won your battle?" he cried, sounding dubious. Vinnie let out a cackle.

"Oh man, Gunner, you should have seen her!" he yelled. "Charley-girl here aced her battle, she was amazing!"

"Yeah!" Modo jumped in. "She and Comet even cleared a near 200-foot jump together!"

"You're kiddin', really?" Another mouse came forward. Throttle laughed as he released her and stepped forward.

"Why don't we give you guys the full story over dinner? Trust me, you'll wanna sit down for this." As he moved away, most of the mice turned back to give her dazzling smiles before following her brother, all of them asking questions. Charley was left standing with Harley, who turned to her fully.

"You ok, Charley?" She placed a hand on her shoulder. "You seemed worried for a second."

"Well, I wasn't really sure what to expect once we got back here," she remarked. "But I think it went pretty well."

"I think you're right." She affirms, before turning to follow the rest of the Freedom Fighters. "Now c'mon. I wanna hear this story of yours." Charley made to follow, but paused when a thought hit her. She caught Harley by the arm, making her pause.

"Before we do that," she trailed off as she moved over to Vinnie, who had been on his way to the dining room when she pulled him back by the shoulders. "Vinnie, here, has something for you." Vinnie's breath hitched as his legs went stiff, making him stumble slightly as she pushed him forwards.

"Wait, what? Now!?" he whispered in a panicked tone. Charley's only response was a reassuring smile and another push that placed him right in front of the female mouse, who seemed a little confused, but was still intrigued.

"Something for me?" she asked sweetly. Vinnie looked near ready to pass out.

"Uh…yeah, I…um…" He rubbed the back of his neck, fiddling as his other hand pulled out the gift he had acquired with Charley's help. It was wrapped in brown paper, slightly bigger than Vinnie's hand. "Here. Charley…mentioned your old one broke, so I got you a new one. My nana helped me upgrade it a bit too…so, it should last longer." Harley's eyebrows raised as she delicately took the package, tearing the paper away, revealing the brand new cordless impact wrench within. Her eyes lit up as she turned the device over, revealing her name etched into the metal. She let out a delighted gasp.

"Oh my gosh!" she utters. Vinnie tenses.

"Do…do you like it?" he ventures. Harley spins to him with a brilliant smile.

"Like it? I love it!" she exclaims as she throws her arms around Vinnie's neck. Vinnie's eyes practically bulge out of his head as his cheeks turn a bright pink. Harley pulls back just a little to smile at him. "Thanks, Vinnie." And she presses a kiss to his cheek.

Vinnie's face turns a bright red as he starts to stutter.

"Hehe, w-would you- I mean, cou-No, wait," he clears his throat, takes a breath, then steps back a little and bows slightly at the waist, offering her his arm. "May I escort you to the dinner hall?" The question is filled with his usual amount of over-confidence, but Charley can hear the underlying softness in it as well. Harley giggles and tucks her arm in with his.

"You may." And with that, the pair are headed towards the dining hall, oblivious to the two pairs of eyes watching them.

"Wow. You trained him well. That was smooth, even for Vinnie!" Modo comments, leading Charley to immediately elbow him in the waist.

"Be nice, Modo!" she chides, making the grey mouse laugh.

"Let's go join the others. I'm starving," He suddenly turns away from her. "You coming, Coach?"

With a start, Charley realizes that Stoker never left the room, having witnessed the entire exchange between Vinnie and Harley. Charley bit her lip. From the story her bros had told her, she knew that Stoker had had feelings for Harley as well. Now she had gone and convinced Vinnie to approach Harley. Was that a mistake? Should she have left things alone? She tried to keep her panic in as Stoker shook his head a little.

"You go on ahead, big fella." He waved him off with his hand. "I wanna talk to Charley for a bit." Modo glanced between them, but ultimately shrugged and began leaving before Stoker called out to him again. "And remember, Modo, you guys are all still off field missions for another week." Modo winced but saluted to Stoker regardless.

"Got it, Coach." And with that, he was gone, leaving Charley and Stoker in complete silence.

Charley wasn't entirely sure what Stoker wanted, so she waited for him to speak. However, Stoker seemed content in keeping silent, gazing at Comet with a contemplating look. Eventually, she couldn't stand the silence anymore.

"Is…is everything ok, General?" she prompts, hoping he won't ignore her. Her words seem to snap him out of his preoccupied state, and he turns to her, eyebrow raised.

"General? What happened to 'Stoker'?" Charley winces, looking away. She starts picking at her nails, a nervous habit she thought she had gotten under control, but it seemed the current circumstances were more stressful than she realized.

"I…want to come clean. About the Recon mission two weeks ago." She didn't dare look at Stoker, continuing to focus on her fidgeting hands. "The bros did nothing wrong. They lied when they said they were involved. I was the one that decided to be reckless based on a half-baked plan. They stood up for me two weeks ago when they shouldn't have. You should let them go on missions this week. They don't deserve this." She spoke so quickly that she barely even drew a breath. Throughout her rant, Stoker had remained silent.

"I knew they lied." Charley's head shot up at Stoker's confession.

"What?" she mumbles. Stoker smirks.

"You really think I don't know when those punks are lying to me? Those three could barely bluff their way into this Resistance. The only reason I let them in is cause I knew they weren't going to give up until I did." He explains, before stepping towards her.

"Charley, I didn't assign these three weeks as punishment for a failed recon mission. I assigned it to remind all of you that there are consequences for your actions, regardless of the intention behind it. You wanted to get back at the Plutarkians for everything they did to you, and that's fair and valid, but you placed not only yourself but your team in danger. The bros had to be reminded that communication between teammates is crucial. If any of them had spoken to you about your plan instead of staying silent and letting you do your thing, you could have come up with a much more solid strategy to deal with those Stinkfaces together." Charley stays silent during Stoker's lecture. Her hands have gone still as well. Stoker winces before continuing. "You guys were extremely lucky to get out of that situation relatively unscathed. And I'm not willing to risk the lives of any Freedom Fighters like that," His face became withdrawn. "Not when Mars had already lost so much."

This was a side to Stoker she wasn't familiar with. Back in her time, Stoker had seemed so self-assured, only revealing a more vulnerable side when he revealed his insecurities about not being as spry as he once was. Obviously, she knew he cared about the bros and their home, but this was the first time she got to see how badly it affected him. She studied him as he closed his eyes.

For the first time since arriving in the past, she noticed the little details about the Freedom Fighter General. The furrow in his brow that she now realized was always constant, even when he was joking around with the other Fighters. The stiffness in his shoulders that didn't completely leave no matter how relaxed he was. How he always seemed prepared for a fight, no matter the time of day. This was a man who had been fighting for a long, long time. And Charley could see that the effects of this war was starting to chip away at the façade, leaving behind a man on the edge of surrender.

She suddenly recalled a part of her bros story. How badly the loss of Brimstone had affected him - or rather WILL affect him. Throttle had implied that, if it had not been for the threat of the Tug-Transporter, Stoker would likely have given up for good.

Slowly, she approaches Stoker, who is once again lost in thought. She gently places a hand on his arm, drawing his attention as he jerks, observing her with a baffled expression. She smiles reassuringly.

"Mars has lost a lot, it's true. But that's why the Freedom Fighters exist. To give Mars a chance for a future again." She moved her hand down to grasp his. "Mars may not be my home, but I will help you fight to protect it." She finished with conviction. Stoker stared at her for a few moments before breaking out in a soft chuckle, shaking his head.

"Now I see why Amelia had no problems adopting you." His gaze turned soft as he smiled down at her. "You really are something, Charley."

After a few moments, they seemed to register that they were still holding hands. Both of them quickly stepped back rather awkwardly, though Stoker was much quicker in his recovery than Charley.

"Let's head to dinner, shall we?" he proposed, and Charley, grateful for the distraction, nodded.

"So, Vinnie's suddenly ability to successfully woo a girl. Your doing?" he inquired. Charley laughed.

"The poor guy just needed the right advice." She replied.

"That implies he was given the wrong advice."

"Using a cheesy pickup line is not a sure-fire way of wooing a girl."

"Um, excuse me? 'You don't need keys to drive my heart crazy' is an amazing pick-up line, I'll have you know."

"Right, when was the last time that worked? The 50's?"

"Ouch, low blow Charley."

"You love it."

So…yeah it's been a while.

Should probably explain where I disappeared to.

Well, shortly after I posted chapter 12, I got word that my final assignment for university would not only be handed in digitally, but a hardcopy also had to be handed in. Mind you, this only came to light about 5 days before the assignment was due. Thankfully, my supervisor was prepared and guided me through the final steps. And I finished my degree with a 75% on my research paper.

Then, at the end of January, my grandmother had a stroke. I only found out a day after it happened because I was away housesitting at the time and my parents didn't want me to worry. When she arrived at the hospital, she tested positive for Covid. Meaning, we wouldn't be allowed to go and see her. After about a week, the doctors informed us that we should prepare ourselves. They gave my mother and her sisters special permission to go and see her. My mother and my youngest aunt went in on the 4th, then my eldest aunt went in with my middle aunt on the 5th.

My grandmother passed away on the 6th of February 2022.

The last time I got to see her was two days before her stroke, where my final words to her were: "I'll see you later. Love you."

What followed was a week of preparing her memorial service. My sister and I were given the tasks of preparing a photo-slideshow and music to play during the service, as well as writing a final goodbye message to be added to the pamphlet. Then, on the day of the memorial service, I look over the pamphlet to discovered that mine and my sister's message had been left out. It was an unintentional mistake, but it was still a gut-wrenching one. It was too late to fix it, however, so instead my aunt read our message out loud during the service.

On top of all of that, me and my boyfriend of 13 months decide, the day before Valentine's day, that we are better off as friends. And while it is true and I consider him to be one of my truest friends, having to let go of a relationship after being invested in it for so long is quite taxing.

So I was obviously not in a place to writing during these last few months. And honestly, the only reason I started writing again was because of Skylark Starflower favouriting and following this story here on the Fanfiction site, along with a long comment left by Big Fan on Archive of Our Own. The fact that there are still people who are reading this story, even after months with no updates, inspired me to continue writing once more.

I can't guarantee that I will be consistent with future updates, but I will certainly not abandon this series.

Thank you again to all of the readers who still follow this story, and I hope you continue to enjoy this adventure.

Until next time,

Lithuiwen2016