𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄

[CH.2 SN.1]: First catch

The walk to the Pokémon Center felt like an eternity. The pain from Yami's injury was constant, a dull throb that pulsed with every step. Her vision was still clouded by the slash across her eye, the wound fresh but already beginning to sting fiercely. She limped heavily, trying her best to hide the discomfort, but her body ached. 

Indra, the small but proud shiny Shinx, had taken to riding on her shoulder for the most part. But when it became clear she wasn't walking as well, he jumped to her head, curling up there like a feline on a perch. His electric-yellow fur contrasted sharply against her messy black hair, and he looked quite content with his new perch. His claws gripped lightly, keeping himself steady as Yami trudged onward.

"You're not too bad as a ride, you know?" Yami said under her breath, trying to make light of the situation. She had no idea how much farther the center was, but her hope was starting to dwindle. Every step was painful. 

The Pokémon Center was finally in sight, its familiar red-and-white cross looming ahead like a beacon of safety. Yami pushed herself forward, summoning what little strength she had left to make it the last few yards. She reached the door, and it opened automatically with a soft *whoosh*.

Inside, Nurse Joy greeted them with a warm smile, though her eyes instantly widened as she took in Yami's condition. "Oh my! Come right in, dear. We'll get you patched up in no time."

Indra hopped down from Yami's head and stood protectively at her side as Nurse Joy guided them to a nearby bed. Yami settled in, still wincing as she lay back, trying to relax her muscles.

"Stay here, Indra," Yami murmured, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle on her. Indra didn't seem to mind, curling up beside her on the bed as the nurse applied some healing gel to her eye. The coolness of it was a relief, though the wound still stung terribly. 

"Don't worry, we'll have you good as new soon enough," Nurse Joy reassured her with a soft smile. 

Yami closed her eyes, feeling her eyelids grow heavy. She barely noticed the soft hum of the healing machine nearby. It wasn't long before the exhaustion from the day's events caught up with her, and she drifted into a deep sleep.

---

When Yami finally stirred again, she could feel the weight of the bandages around her eye. She reached up instinctively, gently feeling the line of the scar that had formed. It was long and thin, stretching from her brow down to the middle of her cheek, a constant reminder of the day's battle with the Mandibuzz.

"Ugh... sick..." she muttered, squinting as her vision adjusted. Her left eye still felt heavy, but she could tell she was able to see a bit better now. She'd have to get used to the scar, but it would always remind her of the battle she had fought—and the partner she had in Indra.

Indra, who had clearly gotten bored while she was sleeping, sat up on the bed beside her. He narrowed his golden eyes at her and, to her surprise, swiped his claws over his own face, mirroring the scar she now had.

Yami blinked. "Wait—what are you doing?!" she exclaimed in shock.