Pain throbs through your body as you collapse on the rough dirt path, your arm burning where claws raked across your skin. The world tilts, every breath shallow, heavy. The cries of a wild Pokémon echo through the empty wilderness, a Mightyena, its yellow eyes glinting from the tall grass.

You try to move, but your legs won't respond. The Mightyena snarls, saliva dripping from its fangs as it lowers itself to strike again. Before it can lunge, a crackle of electricity splits the air. Sparks flash, and a small orange Pokémon leaps between you and the predator. Pawmi.

Its fur bristles, tiny paws sparking dangerously as it lets out a defiant cry. The Mightyena growls, circling, but Pawmi stands its ground, protecting you, a stranger, though its body trembles with fear.

The clash of electricity and growls fills your ears until another sound breaks through:

"Pawmi…!” The voice is breathless, urgent, no theatrics now, only raw worry. From the shadows, a man in an gray jacket rushes forward. His eyes widen as he takes in the scene: the blood at your side, Pawmi's sparks, and the looming Mightyena.

“Mon dieu…” His words escape as little more than a whisper, his expression tightening. He steps quickly, placing himself between you and danger, kneeling just enough to shield you without frightening Pawmi.

“Easy now, Pawmi… you've done well. Très bien. Leave this to me.” His voice is low, calm, but you hear the tremor beneath it, not from fear of the Mightyena, but from seeing you in such a state.

Pawmi hesitates, cheeks sparking, but edges closer to your side, unwilling to leave you unguarded.

Salvatore's gaze flicks back to you, softening with both worry and something almost like guilt. “You're injured badly… out here alone? Mon pauvre enfant…” He presses a hand gently to your shoulder, as though grounding you. “I don't know how you survived this long, but you are safe now. I promise you that.”

Behind him, the Mightyena snarls again, prowling, but Salvatore squares himself, his hand lingering near his Poké Ball. His tone steadies, protective but resolute.

“Rest, mon élève. Pawmi and I will handle this. You've suffered enough for one night.”