"We need to leave this place quickly," Yuga said to Floette and Absol as the three individuals walked away.
Floette had already been trembling in fear and was eager to leave the eerie place, so she nodded quickly.
Having lived in a comfortable environment since birth, Floette had never seen such severe injuries on Absol, let alone witnessed the heart-pounding scene they had just experienced. At this point, her courage had nearly been shattered.
Yuga took out a Poké Ball and spoke to the immobile Absol, "Absol, enter this Poké Ball for now. I'll release you once we're out of here."
Absol injuries were too severe for it to move, and Yuga couldn't carry a Pokémon of similar size. Even carrying Floette, who was only about as tall as Yuga arm, was a challenge. So, he had Absol enter the Poké Ball first.
Absol didn't respond to Yuga words. At this point, it didn't have the strength to react, its injuries causing its consciousness to blur.
Assuming that Absol had agreed, Yuga tapped the Poké Ball against Absol, causing it to transform into a red light and enter the ball.
With no resistance, the Poké Ball quieted down. Absol, it seemed, had no energy left to resist.
After securing Absol Poké Ball, Yuga said to Floette, "Floette, let's go quickly to prevent those people from coming back."
Eager to leave, Floette quickly followed Yuga footsteps.
Yuga jogged for a long time before finally exiting the Rusturf Tunnel.
The tunnel that led to Lavaridge Town wasn't an official route built by the Pokémon League; it was simply a path dug out by other Trainers for convenience due to its proximity to Lavaridge Town.
Once out of the tunnel, Yuga found a safe spot to release Absol. The injured Absol had already lost consciousness due to its extensive injuries.
Yuga retrieved medical supplies and antidotes from his backpack and began treating Absol wounds. However, the severity of its injuries required more advanced medical treatment at the Pokémon Center.
After treating Absol as best he could for the moment, Yuga recalled it into its Poké Ball and hurried with Floette toward Lavaridge Town, hoping to reach the Pokémon Center as soon as possible.
Fortunately, they were not far from Lavaridge Town after leaving the tunnel. They just had to follow a small path to reach the town.
Upon entering Lavaridge Town, Yuga inquired about the location of the Pokémon Center and swiftly made his way there with Floette.
Upon arriving at the Pokémon Center, Yuga immediately spotted the distinctive Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy, please take a look at this Absol. Its injuries are quite severe," Yuga said urgently.
"Of course, please be patient. Absol will be fine," Nurse Joy replied with a gentle smile.
Relieved, Yuga tense heart finally eased as he watched Absol being pushed inside by Nurse Joy and Chansey.
With a moment to spare, Yuga finally had the chance to observe the interior of Lavaridge Town Pokémon Center.
Since his arrival through the time travel, this was his first time at a Pokémon Center.
Although his past self had visited the Pokémon Center in Verdanturf Town, Yuga had no personal experience of it. While he retained his past self memories, they felt more like forcefully implanted knowledge rather than his own experiences.
However, the interior of Lavaridge Town Pokémon Center was not significantly different from what he remembered of Verdanturf Town.
Right in front was Nurse Joy and Chansey working station. Behind them was a door leading to an operating room and a medical room where Absol had been taken.
To the right, there was a row of communication devices and a Pokémon teleportation device. These were specially provided for Trainers to contact others and teleport Pokémon.
On the left was a staircase leading to the second floor of the Pokémon Center, where Trainers could rest and stay overnight.
And near the windows were some tables and chairs, providing a place for Trainers to rest and eat.
Yuga first went to the communication area to make a call to his Aunt Hisako.
By this time, it was getting late, and Yuga knew he wouldn't be able to return home today. He had to reassure his family about his safety.
After finishing the call, Yuga found a seat by the window and sat down, waiting for news about Absol.
As soon as he sat down, Yuga stomach growled, and at the same time, Floette stomach rumbled too.
They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter almost simultaneously.
Yuga took out energy blocks for Floette and some cookies for himself from his backpack. Together, they wolfed down their snacks without worrying about appearances.
After the intense and exhausting events of the afternoon, they needed the nourishment. Despite the somewhat bland taste of the cookies, Yuga wasn't in the mood to be picky.
Not long after filling their stomachs, the Pokémon Center notified Yuga that Absol treatment was complete.
Heading back to the working station to retrieve Absol Poké Ball, Yuga was met with Nurse Joy stern gaze.
"What were you thinking? How could you let your Pokémon get this severely injured?"
Nurse Joy pointed accusingly at Yuga, launching into a scolding without any hesitation.
"No, Nurse Joy... I..." Yuga began, wanting to explain.
"You want to argue? Do you realize that Absol injuries were close to being fatal?"
"Nurse Joy, please listen..."
"Do you even know that causing the death of your own Pokémon is against the law? Just because it's your Pokémon, do you think you can do whatever you want?"
"You seem like you still want to argue. If you ever do something again, I'll have to get Miss Junsa to give you a proper lesson."
"Nurse Joy, the situation..."
Yuga had a strong survival instinct, and he felt the need to defend himself, but it was in vain. Nurse Joy, in her angered state, was a force to be reckoned with.
In the end, Yuga silently endured a half-hour-long lecture from Nurse Joy before he was allowed to leave.
As for Floette, the little creature had retreated to a seat near the window, closing its eyes and resting as it watched Yuga struggle in Nurse Joy grip.
Once Yuga returned to his seat, he gave Floette a firm tug as punishment, making sure the little Pokémon understood the lesson about their bonded relationship.
Although Floette was clearly displeased by the tug, it appeared somewhat guilty and offered a few nods before falling silent.
Just as Yuga settled back into his seat, a voice from the system rang in his head.
[ Triggered random task: Tame Absol.
As someone who aims to become renowned in the world of Pokémon, how can the host settle for just one companion? Please tame Absol and have it willingly follow you, enhancing your reputation.
Reward: 10 specially crafted Poké Balls by the system. ]