What a creepy place...

She brushed the light from her flashlight over the cavern's walls. The place seemed travelled well enough, yet there was such a stillness in the air that made her uneasy.

Without warning, she felt something cold and wet touch her free hand. Letting out a faint yelp, she jumped and shone the light on the source of the wetness.

Her growlithe blinked, blinded by the sudden increase in luminosity.

Sighing in relief, she reached out and gave him a pat on the head.

"Sorry, I forgot you were with me."

He gave a quick snort and curled his lip in a mock pout. That expression quickly changed. With a low growl, the growlithe folded his ears back and turned to look back towards where they came.

Heart hammering, the girl slowly turned.

She had no time to react. A great force struck her broadside, slamming her into the rough, stone wall.

Pain radiated immediately from the place she was hit. Grabbing her side, she felt warmth trickling down her torso as she slid against the wall.

Looking up through unfocused eyes, a large, violet form stood breathing heavily in front of her.

A... nidoking?

It's eyes were red, and it was drooling in what appeared to be a fit of rage.

A great snarl echoed through the cave.

The girl just barely saw her growlithe place himself between her and the giant creature before she passed out from the pain...