The Battle Is Over

"Next... Rowlet, I choose you!"

A round, fluffy little owl appeared on the field.

It had just been summoned from a deep nap inside Ash's backpack. Still bleary-eyed, it rubbed its eyes with its wings, its little head bobbing sleepily.

Rowlet blinked its big eyes in a daze, not yet fully understanding the situation.

But when its gaze focused on the towering beast standing across from it, all traces of sleep were instantly scared away.

"Coo—!" Rowlet's feathers puffed up all over its body. It abruptly turned its head, twisting it nearly one hundred and eighty degrees, its eyes filled with incredulous accusation.

You want me to fight that?

Why don't you try going up there yourself?

Uh... come to think of it, Ash really had gone into battle himself quite a few times...

Though it desperately did not want to fight and its legs felt a little weak, Rowlet still puffed out its round chest, flapped its tiny wings twice, and tried to make itself look imposing.

I can't embarrass my partner! Come on, big guy! I, Rowlet... I, Rowlet, am no pushover... am I?

Entei did not attack first. He merely watched the little fellow that had summoned its courage with calm eyes. Yan Yang did not give an order either, wanting to see how Rowlet would act.

"Rowlet, use Leafage!"

"Coo!" Rowlet gathered its courage and flapped its wings with all its might, sending sharp leaves flying toward Entei.

Entei did not even bother to defend or dodge. The leaves struck his body with soft popping sounds, not even enough to count as a scratch.

Rowlet: "..."

It seemed... it really couldn't win.

"Use Ember," Yan Yang finally ordered softly.

Entei opened his mouth slightly, and a tiny, almost gentle flame drifted toward Rowlet—he was clearly holding