After the first match ended, Eevee and Combusken fought three more.
By the time May finished practicing with Squirtle and looked over, both Pokémon were panting, and their bodies were covered in injuries, showing just how much energy they had expended.
Unfortunately, Xia You had only offered occasional reminders during those matches, and as a result, Combusken had failed to win even a single round in all three.
The ambition that had just risen in Combusken's heart to defeat Eevee sank once more.
There was nothing to be done about it. The gap in raw strength was plain to see, and the fact that Combusken had lasted three matches without being knocked out was already thanks to Xia You's guidance at crucial moments.
Still, those matches had not been without gains. At the very least, fighting Eevee had considerably improved Combusken's proficiency with its moves and its experience facing opponents. It had grown a great deal.
"How's the training going?" May wiped her sweat away and walked over to Xia You.
"Very rapid progress. A few more days of training, and Combusken could compete in a Pokémon tournament." Xia You gave his honest assessment, then asked, "Are things going smoothly with you and Squirtle?"
"No problem!" May gave Xia You a thumbs-up too. "Just watch me tomorrow!"
To keep Squirtle and Combusken in good condition, Xia You and May took the Pokémon back to the Pokémon Center at dusk. They first had Combusken's injuries treated, then gave them all a hearty meal, and finally washed and groomed them before urging them to rest.
By the time everything was done, it was completely dark outside.
The two sat on a bench in the corridor, looking up at the Pokémon Center's ceiling without saying a word.
May was naturally exhausted. She had