Umbreon did not dodge, but its fur, scorched by Flare Blitz, immediately recovered.
"Why?" I stared at Umbreon in disbelief.
"Wish restores half the user's health on the next turn. And since I equipped this one with Leftovers, its health recovered very quickly."
"Damn it! Infernape, use Mach Punch again!"
"Your Infernape is badly poisoned. Its Mach Punch no longer has the speed to live up to its name. Umbreon, Protect!"
Barely enduring the ravages of Toxic, Infernape ran toward Umbreon and used Mach Punch, only to be repelled by Protect again and collapse.
"This Umbreon is strong... your turn! Dragonair!" I picked up the Poké Ball at my waist, preparing to send out Dragonair.
"That's enough! See you at the League, Ash!" The red-haired man recalled Umbreon to its Poké Ball, then turned and left.
"Who exactly are you?" I shouted after the red-haired man.
"..." The red-haired man never answered, his figure slowly receding into the distance.
"Ash, have you finished packing your backpack? Oh, and Mom made this lunch box especially for you, with lots of love." Mom placed the lunch box in my backpack.
"All packed! Mom, I'll come back victorious!"
"Thank you for looking after me all this time!"
"Serena, come visit again whenever you have time! I'm counting on you to look after Ash!"
The Indigo League's opening day was a week away, and Serena and I were preparing to set off for the Indigo Plateau.
The Indigo Plateau was in western Kanto. The shortest route from Pallet Town was probably to head to Viridian City first, then take Route 22 to its west.
"Indigo League spectator tour! Only three spots left! Only three spots left!"
"The best deals on Indigo Plateau hotel bookings! Only a few rooms left-don't miss your last chance!"
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