You have the opportunity to heal up before and in-between the fights of the Pokémon battle.
Aura's non-slime allies being underpowered seems to be a frequent point of criticism of this game. While you can use vitality potions to increase their hp, another option to empower Aura's allies in chapter 1, either through gold, time, questing, lewds, or new game+ would be welcome.
The implication I got from Richard's head being proportionally smaller was that he's a tall guy.