Meanwhile, with all three battles concluded, the platforms holding both sides began to descend slowly.
Standing on the descending platform, Winona's light purple hair drifted gently in the wind. There was no disappointment from defeat on her face, only a sincere smile from the bottom of her heart.
She lowered her head to look at Altaria's Poké Ball in her hand, gently stroking it before raising her gaze toward the young figure on the platform opposite hers.
He's incredible! she quietly thought. A Novice Trainer who has only been traveling for half a year, yet already possesses this kind of strength.
The platform landed smoothly, and Winona stepped down before walking toward Xinhai.
After landing, Xinhai let out a breath of relief. He glanced at his slightly trembling legs, then carried Eevee and headed toward Winona with Gardevoir.
The two met in the center of the battlefield.
Winona stopped and looked the young Trainer before her up and down.
His presence remained steady, and his eyes were clear and calm, without the slightest hint of pride or ostentation after defeating a Gym Leader.
The two Pokémon beside him—Gardevoir followed elegantly at his side, her red eyes gentle;
Eevee lay on his shoulder, her fluffy tail swaying lightly. Her large brown eyes were full of excitement, yet she obediently refrained from making an Uproar.
"Congratulations, Xinhai." Winona spoke first, her voice sincere and warm. "You won."
She took out the uniquely shaped Badge from her pocket and held it out to Xinhai.
It was a pale blue Badge shaped like an outstretched wing, its edges plated with a silvery sheen.
"This is the White Feather Badge, proof that you defeated the Fortree Gym." Winona spoke softly, her gaze resting on Xinhai's face. "You and your partners' performance has earned it."
Xinhai