"I... I lost..."
Caitlin's feet touched the ground, and she fell silent for a long time.
She had never imagined she would lose like that.
Of all the battles she had fought over the years, this was the only one that had made her feel physically ill.
As it turned out, defensive Pokémon were this troublesome?
Caitlin was used to combining her psychic power with her partner's and blasting straight through opponents with overwhelming force. For the first time in her life, she found herself seriously doubting her approach.
Clap, clap, clap—
Applause rang out.
Cynthia approached with a smile. "That was a wonderful battle."
Wonder...ful?
Caitlin stared at her in confusion. She hadn't found anything wonderful about it. Just thinking back on it made her dizzy.
It felt much like she had exhausted her psychic power.
Cynthia said gently, "Caitlin, don't forget what you once told me."
What I told her?
Memories instantly flooded Caitlin's mind.
That's right.
She had told Cynthia that her immature former self was gone.
But now, it seemed that "she" still lurked in Caitlin's heart.
Caitlin took a deep breath and nodded. "Sorry. I lost my composure again."
"Use this chance to take a good look at yourself. If you learn something from it, you'll grow stronger!"
Cynthia gave her shoulder a light pat.
To the Champion, this was a battle Caitlin ought to be glad she had fought.
After all, what could be better than discovering her weaknesses before an official match?
"..."
Caitlin fell silent.
She had already begun reflecting on the battle, using her psychic power to replay it in her mind.
Cynthia was pleased that Caitlin was still the good kid she had always been, willing to listen to advice.
Then,
Cynthia left her alone and walked over to Baimu.