In the stands, Reggie nodded in satisfaction.
"That was a pretty good performance!"
Akemi relaxed as well and smiled.
"Watching the first part really had me on edge!"
"That's what makes Pokémon battles so much fun!"
Reggie stood up.
"It's about time. Let's go wait for him outside!"
"Okay!"
With the shattered floating platforms impassable, Crasher Wake walked around the edge of the pool to Yong, smiling. With a broad grin, he handed Yong a round Badge depicting a blue pool surrounded by a pattern of short, silver-gray grass. Patting him on the shoulder, he said loudly,
"What can I say? I wanted to enjoy even more of those fierce exchanges with you! Hahahaha!"
Feeling the force of the pats on his shoulder, Yong smiled faintly.
"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Crasher Wake!"
Waving casually, Crasher Wake took a TM from an apprentice beside him and held it out.
"Take it, kid! This is a personal gift from me! A Brine TM!"
Then Crasher Wake suddenly leaned close to Yong's ear and muttered softly.
"You little rascal! You battled me without sending out Steelix or Swampert?"
The boy froze for a moment and looked at Crasher Wake. Only when he saw the man wink did he give a helpless, wry smile.
"I didn't do it on purpose, Mr. Crasher Wake! Steelix and Swampert stayed behind in Hoenn to look after things while I'm here in Sinnoh..."
"Hahahaha! No need to explain! I get it! Keep it up, kid! I've got high hopes for you!"
Amid Crasher Wake's hearty laughter, Yong nodded and said goodbye, bringing his first Gym battle in the Sinnoh Region to a close.
The boy stepped outside. Seeing Reggie and Akemi waving to him nearby, he couldn't help smiling.
"They're all good people!"
He waved and