Clap, clap, clap!
Applause rang out. Yong turned to look and saw several figures approaching from the steps on the other side of the field.
"What a wonderful match, young Yong! Every match of yours leaves me amazed. Your growth puts so many others to shame."
The voice was aged but strong, filled with pride and wonder.
Who else could it have been but President Charles Goodshow?
Behind him, Professor Oak and Professor Sycamore walked beside the elderly man with smiles on their faces. Farther back were Master Wallace and Elite Four member Will, with Cynthia and Caitlin bringing up the rear. To Yong's surprise, Olivia had come with them.
Professor Oak was also carrying a tray covered with a red cloth, hiding whatever lay beneath it.
They came up to Yong. His eyes met Cynthia's, and both gave a faint smile, only for Caitlin to squeeze between them and address the boy with a mischievous grin.
"Congratulations, Yong! You won the championship! Mr. Alder has been thinking about stepping down as Champion lately. How about coming to Unova and taking his place?"
Master Wallace's expression immediately changed. He shot Caitlin an exasperated look, then stood protectively beside Yong and said loudly,
"Hey, hey, hey! Young lady, Yong is our Hoenn League's Sequence One! Why would he go to the Unova Region?"
"What does that matter?"
Caitlin took Cynthia's arm and said with a cheerful smile,
"Doesn't Hoenn have you, the 'Water Prince,' holding down the fort? Yong going to Unova wouldn't hurt anything, would it? Besides..."
Caitlin winked and looked at the boy.
"I know stories about Cynthia's childhood, Yong~"
"Caitlin!"
Cynthia clapped a hand over her friend's mouth and dragged her away with a helpless look.
"Ahem!"
Yong hurriedly cleared his throat twice and said, feigning composure,
"Thank