Early the next morning, Xia You and Erika paid a visit to the Petalburg Gym.
The Petalburg Gym stood on the outskirts of the city, backed by two lush green mountains. Built like an old Japanese manor, it was enclosed by tall, white-painted walls. If not for the sign reading "Petalburg Gym" out front, most people would never have associated it with a Pokémon Gym.
Xia You climbed the steps. Since the Gym's doors stood open and there were no staff around, he walked straight inside.
Inside the Gym was a huge traditional dojo, but it was deserted and utterly quiet. As they walked across the floor, only his and Erika's footsteps echoed around them.
"Excuse me, is anyone here?"
Xia You called out, then waited quite a while. When no one came out, he raised his voice and called again.
This time, someone finally came rushing out from the other side.
But when Xia You took a closer look, he discovered it was only a little boy of about seven!
The boy wore black-framed glasses and had thick, medium-length hair. Short and dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, he looked just like the sort of kid who knew plenty of theory.
He looked almost exactly as he did in the anime, allowing Xia You to recognize him at once. This boy was May's younger brother and Gym Leader Norman's son-Max!
"Coming! Coming!"
Max ran up to Xia You, then suddenly pointed at him and cried out when he got a clear look at his face!
"Ah! It's you!!"
Xia You tilted his head. "Oh? You know me?"
"Of course!" Tracey said excitedly. "I've been watching the Silver Conference matches these past two days, both the live broadcasts and the reruns. You're Xia You, the one who won the championship!!"