The three exchanged a few brief compliments. When Sugio returned, Dara took two badges out of the gift box in his hands and handed them to Xia You and Ash.
"Please accept these. These are Knowledge Badges, proof that you defeated me."
Xia You and Ash both thanked him and accepted the badges.
Like the two badges before it, this Knowledge Badge was made of pure gold. It was slightly larger than a bottle cap and a little heavier than expected, with three diamond patterns stamped on its gleaming golden surface.
Having already collected two, Xia You remained composed. Ash, however, had received his first badge, and had won it against such a powerful opponent at that. His animated expression made his excitement plain. He even held the badge high and struck a victory pose for May and the others!
"I got the Knowledge Badge!"
May, Max, Brock, and Scott naturally applauded in celebration, all choosing to overlook Ash's smug expression.
Before they knew it, dusk had fallen.
By now, Xia You and Ash had accomplished their goals, and it was time to say goodbye and leave.
Articuno, however, left before they did.
After having its surface injuries treated, Dara's Articuno seemed satisfied with its two consecutive battles. Without waiting to see whether its stamina had recovered, it nodded to Dara, let out a ringing cry, and flew off into the distant sky.
Clearly, to Articuno, the Battle Factory was merely a place to stop because of its friendship with Dara. Dara was its friend, but this was certainly not its home. Although it occasionally returned for a visit, it would not stay here for long.
That was just as well. Wild Pokémon were free, and with it never staying here long, outsiders could not connect it to the Battle