Cynthia had the same feeling as Steven.
That is, winning felt so uncomfortable!
Why did it seem that winning was more uncomfortable than losing, while the loser appeared very happy?
The entire battle concluded with Aoki admitting defeat. After the referee announced the match result, the audience remained stunned.
Why surrender before the battle concluded?
This confusion was common among casual spectators.
However, any Trainer with basic Pokemon knowledge recognized Aoki's decision as strategically sound. Slowking faced a severe type disadvantage against Garchomp, making further struggle pointless. This was a tactically prudent choice.
Aoki approached Cynthia, carrying his injured Slowking.
They hadn't spoken before the match beyond exchanging glances. Now Cynthia felt distinctly unsettled.
Unfazed, Aoki produced a light blue badge from his pocket - the official League-approved gym badge, newly minted after his gym's certification. Named the Droplet Badge, it differed significantly from Sootopolis City's Rain Badge. Where the Rain Badge comprised three triangular water droplets, Aoki's design featured a single, minimalist teardrop shape.
"Your skill is exceptional," Aoki said, offering the badge with a smile. "This belongs to you."
This marked Aoki's first official badge presentation, awarded to Sinnoh's future Champion - certainly a memorable occasion.
Despite her discomfort, Cynthia respected Aoki's battle prowess, particularly his unorthodox strategies. "Thank you," she acknowledged, pocketing the badge.
Cynthia traveled challenging gyms primarily to hone her skills, not for badge collection. But accepting this memento might facilitate future Hoenn League participation, allowing rematches against interesting opponents like Aoki.
Garchomp stood beside Cynthia, bearing significant damage from Slowking's repeated Ice Punches during their clash.
While Cynthia's battle-honed demeanor made her seem aloof, she simply maintained focus through years of competitive training. Social interactions didn't come naturally to her - she understood Pokemon far better than people.
As Cynthia turned to leave with Garchomp, Aoki intervened. "Cynthia, your Garchomp took heavy damage. Would you allow me to treat them alongside my Slowking?"
Here stood Sinnoh's future Champion, arguably the strongest Champion in history - capable of facing Legendary Pokemon directly. Before Cynthia's rise to prominence, establishing rapport seemed prudent.
Cynthia paused. While the Pokemon Center was nearby, she'd heard about Aoki's reputation as a breeding prodigy, trained by the Hoenn Breeder's Guild president. Curiosity about his healing methods decided her decision for her.
Under the spectators' silent observation - none dared interrupt after witnessing that battle - Aoki and Cynthia departed together.
Exiting the gym, Aoki exhaled deeply. Despite his life experiences, facing such an intense debut gym battle before a roaring crowd was overwhelming.
Noticing this, Cynthia inquired, "Was this your first gym battle as leader?"
She recognized Aoki's strength as peer-worthy. Unbeknownst to Aoki, the Hoenn League promoted him and Steven as their region's "Twin Stars" - exceptional Trainer and Breeder talents respectively. The titles would have embarrassed Aoki had he known.
"Yes. Still adjusting, honestly." Aoki scratched his head awkwardly.
Their conversation lapsed into silence as they proceeded to Aoki's private grounds. His expansive backyard housed numerous Pokemon, including an entire Slowpoke colony.
The resident Slowpoke had significantly expanded the ponds, creating habitats for diverse Water-types. Some residents had even evolved. Periodically, Aoki evaluated the pond Pokemon, relocating average specimens to external artificial lakes while keeping high-potential individuals for specialized breeding - aiming to develop a Water-type sanctuary rivaling the Steven family's famed mineral caves.
He waved to the gardening Floette. "Floette, prepare the Grassy Terrain."
"Flo!" The contented Fairy-type continued cultivating flowers, living peacefully without survival concerns.
"A Kalos region Pokemon?" Cynthia's eyes brightened upon seeing Floette - her first encounter with this species. Even the "Battle Queen" appreciated cute Pokemon.
Aoki nodded. "Have your Garchomp and Slowking rest in the Grassy Terrain together."
Cynthia released Garchomp, who joined Slowking on the healing field, their wounds visibly mending.
"Exceptional terrain control," Cynthia observed professionally. The therapeutic effects surpassed standard Grass-type moves, showcasing Floette's advanced training.