With Apollo gone, Paul was alone at last! He took the time to reflect on what had happened to him on that fateful day. What he would protect with his life if he had to! That worst day ever.
"Congratulations!"
"On what? I lost, Cynthia. And to Ash of all people…"
"But you tried your hardest!"
"Cut the crap, Cynthia."
"Okay, okay. I'm proud of you for congratulating your Pokémon out there."
"I was only doing it because you were watching…"
"Oh, really?"
"Okay! It was because Ash won. His method's better. I need to start being..." – he struggled – "nice to my Pokémon if I want to win."
"Anyway, I think you deserve a kiss!"
"A kiss? ! Are you crazy? ! Go around kissing twelve-year-olds and you'll get fired for sure!"
"No one's around, silly!" And with that, Cynthia leaned in and kissed Paul on the lips.
To be continued...