Elesa handed a badge to Michael. "Congratulations. You've earned the Bolt Badge."

Michael took the badge. "Thank you, Miss Elesa. I appreciate it."

A gym hand walked into the arena. "Elesa, your next challenger is here."

"Already?" Elesa was visibly surprised. "Well, he or she will have to wait until tomorrow morning so my pokemon can rest."

"I'll tell him that." The gym hand said and walked out the way he came.

Michael saw a familiar boy standing just outside the arena. "Miss Elesa, do you mind having an extra spectator tomorrow? I'd like to watch the gym battle, but I don't want to pressure him, so please don't tell him I'm there."

Elesa was confused. "I don't mind, but why keep it secret?"

"You'll find out tomorrow. Thank you, Miss Elesa. I'll see you tomorrow after the gym battle." With that said, Michael set out for the pokemon center.