Maxine huffed and put her hands on her hips. Then, reluctantly, she flipped a Conflagration Badge to her opponent. 

He caught it and grinned. 

Maxine was happy to see that expression, and some of the irritation at loosing drained out of her. At this stage, some of the trainers that came through here were starting to get arrogant. But this guy was just genuinely happy at his progress. That was always nice to see. 

So she grinned back at him finally. "Good job! Thanks for the battle. Now get going!" With exaggerated movements, she pretended like she was going to kick him out the door. 

Still smiling, he left with a slight bow.

She shook her head.

Then she went over to her Houndoom, crouched, and revived and healed him. The scary looking dog suddenly leapt to his feet, knocked her onto her butt, and licked her cheek affectionately. It burned slightly. Then his attention shifted and he rushed past her with a warm breeze.

"Hey!" she called after him, reaching. But she dropped her hand when she saw who was standing there.

Blushing at the sight of Oscar, the black haired girl jumped to her feet. Self-consciously, she brushed off her red skort (skirt+shorts in one) and straightened her t-shirt. But she refrained from checking her hair.

"Hello, Oscar," she said, approaching the other trainer. The champion of the region. Her boss. She held out her hand for a handshake. 

He called her name and met her halfway across the floor, their two pokemon tagging at his heels until Houndoom joined her again.

But although his manner was nice and gentle, he said he didn't have good news. 

That kind of killed her mood. 

She stepped closer and placed on hand on the railing, her expression becoming serious. 

"What is it?"