"Shamed" is essentially how he spent this event last year; I really don't blame him for not coming. I think I heard something about showing up wearing socks with sandals, and he spent the entire time in the parking lot on Clair's orders.

[Carmen, you're such a gossip, good lord.]

He's sweet, though. All of the gym leaders are, in their ways; I just finished my badge challenge recently, actually, so I've met and faced all of them by now.