Timothy changed to their regular clothes in the men's room before heading to the lobby with Electchu. When they entered the lobby, dozens of people and Pokémon exited the stadium. Some of them were talking about the battles they watched throughout the day. Timothy and Electchu followed the spectators outside, where they found Coovers and Ned standing next to the entrance. Coovers wasted no time walking over to Timothy to give him a headlock and a noogie.
"Alright, Timbo! Crushed the first Gym Leader like he was nothing!" He shouted with a toothy grin.
"Knock it off, Coovers!" Timothy shouted before he freed himself from Coovers's hold.
"He's right, though. You finished Milo pretty quick," Ned said. "I got my work cut out for me if I want a chance against you."
"Just work hard and remember what I told you, and you'll be fine, Ned," Timothy said.
"I will. Anyway, I'm going to head to the next gym ahead of you guys since you still need to find Gwen," Ned said. "I just wanted to stick around to see you battle Milo and congratulate you."
"Thanks," Timothy said as he offered Ned his hand. "Hope we see each other at the Championship Cup."
"Count on it," Ned said as he shook Timothy's hand.
With that, the stout man turned his Rotom Phone into a bike, and he rode East from the stadium. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu waved goodbye until Ned was out of sight before Coovers turned to Timothy.
"Alright, better call Gwen. She probably has a schedule planned for when you get your first badge," Coovers said.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Timothy said as he took out his Rotom phone. "Rotom, call Gwen."
"Calling Gwen," Rotom replied.
Timothy held his phone up to his ear, and it rang several times before he heard Gwen say, "Hello?"
"Gwen, I got my first badge," Timothy said.
"Oh, good," Gwen said half-interestedly. "Why don't you guys grab supplies, and I'll meet you in a little while."
"Meet you in a little while? Where are you?" Timothy asked.
"I still have something going on," Gwen said. "I'll call you later."
"Wait, hold on," Timothy said before he heard a click. He stared at his phone before he turned to Coovers. "I guess she's still not done with her stuff."
"Weird, that's twice she's suddenly acting uninterested in hurrying through the Gym Challenge," Coovers said. "What's gotten into her?"
Timothy furrowed his brow and said, "Why don't you go ahead and grab supplies. I'm going to go look for her."
Coovers nodded before he gave his best friend a teasing grin.
"Good luck, lover boy," he said.
Timothy rolled his eyes as Coovers headed toward the grocery store. Timothy and Electchu went in the opposite direction, wondering if Gwen was anywhere else in town. After a few minutes of looking around, Timothy wondered if she was anywhere in Turffield until he saw a path leading uphill to a place with tall stones containing strange markings. Several people were up there, examining the ruins and taking group photos in front of them.
"Guess there's a popular tourist attraction up there," Timothy said.
"Raichu Chu Chu Rai Rai Raichu?" Electchu asked.
"Uh, I don't see why not. It's the one place we haven't looked," Timothy said.
Timothy and Electchu took the path up the hill to where the tourists explored the attraction. They looked around until they saw a large geoglyph on a hill southwest of the attraction. A dozen people were taking pictures of it with their phones and debated what they thought it looked like.
Timothy and Electchu walked over to get a closer look, but as they got closer, Timothy stopped and looked surprised to find Gwen sitting down on the grass from the other side of the fence. She was drawing on a sketchbook while Winnie was lying on its back, sleeping next to her. Timothy walked over to get a better look to find that Gwen was coloring a sketch of the geoglyph. Timothy carefully walked closer to her to get a better look at the sketch. It was drawn so well that one might confuse it for a photo were it not for the strokes against the paper and lack of color that proved it was made through pencils. Gwen had a serene smile on her face as though drawing brought her a state of peace.
Timothy was suddenly broken from his trance by Electchu poking his side with the tip of its lightning-shaped tail. The Mouse Pokemon gave him a look to remind him why they were looking for the researcher and her partner. Timothy was hesitant to disturb Gwen but ultimately accepted that Electchu was right. They hopped over the fence a few feet away from Gwen and Winnie, and the sound of their feet startled Gwen so much that she put too much pressure on her pencil, causing the tip to break off. She groaned at the broken tip before she turned her head to glare at Timothy.
"Don't startle me like that!" She barked.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to," Timothy said.
Gwen turned to her drawing and sighed before saying, "You could have made me create a hole in my picture."
"Believe me. I wouldn't want to ruin your picture. It's drawn really well," Timothy said.
Gwen turned her head back to Timothy with a suspicious look and asked, "You were watching me draw?"
"Just for a few seconds," Timothy said, waving his hands defensively. "We were looking for you, and I just happened to have found you drawing. You looked so peaceful, and I didn't want to disturb you, but since we were looking for you…"
"You thought it necessary to disturb me," Gwen finished.
"Well, yeah,'' Timothy confessed.
Gwen released another heavy sigh and said, "Well, I suppose I have it coming."
"What do you mean?" Timothy asked.
Gwen hesitated and said, "The thing is, I'm not entirely forcing you and Coovers to a tight schedule just because we need to stop the chairman. I also want us to travel through the region, so I can look at places like these that have to do with the Darkest Day."
"The Darkest Day?" Timothy asked.
"You don't know about the Darkest Day?" Gwen asked. "Didn't Professor Magnolia talk to you about that?"
"Don't think so," Timothy said. "All of our discussions were about going through the Gym Challenge and stopping the chairman."
"I see," Gwen said. She pointed at the geoglyph with her broken pencil. "What do you think that is?"
Timothy studied that geoglyph carefully and shrugged as he said, "It's some sort of giant Kecleon with lightning coming out of its breath?"
Gwen stared at Timothy for a second before she covered her mouth to hide a giggle. The giggle turned into a high-pitch laugh as she held her gut, waking up Winnie. Timothy didn't know whether or not to laugh too or to feel embarrassed as Gwen wiped a tear from her eye.
"Oh boy. I've never heard anyone describe it like that before," she giggled.
"Really? That thing looks like a puff of smoke coming out of a Kecleon's mouth and lightning trying to hit people and Pokemon, Timothy said.
Gwen snickered and said, "Well, that's not what other people see. This is supposed to represent a cloud causing a Pokemon to Dynamax."
Timothy and Electchu tilted their heads as they looked at the geoglyph again.
"That's supposed to be a cloud?" Timothy asked, scratching the back of his head.
"Yes, silly," Gwen answered. "This represents the story of a storm that caused Pokémon to Dynamax and nearly destroy the Galar region long ago."
"Really? A black cloud caused them to Dynamax out of nowhere?" Timothy asked. "That sounds very strange."
"On that, we agree," Gwen said.
Silence overtook the trainers and their Pokemon for a few seconds until Timothy continued the conversation.
"So... What stopped the Dynamax Pokémon from destroying Galar?"
Gwen furrowed her brow and rolled her eyes as she turned her head back to the geoglyph.
"According to legend, someone with a sword and a shield took down the Dynamax Pokemon and saved the region," she answered. "But in my opinion, that's the only thing that makes whether or not the legend is real a little flimsy."
"You don't think that could've happened?" Timothy asked.
Gwen snorted out a laugh as though the answer was obvious.
"How could anyone take down even one Dynamax Pokemon with just a sword and a shield, especially when some of those Pokémon are Rock, Ground, and Steel types?" She asked. "Heck, the legend says no Pokémon were seriously injured in the end, so how can one person accomplish all of that? It's a silly superstition for spectators like Professor Magnolia's lazy granddaughter to take seriously."
"Well, I'm not one for superstitions either, but you never know," Timothy said. "Maybe the sword and shield had magical properties that revert Pokémon to their normal form."
"I think the legend would hint at that being the case," Gwen said.
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean it is not true. I found a powerful object believed to be a myth," Timothy said.
Gwen turned her head back to Timothy again and asked, "You mean the thing that the crime organization used to brainwash all of the Psychic type Pokemon through Arceus?"
"That's the one," Timothy said. "Plus, I have a friend who has a...knack for discovering mysteries behind legends and myths."
"I see," Gwen said. "Well, I bet all my work that your friend's so-called knack wouldn't do any good with this legend." She turned back to the geoglyph and rested her head with her arm against her leg with a sad look. "People think it's a waste of time to uncover the mystery, but I don't want to stop trying. I want to find the answers. I draw things connected to the Darkest Day to think about the mystery. It gives me peace."
"Teddiursa," Winnie said.
Timothy couldn't help but smile at Gwen for her persistence. He wanted to think of something that would encourage her, but there was nothing he could think of that would comfort the researcher. He opened his mouth to try when he, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie heard someone clearing their throat. They turned their heads to see Ezria standing at the other side of the fence, bashfully looking at Timothy with her hands behind her back.
"Can we help you?" Timothy asked.
"I certainly hope so," Ezria replied. "Especially after you put my arrogant brother in his place in a Pokemon battle."
Timothy looked at Ezria, confused until he noticed her raspberry hair and rose-red eyes and remembered how Ned described Venarge's sister. At that moment, he realized he had the chance to gain the favor of one of Chairman Rose's associates since she was pleased that he defeated Venarge in battle, and the chairman himself said that Ezria was hoping to meet him. Timothy decided if she were so interested in his accomplishments in stopping Team Rocket, he would have to give the impression that he was the powerful trainer she was led to believe.
"Begging your pardon, ma'am, but I've put a lot of arrogant trainers in their place," Timothy said. "I'm afraid telling me one of them is your brother doesn't narrow it down much."
Gwen raised her eyebrow at Timothy's claim while Electchu smirked. Ezria was taken aback for a moment before she smirked in amusement.
"Then allow me to elaborate," she said. "Short maroon hair, quick temper, used a Toxtricity and an Obstagoon for your battle?"
Timothy scratched his chin, pretending to be thinking until he snapped his fingers and said, "Oh, yes, the schmuck who tried to stop my friend, Ned, from going to his first Gym Battle."
"That's right," Ezria said. "That's my brother, Venarge Markenel."
Timothy raised his eyebrow in a look of intrigue.
"Venarge Markenel, you say? Then you must be Ezria," he said.
Ezra's eyes widened, and her cheeks turned pink.
"You know about me?" She asked.
"I do. Chairman Rose told me that you admire my deeds in the Kanto region," Timothy said.
Ezria's blush grew, wishing Chairman Rose had shared this information with her.
"Y-yes that's true. I've heard so many testimonies about you from the nurses and doctors in our beloved region who've heard of what you did to stop Team Rocket," she said while playing with her fingers. "Truth be told, I've wanted to meet you for some time, but all they knew about you was your gray shirt and that your Pokemon partner is a Raichu."
"That is correct," Timothy said as he turned his head to Electchu. "This is my partner, Electchu."
"Raichu," Electchu greeted with a smile.
"And these are some of my companions," Timothy said as he turned to Gwen and Winnie.
Gwen felt on the spot with Timothy showing her and her Pokemon partner to Ezria. Ezra's eyes turned to Gwen, and the researcher felt a sense of unease from the chairman's minion. Gwen couldn't put her finger on it, but she knew that something was off about Ezria from how she stared at her from one woman to another.
"My name is Gwen," Gwen said out of politeness. "And this is my partner, Winnie."
"Teddiursa," Winnie said.
"Pleased to meet you," Ezria said half-heartedly before she turned back to Timothy. "A Braviary named Blitzwing and a Raichu named Electchu. You like to nickname your Pokemon, don't you?"
"I suppose you can call it a habit," Timothy said with a shrug. "I don't nickname all of my Pokemon, but I do have names for most of them."
"Indeed? Tell me, who are your other Pokémon with nicknames?" Ezria queried.
"Well, at home, I have an Emboar named Titus and an Arcanine named Fenrir," Timothy said. "On hand, I have Electchu, Blitzwing, my Lucario, Odyssey, and my Gardevoir, Shockwave."
"Oh, yes. Venarge told me about your Lucario and Gardevoir," Ezria said. "Speaking of which, is it natural for you to help others like with fighting Team Rocket or protecting poor Ned?"
"I don't know about it being natural, per se, but I can say from experience how horrible it is for people like Team Rocket or your brother to interfere with the dreams and goals of people and Pokémon, and that tends to motivate me," Timothy said. "Do you know what I mean?"
"I most certainly do," Ezria replied proudly. "In fact, that's why I am competing in the Gym Challenge. I want to grow stronger so I can always be there to protect the people and Pokémon of Galar. I'm even planning to partake in the World Coronation Series to battle other trainers and grow stronger."
"Oh yeah? That's what I'm planning to do as well," Timothy said. "I hope to use the Gym Challenge and the World Coronation Series to grow stronger with my Pokémon."
Ezria's smile grew, and her blush turned from pink to red, feeling giddy as it looked more like Timothy was the person she was looking for.
"Is that so? In that case, I challenge you to a double battle. Your Lucario and Gardevoir against two of my Pokémon," she said. "And I want you to give this battle everything you've got. Battle me as though the fate of the world depends on it."
Timothy, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie stared at Ezria, taken aback by how she dramatically made the challenge. Timothy wondered if he had gotten carried away with making a positive impression on this woman who admired him, and yet, beating her in a battle might raise his chances of getting to Eternatus. One might find it funny that Ezria wanted him to battle as if lives depended on it when he already was. Timothy looked down at Electchu, who gave him a supportive smile before he looked back at Ezria.
"I accept your challenge," he said with a smirk.
"Fantastic," Ezria said. "Let's have our battle in the outskirts of town."
"Fine by me," Timothy said.
Timothy and Electchu climbed over the fence and began following Ezria. Gwen furrowed her brow as she watched them leave. She wanted to stay and work on her drawing, thinking the matter between Timothy and the woman serving the chairman was none of her business, but a part of her wanted to see the outcome of a double battle against the enemy. After several seconds, she sighed and closed her sketchbook.
"Come on, Winnie. Let's cheer for him," she said.
"Teddiursa," Winnie said.
Gwen hopped over the fence while Teddiursa walked under it. They jogged over to catch up with Timothy, Ezria, and Electchu just as they had made it to the bottom of the hill. Timothy turned his head and smiled at Gwen, which she politely returned. Ezria frowned, wishing that she and Timothy would be the only people at their battle.
Once they were outside the town, Ezria looked around and said, "Let's use the road as our battlefield."
"Sure," Timothy said. "I'll stand on the right side while you take the left."
Ezria nodded in agreement and walked over to her side of the road. Timothy and Electchu walked over to the right side, where Gwen and Winnie sat next to them. The man in the "H.A.K." took out two Pokéballs and threw them into the air for Odyssey and Shockwave to come out. Ezria smirked at the sight of Timothy's Pokemon before she took out two of her Pokéballs.
"Doublade, Sirfetch'd, come out, my lovelies!" She called out.
The raspberry-haired woman's Pokémon came out of their containers, ready for battle. Timothy looked at Sirfetch'd, confused.
"Is that some evolved form of Farfetch'd or something?" He asked as he took out his Rotom and scanned the bird-like Pokemon.
"Sirfetch'd. The Wild Duck Pokemon and the evolved form of Galarian Farfetch'd. A Fighting type." Rotom said. "After deflecting attacks with its hard leaf shield, Sirfetch'd strikes back with its sharp leek stalk. The leek stalk is both weapon and food."
"So, it does evolve from a Farfetch'd in this region. I'll be doggone," Timothy said. "I wonder how Ezria intends to deal with a Psychic type like Shockwave with a Fighting type."
"Raichu," Electchu agreed.
"You may have the first move, Timothy," Ezria said.
"Alright then. Shockwave, use Psychic on Sirfetch'd. Odyssey, use Bone Rush on Doublade!" Timothy commanded.
"Doublade, dodge and use Aerial Ace followed by Shadow Claw," Ezria said with a calm face.
Shockwave immediately captured Sirfetch'd and lifted it in the air with Psychic. Odyssey charged at Doublade with a long bone of energy at the ready. Doublade levitated to avoid Odyssey's attack and then charged at Shockwave with incredible speed. The Sword Pokémon rammed Shockwave in the gut, making it break its hold on Sirfetch'd before it could use Psychic to slam it into the ground. Doublade then unsheathed its swords with the blades turning black with a purple outline and hit both Odyssey and Shockwave. Timothy's Pokémon groaned with scratches and bruises on their bodies, and Shockwave panted heavily.
"Using Doublade to save its battle partner and its swords to hit both of my Pokémon at once. Cleaver," Timothy said.
"I'm just getting warmed up," Ezria claimed. "Sirfetch'd, use Brave Bird on Odyssey. Doublade use Shadow Claw again on Shockwave."
"I don't think so!" Timothy shouted. "Shockwave, use Disarming Voice on both of them!"
Shockwave took a deep breath and unleashed a beam of purple hearts that hit Doublade and Sirfetch'd before they could make their move. Sirfetch'd was crying out in pain while Doublade let out a groan.
"Timothy, I'm surprised at you. I would think a skilled trainer as yourself would know Fairy type moves aren't very effective against a Steel type like Doublade," Ezria said.
"It didn't need to be," Timothy said. "Shockwave, use Moonblast on Sirfetch'd and Odyssey, use Bone Rush on Doublade, double time!"
Shockwave stopped using Disarming Voice and immediately prepared to use its second Fairy type move. Ezria turned to Doublade and realized it was too distracted from taking what minor damage from Disarming Voice to see Odyssey running over to it with another bone before it was too late. The Aura Pokémon swung its bone down at Doublade, forcing it to the ground while Shockwave fired Moonblast, which hit Sirfetch'd in the face. Ezria looked in shock that her Pokémon were covered in bruises from getting hit by moves that they were weak against.
"See? I can be clever too," Timothy said.
"Raichu," Electchu said, grinning.
"Teddiursa!" Winnie cheered.
Gwen smiled and shouted, "Go, Timothy, Odyssey, and Shockwave!"
Timothy turned his head to give Gwen an appreciative smile. Ezria furrowed her brow at the sight of Timothy smiling at another woman.
"So, that's how it is, huh? Fine," she said. "Doublade, Sacred Sword on Odyssey! Sirfetch'd, use Brave Bird followed by Solar Blade on Shockwave!"
Timothy turned his head back to the battle and said, "Odyssey, deflect with Bone Rush! Shockwave, use Psychic again!"
Odyssey summoned a bone of energy a third time and used it as a dual weapon to block Doublade's swords. Shockwave used Psychic to stop Sirfetch'd just as it was halfway through charging toward it, but the Wild Duck Pokémon was prepared. It lifted its lance and absorbed sunlight until it extended into a giant blade of yellow light.
"Shockwave, watch out!" Timothy shouted.
"Doublade, Shadow Claw! Sirfetch'd, Brick Break!" Ezria shouted.
Shockwave released its psychic hold on Sirfetch'd and moved to the side before Sirfetch'd slammed its leek down on the ground. Doublade's swords zoomed past Odyssey to cut Shockwave in its stomach and side. Odyssey rushed to its friend's side, only for Sirfetch'd to smack it in the face with its leek glowing white. Both of Timothy's Pokémon groaned in agony, with Shockwave down on one knee and Odyssey lying on its back.
"Odyssey! Shockwave!" Timothy called out.
Gwen sprung up in a standing position, shocked at how badly Timothy's Pokémon were hurt. Electchu lowered its ears, worried for its comrades, and Winnie whimpered. Ezria frowned at seeing Timothy worried after his Pokémon, disappointed.
"So, this is your idea of fighting as though the world depended on it? I'm insulted," she said as she crossed her arms. "I thought you'd be more aggressive than this. Guess I got my hopes up too much. Doublade, use Shadow Claw on Shockwave. Sirfetch'd, use Brutal Swing on Odyssey."
Doublade's swords zoomed toward Shockwave with black aura covering the blades again, and Sirfetch'd raced toward Odyssey with its lance glowing pink. At that moment, Timothy felt a twinge of fear for more than just the state of his Pokémon. He imagined Ezria telling Chairman Rose about his loss, and he might lose interest in Timothy as a powerful trainer he could trust. With no access to the Energy Plant, Galar could be destroyed by Dynamax Pokémon, and it would be all because of this one battle. Timothy's fear then melted into a determined look, deciding that he needed to treat this less like an ordinary Pokemon battle.
"You want aggressive, Ezria? Fine," he said. "Shockwave, catch Doublade with Psychic and use it to attack Sirfetch'd!"
Ezria, Electchu, Gwen, and Winnie looked at Timothy, taken aback by his command. Shockwave's eyes glowed blue again, catching Doublade's swords in midair. Before Doublade had a moment to react, its swords were sent heading toward Sirfetch'd, and Sirfetch'd was forced to break its attack to protect itself with its shield. Shockwave attacked again and again with Doublade's blades still covered in black aura, causing Sirfetch'd to back up as it blocked the attack. The attack gave Odyssey time to stand up and take another battle stance.
"Now, Shockwave, use both swords to break Sirfetch'd's control of its shield! Odyssey, batter up!" Timothy shouted.
Shockwave held the swords together while still using Psychic and did a powerful uppercut swing that forced Sirfetch'd's shield away from it. With its shield no longer in front of it, Sirfetch'd watched with eyes wide open as Odyssey ran over to the Wild Duck Pokémon while holding a bone like a baseball bat. Odyssey bashed Sirfetch'd in the face with its bone out of vengeance, and Sirfetch'd fell on its back.
"Now, Odyssey, use Extreme Speed on Sirfetch'd followed by Bone Rush on Doublade!'' Timothy shouted.
Odyssey's body became surrounded in a green aura, and it charged at Sirfetch'd at high speed. It rammed at the Wild Duck Pokemon just as it was about to stand up. Shockwave held the swords up, facing Odyssey with Psychic, leaving Doublade helpless as a bone of energy smacked its swords hard. The Sword Pokémon groaned in agony, struggling to stay awake despite both parts of its body screaming in pain from the Ground type attack.
"Let's finish this!" Timothy shouted. "Shockwave, throw those swords down at the ground next to Sirfetch'd and finish them off with Psyshock!"
"Doublade, Sirfetch'd, no!" Ezria cried out.
Shockwave threw Doublade to the ground next to Sirfetch'd, finally freeing it from its psychic control. The Embrace Pokemon then created a large, purple blob of Psychic energy and fired a purple beam toward its opponents. Ezria could only watch as the attack hit her Pokémon, causing an explosion. When the smoke cleared, Sirfetch'd, and Doublade were unconscious with swirly eyes.
"Alright!" Gwen cheered. "Way to go, Timothy, Odyssey, and Shockwave!"
"Teddiursa!" Winnie shouted with glee.
"Raichu!" Electchu cheered.
Odyssey and Shockwave turned to each other and smiled as they fist-bumped. Ezria stared at her fallen Pokemon in shock and then looked up at Timothy. The man in the "H.A.K." shirt smiled triumphantly as he complimented his Lucario and Gardevoir. At that moment, Ezria's shock turned into awe as though Timothy had transformed into a tall, muscular man wearing golden armor and wielding a sword and shield. Her face turned beet red, and she covered her mouth with both hands.
"He really is the one," she thought.
Timothy noticed Ezria staring at him, and his smirk grew.
"Are you pleased?" He asked.
Ezria was silent for a few seconds, looking as though she didn't hear Timothy, before she shook off her blush and gave him a sweet smile.
"Timothy, I can say from the bottom of my heart that I have never been more pleased with anything in my entire life," she answered.
Timothy, Gwen, Electchu, Odyssey, Shockwave, and Winnie stared at the raspberry-haired woman, confused with how she answered so gleefully. Timothy and Gwen looked at each other, and the latter whispered, "Is she alright?" Timothy shrugged before turning to Ezria again.
"Glad to hear it. It was an exciting match. Your Pokémon are pretty strong," he said.
"So are yours," Ezria said. "Why don't we head to the Pokémon Center and get them healed up?"
"Capital idea," Timothy said as he took out Odyssey and Shockwave's Pokéballs. "Odyssey, Shockwave, return."
Odyssey and Shockwave nodded as they went back into their Pokéballs. Ezria returned Doublade and Sirfetch'd, before the humans and Pokémon made their way back to town. Timothy called Coovers as they walked, telling him to meet them at the Pokémon Center. As he explained what happened, Ezria held Doublade's Pokéball up to her and looked at it with a sad smile.
"Well, Doublade, it's time to give your sweet sister a new trainer," she whispered. "Don't be sad, my sweet. We will see much of Timothy throughout the Gym Challenge, and eventually, the four of us will always be together."
Ezria kissed the Pokéball and put it back in her pocket just before the group entered the Pokémon Center. Timothy and Ezria walked to Nurse Joy at the front desk and handed them their Pokeballs.
"Please take care of our Pokémon," Timothy said.
"Don't worry. Your Pokémon will be just fine," Nurse Joy replied with a smile.
"Much appreciated," Ezria said.
Nurse Joy went to the back room with the Pokéballs, and a red light lit up above the back room door. The front door opened to reveal Coovers carrying two bags of groceries. He walked over to Timothy, Gwen, Ezria, Electchu, and Winnie and put the bags down to massage his arms.
"Man, Timothy, I'm glad you called when you did. After not hearing from you since you went to find Gwen, I was starting to worry I'd have to look all over town carrying these bags," he said.
"I'm sure that would not have been fun," Gwen said with a light chuckle.
Timothy smiled at Gwen while she was laughing at Coovers. However, the moment was instantly broken when Ezria cleared her throat to gain Timothy's attention.
"Timothy, who's this?" She asked.
"Oh, yeah. You haven't been introduced," Timothy said as he stepped forward to stand next to Coovers with a smile. "This is my best friend, Coovers. He's traveling with us to support me during the Gym Challenge."
As soon as Coovers saw Ezria, his eyes widened, and his mouth hung open. At that moment, he had forgotten that Ezria was someone to use for the mission and saw her for the beautiful woman she was. He smiled widely until he snapped out of his gaze and muttered, "You like Sonia. You like Sonia. You like Sonia." Then, he cleared his throat and said with a friendly smile.
"Pleased to meet you," he said.
"Charmed," Ezria replied bluntly, thinking what was on Coovers's mind.
Gwen rolled her eyes over Coovers's behavior and said, "So, are you planning to head out as soon as your Pokémon are healed, Ezria?"
"No, I'm afraid I'll need to grab some supplies myself before I leave," Ezria replied before turning to Timothy with another smile. "However, there is one little matter I would like to take care of before you all leave."
"Oh?" Timothy asked.
Ezria took out another Pokéball, tossed it into the air, and with a flash her Aegislash came out of its container. Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie were puzzled, wondering what Ezria had taken out another one of her Pokémon for.
"This is Doublade's sister, Aegislash," Ezria said. "I want you to have it."
"What?!" Timothy shouted.
"You heard me," Ezria replied. "I want you to take Aegislash as a token of my gratitude for everything you've done for Galar and the world. I would also like you to use it throughout the Gym Challenge and the World Coronation Series."
"I don't know if I feel comfortable doing that when it's your Doublade's sibling," Timothy said. "Don't you think your Pokémon would have an issue with this?"
"On the contrary, they've known about this idea ever since I've heard the stories about you freeing the Psychic type Pokémon, and they are completely behind it," Ezria assured. "And besides, I believe we will be seeing each other a lot in the future, and as long as that is the case, Doublade and Aegislash will never be apart. Isn't that right, my darling?"
"Aegislash." Aegislash answered cheerfully.
Timothy furrowed his brow, still uneasy with the idea. Then he felt a tap on the shoulder, and he turned to Coovers, who gestured to him to follow him. The two men walked a few feet away from Ezria, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie, and Coovers leaned into Timothy's ear.
"I think you should go for it," he said. "It sounds like this is a golden opportunity to gain her trust and further secure the Chairman's interest in you."
"I don't know, Coovers. This seems a bit much," Timothy said. "And besides, Aegislash is a Steel and Ghost type, and I already have those types covered with Odyssey and Gengar."
"Not necessarily. Odyssey doesn't have any Steel type moves, and her Aegislash might," Coovers said with a mischievous grin. "Plus, if you replace one Ghost type with another Ghost type, that means we get to spend the rest of our journey without any more of Gengar's shenanigans."
Timothy's eyes grew wide, and he stared into space in shock. What Gengar lacked in maturity, it made up for with its skill and power in battle. That is why it has been on Timothy's Pokémon team for a long time. Still, the idea of replacing it, even if it was just until the end of their mission, was very tempting. Timothy and its Pokémon would have to get used to Aegislash, and he would have to figure out how to use it in battle properly, but if the Royal Sword Pokémon was as well-trained as its brother and Sirfetch'd on top of lacking any of Gengar's mischievous antics, Ezria's offer was an opportunity way too good to pass up. Timothy returned his best friend's grin, and they cackled before they collected themselves and turned back to Ezria.
"Ezria, I humbly accept your gift," Timothy said. "Just let me send one of my Pokémon back to Pallet Town, and I shall add Aegislash to my party."
"Wonderful!" Ezria cheered.
"Aegislash!" Aegislash shouted.
Coovers looked away to hide a smirk from the raspberry-haired woman as Timothy walked over to a video phone. He entered a number, and it rang for a few seconds before Professor Oak appeared on the screen.
"Ah, Timothy. How nice to see you, my boy," the Pokémon Professor greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I'd like to send one of my Pokémon over to you, Professor," Timothy said. "I'm getting a new Pokémon, and I decided to add it to my team."
"Really? But don't you always stick to the same Pokémon team?" Professor Oak asked.
"Let's just say a lot of things are going to be done differently with the Pokémon journey I'm on right now," Timothy said.
Professor Oak paused for a moment, then said, "Alright. If that's what you want. Who are you sending over?"
"Unfortunately for you, Gengar," Timothy replied. "And I apologize in advance for any trouble it will cause you."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that, my boy," Professor Oak said with a cheerful smile. "Tracey and I deal with plenty of trouble with some of Ash's Pokémon. I'm sure we can handle your Gengar just fine."
"If saying it would only make it so," Timothy said as he took out Gengar's Pokéball. "I'm sending Gengar to you now."
He put the ball in the transport machine next to the video phone, and it disappeared with a zap. A zap was heard from the speakers, and Professor Oak took Gengar's Pokéball from the transport machine next to his video phone.
"There we are. Your Gengar has been sent to me safe and sound. Good luck with your new Pokemon, Timothy."
"Thanks, Professor," Timothy said. "And good luck with Gengar. You're going to need every bit of it."
Professor Oak disappeared from the screen, and Timothy turned around to Ezria. She gave him another sweet smile as she gave him Aegislash's Pokéball. Timothy smiled back and prepared to return Aegislash to its Pokéball until Ezria spoke again.
"Could you give it a nickname for me?" Ezria asked.
"You want me to give Aegislash a nickname?" Timothy asked.
"Oh yes, I do," Ezria said. "I think you can come up with something that Aegislash would love. Besides, the way I see it, what's a hero who has saved the world without a sword that has a special name?"
Timothy hesitated and said with a sigh, "Very well."
He scratched his chin in thought, knowing all eyes were on him. Ezria bit her lip to contain her excitement, confident that he would come up with something clever. After half a minute of thinking, Timothy remembered Gwen talking about a hero that saved Galar, and he lifted his head to Aegislash. The Royal Sword Pokemon looked back at him anxiously until Timothy gave it a friendly smile.
"Alright, if we're focusing so much on my heroic deeds, then how about I call you Knightblade?" Timothy said.
"Aegislash!" Aegislash cheered.
"Alright then. From now on, your name is Knightblade," Timothy said.
"Aegislash!" Knightblade cheered again.
"Knightblade. That's perfect," Ezria said with a blissful smile. "I hope it will serve you well in your journey, Timothy."
"If Knightblade is as powerful as your other Pokémon, I'm sure we'll be just fine," Timothy said. "Knightblade, return."
Knightblade gave Ezria one last look before it returned to its container. A little chime was heard from the speakers in the ceiling, and Nurse Joy came out from the back door holding a tray containing Timothy and Ezria's Pokéballs.
"Your Pokemon have been restored to full health," Nurse Joy said.
"Excellent. Thank you, Nurse Joy," Timothy said as he took Odyssey and Shockwave's Pokéballs.
"Yes, thank you kindly," Ezria said before taking her Pokéballs.
"No problem. We hope to see you again," Nurse Joy said.
The trainers nodded before they put away their Pokéballs and walked out of the Pokemon Center with Coovers, Electchu, Gwen, and Winnie. Once they were fully outside, Coovers turned to Gwen.
"Okay, Gwen, where to go for the next Gym Battle? He asked.
"We're heading east for Hulbury," Gwen answered. "That's where the Water type gym leader, Nessa, is."
"Good deal," Timothy said before turning to Ezria. "Then I suppose we shall catch you later, Ezria."
"I would love that," Ezra said. "Maybe we'll see each other at Hulbury."
"Maybe we will," Timothy said. "And don't worry. I will take very good care of Knightblade."
"Oh, I know you will," Ezria said.
Then, before Timothy knew it, Ezria stepped forward, wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him into a hug. Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie looked surprised as Timothy hesitantly hugged her back. Gwen felt uneasy as she watched Ezria close her eyes and rest her head on Timothy's shoulder, letting out a happy sigh. She didn't know why, but the sight of Ezria enjoying the embrace made her skin crawl. Eventually, Ezria broke the hug and gave Timothy another sweet look before he awkwardly cleared his throat and took out his Rotom phone.
"Rotom, bicycle mode," he said.
The phone transformed into a bike, and he got on with Electchu hopping on his back. Coovers and Gwen soon followed, getting on their bikes with Winnie on Gwen's shoulder. Timothy turned his head to Ezria and gave her a wave that she returned before he, Coovers, and Gwen began riding away. Ezria waved with her whole arm until she couldn't see them anymore, and she giggled in excitement.
"Oh my gosh! I can't believe it! It happened! It really happened! I found my knight!" She squealed. "I got to tell Uncle Rose. We need to meet together at Hulbury."