Timothy, Coovers, Sonia, Electchu, Oshawott, and Yamper were low in spirit for the first half of the school day. Coovers and Sonia silently joined Timothy's idea of focusing on school work and writing notes to keep their minds from the move. Neither they nor their Pokemon spoke when they changed classes, even when they split up to separate classes, for nothing could be said that wasn't said before. Students still laughed at Timothy because of what happened at the assembly, but not even that phased him.
The only thing that lightened their spirits was Timothy and Sonia noticing Erin glancing at Coovers during Pokemon biology. Whenever Mr. Jacq wasn't looking, Erin, who stood next to him during his lecture, looked away to get a brief look at Coovers. Coovers was focused on writing his notes to keep his mind off of Timothy and Electchu moving, but every time he was within Erin's sight, she would look away with a light blush and an edge of a smile. Little by little, she grew bashful to be around Coovers, making Timothy and Sonia smile as they realized there was finally hope for Coovers to find love.
At lunch, Timothy, Coovers, Sonia, Electchu, Oshawott, and Yamper kept an eye out for Matori and Meowth when they were in line for food. Luckily, by the time Matori and Meowth came to the cafeteria, Timothy, Coovers, and Sonia had already spent their money and began eating with their Pokemon partners. Even so, seeing her take money from other students who complied out of fear of Meowth using Confuse Ray on them and their Pokemon was upsetting. Timothy, Sonia, Electchu, and Yamper devoured their food so they had time to go to the main office to get approval for their flyers.
When they entered the main office, Oleana was at the front desk typing vigorously on her computer. There were circles and a hint of purple under her eyes and she stared at the screen like it had a hold on her eyes. Her left eye twitched every few seconds, and she bit her lip to resist dozing off. Timothy and Sonia looked at each other before Timothy awkwardly cleared his throat. Oleana noticed Timothy and Sonia from the corner of her eye, and she sighed, half annoyed yet relieved to focus on something other than her workload.
"Can I help you?" Oleana asked.
"Yes, ma'am. We have flyers that we want to hang in the hallways," Timothy said.
Oleana raised her eyebrow and said, "Let me see them."
Timothy and Sonia opened their backpacks and took a flyer from their folders. Oleana took the flyers and analyzed them carefully. She left Timothy, Sonia, Electchu, and Yamper in suspense until she shrugged and turned to the students.
"There is a waitlist for flyers being inspected and approved right now," Oleana said. "If there is no issue with your fliers, then expect them to be approved as soon as Thursday morning."
"Thursday morning? That barely gives our flyers more than 24 hours to catch people's attention," Sonia said.
"It'll have to do," Timothy said. "Over 24 hours trying to catch people's attention is better than nothing."
"Pika," Electchu said sadly.
"Arf," Yamper whimpered.
"Very well. Let me see the rest of your flyers if you please," Oleana said.
Sonia opened her mouth to protest, then hung her head, accepting that Timothy was right. They took the rest of the flyers from their folders and held them up to Oleana. Just as Oleana was about to grab them, two hands snatched the flyers from Timothy and Sonia's hands from opposite sides. They turned to find Sordward on Timothy's right and Shielbert on Sonia's left. The principal and vice principal stared at the flyers, flipping to the next one to find how each had a different picture of a Pokemon or group. The more flyers they looked through, the more disgusted they were, as though they were holding dirty, moldy pieces of trash.
"What is the meaning of this?" Sordward asked. "'Magnolia Paddock closing?' 'Pokemon losing their home?' 'Please call Professor Magnolia and ask how you can help?' This is preposterous, younger brother."
"Indeed, older brother. I am quite appalled," Shielbert said before looking at Timothy and Sonia. "What do you expect to happen with these little flyers? Do you expect smelly Wooloo to have our cars as their new homes?"
Timothy and Sonia looked at each other, confused, and Sonia said, "Wooloo don't drive, sir."
"We don't give a flying Spoink what you say, little girl. The Wooloo aren't getting our cars no way no how," Shielbert said. "I can't imagine why you would even think of having these things hanging on the walls of our school."
"I second that, younger brother," Sordward said.
"What is your problem with us asking for help? These are innocent wild Pokemon losing their home," Timothy said.
"That's right. Someone bought my Gran's land under her nose and is destroying the paddock. The Pokemon have no place to go," Sonia said.
"Pikachu," Electchu said.
"Arf, arf," Yamper barked.
Sordward and Shielbert looked at Sonia with raised eyebrows and then at each other, smirking.
"So, the old bird's granddaughter comes to our school. How awkward," Sordward said.
"Yeah, for her," Shielbert said before the brothers laughed.
"What are you talking about?" Timothy asked.
"Well, it's quite simple, my dear boy," Sordward chortled. "We bought the Magnolia Paddock."
The main office was silent. Timothy and Sonia stared at Sorward and Shielbert with Timothy's mouth hanging agape and Sonia standing motionless in shock. Electchu looked at the principal and vice principal with its ears perked up while Yamper growled as though the two men were suddenly armed with weapons, meaning to harm its friends. Oleana looked at Sorward and Shielbert and then at the students, then went back to her computer, choosing to ignore the drama that was to come. After half a minute, Sonia's shock turned into rage and she took a step toward Sorward and Shielbert with her hands turned into fists.
"You?! You are the ones who are going to destroy my Gran's paddock?!" Sonia screamed.
"Ah, ah, ah. I believe we just established that it's not your grandmother's paddock. It's ours," Shielbert said, waving his finger at Sonia.
"But…but why would you do such a thing?! The Pokemon have done nothing to you!" Sonia protested.
"Nothing except being in the way of our new Pokemon Baccer stadium," Sordward said.
"New Pokemon Baccer stadium?" Timothy asked.
"Ah, that's right. You probably weren't listening before you made your little display at the auditorium," Sordward said. "We have started a new Pokemon Baccer program for the school, and the team needs a place to play, so we bought the paddock to turn it into the school's new stadium."
"But, that's nowhere near Motostoke. Why would you buy land near Wedgehurst to build your stadium?" Timothy asked.
"There are no spots near the school appropriate for building a Pokemon Baccer stadium, and the government prohibits building establishments outside Motostoke's outer walls. Land near Wedgehurst, on the other hand, is fair game," Shielbert said. "Besides, economically, having the stadium so far away is more practical. Demand for public transportation will increase because people will want to take the train to go to a game. Stores will begin selling merchandise to show school spirit. Ultimately, it will be great for tourism in Wedgehurst."
"Postwick, too, if it's lucky," Sordward added.
"But Professor Magnolia said the paddock is going to be destroyed this Friday," Timothy said.
"Of course it is. Otherwise, the stadium won't be completed in time for the Pokemon Baccer season next semester," Sordward said. "We weren't planning on starting construction so soon, but it turns out even with the best construction team money can buy, our stadium is so grand that we'll frankly be cutting it close by starting so soon."
"What can we say? It's our first time building marvelous architecture," Shielbert said with a shrug.
"You're still taking away the home of countless Pokemon," Sonia said. "They need to be fed and treated for injuries and illnesses. Some of them are families or expecting parents."
"They're wild Pokemon, young lady. There's plenty of other lands they can inhabit," Sordward said. "Think of this less as us taking and more as giving to the public. It's a display of how even when our family is less renowned, we can still do much for Galar as our forefathers did before us."
"I don't care about your stupid display! I care about my Gran and the Pokemon under her care!" Sonia shouted.
"Watch your tone and be grateful you and your grandmother will have something grand made in your former backyard," Shielbert said.
"I got your something grand right here!" Sonia screamed.
Sonia took a step to throw a punch at Shielbert, and Timothy wrapped his arms around Sonia's waist and pulled her back before her knuckles collided with Shielbert's nose. Sonia kicked and swung her fists in Shielbert's direction as she tried to break free from Timothy's hold. Electchu and Yamper called to Sonia, begging her to calm down in their language. Sordward and Shielbert furrowed their brows, and Oleana shook her head as Timothy pulled Sonia toward the exit.
"Such a drive for physical violence. You better learn to control your temper before Superintendent Rose inspects the school," Sordward said.
"My temper is going to be the least of your worries! I'll tell the superintendent that you're destroying the home of countless Pokemon!" Sonia barked.
"Ha! What good will that do? The purchase is perfectly legal albeit with more money than we'd like to spend, and it's the words of well-respected gentlemen against a bratty teenager," Shielbert said. "That said, if you two ever say a word about this, you can be sure we will make things hard for you and your grandmother. With that in mind, you won't be needing these anymore."
As though in one mind, Sordward and Shielbert began ripping the flyers, smirking. Sonia stopped struggling as she, Timothy, Electchu, and Yamper watched their hard work get torn to pieces. Sordward and Shielbert ripped the flyers until they were reduced to tiny pieces scattered on the floor. Sonia stared at the pieces with her eyes beginning to water while Timothy guided her to the exit with his arm around her.
"Hold up, you two. You aren't leaving until you clean up this mess," Sordward said.
"Clean it up yourself. Surely, trash knows how to pick up trash," Timothy said.
Sordward and Shielbert gasped dramatically as Timothy, Sonia, Electchu, and Yamper exited the office. Timothy led Sonia away from the main office until he was sure she wouldn't try to go back in. Sonia stared in the direction of the door for a few seconds before she buried her head on Timothy's shoulder and began sobbing. Electchu watched with its ears hanging low, and Yamper whined as Timothy hugged Sonia.
"I-I-I can't believe this is why Gran lost the land," Sonia said. "I figured whoever bought it would be heartless, but for it to be our school's principal and vice principal, and they're doing it for their public image?"
"I know," Timothy said. "They weren't even willing to let us try to seek help for the Pokemon."
"It…it's inhumane," Sonia sobbed. "Why? Why are lives being ruined for shallow reasons? I can't get help. I can't say anything. I just have to watch as Gran loses everything she built. And on top of that, you have to leave when I'm going to need you the most, and…and…"
Timothy tightened his hold on Sonia as she continued to cry. He fought the urge to tear up after Sonia reminded him he couldn't keep his promise. With his plan foiled and the truth revealed, Timothy felt holding Sonia was the only thing keeping him from being completely helpless.
Unbeknownst to them, Tulip and Kirlia were walking down the hall. Tulip was texting on her Rotom Phone when she heard Sonia sobbing. She looked up from her phone and saw Timothy holding Sonia while she cried on his shoulder with their Pokemon standing next to them. Any other person would feel awkward and walk away, but Tulip stayed with her eyes on Timothy. How he kept himself together while letting Sonia cry was admirable to Tulip. It was a display of caliber on Timothy's part, and the fact that the girl in his arms was only his best friend was a little bonus. With a smile, Tulip watched Timothy for a few seconds longer before she and Kirlia quietly passed by to not disturb Timothy, Sonia, Electchu, and Yamper.
Suddenly, the bell rang, announcing that lunch period was over. Timothy and Sonia broke their hug as students and their Pokemon walked down the halls for their fifth-period classes. Sonia wiped the tears from her face and kept her head down to hide her red, puffy eyes.
"I guess we better get going for our next classes," Timothy said.
"No, you go on ahead. I think I'm going outside and calling Gran. She'll want to know," Sonia said.
"I'll go with you," Timothy said.
Sonia looked up to give Timothy a sad smile and said, "No, that's okay. I'll be alright. You just focus on learning what you can, and I'll meet you and Coovers at the front entrance after school."
"Are you sure?" Timothy asked.
"If I need to cry again, I'll hunt you down and use your shoulder as a pillow, even if it's in front of your class. Promise," Sonia said with a wink.
Timothy snickered, feeling at ease with Sonia's joke.
"Okay, I'll keep an eye on the door, expecting you to come bursting in," he said.
"Sounds like a plan," Sonia said with a giggle. "Come on, Yamper."
"Arf, arf," Yamper barked.
Timothy and Electchu waved as they watched Sonia and Yamper walk to the nearest staircase to the ground floor. Timothy continued to look in the direction where he last saw Sonia, and his smile melted into a frown of unease. Electchu hopped onto Timothy's shoulder and nuzzled him to break Timothy out of his gaze. Timothy chuckled as his partner rubbed its cheek against him, then turned his head to look at Electchu's cheerful smile.
"Pikachu," Electchu said.
"You're right, Electchu. We just need to give Sonia some space," Timothy said before looking back in the direction where he last saw Sonia. "I just wish there was something I could do that would really help. There must be one thing we can do to help our friends before we leave—one plan that can't be thwarted."
"Pika, pika," Electchu said sadly.
Timothy scratched Electchu behind its ear, and together, they began going down the steps for Timothy's next class. As they descended to the ground floor, they heard people and Pokemon laughing and pictures being taken with Rotom Phones. Timothy and Electchu looked at each other before walking toward the commotion. They stopped before a crowd where students and their Pokemon gathered in a circle, holding their Rotom Phones at the ceiling.
When they looked at the ceiling, Timothy and Electchu's eyes widened. Hanging above the ceiling upside down by strands of white strings were Coovers and Oshawott. Oshawott was motionless with swirly eyes and its cheeks purple. Coovers' face was purple, and his eyes and mouth were half open. His pants, hat, and goggles were on the floor, leaving his yellow-and-black crooked striped boxers for all to see. Students laughed with their Pokemon as they took pictures of Coovers and Oshawott.
"Oh, man. Guzma is really into hanging victims upside down this year. Isn't he?" a red-haired girl with a Pinceo said while taking a picture.
"Yeah, I saw him reveal this guy's name on his shirt at the parking lot. I was worried I wouldn't get to see this," a guy standing next to the girl with his Cubone said.
Timothy and Electchu looked at the students in shock. They looked back at Coovers and Oshawott and saw bite marks on the sides of their necks. After a moment, Timothy furrowed his brow and began pushing through the crowd with Electchu still on his shoulder.
"Electchu, I'm going to toss you up to Coovers and Oshawott. Bite through those webs, and I'll catch them," Timothy instructed.
"Pika," Electchu said, sharing its partner's scowl.
Timothy scooted to the center of the crowd and, with both hands, tossed Electchu in the air until it grabbed onto Oshawott. Electchu climbed on Oshawott until it could reach the string, holding it by its feet and nibbling on it until it broke. Timothy caught the Pokemon and gently laid Oshawott on the ground before tossing Electchu to Coovers. Electchu climbed up to Coovers' leg and nibbled until the string snapped. Timothy caught Coovers and Electchu, but Coovers was so heavy that he lost his balance, falling on his back with his friends on top of him. Students booed as Timothy got Coovers off of him and began putting Coovers' pants back on.
"Buzz off! Nothing to see here!" Timothy shouted. "Get to your next class already!"
The students booed even louder before they dispersed with their Pokemon. Some grumbled amongst each other while others looked through the photos they took on their phones. Timothy watched them in disgust as he buttoned Coovers' pants. To think his fellow students chose to admire the school bully's work rather than show an inkling of sympathy.
After putting Coovers' hat and goggles back on his head, Timothy put Coovers' arm over his shoulder to lift him up. Eletchu grabbed Oshawott by the ear with its mouth, ready to drag it wherever Timothy was going to take Coovers. Timothy took out his Rotom Phone with his free hand, about to search for the nurse's office, when he heard a loud gasp and turned his head to see Erin looking at Coovers, horrified with Piplup standing beside her.
"What happened?!" Erin shouted.
"Guzma happened," Timothy said. "By the looks of things, he had Ariados attack Coovers and Oshawott using Poison Sting to get back at him for winning their match yesterday."
Erin dramatically gasped again in disbelief.
"Those beasts. Attacking a dashing Pokemon battler and his Pokemon for being superior to him. This is uncivilized even by Guzma's standards," she said.
"Piplup," Piplup said.
Timothy stared at Erin for a moment, unsure if the girl Coovers was crushing on had just called him dashing before putting it in the back of his mind.
"Yeah, well, in any case, I was about to look for the nurse's office," Timothy said.
"The nurse's office? The nurse doesn't have anything to care for a poisoned student and their Pokemon," Erin said. "Give Coovers and Oshawott to me and Piplup. We will take them to the Pokemon Center."
"Electchu and I can take them there. We know where it is," Timothy said.
"Pikachu," Electchu said.
"No, it's better that I go than you go," Erin insisted. "Whoever takes Coovers and Oshawott to the Pokemon Center will have to be excused from class for the rest of the day, and you're a new student. I can convince Ms. Oleana to let me have the rest of the day off. She won't do anything about Guzma without proof, but she's a little more sensible than most of the staff."
Timothy opened his mouth to point out that he would only be at Motostoke High for the rest of the week, but then he stopped and took a moment to consider that Erin was right. He didn't know Oleana very well, and she might not trust his good intentions after he spoke to Sordward and Shielbert, who might still be at the main office. At least Erin had attended school longer and knew how to talk to the principal and vice principal's secretary.
"Okay, then. I'm trusting you to make sure my best friend and his partner get to the Pokemon Center and are fully treated," Timothy said.
"Pikachu," Electchu agreed.
"You have my word," Erin said.
"Piplup," Piplup said.
Satisfied, Timothy handed Coovers over to Erin, who put Coovers' arm over her shoulder. Electchu let go of Oshawott's ear so Piplup could lift it up and drag it away while following Erin. Timothy and Electchu watched Erin and Piplup take their friends until they turned around the corner to the nearest staircase. A moment later, the final bell rang, announcing that fifth period had started. Timothy sighed and gestured to Eletchu with his head to say, "We better get going."
Suddenly, white strings shot from behind Electchu and wrapped it into a cocoon of string. Timothy turned around just as Ariados used String Shot on his legs, wrapping them together and causing him to fall on his side. Timothy rubbed his side as Guzma stepped in front of him with his hands in his pockets and Coovers' name written on his white shirt.
"You got some nerve, Durbin," Guzma said. "Ariados worked hard on that display, and nobody frees its victims unless I wish it."
"I don't care what you wish for. You made a fool out of me and Electchu and poisoned our friends!" Timothy barked. "You're a loose cannon, Guzma, and you need to be stopped!"
"Pikachu!" Electchu shouted.
"Heh. You got guts, Durbin. I'll give you that," Guzma said, amused. "I think you need some cold water to clear your head."
Guzma wrapped his arms around Timothy from behind and began dragging him. Ariados followed Guzma, dragging Electchu by its cocoon with its mouth. Timothy tried to break free in vain as Guzma dragged him to the nearest bathroom. Standing in front of the entrance to the girls' rooms were Matori, Meowth, and a freshman girl with glasses. Matori was going through files on her tablet while the girl waited with her legs crossed.
"Let's see. That'll be three Poke dollars for number one and five for number two," Matori said.
"I can't afford that. I have a bladder problem," the girl protested.
"Sorry to hear that. You're still not going in without paying the toll," Matori said.
"Hey, Matori, what is the rate for a first-class swirly?" Guzma asked.
Matori turned her head to Guzma, Timothy, Ariados, and Electchu and smirked.
"There aren't any customers in there, so pick your stall. No charge," she said.
"Thanks, doll face," Guzma said.
"Hey, wait. You said you'd set a mutual fund for my public image," Timothy said. "You took my money for that, so you should make it worth my while."
Matori pretended to think about it before opening a file on Timothy and tsked.
"I'm sorry, but it doesn't look like the terms were settled for a mutual fund," she said.
"Terms? Your Meowth used Confuse Ray on me and my friends. We were in no position to agree to any terms even if we agreed to give you our money," Timothy said.
"Well, that's the way business goes. Next time, get it in writing," Matori said.
Timothy clenched his teeth and tried to break free to attack Matori, Meowth protecting her be disregarded. Guzma chuckled as he and Ariados dragged Timothy and Electchu inside the boys room, and each took a stall to give them swirlies. Half of Timothy's head was wet when they finished, and Electchu was drenched from top to bottom. Guzma chuckled again before he and Ariados took their victims out of the stalls and dropped them on the floor. Timothy groaned, having hit his head on the floor before Guzma rolled him over to face the ceiling and put his foot on Timothy's chest.
"I don't like punishing the same victim twice in the same school year, much less in two days in a row, Durbin," Guzma said, pointing his finger at Timothy. "I only punished you as restitution for your birthday party. As far as I'm concerned, our business is concluded as long as you don't do anything to upset me again. So, from now on, you better not do anything to interfere with my work. Don't matter if my victim is one of your buddies. Free my victims again, and I'm gonna pound you into next week."
Guzma took his foot off Timothy and cackled as he exited the bathroom with his hands in his jacket pockets. Ariados jeered at Electchu with an "Ariados" before following its partner. Timothy sat up and tried to rip the strings around his legs as he called out to Guzma.
"Oh yeah?! Well, the joke's on you, jackass, because we're not -"
Timothy's voice died in his throat, and his eyes widened. Electchu looked up at its friend while trying to break free from its cocoon, wondering why Timothy suddenly stopped mid-sentence. Timothy stared at the door where he last saw Guzma and Ariados and then looked in the direction of the girls bathroom, where he could hear Matori still talking to the girl in the hall. Timothy then turned his head to face the wall before him, as his eyes widened in realization. He stood still for several seconds before turning to Electchu and giving it a grin that made his trusty Pikachu uneasy.
"We're not going to be here next week."