For the rest of the day, Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, and Ned rode to Turffield almost nonstop. As the group leader, Gwen refused to allow anyone to stop riding their bikes apart from bathroom breaks, determined to make up for lost time. The four trainers and their Pokémon didn't break for lunch until three in the afternoon, and Gwen only allowed enough time for Coovers to make sandwiches for everyone. A little after eight in the evening, they were at the entrance to Galar Mine, and Gwen decided that they should camp for the night, much to Timothy, Coovers, Electchu, and Ned's relief.

Coovers and Gwen worked on dinner together while Timothy, Electchu, and Ned sat on the grass. The two men talked about the Gym Challenge and their battles with Venarge. Ned showed his other Pokémon to Timothy, and Timothy gave him advice about battling. Eventually, the discussion led to the two of them having a double battle for Ned to understand Timothy's teachings. They ended the battle when dinner was ready, but Ned was in high spirits from learning so much.

The next day, they spent the morning riding through the Galar Mine and, after taking a break for lunch, rode through paddocks of yellow grass on both sides of the main road. Within an hour, Timothy, Coovers, Electchu, Gwen, Winnie, and Ned finally made it to Turffield. It was a small town surrounded by terraced farming fields with a stadium standing taller above the few houses and other buildings in the area. The group dropped by the town's Pokemon Center for Timothy and Ned to have their Pokemon checked up before they made their way to Turffield Stadium. Coovers looked around the town, noticing very few people around as they walked downhill to the stadium.

"Hey, is it me, or is it a ghost town here?" He asked.

"You're going to find some towns like this, Coovers," Gwen answered. "The Gym Challenge is practically a holiday, where people and Pokémon can watch Pokemon battles that involve Dynamaxing. The citizens of Turffield must have enjoyed seeing a lot of Dynamaxing from Milo battling other Gym Challengers by now."

"Well, then we better not disappoint the people and Pokemon of Turffield," Ned said. "Might as well put on a show while we earn gym badges. Right, Timothy?"

"Well, I aim to put on a show while I beat all of the Gym Leaders anyway, so the more people and Pokemon loving my battles, the merrier," Timothy said.

"Oh? Is there anyone, in particular, you'd like to entertain?" Ned queried.

"Er, trade secret," Timothy replied. "How about you?"

"Ezria," Ned answered without missing a beat. "I hope she sees me battle and will be so impressed that she will go on a date with me. I think she will be as thankful for your teachings as I am."

Timothy smirked and said, "We'll see. Just remember what I've taught you about fighting Grass type Pokémon."

"Don't worry. Vanillite and I are going to zoom through this battle. Count on it," Ned said.

The four trainers with Electchu and Winnie went inside Turffield Stadium, where the only person in the main hall was a woman dressed in a white and green sports uniform standing in front of a pair of glass doors. Timothy, Coovers, Electchu, Gwen, and Winnie walked over to the woman, who greeted them with a smile. The group heard cheering, explosions, and cries from Pokemon from the other side of the walls.

"Good afternoon. I assume some of you are Gym Challengers?" She asked.

"We are," Timothy and Ned said simultaneously.

"Alright, allow me to help you with your registration," the employee said as she took out a tablet. "Names?"

"Ned," Ned replied.

"Timothy," Timothy replied.

The woman entered their names and said, "Alright then. You two are all set. There are a few challengers in line to battle our gym leader, Milo, so Ted, you are fifth in line, and Timothy, you will be the last challenger for the day. Please change into your uniforms in the changing rooms on your right, and I'll take you to the locker room."

"Sounds good to me," Ned said with a grin.

"Same here," Timothy said.

"Raichu," Electchu said.

"Very well then," Gwen said. "Gentleman, good luck on your gym battles."

Timothy, Coovers, Electchu, and Ned turned to Gwen, and Coovers asked, "You're not going to watch the gym battles?"

"I'm afraid I have some other business to take care of while you guys wait for your battles," Gwen answered before turning to Timothy. "Timothy, I expect you to win your battle right away. Call me after you win."

"Uh, sure. You can count on me," Timothy said hesitantly.

"Good," Gwen said before turning to Ned with a sweet smile. "Best of luck to you, Ned."

"T-thanks," Ned said, feeling bashful from how Gwen looked at him.

With that, Gwen walked to the exit until she was outside and out of sight. Coovers smirked and raised an eyebrow, intrigued with Timothy watching their group leader before Timothy walked to the changing rooms with Ned. Coovers and the League Staff member waited a few minutes before Timothy and Ned came out in their uniforms.

"Alright then. If the two of you will, please follow me," the staff member said.

Timothy and Ned nodded before Coovers said, "Knock 'em dead, fellas."

"Count on it," Ned said as he, Timothy, and Electchu followed the staff member.

**********************************************************************************************

It was a quarter till three, and the people and Pokémon in the Turffield Stadium were waiting for the last Gym Battle. Between every gym battle was a waiting period for Milo's Pokemon to heal, depending on how badly hurt his Pokémon were. Most challengers had bested him in battle and gotten their first badge, so the audience was frequently given time to get concessions or use the restroom before the next battle. Ned had just finished his Gym Battle, using Timothy's teaching to ultimately best Milo using only Vanillite. Coovers was in the crowd and marveled at Dynamax's power during each battle.

Up in a private room with a full view of the field through a glass wall was Ezria. She was one of the first trainers to battle against Milo, and she defeated him without Doublade getting a scratch. But, as much as she wanted to move on to her next gym battle, she chose to stay after Venarge reported his battle against Timothy. Confident Timothy was going to battle Milo eventually, the twins waited until it was Timothy's turn.

But as time passed, Ezria rested her head with her arm against her chair, struggling to stay awake. It didn't help that she had to watch several of her fans, including Ned, battle, with most of them winning a badge. She hoped Venarge would have prevented more of them from making it to Turffield before Timothy defeated him in battle, but fortune was not on her side.

The raspberry-haired woman was startled by someone poking her arm, and she turned her head to find Venarge holding two sodas. Ezria sighed as she took a soda and opened it to take a sip.

"How long is this going to take?" Ezria complained. "He should have battled by now.

"I just hope I get to see Milo crush him," Venarge said as he sat on a chair next to Ezria. "It would be so fun to see him fail."

"I doubt Milo will win," Ezria said, smirking at her brother. "If Timothy beat you so quickly, he should have no trouble beating Milo. He is only the first Gym Leader, after all."

Venarge's face turned sour, and he said, "Yeah, you're right. If Tubby could defeat Milo with that pathetic Vanillite, then your boyfriend has a chance. Maybe he taught him how to use an Ice type Pokemon against Grass types properly."

Ezria's smirk turned into a happy smile, and she said, "Maybe. I'm still surprised Timothy stood up for Ned. Then again, it's no wonder he did if he was willing to risk his life and his Pokémon to save the entire world from Team Rocket."

"Are you always going to find something positive about this guy?" Venarge groaned.

"I might, Venny. I might," Ezria replied. "Of course, he needs to beat Milo first, and then we'll see how he fairs against me in a double battle."

Venarge rolled his eyes and took a sip of his soda. Just then, the lights in the stadium dimmed, and the people and Pokémon in the audience cheered, knowing what was about to happen. Ezria and Venarge drank their sodas, showing little interest, before the announcer spoke through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for today's final battle," he said. "Our last challenger is a trainer from Pallet Town in the Kanto region. Let's give it up for challenger number seven, Timothy!"

Ezria's eyes widened, and she leaned on her seat. As soon as Timothy appeared on the field with Electchu, her cheeks turned pink, and goosebumps appeared all over her arms and legs as if she were at a concert seeing her favorite artist entering the stage. Timothy and Electchu smiled and waved at the audience as they walked to their side of the field.

"He's so pretty," Ezria said.

Venarge looked at his twin sister as though she were speaking gibberish and muttered to himself, "Who calls a guy pretty?"

"And now, let us give it up again for Turffield's very own Milo!" The announcer shouted.

The crowd cheered louder as Milo entered the field, also waving as he made his way to his side of the field.

"Pfff. The people of Turffield are being overkind at this point," Venarge said.

"Obviously," Ezria said, snorting a laugh.

Timothy and Milo stared at each other, despite being so far away from each other. The tall, peach-haired man gave Timothy a cheerful smile and said, "So, you're my final challenger, eh? I hope you don't expect me to go easy on you just because my Pokémon and I have had to face a lot of your fellow challengers today."

"I'd be hoping I hold back if I were you," Timothy said with a smirk.

Milo moved his head back and let out a hearty laugh.

"Confident about you and your Pokémon. If that's how it is, show everyone what you got here," he said.

Timothy nodded and turned to Eletchu.

"Alright, pal, it's our first Gym Battle in years. Let's make this nice and quick," he said.

"Raichu!" Electchu said with a grin.

Just then, a referee came flying above the field, standing on a platform attached to his Aegislash. His Aegislash stopped above the side of the field, and the referee raised his hands.

"This is a two-on-two battle between Milo, the Gym Leader, and Timothy, the Gym Challenger," he announced. "The battle will be over when both Pokemon from either side are unable to battle. Contestants, are you ready?"

"Ready!" Milo shouted proudly.

"Ready!" Timothy replied.

"Then let the battle begin!" the referee shouted.

The crowd cheered again, and Milo took out a Pokéball, shouting, "Gossifleur, let's go!"

He threw the Pokéball, and a Gossifleur came out with a flash. Timothy raised an eyebrow as he took out his Rotom Phone and scanned the Pokemon.

"Gossifleur. The Flowering Pokemon. A Grass type," Rotom said. "Gossifleur anchors itself in the ground with its single leg, then basks in the sun. After absorbing enough sunlight, its petals spread as it blooms brilliantly."

"Ah, so it's a pure Grass type, eh? Well, then I know just what to do," Timothy said, smirking as he took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go, Blitzwing!"

The Pokéball opened, and Timothy's loyal Braviary came out, letting out a battle cry as it flapped its wings only a few feet into the air.

"Ah, a smart idea to choose a Flying type, but it still won't be that simple," Milo said. "Gossifleur, use Rapid Spin!"

"Dodge and use Crush Claw!" Timothy shouted.

Gossifleur started spinning toward Blitzwing, but the bird-like Pokémon easily avoided the attack. Blitzwing's claws then glowed white, and it smashed its claws down on its opponent, forcing Gossifleur to the ground.

"Now, use Aerial Ace!" Timothy shouted.

"Dodge it, Gossifleur!" Milo shouted.

But Gossifleur was in so much pain that it could barely move. It slowly stood back up, just in time for Blitzwing to zoom toward it. Milo could only watch as Blitzwing rammed into his Pokemon, and Gossifleur squealed as it fell to the ground and passed out.

"Gossifleur is unable to battle! Blitzwing is the winner!" The judge declared.

The crowd cheered as Milo returned Gossifleur to its Pokeball. Ezria smiled as she watched Timothy complement Blitzwing while Venarge scoffed.

"What did I tell you? Milo is pathetic," he said. "That Gossifleur didn't have a prayer against a flying type. Leastways, not a fully evolved one like that Braviary."

"Naturally," Ezria said. "Still, let's see what Timothy can do in a Dynamax Pokemon battle."

Back in the field, Milo smiled at Timothy as he took out another Pokéball.

"Sure seems like you train your Pokémon well," he said. "I'll have to Dynamax my Pokémon if I want to win. Let's go, Eldegoss!"

He threw his Pokéball and an Eldegross. Timothy once again took out his Rotom Phone and scanned the Galar native Pokémon.

"Eldegross. The Cotton Spore Pokemon and the evolved form of Gossifleur. A Grass type. The seeds attached to its cotton fluff are full of nutrients. It spreads them on the wind so that plants and other Pokémon can benefit from them," Rotom said.

"So, it's a complete Grass type too, eh?" Timothy said, smirking again. "Looks like this battle will be quicker than I thought, fellas."

"Raichu," Electchu said

"Brav!" Blitzwing shouted.

But before Timothy could make a move, Milo returned Eldegross to its Pokéball. Timothy tilted his head in confusion until the Pokéball suddenly glowed red and grew to nearly half Milo's height. He threw it toward his side of the field, the Pokéball burst open, and Eldegross grew until it was taller than the stands with red clouds circling over it. Timothy, Electchu, and Blitzwing stared at the giant Pokemon, baffled as Eldegross yet out a loud call.

"So, that's Dynamixing," Timothy said.

"Raichu," Electchu said.

Timothy shook off his surprised look and said, "No matter. Professor Magnolia prepared us for this, and we're not going to let her down. Blitzwing, you ready to grow that big too?"

"Braviary!" Blitzwing shouted confidently.

Timothy smiled and put Blitzwing back in its Pokéball. Galar Particles immediately came out from Timothy's Dynamax Band and went inside the Pokéball, causing it to grow so quickly that Timothy almost dropped it. It took a couple of seconds before he threw the ball, and it burst open to reveal Blitzwing flying over the field at the same height as Eldegross, with clouds circling around it. Ezria smiled, and Venarge furrowed his brow while the crowd went wild at seeing two Dynamax Pokémon on the battlefield.

"How did he get his hands on a Dynamax Band?" Venarge asked.

"I don't know, but I'm glad he has one," Ezria said.

Electchu stared at Blitzwing, dumbfounded at the unusual sight, and said, "Rai, Rai, Raichu Chu Chu."

"Ain't that the truth, pal," Timothy said as he scanned Blitzwing and looked at his Rotom Phone. "Now, let's see. It looks like Blitzwing can do three moves when it's Dynamaxed: a Normal type move called Max Strike, a Steel type move called Max Steelspike, and a Flying type move called Max Airstream."

"Raichu Chu Rai Rai Raichu Chu Rai Raichu."

"Yeah, I guess it does depend on the type of moves a Pokémon has when it's not Dynamaxed," Timothy said. "Either way, I bet my trophies from winning the Johto and Hoenn Leagues that Dynamaxing isn't gonna change the fact that Eldegross is a Grass type, and Blitzwing has a Flying type move to cause some serious damage."

"Don't count on it!" Milo called out, having overheard Timothy. "Eldegross, use Max Strike!"

"Dodge it and use Max Airstream, Blitzwing!" Timothy shouted.

Dynamax Eldegross jumped into the air, creating glowing yellow cracks on the ground as it landed. Dynamax Blitzwing flew up just as the cracks reached it, and a burst of yellow energy erupted from the ground underneath it, barely missing Dynamax Blitzwing's talents. Dynamax Blitzwing then took a deep breath and shot a tornado of wind from its mouth. The tornado hit Dynamax Eldegross in the chest, and it screamed in pain, nearly losing its balance.

"Nice move, but we're not going down that easily. We're tough as weeds!" Milo shouted.

"Let's find out! Blitzwing, use Max Airstream again!" Timothy shouted.

Dynamax Blitzwing took another breath and shot another tornado from its mouth. Dynamax Eldegross screamed upon impact, and it fell on its cotton head backward before it shrunk back to normal size. The referee flew over to Eldegross with his Aegislash to find it lying down with swirly eyes.

"Eldegross is unable to battle!" the referee declared. "Blitzwing is once again the winner. Thus, the victory goes to Timothy, the challenger!"

The crowd screamed and cheered as Timothy shook his fist in the air, and Electchu joined in the cheering. With a flash, Blitzwing returned to normal size and flew over to its friends, who gave it warm smiles.

"Nicely done, Blitzwing," Timothy said. "Quick and efficient."

"Braviary!" Blitzwing shouted triumphantly before Timothy took out its Pokéball and returned it.

Milo returned Eldegross to its Pokeball and sighed before giving another cheerful smile as he walked over to Timothy and Electchu.

"Well done, Timothy. My Pokémon and I gave it everything we got, and you beat us so easily. What an incredible Gym Challenger you are," he said.

"Thanks, Milo. I must admit it was an unusual experience," Timothy said. "Truth be told, I've never Dynamaxed a Pokémon before."

"Really? But you battle so naturally," Milo said.

"I guess I just got lucky on the first try," Timothy said. "I did have the type advantage the entire time, after all."

"That you did," Milo said. "As proof that you have defeated me, allow me to present your very own Grass Badge and a ring to carry all of your badges."

"A ring?" Timothy asked.

"That's right. You put your badges together in this ring," Milo explained, taking out a badge and a thin, golden ring. "Collect all badges to fill out the hole to show that you are worthy of competing in the Championship Cup after the Gym Challenge."

"Huh, I see," Timothy said as he took the ring and the badge. He connected the badge inside the ring as he muttered, "This Pokémon League is getting more unusual."

Milo's smile grew as he looked up at the audience and shouted, "Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for our final Gym Challenger of the day and wish him the best of luck!"

The audience roared with thunderous applause, and Timothy and Electchu waved at them. Ezria smiled and joined the applause while her brother rolled his eyes.

"I suppose this means you want to meet him now?" Venarge asked.

"That's right," Ezria said with a grin. "With my first two tests completed, it's finally time to meet Timothy in person and challenge him."

"You realize that by coming over to meet this guy, I'm going to have a head start to the next gym, right?" Venarge asked. "I'm leaving for the next town right now."

Ezria chuckled with her mouth closed again and said, "Go ahead, Venny. Take all the head starts you want. Just remember that getting all eight Gym Badges first does not mean that you will stop me from getting rid of Leon."

"We shall see, sister. We shall see," Venarge replied as he got up from his feet and walked to the exit.

Ezria stayed seated as she looked down the field to see Timothy and Electchu walking to the exit on their side of the field. Her cheeks tinted pink, and she resisted the urge to giggle like a schoolgirl.

"This may be it. I finally found him."