Early the next morning, Gwen woke up Timothy, Coovers, Sonia, and Electchu using Cufant again. Sonia complained to Gwen as she got up from sleeping in the back of her car, but Gwen ignored her cries and ordered Sonia to help the men fill up bowls of Pokémon while she made oatmeal and coffee. As everyone ate breakfast, Gwen made Sonia drink an extra cup of coffee to ensure she was wide awake for driving to Hammerlocke.

After breakfast, the group went back into Sonia's car, and she drove by the train tracks to the city again. Her driving still made Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie uneasy, but they fought the urge to lose their breakfast, knowing they were close to their destination. By 10 o'clock, they reached the city of Hammerlocke, much to their relief. Sonia parked her car by the nearest Pokémon Center for Timothy, Coovers, and Gwen to heal up their Pokémon. Once their Pokémon were fully healed, Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Sonia, Electchu, and Winnie went outside and stood next to Sonia's car.

"Well, I guess this is where we part ways, guys," Sonia said.

"Aw, are you sure you can't join us?" Coovers pleaded.

Sonia smiled, knowing what was on Coovers's mind, and shook her head.

"I'm afraid where I'm going is opposite from Stow-on-Side," she said. "Homework for my Gran comes first."

Coovers pouted like a child before he sighed in defeat and said, "You're right. Your dream comes first."

Sonia gave Coovers an appreciative look and placed her hand on his cheek.

"Don't worry. We'll have a chance to use our rain check before you know it. Promise," she said.

Timothy, Gwen, and Electchu looked at each other, confused, while Coovers's face lit up with stars in his eyes. Sonia giggled before she turned to Timothy.

"Good luck on your next Gym Battle, Timothy," she said.

"Thanks Sonia," Timothy said.

Sonia then turned to Gwen and smirked, saying, "You better watch out, Gwen, because I'm determined to solve the mystery before you do."

Gwen rolled her eyes and said, "If you uncover the mystery before I do, Sonia, I'll eat my hair ribbon."

"I'll hold you to that," Sonia said before she turned to Winnie and gave the Teddiursa a smile that made its head start to sweat. "And I'll be counting the moments until I see you again, Eddie-Benny-Boo-Boo."

"Teddi," Winnie groaned.

With her last goodbye, Sonia returned to her car and drove east, waving through her car door window as she avoided hitting cars. Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie waved back until her pink car was out of sight.

"I miss her already," Coovers whined.

"Oh, get over it, Coovers. We're gonna see her again eventually," Timothy said.

"Though speaking of which, What did she mean by a rain check?" Gwen asked.

Timothy and Electchu's eyes widened, remembering what Sonia said. But instead of answering, Coovers turned to Timothy and Electchu and chuckled with a goofy smile.

"It's a secret," he said in a singing voice. "Now, let's get some supplies and start making our way to Stow-on-Side."

Coovers walked past his friends, heading to the nearest supermarket on the city's west side, humming an upbeat tune. Timothy and Gwen looked at each other, worried that something had happened between Coovers and Sonia the night before. They silently decided to drop the matter for another time and followed Coovers with Electchu and Winnie walking beside them. But as Timothy walked to the store, he glanced at Gwen, thinking of when the two of them were alone on the hill. His cheeks heated up, and a small smile entered his face until he realized what he was doing and looked away, forcing a calm expression to act like he didn't look at her.

However, a few seconds after Timothy looked away, Gwen turned her head to look at him as they walked. She smiled as she also thought of how he cheered her up that night until her face fell and she lifted her hand.

"Wait a minute. My hand was on top of his, and he didn't move it away," she thought. "Did he not realize it was there the whole time, or did he know, and he just didn't care? Did he take it as a way of...?"

Gwen's eyes widened, and her cheeks turned pink in embarrassment. She glanced back at Timothy, still looking away, and her cheeks went from pink to red. Gwen looked back at her hand for a moment before she snapped her eyes shut and slapped her cheeks to eliminate her blush.

"Take it easy, Gwen. Timothy doesn't think of it that way," she thought. "He was there to help a friend, and he probably figured staying alone a little longer would help. He might not even know that it can be taken that way."

An amused smirk appeared on her face as she created her story.

"Yeah, that makes sense. If he doesn't realize when he's flirting with someone, he could be clueless about what it means when a woman has her hand on top of a man's hand like that. He might not understand it even if Ezria did that while making a kissy face."

Gwen chuckled with her mouth closed and continued to walk in satisfaction. But after half a minute, her smirk melted away, and she looked at her hand as her confidence faltered.

"But why did I leave my hand there, to begin with?" She asked herself.

"Teddi?"

Gwen snapped out of her train of thought and turned to Winnie, who looked at her, confused.

"Teddiursa?" Winnie asked.

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine, Winnie," Gwen lied with a fake smile.

"Teddiursa? Ursa Ted Teddi Teddiursa." Winnie said.

"My hand? Oh, I just thought I saw something weird on it, and it just turned out to be a little bit of dust," Gwen fibbed.

Winnie tilted its head, puzzled by its partner's answer. The longer it started at Gwen, the more she worried it didn't believe her. She turned her head to face the sidewalk, pretending to be focused on waking just as the group reached their way to the supermarket, but Gwen could still feel Winnie's gaze on her.

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

After a half an hour of walking, the group made it to the nearest supermarket and once again split up to grab different supplies. While Coovers shopped for food and Timothy grabbed hygiene products, Gwen went to grab a couple gallons of water. But as she was putting water into a shopping cart, Gwen was still pretending to play cool, knowing Winnie was still skeptical. After grabbing lots of water, she went to the food section to grab bottles of honey, exciting Winnie. Gwen knew she already had a bottle and a half of honey in her bag, but distracting her Pokémon partner with its favorite food was all she could think of to get it off her back.

After ten minutes of shopping, Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie met at the cashier to pay for their supplies. Timothy, Coovers, and Gwen each paid for the things they were shopping for. When they were done, they put their stuff in their backpacks, went outside to transform their Rotom Phones into bicycles, and began riding to the city's western border.

As they rode, Timothy and Coovers saw they were passing by a tower of an unusual design attached to a stadium. Gwen stopped her bike at the front of the tower, staring at it with a severe look. Winnie looked at its partner worryingly, and Timothy and Coovers stopped their bikes, looking at Gwen in confusion.

"Gwen, what's wrong?" Timothy asked.

Gwen remained silent for a moment before she turned to her friends and answered, "This is Hammerlocke Stadium, where you're gonna battle for your final Gym Badge. Right under it is the Energy Plant where Eternatus is."

Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu's eyes widened, and they looked in the direction below the stadium, imagining a Pokémon imprisoned for Chairman Rose's plan.

"That does make sense. Professor Magnolia said that Chairman Rose is holding Eternatus in one of his buildings in Hammerlocke," Coovers said.

"Yeah, she did," Timothy said. "Kinda cruel that we're right here, yet I still need five Badges to gain the chairman's trust so we can go down there and get the evidence."

"So close and yet so far," Coovers said.

"Raichu," Electchu said with its ears hanging low.

The group continued to stare at where their target was below the stadium for half a minute. Then Coovers sighed through his nose.

"Let's not worry about this right now, guys. Eternatus isn't going anywhere, and we have the chairman and Ezria where we want them," he said. "Let's focus on Timothy collecting Badges until it's time to come back here."

Gwen continued to stare until she turned to Coovers with a small smile and said, "You're right, Coovers. We need to focus on the matter at hand, and right now, the matter is spending all day and most of the night riding to make up for lost time."

"Uh, I don't think that's quite what Coovers meant, Gwen," Timothy said.

"Maybe, but as far as I'm concerned, it's still essential to the plan," Gwen said. "We're about a day behind schedule thanks to Dragapult Dynamaxing, which likely puts us way behind any of the other Gym Challengers who beat Kabu yesterday, most likely including Ezria. It's going to be tough riding through the mountains for so long, but we're just gonna have to deal with it for the sake of the mission."

Timothy and Coovers looked at each other and sighed simultaneously, accepting that they could not counter Gwen's argument. Knowing she had the men in line, Gwen began riding her bike to the western border again, and Timothy and Coovers followed until they heard someone screaming.

"Watch out!"

Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie turned their heads to where they heard the voice to see a spinning bone flying towards them. The bone smacked Coovers in the nose, and he fell off his bike, covering his nose with both hands in pain. Timothy, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie rushed to Coovers's side as a 12-year-old girl and a Cubone ran over to them.

"What's the big idea?!" Coovers growled, sitting up while still covering his nose.

"I'm so sorry, mister," the girl said. "Cubone was using Bonemerang when our opponent dodged and hit you."

"Cubone," Cubone said as it picked up its bone.

"Hey, come on, let's keep battling already!"

Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie looked past the girl and her Cubone to see a muscular man wearing a gray tank top, a baseball cap and a Joltik on the sidewalk from the other side of the road. Hovering above them was a light-green drone with a round head with the face of a Rotom. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu stared at the drone, puzzled as it flew over to the girl.

"Do you wish to continue the battle?" The drone asked.

"You bet I do," the girl replied. "Let's go, Cubone. Sorry again, mister."

"Cubone," Cubone said.

"Hey, wait a minute," Coovers said.

But the girl and her Pokémon were already running to continue their battle. The drone-like being hovered between the two trainers and their Pokemon as their battle continued. The man and the girl have their Pokemon separate commands, leaving Coovers and Timothy confused as the latter helped his best friend up.

"Sheesh. Who has a Pokémon Battle in the middle of the sidewalk?" Coovers asked.

"Maybe they were too eager to go somewhere else to have it?" Timothy guessed.

"Still not a good place to do it," Coovers grumbled. "And what is that thing flying above them?"

"That's a Rotom Drone. It's used for judging battles," Gwen answered.

"Wait, does that mean one of those trainers just happens to have one for Pokémon Battles?" Timothy asked.

"Of course not," Gwen answered. "Rotom Drones are only used for -"

Suddenly, Gwen's eyes widened, and she gasped. She turned her head to the Rotom Drone and turned her Rotom bike into a phone to look at the date.

"Oh my gosh!" she said before looking up at Timothy. "Timothy, the new season of the World Coronation Series starts today!"

"What?! That's today?!" Timothy shouted.

"Yes, it's been a week since the World Championship Finals," Gwen said. "Today is the beginning of the new season and the only day to register. Rotom Drones are only used for the World Coordination Series, which means those two trainers are having a World Coronation Battle right now."

Timothy and Coovers took a moment to process what Gwen said before they turned their bikes into phones and checked the date.

"Good grief. She's right," Coovers said. "You better sign up now."

Timothy nodded and opened the website to the World Coronation Series on his phone. He filled in his personal information and his status as a trainer and hit "submit." He waited for a few seconds until Timothy's Rotom Phone let out a "ding."

"Congratulations. You are registered for this season's World Coronation Series," Rotom said.

"Whew, that's a relief. To think we were about to spend the rest of the day traveling to Stow-on-Side without knowing today is registration day," Coovers said, still holding his nose.

"Right? That would have sucked," Timothy said.

Timothy's Rotom Phone went back to the World Coronation Series' main page, showing a pyramid split into four sections from the bottom up. The top section was red with the number eight and a Master Ball next to it. The section below was orange with the number ninety-nine on it and an Ultra Ball next to it. Below that was the green section with the number nine hundred and ninety-nine with a Great Ball next to it. The bottom section was blue with a regular Pokeball next to it. The number on it was one thousand, four hundred and forty-two when Timothy opened the page, but it rose by the second.

"Wow, this competition is more popular than I thought. Over ten thousand trainers are competing with more people signing up," Timothy said.

"You're kidding. With that many competitors, it's a marvel we haven't heard of this before," Coovers said. "I wonder how many of these trainers are here in Galar."

"If this thing takes place all over the world, I'm sure those two trainers aren't the only ones," Timothy said. "Plus, we expect Ezria to compete, and I'm willing to bet Venarge is too."

"That's true. I can imagine Venarge wanting to use the World Coronation Series to demand a rematch with you," Coovers said.

"I think that goes without saying," Timothy said.

Coovers nodded with a smirk,

"Speaking of rivals, I wonder if Ash has heard of this by chance and is also competing," he said.

"I hope so. I would love to have a battle if we bump into him again," Timothy said.

"I don't know. He did say he only has Pikachu at hand, so you won't be able to have a full battle with him," Coovers said.

"That's fine. From what I'm seeing on the website, I can only have one-on-one or two-on-two battles in the World Coronation Series right now," Timothy said. "A one-on-one battle is the perfect opportunity for Electchu to get some payback against Pikachu. Right, pal?"

"Raichu!" Electchu answered with a smirk.

Coovers smiled at Timothy and Electchu's response, glad to see his best friends determined to continue their rivalry amongst friends. Unknown to either of them, Gwen was also smiling, happy to hear Timothy speak that way after what he had told her the night before.

"So, what is your rank right now, Timothy?" Gwen asked.

Timothy took a second to open his profile on the website and said, "I'm starting at 8,293, so it looks like I need to win a fair amount of battles to get to the next class."

"What do you mean next class?" Coovers asked.

"From what I'm looking at, there are four classes in the series: Normal Class, Great Class, Ultra Class, and Master Class," Timothy explained. "Everybody starts at Normal Class, but people with rankings between a hundred and nine hundred and ninety-nine are in the Great Class, people who rank between nine and ninety-nine are in the Ultra Class, and the top eight people are in the Master Class."

"Oh, so that means you need to build up your ranking by more than seven thousand to get to the next class," Coovers said.

"Correct," Timothy said. "And I think I should aim to at least be in the Great Class before bumping into Chairman Rose or Ezria again."

Gwen furrowed her brow in disapproval and said, "I hope you do, Timothy, but I don't know how you'll find the time when we have my schedule to keep up."

Timothy fought the urge to roll his eyes while Gwen was still looking at him and said, "Honestly, Gwen, I think we have to make the time. Rose knows I will compete in the Gym Challenge and the World Coronation Series since the opening ceremony, and I told Ezria I'd be competing too. If we keep giving them the impression that I'm a powerful trainer, then I need to build up my ranking as much as possible."

"Timothy's right. We have multiple options to impress the chairman and earn his trust. We need to use them all," Coovers said.

Gwen's frown deepened, and she asked, "I suppose that still includes indulging Ezria in her little fantasy concerning her and Timothy?"

"'Fraid so," Coovers said.

Gwen huffed in annoyance and said, "Well, if I haven't said before, I'd like the record to show that I hope we don't bump into her again."

"Boy, you really don't like being around Ezria, do you?" Timothy said.

"What can I say, Timothy? Even if you take away that she supports something that could destroy the region, I find her to be a bothersome, overbearing person," Gwen said. "I worry about how hurt Ezria will be if she finds out we're manipulating her, but past that, I can do without her boasting about her wealth or her constantly trying to woo you."

"Heh. Yeah, I can't deny Ezria's a little too persistent in trying to win my affection," Timothy said.

"A little?" Gwen asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Okay, a lot," Timothy said. "And I don't care how Ezria's fans keep giving me death glares just for getting more than a sideways glance from her. At this rate, I'm worried they'll think something serious is going on between us, and they'll do something crazy."

"You mean like those guys?" Coovers asked.

Timothy turned his head to Coovers with a puzzled look, and Coovers pointed ahead. Timothy looked where Coovers was pointing to find three men walking down the sidewalk toward them with their eyes fixed on Timothy. One was short and well-padded and wore a white t-shirt with Ezria's face at the center and a dark orange vest. The one next to him was slim and wearing a dark orange polo shirt. The third was tall and well built. He led the trio with his phone held up to him, wearing a dark orange tank top and had a tattoo of Ezria blowing a kiss on his left arm. Timothy pursed his lips as it was painfully clear who the men were.

"They're so obsessed with Ezria that they wear clothes that are the same color as her dress," he said. "Now I'm starting to worry for the whole male population in this region."

"Raichu," Electchu said with unease in its voice.

The three men walked until they were a few yards away from Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie. The tall, well-built man in the tank top looked as though he wanted to pummel Timothy to the ground. The short one wearing the Ezria shirt and vest was giving a pout like a child about to throw a tantrum. The slim man stood between them with his hands in his pockets, looking at Timothy as though he was a gangster about to carve his target.

"What do you want?" Gwen asked, glaring at the men.

"Know your place, toots," the tall, well-built man said. "You're in the presence of some of the best trainers around. Name's Mojo. With me are Stan and Kibau, and we ain't gonna let you go anywhere near Stow-on-Side."

"How do you know that's where we're going?" Coovers asked.

"Because that's where your pal is going for his fourth Gym Battle," the thin man named Stan said, pointing at Timothy.

Timothy gave the thin man a sullen look and asked, "What business is it of yours that I'm competing in the Gym Challenge? I think I would have seen you guys if you are fellow challengers."

The three men glared daggers at Timothy like he was insulting him, and the short, chubby man named Kibau answered, "We couldn't get into the Gym Challenge, but we are competing in the World Coronation Series."

"I see. And I suppose you are challenging every Gym Challenger going to Stow-on-Side?" Timothy asked.

"Nope. Just you and you alone, Timothy Durbin," Mojo answered.

Electchu and Winnie looked at the well-built man, taken aback, while Gwen and Coovers looked at each other, unsure of how to react. Timothy, on the other hand, raised his eyebrow.

"How do you know who I am?" He asked.

The three men scoffed as if the answer was obvious.

"How can we not?" Mojo asked. "Every soul who worships our exalted Ezria knows about you and how our queen has taken a liking to you."

Timothy's frown deepened, and he asked, "You mean to tell me that just because she wished me luck with my Gym Battle against Kabu in front of some of you fanboys, you all assume something is going on between us?"

"Ah-ha! So it's true!" Stan screamed. "She really does have feelings for you!"

Kibau growled with his teeth clenched and said, "I knew it was stupid to hope even though my Ezria didn't confirm anything."

"What are you talking about?" Timothy asked.

The three men looked at Timothy equally confused and then looked at each other before Stan asked, "You mean you haven't watched Ezria's interview?"

"Ezria's interview?" Timothy asked.

"The interview she and her brother did right after she won her third badge. It was all over the news," Mojo answered. "She ended her interview telling everybody all about you saving the world from that crime organization by capturing Arceus itself, that you're competing in both the Gym Challenge and the World Coordination Series, and she believes you defeated a wild Dynamax Pokémon. I couldn't believe she spoke passionately about a man who isn't Chairman Rose."

"Yeah, what did you do? Brag about saving the world and winning Pokémon Leagues until you had poor Ezria wrapped around your fingers?" Kibau asked.

"Oh brother," Timothy mumbled before he said aloud, "Listen, pals, I can assure you I am not interested in her romantically."

"Oh, please, don't deny it," Mojo barked. "You think just because you're some hero, you deserve the most beautiful and beloved woman in the world? Well, I got news for you, 'pal.' We don't think of Ezria as a prize. We love her for the incredible lady she is. No one deserves to be with her but the most loyal and loving man, and that's me."

Stan looked daggers at his friend and snarled, "No, that's me!"

"No, I love her more than any of you!" Kibau argued.

Gwen groaned in annoyance and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Obviously, you dolts don't know how to really respect a woman," she said. "I couldn't care less about Ezria's love life, but if you really love her, then you will let her decide for herself who she views as someone she wants to date. She's an irritating human being, but she's still a human being."

The three men gasped in shock before glaring at Gwen with clenched teeth.

"How dare you! Ezria is the sweetest, most loving being on the planet! Nobody insults our queen, ever!" Mojo yelled.

"I believe I just did." Gwen said before sticking her tongue out and lowering her eyelid.

The men's faces turned maroon, and Mojo screamed, "You know what? It doesn't matter what you say! We are not letting you go to Stow-on-Side!"

"My friends and I are going to Stow-on-Side whether you want us to or not," Timothy said. "You can't stop us even if you threw all of your Pokémon at us."

"Raichu," Electchu said.

"Ha! Wanna bet?" Stan asked. "There's three of us and one of you. There's no way you can defeat all of us."

Timothy smirked and said, "That's a sucker bet. Not only do Coovers and Gwen have full parties, but I've beaten Kabu, who Gym Challengers rarely beat. You schmucks didn't even get into the Gym Challenge. If you all challenge me to a World Coronation Series battle, you'll just be a means to go up the ranks."

Ezria's fans glowered again, which only amused Timothy. Kibau stepped in front of his friends, took out his Rotom Phone, and pressed a few buttons on its screen. When he finished, he waited in silence, confusing Timothy, until he heard a chime from his Rotom Phone.

"A battle challenge has been issued," Rotom said. "Do you accept or reject it?"

Timothy's smirk grew, but before he opened his mouth, he felt someone place their hand on his hand that was holding his phone. He turned his head to see Gwen standing next to him.

"Timothy, I realize we have no choice and battling these guys might help with the mission, but please don't lose to any of them," she said. "I don't want us to fall further behind because we need to revisit the Pokémon Center."

"Don't worry, Gwen," Timothy replied with a friendly smile. "We'll be out of the city before you know it. You have my word."

Gwen smiled back in appreciation until she realized her hand was still on Timothy's. She removed her hand and stepped back before anyone noticed her blushing.

"Do you accept or reject the challenge?" Timothy's Rotom Phone repeated.

"I accept the challenge." Timothy replied.

"An official battle has been registered," the Rotom in Timothy's and Kibau's phones said in sync.

Kibau grinned and said, "I'm going to enjoy this."

"Show him, Kibau," Stan said.

"I think Timothy's the one who's gonna show how it's done, buddy boy." Coovers said.

Timothy smirked again and gave Coovers a thumbs up. A Rotom Drone hovered toward everyone and stopped between Timothy, Electchu and Kibau.

"Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!" It chirped. "You have been approved for an official Pokémon World Coronation Series Normal Class battle! The challengers today are Kibau from Circhester versus Timothy from Pallet Town."

Rotom's eyes glowed blue, and a hologram of Timothy and Kibau with a Pokéball on their respective sides appeared.

"For today's battle, each of you can choose one Pokémon. When the Pokémon from either side is unable to battle, that side loses. The opposing trainer will then become the winner. The World Coronation Series has acknowledged me as an official referee, and as such, I will oversee the battle. Will both trainers please take out their Pokémon? Thank you."

Timothy and Kibau each took out a Pokéball. They waited until Rotom shouted, "Three, two, one, go," and threw their Pokéballs simultaneously.

"Odyssey, let's go!" Timothy shouted.

"Silicobra, come on out!" Kibau shouted.

Both Pokéballs snapped open to reveal Odyssey and a brownish white snake-like Pokémon with a dark yellow pouch around its neck. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu looked at Kibau's Pokémon befuddled, and Timothy held his Rotom Phone to it.

"Rotom, what's that Pokémon?" Timothy asked.

Rotom scanned the creature, and its image appeared on Rotom's screen as it said, "Silicobra. The Sand Snake Pokémon. A Ground type. When it digs into the ground, Silicobra swallows sand and stores it in its neck pouch. The pouch can hold more than 17 pounds of sand."

"Ha! You picked a Pokémon that's part Steel type. Silicobra's Ground type attacks are gonna crush your stupid Lucario easily." Kibau mocked, pointing at Odyssey.

Mojo and Stan snickered as though Timothy humiliated himself with what Pokémon he chose, but the man in the "H.A.K." shirt continued to smirk as Odyssey made a fighting stance.

"You know, there's a certain boy in Kanto half my age that has a knack for proving that typing isn't everything," he said. "Since he's not here to do that, you'll have to settle for me."

"Battle begin!" Rotom Drone shouted.

"Silicobra, use Mud Shot!" Kibau shouted with a grin.

"Block it and then attack with Bone Rush!" Timothy instructed.

Silicobra took a deep breath and shot balls of mud from its mouth, but Odyssey created a light green bone of energy and blocked the mud with it, using it as a dual weapon. It then raced toward Silicobra and smacked it in the face with its bone, masking it hiss in pain.

"Hey, no fair! You can't block Silicobra's attack like that!" Kibau shouted.

"Well, Odyssey just did, and there's no rule saying that it can't do that," Timothy said with a smug look. "What are you going to do now?"

Kibau clenched his teeth and shouted, "Silicobra, use Dig!"

Silicobra hopped into the air, spinning as it dug into the ground head first. Kibau grinned again, confident he had the upper hand until he realized that Timothy and Odyssey were unfazed.

"Odyssey, close your eyes and wait for the right moment to dodge, then use Strength followed by Aura Sphere." Timothy instructed.

"Luca," Odyssey said with a nod.

The Aura Pokémon closed its eyes and waited until it felt the ground vibrating under it. Odyssey jumped away just as Silicobra sprung out of the ground with a "Cobra!" The next thing Silicobra knew, its opponent grabbed it in midair with a red aura surrounding its body and threw it high into the air. With a smirk, Odyssey created a blue ball of energy and fired it at Silicobra. The Aura Sphere hit Silicobra, exploding on impact, and the Sand Snake Pokémon screamed in agony until it crashed into the ground with swirly eyes.

"Silicobra is unable to battle!" Rotom Drone declared, showing a hologram of Timothy at the center of the image. "Odyssey is the winner, and so the victory goes to Timothy from Pallet Town!"

"Way to go, Odyssey!" Coover's cheered.

"Raichu!" Electchu shouted.

"Teddiursa!" Winnie cheered.

Timothy turned his head to see Gwen smiling and nodding at him in approval. He smiled back and gave her a thumbs up while Kibau bitterly returned Silicobra.

"As a result of today's battle, there has been a change in the World Coronation Series rankings, effective immediately!" Rotom Drone announced.

With that, Rotom flew away, and Kibau and Timothy took out their Rotom Phones again. Timothy watched his ranking go from 8,293 to 6,842.

"Went up by nearly fifteen hundred. Not a bad start," Timothy said. "Pray tell, what's your ranking now, Kibau?"

Kibau growled and mumbled, "8,735."

"What?! But that was just your first battle, and you were at 5,916!" Stan said.

"Guess winning your first battle in the World Coronation Series is essential." Coovers said. "Hope you other two dweebs aren't going to have Timothy as your first trainer to fight in the challenge too."

Stan glowered at Coovers until he realized something and took out his Rotom Phone with a grin.

"You know what? The way I look at it, taking down a high and mighty trainer like your buddy on my first World Coronation Series battle is a golden opportunity to soar up the ranks. I'd be a fool not to take it," Stan said.

"Eh, suit yourself," Coovers said with an uncaring shrug.

Stan pressed a few buttons on the screen of his Rotom Phone, and Timothy's phone chimed again.

"A challenge has been issued. Did you accept or reject it?" Timothy's Rotom Phone asked.

"I accept," Timothy replied before turning to Electchu and Odyssey. "Let's see how high we go in ranking with this battle."

"Raichu!" Electchu said.

"Luca," Odyssey said.

"An official battle has been registered!" the Rotom in Timothy's and Stan's phones said in sync.

Within a couple of seconds, another Rotom Drone came and a hologram of Timothy and Stan appeared from its eyes.

"Welcome! Welcome! You have been approved for an official Pokémon World Coronation Series Normal Class battle! The challengers today are Stan from Turrfield versus Timothy from Pallet Town!" It shouted. "For today's battle, each of you can have the use of one Pokémon. The winner will be determined when their opponent's Pokémon is unable to battle. I will oversee the battle as the official referee. Will both trainers please take out your Pokémon? Thank you! Three, two, one, go!"

"Poliwrath, let's go!" Timothy shouted.

"Falinks, come on out double time!" Stan shouted.

They threw their Pokéballs into the air, and Timothy's Pokéball opened to reveal Poliwrath. Stan's Pokéball opened to reveal six black, spherical creatures with two stout, trunk-like legs wearing golden, armored shells resembling spartan helmets and two-horned plates flanking the lateral sides of the creature. They stood in line with the tallest standing in front.

"That's a unique-looking one," Timothy said as he scanned the creature with his phone.

"Falinks. The Formation Pokémon. A Fighting type," Timothy's Rotom Phone said. "Five of the Falinks are troopers, while one is the brass. The brass's orders are absolute.They work together as one Pokémon, constantly changing their formation as they fight."

"Falinks, huh?" Timothy said. "Well, if it's a Fighting type, then neither of us have an advantage apart from the fact that we're stronger. Right, Poliwrath?"

"Poliwrath!" Poliwrath shouted as it flexed its muscles.

"We'll show you power isn't everything!" Stan claimed. "Falinks, use Headbutt!"

"Fal!" The brass of Falinks shouted in a battle cry.

Falinks charged toward Poliwrath with the extendable horn on top of the brass's armored shell, pointing at the Tadpole Pokémon. Timothy, Electchu, and Odyssey looked at each other, smirking in amusement as Timothy made his call.

"Poliwrath, use Bubble Beam!"

Poliwrath unleashed a Bubble Beam from its stomach, and it hit the brass, causing it to trip and fall flat on its face on the ground. The five soldiers crashed into their leader, creating a pile of symmetrical bodies lying a few feet away from Poliwrath. Timothy's smirk grew as the soldiers lay on top of each other like a group of clowns messing up on an act until Stan made his next move.

"Now, Falinks, use Revenge!"

Before Timothy or Poliwrath could react, Falinks was on their feet. The brass and the five soldiers surrounded Poliwrath with the crests on top of their shells glowing red. One by one, they rammed into Poliwrath in different directions with the brass to attack last, delivering the hardest blow on Poliwrath's stomach. Poliwrath massaged its stomach as Falinks stepped back and got back into formation.

"Ha! How's that for power!" Stan mocked.

Timothy stared at the scratches around Poliwrath's body, taken aback. Timothy's reaction made Stan grin again until he gave his opponent a smug look.

"Not bad. I admit you outsmarted me there," Timothy said. "Too bad Poliwrath is resistant to Water attacks, and doubling the damage only delivers the normal amount."

Stan's confidence weakened as he realized Timothy was right. Then his face turned sour, and he pointed at Poliwrath.

"Oh, yeah? Well, how about this? Falinks, use Rock Smash!" He shouted.

"Poliwrath, stop them using Hydro Pump!" Timothy shouted.

Falinks reformed their line to a linear position and charged toward Poliwrath with their crests glowing orange again. Poliwrath unleashed a massive beam of water, and it hit Falinks, giving them only a moment to hold their ground before it sent them flying. The brass and the soldiers groaned in agony as they lay on the floor again, growing weaker.

"Falinks, use Reversal!" Stan shouted.

"Poliwrath, use Surf, and ride on top of it!" Timothy shouted.

A wave of orange energy burst out of the ground around Falinks, and they charged at Poliwrath once again with their crests covered in orange energy. Poliwrath raised its hands and a wall of water emerged from underneath it. The tadpole Pokemon rode on the wave until it was a couple or feet away from the charging Falinks. It jumped over its opponent before the wave crashed on top of Falinks. When the water disappeared, Rotom Drone saw the brass and the soldier lying on the ground with gray, swirly eyes, and a hologram of Timothy appeared from its eyes again.

"Falinks is unable to battle. Poliwrath is the winner, which means the victory goes to Timothy of Pallet Town!" Rotom Drone declared.

"Nicely done, Poliwrath," Timothy said.

"Wrath!" Poliwrath said.

"Just one more battle, and we can finally leave," Gwen said. "I just hope Timothy's Pokémon doesn't get hurt worse than Poliwrath or faints."

"Teddiursa," Winnie said.

"Don't worry, Gwen. Timothy gave you his word, and he's going to keep it," Coovers said.

"As a result of this battle, there has been a change in the World Coronation Series rankings." Rotom Drone announced before it flew away.

Timothy smirked and opened his phone just in time to see his ranking rise. Stan returned Falinks and took out his Rotom Phone to look at his new ranking, which made him cringe.

"4,687," Timothy said before looking up to Mojo with a complacent look. "I'd learn from your buddies and let us leave now if I were you."

Mojo scoffed and took out his Rotom Phone from his shirt pocket. He pressed a couple of buttons, and Timothy's phone said, "A challenge has been issued. Did you accept or reject it?"

"Unfortunately for my opponent, I accept it," Timothy answered.

"An official battle has been registered," the Rotom in both phones said simultaneously.

A third Rotom Drone flew over to everyone as a hologram of Timothy and Mojo appeared from its eyes as it said, "Welcome! Welcome! You have been approved for an official Pokémon World Coronation Series Normal Class battle!"

"Are all Rotom Drones going to say all of that almost word for word?" Coovers asked.

"I think so," Gwen said.

"The challengers today are Stan from Turrfield versus Timothy from Pallet Town!" Rotom continued. "For today's battle, each of you can have the use of one Pokémon. The winner will be determined when their opponent's Pokémon is unable to battle. I will oversee the battle as the official referee. Will both trainers please take out your Pokémon? Thank you! Three, two, one, go!"

"Electchu, let's finish this!" Timothy shouted.

"Raichu!" Electchu shouted as it ran a few feet in front of Timothy.

Mojo snatched a Pokéball from his pocket and threw it, yelling, "Frosmoth, to battle!"

The container burst open, and, in a flash, a white, moth-like Pokémon with a plump body and two long antennae with trapezoid patterns.

"Rotom, what's that?" Timothy asked his Rotom Phone.

"Frosmoth. The Frost Moth Pokémon. A Bug and Ice type," Rotom answered. "The ice scales from Frosmoth's wings can fall like snow while it flies over the fields and mountains. It flies around using its icy wings to create blizzards in order to chase away offenders."

"So, it's part Ice. Excellent. It gives us a golden opportunity to finish this quickly with Iron Tail," Timothy said.

"Raichu," Electchu said.

"Poli," Poliwrath said, standing next to Timothy.

"Lucar," Odyssey said.

"Battle begin!" Rotom Drone shouted.

Mojo grinned sinisterly and shouted, "Frosmoth, use Aurora Beam!"

"Electchu, use Thunder followed up by Iron Tail!" Timothy shouted.

Flosmoth created a bluish-green orb from the front of its face and fired a green and black beam, while Electchu unleashed a large beam of electricity. The beams explode upon impact, covering the area between Electchu and Frosmoth in black smoke. Mojo and Frosmoth waited for the smoke to clear when Electchu suddenly emerged from the smoke with its tail glowing white. Before Frosmoth knew it, Electchu slammed its tail against Frosmoth's stomach, sending it crashing into the ground on its back. The Frost Moth Pokémon whimpered with its eyes shut and cuts covering its body.

"Now use Iron Tail one more time!" Timothy shouted.

"Frosmoth, use Protect followed by Aurora Beam!" Mojo commanded.

Frosmoth's eyes opened, and it spread its wings to create a green force field that protected itself from Electchu. As soon as the force field disappeared, it fired another Aurora Beam, hitting Electchu, forcing it back several yards away with cuts on its body. Frosmoth shook its body before it flapped back into the air.

"Now, use Aurora Beam again!" Mojo shouted.

"Stop it with Thunder, and then use Iron Tail!" Timothy shouted.

Once again, the Pokémon used their ranged attacks, and they collided, causing an explosion. Mojo clenched his teeth until he realized what Timothy was up to, and he hatched an idea.

"Frosmoth, use Dazzle Gleam now!" He ordered.

A field of rainbow-colored energy surrounded Ftosmoth's, and it expanded outward just as Electchu emerged from the smoke with its tail glowing white again. The rainbow energy hit the Mouse Pokemon, once again sending it back with a few more scratches on its body. Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Winnie, and Odyssey frowned, and Poliwrath glared at Electchu's opponent. Timothy's partner stood back up with a grunt and turned to face him.

"Rai Raichu Chu Raichu."

"Yeah, you're right pal. Mojo is sharper than the other guys. We can't use the same strategy twice," Timothy said before he smirked again. "Unfortunately for him, there's more than one way to get the job done."

"You won't get the chance to use any more surprises!" Mojo claimed. "Frosmoth, use Weather Ball!"

Frosmoth spread its wings and unleashed a light blue ball of energy with ice shards around it.

"Knock it back using Iron Tail!" Timothy shouted.

Electchu's tail turned white a third time, and it smacked the ball back to Frosmoth.

"Frosmoth, use Protect!" Mojo shouted.

"Electchu, wait for the right moment to use Electro Ball!" Timothy shouted.

Frosmoth summoned a force field, and it protected the snow moth in the nick of time. The Weather Ball exploded, and Frosmoth waited a moment before it lowered its field, but as the force field disappeared, Electchu flung an orb of electricity. It hit Frosmoth before it, and Mojo realized Electchu was attacking again. Frosmoth struggled to stay airborne as the Electro Ball covered its body and its wings with scratches.

"Now, use Thunder!" Timothy shouted.

"Frosmoth, Protect!" Mojo yelled.

But Frosmoth was too disoriented to react before Electchu unleashed another massive bolt of electricity. The Frost Moth Pokémon screamed in agony until the attack was done and fell to the ground, limp. Mojo, Stan, and Kibau stared at Frosmoth in disbelief as Rotom Drone checked on Mojo's Pokémon before making the call.

"Frosmoth is unable to battle!" It deviated while showing a hologram of Timothy one more time. "Electchu wins, which means that the winner is Timothy from Pallet Town!"

"Alright!" Timothy shouted.

"Raichu!" Electchu shouted in triumph.

"Poliwrath!" Poliwrath cheered for its friend.

"Lucar," Odyssey said with a smirk.

"Great job, you guys!" Coovers cheered as he took out his backpack. "Now, Electchu, Poliwrath, let me treat your injuries."

Electchu and Poliwrath went over to Coovers, who began spraying potions on their cuts. Mojo was still staring at his fallen partner as Rotom Drone said,

"As a result of today's battle, there has been a change in the World Coronation Series rankings, effective immediately!" Rotom Drone announced.

Timothy took out his phone as Rotom Drone flew away, and smirked before turning to his friends.

"3,764." he announced.

"Seriously? That means you climbed up nearly four and a half thousand in three battles," Coovers said as he treated a cut on Electchu's paw. "You're gonna enter the Great Class in no time."

"Looks that way," Timothy said with a smile before turning to Mojo, Stan, and Kibau just as the leader returned Frosmoth to its Pokéball. "Now, I believe you three have been told to step aside so we can continue our journey."

"No! You're still not going anywhere," Mojo barked. "I demand another battle!"

"Mojo, none of us have any other Pokémon," Stan said.

Mojo flinched and said, "Er, well, we're still not gonna let you go to Stow-on-Side! You'll have to force us to step aside!"

Odyssey tilted its head slightly with an amused look before it put its paws together and made another bone of green energy. The Aura Pokémon walked toward Ezria's fans while holding the bone as a dual weapon with a grin that made their faces grow pale. Mojo, Stan, and Kibau huddled together, shaking until Timothy spoke.

"Relax. Odyssey is just messing with you. You're not worth its energy," he said.

Odyssey pouted at Timothy for ruining its fun. Ezria's fans eased up until Timothy walked over to them with a sinister grin.

"Besides, even if I wanted Odyssey to knock your blocks off, I have a better idea to make you step aside," he said. "Either you leave before Coovers finishes treating my Pokémon, or I tell Ezria all about you keeping people from competing in the Gym Challenge, ensuring that she will never want to see you or hear from you again."

Mojo, Stan, and Kibau's eyes widened, and the second one said, "You can't do that. We're only preventing you from going to Stow-on-Side."

"Ezria doesn't need to know that," Timothy said. "You said she's the sweetest and most loving being, right? How do you think she'll react if her most loyal fans are bullying her competitors?"

"We'll just tell her you're lying!" Kibau said.

"And who do you think she'll believe? The only man she praises apart from Chairman Rose, or a trio of varlets?" Timothy asked.

His smirk melted into a menacing glare.

"To be perfectly frank with you, gentlemen, I don't have a great history with trainers who keep people from accomplishing their dreams because they are self-entitled. If I wanted to, I'll tell Ezria that you guys were part of Team Rocket to teach you a lesson. If you want to keep what shred of a chance with her, then you will allow my friends and I to pass."

Gwen grew uneasy, knowing that Timothy was referring to what happened between him and Trent. Mojo, Stan, and Kibau kept their mouths open to protest, but they soon accepted that Timothy had the right influence to use the person they adored against them. Without a word, they moved away and walked past Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, Winnie, Poliwrath, and Odyssey. Mojo was a few steps away from the group until Timothy spoke again.

"One more thing, Mojo," he said. "Apologize to Gwen for talking down to her."

Mojo stopped waking and muttered under his breath before turning to Gwen.

"I'm...sorry," he said.

Gwen looked at him disapprovingly, knowing he didn't mean it, but she let it slide.

"Thank you," she said.

With that, the tall, well-built man stormed toward the nearest Pokémon Center with his companions, grumbling as he went. Timothy smirked in satisfaction while Gwen turned to him with a smile.

"You didn't have to do that," she said.

"Maybe, but I wanted to," Timothy said, smiling back.

The two of them stared at each other again. Winnie tilted its head, and Odyssey furrowed its brow, finding the way their respective trainers behaved toward another person abnormal. Coovers, Electchu, and Poliwrath, on the other hand, didn't notice Timothy and Gwen staring into each other's eyes as Coovers was focused on treating the latter Pokémon's injuries.

"Alright, that should do it," Coovers said. "Now, let's get the show on the road."

Timothy and Gwen snapped out of their trance and looked away before Electchu and Poliwrath turned to face them. Timothy cleared his throat and took out his Pokéballs.

"Right. Poliwrath, Odyssey, return," he said.

The two Pokémon went back into their containers with Odyssey still frowning over its trainer's unusual demeanor. Timothy then turned his Rotom Phone back into a bicycle and got on with Electchu getting on his back. Gwen and Coovers got back on their bikes, and Gwen began leading everyone to a bridge leading to the city's western outskirts.

As Timothy, Coovers, and Gwen exited Hammerlocke, Timothy thought of the number of times he and Gwen were gazing at each other over the past twenty minutes. His mind then went back to the night he was alone with her and how the thought of it made him tint. The more he dwelled on it, the more it hit him that he wasn't acting like himself around Gwen.

"What is with me?" He thought to himself. "Staring at her eyes? Looking at the night sky alone? Blushing? Why am I suddenly enjoying things like this? She's just my friend, and friends don't act like that with each other. That's more like how Brock and Holly behave around each other, and it's Serena who blushes so much. Heck, Coovers would give up his left hand to be staring at the night sky with Sonia because of his crush on -"

At that moment, Timothy's eyes widened, and his pupils shrank until they were black dots. He looked up from the road to see Gwen still riding ahead of the group, and his cheeks flushed as it hit him.

"Oh, no."