Since her Pokémon were healed after her battle with Timothy, Bea practiced Galar martial arts with her Pokémon. Hawlucha, Grapploct, and Machamp practiced vigorously alongside her with Hitmontop, Falinks, Pangoro, Throh, Tyrogue, Scraggy, Machop, Machoke, and Sawk. Again and again, they performed the same moves flawlessly, but on the inside, Bea was restless.

A League Staff member of the stadium came into Bea's training room and announced that Timothy was coming back. Bea closed her eyes and breathed through her nose before she bluntly thanked the staff member. She put Hawlucha, Grapploct, Machamp, and Hitmontop in their Pokéballs and followed the staff member down the hall to the field. The stadium was almost empty with only Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie sitting at the stands, the referee floating on a platform attached to his Aegislash again, and Timothy standing on his side on the field in his uniform with Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Shockwave, Blitzwing, and Knightblade beside him. Bea stared at Timothy hard with her gray eyes as she took her position. She restated the urge to turn her hands into balls of fists as she grew eager to beat Timothy so bad that he would quit the Gym Challenge like many before him.

"I told you not to take too long," she said. "I was beginning to think you decided to challenge Allister after all."

"Apologies. I was delayed," Timothy said. "But I assure you, I am quite ready and will not lose this time."

"Hmph. We shall see," Bea said. "Care to explain why you have all of your Pokémon out?"

"Let's just say I'm using this battle as a team exercise with my Pokémon," Timothy replied.

The referee raised his hand and shouted, "This is a four-on-four battle between Bea, the Gym Leader, and number seven, Timothy, the Gym Challenger! The battle will be over when all four Pokémon from either side are unable to continue, and only the challenger can substitute Pokémon! Are the contestants ready?!"

"Ready," Bea said.

"Ready," Timothy replied.

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

Without skipping a beat, Bea snatched a Pokéball from her belt and threw it, shouting, "Grapploct, let's go!"

Grapploct burst out of its container and flexed its muscles as it glared at Shockwave and Knightblade, eager to take both of them on if it had the chance. Timothy smirked and turned to his Pokemon.

"Just as I thought, starting with a Pokémon that can hold its own against you guys," he said. "Knightblade, this one is all you."

"Aegislash!" Knightblade shouted as it floated in front of Timothy, Electchu, and Shockwave.

For several seconds, silence overtook the field with Knightblade and Grapploct looking daggers at each other, the latter eager for revenge. Then, Timothy pointed at the Jujitsu Pokémon and shouted, "Knightblade, start with Night Slash!"

"Use Detect!" Bea shouted.

Knightblade charged in with its blade glowing light purple, but with a shimmer in its eyes, Grapploct jumped into the air to avoid the attack.

"Liquidation!" Bea shouted.

"Dodge and use Night Slash again!" Timothy shouted.

Knightblade moved away just as Grapploct was about to hit it with water surrounding its arms. The Royal Sword Pokémon swung its sword using Night Slash again, cutting Grapploct's side. Grapploct put its right arms on its cut, and its anger against Knightblade grew.

"Now, user Night Slash again, followed by Shadow Claw!" Timothy shouted.

"Use Detect followed by Octolock and Liquidation!" Bea commanded, performing several air punches and an air kick.

Timothy, Electchu, and Shockwave looked at Bea, confused as Knightblade swung its sword again only for Grapploct to jump over it again. Grapploct then fell towards Knightblade and pretended to be wrapping its arms around Knightblade only to phase through, but that was part of Bea's plan. Water surrounded Grapploct's arms again and with a smirk, it hit Knightblade in the back multiple times with its arms. Knightblade yelled in pain with its eye shut as Grapploct pulled its left arms back and delivered a final punch, sending Knightblade falling to the ground a few feet away from its opponent, face first.

"Liquidation again!" Bea commanded.

"Block it using your shield, then use Shadow Claw just like with Runerigus!" Timothy shouted.

Knightblade's eye snapped open, and it turned around just in time to block Grapploct's two right arms with its shield. It levitated back into the air and attacked with its blade covered in dark purple aura, but Grapploct knocked its sword back using the water surrounding its left arms. The Pokémon began clashing sword, shield, and water like they were in a duel. Timothy and Bea watched carefully, for an opening until Bea got an idea.

"Grapploct, use Detect the next time Knightblade attacks, and then use Octolock followed by Liquidation again!" She instructed.

With its eyes shimmering again, Grapploct waited until Knightblade made another thrust to jump over its opponent and pretended to attempt to wrap its arms around Knightblade to phase through it, but Timothy caught on to what Bea was doing.

"Knightblade, fly up and use Flash Cannon followed by Night Slash!" He shouted.

Knightblade levitated before Grapploct's arms could reach it, turning around with a white orb appearing in front of it. The Royal Sword Pokémon fired a white beam that hit its target, making Grapploct shut its eyes as it groaned in pain, leaving it unaware of its opponent coming toward it to cut its stomach.

"Liquidation!" Bea shouted.

"Dodge and use Night Slash one more time!" Timothy shouted.

Water surrounded Grapploct's arms a fifth time and swung its arms at Knightblade again, but Knightblade moved away and cut Grapploct's other side with its blade glowing light purple. Grapploct growled in agony again and continued to glare at Knightblade, appearing to be able to continue, but it could only keep its stance for several seconds before its pure Fighting type body gave in. The Jujitsu Pokémon struggled to keep in balance with its eyes growing heavy before it fell on its side, unconscious.

"Grapploct is unable to battle! Knightblade wins!" The referee announced.

Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie cheered from the stands while Knightblade held its shield up in triumph. Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Shockwave, and Blitzwing congratulated their comrade in their respective languages, and Knightblade turned to give them thankful looks with its golden eye. Bea closed her eyes and breathed through her nose before she returned Grapploct to its Pokéball.

"You battled very well," she said before she put the container away and took out another one.

After a moment, Bea's eyes snapped open, she took out another Pokéball, stretched out her arm, and Galar Particles came out of her Dynamax Band and merged into the Pokéball, forcing it to enlarge. Bea threw the ball to her side of the field, and the sky grew dark, as the ball opened to reveal Gigantama Machamp roaring menacingly. Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie grew uneasy with Gwen clasping her hands. Electchu's ears lowered as it also grew worried, but Timothy noticed and gave his partner an assuring smile.

"Don't worry, Electchu. We're ready for Machamp this time," he said. "With Shockwave resistant to Fighting type moves, Dark type moves will only cause normal damage, and Machamp is weak to all of Shockwave's moves, so we have the upper hand. Right Shockwave?"

"Gardevoir," Shockwave replied.

"Alright. Knightblade, come back. It's time," Timothy said.

Knightblade floated back to Timothy's side and wished Shockwave good luck in its language. Shockwave smiled and fist-bumped Knightblade with the latter's shield before Timothy returned it to its Pokéball. Galar Particles came out of Timothy's Dynamax Band and merged into Shockwave's Pokéball, causing it to grow large before Timothy threw it into the field. Shockwave burst out of its Pokéball, growing so tall that the top of its head reached Gigantamax Machamp's nose. The Dynamax Embrace Pokémon gave its opponent a smug look while its opponent cracked both of its pairs of knuckles.

"Let's not waste any time, Shockwave! Use Max Mindstorm!" Timothy shouted.

With a loud "Gar!" Dynamax Shockwave lifted its head to the sky, raised its hands in the air, and a massive beam of pink circles came down from the dark red clouds. The beam hit Gigantamax Machamp, causing a colorful explosion that nearly knocked the Pokémon off balance.

"Now, use Max Mindstorm again!" Timothy shouted.

"Max Steelspike, now!" Bea yelled while performing karate moves.

"What?! Max Steelspike?!" Timothy screamed.

Dynamax Shockwave raised its head and hands to use Max Mindstorm again, but Gigantamax Machamp punched the ground, creating a series of jagged gray spikes that extended forward and struck Dynamax Shockwave, disrupting Shockwave's attack. Dynamax Shockwave let out an agonizing scream that made Timothy's heart sink.

"Shockwave, use Max Starfall, quick!" Timothy shouted.

Dynamax Shockwave took a deep breath to fight the pain and raised its hands again, shouting, "Gar!" Five giant golden stars fell from the red clouds and landed around Gigantamax Machamp. Gigantamax Machamp roared in pain as the stars exploded and wobbled as it lost its stance for a moment.

"Use Max Starfall again double time!" Timothy shouted.

"Max Steelspike!" Bea shouted.

Gigantamax Machamp punched the ground, creating a series of jagged gray spikes that extended forward and struck Dynamax Shockwave just as it summoned five more yellow stars. Both Max Moves hit their respective targets, and Dynamax Shockwave and Gigantamax Machamp kept their stances for a moment before their bodies gave out. With a flash, Shockwave and Machamp shrunk back to normal size, and Shockwave fell to its side while Machamp fell flat on its face.

"Shockwave!" Timothy shouted.

"Lucar!" Odyssey yelled.

"Aegislash!" Knightblade shouted.

"Raichu!" Electchu screamed.

"Poliwrath!" Poliwrath called out.

"Braviary!" Blitzwing cawed.

The referee took a second to check on the Pokemon before he lifted both hands and announced, "Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"

Timothy and his remaining Pokémon stared at their fallen comrade before Timothy reluctantly returned Shockwave.

"You did great, Shockwave. Thank you," Timothy said.

Timothy's Pokémon made calls of thanks before Timothy put the Pokéball in his pocket. He turned to where Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie were seated. They were also sad that Shockwave fainted, but at the same time at ease because Shockwave took out Bea's partner. Bea kept her calm demeanor, but deep down, she was disturbed that Machamp had fainted. She closed her eyes and breathed through her nose, deciding to deal with the situation as she took out Machamp's Pokéball.

"Alright, Machamp, return," she commanded. The Pokéball sucked Machamp in, and Bea stared at the container. "You also battled very well. Thank you."

Bea put away the Pokéball and took out another one.

"Hawlucha, let's go!" She shouted.

She threw the ball into the air, and Hawlucha glided from the sky into the ground. Timothy smirked until he noticed Knightblade still covered in bruises and furrowed his brow.

"The only moves we know Hawlucha has are Hone Claws and Karate Chop," Timothy thought. "If it has any other moves, they could be nothing but Fighting type moves, but I shouldn't take that chance at Knightblade's condition."

Timothy bit the bottom of his lip until he remembered he meant for the battle to be one where only Shockwave and Knightblade battled as part of his exercise for his party. He then remembered Gwen's words of trusting Knightblade's offense and defense, thus the choice became clear. He turned to Knightblade, who had already unsheathed its sword again, glaring at Hawlucha.

"Knightblade, the worst is over thanks to Shockwave. I'm counting on you to finish the battle," Timothy said.

"Aegislash!" Knightblade shouted.

"Alright. Knightblade, get on over there!" Timothy shouted.

Knightblade levitated back to the field with Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Blitzwing cheering it on. If Bea had any concern for Timothy bringing back Knightblade, she hid it well. They stood still with everyone waiting for her to do something for a moment before she performed a couple of air punches.

"Hone Claws followed by Wing Attack!" She ordered.

"Knightblade, wait until Hawlucha is falling toward you, then use Flash Cannon!" Timothy shouted.

Hawlucha jumped high into the air and glided until it was above Knightblade. It then became outlined in white energy and dives towards Knightblade. Knightblade fired a white beam that hit Hawlucha, and sent it flying high into the air.

"Now, use Shadow Claw!" Timothy shouted.

Knightblade soared up with black aura with a purple outline surrounding its blade again. It slashed Hawlucha from underneath, sending it flying higher into the air.

"Use Wing Attack!" Bea shouted.

"Protect yourself in Shield Forme, then use Shadow Claw!" Timothy shouted.

Knightblade sheathed its sword, put its arms behind its back, and rotated its body to face Hawlucha as it dived toward it. Hawlucha rammed into Knightblade, causing less damage from the attack Knightblade was already resistant to, leaving it open for Knightblade to unsheath its sword and slash Hawlucha in the face.

"Now, use Shadow Claw one more time!" Timothy shouted.

Knightblade levitated above Hawlucha and slashed downward, hitting the top of his head. The attack brought so much force that Hawlucha felt like a ten-ton weight and slammed into the ground. The referee levitated over to Hawlucha on his Aegislash to find it groaning as it lost consciousness.

"Hawlucha is unable to battle! Knightblade wins!" He declared.

Coovers, Gwen, Winnie, Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Blitzwing cheered. Timothy smiled, growing more hopeful before turning his gaze to Bea.

"I gotta say, I'm surprised you had Hawlucha used Wing Attack when it's not particularly effective against Knightblade," he said.

"Beggars can't be choosers," Bea replied bluntly.

"Touché." Timothy said.

"Gym Leader Bea, please take out your last Pokémon," the referee said.

Timothy's face grew serious again as he watched Bea return Hawlucha, hoping his theory about Bea's last Pokémon was correct. Bea closed her eyes to contemplate her situation before taking out her final Pokéball, holding it up to her forehead, and taking a deep breath before her eyes snapped open.

"Go, Hitmontop!" Bea shouted.

She threw her Pokéball into the air, and Hitmontop came out, spinning on the top of its head several times before it jumped to its feet. Timothy smirked and turned to his Pokémon.

"Just as I hoped. Her last Pokémon is a pure Fighting type," he said.

"Raichu Rai Rai Rai Raichu." Electchu said.

"Yup, Hitmontop are known to have only Normal, and Fighting type moves mostly," Timothy said before turning to Knightblade. "Knightblade, let's make this quick?"

"Aegislash!" Knightblade said.

Bea furrowed her brow as Knightblade looked condescendingly at Hitmontop with its one eye while still in its Blade Forme. She breathed through her nose again and performed several karate moves, ready to give it her all.

"Hitmontop, use Focus Energy!" Bea shouted.

Hitmontop jumped and spun on its head as an orange aura surrounded its body. Timothy hummed as he watched the Handstand Pokémon.

"Knightblade, use Shadow Claw!" He shouted.

"Gyro Ball!" Bea shouted.

Knightblade charged with its blade covered in black aura, and Hitmontop jumped up and spun on its head toward its opponent. The Pokémon clashed, forcing Hitmontop back while still spinning.

"Rai Rai Raichu?" Electchu asked. "Chu Rai Rai Raichu?"

"If I had to guess Electchu, it's because Gyro Ball is the only move Hitmontop can use that Knightblade isn't immune to," Timothy answered. "Knightblade is resistant to Steel type moves, but that might be all Hitmontop has, just like Hawlucha with Wing Attack. Hitmontop can have other moves that aren't Fighting type, but unless Bea has a strategy that involves taking us off guard with a better attack that Hitmontop can use, Gyro Ball might be it. Now that I think about it, that makes sense because Bea had Hitmontop use Focus Energy first out of hopes of causing critical damage to make up for Gyro Ball not being very effective."

"Rai Rai Rai Rai Rai Raichu."

"Yep. It's a safe bet my hunch is correct, but there's only one way to know for sure," Timothy said. "Knightblade, use Shadow Claw again!"

"Gyro Ball!" Bea shouted.

The Pokémon charged toward each other, using their respective attacks, only for Hitmontop to be sent back again while still spinning.

"Gyro Ball again!" Bea shouted.

"Knightblade, trip Hitmontop with Sacred Sword!" Timothy shouted.

Knightblade's blade glowed light blue, and it waited as Hitmontop came toward it, spinning on its head again. When Hitmontop was close enough, Knightblade descended until it was close to the ground and swung its sword, hitting Hitmontop's spike. Hitmontop lost its balance and fell face first with a large cut on its spike.

"Now, use Flash Cannon to keep it down, followed by Shadow Claw!" Timothy commanded.

"Dodge it!" Bea yelled.

But just as Hitmontop was starting to get up, Knightblade fired a white beam that hit it in the back, forcing it back down on its front. With its opponent struggling to fight the pain, black aura covered Knightblade's blade one more time, and it did a downward swing, slamming its sword down Hitmontop's back. The Handstand Pokémon yelled in agony and lifted its head in an attempt to get up before it passed out.

"Hitmontop is unable to battle!" The referee announced. "Knightblade is the winner, which means the victory goes to challenger number seven, Timothy!"

"Yes!" Timothy shouted.

"Raichu!" Electchu cheered.

"Poliwrath!" Poliwrath shouted with its fist in the air.

"Lucar!" Odyssey shouted.

"Braviary!" Blitzwing cawed.

"Aegislash!" Knightblade shouted with its shield up.

Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie cheered, with Gwen holding her partner in joy. Timothy smiled again at seeing the woman he liked being so happy again. Bea sighed one more time and calmly returned Hitmontop.

"You gave it everything you had, Hitmontop. Thank you," she said before she put the Pokéball away.

Bea then walked over to Timothy, Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Blitzwing, and Knightblade, just as Timothy and his Pokemon gave Knightblade three cheers for taking out most of Bea's team. Timothy noticed Bea walking over to him and smiled as she gave him a short bow.

"I thank you for another good battle," she said before she reached into her shorts pocket and took out a badge. "Take this Fighting Badge as proof that you have beaten me with your Pokémon."

"Thank you," Timothy said.

He took the badge and took out his ring containing his badges to connect the Fighting Badge to it. Timothy and Bea shook hands, with Bea holding her elbow with her other hand and Timothy giving her a friendly smirk.

"So, where are you going on your journey?" Timothy asked.

"I am going to travel to every Fighting Dojo in the world and challenge them," Bea answered. "I aim to build myself and my Pokémon to perfection, so I will go up the ranks and take Leon's title as Monarch. I'm first going to the Kanto region to challenge the Karate Master in Saffron City."

"Is that so? Well, good luck with that," Timothy said. "Maybe we'll see each other again and have a World Coronation Series battle."

"Perhaps we will," Bea said as she bowed again. "Until then."

With that, Bea walked to the exit with the referee following on his Aegislash. Timothy returned Poliwrath, Odyssey, Blitzwing, and Knightblade and turned to Electchu with a smirk.

"We're halfway there, Electchu," he said, holding out the ring containing his badges.

"Raichu," Electchu said with a smile.

Timothy turned to the stand to see Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie make their way to the nearest exit. Coovers noticed Timothy looking at them, giving his best friend a grin and a thumbs up. Timothy returned the thumbs up, but his smile grew to see Gwen still happy that he won. As he began walking to the exit to the waiting room, Timothy thought of something that was in his jeans pocket in his backpack and how best to give it to Gwen.

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

Timothy changed back into his regular clothes, and he and Electchu walked down the hall to the lobby, where Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie were waiting for them. Coovers walked over to Timothy to high-five him.

"Now that's more like it, Timbo. You let Bea beat you on purpose to put me on edge, didn't you?" He said.

Timothy rolled his eyes and sarcastically replied, "Yes. Coovers. I intentionally lost, resulting in Knightblade being humiliated and needing cheering up before beating Bea in a rematch."

"That's what I thought," Coovers said. "Good prank, but don't do it again. We still have an important mission to complete."

"Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, pal," Timothy said. "Speaking of which, what story did you make up when you talked to Looker?"

"Oh right, I didn't tell you," Coovers said. "I told Looker that I found out that you're partaking in the Gym Challenge and have good relations with the chairman and Ezria. I asked for permission to come to you and ask you to help my mission, and he granted it. So, the next time I give Looker an update, I'll tell him you agreed to help."

"Excellent. That should make explaining how you get the evidence a little easier." Timothy said.

"You can say that again," Coovers said. "But consider this more weight on how important your role is, Timothy. I'm not going to give Looker all the details, but when I tell him you're on board, that'll be one more person counting on you along with Professor Magnolia, Gwen, and me."

"Understood," Timothy said before turning to Gwen. "I hope you don't plan to make us ride overnight for over two hours plus however long it's going to take to heal my Pokémon again."

"I think we all know I'm gonna make you do that either way," Gwen answered with an amused smirk. "Truth be told, I think you boys should be used to it by now."

Coovers's smile melted into a look of dread, and he said, "I was afraid of that. We better get to the Pokémon Center pronto."

"Raichu," Electchu said, sharing Coovers's anxiety.

The two of them ran out the front doors with Coovers taking out his Rotom Phone, turning it into a bicycle, and riding to the Pokémon Center with Electchu following. Gwen's smirk stretched to the side of her face as she and Winnie began walking to the entrance. Timothy followed suit until he realized that he and Gwen were alone, Winnie aside. He debated whether or not to make his move with Coovers and Electchu so eager to leave before he decided that it was a risk he was willing to take. He stopped walking and took a moment to prepare himself before clearing his throat.

"Hey, Gwen. Can we hold on for a moment?" He asked.

Gwen and Winnie stopped and turned to Timothy, curious. Timothy took a deep breath before he smiled and said, "I really appreciate that you gave me that advice. I don't think I could have helped Knightblade feel like a part of my team and grow comfortable around my Pokémon without your help."

"Oh, you don't have to thank me, Timothy. I'm happy to help you and your Pokémon." Gwen said, smiling back.

"Maybe, but I want you to have something to show my gratitude for everything you've done, and not just for you giving that advice," Timothy said.

He reached into his pocket and took out a white box. His crush stared at the present, growing curious again before she took it. Gwen opened the top half of the box while Timothy bit his lip, and she let out a sharp gasp with her hand on her mouth. Inside was a necklace containing a plastic gem shaped like the ancient mural with the painting on both sides. Gwen picked up the necklace by the chain so Winnie could see it, and Winnie's mouth hung open as they turned to Timothy, who bashfully scratched under his nose.

"Now, you don't need to wait until the next time you go to Stow-on-Side to look at the mural," he said. "You can look at it whenever you want with this."

Gwen's eyes widened, and her cheeks turned into a light shade of pink. Her heart raced as she looked at Timothy and the necklace, still processing that he had given her the gift. Timothy grew more nervous as half a minute had passed before Gwen pulled him into a hug. His cheeks heated up, and Gwen's changed to a deep shade of red, but they didn't care.

"Thank you, Timothy," Gwen said. "This is the sweetest thing anyone has given me."

Timothy's heart skipped a beat at his crush's words before he smiled and pulled Gwen close, tightening the hug. As he closed his eyes to enjoy the embrace, he made a mental note to thank Serena and Phineas. They held each other for half a minute before Gwen stepped back, handed the necklace to Timothy, and turned around while holding her hair up. It took a moment before Timothy realized what Gwen wanted and put the necklace around her neck. Gwen held the plastic jewel up, her smile brightening as she turned back to Timothy.

"I will treasure this for the rest of my life," she promised.

"I'll hold you to that," Timothy said.

Suddenly, Timothy's phone rang, and he smirked as he answered it, already knowing who it was.

"Hey, where did you guys go? We're at the Pokémon Center." Coovers said.

"Raichu," Electchu said.

"Coming," Timothy said, mentally thanking the heavens that it took his closest friends so long to realize no one followed them.

Thus, Timothy, Gwen, and Winnie went outside, and Timothy and Gwen transformed their Rotom Phones into bicycles. Timothy got on his bicycle but took a moment to look at Gwen. She was on her bicycle, but she took a moment to look at her necklace with a serene smile before she picked up Winnie and headed to the Pokémon Center. Timothy followed behind a blissful smile on his face, taking advantage that Gwen and Winnie couldn't see him. Giving his crush a present she loved didn't secure a chance to be with her, but even so, it gave Timothy hope that she might return his feelings someday.