The following day, Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Ezria, Electchu, and Winnie left to catch a ferry through Circhester Bay south of the city. The group stayed in their room throughout the trip, for the bay was a river surrounded by larger chunks of ice. At times, Ezria wanted to find a way to get Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie out of the room in hopes of spending time with Timothy as a date, but neither of them wanted to leave, and Timothy was on to her game.

Before getting on the ferry, Ezria reported her interrogation to Chairman Rose. She told him everything Gwen said during the interrogation and how Timothy's words backed up her claims. The chairman eased up when Ezria finished but was concerned that Gwen and Timothy had their stories prepared in case the secret was out. Luckily, Ezria sweet-talked her boss into believing Timothy had no idea about the Energy Plant and he would support the chairman's dream even if he did. With Rose convinced, he declared that everything was okay, and as soon Ezria ended the call, she squealed for joy, her heart full of hope for her and Timothy.

After a couple of days, the ferry landed at a port, where the group took off their coats and began walking down a road in a lush plain of tall grass. Everyone was relieved to be out of the cold with Coovers frolicking in the field in delight like a child. The group walked down the road to a town consisting of two rows of buildings in dark colors. Between the rows of buildings was a tall, closed gate open just enough for them to get in.

When they went inside, however, Timothy, Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, and Winnie were perplexed to see the town was dimly lit. A roof covered the entire town with small holes in the dark skyscraper to shine daylight upon the town. The outside lights of the Pokémon Center from the other side of the road shined brightly like one big lightbulb in contrast to everywhere else, where all the other buildings were abandoned, and soda cans and pieces of paper lay on the ground.

"And here I thought Ballonlea was going to be the only place in Galar where it's always dark," Coovers said.

"No kidding. Where is everyone?" Timothy asked. "Is this ghost town where we're supposed to be for our seventh badge? I can't imagine many Gym Challengers being thrilled that they have to compete in a place like this."

"Most of the remaining challengers don't," Ezria said. "The seventh gym leader, Piers, likes ordinary Pokémon battles, so he prefers his so-called Gym Battles to be in his hometown, where there's no Power Spot. Typically, Gym Challengers that make it this far try to skip Spikemuth and look for a different place to get their seventh badge. As a result, the town is almost deserted."

"Do you think Piers will accept our challenges?" Timothy asked.

"He will. Piers loves his music more than his role as a Gym Leader, but he'll still do his best whenever a Gym Challenger does come," Ezria said. "Plus, he has the support of his sister and Team Yell."

Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu have each other looks that make Ezria chuckle.

"Don't worry. We're not talking about something like Team Rocket," Ezria assured. "If anything, Team Yell is nothing but a bunch of rowdy, overzealous teenagers who support Piers' little sister, Marnie, with her Pokémon training. Word has it Team Yell will use any trick they can think of to make it look like Marnie is this all-amazing trainer whether she wants to or not. Not even my fans are as passionate as Marnie's entourage."

"Uh, I think that's a matter of perspective, Ezria," Coovers said.

"You can say that again," Gwen muttered.

"Well, in any case, if getting in is all we gotta worry about, then what are we waiting for?" Timothy said in determination. "Which way to the gym?"

Ezria chuckled again with her mouth closed and said, "There isn't one."

"What?" Timothy and Coovers asked at the same time.

"She's right. While Spikemuth has a Gym Leader, it has no physical Gym to speak of," Gwen said, "If I remember correctly, Piers performs at an outside Pokémon battlefield. We just need you two to change into your uniforms so that you're recognized as Gym Challengers, and Piers will battle you."

Ezria glowered at Gwen for stepping in while Timothy, Coovers, and Eletchu looked at her dumbfounded.

"Uh, well, that's...unique from every Pokémon Gym I've ever been to," Timothy said.

"No kidding. I think I'm beginning to see why this place is so unappealing," Coovers said.

"Well, whether it's unique or not, we shouldn't waste any more time. Hammerlocke is a five-day bike ride journey from here," Ezria said. "I don't know about you guys, but I'd like to leave as soon as we get our badges."

Timothy, Coovers, and Gwen nodded in agreement, and Timothy and Ezria went into the Pokémon Center to change into their uniforms. After they changed, the group walked down the main street until they found a park where a chain link fence surrounded a Pokémon battlefield. At the far end of the battlefield was a stage, where a slim, tired-looking man was scream-singing through a microphone. The man had long, spiky, black-and-white hair that covered one side of his face and was tied in three ponytails. There were two Toxtricity on the stage, one with a light-blue underbelly and light-blue frills, posing like they were playing electric guitars, using the organs protruding on their chests to create the sound. Standing left from the man was an Obstagoon snarling on a microphone attached to a pole. Behind him was a gorilla-like creature banging on a bass drum crafted from a tree stump. Timothy, Coovers, and Eletchu looked at the last Pokémon curiously as Timothy scanned it with his Rotom Phone.

"Rillaboom. The Drummer Pokémon. A Grass type." Rotom said. "By drumming, Rillaboom taps into the power of its special tree stump. The roots of the stump follow its direction in battle."

But as Timothy, Coovers, and Eletchu listened to Rotom, the tired-looking man noticed the group and frowned. The Pokémon stopped performing as though they were one mind with the man as he stretched out his hand to the group.

"Toxtricity, Discharge!" he shouted.

Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu break their attention away from Timothy's Rotom Phone to see the purple and yellow Toxtricity jump off the stage and unleash a bolt of yellow electricity from its body.

"Electchu, stop it with Thunder!" Timothy shouted.

Electchu jumped in front of its friends and unleashed its own bolt of electricity that collided with Toxtricity's. The bolts exploded upon impact, creating a black smoke cloud covering the battlefield. When the smoke cleared, the tired man and his Pokémon looked daggers at the group with the purple and yellow Toxtricity still ready to attack.

"What's the big idea?!" Coovers shouted.

"I'm rehearsing right now. No one is allowed here," the droopy man replied.

"Come now, Piers. Is that any way to treat Gym Challengers?" Ezria asked.

The man named Piers looked at Ezria, confused as she walked in front of the group, until he recognized her and sighed.

"Ezria Markenel," he said. "I wondered when you'd be here after your brother came and beat me."

"I bet you were. How is cute, little Marnie?" Ezria asked. '"I don't see her or her entourage anywhere."

"Marnie's out competing in the World Coronation Series," Piers answered. "She's hoping to prove her power as a trainer to revitalize Spikemuth, and Team Yell is following her for support. Last her fans updated me, she's in the Great Class, ranking 783."

"783? Impressive," Ezria said. "Anyway, I hate to interrupt your so-called rehearsal, but Timothy and I have come to collect our Dark Badges as well."

"Of course you have," Piers said. "Which one of you is going to battle me first?"

"Timothy is," Ezria answered.

"Why me?" Timothy asked.

"Because you have the bigger type advantage than I do with Odyssey and Shockwave," Ezria answered. "No point beating around the bush when you're going to beat Piers quicker than I will, right?"

Timothy hesitated and said, "I guess you got me there."

Ezria smirked and turned to Piers, who gave her a shrug.

"Whatever floats your boat," he said before his face turned serious. His Pokemon began playing music again as he shouted through his microphone. "Now, listen up! My Gym Battles are four-on-four battles! The battle ends when either all four of your Pokémon or all four of mine are unable to battle, and only you get to substitute. Since you interrupted my rehearsal, you'll have to face me, Sorrowful Piers, with my band, the Maximizers, playing as we battle! Let me introduce my band! Backup vocals: Obstagoon!"

Obstagoon roared proudly through its microphone.

"Drums: Rillaboom! Guitar: Toxtricity High! Bass: Toxtricity Low!" Piers continued

"Toxtricity High and Toxtricity Low?" Coovers asked.

"Toxtricity has two different forms," Gwen explained. "The one with the yellow frills and underbelly is Toxtricity in Amped Form, and the one with light-blue frills and underbelly is Toxtricity in its Low Key Form."

"Ah," Coovers said.

"Are you ready to face me?!" Piers shouted through his microphone.

"I am," Timothy said.

"Then take out your Pokemon!" Piers screamed through the microphone. "Get ready for a mosh pit with my party and me. Scrafty, get ready to rock!"

He took out a Pokéball, threw it into the air, and it burst open to reveal a Scrafty. The Hoodlum Pokémon held up its loose bottom skin with the same confident grin its trainer had. Piers' band started a rock song as a way to cheer for the smaller Pokémon.

"Shockwave, let's go!" He shouted.

Shockwave came out of its container and gracefully landed on the ground. Piers scoffed in amusement.

"Hoping to use Fairy type moves to take out my Pokémon? Sorry, but it's not going to be that easy," he said.

He shut his eyes, lifted his microphone close to his mouth, and began screaming his commands to the rhythm of the music.

"Scrafty, use Payback!"

"Shockwave, force it back with Disarming Voice!" Timothy shouted.

Scrafty flexed its thin muscles and charged toward Shockwave, but its opponent unleashed a beam of pink hearts from its mouth. The beams hit Scrafty, and it yelped in agony, taking several steps back.

"Now, use Moonblast!" Timothy shouted.

"Brick Breeeeeaaaaakkkkk, then get it with Payback!" Piers screamed.

Scrafty's right hand glowed orange and rushed towards the Embrace Pokémon. Shockwave couldn't dodge at the moment due to it collecting energy from the moon. The Brick Break hit Shockwave, sending it up into the air, stopping Shockwave's attack, and giving Scrafty the opening it needed to slam into Shockwave.

"Payback again!" Piers sang.

"Force it back using Disarming Voice again!" Timothy shouted.

Scrafty flexed its scrawny muscles again, but before it could take another step, Shockwave fired another Disarming Voice, holding it back.

"Don't stop, Shockwave! Keep using Disarming Voice!" Timothy shouted.

Shockwave responded with a "Gar," as pink hearts continued to come out of its mouth. Its opponent struggled to stand its ground, but it could only hold off for so long before it was sent flying into the air. Scrafty landed on its back and groaned as it passed out. Coovers, Gwen, Ezria, and Winnie cheered while the Maximizers abruptly stopped playing. Piers lowered his head with a sigh before returning Scrafty to its Pokeball.

"You know, Piers, if you told Scrafty to use Payback again right after Shockwave damaged it with Disarming Voice and it landed hit, it would have doubled the damage," Timothy said. "It made perfect sense to incapacitate Shockwave, but that was your best bet when Dark type moves only do regular damage to it."

Piers scoffed and said as he took out another Pokéball, "Maybe, but I won't make the same mistake with this Pokémon. Malamar, let's rock it!"

He threw the ball into the air, and a Malamar came out, saying its name in a low voice. The Maximizers started another song as Piers screamed into the microphone again.

"Malamar is going to mess you up with its Contrary ability! Use Night Slash!" He screamed.

"Dodge, and use Moonblast!" Timothy shouted.

Malamar charged toward Shockwave with the tip of its find glowing light purple, but the Embrace Pokémon avoided the attack, twirling like a ballerina. Shockwave then connected energy from the moon again and fired a beam that hit Malamar in the back. The Overturning Pokémon fell on its face with bruises all over the back of its body. Both Timothy and Shockwave smirked until Piers sang again.

"Paybaaaaaaack!"

Malamar floated back up in the air without missing a beat and slammed Shockwave from behind. Shockwave fell on its front and put its hand on its back as it hissed in pain. The Maximizers cheered as they played while Piers gave Timothy a prideful grin.

"Use Payback right after getting hit to double the damage. Good advice," he said with his microphone.

Timothy chuckled sheepishly while Electchu glared at him.

"Raichu," Electchu said flatly.

"You're right, Electchu. I am a doofus," Timothy said, scratching the back of his head. "I should have suspected some of his remaining three Pokémon might also have Payback."

"And that's gonna cost you dearly," Piers said. "Malamar, Night Slash!"

"Dodge it!" Timothy shouted.

Malamar's fins glowed light purple again, and it swiped toward Shockwave, but Shockwave rolled over, barely avoiding the attack. Shockwave rolled back and forth as Malamar continued to swipe at it, only to hit the ground.

"Shockwave, as soon as you get an opening, use Disarming Voice!" Timothy shouted.

Shockwave continued to roll around until its front faced Malamar and its opponent was preparing to swipe again. Shockwave screamed at the tip of its lungs, firing another beam of hearts from its mouth, and the beam hit Malamar in the face. Malamar howled with its eyes shut and floated away from Shockwave, covering its face with its fins. The Overturning Pokémon wobbled for a couple of seconds before it fell flat on its back with swirly eyes. Coovers, Gwen, Ezria, and Winnie cheered again while the Maximizers stopped playing again. Piers lowered his head again as he returned his second Pokémon.

"I guess having a Contrary ability didn't count for much," he said.

"Yeah, it didn't really matter since my Pokémon's only moves are attacks. Isn't that right, Shockwave?" Timothy said.

"Gardevoir," Shockwave replied as it stood up.

"Go figure. Still, even if this battle stinks so far, I don't care. I'm gonna show you what my next Pokémon are capable of using Sucker Punch and Toxic," Piers claimed before taking out another Pokéball. "Go, Skuntank!"

With his band starting the third song, Piers threw the ball, and a Skuntank came out. Shockwave furrowed its brow and turned to Timothy, who nodded.

"I don't need to understand your language to know what you're thinking, Shockwave," Timothy said. "This one is a fight you can't win. Why don't you come over here and cheer for Odyssey?"

Shockwave smiled and nodded before it walked over to stand next to Timothy on his left side while Electchu was on his right. Timothy threw another Pokéball into the air, shouting, "Odyssey, let's go!" The ball opened, and Odyssey came out, cracking its knuckles. Piers' grin weakened, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"For the record, Piers, Odyssey was going to be my second Pokémon for this match regardless, but you still should not have proudly revealed half of Skuntank's moves. Leastaway, not when one of which Odyssey is resistant to and the other he's completely immune to," Timothy said. "Looks like we both have a moment of making a big mistake that works to the other's advantage."

"Oh, yeah? Well, I don't need a big advantage to win!" Piers said. "Skuntank, use Snarl!"

Skuntank released multiple purple and black rings of energy from its mouth. The rings hit Odyssey, and it grunted upon impact with its eyes shut.

"Now, use Sucker Punch!" Piers screamed.

"Dodge, and use Bone Rush!" Timothy shouted.

Skuntank charged toward Odyssey with its tail sticking up, preparing to smack its opponent in the face. Odyssey took a step to the side, avoiding the attack, and created a bone of energy to hit Skuntank in the face. The impact sent the Skunk Pokémon flying to the other side of the field, and it landed on its back. Skuntank laid still for a moment before it rolled over and stood back up with dozens of scratches covering its body.

"Now, use Bone Rush again!" Timothy shouted.

"Stop it with Screeeeeeeeeech!" Piers screamed.

Skuntank took a deep breath and shrieked loudly, causing white shockwaves of its mouth. The waves hit Odyssey just as it was charging toward its opponent with its bone still in hand, and it dropped the bone and covered its ears in agony.

"Now use Sucker Punch again!" Piers screamed.

"Stop it using Bone Rush!" Timothy shouted.

Skuntank ran toward Odyssey again, but after a moment to massage its ears, the aura Pokemon created another bone. Odyssey swung its bone, and the end of the bone hit Skuntank in the face just as it pounced with its tail at the ready. Skuntank was again sent flying back, and Odyssey hit it with its bone again for good measure before its opponent hit the ground. The band's spirits began to fade at the sight of Skuntank lying on its side, unconscious.

"Atta boy, Timbo!" Coovers shouted.

"One Pokémon just like that. This battle is going as I predicted," Ezria boasted.

"Go, Timothy and Odyssey!" Gwen cheered.

"Teddiursa!" Winnie shouted.

"Gardevoir!" Shockwave cheered.

Timothy smiled and gave a thumbs up to his friends on the other side of the fence, while Odyssey gave its best friend a smirk. Piers returned Skuntank with another heavy sigh before glaring at Timothy.

"I don't do encores, Timothy! Not songs, not moves, not Pokémon!" He screamed. "Time to go against my most powerful Dark type Pokémon! Face the proud high roar of my Obstagoon!"

Obstagoon roared, letting go of its microphone, creating feedback that hurt everyone's ears. It jumped onto the battlefield and let out a menacing roar with its tongue sticking out. The Maximizers played louder than before, putting their hearts into their final song for their bandmate.

"Do Piers and his Pokémon know Obstagoon is four times as weak against Fighting type moves being both a Dark and Normal type?" Coovers asked.

"Even if they do, they're not going to let that stop them from giving it their all to support Obstagoon," Gwen said.

"Well, I think it's perfect that Piers' last Pokémon is an Obstagoon," Ezria said with a grin. "Odyssey should be able to take it out in one hit with Aura Sphere, and I doubt Obstagoon will fair much better against my Sirfetch'd."

"Maybe so, but Timothy should be cautious," Coovers said. "Some Gym Leaders in the Gym Challenge have revealed something up their sleeve."

"True, but the way Piers constantly claims that he's going to triumph almost as badly as my brother does, the odds of that don't look great," Ezria said.

Odyssey and Obstagoon glared at each other, the former taking a fighting stance while the other snarled at its opponent like a predator preparing to attack. Piers took deep breaths through his nose, feeling the pressure behind attempting to take down all four of Timothy's Pokemon with his partner. After half a minute of nothing but the music heard, the Gym Leader made his move.

"Obstagoon, use Throat Chop!" He screamed through his microphone.

"Block and then attack with Bone Rush!" Timothy shouted.

Obstagoon's hand was surrounded with purple energy, and it charged toward Odyssey. Odyssey created another bone, and knocked Obstagoon's hand to the side just as it was about to jab at Odyssey's throat. Odyssey swung the other way and bashed Obstagoon's head.

"Counter!" Piers screamed.

Before Odyssey had a chance to blink, Obstagoon's claws glowed blue, and it jabbed Odyssey in the chest. Odyssey howled and took several steps back with its paw on its chest. Obstagoon grinned with its tongue still sticking out. The band cheered, growing hopeful, while Ezria looked at Timothy's damaged Pokémon, taken aback.

"Told ya," Coovers said.

Timothy frowned as he watched Piers and Obstagoon feel a moment of having the upper hand. Shockwave glared daggers at Obstagoon, wanting to blast it away with Moonblast for hurting its best friend. Electchu looked between Timothy and Odyssey, feeling its partner was taking things out of proportion.

"Rai, Raichu? Rai, Rai, Rai, Raichu," Electchu said.

Timothy took a second to think about it and said, "You're right, pal. No sense beating around the bush. Odyssey, use Aura Sphere!"

"Use Obstruct!" Piers screamed.

Obstagoon crossed its arms just as Odyssey fired an orb of aura. The orb exploded upon impact, creating a cloud of smoke, but when the smoke cleared, Obstagoon was still grinning with no signs of damage.

"Are you serious? That did nothing?" Timothy asked. "What? Is that a protection move or something?"

"It sure is, and it's one unique to Obstagoon," Piers boasted. "Now, Obstagoon, use Shadow Claw!"

"Block it with Bone Rush!" Timothy shouted.

Odyssey put its paws together and created a fourth bone of energy. Using the bone as a double-bladed weapon, Odyssey blocked Obstagoon's first set of claws, surrounded in black aura with a purple outline. Obstagoon slashed at Odyssey with its other set of claws, but Odyssey knocked them away with the other side of the bone. Fuming, Obstagoon began swiping at Odyssey relentlessly, forcing the Aura Pokémon to stay on defense. Using one end of the bone to the next, Odyssey blocked every Shadow Claw its opponent threw at it, but it was slowly tiring. Timothy furrowed his brow, trying to think of a way to give Odyssey a chance to use Aura Sphere, until Shockwave tapped him in the shoulder, grabbing his attention.

"Gar, Gardevoir, Voir, Voir," Shockwave said, pointing at its head and then at Odyssey.

It took Timothy a moment to realize his loyal Gardevoir was trying to communicate with it. He turned to Electchu, who smiled in support.

"Electchu, translate for me. I probably won't get everything Shockwave says," Timothy said.

"Raichu," Electchu said.

Shockwave smiled and began making several hand gestures while talking. First, it moved its arms like it was running, followed by making a circle with its right hand. Then Shockwave bent its knees with its arms stretched out in front of it, then straightened itself while lifting its arms up as though it was lifting something. Finally, Shockwave put its hands close together like Odyssey preparing to use Aura Sphere, then made a throwing gesture toward the roof. When it finished, Shockwave turned to Timothy with a look of hope that he understood it perfectly, but Timothy just stared at it for a moment before turning to Electchu with an awkward look.

"So... Shockwave wants Odyssey to draw circles, lift weights, and use Aura Sphere on the roof?" He asked.

Electchu groaned and facepalmed before rapidly shouting "Rai," and "Raichu" multiple times.

"Ooooooooohhhhhhh! I knew that," Timothy said.

Electchu and Shockwave gave their trainer unamused looks as Timothy turned back to the battle.

"Odyssey, dodge Obstagoon's next attacks, then circle it with Extreme Speed!" He instructed.

Odyssey let go of its bone, causing it to disintegrate, then moved away to avoid another Shadow Claw. Obstagoon nearly lost its balance and prepared to swipe at Odyssey again, but the aura Pokemon disappeared in a flash. The next thing the Blocking Pokémon knew, a black and blue blur was circling it. Obstagoon looked around, trying to spot its opponent, and Piers looked at what was happening with a droopy frown.

"Obstagoon, use Obstruct!" He sang.

Obstagoon crossed its arms, but Timothy, Shockwave, and Electchu smirked, for Piers merely helped their plan.

"Odyssey, remember how you and Shockwave finished off Venarge's Toxtricity!" Timothy shouted. "Use Strength from behind, and then use Aura Sphere!"

In an instant, Odyssey appeared behind Obstagoon and lifted it up with its body surrounded in red aura. Obstagoon kicked and waved its hands into the air as Odyssey lowered it for a moment before throwing its opponent into the air. Odyssey put its hands close together, creating an orb of aura, and threw the orb straight into the air. The orb hit Obstagoon in the back, sending it higher into the air for a moment before it crashed into the ground, creating a crater.

The hearts of Piers and the Maximizers sank as they saw Obstagoon lay on the ground with swirly eyes. Coovers, Gwen, Ezria, and Winnie cheered again and rushed to the gate. Ezria entered the field first, pulling Timothy into a hug from behind, causing Gwen to give the raspberry-haired woman a stern glare. Coovers took advantage that Timothy was trapped in Ezria's embrace to give him a noogie. Odyssey walked over to Shockwave to give it a fist bump, and they began talking about the battle with Electchu.

Piers groaned dramatically and fell to his knees. His Pokémon watched him in shock as though he was getting ready to quit being a Gym Leader. They quickly circled around him and called out to him, telling him in their language that he would surely win the next Gym Battle. Piers gave his band a droopy smile and stood up to return Obstagoon. He walked over to the group just as Ezria and Coovers finished hugging and nooging Timothy, respectively. Piers stopped a couple of feet from Timothy, and the battlefield was silent for a moment before the gym leader's smile grew.

"Me an' my team gave it our best. Perfect loss aside, I'm glad we were able to battle," he said.

"Uh, great. Glad to hear that," Timothy said, taken aback by Piers' positive outlook.

Piers gave Timothy a robotic nod and took out a badge from his jumpsuit pocket.

"Here's your Dark Badge," he said.

"Thank you," Timothy said.

He took the badge, took out his ring from his shorts pocket, and connected the Dark Badge to his Fighting, Steel, and Fire Badges. Timothy lifted the ring to his face and stared at the empty spot on his ring. Coovers, Gwen, Ezria, Electchu, Winnie, Odyssey, and Shockwave smiled, knowing what was on Timothy's mind.

"One more to go," Coovers said.

Timothy turned to his best friend and nodded.

"One more to go," he said.

"One more to go," Ezria agreed before taking a step toward Piers. "And now I'm battling you next as soon as you heal up your Pokémon."

Piers' droopy demeanor returned, and he huffed like a kid forced to clean his room.

"I had a feeling you'd want to battle me so soon," he said.

"Why delay the inevitable?" Ezria asked.

Piers hung his head for a moment before he looked back up at Ezria and nodded. Timothy put Odyssey and Shockwave back in their Pokéballs. Together, he, Coovers, Gwen, Ezria, Piers, Electchu, and Winnie exited the field and walked toward the Pokémon Center with Piers' band following. When they got to the Pokémon Center, Piers told his band to wait outside while he went in with the group. Timothy and Piers gave Nurse Joy their Pokéballs, and she went in the back to treat their Pokémon.

"Oh, I can't wait for Piers' Pokémon to be healed up just so my Pokémon can knock them out," Ezria said as she watched Timothy and Piers wait for their Pokémon from a distance.

"Careful, Ezria. Your head might get so big it'll explode," Gwen remarked. "Besides, you probably already figured out how to beat Piers just from watching his battle against Timothy."

"Teddiursa," Winnie said.

"So? The sooner I win, the sooner we leave," Ezria said with a smug look. "I would think the person who forced poor Timothy and his companions long hours of traveling and little sleep would understand wanting to go from one place to another as soon as possible."

Coovers snorted out a laugh, and said, "You gotta admit, Gwen, she got you there."

Gwen gave Coovers a hard glare with her face turning red, and Winnie scratched the back of its head, hesitantly agreeing with Coovers. After a moment, Gwen subsided with a sigh, and Ezria smirked smugly while Coovers chuckled again before his eyes widened and he snapped his fingers.

"Excuse me, ladies, but I need to make a phone call," he said.

"Oh? To whom?" Ezria asked.

Coovers hesitated and said, "To...to Sonja. Yeah, she'll want to know Timothy's won his second to last badge right away."

"Oh, why don't you do that on speaker? I'd like to somewhat meet the lady that has caught Timothy's best friend's eye," Ezria said.

"You can't. This is between me and my lady love," Coovers said.

"Oh, really?" Gwen asked with a suspicious look. "I doubt she'd mind if I at least joined in the call."

"No, really, Gwen. It's really just the two of us," Coovers said with a serious look.

Gwen raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms. Coovers furrowed his brow and glanced at Ezria before winking at Gwen with his left eye, which Ezria couldn't see. It took Gwen a moment to realize what Coovers was getting at, and she pretended to sigh in defeat.

"Fine, go call Sonja alone," she said. "Tell her I said hi, though."

"Sure thing," Coovers said. "If you guys need me, I'll be outside."

With that, Coovers left the Pokemon Center and walked several blocks down the street until he found an empty alley. Coovers looked behind to ensure he wasn't followed and took out his phone.

"Rotom, call Looker," he whispered.

"Calling Looker," Rotom said.

Coovers held his phone up to his ear and waited until he heard a click and Looker's voice.

"Hello?" Looker asked.

Coovers put on a serious face as though he was talking to Looker in person and said, "Sir, I'm calling with an update on the mission."

"Proceed," Looker said without hesitating.

"Yes, sir," Coovers said. "Timothy has just won his seventh badge, and we are expected to leave for Hammerlocke for his final badge shortly."

"Excellent," Looker said. "Is there any progress in gaining the chairman's trust and allowing Timothy to go to the place where he might be harboring Eternatus?"

"Yes, sir. Major progress, in fact," Coovers answered. "We are currently traveling with someone in the chairman's inner circle, Ezria Markenel, and Timothy struck a deal with her that she will show him the chairman's secret project if they both complete the Gym Challenge. I can't confirm it, but the chairman may allow it considering his close relationship with Ezria."

"I see. Timothy has successfully become good friends with Ms. Markenel?" Looker asked.

"Uh, in a manner of speaking," Coovers said hesitantly. "I might have left out in my last report that Ezria has it pretty bad for Timothy. As in, he's trying to stay friends so he doesn't hurt her too badly if she finds out the truth when we get the evidence, and she practically continues to pursue him like a prospector determined to find gold. Technically, she's more the primary target than the chairman considering how willing she is to take Timothy to the Energy Plant, not knowing she's being tricked."

"Is that right? I don't envy Timothy being in such a complicated situation," Looker said. "How soon do you expect to arrive at Hammerlocke?"

"We're leaving as soon as Ezria wins her seventh badge. According to her, it'll take five days to get to Hammerlocke from where we are," Coovers said.

The receiver was silent for several seconds, making Coovers wonder if the call was cut off somehow. Then Looker said, "Alright, Coovers, here's the deal; if Ezria Markenel is as infatuated with Timothy as you say, odds are she will only let him go inside this so-called Energy Plant. If that's the case, then he is your only hope for getting the evidence you need to back up Professor Magnolia. I will contact the Hammerlocke police, telling them to have a microphone and camera ready for you to put on Timothy when you arrive. For the sake of secrecy and if the professor's claims prove false, they won't know the reason behind the order. Only that it is strictly for International Police business. Come to the station to collect the microphone and camera alone and discreetly. Tell Timothy to make sure the camera captures the entire facility, especially Eternatus if possible, and that the microphone records Ms. Markenel or anyone else in there, revealing the entire project in perfect detail. If you prove that the chairman is willingly risking lives, I will fly over to Galar to personally arrest him and his people. Is that clear?"

"Perfectly, sir. Timothy and I won't let you down," Coovers said.

"Let's hope not, Coovers," Looker said. "Looker out."

Coovers heard a click from the receiver, and he laid his back against the wall with a sigh. Even though all hope was on Timothy, Coovers felt the weight behind supervising the mission grow heavier with Looker's last words. If trying to keep his job wasn't enough, an entire region of lives, including himself and his friends, hung upon his plan, working completely to the letter. That much was evident to Coovers.

"A few more days of wondering if we're going to save the day again," Coovers said to himself. "Timothy, don't let me down now."