Timothy went to bed shortly after Coovers, Gwen, Sonia, and Winnie left for Wedgehurst, but it took an hour before he eventually went to sleep. All he could think about as he lay in bed was battling Dynamax Pokémon, waiting for Looker to arrest Chairman Rose and whether the sword and shield that stopped the Darkest Day would subdue Eternatus. Above all else, he thought of Gwen and how they had just gotten together to be separated. The fear in Gwen's eyes when she made Timothy promise her was etched into his mind.

Late in the morning, Timothy groaned as he slowly woke up. He turned his head to the right to see gray clouds through the window and Electchu sleeping next to him, cuddled up in a ball. Timothy smiled as he gently patted his partner's head. He then turned his head left to find Ezria kneeling next to his bed and resting her head with her arms as she gave him a lovey-dovey smile.

"Good morning, handsome," she greeted.

Timothy screamed and began flailing until he and Electchu fell off the bed. Timothy landed on top of Electchu, and, out of instinct, the Mouse Pokémon shocked its partner with Thunder. Timothy groaned as Electchu pushed him off of it and gave him an apologetic, "Raichu." Ezria burst out laughing as she stood up and walked around the bed to help Timothy up.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you like that," she chortled.

"Ezria, what were you doing next to my bed?!" Timothy shouted.

"I just woke up and was about to wake you when I noticed how cute you look asleep," Ezria said. "I just couldn't bring myself to wake you up, so I waited until you woke up on your own."

"Well, don't do that. That creeps me out," Timothy said.

"Aw, you're no fun," Ezria said with a playful pout before her face turned serious. "On another note, Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie are still gone, and their stuff isn't here. Any idea why?"

Electchu hopped back onto Timothy's bed and looked to find that Ezria was right. It turned to Timothy, who cleared his throat and said, "Yeah, turns out Coovers wasn't done with his private business. Something came up shortly after our date last night, that he and Gwen had to leave to take care of it right away. They promise they'll be done in time to root for us at the Championship Cup."

Ezria furrowed her brow and said, "That's a crummy thing to do. You'd think whatever their business is doesn't require them to just leave us like that."

"You would think," Timothy agreed. "They weren't happy that their business, whatever it is, wasn't done yesterday, and from what I understood, I don't blame them."

Electchu tilted its head, wondering if Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie's sudden disappearance had something to do with the mission. Ezria continued to frown until she realized that with her crush's friends gone, it was only the two of them, excluding Electchu.

"It's as if fate is allowing us to be together as soon as I promised to always be by his side," she thought. "I only wish I could see how that nosy brat reacted if Timothy told her about our first kiss. I hope he hasn't. She may have claimed not to have feelings for him, but I can see her still feeling something for someone so perfect, which means she will be crushed when she finds out. I'd pay good money to see that."

With an edge of a smirk, Ezria quietly chuckled with her mouth closed so Timothy and Electchu couldn't hear. She then put on a cheerful smile and clapped her hands together.

"Well, whatever is the matter, I wish our friends the best of luck," she lied. "In the meantime, what say we shower, eat a nice breakfast, and then take a train to Wyndon? I'm sure Uncle Rose is at Rose Tower right now, and he'll want to hear the good news."

"What good news?" Timothy asked.

Ezria giggled and said, "Why, you're joining our Macro Cosmos family, silly."

"Oh, right. I knew that," Timothy fibbed, chuckling nervously. "Yes, coming to see Rose is a capital idea."

"Well, then. I'll go first. Don't miss me too terribly," Ezria said with another kittenish look.

"I'll try to find the will to resist," Timothy said with a fake grin.

Ezria giggled again before she grabbed her backpack and headed to the restroom to take a shower. As soon as the door was closed, Timothy rushed to the other side of the room, gesturing to Electchu to follow him, and he knelt to whisper what had happened the night before. Electchu's heart sank as the gravity of the situation hit the Mouse Pokémon. Timothy continued by explaining where their friends went and what the two of them were doing in the meantime. Electchu nodded in understanding and then glanced at the bathroom door before asking how Timothy's walk with Gwen went in its language. Timothy flushed and looked away bashfully for a moment before giving his partner a thumbs up, pointing at his lips, and then holding up four fingers. Electchu grinned and playfully poked Timothy's arm, earning an "Oh, shut it" from its partner.

After several minutes, Ezria came out of the bathroom in her regular clothes, and Timothy went into the bathroom to shower and put on his regular clothes. Ezria was waiting for him with another playful look when he came out.

"You know, you're handsome either way, but I look forward to the next time I see you in that suit," she said.

"Noted," Timothy said flatly. "Shall we grab our stuff and head down for breakfast?"

"Of course," Ezria said. "I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for some yummy-"

As Ezria was talking, they suddenly heard something coming from outside that sounded like Galar Particles coming out from underground again. Timothy's heart sank, and he rushed over to the window just in time to see Galar Particles falling from the sky like meteorites. Ezria walked over to his side just in time to see two Galar Particles land a few miles away from the other side of Hammerlocke's city walls. Seconds after that, the clouds in the sky turned from gray to red, and two red glowing lights appeared from the other side of the wall. Timothy and Electchu looked at each other with fallen faces and the mouse Pokemon's ears hanging low, while Ezria grinned in excitement.

"Looks like breakfast will have to wait," she said. "We should investigate what's going on over there. There might be Dynamax Pokémon that are threatening Hammerlocke."

"Agreed. We should hurry," Timothy said.

Timothy and Ezria grabbed their stuff, and together with Electchu, they rushed out of the Pokemon Center and to the city's south gate. When they passed the gate into the Wild Area, they found a giant Claydol on the left, and on the right was a giant white unicorn with a deep violet horn, deep violet hooves, and pastel opal and pink tail and mane. Timothy took out his Rotom Phone and scanned the unicorn-like Pokemon.

"Rapidash, Galarian Form. The Unique Horn Pokémon. A Psychic and Fairy type, and Ponyta's evolved form. Fearless and proud, Rapidash uses Psychic powers stored in the flowing fur above its hooves to dash through the forest with ease." Rotom said.

"Now there's a type of Rapidash that's a Psychic and Fairy type, and it's called the Unique Horn Pokemon instead of the Unicorn Pokemon. Will wonders never cease?" Timothy said.

"Raichu," Electchu agreed.

"And the best part is they're both part Psychic type, meaning Doublade and Knightblade are the obvious choices for us to use," Ezria added with a flirtatious smile. "Isn't it funny how life works that way?"

Timothy and Electchu furrowed their brows at Ezria, interpreting the situation as another hint that she and Timothy belonged together. Just then, Dynamax Rapidash noticed them and let out a thunderous neigh, causing Dynamax Claydol to notice the trainers and Raichu as well. With menacing glares, the two gigantic Pokémon began storming toward Timothy, Ezria, and Electchu. The raspberry-haired woman grinned again as she took out a Pokeball.

"Excellent. They're coming to us," she said.

"No, it's not excellent. We're too close to the city," Timothy said. "We have to meet them in the field."

Ezria turned her head, realizing they were only a couple dozen yards away from the wall, and nodded.

"You're right," she said. "Let's pick a Pokémon for each of us and see who takes down a Dynamax Pokémon first between Doublade and Knightblade."

"No. Don't use just one Pokémon," Timothy said. "If we're not careful, one of their attacks could reach the city, and there may be more Dynamax Pokémon endangering lives elsewhere. We have to take these two down quickly and efficiently."

Ezria scoffed and said, "Sweetie, Doublade is all I need to take down both Pokémon in a snap. You're just making an excuse so you can use all of your Pokémon that have moves strong against -"

"Do as I say, Ezria!" Timothy barked, taking Ezria aback. "This is no time to treat this as a game! If you were strengthening your Pokémon for this, don't hold back! Come on, Electchu!"

"Raichu!" Electchu shouted.

Timothy and Electchu began running toward Dynamax Rapidash, leaving a stunned Ezria behind. Ezria stood still for several seconds before she snapped out of it and smirked as she watched her crush race toward the giant Unique Horn Pokémon with his partner. She imagined Timothy charging into battle, wearing a suit of armor, and wielding a sword and shield.

"I think we're gonna need to establish who makes the decisions between us later," Ezria said to herself. "Still, I love that passion in his face, and he has a point. There may be more Dynamax Pokémon. Regardless, I can take down a giant Claydol quicker than he can take down Rapidash, even with all of his Pokémon. That should impress him."

With her hand still holding Doublade's Pokéball, Ezria ran to Dynamax Claydol with an eager grin. Timothy, meanwhile, glared at Dynamax Rapidash as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him. His mind was on his promise to Gwen to prevent as much damage as possible. Dynamax Rapidash looked down at Timothy and Electchu menacingly as the man in the "H.A.K." shirt took out two Pokéballs.

"Knightblade, Blitzwing, let's go!" He shouted, throwing the Pokéballs. "Electchu, get out there!"

"Raichu!" Electchu shouted.

The Pokéballs opened to reveal Knightblade and Blitzwing in the air, and Electchu stood beside them with electricity coming from its cheeks. Dynamax Rapidash let out another neigh, and it stomped its front hooves, creating glowing yellow cracks on the ground.

"Blitzwing, grab Electchu and fly high into the air, double time!" Timothy shouted. "Knightblade, use Flash Cannon!"

Blitzwing grabbed Electchu's arms with its talents and flew up as Knightblade created a white ball of energy in front of its shield. The cracks spread towards the opponent, and a burst of yellow energy erupted from underneath Knightblade, but the Normal type Max Move did nothing to the part Ghost type Pokémon. Knightblade fired a beam that hit Dynamax Rapidash, which neighed in pain.

"Now, Blitzwing, put Electchu down and use Steel Wing! Electchu, Iron Tail! Go for the legs!" Timothy instructed.

Blitzwing put Electchu back down on the ground, and they charged toward their gigantic opponent with Blitzwing's wings and Electchu's tail glowing white. They split up with Electchu hitting Dynamax Rapidash's right leg with its tail and Blitzwing hitting Dynamax Rapidash's left leg with both wings. The unicorn-like Pokémon neighed in agony again, with its front legs too damaged to use Max Strike again. Dynamax Rapidash clenched its teeth and let out a neigh of rage, causing three giant golden stars to land around Electchu, Blitzwing, and Knightblade, and explode before Timothy could tell them to dodge. Knightblade showed little sign of damage, but Electchu and Blitzwing each had a couple of scratches on their body. Dynamax Rapidash lifted up its head to summon more stars.

"Blitzwing, use Aerial Ace!" Timothy shouted.

Blitzwing dived down at Dynamax Rapidash and, with one flap of its wings, flew so fast it became a blur before slamming into its opponent's front. Dynamax Rapidash flinched as it took damage, distracting it from using Max Starfall.

"Now, Electchu, use Iron Tail! Blitzwing, use Steel Wing! Knightblade, use Night Slash!" Timothy shouted.

All three Pokémon charged with their respective attacks and successfully hit their gigantic opponent. Dynamax Rapidash neighed in agony one last time before it fell on its side. After a couple of seconds, the Unique Horn Pokémon shrank back to size. It laid motionless for a moment before it lifted its head, looked around in confusion, stood back up, and galloped away as though nothing had happened. Electchu, Blitzwing, and Knightblade cheered in triumph before they ran/flew/levitated back to Timothy.

"Nicely done, everyone," Timothy said. "Let's keep up the good work and make sure none of these rampaging Dynamax Pokémon harm -"

"Raichu!" Electchu screamed.

Timothy looked at his partner, confused as it pointed past him, and he turned around to see it was pointing at Ezria's battle against Dynamax Claydol. Doublade was lying on the ground with bruises, scratches, and swirly eyes just a few yards away from the right side of Hammerlocke's wall. Ezria rushed to her partner's side and picked it up. With its opponent badly wounded, Claydol buried itself into the ground. Ezria's eyes widened, and she ran away from the wall, still carrying Doublade. Dynamax Claydol popped up from underground, bursting through a wall section, creating a large hole.

"Ezria, you fool," Timothy growled. "Come on, guys."

"Raichu," Electchu said.

"Braviary," Blitzwing said.

"Aegislash," Knightblade said.

Timothy and his Pokémon ran toward Dynamax Claydol. Ezria saw Timothy running over to her and returned Doublade before running over to him. Dynamax Claydol bellowed, "Clayyyyy," and giant chairs, cups, a teapot, and a boot appeared floating in the air, surrounded in purple and pink energy.

"Poliwrath, use Hydro Pump, now!" Timothy shouted, throwing a Pokéball. "Blitzwing, use Aerial Ace! Knightblade, use Flash Cannon!"

The Pokéball opened, and Poliwrath unleashed a large stream of water from its stomach. Blitzwing charged again with a strong flap of its wings, and Knightblade fired another beam. All three attacks hit simultaneously, and Dynamax Claydol groaned as the large objects disappeared.

"Now, Poliwrath, use Surf, and Knightblade, use Shadow Claw!" Timothy shouted.

Poliwrath summoned a wall of water that collided with Dynamax Claydol, and Knightblade slashes the Clay Doll Pokémon around its body with Shadow Claw, letting out its hate for its brother's defeat. Dynamax Claydol wobbled before it fell and shrunk back to regular size. Like with Rapidash, Claydol got up and looked around, confused, before it levitated away without a care. Timothy and his Pokémon sighed in relief as the clouds turned gray again before Timothy turned to Ezria, who grinned sheepishly with her hands behind her back.

"What happened?" Timothy demanded.

"Well, Doublade was winning, but I guess that wild Claydol just happens to have a Ghost type attack cause the next thing I knew, it used Max Phantasm and knocked Doublade out cold, sending it flying over to the wall," Ezria said. "Then Claydol used the Ground type Max Move, Max Quake, and, well, you saw the rest."

"What were you thinking?!" Timothy rebuked. "Someone could have been seriously hurt! Are you too proud of your partner to listen when I say you should use more than one Pokémon and keep the Dynamax Pokémon away from the city?!"

"I know I did something reckless, Timothy, but you don't have to make me feel worse," Ezria said.

"Evidently, I do!" Timothy shouted. "This is exactly what I was talking about last night! If you're not battling Dynamax Pokémon to protect lives, then what good are you doing it at all?!"

Ezria flinched as though Timothy slapped her. She hung her head in shame, sniffling as she tried not to cry. Timothy's face softened, and he huffed as he lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. Knightblade looked between the trainers, worried as though it was a child wondering if its parents were going to make up from a fight. After half a minute, Timothy took a deep breath and looked up at Ezria.

"Look, I'm sorry I snapped, but you have to understand that while we have loose Galar Particles to worry about, I'm going to take protecting people and Pokémon very seriously," he said. "If you're going to battle alongside me as you promised, you'll have to take that responsibility too. Understand?"

Ezria stayed silent, still hanging her head with her hands behind his back. Then she lifted her head and gave Timothy a smile of approval as though he was the only one in the wrong.

"Well, I should have expected the world's savior to have that much devotion to fighting for others. I'll forgive you under one condition," she said.

"And that would be?" Timothy asked.

Before Timothy knew it, Ezria wrapped her arms around him, including his arms, and smashed her lips together with his. Poliwrath and Blitzwing watched Ezria kiss their trainer, stupefied, while Knightblade squealed in delight. Electchu clenched its teeth, and sparks came out of its cheeks as it fought the urge to electrocute the raspberry-haired woman as soon as she let go of its partner. Timothy tried to break free from Ezria's hold on him as she moved her mouth around his, but her hug was too strong. As soon as she let go, Timothy backed away, covering his mouth with his hand.

"I get to do that as thanks for coming to my aid," Ezria said. "Am I forgiven?"

Timothy glared at Ezria and said in a warning tone, "That will depend on how you handle things next time."

Ezria pouted childishly, having felt sure the kiss would win Timothy over. Then, she smirked and playfully wiggled Timothy's nose.

"Fair enough," she said. "Come on. Let's get back to the Pokémon Center and have Doublade healed before another Pokémon Dynamaxes."

"Yes, let's," Timothy said.

With that, Ezria began walking back to Hammerlocke. At the same time, Timothy returned Poliwrath, Blitzwing, and Knightblade before he and Electchu followed. Timothy quietly huffed so Ezria couldn't hear before he felt a pain in his heart. Though Ezria's kiss wasn't expected, and he couldn't stop it, he still felt guilty for kissing another woman when he was finally together with Gwen.

"Electchu, remind me to get a bouquet of flowers to apologize to Gwen when this is over," he whispered to his friend.

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

"I don't know. I'll ask Sonia or Professor Magnolia what kind of flowers she likes," Timothy said. "Also, the next time Ezria tries to kiss me, use Thunder on her. I'll tell her you're jealous that I'm giving her more focus than you or something."

"Raichu," Electchu said with a nod.

Timothy nodded in appreciation as they passed through the gate, entering the city. As they returned to the Pokémon Center, Timothy glared at Ezria again, resolving to be more careful with her desire to display her affection toward him. But then his face softened as he looked back at the Wild Area and wondered if Gwen, Coovers, and Sonia were having better luck.