Gwen was at ease after Timothy had called her the night before. Though the danger was still there, and Timothy still had to be around Ezria, it was comforting to know that he was alright. The thought of going on a vacation in Alola and seeing her mother's childhood home made her smile. It gave her something more to hope for apart from completing her dream and saving her region.

Even so, Gwen wondered if finding answers at the mural was possible. One could say she could simply show her mural necklace to Coovers, Sonia, and Goh, but a small replica of the painting on a plastic gem, however valuable it was to Gwen, could only tell so much compared to the real thing. So, after Professor Magnolia gave Sonia and Goh a word of warning about how dangerous the chairman was, Gwen, Coovers, Sonia, Goh, Raboot, and Winnie headed to Stow-on-Side. Sonia drove her car above the speed limit to ensure they arrived as soon as possible.

It was a few minutes past noon when the group arrived at Stow-on-Side. Sonia parked at the town's market, and the group walked the rest of the way to the mural. When they got there, the sight of the ancient made Gwen smile, but while Goh and Raboot were amazed, Coovers, and Sonia, were confused by what they were looking at.

"So, this is the ancient mural of Stow-on-Side?" Sonia asked. "I expected a little bit more. It looks less legendary and more like it was drawn much later."

"Hey, show some respect," Gwen said. "This may be a replica of the original mural, but it's still an important part of our history."

"Maybe, but I don't know how it's going to solve the mystery, Gwen," Coovers said.

"It does look more like graffiti," Goh said. "What do you make out of it that makes it so important to you, Gwen?"

Gwen smiled, glad that the teenage boy was interested, and said, "Well, it tells the story of the hero (or heroes) of Galar, but admittingly the sword and shield are the only things that connect to the Darkest Day. And now that I think about it, my mom and I had a theory that the hero might have been more than one person who saved the Galar region because the sword and shield are spread apart from each other."

"So, you think this further backs up what was on the tapestries?" Coovers said.

"I do," Gwen said. "Timothy guesses the sword and shield are magical, which would explain how someone could be wielding a shield, in particular, and yet can still take a big part in ending a calamity."

Sonia rubbed her chin in thought and said, "Well, that analysis is all well and interesting, Gwen, but I think that just means this painting shows what we already know. The flowers and the sun-looking thing are different, but I don't think they say anything that could tell us about how to stop Eternatus."

Gwen's face fell, and she thought about it before sighing in defeat.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," she said. "I also see this painting as one that shows what took place after the Darkest Day ended, so it should be obvious that we wouldn't find something here. I guess I just hoped we'd find something here."

"Teddi..." Winnie said, sharing its partner's disappointment.

"We hear ya, Gwen, but at least we tried," Coovers said.

"Yeah, no big deal. Why don't we just go and check out the next ruin?" Goh said.

"I think not. The four of you are coming with me instead."

Coovers, Gwen, Sonia, Goh, Winnie, and Raboot turned around to see Agent Porter walking over to them. He was smirking in confidence with his hands in his pants pockets. Coovers and Gwen glared at him, instantly knowing who he was, while Sonia and Goh were clueless.

"Who are you?" Sonia asked.

"As long as you come in quietly, I promise no one will get hurt," Agent Porter said.

"I'd be more concerned about me if I were you," Coovers said, taking out his badge. "I am Officer Coovers Woodward of the International Police. You are outmatched with all of our Pokémon. I'm giving you one chance to surrender."

"That's right. Let's go, Raboot!" Goh said.

"Rab," Raboot said, stepping in front of its trainer.

"Winnie, let's go!" Gwen shouted.

"Teddiursa!" Winnie shouted.

But Agent Porter chucked with his mouth closed and took out a Pokéball from his pocket. A Dynamax Band was on his wrist, and Galar Particles came out and merged with the Pokéball.

"I don't care what you are or how many of you there are. If you choose to resist, good luck," Agent Porter said as his Pokéball expanded. "Alright, Garbodor. Gigantamax!"

He lifted his Pokéball high into the air, and a Garbodor came out, growing as the sky turned red. Its eyes were dark pink, its lumpy body covered its feet, and a toy car, a toy train, a Poké Doll, and several other toys covered its body. Agent Porter grinned with pride as Coovers, Gwen, Sonia, Goh, Winnie, and Raboot looked at his Gigantamax Pokémon in shock.

"No way. If his Garbodor can Dynamax here..." Coovers began.

"Then this must be a Power Spot," Goh finished.

"Guys. Look at the mural," Sonia said.

Everyone turned around to see Galar Particles coming out of the painting. Gwen and Winnie's eyes widened, and they looked at each other in disbelief.

"The mural is a Power Spot?" Gwen asked, confused.

"Teddiursa," Winnie said.

"You didn't know that?" Coovers asked.

"No, of course not! Who would want to have a Dynamax battle at one of Galar's most ancient historical sites?!" Gwen shouted.

"Well, clearly this guy does, so it's up to us to defend it," Coovers said.

"Right. Raboot, return!" Goh shouted.

Raboot went back inside its Pokeball, and Galar Particles merged into it from Goh's Dynamax Band. Goh smirked as his Pokéball glowed red and enlarged.

"Time to Dynamax! All we can do is our very best!" He proudly shouted. "Go!"

He threw the Pokéball toward Gigantamax Garbodor, and Raboot popped out Dynamaxed. Coovers and Gwen looked at each other and nodded before they took out Krookodile and Spoink.

"We'll back you up, Goh. No reason to make this a one-on-one match," Coovers said.

"Right! Raboot, let's do this!" Goh shouted. "Now, use Max Flare!"

"Winnie, use Rock Slide! Spoink, use Psybeam!" Gwen shouted.

"Krookodile, Earthquake!" Coovers shouted.

Krookodile, Winnie, and Spoink unleashed their attacks first, with Krookodile making white shockwaves come out of the ground, Winnie firing multiple rocks, and Spoink releasing a multicolored beam from its pearl. Raboot took out a rock from its belly as though it was in the pocket of a turtleneck sweater. It kicked the rock, set it on fire, spun around, and kicked the rock again, launching it at Gigantamax Garbodor. All four attacks hit Gigantamax Garbodor at its center, and it bent down with its pink eyes widened.

"G-Max Malodor!" Agent Porter shouted.

Gigantamax Garbodor releases a wave of green sludge toward Dynamax Raboot, Krookodile, Winnie, and Spoink. The very stench caused Krookodile, Winnie, and Spoink to turn around and run/bounce away, while Dynamax Raboot stepped back to avoid the sludge.

"Raboot, watch out! You're heading toward us!" Gwen shouted.

But Dynamax Raboot kept backing up until it stood above Coovers, Gwen, Sonia, Goh, Winnie, and Agent Porter. It then lost its balance and crashed into the mural, causing everyone to jump away to safety. Gwen laid on her side, shielding Winnie with her body as the area became covered with dust. When the dust cleared, Gwen and Winnie opened their eyes, only for Gwen to gasp in shock as the sun on the painting lay a few yards away from them, cloven into three pieces. The two of them looked around to find pieces of the mural all around them. Tears began to form in Gwen's eyes as she sat up, devastated. Winnie's mouth shook as it resisted the urge to cry.

Gwen saw Agent Porter from the corner of her eye on all fours and coughing out the dust in his lungs, and her grief turned into rage. At that moment, just as Agent Porter finished coughing, his body was surrounded by a blue outline, and he was lifted into the air. Gwen looked to her right to see Spoink beside her, looking daggers at the agent with its entire body glowing light blue. She looked to her other side to see Winnie glaring at Agent Porter with its fist surrounded in fire. Gwen smirked mischievously before she stood up, glaring at Agent Porter. Four of the Pokéballs in her pocket jiggled before Noctowl, Cufant, Mudbray, and Drifloon came out with their eyes fixed on the enemy. Cufant's truck and Mudbray's hooves glowed orange. Nothing needed to be said between Gwen and her Pokemon, for they were all in one state of mind.

"You took the most valuable thing my Pokemon, and I have left of my mother's memory!" Gwen barked.

Agent Porter scoffed and said, "It was the boy's Raboot's fault. Besides, I don't care if you lost your little tourist attraction."

"Oh, don't worry. We're going to make you care," Gwen said.

Winnie, Noctowl, Cufant, Mudbray, and Drifloon let out battle cries and charged toward Agent Porter. Agent Porter's pupils shrank, and he flailed his body around in vain while Spoink continued to hold him. Suddenly, Krookodile stepped in front of Gwen's Pokémon, followed by Samurott, Zoarak, Klinklang, Chandelure, and Braviary appearing from their Pokéballs. Gwen's Pokémon stopped their attack to avoid hitting their friends. Gwen turned in the direction where the Pokémon came from to find Coovers, Sonia, and Goh standing beside her. Sonia and Goh were astounded by Gwen and her Pokémon, while Coovers looked at her with a disappointing frown.

"Coovers, move your Pokémon away!" Gwen shouted.

"No. I won't let your Pokémon gang up on him," Coovers said calmly. "I don't know how the mural was connected to your mother, but this is no way to handle it."

"What do you know? You didn't lose your mother over someone's twisted idea of the greater good!" Gwen barked.

"And the fact you do gives you the right to do this?" Coovers challenged.

"It's no more than what everyone following the chairman deserves!" Gwen said. "They invite chaos and destruction!"

"Gwen, I get the mural meant a lot to you, but this doesn't make you any better," Coovers said.

"Gwen, think of your mom," Sonia said. "Would she want you to hurt anyone just because of a thing related to Galar rather than the people and Pokémon who live in the region just like the chairman?"

Gwen's anger dissolved almost as quickly as it emerged. Her Pokémon turned to her, coming to the same realization. The fire surrounding Winnie's first disappeared, and Cufant and Mudbray's trunk and hooves respectively stopped glowing. Gwen took a step back with her heart full of shame. Coovers and Sonia walked over to her, and Coovers patted her shoulder while Sonia gave her a side hug. Gwen gave Coovers an appreciative smile as she realized he was there for her in her moment of hate, just as he was for Timothy years ago. Goh was still clueless about what was happening, but he smiled until Agent Porter broke his train of thought.

"Garbodor, use Max Steelspike, now!"

Everyone turned to Gigantamax Garbodor, who slammed its hands onto the ground, creating a series of jagged gray spikes that extended forward and struck Dynamax Raboot. The Rabbit Pokémon fell on its bottom, and Goh rushed over to it.

"Raboot, are you alright?" He asked.

Raboot nodded with a grunt while Coovers and Gwen looked daggers at Agent Porter, who was still hanging up in the air under Spoink's control.

"You realize you made that shoddy mistake in front of a trainer with a Dynamaxed Pokémon and two other trainers who have their entire parties out, right?" Coovers said.

"You can't defeat my Gigantamax Pokémon even if all of your Pokemon attacked at once," Agent Porter said.

"Let's find out," Gwen said. "Winnie, use Rock Slide! Spoink, use Psybeam! Drifloon, use Shadow Ball!"

"Samurott, Hydro Pump! Krookodile, Rock Slide! Klinklang, Flash Cannon! Chandelure, Fire Spin!" Coovers shouted.

"Raboot, use Max Knuckle!" Goh shouted.

Coovers and Gwen's Pokémon unleashed their ranged attacks, combining them into a massive beam that hit Gigantamax Garbodor's center again. The Trash Heap Pokémon had a brief moment to react before Dynamax Raboot threw a powerful punch that sent Gigantamax Garbodor crashing down.

"What are you doing?! G-Max Malodor!" Agent Porter yelled.

"Let's wrap it up! Max Flare!" Goh shouted.

Gigantamax Garbodor tried to pull itself up but struggled to stay conscious after getting hit by so many moves. It slowly lifted its upper body just in time to get smacked in the face by a rock surrounded in flames. Agent Porter's eyes widened as he watched his partner fall flat on its back and shrink to normal size, lying on the ground with swirly eyes. Raboot shrunk back to regular size, and the red clouds disappeared.

"Wow, everyone! That was great!" Sonia chirped.

"Well, for my first Dynamax battle, it could've been worse," Goh said with a sheepish smile.

"Maybe, but it comes to show Gigantamaxed Pokémon doesn't guarantee anything," Coovers said.

Agent Porter looked daggers at Coovers.

"You'll be sorry for this," he said.

"I doubt it," Gwen said before turning to Coovers. "Can I at least have Noctowl shut him up with Hypnosis?"

Coovers smirked and said, "Considering we're trying to nab the chairman and everyone working for him, I think making sure this guy doesn't escape is acceptable."

Gwen turned to Noctowl and nodded. Agent Porter tried to free himself from Spoink's psychic hold in vain as Noctowl's eyes glowed red, and it released red circles that expanded and hit Oleana's subordinate. Agent Porter's eyes grew heavy, and he fought the effects of Noctowl's move until he was fast asleep. Spoink stopped using Confusion, and Coovers took out handcuffs to cuff Agent Porter. Gwen, Goh, Sonia, and the Pokémon watched until the peach-haired woman noticed something from the corner of her eyes and gasped.

"Guys, look at the mural!" She shouted.

Everyone turned to where the mural was, and their eyes widened. Standing behind where the mural used to be were four giant statues. Two of them were statues of kings. The third statue was of the lupin-like Pokémon Ash, Serena, and Pikachu encountered, but it had both ears and fur on its back that looked like wing-like armor and braids that were long to resemble ribbons. A helmet covered its head, and it carried a sword in its mouth. The final statue was another lupin-like Pokémon but had a bulkier figure, a ponytail, and a shield.

"Statues?! Really?!" Gwen shouted in disbelief.

"Teddiursa!" Winnie shouted.

"And two of them are statues of the two kings," Coovers said. "And I'm guessing those Pokémon were their partners?"

"Maybe," Sonia said.

Goh walked closer to the statues and studied the Pokémon with the shield.

"You know, I saw a Pokémon in Slumbering Weald that looks just like one of the statues here," he said.

"You did? Which one?" Gwen asked.

"The one with the shield, I think," Goh answered. "It doesn't look exactly like the one I came across, and it didn't have a sword or a shield, but when I tried to catch it, my Pokéball passed right through it. And then the fog got thick. All of a sudden, I was asleep. Maybe that's why they call it the Slumbering Weald."

"And then what happened?" Sonia asked.

"When I finally woke up, the Pokémon was gone," Goh said.

"Strange," Coovers said. "Perhaps that Pokémon has been living in Slumbering Weald since after the events of the legend. Maybe both of them are."

"That does make sense. Slumbering Weald isn't typically a forest people, and Pokémon go in," Gwen said. "If these Pokémon want to be kept to themselves, the forest might be the perfect to -"

Gwen suddenly became silent, and she tilted her head as she noticed a silver plaque nailed to a rock in front of the statues. Everyone looked at her, confused as she climbed on a large piece of the mural that put her at eye level with the plaque. She read the inscription on the plaque, and her eyes widened.

"Guys, this tells us who the Pokémon are," Gwen said. "The one with the sword is Zacian, and the one with the shield is Zamazenta."

"Zacian and Zamazenta," Goh said. "So, that means the story goes as follows: long ago, when the black vortex was seen in the sky, it was called the Darkest Day."

"Meaning Eternatus," Coovers added.

"Right, and its influence was what brought Galar to the brink of destruction," Sonia said.

"But, the two heroes, partnered with Zacian and Zamazenta, were able to avert the disaster," Gwen said. "And so the Darkest Day, a.k.a. Eternatus, was defeated and Galar lived in peace and harmony ever since."

Everyone was silent after Gwen finished the story. Coovers and Goh rubbed their chins in thought, checking that everything they said added up. Sonia stared at the statues and then turned to Gwen. Her rival and her Teddiursa were grinning as they tried to contain their joy.

"Wait a minute," Sonia said. "Does this mean...?"

"We did it, Sonia," Gwen said. "We solved the mystery behind the Darkest Day."

It took a few seconds for Gwen's words to hit Sonia before her face lit up, and she let out a high-pitched cheer. Gwen joined in on the cheer, and the two women hugged while laughing joyfully. When they broke the hug, Sonia scooped up Winnie and hugged it tightly as she spun around like a little child.

"Oh, Eddie-Benny, isn't it wonderful?! Gran is going to be so impressed that we figured it out! Pokémon Professor, here I come!" Sonia chirped.

"Teddiursa!" Winnie said awkwardly, happy for Sonia yet still uncomfortable with her overloving affection.

Gwen smiled and shook her head before she saw Spoink, Noctowl, Cufant, Mudbray, and Drifloon coming over to her, ecstatic for their trainer. Gwen's smile grew, and she joined her Pokemon dancing in triumph, thrilled that her mom's dream was complete. Coovers watched Gwen and imagined Timothy wanting to be there for that moment. He then looked at Sonia, and his heart skipped a beat at the sight of her beautiful face so bright with happiness. Coovers thought of coming over to congratulate Sonia when his face suddenly fell.

"Wait a minute," he said. "Goh, you said the Pokémon you encountered didn't have a sword or a shield, right?

"That's right," Goh said.

"So, if Zacian and Zamazenta are in the Slumbering Weald, then where are their sword and shield?" Coovers asked.

Gwen, Sonia, Winnie, Spoink, Noctowl, Cufant, Mudbray, and Drifloon stopped celebrating, and Gwen rubbed her chin in thought.

"Good question," she said. "Could they be buried somewhere like they were on the last tapestry?"

"If they are, then maybe Zacian and Zamazenta know where the kings buried them. If we can explain to them what's going on and they lead us to the sword and shield, we can take them out for them to use against the Darkest Day," Goh said.

"Then our next destination is clear," Sonia said, smirking. "Let's go to the Slumbering Weald and find-"

"Toxtricity, Discharge! Marowak, Fire Blitz!"

Before everyone realized what was happening, Noctowl and Klinklang were screaming. They looked in the Pokémon's direction and discovered multiple yellow bolts of electricity hitting Noctowl and an Alolan Marowak ramming into Klinklang with its body surrounded in light green flames. The powerful attacks instantly knocked out the Pokémon, and Coovers and Gwen's hearts sank as they heard cackling from a familiar voice. The group turned around to see Marowak running over to Venarge. The maroon-haired man gave them a sinister grin as his Marowak, Toxtricity, Obstagoon, Alakazam, Corviknight, and Rhyperior stood beside him. They were followed by the subordinates he brought with him, two on each side. They each took out a Pokéball, and the containers opened to reveal a Durant, a Ferroseed, an Excadrill, and a Steelix. Coovers, Gwen, and Winnie stared at Venarge in disbelief while he saw Agent Porter and Garbodor lying unconscious.

"Took down his Pokémon and then used Hypnosis," Venarge said. "And that's why I had my Pokémon deal with your Klinklang and Noctowl so you can't make any dirty moves again."

"Venarge, what are you doing here? We had you locked in prison," Coovers said.

"Don't underestimate the power Uncle Rose holds," Venarge said. "Now, since you offered that I come in quietly, I'm offering you the same courtesy. Come with me to Hammerlocke, and I won't crush your Pokémon in battle."

"Never," Gwen said as she returned Noctowl.

Venarge chuckled with his mouth closed and said, "Don't be so hasty. You were lucky most of my Pokémon were unconscious last time, and I was winning our last battle before you cheated. Besides, in terms of Pokémon, we outnumber you twelve to eleven."

"Oh, yeah? I'll fix that," Goh said, taking out two Pokéballs. "Sobble, Bunnelby, let's go!"

He threw the Pokéballs into the air, and Sobble and Bunnelby came out. Bunnelby prepared for battle, but Sobble was instantly intimidated by the powerful Pokémon on the enemy side, most of which were taller than the Water Lizard Pokémon. Sobble ran over to Goh, climbed on his back, and turned invisible. Goh chuckled nervously while Venarge and the agents roared in laughter.

"That was the most pathetic thing I've ever seen," Venarge said. "Even if that Sobble wasn't a coward, most of your Pokémon are in their first stage evolutions. You think you can beat Galar's future Champion and some of the best agents in Macro Cosmos?"

"Stranger things have happened," Coovers said. "Either way, you can't stop us from bringing your boss to justice. Even if you beat us, the International Police are on their way."

"We shall see," Venarge said before pointing at Coovers's Pokémon. "Obstagoon, Night Slash! Marowak, Shadow Bone! Corviknight, Steel Wing! Alakazam, Zen Headbutt! Toxtricity, Fire Punch! Rhyperior, Horn Drill!"

"Steelix, Crunch!" The first agent shouted.

"Excadrill, Metal Claw!" The second agent shouted.

"Durant, Bug Bite!" The third agent shouted.

"Ferroseed, Iron Head!" The last agent shouted.

"Samurott, Aqua Jet! Krookodile, Earthquake! Braviary, Brave Bird! Zoroark, Low Sweep! Chandelure, Hex!" Coovers shouted.

"Winnie, Fire Punch! Spoink, Psybeam! Cufant, Mudbray, use Rock Smash! Drifloon, Gust!" Gwen shouted.

"Raboot, Ember! Bunnelby, Mud Shot!" Goh shouted.

All Pokémon from both sides attacked at their trainers' commands. Venarge's Pokémon charged at Coovers' Pokémon, but Krookodile's Earthquake disrupted Obstagoon, Marowak, Alakazam, Toxtricity, and Rhyperior. The distraction gave Samurott the chance to ram Rhyperior with Aqua Jet, Zoarak to slash Alakazam with Night Slash, and Chandelure to hit Marowak with Hex. Toxtricity fell on its back and lay in agony from Krookodile's ground-type attack. Braviary rammed into Corviknight, sending it back while taking some damage and Zoroark kicked Obstagoon. Choose a more effective attack. Winnie, Cufant, and Mudbray hit Steelix with their respective attacks. Drifloon forced Ferroseed back with Gust, giving Spoink an opening to hit it with Psybeam. Excadrill tried to shield itself in vain with its claws as Bunnelby fired balls of mud at it. Raboot kicked a rock covered in fire toward Durant's face, and Durant squealed in agony as it stepped away.

Coovers, Gwen, Sonia, and Goh grew confident with their Pokémon successfully hitting first, but their confidence faded when they realized Venarge and the agents were unfazed. As weak as their Pokémon were too many of the attacks used against them, Gwen and Goh's Pokémon were not as well-trained as their opponents. Coovers' Pokémon were stronger thanks to Timothy's teachings, but they still didn't have the devotion to battle like Venarge's Pokémon did. With the exceptions of Toxtricity, Rhyperior, Obstagoon, and Durant, who were extremely weak to the attacks against them, the good guys didn't cause as much damage as they wanted. And now, the enemy had the chance to counterattack.

At its trainer's command, Steelix used Crunch against Mudbray. It bit down, grabbed Mudbray with its teeth, lifted it up, and began shaking the donkey Pokemon. Winnie and Cufant repeatedly used Fire Punch and Rock Smash, respectively in an attempt to free their friend, but their attacks still only did so much against the sturdy, steel-type Pokemon. Mudbray brayed in agony as its opponent bit hard until its body couldn't take anymore, and Steelix opened its mouth to let it plummet to the ground.

Ferroseed rammed into Spoink with a shiny pattern appearing on its front, sending Spoink crashing into Drifloon. With both of Ferroseed's opponents lying on the ground, its partner ordered it to use Gyro Ball. Gwen cried out to her Pokémon to dodge, and Drifloon came to fly up just in time, but Spoink was knocked unconscious before it realized what was happening. Excadrill used Metal Claw again, sending Bunnelby flying while Durant threw dirt at Raboot.

Venarge cackled again before he ordered his Pokémon to strike back. With its wings glowing white, Corviknight struck Braviary with one wing, then struck it downward with another, sending Braviary crashing into the ground. Alakazam used Psybeam on Chandelure just as the luring Pokemon used Hex on Marowak again. The multicolored beam hit Chandelure, and it fell to the ground, its body decorated in bruises. Alakazam fired another beam to finish the job, but Zoroark jumped in front of its friend to protect it, taking no damage. Toxtricity hit Samurott with Discharge, giving Rhyperior the chance to retaliate with Stone Edge. Krookodile used Earthquake to finish the job against Toxtricity but was soon hit with Marowak's Boomerang.

Coovers, Gwen, and Goh continued to battle with brave faces, but deep down, they knew things were looking bleak. Raboot knocked out Durant using Ember again, making his, Coovers, and Gwen's Pokémon outnumber the enemy eleven to eight. Despite the number advantage, half of their Pokémon were still not as powerful as their opponents, and Sobble was still too scared to battle. Coovers stood in front of Sonia as he commanded his Pokémon, but as the battle went on, he worried he wouldn't be able to protect her for long. He turned his head to Sonia, and his heart sank as he looked at the fear in her eyes. Coovers tried to think of a way to turn this around, but deep down, he knew they were outmatched. He sighed heavily and turned to Goh.

"Goh, listen. We're not getting out of this," Coovers said.

"But if we give up, all of this will be for nothing!" Goh protested.

"I'm not saying we're giving up, but this isn't the real fight. In order to win, sacrifices must be made, and only Sonia and Gwen are the experts on the legend," Coovers said.

Goh hesitated for a moment, then turned to Raboot, who nodded. Goh sighed in defeat, turned to Coovers, and nodded in understanding.

"Coovers, what are you saying?" Sonia asked.

Coovers turned to Gwen and said, "Gwen, listen to me very carefully. I'm going to have Krookodile create a sandstorm to distract them. As soon as I do, you and Sonia run to the car. Goh and I will keep them occupied so you can escape."

"What?!" Sonia shouted.

"Absolutely not! We're not leaving without you!" Gwen shouted.

"You have to. Finding Zacian and Zamazenta is more important than all of us trying to escape," Coovers said. "If we try to escape together, Venarge will keep following us and might eventually catch us. Goh and I can keep them occupied long enough for you to drive away before they can try to follow you. You have to keep going."

"Coovers is right," Goh said. "You need to go to the Slumbering Weald, find Zacian and Zamazenta, and ask for their help to stop the Darkest Day."

"But what about you?" Sonia protested.

Coovers gave his crush a sad smile and said, "Don't worry about us. I promise we'll be fine. Find Zacian and Zamazenta, get the sword and shield, and end the chairman's operation."

Sonia opened her mouth to protest but stopped herself, accepting that Coovers was right. She returned Coovers' sad smile and kissed his cheek with her hand on his other cheek. Coovers' smile grew, and he stared at Sonia's cyan eyes as though he would never get to gaze at them again. He turned to Gwen, who fought the urge to cry.

"When I say go, return your Pokémon and run as fast as you can. Don't look back. Do you understand?" He said.

"I understand," Gwen said.

Coovers' sad smile expanded, and he turned to Goh. Goh took a moment to prepare for what was to come and nodded again. Coovers closed his eyes and took a moment to prepare before he opened his eyes and turned to Krookodile.

"Krookodile, use Sandstorm! Cover all of our enemies in a twister!" Coovers shouted.

Both of Krookodile's forearms glowed sparkling white, and it fired a shining golden beam from its hands at the ground. A giant twister of sand spread out all over the battlefield, and Venarge, the agents, and their Pokémon closed their eyes to protect themselves from the storm.

"Go!" Coovers yelled.

Gwen put Spoink, Mudbray, Cufant, and Drifloon back in their Pokéballs, and she and Sonia dashed to the other side of the platform. Sonia scooped Winnie up as its partner put her Pokéballs away. Coovers and Goh ordered their Pokémon to attack their incapacitated opponents, keeping the enemy's minds on the battle as they covered their eyes. Gwen and Sonia raced across the bridge and went down the hill to the town market, where Sonia's car stood right where they left it. They got in the car, and Sonia handed Winnie to Gwen before she put on her seatbelt, adjusted the shift to drive, and turned on the ignition.

But instead of turning on, the engine sputtered. Sonia turned the ignition again with more force, and the engine continued to sputter until at last, it came to life.

"Hang on," Sonia said.

She slammed her foot on the gas and, with tires screeching, the car dashed from its parking spot. Sonia honked her horn to ensure no pedestrians got in her way as she drove out of the city. Gwen and Winnie looked through Sonia's car window, where the mural could be seen. Coovers and Goh were still battling gallantly, but their Pokémon were being taken out one by one. Sonia glanced at Coovers, shouting commands, and she tightened her hold on the steering wheel to keep herself from showing any fear for her friend.

Eventually, the mural was out of their line of sight, and Gwen, Sonia, and Winnie turned their gaze to the road. Gwen leaned against her chair, and Winnie snuggled its head against her chest to try to comfort its partner. She then held her mural necklace up and felt her heart ache as it hit her that the plastic gem was all she had left of the painting. The pain worsened as she thought she might have lost two more precious things with two of her friends captured by Chairman Rose's people. She put her hand on her heart, growing worried by the second until she heard Sonia's voice.

"Gwen!"

"What?" Gwen asked.

"The thought just occurred to me; if Venarge and the chairman's agents are after us, do you think they might know Timothy's against them too?"

Gwen's eyes widened, and her face turned pale as she tightened her hold on Winnie.

"I hope not. I'm worried as it is with Timothy staying with the chairman and battling rampaging Pokémon," she said.

"You should call him and make sure he's alright," Sonia said. "He also has to know that Coovers and Goh are captured."

Gwen hesitated, feeling sure that Timothy wouldn't answer his phone, but ultimately accepted it was worth a try. She wanted to hear him say he was okay for no other reason. Gwen took out her Rotom Phone and asked it to call Timothy. As she held her phone up to her ear, she tightened her hold on Winnie even more, growing anxious as she heard ringing from the receiver.

"Please pick up."