For the next hour and a half, Timothy spent the flight to Hammerlocke explaining what was happening to Ash and Serena. From bumping into Coovers, meeting Professor Magnolia, entering the Gym Challenge, meeting Chairman Rose, Gwen, and Ezria, encountering Ezria's fans, and so on, Timothy explained everything but the development of his relationship with Gwen. Halfway through the explanation, Timothy talked about losing to Bea, and he and Ash briefly went off subject, with Ash bringing up that he had faced Bea twice in World Coronation Series battles, losing the first battle and tying the in second one.

When Timothy finished, Ash and Serena stared at Timothy as they processed the information.

"Boy, Coovers keeps finding ways to need you for his missions," Serena said.

"Tell me about it," Timothy said with a chuckle.

"Raichu," Electchu said.

Ash looked up in the sky, thinking about Rose's dream and what he had said to him and Serena the night before.

"A thousand years from now? I can't wrap my head around that," he said.

"Pika," Pikachu said.

"Neither can I," Serena said. "But to think Chairman Rose is doing this to prevent people from losing loved ones like he lost his father, and yet he's more than willing to cause all this destruction claiming it's to make people and Pokémon happy."

"I know. I can't forgive Chairman Rose for the damage and loss he's already caused, but I can't deny that his intentions are good either," Timothy said. "I only wish we could have stopped him before Eternatus' energy started getting loose."

Serena nodded and said, "It's heartbreaking how much pain this has already caused. When we battled Centiskorch, its partner and his daughter were worried sick about it."

"And when the Coalossal we fought with Leon returned to normal, the miners were throwing rocks at it as though it was its fault," Ash said.

"When you put it like that, Ezria and I were lucky a few destroyed buildings, and a section of Hammerlocke's wall was the worst of it on our part," Timothy said. "Still, our priority right now is to deal with Ezria and Chairman Rose and count on our friends to solve the mystery."

"Right," Ash and Serena said simultaneously.

"Pika," Pikachu said.

"Rai," Electchu said.

Just then, Timothy felt his Rotom Phone vibrating from his pocket.

"You have a call from Gwen. You have a call from Gwen," Rotom said.

Timothy's heart skipped a beat upon hearing his girlfriend was calling him. He tried to reach into his pocket but then realized he couldn't move while Gengar had a hold on him via Psychic.

"Hey, Ash, could you let us down and have Gengar stop using Psychic? Gwen is calling me. Maybe they found something," Timothy said.

"Sure. Dragonite, Gengar, set us down," Ash said.

"Gengar," Gengar said.

Dragonite chirped in acknowledgment.

The Pokemon flew down to the forest below until they were safely on the ground. Ash, Serena, and Pikachu got off Dragonite, and Gengar released Timothy and Electchu. Timothy took out his phone and looked away from his friends as he answered.

"Gwen?"

"Oh, thank goodness. I was worried you weren't going to answer," Gwen said.

"Why would you think I wouldn't?" Timothy asked.

"I thought you might be battling Dynamax Pokémon, or maybe your cover might be blown," Gwen said.

"Well, you're not too far off with the latter. Looker is here in Galar, and he came to Rose Tower to arrest the chairman, Ezria, Oleana, and their subordinates," Timothy said. "The chairman and Oleana weren't there, but Ezria was, and I revealed the truth to her and Knightblade."

"Oh my gosh. What did Knightblade do?" Gwen asked.

"It attacked me with Flash Cannon under Ezria's command, and then they fled while Looker and the police battled the agents," Timothy said. "Ash, Serena, and I are chasing them to Hammerlocke."

Gwen sighed and said, "I warned you how Knightblade would react to the truth."

"Yes, you did," Timothy said sadly. "How are things with solving the legend?"

"Well, I have good and bad news," Gwen said. "The good news is we solved the mystery and think we know how to stop Eternatus."

"That's great. What's the bad news?" Timothy asked.

"They have Coovers and Goh."

"What?!" Timothy yelled.

"What is it, Timothy?" Serena asked.

"The chairman's people got Coovers and Goh," Timothy said.

"What?!" Ash shouted.

"Oh no!" Serena shouted.

"Pika!" Pikachu shouted.

"Raichu!" Electchu shouted.

Timothy turned back to his phone and asked, "What happened?!"

"The chairman's people broke Venarge out of prison. They followed us to the mural to catch us and bring us back to Hammerlocke," Gwen said. "Coovers and Goh distracted them so Sonia, Winnie, and I could escape."

"Where are you now?" Timothy asked.

"We're going to the Slumbering Weald. There's a chance we'll get what we need to subdue Eternatus," Gwen said.

"How?" Timothy asked.

"The mural was destroyed, and we found statues inside," Gwen explained. "It turns out the two youths in the legend saved Galar with two Pokémon named Zacian and Zamazenta, who wielded the sword and shield. Goh encountered one of them when he got separated from Ash and Serena. If we can find either or both of them, we might be able to convince them to save Galar again if they know where the sword and shield are."

"Do they need the sword and shield?" Timothy asked.

"Yeah, this might mean you were right about them being magical," Gwen said.

The edge of Timothy's mouth curled, and he said, "Nice to know I was helpful that way. I'm hoping for a kiss for that later."

The receiver fell silent.

"Were you trying to flirt?" Gwen asked.

"Was it that bad?" Timothy asked.

"I'll let it slide," Gwen said. "Anyway, what are we going to do about Coovers and Goh?"

Timothy furrowed his brow and said, "Chances are they're going to take them back to Hammerlocke Stadium and hold them hostage. They might be used for bargaining since they're our friends and Coovers is with the International Police."

"But, if they do that, we might not be able to get close enough to stop Eternatus," Gwen said.

"Well, that comes to show Chairman Rose will do anything to make his dream come true," Timothy said.

"What are we going to do?" Gwen asked.

Timothy looked down and paced in thought with his phone still on his ear. He considered calling Looker but ruled it out, considering Looker might still be in Wyndon arresting the chairman's agents there. Timothy then thought about calling the Hammerlocke police and letting them know that their escaped convict was on his way back to the city, but then he figured they might not be able to do much given that Rose might be able to do something to prevent them from capturing Venarge. Finally, he thought of storming Hammerlocke Stadium with Ash and Serena and taking the chairman and Ezria down before they could use Coovers and Goh against them. He sighed and shook his head as he guessed they might be prepared for that.

With no other options, Timothy turns to Ash and Serena.

"We need to go rescue Coovers and Goh," he said.

"But what about Ezria?" Serena asked.

"She's probably already in Hammerlocke by now," Timothy said before turning back to his phone. "Gwen, how long ago was it that you escaped?"

"About a few minutes ago. Why?" Gwen said.

"They might not have left Stow-on-Side yet. That means we can intercept them long before they come close to Hammerlocke," Timothy said.

"That sounds good, but how do you plan to rescue them?" Gwen asked.

Timothy rubbed his chin in thought until he saw Gengar from the corner of his eye. The man in the "H.A.K." shirt smirked deviously as the wheels in his head.

"Say, Ash. How mischievous would you say your Gengar is?" He asked.

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

Ezria's eyes were still pink and puffy by the time she, Doublade, and Knightblade made it to Hammerlocke Stadium. She had a severe cold demeanor when she escaped Rose Tower, but she only kept herself together until she broke down before she and the Pokémon flew out of the borders of Wyndon. Timothy rejecting her love made Ezria's heart ache the more she replayed his words in her head. Doublade and Knightblade wanted to comfort Ezria as she wept, but they knew it wasn't the time. Chairman Rose needed to be warned, and their enemies could be chasing after them.

When they made it to Hammerlocke, Ezria heard people and Pokémon cheering for her down below. Ezria ignored them until she heard some people congratulating her on her relationship with Timothy. Her heart broke into tinier pieces as her publicity was used against her. Doublade landed in front of the entrance to Hammerlocke stadium, and both it and Knightblade stood in front of Ezria as she climbed down to protect her from news reporters and journalists. The Pokémon covered her from the public eye until they were at the secret entrance to the Energy Plant. Ezria took her time to collect her emotions as they went down the elevator.

When the elevator door opened, Ezria kept a wooden face as she walked to the hanger, ignoring agents and scientists passing by. When she entered the hangar, Chairman Rose and Oleana stood in front of the core while scientists were analyzing the machine. Oleana was on her phone while Rose gazed at the core. His loyal secretary sounded pleased while she was on the phone.

"I expected you to catch all four of them, but Ms. Weaver and Professor Magnolia's granddaughter aren't much of a threat without their bodyguards. Well done, Venarge," she said. "Return here immediately with your Corviknight, and use the top tower to ensure the police don't see you. Let my agents handle bringing our 'guests' here."

Oleana hung up and cleared her throat to grab the chairman's attention.

"The professor's granddaughter and Gwen Weaver escaped, but Venarge captured Coovers and Ash and Serena's friend, Goh," Oleana reported.

"Any idea where they could be going?" Chairman Rose asked.

"None, sir. Perhaps another historical site," Oleana said.

"That's fine. Have one of your subordinates go to Wedgehurst and keep an eye on the professor," Chairman Rose said. "And send one to investigate Rose Tower."

"There's no need. If they're not responding, that means they've been arrested," Ezria said.

Chairman Rose and Oleana turned around to see Ezria walking toward them with Doublade and Knightblade floating behind. The chairman smiled for a brief moment until his face melted into a look of disappointment. Oleana crossed her arms as she gave her niece a stern look.

"You said there was nothing to worry about," she said. "'My gallant knight has no idea, and he would side with us even if Gwen told him.' Those were your exact words."

"Timothy tricked me because he was corrupted by the global authorities who are masters in the art of deception. We concerned ourselves over whether or not Gwen broke her contract at Circhester," Ezria said, matching her aunt's stern glare.

"And how does that excuse you from all the trouble we're dealing with because of you?" Oleana asked.

"Yes, I can't pretend I'm not disappointed in you, Ezria," Chairman Rose said. "I thought you knew better than to let your personal feelings get the better of you."

"I know. Words can't express how ashamed I am, Uncle Rose. I'd do anything to make amends for the trouble I've caused," Ezria said, taking a bow.

"Humph. That only makes you slightly more humble than your brother," Oleana said. "Fortunately, Timothy's best friend is on his way here, and he is an officer of the International Police, making him the perfect hostage to get the police to back off. From there, we can focus on controlling Eternatus while taking legal steps to legitimize what we're doing."

"That won't stop Timothy. He might not be as all-powerful of a trainer as he tricked us into believing, but I know he will risk anything to do what he thinks is right," Ezria said. "Worse yet, he might find a way to Hammerlocke Stadium and with the help of his little friends no less since they had major roles in stopping Team Rocket as well."

"Then what do you suggest, Ezria? Hunt Timothy down and ensure he doesn't try to rescue his friends or aid the police?" Chairman Rose asked. "Perhaps you want to find Gwen and Professor Magnolia's granddaughter to ensure they don't try to find anything about the legend that can be used against us?"

"No. Doing either of those things would be a waste of time," Ezria said. "A mere handful of agents won't overpower Timothy, and all Gwen wants is to find out who the hero of the legend is. I think we can all agree knowing the identity of someone who has been gone for millennia won't help Timothy or the police in any conceivable way. Besides, we can only speculate where either of them are right now, and we're already several agents short thanks to Timothy and his other police friend, Looker."

Chairman Rose and Oleana took a moment to think about it before they looked at each other and nodded, accepting Ezria's logic.

"In that case, what do you suggest we do, Ezria?" The chairman asked.

"We can't take any chances with the people and security we have right now," Ezria said. "Send every available agent and League Staff member in Galar to Hammerlocke Stadium. Block the road to the stadium and lift up the drawbridge so not even a Flabébé could get in."

"And how do you intend to handle yourself if Timothy tries to get in?" Rose questioned.

Ezria fell silent and looked down, knowing her boss was suspicious. She tried to think of a way to convince him and Oleana that they shouldn't worry about her feelings interfering again, but she knew in her heart she didn't have it in her to go back on her promise to Timothy. With a deep breath, she resigned to comprise and looked back up at the chairman.

"If Timothy is beyond saving, I will beat him in battle and cast him out of my life forever," Ezria said. "Having said that, love is not something one can give up on just because things are complicated. Plus, we still need to deal with rampaging Pokémon until Eternatus submits to you, Uncle Rose, and whether Timothy is a liar or not, I have witnesses at the port town to back me up when I say he's shown his quality to do just that. Therefore, I will not leave my knight deluded and corrupted if I can help it. The next time I see him, I will break him until I have his heart, and he gives his undying fidelity to me and your operation."

Nothing was heard except scientists analyzing the core and discussing data amongst themselves. Chairman Rose kept his skeptical frown while Oleana calmly waited for her boss to make the call. After he debated with himself, the chairman pointed at Ezria with a warning glare.

"You've never steered me wrong before now, Ezria, but I can't afford any other loose ends when I am so close," he said. "Disappoint me again, and Timothy won't be the only one I cast out of my life. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly," Ezria said.

"Very well. Oleana, call the managers for Turffield, Hulbury, Motostoke, Stow-on-Side, Ballonlea, Circhester, and Wyndon Stadiums," Chairman Rose ordered. "Tell them to send all their security to Hammerlocke Stadium at once."

"It will be done, sir," Oleana said.

"Ezria, wait in the hall for further orders," Chairman Rose said.

"As you wish, Uncle Rose," Ezria said.

With that, Ezria exited the hangar with Doublade and Knightblade. As soon as the hangar door closed behind her, Ezria covered her mouth to hide a whimper. She leaned her back against the wall and slid down until she sat on her bottom.

Ezria sat still for a few seconds until she took out her Rotom Phone, opened the photos app, and selected the picture of her and Timothy at Motostoke Stadium. The picture made her smile fondly as it had many times before, but her smile faded as she stared at Timothy. She wondered if he was only smiling to be her friend or if, deep down, Timothy did it as a means to further tame his target he only wanted to use for his own means. Effectively, making him no better than any other man who worshipped the ground she stood for their greedy desires.

"Aegislash!"

Ezria turned to Knightblade, who gave her a sad but comforting look. Nothing was said, but the Royal Sword Pokémon knew what was on Ezria's mind, and it knew what she was thinking wasn't true. Ezria responded with a smile as she remembered Timothy saying he tried to avoid hurting her feelings. Even if he said he didn't love her, she felt better, reminding herself that he still cared. She looked at the picture, uplifted, then held her phone against her chest.

"Timothy, one way or another, I'm going to save you, " she whispered. "But whatever you do, please, don't make me betray Uncle Rose's trust so we can be together."