Things had begun to calm down at the entrance to Hammerlocke Stadium. Police officers were filling their cars with agents and League Staff members and driving them to the police station to put them in jail before coming back to collect more. Some officers came out of the stadium with League Staff members handcuffed, having caught them inside. Officer Jenny and her Boltund kept an eye on the prisoners that weren't loaded into cars yet, having them sitting down in cuffs. Some of the citizens who fought Chairman Rose's security went home or to the Pokémon Center to have their Pokémon healed. Others, like Gunther, stood back from the walls of Hammerlocke Stadium and watched Eternatus collect Galar Particles. They felt nothing was left but to wait for Timothy, Coovers, and Serena to stop Chairman Rose, Ezria, and Eternatus or for Eternatus to gain its full power and destroy everyone.

Looker, meanwhile, was kneeling in front of Venarge, Agent Porter, and a few other agents sitting down handcuffed. Venarge looked away from the officer coldly, trying to act tough as Looker interrogated him.

"Come now, boys. Surely, one of you would like to volunteer in letting me into the Energy Plant," Looker said with a smug look. "You might get a lesser sentence if you comply."

"You're gonna get nothing from us!" Agent Porter snarled. "Even if you promise to let us go free, there's no way we would betray Chairman Rose."

"I admire your loyalty, but I think you should be realistic," Looker said. "By now, we'll have arrested everyone among Chairman Rose's security that fled into the stadium, and three of my friends are on their way to capture Eternatus, ending this little project once and for all. Now, I'm willing to bet your boss is hiding in that little facility right now, and he can't stay cooped up in there forever. One way or another, he and his remaining accomplices will have to come out. It's up to you when he's going to come out. The way I look at it, you'd be doing your boss a favor by not letting him beat around the bush."

"You can try to persuade us as much as you like. We'll face imprisonment for life before we help you," Venarge said.

Looker tittered and said, "Be careful with what you wish for, son."

Suddenly, Looker heard the sound of tires screeching and people screaming. Everyone turned their heads to see Sonia making a hard turn and charging through the gap in the line of police cars blocking the street. Officers and their Pokémon jumped out of the way as the car came to a screeching halt in front of the drawbridge. Sonia came out from the driver's seat, looking up at Eternatus. Gwen got out, leaning on her car door while holding Winnie, whose face was green, and having the sword and shield strapped to her back.

"Hey, you can't park here. This is a scene of a crime!" Officer Jenny shouted. "I'll have you fined for your reckless driving too!"

"My driving's not reckless, officer. My car is just old," Sonia said. "And besides, we come with a means to subdue the Darkest Day."

Looker raised his eyebrow and walked over to the women.

"Am I right that you two are Professor Magnolia's granddaughter and Timothy and Coovers' companion?" he asked.

"That's right. Sonia's my name and with me is Gwen and her partner, Eddie," Sonia answered. "And who are you?"

"Officer Looker of the International Police. I'm Coovers' superior," Looker said, showing his badge. "I was under the impression the two of you were supposed to have two Pokémon with you that can fight Eternatus."

Sonia and Gwen looked at each other and hesitated before the latter answered, "Well, we found Zacian and Zamanenta and they led us to this sword and shield on my back."

"And how is that supposed to help?" Looker asked.

"We're not sure, but if they led us to the sword and shield, they must know what they're doing," Sonia said.

Looker frowned skeptically, seeing Sonia and Gwen's plan to be clunky.

"Well, let's hope you're right. That said, Timothy, Coovers, and Serena are already inside to face Eternatus and Timothy intends to use the Master Ball to catch it," he said.

Gwen felt a pinch in her heart, as though Timothy was turning his back on her promise. She looked up at the tower, where Eternatus was gathering Galar Particles.

"He probably thought there wasn't any more time to wait for us on the chance Eternatus reaches full power before we arrive," she thought. "If the Master Ball can't capture Eternatus, I must hurry."

"Then we mustn't waste any time," Sonia said. "Let's get up there and help our friends right away!"

"I'll come with you two to make sure you get there safely," Looker said. "Officer Jenny, take over with interrogation."

"Understood," Officer Jenny said.

Sonia and Gwen nodded, and the three of them went inside with Gwen still carrying Winnie. Venarge watched them enter the stadium with his eyes on Gwen, seeing her unease. After a moment, Venarge chuckled and shook his head.

"What could possibly be funny?" Agent Porter asked.

Venarge turned to him with a twisted grin.

"That woman is trying to save a man she likes with an old sword and shield while he tries to capture the most powerful Pokémon in the world with some glorified Pokéball," Venarge answered. "If they think rusted weapons and a little container can succeed where so much of Uncle Rose's time and money hasn't, then either our enemies are out of our minds, or we all have gotten a little crazy for the sake of Galar."

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

League Staff members were being tackled and arrested as Timothy, Coovers, Serena and their Pokémon raced to the battlefield. Some of the staff members on the run tried to hold them off by pulling down tapestries to fall on their enemies or throwing the Pokéballs containing their fainted Pokémon. Still, their efforts are easily thwarted by Shockwave and Gengar using Psychic. By the time the trainers were halfway through the hallway, only four staff members were left and they tried to gain access to the elevator to the Energy Plant, despite neither having clearance before the police grabbed them and cuffed them.

When they entered the battlefield, Timothy, Coovers, Serena, Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Shockwave, Blitzwing, Delphox, Pancham, Sylveon, Poliwhirl, Absol, and Gengar found two giant holes on the field. From above, there was a giant hole on the roof, where they could see red clouds and Galar Particles flying in the air. Behind them was the massive hole in the wall where Ash, Leon, and Pikachu got inside.

"Eternatus must have escaped from under the field and went up through the roof," Coovers said. "Judging by some of the other damage, a Pokémon Battle happened here."

"Yes, but who did Ash and Leon battle, and is Goh with them?" Serena asked.

"Whoever they battled, they're long gone now. They might be up in the tower with Eternatus right now," Timothy said.

"Raichu," Electchu agreed.

"If that's the case, we better fly over there and catch Eternatus right now," Coovers said.

"Right," Serena said, turning to Gengar. "Gengar, use Psy-"

"Knightblade, Flash Cannon!"

Timothy, Coovers, Serena, and the Pokémon looked up to see Doublade and Knightblade flying down through the hole, with the former carrying Ezria. A white orb appeared in front of Knightblade and turned into a beam that hit Gengar right in the face. Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Shockwave, Delphox, Pancham, Sylveon, and Poliwhirl fired ranged attacks to retaliate. Doublade and Knightblade dodged beams, streams of water, purple hearts, electricity, fire, and stars left and right. Blitzwing charged toward Knightblade with its body covered in red fire, and the Royal Sword Pokémon smacked it away with its shield. Knightblade turned back to continue fleeing until it heard Blitzwing crash to the ground and Timothy screaming.

"Blitzwing!"

Knightblade stopped and hesitantly looked back to see Blitzwing lying on its back with a few bruises on its body. Blitzwing pushed itself up and looked up at Knightblade with a cold expression. Knightblade looked at Blitzwing and then at its shield, realizing it had struck its friend without a second thought. Before it could have a moment of remorse, a beam of dark purple rings flew past it, barely missing its hilt. It flew down to catch up with Ezria and Doublade, just as they went in the exit from the other side of the field.

"After them!" Coovers shouted.

Timothy, Coovers, Serena, and the Pokemon raced to the other side of the field with Blitzwing retaking flight. They went through the exit and ran down the hallway until it was split in two directions. Everyone looked between the two directions, with Ezria, Doublade, and Knightblade too far away for them to know which way they went.

"Odyssey, track them with their aura," Timothy said.

Odyssey nodded and knelt with its eyes closed. Its body became surrounded in a blue aura as it placed its hand on the floor. Everyone waited several seconds until Odyssey scrunched its face and turned its head from one hallway to the next. Finally, it opened its eyes and spoke to Electchu, who translated for Timothy.

"Odyssey's picking up aura from both directions," Timothy said. "It senses Ezria, Doublade, and Knightblade running in the left hallway. On the right, Ash and Pikachu are going up a staircase with Goh not too far behind with a...Cinderace beside him? Did I get that right, Electchu?"

"Raichu," Electchu said, nodding.

"If I were to guess, since Goh usually always has it out, Raboot might have evolved," Coovers said. "Where is Ezria going and why did she flee from Eternatus?"

"I don't know but if Ash and Goh are going up a staircase, they must be going to face Eternatus," Timothy said.

"Then we got to follow them and catch Eternatus with the Master Ball before they get hurt," Serena said.

"But if we don't go after Ezria, she might try something to take Eternatus back," Coovers said.

"Better we risk that than Eternatus destroying everything," Serena said.

Timothy winced, knowing Serena was right. He knew Eternatus had to be stopped, and if he went up the tower, he would simply need to throw the Master Ball and save everyone. But if he let Ezria escape, he might never see Knightblade again, and deep in his heart, he wanted to make one last attempt to get it back. He wanted to believe he could reach out to it, to make it see it was on the wrong side. Timothy looked back between both hallways until he sighed, muttered under his breath, and took out the Master Ball.

"Serena, take the Master Ball. Follow Ash and Goh and catch Eternatus," Timothy said.

"What? But what about you?" Serena asked.

"I'm going after Ezria," Timothy said.

"Timothy, you can't. It's your Pokéball. Galar needs you," Serena protested.

"Galar doesn't need me just because I own a special Pokéball," Timothy said. "As long as someone uses the Master Ball to catch it, it doesn't matter who does the deed. Besides, there's only one soul who needs me."

Timothy turned to his Pokémon, and they nodded, knowing what was in his heart. He then turned to Coovers.

"Coovers, are you with me?" he asked.

Coovers chuckled and gave his best friend a thumbs up and a grin.

"Let's save our friend and capture a criminal," he said.

Timothy smiled before turning back to Serena. The honey blonde girl hesitated, still skeptical of Timothy's decision, then she smiled and nodded before taking the Master Ball from Timothy's hand.

"Give it everything you've got," Serena said.

"You too," Timothy said.

Serena, Delphox, Pancham, Sylveon, Poliwhirl, Absol, and Gengar went in the right hallway while the rest took the left hallway

Odyssey led with its eyes closed and aura still flowing around its body. At the end of the hall, Odyssey led everyone to a door on the right, leading them to a staircase. They went up four stories before they went through an exit, where they heard the sound of helicopter propellers from the other side.

Timothy ran ahead of Odyssey, bursting through the exit, where he found himself on a landing platform from the other side of the stadium. Ezria, Doublade, and Knightblade had just gotten inside the helicopter with Chairman Rose and Oleana. The pilot was flipping searches, preparing to take off.

"Shockwave, bend those rotor blades now!" Timothy shouted.

Shockwave's eyes glowed blue, and the rotor blades curled up until they touched each other at the center. Chairman Rose, Oleana, Ezria, Doublade, Knightblade, and the pilot looked up, confused by the metal bending they heard above them. Oleana shouted at the pilot, demanding to know what was going on and the pilot sputtered, having no idea.

Rose looked out the window and his face turned serious as he saw Timothy, Coovers, and Timothy's Pokémon with Shockwave's eyes still glowing. A few seconds later, Oleana, Ezria, Doublade, and Knightblade noticed their pursuers. Oleana growled in rage, and while Ezria was shocked at first that Timothy was not up in the tower to catch Eternatus, she smiled, amused that he chose to chase after her. Doublade looked daggers at its enemies but Knightblade's golden eye lit up at the sight of Timothy and his party. Its excitement faded as doubt overtook its mind, remembering that Timothy tricked it.

Chairman Rose got out of the helicopter; his eyes fixed on Timothy. Oleana, Ezria, Doublade, and Knightblade soon followed and the pilot hesitated before he turned off the helicopter and got off it. The chairman and his minions stood in a line facing their enemies. Oleana gave Timothy and Coovers dark looks with her mouth twitching. Neither men paid her any mind, for Coovers focused on the chairman, seeing his chance to bring the main culprit to justice, and Timothy was looking at Knightblade. He gave the Royal Sword Pokémon a brief smile to let it know he was glad to see it again. Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Shockwave, and Blitzwing looked at Knightblade, silently expressing they were glad to see it and wanted it to defect. Knightblade felt a tug in its metal insides from their sincerity until the moment was broken when Coovers stepped up to break the ice.

"End of the line, ladies and gentlemen," Coovers said while holding out his badge. "As an officer of the International Police, I suggest you all come with me quietly."

Rose let out a brief, condescending chuckle with an edge of a smirk. Oleana's mouth continued to twitch, resisting the urge to try to bite Coovers' head off for telling her dear boss to surrender. The pilot hid behind her as though using his superior as a shield would protect him from prison. Ezria shook her head, still smirking, and took several steps toward Timothy.

"Oh, Timothy," she said. "My beloved, my sweetheart, my dashing, dashing knight, wasn't it bad enough you deceived us, broke my heart, and brought the International Police to us? You would turn my public against me?"

"Well, in fairness, creating the riot was Serena's idea. I just didn't object to it," Timothy said. "After all, what you're doing is wrong, and you looked like you needed that spelled out. You really should have been there after we leaked the footage. So many hearts are broken because you are all behind the rampaging Dynamax Pokémon. So many people are in fear because of the danger you knowingly put them in. "

"You're lying!" Ezria hissed.

"Is he?" Coovers challenged with a smug grin. "I bet the news has already posted clips of what went down outside the stadium by now."

Coovers took out his Rotom Phone and opened the news app. He browsed until he found a page containing several clips regarding Eternatus and Hammerlocke Stadium recently uploaded. Coovers selected a clip and held out his phone for Chairman Rose, Oleana, Ezria, the pilot, Doublade, and Knightblade to see. Ezria's eyes widened as the clip showed Gunther facing Venarge and the security force, followed by several other civilians stepping up and arguing with Venarge and Agent Porter.

"Ezria, Chairman Rose, even you, Venarge. We saw you as the best of us. Immortal faces of our region and you break our hearts by letting us live in fear. Everyone here has been afraid of all the earthquakes, the red lights, and Pokémon rampaging. Ezria told us there was nothing to fear and yet she was cleaning up the mess she supported. How do you think that makes any of us feel? The trainer, the person I...I loved. The woman who made me happy just to see her drop by my café and give me a sweet smile isn't the angel that I - that we worship - has done this to us?"

"So Ezria isn't as perfect as you thought. What of it? She still loves every one of you and follows Chairman Rose with all of you in mind."

"You call this love?! Treating us like collateral damage?!"

"I don't expect you citizens to understand and I doubt Ezria, Aunt Oleana and especially Uncle Rose would either. If he or Ezria were here, they would say something like us, the people of Macro Cosmos, have a duty to do what's best for all of us and our future whether you appreciate it or not."

"Who are you to decide what's best for us?! How can we trust you when you use your Pokémon to stop the danger you're causing?!"

"She's right! Ezria was everything I wanted to be as a trainer and as a person!"

"Why should I be afraid to let my children go out and play, not knowing if they are going to be safe?!"

Ezria stood paralyzed, feeling every word her fans said hit her like bricks. Knightblade also watched in disbelief, feeling a pain of guilt inside itself. And yet, after years of being fed Ezria's fantasy and Timothy deceiving Knightblade continued to torment the Royal Sword Pokémon, leaving it still unsure of what was the right thing to do. Its train of thought was interrupted by Chairman Rose chuckling again. All eyes turned to him as he stepped up and gave Timothy an amused smile with his hand in his pants pocket.

"I'm disappointed in you, Timothy," he said. "You're so desperate to prove that you're right that you'll use the blind emotions of people and Pokémon incapable of comprehending the big picture? I thought you were smarter than that."

"Says the man I tricked wholesale into believing I am this perfect trainer who could be on his side and is trying to run with his tail between his legs," Timothy said.

"You dare speak to Chairman Rose that way?!" Oleana barked. "His dreams are the only hope the Galar region has for a perfect future!"

"Well, I for one, don't see Galar's only hope," Coovers said. "I see nothing but a plump businessman who relies on trainers to do his dirty work."

Chairman Rose gave Coovers a sullen look and said, "You two have some nerve just like your little friend, Ash."

"Thank you. We'll take that as a compliment," Timothy said. "Now, as we speak, Serena is on her way to catch Eternatus with the Master Ball. When she does, Eternatus will be taken to a place where you'll never get your hands on it again. So, now that you have no transportation to speak of, there's nothing left for you to do but to come in quietly as Coovers suggested. Of course, I have some spare time if you want to battle out of desperation."

"Careful, sweetie. Don't let your pride get into your head," Ezria remarked.

"Ha! Well, if that's not the Snorlax calling the Walrein thick," Coovers countered.

Ezria snarled with her hands half closed as though she imagined strangling Coovers. She snatched four of her Pokéballs, thrust them into the ground and Sirfetch'd, Scyther, Avalugg, and Coalossal burst out. They let out menacing battle cries at Timothy's Pokemon but Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Shockwave, and Blitzwing were unfazed.

"Where's your Weezing?" Timothy asked.

"Weezing failed me while I was battling Leon," Ezria said. "I assure you, I will still crush both of you with all of my Pokémon all at once."

"Actually, most of my Pokémon have fainted and my Samurott is tired," Coovers said. "What about you, Chairman and Oleana? Want to try your luck against Timothy?"

"I'm afraid Ash took down my Pokémon with his Pikachu and his Riolu suddenly evolving into a Lucario," Rose said.

"And his little friend that was playing detective with you, Gwen, and Magnolia's granddaughter beat me with his Raboot evolving into Cinderance and defeating my Milotic using Ember of all attacks before using Pyro Ball after evolving," Oleana said bitterly.

"Nothing but Ember before finishing with Pyro Ball? Curious," Coovers said before shrugging. "Then, I guess it's an all-out battle between Timothy and Ezria."

"That suits me perfectly fine," Ezria said, her eyes still focused on Timothy. "Even if any of you had any Pokémon available, this is something that should only be between Timothy and me. We're the most skilled trainers out of everyone, and though this isn't the Championship Cup, this has been a long time coming. Isn't that right, my darling?"

Timothy nodded with an edge of a smirk. Then his face turned serious.

"Tell me, Ezria," he said. "Eternatus is about to be captured by someone who isn't you, me, Venarge, or Leon. You have no means to escape, your public has renounced you, you'll never be Champion or Monarch, the police have arrested your brother and they'll likely make their way here. Before we battle, I have to ask: why are you still fighting?"

"I fight to protect Uncle Rose and his dreams," Ezria answered. "But more than that, I intended to take you with us with your Pokémon beaten. If I lost everything else, I still want to reform you so we can finally be together."

"So, I'm your consolation prize," Timothy said.

"You know that's not what I meant. None of my dreams matter without you at my side," Ezria said. "What about you? You had the chance to be the hero and handed the torch to a little girl to chase me. What is it about sending me, Uncle Rose, Aunt Oleana and my Pokemon that drives you so?"

"I told you I don't care about being the hero. All I want is Knightblade," Timothy said.

"Raichu!" Electchu shouted.

"Poliwrath!" Poliwrath shouted.

"Lucar," Odyssey said with a nod.

"Gardevoir," Shockwave said.

"Braiv!" Blitzwing shouted loud and proud.

Knightblade felt its metal insides tugged again with Timothy's declaration. Doublade levitated in front of its sister, letting out a menacing "Doublade," and Ezria scoffed in disbelief.

"Really? You think you can take my Pokémon away from me by force?" She asked.

"I want Knightblade to decide for itself," Timothy said before turning his gaze to Knightblade. "Knightblade, I know I hurt you and I'm sorry but please understand I only wanted to save people and Pokémon from getting hurt. I truly believe that Chairman Rose and Ezria think what they're doing is right but think of the destruction their project has caused. Think of how afraid the people were in the video Coovers showed. Do you think the right thing to do is follow people who willingly cause all of this? And no matter what has happened, you are still a part of this team. This family."

Timothy's Pokémon said words of agreement and asked Knightblade to defect. Doublade unsheathed its swords slightly as a warning while Ezria's other Pokémon laughed and mocked Timothy's Pokémon's attempts. Ezria held her hand up and her Pokémon grew silent.

"A touching plea, Timothy, but the only way you're getting Knightblade back is by submitting to Uncle Rose's cause," Ezria said.

"I thought I just established your project is dead," Timothy said. "Defeating me in battle is not going to change that."

"There are ways we can revive our cause," Ezria claimed. "Besides, even with one of my Pokémon down, I completely crushed Leon in battle. Your Pokémon have also spent energy fighting our security force and you're one short form a full team."

"I still beat you before and I'm the only one with experience commanding multiple Pokémon at once. A full team with some already taking damage is nothing compared to fighting an army of opponent Pokémon," Timothy said.

"That may be, but I have love," Ezria said.

Timothy, Coovers, Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, Shockwave, and Blitzwing looked at each other confused. Even Chairman Rose, Oleana, and the pilot were unsure of what they had just heard.

"So?" Timothy asked.

"You said yourself that it was the love that your friend had for his precious girlfriend that cost you the Indigo League," Ezria said. "You're a cold-hearted, manipulative swine, yet I still love you even after breaking my heart. I know you are doing what you feel is right even if it's misguided and I want to help you see the truth just as you want to do to Knightblade and I will not stop until you're mine."

Timothy shook his head in disbelief, looking at Ezria as though she was raving like a lunatic.

"You really think your feelings for me are going to play a factor in an all-out battle between our Pokémon?" he asked.

"You didn't care about romance when you battled your friend and you only gained a tiny interest in it just because you lost," Ezria said. "But between the two of us, only I have seen the truth of how powerful love is. Only I have wanted it with all my heart, knowing you will complete me. You are stuck with playing hero and your addiction to your dream that's all about you. That might have resulted in you winning a couple of Pokémon Leagues and defeating a Champion, but without returning my love, you'll never truly be the Pokémon trainer you want to be. Deep down, you'll always be weak without me."

Timothy frowned at the twisted way Ezria spoke about love. For a moment, Timothy considered revealing that he was in a relationship with Gwen to discourage Ezria. Whether or not what Timothy felt for Gwen was love or not was far too soon to say, but he knew having Chairman Rose and his close minions behind bars would make Gwen happy and that was more than enough to give this battle everything he had for her. Timothy also figured telling Ezria he was taken would enrage her more than dispiriting her, making her a more dangerous opponent. He considered it dishonorable to sabotage your opponent emotionally before a Pokémon battle anyway.

"Let's find out," Timothy said.

Silence overtook the landing platform again. Chairman Rose waited patiently for the battle to start while Oleana was restless, wanting Ezria to beat Timothy so they could find a way to escape. Coovers stepped back to give Timothy and his Pokemon space. Timothy, Ezria, and their respective Pokemon stared at each other like two groups of cowboys waiting for the other side to draw first.

"Charge!" Ezria shouted.

"Shockwave, Disarming Voice!" Timothy shouted.

Shockwave took a deep breath and unleashed a beam of purple hearts at its charging enemies. Doublade, Sirfetch'd Scyther, Avalugg, and Coalossal stopped and cried in pain, with the Wild Duck Pokémon dropping its lance and shield as it cried out the loudest.

"Now, charge!" Timothy shouted.

"Coalossal, Sand Tomb!" Ezria shouted.

Coalossal waved its little arms, and before Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Shockwave knew it, the metal floor under them transformed into a swirling sand vortex. They fell in with the latter three, almost losing their balance. Electchu squealed, and Odyssey howled, feeling the sand seriously damage them.

Without needing a command from Ezria, Doublade, Sirfetch'd, and Scyther charged at Odyssey, Shockwave, and Blitzwing, respectively. Odyssey clenched its teeth to fight the pain as it created a bone of energy to block Doublade's swords. Shockwave caught Sirfetch'd with Psychic before it could hit the Embrace Pokemon with Brutal Swing and lifted it up into the air. Scyther began striking Blitzwing multiple times with Acrobatics. Coalossal fired gold orbs at Electchu and Poliwrath.

"Poliwrath, use Surf to force them back!" Timothy shouted.

Poliwrath avoided another orb before it raised its hands toward Coalossal, Avalugg, and Sirfetch'd then turned its upper body and raised its hands again toward Doublade, creating two large waves of water that rose from different directions. The first hit Sirfetch'd while it was still in the air before it crashed down under it, Avalugg, and Coalossal. The second one hit Doublade, giving Odyssey the chance to knock its swords back, using its bone as a bat. Both Surfs did regular damage to Doublade, Sirfetch'd, and Avalugg, but the water severely damaged Coalossal's Rock and Fire type body. The hot coals in its back began to cool down as it breathed heavily. Poliwrath unleashed a large stream of water that hit Coalossal in the face. The water drowned Coalossal's final cries of pain before it fell on its back with a hard thud.

With Coalossal down, the vortex stopped pulling Electchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Shockwave. Half of it was mud. Timothy's Pokémon climbed out of the sand before they continued fighting. Odyssey continued its duel with Doublade, Electchu clashed tail and leek with Sirfetch'd using Iron Tail and Brutal Swing, respectively, Bltizwing dodged one of Scyther's attacks, giving it the chance to counter, and Poliwrath and Shockwave were battling Avalugg. With only four of Ezria's remaining five fighting, she looked around until she saw Knightblade floating where it was before the fighting started.

"Knightblade, what are you waiting for?! Attack that Gardevoir with Night Slash!" Ezria barked.

Knightblade winced as though Ezria was going to swat it. It wanted to protest, but it knew it was no use. Ezria couldn't understand its language like Gwen could. With a whimper, Knightblade switched to Blade Forme with its sword surrounded in black aura with a purple outline and charged. Shockwave used Psyshock against Avalugg while Poliwrarth used Bubble Beam until the Embrace Pokemon saw Knightblade zooming toward it with its sword pointed to it. Shockwave jumped away with Knightblade's sword missing by a centimeter.

"Don't stop! Cut it down!" Ezria roared.

Knightblade swung at Shockwave's head with a scream, catching nothing but air as Shockwave moved its upper body back. With another scream, Knightblade began swinging at Shockwave relentlessly. Shockwave gracefully moved back and forth like a ballerina to dodge, using its training with Odyssey against its opponent.

Knightblade continued to yell with each swing, letting out its frustration against everyone. Timothy, Ezria, their Pokemon, Chairman Rose, Eternatus, Oleana, Venarge, Coovers, Gwen, Winnie, the police, the citizens; all of Galar. Everyone claimed to be right. Both sides claimed they were saving the region and the other side was dooming it. It wanted to believe if Ezria won and Timothy fell in love with her, it would be able to keep everything but Timothy wouldn't be the trainer it followed throughout the Gym Challenge if one battle would win his heart and cause him to defect. Even if Ezria chose love over duty, Knightblade knew she would never stop believing in Chairman Rose's dreams. If Knightblade stayed on one side, it would lose something precious from the other side. All these thoughts ran through Knightblade's mind as it swung, again and again, not even caring what it hit.

"GARDEVOIR!"

Knightblade stopped after hitting something solid and hearing Shockwave let out a cry. It moved its sword back to find Shockwave on its knees and hugging a large slash on its side. Shockwave breathed heavily, feeling much of its energy disappear from one large cut. It lifted its head to look at Knightblade with grief and sympathy in its red eyes. Knightblade's opponent wasn't concerned that it was losing the fight. Shockwave didn't want to harm its friend, and it knew the Royal Sword Pokémon was tormented.

Knightblade stood in midair with the aura surrounding its sword disappearing. It shuddered in guilt as it realized Shockwave never attempted to hurt it when it easily could have. Shockwave could have stopped its attacks with Psychic and slammed it into the ground repeatedly until it was down. It could have held it in the air using Psychic and then take it out with Psyshock. It could have used Disarming Voice to disrupt its charge and then take it out with Psychic, or Psyshock, or both. But instead of doing any of those things, Shockwave refused to attempt any harm even after Knightblade switched sides. Knightblade turned to the other Pokémon fighting as it hit the Royal Sword Pokémon that Timothy's Pokémon didn't want to fight it either. But would Ezria's Pokémon do the same? Would Knightblade's brother avoid attacking it if forced to battle? Why were they even fighting?

"LUCAR!"

Knightblade's thoughts were disrupted again as Doublade knocked Odyssey's bone off its hand with one sword and cuts the Aura Pokémon with the other. Odyssey fell flat on its back with its eyes shut and its teeth clenched, trying to fight the pain. Doublade let out a low cackle as it looked down condescendingly at its injured opponent.

"Doublade, finish it off! Knightblade, stop floating there and use Flash Cannon!" Ezria shouted.

Knightblade remained in place as though it didn't hear Ezria. Shockwave's face softened, and it tilted its head, unsure of whether or not to be hopeful that Knightblade wasn't attacking it again. The blades in Doublade's swords still glowed light blue as it lifted them up to cut Odyssey diagonally from opposite sides. Odyssey opened one eye and put its paws together in an attempt to create another bone to block both attacks. Shockwave took Knightblade's hesitation as a chance to use Psychic to save its best friend, but as its eyes began to glow, Knightblade let out another cry, and it zoomed straight to Odyssey and Doublade like an arrow. It stopped between Odyssey bone and Doublade's swords and held up its shield, blocking Doudblade's Sacred Sword.

The fighting stopped, and everyone looked to see what happened. Odyssey stayed on the ground, flabbergasted that Knightblade was suddenly in front of it, protecting it. Shockwave felt its heart leap as it stood up while the rest of Timothy's Pokémon were hesitant but hopeful that what they saw was real. Sirfetch'd, Scyther, and Avalugg looked at Knightblade as though it had gone mad and Doublade moved its swords back to look at its sister in shock. Timothy, Coovers, Chairman Rose, Oleana, and the pilot looked at Knightblade stunned, while Ezria's face turned barn red.

"Knightblade, you dare disobey me?!" she screamed. "Why would you stop your brother from doing what we have to for the greater good?!"

Knightblade turned to Ezria and shouted "Aegis" and "Aegislash" multiple times. It used its free arm to point at Ezria, then Chairman Rose, and then Timothy, then Shockwave. Finally, it waved its whole arm back and forth at both teams of Pokémon. Coovers, Ezria, Chairman Rose, Oleana, and the pilot were clueless about what Knightblade was saying, but Timothy listened closely to its voice and studied its movement and spirit. With Gwen's teaching in practice, Timothy's face went from a look of shock then heartfelt joy as Knightblade shouted. He turned to Electchu just as it was turning to him, and the mouse Pokemon smiled, confirming that its partner understood.

"Stop jabbering!" Ezria rebuked. "You know I can't understand you! None of us can!"

"I can," Timothy said.

"You?" Oleana scoffed. "How could you possibly understand what a Pokémon is saying?"

"Yeah, since when can you understand a Pokémon without needing Eletchu to translate for you?" Coovers asked.

"I have a great teacher who taught me how to listen closely," Timothy said.

Rose smirked and shook his head, once again amused.

"And what pray tell did that Pokémon say?" he asked.

"Knightblade said that your ideas of the greater good are flawed," Timothy said. "It now sees the difference between my battling and Ezria's. My Pokémon and I are fighting for others, including Knightblade itself, but despite what Ezria said, she and her Pokémon battle for the sake of winning. To be the best."

"Oh, come on, Timothy. Enough with your lies," Ezria said.

"Don't believe me? Let's try this: Knightblade, did I translate everything you said correctly? Say "Aegis' for yes and "Aegislash' for no," Timothy said.

"Aegis," Knightblade said.

"Oh, come on. That's just a coincidence," Ezria said. "Besides, that's no reason to side with the man who manipulated poor Knightblade for his means."

Knightblade repeated the name of its species, and Timothy translated.

"It is still hurt by what I did, but it fully accepts I regret hurting it, that I care for it as much as my other Pokémon, and what we are fighting for is the right thing," Timothy said.

"And that's enough cause to betray its trainer and his brother?" Ezria questioned.

Knightblade spoke, and Timothy translated a third time.

"You may have been Knightblade's trainer first, and your partner is its brother, but you both supported risking lives, including the future of its own," Timothy said. "Despite your outward affection and flattering names, your Pokémon are nothing but pawns that dedicated their lives to their own separate roles just to beat Leon. Its role was nothing more than to be a token of gratitude despite everything the two of you and Doublade have been through, barely knowing the person you gave it away to. It counts itself lucky that lying aside, I accepted it to be as much of a member of my party as the rest of my Pokémon, who also treated it as part of our family. Knightblade hated that you forced it to fight my Pokémon and Shockwave proved it wouldn't do anything to harm it even though Knightblade attacked it. It would rather stand with the trainer and his Pokémon who forfeited being heroes for it than be a piece of your master plan again."

"Oh, shut up. You're either delusional or trying to mess with my head," Ezria said. "Knightblade, show everyone what Timothy's saying is complete nonsense."

Knightblade glared at Ezria for disregarding what it was saying through Timothy. It turned to Odyssey and extended its arm to help it up. Ezria, Chairman Rose, Oleana, and the pilot stood appalled as Odyssey took Knightblade's arm and Knightblade pulled it back on its feet. Timothy's other Pokémon cheered and ran over to Knightblade to hug and cheer for it. Timothy smiled warmly as Knightblade gave it a cheerful look with its one eye while Coovers grinned and gave it a thumbs up. Ezria looked at her remaining Pokémon, who looked daggers at Knightblade for saying they were only her pawns. Doublade growled in rage as its faces became as red as its blades. Finally realizing what Timothy said was true, Ezria looked down with her hands turned into fists.

"Fine," she said. "If that's the way it is, I'll knock some sense into you and Knightblade. I'll take its Pokéball from you and return it, then keep it there. If Uncle Rose doesn't get Eternatus, then you don't get Knightblade."

Timothy's Pokémon stopped celebrating and they silently took battle positions. Knightblade floated above Eletchu, Poliwrath, Odyssey, and Shockwave with Blitzwing. Doublade floated above Sirfetch'd and Avalugg with Scyther. Doublade unsheathed its swords slightly to reveal its blades glowing light purple, making it clear it was not going to hold back against its sister. Knightblade moved its shield back to reveal black aura with a purple outline surrounding its blade again, proving it wasn't going to hold back either. Both teams of Pokémon stare at each other, most of them plotting how to pick up where they left off with their separate opponents.

"Sir, look!"

Everyone turned to the pilot, who pointed at the tower. They all looked up to find Eternatus wasn't hovering above the tower. Timothy and Coovers looked at each other and smirked, thinking Serena had just caught Eternatus with the Master Ball.

Just then, large volts of red lightning came out from the tower, followed by the sound of an explosion, and Eternatus appeared again with its body glowing red. It flew up until it touched the clouds, and its body transformed into a long and serpentine shape formed like a massive coil. Its entire body glowed red and present at regular intervals across its length are black rings with spikes extending outward. Eternatus' energy core rested at the center of the coil inside a cage of violet spikes. A red tornado spun at the center of its body until it disappeared, revealing Eternatus' head, which took the form of a giant hand with its fingers covered in black armor with spikes extending from the back of each segment. At the tip of each finger is a glowing pink eye.

Chairman Rose's face lit up, and he giggled in delight. Oleana watched in shock while the pilot once again used her as a shield.

"What in the world am I looking at?" Oleana asked herself.

"Whoa! Stupendous! Excellent!" Rose shouted. "Now, Eternatus, show me your unlimited power!"

Timothy, Coovers, and Timothy's Pokémon looked at Eternatus in shock. Timothy couldn't understand how Eternatus could be fully revived when Ash, Goh, Serena, and Leon were up there with Serena having the Master Ball. He wondered if Gwen was right that the Master Ball wasn't as powerful as he was led to believe.

"You should have gone up there to catch Eternatus yourself when you had the chance, sweetheart," Ezria said. "Containing unlimited power is no task for a little girl to take."

Timothy's heart sank as Ezria's words weighed heavily on him. If anything happened to Serena because he didn't go with her, he would never forgive himself. He told himself she was fine because Ash was with her, but that made him fear something would happen to Ash, Goh, and Leon as well. Gwen and Sonia were Galar's last hope if the trump card failed.