Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu waited until the train was out of sight before they exited the train station. They took a few steps outside before they stopped and looked around in awe. The entire city was made of bricks, and there were factories and other industrial buildings powered up by steam.

"Well, this place is unique," Timothy said. "Don't think I've been to a place like this before."

"I hear you," Coovers said. "Galar just gets more and more interesting with Pokémon growing gigantic, and trains taking you anywhere with ease. Not to mention none of their towns or cities have names that end with 'town' or 'city.' Like, Wedgehurst isn't called Wedgehurst Town or Wyndon, and Motostoke aren't called Wyndon City or Motostoke City."

"Heh. Good point," Timothy said.

"Raichu," Electchu said.

Coovers took out his Rotom Phone and yelped as the screen showed it was 11:30.

"Only thirty minutes to check in!" Coovers shouted.

"What? We gotta move! Where's the stadium?" Timothy shouted.

Coovers opened the map app on his phone, and after looking carefully at the map, he sighed in relief.

"It's only a few minutes west from here. Straight ahead," he said.

"Then let's waste no time. I better be registered the sooner, the better, and we also need to meet up with Professor Magnolia's colleague," Timothy said. "Let's run for it for good measure."

Coovers nodded in agreement, and the two of them and Electchu ran down the street, trying to avoid running into people and Pokémon in the process. Within a few minutes, they made it to a stadium somewhat smaller than the one in Wyndon and burst their way in. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu looked around the lobby, where a few dozen people were talking or sitting on couches. Most of them were wearing what looked to be sports uniforms. They found the registration desk on the other side and ran towards it as a tall, muscular man standing on the other side of the desk noticed them and smiled.

"Hello, gentlemen," he greeted. "Are you here for the Gym Challenge?"

"I am," Timothy said.

"I'll need to see your endorsement, please," the receptionist said.

Timothy took out his letter from his pocket and handed it to the receptionist. The receptionist opened the letter and read it thoroughly. His focused look turned into amazement before he looked up at Timothy.

"Fancy that. This is the first time we've had a challenger endorsed by a Champion," he said. "And is it true that you lead the fight against that crime organization that brainwashed all of the Psychic type Pokémon?"

"Sure is," Timothy said with a proud smirk.

"And you freed Arceus with a special type of Pokéball?" The receptionist asked.

"I did," Timothy said.

"Can I see it please?" The receptionist asked.

Timothy nodded and reached into his backpack to take out the Master Ball. He held it up to the receptionist, who looked at it with amazement.

"Remarkable," he said before looking at Timothy again. "You know, my Bronzong was one of the Pokemon taken by that horrible crime organization. I cannot express how grateful I am that it came back to me thanks to you."

"I'm glad you have your Bronzong back," Timothy said. "My Gardevoir was also taken by Team Rocket, so I know how it felt to be helpless when they struck."

The receptionist smiled and nodded before he typed on his computer for half a minute and said, "There. You have been successfully registered as a Gym Challenger. Choose your preferred number for your uniform if you'd be so kind."

Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu looked at the secretary, puzzled and Timothy asked, "Uniform?"

"You didn't know? You are required to wear a sports uniform when partaking in any official match," the receptionist explained. "Your number will be displayed on your uniform."

"Ah, that explains why so many people are wearing sports uniforms," Coovers said.

"Pretty much," the receptionist said. "So, can you choose a number, please?"

Timothy looked down and scratched his chin in thought. Then, he felt Electchu poke him in the leg, and he turned to his partner.

"Rai Rai Raichu? Raichu Rai Raichu," the Mouse Pokemon said.

Timothy thought about Electchu's suggestion and smiled before looking back at the receptionist.

"I'll go with number seven," he said.

"Seven? Why that number?" Coovers asked.

"My dad used to play soccer when I was little, and seven was his number," Timothy explained.

"Very well," the receptionist said as he typed on his computer again. He then took out a band and said, "Please wear this Challenge Band at all times to identify yourself as a Gym Challenger. The opening ceremony will start in twenty minutes. There's a dressing room to your right where you can pick up a uniform with your number that's the right size. Please be ready to enter the stadium in your uniform with the other Gym Challengers soon."

"Great. Thanks," Timothy said as he began walking to the dressing room.

"Best of luck to you," the receptionist called out.

Coovers and Electchu followed Timothy to the dressing room door and waited a few minutes until he came out in a uniform with the number seven on the back.

"Looking nice, Timbo. Looking real nice," Coovers said, giving Timothy a thumbs up.

"Raichu," Electchu agreed.

Timothy looked at the uniform hesitantly and said, "I don't know. It feels weird wearing something like this for Gym Battles."

"Ah, you'll get used to it," Coovers said. "Besides, it's just for one particular Pokémon League. It's not like you'll have to face Drake again looking like you're part of a sports team."

"That's true," Timothy said. "Anyway, Professor Magnolia said her colleague should be in the lobby with a Teddiursa. Let's find her and get introductions out of the way before it's time for me to join the other Gym Challengers for the ceremony."

"Agreed," Coovers said. "I wonder what kind of person she is."

"Well, as long as she helps us accomplish our mission, I don't really care," Timothy said.

Coovers furrowed his brow and said, "Come on, Timothy. I want us to complete the mission quickly too, but you're never gonna find a lady with that attitude."

"Coovers, we've been over this. Finding someone special for me isn't a priority," Timothy said.

"Well, maybe it should be," Coovers argued. "I mean, come on. Ash is no longer dense about romance, and he and Serena are happy together. When's the last time you've been happy?"

"A few weeks ago, after winning the Hoenn League," Timothy answered.

Coovers rolled his eyes and said, "Alright, let me rephrase that. When's the last time you were happy apart from when you accomplished part of your dream?

"When we took down Team Rocket, and I got Shockwave back," Timothy said.

Coovers facepalmed and let out a long groan.

"Okay, that's fair. But I'm serious, Timothy. Focusing only on your goals and your Pokémon is no real way to live," he said. "What kind of future are you securing if all you do is focus on that?"

Timothy rolled his eyes, having been asked that before.

"Look, I get what you're saying, Coovers, but my point still stands," he said. Do you expect me to suddenly go crazy over a person in the same way Serena does with Ash, Brock does with Holly, or you do with Sonia? It's like–"

Suddenly, Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu were startled by the sound of several screams coming from the center of the lobby. They turned around to see people and Pokémon panicking at the sight of a large shadow with red eyes and a mischievous grin tormenting them on the floor. Instantly realizing what was going on, Timothy grabbed one of his Pokéballs in his pocket and found it opened. Coovers and Electchu rolled their eyes while Timothy shook his head and gave the shadow a dark look.

"I'm gonna kill it," he snarled.

"Timothy, you can't kill it. It's part Ghost," Coovers said.

But Timothy didn't listen. He marched past his friends with his eyes fixed on the shadow, who was laughing with glee as people and Pokémon ran away. He opened his mouth to raise his voice until he heard a woman's voice from behind him.

"Winnie, use Fire Punch!"

Timothy turned his head to find a Teddiursa jumping in the air with fire surrounding its fist and slamming its fist into the ground where the shadow was. The shadow screamed and phased out of the ground to reveal Gengar with a burn mark on its forehead. The Shadow Pokemon glared at the Teddiursa and prepared to retaliate with Shadow Ball before Timothy intervened.

"GENGAR!" He roared.

Gengar winced and looked at Timothy like a child caught doing something he knew he shouldn't do. Timothy took out its Pokéball and pointed at it, and the Shadow Pokémon whined. But before the Shadow Pokémon returned to its container, a woman in her late twenties stormed toward Gengar. She had brown hair tied into a ponytail and wore dark purple jeans, a pink blouse, and a black jacket. She glared daggers at Gengar as she stopped walking just two feet away and pointed her finger at it with one hand on her hip.

"Listen here, you!" She shouted in an authoritative voice. "Just because you can phase into the ground doesn't mean you get to scare everybody!"

Gengar took a step back, intimidated. It waved its hand and said a series of "Gen," "Gar," and "Gengar" in protest, but the woman wasn't amused.

"Doesn't matter if it's fun for you! You should know better than to bully people and Pokémon around you!" She rebuked.

Timothy stared at the woman, baffled. At this point, Coovers and Electchu had caught up with him and were staring at the woman equally astounded. Coovers scratched the back of his head as he turned to Timothy.

"Is it just me, or did it sound like she understood what Genger said just now?" he asked.

"Raichu," Electchu said with uncertainty in its voice.

"Gengar Gengar," Gengar begged.

"Don't give me that buster! Your trainer didn't raise you to be such a rebellious immature Pokémon!" The woman shouted. "What do you have to say for yourself?!"

Gengar tried to say something but couldn't think of a way to answer. Then, it sniffed and sat on its bottom, crying like a child. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu were more shocked than before, unsure if this was the same Pokémon they knew. After several seconds of crying, the woman's face softened, and she took a step closer to lightly pet Gengar with a small smile.

"There, there. You're not a bad Pokémon. You just made a bad decision," She said in a soft, comforting voice. "Now go back in your Pokéball and don't prank anybody anymore. Okay?"

Gengar wiped the tears from its eyes and nodded with a smile. It turned to Timothy with an apologetic look, and it took a moment before Timothy snapped out of his shock and realized that he was still holding Gengar's Pokéball. He smiled and nodded, silently accepting the Shadow Pokémon's apology before it willingly went back into its container. Timothy put the Pokéball back in his pocket and turned to everyone in the lobby with an embarrassed grin.

"Sorry, everybody," he said.

Some of the people and Pokémon sighed in relief while others gave disapproving glares at Timothy before walking away. Timothy let out another sigh before turning to the Teddiursa.

"Thanks for your help," he said.

"Teddiursa," the Teddiursa said with a cute smile.

"You need to try to keep a better eye on your Pokémon when they get out of their Pokéball on their own," the woman said as she turned to face Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu.

"Believe me, I try to," Timothy said as he turned to look at the person. "No matter what I do, I-"

As soon as Timothy saw the woman's face, his voice died in his throat. Electchu looked at its partner, confused from the way Timothy had a look of amazement. He stared at her, captivated as though he had never seen a beautiful woman in all thirty years of his life. Coovers turned his head back and forth between his best friend and the woman, and his eyes widened with a look of hope. The lady stared back at Timothy with her opal eyes, showing concern.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

Timothy snapped out of his trance and cleared his throat.

"Yes. Yes, I'm alright," he said. "Sorry about my Gengar."

The woman smiled and said, "It's okay. They can be pretty hard to control sometimes, Mr...?"

"Timothy John Isaiah Durbin, at your service," Timothy replied without thinking.

Electchu tilted its head, growing more puzzled. Coovers resisted the urge to squeal in delight as it hit him that Timothy introduced himself to a woman like he did to Sonia. The woman and her Teddiursa looked at Timothy odd before the former awkwardly cleared her throat.

"Gwendolyn Anna Weaver. Call me Gwen. Nice to meet you," she said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well," Timothy said. "And may I say you handled Gengar spectacularly."

Gwen smiled cutely as she said, "Thank you."

By this point, Coovers had a grin that covered half of his face, while Electchu was as clueless as ever. Timothy was still staring at Gwen until he realized what he was doing and collected himself.

"So, you're the colleague Professor Magnolia was talking about?" He asked.

"I am," Gwen answered before turning her head to the Teddiursa. "And this is my partner, Winnie."

"Teddiursa," Winnie said with a smile.

"Winnie, huh? I nickname a lot of my Pokémon, too," Timothy said. "My partner's name is Electchu."

"Is that right?" Gwen asked before turning to Electchu. "Nice to meet you, Electchu."

"Raichu," Eletchu replied with a smile to hide its confusion.

Gwen turned to Coovers and said, "And you must be the -" she stopped herself and looked around to make sure no one was listening to her before she finished her sentence carefully. "The person working for you-know-what?"

"Yes, madam. My name's Coovers. Pleased to make your acquaintance," Coovers said.

"The pleasure is mine," Gwen said before turning back to Timothy. "Are you registered?"

"I sure am," Timothy replied with a proud smirk. "And my Pokémon and I are ready to complete the Gym Challenge without losing a single battle. You can count on that, ma'am."

Coovers smirked at the way his friend was trying to sound impressivewhile Gwen raised her eyebrow.

"Good...deal," she said. "I hope you two are ready to travel as soon as the ceremony ends."

"We sure are," Coovers said. "We bought supplies yesterday, so we should be good for the journey to the first Gym."

"Excellent," Gwen said before turning to Timothy. "Then, as soon as the ceremony is over, I'll need you to change your regular clothes immediately. I was thinking you meet us at the front entrance before we ride to the first town. You two have Rotom Phones that can turn into bikes, right?"

"We do. The Professor made it clear that we will need these bikes so that we can complete the mission the sooner, the better." Coovers answered.

"Good, because it takes about two days to get to Turffield by bike. I don't want to think how long it would take on foot to get there," Gwen said.

"Well, we are used to going on foot, but we know time is of the essence," Coovers said.

A high-pitched "ding" was heard from the speakers, followed by the receptionist announcing through a microphone, "All Gym Challengers proceed to the doors at the left side of the reception desk to head to the waiting room. Friends and family, take your seats at the stadium, and we'll begin the opening ceremony shortly."

"Alright, that's you, buddy," Coovers said with a toothy grin. "I'll be cheering for you out there."

"Thanks, Coovers," Timothy said.

Timothy turned to Gwen, and she said, "Remember, meet us at the front entrance as soon as the ceremony is over."

"You can count on me, madame," Timothy replied with a smirk.

Gwen tilted her head, finding his response to be strange. Behind his smirk, Timothy grew uneasy, hoping he would get a better reaction. Then Gwen smiled and said, "Very well. See you then."

Timothy mentally sighed in relief, and his smirk turned into a friendly smile as he nodded at Gwen before following the other Gym Challengers with Electchu by his side. Coovers and Gwen headed to their seats with the rest of the family and friends, with Coovers smirking at Timothy as they walked. As Timothy and Electchu walked down the hall, the Mouse Pokémon turned to its partner with a worried look.

"Rai Rai Raichu?" it asked.

Timothy looked at Electchu confused and asked, "What was what?"

"Rai Rai Raichu Rai."

"Weird? I wasn't acting weird."

"Raichu. Chu Rai Rai Raichu."

Timothy felt a hint of a blush coming from his cheeks, and he looked away from his Pokémon, trying to act confident.

"I was simply telling Gwen that she did a great job handling Gengar, and she doesn't have to worry about whether or not we will succeed in our mission."

"Rai Rai Rai Raichu Rai Rai Raichu."

"What do you mean I was looking at her funny?"

"Rai Rai Raichu. Chu Rai Rai Raichu."

Timothy's blush began to grow before he growled and shook it off.

"Look, let's focus on the task at hand," he said. "We're going to attend the ceremony, probably smile and wave at the audience, and get going to the first Gym. Okay?"

Electchu gave its oldest friend a suspicious look before it decided to drop it for now. As they followed the other challengers, Timothy contemplated what Electchu said, wondering if there was something off about how he talked to Gwen.

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

Over at the other side of the stadium, Chairman Rose and Oleana walked down the hall to the field. The chairman had a smile on his face, while his secretary kept a calm demeanor. As they got closer to the end of the hall, the sound of people and Pokémon cheering could be heard, and Rose's smile grew.

"Isn't that a lovely sound, Oleana? Hundreds of souls excited to see challengers ready to give it their all for this year's Galar League," he said.

"Riveting, sir," Oleana said.

"Aren't you excited to see your dear niece and nephew compete?" Chairman Rose asked.

"I am, but I mostly hope they will behave themselves toward each other during the Gym Challenge," Oleana answered.

Chairman Rose chuckled with his mouth closed.

"They are very devoted rivals," he said.

"Excuse me, Mr. Chairman."

Chairman Rose and Oleana turned around to find the receptionist jogging toward them. The chairman turned his body to face the League Staff member just as he caught up with him

"What is it?" he asked.

"Can I speak with you for a moment, sir? It has to do with one of our Gym Challengers," the receptionist asked.

Oleana frowned and said, "The chairman has to start the ceremony at 12 o'clock sharp."

"I assure you, Ms. Oleana, I wouldn't want to take a moment of the chairman's time if this wasn't important," the receptionist said.

Oleana's frown deepened, and she turned to Chairman Rose. He gave her a shrug and said, "Well, if it has to do with one of the challengers, then it must be important. You go on ahead, Oleana. I will be with you shortly."

"Yes, sir,'' Oleana said.

The chairman's secretary went back to walking to the field, and Rose waited a few seconds before turning to the receptionist.

"Well? What's the trouble?" He asked.

The receptionist hesitated and said, ''It's not...trouble per se, sir. It has to do more with the challenger's peculiar endorsement letter."

He took out Timothy's letter of endorsement and handed it to the chairman. Rose read it carefully, and his eyes widened.

"Can this be?" He asked. "A letter from Lance, the bi-regional Champion? Are you sure?"

"I checked the signature shortly after I registered the challenger, sir. It checks out," the receptionist said. "There is more. Read on."

The chairman stared at his employee before he continued to read the letter. The more he read, the wider his eyes grew, and his mouth hung open. When he was finished, he shook his head.

"I don't believe it," the chairman said. "Can this really be the man who saved the world from that crime organization in Kanto? What did he look like? Do you know what his Pokémon partner is?"

"He has brown hair and is wearing a gray t-shirt with three letters in different colors at the center," the receptionist answered. "His number on his uniform is seven, and his Pokémon partner is a Raichu.

Chairman Rose stared at the receptionist again and looked down at the ground, thinking, "Is this person the one Ezria is looking for?" Then he looked back at the receptionist, and his face turned serious.

"Find Lance's contact information and get him on the phone. I want to ask him whether or not he really wrote this letter for Timothy Durbin as soon as the ceremony is over," he ordered.

"Right away, sir," the receptionist said.

Without another word, the receptionist ran out to be on the side of the hall. Chairman Rose took a deep breath and returned his cheerful smile, putting the matter in the back of his mind. He walked to the end of the hall and entered the massive battlefield. People and Pokémon instantly cheered even louder at the sight of him, and he waved as he walked to the center of the field, where Oleana was waiting for him. He cleared his throat before he shouted to the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" He began, making the audience quiet down. "I am Rose, chairman of the Pokémon league!"

The audience cheered again before Rose continued.

"I know that everyone here and everyone watching from home have all been waiting for this big moment! It is my pleasure to announce finally - the Galar region Gym Challenge will now begin!"

The crowd screamed and cheered even louder. Chairman Rose's smile grew as he continued giving his speech with his hands in the air.

"Yes! The Gym Challenge!" He shouted proudly. "Participants must defeat eight of our Gym Leaders and gather eight badges to prove their skills as a trainer! Only the most worthy will have the honor to challenge the greatest Champion in history!"

The chairman paused to let the audience cheer again before he continued.

"And now, I would like to invite the Gym Leaders to show themselves!"

The crowd cheered once more as nine figures entered the field. The first was a huge, muscular young man with peach-colored hair, wearing a beige sun hat, a white t-shirt with some multicolored triangles, and green and black shorts. Behind him was a tall, slender black girl with long blue and black striped hair and blue eyes wearing a white crop top and shorts with blue and orange details. She was followed by a muscular middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a red polo shirt with a fire symbol, a black and red undershirt with long sleeves, and white shorts. Walking proudly behind the middle-aged man was a fit, young black girl with gray hair wearing a skintight black bodysuit and a uniform slightly resembling a modified karate gi. She was followed by a young boy with pale skin and black hair wearing a mask with large holes for his eyes and ears, who used her as a shield to hide from the crowd. An old, wrinkled, pale woman dressed in pink and purple walked beside the girl, hunching as she used her pink and green umbrella as a cane. A tall and stocky young man with beige hair, yellow highlights, wearing sunglasses, a brown and black jacket, and a white-colored blazer followed behind. Beside him was a plump woman with fair skin, light gray hair that fell to her hips, and thick, white clothes. The last to enter the field was a young man with a tall and slim build wearing a black hoodie with dark blue, orange, and tan-colored accents.

When all the gym leaders were in line, Chairman Rose furrowed his brow and turned to Oleana.

"Where is Piers?" He asked.

"He decided not to attend the opening ceremony again," Oleana answered.

Chairman Rose resisted the urge to sigh in annoyance. Then, he took a deep breath and brought back his cheerful smile as he looked at the audience again.

"Allow me to introduce our dear Gym Leaders to you!" He began. "The fighting farmer! Here's the Grass type expert, Milo!"

The large muscular man named Milo gave the audience a friendly smile.

"The raging wave! It's the master of Water types, Nessa!"

Nessa smiled and waved at the audience.

"The ever-burning man of fire! Here comes the Fire type veteran, Kabu!"

Kabu showed no expression as the crowd cheered.

"The Galar karate prodigy! Nobody's better with Fighting types than Bea!"

Bea also kept a stern look.

"The silent boy of mystery! Allister, friend of Ghost types!"

Allister whimpered, still using Bea as a shield.

"The master of a fantastic theater! It's the charming Fairy type user, Opal!"

Opal kept a calm expression, appearing to care little for the people and Pokemon around her.

"The hard-rock crusher! Please welcome the Rock type master, Gordie!"

Gordie grinned and did a "see ya" sign.

"The ice cold professional, and Gordie's sweet mother! Please, welcome Ice type master, Melony!"

Melony waved to the audience with a motherly smile.

"And last but not least, the tamer of dragons... It's Raihan, the top Gym Leader!"

The crowd cheered the loudest for Raihan. The Gym Leader gave them all a toothy grin before taking a selfie with his Rotom Phone.

"Unfortunately, we're missing one, but these are the Gym Leaders that we in the Galar region are proud to call our own!" Chairman Rose shouted. "And now, allow me to present to you this year's Gym Challengers!"

The audience roared louder than ever as three dozen trainers entered the field, including Ezria, Venarge, and Timothy, with Electchu walking next to him. The challengers smiled and waved as they walked to the center of the field. Venarge had the number thirty-eight on his blue uniform, and he waved with a boastful grin, acting as if he was the only soul on the field. Ezria waved and blew kisses at the audience with both hands like a famous movie star, wearing her uniform with the number twelve on it. Several challengers were cheering for Ezria and calling out to her, but she ignored them, recognizing them as some of her fans desperate to win her. Timothy and Electchu looked for Coovers and Gwen as they waved, the former hiding how uneasy he felt on his way to the center of the field. When their gaze turned to Chairman Rose, Timothy struggled not to show contempt.

"There he is, Electchu. There's our target," he said quietly so only his partner could hear him. "Let's make a good impression."

"Raichu," Electchu agreed.

When all the challengers were at the center of the field, Chairman Rose walked over to them with his hands behind his back. He glanced at Ezria and gave her a friendly look that she returned and then to Venarge, who grinned and nodded at him. The chairman's gaze then turned to Timothy, instantly noticing the number 7 on his uniform and Electchu standing beside him. The chairman raised an eyebrow at Timothy, which confused him until the older man decided to look away and bring back his friendly demeanor once again.

"Challengers, each one of you came here with a recommendation to participate in the Galar League. That tells me each and every one of you have potential to show the people and Pokémon in our beloved region something extraordinary," he said. "Whether you achieve such a feat is entirely on you. Do not take the gym leaders lightly. Each one challenges you in different ways. That said, I hope you will all prove to be worthy of completing the Gym Challenge through the strong bonds you have with your Pokémon."

Timothy, Ezria, Venarge, and the other challengers nodded in understanding. The chairman smiled and nodded back before looking at the audience.

"Will you please join me in wishing the Gym Challengers good luck?!" He asked.

The audience applauded, with some people and Pokémon standing up as they clapped.

"And so concludes the opening ceremony for this year's Galar League!" Chairman Rose announced. "Challengers, you are excused to begin the challenge!"

The crowd went wild as the Gym Challengers headed back to the waiting room, waving again as they walked. The Gym Leaders went back to the hall where they came from while Chairman Rose exited the field, waving with a bright smile with Oleana following him. Once they were back in the hall, the chairman found the receptionist waiting for him, holding out his Rotom Phone. Oleana looked at the Rotom Phone curiously and turned to her boss.

"May I ask who you are calling, sir?" She queried.

"Someone who will shed light on something interesting, Oleana," Chairman Rose answered as he took the Rotom Phone. "Very interesting indeed."