Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu were sleeping on the grass. The two men were in their sleeping bags while Electchu was cuddled up in a ball next to Timothy. Timothy was lying down as he snored with his mouth open, while Coovers was lying on his side, muttering in his sleep.

"Oh, Sonia... dear Sonia... you came all this way to see me? I love you too... let's cuddle and talk about our feelings."

Suddenly, the sound of a trumpet blew, and Timothy and Coovers sprung up in a sitting position, screaming. Electchu jumped into a defensive position, thinking they were under attack. When they checked their surroundings, they saw a tangerine elephant-like creature standing before them.

"What is that?" Timothy moaned as he took out his Rotom Phone and scanned the creature.

"Cufant. The Copperderm Pokémon. A Steel type," Rotom said. "Cufant digs up the ground with its trunk. It is also very strong, being able to carry loads of over five tons without any problem at all."

Cufant gave Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu a cute smile. Electchu prepared to attack until it noticed Winnie and Gwen standing next to Cufant. Winnie was snickering while Gwen smirked with her arms crossed.

"Rise and shine, boys. It's time to start the day," Gwen announced.

"Teddiursa," Winnie said.

Timothy groaned and looked at the time on his phone, saying, "Gwen, it's 6:30."

"Exactly. That means we only have half an hour until we need to get back on the road pronto." Gwen said.

"You could have given us a heart attack," Coovers whined. "And I was having such a wonderful dream."

"Oh, don't be such a baby," Gwen said. "Now, change out of your pajamas. Breakfast will be ready shortly."

Without another word, Gwen walked away to her side of the campsite with Winnie and Cufant, where she was cooking a pot of porridge. Electchu lowered its defenses before it, and Timothy stretched and yawned simultaneously, while Coovers lay back down, crying because his dream wasn't real. The two men changed clothes just as Gwen finished stirring her porridge.

"How many Pokémon do you two have apart from Electchu?" Gwen asked as she stirred.

"We both have a full team." Coovers answered.

Gwen looked at Coovers, taken aback, and said, "Both of you? I should have asked before we left Motostoke so that I would have bought more Pokémon food."

"Oh, don't worry about that. I bought some Pokémon food before we left Wedgehurst," Coovers said.

Gwen sighed and said, "Well, that's a relief. Anyway, I also have a full team, so why don't you fill up bowls of Pokémon food for all of our Pokémon while I make some tea to go with our porridge."

"Sounds good," Timothy said.

Gwen smiled in approval before she took out six bowls and handed them to Timothy. He laid them on the floor while Coovers laid down twelve more bowls with Electchu helping. After they filled all the bowls with Pokémon food, Timothy took out Poliwrath, Odyssey, Shockwave, Blitzwing, and Gengar, while Coovers took out Samurott, Krookodile, Chandelure, Klinklang, Braviary, and Zoroark. By the time they were done, Gwen had finished making tea, and she took out four Pokéballs.

"Come on out, everyone!" She shouted.

She lifted the balls in the air, and they opened to reveal a Noctowl, a Spoink, a Drifloon, and a Mudbray. Timothy, Coovers, and Eletchu looked at Mudbray confused, and Timothy took out his Rotom Phone again.

"Mudbray. The Donkey Pokémon. A Ground type. Mudbray are stubborn and independent. Their daily routine includes eating dirt and frolicking in the mud they kick up," Rotom said.

"Sweet. Two new Galar Pokémon to meet in one day already." Timothy said.

"Actually, while Mudbray live in Galar, their native land is the Alola region." Gwen said.

"Oh." Timothy said with a sheepish grin.

Gwen then took out a bag of diced berries and put them on top of all the bowls of Pokémon food except for one. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu were confused about why she left one out until she took out a bottle of honey, and Winnie's eyes lit up.

"Teddiursa! Teddiursa!" The Little Bear Pokémon cheered.

Gwen giggled and said, "Better enjoy it while it lasts, Winnie. There's only enough left for two more meals before we get to town. And wait until everyone's ready to eat this time."

"Teddi Teddiursa. Ursa Teddi Teddi Teddiursa!" Winnie whined.

"I don't care if you didn't have any honey yesterday. You are going to wait like everyone else." Gwen said in a motherly tone.

Winnie whimpered before it reluctantly nodded in compliance. Timothy, Coovers, and Eletchu watched Gwen Gwen get down on her knees and drown Winnie's bowl of Pokémon food with honey.

"Electchu, was Winnie really complaining that it hadn't eaten honey since yesterday?" asked.

"Raichu," Eletchu said with a nod.

"Boy, first she understands Gengar, and now she understands her partner. I think Gwen's giving you a run for your money with understanding Pokémon, Timothy," Coovers said.

"No kidding," Timothy said.

Gwen then filled three bowls of porridge and handed two of them to Timothy and Coovers before pouring tea for the three of them. The three humans and Electchu sat together with their food before Gwen looked at all eighteen Pokémon.

"Alright, everyone. Dig in."

Immediately, Winnie began stuffing its face with honey-drenched Pokémon food while the rest of the Pokémon ate at a regular pace. Gwen rolled her eyes before she, Timothy, and Coovers began eating their porridge. As soon as the porridge touched their tongues, however, Timothy and Coovers froze in place. Their eyes widened, taken aback by the taste of berries and cinnamon mixed with the porridge. Before they realized what they were doing, they ate so fast that their bowls were empty within seconds. Gwen looked up from her breakfast and was dumbfounded at how quickly the two men ate up their porridge.

"My goodness, are you two alright?" She asked.

"Alright? This porridge is amazing!" Coovers praised.

Gwen raised her eyebrow and said, "Oh, come now, it's just porridge with some cinnamon and berries."

"Exactly! That's what makes it so good!" Coovers said before elbowing Timothy's side. "Come on, Timothy. Tell her."

Timothy grew nervous, feeling on the spot. Electchu tilted its head, wondering why its partner was reluctant to speak to the woman, while Coovers mentally grinned. After a few seconds, Timothy cleared his throat and turned his head to Gwen, his green eyes staring at her opal ones.

"Gwen, I can honestly say that is the most delicious porridge I've ever had in my life." he said.

Coovers turned his upper body away from Timothy, Gwen, and Electchu to secretly shake his fist in the air, whispering, "Yes!" On the other hand, Gwen looked at Timothy as if he shouted his compliment out loud like a hyper child.

"You're exaggerating," she said.

"No, I mean it," Timothy said. "Is there any more?"

Coopers turned his head back to look at his oldest friend and whispered, "Attaboy, Timbo." Gwen raised her eyebrow again and answered, "There is only enough for one more helping each. I arranged it, so we have enough time to leave in seven minutes."

Timothy's and Coovers's smiles faded away, and the latter said, "Seriously? Aren't you getting a little carried away with your schedule?"

"Not in the slightest," Gwen said firmly. "And I suggest that you drink all of your tea. It will keep you energized until we break for lunch at 2."

Timothy and Coovers stared at Gwen, baffled, before they stood up and quickly filled up their second helping of porridge. They wolfed down their food again and drank their tea just as Gwen and the Pokémon finished their breakfast. Gwen cleaned the bowls using a nearby river before all three trainers returned their Pokémon, save for Winnie and Electchu, and got on their Rotom bikes.

By 7 o'clock sharp, the group was back on the road with Gwen leading. Winnie was on her shoulder while Electchu was on Timothy's back again. For the next few hours, they rode their bikes without saying anything to each other until Coovers decided to secretly talk to Timothy, taking advantage that Gwen was several feet ahead of them.

"So..." he began.

Timothy turned his head to Coovers and asked, "So, what?"

"What are your thoughts on Gwen?" Coovers asked with a smirk.

Timothy stared at his oldest human friend, confused, before he shrugged.

"I don't know," he said. "She seems nice."

"Nice? Nice? Come on, Timothy, you can do better than that," Coovers rebuked.

"Well, what do you expect me to say?" Timothy asked.

"How about what a great cook she is and how she has a full Pokémon team and has a nickname for her Pokémon just like you?" He said. "Not to mention she is easy on the eyes."

Timothy raised his eyebrow, immediately realizing what his friend was getting at.

"I suppose she looks nice," he said.

"Oh, don't give me that, Timothy. You were checking her out when we first met her," Coovers rebuked.

"I wasn't checking her out," Timothy said.

"You totally were." Coovers said. "You were staring at her the whole time she yelled at Gengar and when we were introducing ourselves to her. Isn't that right, Electchu?"

Electchu hesitated and said, "Rai... Chu Rai Rai Raichu."

"Et tu, Electchu?" Timothy asked.

Though Coovers didn't understand what Electchu said, Timothy's reaction was more than enough for him to say, "I rest my case."

Timothy groaned in annoyance and said, "Come on, Coovers. Are you seriously telling me that you think I have a thing for Gwen?"

"Maybe," Coovers said with a smug look. "There's got to be some things you like about her even as just a friend, right?"

Timothy hesitated, suspicious of what would happen if he gave Coovers an inch. He debated with himself until he sighed and said, "Well, if we're thinking of her as only a friend, then there's a few things."

"Like?" Coovers asked.

Timothy paused for a moment and said, "I do admit that it's interesting that she understood Gengar and Winnie, and it's awesome how she disciplined Gengar. I'm hopeful it'll be kept in check the entire time we travel with her."

"I hear that," Coovers said. "Anything else?"

"Er, well, I was serious about how I felt about her porridge," Timothy admitted. "And I am curious about what else she cooks."

"I hear that too," Coovers said. "If she can cook great meals like that porridge all the time, then I wish I didn't volunteer to cook for lunch and dinner yesterday."

"Hey, come on, Coovers. You're a good cook too," Timothy said.

"Yeah, but I can't compete with that porridge or any meal Sonia makes," Coovers said before he stared at the sky with a blissful look. "Oh, sweet, sweet, Sonia."

Timothy and Electchu rolled their eyes, growing annoyed with how obsessed their friend was of Professor Magnolia's granddaughter. And yet, as they went back to focusing on riding their bikes, Timothy looked ahead at Gwen and contemplated the things he admitted to liking about Gwen. It wasn't as though enjoying her cooking was unique from other women he knew, but her ability to understand Pokémon speech intrigued him, and he hoped he would get a chance to talk to her about it.

Suddenly, while Timothy, Coovers, and Gwen were riding up the hill, they heard a loud explosion coming from the other side. The three of them stopped their bikes and looked at each other.

"What was that?" Coovers asked. "Is a Pokémon about to Dynamax or something?"

"No. Red clouds appear if a Pokémon is Dynamaxing, and we aren't near any Power Spots," Gwen answered.

"Then what else could it be?" Coovers asked. "It's not like -"

"Shhh. Quiet Coovers." Timothy said, holding up his finger.

Coovers and Gwen looked at Timothy as he listened carefully. Electchu lifted its ear to try to figure out what was going on. After a few seconds, the man in the "H.A.K." shirt and his partner heard two men yelling and four voices of Pokemon attacking each other. Timothy and Electchu looked at each other and nodded.

"It's a Pokémon battle. A double battle at that." Timothy said.

"In the middle of the road?" Gwen asks. "Who would do a thing like that?"

"Teddiursa," Winnie said.

"Well, we're just gonna have to find out," Timothy said with a shrug.

Coovers nodded before the two men rode their bikes to the top of the hill. Gwen and Winnie looked at each other before they followed behind. When they were at the top, they saw Venarge and a stout man in his mid-twenties battling on the other side. The stout man was quivering in fear with his Loudred, and Vanillite covered in cuts and bruises. Venarge grinned with his Pokémon showing no damage at all. One was his Toxtricity, and the other was a bipedal creature with its head slit forward of its body on a long thick neck and had a pointed snout like a badger with its long tongue hanging out of its mouth. Gwen scoffed and rolled her eyes while Timothy got off his bike, befuddled by Venarge's Pokémon.

"Rotom, phone mode, and tell what those Pokémon are," he commanded.

Rotom changed into a phone and fell onto Timothy's hand before scanning Toxtricity first.

"Toxtricity. The Punk Pokémon. An Electric and Poison type," Rotom said. "When this Pokémon sounds as if it's strumming a guitar, it's actually clawing at the protrusions on its chest to generate electricity."

Timothy scanned the black and white Pokemon next.

"Obstagoon. The Blocking Pokémon. A Normal and Dark type and the evolved form of Galarian Linoone. Obstagoon evolves into its final form after experiencing numerous fights. While crossing its arms, it lets out a shout that would make any opponent flinch."

"Wait a second. That Pokémon evolved from Linoone?" Coovers asked in confusion. "How do you not see this Pokémon more often in the Hoenn region?"

"Because Rotom is talking about a Galarian Linoone," Gwen said.

"Meaning?" Timothy asked.

"Some Pokémon take different forms in certain regions. They adapt to habitats that are different from those where its species naturally live," Gwen explained. "Thus, they are different in appearance, type, and abilities - some evolve into different Pokémon than what they would normally turn into or be able to evolve where they wouldn't be able to in their traditional form. In this case, Zigzagoon and Linoone in Galar are Normal and Dark types, and Linoone evolves where a regular Linoone doesn't."

"That's crazy. Are there a lot of Pokémon that have different forms?" Coovers asked.

"I wouldn't say a lot, but there's a fair few here in Galar," Gwen said. "Actually, a few Pokémon have their own unique forms in Alola too."

"Really? Maybe I should ask Ash about that the next time I see him," Timothy said.

"Vanillite, use Hail on Toxtricity! Loudred, use Stomp on Obstagoon!" The stout man shouted, his voice cracking.

Venarge scoffed and said, "Toxtricity, dodge and use Fire Punch. Obstagoon, dodge, and use Night Slash."

Vanillite's body glowed light blue, and thick clouds appeared above the road. Large balls of hail came from the clouds, falling toward Toxtricity, but Toxtricity dodged easily and punched Vanillite hard in the face with fire surrounding its first. At the same time, Loudred jumped into the air and fell toward Obstagoon with its foot sticking out, but the Blocking Pokémon just took a step to the side and waited for its opponent to land before smacking it in the face with Night Slash.

"Now, finish it using Fire Punch and Night Slash again!" Venarge commanded.

"Vanillite, Loudred, get out of the way!" The stout man pleaded.

But it was no use. Both Pokémon were incapacitated from getting hit in the face. Their trainer could only watch as Toxtricity and Obstagoon used their respective attacks again, sending Vanillite and Loudred falling on their backs in front of him with swirly eyes. The stout man struggled to hold back tears as he returned his Pokémon while Venarge cackled.

"You lasted a little longer than most of Ezria's fans, but you are no less pathetic," he said. "Now, turn back."

"B-but we're so much closer to Turffield, and I gotta get my first Gym Badge." the stout man whined.

"Not my problem. You couldn't beat my Pokémon, so you don't get to pass," Venarge said.

"That's not fair. I can just walk over there myself no matter what you say," the stout man said.

But before he could take a step, Toxtricity and Obstagoon stepped in front of him and growled, threatening to attack. The stout man stepped back in fear and turned his head to Venarge, who grinned with his arms crossed.

"You can't do this!" He protested. "I have half a mind to report you!"

"Half a mind? No wonder you think you have a shot with my sister," Venarge mocked.

With the final blow struck, the stout man ran in the opposite direction, crying. Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu furrow their brow, and Coovers gets off his bike before taking out a Pokéball.

"So, this guy is preventing Gym Challengers from making it to their first gym battle," He said. "What say we teach this punk a thing or two?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Timothy said as he took out a Pokéball. "I'll take care of Obstagoon with Shockwave."

"Suits me fine. I was thinking of taking down that Toxtricity with Krookodile." Coovers said.

But before they threw their Pokéballs, Gwen stepped ahead and stood in front of the stout man's path. He stopped in front of her, and she gently patted his shoulder.

"Don't worry, you'll get to Turffield. I'm going to make sure of it," she said in a kind voice.

"Really?" The stout man asked.

"Count on it," Gwen said. "My name is Gwen."

The stout man wiped the tears from his eyes and said with a weak smile, "Ned."

Gwen gave Ned a cheerful smile before she marched past him toward Venarge with a dark look.

Venarge scoffed again and said, "You must be another Gym Challenger."

"No, I am not, but I got a couple of things to say to you," Gwen snarled. "Just because you have powerful Pokémon does not give you any rights to stop other trainers from having a chance at the Gym Challenge. Why I myself ought to see to it that you get disqualified for behaving this way."

"Go ahead and try," Venarge said mockingly. "But you'll have to go all the way back to Motostoke because I'm not letting you or your companions through either."

But as he was talking, he looked up and saw Timothy and Electchu. His mocking smile turned into a mischievous grin as he pointed to the man in the "H.A.K." shirt.

"You. I've heard a fair bit about you," he said. "You are the man who claims to have freed all the Psychic type Pokémon."

"Yes, I am," Timothy said.

"Well, if that is true, then you have my thanks for saving my Alakazam," Venerage said. "As a reward, I'm giving you one chance to turn around before I humiliate you."

"You call that a reward?!" Coovers shouted.

Timothy shook his head and smirked, saying, "You know, the last time I came across someone who would prevent people from continuing their Pokémon journey, things ended very badly. As a matter of fact, you remind me a lot of him."

"Do I now?" Venarge asked. "And what was this trainer like?"

"Arrogant, foolish, desperate," Timothy said before finishing with a smirk, "Weak."

Venarge stared at Timothy, baffled, before he clenched his teeth and growled, "Nobody talks that way to me!"

"Then, it pleases me to be the first," Timothy said.

Venarge's face grew red in anger, and he screamed, "That's it! My Pokémon are going to crush you!

"You will have to get through me to get the chance,'' Gwen said, stepping between Timothy and Venarge.

"You stay out of this, missy!" Venarge snarled. "This is between us men."

Gwen's anger grew, and she took out two Pokéballs, shouting, "I don't take orders from arrogant scum! Mudbray, Noctowl, let's go!"

She threw the Pokéballs in the air, and Mudbray and Noctowl came out. Venarge snickered before he laughed while holding on to his gut at seeing Gwen's Pokemon.

"You must be joking," he said. "You may have a type advantage with your Mudbray, but even if your Noctowl isn't weak to Toxtricity's attacks, I've spent my life training my Pokémon. You look like you barely knew how to evolve your Hoothoot into a Noctowl, much less know how to battle."

"Try me," Gwen commanded.

Venarge raised an eyebrow and studied the way Gwen was glaring at him before he shrugged uncaringly.

"Suit yourself," he said. "Toxtricity, Discharge. Obstagoon, Mega Punch."

"Noctowl, use Reflect followed by Confusion! Mudbray, dodge, and use Double Kick!" Gwen instructed.

Noctowl spread its wings wide, and a shining, rainbow-colored round barrier appeared in front of it, protecting it from Toxtricity's Discharge. Its eyes then glowed blue, and the Punk Pokémon was lifted into the air with its body surrounded by a blue outline and sent flying into the air and crashing into the ground. At the same time, Obstagoon threw a punch at Mudbray with its fist glowing white, but the Donkey Pokémon ducked its head to avoid the attack and then spun around to use its hind legs to kick Obstagoon on its bottom jaw. Timothy and Coovers turned to each other and smiled.

"Not bad," Coovers said.

"Not bad at all," Timothy agreed.

"Yay, pretty lady!" Ned cheered.

"Teddiursa!" Winnie cheered.

Gwen turned to smile at the stout man until she heard Venarge let out an irritated growl.

"Toxtricity, use Venoshock followed by Discharge! Obstagoon, use Brick Break followed by Headbutt!" He roared.

Before Gwen could say anything, Noctowl was already hit by dozens of poisonous darts, and Obstagoon did a karate chop on Mudbray's back with its hand glowing white. Toxtricity then unleashed several volts of electricity at Noctowl, while Obstagoon picked Mudbray up and held it at eye level before slamming its head into Mudbray's head. Gwen's Pokémon fell to the ground with swirly eyes, and she gave Venarge a deadly glare.

"Hey, you can't just attack my Pokémon when I'm not looking!" She barked.

"It's not my fault you let your guard down. Besides, your Pokémon barely did any damage, and they are obviously as weak as you are if they went down quicker than Tubby's Pokémon," Venarge said with a grin.

Gwen clenched her teeth and returned her Pokémon. She took out two more balls and prepared to throw them, only for Timothy to grab her arms mid-throw. The brunette turned her glare at Timothy and tried to escape his grasp.

"Let go!" she shouted.

"Gwen, no offense to your battling skills, but he's right about how powerful his Pokémon are," Timothy said calmly. "It's me he wants, so let me take care of him."

"I'm not letting anyone else face him until I've done everything I can to take him down!" Gwen barked.

Timothy smirked and said, "I like your enthusiasm, but you have to trust that I will take care of this. Think of it this way; the sooner this guy's taken down, the sooner we get back on the road."

Gwen stopped struggling and thought about it. After several seconds, she sighed and said, "Alright, fine. But you better be quick about it."

"Deal," Timothy said with a smile.

He let go of Gwen's arms, and she took a couple of steps back. Timothy kept smiling as she moved back until he turned his head to face Venarge and his Pokémon.

"Here's what's going to happen, pal," Timothy began as he took out two Pokéballs. "My best duo are going to take out your Toxtricity and Obstagoon. When they do, you're going to let all of us pass. Don't even try taking out your other Pokémon to keep us from passing. Your Pokémon won't stand a chance no matter how powerful they are. Coovers and I have full parties fully evolved, and Gwen still has four more Pokémon available. Got it?"

Venarge smirked and said, "Yeah, whatever. Give me your best shot."

"I don't need to," Timothy said before he lifted his Pokeballs into the air. "Odyssey, Shockwave, let's go!"

He lifted up the balls in the air, and out came his gallant Lucario and Gardevoir. Venarge gave a low chuckle and said, "You're just as reckless as the lady. You should know that your stupid Gardevoir is weak to Poison attacks and can't use Psychic attacks on my Obstagoon."

"Pokemon types aren't everything," Timothy replied before turning to his Pokémon with a smirk. "Odyssey, Shockwave, this is our first double battle in Galar, and it's against a schmuck who thinks he's all high and mighty with his Pokémon. Let's have some fun."

Odyssey and Shockwave grinned mischievously. The Lucario cracked its knuckles, and the Gardevoir's eyes glowed blue, ready to use Psychic. Toxtricity raised its eyebrow and smirked, finding Odyssey and Shockwave's attitude amusing, while Obstagoon just growled, prepared to pound more enemies.

"Let's make this quick!" Venarge commanded. "Toxtricity, use Venoshock on the Gardevoir! Obstagoon, use Brick Break on the Lucario!"

"Odyssey, dodge and protect Shockwave with Bone Rush! Shockwave, hit Obstagoon with Disarming Voice!" Timothy shouts.

Obstagoon charged at Odyssey, preparing to karate chop it, but Odyssey jumped away. The Aura Pokémon created a long bone of energy and stepped in front of Shockwave, spinning its bone rapidly to block all of the poisonous darts. Meanwhile, Shockwave took advantage of Obstagoon standing around without an opponent by opening its mouth and releasing a beam of purple hearts in a loud, shrieking voice. The hearts hit Obstagoon, and it howled in pain. Venarge growled in anger at the sight of one of his Pokémon seriously damaged.

"Toxtricity, use Fire Punch on the Lucario! Obstagoon, use Night Slash on that Gardevoir!" He shouted.

"Shockwave, stop Toxtricity with Psychic! Odyssey, use Aura Sphere on Obstagoon to keep it away from you two!" Timothy shouted.

Toxtricity charged at Odyssey with its first surrounded in fire again while Obstagoon ran toward Shockwave with its claws glowing blue. The Punk Pokemon was a couple feet away from its target before Shockwave lifted it up in the air using Psychic. Odyssey threw an orb of aura energy at Obstagoon, hitting it at the center of its chest, causing it to get down on one knee, hugging itself.

"Now, Shockwave, throw Toxtricity at Obstagoon and use Moonblast!" Timothy shouted.

Shockwave and Odyssey grinned again as the former used Psychic to throw Toxtricity at Obstagoon, causing them to crash into each other and fall down with Toxtricity on top of Obstagoon. The Embrace Pokémon created an orb of pink energy in front of its hands and fired it at its opponents. The orb exploded on impact, and when the dust cleared, Toxtricity had a couple of scratches on its body while Obstagoon lay down on its back with swirly eyes. Ned beamed at one of Venarge's Pokémon being beaten while Coovers and Electchu grinned. Gwen looked at Obstagoon and then to Odyssey and Shockwave before looking at Timothy. She smiled at the man in the "H.A.K." shirt in a way that Winnie found odd.

"One down just like that," Timothy said with a smug look. "If you give up now, it would save your Toxtricity some pain."

"Never!" Venarge screamed. "Toxtricity, use Discharge followed by Venoshock!"

"Dodge it!" Timothy commanded.

Toxtricity once again unleashed several volts of electricity from its body, which Odyssey and Shockwave dodged, but Venarge's Pokémon was quick to use its next attack as soon as all of the electricity was released. Before Shockwave had a moment to react, several darts hit it in the chest and the stomach. It got down on one knee, whimpering in pain, and Odyssey looked at its dear friend in worry before giving Toxtricity a dark look.

"Uh, is your Lucario alright?" Ned asked.

"Not really. Odyssey and Shockwave are very close friends, and they don't take kindly to seeing the other in pain," Timothy answered. "Messing with Odyssey's buddy with a move it's weak against was not very smart."

"Well, allow me to take your Lucario's mind off it! Toxtricity, use Fire Punch again!" Venarge shouted.

"Dodge and use Bone Rush!" Timothy shouted.

Toxtricity charged a third time with Fire Punch, but Odyssey moved away and created another light green bone of energy. Using it as a dual weapon, Odyssey hit its opponent multiple times in the face, letting out its anger, and then held the bone like a bat to swing at Toxtricity's gut. The Punk Pokemon got down on all fours with its Electric and Poison type body growing frail from the Ground type attack.

"Toxtricity, get back up and use Fire Punch now!" Venarge screamed.

"Still defiant to the end, huh? I can respect that to a degree," Timothy said before she shouted, "Odyssey, dodge and use Strength! Shockwave, get ready to use Psyshock!"

Shockwave and Odyssey grinned again, instantly excited for what their trainer had in mind. Toxtricity threw another fiery punch at Odyssey one last time, and the Aura Pokémon dodged with ease before it lifted its opponent up with both hands, its body surrounded in red aura. Shockwave stood back up and shouted, "pull," in its language, and Odyssey lifted Toxtricity high in the air, leaving it open to be hit by a powerful beam of psychic energy coming from Shockwave's mouth. Venarge could only watch in disbelief as his second Pokémon crashed into the ground, unconscious.

"Alright!" Ned cheered.

"Nice job, Timothy, Odyssey, and Shockwave!" Coovers cheered.

"Raichu!" Electchu shouted gleefully.

Gwen raised her eyebrow and gave an impressed smirk as she and Winnie clapped. Timothy turned his head to smile at her before turning back to Venarge.

"Alright, pal, stand aside. Coovers, Gwen, Electchu, Winnie, and I have places to be, and you've put us behind schedule," Timothy said.

Venarge clenched his teeth again and returned Toxtricity and Obstagoon before taking four more Pokéballs out of his pocket. But before he had a chance to throw them, Electchu, Winnie, Odyssey, and Shockwave were already standing in front of him threateningly, followed by Poliwrath, Blitzwing, Gengar, Spoink, Cufant, Drifloon, Samurott, Krookodile, Chandelure, Klinklang, Braviary, and Zoroark coming out of their Pokéballs. The maroon-haired stepped back in fear while Timothy, Coovers, and Gwen glared daggers at him, with Gwen crossing her arms. Ned gave Venarge a smug look as if to say, "What are you going to do now?"

"I warned you what would happen," Timothy said. "Now step aside."

Venarge grew red in anger with his hands turned into balls of fists. His heart was filled with hate as he glared at Timothy. After a few seconds, he let out a low growl and turned around to turn his Rotom Phone into a bike.

"You will pay for this!" he snarled.

"Save it for the Gym Challenge," Timothy said. "That is if you can get any of the badges."

Venarge made one last growl as he got on his bike and rode away. The area was silent for several seconds until Timothy's glare turned back into a smirk.

"Nicely done, guys," he said.

"Lucar," Odyssey said.

"Gardevoir," Shockwave said before the two Pokémon fist-bumped.

Timothy, Coovers, and Gwen returned all their Pokémon, save for Electchu and Winnie, back in their Pokéballs. Just as Timothy and Gwen had put away their Pokéballs, Ned ran over to them and pulled them into a tight hug.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" He shouted. "I don't know what I would have done if I had to go back to Motostoke because of Venarge!"

Timothy and Gwen struggled to smile in response while Ned nearly broke their spines. Coovers, on the other hand, looked at Ned, surprised, and asked, "Did you just say Venarge?"

"Sure did," Ned replied as he put Timothy and Gwen down. "He's the nephew of Chairman Rose's secretary, Oleana, and the twin brother of the woman of my dreams, Ezria Markenel."

"That was Venarge?" Timothy wheezed as he massaged his back.

"Yeah. Did you guys really not know that?" Ned asked.

"We kinda only know of him and his sister," Coovers said. "The two of us guys are new to the region."

"Oh, then you must see Ezria. You will never know true beauty until you gaze upon her and be marveled by how powerful she is as a trainer," Ned said, looking up in the air with a blissful smile.

"I don't know. I think I know pretty well what true beauty is thanks to a certain lady with peach hair and aqua eyes," Coovers said.

"How about red and purplish hair like raspberries and eyes as red as roses?" Ned challenged.

Coovers raised his eyebrow and said, "That does sound like an alluring combination."

Gwen rolled her eyes while rubbing her back and said, "Can we kindly not talk about how pretty some women are?"

Ned turned to Gwen with another cheerful grin and said, "Don't worry, Gwen. You truly are as beautiful as you are kind."

"That's not what I had in mind, but thank you," Gwen said with a small smile.

Timothy gave Ned a dark look that only Electchu noticed before asking, "Come to think of it, how come you didn't know that was Venarge, Gwen?"

"It wasn't for me to know since it wasn't my business," Gwen answered. "Not that it would have stopped me from teaching him a lesson."

"Heh. Yeah, me neither," Timothy said. "Anyway, why don't we get back to riding?"

Gwen's eyes widened, and she gasped.

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe I forgot!" She shouted. She took out her Rotom Phone to check the time and screamed. "We're ten minutes behind!"

"Behind on what?" Ned asked.

"She has a strict schedule for when we're supposed to leave and take meal breaks and stuff for our journey through the Gym Challenge," Timothy explained.

"That's right, and now we have to ride an extra ten minutes because of this shenanigans," Gwen said before she held out her phone and said, "Rotom, bike mode."

Ned played with his fingers as Gwen's phone transformed and asked, "Is it alright if I tag along as far as Turffield?"

"Do you have a Rotom Phone that can turn into a bike?" Coovers asked.

"I do," Ned said.

Timothy and Coovers looked at each other before the former shrugged and said, "I don't see why not."

All eyes turned to Gwen, and she hesitated before giving Ned another friendly smile and saying, "Sure, you can come. I can even heal your Pokémon during lunch. Just be sure you can keep up."

"I will. I promise," Ned replied.

"Alright then, gentlemen, let's get a move on," Gwen said.

"Right," Timothy, Coovers, and Ned said simultaneously.

They took out their phones and said, "Rotom, bike mode," turning them into bikes. They got on their bikes with Electchu hopping on Timothy's back and Winnie climbing up Gwen's shoulder again. Gwen once again took the lead with Ned behind her and Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu at the back. They rode in silence for five minutes before Coovers decided to again take advantage that he and Timothy were far enough away from the other trainers to secretly discuss things with his oldest friend.

"So, with you meeting the chairman and now Venarge, we're kinda one for two with getting our target and the people of his inner circle to like you." he said.

"Well, I think it's more one for three since Oleana doesn't care for me either, though she seems a little too devoted to acting professionally to like anybody," Timothy said.

"Still, I don't like that we only have Chairman Rose liking you," Coovers said. "I'd like to raise our chances of getting in where he is keeping Eternatus by having at least one person closest to him like you."

"Meaning I should try to be friends with Venarge's sister?" Timothy asked.

"Pretty much," Coovers said.

"I hope you're not planning to try to make me pursue something with Ezria through her admiration of me just to try to force me into wanting romance," Timothy said.

"No, of course not. I have Gwen for that," Coovers said. "I'm just saying you should take whatever measures to make her like you since she is our last option."

Timothy nodded and said, "I'm going to try for the sake of protecting Galar, but I am not making any promises if she is anything like her brother."

"Fair enough," Coovers said.

"And while we are talking about women, I'd appreciate it if you drop the subject about Gwen," Timothy said.

"No way, Timbo," Coovers said. "If anything, our little misadventure encourages me to keep pressuring you. I mean, come on, you can't dislike that she's determined to help other people and put guys like Venarge in their place like you."

Timothy hesitated and said, "Well, I do admit that I'm impressed that she confronted Venarge before us, and even though her Pokémon need a lot of training, she had creative strategies. I can only imagine how she would be if she ever had to deal with Team Rocket or if she ever meant Trent."

"Heaven forbid that should ever happen," Coovers said. "Still, in all seriousness, I think there's something particularly special about Gwen, and I think you would be a fool not to try anything before our mission is over."

Timothy rolled his eyes and went back to facing the road where his eyes then turned to Gwen and thought about what his friend said.

"Time will tell, Coovers. Time will tell."