Silence overtook the paddock. Professor Magnolia, Erin, Tulip, Dendra, and the other remaining students were befuddled by the Pokemon suddenly chasing after Sordward and Shielbert. The students whispered amongst themselves before walking with Professor Magnolia to Timothy, Coovers, Sonia, and Yamper. Alexa and Malva emerged from the bushes again and walked over to the trio with Alexa checking her camera. Coovers and Sonia helped Timothy up on his feet and Sonia took a moment to put Yamper in its Pokeball and grab Electchu's Pokeball just as everyone else surrounded them. Professor Magnolia stopped in front of Timothy, Coovers, and Sonia and lifted Timothy's shirt to see drops of blood coming from the cut.

"What the heck just happened?" Dendra asked.

Timothy, Coovers, and Sonia looked at each other and chuckled before Coovers said, "Well, to make a long story short, our original plan of saving this land involved putting Pokemon Pheromones into Principal Sordward and Vice Principal Shielbert's stash of hairspray so Pokemon would act crazy around them. Their hair got messy while we were battling them, so... yeah."

"Wait, is that why Pokemon went crazy at school yesterday?" Dendra asked.

"Pretty much," Sonia said.

"Sonia Penelope Magnolia, I'm surprised at you," Professor Magnolia said. "I did not raise you to partake in such mischievous antics, nor did your parents, Timothy John Isaiah Durbin and Coovertimus Thom Woodward.

"Hey, don't look at us. It was all Timothy's idea," Coovers said. "We went with his plan because it sounded plausible then, and the three of us will do anything to save the Magnolia Paddock."

"Only even after all of this, we might not have saved it anyway," Timothy said with a guilty look.

"Why not? Did Principal Sordward and Vice Principal Shielbert prevent Ms. Oleana from giving the evidence to Superintendent Rose before coming here?" Erin asked.

"They had no idea about Ms. Oleana until I told them several minutes ago, but it might not matter," Timothy said. "Principal Sordward and Vice Principal Shielbert pointed out how the documents can be easily disregarded as fake evidence. We have successfully driven them away today, but it looks like no matter what we do, they will still demolish the Magnolia Paddock."

"Actually, that's not the case," Malva said. "While you guys were talking to Principal Sordward and Vice Principal Shielbert before battling them, Alexa recorded you on her camera."

"And I caught every little thing they said that proves that they tempered with the school's budget," Alexa said proudly. "I also recorded your battle including you getting hit by their Pokemon, Timothy, so I bet that can be used for charges for assaulting a minor."

"You have? Show us," Sonia said.

"Yeah, show us," Dendra said.

The other students and Professor Magnolia agreed, and Alexa took out her camera. Everyone huddled around her and she selected the video on the back of her camera. Some students laughed while listening to Sordward and Shielbert boast about their crimes. When they reached the part where Bisharp and Bronzong hit Timothy, Sonia grabbed Timothy's sleeve in unease. When the video ended, Alexa smirked while Professor Magnolia sighed through her nose and shook her head.

"I just heard those horrible men admit to having done all those things, and I still don't believe it," Professor Magnolia said. "How anyone could have the gall to do what they have done and not care about innocent Pokemon, I will never understand."

"I hear you, Gran," Sonia said.

"Regardless, this is the hard evidence we need to back everything up. Principal Sordward and Vice Principal Shielbert can't weasel their way out of this," Timothy said.

"That's right. There will be no more destroying our home. Not now, not ever," Coovers declared.

Students cheered with some holding their fists up in victory. Erin jumped into Coovers' arms and smothered him with kisses. Coovers giggled from Erin's lips, tickling him before their lips connected, and they began using their tongues. Alexa and Malva smiled and nodded to each other, satisfied with having done something good with their talents for the first time in their lives. Timothy joined with the cheering until Sonia grabbed him by the shirt and hugged him. She buried her face on Timothy's shoulder as she held on to Timothy, careful not to touch his cut. Timothy's cheeks tinted then he smiled as he hugged her back with his eyes closed, treasuring this moment of joy with the girl he loved.

"Hold up, kids. Hold up. We're not done yet," Professor Magnolia said, holding her hand up. "The superintendent doesn't have that video yet, and all of the Pokemon living here are lost in the forest."

The celebration halted with some students gasping in realization. Timothy and Sonia broke their hug and chuckled sheepishly, with Sonia playing with her hair and Timothy scratching the back of his head. Alexa's eyes widened, and she put her camera back in its case for safekeeping. Several students rushed to the Flying Taxis that were still on the field with the Corviknight ready to fly in search of the wild Pokemon. Some called their friends whose Pokemon were being healed at the Wedgehurst Pokemon Center, telling them to come help as soon as possible. Coovers and Erin ran to join them, and Timothy and Sonia took a step to follow, only for Professor Magnolia to block their path with her cane.

"You two stay here. We need people waiting for us when the Pokemon are brought back," Professor Magnolia said.

"But we know the Pokemon better as well as you do, Professor. We need everyone who can deduct which ones are ours out," Timothy said.

"You also have injuries that must be tended to, young man. You have a long cut on your side, a black eye, and your cheek is swelling," Professor Magnolia said. "That cut alone can be affected if not treated right away."

Timothy looked at Professor Magnolia, confused, then touched the bruising around his eye and winced. Then he remembered Cross' Incineroar punching him when he was running to the school parking lot. Sonia frowned, knowing her grandmother was right.

"But why can't we treat Timothy's injuries while looking for the Pokemon?" she protested. "I want to help get them all home safely."

"Me too," Timothy said.

"You two have done beautifully. Now, let others take care of things this time," Professor Magnolia said before she whispered into Sonia's ear. "Besides, you two have much to discuss."

It took Sonia a moment to realize what her grandmother was getting at. She glanced at Timothy, and her cheeks turned pink. Timothy couldn't see Sonia blushing or what Professor Magnolia said to her, yet he hoped he could talk alone with Sonia. After a moment, Sonia shook off her blush and returned to Professor Magnolia.

"Okay, we're counting on you," Sonia said. "The second anyone brings back some of our Pokemon, we'll give you a call."

Professor Magnolia nodded and put her hand on Sonia's cheek. She then walked over to Timothy and put her hand on his shoulder. A small tear ran down the professor's face as she looked at the boy she had known since he was a toddler. Though Professor Magnolia didn't say anything, Timothy saw her green eyes gleam with gratitude and relief. Timothy put his hand on top of Professor Magnolia's and nodded with a smile.

Professor Magnolia smiled back and patted Timothy's uninjured cheek before she began walking to a Flying Taxi, where Coovers and Erin were waiting for her. Alexa and Malva, meanwhile, got on a Flying Taxi, sending them to Alexa's house so she could download the footage to her computer. As the Corvinight took off, Timothy and Sonia headed to the house. Timothy's hands shook as he walked beside Sonia, trying to think of how to casually ask whether she still had feelings for him. Simultaneously, Sonia continued to look away from Timothy, feeling somewhat pressured to have an uncomfortable conversation with him.

They were halfway to the house when they heard someone clear their throat, and they turned to see Tulip behind them. She had a sour look with her hand on her hip. Dendra was several yards away, waiting for her best friend to get on the last Flying Taxi with her. Sonia moved closer to Timothy as she looked daggers at Tulip.

"I'd like a moment with you, Timmykins, if you please," Tulip said.

"'Timmykins' is busy," Sonia said.

"I don't recall him ever saying you can speak for him," Tulip said, not looking at Sonia.

"He's in my property and under my care," Sonia said.

"Doesn't make you his manager," Tulip said.

"It's okay, Sonia. I think I know what she wants to discuss," Timothy said.

Sonia gave Timothy a warning glare, and Timothy nodded in acknowledgment. Sonia then signaled to Tulip with her fingers that she was watching her before waking to the house's back door. The edges of Tulip's lips curled up as she looked at Sonia like a little kid trying to act tough. Then she turned to Timothy, and her frown returned as he scratched the back of his head in unease.

"I won't deny that I'm hurt, Timmykins," Tulip said. "You left without an explanation and then confessed your feelings to another girl, who you assured me you are just friends with, for the whole school to hear. I never thought you'd be someone who would lie like that."

"Well, in my defense, it was only when I got home last night that I realized I was lying to myself," Timothy said. "Regardless, I am sorry you were hurt amid all this, Tulip."

Tulip's frown turned into a pleased smile, and she said, "Apology accepted, Timmykins. Although, if you really want to make it up to me, let's meet at the Battle Cafe tomorrow. We can spend the whole day in the city, just the two of us, since there's no school. What do you say?"

Timothy's guilty expression vanished into a look of disbelief and confusion. He could see in Tulip's violet eyes that she had no shame in making a move even after Timothy declared his love for Sonia for the whole school to hear. Then it hit Timothy that Tulip was confident she could reel him back to her no matter what he said or did. Her confidence in her beauty and demeanor was evident. If she had asked this before Timothy found out about Sonia's feelings, he might have been fooled again, but now that the truth was revealed, there was no going back.

"I'm sorry, but I gotta pass," Timothy said.

It took Tulip a moment to realize what Timothy said. She tilted her head, thinking it odd that a guy would turn her down as if the sky went from blue to plaid. Tulip looked past Timothy to see Sonia watching her and Timothy by the back door with her arms crossed, and she furrowed her brow.

"Are you together now?" she asked.

"No," Timothy said.

"Has she told you that she loves you?" Tulip asked.

"No," Timothy said.

"Do you know for a fact that she'd say yes if you make a move right now?" Tulip asked.

"I don't," Timothy said.

Tulip's frown deepened, and she put both hands on her hips.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Tulip asked. "I'm willing to give you a second chance right here and now, and you don't know what she might say if you ask."

"I understand, Tulip, but the truth is a second chance from Sonia is what I want," Timothy said.

Tulip scoffed in disbelief as though Timothy had called her a vulgar name. For as long as she can remember, no guy who was on her hook had ever had the willpower to let go of whatever they felt for her. Tulip's pride was damaged by one of the few guys she deemed interesting. After a few seconds, Tulip breathed through her nose to keep her cool.

"You're going to regret this, Timmykins," Tulip said. "I suppose I'll see you around at school."

"Yeah, see you, Tulip," Timothy said.

Tulip turned around and walked to the Flying Taxi to join Dendra, struggling to hide her contempt. Sonia eased up as she watched her rival leave. She couldn't hear Timothy and Tulip, and Timothy's back was facing her, but the look on Tulip's face was enough to know she was officially not a threat anymore.

Timothy watched the Flying Taxi depart before he let out a heavy sigh, feeling like he had removed a heavy weight from his chest. He turned and walked toward the house again with Sonia still waiting with her arms crossed. When Timothy reached the back door, he turned to Sonia and gave her a nod and a small smile to assure her it was over. Sonia responded with an edge of a smirk before they went inside.

Timothy and Sonia walked to the kitchen and Sonia went to fill a couple of bags with ice while Timothy sat at the dining table. Sonia closed the bags and handed them to Timothy before leaving to get the first aid kit. Timothy's leg shook as he held the bags against his face. He hadn't felt this nervous since back when he thought of asking Sonia to be his valentine. He knew there was a chance that Sonia would say it was too late, but that would not stop him from making a move at last.

Sonia returned with the first aid kit and sat in a chair facing Timothy's. Timothy lifted the side of his shirt, and Sonia began rinsing the cut with sterile wipes. Sonia glanced at Timothy as she cleaned the wound before looking down to hide her nervousness.

"So, when did you find out you aren't moving?" Sonia asked.

"Shortly after Electchu and I got home last night," Timothy said. "My dad and his coworkers decided to quit and build their own ad company, so we're staying here while my dad starts running his own business."

Sonia froze mid-wipe and looked at Timothy as though he spoke random gibberish. Timothy chuckled at her reaction and shrugged as though to say, "Who'd have thought?" Sonia would've considered Timothy making the story up if it weren't for the fact that they never lied to each other.

"Somehow, despite everything, that's one of the craziest things that's happened this week," Sonia said.

"Top 3 for sure," Timothy said.

Timothy and Sonia softly chuckled before Sonia went back to rinsing. They felt more at ease with the broken tension, but neither thought it was time to bring up what was on their minds. As Sonia washed Timothy's side, he debated how to further break the ice until he remembered how Coovers and Erin behaved.

"So...Coovers and Erin. How did that become official?" Timothy asked.

"I have no idea," Sonia said. "Coovers said during lunch that he would confess to helping you steal the pheromones to Erin and ask for her forgiveness. The next time I saw him, he and Erin were outside on the school lawn giggling and sucking each other's faces like they've been dating for months."

"Wow. I never thought I'd be so weirded out with Coovers finally getting a girlfriend," Timothy said.

"You're telling me," Sonia said.

Sonia looked up from Timothy's wound, and they briefly smiled, taking a moment to be happy that their best friend's dream had come true. Sonia then bandaged the cut, and Timothy let down his shirt while Sonia closed the first aid kit. They looked away from each other in silence, growing tense, knowing nothing was left but what was on their minds. Timothy bit his lip and scratched the back of his head until he thought of a way to casually bring up the matter.

"So, uh, how about that battle with Vice Principal Shielbert's Bronzong?" he asked. "I bet if it wasn't a double battle, we totally would've -"

"Please don't bring that up," Sonia said, not looking at Timothy.

"What? I'm just saying we're doing much better with Pokemon battles," Timothy said. "We were backing each other up, devised a pretty effective strategy, and almost won. I really think it shows how we work really well as a team. Maybe we can try out for the -"

"Timothy, I'm serious," Sonia snapped, turning her head to face Timothy. "I get what you're trying to do, but right now, watching you get hurt is still fresh in my mind. Do you have the slightest idea how much that scared me?"

Timothy furrowed his brow and put the bags of ice on the table.

"Hey, I was pretty terrified when it almost happened to you," Timothy countered. "You were so focused on Yamper that you had no idea what danger you were in."

"And that makes it my fault?" Sonia asked.

"No. I mean, yes, but what I'm trying to say is that scared me more than anything, and I wasn't going to let anything happen to you," Timothy said.

"Oh, so you are okay with me seeing you get hurt, not caring how I would feel about it?" Sonia challenged.

"Whether you see it happen or not doesn't matter as long as you're safe," Timothy said. "I'm fine with getting hit with every Pokemon attack known to man all at once as long as nothing ever happens to you, and don't you forget about it."

Sonia's face fell as though Timothy said he was okay with Bisharp cutting him to pieces. He never made such a declaration before, and they would've been just words to her had he not pushed her away from danger. Sonia tried to think of a way to counter Timothy, but she couldn't deny that she was touched. Finally, she huffed in defeat and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Good grief, you're so overly devoted," Sonia said. "You're lucky that's one of the things I love about you."

Sonia's eyes shot open. She let out a sharp gasp and covered her mouth with both hands as soon as she finished that sentence. She looked at Timothy, who stared at her with red cheeks as what Sonia said hit him. Sonia let out a soft whimper of embarrassment as her face heated up. After a few seconds, Timothy's shock turned into a bashful smile, and he scratched under his nose.

"Not that I'm complaining or anything, but I thought you'd pick a more tactful way to finally say it," he said.

"Oh, that's rich coming from the guy who confessed via voicemail when he was about to move to another region," Sonia said.

"Wait. You listened to my message?" Timothy asked.

"Of course I did, you blockhead," Sonia said. "I was still pretty mad, but I had to hear your voice one more time. Seriously though, that's a pretty crappy time to tell someone you love them."

"Yeah, I know. I was beating myself up for that afterward," Timothy said. "But, I'm staying here and still very much in love with you. So, is there any way you can forgive me, and we can finally be together?"

Sonia's heart skipped a beat upon Timothy saying she loved her. She had lost hope for so long that it was almost unreal that the guy he loved had asked her out. She shyly looked away, playing with her hair with her finger, which Timothy thought adorable before she turned to face him with a smile that gave him hope.

"Yes. Now that you know the truth and you're staying, nothing would make me happier," Sonia said. "But I have conditions for you to make up for last night."

"Yes, anything," Timothy said.

Sonia's smile disappeared, and she moved closer to poke Timothy's chest as she spoke.

"Firstly, don't ever confess your love in front of the entire school again," she said. "You have no idea how embarrassing it was to have everyone in class look at me after you did that."

"That's fair," Timothy said with a sheepish chuckle.

"Secondly, eat the cake I worked so hard to make for you," Sonia said, pointing at the refrigerator. "You're lucky I didn't throw it away in anger, so you better eat all of it like I told you to."

"Done," Timothy said.

"Thirdly, never miss a day helping me take care of the Pokemon," Sonia said.

"I'll be here even if I'm sick with a fever," Timothy said.

"Fourthly, when we plan to do something like a party, I want you to actually be there," Sonia said.

"I'll be there early if I need to," Timothy said. "Is there anything else?"

Sonia paused before she shyly looked away, her cheeks red. Then, she scooted her chair closer to Timothy and took his hands, making him blush from the tender way she held them. Sonia leaned closer to Timothy so their faces were inches apart and gave him a pleading look as she held up his hands.

"Just one more thing," she said. "Keep both of your promises to me. Stay by my side and never let me go."

Timothy smiled as though his answer was obvious. He clasped Sonia's hands and stood up before pulling Sonia's, so she would stand up. In one swift motion, Timothy let go of Sonia's hands and wrapped his arms around her. Sonia squealed in shock as Timothy squeezed her. Her blush covered her face as Timothy rested his chin on her shoulder.

"Never again," Timothy said.

Sonia stood frozen momentarily before she smiled and hugged Timothy back. She closed her eyes and let out a blissful sigh as she rested her head against Timothy's. All thoughts on anything happening outside the dining room were in the back of their minds as they were finally direct about their feelings for each other. Until people returned with the wild Pokemon, Timothy and Sonia cherished this moment of starting something new.