As the smoke finally cleared, Hariyama's figure reappeared on the battlefield. Its condition was clearly no better than Swellow's. Even its prized iron palms were now riddled with scratches and bruises.
Yet Hariyama still stood firm, its powerful stance locked in the final pose of that Smack Down throw. The last attack had clearly taxed it heavily, aggravating its wounds.
Though Hariyama had gained no advantage from the earlier clash, its ability to immediately seize on Swellow's vulnerability and launch a counterattack demonstrated its vast battle experience.
As a battle-hardened partner to Hala, Hariyama's instincts and combat sense were second to none—not even Swellow could yet compare.
If Swellow hadn't managed to use Protect in time, the battle would have already ended with Hariyama's Smack Down strike.
"Swellow, use Hyper Beam!"
Swellow, having narrowly avoided defeat, had finally recovered from the brutal clash. Though still weakened, Rex knew Hariyama wasn't in any better shape—so he went straight on the offensive.
Hariyama raised its battered palms to block the oncoming blast—but this time, it wasn't the same as before. Its hands trembled violently from the impact, and pain contorted its usually stoic face.
It was clear: the earlier Brave Bird had done real damage to Hariyama's arms. They were no longer capable of easily absorbing Swellow's attacks.
Then came Swellow's moment to shine.
Dozens of afterimages suddenly filled the sky—Swellow had unleashed Double Team, flooding the battlefield with phantom copies. From each mouth burst a shimmering Hyper Beam, raining energy upon Hariyama from all directions.
Among the clones, Swellow's real body darted about, weaving in and out of the mirage to confuse the opponent and deliver real strikes.
Even if Hariyama's hands had been uninjured, defending from so many angles would have been nearly impossible.
Some blasts broke through and struck home.
Though Hariyama's thick layer of fat helped absorb much of the impact, the relentless barrage soon began to take its toll. It could only brace itself and shield its vitals with its battered palms.
"…That's enough, Rex. You win this battle."
Hala raised a hand and called the match.
In truth, the moment Swellow had survived Hariyama's Z-Move, Hala had already made up his mind. He'd continued the fight only to see it through with no regrets. But now that Hariyama was clearly overwhelmed, there was no point in dragging it out further.
"Swellow, return!"
Rex promptly withdrew his still-attacking partner, ending the fight.
"Rex, you've exceeded my expectations. As promised, here's your Z-Ring. And this Flyingium Z is a gift for capturing Pheromosa for me."
Hala handed Rex a gleaming Z-Ring and a crystal shining with flying-type energy.
"Thank you, Hala!" Rex said, eyes shining as he accepted the precious items.
He had no doubt that these two things would be key to helping Swellow complete its final evolution into a Totem Pokémon.
"Haha, you earned them with your own strength," Hala said, giving the boy a hearty slap on the shoulder.
"Kukui, why don't you all come to my place for a meal? Let me show you some real hospitality!"
Hala turned to Kukui with a wide grin.
"Maybe next time, Hala-sensei! I've got to get the kids back to class," Kukui replied, scratching his head sheepishly.
"Rex, you coming with us back to the school?"
"No, I think I'll stay behind. I want to study this Z-Ring and Z-Crystal more closely… I have a feeling Swellow is close to breaking through."
Seeing the Z-Ring in his hand, Rex's heart pounded. He couldn't wait to test it.
Kukui nodded knowingly. "Then I won't stop you. I'm counting on you, Rex. If this works, it could change the entire training system of Alola."
And that's exactly why Hala had given Rex the Z-Ring and Flyingium Z so readily—it wasn't just a reward, but a hope placed on his shoulders.
"Hey Rex! Once Swellow becomes a Totem Pokémon, let's have a battle!" Kiawe challenged him eagerly.
"Of course. I'm looking forward to it, especially against that Charizard of yours," Rex smiled. He hadn't forgotten that Kiawe's Charizard had once belonged to his late grandfather, a former island king.
"See you next time, Rex!" Lana waved.
"Next time let's go fishing together!" Rex beamed. "I caught a Skrelp and a Pyukumuku just recently!"
"Definitely!" Lana's eyes sparkled at the mention of fishing.
"Rex! You've got to come eat at my family's restaurant sometime!" Mallow called out.
"Looking forward to it!" Rex nodded with a grin.
"My Togedemaru misses your Flaaffy!" Sophocles chimed in, hugging his little electric partner.
"I'm sure Flaaffy misses her too. Next time, let's have them play together!" Rex replied, scratching Togedemaru's head until it squeaked with delight.
"Lillie," he turned lastly, "I hope that next time we meet, you'll be even more comfortable around Pokémon."
"I'll do my best!" Lillie answered, nodding earnestly.
After saying his goodbyes, Rex climbed onto Swellow's back and soared into the skies—heading toward the quiet beach where he had camped before.
The peaceful setting and seclusion made it the perfect place to begin the final phase of Swellow's evolution.
Here, on this windswept shore, Rex would help Swellow take the final step—into its Totem form.
(End of Chapter)