Just as Professor Kukui was about to declare Crabominable the winner of the match, the massive crab stumbled forward a few steps—then collapsed flat onto the ground, completely unconscious.
If this battle had only been between Blaziken and Crabominable, then yes, Crabominable would have won. But this was a 2v2 battle.
Thanks to Blaziken's determined efforts, Rex had evened the score—both trainers were now down to one Pokémon. If Swellow could win the next matchup, Rex would claim victory in Hala's Grand Trial.
As Rex sent out Swellow, Hala followed up by releasing his second Pokémon: Hariyama.
"Young man, your Blaziken was a true warrior," Hala said solemnly, his gaze drifting to where Jumpluff was tending to the fallen fire-type. "But from this point on, I'll be going all out."
That simple declaration showed how much Hala now respected Rex. He no longer saw him as a student being tested—but as a worthy opponent.
Hariyama was Hala's longtime partner. The two had fought countless battles together over the years.
But like Swellow, Hariyama had long since hit its potential ceiling. It had grown stronger only through discipline and experience.
"Swellow, Air Slash!"
Rex was the first to act, launching a flurry of air blades toward Hariyama—hoping to force a reaction and spot an opening.
"Block it, old friend!"
Rather than dodging, Hariyama raised its massive hands and batted away the slicing air. The blades struck the iron-like palms and dissipated harmlessly, as if swallowed by the sea.
Rex's brows knit together. That attack had been handled far too easily.
If long-range moves weren't working, it meant Swellow would have to engage at close range. But fighting a seasoned fighting-type like Hariyama up close wasn't ideal.
"Hariyama, use Smack Down!"
While Rex was considering his options, Hala launched a counterattack.
The fighting-type grabbed chunks of rock from the ground and hurled them skyward at incredible speed—each glowing faintly with rock energy.
If any hit their mark, the damage to a flying-type like Swellow would be serious—not to mention the secondary effect of grounding it temporarily.
The barrage was like a hail of bullets, each stone fired with precision.
Most flying-types would panic in such a situation—and one mistake would mean getting knocked out of the sky.
But not Swellow.
With a graceful flap of its wings, it wove through the barrage in an elegant aerial dance, slipping between the stones like a ribbon in the wind.
After a few more volleys, Hariyama paused. It too realized this tactic was wasting energy—Swellow was simply too fast.
Both sides reevaluated their strategies, tension thick in the air.
Swellow and Hariyama eyed each other, perfectly still—each waiting for the other to slip up.
"This is so tense…" Mallow whispered to Lana.
"I didn't expect Rex to be this strong," Lana said, glancing at Kiawe. "No wonder he beat you so easily."
"I'll catch up to him soon," Kiawe replied with a burning look in his eyes.
The others quietly shuffled away from him. His intensity was… overwhelming.
"Hala, this standoff won't get us anywhere. I'd like to see your Z-Move—if you're willing to show me," Rex finally said, breaking the silence.
"Haha! I was hoping you'd say that."
The old island kahuna grinned broadly.
"Swellow, use Work Up, then Brave Bird!"
Rex knew full well how powerful Z-Moves were. He'd need to match it with everything Swellow had.
Swellow's body glowed with power as it worked itself into a heightened state. Then, wings flaring, it rocketed forward like a comet.
"Hariyama—Full-Force Focus Fury!"
Hala raised his arm in a practiced motion. The Z-Crystal on his wrist gleamed brightly, energy pouring into Hariyama's body.
As the Z-Energy fused with its own, Hariyama's presence swelled. Power surged around it like a storm.
Swellow bore down like an arrow loosed from a bow. Hariyama met it with charged palms glowing with Z-Energy, each thrust like a piston.
When the two collided, the shockwave was immense—far greater than the one from Blaziken and Crabominable's clash.
Winds howled. Rex stumbled back several steps under the force. The watching students nearly got blown off their feet—only by huddling together did they manage to stay grounded.
As the smoke and dust cleared, every eye was locked on the battlefield.
"Swellow!"
With a cry, Swellow broke through the haze, rising into the air once more.
But its flight was shaky—its wings faltered, trajectory wobbling.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, from within the lingering smoke, something shot forth—a rock, about the size of a soccer ball, hurled like a cannonball.
"Swellow, Protect!"
Still disoriented, Swellow couldn't dodge. Rex could only hope it could react fast enough to shield itself.
Thankfully, Swellow didn't let him down.
Just before impact, a shimmering barrier flared into place.
The rock struck with a thunderous crack, ripples spreading across the shield—but the barrier held.
Swellow was safe—for now.
(End of Chapter)