After a tense standoff, Pheromosa finally made its move. Like a flash of lightning, it lunged straight toward Rex and Swellow.
Pheromosa didn't distinguish between Pokémon and humans—they were all targets. And since Rex's presence was considerably weaker, he was deemed the easiest to eliminate first.
But Swellow wasn't about to let that happen.
In an instant, it activated Tailwind, its body brimming with speed-enhancing energy. Swellow had long since mastered the skill to the point it could trigger it effortlessly.
It could tell—Pheromosa's speed outclassed its normal level. If it didn't activate Tailwind, it wouldn't be able to keep up.
Just as Pheromosa was about to reach Rex, Swellow swooped in, intercepting its path and hurling multiple Air Slashes to force it back. Though none of them landed, they forced Pheromosa to veer off and abandon its charge.
Just in case, Rex released Combusken and shiny Flaaffy to guard him on either side. Chimchar and Bagon, still too green, stayed in their Poké Balls.
The battle between Swellow and Pheromosa quickly escalated into a rapid-fire clash of speed and precision.
Pheromosa, aware of its frailty, kept weaving and dodging, occasionally using Double Kick or Triple Kick to counter when the timing was right.
Swellow had to forgo its ranged advantage, engaging Pheromosa in close quarters to prevent it from getting anywhere near Rex.
But in doing so, Swellow lost some of the edge granted by its Flying-type advantage. Pheromosa's raw offensive power meant that even a single clean hit could cause serious damage.
So both sides fought cautiously—dodging, feinting, and only attacking when absolutely necessary. The battle was more about agility than brute force.
But after a while, it became clear that Pheromosa's stamina was flagging—likely due to its earlier clash with Bewear. Its movements slowed ever so slightly, and its breathing grew heavy.
Sensing an opportunity, Swellow pressed the assault, giving it no time to recover.
Then, in a brief opening, it struck—Aerial Ace landed clean on Pheromosa's body.
The Ultra Beast staggered, and for the first time, a flicker of desperation crossed its eyes.
Its gaze flicked to Rex, guarded by Combusken and Flaaffy.
Then—bam!—it broke off from Swellow and shot toward Rex in a sudden lunge, using Lunge to bypass the defenders.
Swellow darted to intercept, but to its surprise, Pheromosa shifted again, making a sharp turn and vanishing into the forest in a blur.
It had faked the attack just to escape.
"Swellow, after it!"
Rex quickly returned Combusken and Flaaffy to their Poké Balls and leapt onto Swellow's back. They launched into the sky, locking on to Pheromosa's scent.
No matter how fast or unpredictable Pheromosa moved through the trees, Swellow stayed on its trail, gliding high above, eyes sharp.
After nearly half an hour of pursuit, Pheromosa came to a halt.
It had realized it couldn't shake Swellow. Not unless it beat it in combat.
But now, exhausted from the extended flight and earlier fights, it was in no shape to win.
Sure enough, the renewed battle didn't last long. A clean hit from Brave Bird brought it down.
Still cautious, Rex kept his distance and hurled an Ultra Ball—a precise throw that struck Pheromosa dead on.
The ball clicked open, wrapped it in red light, and pulled it in.
Once.
Twice.
Click—snap!
The ball cracked open.
Pheromosa, though clearly on the brink, was still conscious. It tried to rise.
"Swellow—finish it!"
Swellow responded instantly, unleashing several Air Slashes. Pheromosa barely moved before they struck, sending it tumbling across the ground until it lay still.
Rex threw a second Ultra Ball.
This time, it worked.
The ball wobbled briefly... and then went still.
Pheromosa was caught.
Rex rushed over and picked up the Ultra Ball, locking it to prevent any chance of escape. Only then did he let out a heavy breath.
That battle had taken a toll on him too. Going up against a lightning-fast Ultra Beast like Pheromosa was no joke—one slip-up, and he'd be toast.
But everything had gone right.
He'd passed Hala's first trial—and done it solo.
Gazing down at the Ultra Ball in his hand, Rex let a grin creep onto his face.
Now he just had one test left to earn the Z-Ring.
He slid the ball into his backpack, mounted Swellow, and took off toward Hala's home.
Time to finish what he started.
(End of Chapter)