"This is all thanks to you and Machamp and the others. Without that pressure, I wouldn't have awakened Sacred Sword so quickly!"
Keldeo, now in its Resolute Form, sounded entirely different—its voice, relayed through telepathy to Rex's mind, was no longer youthful and unsure, but steady and mature.
At this moment, Keldeo looked at Rex with soft, grateful eyes. If Rex hadn't sent Machamp in at the perfect moment, it likely would have missed its chance to unlock the power of Sacred Sword.
Thanks to Rex's decision, Keldeo had completed the trial assigned by its mentor, Cobalion. As such, Keldeo's opinion of Rex had risen even further.
"The real reason is that you had the strength and preparation already in place. I was just there at the right time," Rex said, not taking credit for something that ultimately came from Keldeo's own growth.
"You really are a good person. I, Keldeo, recognize you."
Keldeo's tone was firm and sincere.
"Then we're friends from now on!" Rex said with a bright smile, extending a hand.
"Yes—good friends," Keldeo replied, raising a front hoof to bump against Rex's hand.
Just like that, their bond deepened.
"Keldeo, what will you do next? Continue your journey and training?"
Now that the Sacred Sword had been awakened, Rex didn't push for any more sparring. Evening was falling, and they sat beside a quiet lake for dinner. As they finished eating, he posed the question.
"No, I think it's time I return to Cobalion. I want him to give me my next trial."
After thinking for a moment, Keldeo responded decisively.
"This feather is for you. It carries part of my essence. Let Machamp and the others hold it when they train—my power may help them.
Also, if you ever need help, you can use this feather to contact me directly."
Rex took the feather with both hands, eyes shining with appreciation.
With that, Keldeo galloped into the air, its hooves stepping lightly across the sky as it vanished toward the horizon.
"Machamp, I'll entrust this to you. Share it with Blaziken and Heracross so you can all learn from the power inside."
Turning to his partner, Rex handed the feather over.
Though a little sad to see Keldeo go, Rex was thoroughly satisfied with everything he had gained from this encounter.
Not only had he obtained a feather from Articuno, but also Keldeo's friendship—and a blessing from a legendary source.
And Keldeo wasn't alone. Behind it stood the other Swords of Justice: Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion. All of them were protectors with a strong sense of justice.
If ever he were to face danger beyond his means, Rex now had the chance to ask for their help—a level of security most trainers could only dream of.
Once Keldeo had disappeared, Rex flew back to Snowpoint City on Swellow.
Thanks to the earlier battle outside the city walls, the townspeople had mostly returned to their usual routines. Only a few still murmured about the events of that intense battle.
"Rex, you're back!"
At the All Star Fitness Club, Rocky greeted him with visible relief.
"How are the injured trainers and Pokémon?" Rex asked as they exchanged smiles.
"Most of the lightly injured have gone home. Only a few serious cases are still recovering at the Pokémon Center."
Rocky's expression grew somber as he spoke. Several members of the club had suffered serious injuries, and he hadn't returned until confirming they were out of danger.
"What about Master Layton? I haven't seen him around."
In the gym's main hall—usually occupied by the old master sipping tea or guiding members—Rex found it oddly quiet.
"Master Layton was exhausted after the battle. He's already turned in for the night."
Indeed, for someone of Layton's age, the day's intensity had taken its toll.
The next few days passed in a blur.
Under Brycen's direction, the snow mountain Pokémon began returning to their natural habitat. With the source of the disturbance—Keldeo and Articuno's clash—now resolved, Snowpoint City could finally relax.
Before, the looming presence of displaced Pokémon had cast a shadow over the city. Now that tension lifted.
Brycen, however, had paid a heavy price for the peace. Alongside Beartic, he had worked day and night—sometimes persuading, sometimes pressuring—to guide the wild Pokémon back to their homes.
Once his task was done, he collapsed back at the fitness club and slept for a full twenty-four hours.
Only someone with his level of endurance could bounce back so quickly. A lesser man would've needed weeks.
Notably, Brycen chose not to reveal Articuno's presence on the mountain. He asked Rex to keep that detail secret as well.
If word got out, would-be challengers would flock to the mountain, hoping to capture the legendary bird.
And if Articuno were provoked, it wouldn't just be those trainers at risk—Snowpoint itself could suffer the consequences.
Rex, of course, agreed. He had no interest in disturbing Articuno and hoped it could remain in peace.
After sparring with Keldeo, Machamp, Heracross, and Blaziken had all shown explosive growth.
Machamp, in particular, had surpassed a long-standing plateau. Under the pressure of Keldeo's power, it had broken through its limit—managing five full stacks of Bulk Up for the first time ever.
Heracross and Blaziken didn't grow as dramatically, but their own improvements were significant.
This was the power of training with a legendary Pokémon. Just being near Keldeo, feeling its aura and clashing with its strength, brought a level of growth normal battles never could.