Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

As the cruise ship slowly approached the port, countless trainers gathered to witness the highly anticipated Elite Four exhibition match. Many took out their devices to start live streaming, ensuring that this spectacle would be broadcast across the internet.

On the grand battle stage, Sally stood elegantly in a luxurious evening gown, radiating confidence like a peacock flaunting its feathers. As expected of a seasoned Contest Coordinator, she knew how to command attention with her presence.

The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting Sally's name. In the past few hours, the internet had been flooded with discussions and evidence suggesting that Sally's strength was on par with the Sandstorm Elite. Expectations for her were sky-high.

"Klein, I look forward to our match," Sally said with a graceful smile.

"Mm. I won't hold back."

There was no need for unnecessary words. Klein was well aware of this woman's schemes, and since she was standing in his way, he would crush her without hesitation. Becoming an Elite Four was just the first step toward his goal—he wouldn't let anyone interfere.

"Go, Altaria!"

Sally specialized in Dragon-types, and the moment her Poké Ball opened, a dazzling flurry of snowflakes filled the air, giving the battlefield a mystical and grand atmosphere.

Altaria emerged, bathed in radiant light, exuding elegance. But Klein wasted no time, throwing out his own Poké Ball. As the light faded, a massive armored Pokémon stood on the field, its imposing presence sending a ripple through the crowd.

Rhyperior.

A dual Ground/Rock-type Pokémon and the evolved form of Rhydon, Rhyperior could fire rocks from its hands and withstand volcanic eruptions with its armored body.

"Altaria, use Ice Beam!"

Sally's opening move was a dazzling Ice Beam. Unlike standard attacks, this one shimmered with a spectrum of colors, creating a breathtaking display that wowed the audience.

"Too slow."

The attack, though flashy, sacrificed speed for spectacle. Klein's Rhyperior swiftly dodged and slammed its fist into the ground. A powerful tremor erupted, sending jagged rocks flying across the battlefield, transforming it into uneven terrain.

The sheer force…

In the stands, Lorelei adjusted her glasses, her eyes gleaming with interest.

Rhyperior's raw power surpassed even Swampert's. It might be slightly slower, but against an opponent like this, it didn't matter.

Oblivious to her mistake, Sally continued commanding Altaria to unleash Ice Beams. The brilliant beams filled the stage, creating beautiful ice sculptures.

The battlefield shimmered with frozen artistry, making it appear as if Rhyperior was being driven into a corner. With the slippery ice hindering its movement, it seemed to struggle.

"Your Rhyperior can barely move now. Are you really going to let it suffer?"

Sally's words carried across the arena, eliciting cheers from the crowd. She was a kind and compassionate trainer, unlike the cruel Klein.

"Sally! I love you!"

"Dragon Queen Sally!"

The chants grew louder as Sally and Altaria slowed their attacks, basking in the audience's admiration. They weren't in a rush to defeat Rhyperior—they were performing.

A dazzling web of Ice Beams spread across the sky, creating an intricate frozen spectacle.

But then—

Klein scoffed. "What a pathetic show."

With an earth-shattering roar, Rhyperior suddenly surged forward with explosive speed, appearing right in front of Altaria.

Its fist, now glowing with Ice Punch, struck Altaria's head in a brutal, decisive blow.

Altaria, still mid-attack, recoiled violently as its own Ice Beam misfired—straight into itself.

"A Coordinator's moves may be flashy, but they lack precision. Altaria's attacks were never truly aimed at Rhyperior. It was just showing off, completely unaware of the real battle happening before it."

As an Ice-type master, Lorelei immediately analyzed the match. Sally had dug her own grave. By focusing on style over substance, she had given Klein the perfect opening. With one well-timed strike, Rhyperior had one-shot Altaria.

"That was cheap! He didn't even call an attack!"

"He fights like a brute!"

Sally's fans erupted in protest. However, among the audience, some more experienced trainers began reflecting on the battle's finer details.

"You caught me off guard, but you won't be so lucky next time," Sally said, recovering quickly. She dismissed her loss as a mere fluke—a surprise attack rather than a show of true skill.

Without hesitation, she sent out her next Pokémon.

"Dragonair!"

Another glittering Poké Ball release, another dazzling entry. The beautifully coiled Dragonair emerged, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.

"Surf!"

"Sunny Day."

A massive tidal wave surged from Dragonair's mouth, crashing across the battlefield. But before it could make contact, Rhyperior fired a burst of sunlight into the sky.

The artificial sun shone brightly, weakening the incoming water attack. The tide that had seemed so overwhelming just moments ago was suddenly far less threatening.

Sally's eyes widened in disbelief as Rhyperior charged through the water, barely slowed down.

A Flame Punch ignited its fist as it slammed into Dragonair. A searing scorch mark appeared where the attack landed.

Dragonair recoiled, attempting to wrap around Rhyperior for a counterattack. But Klein's Rhyperior grabbed Dragonair by the throat, gripping it tightly.

The air grew cold.

Ice Punch.

Then scorching heat.

Flame Punch.

The cycle continued—fire and ice coursing through Dragonair's body in rapid succession. Unable to withstand the extremes of both elements at once, Dragonair coughed up blood.

For the first time, Sally hesitated.

She hadn't expected this level of brutality.

Fire and Ice combined… had caused Dragonair to suffer internal bleeding.

Klein smirked. "That's my combo move. Not as flashy as your Contest techniques, but it gets the job done."

To Sally, his words were pure mockery.

The next instant, Rhyperior lifted Dragonair and slammed it into the frozen battlefield with crushing force.

The icy ground shattered.

Dragonair let out a final cry before losing consciousness.

Silence.

The audience stared, unable to process what had just happened.

From Dragonair's Surf to Rhyperior's counterattack, the battle had lasted less than a minute.

Was the difference between an Elite Four and a regular trainer really this vast?

"Your Dragonair needs immediate treatment for burns," Klein stated calmly.

Despite his anger toward Sally, he didn't take it out on her Pokémon. Before she could even recall Dragonair, he tossed her a burn heal spray.

"The external wounds aren't serious, but its internal injuries are worse than they look. You should take it to a Pokémon Center right away."

For a moment, Sally was too stunned to respond.

But with the eyes of the audience on her, she forced a smile. "Thank you, Klein."

Meanwhile, on the internet—

A young girl watching the match live munched on potato chips, eyes gleaming.

"He's kinda cool, huh? Battles like a monster, but still cares for the Pokémon afterward. And he's cute too. Yeah… I'm gonna be a fan now! Sally is just fake and annoying, acting all high and mighty!"

The moment Klein had casually tossed Sally the burn heal, a shift in public perception began.

Perhaps he wasn't a monster.

Perhaps… he was just a warrior.

(End of Chapter)