Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

"Delphox, don't push yourself too hard!"

Even as Klein remained locked in his standoff with Sakaki, he kept an eye on Delphox's condition. In response to her Trainer's concern, the flames on Delphox's wand flared even brighter, illuminating the battlefield with her unwavering resolve.

For the sake of her Trainer, Delphox decided to give it her all. However, Mega Banette's attacks only grew fiercer. As it once again flickered into position right in front of her, Delphox's attack failed to activate in time.

Damn!

Electricity crackled, and Mega Banette's offensive surged forward with even greater intensity. But just as it was about to strike, a beam of moonlight descended from above—Florges had arrived!

The vast moonlight cascaded from the sky, transforming into countless luminous rays that instantly dispersed the electromagnetic waves.

Florges, having joined the battle, stood her ground against Mega Banette with a powerful Moonblast. In response, Mega Banette swiftly conjured a protective barrier around itself, shielding against the Fairy-type attack.

As the smoke cleared, Florges—who had been lurking in the shadows under Klein's command—had stepped in at the most critical moment, preventing Delphox from being struck by the electromagnetic onslaught.

Delphox, breathing heavily, was about to express her gratitude when Florges turned to her with a charming smile.

"Getting tired, old lady? This intense battle isn't suited for someone like you. Maybe it's time for retirement. Best leave the fighting to the younger ones."

Despite Florges' teasing, Delphox wasn't offended. Instead, she chuckled behind her paw, and in an instant, the flames surrounding her ignited into a blazing inferno.

"You little brat! How dare you look down on me!"

Brilliant light erupted as energy surged through Delphox's wand. With her head held high like a proud noblewoman, she locked eyes with the Mega Banette behind its protective shield.

"This is all your fault! You made me look bad!"

Amidst the chaotic battle, Mega Banette showed no intention of stopping. Its shadow stretched and splintered into countless blades, launching a surprise Shadow Sneak at Florges, leaving her no time to react.

Dark specters streaked toward her, but Florges swiftly summoned a whirlwind of petals around herself. The storm of razor-sharp petals sliced through the shadowy onslaught, dispersing the attack entirely.

Meanwhile, as the surge of newfound power coursed through her, Delphox gradually began to master this mysterious force. Flames erupted from her body, and an endless barrage of spectral fireballs rained down like a meteor shower, striking the Ghost-type Pokémon around her.

At last, Delphox completed her technique. As her wand swirled in the air, a strange sensation surged through her, and Mega Banette felt a sudden wave of unease—it was as if a part of its strength was being siphoned away.

The large-scale battle within Sinjoh Ruins raged on. In the heart of the battlefield, Mega Salamence and Giratina clashed fiercely, exchanging devastating beams and sonic blasts in an all-out aerial duel.

The sky was engulfed in flames as the fierce battle between Klein and Sakaki intensified, preventing any other Pokémon from interfering.

Gale-force winds surrounded Mega Salamence as it unleashed a Dragon Pulse at breakneck speed.

But Giratina, like a colossal demon in the night, swept its massive wings and conjured a barrage of Shadow Forces. The shadows intercepted the Dragon Pulse, and in the same instant, Giratina melted into the darkness and disappeared.

Then, in a flash, Giratina's spectral form lunged at Mega Salamence. However, just as the shadow struck, a deafening Hyper Voice erupted from Mega Salamence's maw.

The powerful sound waves exploded upon impact, forcing Giratina to let out a furious roar as it was pushed back. Though it had absorbed most of the damage, the residual force of the attack nearly made Sakaki lose consciousness.

Even worse, the Celebi on his shoulder stirred slightly, seemingly affected by the sound waves. Noticing this, Sakaki quickly activated a device on his wrist, sealing Celebi's power once more to prevent any interference in the battle.

"You think a mere Salamence can stand against Giratina?"

"This isn't wishful thinking—it's reality."

The battlefield trembled as waves of violent energy clashed. Giratina and Mega Salamence remained locked in a fierce standoff, neither side yielding.

"I dismantled his Sandstorm strategy, so why is he still holding his ground so well?!"

On the battlefield below, Swampert, Scizor, and Lucario advanced under the cover of Tyranitar's sandstorm, finally reaching the temple's perimeter. Along the way, Claydol continuously emitted powerful Gravity waves to hinder the attacking Ghost-type Pokémon.

However, as they arrived, a mighty roar echoed through the ruins. Incineroar charged toward them, its claws ablaze with searing flames, slashing fiercely at Scizor and Lucario.

At the last moment, Swampert retaliated—water droplets coalesced around it before launching outward, intercepting Incineroar's attack.

For the first time since their battle on Twin Islands, Swampert and Incineroar faced off once again. Swampert's gaze sharpened, recognizing its rival. Without hesitation, it summoned a Water Whip and lashed out.

As the watery tendrils lashed toward Incineroar, the fiery beast crossed its arms and slashed outward, generating a storm of burning claws that shredded the attack. It then took a few steps back, seemingly awaiting something.

As if in response, four ominous shadows materialized in the sky above.

From the darkness emerged four fierce-looking Gengars, their presence radiating an intense malice that sent a chill down the spines of Klein's Pokémon.

Descending from the sky, the Gengars fixed their piercing gazes on Klein's team. Then, in unison, they each raised a peculiar, eerie mirror in their hands.

The mirrors reflected their own images, and in an unexpected turn, a sinister transformation took place. The Gengars' aura intensified dramatically.

Sensing danger, Swampert fired a high-pressure Hydro Pump at the mirrors. However, before the attack could land, several Gastlys suddenly appeared, shielding the Gengars and taking the hit instead. The sacrificed Gastlys collapsed, but the Gengars remained unharmed.

Mirror Property Activated!

Gengar's vast movepool made it an unpredictable opponent. Though a common Pokémon in the Kanto region, it was rumored that a well-trained Gengar could employ over a hundred different battle tactics.

This particular group of Gengars was using an unexpected Mirror Property Defense Formation. Even with Klein analyzing the situation through his VR glasses, he couldn't help but feel a hint of surprise.

"An ancient tactic in this day and age… this is my first time encountering something like this."

With this technique, the enemy Gengars had mirrored the abilities of Klein's team, perfectly replicating their attributes.

The Kamiyama family, an ancient lineage with centuries of history, possessed its own unique battle methods. The Mirror Property Formation, when used in a team battle, allowed Gengar to excel in both defense and strategic manipulation.

"Good thing we have you, Swampert."

Positioned at the rear, Swampert carefully observed the spectral army before it, meticulously analyzing the battlefield to devise the optimal strategy.

Then, the battle resumed. One of the Gengars suddenly appeared before Tyranitar, its fist radiating a strange energy. As the sandstorm swirled around them, Tyranitar reacted swiftly, clamping down on Gengar with Crunch.

Yet to everyone's shock, the Gengar endured the attack, retaliating with a powerful punch.

Drain Punch!

It was clear now—the Gengar had copied Lucario's Fighting-type attributes, allowing it to resist Crunch and counterattack effectively.

Klein narrowed his eyes and glanced at Swampert. The Water-type Pokémon gave him a small nod, signaling that it had finished gathering the necessary battle data.

Now, they had to prevent the enemy from using Mirror Property again.

Meanwhile, Delphox was locked in her duel with Mega Banette. With Tentacruel gone, all the battlefield's control and disruption now rested on Delphox's shoulders.

As flames engulfed the sky, Florges suddenly appeared beside Tyranitar, channeling healing energy into the bruised beast.

(To be continued…)