Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

Within the illusory battlefield, Blake grew increasingly frustrated. The strength of Rika, the Celadon Gym Leader before him, far exceeded his expectations!

All around, flashes of violet energy coursed through Breloom's body as waves of poisonous mist spread outward, causing some of the surrounding flora to wither.

"Poison Heal is impressive, but it's quite destructive to the environment."

Blake taunted, but Rika simply flicked her sleeve, her gaze icy. "Life and death—it's all part of nature's cycle. Why should it matter?"

The moment her words fell, the toxic mist expanded in all directions, forming a dense, suffocating fog. While Breloom masterfully wielded its Poison Heal ability, Sceptile struck down with its Leaf Blade, generating a powerful gust that momentarily dispersed the fog.

But by the time the mist cleared, Breloom was already upon it.

Their eyes met for a split second before the two Pokémon clashed in a lightning-fast exchange of blows.

Fists flew as Sceptile countered with a swift turn of its Leaf Blade. The sharp clashing of attacks echoed throughout the battlefield. Breloom, empowered by its toxic endurance, matched Sceptile's relentless assault blow for blow, sending shockwaves rippling outward.

As Breloom darted through the battle, bursts of spore powder erupted from its body upon every strike. The air became thick with the fragrant spores, momentarily dulling the senses of Grass-type Pokémon.

Seeing this, Sceptile unleashed a whirlwind of razor-sharp leaves, sweeping away the airborne spores. But in that very instant, Breloom vanished from sight, only to reappear behind Sceptile, swinging its tail in a brutal counterattack.

With a heavy impact, Sceptile staggered back several steps, clutching its wounds before letting out a fierce roar and lunging forward once more.

Both Pokémon fought with unmatched ferocity, their rapid exchanges making it nearly impossible to keep up.

Meanwhile, Rika's Venusaur stood its ground against Blake's Torterra. Vines burst from the ground, entwining and colliding in a chaotic struggle for dominance.

The battlefield became a chaotic landscape of wildly growing plants, a testament to the unique battle styles of Grass-type Trainers. The clash between life and decay unfolded in a mesmerizing display within the virtual realm.

"Rika, the Celadon Gym Leader… She's truly a force nearing the level of an Elite Four."

Blake's face remained composed, but inwardly, his irritation grew.

"Ice, we need to go all out on this one!"

Compared to Blake's grueling battle against Rika, the confrontation between Flint and the duo of Heath and Ice was far more fluid, showcasing the prowess of a true master.

In a clash of Steel-types, Bisharp moved with deadly precision. Above, two Steelix hovered in midair, suspended by Electromagnetic Levitation, before diving toward Heath's own Steelix.

"I won't let the younger generation outdo me. Steelix, Mega Evolve!"

Under the intense pressure of Flint's assault, Heath commanded his Steelix to undergo Mega Evolution. The moment the transformation completed, its body erupted with a massive sandstorm, obscuring the battlefield in a blinding haze.

The swirling sand blinded the enemy Steelix, rendering them unable to locate their target.

"Wait… but Mega Steelix doesn't have Sand Stream."

Heath chuckled. "Steelix may not summon sandstorms naturally, but having lived in the desert for so long, it carries vast amounts of sand within its body. Unlike Tyranitar, it can't generate an endless storm, but it can create one just long enough to gain the upper hand!"

With a grin, he continued, "Now then, let's see if you can guess what strategy my Mega Steelix is about to use."

Beneath the raging sandstorm, Mega Steelix's body shimmered with a peculiar glow. Just as the airborne Steelix pinpointed its position and prepared to strike, it vanished at an incredible speed.

Despite its immense size, Mega Steelix moved with an almost weightless grace, outmaneuvering even the levitating Steelix.

Its rapid movement sent shockwaves through the sandstorm, intensifying the chaotic swirl of dust.

Then, from within the storm, Garchomp emerged, launching a stream of fire from its mouth. Yet, Mega Steelix stood its ground—sand currents surged around its body, blocking the flames before it lunged forward with a Liquid Tail attack.

Garchomp barely had time to dodge before another figure struck from the shadows—Gliscor!

With a sudden, vicious bite, Ice Fang sank into Garchomp's neck.

A cry of pain echoed through the battlefield as a layer of frost spread across Garchomp's wounds. Forced to retreat, it barely had time to recover before Rhyperior surged forward, delivering a devastating punch. The mighty Garchomp, caught between two powerful Ground-types, struggled under the relentless assault.

"Froslass, assist Garchomp!"

Just as Froslass materialized onto the battlefield, a cyclone of sand erupted before her. In an instant, Mega Steelix appeared right in front of her, sinking Fire Fang into her body, engulfing her in flames.

"In Kanto, Klein isn't the only one who can master Sandstorm tactics! And my strategy is a little different from his."

With decades of battle experience, Heath had developed a strategy specifically to counter multiple opponents. His Mega Steelix had undergone extensive training in a unique technique—Body Lightening!

By altering its body composition, it drastically increased its speed while simultaneously reducing its weight. Combined with Sand Force, it unleashed Steelix's full potential in battle.

Unlike Flint's straightforward Steelix tactics, Heath wielded his Mega Steelix like a true master, effortlessly assisting his allies while fending off numerous foes.

Back at Sinjoh Ruins, Florges appeared beside Tyranitar, channeling healing energy into its body to suppress its dwindling stamina.

"Wait… wasn't Florges supporting Delphox earlier?"

Sakaki turned toward the battlefield, only to see a brilliant purple light illuminating the entire area—Delphox's battle had taken a shocking turn!

Klein noticed it as well, a weight lifting from his chest.

Encased in a swirling mass of violet ghostly flames, Delphox stood at the heart of a burning lotus, radiating an aura of untouchable majesty. A foreboding sense of dread crossed Mega Banette's expression.

Yet, with its vast combat experience, Mega Banette refused to surrender. It flickered forward, launching twin electromagnetic waves from its hands. But Delphox effortlessly sidestepped, all while intensifying the flames around her.

The inferno swirled at blinding speeds. At its center, Delphox stood like a fireborn goddess, elegant and unyielding. Scattered embers danced through the darkness, forming a breathtaking spectacle.

Mega Banette crossed its arms, summoning both crackling electricity and blazing ghost fire—Dual Blade Form!

Once again, its Prankster ability granted it priority, enhancing its dual-wielding technique. It rushed forward, its blades of fire and lightning cutting through the air toward Delphox.

At this point, Klein placed his faith entirely in his Pokémon.

He could feel it—an unspoken understanding passed between him and Delphox. Trainer and Pokémon resonated in perfect sync.

Above them, the enormous flaming lotus fully bloomed. At its core, Delphox's eyes shimmered with icy determination as she channeled its power into herself.

With a flicker, she vanished.

A heartbeat later, the blazing lotus reappeared directly above Mega Banette, spinning violently as it descended upon its target.

Seeing the incoming attack, Mega Banette refused to back down. With both blades raised, it surged toward the lotus's core.

The two forces clashed—fire and electricity intertwining into a vortex of pure destruction. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.

"What… what did Delphox do?! How is it moving faster than Prankster?!"

From atop Giratina, Sakaki stood in disbelief, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Klein simply smirked.

"Not telling you."

Who said he had to reveal his Pokémon's secret techniques?

(To be continued…)