Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

The Seafoam Islands were split into East and West. The collapsing mountain was located on the Eastern Island, which was rapidly sinking. The entire landmass was on the verge of total destruction, the crumbling earth resembling the apocalypse itself.

Klein did not pursue Greninja or the masked man—not because he didn't want to, but because the situation made it impossible.

Recognizing that the catastrophe could not be avoided, Klein made a split-second decision. "Mega Salamence, Boomburst!"

A devastating sonic shockwave tore through the air, forcefully creating a temporary vacuum in the midst of the disaster.

"Swampert, Claydol!"

A Claydol materialized, floating in the chaos. It rapidly absorbed the surrounding sand and debris, spinning at high velocity. As it unleashed a Ground-type Drill Run, the spiraling energy created a massive vortex, pulling in the falling rubble.

Then, Swampert roared, summoning a powerful surge of water. Leaping atop Claydol, it merged the churning currents with the spinning debris, transforming the chaotic swirl into a controlled mudflow.

With another powerful punch, Swampert's Ice Punch froze the vortex solid, creating a temporary platform for Klein and his Pokémon. Without hesitation, Klein released over a dozen additional Pokémon, stationing them at key positions.

A flurry of elemental attacks bombarded the collapsing terrain. Explosions echoed across the sky.

Below, the people of the Eastern Island stood frozen in terror, watching the disaster unfold.

Amidst the panic, a sharp-eyed trainer suddenly shouted, "That's Elite Klein! He's fighting to stop the disaster!"

"We're saved! With an Elite here, we'll be okay!"

Their cheers, however, contrasted starkly with their inaction. They merely stood there, waiting.

Gary, watching from the crowd, clenched his fists. Frustration flashed across his face before he threw out his Poké Balls. His Blastoise, Arcanine, and Nidoking emerged.

"Don't just stand there watching! Help him!"

His words snapped the trainers out of their daze. One by one, they released their Pokémon, joining the effort to prevent the catastrophe.

Seeing Professor Oak's grandson rally the trainers, Klein exhaled in relief. Gary's quick thinking had eased the burden on him. However, despite everyone's efforts, the mountain's collapse was accelerating.

No matter what they did, nature's wrath could not be stopped.

The mudslide raged violently, threatening to engulf the remaining trainers below. Klein and his Pokémon stood at the front lines—Cradily and Tyranitar working in tandem to erect a sand barrier to hold back the destruction.

Glancing at the civilians, Klein's voice was sharp and urgent. "Head for the shore now! Mega Salamence will clear the air currents, and you'll use your Water-types to reach the Western Island!"

Most of the Seafoam Islands' population lived on the Eastern Island. The violent storms had previously prevented them from escaping to the Western Island, but now, there was a chance.

In Klein's mind, since his battle had caused this disaster, it was his responsibility to fix it. He would stay behind to hold the line.

Gary hesitated before stepping forward. "But—"

"Move! There's no time!"

Mega Salamence unleashed another Boomburst, shattering the chaotic air currents. The civilians watched Klein and his Pokémon hold the line against the collapsing mountain, a mix of awe and admiration in their eyes.

As Klein struggled to hold back the disaster, the residents finally began evacuating in an orderly manner. Fortunately, because most of them had already gathered near the coast after the black hole incident, the evacuation was swift.

On Gary's Blastoise, six or seven people clung tightly as it ferried them across the waters to the Western Island. Looking back at the raging disaster, Gary's eyes filled with concern.

Once the evacuation was complete, Klein sighed in relief and recalled most of his Pokémon, using League technology to send them back to their training facility.

Just then, a loud crack echoed across the battlefield.

Tyranitar's sand wall crumbled.

Unable to withstand the relentless mudslide, the barrier collapsed, and a tidal wave of debris surged forward—rushing straight for Klein.

Facing the unstoppable force of nature, Klein clutched his chest, watching the devastation approach. Ignoring Tyranitar's protests, he recalled it into its Poké Ball.

Then—a cry pierced the heavens.

A flash of brilliant blue illuminated the sky.

In an instant, the raging mudslide froze solid, shattering into countless glittering ice shards.

Klein looked up.

A majestic figure with an azure body and outstretched wings soared above him, bathed in a radiant blue glow.

Articuno.

The Legendary Pokémon of Ice.

Unlike ordinary Articuno, this one was larger and exuded an aura of divine grace and authority.

The Legendary Birds—Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno—had long been the subject of myths. Many doubted their existence. But as Klein gazed upon this magnificent, otherworldly Articuno, he realized—these creatures were far beyond what the average person could comprehend.

The entire island fell silent, mesmerized by Articuno's beauty.

With another cry, Articuno descended in a flash, seizing Klein with its talons before soaring back into the sky. Its wings stirred up a blizzard, carving a path through the destruction.

Then, carrying Klein, it left the Seafoam Islands behind.

Seated on Articuno's back, Klein should have been freezing. Yet instead, he felt a gentle, soothing coolness washing over him. The icy winds carried a healing energy, gradually mending his wounds.

"Thank you… Articuno."

Articuno, unfazed by his words, maintained its regal demeanor. Upon reaching the Western Island, it released Klein onto the shore.

With a final, majestic cry, it spread its wings wide—a phoenix of ice—and vanished into the sky.

Gary rushed forward, tossing Klein a towel. "Are you alright?"

Before Klein could answer, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"There's… a body on the shore. Dressed half like a man, half like a woman. Their entire robe is drenched in blood… it's horrifying."

The masked man's fate was not a surprise to Klein.

Greninja's final glance before departing had already hinted at the inevitable.

Vermilion City.

A luxury cruise ship slowly approached the dock.

Trainers from across different regions eagerly leaned over the railings, taking in their first glimpse of Kanto.

"This is Kanto! I can't wait to explore!"

"The Kanto League Tournament—we're coming for you!"

Among the excited voices, a blue-haired boy, around fifteen years old, stretched lazily. Yawning, he raised his mechanical right arm and examined it for a long moment.

"...Klein, you bastard. How have you been?"

(End of Chapter)