Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

Five years ago, Giant Chasm, Unova Region.

Lucas, Rosa, and Klein trudged forward, exhausted from their journey.

"Klein, are you really sure that the legendary Pokémon Kyurem is inside this abandoned cave?"

Lucas sighed, exasperated. He had no idea how Klein was so convinced that Kyurem was lurking somewhere in the Giant Chasm. To make things even more dubious, Klein had pulled out an ancient legend as proof—something about passing three trials to summon the legendary dragon.

"We're already here, so stop complaining!"

Klein's face flushed slightly. Based on what he remembered from his past life's game mechanics, he, Rosa, and Lucas were destined to encounter Kyurem. That was why he insisted they visit the Giant Chasm for the trial.

However, in this world, Kyurem could naturally shift between its forms without needing to fuse with the other two dragons, unlike in the games. Because of that, even Klein wasn't completely certain if this would work.

Just as the three of them were speaking—almost as if responding to their presence—the entire cave trembled violently, and a powerful storm roared to life!

"No way… is it really happening?!"

The legendary Pokémon Kyurem descended, bringing with it a devastating blizzard!

For hundreds of years, no one in Unova had ever successfully completed the Giant Chasm's trials. But today, three rookie trainers had defied the odds.

As the strategist of their trio, Klein had meticulously planned their steps. Thanks to his efforts, they obtained the DNA Splicers, the Light Stone, and the Dark Stone—three legendary artifacts. And now, in the heart of the Giant Chasm, they had successfully summoned the legendary Dragon-type Pokémon, Kyurem.

Its enormous, frigid body loomed over them, leaving behind a trail of frost in its wake. The three trainers immediately shivered and sneezed.

Standing on two powerful legs, the gray-blue Kyurem resembled an ancient tyrannosaurus. Its distinctive ice-blue head and jagged snout gleamed under the dim cave light, while its pale yellow eyes, devoid of pupils, gave it a chillingly otherworldly presence. A golden crown-like crest adorned its head.

Kyurem had the ability to store frigid air within its wings and tail, freely manipulating it at will. However, doing so also caused parts of its own body to freeze.

It could unleash powerful blizzards and hailstorms, freezing its surroundings in an instant—a power likely linked to its signature move, Glaciate. Some even hailed Kyurem as the most powerful Dragon-type Pokémon.

Although it harbored an extreme dislike for humans, Kyurem showed no hostility toward the three before it. During their trials, Kyurem had observed them through special means, and now, it had made its decision.

The DNA Splicers suddenly transformed into three beams of energy, engraving distinct markings onto Klein, Rosa, and Lucas. A unique energy totem shimmered across their bodies.

"...It's not as cold anymore."

The energy inscriptions embedded into their bodies granted them partial resistance to Kyurem's freezing aura.

At the same time, the Light Stone and Dark Stone reacted under Kyurem's control, splitting into two streams of power. The Light energy flowed into Rosa, while the Dark energy infused Lucas.

Klein stood at the center, where the two opposing forces converged. A momentary chaotic glow surrounded him—but it quickly faded.

The ceremony complete, Kyurem let out a low grunt before swiftly vanishing from the cave.

Unlike Rosa and Lucas, who had received tangible gifts of power, Klein seemed to have gained nothing. Rosa looked at him with concern.

"Klein…"

"I'm fine. I believe Kyurem had its own reasons for this."

Four years ago, Hoenn Region – The Battle Against Team Malice.

The legendary Pokémon Kyurem appeared once more, standing imposingly in the sky.

"So, this is your last resort—the legendary dragon, Kyurem."

The battlefield was a desolate wasteland, littered with corpses and lifeless terrain. The land was dying—corrupted by devouring plants that consumed all signs of life. Just as despair loomed over them, a miracle occurred.

Kyurem suddenly descended.

Glaciate.

A frozen world surged forth, sealing away the creeping death.

Facing the resistance of three determined trainers, Team Malice's leader, Kamiyama Nagamune, remained unfazed. He merely waited patiently, as if expecting them to reveal their trump card.

And when Kyurem appeared, he smiled in satisfaction.

"Now this is an interesting surprise."

Rosa gritted her teeth, then tossed a Salamencite toward Klein.

"Klein, take this! I'll handle things here—stick to the plan!"

Using Mega Salamence's superior speed, Rosa attempted to break through their defenses, while Klein's Emboar stayed behind to hold off their enemies.

Harnessing the Light Stone's power, Rosa activated the DNA Splicers, triggering Kyurem's transformation into White Kyurem.

Then, alongside her remaining Pokémon—Serperior and Emboar—she charged forward, leading the final assault against Team Malice.

Lucas, gravely injured and unconscious, had already lost an arm. His body was engulfed in unnatural flames, steadily consuming his life. Klein had no choice—he had to move fast.

Determined, he rode Mega Salamence straight toward the triangular slab's location.

Present Day.

Klein glanced back at the masked assassin trailing behind him, then sighed lightly.

"I really am your destined savior, aren't I?"

His sudden remark made the masked assassin scoff.

"Do we know each other? I don't even recognize you."

Klein merely chuckled and said nothing more, shifting his focus toward Pryce.

The DNA Splicer's energy activated within his body, shielding him from the freezing cold.

At the same time, the identical DNA Splicer markings on both his and the masked assassin's bodies began to resonate.

Sandstorm Elite Klein vs. Mahogany Gym Leader Pryce.

Two Elite-level trainers clashed, pushing the conflict between Johto and Kanto to its peak.

"Kid, don't think that just because you've won a few times, you're invincible."

Pryce's gaze was ice-cold.

Klein's sudden interference had enraged the Johto veteran, and his grip on his cane tightened, a crack forming along its surface.

Even within the Sandstorm Domain, the air remained bitterly cold.

"The investigation of the Pikachu Mask Killer is Kanto League's jurisdiction."

"Fine, then don't blame me for not holding back."

Mamoswine and Cloyster stood within towering ice formations, providing formidable defenses. Although Pryce appeared vulnerable in his position, Klein could sense the hidden killing intent radiating from the setup.

Sinnoh Region – International Police Academy.

"An exchange competition? With Kanto's branch?"

Several academy officials exchanged glances upon hearing the request from Champion Cynthia.

Despite holding the title of disciplinary director, Cynthia had rarely involved herself in academy affairs. So why was she suddenly interested in organizing a competition with Kanto?

"Mainly… I want to battle that Sandstorm Elite. His Pokémon and strategies intrigue me. His tactics might even give me some inspiration for developing my fifth core."

Fifth core?

Lady Cynthia… are you even human?

She was already aiming for a fifth core at this young age? And she wanted to fight someone who hadn't even reached dual-core status yet?

Was she just bullying people now?

Or perhaps, after dominating Sinnoh's battles for so long, the Queen was simply itching for a real fight—so much so that she had set her sights on Kanto.

Then again, last year, during the Inter-League Champion Exchange Battle, Cynthia had completely overwhelmed Lance with her relentless offense.

…Or was the online speculation actually true?

Was Cynthia interested in Klein for other reasons?

A younger-man romance?

In truth, Cynthia was simply intrigued.

After reviewing records of Klein's battles, she found his tactics fascinating.

This competition was merely an opportunity to learn more about the Sandstorm Elite.

"Alright, we'll send the official request immediately."

(End of Chapter.)