Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

"Klein… do you still remember how to use the power of the DNA Splicers?"

At Klein's sudden call, the masked assassin's expression froze in shock.

"...I remember."

Wait—what did he just call me?

As if sensing Lucas' thoughts, Klein's voice remained calm. "The DNA Splicer's resonance has never been wrong."

Back in Unova's Giant Chasm, Klein, Rosa, and Lucas had earned Kyurem's recognition and received the DNA Splicer's Mark, allowing them to sense each other's presence.

Now, meeting once again within the temple, Klein was certain that Lucas was the masked assassin. However, his battles with the Kamiyama family had left him no time to address the matter—until now.

"I can make sure you survive," Klein said firmly. "But what you've done still needs to be judged."

Still not used to Klein's serious tone, Lucas sighed.

"You've really gotten strict, Sandstorm Elite."

"Enough talk—focus on staying alive!"

Unlike the in-game DNA Splicers, which were merely a tool for Kyurem's fusion, the real-world version functioned more like a Mega Evolution Keystone. A trainer attuned to it could unleash Kyurem's full potential.

Although Klein had never captured Kyurem, the DNA Splicer's mark in his body allowed him to clearly sense Lucas' current state.

"I didn't expect you to master the DNA Splicer's power to this extent…"

The resonance between Klein and Lucas triggered a summoning ritual. At the same time, the Dark Stone's energy erupted from Lucas' body. A massive pillar of light surged into the sky, crackling with overwhelming electricity.

Pryce instantly felt something was wrong.

From his past experience fighting Team Malice, Pryce understood how the DNA Splicer's power worked—Klein served as the anchor, allowing Rosa and Lucas to channel the Light and Dark energies to transform Kyurem.

Unlike Rosa and Lucas, whose DNA Splicer markings took a triangular shape, Klein's mark was a special yin-yang symbol. When Rosa had summoned White Kyurem, her Light energy had bleached the battlefield white.

But now—

On Klein's DNA Splicer mark, a new dark half had appeared.

At the same time, the legendary dragon emerged from the pillar of light, descending upon Johto's skies.

Black Kyurem!

Dark clouds churned above.

A devastating bolt of lightning tore across the battlefield.

Pryce's Cloyster and Mamoswine immediately shifted their positions across the frozen field. With precise coordination, Mamoswine took the brunt of the electric strike using its Thick Fat ability to mitigate the damage.

But Black Kyurem's Bolt Strike was merely an appetizer.

The real finishing move—Fusion Flare—was what made Lucas' mastery over Black Kyurem truly terrifying.

The sky burned.

An explosive black flame ignited above, forming an all-consuming inferno. The very air seemed to char under its searing heat.

When used together, Fusion Bolt and Fusion Flare enhanced each other's power exponentially—making the destruction far beyond expectations.

The impact was devastating.

A blazing explosion erupted across the battlefield, shattering the saltwater terrain in an instant. The aftermath released a toxic fog, dispersing throughout the area.

Yet despite the overwhelming force of the attack, Pryce's team remained standing.

His Pokémon hadn't fallen.

Instead, they had repositioned and coordinated their defenses with absolute precision.

Any Elite-level trainer could not be underestimated. Their strategic combat ability was what truly defined their power.

But Lucas had no intention of fighting Pryce to the death.

He recalled his Mega Blastoise and instead focused on the twelve ice pillars surrounding them.

Under the inferno of Fusion Flare, nearly half of them were obliterated.

The barrier was broken.

Seizing the opening, Lucas vanished—riding on Black Kyurem's back as it tore through the sky.

Pryce attempted to intercept, but Fusion Bolt and Fusion Flare continued ravaging the battlefield, making it impossible to maintain pursuit.

At that moment—

A sandstorm swept in, blocking the breach.

Klein stood in Pryce's path.

"You, Sandstorm Elite," Pryce growled as he stepped forward, "care to explain why a legendary Pokémon just descended upon Johto?"

With the masked assassin gone, Pryce now fixed his piercing gaze on Klein.

"To carry out your so-called mission, you would sacrifice countless lives. Is this the 'justice' you stand for?"

Klein remained firm.

"Pryce… you have no right to take his life so easily."

Behind Klein, his Pokémon gathered—each one standing their ground, their eyes burning with unwavering resolve.

"I will not let you cross this line."

"The Kanto League will hunt him down and judge him—but today, I will protect him."

"This is favoritism."

The temperature around them plummeted.

Pryce's expression darkened as an icy killing intent spread across the battlefield.

Rika, who had just arrived for backup, scoffed.

"Well, well… standing in the way of justice, are we?"

Klein's response was cold.

"I don't base my actions on your definition of justice."

"Your perspective is not my perspective."

"Tch, you sure love to talk big."

The moment her words fell—

Boom!

Delphox and Claydol appeared at Klein's side.

At the same time, Swampert, Scizor, Lucario, and Tyranitar emerged—forming a defensive formation at every angle.

Pryce slammed his cane against the ground, his patience finally snapping.

"Enough. Let me teach you a lesson, you arrogant brat."

The battlefield froze.

Just as Ice and Sand were about to clash once more—

A powerful force tore through the battlefield.

Johto and Kanto's shared Champion—Lance—had arrived.

"Enough. This battle ends here."

Pryce's gaze was murderous.

Lance sighed.

This mess had gone far enough.

Black Kyurem soared through Johto's skies at lightning speed.

Wherever it passed, flames rained from the sky, illuminating the darkness with a terrifying glow.

At the same time, in Celadon City, deep within the new Pokémon Center, a faint glow flickered.

A DNA Splicer's Mark shimmered in the dimly lit room.

A young female nurse blinked in confusion—an inexplicable force calling out to her.

"Nurse Joy, my Pikachu isn't feeling well!"

Snapping back to reality, the young woman smiled gently as an Audino took the Pikachu into the treatment room.

"Audino, huh? You don't see many of those in Kanto."

Another trainer, retrieving their Poké Ball, couldn't help but comment upon seeing the pink Pokémon.

"Yeah…"

The girl, however, only vaguely recalled her past.

She was lucky to have friends who protected her, even though she couldn't remember everything.

Looking at the child's now-healthy Pikachu, the nurse smiled softly.

"Actually… I'm not Joy."

"My name is Rosa."

That name was inscribed on the pendant she always wore—a remnant of a past she had long forgotten.

Every city had a Nurse Joy.

But in Celadon City, one Pokémon Center was staffed by a different caretaker.

A girl named Rosa.

(End of Chapter.)