Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

Deep within Cinnabar Island's subterranean veins, Blaine and a team of researchers were using specialized radar equipment to scan for anomalies in the underground mineral deposits.

"Any discoveries?"

Klein stepped into the underground command station, where Blaine shook his head.

"We've confirmed the presence of a living organism moving beneath the island. It's consuming the underground mineral resources at an alarming rate. If it keeps this up, the Cinnabar Island hot springs industry might be finished."

Blaine's words were a bit dramatic, but there was no doubt that this ongoing disturbance could significantly alter Cinnabar Island's geological structure, which was a threat to its economy and ecosystem.

Klein didn't hesitate.

"Delphox, Claydol—use Drill Run to dig underground."

In the depths of the earth, Claydol spun at high speed, tunneling rapidly into the subterranean layers of Cinnabar. Meanwhile, Delphox, surrounded by a fiery lotus, followed closely behind.

The deeper they went, the hotter and more volatile the environment became.

Even with Delphox's psychic barrier, Klein could feel the intense heat pressing against his body.

At this depth… Could it be a Fire-type Pokémon?

Suddenly, the lava beneath them erupted—a violent explosion of energy shot outward.

Delphox barely managed to react, hastily erecting a psychic barrier before retreating.

Klein and his Pokémon quickly resurfaced.

"Use Gravity!"

Claydol activated its gravity field, causing the entire underground cavern to tremble.

Magma churned violently below, and Delphox manipulated a wave of Will-O-Wisps, sending them deep into the ground.

The ghostly flames drifted through the lava, finally locking onto their target.

With precise control, Delphox launched the Will-O-Wisps, but the mysterious Pokémon reacted instantly—throwing a powerful punch that shattered the attack.

At that moment, the coordinate marker activated.

Field Swap!

"Not bad."

Blaine smirked.

"You used Delphox's Field Swap to force the Pokémon to reveal itself. Your tactical awareness keeps improving, Sandstorm Elite."

As the smoke cleared, a small but powerful figure emerged.

It was agile, its movements quick and precise.

With a single devastating punch, it sent Claydol crashing to the ground, knocking it out instantly.

A dusty-yellow, doll-like Pokémon with a massive, black maw on its back, filled with razor-sharp teeth.

Mawile.

A Steel/Fairy-type Pokémon, its horns had transformed into giant, steel jaws resembling a monstrous mouth.

It was said that underestimating its innocent appearance could lead to a painful surprise.

But why was a Hoenn-native Mawile living in the magma-filled depths of Cinnabar Island?

This Mawile was different from others of its species—its posture was proud, and its eyes were cold and calculating.

Delphox's expression darkened at Mawile's defiant stance.

It conjured more Will-O-Wisps, launching them at the opponent.

But just before the flames could make contact—

Mawile spread its arms, shifting its stance slightly.

With a sudden shift in the air currents, the ghostly flames dissipated in an instant.

What kind of move was that?

It controlled the air to neutralize an attack?

Klein quickly retrieved his Pokédex and VR scanner to analyze the situation.

The system's analysis returned a 90% probability that the move used was—

"Snatch."

Snatch?

Typically, Snatch was a move that stole an opponent's stat boosts or healing effects.

Since when could it be used for defensive techniques?

Blaine, however, seemed unimpressed by Klein's confusion.

"Your Tyranitar has turned Dragon Dance into both an offensive and defensive technique. It's not surprising that this Mawile has adapted Snatch into a defensive ability."

Then, he chuckled.

"From what I can tell, this Mawile has been absorbing underground magma minerals to strengthen itself. It's just reached full maturity, and its combat ability is already impressive."

Blaine nodded approvingly.

"With its control over Snatch, this Mawile would be the perfect second core for your Sandstorm team."

Klein's eyes narrowed.

"A rare opportunity indeed."

At that moment, Agatha's voice rang out from behind him.

The elderly Ghost-type Elite, leaning on her cane, grinned knowingly.

"This Mawile… It's best suited to be yours, Klein."

"Let's see it happen. Prove to us that one day, you'll surpass Cynthia and become the strongest Sandstorm Elite in history."

Both Blaine and Agatha had intentionally left this matter to Klein.

They had already been monitoring Mawile for a while, and after observing its immense potential, they knew it needed a capable trainer to reach its peak.

They chose Klein.

Not just because of his strategic mind but because of his unyielding will—a quality both Blaine and Agatha deeply respected.

Klein stepped forward, looking straight at Mawile.

With a flick of his wrist, he grabbed a Poké Ball.

"Let's begin. Delphox—use Mystical Fire!"

The moment Klein gave the order, Delphox's flames burst into an inferno, its entire body surrounded by intense purple fire.

This battle was about to begin.

But—

Delphox suddenly hesitated.

It had just realized something far more horrifying than Mawile's strength.

Mawile…

Was male.

This thing was a "pretty boy"!

Delphox's flames burned even hotter, fury blazing in its eyes.

Blaine watched with amusement.

"Hmm? Its Blaze ability just activated… Why the sudden surge in power?"

This was the first time Klein had seen Delphox's Blaze ability in action.

Starter Pokémon often had Blaze, Overgrow, or Torrent as their abilities, but their activation conditions varied.

In the past, his Emboar's Blaze had only triggered at critical moments.

And Rosa's Serperior would activate Overgrow when emotionally heightened.

But this…

This was different.

Mawile smirked, casually grabbing a handful of Delphox's flames—then fed it directly into the massive jaws on its back.

A gust of wind shifted.

Delphox appeared directly behind Mawile, its fire forming a massive lotus bloom, ready to strike.

With a wave of its wand, the flames surged forward—but Mawile simply stepped sideways, twisting its body, effortlessly dodging the attack.

Klein remained silent, observing.

Mawile had already adjusted its movements to anticipate Delphox's attacks.

Then—

Mawile lunged forward.

Its hands clawed through the air, controlling the air currents to disrupt the flames.

Its posture shifted as if preparing for something greater.

The air around it thickened with energy.

Then, suddenly—

Mawile began to Mega Evolve.