The rules of the Sandstorm Contest were straightforward: with all battles to be completed in a single day, trainers could only use one Pokémon throughout the event. As a result, there was no point in hiding their choices, and the waiting area buzzed with excitement as participants revealed their partners.
Hippowdon, Lairon, and Rhydon were common sights. Occasionally, rarer Pokémon like Rhyperior or Torterra appeared, drawing murmurs of appreciation.
Marowak, Rax's choice, was less common, which earned him some curious looks. But soon, a few awe-inspiring Pokémon stole the spotlight entirely.
A Flygon, its Dragon and Ground typing perfect for the event, stepped into view. Then came an Aggron, Lairon's final evolution, followed by a towering Steelix, exuding overwhelming presence.
Rax watched them all with admiration, his thoughts drifting to his own Beldum. One day, my partner will evolve into the mighty Metagross, and we'll stand on this stage together!
Suddenly, a voice pierced the chatter.
"Quasi-Legendary! There's a Quasi-Legendary here!"
The crowd turned as one, their excitement palpable.
Rax's mind raced. Was it Tyranitar, Garchomp, or... Metagross?
When the Pokémon emerged, it was a Metang—a Metal Pokémon not yet evolved into Metagross.
The trainers exhaled in relief. "It's just a Metang," someone murmured, though their guarded expressions remained.
Rax, however, was unfazed. Intrigued, he made his way toward the Metang for a closer look.
His curiosity shifted abruptly when he spotted its trainer: Steven Stone.
Rax froze, his heart pounding. What is Steven Stone doing here?
Before he could retreat, a calming, pink-purple light filled his spiritual world, steadying him.
Steven, noticing Rax's direct gaze, turned to meet it.
Rax nodded, smiling politely.
Steven's eyes lingered briefly on Rax and his Marowak before he returned the gesture and looked away.
The moment passed uneventfully, much to the crowd's disappointment. Still, many continued to glance at Metang in admiration.
---
The preliminary round began swiftly. Numbers were called at random, and the pace was relentless.
Steven's number—88—was announced first. Rax noted the coincidence, thinking the number suited him perfectly.
Soon after, Rax's number, 233, was called. He sighed at the unlucky draw but hurried to the arena after the second announcement.
On his way, he crossed paths with Steven, who was returning victorious.
Steven paused unexpectedly.
"My Metang sensed the presence of its kin," he said, his tone friendly.
Rax's heart raced despite the calming light in his spiritual world.
"Perhaps we can exchange training techniques sometime," Steven suggested before walking away.
Rax barely managed a polite nod before heading to his own battle.
---
In the arena, a fierce sandstorm raged, reducing visibility. Marowak stepped in confidently, bone in hand.
On the opposite side, a Rhyhorn pawed the ground, ready to charge.
"The match begins!" the referee declared.
Rhyhorn charged instantly, its hooves kicking up dust.
Rax crossed his arms, saying nothing.
Marowak stood firm, waiting until the Rhyhorn closed half the distance.
"Stomp!"
Marowak struck the ground with its bone, sending ripples of Ground energy surging forward. The Rhyhorn stumbled, unable to continue its charge.
Without hesitation, Marowak hurled its Bone Boomerang, the trajectory obscured by the swirling sandstorm.
Bang! Bang!
The Rhyhorn was struck twice and collapsed.
Before the opposing trainer could react, Marowak dashed forward, catching its returning bone mid-air. With a leap, it channeled Ground energy into the bone and delivered a crushing blow.
Boom!
The Rhyhorn fell unconscious, leaving a crater in the sand where it had stood.
"The Rhyhorn is unable to battle! Marowak wins! Contestant 233 advances!"
Marowak returned to Rax, bone in hand, ignoring its fallen opponent.
---
Rax left the arena, already strategizing his next move. His concerns about Steven lingered. He's not after money; he genuinely seems interested in training techniques. But a Shiny Metang... anyone would be tempted.
He resolved to find a convincing excuse to avoid drawing further attention to Beldum.
---
By 8:30 AM, the preliminary round concluded, and the waiting room emptied as contestants either advanced or were eliminated. Those remaining prepared for the main event.
Excitement grew as the stadium filled with spectators. From the waiting room, Rax could hear the host announcing notable attendees: Nurse Joy, Gym Leader Byron, and scholar Andrew were among them.
The main event began with Steven's number, 88, being called first. The crowd erupted into cheers as he stepped onto the stage with his Metang.
The Sandstorm Contest was officially underway.