The battlefield at Sinjoh Ruins was engulfed in a raging sandstorm. Massive boulders rolled across the shifting terrain as Rhyperior's armor cracked apart, revealing its full power. In a blur of motion, it surged forward at terrifying speed.
At the front lines, Gengar attempted to activate Mirror Property to halt its advance. However, under the protection of Claydol, Delphox—empowered by Prankster—summoned a rain of ghostly Fire Lotus flames from above. The spectral fire engulfed the Gengar horde, leaving them scorched.
Two Gengar flinched as the burn took effect. Before they could recover, Tyranitar let out a thunderous roar. The swirling sandstorm condensed into countless Sand Hands, which lunged forward and seized the struggling Gengar.
In an attempt to counter, two Gastly emerged from the shadows, preparing a Curse sneak attack. However, Scizor reacted instantly, unleashing two crimson flashes that instantly KO'd the Gastly. Its metallic body gleamed with an impenetrable energy.
Iron Defense!
Sakaki was no true Elite Four-level Trainer. He had relied on his Gengar army, Mega Banette's Prankster, and Giratina to barely keep up with Klein. However, with one piece of his strategy shattered, the entire battle quickly turned against him.
"The sandstorm is fully unleashed. This battle is coming to an end."
A Will-o'-Wisp insignia burned into Giratina's body, causing it to let out another furious roar. Mega Salamence unleashed a devastating Boomburst, forcing Giratina to dissolve into shadows once more, maneuvering toward its opponent with Shadow Force.
This was Sakaki's last desperate gamble. But just as Giratina vanished, the grains of sand swirling in the storm took on an eerie shimmer—charged with psychic energy.
"I don't recall ever hearing about the Celadon Gym Leader before."
Within the special dimension, a member of the Sinis Trio, Lavana, smirked as she taunted her opponent. Her Infernape vanished in a blur, delivering a Mach Punch aimed at Komon's Empoleon. However, the latter gracefully leaped back, sending out a dazzling spray of Aqua Ring droplets.
Water Sport!
"Apologies for my lack of reputation. I hope I haven't disappointed you."
Empoleon seized Infernape's wrist, and the lingering water energy sapped away its flames. Then, Empoleon activated Swords Dance, unleashing a surge of raw power.
"A physical attacker Empoleon?"
Lavana and her team were caught off guard. Komon scratched his head sheepishly.
"Sorry, my battle style is a little… unorthodox. Don't expect anything conventional from me."
Most Empoleon relied on special attacks, but there existed a rare combat style focusing on physical offense. Komon had fully embraced this alternative strategy.
With Swords Dance boosting its power, Empoleon swung its razor-sharp claws downward. Infernape reacted swiftly, twisting its body in an unnatural pivot dodge, narrowly avoiding the fatal strike.
Though its balance remained steady, the lingering water energy made it uncomfortable.
Empoleon followed up with Aqua Jet, sending a surge of pressurized water blades straight at Infernape, nearly knocking it off balance.
In a split-second counter, Infernape planted its foot and rebounded, delivering a crushing elbow strike.
Empoleon redirected the force, absorbing the impact with its water barrier. Feeling its opponent's rising strength, it immediately backed away, diffusing the power through controlled movement.
Infernape took advantage of the separation, snapping its arm forward with a rapid punch to the abdomen—only for Empoleon to dissolve into scattered water droplets.
Electivire suddenly lunged forward, aiming to strike Empoleon the moment it reappeared. However, Komon released his second Pokémon—Feraligatr—who immediately seized Electivire's body and let out a powerful roar.
Screech!
The harsh sound waves drastically lowered Electivire's defenses. Without hesitation, Feraligatr delivered a brutal punch straight to its head!
Pinned down, Electivire attempted to retaliate by sending an electric current into the ground to paralyze Feraligatr. However, just as it discharged the electricity, Feraligatr twisted its grip, tossing Electivire forward and disrupting its aim.
With a burst of momentum, Feraligatr spun around and launched a devastating Waterfall attack.
At the same time, Empoleon's Aqua Jet converged into a sword-like strike, piercing toward Infernape's torso.
BOOM!
The sheer speed of the attack tore through the air, producing a resounding shockwave.
Infernape countered by igniting its fist with Flare Blitz, aiming to overpower the incoming strike.
As the two forces collided, Empoleon withdrew its blade at the last second, creating an opening to unleash Bubble Beam at point-blank range.
The bubbles burst upon impact, momentarily stunning Infernape. Seizing the moment, Empoleon grabbed its opponent by the shoulder and slammed it into the ground with relentless force.
Meanwhile, Feraligatr's Waterfall attack completely overpowered Electivire, sending it crashing backward.
As the steam cleared, both Infernape and Electivire lay defeated.
At various points in the battlefield, fights were concluding. Heath's Mega Steelix, with its Body Lightening technique, had completely suppressed Flint and Ice. A powerful Aqua Tail strike created a shockwave that signaled their impending defeat.
"Sorry, kids. Looks like you're under arrest."
At the heart of the battlefield, Delphox's Fire Lotus combined with the psychic sand particles, constantly mapping the enemy's positions.
Ghost-type Pokémon attempted to rush in to support Giratina, but a series of Fire Blasts erupted, incinerating them on the spot.
Empowered by Imposter, Delphox's Prankster-boosted flames overwhelmed the enemy Ghost-types, leaving them unable to mount a counterattack.
With Delphox suppressing the battlefield, Rhyperior unleashed a barrage of Stone Edge projectiles, shattering the remaining Ghost-types. The once-formidable Kamiyama army was now crumbling.
The tides had turned.
But just as the battle neared its climax, Sakaki's scepter emitted a violent glow, signaling Giratina's final attack.
Before it could unleash its full might, Delphox activated Skill Swap, transferring its Baton Pass technique to Scizor.
In an instant, Scizor teleported behind Mega Salamence. The moment it touched its ally, Scizor returned to its Poké Ball.
The transfer was complete.
Mega Salamence's Boosted Dragon Dance, Iron Defense, and Swords Dance now coursed through its body. Its eyes gleamed with pure destructive intent.
"Giga Impact!"
Under the effect of Aerilate, Mega Salamence's Giga Impact became an unstoppable force, amplified by the stacked stat boosts.
As Shadow Force and Giga Impact collided, Giratina slammed into an unbreakable wall—Mega Salamence's reinforced armor.
A deafening crack echoed through the battlefield as Giratina was forcefully repelled, crashing into the ruins below.
Claydol activated Gravity, forcing all remaining Ghost-types downward—right into the same impact zone.
The resulting crash collapsed an entire wing of the Sinjoh Ruins. The containment device suppressing Celebi was also destroyed, allowing it to break free.
The Mirror Property Gengar, though resistant, were completely incapacitated by the impact.
"It's over, Kamiyama heir."
The sandstorm settled, revealing Klein standing tall.
The Kamiyama family's defeat was absolute.
(To be continued…)