Orange Archipelago: Ocean, Day…

It was a beautiful day as the trio sat atop Lapras who was ferrying them to Sunburst Island. Ash was currently messing with his pokedex to see if it had any information on the Crystal Onix. Fortunately, he found out he could run a search using Onix as a base.

This did turn up something in what looked like an Onix made of blue crystal:

Onix, Hisuian Form. The warming of the Hisui Region, now known as Sinnoh, saw all variations of this pokemon dying out or becoming the Onix of today.

Ash stared at that description before looking back at James and showing him the entry. The picture wasn't like any other image of pokemon you saw today. This one was hand drawn and had been uploaded among the plethora of other pokemon in here.

"Hey James, Is this our Crystal Onix?" Ash asked.

James took the pokedex and looked at it. "Well, no one's ever seen it in person, but this hand drawn image does match the description from the guide book." He passed the device back to the young trainer. "Hey, it's not like we haven't seen a Hisuian pokemon in modern times."

They had told Ash about that pokemon Marley had. "Regardless, I'm interested to try my hand at catching this pokemon weather or not it is a descendant from those times. If it doesn't exist, I'm positive I can find something else to catch."

Serena noticed something just ahead of them. "Hey, what's that in the water?"

Lapras noticed the bottle and picked it up with her mouth before handing it to her trainer. "Nice catch Lapras." He noticed something in the bottle. "Huh, looks like we found a message in a bottle."

Ash took it out and read over the message:

'If you know anything about a pokemon called the Crystal Onix, let me know right away!

Signed,

Marissa from Sunburst Island'

"The Crystal Onix!" Ash exclaimed. "Do you guys think that they have some information on it that the guide books don't?"

"It's possible." James nodded. "If anyone is going to know something the books don't, it'd be a native of the island."

"In that case, it's a solid lead." Ash smiled. "If they can give us anything to go on, I wouldn't mind catching it to show this person." He thought about it and sighed. "Actually, if they want it, I wouldn't mind giving it to them."

Serena could tell her boyfriend really wanted this pokemon, but he did wear his heart on his sleeve. Even if it meant missing out on something, he was so willing to give it up for others. That was just one of the things she loved about him.

Ash's smile quickly returned. "Alright, full speed ahead to Sunburst Island, Lapras."

"Lap!" Lapras declared before speeding along the water.

Sunburst Island's Market

The market place was full of people and glass shops. That's not to say there weren't other shops around but putting all those together pretty much equaled the total number of glass shops one could see.

"Whoa, this is a lot of glass." Serena commanded.

"Due to the legends of the Crystal Onix, Sunburst Island is famous for their crystal and glass shops." James explained. "Lots of artists live here and people travel from all around the world to buy Sunburst's art."

The trio moved through the market and were just about to ask around for Marissa when they heard an unfamiliar guy yelling. "You're still keeping this dump open?! Haven't gone out of business yet?"

The group spotted some guy standing before a store and yelling at a little girl with pink hair.

"No sir." The girl whispered sadly.

"I don't see why you don't just close up shop. I mean, ya got no merchandise." The guy surveyed the empty tables. "You should tell your big brother he should give up because he's got no talent."

The girl's eyes filled with tears at that. "Yes, he does." She bowed her head. "He's very good."

The man realized he may have stepped too far. "Oh, please don't start cryin' on me…"

James couldn't take what he was seeing, so he stormed over followed by Ash and Serena. "Where do you get off talking like that to a kid? Regardless of if your someone she knows or not, no one should bring a child to tears like this."

"Look, all I know is that being next to them is ruining my business." The man began to walk away. "Ah kids today. Sticking their noses in other people's businesses."

"That's not how business works, you jerk!" James shouted angrily. "Either you wish they were doing better or stay silent and let them fail like you seem to think they are. In the end, just leave this girl alone."

The man grumbled under his breath but choose not to engage further as he entered his business.

Since James handled the guy, Serena decided to address the girl. "Hey, are you alright?"

"Yes." She replied shyly.

"Do you run this shop by yourself?" Ash inquired.

She shook her head. "My big brother, Mateo, helps out."

Serena giggled with a smile as she bent down to the girl's level. "I'm certain he's always such a help to your business."

"Yeah, he is." The girl had brightened for a moment before becoming sad again. "Now, he feels really bad and doesn't want to make glass anymore."

"I see." Ash and the others frowned. "Hey, what's your name?"

"My name is Marissa." The girl spoke up.

Ash gasped and pulled the message from his pocket. "Then, you must be the one who wrote this."

"I knew someone would answer my letter!" Marissa called with glee while cupping her hands in a hopeful manner. "You must tell me everything you know about the Crystal Onix, please!"

"Well, I don't really know anything beyond what the guide books tell." Ash replied which caused the girl's face to fall and made him wave his hands frantically. "Though, I am a pokemon trainer that believes this pokemon exist, and I'd love to catch him for you."

"R-Really!?" Marissa brightened up once more. "That's great! You should come talk to my brother because he knows a little more about the Crystal Onix than anyone else on the island… Well, that's not too hard since so few believe it exist."

"I thought this island embraced the legend of the pokemon?" Serena questioned.

"They do, but practically everyone thinks the Crystal Onix is just that… a legend." Marissa shook her head and gestured for them to follow. "Hey, come with me. I'll take you to Mateo."

Marissa and Mateo's Shop

Ash and company were led into the back of the store and up to a young man with brown hair who was looking at his sister. "Marissa, have you been bothering these people?'

"Oh no, not at all." Serena assured. "She's no bother at all, right guys?"

"If anyone was a bother, it was that lousy shop neighbor." James crossed his arms. "I could run circles around him in business."

Ash could understand James' anger at that guy, but he figured they should bring the focus back to what they were doing here. "We're just hoping to help your store out since it's so empty compared to every other shop around here."

"Well, you see…" Mateo bowed his head, so Marissa grabbed her brother's hand to give him strength bringing a small smile to his face. "When my grandfather ran the shop, it was full of glass and a huge success!" His smile grew as he remembered the good old days.

"Grandpa was a really talented artist, and he made the most beautiful glass pokemon sculptures. His passion rubbed off on me, and I try my best to live up to his legacy." He sighed. "No matter how hard I try, I just can't make anything as good as he did."

Serena had walked over to a table with a couple of glass pokemon statues and admired them. "Mateo, these all look great."

"They don't look like my grandfather's." Mateo picked up a Poliwhirl statue. "His were masterworks. Compared to them, these are worthless!"

He threw the statue to the ground smashing it to pieces and making everyone gasp.

"Honestly, what's so bad about them, Mateo?" Serena questioned.

"They don't have the spark." Mateo stated passionately. "That inner fire my grandpa was famous for. His statues looked like they may become alive at any second!" Mateo turned away from everyone. "If I could just catch the Crystal Onix, but I'm not strong enough…"

"So, your grandpa really saw the Crystal Onix?" Ash asked.

"Grandpa always told me the story of when he was just a young artist." Mateo smiled. "He said it was the Crystal Onix which inspired him. Said it was the most amazing thing he'd ever seen. After seeing it, for the rest of his life, grandfather turned out sculpture after sculpture."

He gestured for them to look at a statue of the Crystal Onix. "Take a look at this." They all gasped in amazement. "That's a statue of the Crystal Onix my grandfather saw. Grandpa used to say that whenever he needed inspiration, all he had to do was think of that Crystal Onix."

James understood now. "This is why you want to find the Crystal Onix so much, Marissa."

"Yeah." Marissa nodded. "I want big brother to be able to create sculptures like grandfather could."

"Alright, I've decided." Ash declared firmly drawing everyone's attention. "If you're not strong enough to capture the Crystal Onix, then you can just come with us to search for it. My pokemon should be plenty strong, so I'll catch it for you."

"I'm in." James stated.

Serena just stared lovingly at her boyfriend.

Marissa cupped her hands with sparkles in her eyes. "Thank you!"

Outside the Town

The trio, plus Mateo and Marissa, looked off in the distance.

"So, the Crystal Onix is somewhere on this island?" Serena inquired.

Mateo nodded. "That's what my grandfather always said."

"So, where do we even begin to look?" James questioned.

"I think I got an idea." Ash pulled out his pokedex to cross reference his memory of looking at it on Lapras' back. "Yeah, this should work."

"Are you going to share your idea with us?" Marissa asked.

"If the Crystal Onix really is a Hisuian Onix, then it's an ice/ground type." Ash explained.

"I see what you're saying." James nodded. "Since the island itself would be too hot for an ice type, and ground types prefer to be under the earth, a cave would be to this Onix's liking."

"Exactly." Ash smiled. "Let's send out Charizard and Ditto to scout the island. If there's a cave, they'd find it faster than we could on foot."

So, the pair sent out Charizard and Ditto before explaining. Ditto then transformed into another Charizard before the pair took to the air in search of any caves. Now, all the group had to do was wait.

Sunburst's Shores: Later…

Charizard and Ditto eventually returned with news of a cave entrance. The two then led the group towards the shore of the island where they noticed a smaller island not too far from where they stood. Ash and James returned their pokemon with a thanks offered to both.

"Well, I could get Lapras to ferry us all over in groups." Ash offered.

Before anyone else could speak, the water began to split down the middle leaving a clear pathway to the mysterious isle.

"I cannot believe it." James stated in shock.

"It's like a path through the water." Ash observed.

"Looks like a sandbar that connects the two islands." Serena stated

"We shouldn't waste this opportunity." Mateo stated. "Let's go."

The group walked to the other side and into a forest which was eerily quiet. While Serena certainly took note, it wasn't enough to completely get to her like other locations in the past. Still, it was an oddity. Eventually, they reached the cave entrance and felt a cold wind within.

Inside the Cave

The group walked on until they entered a cavern with a similar atmosphere to the one where they found Articuno. Well, it was less than that, but the feeling was still similar. There was a lake in the middle and beautiful ice crystals jutting out of the rock in multiple places.

"Wow." James stated in awe. "Look at this place."

"I think this proves it." Ash declared. "Crystal Onix is actually a Hisuian Onix."

That's when Serena noticed two, glaring eyes within the lake. "I think I see it!"

"Where?" Everyone else called out.

That's when there was a break in the water's surface as a giant, blue pokemon appeared from within. It was the Hisuian Onix which roared before them.

"It really exist." Mateo declared happily.

"Whoa, things just got a lot colder in here." Serena stated.

"I think it's time all of you get back." Ash stepped forward while clutching Charizard's pokeball. "I choose you, Charizard!"

The rest of the group ran back to the entrance of the cavern while the flame pokemon appeared roaring at the challenge. While the Hisuian Onix tended to escape from those who wanted to catch him, this trainer was different. He wasn't in awe or showed any sign of fear.

This young trainer stood firm before him with every intention of battling and had even brought a strong fire pokemon along. It had been a long time since a prospective challenge came along, so he decided to test this human. See if he was worthy to catch him.

Ash vs Hisuian Onix

"Charizard, let's hit hard with flamethrower." Ash ordered.

Onix used hail which would be damaging Charizard little by little for quite some time. In return, the flame pokemon launched his flamethrower at the ice/ground type dolling out massive damage.

"Let's keep up the pressure with a steel wing, Charizard." Ash ordered.

As Charizard launched forward with his metal coated wings, Onix blitzed around him and struck true with an ice beam. Since the flame pokemon was part flying, this hurt the him more than normal, and he took damage from the hail.

"Wow, the Crystal Onix is fast." Marissa commented.

"Yeah, to fast for an Onix." James stated. "Ash, I think that Onix has snow rush for an ability. If the hail is out, his speed dramatically increases!"

"Then, we'll have to deal with the hail." Ash declared. "Sunny day."

The flame pokemon managed to get off sunny day launching a yellow sphere into the air which dispelled the hail. Then, blizzard came in hurting Charizard more.

"Alright, let's take advantage of the sun by using solar beam." Ash declared.

Hisuian Onix prepped a dragon pulse while Charizard collected energy from the artificially created sun above. Both pokemon fired their attacks with solar beam overcoming the dragon type attack and smashing into Onix knocking him back. The ice/ground type prepped earth power.

"Charizard, ascend to dodge and bring Onix into catching range with a flare blitz." Ash ordered.

A geyser of earth shot up where Charizard had been because the flame pokemon was already in the air. The fire starter then cloaked himself in fire and smashed down onto Onix taking recoil damage. The ice/ground type was weakened sufficiently.

Ash decided to go with his dusk ball. They were in a cave after all, and he wanted to be certain of the capture. That Onix did seem to be quite the fighter, and there was no telling if he'd try to run after a failed capture.

Ash flipped his hat and prepared for the throw. "Go, pokeball!"

He threw the dusk ball and it hit the crystal pokemon before sucking him inside. It shook back and forth multiple times. After a few minutes, the ball stopped wiggling and dinged showing it was a successful capture.

"Alright!" Ash cheered as he ran and picked up the pokeball. "I just caught Hisuian Onix!"

Ash held the pokeball out in one hand and flashed a V sign with the other. Pikachu struck his pose along with his trainer while Charizard celebrated a successful battle.

His pokedex vibrated, so he pulled it out. "Please select which pokemon you wish to send back."

Ash knew he could just get his pokemon back from Professor Oak once he gave this Onix to Mateo, so he decided on sending his Galarian Rapidash back for the time being. The pokedex then recorded the data along with a new picture of the Hisuian pokemon:

Onix, Hisuian Form. The warming of the Hisui Region, now known as Sinnoh, saw all variations of this pokemon dying out or becoming the Onix of today.

Type: Ice/Ground

Ability: Snow Rush

Sex: Male

Current Moves: Curse, Hail, Body Press, Ice Beam, Icicle Crash, Freeze-Dry, Dragon Tail, Brutal Swing, Dragon Pulse, Dig, Earth Power, Iron Tail, Earthquake, Blizzard

Ash's companions then approached him.

"That was a fine catch Ash." James stated.

"Yeah, you were great." Serena declared. "So was Charizard."

She was glad this didn't turn into another Scyther situation.

Ash then noticed Mateo and Marissa standing back, so he nodded to them. "Hey Mateo, come say hi to your new pokemon." He threw the new pokeball. "I choose you, Onix!"

The crystal pokemon appeared as the brother and sister approached. He began looking around for his trainer, but the pokemon's eyes first locked with Mateo's. For a good moment, the two of them stared at one another. Suddenly, the glass maker was hit with inspiration.

"Aren't you going to greet your new pokemon, Mateo?" James asked.

"Nah, he's not my pokemon." Mateo closed his eyes and smiled contently. "Seeing this pokemon up close, I'm positive." He opened his eyes. "I've found that inspiration my grandfather found long ago. Now, I know I can work like he once did."

"Mateo…" Marissa whispered with a smile.

"Does that mean Onix is…" Ash began.

The Onix leaned down next to Ash and affectionately rubbed his head up against his new trainer.

"Huh, would you look at that." James smiled. "Seems Ash's talents with pokemon can even make the most aggressive of species loving towards him."

"Yeah, that's just one his charms." Serena smiled lovingly.

"This mean, you really are my new pokemon!" Ash exclaimed before hugging him.

Onix picked Ash up by the back of his jacket and deposited his new trainer onto his back before riding around the cave happily. Finally, he had found someone worthy of his strength, respect, and affection. He would now defend Ash no matter the opponent.

Marissa and Mateo's Shop: Later…

Ash and company watched as Mateo worked hard with a Cyndaquil to prepare molten glass for statue making.

"Keep going Cyndaquil." Mateo declared.

"Keep going, Mateo!" Marissa cheered.

Sunburst Island: 2 hours later

"Bye!" Ash and everyone waved back at the brother and sister.

"Thanks for all your help!" Marissa declared.

"Take good care of Onix, Ash!" Mateo shouted.

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of him for sure!" Ash shouted back

So, the group walked away from the town to continue their journey.

"It looks so real." Ash smiled softly as he eyed a small glass statue of a Pikachu. "At first, I didn't get what Mateo meant even after seeing his grandfather's statue, but I think I really get it now. I can only hope they'll do alright."

"I'm positive they will Ash." Serena smiled. "If Mateo can turn out products like this, they'll gain back their grandfather's business and then some."

"No doubt their store will be that success Mateo and Marissa want." James added.

Kanto: Safari Zone

Gary was studying the map before him and comparing it to the notes he'd been given. He was still a good week from the best training locations; however, something was catching his interest. Team Rocket's pokemon, save Giovani and Vicious', were released into an area nearby.

Thinking back on his battle with Damian, that Typhlosion, despite being under trained, was a promising capture. In his hands, with all this time he had before the Indigo League, Gary was positive he could turn the pokemon into a real powerhouse.

"Looks like I'm heading a bit off the beaten path towards the rockier area." Gary collected his things and stood up before heading roughly in the right direction. "Even if it takes awhile to find him, this is the kind of pokemon I'm looking for."

As Gary walked, he kept his eyes peeled for other, enticing captures or pokemon he could battle.

Deserted Island Near Kanto

A large green airship, with a series of rotating fans around it, sat on this island as preparations were being taken care of for the coming festival over in the Orange Islands. Within this ship there stood two figures. They were Hunter J and Lawrence the III.

Lawrence was a standing contract Hunter J had made. He was a tall, pale man with moss green hair. He wore white pants with a matching shirt as well as a long grey with purple down the middle tunic. After her defeat to Wes, his payment was just what she needed.

Hunter J scowled. "I still don't see why we can't do this now."

"The Beast of the Sea must be tamed on the day of the festival," Lawrence explained calmly. "The festival is still a good couple of months away. Why are you so anxious?"

J strode over to the console and brought up recon images of Shamouti Island. "That festival is going to be densely populated. It draws in people from all over the Orange Islands to see it, so we might be found out."

"Dear me." Lawrence stated with mock surprise. "Is this you I hear worried about being found out? Aren't you the one who dares the police to do what they can?"

"That was when I had a battleship and crew." J admitted. "While I'm still strong, losing that has cut my efficiency down to myself alone. Until my new one can be secured, and loyal men found, I'm a battalion of one."

"Then, you shouldn't be worried." Lawrence shrugged. "After all, we are standing in my battleship. A great citadel of the skies!"

At this point, Hunter J was uncertain why she'd decided to take this contract when she could be out there putting together a proper team. Still, the promise of a legendary she could call her own was an enticing offer.

"Very well." J walked away from him. "I'm going to go train."

She had upped her training regimen since losing to Wes. Even though she didn't have a proper team, in her eyes the current team had failed her, she'd still use them just as she used pokemon in the past to get where she is now. That is the nature by which she works.

I just want to say that how Pokemon has handled the Crystal Onix is a disappointing affair. I mean, just think about it. Alola comes around introducing us to Alolan forms, yet there is no Alolan Onix(Crystal Onix). I mean look, the anime basically hands them a regional variant, and we never get it. We don't get it in Alola or Galar. Canon Hisui is a tossup, but I decided, in my eyes, that Crystal Onix would be a Hisuian Onix.

I would like to thank Elemental-Aura for suggesting the ice/ground typing for this pokemon.

Ibrenneke: Thank you

Reader(74): I did my best with the challenges, so thank you.

Reader(75): It was also build up for Brock making an appearance in the coming chapters.