After listening to Marissa's heartfelt story, the group followed the excited little girl through the colorful streets of Sunburst Island toward her family's glass workshop.
The shop was modest but filled with beautiful displays of glassware. Behind the counter stood a young man in his early twenties with messy brown hair, looking tired and frustrated as he carefully polished a half-finished glass sculpture that clearly lacked the magic his grandfather was once known for.
"Big brother Matio! They're here!" Marissa called out happily, pulling Ash and the others inside.
"This is Ash and his friends! They found my message and they're going to help us find the Crystal Onix!"
Matio looked up, surprised. His eyes held a mix of doubt and faint hope. "The Crystal Onix…? That old story Grandpa used to tell? I appreciate it, but… I don't know if a legend can really fix what's missing in me."
Ash stepped forward with a confident smile. "We won't know until we try. If your grandfather gained his artistic spark from meeting it, then maybe you can too. We're here to help."
Misty, Sabrina, and Daisy nodded encouragingly. Even Giselle gave a small, supportive bow in her maid outfit.
After a short discussion, Matio agreed to join them, bringing along his trusted Charmeleon. The group set off toward the crystal caves on the outskirts of the island, guided by Marissa's directions.
Ash turned to Sabrina with a focused look. "Rina, can you sense anything?"
Sabrina's violet eyes glowed softly as she extended her psychic powers. Ash did the same, his own psychic energy joining hers. Together, their minds reached out across the island until they both locked onto a strong, unique signature a powerful presence deep within a hidden cave system.
"There," Sabrina said quietly, pointing toward a rocky outcrop covered in shimmering crystal veins. "The cave is that way."
They soon arrived at the entrance. The moment they stepped inside, everyone gasped in awe.
The cave walls were lined with pure, sparkling crystals of every color, reflecting light like a thousand tiny rainbows. In the center lay a large, perfectly still underground lake whose surface mirrored the crystal ceiling like glass.
"Wow…" Tracey whispered, already pulling out his sketchbook. "This place is incredible."
Suddenly, the water in the lake began to ripple. A low, resonant cry echoed through the cave as a majestic Pokémon emerged from the depths.
Its body was made entirely of translucent crystal, shimmering with inner light. Crystal Onix beautiful, powerful, and radiating an almost ethereal presence. It was both Ground and Ice type in nature, its crystalline segments gleaming with frost-like patterns.
Matio's eyes widened. "That's… just like Grandpa described…"
Ash placed a hand on Matio's shoulder. "This one's for you first. Go ahead. Battle it and try to connect with it."
Matio nodded, determination building in his chest. "Charmeleon, let's do this!"
The battle was intense but respectful. Charmeleon fought bravely, but more importantly, as the fight progressed, Matio began to truly observe the Crystal Onix its graceful movements, the way light danced through its body, the pure, untamed beauty of its form.
Something stirred inside him. A long-lost spark ignited. By the end of the battle, even though Charmeleon was tiring, Matio's eyes were shining with fresh inspiration.
"I… I feel it," Matio whispered, awe in his voice. "The spark… it's coming back."
Ash smiled. "My turn now. Gyarados Boy, I choose you!"
The massive red Gyarados burst out with a powerful roar, facing the Crystal Onix. The battle was spectacular Gyarados's raw power clashing against the Crystal Onix's icy ground-based attacks.
Crystal shards and water splashed everywhere as the two titans fought. With perfect teamwork and Ash's commands, Shiny Gyarados finally brought the Crystal Onix down.
"Poké Ball, go!" Ash shouted.
The ball shook once… twice… three times… and clicked.
Crystal Onix was caught.
At that moment, the familiar mechanical voice rang clearly in Ash's mind.
[Ding!]
Mission Completed: Help Matio regain his artistic spark via the Crystal Onix.
Reward Delivered: Ice Onix Core(A special item that will help the Crystal Onix evolve into Icelix a powerful mutated Steelix variant.), Random Pokemon +3 level up.
Ash smiled inwardly as he felt the new item appear in his inventory. He made a mental note to check the details later.
"Great job, buddy," Ash said softly to his new Crystal Onix, holding up the ball with a proud smile.
Back at Matio's workshop later that afternoon, the change was immediate and beautiful. Matio worked with renewed passion, his hands moving with confidence and soul.
The new glass pieces he created had an undeniable life-like quality they seemed to glow with inner fire, just like his grandfather's legendary works.
Marissa watched with tears of joy. "Brother… they're perfect!"
The entire group praised him warmly. Misty clapped excitedly, Sabrina offered a soft proud smile, and Daisy gave Matio an encouraging pat on the back. Even Giselle nodded approvingly. Tracey's sketchbook was filled with drawings of the new sculptures.
Before leaving, Ash pulled out a large pouch of Poké Dollars and handed it to Matio. "This is for your time and materials. And I have a special commission for you."
He gave detailed instructions:
For Misty: A beautiful glass Milotic
For Sabrina: An elegant glass Espeon
For Daisy: A graceful glass Bellossom
For Giselle: A delicate glass Cubone (the tsundere maid blushed deeply but didn't protest)
For His best buddy brock: An intimidating croagunk(oh!!! its for future reference)
For his mother in Pallet Town: A warm, beautiful Chansey sculpture
For Amber: A cute glass Pichu
For Cynthia: A powerful, majestic glass Garchomp her first Pokémon
Matio listened carefully and nodded with excitement. "These will be my finest works yet. I'll pour my heart into every one. I'll package them safely and mail them all to the Ketchum residence in Pallet Town."
Ash grinned. "Perfect. Send everything there. We'll pick them up when we eventually head back to Kanto."
As the sun began to set, the group enjoyed a pleasant outing near the beach. Tracey wandered off a short distance to sketch the beautiful sunset over the crystal-clear waters.
Ash sat on the warm sand with his girls Misty leaning against his right side, Sabrina on his left, and Daisy resting her head comfortably on his shoulder. Giselle sat nearby, trying (and failing) to hide her growing blush whenever Ash glanced at her.
The four of them shared quiet laughter and soft conversations, enjoying the peaceful moment together. Ash gently pulled all three closer, savoring the warmth and love that surrounded him.
The Orange Islands continued to bring new friends, new challenges, and beautiful memories. With one more Gym Badge waiting somewhere ahead and the System's chain mission progressing, Ash felt truly content.
For now, he simply cherished the time with his girls under the fading orange sky.