บท 334: Chapter 16: Searching
Sunburst Island is connected to an unnamed island, but there is no road linking the two islands under normal conditions.
Only during low tide does a sandbar emerge, allowing people to walk across to the unnamed island.
The terrain of this unnamed island is rugged, with jagged rocks and dense forests, making it unsuitable for habitation. As a result, Sunburst Island authorities had no interest in developing it.
In fact, Sunburst Island itself has been only partially developed. Despite its vast area, only about one-sixth has been utilized so far. With so much untapped land, there is little motivation to invest in a barren island.
Because it remains untouched, the unnamed island has become a haven for wild Pokémon, many of which are notably strong. Consequently, ordinary people rarely venture there.
"That's the island," Ash said as their group arrived at the beach separating the two landmasses. The area was desolate, far removed from the bustling village.
"When does the tide go out?" Ash asked, glancing at the stretch of water between the islands.
Mateo thought for a moment. "Low tide should happen around four or five in the afternoon," he replied.
Ash checked the time on his Xtransceiver. It was 3:40 PM. They reached the village at 2:15, spent some time there, and then took half an hour to reach the beach.
"We won't wait for low tide," Ash declared, not wanting to waste time. He pulled out two Poké Balls. "Blastoise, Lapras—let's go!"
Releasing the two Pokémon, their majestic appearances drew the attention of Marissa and Mateo.
While Marissa was merely fascinated, Mateo's trained eye as a glass craftsman noted Blastoise's exceptional physique, far stronger than most of its kind.
Ash instructed Blastoise to carry Mateo and Marissa, while he, Misty, and Tracey climbed onto Lapras.
The group set off toward the unnamed island, the distance between the two shores being a manageable 300 to 400 metres.
"But how are we going to search? If we comb through bit by bit, we might not find the Crystal Onix until tomorrow," Misty said, standing at the edge of the dense forest with an exasperated sigh.
"I have an idea. I'm not sure it will work, though," Tracey said, stepping forward. He pulled out a Poké Ball and released a small, round Pokémon. "Marill, let's go!"
Marill's blue body, white belly, large ears, and twisted lightning-shaped tail ended in a sphere that swayed as it hopped.
"My Marill is special," Tracey explained, a note of pride in his voice. "It has the ability to detect the sounds of distant Pokémon through vibrations and soundwaves."
The unique talent of this Marill had helped Tracey locate and observe various Pokémon before, making it invaluable for his studies.
"Even if the Crystal Onix is made of crystal, its essence should still be Onix," Tracey explained, pulling out a tape recorder. He played the sound of Onix's roar for Marill to hear. "Marill, find where Onix is on this island."
"Mari!" Marill squeaked confidently before closing its eyes to concentrate.
The group stood in silence, careful not to disturb Marill's focus. After a minute of tense waiting, Mateo glanced at Tracey, his impatience evident.
Tracey gestured for patience. "If there's an Onix on this island—crystal or not—Marill will find it," he assured.
Suddenly, Marill opened its eyes and let out an excited cry. It turned toward a specific direction and gestured urgently with its tail.
"Marill found something!" Tracey exclaimed, his excitement contagious.
Without hesitation, the group followed Marill into the dense forest. The thick vegetation slowed their progress, especially Marissa, who struggled while holding Togepi. She stumbled several times, nearly falling.
Finally, Misty took Togepi, carrying the little Pokémon in her arms. Mateo lifted his sister onto his back, and their pace improved significantly.
After some time, they emerged from the dense undergrowth into a large clearing. In the middle stood a cave, its entrance dark and foreboding, leading underground.
"Ma-rilll!" Marill cried, pointing to the cave with determination.
"The target is inside," Tracey said, nodding.
Ali stepped forward eagerly, but Tracey stopped him. "We don't know what's in there yet," he warned. "It could be an ordinary Onix, the Crystal Onix, or something else entirely. Let's not rush."
Ash stepped up. "Let me go first," he said confidently. "Pikachu, you're up."
With Pikachu leading the way, the group cautiously entered the cave. The passage sloped downward, and the air grew cooler as the light faded. They turned on their flashlights, moving carefully along the uneven ground.
After several minutes, they emerged into a vast underground cavern. In the dim light, the walls sparkled with clusters of crystals.
"Look at all these crystals!" Misty said, her voice filled with wonder. Though beautiful, the crystals were ordinary, lacking significant value. Still, their abundance made for a striking sight.
Suddenly, ripples disturbed the still surface of an underground lake. The small movement drew everyone's attention, their eyes fixed on the water.
"There's something in the lake!" Ash called out, signaling the others to step back. He readied Pikachu for battle, just in case.
Mateo's eyes were wide with anticipation, his heart pounding as he stared at the water.
Without warning, a massive splash erupted from the lake. Water sprayed in all directions as a colossal figure rose from the depths.
Under the glow of their flashlights, its body refracted light, scattering it across the cavern walls.
The enormous Pokémon revealed itself—an Onix, but its entire body was made of gleaming crystal.
"The Crystal Onix!" Mateo gasped, his voice trembling with awe.
______________________
Join my Patron for more advance chapters
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง