Chapter 18: Giving Up

Despite its fear of Charmeleon's Flamethrower, the Crystal Onix did not back down. If it were going to be attacked, its opponent would have to pay the price.

Rock-type energy surged from the Crystal Onix, spreading through the cavern and causing irregular stones to form above. 

The rocks rained down, colliding with the oncoming flames and neutralising them midair. The fiery attack dissipated harmlessly, never reaching Onix.

"Again! Flamethrower!" Mateo shouted, his determination renewed. He had noticed that Onix avoided using its body to block the attack, a clear sign that it was afraid of Charmeleon's flames.

Charmeleon unleashed another burst of flames, this time faster than before.

The Crystal Onix had just finished summoning the Falling Rocks and hadn't expected such a swift follow-up. The slight delay in its reaction left it vulnerable. The Flamethrower struck its crystalline body directly.

What started as a seemingly ordinary attack quickly turned catastrophic. The flames engulfed Onix, burning its crystal-like surface red. Only the parts of its body submerged in the lake remained unaffected.

"Onixxx—!" Onix roared in pain, the sound reverberating through the cave. The walls shook as if echoing its agony.

"This level of damage..." Tracey muttered, his eyes wide with disbelief. "That Flamethrower wasn't even that strong, but it caused such massive harm!"

"That's because this Onix isn't a typical Rock or Ground type," Ash explained, crossing his arms. "It's Steel and Ice."

Tracey blinked, then focused on Onix with a growing realization. His hands moved faster as he sketched. "Steel and Ice... That explains everything. This is a monumental discovery!"

Mateo, however, stood frozen, staring at the wounded Onix. His eyes were wide, his expression unreadable.

"Charmeleon?" The Fire Pokémon turned back toward its trainer, puzzled by Mateo's silence. It growled softly, trying to snap him out of it, but Mateo remained unresponsive.

The Crystal Onix took the opportunity to retreat. It slid into the lake, submerging itself to cool its burning body. The water steamed around it as it sought relief, coiling defensively in the depths and refusing to resurface.

"Brother..." Mateo's younger sister, Marissa, called out worriedly from behind Misty, who had been shielding her. 

She tried to approach Mateo but was stopped by Misty's hand on her shoulder.

"What's wrong with him?" Misty whispered, confused by Mateo's sudden immobility.

"Keep your voice down," Tracey urged. His eyes were sharp, understanding dawning on him. "Mateo might be in a moment of inspiration. It's critical. Let's not disturb him."

"Inspiration?" Ash echoed, glancing at Mateo. The term reminded him of something from his previous life—moments of enlightenment.

Mateo's expression began to shift as he furrowed his brows. He seemed deep in thought, as though wrestling with a complex problem he couldn't solve. 

Tracey observed him carefully, knowing that if Mateo lost focus, his inspiration would slip away.

Just then, the lake rippled violently. The Crystal Onix emerged again, its body cooled and sparkling with water droplets. The sight was both fierce and mesmerizing as it locked eyes with Mateo.

For a tense moment, trainer and Pokémon stared at one another. Then, to everyone's surprise, Mateo laughed—a bright, genuine sound that echoed through the cavern.

Mateo nodded to the Onix and calmly called, "Charmeleon, return."

Charmeleon hesitated, confused by the command, but eventually obeyed. It returned to Mateo's side, tilting its head in curiosity.

"What are you doing?" Misty asked, her voice incredulous. "Why aren't you catching it?"

Mateo turned to her and the others, shaking his head. "There's no need." He looked back at the Crystal Onix with a soft expression. 

"I'm sorry, Onix, for disturbing your life. But don't worry—I won't let anyone know you're here."

The Crystal Onix let out a deep roar, its tone less threatening this time. It gave the group a final glance before sinking back into the lake's depths, disappearing from sight.

"Thank you, Onix," Mateo murmured, his voice filled with gratitude.

As they made their way out of the cavern, Mateo finally spoke, explaining his decision to the others. 

The battle with the Crystal Onix had given him insight—he now believed in his ability to create works as extraordinary as his grandfather's.

Tracey lingered by the entrance to the underground lake, holding his sketchpad. He sighed and began tearing out the page he had drawn of the Crystal Onix.

"What are you doing?" Ash asked, stepping forward to stop him.

"I don't want to endanger it," Tracey explained. "If this information gets out, people will come looking for it."

Ash shook his head. "You don't need to destroy your work. Just don't include details about its habitat. You can even share it with Professor Oak—he might learn something valuable from your observations."

Tracey paused, then nodded, realizing Ash was right. He tucked the sketchpad away, grateful he hadn't acted rashly.

When they returned to the village, the tide had receded, revealing the sandy path connecting the two islands. The sunset bathed the scene in warm, golden light, making it feel almost magical.

Back at the village, Mateo disappeared into his workshop. Marissa invited Ash, Misty, and Tracey to stay the night, and they gratefully accepted. 

The group prepared a simple dinner, their cooking skills barely adequate but the meal satisfying enough.

When Marissa went to call Mateo for dinner, she found him completely engrossed in his work. She returned to fetch the others, and together they entered the workshop.

Inside, Mateo was putting the finishing touches on a glass sculpture. It was shaped like a Pikachu, small and intricate, yet capturing every detail of Ash's companion perfectly.

"It's done!" Mateo exclaimed, his face beaming with pride. For the first time, he felt he had achieved the level of craftsmanship his grandfather would be proud of.

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