----
After leaving the Crystal Cave, Sabrina assumed that Kai would head straight to their next destination. To her surprise, he turned back toward Sunburst Island and its town centre.
"Didn't we already catch the Crystal Onix? Why are we going back?" she asked, her tone sceptical.
Kai shrugged casually. "Remember that little girl who threw the message in a bottle? I figured I'd find her and fulfil her wish to see the Crystal Onix."
Sabrina raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you become the type to meddle in other people's business?"
Kai grinned. "Oh, don't get me wrong. It's not entirely selfless. She did help me indirectly by pointing us to the right place. But honestly, I also have a favour I need to ask her and her brother."
"Her… brother?" Sabrina repeated, her curiosity growing.
---
The streets of Sunburst Island were bustling with tourists and locals alike. Glass art shops lined the roads, showcasing their dazzling displays of intricate and colourful creations. Kai's sharp gaze scanned every storefront, looking for the little girl.
After a dozen stops and no luck, he decided to approach a shopkeeper for help. The man greeted them warmly as they entered.
"Welcome! Are you looking for something special? We have all sorts of glassware tea sets, vases, figurines, you name it! And if you're interested, we're running a special discount today 15% off!"
Kai smiled politely. "Actually, I'm looking for a young girl named Marissa and her older brother, Mateo. He's a glass artisan, too. Do you know where I can find them?"
The shopkeeper stroked his chin in thought. "Marissa… Mateo…" After a moment, his face lit up. "Ah, you must mean Mateo! Are you planning to buy something from him?"
Before Kai could respond, the shopkeeper shook his head and leaned in conspiratorially. "I wouldn't bother. Mateo's work is… well, let's just say it's not worth your time. His designs are simple, and his stock is always so limited! Now, my shop, on the other hand, is the best on the island. Top-notch quality and great variety! How about I show you some of our best-selling pieces?"
Kai held up a hand, declining the offer. "Thank you, but I'm not here to shop. I just want to meet them."
Hearing this, the shopkeeper's enthusiasm faded. With a sigh, he pointed down the street. "Their shop is over there. The one with the faded sign. You can't miss it."
Kai nodded his thanks, and he and Sabrina made their way to the shop in question.
---
The small glass shop stood out, but not for the right reasons. Its sign was old and weathered, the paint peeling in places. Unlike the lively, bustling shops surrounding it, this one was eerily quiet. Not a single customer was in sight.
Through the display window, they could see the shelves sparsely stocked with plain, uninspired glassware. Compared to the elaborate pieces in neighbouring stores, these seemed almost out of place.
Still, Kai pushed open the door and stepped inside. A familiar face greeted them Marissa, the young girl from the beach.
Balancing on her tiptoes, she clutched a rag in her small hands and was diligently wiping down the counter. Her tiny figure wobbled as she struggled to reach every corner of the tall surface.
Hearing the bell above the door chime, Marissa looked up. Her face lit up with a welcoming smile.
"Hello! Welcome to our—" she began, but stopped mid-sentence as recognition dawned. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"It's you!"
She glanced nervously over Kai's shoulder, likely searching for Charizard, the intimidating Pokémon she'd seen the previous night.
Kai chuckled. "You're Marissa, right?"
The girl hesitated, taking a cautious step back. "How… how do you know my name?"
Kai gave her a reassuring smile. "We found one of your bottles. The one with the message about the Crystal Onix."
Marissa's face lit up with excitement. "You did? Do you know where the Crystal Onix is?"
"Not so fast," Kai replied. "Why don't you call your brother over? I'd like to speak with both of you."
---
From the back of the shop, Mateo emerged, wiping his hands on an apron. His expression was tired but curious as he approached.
"I'm Mateo, Marissa's older brother," he introduced himself. "What can I do for you?"
Kai reached into his bag and pulled out a carefully wrapped package. Unfolding the cloth, he revealed a shimmering chunk of Never-Melt Ice. The icy material sparkled under the shop's modest lighting.
"I'd like to commission a piece," Kai said, holding the rare material out to Mateo. "Something simple but elegant, designed for a Pokémon to wear. Think you can manage?"
Mateo's eyes widened as he examined the rare material. But then, to Kai's surprise, he shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. I only work with glass. This isn't my speciality."
Kai feigned disappointment, letting out a dramatic sigh. "That's too bad. I was planning to show you the Crystal Onix as payment for your work, but if you're not interested…"
Mateo froze. His eyes darted back to Kai. "Wait… what did you just say?"
Kai twirled the Poké Ball containing the Crystal Onix between his fingers. "You heard me. I've caught the Crystal Onix. And I was going to show it to you as thanks for making the accessory."
For a moment, Mateo stared at him, his disbelief evident. Then, a bitter smile crossed his face.
"I'm sorry, but I find that hard to believe. The Crystal Onix is nothing more than a legend. My family has spent years searching for it, and yet no one has ever seen it. How could you, an outsider, possibly have found it?"
----
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