----
A massive crystal tail, brimming with immense power, swept toward the group with a deafening roar.
Blastoise, determined to protect Kai, braced itself and used all its strength to block the Crystal Onix's Iron Tail. The impact, however, was overwhelming.
The force pushed Blastoise back several steps before it lost its footing and fell flat on its back.
Kai's eyes lit up with admiration. "Impressive. Not only does it have that unique crystal body, but its strength is incredible as well."
Kai glanced at Venusaur and gave it a nod. "Alright, you're up next. Use Vine Whip!"
Venusaur extended two thick vines from the flower on its back, lashing out at the Crystal Onix. The sharp slaps of the attack echoed through the cave as the Onix recoiled, finally showing signs of pain.
Sabrina observed calmly, nodding in agreement. "Looks like your theory was correct. Its typing is Rock and Ground, which is why Grass-type moves are so effective."
Kai smirked but said nothing. Instead, he pulled out his Pokédex and aimed it at the Crystal Onix.
"Scanning... Scanning... Pokémon identified: Onix Further details: unknown. This Pokémon appears to exhibit unusual physical properties. Would you like to upload data to expand the database?"
Kai shook his head and pressed "No."
The Pokédex chimed. "Upload cancelled."
Satisfied, Kai tucked the Pokédex away. He had gathered enough information. Now, it was time to finish the battle.
"Venusaur, use Razor Leaf! Everyone else, block all exits. Don't let it escape! Blastoise, head into the lake and cut off its retreat!"
Kai's Pokémon sprang into action. Venusaur's sharp leaves sliced through the air, striking the Crystal Onix with pinpoint accuracy.
The Crystal Onix's enormous size made it an easy target. The relentless barrage of glowing green leaves struck true, causing the Onix to let out a bellowing roar. It writhed in pain, its crystal body shimmering under the dim cave light.
Desperate, it dove into the lake, attempting to flee. However, Blastoise, stationed in the water, rammed into it with a powerful Skull Bash, forcing it back onto land.
Water sprayed into the air, raining down like a mist as the battle intensified.
"Trying to run now?" Kai called out with a calm smile. "Too late. Venusaur hit it with another Razor Leaf!"
Venusaur unleashed another storm of razor-sharp leaves. The Crystal Onix retaliated with Rock Throw, hurling jagged stones toward Venusaur.
Venusaur dodged skillfully, but the Onix shifted its focus. With a deafening roar, it lunged toward the cave wall, attempting to tunnel its way to freedom.
"Not so fast!" Kai shouted. "Gardevoir, stop it with Psychic!"
Gardevoir raised its arms, and a wave of psychic energy enveloped the Crystal Onix, freezing it mid-motion. The Onix let out another enraged roar, thrashing against the invisible restraints.
Kai noticed the Onix was starting to weaken. Its movements had grown sluggish, and its roars were losing intensity. Sensing the moment was right, Kai grabbed an Ultra Ball and threw it with precision.
The ball struck the Onix, converting its massive body into a beam of red energy before snapping shut. The Ultra Ball shook violently on the ground, rocking back and forth as the Onix fought against capture. Finally, with a resounding click, the ball stilled.
Kai approached the Ultra Ball, picking it up with a triumphant grin.
"Great job, everyone," Sabrina said, clapping softly. "Congratulations on catching such a rare Pokémon."
Kai smirked, holding up the Ultra Ball. "Thanks. It's not every day you find a Pokémon like this."
With the addition of the Crystal Onix, Kai realized his team was now full, with 12 Pokémon. Both of his belt pouches were completely occupied, meaning any future captures would automatically be sent to his designated storage.
By default, Kai's Pokémon was set to transfer to Professor Sycamore's lab in Kalos, as his Pokédex had originally been gifted to him by Sycamore himself.
However, feeling that sending his Pokémon to someone he had never met would be inappropriate, Kai had earlier arranged for his extra Pokémon to be sent to Professor Cerise lab.
---
Before leaving the cave, Kai took out his phone to snap a few photos of the crystal-lined cavern. He wanted to preserve the memory of this incredible place. He even convinced Sabrina to pose for a selfie with him.
"Smile," he said, holding the phone at arm's length.
The camera clicked, capturing the two of them standing shoulder-to-shoulder amidst the glittering crystals. Kai's wide grin and Sabrina's faint, serene smile made for a perfect contrast.
Satisfied with the shot, Kai showed the photo to Sabrina. "What do you think? Pretty good, right?"
Sabrina glanced at the image, her gaze lingering on how their heads leaned slightly toward one another in the frame. She quickly averted her eyes, but there was a brightness to her expression that hadn't been there before.
"It's fine," she said lightly. "It'd make a good screensaver. Send me a copy later."
Her tone was nonchalant, but Kai noticed the subtle warmth in her voice. He chuckled to himself. Sabrina, usually so composed, had a way of revealing more through her actions than her words.
----
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