Yuji's Onix is made entirely of gray rock, while Ash's Onix is forged from ice-white crystal. If Yuji's Onix looks like it was hastily made from random stones, then Ash's Onix appears to be a masterpiece meticulously crafted by the heavens.
The moment the Crystal Onix appeared, a wave of astonishment spread through the crowd.
"What's that Pokemon? Is it an Onix? How come it looks like it's made of crystal?"
"Wow, this Onix looks amazing! Although I mean no offense to Chief Yuji, his Onix doesn't even compare to Ash's in terms of looks!"
"True, regardless of strength, Ash's Onix already outshines Yuji's in appearance! What did Ash call it earlier? A Crystal Onix? It really is named Crystal!"
"What a fitting name! I wonder if it's just a color difference or if it's truly made of crystal. If it really is all crystal, wouldn't be striking it rich with just one piece?"
"Honestly, indeed. Onix's rocks are renewable resources, hardening as it grows stronger. If Ash's Crystal Onix has the same mechanism, just picking up its shed pieces could make one financially free!"
"..."
The appearance of the Crystal Onix undoubtedly sparked intense discussion; this form, so different from typical Onix, was a first for the audience.
Ordinary shiny Pokemon have fixed colors, like a Ralts has blue hair, while Onix's is golden. Clearly, Ash's Onix isn't shiny, but a mutation.
It's still uncertain whether this form of Onix is unique or a regional variety from another area...
Yuji was momentarily taken aback by the Crystal Onix's appearance but quickly recovered, praising it, "What a beautiful Onix, compared to yours, mine looks crudely made... But in Pokemon battles, it's not about looks; it's about strength!"
"I think the same. Crystal Onix, get ready! This is your first battle. Let's work together and give it our all!" Ash said excitedly, his eyes slowly closing.
Suddenly, a blue Aura Power emerged from Ash, channeling into the Crystal Onix.
'Aura resides in my heart.'
"Roar!!" With the surge of power, the Crystal Onix roared once more, having received such a force before but never applying it in real combat.
When Ash first captured the Crystal Onix, its strength was only at the Advanced Junior Level. Although training raised it to the Advanced Peak, it was still unqualified to compete at this level without external aids.
Yuji's Onix is Professional Level, and without some outside help, it wouldn't even have the right to compete alongside it.
In this time, Ash and Crystal Onix developed great synergy. Except for battling a Legendary Beast, the Crystal Onix was always with Ash, training diligently day and night.
With Ash's culinary skills and Pallet's approach to Pokemon, the bonds with Crystal Onix strengthened significantly in such a short period.
Just yesterday, Ash tried forming an Aura Link with Crystal Onix, succeeding unexpectedly on the first try, which was partly why he decided to bring the Crystal Onix today.
Without forming an Aura Link, Ash wouldn't have brought the Crystal Onix, even if he wanted it to appear officially.
Otherwise, the power gap would make the battle entirely one-sided.
But now, things are different. With the Aura Link, Crystal Onix's power soared to the Elite Peak. Though still not on par with the Professional Level, the gap is no longer insurmountable.
"What is going on? Did that Onix suddenly get a power boost, or is it just my imagination..." Yuji's brow furrowed. Although they hadn't started yet, he sensed that after Ash closed his eyes, the Crystal Onix's aura changed completely.
This was an instinctive feeling of an experienced Trainer, rarely wrong.
"Crystal Onix, use Ice Beam!" With the Aura Link in place, Ash didn't hesitate to launch an attack.
Ice-blue light gathered in Crystal Onix's mouth, and Yuji suppressed the doubts in his heart, waving a hand, "Onix, use Dig to evade!"
"Roar!" Onix raised its head slightly, then suddenly dived into the thick rocky ground, creating a massive hole and immediately burrowing in, but Crystal Onix's Ice Beam speed exceeded Yuji's expectations.
The ice-blue light cut through space, seemingly freezing the air itself, and although the Ice Beam only grazed Onix's tail, it inflicted damage nonetheless.
"Such a fast Ice Beam... It seems Ash's Crystal Onix isn't just unique in appearance and name, its attribute should differ from ordinary Onix, at least having an ice attribute." With one move, Yuji inferred part of Crystal Onix's capabilities.
Generally, Onix shouldn't be able to use Ice Beam, but since the opponent can, and so quickly, it implies that Ice Beam is a STAB move for Crystal Onix.
Thus, Crystal Onix's attributes became evident, confirming at least an ice attribute.
In Pokemon battles, information is critical.
"Crystal Onix, locate the opponent and use Iron Tail!" Ash's voice resounded once more, confounding Yuji.
What could he mean by finding Onix's location to use Iron Tail? Can you even find it?
Onix is underground, and unless you follow the hole, how can you find Onix buried below?
"Roar!!" Responding to Ash was Crystal Onix's confident roar, closing its eyes and using its mysterious inner power to detect Onix.
Although Onix was underground, beneath Aura Power's detection, it was entirely exposed!
Seconds later, Crystal Onix's tail turned metallic, moving swiftly through the field. Despite its cumbersome appearance, its motions were swift and agile.
It quickly reached the nearly frozen pool at the center of the field, then unleashed the fully formed Iron Tail with a powerful strike!
The sturdy ground fissured under the blow, sending a terrifying shockwave below, producing a heartrending growl from beneath!
Yuji's expression shifted dramatically; that voice was undoubtedly his Onix. How had the opponent done this? Onix kept moving underground, but Crystal Onix pinpointed its location immediately.
Could that Crystal Onix have x-ray vision?!
Under Crystal Onix's strike, Underground Onix couldn't withstand the shock, springing from the earth.
The Onix now appeared quite battered.
Though it held the level advantage, it had been restricted from the start, unable to touch the opponent while taking substantial damage. How was this fair?!!