Officially starting the Nuzlocke challenge, Lapis spent most of the time training Onyx and Tiger Eyes, his newest captures. Once arriving in Petalburg City, he tried to challenge the Gym Leader, Norman, only to find he was preparing for something completely different. The Nuzlocke Trainer then met Quartz, Norman's mentee. After the awkward encounter, he accompanied the two to see the sickly boy catch one of the rarest Pokémon in the region. Lapis is still unfazed by the lessons forced upon him, despite seeing the inspiring encounter. But as he moves closer to the first Gym in Rustboro City into the Petalburg Woods, he encounters someone more unpleasant than him. Will Lapis' beliefs begin to change?

Lapis' Pokémon:

Zuli (Lvl. 9 Mudkip, male): Impish Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Tackle, Growl, Mud Slap

Onyx (Lvl. 7 Poochyena, female): Mild Nature, Run Away Ability, moves: Tackle, Howl

Tiger Eyes (Lvl. 7 Zigzagoon, male): Quiet Nature, Pickup Ability, moves: Tackle, Tail Whip

Chapter 4: A Metamorphic Evolution

Lapis and Tiger Eyes stared down a Wurmple along South Route 104. The Wurmple sprayed several shots of silk at the Zigzagoon. The Normal type's feet became anchored to the grass, causing him to trip. A blue light flashed around his body.

Lapis looked at his tablet and saw his Pokémon's speed decrease. Ha! It won't work against power! "Tiger Eyes, double Tackle!"

The Tiny Raccoon Pokémon freed himself from the sticky trap and tackled the Bug type into the air. She tried to adjust herself but the second Tackle broke her concentration. The Wurmple fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

The teenager sighed. "Not the best choice on this portion of the route, but better than nothin'. Go Poké Ball!"

Lapis threw the orb, but somehow, it flew over the recovering Bug type. "What the hell?! You better not run away!"

The struggling Wurmple took aim at Lapis' bag and fired a purple needle at it. The projectile slashed a hole in his Ball Pocket, and three Poké Balls fell out.

"H-Hey! You tryin' to be a thief?!"

He tried to grab them, but the Wurmple used her silk string to snatch them away. Then, she swung them over her head, trying to hurl the hard objects at the pair. However, one of the Poké Balls detached itself from the silk and tapped her on the head. Surprised, the Wurmple was sucked inside, and after three shakes, the capture stars appeared.

Lapis stared at the Poké Ball. Man, that was...an interesting capture.

He walked over to collect the Poké Ball when something crunched under his feet. Filled with dread, he looked at his left shoe and saw the remains of two Poké Balls.

"Damn it!" he screamed, scaring the Taillow in the nearby trees.

"Come on, Lapis," Tiger Eyes reassured. "You can always buy more."

"We ain't got much money left since I had to spend it all on Potions cause someone keeps getting injured too easily…"

His Pokémon sweatdropped. "S-Sorry, Lapis."

Lapis sighed as he opened the Poké Ball. The Wurmple appeared, panting heavily. As he sprayed her with a Potion, he checked her stats. So, level 4 with a Quirky Nature and Shield Dust. Good ability, bad nature. Hopefully she'll evolve into the better evolution.

Wurmple shook her head and remarked, "That capture was a doozy, huh?"

The teen was incensed. "Doozy?! Ya made me use four Poké Balls to catch you! Can't believe you made me do that... And what's with that String Shot slingin' anyway?"

She slyly said, "Something I've been working on. I've always been interested in ropin'."

"'Ropin'... Are ya some kind of wrangler?"

"What's a 'wrangler'?"

"It's- Ugh, never mind. " Lapis printed the challenge introduction card for her to read.

She scanned its contents. "Sure, I can practice more of my ropin' skills."

"Uh uh. I'm replacin' it with a better move when that happens." Refusing to let his new Pokémon argue with him, Lapis grabbed his box and removed a silver chain with a glassy blue gemstone. The stone was accented with green, brown, and dark blue streaks. "Whatcha think of this agate stone?"

She was mesmerized, unable to utter anything.

"Guess that's a yes." He placed it over her head. "Looks like you're part of the team, Agate. Hope it stays on when you evolve; Bug types tend to evolve quickly."

"Guess we'll see what I evolve into, huh?"

"What does she mean by that, Lapis?" Tiger Eyes asked.

After he stood up, the Nuzlocker dully explained, "Wurmple can evolve either into a Silcoon or a Cascoon dependin' on something called a 'personality value'."

" How do we know what Agate will evolve into?"

Lapis sighed. "Don't know. It's a random thing. And something that shoulda been more controlled to begin with..."

"I don't really care, honestly," Agate replied with a smile.

"Well I do! Come on, it's trainin' time. Gotta get new moves and a new evolution to get the first Gym over with."

The next day…

A brooding Lapis watched his four Pokémon attack every wild creature they saw on South Route 104.

I can't believe I got a temporary ban from the Petalburg City Pokémon Center... Nurse Touka should be grateful I gave her so much business, but all I got was a scolding about abusing the free Pokémon healthcare system. So much for trying to save money.

He then glanced at his tablet, and his bad mood slightly disappeared. Looks like Zuli's now level 10...and he got his first critical hit using his new Water Gun. Onyx's now level 8, Tiger Eyes is now level 9 and headbutting everything he sees… And Agate…

"Hey, Loud Lapis!" Zuli cried. "Agate's glowing!"

Everyone ran over and saw the Wurmple enveloped in a glowing blue light. Her narrow body was changing into an oval with spikes.

Lapis pleaded, Please evolve into Silcoon… Please evolve into Silcoon…

A white-gray cocoon with two large red eyes stood in front of them, jumping happily.

He sneered, "Hell yeah, a Silcoon."

"Uh...Lapis?" Onyx asked, sniffing the evolved Pokémon. "Sorry to interrupt your glee, but how come Agate's so quiet?"

Agate tried to speak, but her voice was muffled.

The Trainer crossed his arms. "Guess her cocoon muffles her voice. Oh well, ain't my problem."

Agate angrily jumped up and down, muttering something loud, but no one understood her presumably foul language.

The teen stood up. "Anyway, we gotta get goin' to Petalburg Woods. New place, new Pokémon."

"Wait, Lapis!" Tiger Eyes exclaimed. "I found something!"

The Zigzagoon grabbed something and showed them his Trainer a yellow spray bottle, two blue round berries, and two pink heart-shaped berries.

"An Antidote, Oran Berries, and Pecha Berries. And with the Poké Ball, Potion, Paralyz Heal, and Ether I found here, good enough to continue on without needin' that stupid PokéMart."

Tiger Eyes waited for the consideration that never came, but he remained calm as Lapis returned everyone except for Agate.

Lapis mused on the Bug type's stationary position. "Ugh… You really can't move, Agate?"

Her spikes deflated slightly.

"Guess I got no choice…"

Lapis awkwardly carried her into his arms. Man, she's so heavy! And sharp! She better evolve soon.

As they headed into the thick woods, the sky became darker due to the tall trees. However, he could still see the path.

"All right, Agate. Let's find us a Pokémon."


In the forest trees, a man dressed in blue, black, and white spied on a researcher searching in the grass.

The spy snickered. "What a fool. He's not even in the right place to find what he wants. Those Devon Goods will be easy pickin's and I'll finally get promoted!"


"That was a waste of time," Lapis complained as the Poké Ball completed its capture. It was just another Wurmple, but with a Mild Nature. He typed "Spinel" on the tablet and sent him to the PC.

He turned to Agate. "Not bad for an immobile Pokémon."

She closed her eyes with excitement.

They heard crunching sounds behind them and whipped around. It was a man in a white research coat. He was looking at a map; every time he stared at it, he kept brushing his bushy brown hair back.

The researcher noticed Lapis and Agate and approached them. "Excuse me, have you seen any Shroomish around here?"

Lapis raised an eyebrow and smelled something funny coming from his clothes. "That derpy-looking mushroom Pokémon? Why the hell do ya want one?"

"Well, you see-"

"Hold it right there, bucko!" A man in a blue and white striped shirt and black pants ran over. He had a black bandana decorated with a white "A" in bone-shaped font.

Lapis groaned. "How many weirdos are in this region?!"

The stranger retorted, "I'm not a weirdo! I'm a Team Aqua Grunt!"

"Is that a new baseball team or somethin'?"

The Grunt shouted, "It's not a sports team! It's the greatest organization in all the world! And it'll be much better with those goods of yours." He pointed to the researcher, who cowered behind the Nuzlocke Trainer.

"P-Please save me…" the Shroomish lover whimpered.

Lapis winced as the researched clutched his jacket. "Fine, whatever. As long as you don't bother me about Shroomish ever again."

The researcher let go and became silent, acknowledging his request.

The Grunt smirked. "This should be easy. Go, Poochyena!"

The Dark type emerged from his Trainer's Poké Ball, ready for combat.

Lapis grabbed the first Poké Ball he could reach. "Go, Onyx!"

The female Poochyena was nervous facing one of her kind, but she braced herself.

"Onyx, Howl!"

She tilted her head to the canopy and howled, causing a red light to surround her.

The Grunt commanded, "Poochyena, Howl right back!"

He did the same, and his eyes flashed red, causing Onyx to flinch.

"Whatcha doin', Onyx?!" Lapis scolded. "You can't lose focus!"

She looked back, startled. "S-Sorry…"

Both Trainers yelled, "Tackle!"

The Poochyena charged at each other and collided heads. Onyx tried to break through, but her opponent tilted his head down and hurled her into the air. She landed with a thud but was able to return to her feet.

What the hell's wrong with her?! "Onyx, Tackle!"

She ran forward, but the Grunt sneered, "Sand Attack!"

His Poochyena turned around and kicked some dirt into Onyx's eyes. Although her vision was slightly blurred, she was able to hit the target. He slid back and growled, ready to continue.

Lapis shouted, "Tackle again!"

She shook her head, trying to get rid of more dust, but headed blindly towards her opponent.

The Grunt laughed. "Poochyena, counter with Tackle!"

The Dark type smirked and when Onyx got close, he lifted her into the air and slammed her body. She landed hard on the grass but was able to get up.

I can't believe this… She's so weak. "Onyx, return!" She entered her Poké Ball without complaint.

Lapis grimaced. Now who to send out?!

Someone poked his right leg. He looked down and saw the Silcoon bobbing back and forth.

The Nuzlocker crossed his arms. "You wanna give it a shot?"

She gave her Trainer a firm nod.

"All right. Go, Agate!"

But she stayed put.

The Grunt laughed. "That Silcoon can't even move! What good will that do?"

Lapis clenched his fists. "You're gonna eat those words." He carried the Cocoon Pokémon and placed her in front of the Poochyena.

The Dark type pawed the ground, but Agate had no reaction.

Lapis adjusted his collar. She better do better than Onyx.

The Grunt pumped his right fist. "Sand Attack!"

The black dog sprayed the Bug type with sand, causing the debris to enter her eyes.

The teen growled, "Agate, Tackle!"

She leapt at her target, but he evaded the Silcoon easily.

"Sand Attack again!"

Lapis grew more frustrated. "Come on, Agate! Keep using Tackle!"

She charged through the kicked dirt but was still unable to make contact. Every stride she made, she was counted by the aggravating light brown cloud.

"Damn it!"

The Grunt laughed. "Come on, kid. Just admit defeat. Your accuracy's way too low."

"No!" Lapis shouted. "I won't lose to a coward like you!" The brave response surprised him. Why did I say something like that? This isn't the time to think about that. Gotta stay focused.

The pirate-clothed man was unfazed. "Poochyena, finish that Silcoon with Tackle!"

"Agate, just hit him with Tackle!"

Feeling her Trainer's frustration, Agate met the Poochyena head-on, both dealing a good amount of damage to each other.

"Finally!" he exclaimed.

The Grunt growled, "No! I won't let you win! Poochyena, Tackle!"

Though he was tired, he ran forward with slower strides.

Tackle hasn't been working out. I need to change tactics. "Agate, Poison Sting!"

She closed her eye and spun clockwise, unleashing a straight flurry of purple needles. Poochyena yelped as the poisonous spines struck his body and stopped his attack.

"Poochyena!" the Grunt scolded. "Don't just stand there! Tackle that Silcoon into the trees!"

The Dark type hesitated, causing Lapis to raise an eyebrow. But the teen's confusion disappeared when Poochyena resumed his charge.

"Agate, finish Poochyena with another Poison Sting!"

She spun harder, and this time, the needles were thicker. Poochyena shrieked as they entered his fur. Then, he collapsed onto the grass, motionless.

What was that all about? Lapis looked at his tablet and saw the attack was a critical hit. "Hell yeah!" he roared before recomposing himself. Hope I don't have to run into a situation like that again!

"I-It can't be…" the Grunt muttered as he collapsed onto his knees. "I...lost…?" He returned his fallen Pokémon and clenched his Poké Ball. After he got up, he vowed, "The next time we meet, I'll destroy you!"

He then ran further into the forest and faded from view.

The researcher was in awe. "I-Impressive! Here, let me give you this as a reward for saving me!" He retrieved a blue and red ball from his pocket and gave it to the teen.

Lapis examined and replied, "A Great Ball? I was expectin' cash..."

"Oh... I'm...actually short on Pokédollars at the moment."

The Nuzlocke Trainer muttered, "Whatever. Now get outta here!"

"Y-Yes!" The researcher then fled in the same direction as the Grunt.

Lapis crossed his arms. Why did that guy want those goods so badly? Whatever, it doesn't concern me. But Onyx's been slacking...she didn't do a good job! Looks like she's getting more training.

He was about to speak to Agate when her body glowed blue again. Her spiky round body transformed into a medium-sized butterfly. When the light disappeared, the dappled sunlight illuminated the yellow, red, and blue streaks of her wings.

"That was quick," he bluntly stated.

Agate flapped her wings and spun around with glee. "Finally!" she exclaimed in a slightly high-pitched voice. "Hey, I can talk again!"

"And I don't hafta carry you anymore." Lapis glanced at the tablet. "You also learned Absorb; it's okay, I guess. Ugh, sucks that I can't remove String Shot yet. But whatever. Now come on, I gotta get you and Onyx healed before the next trainin' session."

"Um, Lapis? Don't you remember that ban?"

He grimaced, picturing the nurse's stern expression. "Oh, yeah."

He healed his Pokémon with several Potions before they continued on with their arduous training in Petalburg Woods. Their first big challenge awaited them in the next city.

Questions for the Chapter:

What do you think of Agate?

What did you think of Lapis' first encounter with Team Aqua?