After Lapis' success at the Rustboro City Gym, he ran into the scientist from Petalburg Woods, who had his goods stolen again. The teen reluctantly followed the thief, the Team Aqua Grunt also from earlier, to Rusturf Tunnel. There, he encountered Mr. Briney, an old man whose precious Wingull was also stolen. Feeling a rare sense of compassion, Lapis walked into the tunnel, caught a boisterous Whismur later named Apatite, and defeated the Grunt. With his activities in Rustboro City wrapping up, Lapis was about to leave when the scientist invites him to visit someone important at his workplace, the Devon Corporation. Who is this important person, and will the Nuzlocker receive a reward for his actions?
Lapis' Pokémon:
Zuli (Lvl. 14 Mudkip, male): Impish Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Tackle, Growl, Mud Slap, Water Gun
Onyx (Lvl. 11 Poochyena, female): Mild Nature, Run Away Ability, moves: Tackle, Howl, Sand Attack
Tiger Eyes (Lvl. 12 Zigzagoon, male): Quiet Nature, Pickup Ability, moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Headbutt
Agate (Lvl. 12 Beautifly, female): Quirky Nature, Swarm Ability, moves: Tackle, String Shot, Harden, Absorb
Moonstone (Lvl. 13 Taillow, female): Naive Nature, Guts Ability, moves: Peck, Growl, Focus Energy, Quick Attack
Apatite (Lvl. 7 Whismur, male): Naughty Nature, Soundproof Ability, moves: Pound, Growl, Uproar
Chapter 8- The Gem of Rustboro
After a long night's sleep, Lapis left the Pokémon Center around midday. He shielded his eyes from the bright sunlight. "Damn. That's what I get for sleepin' in."
He looked at the less crowded streets. Guess it's time to say 'good riddance' to Rustboro. Though…I never thought so much happened here in such a short time.
Before he could enter the main path, the scientist from yesterday ran towards him.
"Oh, thank goodness I found you before you left!"
"Tch, it's you. Whatcha' want this time?"
The man beamed. "Two things. One, to give you this lovely Great Ball!" He handed Lapis a blue Poké Pall with two large red stripes, which the latter put away. "Second, it's more of an invitation than a request."
"What's the difference?"
The scientist ignored the teen and continued, "My boss wants you to come to our company so he can thank you personally for assisting me in getting that briefcase back."
Lapis turned away. "Not interested."
"Oh, but please!" the worker begged. "He wants to also reward you with a lovely gadget that will surely help you on your journey."
This piqued the teen's interest. "'Gadget', huh? Fine, got nothin' better to do before I leave."
"Wonderful! Allow me to be your guide."
Lapis followed him towards the northwest section of the city, where the street was lined with high-tech stores and a popular cybercafé. Then, they arrived at a twenty-story, curved building made of glass and steel, which towered over the other buildings. The two went through the electronic glass doors and stepped into a spacious lobby with red carpet and light grey walls. Behind the reception desk was a large sign that read "Devon Corporation" in sandy brown letters.
After checking the teen in, the scientist led him towards a set of two elevators and pushed the up button. Once the left elevator's doors opened and they entered, the man used a special key and pressed "20". Then, they sped quickly to the top floor.
When the doors opened, a large room with glass windows greeted them. Potted tropical plants were placed at various locations along the windows, along with glass display cases with various fossils and rare stones. They walked on the red carpet towards a large stone desk. There, a man with white hair had his back turned towards them, staring at the cityscape. He wore a dark blue suit with thin black vertical stripes.
He turned around and smiled at the two, revealing his dark blue eyes and black tie. "Ah, you must be Lapis Eurig. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Mr. Stone, the president of the Devon Corporation. Please see down. You may go now, Mr. Kinoko."
The scientist nodded and left the office. Lapis sat down on a nearby chair and looked at the man more closely.
This is the president of one of the richest companies in the world? He looks boring as hell...
The man sat down behind his desk and smiled. "Now then. Let's get down to the reason I invited you here."
"I thought it was about that stolen junk."
Despite the insult, the president chuckled. "I guess you may call it that since you don't know much about it."
What this guy's deal?
"Anyway. I want to give you this as a token of my appreciation." He presented a palm-sized yellow device on the table.
Lapis pressed the button, and it folded open. "Umm…"
"Quite a technical marvel, isn't it? It's a PokéNav, one of our best-selling devices. It not only shows you a map of the region, but it also includes a Conditions call for Contests, a Match Call option for Trainer rematches, and a window to see all the Ribbons you collected."
"So...not useful for my line of work."
The older man slyly smiled. "True, this device is better suited for Pokémon Coordinators, but I believe its usefulness will be come to fruition." Then his eyes lit up. "You must be visiting Dewford Town and Slateport City as part of your challenge. Since you'll be heading in that direction, will you be able to deliver some items for me? If you do that, I shall also reward you with a fantastic item."
Damn it, more chores. But Lapis replied, "Fine. What'd I gotta do?"
Mr. Stone bent down and placed the briefcase Lapis retrieved earlier as well as a thick white envelope.
"I'd like you to first give this letter to my son, who's searching for rare stones in Granite Cave on near Dewford Town. Then, I'd like you to deliver the goods you rescued to my friend at the Slateport City Shipyard. I was supposed to send them sooner, but the interference with those Team Aqua and Team Magma members and put a delay in the shipping."
Team Magma? Never heard of them before, but they must be as lame as that Team Aqua. "Uh huh… Then, what do I get outta this?"
"Very direct for a man your age. Don't worry, I'm working on a special device that will greatly aid you on your challenge. It has been approved by the Pokémon League Association and will be ready by the time you return to Rustboro City."
Lapis folded his arms. "Why would I come back here? I already got the badge."
Mr. Stone grinned. "We also receive travelers coming from Verdanturf Town from the east and Fallarbor Town through Meteor Falls from the north. So no matter where you're traveling, you'll end up back here."
Oh, great… "Fine, I'll do your chores."
"Wonderful." He pushed the packages towards the teen, who stuffed them into his bag.
A tall man in a gray suit appeared. "Mr. Stone, your interview with the Hoenn News Network will begin in fifteen minutes."
"Ah, yes. Thank you, Kennedy." He turned to his visitor. "It's been a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Eurig. Thank you again for saving my employee and the Devon Goods. I wish you a safe journey to Dewford Town and Slateport City. After all, it'll be quite a trek by sea."
Lapis stuttered, "B-By sea?"
Mr. Stone smiled and replied, "That's the quickest way there get to the two places. See if you can catch a ferry at Petalburg City. They always travel between the Route 106 to Route 109 sea routes. Now, why don't you come downstairs with us?"
The Nuzlocker blankly nodded and followed the pair back to the lobby. The sea?! Why can't this region be entirely walkable like in Johto?!
He walked out of the Devon Corporation, fretting on what his next options were.
How far is Dewford Town that you need to sail there? He took out his new PokéNav and pressed the Map option. His heart slightly sank when he saw Mr. Stone was right; the island where the town was located was surrounded by water. Damn it, I don't wanna spend money for a ferry. But how else will I get there?
However, someone almost bumped into him, but he was able to steer out of the way. When he saw who it was, it was none other than a startled Jade.
"L-Lapis! What're you doing here?"
Seeing her refreshed his mind, and he smirked. "Nothin' much. Just about to head outta here since I got the badge and all."
"You got the Stone Badge already? That was quicker than I thought."
"Pfft. Sounds like you still think I suck as a Trainer."
She frowned and placed her hands on her hips. "With the way you're talking, it sounds like you still don't treat your Pokémon with respect."
He put his PokéNav into his left vest pocket and leaned close. "Oh yeah? Whatcha' gonna do about it?"
She gritted her teeth as she clenched a Poké Ball on her belt. "Don't make me battle you here."
Lapis pulled back and laughed. "Come on. I bet you're still as weak as last time."
To his surprise, Jade took a deep breath. "Nope, you're not gonna get me this time. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to do what I came here to do."
She turned around, but he taunted, "You a coward now? What's that saying? 'Our eyes made contact, so we have to battle'?"
Jade's head whipped around, fury spread through her face, "Ugh! Why are you so infuriating?! Fine, I'll battle you again! Come on, we're going to Cutter Park!"
The Nuzlocker smiled as he trailed behind the angry girl. This should be some easy EXP for Apatite.
They found an empty battlefield and the two walked to the respective ends.
Jade took out a Poké Ball and shouted, "Go, Chalchi!"
A Wingull flew out of her orb and glared at Lapis.
He smirked. "Go, Apatite!"
The Whismur materialized on the dirt field. He looked at the Sea Gull Pokémon and shouted, "Are you crazy, Lapis?! I can't battle him!"
The Nuzlocke Trainer ignored the Normal type's concern and looked at his tablet. Apatite had a right to be concerned; after all, he was six levels lower than Chalchi. But the teen said, "All part of the plan, Apatite. Now shush."
Jade frowned. "Are you done yet?"
He let out a soft sigh before smiling. "Bring it."
Jade waved her arm forward. "Chalchi, Water Gun!"
The Water type opened her beak and sent a stream of water at the frightened Whismur.
But Lapis removed two Poké Balls from his belt. "Apatite, return!' After he made the quick exit, the Trainer threw the other ball into the air. "Go, Zuli!"
The Mudkip appeared and happily took the water to the face, losing not much health.
The research assistant was stunned. "D-Did you just switch your Pokémon at the beginning of the battle?"
"Yeah, it's legal," he replied with a shrug. "Switchin' a weak Pokémon with a stronger one. It's free EXP."
"E X…? Well it doesn't matter! Chalchi, Supersonic!"
The Sea Gull Pokémon opened his mouth and released three rings of white light at Zuli.
Lapis smirked. "What a pathetic strategy. That move ain't that accurate, you know." Ignoring her confused face, he shouted, "Zuli, Tackle!"
His Pokémon jumped out of the way and slammed into Chalchi. The Wingull took a bit of damage, but was able to adjust himself and avoid falling onto the field.
Jade clenched her right fist. "Don't give up, Chalchi! Use Growl!"
He unleashed a sharp growl, causing Zuli to wince and a red light to briefly surround him.
Lapis was undeterred. "Are you kiddin' me? Tackle!"
Another strong hit forced Chalchi into the dirt. The Flying type shook it off and returned to the air, though he was beginning to pant hard.
His Trainer saw that too and mused. "Looks like I got no choice." She punched her right hand forward. "Chalchi, Wing Attack!"
Chalchi's wings glowed white and he charged at Zuli.
Lapis chuckled. "Finally, an attacking move. But you ain't strong enough to stop us. Tackle!"
Zuli jumped up and met Chalchi head-on. The Mudkip hit his opponent in his chest just as the latter slammed his right wing onto Zuli's back. Both Pokémon hit the ground, but Zuli was the only one who stood back up.
Jade inhaled deeply and returned her fallen Pokémon. "Thanks, Chalchi. You did well." She took out her last Poké Ball. "This isn't over yet. Go, Dean!"
Her Treecko leaped out of his Poké Ball, eager to get revenge for this teammate.
Though Zuli was his strongest Pokémon, Lapis knew better to use him against a Grass type. "Zuli, return! Go, Agate!"
The Beautifly materialized, her wings sparkling in the midday sun.
Though Jade was awed by her beauty, she remembered what she was doing. "Dean, Leer!"
He looked at Agate suspiciously, causing a blue light to surround her.
Lapis sneered. "Will you stop with the status moves? That ain't gonna get ya anywhere. Agate, Gust!"
She flapped her wings, tossing Dean into the air. He slammed hard onto the battlefield, but he was able to regain his footing.
Looks like one more hit should do it.
Jade clenched her fist. "H-How is this happening? I'm doing all the things I've learned at university. So why is it…?"
The Nuzlocker looked at her with intrigue. What's she talking about now? Eh, not really my problem now.
His opponent commanded, trying to hold back tears, "Dean, Pound!"
He nodded and jumped at the Butterfly Pokémon in a last-ditch attempt.
"Agate, finish Dean with Gust!" Lapis shouted.
She blew the Grass type away once more, knocking him out with the super effective attack.
Heartbroken, Jade returned her Treecko and wiped her eyes with her left arm. "Th-Thanks, Dean. I know you did your best." After taking a few deep breaths, she smiled at Lapis. "Looks like you've been getting better at battling. Seems like I gotta study more to defeat you."
He raised an eyebrow. "No retorts this time? That's gotta be a first for you."
"Don't push it, Lapis." She adjusted her bandana. "Sorry about that weird monologue earlier. Let me heal Zuli for you."
"S-Sure…"
He let Zuli back out, and Jade took out a Super Potion from her bag. As she healed him, Lapis couldn't help but notice a gentleness he didn't see from her before. She not only sprayed the Mudkip with the healing item, she also checked his body to make sure there were no lasting injuries.
Lapis gritted his teeth and glanced at a nearby tree. "You done yet?!"
"Oh, sorry!"
She put her things away and stood up. After he returned his Pokémon, she asked, "Oh, yeah. Uncle Birch said I should keep in contact with you in case something goes wrong. You have a PokéNav, right?"
"Uh, yeah... But I don't need your number. Unless...you got a thing for bad boys."
Jade pursed her lips. "This is what I get for being nice..."
Lapis groaned, "Fine, give it to me!"
After they exchanged Match Call numbers, she stroked her chin. "Thanks. Anyway, you're heading to Dewford Town next right?"
"Yeah. Why? You thinkin' 'bout headin' there with me?"
"Pfft…no! Unlike you, I have more important things to do."
He rolled his eyes. Sure…whatever… "Then why ask?"
"Well, you have to get there by boat, right? You should see if Mr. Briney can take you there. He used to be a sailor and still has a boat he sometimes uses to ferry people to Dewford Town and Slateport City."
Mr. Briney… That name sounds familiar. "Huh. Where does he live?"
"In a house on Route 104 by the sea. It's pretty close to Petalburg City."
Oh, that must've been the house near Petalburg Woods. At least I'm heading in that direction. "Well, see ya then. I'd better get goin'." But before he walked away, he turned around and added, "Um…thanks, I guess…"
Embarrassed, he briskly left the scene. Jade, left behind, was shocked and maybe a little impressed.
Questions for the Chapter:
What did you think of Lapis' encounter with Mr. Stone?
What did you think of Lapis' battle with Jade?
How will Lapis' travels across the sea go?
