After some more training on Dewford Island, Lapis ran into a disheartened Weldon. The latter quit training his friend, Summer, so the Nuzlocker reluctantly watched over him. They eventually met Harry Waves, Brawly's son, and ran into the Gym Leader himself. Brawly told the group about some stories of his past, helping Weldon reconsider his future. But as time passes, Lapis grows impatient with his acquaintance's passivity and demands him to decide his path. Will Weldon stay with Summer or leave, and will Lapis finally leave for the mainland?

Lapis' Pokémon:

Zuli (Lvl. 18 Marshtomp, male): Impish Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Tackle, Growl, Mud Slap, Water Gun

Citrine (Lvl. 15 Makuhita, female): Timid Nature, Guts Ability, moves: Tackle, Sand Attack, Arm Thrust, Vital Throw

Tiger Eyes (Lvl. 15 Zigzagoon, male): Quiet Nature, Pickup Ability, moves: Tackle, Cut, Tail Whip, Headbutt

Agate (Lvl. 17 Beautifly, female): Quirky Nature, Swarm Ability, moves: Tackle, Stun Spore, Gust, Absorb

Moonstone (Lvl. 19 Taillow, female): Naive Nature, Guts Ability, moves: Peck, Growl, Focus Energy, Quick Attack

Onyx (Lvl. 13 Poochyena, female): Mild Nature, Run Away Ability, moves: Tackle, Howl, Sand Attack, Bite

Chapter 13: Ending the Isolation

Lapis moped on the hostel's couch after another day of training. I know I told Brawly I'd keep Weldon from leaving, but it's been two weeks! I wanna get outta here, but he keeps delaying that decision! That's it, I'm telling him he needs to decide now!

Just as he was about to stand up, Harry and Weldon walked over and sat opposite of him.

"Why're you here, Waves?"

The young surfer bit his lip, then responded, "Just seeing how you two are doing, that's all. I just got back from watching Summer's last training session with Jayden."

Weldon adjusted his hat. "How is she? Is she ready to battle Brawly?"

Harry chuckled. "Slow down, Weldon. She's doing fine; she and Blaze actually hurt Jayden's Hariyama with just their fighting skills alone. So, I think she's in good shape, but Dad's not easy to beat when he's going all out."

The Kantonian weakly smiled. "Looks like she really has her work cut out for this Gym battle."

"Then are you coming to watch, Weldon? The offer still stands."

"I don't think so. I still don't want to be a distraction. Besides, I'm still on the fence on going back home..."

Fed up with the excuses, Lapis roared, "Damn it, Leland! I'm sick and tired of you ignorin' Scorcher! Make up your damn mind!"

Harry waved his hands. "Hey, Lapis, calm down."

"No! I gotta keep goin' on this dumb challenge, and I ain't gonna wait any longer! Now, are you gonna go back to Scorcher or not?!"

Weldon was stunned by the outburst and grimaced. "I-I… Excuse me…" He retreated to his room, upset.

An angry Harry stood up and shouted, "What was that for, Lapis?! I know you're frustrated, but think of Weldon's perspective!"

"What, his whiny and indecisive attitude? Hell no! If you wanna deal with that, then YOU watch out for him, Waves!"

The younger boy gritted his teeth. "Stop being so selfish!"

"Hey, Leland's bein' selfish too! He's takin' too long to decide! He doesn't care that I gotta travel to the next city!"

Harry groaned. "Look, I'm not giving you the satisfaction of your sound argument. But the way I see it, he likes your company, for reasons I can't understand. I'll do my best to convince Weldon to stay. But just make sure he goes to the Gym, 'kay? The match is tomorrow around 10. Then you'll be free to go."

The Nuzlocker rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He stormed off to his room, eager to end his crummy day.

The next day…

Lapis yawned as he exited his room. This better be my last day here…

As he reached the lobby, a frantic Harry burst through the doors.

"Lapis, there you are!"

"What do you want, Waves? It's too early for this."

"Weldon's gone!"

Those words woke the Nuzlocker up. "Gone?"

"I talked to him last night, but when I tried to find him this morning, he wasn't around! I've been trying to find him all over town, but he's most likely at one of the beaches."

"Then why ain't you goin' there?"

"I would, but I gotta meet up with my friends at the Gym. Summer's match is starting in fifteen minutes, so it wouldn't be enough time for me to do a proper search." Harry bit his lip. "Please, Lapis. I know you don't want to get involved anymore, but...I really need your help."

The pity in the boy's eyes unnerved the teen. "Ugh. Fine. I'll check the surfin' beach first."

"Thanks," Harry replied, relieved. "Text me when you find him." After a quick number exchange, he ran towards the path leading to the Gym.

Lapis shook his head. Just when things were looking up. Why am I always getting into people's business?

He made his way to the surfing beach, where only the waves greeted him.

Damn it, Leland... Where the hell are you?

He let out Onyx, who gave a soft yawn. "What's up, Lapis?"

"Search for Leland."

"Oh, sure!" She sniffed the air, then the sand. After a big whiff, she dashed towards a rock outcropping close to the ocean.

Lapis followed suit, and they found a depressed Weldon staring at the deep blue landscape.

Seeing the two approached, the Kantonian forced a smile. "Hey Lapis, Onyx."

"Leland, what the hell're you doin' here?"

Weldon shook his head. "Trying to figure things out. I've been here since 4."

Lapis was dumbfounded. "Seriously? Didn't sleep well or somethin'?"

"You can say that. I know you don't want to hear me vent about all this, but-"

He was surprised when Lapis leaned against the rocks. "Normally I wouldn't, but Waves put me up to this. So blather all ya want."

After a chuckle, the Trainer threw a stone into the sea. "I had a nightmare…different from the other ones I had before. I dreamt that I told Summer I wanted to rejoin her on her travels. But she...she laughed in my face and pushed me aside. 'Why do I need a quitter like you?' she said. 'You're nothing but a loser who can't win on his own. Get out of my sight.'"

Lapis winced. These words… They sound familiar too… Then, distant memories blurred past, causing him to clutch his head.

Weldon was alarmed. "You okay, Lapis?"

"Y-Yeah…" He sat down, and Onyx nuzzled his leg. "I-I just remembered somethin'."

"What about, if you don't mind me asking?"

The teen grasped the slightly cool sand and explained, "When I was young, maybe around seven or so, I...I lost my mom and dad in a car accident."

Weldon gasped. "Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry."

"And...And the worse part 'bout that was… I got mad at them when they left. Don't remember what it was about, but I think it was over somethin' stupid. After that, I felt they died 'cause of me. The cops weren't much help; they only cared 'bout the cases that got 'em promotions. Then I got tossed 'round foster homes, but I never wanted to be with anyone else other than my parents. So that's when-"

"You got mad and distant from everyone?"

He smirked. "Guess you're smarter than I thought…" Lapis took off his cap and stared at it. "Now that I think 'bout it, this used to belong to Dad. Yet… I don't feel anything when seein' it…"

Weldon leaned back. "I guess it's because you blocked out your happy memories on purpose. But I understand how you feel. I mean, my dad went missing when I was about two. I don't remember anything about him, but my mom tells me about him all the time."

Lapis looked at his crestfallen companion. "What's he like?"

"All I know was that he disappeared while exploring a desert in this region. He's a well-known archaeologist, so he's used to traveling in extreme conditions. That's why my mom thinks he's still alive. I can tell she misses him; but I worry that he may be dead after all. No one's been able to find his body, even now."

Something small struck Lapis' heart. Was it concern? Or worse, compassion?

The teen snapped his hat back on. "Maybe you'll find out what happened to him if you keep travelin' 'round here. I know I can't with my parents, but I gotta gut feelin' you'll get your answer."

Weldon smiled. "Maybe I should. Thanks, Lapis. I hope more of your memories come back to you. They are very important. Though there are some bad ones, there are also plenty of good ones." Once he said those words, he stood up. "I'm going to watch Summer's battle and apologize to her afterwards."

"Looks like someone's feelin' better. Come on then. Once I drop ya off, I'm outta here." He then returned his Poochyena.

Chuckling, Weldon followed Lapis back to town. But once they got there, the streets were much more crowded than usual. After dodging a group of martial artists running towards the surfing beach to train, the group encountered people dressed in bright, tacky clothing. Lapis then noticed a sign above the Trendy Town Hostel.

"'Trendy Phase Convention'?!" He roared. "I haven't heard 'bout this!"

Weldon smacked his forehead. "I forgot it was today!"

"Wait, what?!"

Ryder emerged from his domain, dressed in slightly worse attire than normal. "Weldon's right, Lapis. I told you so many times that the Trendy Phase Convention's starting today. The town's flooded with trendy phrases from people all 'round the world. Who knows? Maybe the hostel's trendy phrase will change later tonight!"

The Kantonian stroked his chin. "Hm… 'Rock Head Water Veil' is still pretty good."

"Pfft… You gotta keep up with the times, Weldon! Phrases come and go, just like the waves around here."

"Anyway…" Lapis interrupted. "We gotta go, remember, Leland?"

"Oh, right! We got to get to the Gym. Have fun, Ryder."

"Right back at ya, kiddos."

"Don't call me that," the teen muttered. "Oh, and if I don't come back with Leland, I'm checkin' out!"

"Darn, I thought we had a beautiful friendship starting. Oh well, I'll stick around here a bit longer before I head off to the convention."

Lapis gave the owner a backwards wave, and the two snaked their way to the path leading to the Gym.

"Now we're gettin' somewhere!" the teen exclaimed as they ventured through the forest. "Shouldn't be too long to the Gym."

Just when Weldon was about to respond, a Taillow swooped over them with a loud squawk.

"Get out, intruders!" he shrieked.

A group of five others arrived and attempted to jab their beaks at the two.

"What the hell?!" Lapis roared, trying to block the pecking. "What's gotten into them?"

Weldon protected his face with his arms. "I'm not sure! Can your Taillow talk to them?"

"Are you kiddin'? She's not as adamant anymore. I doubt she'd do anythin'."

"Well," the Kantonian grunted as he dodged a Taillow. "It's better than nothing!"

Knowing he was right, Lapis let out his Flying type. The flock immediately stopped and stared at the stranger.

"Is this your Trainer?" the male leader questioned Moonstone.

She timidly responded, "Y-Yeah. Why are you attacking them?"

"They wandered into our territory, that's what! How can we lay our eggs if you humans keep coming around here!"

That's strange… I didn't remember seeing them when I was here two weeks ago. And why would they have their nests along the main path? Something's not right…

Weldon appeared to also arrive at the same conclusion. "If you'd like, we can move your nests away from the main path so no one will bother your flock."

The Taillow leader looked at them with curiosity. "So, you understand us, human. Very well. You shall carry our nests to where we see fit!"

Lapis groaned. Another time-waster…

An hour later…

"A bit to the right.. A little more… Perfect!"

Lapis heaved a relieved sigh as he put the last nest on a secure pine branch. The Taillow flock happily sat on their nests as the teen slid back down to the forest floor.

The leader smiled. "Thank you for your help, humans. Now we can raise our families in peace."

Weldon returned the gesture. "Of course. And people will be able to travel to and from the Gym without disturbing you. But why did you build your nests by the path anyway?"

"I'm not sure… One moment, we had our nests at a nice secluded area. Then the next, we were by the human path."

"And you didn't question it?" Lapis shouted.

"Hey, human. I don't question why you put a path through the forest."

"Why you-"

"Lapis," Weldon hissed. "Didn't you want to leave the island?"

"O-Oh, right." He stared at the Taillow. "We'll leave your group to it then."

"Farewell, humans."

The boys returned to the main path and continued upwards until they reached the only building on the hill. They entered the Gym and saw a man in a white gi at the driftwood desk.

"Oh, are you here to see Summer Scorcher's match?"

"He is," the teen said as he pointed to his companion.

"Well then. Go ahead and enter the bleachers through that stairway."

The pair climbed the stairs and stood by the entrance to the viewing area.

The Nuzlocker noticed Weldon turning pale and sighed. "Leland. You know what you gotta do."

"I-I know…"

They peeked through the doorway and saw three people, Harry, the muscular teen from the beach, and an unknown girl, watching the battle unfold.

After a few minutes, the teen boy grabbed something being thrown from the battlefield and opened it. Summer's Raichu, Lightning, appeared, and he began to heal her. Harry and the girl then talked amongst themselves.

Harry exclaimed. "This match has been amazing so far! I've never seen Dad so engrossed like this in recent Gym challenges."

"You can say that again!" the girl replied. "I can see why Summer's a top Trainer. Oh yeah." She took out a Poké Ball. "Is it okay to…?"

Lapis frowned at Weldon's hesitation. "What the hell you waitin' for, Leland?!" he hissed.

"Give me a sec, Lapis," he whispered back. "I just...I need to prepare myself…"

"You've been preparing yourself for the past two weeks! Just do it already!"

He tried to shove the Trainer through the frame, but the latter resisted. Suddenly, Weldon retreated, causing Lapis to lose balance and fall.

"Damn it, Leland!" he muttered as he stood up.

The sound of footsteps approached the two, and Harry's face peered out. "Oh, there you two are. I thought you were going to text me, Lapis."

"Eh, I forgot."

"Right… Anyway, you ready to watch Weldon? It's the last one against Blaze and Surge."

Weldon bit his lip. "I guess so…"

"Don't be so nervous! Jayden and Marisa are really nice people, but if you want to watch from the back, that's fine too. Besides...I know Summer really wants to see you again."

The Kantonian blushed. "I-I see…"

Lapis crossed his arms. "Just go with Waves, Leland."

Weldon turned to the teen. "Before you go, I really want to thank you for letting me train with you and helping me out. I really feel bad for keeping you here for so long, but let me know if you need help with anything. You have my number."

"And mine too!" Harry interjected. "Good luck, Lapis."

"Yeah, yeah." He smirked and gave them a backwards wave.

Once he exited the building, he made the long-awaited phone call. "Hey, Mr. Briney. You got time to take me to Slateport City?


Hiding amongst the dense trees, the cloaked stranger made a call to his supervisor.

"Hamsetrin, reporting."

{Ah, you're finally checking in. Did you succeed?}

He sighed. "I'm afraid not, Master Rekishi. I did my best to persuade the target that his traveling companion was abandoning him, and I did all I could to distract him and his friend from reaching the Gym. But it appears I underestimated the target's mental fortitude."

{That's unfortunate, Hamsetrin. You know this client is very particular about this mission.}

"I know." Then, the man smirked. "But I planted the seed of doubt. I know of other opportunities to demoralize not only the target, but also those around him."

{Always thinking ahead, aren't you? Very well. Do what you need to do to complete your mission.}

Hamestrin hung up, a large smile creeping over his face. Soon, Weldon Leland will never step onto a battlefield again...

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of Weldon and Lapis' stories of their past?

What will Lapis encounter in the next city?

What opportunities is Hamestrin planning?