Lapis finally arrived in Slateport City after a month-long delay. However, he was distracted by trash collecting on the beach, aggressive seaweed by the ocean, and a long line at the Oceanic Museum. At the last location, he encountered Team Aqua and their leader, Archie. Lapis was able to save the notable Captain Stern from the ocean-loving villains and hand his final delivery to the man. With that out of the way, Lapis makes his way north. What Pokémon will he find, and who will he run into along the way?
P.S.- Don't forget to send in your questions or vote in my fifth anniversary poll! :)
Lapis' Pokémon:
Zuli (Lvl. 18 Marshtomp, male; Item: Soft Sand): Impish Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Tackle, Growl, Mud Shot, Water Gun
Citrine (Lvl. 16 Makuhita, female; Item: Quick Claw): 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. 18 Beautifly, female; Item: Miracle Seed): 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. 15 Poochyena, female; Item: King's Rock): Mild Nature, Run Away Ability, moves: Tackle, Howl, Sand Attack, Bite
Chapter 15: Grinding Sparks
After a few days, Lapis departed Slateport City to begin the daunting trek to Mauville City on Route 110. He noticed the large concrete structure snaking along the grassy path below, but he could care less what it was. His only focus was the nearest patch of grass.
This better be a good Pokémon. Don't want another Pokémon I caught already or a useless one.
When he wandered around the patch, a female Electrike jumped out of the trees, sniffing for food.
The teen let out his star Pokémon catcher. "Onyx, Tackle!"
The Poochyena slammed into the target. Alarmed, the Electric type howled, raising her attack.
Undaunted, Lapis shouted, "Tackle again!"
With another solid move, the Electrike's health fell into the low yellow.
With a smirk, Lapis threw a Poké Ball. But after two shakes, the Electrike broke free.
Damn it, not this again! But this time, it's different!
He removed a newer purchase, a Great Ball, from his bag and chucked it at the wild Pokémon. With three shakes, the Electrike was his.
"Thank Arceus!" he exclaimed. "Usin' these from now on." He then scanned the ball. So, a Mild Nature with the Static Ability. She'll be useful. But who to switch her out with?
He looked at Onyx, who was a little worried.
Knowing why, he sighed. "Don't look like that, Onyx. It ain't you."
"Oh, okay," she said, relieved. "Then who will it be?"
He headed back to the Slateport City Pokémon Center and she skipped behind him.
He finally answered with, "Maybe Agate."
"Agate? But why?"
"Too many Flying types on the team."
She paused. "I guess that makes sense."
"What's it like in there anyway? The Box I mean."
"Well, it's actually quite comfortable. We can roam around outside our Poké Balls, eat whatever we want, and play with everyone!"
"How...nice…"
Once they entered the Pokémon Center and Lapis healed his team, he let out Agate, who was holding a large pale yellow seed tied around her left arm.
"Agate. I'm gonna put ya into the Box, and I'm gonna need the Miracle Seed back. You okay with that?"
The Beautifly looked at the computer, then at her Trainer with sad eyes. "Sure, Lapis. I had a feeling this would happen."
"You did?"
"Yeah. Moonstone's obviously better than me, and I know you'll find a good Grass type soon. I won't be as useful anymore if I stick around."
The teen cracked a smile. "Since you've got the most battle experience, you can prep any Pokémon before I get 'em. Sound good?"
She happily somersaulted. "I'd love to."
She removed the hold item and handed it back to her Trainer. He nodded and returned her for the last time. After a quick switch, he received the ball containing his latest catch. Finding space on a nearby couch, he let out the Electrike, who gave him a curious look.
"So, who are you?" she asked with a slight crackle in her voice.
"Lapis, your new Trainer."
Lapis handed her the translation card then rummaged through the gemstone box. He eventually found a deep blue stone with yellow and white streaks and strung it with a gold chain. Perfect for her evolution.
The Electric type stared at the gemstone. "That looks pretty."
"It's kyanite. And your nickname."
"Sounds good to me." She allowed him to place the jewelry around her neck.
Then, Lapis looked at her moveset. Tackle, Thunder Wave, Leer, and Howl… Wait...no Electric type move?! Ugh!
The scowl on his face frightened Kyanite. "I-Is something wrong?"
The Nuzlocker sighed. "No… Come on, let's get to training…"
A few hours later...
Lapis stormed out of a house on the route. "That was a flippin' waste of my time!"
"This isn't the end, Lapis Eurig!" a man in a red suit growled as he waved his fist. "You're just lucky since I used up my most marvelous puzzles for my escape event yesterday! I'll come up with a better maze! And…And even better puzzles that'll stump you! I swear it as the best Trick Master in the world!"
But the Nuzlocker continued to ignore him. When he got a good distance away, the teen sat down and healed his Pokémon one at a time. The last, Kyanite, was disappointed.
"What's up, Kyanite?"
She pawed the grass. "How come I seem to be doing so bad compared to everyone else?"
Her Trainer sighed. "It's 'cause you're still new to this. And you haven't got an Electric type move yet."
"When will I learn one?"
Lapis scrolled through this tablet. "Level 20."
"And what am I now?"
"16."
Her head drooped. "Oh…"
He stood up. "Well you're almost close to learnin' Quick Attack. Then it'll be easier."
"I guess…but I don't want to be useless!"
This piqued his interest. "What's got you so worked up?"
"Well…"
Suddenly, his PokéNav vibrated. That's weird. Who'd have my number?
When he answered, he got his answer.
{Hi there, Lapis. It's me, Professor Birch!}
"How'd you get my number?"
{The PLA got the records after you received your PokéNav. So pretty much the Gym Leaders, me, and other major people involved in your challenge got it."
"Huh…that's creepy. Anyway, why'd you call me?"
{Oh, right! Just seeing how you are with filling out your Pokédex.}
"Uhh… It's...goin'..."
{I see… Well then, I won't keep you long. Oh, wait! Jade's doing field work on Route 110. You should pay her a visit.}
"What for? She's old enough to be out on her own."
{Well, yes. But she said she really wants to battle you again. I've never seen her so fired up to battle anyone before.}
"Guess it ain't gonna hurt to get more experience."
{That's the spirit! Well then, I'd better go. Good luck!}
The device clicked and became silent.
Lapis pondered the caller's words with a smile. She wants to battle me again, huh? She'll regret that.
He got up and addressed the Electrike. "Come on, gotta learn Quick Attack sooner or later."
A few more hours later…
The sun beat down on the team as they continued battling the wild Pokémon on Route 110. Lapis watched from the shade of a nearby tree. He had better things to do, like learning about his Pokémon's next moves and evolution levels.
Everyone's getting close to leveling up, and are close to evolving. We should be good enough to beat the next Gym, maybe even with Zuli alone! This challenge ain't that hard after all.
"Lapis Eurig!" a familiar female voice shouted, interrupting his thinking. "What the hell are you thinking?!"
Jade stomped over, her face red from both heat and anger.
"Look who's finally here..." Lapis noticed something different about her. "What's that thing on your head?"
She became delighted. "Oh, it's my field bandana; I wear it whenever I have to work far away from the lab. It's great for…wait… Don't change the subject! How did you know I was here? And why are you making your Pokémon train in the hot sun?!"
"First off, your uncle told me. And second, I don't question your 'trainin' methods, do I? Besides, I gave 'em water a few minutes ago."
"But...you...urgh!" She took a deep breath. "Guess he has a point after all."
Lapis brushed his hair back. "Who said that? Your boyfriend or somethin'?"
She smirked. "Why would you care if I'm in a relationship?"
He cleared his throat. "N-No reason…" Then he regained his composure. "So what'd you want?"
"What else?" she responded while removing a Poké Ball from her belt. "I wanna see how good you are now."
"But I'm in the middle of trainin'. Come back later."
"Seriously? You're making an excuse right now? I thought you're supposed to battle anyone who comes into eye contact with you, Mr. 'Nuzlocker'."
"Not everyone… Geez, why're you always wantin' to battle me?!"
Her face became stoic. "I have my reasons."
Lapis sighed. "Fine then." He returned everyone except for Kyanite, who bounded towards her Trainer.
Jade threw her Poké Ball into the air. "Go, Chalchi!"
The Wingull embraced the humid air and eyed her challenger.
Kyanite was eager for her next battle, but Lapis had other ideas.
"You ain't ready, Kyanite."
"B-But, Lapis!" she protested. "I've been able to use the Thunder Wave-Quick Attack combo we talked about really well!"
"I know, but you still ain't got Spark yet. Plus, she's Level 18. Leave it to the more experienced, 'kay?"
Seeing his point, she walked to the teen's side and sat on the cool grass. The junior research assistant was surprised, but she remained quiet.
"Go, Zuli!"
The Marshtomp emerged and waved at the girl. "Hi, Jade!"
She beamed. "Hi, Zuli."
"Not now, Zuli!" Lapis hissed.
The Water type shrugged. "Come on, Loud Lapis. It's been a long time since we've seen her."
"Not long enough…"
Jade took offense to the comment and commanded, "Chalchi, multi-shot Water Gun!"
The Seagull Pokémon peppered Zuli with strong water blasts, but the latter was unfazed.
"Zuli, Water Gun!"
The Mud Fish Pokémon unleashed a water blast of his own, knocking Chalchi off-course.
"Chalchi, Supersonic!"
"Zuli, Tackle!"
She emitted the confusion-inducing waves, but was unable to connect. Zuli then slammed into the Flying type, and her flapping became labored.
Jade sensed this and shouted, "Wing Attack!"
"Tackle again!"
Chalchi hit Zuli in the head with her right wing, but it wasn't enough to stop the latter from striking her body. The Wingull collapsed, exhausted.
Jade bit her lip and reluctantly returned her fallen Pokémon. "Thanks, Chalchi. You did well." She forced a smile. "Looks like I gotta use my ace already. Go, Dean!"
Instead of a Treecko, a serious Level 20 Grovyle greeted the Nuzlocke Trainer. Knowing this was a terrible matchup, Lapis immediately returned Zuli.
"Go, Moonstone!"
The Taillow flew over them, unfazed by the sweltering heat.
Jade clenched her left fist and shouted, "Dean, use Pursuit!"
"Moonstone, Wing Attack!"
The Taillow flew up to get a better angle to hit Dean. But the Grass type intercepted her so quickly, he slammed his left hand into her body. However, she regained her balance and use the shorter range to easily land the super effective attack. The Wood Gecko Pokémon hit the grass hard and struggled to stand.
"Not again…" his Trainer muttered.
But before Jade could issue a command, Lapis responded first. "Quick Attack!"
One quick strike later, Dean crumpled, forcing her to return him. Lapis thought it was over until she removed one final Poké Ball from her belt.
"Go, Maat!"
A female Slugma materialized. Despite her body being literal magma, the grass around them was untouched.
Again with these physics! Shaking his head, Lapis returned Moonstone and replaced her with Zuli.
"Zuli, Mud Shot!"
After her Level 18 Pokémon was sprayed with mud, the Lava Pokémon sank into herself. Jade gave a resigned sigh, suffering another loss.
"Guess you win again, Lapis." She returned her Slugma and crossed her arms. "I just don't understand it. How'd you get stronger without doing any of the work yourself?"
The delinquent shrugged. "Don't know, don't care to be honest."
"Huh… Maybe it's a side effect of the challenge. I should study this later. Oh yeah, Uncle Birch wanted me to give you this." She took out a pair of red and blue dowsing rods.
"What the hell's that?"
"An Itemfinder. It allows you to find hidden items."
"Like what?"
"What do you mean 'like what'?"
"I mean, you can just see them with your own eyes, right? Or like those weird Poké Balls that somehow have items inside?"
She scoffed, "I really don't know what you've been doing for this challenge, Lapis, but don't question these things. Seriously."
The Nuzlocker rolled his eyes, but he accepted his prize.
Jade wiped her brow with her bandana. "Anyway, I better get going. You know, research and all that."
She took out a foldable bike from her bag and set it up. Lapis was dumbfounded, but remembering what she just said, he kept his mouth shut.
She looks really down… Damn it…why do I feel bad about this…?
Jade was about to leave when Lapis shouted, "You better be stronger the next time we battle. I need the EXP."
She shook her head but took one last look at her rival before pedaling away.
He sat back down as Zuli and Kyanite approached.
"That was rude, Loud Lapis." the Marshtomp scolded.
His Trainer leaned on the tree. "I don't need a lesson from you, Zuli."
The Electrike on the other hand, was amazed. "You and Moonstone were so strong, Zuli! I wish I could be like that too…"
The Water type patted her head. "Aw, thanks, Kyanite! I know you'll be too once you get Spark."
This invigorated her. "Then let's keep training! I promise I'll be as strong as everyone else on the team!"
Zuli laughed while Lapis smirked.
"Fine then. Y'all can train some more."
Once his team were scouting for more wild Pokémon to battle, the Nuzlocker couldn't help but think about the junior research assistant's last expression before she left. She's still annoying, but she ain't so bad. After all, she does have a pretty smile…
Questions for the Chapter:
What did you think of Kyanite?
What did you think of Lapis' battle against Jade?
What will happen to Lapis in Mauville City?
