Lapis left Mauville City without losing a single Pokémon. At the start of Route 111, he challenged the Winstrate family, known for their battle challenge. Though it was easy at the beginning, the Nuzlocker miscalculated his last opponent's Meditite, who immediately knocked out Tiger Eyes. Enraged, Lapis destroyed the Fighting type with Moonstone and fled back to the city. There, he learned what consequences the bet he made weeks ago could cost him. The teen began to understand what his Pokémon really meant to him and resolved to do better. Lapis now continues north, where he runs into some members of authority. Since they learned about his previous escapades, they are biased in their opinions about the delinquent. Will Lapis be able to convince them that he's changing for the better?

Lapis' Pokémon:

Zuli (Lvl. 25 Marshtomp, male; Item: Soft Sand): Impish Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Tackle, Strength, Mud Shot, Water Gun

Citrine (Lvl. 23 Makuhita, female; Item: Quick Claw): Timid Nature, Guts Ability, moves: Tackle, Fake Out, Arm Thrust, Vital Throw

Onyx (Lvl. 23 Mightyena, female; Item: Exp. Share): Mild Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Tackle, Rock Smash, Sand Attack, Bite

Kyanite (Lvl. 22 Electrike, female): Mild Nature, Static Ability, moves: Spark, Howl, Quick Attack, Thunder Wave

Moonstone (Lvl. 24 Swellow, female): Naive Nature, Guts Ability, moves: Peck, Double Team, Focus Energy, Quick Attack

Amethyst (Lvl. 23 Gloom, female; Item: Miracle Seed): Quiet Nature, Chlorophyll Ability, moves: Absorb, Acid, Stun Spore, Sleep Powder

Pokémon sent to the PLA: Tiger Eyes (Linoone, male)

Chapter 19: The Prospect of Interrogation

Due to some red-clothed guys in front of the only way he could take to Lavaridge Town, Lapis had no choice but to travel to Fallarbor Town. With the desert blocking their way, and temporarily blinding them, Lapis and Onyx returned to Route 111 via Route 112 and the Fiery Path. It was sweltering hot due to nearby Mt. Chimney, but that was the least of the Trainer's concern.

He was examining the latest Pokémon he caught using his tablet. "So, we got a total of three Fire types: two Numel, SmokyQuarz and Bixbite, and one Slugma named Garnet… Eh, could be better…"

The Mightyena mused, "Your nicknames for them aren't too bad, but why did you spell out 'SmokyQuarz' like that?"

He sighed. "'Cause I couldn't fit 'Smoky Quartz' on the tablet. So stupid…"

Feeling a little hungry, Lapis took out a small colorful box and opened it.

Onyx looked at the packaging. "What's that, Lapis?"

"Exploding Ornaments, my favorite candy." He popped some into his mouth, and chuckled as the small orbs ricocheted inside. "It bursts in your month, releasin' artificial fruity flavor."

"Really? I've never seen you eat that before."

"Eh, I saw it when I was at that shoppin' center in Mauville. It ain't a common candy 'round here, apparently."

A familiar deep voice said, "So, the delinquent's finally showed himself."

Lapis looked up, and to his dismay, two Interpol officers stood in his path. One was the person he met outside Rusturf Tunnel. The other was an older man with graying black hair hiding under his brown fedora. His hazel eyes matched his brown trench coat better than his partner's.

The Nuzlocker frowned. "Oh, it's you… Uh…"

The familiar man groaned. "Seriously?! Is this the second time you forgot who I am?!"

The other officer crossed his arms. "Peter, what did I tell you when you talk to juveniles?"

"That's none of your business, Kei."

Now remembering his curt words, the teen gritted his teeth. "Oh yeah, you're that Caspian guy back at Rusturf Tunnel."

"That's Inspector Peter Caspian to you, Mr. Eurig…"

Onyx growled at the aggressor but stopped when her Trainer stroked her head.

The other man, who appeared to be friendlier, introduced himself. "I'm Detective Eriol Kei. It's been a while, Mr. Eurig, though you may not remember me either."

A faint image of the detective flashed in Lapis' mind, but he couldn't comprehend it. "Yeah, it ain't ringin' any Chinglings…"

"Oh…" he replied, slightly crestfallen. "I heard you're suffering from a form of retrograde amnesia, but it appears to be worse than I thought…"

"Anyway," Inspector Caspian interrupted. "We have reports of an outburst you made to an esteemed alumnus of the Pokémon League Association."

The Nuzlocker growled. "You mean that old Golbat who knocked out my Linoone?"

"How dare you disrespect Mrs. Winstrate, you punk!"

Detective Kei cleared his throat. "Peter, it would be wise to talk to Mr. Eurig at her house."

This alleviated his partner's anger. "Very well. Come on, Mr. Eurig. Oh, and no Pokémon allowed."

Lapis reluctantly returned Onyx and followed the pair to a small house tucked in between a forest and the mountains. Inside was an elderly woman in a lilac dress. She was setting a tray of cookies and tea on the dining table.

She looked and smiled. "Oh, right on time, Inspector Caspian."

His demeanor changed when he saw her. "Of course, Mrs. Rūpu. I appreciate you letting us use your house again."

"Oh, not at all. I'm glad you chose my house to stay here and rest. I will be upstairs if you need me."

She hobbled up the creaky stairs, and Lapis heard a door slowly close.

The men sat down and the detective motioned the teenager to sit. Once Lapis did so, Inspector Caspian's kind facade disappeared.

"So, Mr. Eurig. Did you threaten Mrs. Vicki Winstrate after she knocked out your Linoone?"

The teen crossed his arms. "I didn't threaten her. Sure, I got mad, for good reason, but I ain't violent."

The officer leaned back in his chair. "So you claim. But this wasn't your first outburst during this challenge of yours, was it?"

Lapis instinctively clenched his left arm, which made the inspector smirk. "I…I know what I did was wrong. I'm learnin' how to handle those situations better."

"Apparently you didn't since you did it just a few days ago. And I'm sure you'll do it again and again until you do actually hurt someone."

"Inspector Caspian!" Detective Kei scolded. "You're jumping to conclusions again! That is not International Police protocol!"

The inspector rolled his eyes. "Pfft… You may be older than me, Kei, but I'm higher in rank. I don't have to listen to you anymore."

What the hell's going on with these two? I thought they were partners.

The detective cleared his throat. "In any case, Mr. Eurig, we just wanted to check up on you and make sure you don't cause any more...noteworthy incidents."

"Uh huh… Like I said, I'm tryin' to work on my temper. But I can't promise that they'll stop. That's the nature of the challenge, it seems…"

Inspector Caspian scoffed. "Don't worry, any outburst that causes violence will end your challenge outright and send you straight to prison! Remember that, punk…"

Suddenly, a Pokégear rang. The inspector picked it up and frowned. "Excuse me."

He walked outside to take the call.

Now alone, Detective Kei smiled. "I must say, I am impressed by how far you are with this challenge, Mr. Eurig."

Lapis became wary. "What the hell're you talkin' 'bout? No cop cares 'bout teens like me."

"I'm…a little different from the others."

These words…sound familiar. Is this that they call déjà vu…?

The officer gave a disappointed sigh. "When I heard what happened to you, I…I couldn't forgive myself..."

"I…I really don't remember anything from back then…"

Seeing that his partner was still occupied, Detective Kei took out something from his pocket. "Do you remember this?" He slid a box of Exploding Ornaments onto the table. "I gave this to you whenever I could every week while you were in juvenile detention."

Lapis' fingers trembled as he picked it up. "H-How did you know-?"

"It was your favorite?" With a chuckle, he replied, "You mentioned in passing about how you liked the popping sensation they made when they're in your mouth. Plus, you've always had an interest in gemology."

The teen rubbed his head. Detective Kei's words again sounded strange, but also familiar. Suddenly, a scene appeared in his mind.


A slightly younger Lapis was in the interrogation room at the juvenile detention center, frustrated by the turn of events.

How many times do I have to tell them the same thing! I didn't start that-!

The door clicked open, and in walked the man the present Lapis was sitting in front of.

"Wh-Who the hell are you…?" Lapis murmured.

The officer smiled as he approached the opposite chair. After he sat down, he replied, "I'm Inspector Kei, and I'll be in charge of you while you're in custody."

"Oh, great… Another copper…"

To the delinquent's surprise, the man offered him a box of Exploding Gemstones and a cup of water.

"I thought you'd like these. I heard it's your favorite candy."

Lapis glanced sideways. "Not anymore…"

Inspector Kei sighed. "I'm guessing your questioning didn't go well?"

"What'd ya think? Those Wailhards think I'm guilty just 'cause I was there. Not like it matters. No cop cares 'bout teens like me."

The man crossed his arms. "I'm…a little different from the others. Please, go ahead and eat. I-"


Lapis blinked and realized he was back in the present. After taking in the recovered memory, he stared at the detective.

"I…I remember you, from back then… You…were the inspector who…"

Detective Kei's eyes grew wide. "L-Lapis… Are you-?"

Inspector Caspian re-entered the building, interrupting the mood. "Come on, Kei. We have another case in Hoenn."

"Very well." His partner reluctantly stood up.

Then, the inspector noticed the box on the table. He snatched it and scolded, "What the hell, Detective? This kid isn't someone that can be helped."

"You're wrong, Inspector… Kindness can help anyone, even though perceived to not change."

"Kindness… That's what got you demoted in the first place." The higher-ranked officer then glared at Lapis. "You better stay true to your word, punk. Otherwise, I'll make sure you never get out again."

The pair left, with the detective giving the Nuzlocker a regretful glance.

Lapis sighed as he brushed his hair back. Guess I got a memory of my past back. What did Detective Kei do to get himself demoted? And why do I even care about that?

He got up to leave, but Mrs. Rūpu blocked his way.

"What the hell?!" he screamed. "Where'd you-?"

"Oh, dearie. You must stay a bit longer. It looks like you need more rest."

Lapis tried to scoot out of the way, but she stared at him with her deceptively kind eyes.

"Uh…I'd rather not."

"Oh, no. I insist."

Fear crept into the teenager. I gotta get out of here, now!

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of Detective Kei?

What did you think of the interrogation?

What did you think of Lapis' memory?

Will Lapis be able to leave the house unscathed?