Lapis' training session near Fallarbor Town was interrupted when a woman asked him to help her find Dr. Takao Cosmo, her husband and well-known meteorite researcher. The Nuzlocker tracked him down to Meteor Falls, where Team Magma and Team Aqua fought over the hostage. The land-loving villains got the upper hand and stole the Meteorite the researcher had in his possession. Now with the man freed, the teen brings him back to his wife and is eager to leave. However, the pair give him another task that could affect the safety of the region. What is this task, and will Lapis prevent the region's destruction?

Lapis' Pokémon:

Zuli (Lvl. 26 Marshtomp, male; Item: Soft Sand): Impish Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Tackle, Strength, Mud Shot, Water Gun

SmokyQuarz (Lvl. 22 Numel, male; Item: Exp. Share): Gentle Nature, Oblivious Ability, moves: Growl, Tackle, Ember, Magnitude

Onyx (Lvl. 25 Mightyena, female; Item: King's Rock): Mild Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Tackle, Rock Smash, Sand Attack, Bite

Kyanite (Lvl. 25 Electrike, female): Mild Nature, Static Ability, moves: Spark, Howl, Quick Attack, Thunder Wave

Moonstone (Lvl. 25 Swellow, female): Naive Nature, Guts Ability, moves: Peck, Double Team, Focus Energy, Quick Attack

Amethyst (Lvl. 24 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), Citrine (Makuhita, female)

Chapter 22: Intruding on an Igneous Assault

"Oh, Takao! I'm so happy you're safe!"

"I'm sorry I made you worry, Natsuki."

Lapis was unmoved at the sight of the reunion back in Professor Cosmo's laboratory home. Onyx, however, was touched.

"It's…so…beautiful…" she said in between sniffles.

"It's cliché if you ask me. Besides, I wanna get the hell outta here. We need to make our way to Lavaridge."

"But they want to ask you a favor."

He crossed his arms. "I bet it's another chore I ain't gettin' paid for."

Her ears drooped. "Yeah, you're probably right…"

Natsuki waved them over, and the pair reluctantly joined the couple.

"Thank you again for saving me, Lapis," the professor said with a big smile. "Although it was a shame those Team Magma people took the Meteorite."

"Your life is much more important, dear," his wife emphasized.

"I guess that's true." He turned to the teenager. "Lapis, I overhead those Team Magma Grunts talking about Mt. Chimney while I was kidnapped. It sounds like they plan to do something terrible with the Meteorite. Can you please stop Team Magma and get the Meteorite back?"

I knew it. "What do I get outta this?"

"Preventing the region's destruction, of course! That Meteorite has enough energy to power most machines, so who knows what they're thinking about doing."

I have a few guesses… "Why ain't ya stoppin' them or the cops? You're the reason for gettin' us in this mess."

"Please, Lapis," The professor pleaded. "I can only do so much as a scientist. The police won't know what to do with this information. Plus, I'm sure you're strong enough to stop them."

"I still don't know why the cops ain't gettin' involved," the delinquent muttered. But he replied, "Fine… At least you told me where they'll be. Come on, Onyx."

"Good luck!" the couple encouraged as the annoyed Nuzlocker and his Pokémon left for their journey to the tallest mountain in Hoenn.

One walk through Fiery Path later…

Lapis and Onyx stared at the towering volcano from the base at Route 112. Normally, the mountain would be busy with visitors, but it was eerily silent. The teen noticed a building labeled "Mt. Chimney Cable Car Service", where a trail of cables and poles climbed up and down the steep slopes.

The two walked inside the bright loading area and saw a frightened woman standing in front of a yellow 10-person cable car.

When she saw the newcomers, she cowered and stammered, "A-Are you with Team Magma? Please don't hurt me!"

Lapis groaned. "Do I look like Team Magma?"

"W-Well…you're wearing red. And you're yelling at me. So…"

"If I really were with them, I'd be wearing those dumb red and black outfits instead of this, wouldn't I?"

"O-Oh… I guess you're right. I'm sorry, I was overwhelmed when so many of them headed up the volcano. They even yelled at me for not having the cable cars running fast enough."

I don't believe this… First the Slateport Museum, and now this… Why does no one think any of this is suspicious? "Whatever… I need a lift up to the top. Do I need to pay for this?"

"Oh, no. The cable car rides are free thanks to the Hoenn National Parks Foundation. Are you ready to head up?"

He looked at the determined Mightyena and nodded. She guided him inside and once the vehicle was secured, the cable car glided along the upward cables. Onyx marveled at the sight, and even Lapis was intrigued by the views. The green forests and gray cities contrasted with the vast blue ocean and islands bordering the east and south. After ten minutes, the cable car entered the mountain station. They exited the building and saw the flat paths around the volcanic crater were covered with Team Magma Grunts. The clockwise path led to a man in front of a weird machine.

The Nuzlocker cracked his knuckles. "All right. Let's get this over with for the EXP."

Suddenly, Archie and several Team Aqua Grunts descended from the sky via Golbat and Zubat.

"Ahoy there, Team Magma scum!" the Team Aqua leader roared. "Time to get our revenge!"

The opposing villainous team prepared their Poké Balls for battle.

Tabitha, the admin Lapis saw in Meteor Falls, came over and smirked. "So, you think you'll be able to change the outcome, Archie? I won't let you get to the Boss! Grunts, attack!"

The Team Magma members sent out their Poochyena, and the Team Aqua Grunts did the same. The rival Poochyena attacked each other again, while Archie sent out his Mightyena and ran towards Tabitha. However, three Team Magma Grunts jumped in front of him with their Poochyena.

"Damn it!" the pirate pretender growled. Then he noticed Lapis. "Hey, pup! Could use some help here!"

"I thought you got everythin' under control, Archie. You know, getting' your revenge 'n all."

Gritting his teeth, the man countered, "Now's not the time, pup! Stop 'em before they make the volcano erupt!"

Why do I put myself into these situations…

Lapis and Onyx ran towards the machine, but a Team Magma Grunt stood in the way.

"I won't let you get to the boss! Zubat, Numel, stop them!"

After Onyx lowered the Zubat's Attack with Intimidate, Lapis sent out Zuli to assist her. "Onyx, use Bite on Zubat! Zuli, Mud Shot that Numel!"

The Dark type bit the blue bat's left wing and flung him into the air. Meanwhile, the Marshtomp sprayed a stream of mud at the Fire type's face, knocking him out instantly.

The Grunt growled. "Water types are always a threat. Zubat, use Supersonic on him!"

His Pokémon obliged and hit Zuli with the white rings emitting from his mouth.

As the Mud Fish Pokémon spun around with small ducks circling over his head, Lapis smirked. "Just 'cause he's a Water type, he's instantly a threat? He ain't the only one. Onyx, finish Zubat with another Bite!"

She leapt up and bit her opponent again, this time hurtling him towards the ground. Seeing he lost the advantage, the Grunt returned his Pokémon and scurried away.

Though the battle was over, Zuli still looked dizzy.

His Trainer rolled his eyes. "Come on, Zuli. Stop being overdramatic."

His starter pouted. "You're no fun, Loud Lapis. Besides, Onyx is enjoying it."

Seeing her relax a little made Lapis back off. For a little bit. "Since you wanna fool around, you're up first for the battles."

The Marshtomp stopped spinning and shrugged. "Oh, all right. Onyx deserves a little break, anyway."

She giggled. "Thanks, Zuli. I appreciate it."

Lapis then switched the order of Poké Balls on his belt and returned her. He and Zuli continued down the path towards the center of the volcano when Tabitha stood in the way.

"Well, well, well!" the Team Magma Admin sneered. "Look who came all the way here. I want to thank you, by the way, for getting us one step closer to achieving our goal of expanding the land."

Lapis dead panned. "Look, man. I don't give a damn about your goals. I just need that Meteorite you stole from the professor."

"It's Tabitha to you, kid, and I already delivered our lovely prize to the Boss. But it seems you won't be helping us out this time around."

Tabitha took out a Poké Ball. "Numel, stop them!"

The Fire type materialized and stood in front of his Trainer.

Seeing that their opponent was Level 18, Lapis sighed. "Zuli, Water Gun."

The super effective attack immediately knocked out the Numb Pokémon.

"Tch, lucky shot," Tabitha muttered as he returned his Pokémon. "Go, Poochyena!"

The familiar Dark type appeared and growled.

Lapis raised an eyebrow after seeing the Bite Pokémon's level was 20. "For a so-called Admin, you really have low level Pokémon."

"Low…level? I'm not gonna get confused by your weird Nuzlocke talk!"

"Zuli, Mud Shot."

The Marshtomp sprayed the Poochyena with so much mud, it resulted in a critical hit knockout.

"You just got lucky again," the Team Magma Admin scowled. After returning his second Pokémon, he shouted, "Go, Zubat!"

The common denizen of caves everywhere flew overhead.

22, still a low level… This ain't worth the EXP, but whatever. "Zuli, Strength."

The Water type grabbed the nearest boulder and hurled it at the Bat Pokémon. Though the rock made contact, the Zubat remained airborne.

That's a first this battle… It better not get any worse.

Tabitha, relieved to finally attack, commanded, "Zubat, Supersonic!"

Zuli was again struck by the white rings and spun around with yellow ducks over his head.

Damn it, not again… "Zuli, snap out of it and use Tackle!"

Although the confusion remained, his starter was able to slam the Poison type into the ground.

Tabitha grew frustrated as he took out his last Poké Ball. "Why you little… Numel, destroy them!"

A second Numel, which was four levels higher than the first one, appeared with a mean look on his face.

Though Zuli was still confused, Lapis remained composed. "Zuli, Mud Shot!"

The Water type, however, smacked himself in the face and wasted his turn. Lapis smacked his face. I hate status conditions…

Tabitha became wary and shouted, "Growl!"

It was a soft growl, but it had the same attack-lowering effect.

"Come on, Zuli! Mud Shot!"

Upon hearing the encouraging words, Zuli opened his mouth and covered the Numel up to his neck. The super effective attack still knocked out the Fire type, despite it being weaker.

Tabitha was stunned. "H-How could I be defeated?"

"Are we through here?" Lapis said as Zuli regained his senses.

"With me, yes, but…" The Admin smirked. "The Boss will succeed. And there's nothing you can do about it."

"Whatever."

Lapis brushed past him, and they continued to the end of the path, which was a lookout point for the bubbling magma below. A red-haired man in a red and black coat stood in front of a strange rectangular device. In his left hand was the stolen Meteorite.

He muttered in a smooth, yet sinister voice, "With this Meteorite, the machine will cause Mt. Chimney's volcanic activity to intensify and…" Noticing he was no longer alone, he looked at the Nuzlocker and said with a sneer, "So you're the one who's been causing our enemy, Team Aqua, so much trouble. I, Maxie, the leader of Team Magma, must thank you on behalf of my team. But I believe that's not why you're here, is it?"

"Look, man, I don't give a shit 'bout what you're doin'. I just want the Meteorite back."

Maxie laughed. "How amusing. You really do not understand our goals to expand the land." He stared at the terrestrial portion of the region. "Land is the cradle of life, for people and Pokémon. To expand it means it will further expand the advancement of everyone."

Lapis rolled his eyes. "You're just as crazy as that Archie guy."

Maxie held back his anger. "'Crazy'? I'll teach you the consequences of meddling in our grand design!" The Team Magma Leader took out a Luxury Ball. "Advance, Eardwulf!"

A Level 24 Mightyena appeared, snarling. He was very different personality wise compared to Onyx.

Zuli was unfazed as he stepped forward, even with the attack lowering effects of Intimidate.

Maxie smirked. "A Water type, huh? Looks like we better take care of this aquaphile. Eardwulf, Sand Attack."

The Dark type spun around on his front legs and sprayed volcanic dirt into Zuli's eyes.

As Zuli tried to regain his vision, Lapis shouted, "Mud Shot!"

The Marshtomp gritted his teeth and shot the stream of mud, only for Eardwulf to jump out of the way.

"You know you can use your fins to sense motion, right, Zuli?" Lapis pointed out.

"I don't think that helps me out in these kinds of situations, Loud Lapis!"

Maxie frowned. "What an annoying Marshtomp. Eardwulf, Bite."

The Bite Pokémon bit Zuli's left arm, dealing decent damage. But it left him vulnerable.

"Zuli, Mud Shot!"

The Ground type move hit this time with decent power. As Eardwulf shook off the caking mud, his Speed fell.

Lapis smirked. That's helpful. "Zuli, Water Gun!"

Zuli drenched his opponent with water, but with the heat from the volcano, the move had slightly less impact.

"Eardwulf, Bite."

He chomped on Zuli's right arm, lowering the Hoenn starter's health close to red.

Damn it, they're stronger than I thought. Lapis took out a Super Potion and sprayed it on his Pokémon's wounds, bringing him back to full health.

Undeterred, the Team Magma Leader commanded, "Bite again."

Eardwulf clamped onto Zuli's left arm again, causing the Water type to try to shake him off.

"Zuli, Water Gun!"

He tried to aim the special attack, but Eardwulf was able to step back and avoid the water before biting him again.

Stay focused, Lapis. It ain't over yet. "Zuli, use Strength!"

The Mud Fish Pokémon grabbed a nearby rock and hurled it at the Mightyena. The Dark type growled upon contact, but was able to bite onto Zuli's right arm before retreating.

Seeing his Pokémon was panting, Maxie took out his own Super Potion and healed the Mightyena. Though Zuli was able to land another blow with Strength, Lapis grabbed his Poké Ball.

"Time to change tactics. Zuli, return!"

Nodding, he re-entered his ball.

"Go, Onyx!"

Lapis' Mightyena materialized, and she cowered slightly at her snarling male counterpart.

Maxie chuckled. "I can see why our teams have been mistaking you as a member. But her timid demeanor is unbecoming for a proper Mightyena."

Lapis frowned. "A little judgmental, don't ya think? Besides, my Mightyena's definitely stronger than yours."

Onyx's eyes sparkled. "Lapis…" Empowered by her Trainer's words, she made her battle pose and lowered Eardwulf's attack with her Intimidate Ability.

Maxie adjusted his hair. "We shall see if your words hold true, young man. Eardwulf, Bite."

Lapis was a little confused why they would attack with a less effective move, but he shouted, "Onyx, use Rock Smash!"

The two Mightyena circled each other, with Eardwulf biting Onyx's neck while Onyx smacked her opponent with her glowing white paws. When they lunged at each other for a second time, the female Mightyena was able to hit him so hard, his defense lowered. The Dark types then jumped back to their Trainers' sides, with Eardwulf looking a little worse.

Maxie clenched his right first. "Sand Attack."

His Mightyena temporarily blinded her eyes, and she blinked furiously.

"Now, Eardwulf, Bite."

"Onyx, counter with Rock Smash!"

He aimed for her right leg, but she swiped upwards, knocking him into the air.

Seeing he didn't have much health left, Lapis shouted, "Finish him with your Bite!"

She nodded and jumped up. Using her ears, she located her opponent and bit his neck before throwing him into the red dirt.

Maxie frowned as he returned his first Pokémon. "No matter, we're only getting started. Advance, Forbes."

A Level 24 Zubat flapped in the air.

Lapis was flabbergasted. "You're kiddin', right?"

"What are you blathering about?"

"You're the leader of an evil team, and you have an unevolved Pokémon?!"

"Oh, please. I'd like to see you defeat Forbes with an unevolved Pokémon."

The teen smirked. "Oh, I have one in mind." After he returned Onyx, he shouted, "Go, Kyanite!"

The Electrike happily appeared. Maxie hid his disdain with a sneer.

"Kyanite, Spark!"

The Electric type attack immediately knocked Forbes out. Kyanite beamed at the easy victory.

Maxie, frustrated, returned his second Pokémon. "You are quite the Trainer. But this all ends here. Advance, Garland."

A Level 25 Camerupt blocked the narrow path and towered over a frightened Kyanite.

Lapis returned her and threw his next Poké Ball. "Go, Moonstone!"

The Swellow flapped her wings energetically.

Maxie smirked. "I'm surprised you're not using your aquaphile. But it will not matter."

"We'll see about that. Moonstone, Focus Energy!"

"Garland, Focus Energy as well."

The opponents closed their eyes and focused on powering their bodies. An orange light temporarily surrounded them and pumped them up.

"Moonstone, Wing Attack!"

"Garland, Ember."

The Camerupt fired small flames at the charging Swellow. She took the hit well and smacked the Fire type with her wings. This continued for some time until both Pokémon were low on health. Seeing Maxie heal his last Pokémon, Moonstone was able to land another solid Wing Attack. But when Lapis healed his Pokémon with a Super Potion, Garland was able to hit an Ember so powerful, it lowered Moonstone's health back to red.

Those damn critical hits! Lapis popped open a Soda Pop and fed it to the Flying type.

Now feeling better, she was able to withstand another Ember. The Wing Attack-Ember battle continued until Moonstone raised her right wing and struck him so hard, Garland collapsed.

The Nuzlocker smirked. "Nice critical hit, Moonstone."

"Thanks, Lapis!" she replied with excitement.

Maxie returned his ace. "It appears I was caught off-guard. The rumors about you are true after all. You may take the accursed Meteorite." Then he snickered. "But this is not the last you've seen of Team Magma… After all, once we obtain the Orb, no one can stop us."

A bright light temporarily blinded the teen. When he regained his sight, all the Team Magma members were gone.

"How the hell did they do that…?"

"Those landlubbers have all sorts of fancy doohickeys and whatnot," Archie replied as he approached Lapis. "Damn, it's hot."

"Whatcha' think? It's a volcano after all."

The Team Aqua Leader laughed. "I suppose so. Well, pup, guess you were of some us after all. Though, your allegiance is quite fickle. But it ain't my job to pry. We'll see each other…again…"

The Team Aqua members departed on their Bat Pokémon.

"Glad that's over," Lapis bluntly stated as he removed the Meteorite from the machine and kicked the device into the magma below.

Moonstone peered over the rails. "Are you sure that's okay to do, Lapis?"

Her Trainer shrugged. "Eh. Those coppers ain't gonna do anythin' 'bout it. I bet it's just gonna gather ash if we left it here."

"I guess so."

He returned her and walked back to the main hub of the volcano, where an elderly woman hobbled toward him.

"Oh, you must be the young man who got rid of that dastardly Team Magma."

Lapis noticed a large bag in her hands.

She saw where he was looking and said, "Oh, I'm a maker and seller of the original Lava Cookie. Not only do they taste wonderful, but they also heal afflictions from Pokémon."

"So like a Full Heal in food form. Guess I'll take a couple. How much?"

"Well, I normally sell them for 200 Pokédollars, but since you were such a big help, I can sell them to you for 100 Pokédollars."

"Eh, why not? Much cheaper than the Full Heals."

After buying five from the Lake Cookie lady, he fled the resurging crowd by escaping to Jagged Pass.

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of Team Magma's takeover of Mt. Chimney?

What did you think of Maxie?

How will the rest of Lapis' journey to Lavaridge Town go?