Lapis and his traveling group assisted Steven with rescuing the Mossdeep Space Center from the invading Team Magma. The Nuzlocker and his Mightyena, who was emotionally hurt after the events of the Gym battle, were able to reconcile. Lapis and Steven defeated Maxie and Tabitha easily, and the villainous leader decided to reconsider the team's goals. Lapis' group now refocuses on finding Seafloor Cavern, but are not having much luck. Will they able to find alternative way to stop Groudon and Kyogre in time?
Lapis' Pokémon:
Zuli (Lvl. 46 Swampert, male; Item: Soft Sand): Impish Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Tackle, Strength, Mud Shot, Surf
Bixbite (Lvl. 44 Camerupt, male): Bold Nature, Oblivious Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Tackle, Ember, Earthquake (currently in PC)
Onyx (Lvl. 47 Mightyena, female; Item: King's Rock): Mild Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Take Down, Rock Smash, Crunch, Bite
Pearl (Lvl. 47 Grumpig, female): Lax Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Psychic, Psybeam, Shock Wave, Confuse Ray
Celestite (Lvl. 45 Altaria, female): Gentle Nature, Natural Cure Ability, moves: Fly, Safeguard, Take Down, Dragonbreath
Amethyst (Lvl. 47 Gloom, female; Item: Miracle Seed): Quiet Nature, Chlorophyll Ability, moves: Petal Dance, Acid, Poisonpowder, Moonlight
Pokémon sent to the PLA: Tiger Eyes (Linoone, male), Citrine (Makuhita, female), Kyanite (Electrike, female), Moonstone (Swellow, female), SmokyQuarz (Numel, male)
Chapter 39: A Freezing Heat
Lapis gasped for air as he and Larimar rose back to the water's surface.
Another unsuccessful underwater search.
"You sure this is the place, Lapis?" the Spheal asked.
"That's what Miller said. Though she may still be just guessin' at this point. Whatever, it's almost time to meet back up. Get some rest, Larimar."
"All righty."
Lapis switched his diving Pokémon for his flying Pokémon, and they flew to Sootopolis City. Lucky for him, he found the underwater route leading to the isolated city earlier, saving him travel time. Seeing his group was already at the meeting spot, a large tree surrounded by the city's lake with the underwater entrance, he swam over there after landing at the Pokémon Center.
"Hey, Lapis," Harry greeted. "I'm guessing you didn't find anything either?"
"Nope." He glared to Trinity. "You sure you got the right location, Miller?"
She groaned. "For the last time, Eurig, yes."
Samir frowned. "Could that mean Team Aqua has already found Seafloor Cavern, Trinity?"
"I…don't know… But at least we haven't encountered heavy rains so far. That's the only sign I can count on at this point."
Weldon crossed his arms as he stared at the thick leaves on the branches above them. "In that case, Trin, we should follow the backup plan of finding the Regis."
She nodded, holding back a tear. "Yes…that may be what we have to do."
Lapis' PokéNav vibrated; it was Steven Stone.
{Hey, Lapis. Where are you now?}
"Sootopolis. Why?"
{I looked at my exploration notes and found a place that may help you out. Meet me at the Pokémon Center in Dewford Town. I can explain more to you and your friends.}
"Fine with me," the Nuzlocker responded, hanging up on Steven without giving him a chance to say goodbye.
After relaying Steven's message to the group, they flew over to Dewford Island. During their flight, they sizzled under the midday sun. Groudon's powers extended further since it was awakened, worrying everyone.
Once Harry saw the buildings on the familiar island, they descended towards the Pokémon Center. But they couldn't touch the ground. The heat was so intense, the sand and pathways looked like they were steaming. Suddenly, the doors to the building opened, and a Water type move was sprayed on the ground to provide a temporary landing spot. Once the group entered the relative comfort of the Pokémon Center, the water outside immediately evaporated.
"Excellent work, Surge," Brawly complimented his Hariyama.
"Dad!" Harry exclaimed, giving his dad a hug. "I was so worried!"
His father returned the gesture. "Thanks, Harry. But I'm all right, and everyone else on the island. At least for now."
Lapis looked at the interior struggling to stay cool. Groudon's really wrecking everything…
Steven then entered, wiping his brow. "My goodness, it's hot out there."
"Steven!" Brawly and the rare stone enthusiast exchanged side hugs. "Didn't expect to see you out here again so soon."
"Well, I'm here to provide some guidance with that…secret…near here."
The normally laidback Gym Leader became serious. "I see." Brawly then noticed Weldon's new cufflinks and hid a smile. "In that case, let's head to a meeting room."
The group headed there, trying to stay cool. Once inside, Brawly locked the door.
"So, what's this place you mentioned?" Lapis asked Steven.
"I think Brawly would be able to better explain it."
The Gym Leader crossed his arms and looked out the window. "During my travels to find ideal surfing and training spots, I found this strange temple-like structure on an island along Route 105."
"What's so strange about it?" Samir inquired.
"Well, that place is always cold, no matter how hot it is. And it has a tendency to vanish on occasion, so I only have a general idea on where it's located." Brawly then unfurled a map of Route 105 on the table.
Weldon got up and looked at the image. Then, he pointed to a small island surrounded by a natural barrier. "I think that's where it is."
Steven stroked his chin. "It does seem a little obvious when you think about its location. How did-"
"I know? A gut feeling…I guess."
"Then let's head over there. I got you an exemption to temporarily ignore the traveling constraints from your challenge, Lapis, so you can fly with us."
Lapis smirked. "Then what're we waitin' for?"
Brawly nodded. "I'll stay behind for support." He saw his son's hesitation but reassured him with a smile. "Go help your friends, Harry."
"You got it, Dad."
The group left the island and flew towards the location Weldon pointed to. They saw the icy blue temple and landed in front of it. Lapis felt the structure give off a powerful chill, making the surroundings more bearable.
"So it's true," Trinity whispered. "Island Cave, the temple of Regice…"
Weldon touched the exterior. "So, that's what I saw back then…"
"You saw the temple before, Weldon?"
"Yeah. It was when Summer and I were traveling to Dewford Island from Petalburg City."
"Oh, yeah. I tried to find it myself then as well, but I failed. It seems the temple must be, in a way, calling to you, Weldon."
He looked at his glowing cufflinks. "It seems so."
Lapis hid his fascination of the pulsating accessories. "So, what now?"
Everyone walked around the temple until Weldon found a small hidden compartment near the entrance. But there was nothing inside.
"H-How can that be?" Trinity murmured as she examined the empty hole. "This temple shouldn't have been visited by anyone since its builder…"
Steven examined the area around the cubicle. "It appears there has been some storm damage a long time ago. That must have been how it was opened, and whatever was inside fell into the ocean."
Weldon frowned. "The currents must've carried it far away. Is there really no way to find it?"
Then Harry noticed something in the water. "What's that?"
Everyone looked in that direction. Lapis was surprised to see a piece of ice bobbing on the waves.
Ice, in the middle of a heat wave?
As if drawn to it, Weldon dove into the ocean and swam towards it. The mini-iceberg, sensing the person approaching, stayed in place, refusing to be carried away by the currents. The Kantonian grabbed it and returned to shore. As he showed it to the group, the ice instantly melted in his hand, revealing a small frosty blue sphere. Weldon then instinctively fastened it onto his right cufflink. A light blue energy flowed from the orb into the boy's body.
Weldon took a deep breath as the energy faded. "That was…weird."
"What happened, Weldon?" the research assistant asked.
"It was like…the coldness from the temple entered my soul. Almost like Regice was examining my worth."
Samir grinned. "I know that feeling. Now we just need Regirock's part to finish the cufflinks."
Trinity grew quiet. "About that…"
"Uh…maybe we should discuss this back in the air conditioning?" Lapis interjected, his body drenched with sweat.
"Yes…that would be the better course of action."
The group flew back to Dewford Town, the sun beating down on them with greater intensity.
Brawly welcomed them back inside the Pokémon Center. After learning what they found, he said, "It's a good thing you found that in time. Look." He pointed to the docks from the window. Water along the shore started to evaporate, leaving several boats stranded.
Trinity nodded. "Don't worry, Brawly. We'll speed up our efforts to locate Seafloor Cavern. But…what I was going to tell you all earlier… I don't know where Regirock's orb can be found."
"Wh-What do you mean?" Weldon asked, a little stunned.
"I tried to find it earlier, but the Desert Ruins temple was destroyed more than a decade ago. If it was there, it must be buried in the sand by now."
Lapis was annoyed. "And you decided to tell us this now?!"
Weldon clasped the Nuzlocker's shoulder. "That point's moot now, Lapis. Besides, I also couldn't find it when I was there. But I was still drawn to it, which means the orb can be obtained…somehow."
Steven smiled. "Then I suggest you go to an underwater cave I found on a previous Route 134 expedition, Weldon. It had strange symbols on the walls that appeared to discuss the Regis, but I was only able to partially translate them."
The Nuzlocker crossed his arms. "Again…why all this now?"
"Well, I had a theory about my translation. If what Trinity said about Regirock's orb is true, then there is a potential for that orb to be within the lower portions of the Desert Ruins. But since all the temples have been sealed by the Pokémon's creator, the only way to open them would be to follow the instructions written in the cave."
Weldon processed the rare stone enthusiast's words. "In that case, we'll need to split up to cover more ground. What do you all think?"
"Yes, especially based on the current situation," Trinity replied, still a little unnerved by Groudon's impact. "Weldon, I will lead the expedition to find Seafloor Cavern while you and Steven find that cave. Samir, Eurig, Harry, where do you want to go?"
"I'll go with Samir and Steven," Samir offered. "They may need my help with the translations."
Lapis sighed. "Guess I'll go with Miller since I have the divin' Pokémon."
Everyone turned to Harry, who was silent. After a while, he said, "I…I actually should stay here."
This surprised the group.
"A-Are you sure, Harry?" Trinity asked.
The surfer nodded. "My home is in danger. I can't leave knowing if this heat wave or a future storm could devastate the town."
Brawly gave his son a smile. "Harry…you've really matured. I'm proud of you."
Harry chuckled. "Thanks, Dad. If things settle down here, I'll rejoin you guys. If that's okay."
"Of course," Weldon said. "But I have a favor to ask of you before we go. Can we talk in private, Harry?"
"No prob."
The two boys headed to a meeting room while Trinity, Steven, Samir, and Brawly went to the television area to discuss the next steps. Lapis, in the meantime, let out Amethyst. He showed the Gloom the Leaf Stone he acquired on Route 124.
"Since you finally learned your last move, Petal Dance, there ain't any reason for you to be a Gloom. Not that you haven't been helpful lately, but if you wanna get stronger, you can evolve into a Vileplume now."
The Grass type's eyes gleamed. She nodded and motioned to her Trainer to hand her the evolutionary stone. Smiling, he obliged.
As soon as she touched the Leaf Stone, its energy transferred into the Gloom. A bright light accompanied by green leaves surrounded Amethyst, and the flower on her head grew bigger. When the light and leaves faded, a Vileplume stood in the Gloom's place. Amethyst applauded, maintaining her quiet demeanor.
"Guess you're still gonna be the quiet one," his Trainer said with a smirk.
After he returned his newly evolved Pokémon, Lapis' PokéNav vibrated. This time, it was Detective Kei.
{Hello, Lapis. I apologize for the sudden call, but I have an update on Jade's whereabouts.}
"S-So you've found her?"
There was a pause. Then the detective said something that shocked the teen.
{Jade Ritva's been kidnapped by Team Aqua.}
Questions for the Chapter:
What did you think of the events at Dewford Town and Island Cave?
What do you think of the group splitting up?
Will Lapis and Detective Kei be able to rescue Jade?
