After surviving the maze of trees and a Team Aqua Grunt in Petalburg Woods, Lapis made it to Rustboro City. He and Zuli decided to explore the city when they ran into Weldon Leland, a younger Trainer traveling with Summer Scorcher. Lapis watched a battle between Weldon and one of Weldon's former classmates, where the two experienced Trainers battled their hardest. Though Weldon emerged victorious, the Nuzlocke Trainer wasn't impressed by his performance. They then met Steven, a mysterious man who was interested in the two. But Lapis' mind was elsewhere as he prepared for his first Gym battle. This meant a new Pokémon and a new challenge. Who will the teenager get, and how will he fare against the Rock type Gym Leader?
Lapis' Pokémon:
Zuli (Lvl. 11 Mudkip, male): Impish Nature, Torrent Ability, moves: Tackle, Growl, Mud Slap, Water Gun
Onyx (Lvl. 10 Poochyena, female): Mild Nature, Run Away Ability, moves: Tackle, Howl, Sand Attack
Tiger Eyes (Lvl. 10 Zigzagoon, male): Quiet Nature, Pickup Ability, moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Headbutt
Agate (Lvl. 10 Beautifly, female): Quirky Nature, Swarm Ability, moves: Tackle, String Shot, Harden, Absorb
Chapter 6: Carving Out the First Gym
The next morning, Lapis and Tiger Eyes strolled through the busy Rustboro City streets. The Zigzagoon was nervous to be surrounded by so many people, but his Trainer didn't notice.
"Wh-What are you hoping to find on Route 116, Lapis?" the Normal type asked.
Without looking at Tiger Eyes, he responded, "Not hopin' for much. Nothin' really good there."
"Th-Then why are we going there?"
"Just get it outta the way."
"Oh, I see…"
As they crossed Learning Way, a male janitor in his mid-fifties strolled out of a two-story red building. When he saw the two, he ran over and asked in a slightly gravelly voice, "Pardon me, but are you Lapis Eurig?"
"Yeah, so?"
"You have to help me!" the man pleaded, clasping his hands.
Lapis sneered, "Why's that my problem? Go figure it out yourself."
"B-But you are the solution! You have to take an item off our hands. Otherwise the Headmaster will continue to cause more chaos!"
This piqued the teen's interest. "A free item, huh? Guess I'll tag along."
The school employee bowed. "Thank you. Right this way."
He handled Lapis a visitor's pass and led the pair into the building, the Rustboro City Trainer's School. The sight of metal lockers and schoolchildren walking around disgusted Lapis.
Damn it. I thought I never had to see another school again.
But he continued to follow the janitor down the clean hallway until they reached a door with a bronze nameplate that read "Headmaster's Office".
The man knocked on the door, and a crashing sound came from inside.
"Yes?" A raspy voice came through the door.
"Headmaster Mason?" the janitor replied. "Are you free right now?"
"Uh… Yes, of course. Come on in."
The janitor opened the door, and the three went inside. Behind a wooden desk was a thin man in his forties, brushing some shattered ceramic pieces onto the floor. His black hair was slightly disheveled, but his black suit reflected his authority as the leader of the school.
"Ah, Mr. Jun. And you brought a visitor."
Jun nodded. "This is Lapis Eurig."
"Oh, Lapis Eurig, the Nuzlocke Trainer. Very nice to meet you."
Lapis begrudgingly shook the Headmaster's hand, then discreetly wiped his hand behind his back when the man returned to his seat.
"So," the Headmaster said. "What brings you here?"
The janitor looked at the shards on the wooden floor and groaned. "Headmaster Mason, did you use your Quick Claw again?"
The principal tried to hide a large ivory-colored claw behind a set of books on his desk. "No…"
Jun scolded, "I told you so many times! You can't break rejected pieces from the ceramics class in here! It ruins the floor, and the kids are scared when they have to go to your office!"
Headmaster Mason sadly nodded. "You're right, Mr. Jun. But it's so much fun…"
"You can break the pieces somewhere else where it won't be as much of a distraction."
"Oh, all right." The headmaster picked up the claw, then looked at Lapis. "Now I see why he's here. Please have this Quick Claw. It'll occasionally help your Pokémon move faster."
"Uh...thanks…" Lapis accepted the gift and put it into his bag.
Jun, pleased with his employer's actions, escorted Lapis and Tiger Eyes out. He thanked the teen before resuming his cleaning duties.
"That was a waste of time," Lapis muttered as they continued to Route 116.
"But you got that free item," Tiger Eyes pointed out.
"Don't know if I'm gonna use it. Besides, I didn't know it'll be at a school."
"Do you not like school, Lapis?"
"What do you think?!" he growled, scaring his Pokémon.
"I-I'm sorry!" the Zigzagoon apologized. "I-I should've known since you're a...delinquent, right?"
His Trainer sighed, ending the conversation. At least we didn't pass by the juvie building. Who knows what could've happened if we went there instead.
After ten more minutes, they finally made it to the path that led east towards Rusturf Tunnel in the mountains.
"All right," Lapis proclaimed as he stepped into the tall grass. "What lame Pokémon's here?"
"Who're you calling 'lame'?" a shrill female voice rang out.
A Taillow emerged from the brush and dove at Lapis. The teen evaded the young Flying type, who then glared at the Zigzagoon.
Lapis took out his tablet then shouted, "Headbutt!"
Tiger Eyes charged at the Taillow and hit her with his head. She tumbled to the ground but quickly returned to her feet. She growled at her opponent, who winced at the sharp sound.
Seeing his Pokémon's attack drop, Lapis looked at his device. Around half-health. I need a weaker attack without the type attack bonus. "Tiger Eyes, return!" Once the Normal type disappeared, Lapis threw another Poké Ball into the air. "Go, Zuli!"
When the Water type appeared, he cheered, "Yay, my turn!" before being pecked by the Taillow.
"Zuli, focus!" Lapis scolded. "Tackle!"
The Mudkip hit the Tiny Swallow Pokémon, causing her to pant heavily. She growled again, this time lowering Zuli's attack.
Now with Taillow's health in the low yellow, Lapis threw a Poké Ball at her. She entered the orb, and after three shakes, stars came out of the button.
"Thank Arceus that was easier!" the teen exclaimed.
"I'm just excited about the new teammate, Loud Lapis," Zuli stated.
Placing the Poké Ball on the tablet, Lapis read his newly captured Pokémon's information. So, a female Taillow, level 6, Guts Ability, and...an Adamant Nature?! Hell yeah, a good Nature!
Concealing his excitement to his starter, he cleared his throat, and they returned to the Pokémon Center. Once his Pokémon were healed, he found an empty couch and let out his new catch.
The Taillow looked at him inquisitively. "So you're my Trainer now?"
"Yeah, I caught you, didn't I?"
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. So, what'cha want?"
"You're joinin' the team, so I'm givin' you this card, a nickname, and a necklace."
"Nickname, yes. Jewelry, no."
"Too bad."
She smirked as he printed out the Nuzlocke information card. "I like you...um..."
He chuckled as he rummaged into this gemstone box. "Lapis. At least YOU don't annoy me." A pearly white stone with hints of blue caught his attention. He showed the silver chain necklace with the stone to her. "How about this moonstone?"
She finished reading her instructions and inspected the polished oval. "All right. This one's suitable for me. I'll join you on this dumb quest."
Lapis grinned as he put the accessory around her neck. "Guess you're Moonstone now."
Moonstone flew into the air. "Then let's go train!"
He followed his new capture, eager to see how far she'll take him.
A few hours later…
Near Rusturf Tunnel, Lapis, Zuli, and Tiger Eyes faced off against Hiker Clark's Geodude and Youngster Johnson's Shroomish in a multi battle. The Hiker wore a green and brown mountaineering outfit with a gray vest while the Youngster wore a gray shirt, a gray cap, and light blue shorts.
Lapis gritted his teeth as he stared at the tablet. Even though those Pokémon are both level 8, Zuli's at a disadvantage. I gotta knock out that Geodude first before I do any switches.
"Hey, ya done thinking yet?" the younger Trainer shouted.
"Calm down, Johnson," Hiker Clark told his partner. "That's what he's allowed to do. Besides, we're ready for whatever he throws at us."
When their gazes returned towards him, the Nuzlocke Trainer shouted, "Tiger Eyes, Headbutt Shroomish! Zuli, Water Gun on Geodude!"
The Normal type charged at the Mushroom Pokémon with his head slightly down as the Mud Fish Pokémon sprayed the Rock type with water. Both attacks made their mark. Shroomish lost a third of his health while Geodude collapsed, sprawled on the ground.
"There goes your pathetic Geodude," Lapis remarked.
"Ohhh…" the Hiker moaned as he returned his fallen Pokémon. "There goes our combined strategy. Sorry, Johnson. I don't have any other Pokémon."
"Don't worry, Mr. Clark! I can pick up the slack!" Youngster Johnson shouted, "Shroomish, use Absorb on Zuli!"
The Grass type surrounded the Water type with a green light. Zuli swayed as the light sucked some of his health and transferred it to its owner.
Lapis looked at the tablet. Zuli withstood it better than I thought; he's still in the green zone. All right, time to send the killing blow. "Zuli, return! Go, Moonstone!"
The Taillow replaced the Mudkip, who was eager to battle another Trainer.
He continued, "Tiger Eyes, use Headbutt!"
He landed another blow onto Shroomish, sending him into the air.
Seeing his Pokémon straighten himself out, Youngster Johnson shouted, "Use Stun Spore on Tiger Eyes!"
The Grass type sprayed a yellow powder onto the Zigzagoon, causing sparks to emit from the latter's body. Tiger Eyes winced from the paralysis but was otherwise fine.
As he watched his Zigzagoon become paralyzed, Lapis' eyes grew wide. Th-Those sparks! They look so familiar! But from where?
His Pokémon noticed their Trainer's hands shaking.
"Lapis!" Tiger Eyes called with concern. "Are you okay?"
"I-I…" he stuttered.
"Snap out of it, Lapis!" the Taillow screamed.
Lapis muttered, "P-Peck…"
Moonstone cocked her head. "He was talking about me, right?"
"Well, you are the only one who knows that move, Moonstone."
"True that."
She charged at Shroomish with her beak extended and stabbed him. Shroomish toppled over, unable to handle the super effective move. Though confused, Youngster Johnson returned his Shroomish and replaced it with his Lotad.
Lapis had the upper hand, but seeing the sparks fly from Tiger Eyes' fur still clouded his mind. Sparks...sparks… He then looked at his hand and gasped as what appeared to be small lightning bolts coming out of it.
"Wh-What the hell?" He dropped the tablet and stepped back, unable to comprehend what he just saw. Then, something hard struck his right heel. His body fell backwards, but he was unable to regain his balance.
"Lapis!" Moonstone shrieked as she flew towards him.
Tiger Eyes, knowing he could take out his opponent, slammed into the Lotus Pokémon with another Headbutt.
Lapis collapsed on the grass, the immobilizing sensation swarming his mind. His eyes became blank as he experienced this moment for the second time.
?
"Don't move! You're under arrest!"
"Arrest? What're you talkin' about?!"
"Don't talk back to me, delinquent! Granbull, Thunder Wave!"
"Ngh…ngh... L-Let go of me!"
"Lapis! Lapis!"
The teen's eyes opened, and he was blinded by bright lights from above. He groaned, "What the hell?"
When they fully adjusted, he noticed he was lying on a bed in a white hospital room. A worried Tiger Eyes sat on a plastic chair to his left.
"You're finally awake, Lapis!" the Zigzagoon exclaimed. "Thank goodness."
The Nuzlocker slowly sat up and clutched his right temple. "Wh-What happened?"
"You collapsed during the battle. Don't you remember?"
"K-Kinda? Wait, where's Moonstone?"
The Normal type's face fell. "Sh-She broke your fall as you fainted. She's okay though; Nurse Kumi is taking care of her right now."
A male doctor wearing a white lab coat and black slacks entered the room. He gave his patient a big smile. "Ah, you're awake. You took quite a fall, Mr. Eurig," he said in a firm yet gentle voice.
"No kiddin'."
The man chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll be out tomorrow morning. It was a good thing Clark and Johnson were there to help you. Otherwise, your diagnosis would have been much more severe."
A young olive-skinned nurse in a pink uniform entered the ward. She was slim, and her black hair was tied into a tight bun. Next to her was a floating Meditite.
The doctor said, "Ah, Nurse Tomoko. Will you please inform Nurse Kumi at the Pokémon Center that the patient is awake?"
The young warden bowed. "Yes, Dr. Gregor."
After she left, Dr. Gregor told Lapis, "Get all the rest you can, Mr. Eurig, and please be more careful. It's a dangerous journey for you in particular."
Lapis muttered, "Thanks, doc." He stared out the window as the man left. That dream... Did that actually happen to me? No, it couldn't have... But it felt so real, even the sensation of the sparks…
He continued pondering these thoughts until he was interrupted by a knock on the door. Nurse Kumi came in, cradling a sleeping Moonstone.
"How are you feeling, Lapis?" she asked with a worried smile.
"Eh. So-so. How's Moonstone?"
She handed him his Taillow, who was bandaged on the head. "She'll be all right. She took a hard blow to the head, but she'll fully recover in a few days."
Lapis stroked the Flying type's back. "I see."
Despite not getting a thank you, the nurse bowed knowingly and left.
Moonstone stirred and opened her eyes. "Where am I?"
"Moonstone!" her Trainer gasped. "Are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." She looked at the window and cocked her hand. "Hey, why are you over there, Lapis?" She flew towards the image, only to hit the window and slump to the ground.
What the…
Tiger Eyes jumped over the chair and helped her up. 'Are you okay, Moonstone?"
She shook her head, only for her to wince in pain. "Y-Yeah. That was weird."
"Extremely," her Trainer stated. "You've seen windows before, haven't you?"
"Window? But why was your reflection there? It's not a mirror."
"'Not a...' Wait a sec." He pulled out his tablet and scanned Moonstone. His heart dropped as he read, "NAIVE nature". "What the f-" The device dropped onto the blankets, and he screamed, "DAMN IT! I HATE THIS CHALLENGE!"
Later that week...
Lapis walked out of the PokéMart, scanning his purchases. "'Kay. Three Poké Balls and four Potions. Should get us through to this Gym and the next town."
He groaned. I can't believe Moonstone's nature is now Naive. At least she won't be battling at this Gym. Gotta do the best with what I got. He then walked north towards the Pokémon Gym. From what I remember, the website said I have to do some dumb challenge to get to the Gym Leader. At least I can use all the Pokémon I have on-hand and any items for healing. I can even leave to heal without any penalties. That's so broken. I wonder what regular Trainers have to do to get these dumb badges.
A few minutes later, a tall building surrounded by large, sharp rocks greeted the teenager.
"Huh. As if the Gym's type specialty ain't obvious enough." He followed the path towards the entrance at the back and walked inside.
There were bookshelves, trophy cases, and framed pictures around the lobby, but Lapis paid no attention to them. He approached the stone reception desk, only to find it empty.
He looked around then yelled, "Anyone here?"
A muffled male voice shouted, "Oh, that's my cue!"
A young man with brown quaff hair and brown eyes burst out of a door that read "The Rustboro City Fossil Collection". He adjusted his dark green suit and plastered a large smile. "Yo, it's Mr. Lapis Eurig. How's it going, my man?" he smoothly asked.
Lapis backed away. "Who the hell are you?!"
"Come on, don't be like that! The name's James, but call me Jim."
"Wh-Whatever..."
Jim leaned on the desk and smirked. "Listen, my friend! Would you like to become the Champion? I'm no Trainer, but I can sure give you winning advice."
Lapis retorted, "I ain't your friend, and I don't care about becomin' the Champ! I just wanna avoid goin' to juvie."
The man laughed. "Stop being so hasty, Nuzlocke Trainer. You need sound advice if you want to defeat Roxanne."
"Trust me. I got all the info online. I don't need your 'advice.'"
Jim's elbow slipped, causing his chin to hit the desk. After rubbing it, he pleaded, "At least let me say it. Rock types are-"
"Weak to Water, Ground, Steel, Fighting, and Grass and strong against Fire, Flying, Bug, and Ice. I know, I studied the bare minimum. Now get outta here!"
The guide's face darkened, and he grabbed Lapis' shirt. His suave voice became deep and sinister. "Listen, kid. I don't want to be here as much as you do. But this is my job, and I got to do this for the cash. I will not put up with your disrespectful crap, you feel me? From now on, you will hear what I have to say, and YOU...WILL...LIKE IT!"
Jim loosened his grip and stepped away. After fixing his hair, his frown turned back into the fake smile. "Now, once you step through those double doors, you'll have to navigate through a maze to reach Roxanne. Come see me when you finish, and I'll give you something special!"
Damn this challenge. "Ugh... All right, fine."
The teenager stormed through the doors the Gym guide mentioned. He gasped as the tall rock labyrinth that awaited him.
"H-How did they get this inside a building?!"
"Impressed, aren't you?"
Lapis whipped his head towards the east bleachers. A woman slightly older than him with two long dark brown pigtails, fair skin, and reddish-brown eyes sat on the first row. Her dark blue, short-sleeved dress, red ascot, and red leggings reminded him one of the reasons why he hated his old school.
"I take it you're the Gym Leader?" the Nuzlocker shouted to the onlooker.
She laughed. "I didn't expect you to be so perceptive for a delinquent. That's right, I'm Roxanne, the Rustboro City Gym Leader. And to answer your first question, these walls can retract and stretch with a push of a button. Now, the goal of this challenge is to get to the end by the other side of the room. A few Trainers that I personally trained are waiting inside to battle if you run into them. Once you reach the end, the real Gym challenge will begin."
"Whatever. Why ya up there anyways? Shouldn't ya be at the end of the maze instead of the stands?"
Roxanne smiled. "Then how else would I know my challenge worked?"
Lapis rolled his eyes and faced the entrance. "I'm headin' in then!"
"Good luck!"
He scowled as he walked inside the maze, where three openings awaited him. The passageways were tight and dim, but Lapis didn't feel constrained.
Thank Arceus for that. Anyway, should I go left, center, or right? Eh, no harm in trying the center.
Lapis walked forward for a few feet, only to be in a small room with a Youngster wearing a blue shirt and brown shorts.
"Wow!" the boy exclaimed. "I can't believe you actually went through the center passage! I read seventy percent of people chose center passages when given a choice of three. Anyway, I'm Youngster Josh. Let's battle! Go, Geodude!"
The Rock type landed in front of his Trainer and flexed his arms.
The teen took out the first Poké Ball from his belt. "Go, Agate!"
The Beautifly slightly hovered over them and waited for his command.
Lapis looked at his tablet. A level 10 Geodude against my level 11 Beautifly?! How pathetic. "Absorb!"
A light green energy surrounded the Rock Pokémon and transferred a large amount of energy to the Bug type.
Youngster Josh gritted his teeth. "Geodude, Tackle!"
His Pokémon launched himself with his hands and tackled Agate. She winced and began to fall, but she quickly recovered.
Lapis snickered. "Too little, too late. Absorb!"
Agate sapped more of her opponent's health, reveling in her renewed strength. Geodude fell back, motionless.
"Aw, man..." Youngster Josh whined as he returned his Pokémon. He stepped aside, allowing the challenger to pass.
Agate's image on the tablet glowed yellow. "Hah! Another level!" Lapis gloated.
"I do feel stronger," she noted.
The Nuzlocker returned his Pokémon and stepped past without acknowledging his opponent. After all, he was more interested in his mentor than mere obstacles.
Roxanne observed the challenger from the comfortable view of the bleachers. She stroked her chin as she watched him battle against her other Trainers, Youngster Tommy and Hiker Marc.
"He does have the type matchups down. He even used his Zigzagoon to weaken their power before switching to his Mudkip." She leaned back. "But still. His manners and personality leave much to be desired."
Seeing the pair fall to Lapis' Pokémon, Roxanne stood up and adjusted her dress. Looks like that's my cue.
Lapis continued the maze until he reached a dead end. "What that's just great!" he complained, throwing his hands into the air. "There's nothin' here!"
"That's the point," Roxanne's voice echoed from the outside.
The room shook, and the rock walls slowly retreated into the floor. Lapis wanted to run, but his legs betrayed their owner. After a few minutes, he was able to not only see the bleachers, ceiling lights, and television, but also the battlefield lines strewn on the dirt. With the barriers gone, the Trainers that were in the maze quickly exited the room.
Roxanne appeared through the opposite doors and smiled. "You navigated the maze pretty well and defeated all of my Trainers. You're pretty capable for a rookie Trainer."
Lapis scoffed, "This Gym ain't much of a challenge. Rock types are one of the weakest types."
Roxanne inhaled deeply and responded with determination, "Rock type Pokémon are not only tough, they also have a strong connection to the growth of Rustboro City. I guess I have to show you their strength the hard way."
The teen looked at his tablet and saw Zuli and Agate's health were in the yellow zone. "Uh... I gotta heal first. Back in a sec."
Before she could utter anything, Lapis ran out of the Gym and went straight to the Pokémon Center.
A few minutes later...
Lapis reentered the battlefield room with his newly healed team.
Roxanne smiled, hiding her impatience. "Are you ready now?"
"Guess so."
She pointed to the small rectangular box by the doors where he entered. "Go to your Trainer's box, and I'll explain some additional rules before we begin."
He shrugged and walked over to his destination. Once he turned to the battlefield, Roxanne was in her box.
"Now then. I'm sure you read the rules online, which included the facts that you can use any Pokémon currently in your party and items are allowed. In these challenges, you can also switch your Pokémon at any time, and the Gym Leader is the judge for the battles. Also, you'll also be monitored by the Pokémon League Association to observe your progress in person."
After she uttered those last words, a woman with blue eyes, red curly hair, and fair skin sat on the first row of the center west bleachers. Her white blouse and blue skirt gave off an air of formality and power.
"Do you need anything else, Ms. Hōfu?" Roxanne called to the lone spectator.
The PLA executive shook her head.
Hōfu...that surname sounds familiar, but I can't place where I've seen it before. Oh well, I'll figure it out later.
Roxanne took out a Poké Ball. "Now that that's settled. Let's see which Pokémon you choose against mine. Go, Rockie!"
A small Geodude hit the ground and stretched his arms.
Lapis looked at his tablet. Level 12, huh? What a joke. "Go, Zuli!"
The Mudkip appeared on the field with a big grin. "Let's do this, Loud Lapis!"
Roxanne held back a snicker. "What a peculiar nickname."
The Nuzlocke Trainer growled, "Not now, Zuli!" Huh. Guess she's got a translator too.
The Gym Leader placed her right index finger on her chin. "Let's begin then."
Knowing he was faster, Lapis shouted, "Water Gun!"
The Mudkip sprayed Rockie with water, knocking him flat onto the ground. Roxanne looked at her Pokémon and sighed, returning him to his ball.
Lapis grinned as he saw Zuli's image glow yellow. Too easy.
"You really do know your type advantages," Roxanne remarked. "Let's see how you handle a stronger Geodude. Go, Hardie!"
Another Geodude, larger than the first, shook the battlefield when he landed. Lapis and Zuli, however, weren't intimidated.
The teenager shouted, "Water Gun!"
The super effective move caused Hardie to fall forward, motionless.
Roxanne shook her head as she returned her second Pokémon. "This...wasn't how I expected things to go."
Lapis smirked and crossed his arms. "Guess that proves I'm right."
However, she remained firm. "I still have one last chance to prove my point. Go, Nosie!"
A Nosepass appeared on the battlefield, swaying side to side. A round blue berry on a thin string necklace dangled from his right arm. Zuli marveled at the Rock type's movements, but his Trainer didn't share his sentiment.
This should be quick as well. So much for that "challenge" she promised.
But before he could utter a command, Roxanne shouted, "Nosie, Block!"
The Compass Pokémon held his hands out and groaned. A larger red "X" appeared in front of Zuli and smacked him in the face before disappearing.
Ignoring its effects, the Nuzlocke Trainer commanded, "Water Gun!"
Zuli sprayed the Nosepass with a steady stream of water. Nosie slid back, but he didn't topple over like his teammates.
Lapis was taken aback. H-How did he move faster than Zuli?! And why didn't he faint already? He looked at his tablet and when he saw Nosie was at Level 15 and lost only a third of his health, he forced a smirk.
Roxanne smirked in return. "So, Rock types aren't complete pushovers, aren't they?"
"It ain't gonna matter!" he retorted. "I still got the advantage!"
"Let's see it then. Nosie, Tackle!"
The Nosepass thrust forward and slammed into the Water type. Zuli slid back and took a bit of damage.
"Zuli, Water Gun again!"
Another blast of water weakened Nosie into the yellow health range. But to the new Trainer's surprise, the Rock type broke the Berry off of its fragile chain and munched on it. His health returned to the green range, though he did not fully recover.
Roxanne smiled. "Didn't you know you can have your Pokémon hold and use Berries in battle?"
"Wh-Whatever! Never cared about that kinda stuff."
Zuli cocked his head. "Really? It would've been helpful for me."
"Shut up, Zuli!"
The Gym Leader, disturbed by her challenger's lack of empathy, continued her onslaught. "Nosie, Tackle!"
"Water Gun!"
The Compass Pokémon powered through the water and tackled Zuli again. The Mud Fish Pokémon flew into the air and landed on all fours, though he began to pant. Nosie's swaying became less obvious, causing his Trainer some concern.
Roxanne took out a Potion and ran over to Nosie. Lapis was forced to watch his opponent fully regain his health. However, this gave him time to collect his thoughts.
Why can't Zuli knock him out already?! I can't handle another long battle!
Once Roxanne returned to her box and faced him, he yelled, "Water Gun!"
Zuli sensed Lapis' frustration and splashed Nosie with more water. The Compass Pokémon was undeterred by the one-sided turn and continued his normal swaying motion.
Guess I gotta change strategy.
"Nosie, Tackle!"
"Zuli, Mud Slap!"
The Water type sprayed the dirt in front of him with water, then quickly turned around and threw the mud at the charging Nosepass. It collided with Nosie's eyes and dropped his accuracy, but he was still able to slam into Zuli. The starter tumbled back, his panting growing heavier.
Damn it! Zuli's now at red health and I gotta heal him! How can this battle get any worse?
The new Trainer tried to return Zuli, but the red "X" blocked the red beam from connecting with the Poké Ball's user. So that's what Block does, huh? Guess I gotta keep him alive for as long as I can.
He took out a Potion bottle, and the Gym Leader allowed him to completely heal his Pokémon's wounds. Zuli was about to utter a thanks, but Lapis just returned to his box.
This unnerved Roxanne, but she continued the match. "Let's show them, Nosie! Tackle!"
Fueled by his Trainer's words, he hit Zuli so hard, it knocked the latter off his feet. The Water type quickly got back up and shook the dust off his body.
Lapis bit his lip as he saw his Pokémon's health drop to half and read the dreaded words, "It's a critical hit!"
This can't be happening! How am I struggling against a weak type like this?
Roxanne mused over her challenger's frustration. "So, are you learning?"
"I don't care. This match aint' over yet!" he retorted.
She placed her hands on her hips. "Then let me ask you something before we resume. Why didn't you let Zuli say anything when you healed him?"
Lapis shrugged. "Why should I? All he does is insult me and get me into unwanted situations."
Zuli looked back and argued, "Not all of them were!"
She pointed her right index finger at her challenger. "If you keep up this attitude, you'll never win this challenge."
The teen clenched his fists. Wh-Why am I so angry? I don't care about winning this challenge! I just...I just wanna get outta juvie!
"Lapis, snap out of it!" Zuli screamed.
"H-Huh?" He looked at his Pokémon, whose eyes were filled with determination.
"We're not done yet! Don't give up on me now!"
He loosened his hands and chuckled. "Guess your persistence's worth keepin' around after all." This unexpected encouragement made Zuli beam.
Roxanne softly smiled and shouted, "Rock Tomb!"
Nosie jumped up and slammed onto the field. Rocks appeared over them and descended towards the ground. However, the mud on his eyes obscured his vision, causing the rocks to miss their target and land in random places.
"Thank Arceus! Water Gun!"
Zuli skipped around the boulders and sprayed Nosie again. Roxanne's Pokémon panted hard, but he remained firm.
The Gym Leader smiled. "Looks like this will be the last turn. Let's make it count, Nosie! Use Tackle!"
Lapis waved his right hand forward. "Zuli, Water Gun!"
Nosie was able to penetrate the water and hit Zuli. But the latter summoned the last of his strength, causing the Water Gun to gain more power. The Nosepass stopped in his tracks and fell forward, unable to move.
Roxanne sighed, but it wasn't a sad one. "Looks like that's it. You won this match, Lapis."
Lapis collapsed on the floor as Zuli bolted towards him.
"I did it! I did it! I did it!" he screamed. "I think I even leveled up too!"
His Pokémon's smile made his Trainer feel awkward. Wh-What is this feeling? Happiness...and pride...? But he hid his new emotions as returned his Pokémon.
Roxanne walked towards him, beaming. "You did pretty well, Lapis, despite this being your first Gym battle."
Lapis, though, was wary. "Wait, you ain't mad at me anymore?"
"Well, I am still mad about how you treat your Pokémon. But I have a feeling you'll come around." She took out a gold pin with a fancy rectangular pattern. "I present to you the first of your official Pokémon League Association badges, the Stone Badge."
After she placed it into the Nuzlocker's hand, the sense of accomplishment returned. But he brushed it aside. "Thanks...I guess."
"Oh, yeah. I'm also supposed to give this to you as well." She took out a CD case with a brownish-orange disc inside. On it was written, "TM39". "I'm sure you picked up a couple of CDs like this. This is the TM for Rock Tomb. It not only inflicts damage by dropping rocks, but it may also lower the opponent's speed. You can only use TMs once, then the CD breaks. You're also allowed to use HM01, Cut, outside of battle. Unlike TMs, HMs can be reused multiple times."
Lapis tilted his head slightly. "Huh. That's the most useful info you've given me."
She chuckled. "That's my job, after all. Anyway, good luck with the rest of your journey. And don't forget to talk to Jim before you leave."
He groaned. "I almost forgot 'bout him. Oh well."
He turned around and gave the Gym Leader a backwards wave before exiting into the lobby. There, the Gym guide eagerly awaited him.
"There you are!" he exclaimed. "I take it the battle ended in victory?"
Lapis gave him a curt nod.
"Ahaha! I knew it! So, I got this lovely prize for ya!" He took out another CD case with a white CD labeled "HM01". "I got this beauty from the Cutter living here, so you don't need to get it from him. Isn't that wonderful?"
The teen rolled his eyes. "Yeah, wonderful. The HM for Cut, right?"
"So Roxanne told you about it, huh? Yes, you are correct! Now, you can chop down small trees that stand in your way!"
"Wait...this move only chops down small trees? Not shrubs, or even larger trees?"
Jim shrugged. "I just say what I'm told, all right?"
How useless... "Ugh, fine. Thanks for the HM..." he said sarcastically.
After handing the case to the Nuzlocker, Jim looked at his watch. "Finally! I'm off the clock. Take your time getting to Dewford Town, aight? Your SWEET time."
He marched out of the Gym, leaving Lapis dumbfounded for a few minutes before leaving for the Pokémon Center.
AN: If you're confused about why Moonstone's ability changed, the reason behind it is an unexpected one. Moonstone's ability was originally Adamant; however, during the multi battle against Hiker Clark and Youngster Johnson, my game froze, and I didn't save after I caught the first Taillow. So I had to find another Taillow with the same level and gender, but her nature was now different. Luckily, I didn't have to backtrack much, and the game freezing never happened again.
Questions for the Chapter:
Why does Lapis have bad memories about school?
What do you think of Moonstone?
What do you think of Lapis' first Gym challenge?