The twelve Dragonair had now been reduced to four, and the Dragonite was knocked out. Lance retreated backwards, the remaining Dragonair taking up defensive positions around him and Aerodactyl.
Meanwhile, Crystal and Emerald managed to slip out through one of the side caves on Latios and Latias, carrying with them Ruby and, after much arguing, Sapphire.
Crystal pulled out her pokégear again, trying to reach Gold or Silver, but got no response. Nervously, she returned her attention to the task at hand, to try to steady herself on the nearly exhausted pokémon she was riding.
"Come on guys, just a little bit more" Emerald said, patting Latias on the head. "We just need to get to the boat!"
They lost altitude quickly as they approached the boat, and it was pretty obvious they were not going to make it. Crystal looked over to see Emerald whispering encouraging words to Latias, and Sapphire sitting in front of her, holding on to Latios long neck. Ruby was lying between the two, on Ditto who was formed as a stretcher. She bit her lower lip and then made a decision.
"Sapphire, hold on tight" she shouted. The girl in front of her nodded. "And see you back at the boat."
"What?" Sapphire asked, turning her head just in time to see Crystal drop from behind her, down towards the stormy sea. She stretched an arm out, yelling in shock, but Crystal just extended her arm, giving her a thumbs up before hitting the water with a splash.
"She fell?" Emerald asked, looking back, face pale and filled with worry.
"Jumped, but we don't have time for-" Sapphire started.
"Yes" Emerald interrupted her. "She jumped to help us reach the boat. We can't let it have been a waste."
They could spot the boat now, quickly closing in as they drew nearer and lower. They were only a few hundred meters away...