CHAPTER 3
Zorian and Rylan woke up the next morning feeling refreshed physically, but they still had much on their minds. Zorian was worried about the situation with Steenee, while Rylan was wondering how his date with Nidorina would go if he was able to have it today.
The two of them met up with Vulpix and Nidorina's teams, and they headed down together for breakfast.
"There's definitely something about that Steenee that we need to know," said Zorian as the group ate together. "The way she acts, she reminds me of the goons from Team Rocket who I used to work with."
"Just relax for now, Zorian," said Vulpix. "I think you're dwelling on it too much."
"Maybe," said Zorian. "This really bothers me, though. But you're right. Magnezone and his crew are top notch. I should have faith in them."
The Pokémon finished up their breakfast, then headed into the assembly hall. Gallade emerged for the morning briefing.
"Good morning, all," he said. "I am pleased to report that our list of requests today is quite short. As such, I will be accepting volunteers for those who wish to undertake the missions we have listed. The remainder of you may enjoy this fine day as you see fit."
The smile coming from Nidorina upon hearing Gallade's news radiated an energy all its own.
A few teams stepped forward to accept the missions from Gallade. Once finished, everyone left to go about their day.
Zorian smiled down at Rylan. "Looks like the date is on," he said.
"Yeah," Rylan replied, looking over at Nidorina, who walked right up to him a moment later.
"Shall we?" she asked.
"We shall," Rylan responded.
While he was still uncertain about this, Rylan still managed to smile as he and Nidorina walked out of the guild together. Zorian watched on as they left.
"Hey, Zorian?" a voice asked from behind.
Zorian jumped, startled once again by Zweilous.
"Oh, hey!" Zorian said, turning to face the bicephalous Dragon Pokémon. "What brings you here?"
Zorian noticed Zweilous's teammates, Hakamo-o and Gabite, walking up to him as well.
"You wanted to train, right?" Zweilous's left head asked.
"We figured we could use this time to do so," said the right head, "if you're up for it."
"Oh, sure…" Zorian replied. He wanted to look into the situation with Steenee some more, but perhaps this could be a good distraction to get his mind off things.
"Your team is coming, too?" Zorian asked.
"Yes," Zweilous's left head replied, "but they'll just be around for any necessary guidance. I'll be the one primarily coaching you."
"Gotcha," Zorian said.
Hakamo-o walked up to Zorian and gave his arm a gentle pinch. "I can see why he needs training," he said.
"Don't worry, Zorian," said Gabite. "We'll help you toughen up and awaken the Pokémon inside you."
Zorian chuckled nervously from all this attention. Now he understood what Rylan must have went through when he first came here.
"Follow me," said Zweilous's right head, leading his teammates and Zorian out of the guild.
Rylan and Nidorina walked through the forest together, eventually reaching the tree with intertwined branches that pointed the way to Riverwood Town. They followed the path, eventually arriving at the scenic settlement. They walked over to Tropius's drink shop and sat down at a table.
"What can I get for you?" Tropius asked cheerfully.
"The Nanab Shake sounds nice," said Nidorina.
"I'll have the same thing," said Rylan. "I haven't tried that yet, and it sounds good."
"Two Nanab Shakes, coming right up," said Tropius, heading back to fix the drinks.
Nidorina smiled at Rylan. "I think you'll like it. It's very sweet."
"Like you, then," Rylan remarked. Nidorina chuckled.
"So, you wanted to know how I evolved?" she asked.
"Yes, please," Rylan responded. If he could evolve into a Lucario, he'd be much stronger and able to take on harder missions.
"Have you ever heard of luminous stars?" Nidorina asked.
"No, I haven't," Rylan replied. "What are luminous stars?"
"While I'm not sure they're actual stars," Nidorina explained, "they're such magical occurrences. They're bright lights that shine down in certain areas of the continent on certain nights. Some rumors say they're a gift from Jirachi. If you find a luminous star, you wish to evolve, and the wish is granted."
"Wow, that sounds interesting," Rylan said.
Having finished the drinks, Tropius brought them over and set them down in front of Rylan and Zorian. The two of them took some Poké out of their bags to pay Tropius for their drinks before he retreated back to his stand.
Rylan took a sip of his Nanab Shake. "It's good!" he said.
"Told you," Nidorina giggled, taking a sip of her own.
"So, where did you find your luminous star?" asked Rylan.
"By a waterfall near a cliff," said Nidorina. "It's not too far from the guild, just a short ways west."
"I'll be sure and check it out tonight before curfew," Rylan said.
"I can show you the way," Nidorina offered.
"Sure," Rylan replied.
The two spent a bit more time talking to each other and enjoying their shakes together. Rylan was very much enjoying Nidorina's company, and Nidorina felt the same. They knew they had feelings for each other. In that moment, Rylan was starting to forget his doubts.
Once the two finished their shakes, they left the Synthesis Station and started heading their way back to the guild, neither leaving the other's side.
"So…" Rylan started. "Does this make us…?"
Nidorina affectionately leaned against his side as they walked. "Boyfriend and girlfriend?" she finished. "I think so."
Rylan blushed and smiled. Being with Nidorina made him the happiest he had ever felt in his life.
The two returned to the guild and settled down for some time, waiting for nightfall. After the Sun went down, Nidorina led him outside.
"Okay, let me show you where I found the luminous star," she said, heading west of the guild. Rylan followed close behind.
After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the waterfall. As the Moon rose and the sky darkened, Nidorina waited patiently, looking up at the sky.
To Nidorina's delight and Rylan's surprise, a soft light started to shine down like a spotlight.
"Yes, it's still here!" Nidorina exclaimed happily. "I think I'm going to need a Moon Stone if I want to come back here and evolve into Nidoqueen, but I'm happy being a Nidorina until then. Go ahead, Rylan! Try it!"
Rylan walked into the light and closed his eyes, turning his head up toward the luminous star.
"I wish to evolve," he said.
After a few seconds, the light began to dim, and the luminous star disappeared. Rylan had not evolved. Nidorina looked sad.
"What?" Rylan asked, looking down at himself. "Why?"
"I don't know…" Nidorina replied. "I was so excited for you, too…"
"Let's head back," Rylan said. Nidorina nodded, and the two walked back to the guild together.