CHAPTER 32
The Pokémon woke up the next morning feeling much more confident about their imminent journey since they had a much-needed night's rest. They gathered together in the mess hall to eat a big breakfast and assembled in the assembly hall once they were finished.
"I take it that everyone is ready to go, then?" asked Gallade.
"I'm ready," said Rylan. "You guys?"
The others smiled and nodded.
"Well, then," said Gallade, "let's not waste another moment. It's time to be on our way."
As Rylan and his fellow guild members left the building, they took a brief moment to look back at their home, knowing that it may be the last time they see it.
"You said that the Dark Sea was to the south, right?" asked Vulpix as the group resumed walking.
"Indeed," said Gallade.
"Any idea how we're gonna cross it?" asked Nidoran.
"Maybe we could make a raft," Rylan suggested, remembering the one he made in order to reach Shell Island. "You know, with trees and all."
"A fine idea," said Gallade. "Since you and I have the strongest arms, Rylan, we could propel the raft forward."
"And I could scout ahead from the sky," Wingull added. "Buizel could be our underwater eyes."
"I think we have ourselves a plan," said Buizel.
The group continued south through the forest until they arrived at a shoreline. The southward sea didn't look very inviting. Upon closer inspection, Rylan could make out several fins darting back and forth.
"There's a reason this is called the Dark Sea," said Gallade. "It's teeming with Carvanha and Sharpedo. If we're attacked by one, we should consider ourselves lucky."
"Lucky?" asked Nidoran. "Why?"
"Lucky that we weren't attacked by anything worse," Gallade replied. "If we were to meet the uncommon Crawdaunt out there, we would risk losing our raft."
"But they're Dark Pokémon," said Rylan. "I should be able to handle any of them easily."
"True," said Gallade, "but you're missing the point. Crawdaunt are quite large, and they could destroy the raft quite easily. I might be able to help move the raft faster with my Psychic power, but we would be in no condition to fight a Crawdaunt."
"I understand," said Rylan.
"So, let's be very careful," said Zorian.
"I'll warn you if any aggressive Pokémon try and attack us," said Buizel.
Buizel stretched and flexed, preparing for the long swim. Very few times had he swam in the open sea, and this would be his first time in such a vast ocean.
Gallade, Zorian, and Rylan got to work hacking at trees until a raft large enough to fit the five passengers could be made. The other Pokémon quickly got to work tying the trees together into a firm, sturdy raft that everyone could ride on.
"It looks brilliant," said Zorian. "We did a fine job."
"I couldn't agree more," said Gallade. "Remember, though, that this ocean is quite large, so we need to keep our raft afloat and undamaged at all cost."
Gallade and Rylan pushed the raft into the water and climbed aboard, along with Nidoran, Zorian, and Vulpix. Wingull flew up into the air and Buizel jumped into the water. The two Fighting Pokémon took opposite sides of the raft, using their arms to propel their raft out to sea.
"So far, so good," said Vulpix. "Don't forget, everyone; we have to keep our eyes peeled for any signs of danger."
Gallade and Rylan continued to push the raft forward, their Fighting Pokémon stamina holding out strongly. Nidoran watched Rylan as he worked, admiring how tough he was.
Rylan noticed Nidoran watching him and looked back at her. She blushed and turned away.
"Um… Is there something you want to talk about, Nidoran?" Rylan asked.
"What?" Nidoran asked, startled. "Oh, right… I was actually hoping that…maybe you and I could hang out together more often? You know, after this mess with Slowking is over."
Rylan blinked. "Are you…asking me on a date or something?" he asked.
Vulpix perked her ears and turned to face the two of them, interested in the conversation. Zorian also turned his head slightly."
"Yes-I mean… No-!" Nidoran stammered. "I… Yeah, I suppose I am," she sighed.
Rylan looked stunned. He had never been asked this before. He did like Nidoran as a friend and ally, but he had never taken any romantic interest in her.
"Sorry, I know this is awkward for you," said Nidoran. "I just needed to get this off my chest. I really like you, Rylan."
Zorian still longed for Rylan to come back home with him, so hearing Nidoran say this stirred up a little jealousy inside Zorian.
"Nidoran, listen-" said Rylan, but he was quickly cut off by Gallade's voice.
"Rylan, focus!" he interjected.
Rylan's attention snapped back to the rowing; he had become distracted and nearly stopped.
"Right," Rylan said. "Sorry." He glanced at Nidoran. "What do you say we talk about this later?"
"Sure," Nidoran said, taking another sigh.
Zorian bit his lip, attempting to say something to Nidoran. What was there to say, though? Should he convince Nidoran to leave his brother alone? He didn't want to interfere with Rylan's personal business anymore. He tried to take his mind off of his jealousy.
Buizel poked his head out of the water, still swimming along with the raft. Gallade noticed him and waved him over. "Anything to report, Buizel?" he asked.
"Not anything worth getting excited over," Buizel replied. "I fought off a few Carvanha and a Sharpedo who tried to attack the raft. No sign of Kyogre, though."
"It's all right," said Gallade. "Finding Kyogre out here will be like finding a berry in Oscuro Canyon."
"Point taken," said Buizel, remembering the day when he and Vulpix were given the difficult punishment. He then dived back down underwater and continued his scouting.
"Wingull!" Gallade called out to their airborne ally. "See anything from up there?"
"Not a thing!" Wingull shouted back. "Sorry!"
"I suppose we should head back by nightfall and get a fresh start tomorrow if we can't find Kyogre today," said Gallade.
The day rolled by, and the Pokémon consumed a portion of their food supply as needed to satisfy their stomachs. Afternoon soon turned to evening, and Rylan, Gallade, Buizel, and Wingull were quite tired.
Gallade and Rylan stopped propelling the raft and sat down, stretching their aching muscles. Wingull landed on the raft next to Nidoran.
"The Pokémon just kept getting stronger and more aggressive as we progressed," said Buizel. "That was exhausting. At least we didn't encounter any Crawdaunt."
Guess we won't be finding Kyogre today," said Gallade. "Rest easy, everyone. You've earned it. I'll use my psychic power to get this raft back to shore."
"No, Gallade, you're fatigued," said Vulpix. "You need rest as well."
"Well, what do you propose we do?" Gallade asked. "I'm of higher rank, and it's my responsibility to keep you all safe. I can't let a little fatigue stop me."
"Look! Over there!" said Rylan, pointing. "There's a small island! I bet we could stop there and set up camp!"
Rylan was pointing at a small stretch of land amidst the ocean water. It looked hospitable enough; there were a few trees and a small rock formation.
"Good idea," said Gallade. "We're bringing the raft ashore and staying there for the night."