CHAPTER 4
Rylan and Nidorina entered the guild, both of them feeling sad. They were both looking forward to Rylan's evolution, and neither of them knew why it didn't work.
"Rylan-" Nidorina started.
"No, it's okay," Rylan said. "Maybe it's just not meant to be."
"I think it is meant to be," said Nidorina. "Remember when I mentioned needing a Moon Stone? Maybe you need something, too."
"Maybe," Rylan said. "If so, I don't know what it is."
"We'll figure it out," Nidorina said reassuringly. "If you want to evolve, I want to help you reach that goal."
"Thanks," Rylan responded.
Nidorina leaned in and gave Rylan a kiss on the cheek. "Don't give up." She then left to head upstairs and go to bed.
Rylan was, to say the very least, stunned. He placed his paw on his cheek where Nidorina had just given him his first kiss. His heart was pounding. Unsure of what to make of what just happened, he also retreated to his room upstairs. Zorian was already in there, waiting for him.
"So, how did it go?" Zorian asked.
"It went well," Rylan uttered, still touching his cheek.
"Something must have happened," Zorian said, "because your face is all red."
"Oh, um…" Rylan lowered his arm. "We had drinks at Tropius's place. We talked for a while, and she told me how she evolved."
"Oh, interesting," Zorian said. "Did you find out how you can do it?"
"I kinda did, but…" Rylan looked down. "It didn't work."
"Huh…" Zorian said. "Well, don't worry about it. We'll figure it out. Let's get some rest."
Zorian laid down on his side, and Rylan cuddled up against his brother's middle.
"What were you up to today?" Rylan asked.
"Zweilous trained me," Zorian replied. "From what I understand, to really channel the power of a Dark type, you have to be malicious, or at least mischievous. I'm more inclined to be the latter, but I don't want to be mean to use my powers."
"Maybe there's a way you can be mischievous, but like…good mischievous," said Rylan. "Kinda like how Zweilous snuck up on you that time."
"I don't know," Zorian said. "If my full power requires me to have ill intent, maybe I shouldn't use it at all."
"It's like you and Nidorina told me tonight," Rylan said. "We'll figure it out. If Zweilous can do it, so can you. You were able to use your Dark-type power to save me from Slowking, remember?"
"Right," said Zorian. "Back then, I remember being absolutely determined to save you, no matter what the cost."
"Maybe that's the answer," Rylan suggested. "Determination."
"But I'd have to be in a situation that pushes me to my limits, yes?" Zorian asked.
"When haven't we done a hard mission that's pushed us?" Rylan asked. "Many of the outlaws we go after are pretty tough to fight."
"True," Zorian agreed. He chuckled. "Guess we're both giving each other advice tonight, eh?"
"Yeah," Rylan said, chuckling back.
"Goodnight, bro," Zorian said, gently stroking over his brother. "Love you."
"Love you, too," Rylan replied. The two of them gently nestled against each other and drifted off to sleep.
Outside, Magnezone and his teams continued their search for Steenee. One of his teams had been searching Riverwood Town. Once finished, they came together for their report.
"BZZT," said a Magneton. "REPORT FOR NIGHT 2. NO SIGN OF SUSPECT."
"BZZT," said another Magneton. "WE HAVE NEVER BEEN THIS INEFFICIENT BEFORE."
"BZZT," said a third. "POSSIBLE THAT THE SUSPECT IS SMARTER THAN WE REALIZE."
Soon, Magnezone drifted in to deliver more news.
"BZZT," he said. "WE HAD REQUESTED ASSISTANCE FROM OUR PSYCHIC COLLEAGUES. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF THE SUSPECT 'STEENEE'. CONCLUSION: SUSPECT IS NO LONGER ON THIS CONTINENT."
"BZZT," buzzed a Magneton. "AGGRON WILL BE MOST DISPLEASED. WE HAVE NEVER FAILED ON SUCH A GRAND SCALE BEFORE."
As Magnezone and his search team flew off to report the bad news, one Magneton remained behind.
"Heh heh," she said. "Idiots, all of them. Now that I have the perfect disguise, getting the information I require will be easy."
The Magneton searched for a place to hide and sleep tonight. She had plans for tomorrow.