Gloria sat on Skarmory's back, completely exhausted. She noticed that Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres all returned to their home islands, but Lugia was still there.

"Chosen one, well done. Thank you for your aid. But I fear that there is another threat approaching."

"Wha...another...threat?" Gloria was dazed, and didn't quite understand.

"Yes. I am not sure what kind of threat, but it is out there. If you would have me, I would like to go with you to fight that threat."

"Uh, sure. I'd be honored." Gloria threw her Master Ball, capturing Lugia. "Well, I've got a legendary Pokemon, now. Skarmory, let's head back to the shrine." Too tired to be excited, she returned to where Chris and Melody were waiting.

"You did it, Gloria! Thank you!" Chris ran unsteadily over to her, at least as tired as she was.

"And I caught Lugia, at his prompting. All in all a good day." She embraced Chris, and they both held each other close. They then sank to the ground together, falling asleep in the middle of the shrine.

They awoke several hours later in a small room, lying in a large bed.

"Ah, I needed that nap." Chris stretched out and got out of the bed.

"I can't believe that I actually caught Lugia! I was too tired to be excited earlier, but this is really cool!"

"Yeah, and I've got Kyogre back, thanks to you." They met at the foot of the bed, and he kissed her. "I owe you for this, my dear."

"You don't owe me anything, blade of my heart." She kissed him again. "However, we have something else to be concerned about. Lugia mentioned that there is another threat out there that we'll need to fight."

"So, the next chapter has begun."

Later that day, they prepared to leave Shamouti Island.

"We'll miss you!" Melody ran over and gave Gloria a big hug.

"We'll miss you guys too."

"Thank you so much for what you've done, both of you." The elder came over to them, and Chris shook hands with him.

"We did what was needed, nothing more," Chris said, slightly embarrassed.

"Come on, you two, we need to get going if we're going to get you two to the port in time."

"Goodbye, everyone!" They got into Caroline's boat, and she pulled out of the harbor.

"Heh, it's not like we can't come back. Now that you have Lugia, we can fly almost anywhere."

"Yeah, you're right. We don't even have to worry about getting a ship to take us to Cianwood."

"Well, you're not pulling out mid-voyage! I'd like to stay with you two at least until we get to the port."

"Don't worry, Caroline, we'll stay here." Chris and Gloria both started to laugh.

"Hey, Gloria, there's something I've been thinking about."

"What's that?"

"We really haven't spent any time apart since we started traveling together in Violet City."

"Oh, my goodness, you're right! Probably the furthest apart that we've been was when I rode Skarmory to stop and save Kyogre!"

"I realized that this morning, and then something else. So I made a quick electronic transaction this morning."

"I was wondering what you were doing on that computer while I was doing my hair. What did you get?"

Chris was silent for a moment, then he put his hand in his pocket, pulled something out, and went down on one knee. "Gloria, would you marry me?" He opened the box to reveal a beautiful diamond ring.

"Chris, I...Yes! Of course I will!" She pulled Chris to his feet, and gave him a big kiss. "Oh, my heart has longed for this moment! But since we were never far apart..."

"...I never got much chance to buy that." He put the ring on her finger, then kissed her again.

"Congratulations, you two! You'd better invite me to the wedding!"

"Consider yourself invited, Caroline."

"Well, I guess your parents will find out once we get to Cianwood. What about mine?"

"We could fly Lugia out there, and then pick them up and bring them back to the mainland."

"Yeah, I guess so..."

"What's wrong? Usually it's the girl who's reluctant to tell her parents."

"Just...remember what I told you about my island."

"Ah, yeah, no training allowed."

"My parents weren't too thrilled by my plan. That might be a little much for them, flying in like that."

"We'll think of something, though. But for now, let's just relax and enjoy our time together." She kissed him again, holding him close. Her childhood dream of finding a knight in shining armor had essentially come true. After all, what was a knight without his sword?