-Epilogue-
Rain Dance
Six months had passed since that day. Rebuilding the gyms on the island took some time, and the locals agreed that they would wait until all thirty gyms were rebuilt before they would reactivate them and continue the war for the island. But in the meantime, the three teams were working together and the island was a much more peaceful place. The plan had worked, Team Mystic helped to locate the trainers who had captured a Lapras, and Team Valor went out to find them. The trainers who agreed to help brought their Lapras to the Team Instinct headquarters, and the hatchery had been filled with Lapras eggs. The eggs only had a little longer to incubate before the new pods would be introduced into the reef.
Rose and Team Valor helped to fix the Karp Cove Lighthouse, and she had some interesting experiences during her days. In the last few months, she had seen Entei three times, and after a long chase in the Aqua Rainforest, she successfully captured Entei. Of course, it was one of the clones, but she couldn't have been happier to add the Legendary Dog to her team.
Similarly, Garrett captured an Articuno clone, and with his lifelong dream fulfilled, he began to take it easy...that is, until he saw a beautiful rainbow bird fly across the sky and into a rainbow. Garrett decided it would be his goal to make a full team of legendary birds, and he had Ho-oh in his sights next. He began his research immediately after that day. Team Mystic also assisted V with finding a cure for Quagsire's Leech Seed. Marleon's old Pokemon had made a full recovery thanks to the cross-team efforts.
The Rain Dance Island chapter of Team Instinct was well funded since the events months ago, as the other global chapters of Team Instinct pooled their funds and helped to completely update the headquarters. As for V, she took some time off and went to her old home, Aquifer Town. To her surprise, the town was being restored thanks to an anonymous fund. She also had her own experience with Legendary Pokemon, and captured a Shiny Kyogre.
The islanders also worked together to rebuild the Rain Dance Gym. The building was now refurbished and was used by trainers for exhibition battles much like the arena was. Although the old gym system had been retired, trainers would still challenge Marleon for the Rain Dance Badge. With his new team, he had increased his win rate to 70%. The balanced water, ice, and dragon team worked much better because trainers could not assume he would primarily use water types. He also promised the winners of his badge that they would be able to participate in the Lapras Event...of course, once the pods had matured. News had spread worldwide about the events on Rain Dance Island, and after some planning, a special event was to take place on the six-month anniversary of the battle between Kaoz and the unified trainers of Teams Instinct, Valor, and Mystic.
Marleon awoke that day, yawning and sitting up. Today was the day. He stretched and got ready, giving Altaria a rub while she slept in her own bed nearby. "Hey good morning! Today's the big day!", he said to her. The bird-dragon opened her eye briefly and then closed it and wriggled in the bed. Marleon smiled. "Five more minutes? Alright...", he shook his head and stepped into the arena. Red was wide awake and swam over to him in the pool. "Morning!", he said to the Gyarados, who greeted him happily. Glaceon yawned as well, doing her morning stretches. Flygon was snoring in the stands, and Dewgong was just waking up as well. Marleon slipped into his office where there was an incoming call waiting for him. "Heh...guess they couldn't wait.", he said as he pressed the button to receive the call. The monitor split into three screens, he didn't realize it was a group call as V, Garrett, and Rose were all on the screen.
"Marleon!", Rose shouted, "Today's the day! I'm so excited!" "Easy, Rose, he looks groggy. You feeling alright, Gyarados?", Garrett asked. Marleon rubbed his eyes a bit, "Just woke up, but I'm good. I haven't had breakfast yet." V smiled, "You're going to do great today, you know." Marleon nodded, "I know he's been waiting for this day a long time." Garrett cleared his throat, "You're not worried about it, are you?", he asked, "I mean...he did try to-", but Marleon shook his head, "I trust Kaoz completely. We've worked together well these past few months, and he's been eager to show the world what he is capable of. No, there's no concern at all." "Good, well, if anything gets out of hand, you know we'll be ready to step in.", Rose spoke confidently. Marleon smiled, "Trust me. It won't get to that point."
They wished him good luck and the call ended. Marleon looked at the Master Ball on the desk. Kaoz preferred his solitude. Marleon let him relax while he got the gym ready.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, hello and welcome to the Rain Dance Gym! Please take your seats, the match will begin shortly!"
The Rain Dance Gym was filled to capacity, even with standing room. Trainers and spectators from all over the globe came to watch. The newly remodeled Rain Dance Gym was divided into a few different sections, including a section for each of the three teams. There was another section reserved for the Fire Islands Gym Leaders, and as they arrived, Ed announced their presence, "Please welcome our guests here to watch today's match! From Lavatic Island...Gym Leader Charstar! From Tree Root Isle, please welcome Vincent 'Violent' Storm! From Shadow Form Island, please welcome Gym Leader Desai! From Industrial Island, Gio! From Shadow Psychrome Island, welcome Morpheous and Kagome! From Terra Firma Isle, please welcome Psy! And finally, from New Thunderbird Island, welcome Mike Thunderbird!" The Gym Leaders all waved to the audience as they took their seats.
Once the time was ready, the lights dimmed. The audience cheered and distinct chants for Team Valor began. The Instincts and Mystics joined in with their own chants. The spotlight was now on Ed at his platform above the arena, "Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen! We have a special battle today! Today's match will feature three trainers versus one!", he announced. "Let's announce our visiting challengers! We'll start with...the leader of Team Instinct! Spark!", Ed announced and the arena's lights turned yellow. Spark stepped onto the battlefield and waved to everyone around, even giving a dab. The Team Instinct crowd erupted in cheers and the words "No shelter from the storm!" rang through the building. The lights switched from yellow to blue, "And now...the leader of Team Mystic! Blanche!", Ed announced. Blanche stepped onto the arena, giving a short wave before she crossed her arms and stood there, patiently waiting. The cheers from the Team Mystic crowd were the loudest of the three during the introductions. The light turned from blue to red, "And our last challenger...Team Valor's leader, Candela!", Ed announced, and Candela stepped onto the field, waving all around. The Team Valor audience cheered loudly, then chanted "Valor! Valor! Valor!" She gave Spark a fist-bump and a nod to Blanche.
The lights went dark, and then went a familiar shade of purple. "And now, Rain Dance Island, it's time to introduce your Gym Leader! A native to your island, and representing the Lugia Alliance, Team Harmony! His name is Marleon Takenawa, but you know him as...Gyarados!" The doors submerged in the pool opened, and Marleon's Pokemon team appeared. Dewgong and Glaceon led the way, Glaceon was actually freezing the water beneath her paws as she ran across the pool, with Dewgong swimming gracefully behind. Above the pool, Altaria and Flygon performed an aerial dance for the audience, before they landed at the edge of the pool with Glaceon and Dewgong. And finally, Marleon appeared, riding on Red the Gyarados. The crowd cheered loudly for him, and he waved all around. He hadn't coordinated a theatrical performance with his Pokemon yet like he used to do with Lapras, but the entrance worked well. Once he hopped off Red, he and his Pokemon team posed for a few pictures before he recalled them all. The pool's hatches closed, it would not be needed for the battle. Marleon was also wearing a purple outfit, with a cape on the back featuring the insignia for Team Harmony. It featured Lugia similarly to the logos for the other teams.
The lights were restored, and Ed announced, "Challengers Spark, Blanche, and Candela, please introduce us to the Pokemon you will be using for the match!" Candela went first, "Moltres!", she announced, and the Fire Legendary Bird appeared and flew around the arena before landing next to her. Blanche went next, "Articuno!", she called, and the Ice Legendary Bird was released, who hovered next to her. "Zapdos!", Spark announced, and released a Fearow that looked around in confusion! The crowd clamored in both boos and laughter. Blanche shook her head and facepalmed, "Idiot...they're going to make you use that Pokemon now." Candela chuckled, "Really? Here of all places, Spark?" The Instinct leader grinned, recalling Fearow, and cleared his throat, "Zapdos!", and the Electric Legendary Bird was finally revealed, who glided overhead, giving Marleon a glare before it settled next to Spark.
The crowd finally settled, and Marleon held up his Master Ball. "Gym Leader Gyarados, please introduce us to your Pokemon for the match!", Ed announced. "Kaoz! Let's go!", Marleon shouted, and the Master Ball opened. The Shadow Lugia emerged and glided along the perimeter of the arena, glaring with his glowing violet eyes at all the humans in the stands before he landed before Marleon with a loud thud. He exhaled a plume of purple smoke and snarled at the birds opposing him. "Ready for this, big guy?", Marleon asked Kaoz. The Lugia looked back, "I've awaited this day for years...they're as good as dead!", Kaoz replied. Marleon shook his head, "No killing, remember? Just make 'em faint!", he reminded the Lugia. Kaoz exhaled, and glared back at the birds. "Hey, just enjoy yourself out there. You'll do fine.", Marleon assured him. Kaoz grinned, "Oh...I will! This will be most enjoyable."
"Challengers ready?", Ed asked. Spark and Candela gave thumbs up, Blanche nodded. "Gym Leader ready?", Ed pointed to Marleon. He gave a salute. "The match has begun!", Ed announced.
The Team Leaders began to shout commands to their Pokemon. Marleon didn't speak a word, and Kaoz took off after the Legendary Birds. Moltres and Zapdos teamed up attacking Kaoz, while Articuno held back and provided ranged ice shards. The Shadow Lugia evaded the attacks, though he got scorched by one of Moltres' fire blasts. "Which one first, human?", Kaoz spoke telepathically to Marleon. "Let's knock out Moltres first. It's the most aggressive of the three.", he responded, only speaking through his mind. "Interesting..." Psy spoke, "He's using telepathy to issue commands." "Wait, isn't that against the rules?", Gio asked. Vincent shook his head, "There's no rule saying commands have to be spoken. Gyarados has a good advantage there as long as the other three can't detect the psychic conversation."
Kaoz began to target Moltres, following behind the fire bird. "Alright, hit it with Extrasensory!", Marleon instructed. Kaoz charged up, as Moltres got into position to attack with Flamethrower. The two attacks connected and canceled each other out. Zapdos struck Kaoz with a Thunderbolt, and the Psychic Pokemon groaned and glared at the electric bird. "Kaoz! Focus on Moltres! We'll deal with Zapdos later!", Marleon ordered. Kaoz snarled, and charged up his Extrasensory again, connecting with it and catching Moltres. He began to clench his fist, the psychic energy squeezing Moltres and causing the fire bird to squirm and cry in pain. "Moltres! Get out of there!", Candela called, but Moltres couldn't move, and with a fling of his hand, Kaoz sent Moltres into the wall. The bird collapsed and curled, twitching. "One down, good job.", Marleon thought. Candela huffed, "Damn!", she returned Moltres. The Team Valor crowd went silent, those going for Marleon and Kaoz cheered. "Human, let me pick the next one.", Kaoz spoke mentally. Marleon nodded, "Who do you want, then?", he responded. Kaoz glided, glaring at the remaining two birds. "Zapdos. Going to be hard to get through Articuno's defenses while I'm being chased.", Kaoz requested. Marleon agreed, "Yeah, let's take Zapdos out next. Good thinking."
Zapdos was more reckless in its attacks, and while it fired off more thunderbolts, a few connected with Kaoz, but several missed. It struck Articuno at one point, who squawked angrily. "Spark! Control Zapdos, you just hit-!", Blanche began, and Spark snapped back at her, "I know! I know! Zapdos! Watch your attacks!" Kaoz grinned, "They're distracted...give me an order!", he requested. "Use Punishment on Zapdos!", Marleon commanded. Kaoz grinned, "Ohh...I love that move!", and he charged after Zapdos, easily outmaneuvering the electric bird before his grabbed onto Zapdos with his feet. He then began to spin, causing Zapdos to shriek and zap wildly. Kaoz let go, and Zapdos hit the ground hard, before Kaoz landed on it and squeezed the bird in the neck. "Zapdos!", Spark cried out, as the bird fainted. "You got it, let go.", Marleon mentally spoke, and Kaoz snarled down at Zapdos before glaring up at Articuno. Spark grumbled and returned Zapdos, and Blanche exhaled, "Guess it's up to me then. Articuno, Blizzard!", she instructed. Articuno charged up a strong ice attack, and unleashed a flurry on Kaoz. The Shadow Lugia was struck and hit the ground hard, one of his wings frozen solid. The Mystic crowd cheered loudly, chanting, "Mystic! Mystic! Mystic!" "Good shot, Blanche!", Candela commended. Kaoz stood, his left arm slumped to one side. He couldn't fly in this state. "You've got him, Blanche! Finish him off!", Spark shouted.
"Articuno! Hurricane!", Blanche ordered. "Human! What do I do?", Kaoz mentally questioned. "Dragon Rush! Hurry!", Marleon instructed. "But my wing!", Kaoz doubted, and Marleon responded, "You don't need it! Take off with your legs! Go!"
Articuno unleashed the hurricane, but it was just a little too slow, and Kaoz evaded the attack, dragging his frozen arm along the ground as he rushed toward the ice bird. The crowd gasped and watched as the Shadow Lugia was able to get underneath Articuno with incredible speed, and lifting off the ground, he slammed into the bird, tapping into dragon power and knocking Articuno from the ground. The bird landed on its back and squawked, panicking, as the ice around Kaoz' arm shattered and freed the limb up. "Alright Kaoz, finish it off with Sky Attack!", Marleon commanded, and using both of his wing-arms, Kaoz took to the sky, before descending onto Articuno, spiraling and slamming into the bird. Articuno let out a pained cry and fainted. Kaoz used so much force that he stumbled and landed on his back, panting for a few moments. The crowd was silent, both Articuno and Kaoz were down. "Ladies and Gentlemen...we have a-", Ed began to say, as Kaoz stumbled to his feet, and exhaled a plume of smoke. Articuno was down, and with Kaoz standing, Ed announced, "I don't believe it, folks! Gyarados has won!"
The crowd stood and erupted in cheers and applause. Kaoz looked around, stumbling back a bit. "What...what is this...feeling?", he questioned. Marleon approached him and patted his side, "Feels good, doesn't it? They're cheering for you." Kaoz exhaled, "They...this is...for me?", he asked. Marleon nodded, "You just took down three legendary birds, all on your own. It's pretty impressive." Kaoz grinned a little, "I suppose I could get used to this.", and the Shadow Lugia spread his wings and posed for the crowds.
The three leaders approached after Articuno had been returned. "Your Shadow Lugia simply amazes me! He can accomplish anything!", Candela spoke. Blanche agreed, "Kaoz is a wonder! What a breathtaking Pokemon!" Spark smiled, "It looks like he can battle with the best of them!" Marleon chuckled, "He and I both have grown.", he held the Master Ball up, "Rest now, Kaoz, you've earned it." The Shadow Lugia looked to the crowd once more, before nodding, and he began to glow a bright red before being returned to the ball. Once Kaoz was returned, Marleon turned to the three leaders, "That was a great battle, you three...and hey...", he reached into his pocket and retrieved three Rain Dance Badges. "Wait, that's your gym badge...", Spark said. "But...we lost. I can't accept this.", Blanche said. "No, it wouldn't be right, we aren't worthy of-", Candela began, but Marleon put the badge in her hand, and then gave one to Spark and the last to Blanche. "As gym leader, I can give my badge to whoever I deem worthy of it. Besides...you took the time out of your busy lives to come here. It's the least I can do.", he winked.
The trio looked to one another, "Well...", Candela began, "If you insist." She held the badge up to the Team Valor crowd, and they cheered excitedly. Blanche did the same with the Mystic group, and Spark with his Instincts. All three teams brimming with excitement.
"Thanks again for letting me have my old job back!", Ed shook Marleon's hand once the crowds began to leave. He smiled, "Couldn't have trusted that to anyone else you know. Besides, I'm going to be gone for a little while.", Marleon responded. "Oh? Where are you off to?", Ed asked. "I'll be helping the three team leaders with some research, they asked Kaoz and I to stop by their global headquarters. But afterward...well...I never did challenge the Kalos League. I've got a set of badges to collect." "Great! Well, if you need me again, you know Lanturn and I are just on the other side of the island.", Ed gave a thumbs up, and he left. Marleon looked up to where the other Fire Islands Gym Leaders had sat for the match, and they all stayed. He motioned for them to join him on the arena.
"Good show, Gyarados!", Desai spoke up first. Gio nodded, "That was some of the best battling I've seen!" Charstar gave Marleon a pat on the back, "Ahhh I knew you could do it!" Morpheous spoke up, "The telepathic tactic was impressive. I may have to...borrow it for my matches." Mike Thunderbird stepped forward. "I wouldn't have given them the badges, you know...", he began, but shrugged, "But...that is why you're the leader of Rain Dance Island. You're every inch a gym leader as we all are." Marleon chuckled a bit, "I think it's the way we should all operate as members of Team Harmony. Show our strength, our wisdom...and our compassion." "I'm still cheering on Team Valor, you know!", Charstar chimed in. "Team Mystic for me!", said Kagome. "Yes, yes, we all know.", Mike smiled, "We all still have our respective favorite teams...but we all are working on maintaining the balance among all three. Besides! Team Instinct is the best!", he boasted. "Oh come on! More like Team Extinct!", Vincent snapped at them. "Well at least it's not as bad as Team Vacant of Brains—I mean Valor!", Desai laughed. Marleon and the others all laughed, as the banter carried on for some time.
That afternoon, Marleon locked up the gym and picked up his fishing gear. Glaceon accompanied him, and the two went down the path toward Lapras Lagoon. He was greeted several times on the walk, primarily by trainers who asked about Kaoz and their plans for the future. Marleon was happy to see a good mixture of banners flying on the houses of Mariner City, it would seem that Teams Instinct and Mystic had gotten a new following in the city. Likewise, Team Valor had new fans in Hydrofoil Town, and all the shops and restaurants welcomed all trainers under the banner of Team Harmony. They of course could have their favorite team, but there were new laws on the island that discouraged any sort of discrimination for team choice.
Glaceon stopped briefly, looking into the tall grass. "What is it?", Marleon asked, and looked. A set of eyes were looking their way, and Marleon reached into his pocket and took a Pokeball, throwing it and landing it on the head. The Pokemon was sucked in, but after two wiggles, it broke the ball. Marleon gasped. Suicune glared at them...at least one of the clones of Suicune, but before he could take another ball to attempt again, the dog ran. Marleon grimaced, "Damn...well...one day, we'll get it, right, Glaceon?", he asked. The Eevee evolution nodded, and the two carried on their way.
Marleon found his favorite pier, and cast a line into the water. He wasn't sure what he was fishing for, but all he wanted after such an exciting day was to relax and enjoy his afternoon. In the distance, he saw a small Lapras pod, only four of them, swimming along peacefully. It was a beautiful sight, enough to cause him to wipe a tear from his eyes.
"Just like old times...", he said to himself.