The golden streak of light surged against the turbulent currents. In the blink of an eye, the glint reached the summit of the waterfall. A massive, two-meter-long golden Magikarp leaped high from the water's surface, bathed in the brilliant, golden light of evolution.
Feng Che watched as the creature's volume expanded rapidly. Pitch-black dragon scales began to sprout across its elongating body. Within moments, a colossal Black Gyarados hovered over the falls.
"So the golden Magikarp evolves into a black Gyarados," Cyrus remarked, a satisfied smirk on his face. "I was wondering how to track down this unique specimen, and it delivers itself right to me. My luck is truly holding."
The Gyarados opened its maw, and a golden Dragon Pearl floated out, its presence seemingly stabilizing the chaotic time-streams around the waterfall.
"A Gyarados raised in this time-distorted environment... it has actually condensed a Dragon Pearl capable of manipulating temporal currents. This is a prize worth taking."
"Go, Magnezone and Probopass!" Cyrus tossed two Poké Balls.
"Ryusei, stay back. Wait until I've dealt with this beast before you move."
Magnezone crackled with high-voltage electricity, discharging golden arcs that slammed into the black Gyarados. The dragon roared in pain, its cry echoing through the cavern. Deep within the plunge pool below, hundreds of blue Gyarados responded, leaping from the water to launch a massive, coordinated Dragon Rage.
"Magnezone, Probopass! Flash Cannon!"
Magnezone flew above Probopass, who coordinated its three "Mini-Noses" to fire a quintuple barrage of silver-gray beams. The Flash Cannons collided with the Dragon Rages, creating a cacophony of explosions and thick smoke. Scores of Gyarados were sent crashing back into the water, but the rest were only infuriated further. The cavern shook with the sound of a hundred angry dragons.
Just as Feng Che wondered how Cyrus would handle the mob, the Galactic leader pulled a flute from his ring. A haunting, melodic tune filled the air. As the notes drifted over the water, the blue Gyarados grew calm, their rage dissipating as if by magic.
The black Gyarados, however, remained unaffected. It watched in despair as its kin, hypnotized by the melody, abandoned it.
"Magnezone, Thunderbolt! Probopass, Ice Beam!"
The black Gyarados was struck by the lightning, and before it could counter-attack, the Ice Beam encased it in a solid, glittering tomb.
"Ryusei, take a Poké Ball and capture it. The potential of this specimen is top-tier," Cyrus said. He was always generous with his loyal subordinates—it was a key part of his cold charisma.
"Thank you, Boss!"
Feng Che didn't hesitate. A free Shiny Pokémon was too good to pass up.
Pokémon: Gyarados (Shiny/Black)
Gender: Female
Potential: Epic (Cyan)
Ability: Moxie
Level: 71
Type: Water / Flying
Special Note: This individual has awakened a Fire-affinity; it can exhale devastating torrents of flame.
Feng Che smiled. He already had a Red Gyarados; adding a Black one to the collection was an unexpected joy. After applying an Ice Heal, he followed Cyrus's orders and used the Black Gyarados to ferry them into the secret passage hidden behind the water curtain.
"Leave the Gyarados here," Cyrus instructed. "When Saturn and the others arrive, it can ferry them through as well."
Outside the ruins, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter's ships finally touched down. "Hurry! The Boss is already inside. Guard the entrance and let no one from the League or the Celestic Clan through!"
Meanwhile, Drasna watched from the shadows. "They've all arrived. If anything goes wrong, I'll have to send the emergency signal to the town."
Inside the ruins, Cynthia and Mishiko reached the Great Falls. The Black Gyarados surfaced before them. Cynthia reached for a Poké Ball, but Mishiko stopped her. "Wait, Cynthia. This dragon has no malice. It seems it wants to guide us."
Mishiko's Dragon Power confirmed the creature's intent. The Gyarados bowed its head, allowing the two women to board before carrying them safely through the time-distorted spray and into the depths of the temple.