A/N: I'm not dead! Sorry for the long absence, but I wanted to focus a little on my other stories while this eased down. I'm back now though and I have a lot to make up for. Challenge accepted.

Thank you Ragna for clarifying the Contest situation and for reviewing the last chapter, being the only one to review last chapter.

The bedlam of Violet City's Sprout Tower eventually eased down. The fire has been put out and a barricade was erected around the perimeter. However, the hearts of many broke within the span of several hours. The residents of the city, bless their hearts, could not look upon the burned remains of their tower without grief latching onto them and giving their already fractured hearts a painful squeeze. They tried to avert their eyes but the task proved very difficult. The remains of Sprout Tower served as a reminder: a reminder that there are truly evil beings in the world.

One questioned went unsolved though. Why would someone burn down Sprout Tower? Was it to send a message? Did someone want to make a statement? These questions, and more, plagued every mind in Violet City.

Currently, the group of Ryūga and co. worked on unraveling these mysteries. They took refuge in the Pokémon Center, where their injured friend received first aid. Ash's injuries weren't severe, as Nurse Joy explained. All he suffered are a few gashes and fractured bones in the spine. After cleaning his wounds and administrating the proper care, the young trainer would be up and running in a day's time after some much-needed rest.

Dawn couldn't focus on the questions. She was too absorbed in her thoughts. In her mind, it was her fault Ash ended up this way. He used his body to shield her while she came out without a scratch. It was selfless of him, yes, but Dawn felt guilty for causing his injuries. She was grateful, immensely so. The least she can do is show her gratitude.

'What can I do though?' she pondered. Dawn was adamant about this too. She could've died in that tower if not for Ash. She owed him her life.

"Everything okay, Dawn?" The bluenette was forced from her thoughts at the sound of her blonde companion. Cynthia nudged her gently with her elbow and fixed Dawn with one of her concerned stares. Dawn was used to this look. No matter how many times she tried to convince Cynthia otherwise, the blonde beauty read in between the lines. She knew Dawn well, too well to figure out anything wrong with a single glance.

"Yeah, just…just distracted," she replied. Dawn didn't feel like explaining. She felt too embarrassed, and because both knew of their little side mission and Dawn's…affixation, the bluenette knew Cynthia would never stop teasing her.

They spoke in whisper as Ryūga, Misty, and Brock discussed the main issue swarming the city. At the same time, little Maya observed more of Cynthia and Dawn's interactions. Only her family knew this, but she loved seeing how well or horribly people get along. She likes seeing the kind of chemistry they share. For instance, from Brock and Ash's interactions, Maya confirmed that they have a strong sibling bond like she and Ryūga does. Brock looks out for Ash like Ryūga does her and learn from them. Both have an overprotective streak in them, and they have a certain trait that makes them unique.

For Brock, Maya just wants to help him get a girlfriend. He's too obsessed with women to sit down and smell the roses. As a maiden of love, Maya wishes to see things turn out better for the breeder. She just hasn't met anyone that she felt could handle Brock's mannerisms. Her brother, on the other hand, is too stubborn for his own good. Maya has so many choices for him, the main one still being Clair, but her stubborn brother won't see reason. She knew, though, why her brother was so refusal to her proposes. It was only a matter of time until the little girl broke through his shield though.

Dawn and Cynthia, from what Maya is seeing, have a sisterly connection. Cynthia is the highly intelligent sister that dotes on the younger sibling. She worries greatly when something is plaguing the younger sibling. Some would overlook Maya's contemplations for being a little girl, but one doesn't have parents like Hayate and Leyna, and a brother like Ryūga, without learning some things.

The conversation between Misty, Brock, and Ryūga continued as thus. "It has to be Team Rocket," Misty declared with a snarl. "They're the only ones heartless enough to do something like this."

"I agree with Misty." Brock folded his arms, brows furrowed as he contemplated his next thoughts. "We haven't seen Jessie, James, and Meowth for a while. I think they're scheming something, and this was just the beginning."

"Don't forget," Ryūga spoke up, poké-egg snuggled in his arms and fingers caressing the shell gently. "I sicced the Family Battalion on them and punched that old hag in the stomach. They had better stay away if they know what's good for them."

Misty shook her head. "You don't know Team Rocket like we do. They're incredibly persistent and annoying. We've sent them blasting off hundreds of times and they always come back with the same goal."

Brock concurred. "She's right. Every day, they show up in some kind of disguise and try to capture Pikachu. He is always their main target."

"Why?" Ryūga asked. He glanced towards the yellow mouse and shrugged his shoulders. "No offense, but why would they waste their efforts on one mere Pikachu? You can pack a serious punch, but compared to here and say like, Unova, you're as common as they come."

"Pika, Pikachu," the yellow mouse gave a shrug as well.

"They always considered Pikachu to be the strongest Pikachu," Brock answered.

"He's very strong," Misty said, scratching the mouse's chin.

"Ash's Pikachu is just really special," Dawn spoke up, joining the conversation finally. She smiled at the memory of Pikachu coming to the rescue when Ash fell unconscious. His attack was beautiful. "He performed this really amazing move when we were about to be crushed."

"Amazing move?" Misty repeated with a raised brow. "What sort of move?"

Dawn tried to find the words. "Umm, Pikachu shielded himself in a ball of electricity and then soared into the air. He attacked the rubble, but we were trapped behind a wall and Pikachu attacked again with a Quick Attack, but it was blue instead."

Cynthia rubbed her chin. "A blue Quick Attack?"

Dawn nodded, a wide smile curling her lips up. She moved her arms to 'properly' explain what she saw. "Yeah, at first, there was yellow thunder, but then it turned blue, and Pikachu was running with it surrounding him."

Pikachu remembered. There was nothing in his mind that could describe the feeling. He always knew there was something building up inside, but for the life of him, he could never release it. There was something inhibiting him, but when he saw Ash fall and overcame the sadness, it became clear as day. He had to become stronger for Ash's sake.

Ryūga whistled. "Impressive. You said he was running with thunder surrounding him?"

"Yeah."

"Volt Tackle1," Brock, Cynthia, and Ryūga answered.

"Volt tackle?" Maya, Misty, and Dawn repeated.

Cynthia cleared her throat. "Volt Tackle is a powerful move that only Pikachu's evolutionary line can learn. It's essentially Pikachu's unique version of a Double-Edge; however, electricity is supposed to be golden-yellow, not sapphire-blue, and I never heard of a variation that turns the Pokémon into a ball."

"That just makes you even more special, Pikachu," Dawn petted the mouse on the head. "You can do what normal Pikachu can't."

"Cha~."

Ryūga agreed with Dawn's claim. Since Ash enlisted his help, Ryūga has noticed how much his Pokémon shared his determination. He never went on easy them and steadily increased the amount of reps they did each morning. Even when their muscles ached and sweat drenched them from head to toe, they left every task completed. The silver and black-haired teen also noticed how one of Ash's Pokémon looked ready to evolve but didn't go through with the process. He didn't call Bulbasaur out on it. If the grass starter wanted to stay as a Bulbasaur, that's okay, Ryūga had no complaints.

"You and Ash have improved a lot, Pikachu," he said. "I think it would be better if you all rested until Ash gets back on his feet."

"Pika!" Pikachu shook his head vigorously. He couldn't rest while his trainer recuperated. Now that he learned a new move, Pikachu needed to work on mastering it. He wanted to show Ash just how much his thunder has grown.

"Wouldn't you want to train with Ash training along with you?" Dawn asked.

Pikachu's cheeks released sparks of electricity as his confident smile pleaded with his trainer's trainer. "Pika."

Ryūga felt his own smile forming. It excited his adventurous heart. In the past week, Ryūga has grown quite attached to the Pokémon in their group. They never questioned his training methods and worked until he dismissed them. They followed his every order. He was their general, and they his soldiers.

"That's what I like to see, but you're still on standby until further notice." His demand made Pikachu fall over. All that pleading and he was still put off. "Rest is an important part of training."

"Pika," the yellow mouse whined as he deflated but ultimately agreed. Then, suddenly, his ears twitched as he heard a pair of footsteps approaching: familiar footsteps that made him turn around swiftly.

"After today, a good rest sounds nice."

"Pikapi!" The electric mouse bounced from the table and into the arms of his trainer, who sported several bandages on his cheeks and arms. Ash embraced the ecstatic Pikachu, whose nuzzle caused laughter to erupt.

"I'm glad to see you too buddy."

Misty and Brock rose from their seats.

"Welcome back to the world of the living," Ryūga commented.

Ash grinned. "You didn't think a simple injury would keep me down, did you? I thought you guys knew me better that." He and Ryūga shared a light chuckle.

"Simple? You call this simple?!" Misty pointed out the multiple bandages stuck on his face and arms. "You were bleeding, a lot."

Brock slapped his friend on the shoulder. "You had us worried, but I'm just glad you're safe."

Ash winced and forced a smile. "Sorry guys, but I had to. I'd rather it be me than Pikachu or Dawn."

"Thanks again by the way," Dawn said, approaching the trio with a grateful smile. "We survived thanks to you."

"I'd like to thank you too," Cynthia spoke up. "Without you, I fear something terrible may have happened. So, thank you for protecting my friend."

Ash scratched the back of his head. So much praise made him feel embarrassed. "It's no problem. I'm glad to help. Oh, I'm Ash Ketchum by the way. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Cynthia, and likewise."

"What's this about you learning a new move, Pikachu?"

"It happened after you passed out," Dawn gave the rundown.

"Volt Tackle huh. That just sounds powerful," Ash replied, a proud smile beaming off his face. He scanned Pikachu's move set with Dexter. "You have Agility, Thunder, Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, and now Volt Tackle. You're getting stronger Pikachu. This first gym is as good as ours."

"Pika!" his starter agreed, pumping his fists.

"You're in luck then, young man." Head Sage Tajiri entered the Pokémon Center. He greeted the group with a friendly bow. "The Gym Leader has just returned."

"Really? Then I can finally challenge them?" Tajiri chuckled at Ash's excitement.

"Not today you can't," Ryūga stated.

"What? But Ryūga, we've been waiting for a week. A week!" Ash was appalled. Did his trainer expect him to wait more to earn his gym badge? Even Pikachu stared at Ryūga with surprised eyes. He couldn't contain his excitement any longer.

"Nurse Joy said you would need an entire day of rest. That means no battling for you. Now, I, on the other hand, am primed and ready to go."

"Hey, that's not fair!"

"Neither is life, so plant it," Ryūga stated, pointing hard at the empty seat. "You can challenge the Gym Leader tomorrow."

"As will you, Ryūga," Tajiri interrupted. "I'm afraid Falkner isn't taking challengers today, not after coming home to this dreadful news. You'll have to wait until tomorrow as well."

"Yes!" Ash cheered. "I'm not the only one."

"In the meantime, allow me to thank you all for your assistance. Our endeavors may have ended poorly, but your contributions are well-noted."

"We were happy to help," Cynthia replied for the group. "If there's anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask."

"I'll keep that in mind. Enjoy the rest of your stay, and I hope to see you and Ryūga at the gym tomorrow, young man. Put on a great show."

"I will," Ash declared. The Head Sage bid his farewell and left the Pokémon Center more rejuvenated. It was a sore topic to bring up Sprout Tower. Tajiri couldn't go a couple steps without seeing the hurt faces on his town's citizens. Ash's fire was exactly what he needed.

"Such an ambitious young man."

"Who is?" Falkner, who heard Tajiri, turned around.

"The young challenger you'll be facing tomorrow. He has a strong spark in him. The Guardian's son will also be challenging you, so I suggest you prepare yourself."

"Wait, Guardian's son? The Guardian is here?" Falkner shook Tajiri for information.

"No, his son and daughter are here. I didn't ask where their father…is." Falkner was already running towards the Pokémon Center. Tajiri furrowed his brows and shook his head. He sighed, "The young folks of today, too impatient for their own good."

When Falkner entered the Pokémon Center, he yelled, "Guardian!" His outburst silenced the entire establishment and caused all eyes to fall on him. Falkner ignored the stares and searched the room. Falkner nearly gasped when his eyes landed on Ryūga. There were so many similarities it was astounding.

"You," he pointed at Ryūga and rushed towards him. "Are you the son of Hayate Moriyama, the Guardian?"

"I am." Ryūga was very uncomfortable and confused. "My name is Ryūga Moriyama."

"I'm Maya Moriyama," the little sister added. "How do you know dad?"

"Your father knows everyone," Falkner breathed a sigh of relief. "I heard about what happened. We didn't know what became of him, but I'm happy to see that his children survived. Have you received any word from him?"

"We've been in contact for about two weeks now. He and my mom are in Kanto, trying to figure things out there. The last time we contacted them is a couple of days ago. They said they were on their way to Cerulean City," Ryūga explained.

"That's very relieving. I do deeply apologize for what happened to your home though."

"We appreciate it. What's with the absence though? Is the Pokémon League investigating? Because if so, I want to offer my assistance."

Falkner's expression darkened. "It's a long story. Do you have the time?"

"Guys?" Ryūga looked to everyone else for confirmation. They nodded. "Let's hear it."

Leyna was done. She was done, so completely done. Two steps couldn't be taken without someone trying to attack her and her husband. She grew tired of it. Her patience was gone, and if her husband wasn't so damn perfect, she would've unleashed fury. But, Leyna, the ever-level-headed woman that she is, kept it contained. Her small team of Virgo and the newly captured Nidorino aided Hayate's team as they did most of the heavy lifting. The poison Pokémon was indeed a powerful addition. He was fierce, spirited, and capable. Despite his previous battle with Virgo, Nidorino fought with a vigor Leyna saw more in her husband's Pokémon than hers.

"I hate this," she sighed. Her eyes were glowing a brighter blue from the excess use of her Aura. With it, she surveyed the field for any hiders. She made the mistake of not being prepared when Bisharp arrived. Hayate and Leyna got comfortable after seeing one Pokémon. They, well she, made the error of underestimating the fight, and now it's come back to bite them in the butt. She's too used to Hayate cleaning up the mess without hassle.

Bisharp wasn't the only morph. There were others, and they came with a mission. It was Leyna's job to figure that out.

"I was going to comment, but I change my mind," her husband replied. His back touched hers and their fingers intertwined. They did this a lot, holding hands. Leyna found comfort in her lover's grip. It also helped her focus by eliminating any stress clouding her judgement. Hayate took it and placed it on his shoulders instead, and unlike Leyna, he works just as well under pressure.

"Don't. I already have a guess." Leyna's brow twitched. "How you find this fun, I will never understand."

"Higher confrontation means we're close to something," Hayate pointed out. "They don't want us continuing our journey. We just need to capture and torture one of them. Get the information, send them off, and be on our way."

Another sigh. "You make it sound easy. My suggestion is the Bisharp, but I have my doubts. If the last guy had his mind reinforced, I highly suspect these morphs would have impenetrable fortresses blocking their brains."

Leyna could practically feel her husband's grin. She held back one last sigh, unsurprised by his ecstatic nature. He was a grown man who turned into a kid at the first sign of a challenge. He and their sons are too much alike. At first, such a trait was annoying, but now it's become endearing. One thing Leyna can never say is her life is dull.

"All the more fun," Hayate said. "I'll have the guys ramp up the power. You try to capture one of them."

"You're incorrigible." Leyna's Aura covered their laced fingers.

Hayate removed his hand from his wife's. He extracted a bone rush from Leyna's spirit. He then pecked a long kiss on her cheek. "I'll make it up to you later."

Hayate danced the bone rush around them and captured Orion fending off Bisharp. "Try not to lose it." His presence vanished.

Leyna fixed her glasses, the light from the sun making the lens shine. "No promises." She clapped her hands together and focused her Aura to her palms. "Nidorino, if you thought I wasn't a worthy trainer before, I'm about to change your mind."

Leyna shaped the aura into a sphere. Her eyes hardened at the nearby Golem contending with Virgo. Luck was on her side today. Time to see if she still has the skills.

"Virgo, dodge to your right." Leyna contacted with her Pokémon via their telepathic connection. She launched an Aura Sphere and watched it fly perfectly straight. Nidorino was shocked with awe as his trainer's attack hit home, crashing violently into the Golem.

Nidorino was speechless, Virgo was thrilled, and Leyna was ready. The now enraged Golem roared like a beast, eyes angrily boring down an unimpressed Leyna. The rock morph used Rollout, swiftly sliding towards Leyna and Nidorino. The latter stood between Golem and his trainer.

"There's no need Nidorino," Leyna said. She gently moved him aside and petted his head, much to his great confusion. She offered a warm smile before facing Golem again. Her smile turned into a thin line as she licked her lips in concentration. Leyna extended her arms out, focusing her Aura again. Nidorino was beginning to panic. Nothing was happening, and Golem was practically on top of his trainer.

"Barrier," Leyna said, releasing her spirit. A big shield formed and stopped Golem right in its tracks. The rock morph uncurled itself. Its shocked face made Leyna smile once more, and in her hands, two Aura Spheres materialized. "Have a nice nap."

Pressing the bottom of her palms together, Leyna combined the two spheres into a larger one. She dropped the barrier and fired. The last thing Golem saw was Leyna's smug smirk before the powerful force of her Aura Sphere rendered it unconscious.

"I still got it," Leyna commented. She wiped the sweat off her forehead and breathed a heavy sigh. "Phew, I can't believe how out of shape I am."

Nidorino was stunned. His eyes switched from the unconscious Golem to his smiling trainer. Back and forth his attention went as he tried to comprehend what just happened. That was no spar. That was domination, from a human no less. Pokemon can take heavy hits and extreme levels of pain, and yet his trainer, just took down a behemoth in just three attempts.

"Nidorino, you'll catch flies like that." Leyna closed his mouth. She gestured to the Golem. "Keep an eye out for any sudden movements. The moment you see it about to wake, use Double Kick, keep it incapacitated. Will you do that for me?"

At this point, Nidorino will do anything asked of him. That was the greatest thing he ever saw. Of course he'll keep watch! The Poison Pin Pokémon nodded vigorously and went to his station.

"She's pretty great, right?" Nidorino heard Virgo's voice ring in his head. The Embrace Pokémon kneeled beside the morph and tried to unravel the mysteries of its mind.

"She's amazing! Has she always been like this?" Vigro cringed at the loud boom.

"Talk softer please. And yes, for as long as I've known her."

"Wow, that Golem didn't stand a chance! That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen! What about the other trainer? How strong is he?"

Virgo giggled at the excitement. Nidorino will definitely fit in with them. "He's even stronger."

Nidorino gasped. "No way?"

Virgo nodded and sent images of her mate battling to Nidorino's head. "That Gallade over there is my mate. We were Ralts when they caught us, and he's a lot stronger than I am."

"I have to fight him," Nidorino declared. "I want to fight all of them."

Virgo had a horrified look. She quickly talked Nidorino down on that idea. "That's a bad idea. You have no clue what they're capable of. Here's a little eye-opener. I am the weakest of the group."

"No way!" Virgo nodded. "Wow."

"Nidorino, on your right! Shadow Claw!" Leyna commanded. The Poison Pin Pokémon snapped to attention. Spotting the Gengar rocketing towards him, Nidorino charged forward with his left paw outstretched. A black aura surrounded his lower arm followed by a purple outline. The aura morphed into a three-nailed claw.

"Rino!" He roared as his claw tore the air apart. However, before his claw could cut through Gengar, his entire body froze in mid-swing. Gengar's eyes were glowing a threatening red. A dark, malicious cackle exited its mouth as a light-blue outline glossed over Nidorino and an invisible, powerful force knocked Nidorino away.

"Face your doom!" Gengar guffawed and forced Nidorino's possessed body into the air. The Poison Pin Pokémon struggled against his nonexistent chains, the psychic energy pelting his body torturously. It gathered and started weighing him down. Nidorino met the ground with a sickening crash.

"Help him out Virgo!" Leyna stated. Her aura attacks would be useless.

"With pleasure!" Virgo ignored the unconscious Golem and focused a powerful Thunderbolt. Gengar dodged, its psychic powers waning long enough for Nidorino to free himself. The Poison Pin Pokémon fell on his stomach, its stamina drained and body weak.

Leyna raised his pokéball. "Return Nidorino. Thank you."

"So you wish to play?" Gengar cackled and retaliated with a volley of Shadow Balls. Virgo danced her way around the dark energy orbs.

"You too, Virgo. Shadow Ball!" Leyna's command rang true as Virgo launched her own. Smoke began to spread. Leyna, with her Aura still active, kept Gengar in sight. "On your left! Magical Leaf!"

Virgo materialized a pile of leaves that chased down Gengar until its Dark Pulse destroyed them. Turning quickly, the Shadow Pokemon used Dark Pulse once more. Despite Virgo's successful dodges, Gengar grew more and more amused. Its smile was as wide as can be, malicious bursts of laughter growing louder and louder.

"You find something funny?" Virgo questioned. She teleported behind Gengar and used Psychic to keep the pokemon in place. "I wouldn't be laughing if I were you."

Gengar didn't stop. Virgo forced it to its knees, but his laughter never stopped.

"What's so funny?!"

Gengar struggled to turn its head. "You lost," was his response.

"What?" Virgo raised her brows.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHH!" A shrill shriek stabbed Hayate and Virgo like a sharp knife. Their eyes widened and heart rates quicken as the screamer yelled for help. Another scream let loose, her kicks and angry flails did nothing but phase through her captor. Her barriers were useless, her stamina was depleting, and a tinge of fear was beginning to creep up on her.

Dusknoir, the one dragging her down, opened the mouth on its stomach. "Resistance is futile," its voice deep and dark.

"Wanna bet?" Orion and Hayate teleported in and struck. However, Dusknoir placed Leyna in front of it, effectively halting their assault, but Hayate didn't stop moving. He grabbed his wife's arm.

"Now Orion!"

The Blade Pokemon teleported once more, taking Leyna and Dusknoir with him. As soon as they materialized, Gallade used Night Slash to force Dusknoir off. The ghost-type Pokemon sunk into the ground to put distance between them, re-emerging a few yards away with its fellow morphs.

Hayate positioned his team in front of him and Leyna, whose tired body fell in her husband's embrace. "Still having fun?" She spat out, not exactly directly aimed at him.

"Okay, I take it back. They mean business," Hayate sighed. "New plan, we need to take them down."

"Virgo, were you able to uncover anything from that Golem?" Leyna chewed on her nail when her pokemon shook her head. "We were close. If only that Gengar hadn't interfered. Okay, Orion and Virgo, we need to capture one. It doesn't matter anymore, whichever one you can manage. The rest of you, provide cover. We're getting to the bottom this."

The pokemon acknowledged the order. It was time for the magic word.

"Let's light 'em up guys!" Hayate declared. His team rushed into battle. "And you," he glanced at his wife. "Don't ever scare me like that again."

Leyna rolled her eyes. "Like you're one to talk."

"I mean it." He squeezed her tight.

"Focus. You can kiss me later."

"Yes ma'am. Let's show them the true fury of the Moriyama Family."

"With pleasure."

Things were progressing swimmingly. He suffered a few setbacks here and there, but he was used to such occurrences. Only the end results mattered. Bumps in the road were a certainty, and he would make sure to learn from the failure. The first plan is doing away with the weak members. He didn't need mindless slaves, but ones that were truly capable. Too many plans failed because of someone's incompetence or, and he was ashamed to admit it, his own shortcomings.

Not this time though. This time will be different. He'll make sure everything goes off without a hitch. So far, everything is falling into his hands. Many of his strongest adversaries were scattered. He agreed that the G-Men were a very powerful bunch. However, everyone seems to forget that behind the impenetrable wall of Pokémon lies the fragility of a human being. It was their Pokémon that made them fearsome. Bypass those walls, and they're left with nothing.

"Mister Giovanni sir, you have a message from Marcus and Kathrine Hedia," one of his secretaries said. The leader of Team Rocket let his smile grow as he swiveled in his chair and activated the monitor. There, the familiar face of Kathrine appeared along with a very roughed up Arcanine.

"You have an update for me?"

Kathrine nodded. "Not really an update. More like something you should see." Kathrine turned the camera passed Marcus's glorious mane and focused it on the prize. Giovanni's eyes nearly flew from their sockets as a loud gasp escaped his throat. He believed his eyes were playing tricks on him.

"Is that really?"

"We were just as surprised. It attacked us out of nowhere. Marcus got hurt really badly."

Giovanni touched his chin with his fingers, an idea forming. "Incredible. We can use it to our advantage."

"I don't want it," Kathrine stated matter-of-factly. Giovanni quickly closed his mouth and cleared his throat. He was about to question this woman's sanity. Who wouldn't want a Legendary Pokémon at their side? She was lucky to have even encountered it. Giovanni heard stories about this particular quadruped Pokémon. It was astonishing to see the Pokémon so defeated. It was a yellow, tiger-like Pokémon with black stripes and a white underside. It has a thin, light blue tail with sharp angles and a spark-shaped formation at the end. Most of its face consists of thick, white fur and shorter yellow fur around its red eyes. Its muzzle is a light blue "X" and it has a black faceplate with two bumps that covers its forehead, nose, and ears. The yellow Pokémon has two long fangs that make its appearance similar to a saber-toothed cat. Its large claws each converge to form a single point and extra fur hangs off its body in front of its thighs. Its mane flows across its back and resembles dull purple rain clouds.

Out of the Legendary Pokémon, this one was part of the most reclusive. It distrusted humans, which would explain why it attacked Kathrine and Marcus. Giovanni couldn't wrap his head around it. Marcus took a serious beating, Giovanni noticed. He appeared okay, but there was a highly noticeable limp in his step.

"Marcus is the only one I need to get jobs done. I know how much Team Rocket loves rare Pokémon though. What should I do with it?"

"Catch it and send it to the lab. The guys can have a little fun."

"As you wish." Kathrine ended the call, leaving an ecstatic Giovanni to plan for his next move.

"This is better than I imagined."

Kathrine sighed. "Great, we're stuck with it until we can bring it to the boys in the lab." She removed an empty pokéball from her person and lazily tossed it at the defeated Pokémon. At least, they thought it was defeated. Before the capsule smacked it on the head, the Legendary Beast suddenly rose and jumped out of the way. It roared at the couple, wincing slightly, and then retreating around the mountain. Marcus prepared to give chase, but Kathrine pulled on his mane.

"Don't. We'll wait before going after it. You're in no condition for another fight."

Marcus calmed down and nodded with a heavy sigh leaving his mouth. Relief washed over him as he sat on his hind legs.

"Meetin' and fightin' a Legen'ry Pokémon is pretty unheard of, right?"

Kathrine dragged her fingers through Arcanine's head of hair. "They're a reclusive bunch. We probably stumbled into Raikou's territory. You're so strong though that it didn't even stand a chance."

Arcanine's tail began wagging. "Aw shucks. You know I'll fight the world faw ya, love."

"Which is why I don't need another Pokémon. Now, change back so I can dress your wounds. That Raikou put you through your places."

"It ain't somethin' to worry your beautiful 'ead over. I'll be right as rain come tomorrow."

"Marcus," Kathrine said his name more sternly. She folded her arms across her chest, her eyes narrowed dangerously as Marcus stiffened. He quailed under his wife's glare. "That wasn't a suggestion."

Marcus sighed. "Sorry love." A white light shined on his person, his body changing and growing. Upon dimming, Kathrine was greeted with her husband's heterochromatic eyes and towering figure. She studied his wounds more carefully, her fingers closing to a tight fist.

"Guess this old bloke's finally gettin' up there, eh?"

"You're a thirty-seven-year-old man. I doubt that counts as old. You have the spirit of one though. Now sit down." Kathrine rummaged through her backpack and took out a first aid kit. "You need to be more careful. They're called Legendary for a reason, and just because Arcanine is specified as the "Legendary" Pokémon does not make it okay."

Marcus didn't dare talk back. As he sat crossed-legged, Kathrine cleaned the fresh blood and bandaged his injuries. She chewed on her bottom lip as the number of gashes and bite marks stayed in her mind. It never sat well with her when her husband had a mark on him. Granted, she had to slap him around a few times in their marriage, but his body is so durable that it hurts her hand.

"Love, you do know I will listen to any plight you 'ave. Don't feel like your worries are more insignificant. Remember; I'll fight the entire world faw ya."

"I know that, Marcus," she sighed, holding back the urge to roll her eyes. "But I'm fine. You're the one I'm worried about, okay?"

Marcus lowered his eyelids more than half-way. "As you say, but I'll always listen."

Kathrine planted a long kiss on his cheek. "I know, and I thank you for that. Not many guys can stand a stubborn woman like me, but I'm glad you stuck by my side through it all."

That caused Marcus to laugh. "Most blokes would rip their 'air out."

Kathrine took a spot on his lap, her head leaning on his shoulder. "I hate impatient people. They're a nuisance. If they don't have the patience to put up with me, there's no point in trying."

Marcus chuckled again, wrapping his better arm around his wife. With the other, he placed his hand flat on the rocky ground. With the skill of a Lucario, Marcus scanned the terrain for any opposing factors. There were few Pokémon around. Many seemed to have distanced themselves from his fight with Raikou. It's a shame the Legendary Beast got away, but he could track it. His condition made dowsing hard though. He couldn't see very far, and with Raikou's speed, it would have gotten away long before he senses it.

"I rather like fightin' that Raikou."

"I can tell. Do you think you'll be able to take on our target?"

Marcus stiffened again. "I'm not so sure about that. Even with my morphing abilities, we're still dealing with a Legen'ry that could very well destroy Team Rocket and all their allies, singlehandedly. It's not something I am confident in fighting."

Kathrine understood. To be honest, she didn't want to pursue this mission either. But, she had to. Her hand was forced.

"I believe in you," she stated, raising her head. It was one of the rare times Marcus saw nervousness gloss over her eyes. She was endearingly stubborn, to him. If she wasn't letting a little docility take over, she was as stubborn and durable as a wall.

"Love, please tell me what Giovanni told you. I need to 'ear it from you." Marcus could easily read her mind with his psychic arsenal. He didn't want to do that though. Marcus is a man who values his wife's secrecy and privacy. If she didn't want to tell him, it meant one of two things: she was ill-informed and is trying to fill in gaps, or she's frightened.

"If we fail to bring back the target," Kathrine paused and averted her eyes. They had to accomplish their mission. "They'll take her and make her into a morph as well."

In that instance, Marcus's eyes turned back into Arcanine's. He even growled like one.

"Not Rachel," he stated. "Not her."

His wife gripped his hand and gaze a firm squeeze. Cat was out of the bag now. "Yes, and apparently, Nicolas has no idea about this either, which I plan to maintain."

"But love." Kathrine held her hand up to stop him.

"There's nothing we can do."

"Like 'ell!"

"Marcus, listen to me. I've already done the formulating. I'm still working on her medicine, but as long as I have her information, I can continue to do that. Nicolas has enough problems in Sinnoh. He doesn't need more. He's in this for her sake, and we will help by keeping him out of the blue. Now, do you understand?"

Marcus hesitated. He trusted his wife's words, but he didn't like it. He knew she didn't either, but unlike her, Marcus can do something about it directly.

"Yes, love."

Kathrine patted him on the cheek. "Thank you, and I'm sorry. You're on the line as well. My…my whole family is being used against me. I need you to cooperate."

Marcus receded. "I won't like it, but faw you, I'll do anythin'."

Kathrine brought her lips to his. "That's what I love about you." She embraced him, feeling his strong fingers rub her backside. It was comforting. If only she could stay like that longer. She pressed another long kiss on his cheek. "Come on, we have a Raikou to hunt down."

Marcus nodded. "Yes love."

1 – Pikachu's Volt Tackle will be different this time around. It's a combination of the anime's running tackle and Smash Bros.' Final Smash. The colors have been swapped, where the giant ball is yellow instead of blue, and the running tackle is blue instead of yellow. I'll differentiate them as the story progresses.