Servine jumped back again as Tentacruel sprayed more acid around. Servine tried to use Vine Whip but Tentacruel quickly created a new Barrier between them. Behind the safety of his Barrier, Tentacruel fired off a Bubble Beam barrage. "Servine, time to close the gap with a Leaf Tornado."

Servine quickly started spinning to create the green tornado that popped several of the bubbles, creating a chain reaction that destroyed the others, before she tossed it at Tentacruel. Due to the nature of Leaf Tornado, the barrier couldn't stop it and hit Tentacruel with all its might. "Tentacruel, Hex the little snake and end this match."

Tentacruel's eyes started glowing dark purple again as the energy started to gather above Tentacruel's head now in the form of an eye. Suddenly Servine was lifted into the air before being tossed back.

"Servine, are you alright?" Servine quickly picked herself back up and got ready to charge once more. "Hold on," Taiichi turned to Ayame, "Think you could do me a favor?"

"What kind?" Taiichi started whispering into her ear, making sure only she heard. "That shouldn't be an issue." Ayame walked away from Taiichi, tossing down the kunai and stars she had and grabbed Aya's arms, leading her back down the stairs with Pawniard close behind. She even grabbed the sword tossed to her prior to these events before descending the steps.

After they disappeared from sight the sound of the blade being drawn could be heard as Koga dropped out of the shadows, "You think that will make me abandon this fight? You're wrong!" Koga looked to a few of the extra guards, "What are you waiting for? Get down there!"

Servine used the distraction to get on the other side of Tentacruel's Barrier and grabbed him by his tentacles. Servine continued to watch for any of the hidden sixty-six tentacles, though she started spinning again to create a massive Leaf Tornado. "Now, Servine time to wrap this up!" Servine had been tying Tentacruel's tendrils up once they were enveloped by the tornado as she continued to make the tornado bigger and caused Tentacruel to tumble around. Tentacruel was eventually thrown out with all visible tentacles tied and unable to continue. Ayame returned with Aya and the blade, both unharmed. "A deal's a deal Koga. I won. So that means we all get to walk out of the Gym unharmed."

Koga looked away, scornful. Was this the meaning behind that child's odd warning then? The grip I held over them, not my clan? Koga easily hid his true feelings, disguising it as irritation with his loses. Recalling Tentacruel and giving a shake of his head as his men released Takashi and the others. Ayame and Mizuki did the same with Aya and Janine. Koga then displayed the Soul Badge at the center of a throwing star before tossing it to Taiichi feet. "Now, get out. As agreed, we will not hunt you. But know this, should our paths ever cross again know that our agreement to not attack you is a part of something different than a happenstance." Koga, Aya, Janine, and the others disappeared, leaving Taiichi and the others as they were.

Mizuki looked to Taiichi and Ayame, "So, what exactly just happened?"

"Koga is normally a cold and calculated foe ready to sacrifice many things to achieve victory, except for family. We took the risk of pretending his sister was in danger to make Koga lose his concentration just long enough for Servine to get the upper hand. It was a calculated risk as I had never seen him lose his focus like that."

"Alright, but let's continue this after we get out of here, and they all change out of these disguises. It's weirding me out a bit."

Takashi and the others grabbed a few things before they disembarked with Taiichi. "So, we're away from the Gym. I believe now is as good a time as any to start talking. I assume it will involve our past."

Taiichi nodded, "Could you. I'd like to hear your story of being taken by Koga and his ninjas."

Takashi turned to Ayame, "Very well. As stated, twelve years ago our village was attacked. Many of the adults were called upon to help defend us, however unlike Koga's men, our clan was not combat focused as they were. Compound that they had stronger Pokémon, a successful surprise attack, and greater numbers, we stood little chance in holding out against them. It was chaotic and many were killed. The fighting eventually came to an end and as it did they took many of us as prisoners to ensure their control of those they left behind. Koga has called upon their services to expand his control but he always send Pokémon to relay his messages. The adults were able to tell us a bit about our home, Fujibayashi, and a legend our clan prepares for."

"Legend?"

Takashi nodded, "It is said our clan was charged with guarding our lands from terrible titans of destruction and that should the guardian not arrive or fail to quell them, we were duty bound to find sacred relics of old to tame the titans before their battle destroys our world."

Taiichi was now lost in thought, "Titans…" He was now rubbing his head, "Why didn't I study on legends and myths?"

"Because of our parents and their studies and our education. But still," Mizuki looked toward the north, "I do know someone who's very versed in many fields, more than our parents, I think, though not as deeply rooted. If I remember right, he has a cottage on the Cerulean Cape. If we had a description of these 'titans' then he might be able to give us the region of which it originated from."

Taiichi nodded to her, "Right, so what do these titans look like?"

Takashi and the others looked away, "We do not know. The only thing told to us was that our answers would be revealed if we found something hidden in the Kanto region."

Ayame however was digging through her bag. "Before Saguri passed away, he told me of a cavern on a cliff just south of the Rock Tunnel and that should I ever find myself near the area to retrieve what lied inside, memorize the context before burning a scroll and keep it hidden from Koga." Ayame pulled out two swords and laid them out for everyone to see the hilts. "I believe one of these pairs of creatures might be the titans mentioned."

Takashi looked to Ayame, "And the message? What of the scroll and its contents?"

Ayame closed her eyes, reciting it word for word, "Across raging seas, over burning lands, we hide in shadows to protect all clans. Strike silently though the dark to stop those who would dare to awaken the beasts, so that none know of the danger that slumbers beneath."

"Why do ancient people have to be so cryptic about these things? Why can't they be straight forward and say what they mean? Y'know the 'Don't do 'this' or we're all dead', or something like that."

Ayame looked to Mizuki, "Possibly as a means of protecting the messages from those who seek its secrets."

"Well I've got nothing." Taiichi moved away from the blades, "I've never seen these guys before."

Mizuki took a closer look now. "I think I recognize the green dragon."

"Really?"

"There's an old tale from back home…but I can't remember it. It had something to do with a serpentine dragon and it…it…"

Taiichi had a hand on her shoulder, "No worries. We'll go see your friend at the Cerulean Cape and ask him. If he's as good as you're making him out to be, I'm sure we'll get definite answers from him." Taiichi then turned to Ayame and the others, "So…what'll happen with the rest of you guys in the mean time?"

Ayame walked over, putting the blades back into her bag, "They will remain out of sight while monitoring Team Rocket activity while the three of us find this friend of Mizuki's and get questions answered."

Taiichi looked to the other then back to Ayame, "Are you sure you're alright with this? I thought you had every intention of leaving once your debt was over."

"That was when I was still under the command of Koga and I had a place to return to. Now we have nowhere if we cannot learn of our origins."

"Instead of putting everyone in danger, how about we just huddle down for a while. I'm sure La-La is willing to help. And we might want everyone to change into something more casual."

Under Ayame and Takashi's suggestion, they took the 'long' way back to the Laramie Ranch, and upon returning they were greeted to an unexpected sight. "La-La, what happened?"

Lara's left arm was in a cast and sling, "Oh this? The night before the race, somethin' was spookin' the Tauros awfully fierce, so I had Growlithe jump in to calm 'em down. Then some sidewinder of a snake startled poor Ponyta. I was thrown off and got this."

"What happened about the race? There's no way you could have ridden in that condition, even with your stubbornness."

Lara smiled as she whistled to her Pokémon, "No worries about that. I found a replacement. He and Ponyta didn't see eye ta eye at first, but she eventually trusted him enough ta allow him on. They even won the race."

A Rapidash arrived at Lara's side now as it gently nudged Taiichi's face before licking him. "And I assume this was Ponyta, right?"

"Sure is. She evolved at the last leg of the race and beat Dario's Dodrio by a nose." Lara started to pet the back of Rapidash's neck now, "I've been tryin' ta keep myself busy but it's harder than it looks with only one good hand."

Taiichi looked back to Ayame now, "How about a few extra hands to help out while you're down and out? I have a few friends who just need a place to crash for a few days before they move on."

Lara looked to Rapidash and the rest of the Ranch, "Well, I could use the help if they're willin'. But I'd rather do it myself. I ain't gonna let this stop me from my chores."

Taiichi tried to stop her now, "Slow down, La-La. This is just like you, you didn't slow down when you got scraps, and you don't want to slow down now. But I think it's best if you just rest that arm until you've healed."

"Yeah, the best thing to do for your recovery is to just relax. I'm sure you can still supervise over things where needed, right?"

Lara smiled to Mizuki, "You're both too kind. But the Laramie Ranch is rather extensive. That's why I usta ride on Ponyta, ta help get to problem areas faster."

"Then you needn't worry about that." Ayame, looked to a herd of Pokémon crossing the plains, "These extras will be more than capable of patrolling areas of the ranch and assist however possible."

"There's that many of 'em?"

Taiichi nodded, "About twenty or so. I think that's enough hands to help out, right?"

Lara started to rub Taiichi's head, "You're just the sweetest thin' Li'l T. Alright, let's meet these hands before I get 'em to work."

Taiichi allowed Ayame to do the introductions, and after some time to get them accustom to the Laramie way, Taiichi, Ayame and Mizuki set off to find answers about where their homeland resides. To speed things along, Taiichi, Mizuki and Ayame used the Cycling Road and along the way Mizuki tried to prepare them for meeting with Bill. "…not that it's a bad thing, but he can be…a bit eccentric."

"So he likes to occasionally wear Pokémon themed outfits. I'm sure there are weirder things people do in their spare time."

"That's just it, they aren't just outfits." Mizuki looked up, "They are anatomically articulated and personally fitted suits. He basically takes the phrase 'walk a mile in someone else's shoes' to a bit of an extreme. There was this one time he was in a Sandshrew suit and he was stuck as a ball. It took hours to pry him open and press the release button to get him out."

"He sounds like fun."

"Oh, I know you'll both just click with one another. I'm just worried he might be undertaking one of his stranger projects again."

It took about two days to reach Cerulean City as they now traveled north to the Cerulean Cape. When they reached the cape Mizuki was in shock, "What happened to the lighthouse?" the top where the light once sat was completely gone. She quickly rushed over to the large door and pushed on a small door phone next to it. "Bill? Bill, are you alright? It's me, Mizuki."

"Oh, long time no see. Yeah, the lighthouse is a bit of a mess, so my apologies. Please, come on in." The doors started to open for them and Mizuki quickly ran inside.

"Mizu!" Taiichi was soon after her as Ayame continued to gaze upon the rest of the structure. "Where are you?"

After a while of walking they found her with a young man in a dress shirt and slacks as Mizuki seemed frustrated with him. "Geez, you worry people too much. Oh, right. These are my friends, Taiichi and Ayame."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. So Mizuki has informed me that you needed help identifying a Pokémon?"

"Well, yes and no." Taiichi looked to Ayame as she pulled out the two swords, "They're on the handles of these two blades."

Bill took the blade with the two flying Pokémon swirling around it. "Fascinating… I need to go through my references and contact a friend or two to make sure of my assessments. Give me some time."

Mizuki nodded, "And while we wait on that we can keep ourselves busy and help finish with the repairs on the lighthouse."

After about an hour of working they were able to help reconstruct the outer structure as the construction crew worked on getting the light fitted. It was good timing as Bill had called them down. The main chamber was completely dark and Bill was nowhere to be found. "Bill? Don't tell me this is your idea of a joke?"

A series of loud thuds started to echo from one of the halls as it was getting closer to them. Ayame grabbed for a few throwing stars and Pawniard's Poké Ball. The thuds abruptly stop as the door was propped opened and a large red creature with four clawed hands and three spikes along its sides. It let out a roar as it continued its advance. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist." The voice was coming from inside and it was Bill's as one of the claws pushed a button underneath the neck. The arms were swung out as the head looked up and the chest started to open up to reveal Bill inside.

"Not funny, Bill! Remember what happened last time when you did this and you were dressed up as a Dusclops?"

Bill smiled as he finished pulling himself out, "I thought it'd be best to have one of your 'mystery' Pokémon out here to see." He was checking on the suit as it closed back up, "The only commonality I could find between the five of them was that they have myths originating in the Hoenn region. Groudon, the creator of the land," Bill brought out the blade with the three Pokémon on it, "his opponent is Kyogre, the lord of the seas, and Rayquaza, master of the sky. As for the other two," Bill handed the second blade back to Ayame, "Latios and Latias, the Eon Pokémon. I am curious as to who was the creator of these handles. The detailing put into them is exquisite, almost as though they were there to witness these events first hand. I am a bit curious now how you acquired them and why you didn't know about their history?"

"They were handed down to me from a distant member of my family who passed away recently," Ayame quietly put the blades into her bag. "Since I've been raised here in Kanto, I wouldn't know much about these Pokémon."

Mizuki was slightly embarrassed because the latter question was directed more so to her. "Well you know my parents, we were always traveling, barely staying in one place for too long and me along for the ride most of the time. That and they don't delve too deep into the mythical and legendary. If they could study it firsthand they would go after it, otherwise, 'Some legends were meant to be heard and headed, but never investigated further', or something like that."

"I know what you mean," Taiichi smiled, "My parents were like that too. They adhered to the lessons the stories had but avoided them otherwise. 'Some things are best left buried', and for some myths I agree. Let the past be the past and move forward. Though, just out of curiosity's sake, what were you able to find on them?"

"That's actually been the tricky part." Bill walked over to a computer as he pulled up all of his research and notes he acquired from others. "We have records of Rayquaza flying high in our planet's ozone layer at unimaginable speeds. The only reason it's been identify was because of the still imaging and high resolution of the picture taken. As for Groudon and Kyogre, little other than old myths that surround them exists, about the raging battle they engaged in that created the land and sea today."

Mizuki stopped to look at the images on one of the wall murals of the trio together, "Sounds like a creation myth to me."

"It kind of is. It was said that Groudon raised the land and Kyogre would raise the sea. When the two met it only caused trouble as they were opposites of the same coin. I could only imagine how these titans would have battled or how long but eventually the fighting was quelled, said to have been brought to an end by Rayquaza. I haven't been able to find much on Latios or Latias other than this old Alto Mare story and ancient paintings of them scattered about Hoenn. Like I said before, the only thing linking these five together other than being on the hilts of these blades is their origin in Hoenn."

"That's more than enough for us, thanks. Now we should be going before something else happens."

"Wait, it's supposed to be a," Mizuki opened the door and it was raining heavily, "downpour tonight. You're more than welcome to stay here until it stops."

A/N: I'm glad they cleared up the Mewtwo form changing, and it will be interesting to see what other Mega Evolutions they have planned(Please Fire-Dragon Charizard with Levitate!). I can't wait for next month to find out about how the Fairy-types fit on the type chart. Things are starting to get even more intense for future Pokémon battles.