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Krane rubbed his chin as he saw the plans before him.

According to Looker, they weren't easy to find. No region wanted to admit to having anything even like what's in the schematics let alone their plans for using mechs, so that meant getting around a lot of red tape and trying desperately to look legit while doing it. Not uneasy when you're an international law enforcement. Any suspicion probably would've resulted in far too many layovers to keep the IP's legitimacy. They had to rely on outside sources and a few...private investigators in order to get any dirt.

The results were spread out before him. Apparently they were some schematics from Hoenn, who were ahead of the curve in terms of robotics and mech development. Obviously it was the first place to look, along with some tips from Dr. Kaminko who admitted he got the idea from rumors he heard from the region. Cue a pair of hotshot detectives from Rhyme City, and here they are.

What they found was...worrying. It seemed to be a model for a prototype of a very advanced form of mech. According to the schematics, it was apparently designed to serve as the sword of the army, capable of delivering the coup de grace upon weakened opponents in order to minimize friendly casualties. Something that was capable of such destructive force, the few holdouts fighting to the last man would either be scared enough to surrender, or be annihilated if they were stupid enough to continue fighting.

It was christened with the charming name of "Project TEMPEST".

"Do we know what sort of Pokemon it was meant to emulate?" Krane queried. The mech looked unlike any Pokemon species he could think of. It appeared to be bipedal with the cockpit held horizontally to the ground with a pair of massive wings at the side and engines coming from the back. But there really wasn't any decal or anything else to properly identify it as any species aside from some flying type.

Looker shook his head as he put his hands on his hips. "We're not sure. This was merely an experimental prototype so it never was calibrated with the same capabilities of any Pokemon. All we know is that it's capable of utilizing a monstrous amount of firepower and energy. Almost a scaled down version of a nuke if you can believe it.

"And from what we know, only a single unit was ever produced. But where it was stationed was scrubbed from the records. Guess they didn't want to admit to having something this powerful. That and apparently it had a lot of technical issues concerning power consumption so it was mothballed before it ever saw action. We figure they didn't see it as a threat in this state. Not to mention they dismantled it right as the war ended."

Krane sighed as he resisted the urge to tear his hair out. Of all the irresponsible-who leaves a weapon of mass destruction just lying around?! Sure Orre wasn't the most technologically capable region in the world and any movement by the others would probably draw some unwanted attention. But that doesn't excuse any negligence.

He made a mental note to ask Looker if they could expose this thing and get the brass who made such an idiotic decision arrested.

"Dr. Kaminko, is it possible that Cipher would be able to get this thing running with your data?"

The mad doctor looked neutrally at the schematics, for once not looking in glee at the piece of tech. He sighed. "It's possible. Given what we know of Cipher, they would have the tech to iron out the defects with the model AND get it functional. Add to that my research into Robo Groudon…well, we're talking about something with the destructive capability of a legendary."

"Not to mention Greevil managed to hire a bunch of ex technicians who fought in the war," Eldes said pensively as he paced around the table. "It wouldn't take much for him to make the modifications that he would want. He has the money and resources after all…"

He trailed off as he turned his head away. Krane looked at him in confusion.

"Is...everything all right Eldes?"

The former Cipher admin said something under his breath. It sounded a lot like, "I can't believe he bought into his lies…"

Looker tilted his head. "Are you talking about your brother? We heard about what happened…"

Eldes sighed as he turned towards everyone, placing his hands on the table.

"Greevil was part of a codebreaking operation under the Kalos banner back during the Stone Wars when he was a young man. Was a local hired because of his exceptional technological skills. Mainly it was to intercept enemy transmissions and the like. Made a fortune out of the deal and he became one of the wealthiest men in Orre," Eldes explained. "He saw the power vacuum left behind when the armed forces of the other regions retreated. As the years went on and the region descended into chaos, he began to scheme to seize power for himself. Guess once he got a taste of power, he couldn't get enough.

"Unfortunately, somebody else had the same idea. The former mayor of Phenac City, a man called Evice came forward to Greevil with some data he got from the Johto region. Apparently Team Rocket had been doing experiments regarding increasing Pokemon aggression and power output. They made a deal, and the first Cipher was born. Greevil was the financial backer, letting Evice handle the research into Shadow Pokemon and overall operations of the team. Although looking back, I don't think he was willing to let Evice hog the spotlight. Especially after he corrupted the legendary beasts. That's when we started hearing rumors of project XD…

"Next thing you know, the Bandit King and Ho-Oh put Evice behind bars. My father begins scheming to bring Cipher back, hiring many of his old cronies from the war days and using a lot of the same techniques to build our forces. Started filling our heads of how we were going to push out the foreigners and restore Orre to its rightful state. It was a lie. Just used those words so he can gain power for himself. And Ardos...he believed every word of it. Practically worshipped the ground the Grandmaster walked on. So did I once…" Eldes finished, visibly shaken from the ordeal.

Looker put a hand to his chin, contemplating something. "That doesn't make sense. We interviewed several captured Cipher members and they all said that Greevil was being genuine in his speeches. Kept saying it would be pretty hard for him to fake it."

"That's what Greevil wants them to think," Eldes reiterated. Although Krane could tell something was bothering him. He knew that Eldes didn't have the highest opinion of his father, but there was something in that wavering voice that he didn't exactly believe in what he just said.

As the old saying goes, sometimes it's easier to see the world in black and white, Krane thought.

"Either way, Ardos practically worships him," Eldes said once again with firmness in his voice. "I thought I could've reached out to him, but...he really does believe that Greevil is doing the right thing. That everyone is plotting against Orre and threatening to keep them down. And when you believe in that so strongly...you're almost willing to do anything."

The professor said nothing, for he started to understand why Eldes was so affected. Hearing his words, it only seemed by luck that Eldes was able to see the light. If things had been different, he may have been talking to Ardos right now…

"But that doesn't change anything. Whatever Ardos was doesn't excuse him for what he's done. Of who he's supporting," Eldes stated flatly. "Like it or not, I've got to bring him down. He's my responsibility. If I had only seen it sooner…"

"Can we count on you when the time comes?" Looker asked. The former Cipher admin looked at him for a moment, before nodding his head.

Krane let his shoulders sag. He understood what Eldes was saying. Like it or not though, there wasn't time to dwell on the past. What matters now is that they focus on the future. Ardos was a threat to the stability of the entire world along with his father. And something told the professor he wasn't going to be swayed like his brother was.

He looked down at the plans on the table, staring at the schematics.

Here's to hoping that we'll all be ready when the time comes.

Articuno remembered the rise of man.

He remembered them rising out of the chaos and wastes of the last ice age, that time when his power was at its apex. Back then, the simurgh didn't think much of it. Humans were just another species that thrived in the battle of survival wrought by a wild earth. Not unlike many other species that survived great cataclysms who would then go on to reap the rewards of a barren earth, only for them themselves to be eradicated despite their arrogance.

Humans were naught but another species clinging to existence. While it may seem cold, it was the hard truth of the world.

But their arrogance was staggering. Thinking themselves masters of their domain, believing the world was theirs and everything was for the taking. Articuno knew for a fact that their pride was unfounded: for many a legendary still existed and all have seen empires rise and fall. Theirs would be no different.

That was...until that day on Shamouti Island.

The day when Articuno's eyes were opened, and his own heart hardened from the truth.

Mankind was the divine inheritor of the world. All that the legendaries had done, all they stood for, was just so they could take control. In the end, they were but servants. And if man decreed they be weapons, so be it.

But in recent days, that notion has been challenged. Michael was...considerate for a human. Rather than look down on him, the boy saw him as an equal. Treating him with respect long forgotten by many of his kind. If there was something Articuno admired, it was tenacity and respect. A reminder that humans were a little more than the insects he gave them credit for.

Something that Lugia reminded him. The same voice that guided him whenever he helped lost travelers in his blizzards.

And so, Articuno waited in the heart of Ice Island.

For if Michael was so like his master, he would know for a fact that man was not all arrogant.

The Titan of Ice wanted to be proven wrong.

Michael yawned as he boarded the boat. Today was a big day.

After a quick breakfast at Tobias's place, the trainer made a quick stop at the village's Pokemon Center in order to get his usual team on hand. If he wanted to do this right, he needed to use his team. For this one, he switched out Dragonite for Salamence, opting to put the former in the Purification Chamber. Figured now was the time to get the blue dragon back into action.

Following a quick ceremony that blessed himself and his Pokemon, Michael boarded Maren's boat with Jovi and Lily. The sun was still low in the sky, so the air was crisp and cool. Only heightened by the salt in the sea air. They were just waiting for Melody to join them. Espeon and Houndoom were already out, stretching their muscles to get ready for the day.

It didn't take too long. Melody showed up finishing a donut before climbing aboard the ship. With that, they cast off towards the first island.

"Well Chosen One, this is your trial after all. Which titan do you want to challenge first?" the girl asked.

"Articuno I think. Figured we go in order by their dex number," Michael simply said. To be fair, he never really thought of who he was going to challenge first, but it felt like a good place to start as any.

Melody nodded as she shouted up to Maren that they were going to be heading to Ice Island first. The motors came to life as the boat jetted out of the harbor.

"Good thing we waited till morning," Melody commented. "I remember Ash wanted to get started on his trial right away in the midst of a storm. Left before I could even tell him that he had to face the titans. Figured if he wanted to leave so fast, he could figure it out for himself."

Jovi walked over to the teens. "Ms. Melody, I have a question. If Ash already saved the world, what's the point of the ritual?"

Lily moved forward, evidently to gently scold her daughter before Melody shook her head. "It's fine, I can answer it. It's not so much that it's already been done, but it's more a reminder of our place in the world. Of how small we really are. And more often than not, we all need a reminder of that, man and Pokemon alike.

"Besides, fighting a trio of legendaries consecutively is an achievement in itself for any trainer. I don't see why following in the footsteps of heroes is a bad thing. That's how we better ourselves."

"Not to mention get a boost to the tourism here," Michael snarked, eliciting a chuckle from his mom.

Melody smiled. "Sounds like you've been hanging around Tobias a little too much." This got a laugh out of Michael. Houndoom only stared in confusion before Espeon just shook his head, clearly indicating that whatever the trainer said, she didn't want to know.

They quieted down as they pulled up to the shore of Ice Island, the great mountain's shadow blotting out the sun. Spotting what looked to be a stone carved platform along the rocky shore, Maren pulled them up alongside it.

Glad to be back on dry land, Michael looked up at a carved flight of stairs leading up into the mountain.

A very...very long looking flight of stairs.

After sharing a concerned look with his Pokemon (who also looked flummoxed at the set) and his family, he stared at Melody.

"I...forgot how long the stairs to this shrine is," she admitted sheepishly.

Michael cursed Celebi for talking him into this. Scratch that. He cursed himself for getting roped into this.

He lost count of how long they've been climbing the stairs. Could've been a few hours for all he knew. Espeon and Houndoom did the smart thing and retreated back into their pokeballs once it became clear how arduous the trek was gonna be. At least a few of them are conserving their strength.

"How…how did they expect people to…to get up to this shrine without collapsing?" Michael asked Melody between breaths.

"It's called Ice Island. Where does ice form? Pretty high up. You really expected this to be easy?!" Melody shot at him, clearly out of breath as he was.

"Oh shut up!" Michael snapped back. Quite frankly she should've warned them beforehand so he could swim back to shore and call this whole thing off.

"QUIET! BOTH OF YOU!" Lily shouted from behind, a little louder than she intended. Then again, Jovi was clinging to her back which was weighing her down a bit so she probably had more reason than most to be grumpy.

Michael promptly snapped his mouth shut, not wanting to push his luck. But something was nagging at the back of his mind. "Melody…how did Ash get up here to begin with?"

Melody thought for a moment before saying, "I think he may have rode an air powered raft to get to the shrine."

"…a raft…okay then." He didn't press forward, figuring it wasn't really worth it. A raft didn't sound like a bad idea. Beats the walking at least. Then again, he could imagine there being a myriad of problems trying to control a raft as it's rocketing through a tunnel. You'd have to be either brave, stupid, insane, or both.

A small voice proceeded to whisper in the back of his head, interrupting his thoughts.

We're nearly there.

Michael looked down at the pulsating Master Ball, before nodding as he increased his speed. Sure enough, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Everybody let out a sigh of relief as they crested the last set of stairs.

The sighs of relief turned to surprise as they discovered their breaths turned to steam.

Indeed, as they approached the entrance, they couldn't help but shiver as the temperature suddenly dropped.

There was no doubt about it. They were there alright.

They walked inside of a great crater, with great expanses of ice and snow clinging to the walls. Frozen water glistened as the rays from the morning sun beamed down from the open sky above.

The rays shined onto the icy ground, revealing a small shrine at the other end of the opening. Looking closely, Michael could see the statue of a bird that he supposed was meant to depict Articuno.

And within the statue's beak was a blue orb. The Treasure of Ice.

Michael turned back and looked at his companions. Lily had caught up since Jovi had climbed down from her impromptu piggyback ride. Melody nodded at him, not needing to tell him what to do next.

Reaching down to his belt, Michael clicked open two pokeballs. Gardevoir and Houndoom formed from the energy inside.

As they emerged, Gardevoir's psychic aura flared up. Noticing her companion's reaction, cinders began to fly from Houndoom's maw. Michael sensed it too. The air began to get noticeably chillier, causing him to shiver.

A fine mist seemed to appear from nowhere, engulfing the chamber in a thick fog. Trainer and Pokemon kept their eyes peeled, trying to penetrate the thick fog.

Suddenly, a great woosh of air dissipated the fog. The gust was so great, it nearly took Michael and his Pokemon off their feet. He had to cover his eyes, for the force was so great.

Once the winds died down, he lowered his hand.

Articuno, the Titan of Ice, stood between them and the altar. Red eyes peering them across the field with great blue wings outstretched.

The message was clear, for the challenge was offered.

Michael turned to his partners. "Houndoom, blast them with Flamethrower and give him any breathing room. Gardevoir, you cover Houndoom with Light Screen and pummel him with everything you've got. Just stay on your toes and don't get hit. Articuno might be an Ice-Type, but they're still a legendary. Doesn't mean they're invincible either."

The dog and the empath nodded in compliance as they stared down their opponent. Their muscles flexed as they prepared for battle.

Articuno's red eyes narrowed as the air turned even colder, before he shrieked while flapping his wings.

The challenge was accepted, and the trial had begun.

The Freeze Pokemon struck first, flapping his wings and releasing a huge gust of air that kicked up the ice and snow on the field. With air and icicles forcing the cat to squint, Gardevoir fired a wild Shockwave at the legendary. The blast of lightning went wide though, as Mist successfully shrouded Articuno for the moment.

Houndoom rushed forward, firing a Flamethrower to try and clear some of the fog from the area. This left her wide open as Articuno took to the air and let forth a Shadow Chill from his beak. The darkened beam of ice nearly struck the dog as she dove to the ground, narrowly avoiding the attack.

The gust of wind kicked up even more snow and ice, intensifying the Mist. So thick was the fog, that Gardevoir could just barely see her teammate. He would have to rely on his mental abilities in order to find-

"GARDEVOIR! LOOK OUT FROM ABOVE!"

Looking above, Gardevoir could see that Articuno diving in with another Shadow Chill in his beak. Instinct kicked in as the Psychic-type hastily brought up a Lightscreen as the beam of ice shot forth. The attack crashed into the barrier, causing her mind to strain from the impact.

Seeing what was going on, Houndoom uttered a fearsome Howl before charging into the fray. She leapt into the air and grabbed down on Articuno's back, her jaws clamping down on one of the simurgh's wings with a ferocious Crunch.

A Crunch enhanced by Howl is quite painful, even for one of the great titans.

The legendary shrieked as it flapped madly into the air. Using the distraction, Gardevoir fired a quick Confusion into the ground. The psychic attack kicked up snow, which served as cover for the empath to quickly backpedal to gain some breathing room.

Houndoom could barely hold on to the thrashing titan as one of his wings smacked her right in the face, throwing her off. Articuno proceeded to wheel around with a set of Ice Shards formed at the feathers of one of his wings before raking the Fire-Type mid-air. The dog was sent crashing to the ground as the bird proceeded to gain altitude.

With his ascent, the Mist once again overtook the field. Gardevoir and Houndoom proceeded to stand back to back, both keeping an eye on their surroundings and the sky. Any attacking to dissipate the fog would do nothing but sap their strength. They needed to save it for when the attack came.

Michael peered into the fog, hoping to spot the attack coming as well. As long as Mist was on the field, they would have to stay on the defensive or risk tiring themselves out with launching fruitless attacks blindly. They needed to go on the attack and soon.

Something charged through the mist with a dark aura surrounding it from behind.

"Behind you! Look out!"

Gardevoir and Houndoom responded to their trainer's call by nimbly dodging out of the way of Articuno's Shadow Rush. With the legendary flying past him, Gardevoir gathered a huge amount of psionic energy to her hands, preparing a powerful Psychic. The empath proceeded to turn and fire the wave of energy at the great bird.

Hearing the oncoming attack, Articuno managed to turn around just in time for the Psychic to slam in his chest. The simurgh shrieked as he flapped to regain his balance and fired another Shadow Chill at the Sun Pokemon. Gardevoir's reflexes kicked in as the maiden dodged forward, the stream of ice just barely missing her leg. She dove into a roll, before bringing herself right in front of the titan.

Her fingers tingled with electric energy as Gardevoir unleashed a powerful Shockwave at point blank range. Articuno squawked with surprise as he felt the great electric force slam into him, actually pushing him back quite a ways. The bird's talons dug into the ice, keeping the legendary on his feet.

Gardevoir rushed forward, hoping to stay on the offensive. Articuno's red eyes narrowed as he prepared a sheathe of Ice Shards on one of his wings. Timing the empath's trajectory, the legendary whipped the wing back, causing the shards to spear into the frozen earth.

The Embrace Pokemon valiantly tried to dodge the oncoming projectiles, but one of them crashed right in front of her, sending the Psychic-Type to the ground.

Articuno's beak opened as dark ice began to coalesce, heralding another Shadow Chill.

Just in time, Houndoom raced forward and launched her own Flamethrower just as the legendary's attack was unleashed. The opposing elemental beams meant in midair, colliding as both struggled against the other. Ordinarily, the searing heat of Flamethrower would be more than enough to evaporate the chilling ice into water.

But this was the ice of Articuno, Titan of Ice. His power would not be so easily overcome.

The heat of Flamethrower and the sheer cold of Shadow Chill caused an explosion in midair. Houndoom was nearly taken off her feet from the force of the explosion. Such a combination caused a large plume of steam to form where the attacks met. Ice around the field began to melt from the sheer force, causing the fog to begin to uplift.

Unfortunately, the dissipation of Mist was no comfort when Articuno came charging through the steam with darkened wings. Houndoom could do little but brace herself as the great blue wings slammed into her, sending her flying from Shadow Rush.

Articuno screeched a war cry as he let forth a volley of Ice Shards from his feathers. Espeon darted back towards the fallen Houndoom, narrowly avoiding getting the oncoming storm of sharpened icelicles. The Dark Type got back up on her feet, standing aside her companion.

Looking across the field, they could see that the frozen earth was studded by a carpet of frozen shards. They must've been kicked up from either the fighting or the hail of Ice Shards. Articuno began to flap his winds, a fine mist of snow radiating from his wings.

The air started to get even colder, as large icicles began to form in the air.

Michael's eyes widened as he shouted, "GARDEVOIR! LIGHTSCREEN!"

Gardevoir hurriedly put up a Lightscreen as Articuno flapped his wings on more time and gave a blood chilling shriek. The gusts of wind kicked up into a fury, picking up the shards of ice and throwing them at the duo. Gardevoir grunted as her mental barrier cake under the relentless assault of Blizzard, hurled ice shards and crystals being smashed against her shield.

The tempest seemed to last forever, until the winds dissipated, letting Gardevoir drop ers shield. She gave out a few gasps for air as she tried to collect herself. The force of such an attack was almost overwhelming. Not helping matters was the intense cold, which made it pretty difficult on focusing your mental energies when you're freezing your fingers off.

Articuno proceeded to fly forwards and grab both Houndoom and Gardevoir in his talons before proceeding to slam them both into the icy ground. Snarling, the hound proceeded to bring forth flames to her maw before blasting the titan in the face with a Flamethrower. The titan cried in pain as it let go of his prey.

Red eyes and icy shards brought up to his wings, Articuno gained altitude as it let forth a series of Ice Shards at his opponents. Gardevoir hastily brought up a Barrier to shield them from the razor sharp projectiles. But between the relentless assault and the mental strain her mind took from the Blizzard, she couldn't keep the shield up for long.

The Barrier collapsed as the Ice Shards kept crashing down. Luckily for them, Gardevoir's shield did protect them from the worst of the assault so they weren't banged up too badly, but neither could deny that the attack hurt.

Articuno flew back in front of the shrine as the air began to chill once more. Houndoom and Gardevoir looked at each other, almost instantly knowing what's about to go down. There were still plenty of shards left over from last time...

Michael narrowed his eyes at the titan as he leaned forward.

"Houndoom, do what you can about holding that Blizzard off. Remember how we've been training your fire breath?" The dog nodded, a smirk creeping up on her muzzle.

"Gardevoir, when I give the signal, I want you to join the assault with Shockwave. But wait for my signal or else it's not going to work." Gardevoir smiled as she read her trainer completely, electricity already beginning to play on her fingertips.

Articuno let forth a war cry as it flapped his wings once again and whipped a mighty Blizzard. This time though, Houndoom let forth a massive burst of flame from her maw, incinerating a path through the tempest. But this wasn't another mere Flamethrower. The ice on the walls began to melt for the first time in who knows how long from the intense heat, and the flames were even more intense than before.

This was no Flamethrower.

It was a Fire Blast.

Gardevoir looked towards Michael, only for him to shake his head. Not yet.

Articuno shrieked as he fired a powerful Shadow Chill at the blazing inferno. The beam of ice smashed into the Fire Blast, causing sparks to fly from the clash between heat and cold. Houndoom dug her claws into the earth as she began to be pushed back. Powerful Fire Blast may have been, there was little chance it could stand against both Shadow Chill AND Blizzard.

"NOW!"

Lightning sparked to life in Gardevoir's hands at the sound of her trainer's command. Bringing them together, she fired the Shock Wave at the clashing elements.

When fire and ice meet, the result of the intense opposing temperatures coming together could result in devastating consequences.

Add lightning...and well...to put it lightly, the results increase.

"EVERYBODY HIT THE DECK!" Lily screamed, causing everyone to hit the frozen earth as the electric attack smashed into the now growing orb, heralding-

BOOM!

And with that, Michael's world went white.

He felt the cool waters streak past him as he plummeted to the abyss.

The Water's Great Guardian had fallen.

Try as he might, the titans were simply too enraged to be calmed down. Powerful as Lugia was, the combined might of all three was a trying task even for him to overcome. At the very least he was able to place himself between the birds and the mortals so they wouldn't be as impacted by the explosion.

But when the Chosen One appeared, he wouldn't be there to aid them in their quest…

Lugia's eyes opened as he heard something.

The song…

Whether from the song itself or something hidden deep inside, his strength began to recover.

His part to play was not over yet.

Twisting his body, Lugia turned up towards the surface before spinning his body, summoning forth another whirlpool. The waters rocketed him up through the waters, breaching the surface.

His soul was filled with joy as he looked upon the humans who restored him. The pact was remembered after all that time.

Time to return the favor.

"The song...the song has restored my strength."

Michael blinked as his eyes came into focus.

Another memory...this has happened...before…

He nodded in agreement with the voice in his head. This has happened before.

Getting up to his feet, he saw that the mist had dissipated. Everyone had begun to stagger up from the blast, with Gardevoir and Houndoom being the last to get up.

Articuno simply stared at the smoking crater in the middle of the field.

Michael and his Pokemon tensed up. That stunt was impressive, but Articuno didn't look too banged up. Granted a bit banged up, but still in fairly good shape. Gardevoir and Houndoom were out of breath and looked pretty bruised. He'd have to switch them out soon.

The titan slowly strided to the center of the field, his wings outstretched. They made ready for the first attack-

-only to be shocked when he bowed instead.

Michael wasn't sure what to think. This wasn't a bow of submission like he usually come to expect from the legendaries.

No. This was out of genuine respect.

He strode forth along with Houndoom and Gardevoir to the bowing titan. Reaching forth, Michael gently stroked Articuno's head.

"You did good buddy. You did really good."

Articuno gently cooed as he looked at the boy with warmth in his eyes.

The bird then gestured towards the shrine with one of his wings.

Michael looked where the bird motioned. It was time.

He walked up the stairs to the small shrine and the statue on the altar. Specifically, the treasure in the statue's beak. Reaching out, Michael gripped the orb in both of his hands and pulled with all his might, his prize unwilling to leave its niche.

It took a few moments, but the treasure finally left the beak. The trainer cupped the orb in his hands, feeling the cold energy within the orb.

One down.

Michael placed the treasure within his pocket as he walked towards the group. Along the way, he looked at Articuno and gave him a bow of respect. The titan's eyes widened as he returned the bow.

He then walked towards his Pokemon, hugging them both. "I couldn't have done it without you guys," he said warmly, feeling Houndoom and Gardevoir return the hug.

Standing up, and the Pokemon returning to their pokeballs, Michael returned to his group. His sister was cheering joyously, his mother looking rather proud, and Melody with a rather impressed look on her face.

"So," he said while clasping his hands. "Which one's next?"

Articuno watched the humans leave in their boat, the previous events replaying in his mind.

The boy knew about the balance of the elements enough to know their destructive capabilities, and well enough to utilize it in combat. Yet he showed nothing but respect and honor when given it. What's more, he even regarded the titan as an equal.

This wasn't what Greevil had taught him. He was always told to obey humans, that respect was only meant for the true masters of the world. And that meant Cipher, and ergo, Greevil.

But if Michael was so respectful, then that flies in the face of everything that Articuno thought humans were. And for that,

Maybe...maybe there was something more to these humans aside from being just another species to have won the struggle for survival.

His eyes widened as he felt a strange presence in his midst. Articuno spied a green orb of energy in the sky, feeling as though it saw the being had seen the whole thing.

The titan blinked as he spread his wings and took to the skies.

Articuno felt that he needed to go to the shrine at Shamouti Island and wait for Michael's return.

Suddenly...his heart felt a lot lighter. Like a burden was lifted from his soul.

A/N: One down. Two to go.

Some backstory for Cipher this chapter. Most of it I tied in with the war backstory. The word "cipher" did originate as a phrase used for spywork and codebreaking so I figured it would be a neat way to tie in the name of the team.

As for whether Eldes's description of Greevil is accurate...I'll let the reader decide.

We also get what exactly Greevil was after. It'll still be some time before they manage to get everything working though so that does give our heroes a little bit of breathing room for the moment.

I also gave Articuno some development. He technically is part of Michael's team, and this arc is about challenging them to begin with, so the titans are going to get a little bit of focus. As for the order, I'm going for the National Dex order. So that means Zapdos is going to be next, followed by Moltres.

Aside from that, this was a pretty short chapter. Although considering we're focusing on a single fight it is kind of to be expected. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed. Make sure to leave a review and leave a favorite if you like.

Up next, our heroes challenge the Titan of Lightning: Zapdos. Thank you again for reading and have a great day.

But seriously though, 20 chapters. Thank you all for the wonderful support. I don't know if I could've gotten this far without you guys. Cheers.