Huh. I never really thought about it that way, actually. The way it was worded in the versions I have read or heard always said that they "became" the lightning, fire, and downpour so I just assumed that they were like... I don't know, normal types or something beforehand. Like maybe Eevees or something since half the time I can't tell if Eevee and it's evolutions are supposed to be cats or dogs and the same holds true for the beasts. Plus the whole adaptable DNA thing. But you're right, that may not be the case. But I guess we will probably never know, will we? Given how long ago it happened.

[It's funny how words can do that.]

Maybe! I mean isn't that the whole reason why Ho-oh left its tower? To search the world for a pure-hearted trainer?