Alright, back to another exciting installment of Instrument of Wrath!

Chapter 3: Battle Royale!

(If I owned Pokemon, this would be legit.)

Raze's eyes widened in shock. "You... expect us... to fight... them?"

Reshiram chuckled. "Why? Is the all-powerful mercenary scared?"

Chiasmus glared at her. "Don't say that! Raze is fearless, for the record."

Zekrom sighed. "Well, only time will tell. Resh, stay off of him."

Reshiram glared daggers at her calmer counterpart. If looks could kill, his spirit would be resting in Pokemon Tower. "And why should I? It's not like anyone is gonna stop me!"

Arceus then cleared his throat. "Well, it is possible."

Reshiram paled (If that's possible...) and stepped back. "Oh... Lord Arceus... My... mistake."

Latios rolled his eyes. "Riiiiight..."

Reshiram was about to fire a Blue Flare at the azure-colored Eon when Arceus raised a hoof. "Save it for the battle, legend."

Reshiram huffed, but reluctantly stepped back.

Rayquaza sighed at the conversation. "Man, am I glad I'm not a part of this."

Arceus nodded to the duos. "Now, everyone, step to different sides of the arena."

Latias raised an eyebrow. "What arena?"

Arceus merely chuckled and stepped down into the center of the legends. Immediately, a triangular platform rose out of the ground, with walls of earth around it. The walls and triangle were made out of the material which a Steelix was made up of; extremely durable in its own right.

Raze raised an eyebrow. "What is this... a cage match?"

Reshiram smirked. "Perfect..."

Arceus sighed. "Alright... This will go down demolition-derby-style. When you get out, you're OUT!"

Reshiram and Raze smirked. "This should be fun," both said, in unison, honestly creeping everyone else out.

Arceus smiled. "Now, time to lay down some rules. The first rule: you are out when you leave the stadium or you are knocked out. Rule two: One member of each duo will fight at a time. When any member of the team is unable to battle, the other Pokemon takes his or her place. As soon as both members of a team are knocked out, the team is disqualified. The last team qualified wins. Rule two: There are no other rules!"

Raze immediately charged a Night Slash on all six of his arm blades. "Sweet! When do we start?"

Arceus sighed. "Two hours."

Raze deadpanned. "Seriously? You get me all worked up over a battle, with legendaries, no doubt, and then I have to wait two hours for it?"

Reshiram thought of a similar sentiment. I have to wait TWO blasted hours to beat this stupid rage monster down?

Arceus nodded. "Basically. Each team will have that set amount of time to set up a battle strategy and/or do some training. As a bonus, I will restore everyone to full health before the battle, so train your hearts out."

Raze smirked. Sweeeeeet.

Latios nodded. "When do we start training?"

Arceus smirked. "Right now."

Three separate apertures appeared in the walls of the stadium, allowing the trio of legendary duos to step into different rooms. After the legends had gone, the doorways disappeared and Arceus teleported away, presumably to rest.

(Here we go. Training shouldn't take too long.)

Raze and Chi

Raze walked into the room, which looked similar to the room where they fought Kyogre and Groudon. Raze looked at Chi, a devious glint in his eyes. "Alright, Chi; let's get some training done!"

Chiasmus, however, didn't hear him, as she was absorbed in thought. "Should we go after Reshiram and Zekrom first, or the Eons?"

Raze, annoyed that she was not paying attention, fired a projectile Dragon Claw at her, which grazed her red wings. Chiasmus, enraged, created a small, blue, icy ball between her hands and fired it at Raze. Expecting it to do nothing, Raze just stood there as it got closer.

However, upon contact, the ball exploded, covering him in ice and knocking Raze down. His eyes were wide in shock as he was able to mutter, "The... sheer... cold..." before passing out.

After a few minutes of strategizing, she created another small orb attack; this time of fiery energy. She fired it at Raze, which melted his icy coating. However, he was still unconscious.

Chi sighed at him. "I can't do this myself," she said, "because I'm just not strong enough. I'm more of a tactician, not fit to be a mercenary." She frowned and was about to teleport after Arceus and leave when another voice reverberated in her head.

"Do not leave just because you underrate yourself," the voice said. "Just because you are not as powerful as your scrappy counterpart does not mean that you are unfit to be in the same place as he. Arceus created you to be equal to your partner; no? So it is as things should be."

Chiasmus blinked. "Who are you, and why are you speaking to us?"

The voice laughed inside Chi's mind before a Gardevoir materialized in front of her. Chiasmus blinked in surprise, as the Gardevoir was not green or even a light shade of aquamarine, but of silver. "How did you even get here?"

The Gardevoir frowned. "My name is Quera. Several feet below this room is where I and my mate, Phyracon, are buried. We are from the ancient times, where Pokemon ruled over all and humans had not discovered our regions of Shino and Hoehne yet. We lived in what humans today would call the feudal era, where royal Pokemon like Vespiquen and Nidoking ruled. Our kingdoms, however, were susceptible to attack at any time by legendaries, who acted like vigilantes without Arceus' guidance."

Chi frowned. "That doesn't sound like an ideal way to live life at all."

Quera nodded. "It wasn't the best of times, but it wasn't the worst of times, either. We were able to defeat the Kingdom Swarm before falling in battle." She sighed. "That, in part, is why I am here today. I am a warrior, and while my battle style may be old-fashioned, its power is undeniable. In essence, I'm here to teach you more powerful fighting techniques based on your powerful Special Attack stat."

Chi pondered for a second. "Does that mean that Raze is getting similar teaching from Phyracon?"

Quera nodded. "Yes. The unconscious state you put him in did help by creating a better battleground for the two to battle." Quera cringed as her physical form started to disintegrate before returning to its normal consistency. "It's also harder to materialize in the real world."

Chi nodded in understanding. "So... Can I join them in the training session?"

Quera shrugged. "Knock yourself out."

Chi nodded. "How do I get there, though?"

Quera smirked. "Knock yourself out."

It took a few seconds, but Chi understood and raised her eyebrows. "Why?"

Quera began to fade again. "Because I can't maintain this form much longer. If you want my tutelage, at least put yourself to sleep."

Chi sighed. "Can you use Hypnosis?"

Quera nodded, smiling. "Of course."

Quera started to glow in a silver energy outline, waving her hands. Several small pulses of Psychic energy hit Chi and she blacked out.

A few minutes later, Chi opened her eyes to see the smiling face of Quera, who held a hand out to her. She smiled and took it, using her wings to help her stand up with little effort.

"Where... where are we?" She said, gazing at the beauty of her surroundings. They were in what appeared to be a clearing in the middle of a forest, with several scattered trees. It was a sunny day with few clouds and a perfect, azure sky.

Quera smiled. "I created this place, myself. I call it New Elysium. It only exists in the astral plane, and can easily maintain and regenerate itself. For example," She paused, using a Thunderbolt on a tree, burning it to a crisp. A few seconds later, the tree grew back at hyperspeed, returning to its previous state. "New Elysium can regenerate itself on its own."

Chiamus smiled. "It sounds like paradise!"

Quera laughed. "That was the general idea. Now, if you'd like to begin training, we shall."

Chi looked around. "Do you know where Raze and Phyracon are, by any chance?"

Quera rolled her eyes. "In another part of New Elysium. They're causing a whole lot of devastation that's kind of... overloading that sector. I'll replenish it later, after we've finished training."

Chi nodded. "Wait... we only have two hours. How is this going to make a significant impact on either of us?"

Quera smirked. "That's the best part. First, any physical progress you make in your time in New Elysium is transferred directly to your physical form. In addition, every minute of regular time is an hour in New Elysium. So, you should have about five days to improve your skills."

Chiasmus bowed to her, which was an odd sight to see; a dragon of transfinite power completely offering herself to a teacher of a conceivably lesser species. Quera spoke to her new student with respect. "We're going to work on battle tactics and fighting skills first and foremost, since that's what you feel most unsure about. You have great power, you're just not sure that you can use it."

Chi blinked in surprise. "You read me like a book! How?"

Quera smirked. "One of the abilities my species always has is the power to sense different emotions. I collect a certain... reluctance to participate right now, as well as a desire to learn more."

Chi nodded, humbled. "You have me right there."

Quera giggled. "Don't be sad... after all, this is just the start of your training. You'll learn how to block psychic probing, for instance, on day 3. We have a whole lot to learn here, so I suggest we begin."

Chiasmus nodded. "Let's get this started."

Quera grinned. "Alright... I'll start by gauging your abilities and seeing how far we have to go."

Chiasmus nodded and took a battle stance.

Quera stood there for a while, her eyes glowing blue.

Chiasmus raised an eyebrow in confusion for a few seconds until she realized, "That's Calm Mind! I'd better do something fast!"

She immediately fired off a Thunderbolt, which disrupted Quera's focus and knocked her backwards. However, she teleported behind Chi and blasted her with a Psyshock, doing a lot of damage. Chiasmus blinked in surprise. "You're good."

Quera smirked. "I should be. I've had a few thousand years to train."

Chiasmus returned the grin. "I'll give you that." She fired off a barrage of Shadow Ball as she was simultaneously charging a Solarbeam. Quera chuckled as she spun around, as if in a dance, and slashed her hand down, a wave of Psychic energy blocking every Shadow Ball. Chi then fired the Solarbeam, but Quera bent back, twirling and bringing the powerful Grass-type attack with her. She spun around and released it, blasting stronger and faster than Chi expected, slamming her in the face before Quera threw her back through several trees with Psychic.

Chiasmus was dazed as she gained her footing again. "Wow... you've got a heck of an attack."

Quera smirked as she teleported closer. "More like Special Attack."

Chi shrugged. "True." She then blasted Quera with a Dragon Pulse/Dark Pulse combo, knocking her back a few feet.

She then smirked and started firing off combination attacks like Shadow Ball/Energy Ball, Flamethrower/Dragon Pulse, and Thunderbolt/Night Daze.

When she looked up, Quera had surrounded herself in a Light Screen/Protect combo, and she was smirking. "Nice try, but while my concentration is focused, I can't be touched."

Chi smirked. "Let's change that, shall we?" She used a combination of Hyper Voice and Screech, the sound waves forcing Quera to let down her shield and cover her ears.

She teleported forwards and charged a Shadow Claw, knocking Quera back through a tree. Her eyes widened. "Wow... that's one heck of a Shadow Claw."

She smirked. "It was a critical hit... what can I say?"

Quera chuckled. "Now, to show you something I'll teach you later."

She formed armor out of Psychic energy, covering her slim form in sky blue plating, a similar sword and shield also forming.

Chi widened her eyes. "Man, I can't wait to use that."

Quera chuckled. "It's practically weightless, so it's perfect for someone like me."

Chiasmus shrugged. "Does it work, though?" She fired a Dragon Pulse at her, and Quera blocked it with the shield. However, the shield faded afterwards.

Quera raised an eyebrow at Chi. "I got in a few Calm Minds while we were talking... and it worked." She then shot out a Draco Meteor, controlling them with Psychic so that they hit the rest of her armor, which dissipated.

Quera smirked. "Impressive. You're the only one so far to take down my armor that quickly."

Chi shrugged. "Being overpowered helps."

Quera nodded. "True... and I think that's enough of a practice battle for today."

Chiasmus frowned. "Aww... I was just starting to have fun."

Quera chuckled. "You say you're not a fighter, and this is what happens?"

Chi shrugged. "I just got into it is all."

Quera nodded. "Well, I'm going to need you to withdraw yourself from that attitude and return to normal for a second."

Chiasmus took a few deep breaths, then nodded. "Alright. Why?"

Quera smirked. "Controlling your emotions is the first step to being a powerful Psychic, because when you control yourself, you become more secure about your abilities."

Chi raised an eyebrow. "Why am I learning how to become a Psychic?"

Quera sighed. "Because you're fighting two of the most powerful Psychics in existence."

The white dragon nodded in recognition. "The Eon duo, yes?"

Quera smirked. "You learn quickly, which shows your mind is advanced."

Quera then hovered, using only her Psychic power. "But, you're going to have to battle four Legendary Pokemon at once. I'd say that it would be practically impossible if you weren't as overpowered as the Arceus Knights."

Chi raised an eyebrow. "In truth, we aren't nearly as powerful as them... Even our final form, Arceus said, could be beaten by any of the Arceus Knights."

Quera chuckled. "And you'll find out that 'final form' very soon, I hope."

Chi nodded. "I could use the extra power."

Quera giggled. "You definitely don't need any more power, for now. You just need to set up tactics for you and your partner that work well. Me and Phyracon do tag battles all the time with a few old friends."

Chiasmus raised an eyebrow. "Like whom?"

Quera smirked. "It's not important right now. If you progress quickly, I might tell you about them."

Chi nodded. "That would be awesome."

Quera chuckled. "Let's begin our training for now, shall we?"

Chiasmus nodded and took a battle stance, wings waving as a breeze blew past. "Let's tango!"

They rushed at each other, a Dragon Claw and Night Slash forming on Chiasmus' claws, while a Thunderbolt/Shadow Ball combo began to charge between Quera's hands. Both combatants moved at astonishing speed and an explosion ensued when their attacks met in the middle.

Elsewhere in New Elysium

Raze was having trouble keeping up with Phyracon, who was stronger and faster than even he was.

Phyracon had battered him nearly senseless with a flurry of attacks that qualified him as a- What was the term?- Mixed Sweeper.

As Raze was more physical-oriented, he tried to counterattack, but Phyracon always blocked and pushed him back. He had gone through at least seventeen trees, all from Phyracon's Ice Punch attack, which was so annoying.

After the next Ice Punch, Raze yelled, "How do you keep countering me?"

Phyracon chuckled. "Because your bulk and inexperience make you an ill-prepared fighter. I can see your moves a mile away."

Raze blinked in surprise. "It's because I'm always attacking... never thinking things through."

He then thought of something and was cloaked in a harsh light.

Phyracon's eyes widened when the light faded to reveal a mirror image of himself, another red Gallade, smirking at him. "That's Transform for you."

Phyracon sighed. "This changes nothing. I'm still more powerful than you."

Raze smirked, his three fingers extending and sharpening as he charged a Dragon Claw. "We'll see about that!"

Raze covered himself with Extremespeed energy and dashed towards Phyracon, slashing him before he could react.

Phyracon appeared unfazed, and he teleported behind Raze and used Night Slash, hurting him. Raze turned around, slashing him with a Psycho Cut. Phyracon returned it with an Ice Punch-laced Close Combat. Raze teleported away, then fired a barrage of projectile-version Leaf Blades.

Phyracon shot out a Thunderbolt, stopping the Leaf Blades in their tracks and frying them. Phyracon smirked. "So, you figured out the powers of a new perspective, eh?"

Raze nodded. "Maybe this 'tactics' thing is worth giving a try."

Phyracon looked amazed, feigning incredulity. "Eureka! Great discovery."

Raze teleported up to him and Mega Punched him in the face. "Your sarcasm is not appreciated."

Phyracon held his cheek in pain. "Wow... you, or rather I, have some punch."

Raze transformed back into his original form. "I did figure out that I could use Extremespeed to boost my movements, though, and that'll definitely come in useful."

Phyracon smiled. "Excellent. Now we can start the real training."

Raze chuckled. "Good, because I'm just getting warmed up."

Phyracon nodded and charged him, a Psycho Cut charged on both of his blades. Raze smirked and teleported up towards Phyracon, charging one blade with Night Slash, one with Leaf Blade, one with Slash, one with Fury Cutter, one with Psycho Cut, and one with X-Scissor. He smirked and combined Extremespeed and Rapid Spin, creating a bladed tornado. A frenzied cry of, "Omni Blade!" came from Raze as the twister moved closer. Phyracon rolled his eyes and held up one blade, charged with Psycho Cut. After observing the tornado for a second, he held out the blade near the edge of it and stopped Raze dead in his tracks. The shock of the impact travelled up his arm, causing him to clench his fangs and hold his arm in pain.

Phyracon chuckled. "A little too ambitious. Perhaps we could try something that can't be blocked as easily?"

Raze nodded, taking a battle position. "Let's roll, then."

Phyracon teleported forwards, while Raze used Blizzard, slowing Phyracon down, then Teleported up to him and used X-Scissor, sending him tumbling to the ground.

"That work for you?" he asked, satisfied.

Phyracon jumped up, his body showing no physical damage. "I'm not nearly finished."

Raze charged a Night Slash on his foremost blades. "Neither am I."

They rushed at each other again, ready to spar for a long while more.

Four days later, New Elysium time:

Raze grinned, looking at the expanse of the world that he'd trained in. His arm blades and fangs were honed to a razor-sharp point, and his muscles appeared to be more defined than when he had started his training. Phyracon was standing in front of him, still battle-ready as he was when Raze arrived at New Elysium. He nodded to his trainee.

"Well, I've taught you everything I can in the time that we have. Now, I believe it's time to have a quick test battle with my mate."

His eyes widened. "Wait... Quera is your mate?"

He chuckled, when scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"Well, it was a while ago... I'd say... a couple thousand years, maybe?"

Raze sighed. "I guess those are the perks of living in a place where time has just about no meaning."

Phyracon chuckled in response. "True, and the only thing that makes it liveable is that our friends sometimes visit us from the Distortion World."

Raze blinked. "But that's impossi-"

Phyracon put up a hand to stop him. "You're a legendary black dragon that's training to be a mercenary with equally overpowered ghosts. Think about how the definition of impossible changed with that."

Raze sighed. "I guess you're right."

Phyracon put one hand on the black dragon's shoulder reassuringly. "Hey, don't worry. Just think before you act next time, okay?"

The black dragon nodded in recognition.

After a second, the telltale "whoosh" of a psychic teleportation reverberated across the open plains as Quera and Chiasmus both phased into being. Phyracon smiled at the sight of both girls while Raze merely nodded.

Quera smiled at both of them. "You have definitely improved in the time you've trained with us."

Phyracon smirked. "However, you have one more test before you're ready to fight those legends."

Chiasmus smiled. "I think I know what it's going to be! We have to fight both of you, right?"

Both members of the Ralts line sweatdropped. "Well... no. Good guess, though."

Chi sighed. "Well, then what is it going to be?"

Phyracon looked away from the group for a second. "You know how we mentioned that our friends visit us from time to time?"

Raze nodded, not paying too much attention. "You have. What for?"

Quera smiled. "One of our friends is going to fight you today. You'll probably see him again, knowing what Arceus has planned for you two, but I think his current level of power might exceed yours, if he chooses to go full strength."

Raze scoffed at her. "A two-on-one fight doesn't seem fair."

Phyracon narrowed his eyes. "It's not like you'll have a choice all the time. You need to work on teamwork and trying to take him down."

Chiasmus sighed. "Very well; we concede. Just who is this friend of yours, anyways?"

They all turned as a thunderclap rang out and a vortex of energy, red lightning bolts crackling off it, appeared several yards away. Phyracon smirked.

"You're about to find out."

...

Latias blinked in surprise, causing her brother to immediately turn in her direction.

"Sister? What is it?"

Latias frowned.

"Nothing, brother... Just... do you hear lightning?"

The blue eon shook his head. "I didn't. Why do you ask?"

Latias sighed. "I could've sworn I heard something..."

Latios smiles. "Don't worry... I'm sure it's alright." He then frowned in concern. "Are you sure you're up for this battle? I mean, I'm not sure I want you going first."

She smiled. "Don't worry about me, bro. I'll show them what happens to those who mess with the Eon Duo!"

Latios chuckled. "Thanks, sis... that really cheered me up." He sighed. "I just... don't want you getting hurt..."

The red eon looked determined. "I think we'll take them all down, no matter what! We'll win as a team."

Latios smiled, proud of his sister. "Alright. Let's do this!"

...

The vortex of energy eventually stopped swirling to reveal a creature that looked quite interesting. His spiky, black hair shot back, with electric blue streaks in a lightning bolt pattern. His eyes sparked with electrical energy. The man's aura appeared to sparkle with multicolored electricity; one hand crackled with electric blue while the other emitted pulses of red lightning. A long, violet cape flowed down the creature's neck towards his boots, which were laced with electric blue. His hands clenched into fists, revealing small, golden spikes on the end of white gloves. The creature merely smirked upon seeing Phyracon and Quera.

"I'm joyous to see you,my friends old and new. But now I must know: Just who are these two?"

Phyracon nodded in greeting. "Just call them our students for now."

He nodded. "Great. Now, I just hope that you've trained them well. Because if you haven't, this match will be hell."

Phyracon sweatdropped. "Okay, can you please stop the rhyming?"

"I'm sorry, my friend, but you're all out of luck. Now, let's start this match so these two can get f-"

Phyracon teleported up to him and used Ice Punch to freeze his mouth shut, angering the creature. Phyracon sighed in relief. "I guess it'll be a silent battle, then."

The creature then used Fire Fang to melt the ice surrounding his mouth, then growled at Phyracon. "Was that honestly necessary?"

Phyracon smirked. "Perhaps. It's good to see you again, Leonidas."

Leonidas sighed. "You too, I think."

Quera turned to look at the two dragons, who were confused by the entire scene. "Don't worry, you two. This is just what happens when two aggressive personalities meet. Either they both give way or they just keep fighting. Fortunately, the first option occurred."

Leonidas smirked and took a battle position, gesturing to Raze and Chiasmus. "So... are your students ready to fight me, or do they want another week to prepare?"

Quera sweatdropped. "They don't have another week, Leo."

In response, Leo sighed. "A valid point. I suppose I'll have to go easy on them, then."

"Don't you dare." Everyone turned to look at Raze, as this was the first time he had spoken since Leonidas had arrived.

Leonidas merely chuckled haughtily at the black dragon's attitude. "Please. There's no way you can stand against a seasoned combatant such as I."

Chiasmus' arms began to shine as a Dark Pulse and an Aura Sphere materialized. "Prove it to us, then."

Leonidas chuckled and his aura began to spark with electricity. "Very well. Prepare to be shocked!"

As he started to charge the two dragons, Quera sweatdropped. "Still the worst tagline ever."

...

Reshiram glowered at her partner as she blasted another Fusion Flare at him. Zekrom only sighed as he received this abusive treatment from his longtime friend.

"What are your ideals in doing this? There's no point to striking me if you just want to fight the dusk dragon."

The Vast White pokemon, in a fit of rage, fired a Dragon Pulse at Zekrom, forcing him backwards into the wall. "The truth is, you never help me out! You just sit on the sidelines and watch me battle."

Zekrom sweatdropped and fired a Thunder Wave at his partner, keeping Reshiram from throwing her next attack. "Because you're too hotheaded and rush into battle too often for me to always have your back!"

Reshiram beat the paralysis after a second and fired a Draco Meteor, slamming Zekrom back into the wall again, dazed. "You think I care?!"

The Deep Black Pokemon sighed to himself, hanging his head. "So much for Yin and Yang being perfect counterparts."

...

Leonidas struck first, dashing at an impossible speed and firing a Thunder Wave at both dragons, instantly paralyzing them. Though Raze couldn't pull off an attack with his charged blades, Chi did manage to use Aromatherapy, nullifying the effect of their inflicted status. Leonidas continued to dash with a Wild Charge, knocking Raze backwards.

Chiasmus then teleported up to Leonidas and used a close-range flamethrower, knocking him back and burning him.

Leonidas scowled. "Fine. I'll stop going easy on you." He disappeared, moving extremely fast, and blazed in a Volt Tackle at both Raze and Chiasmus, knocking them back before firing off a barrage of Aura Spheres, launching them both further backwards. While both dragons appeared hurt from the barrage, Raze appeared angry. As he tried to teleport up to Leonidas and hit him with an X-Scissor, Leonidas jumped backwards and hit him with a neutral Weather Ball from close range.

The black dragon staggered backwards before being hit by an Extremespeed several times.

Chiasmus was about to use a Healing Pulse on Raze but stopped as he was covered in a crimson aura.

The black dragon gave a fearsome roar that stopped Leonidas dead in his tracks before his blades began to glow in a dark gold aura.

"Chaos... Rift!"

He slashed one of his arms, and three of the energy blades flew and hit Leonidas before he could figure out what was happening. When Leonidas was thrown out of the explosion, the bipedal lion's arms were frozen to his body and his cheek was burned.

Leonidas cursed openly. "How the heck did you do that?! That's not physically possible!"

Phyracon smirked. "I believe my student has learned his signature move."

As Raze looked between his blades and Leonidas in astonishment, he blinked before concentrating. After a second, the dark gold aura reappeared on his blades, and he grinned maliciously. "My turn now, lion."

Leonidas was about to interrupt before he was hit with a high-speed Mega Punch, knocking him backwards. Within seconds, his legs were paralyzed via a well-placed Thunder Wave from Chiasmus.

Raze then began to glow in a red aura as his claws grew to an extraordinary length, cloaked in a mixture of dark, air, and draconic energies. "Super Dragon Slash!"

As the black dragon swiped his claws at Leonidas, the anthropomorphic lion flew back, unconscious.

Both Phyracon and Quera began applauding.

"That was well, done, both of you," Quera commented.

Phyracon grinned. "I couldn't have beaten him better myself." He dodged Quera's punch to his face before holding her tightly.

"Joking, sweetheart."

Quera sighed in his embrace. "Sometimes, I'm not so sure..."

Both dragons blinked as Leonidas slowly got up. As they took a fighting stance, Leonidas shook his head. "I'm done. I took a heck of a beating and I won't be able to walk home if I continue."

As they slowly relaxed, Leonidas sweatdropped. "You guys are still too intimidating. Ever stumble across the idea of gaining human forms?"

Their eyes widened. "We can do that?" Chiasmus asked.

Leonidas nodded. "How do you think most of the legendaries keep from getting caught?"

Raze raised an eyebrow. "Hiding away in a secret grotto or something?"

Leonidas flicked his hand to the side. "Details, details...

"Anyways, I wish you luck in the upcoming battle."

He turned to Chiasmus. "Focus on your special moves and their combinations. You'll be practically unstoppable if you pull off the right move."

He then looked at Raze. "Remember that hit-and-run tactics work wonders, but it pays to use a long-range hit once in a while."

Leonidas then saluted. "I'm sure I'll see you again; just remember me when you do."

He then vanished, turning into a lightning bolt and disappearing through the sky.

The two dragons turned to the duo of Psychic-types, as Phyracon flinched.

"Leonidas is right; you guys do need human forms..."

Quera sighed. "In any case, we wish you luck."

Chiasmus frowned. "You're not going to watch?"

Quera grinned. "Now, I never said that. It's definitely possible."

Phyracon nodded. "You're going to wake up in a few seconds, so just have fun out there and destroy them!"

Both dragons nodded before their vision went black.

...

Arceus stood in the center of the colosseum, looking at each of the three rooms that the legends were in. He sighed as he felt another presence enter the colosseum.

"I see that you lost, Leonidas."

Leonidas appeared in a crack of thunder, sighing as well. "Well, you made quite the overpowered mercenaries."

Arceus chuckled. "That is the point. They will enforce my will over those who would ignore it."

Leonidas grit his teeth. "But... what if they go rogue?"

Arceus scowled. "Then I will use my even more secret legendary weapons to destroy them."

Leonidas looked at him in confusion. "You mean Xerneas and Yveltal, whose powers they channel?"

Arceus blinked. "How did you get a hold of that information?"

Leonidas' eyes narrowed. "My new partner, Sylvia, a Kalos native, informed me of Xerneas' powers, and I learned of Yveltal's might from a little bird..."

Arceus glared at him. "You shall speak to no one else of them."

Leonidas looked as his creator straight in the eye. "With all due respect, even if Xerneas and Yveltal both awaken long enough to destroy him... even if the Elementals combined their powers, it wouldn't be enough to take them down. If they manage to unlock their full potential and Raze loses control..."

Arceus looked down somberly. "Then I will have to end my creations. If they really do lose control... I must control them."

Leonidas looked down. "They won't mean any of the destruction they might cause."

Arceus nodded. "I will ponder your words. Return to your loved one... I expect Aviana is waiting for you."

He smiled before vanishing in another thunderclap.

Arceus looked to the three rooms once more before his sigil glowed on all three of them and they opened.

...

Latias, who was sparring briefly with Latios, fired a Dragon Pulse after pulling off a Calm Mind to hit her brother back into a wall, who only smiled.

The door opened, and the Eon duo grinned at each other before hovering out of the chamber.

...

Reshiram momentarily paused from blasting Zekrom with Dragon Pulses to pick up the Deep Black Pokemon and drag him out of the chamber they were in, sneaking a kiss on the barely conscious black dragon on the way out.

...

Raze and Chiasmus both woke up as the doors were opened, feeling stronger than before. Raze offered Chiasmus a hand up and they both walked out towards the arena.

...

As Arceus looked at the group of legendary Pokemon assembled before him, he grinned, a rare sight. "Well, it looks like you all are ready to soundly thrash each other."

He raised one of his hooves as everyone was cloaked in an aura of health, their injuries (if any) fading away. Zekrom felt quite relieved at this change, while Reshiram just groaned.

Arceus continued, "You all know the rules. I will now give you a couple minutes to deliberate which among your team will be fighting first."

He hovered off to the side, where the teams started talking to one another.

Latios said, "I'll take the first chance."

Latias nodded. "Okay, brother. Best of luck."

Reshiram glared at her counterpart, who sighed and said, "I guess that means you're going first, Reshiram..."

The fire dragon nodded. "You'd better believe it!"

Raze took a battle stance before Chiasmus put a hand on his shoulder, shaking her head.

Raze was stupefied. "You're going first?"

His counterpart nodded. "I'll do my best to get them out."

Raze sighed. "Alright... if you're sure."

Chiasmus grinned. "You better believe it."

Arceus allowed a grin to show on his face as he glowed silver before the arena closed off in a dome-like, steel cage.

"If the combatants are ready..."

He paused to allow Reshiram, Latios, and Chiasmus to get in fighting stances.

"Then let the battle begin!"

Latios started out by grabbing Chiasmus and Reshiram with a Psychic and trying to throw them back against the wall. Chiasmus' eyes widened as an idea came to her. Black stripes formed on her arms and wings, freeing her from the Psychic.

"I guess Conversion 2 works, after all."

Reshiram, however, was not so lucky, and was slammed against the walls of the cage. Enraged, she launched a Dragon Pulse at both legendaries, who simultaneously used Protect to block the attacks.

Reshiram growled. "You've got to be joking! That's not fair at all!"

Chiasmus smirked as she blasted a Dark Pulse at her. Reshiram set up her own Protect to block herself.

"Hypocrite..." Chiasmus teased.

Zekrom chuckled to himself from outside the ring. Reshiram glared at him.

"I swear, when this match is over, you'll get what's coming to you!"

Zekrom gulped as Arceus only sighed. "I thought this was going to be fun to watch..."

All three combatants' eyes narrowed as they began to ready powerful attacks, jumping into the fight head-on.

As they began to spar, two familiar, ethereal figures appeared right by Arceus.

"We trained them as best we could," Phyracon noted.

Arceus nodded. "Indeed... and I am quite pleased at your services."

Chiasmus slipped under a Luster Purge from Latios while a Dragon Pulse from Reshiram grazed one of her wings.

Quera sighed. "I just hope it's enough... they seem like kind enough Pokemon, and I'd love to keep training them."

A Draco Meteor from Latios forced both Reshiram and Chiasmus to dodge a flurry of attacks. They flew at each other through the air, expanding on the close-quarters combat by using Dragon Claw and Night Slash, respectively, each Legendary scoring multiple hits while still avoiding the meteor.

Arceus nodded. "I understand that. I believe I can grant your wish."

Chiasmus fired a Dark Pulse at both legendaries before hovering to the top of the cage and unleashing a powerful Blizzard attack.

Reshiram was hit by the Dark-type move, but shook off the hit and used a Fire Blast to cancel out the Blizzard.

Latios used Protect to dodge the Dark Pulse and dashed around the cage in an effort to evade the supereffective move. Latios blasted a Psyshock at Chiasmus, knocking her to the side of the cage and stopping the Blizzard. Latios sighed in relief before being blindsided by a supereffective Dragon Pulse from Reshiram, sending him spiralling downwards.

Phyracon looked at Arceus in surprise. "You would do that for us?"

The Alpha Pokemon nodded its consent. "Even though their strength is unparalleled among many Pokemon, they still don't know how to handle such power."

Chiasmus used a Psychic to intercept Latios' Dragon Pulse and threw it back at him.

Phyracon nodded slowly. "Yes, that's definitely handling power badly."

Quera then glared at him. "I believe she means the chaos powers, hon."

The former warmaster's expression changed in an instant. "We'll need to call on some helpers."

Arceus nodded. "It shall be done."

All three legendary Pokemon dashed in, swiping at each other with vicious strikes of Dragon Claw.

"There is a catch, however."

Quera looked at the Alpha Pokemon in confusion. "What would that be?"

Arceus looked to them. "You will need to allow them use of a form similar to yours."

Phyracon sighed in relief. "Thank goodness... they need to stop being so intimidating..."

Quera looked at him oddly. "So you're saying you're scared of them?"

He shook his head several times. "I never said that!"

Both Quera and Arceus chuckled at this while Phyracon put on an embarrassed expression.

"Yeesh..."

All three combatants were looking tired after a barrage of attacks, but they all had an aura of competition emanating from them.

Latios spoke first, "I say we end it all now... in one final attack."

Chiasmus smirked. "I like the sound of that."

Reshiram blasted a Dragon Pulse at both of them in response, to which Latios dodged and Chiasmus threw back at her with a Psychic.

Reshiram growled. "I agree."

She then combined the powers of her Blue Flare, Dragon Pulse, Shadow Ball, and Focus Blast, laughing to herself as she gathered enough Psychic energy to blaze through the others' lines, while Latios was charging up a Draco Meteor and Chiasmus was focusing her energy into several Cosmic Powers.

Reshiram then laughed as she fired the energy to the top of the cage, where it spread out like Draco Meteor. Reshiram took this one step further when she used Psychic to direct the energies towards the two dragons.

Both Dragons grimaced and used Protect, but the strength of the attack was just too great.

Arceus motioned Phyracon and Quera to look away as a multicolored explosion occurred.

Raze was clearly in shock. "H... How did she pull something like that off?"

Latias hovered over to him and motioned to Reshiram, who was glowing in dark crimson energy as she hovered over the unconscious forms of Latios and Chiasmus.

"She enabled her Bloodrage aura."

Raze raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What is that?"

Latias was about to respond, but Zekrom spoke first. "Bloodrage is basically tapping into the hidden power of a legendary Pokemon; the power it gives is comparable to another evolution."

Raze narrowed his eyes and his arm blades all flared out, sharp and covered in a dark energy. "This should be more fun than I anticipated."

Arceus narrowed his eyes before teleporting the unconscious bodies of Latios and Chiasmus into a side chamber, where they would recover slowly. Latias and Raze were instantaneously teleported into the ring and took a battle stance as a crazed expression overtook Reshiram's face.

Arceus nodded. "Resume your battle."

As they all charged at each other, Phyracon and Quera's ethereal forms slowly reappeared next to Arceus.

"That was brutal!" Phyracon noted.

Arceus nodded. "What would you expect? This is no mere battle..."

Raze's blades shone with energy, Reshiram charged up another Dragon Pulse, and Latias began to form a Mist Ball while performing a Calm Mind.

"This is an all-out war."

...

"We now interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for this breaking news bulletin! Multiple legendaries have been confirmed on an isle just off of Birth Island! We repeat, multiple legendaries have been confirmed! So, any trainer who appears worthy, go and challenge them!"

Within minutes, trainers from all regions were flocking to their local port, looking for a challenge. Leonidas looked on in anger.

"Why do they do this? Do they really think that they could take us on?"

Another girl, with a fluffy scarf resembling the feathers of an Altaria and the wings of a Braviary peeked over his shoulder.

"It's just not fair, is it? I just hope no one has any Master Balls or anything of that nature... That would be completely unfair!"

Leonidas nodded. "We've got to keep them away... You call the others, Aviana; I'll see if I can divert the flood a bit."

She kissed his cheek, and in a flap of wings and a crash of thunder, they had both disappeared.

...

As the ships drew closer, Rayquaza descended from the sky and attempted to use Hyper Beam to dissuade the ships from coming any closer. Many ships were forced to a stall. Leonidas also appeared on Rayquaza's back, sending Thunderbolts at oncoming boats and forcing them to a halt for their lives. However, the Legend of the Sky and the Electric Elemental were met with a flurry of Pokemon, led by none other than a Darkrai. Leonidas cursed as a Dark Void flew towards the duo.

...

An ominous barrier of clouds filtered any light over the scene. Thunder crackled through the clouds as the three legendaries faced each other in a Mexican standoff. Without warning, Raze used Extremespeed in tandem with Slash and Dragon Claw to pull of several successful hits on Reshiram before she was able to retaliate, knocking her out.

"That was easy enough." He said before throwing his arm backwards to block Latias' incoming Mist Ball with a well-placed Night Slash.

Phyracon sighed with relief. "Thank goodness... that Bloodrage was kind of scaring me."

Arceus nodded. "Reshiram was desperate to bring on her Bloodrage. And yet... I feel that we may need her help again soon enough."

The Alpha Pokemon used a wave of Healing energy (essentially a reverse Recover) to bring the others back to health so they could watch the rest of the battle.

Chiasmus groaned, rubbing her sore head. "Yeesh... what that really hurt."

Latios hovered, sighing. "Indeed... Bloodrage is not something to be dealt with so easily."

As Reshiram got back up, she glared at Raze. "I was in Bloodrage, and yet he beat me so easily! What happened?"

Arceus nodded as Zekrom, Latias, and Raze all charged a Dragon Pulse.

"Let the battle recommence!"

All three legends fired the powerful attack, creating a massive explosion in the center. They all rushed into the smoke, attacking with reckless abandon. Flashes of blue and white energy surged throughout the smoke as the legendary Pokemon proceeded to combat.

...

Leonidas cringed, expecting the Dark Void to easily knock him out, but was surprised when a figure appeared in front of him and the Dark Void disintegrated.

Rayquaza sighed with relief. "Perfect timing!"

Leonidas grinned. "I guess Aviana did her job correctly."

The figure turned around, an eerie grin on her face as she moved her lavender hair to the side. "I'll say. She moved near the speed of light just to gather us all here."

Leonidas nodded. "Spectra, how many Elementals did she manage to gather?"

The ghostly figure giggled. "I'm not sure, but I know she was able to round up Aegis, Terrus" Leonidas visibly winced, "Aquarius, Elsa, Pyron, and Vertana. As for the rest... I think she's still looking."

Leonidas raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What about Shade?"

Spectra's eyes glowed in an eerie green. "Don't you dare mention his name again or I'll Curse you so much you'll have bad luck for the next 500 years!"

Rayquaza groaned as it dodged another well-thrown Ultra Ball. "Um, focus here, guys?"

Leonidas nodded. "Agreed... we need to build up a defense!"

"Got it covered!" another voice called out. Both Elementals looked down to see a guy with blue hair raise a trident in the air and call up a gigantic tsunami.

Leonidas paled. "Aquarius, we're not allowed to kill them! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

The Water Elemental grinned. "Just you watch."

Another girl, with pale blue hair, fired a concentrated blast of ice at the tsunami, instantly freezing it and creating a gigantic wall of ice that blocked the path of the ships. Finally, another guy with metallic skin, resembling an android, punched the ground. A sheet of solid steel spread from the point of impact and coated the ice wall in small, steel spikes.

Rayquaza retreated behind the wall while Leonidas and Spectra reappeared down with the other elementals.

Leonidas walked up to them. "Good plan, guys, but... doesn't our defense have a huge weakness to fire?"

They all sweatdropped. "Good point," a ginger with flame-patterned clothes mentioned.

Terrus sighed. "Typical Pyron. Forgetting his own powers and all..."

Leonidas glared at him. "That is no way to treat a member of our team!"

Terrus retaliated, "News Flash! There haven't been this many Elementals gathered here in a few centuries. I'm only here because Aviana said that Arceus called us all here to defend them."

Rayquaza yelled down at all them, taking heavy fire and trying to use Dragon Pulse to knock back many of the Pokemon that were rushing towards the wall in an attempt to break it. "For Arceus' sake, you all! Stop arguing and try to help defend the island!"

The group of Elementals nodded and ran towards the wall.

...

Latias was thrown back against the wall by Raze's Night Slash, unconscious after a long battle. She was teleported outside of the stadium by Arceus and into the hands of her brother, who held her close to him.

In the arena now were only Raze and Zekrom, both breathing heavily from an intense effort and a critical amount of damage inflicted to both parties.

Raze narrowed his eyes. "Shall we-"

Before he could say "finish this?", Zekrom glowed in an electric blue light, and the aura surrounded him in electric current.

Phyracon was surprised. "Bloodrage from both of them? They must be desperate to win!"

Quera was suspicious. "Or they just don't want powerhouses like the two dragons roaming around the world..."

Aviana appeared next to them, a serious expression on her face and apparent damage showing. "Or they think they'll be replaced."

Arceus took on a grim face. "I trust the Elementals are doing the best they can?"

The Flying Elemental nodded. "I fear it won't be enough, my lord. I've gathered as many Elementals as I can, but their party is led by a Darkrai, and I doubt Spectra can block all of its attacks."

Arceus groaned. "I suppose we must use all of the resources at hand in order to keep the Legends from being captured."

Aviana nodded before disappearing, flying off into the distance.

Just as Zekrom and Raze were about to collide with a Wild Charge and a Take Down, a barrier appeared between them and the cage evaporated into thin air.

All six legends were puzzled and looked up to Arceus, glowing in a golden aura that made Phyracon and Quera visible.

"Listen... we do not have much time. The sheer number of trainers that are here will overrun even my power, and I do not want to kill or injure them. So, here's what we're all going to do. The four legends must hang back, because we don't want you getting captured."

Immediately, Reshiram jumped up in protest, her eyes blazing in blue flames.

"I refuse to be brought down! Let them come!"

Everyone sweatdropped as Arceus groaned. "You're missing the point here. We don't want you fighting against us and, if I am captured, the world will fall out of balance. That's why we're going to rely on our two mercenaries."

Chiasmus spoke in confusion. "But surely we'll be captured!"

Arceus smiled. "Not easily, I say." The Alpha Pokemon hovered over both of the Dragons before placing a hoof on each of their chests. Immediately, a seal resembling a golden, upside-down Poke Ball with protrusions that looked like Arceus' golden spikes appeared.

"This shall keep you from being captured by any human as long as you are under my protection."

Raze covered his blades in golden energy in anticipation. "So, does this mean we passed?"

Arceus nodded. "If we make it out of this alive, then yes."

Raze and Chiasmus immediately flew towards the wall as Latias turned to Arceus. "But surely, my Lord. do you not know how this ends?"

Arceus gave a rare smile. "And ruin the surprise? That's no fun at all."

The Legends flew towards the wall as the Elementals desperately tried to maintain it from the onslaught of Pokemon attacks.

Raze narrowed his eyes as he neared the wall.

"This could be the fight of our lives... So let's win this!"

Yes, yes... another cliffhanger. I'm so evil.

...

And so late. I'm sorry that I haven't posted for this story in forever... Life happened to me. I got bogged down by school and exams and things and didn't get much of the chance or inspiration to finish this. Now that I have both of those back, I'll try and post for this more often.

...

Hopefully, you all enjoyed this perilously late installment;

Until next time (whenever that may be),

E.D.