Prologue

Arceus looked down on the Earth from the Hall of Origin, replaying the events of the past millennium.

"The humans have been busy in my absence," he murmured. "And it seems that the legendary pokemon have sensed my return. Very well then. It's time to call them back home."

Arceus let out a tremendous roar, and a resounding boom echoed through the Great Hall. Moments later, the legends of Earth appeared around him starting with the Celestial Dragons.

As always, Dialga was the first to respond, "WHO DARES TO SUMMON ME!?"

Arceus smiled in amusement, "It is I, your creator!"

Dialga appeared astounded. Palkia cleared her throat and apologized, "I'm sorry for his insolence, Lord Arceus."

"Do not worry, I'm well aware of his terrible manners," Arceus responded, grinning drily. Then he turned around to face the third dragon. "Why do you hide in the shadows, Giratina? Your exile was lifted from the moment I returned to Earth."

Giratina looked briefly surprised, then rose to his full height, "Thank you for your kindness, my lord."

Arceus dipped his head, then turned around once more as the other legendaries arrived. One by one he greeted them, and among them he found some he did not recognize.

Finally, when everyone had arrived, finding their old places in the Great Hall, Dialga shifted uncomfortably in his diamond throne. "Why have you brought us here, my lord?"

Arceus let out a great sigh. "Because today, the legends of Earth go to war!" He proclaimed.

Surprise and unrest spread through the crowd. Lugia and Ho-Oh were the only ones that didn't seem surprised. Arceus nodded to himself. 'Those two have already sensed the disturbance. They know what is about to happen.'

"War against what," hissed Zygarde.

"Against the evil that is about to rise," Arceus responded. "The dark lord rises again, and we must be ready to fight him."

The effect was immediate. Several legendaries scowled and quite a few shivered in fear. Mewtwo, Deoxys, and the legendary beasts were confused, as they hadn't been present when the last war was waged.

"The dark lord?" exclaimed Mewtwo.

Arceus nodded. "My brother, who is the exact opposite of me. He will soon descend upon the humans."

Then he paused and thought for a moment. "Before we discuss more about him, I would like to know about the five of you. If you are to be legendary pokemon, I must grant you the same special powers as the rest of us."

Mew giggled and bounced to the middle of the hall. "I can vouch for Mewtwo. He is grumpy and way too serious, but he is one of us."

Darkrai floated beside her. "I vouch for Deoxys. He saved my life when I was captured."

Ho-Oh spread his beautiful wings and flew behind the legendary beasts. "I vouch for these three. They are my foster children."

Arceus nodded. "Very well then. As of this day, you are one of us and just as powerful as any of us."

He let out another roar and the five new legendaries started to glow and received their new strength.

He then addressed the crowd once more. "As of this day, they war is official. Some of us are already in battle! Zekrom, Reshiram and many others are fighting for their homelands, and now, we join them."

In another dimension a great black pokemon let out a terrible, evil sound. Arceus wasn't going to win that easily.