What? So soon?! It's true! As I said, I wanted to update faster this time, and so I have. Plus I'm eager to get this story out, since I love it. lol I'm sure that'll make quite a few people happy, too, will it not? :P

So, here we go.

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Final Battle Part I - VS a Friend?!

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Canterlot Castle Courtyard, 9:28 AM

"So good to see everypony again, after being trapped in that accursed statue." Discord smirked, his gaze making its way across each pony there. "And you..." He stopped once he reached the odd one out. "Must be Keldeo. I've heard a lot about you from my new friend." He turned his head to his left. "I believe you may have met once?" A dark chuckle escaped the mismatched creature as everypony's eyes made their way to the massive silhouette.

"K-Keldeo..." Rarity's voice was low, near a whisper. "That big one... Is that...?"

"Yeah..." With a nod, Keldeo confirmed what was on their minds. "That's Kyurem, for sure. I'd never forget that bastard's face..." The icy creature above them growled at this, flying down quickly like a comet and landing with a crash in front of them all. Fluttershy let out a terrified squeak as Kyurem let out a gutteral noise.

"You dare speak of me in that way?" as he spoke, an icy blue light appeared deep within the creature's throat as he prepared an Ice Beam attack. Discord, however, stopped him.

"Excuse me? We have a plan here. Kindly stick to it." Kyurem let out another growl before stopping the attack, stepping backwards away from the group of ponies.

"Fine... But this plan of yours had better not fail." Discord simply laughed at this.

"Oh, my frozen friend, I assure you it will not. Now then..." His gaze shifted to his right now. "You know what to do, yes?" The voice that answered was so full of anger and malice that it surprised the entire group, minus the two villains. Twilight Sparkle's eyes widened when she heard it.

"Yeah... I know what to do." The small silhouette fell to the earth, landing on its feet as Kyurem had but with significantly less force. Still, they all dreaded the sight before them. It was Spike, but his appearance had been altered somewhat. Instead of the bright, happy look that he usually had, his face now showed a scowl that looked as though it were there permanently. The whites of his eyes were now completely black, showing that he had been possessed by the shadows that Discord controlled. Even his stance had changed, from laid-back to aggressive. His claws and teeth were showing and he was clearly ready to tear into somepony.

"Spike... I hoped that guard was seeing things, but... You really betrayed all of your friends to be on the same side as these two?!"

"Shut up! I was betrayed first!" Keldeo's face showed genuine surprise. "Yeah, that's right! I know all about you and Rarity... You came in and she immediately went for you... After all my years of trying so hard to get her to notice me, you come in and get her just like that! It's not fair!" Keldeo grit his teeth.

"You're kidding... That's what this is about?! I got her and you didn't?!" Spike growled darkly.

"She... Was my world... And you took her... I'm going to make you pay...!" The shadows under the dragon began to move on their own, pulling up away from the ground and attaching themselves to his hands to form large, menacing claws.

"Spike, I don't want to fight you... Please... Don't do this!" At this, a small smirk appeared on Spike's lips.

"What, you scared? That's too bad... 'Cause I wanna fight YOU!" The young dragon jumped at Keldeo, who could only dodge.

"Spike, that's enough! I don't want to do this! I thought we were..."

"Thought we were what, friends? Yeah, we were. Until I heard you and... And that... Rrgh... I heard you two last night!" Both Keldeo's and Rarity's cheeks were burning red, but Keldeo ignored it.

"Spike, I... I didn't know you loved her. And for that... I'm sorry. But I had no hoof in her decision. And if fighting is what it'll take to make you see straight... Then that's what I'm gonna have to do!" Water began forming under the colt's hooves. As soon as the Unicorn Pokémon finished his sentence, Discord's smirk from earlier disappeared.

'What? He's actually going to attack Spike? That's... Unexpected. But even if that doesn't go as planned, I still have my backup...'

Once more, Spike rushed Keldeo, but this time, the Pokémon was more prepared and moved only slightly, just enough to avoid the attack, before using the water rushing from his hooves to slam his shoulder directly into his attacker. The dragon was stunned only for a moment, and he let out a growl before wildly swinging his claws at Keldeo. The colt stuck to dodging, using what his masters had taught him about moving only enough to avoid attacks. As he did so, he rethought his strategy. 'Damn it... Spike's tough... But... He's un-disciplined. His attacks are too heavy, and he'll soon wear himself out... I guess I'm just gonna have to wait it out. That'll be my chance to knock him out so I don't have to hurt him.' Keldeo smiled. "That all...? I've battled against Bidoof that have more fight than that." 'Yeah, I can just taunt him into attacking... That'll do it.' Spike growled in response, once again charging at the Pokémon and attacking like mad. Again, Keldeo dodged, smiling only slightly once he saw his temporary opponent begin to gasp for breath. Finally, Spike spoke.

"Sto... Hah... Stop moving so I can tear you apart...!" Keldeo allowed himself a smirk.

"Spike... Face it. I have you beat. You're already out of breath. All I'd have to do is attack once, quickly, and you'd be finished."

"Shut... Up...! Rgh..." Using the last of his strength, the young dragon ran at Keldeo. Of course, since he saw it coming, Keldeo once again simply sidestepped him and brought his hoof doof, striking Spike in the base of his neck just enough so he would be knocked out. As he did so, the shadows cloaking him retreated into the shadow cast by Discord, who was glaring down at him.

"So... You foiled my plan, just like a true HERO would." His voice was mocking, as it usually was. "Too bad for you it's not over yet. Kyurem... You're up."

"Finally... You shall be mine! Keldeo, prepare to die now!" The massive ice dragon released a roar loud enough to shatter a few windows, and Keldeo tensed up, mentally preparing himself for his next foe.

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Actiony enough for you, my crazies? I certainly hope so, because next chapter surely will not disappoint if you enjoyed this one. Only two more chapters left, and probably and epilogue if I can't fit it in anywhere. Review as always, and let me know what you think! ^_^

Peace out, yo!

~DarkLordK~