Chapter 4 – Charonus' Alternate Form

Inside the grand atrium, the group could see many participants that were eagerly waiting to get started with the contests. Some of them were chattering away, boasting about how they would be able to get past the obstacle courses, while others talked about their physical strength. Blaze could tell that they were going to be in a stiff competition.

"Feeling nervous there, Charonus?" asked Jimmy.

"No, not at all," replied Charonus. "You're here for me, and so are my pals. I'm going to give it my very best."

"That's the spirit," smiled Jimmy. "Now remember to focus and take your time. This is a test of strength and willpower, not speed."

Charonus nodded. At last, an anthropomorphic elephant arrived at the front and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Excuse me," he spoke. "Can everyone quiet down, and may I have your attention please? Very good, I would like to thank you all for taking the initiative to participate in the annual Beast Convention. The way it works is that there are two sections. The first will have you tackling an obstacle course, and those who fail to make it through will be out while the ones who do will advance to the second section, in which you will engage in small elimination battles. The last one standing at the end will be declared winner and worthy of the Scroll of the Beast."

"This sounds very demanding, Cynder," whispered Draco.

"I know, Draco," replied Cynder. "But that's the whole point of this convention. This will really help us get stronger, so maybe afterwards we might have a chance to thwart Ash's plans for conquering the world."

"I'm more interested in testing out my flying and fighting skills," said Torden. "Just wait until I make it to the fighting round. I'm going to ace this convention, big time!"

"Not if I beat you, of course," said Jakkin, grinning. "This scroll is a good as mine, and I'm gonna see to that!"

"Yeah, sure," laughed Torden. "And I managed to beat you back in the Hawaiian tournament, if you remember."

"That's just a fluke, buddy," snorted Jakkin. "This time, I'm not holdin' anythin' back!"

"There they go again, boasting as usual about their strength," said Percival as he rolled his eyes.

"And so I shall wish you all good luck," finished the elephant. "Enjoy your stay at the Beast Convention, and may you learn something about the ways of the anthro."

Everyone started to make their way to the obstacle course round. It had a jungle-like setting complete with trees the participants needed to climb up on and then walk across rickety bridges over large pits, followed by some swinging ropes suspended over more pits. Some of the other participants managed to make it across while others were not so successful. Eventually, it was the dragons' turn to tackle the obstacle course. Ignatius and Shu watched as Blaze started before the dragons. Darky stood beside them and Jimmy as instructed by Cynder. One by one, they narrowly managed to make it through, and they were so relieved to have done the first section.

Soon, it was time for the second section, where the remaining participants are matched up against others similar to the martial arts tournaments. Blaze and the dragons checked for their names and found who they were going to be matched up with.

"Well, look at this," said Charonus. "My first opponent is you, Jakkin, and we're up first."

"This is goin' to be a fun match," said Jakkin. "I must warn you, Charonus, I'm not your ordinary Charizard."

"I can tell that you are not, obviously," replied Charonus. "You're unusually tall and your eyes are different. I'm not an average Charizard myself either, and you'll soon discover I got some really clever skills up my sleeve."

"Heh, we shall see about that," said Jakkin.

"Okay, Jakkin and Charonus," said Ignatius. "You two are up, so step into the ring, please."

The two Charizards nodded and made their way to another room, which was a large indoor fighting arena complete with seats for the spectators to watch. Jimmy, Darky, and Shu were already on their seats, and they were excited to see how their companions were going to fare. Charonus stood at one side of the ring, while Jakkin stood at the other side. The referee, an anthropomorphic horse, stepped forward to announce the rules.

"Now, I want you all to fight clean and with good sportsmanship," he said. "The rules are simple, there is no time limit, but the victor will be decided if one is thrown out of the ring, or knocked out and unable to get up in ten seconds. If both participants are knocked out and unable to fight, then the match results in a draw. Is that understood?"

Jakkin and Charonus nodded.

"Good," replied the referee. "Let the eliminations begin!"

The match started, and Charonus and Jakkin exchanged blow for blow as they tried to knock each other out. They attacked with a barrage of fireballs and even using the flames on their tails to deliver damage. Then, they engaged in physical combat as they used their claws, teeth, and tails for fighting. It was apparent that both Jakkin and Charonus were equally matched, but Charonus decided that it was time to up the ante by changing to his Mega form, but a different one this time.

"Not bad at all Jakkin," he said. "I'm very impressed at how strong you really are."

"Why thank you," replied Jakkin. "I take pride in my strength and physique."

"There is one question, though," said Charonus. "Are you up for taking on a Mega Charizard?"

"I certainly think so," said Jakkin. "What, you think I can't handle it? I'm sure your X form would present not much of a challenge for me."

"Oh, Jakkin, you're going to be seeing my X form this time," said Charonus. "For you see, I have another form you are about to witness."

"You've piqued my curiosity already, partner," said Jakkin. "Come on, then, show me!"

Charonus looked down to his necklace, and he could see the stone in the pendant glowing, encouraging him to advance to his Mega form.

"Get ready, my friend," said Charonus. "Cause here I come!"

With that, the ground started to shake, and suddenly the Charizard started to glow as he roared loudly. Soon, his body was started to change in shape, and when he stopped glowing, he appeared as a different-looking Charizard. None of Charonus' friends were expecting this new form, not even Draco. He was not in his Mega Charizard X form, for he appeared with blades on his wrists, spikes on his tail, which still retained its colours, and he was red instead of black.

"I see it, but I don't believe it!" exclaimed Draco. "Charonus has become a Mega Charizard, but in Y form, just like me!"