Within the Crystal Empire, Sombra was trotting through the halls of the castle with Darkrai at his side.
"So where is Discard?" Darkrai asked. He still appeared to be hung-over from eating too many pecha berries the night before.
Sombra's demonic red eyes seemed to register distaste, "He was checking in on the progress of the Legendary Brothers earlier this morning. He hasn't returned since."
"Au contraire!" A voice rebutted, "The great Discord has returned!"
In a flash of light, the creature in question appeared, blinding the still-drowsy Sombra and Darkrai.
"Oh, and Rags," Discord began, "It's DiscORD. With an 'O'. Get your names right."
Darkrai growled with resentment.
"Have you found out anything about their progress?" Sombra derailed the subject.
Discord nodded, "I have indeed! They've unfortunately gotten the help of the ponies who defeated me and Sombra."
Sombra bared his teeth, "Twilight Sparkle and her moronic power of friendship."
"And... They've also gotten the help of some weird, yellow mouse thing." Discord continued.
A low growl came from Darkrai, "The annoyingly heroic human's Pikachu."
"But don't you worry, my friends," Discord rambled on, "Apparently, the llama-god himself is carrying the Elements of Harmony; my only weakness. Being that Arceus and Giratina are the only ones strong enough to defeat us as well, I've set up a little... Trap for them."
"But what about the ponies?" Sombra insisted.
This question caused Discord to laugh, "Them? They're completely helpless without their Elements. Luckily, they are traveling separately. The ponies are travelling here by train to stay safe, while Arceus and Giratina are travelling the land."
Sombra smiled devilishly, "How foolish of them."
"What trap did you set for them?" Darkrai inquired.
"Weeeelll..." Discord drawled in a mysterious tone, "Let's just say, I may pull out a few of my unexpected tricks..."
This seemed to please Sombra and Darkrai, who exchanged sadistic glances before turning back to Discord. However, Sombra's evil smile immediately fell.
"What if your tricks fail?" He asked.
This only made the chaotic creature laugh harder, "My tricks have never failed! At least, not the first time. I can break the strongest mind; even the princesses. You have me to thank for that whole Nightmare Moon inccident."
Sombra looked rather surprised, "...Impressive... And you plan to attack the Brothers first?"
"Of course," Continued Discord, "Once they have turned against each other and give up the mission, then there will be no one to stop us. I shall take the Elements of Harmony that they are carrying and lock them up somewhere where the ponies can't find."
"That sounds positively horrible," Darkrai commented, "How soon can you start on it?"
"Right now."
Sombra and Darkrai exchanged glances again before Sombra spoke, "We can't wait to see the outcome. We'll be waiting in the throne room to see the results."
As the two dark beings trotted away, Discord smiled mischievously to himself. After seeing what Sombra had done to that poor, innocent filly, Discord was determined to do something about it. The two clearly still trusted him, so that was always a plus. What worried him the most was stopping Arceus and Giratina.
Sure, Discord might have been able to stop a single attack from the poké-god himself. But with two, incredible powerful pokémon attacking him repeatedly, he wouldn't be able to stop them, even with his near-infinite powers. When they got there, they would tear the entire empire apart, searching for their princesses. That wouldn't be a fun experience.
And when the princesses found out what he was about to do to the two brothers...
Discord shrugged it off. The princesses and the ponies were the least of his concern. He still wanted the power, but he didn't want tyrants Sombra and Darkrai ruling. Keeping their trust for as long as he could was the best way to go until he could figure out something else...
The great alpha pokémon and his renegade brother flew over the forests of Equestria. Giratina's giant, ebony wings beat against the air in harmonic rhythm, while Arceus galloped through the air as though it were the ground itself.
"Brother, how far away is the Crystal Empire?" Giratina asked.
Arceus replied with a sigh, "I'm afraid it is a very far away, but we will make it. Don't worry."
"I don't think it was a very good idea to seperate ourselves from the bearers of the Elements." Giratina grumbled.
"We do not want them to get hurt," Arceus explained, "We have the Elements with us, so if Sombra, Darkrai, or Discord attack us, we will be able to protect said Elements."
A tiny, yellow mouse poked out from behind Giratina's long neck. The mouse gave a happy 'Pika!'
Arceus chuckled, "And of course, we have Pikachu to help us."
Giratina sighed, "I still don't think this a good idea..."
Arceus shook his head, "Don't worry, my brother. Once we rescue the princesses, you won't think it's such a bad idea after all."
Giratina scoffed, "If you say so."
The six bearers of the Elements rode along in the train, heading to the Crystal Empire. Twilight sat in the dining car, head between her hooves as she stared at the passing scenery. A familiar orange mare slid into the booth across from her.
"You alright, sugarcube?" Asked Applejack.
Twilight shook her head, "No. I'm very worried for the princesses. What if we can't save them in time? What if Sombra, Discord, and that... Dock-cry character end up hurting the princesses anyway?"
Applejack gave a kind smile, "Now you shouldn't think like that, hon. I have full trust in ourselves and Arceus and Giratina. We'll save the princesses, and I know it!"
Twilight sighed, thinking about how her beloved mentor Princess Celestia was holding up, "I guess so..."
"Arceus!"
Arceus stopped abruptedly when his brother called him, "What is it?"
Giratina pointed with a golden clawed paw, "There's something down there! Why... What is it?"
"You probably just saw an animal."
"No! I saw something else!" Giratina started to dive down into the woods.
"Brother! No!" Arceus cried, chasing after him. His brother disappeared into the woods without a trace. The alpha pokémon landed, his emerald and ruby eyes scanning the area. How had Giratina disappeared so quickly? Perhaps he had used Shadow Force so he could disappear quicker. Arceus felt uneasy. Something felt off, giving him a very bad feeling. With his nerves running wild, he slowly turned all around, looking within the shadows of the bushes.
"Giratina..." Arceus began. The great renegade did not respond, Oh no... Where have you gone?
Sorry for the long wait. I've been lazy, and I'm sure Neo Dragon knows that. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed. Stick around for more!