Disclaimer: I don’t own Pokemon.

Thank you for reviewing, goldeneye101 theredone1223 and riku50. (so...many...numbers...) And as for the shippings, it's starting in this chappy! :D

Chapter 4

Assistance

Arceus snapped around and came face-to-face with Shadow Ho-oh. Before the goddess could react or even cry out in alarm, the dark phoenix tackled her into the wall. Arceus flattened her ears, bristled her fur, and growled softly. Her now angry red eyes met Ho-oh's.

The said bird smirked and opened her beak. The Creator didn't hesitate. She tucked in her hind legs and kicked out. Ho-oh was snet tumbling off, trying to catch her balance by flaring her wings. The breath seemed to be knocked right out of her lungs.

Arceus stood back up as the shadow coughed and shook her head before recovering. Then she spoke in a low hissing voice.

"You're certainly more powerful than you look. But what's to expect from the great Goddess known as Arceus." The shadow gave a taunting bow and the other Legendary was reminded of Giratina's sarcasm. She tried to ignore this and only flicked her tail to show her annoyance.

Ho-oh straightened out and cocked her head, examining the slightly smaller Legendary before her. Her smirk widened. "Now imagine how much more powerful you'll be as a shadow."

At this, Arceus felt her lips pull back to bare her teeth and she stomped one golden paw. The dark bird wasn't fazed by this show of anger. She just chuckled and took to the air as the goddess let out a powerful Hyper Beam. The beam dispersed as it destroys part of the wall and ceiling and Arceus turned to keep the shadow in sight.

Ho-oh launched a Sacred Fire and the goddess of Legendaries dashed quickly out of the way. The phoenix circled around, about to try again. But Arceus was not going to give her a chance. With her Gravity attack, she increased the Earthward pull against the bird.

The Fire/Flying type struggled to stay in the air. She will not allow herself driven to the ground. Never! Arceus ground her teeth in frustration and heightened the strain. The bird's wing strokes became harder and this soon turned to a battle of wills.

A battle Arceus was sure to win. Ho-oh crashed to the floor, then attempted to stand, but the gravity did not make that possible. She wasn't restrained for long. Arceus released the shadow and winced at the painful headache that gripped her being. Shaking her head to clear it, she glared at the bird.

Ho-oh stood back up, ruffling her dark coat. She turned to face the goddess and jumped back with a startled grunt when a Shadow Ball streaked past her, missing by mere inches. The attack destroyed another part of the wall and the duo turned to look at the source.

Giratina was glaring at Ho-oh, a deep growl coming from his throat. The phoenix stared back with a look that suggested she was trying to find out who he was. She reached a conclusion and grinned before giving another bow.

"Giratina, Guardian of the Underworld. How nice to see you." she said. She was just as sarcastic as before. The larger Legendary didn't stop growling, but he smirked in return. He glanced at his counterpart.

"See, Arceus. Why not greet me like that everyday?" he asked. Arceus frowned, not knowing which of the two was more annoying to have around.

This time, Ho-oh didn't even stand straight before preparing a Flamethrower for Giratina. But before the move could even be launched, a metal swan slammed into the shadow's side, knocking her down. Cresselia backed up to avoid the bird's snapping beak.

Ho-oh stood up to her feet and tumbled when a Dark Pulse hit her from behind. Jerking her head around, she saw Darkrai materialize from a shadow on the wall. The evil avian made a grumbling sound as she looked around. She was surrounded by extremely powerful Pokemon. She sensed that there was no way for her to win this battle on her own.

Before anyone could attack her further, she flew into the air and zoomed out the hole to the outside as fast as she could. She'll find another way to infect the whole lot of them...sooner or later... She already knew a plan to subdue that Arceus...She may be a goddess, but she won't be able to battle every single shadow Legendary at the same time... A devious smile came across her beak as she followed the aerial path of Lugia.

He was alone, she can sense him...she'll take him down next...

--

"Coward." Giratina hissed.

Darkrai just stared at the damaged roof blankly before retreating back into the wall. Cresselia nodded at Arceus and went back to watch over Articuno while Lugia was gone. The duo alone, Arceus was about to take leave herself.

"You were having fun, weren't you?" Giratina asked, starting to follow her. Arceus didn't look at him. "Luckily for you, I came by."

"I didn't need your help. I was doing just fine on my own." she insisted. Giratina smirked.

"Sure you were." he said mockingly. Arceus' eyes turned red again and she glared at him.

"It's not like I was dying on the floor or something." she muttered with a snarl. Giratina tilted his small head, an amused look on his face. Nobody should be surprised. Any talk of death always caught his interest.

"I won't be so sure of that. If I came any later, that might be the scene I would walk into." At this, his grin widened, imagining the scenario. Arceus didn't say anything, still fuming. She turned her head away from her counterpart, but she couldn't help but think a little.

Would she really be able to have defeated Shadow Ho-oh on her own? She didn't know. It seemed like they were equally matched...but who could be sure? What if she was going to lose?...Would she be more accepting to Giratina's help? Or would she still be annoyed with it?

She sighed. She wasn't used to having so much questions. "Thank you...for your help, I mean." she said softly. Giratina looked at her for a moment, seemingly trying to consider something. Then, with a chuckle, he did something completely out of character. He leaned his head closer and gave her a very brief, and yet loving, nuzzle. Arceus was in shock.

"You're welcome." he said before stalking off in another direction, leaving the goddess still standing there in stunned disbelief. She soon snapped out of it and felt something coming to her face. A smile...

...And then a blush...

Just a little fluff in this chappy. Might as well start with some of the shippings, eh? Next chappy will be with Cresselia and Darkrai...Plus Articuno goes shadow! And!...I'm not gonna give anything else away. You'll just have to review and see!