AN: Hey guys so I decided to make the best out of the coronavirus situation and update the story with some new chapters, enjoy!
Chapter 15: Sparks fly
The day after Tony flew around the city, he sat in front of the computer making the finishing touches for Jarvis to install. While he was doing that his Pokémon were in the workshop doing their own hobbies, Rani and Z were playing backgammon with Rani winning to Z's displeasure, Nine was with Tony in front of his computer to make sure he was alright and Claw was eating one of the failed robots.
Despite having bruises and scrapes from crashing three floors Tony was still determined to see this project through, "Notes. Main transducer feels sluggish at plus 40 altitude. Hull pressurization is problematic. I'm thinking icing is the probable factor."
"A very astute observation, sir. Perhaps, if you intend to visit other planets, we should improve the exosystems." Nine grinned at Jarvis comment.
"Connect to the . Have it reconfigure the shell metals. Use the gold titanium alloy from the seraphim tactical satellite. That should ensure a fuselage integrity while maintaining power-to-weight ratio. Got it?" Z made a depleting sound over another loss while Rani grinned in amusement.
"Yes. Shall I render using proposed specifications?"
"Thrill me." Tony turned to the computer to see the designs but the reporter on the TV caught his attention.
"Tonight's red-hot red carpet is right here at the Disney Concert Hall, where Tony Stark's third annual benefit for the Firefighter's Family Fund has become the place to be for L.A.'s high society." Nine looked at Tony questioningly as they didn't get notified of the benefit that they were presenting, the others stopped what they were doing to look at the dilemma in front of them.
Tony was curious as well, "Jarvis, we get an invite for that?"
"I have no record of an invitation, sir."
Tony playfully looked at the screen through the mask on his desk as the woman continued talking, "... hasn't been seen in public since his bizarre and highly controversial press conference. Some claim he's suffering from post traumatic stress and has been bedridden for weeks. Whatever the case may be, no one expects an appearance from him tonight."
Jarvis interrupted them, "The render is complete." The computer screen showed the armor but in gold, Tony wasn't feeling the armor.
"little ostentatious, don't you think? What do you think Nine?" Nine shook her head distastefully, "She agrees with me, it's too flashy."
"What was I thinking? You're usually so discreet." Rani and Z smirked, Tony ignored them as he looked at his 1932 Ford Flathead Roaster with red leather seats and flames on the side, the color scheme gave him an idea.
"Tell you what. Throw a little hot-rod red in there."
"Yes, that should help you keep a low profile." Tony continued drinking his green juice. "The render is complete." Now the armor was gold with red covering the torso, legs and arms, Nine nodded her head in approval.
Tony was impressed, "Hey, I like it. Fabricate it. Paint it."
Tony got up from his seat, "Commencing automated assembly. Estimated completion time is five hours."
"Don't wait up for me, honey." Tony headed upstairs along with his Pokémon who were confused. They saw him entering his walk-in closet and coming out wearing a black tuxedo, Nine yipped questioningly as he put on his loafers.
"What does it look like I'm doing Nine? I'm going to crash my own party and you all are gonna crash with me." Tony had a cocky smile on as he opened his drawer and pulled out two poke balls and one great ball, "I think it's time for Rani to have her first big L.A. party, what do you say Rani?"
"Rio?" Rani cocked her head.
"Do you want to party LA style or do you want to want to spend the rest of the evening playing backgammon with a Pokémon who clearly doesn't understand game strategy." With that insult Z furrowed his brow and beeped angrily at him, "Don't get your codes in a twist Z, didn't I put a funny bone in you?" Tony teased, he put Z and Claw in their poke balls and turned to Rani, "So what's the lady's choice?"
Rani wanted to explore the outside world as much as she can due to not being able to leave the house these past few weeks, "Rio!" she nodded.
"Great! See you in the red carpet." Tony pointed the blue and red ball at her, and the red beam put her inside the ball. Nine was starting to think that Tony was going to be a bad influence on Rani as she stared at him accusingly, Tony noticed, "What?" Nine proceeded to walk away and head to the car leaving Tony puzzled, "What did I do?"
Tony and Nine drove for 30 minutes in silence, Nine always liked the Audi R8 because the passenger seat had enough space for her tails and the speed was exhilarating. She stuck her head out the window and inhaled the fresh ocean air and saw Lillipup's and Stroutland's in the other cars do the same, "You might wanna keep your head inside with the speed were going I might swerve and accidentally make you street pizza." With that imagery Nine quickly went back inside. Five minutes passed and they were in front of the red carpet at the Walt Disney concert Hall, as soon as they stepped out paparazzi and women surrounded them. Nine was used to this level of attention even as a Vulpix, she and Howard reveled in the spotlight and enjoyed the riches that came from it. Suddenly her heart grew heavy from the good memories with her first master, the flashing light snapped her from her grief returning her to the present.
"Time to get this show on the road." Tony reached inside his jacket and pulled out all three pokéball's, "Enjoy the party guys!" with that he threw the balls in the air and the chattering grew louder as Claw, Z and Rani came out. Rani observed her new surroundings and was slightly taken back by the cameras and screaming. Luckily Tony saw her confusion and gave some advice for her first party, "Look Rani don't worry about it, this is just for the cameras all you have to do is smile, wave, eat the food and maybe even converse with the other Pokémon inside, think you can do that?"
If Rani could survive months in a cave then this would be easy, "Rio!" Rani gave a sharp nod.
"Let's do this!" Tony and his Pokémon walked along the red carpet up to the concert hall and did as they were all trained to do in situations like this; look pretty for the reporters.
A busty blonde approached Tony, "Hey, Tony, remember me?"
"Sure don't." Rani waved at the reporters who obviously looked shocked at seeing her species here in California and took as many pictures as they can.
"You look great, Hef." Tony said to an elderly man sandwiched between two young women wearing a red velvet coat. The man turned around curiously looking for the person who called him Hugh Hefner, his Pikachu was on his shoulder.
"Pika?" the pikachu said as his white-haired master pulled his tobacco pipe out looking just as curious.
Tony saw Obadiah talking to a reporter and took the opportunity to catch up, "What's the world coming to when a guy's got to crash his own party?" Rani looked disdainfully at Angelo and Liborio who were standing beside Obie, they both gave daggers at Rani as their masters were catching up.
"Look at you. Hey, what a surprise."
"I'll see you inside." Rani was glad to get away from the water and fighting type until Obie pulled Tony back.
"Hey. Listen, take it slow, all right? I think I got the board right where we want them."
"You got it. Just cabin fever. I'll just be a minute." Rani still stared at them until Nine pushed her to keep walking.
"They're not worth it sweetie, believe me I know." Rani took her advice and entered the lavish ballroom, she tried too hard not to stare in order to avoid unwanted attention. Her mouth watered as she saw a long table at short height filled with poképuff, poffins and all other kinds of delicacy's for Pokémon.
"All right gang here's the game plan Nine and Claw you stay with me and protect me from any hounding reporters, Z take Rani to the Pokémon table before she floods the place with her saliva." Rani just registered her gaping mouth and the drool coming out of it feeling embarrassed, "and make sure she doesn't eat it all in one go." Z beeped and nodded then gestured Rani to the table, with that out of the way Tony headed to the bar, "Give me a Scotch. I'm starving." Nine looked around the ballroom to see any Pokémon she recognizes, unfortunately the one's she recognize are all spoiled and wouldn't survive battle with a Magikarp.
"Mr. Stark?" A man in a suit suddenly appeared along with a Kirlia holding a tablet and a Growlithe anxiously observing the area.
"Yeah?"
The man introduced himself, "Agent Coulson."
"Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. The guy from the..." Tony couldn't make the name.
"Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division." Nine looked up at the man who mentioned the government agency that Howard started along with his friend Peggy Carter. She hasn't been inside the helicarrier or any of the bases since Howard died, it was safe to assume that Coulson hasn't been with the agency long due to not seeing him before.
Of course, Tony had no idea about his dad starting a counter terrorism facility, "God, you need a new name for that."
"Yeah, I hear that a lot. Listen, I know this must be a trying time for you, but we need to debrief you. There's still a lot of unanswered questions…" Coulson's voice faded as Nine saw from across the room a Pokémon that she knew for a long time. He was wearing a black sash across his torso as he stood tall and proud, the badges on the sash were old, at least 50 years old, Steve Roger's fighting Pokémon, Arcanine, was conversing with a Braviary and Bucky Barnes Poliwrath, Tad. The last time she saw Arcanine was three years ago at a Hope for Warriors benefit, it was shortly after that benefit that Peggy was put in a Alzheimer's home in England since then Arcanine hasn't attended any social events until now.
"How about the 24th at 7:00 p.m. at Stark Industries?" Coulson's voice came back as Nine returned to reality and turned to Tony who looked distracted by something in front of him. Nine looked in his direction and saw Pepper in a blue backless dress with her hair and makeup done beautifully, she sweat dropped as she knew what Tony was going to do next.
"Tell you what. You got it. You're absolutely right." Tony shook Coulson's hand to get away from him quickly, "Well, I'm going to go to my assistant, and we'll make a date." Nine watched Tony approach Pepper and then looked up at Coulson.
Coulson grinned, "How are you this evening?" Nine walked away without answering because she wanted to catch up with an old friend. She approached the three Pokémon who had their backs toward her while they were in conversation, Nine tapped Arcanine's shoulder with her paw and was face to face with the surprised fire Pokémon.
"Hello Arcanine." Arcanine was silent with shock for a moment before speaking.
"Hi Nine, I'm sorry I didn't expect to see you here."
"At a charity event hosted by my master?" Nine playfully asked, the others chuckled to Arcanine's annoyance.
"Okay I can see how that would be foolish of me to think, but everybody here said that Tony wasn't coming on account of his…predicament." Even at 86 years old Arcanine was still considerate of others when they need it, that was what made him different compared to all the other Pokémon that Nine had to socialize with. Tad coughed and Nine's thoughts stopped as Arcanine introduced her to the others, "Nine you've already met Tad of course."
Nine nodded, "Hi Tad, how are you?"
"I'm great, these poffins are the best I've ever tasted." The tadpole gorged on the sweets, Nine was always curious about how the mouthless Pokémon is able to eat.
Arcanine introduced the Braviary, "And this is Liberty, I'm sure you already know who he is."
"I do actually." Liberty is the grandson of Captain America's Braviary, Brave, after his master died Brave continued fighting for the army proving aerial assistance for injured Pokémon and gathering intelligence from flying above the enemy bases. After the war he was awarded the highest honors and was seen as a role model for all flying soldier Pokémon.
By unknown means he fathered a son named Valiant in 1962 who became a soldier as well after being told war stories by his father and was inspired by him and Steve, he fought in the Vietnam war and was also decorated with honors. Valiant retired after Vietnam and had a family as well, Liberty was born in 1982 and was also awed at his grandfather's bravery and wanted to make sure his legacy continued. He's in charge of a group of flying Pokémon at SHIELD and is assisting the army in their long going war against Afghanistan.
"How's your father?" Nine asked, Valiant is currently in a luxurious condo in New York City provided by Peggy Carter as a reward for his service.
"He's fine, he spends most of his time flying around the city and catching Magikarp from the Hudson river, his maids don't even know when he's there or not. Basically, he's defying all the rules of retirement." Liberty grinned.
"That's nice I'm sure that's how Arcanine is going to be like when he retires." Nine joked.
Arcanine snorted, "Yeah I'll probably be like Valiant by the year…2980." Despite his humorous tone Nine could tell that Arcanine was resentful of his kinds near century lifespan and having to watch everyone he loves die before him. Nine could understand due to outliving her last master and trying to avoid thoughts of Tony dying in about 40 years or so…if his new project doesn't kill him then.
Nine wanted to comfort Arcanine over their shared burden, "We'll don't worry you'll have me to retire with." His eyes widened as well as Tad's and Liberty's, she realized the unintentional meaning behind her words and wanted to make herself clear, "As a friend I mean, if you thought I was referring to anything else which I wasn't." Nine blushed, she was thankful that her fur covers it and was given a nod from Arcanine.
"I'm glad that I'll have you there with me in the next millennium…friend." Arcanine coolly said hiding the fact that he thought she looked pretty tonight, even in 1943 when he first saw her on that plane that Howard was flying, he thought she was gorgeous but he never did anything because he didn't think a little Growlithe would have a chance with a grown Ninetales. He wasn't even sure which of them was older, even though he evolved they both didn't have time for a relationship then with Steve's untimely death, his work with SHIELD, both of their masters owning a government agency, and Nine living with Tony in Massachusetts.
Nine never thought of Arcanine in a romantic sense, back when their masters worked together she saw him as little brother figure until he evolved in Arcanine and joined SHIELD then she saw him as an equal. A small part of her thought that he was ruggedly handsome, but she just thought that it was purely physical and that it would pass yet here she was feeling Butterfree's in her stomach for a friend.
As if sensing the tension Tad said, "We'll let you two catch up, come on Liberty." Both of them left the fire types alone, Nine and Arcanine stood in silence for a moment waiting for the other to break the ice.
Nine decided to break the silence with a question, "How's Peggy?"
"She's…okay I think, I mean as okay as a person with dementia can be I guess."
"Well she has you and that niece of hers, what was her name? Sarah?"
"Sharon." Arcanine corrected, "and yeah Sharon visits as much as she can."
Nine cocked her head, "But you don't?" Arcanine looked down in shame.
"I just…I just don't like seeing her in that state. Do you know what it's like to see someone that you care about getting weaker every time you see them? It's a little bit worse than seeing them die. One minute she recognizes me and the next she is asking who I am, its depressing as hell given what she did the world and this is how she's going to live out the rest of her days." Nine was sympathetic, in the corner of her eye she could see Tony escorting Pepper outside.
"I'm sorry, is that why you haven't been to any parties in the last three years?"
Arcanine shrugged, "Mostly yes but also because I've kept myself busy with missions." Suddenly a Growlithe ran towards them almost knocking a waiter down, he sat on his hind legs with his tail wagging back and forth excitedly.
"Blaze!" Coulson chased after him with Kirlia by his side, "I'm so sorry about this, he's usually well behaved." While Coulson apologized to the waiter Blaze took the opportunity to talk to his hero.
"Are you Captain America's Growlithe?" he asked with a big grin on his face.
Arcanine was taken back, "I was." The puppy pulled on his master's pants until he pulled out a camera, the Kirlia rolled his eyes and returned to the tablet.
"Can I take a picture with you?" Blaze asked, Nine chuckled at how adorkable Blaze was and stepped aside so that Arcanine could take the picture.
Arcanine was surprised but decided to let his fan have what he wants, "Sure, just sit next to me and let your master take the picture." Blaze barked at his master and sat next to his role model.
Coulson was slowly starting to regret telling Blaze about Captain America and his Growlithe, "You guys ready." Both fire types gave a nod, "Okay in three, two, one" A flash appeared and Coulson gave a thumbs up after checking the photo.
"Well it was nice meeting you Blaze and I hope you enjoy the party." Arcanine told the star struck puppy.
"I will thank you." He walked away with his trainer who gave him a stern lecture on causing a scene.
Nine smiled, "Looks like you have a number one fan."
"Shut up." He said playfully, due to Blaze causing a scene many people and Pokémon were staring at him and pointing, "I feel like I'm back in 1943 getting petted by the kids and standing in front of a camera all day."
"Don't be so dramatic, they were eventually going to figure out who you are, your badges are a dead giveaway." Arcanine looked at his sash and realized she was right his badges were from the 40's and it didn't take long for people to put 2 and 2 together.
Nine saw Tony over at the bar and decided to end their conversation, "I'm sorry Arcanine but I have to go I think Tony need me."
He nodded, "It was good seeing you Nine, I hope to see you again soon." She smiled and walked away.
Rani approached the table as calmly as she can before shoving a whole poffin into her mouth, her munching and moaning attracted the Pokémon and she was given strange stares from pampered Pokémon around the table. Only Eddie and Diana weren't staring.
"Hello." An Aromatisse said in a privileged voice, "Your new yes." She said it as a fact rather than a question.
Rani swallowed nervously, "Yes this is my first party, why did I do something wrong?" The Pokémon around her laughed at her naivete.
A Swanna answered, "Did you do something wrong, let me give you a list; your posture, your manners, your eating habits and your fur is absolutely dreadful, has your master groomed you lately?" Rani felt cowered by all the stares.
Diana couldn't stand by and let Rani be bullied, "Leave her alone Odette, the poor thing hasn't been to one of these things before."
"I'm just pointing out the neglect her trainer gives her." Odette said in defense, luckily Z floated in just in time.
"For your information Odette, Tony Stark had been a so busy running his company that he forgot to give his new Pokémon a grooming, so forgive her if she doesn't meet your perfection standards." All of them were silent when Z mention Tony's name.
"Tony Stark is your master?" Odette asked Rani who nodded, "Forgive me for my ignorance and you are welcome at this table anytime." Rani was confused but decided not to ask questions and continue eating, Z sat next to her and conversed with the other Pokémon.
Aromatisse looked at something behind them, "Is that your master dancing with his assistant?" Rani and Z turned around and realized that the rich fairy type was right, Tony was dancing with Pepper who was wearing a beautiful dress. Eddie looked at Tony wondering what he'll do next with the woman that he's known since he was given to her by her parents as an Eevee for her tenth birthday
Z answered, "Yes Tony is dancing with Pepper but it's nothing serious just a person dancing with another person." However, Tony's staring made it obvious that his intentions were anything but platonic.
"Sure doesn't seem like it." Odette sipped her water, "Frankly I'm not surprised, common folk like Pepper usually climb up the food chain by less than noble means."
Diana had enough, "Watch your mouth Odette or I'll ruin your blowout with my water gun." Both women stared at each other angrily until Rani interrupted them to defend Pepper as well.
"I'm sure Pepper's not like that, I only just met her, but she doesn't strike me as a sleep your way to the top kind of woman."
Eddie nodded, "That's right Pepper works hard for what she wants and she never takes the easy way to earn it."
Aromatisse waved it off, "You have your opinion and we have ours." Rani scowled at her but choose to ignore their gossiping for her sake. While the others were whispering, she and Z saw Tony take Pepper outside possibly to avoid all the staring. Rani saw Nine talking to a decorated Pokémon soldier and so did the rest of the socialites.
Odette gasped, "Look at Nine, she's with that handsome Arcanine, based on his badges I think he's a Pokémon soldier."
Aromatisse joined in, "I think that's Captain America's Arcanine, the guest list said that he might make an appearance. There's a power couple right there and not just because their both fire types, I wonder if they get married would their masters be related? Master's in law? Though I suppose it wouldn't matter now with both of them gone."
"What's she talking about?" Rani asked Z.
"That Arcanine was Captain America's Pokémon soldier back in world war 2, Tony's dad and Nine worked with them to stop HYDRA that's how they know each other." Even in the middle east her pack have heard tales of the great Captain America and his Growlithe, Rani guessed that the Growlithe evolved after the war and he's now talking to Nine.
"I'll have to admit they would make a cute couple." Rani said with Z nodding, out of the corner of their eye they saw Claw chomping on screws and conversing with a Nosepass and Claydol. Tony came back to the ballroom and headed for the bar.
"It was nice meeting all of you, but I should get back to Tony." Aromatisse and Odette waved dismissively, Rani approached her master's feet and saw Nine do the same.
Tony nodded to both of them and told the bartender, "Two vodka martinis, extra dry, extra olives, extra fast. Make one of them dirty, will you?" He pulled a 100 dollar bill and put it in the wine glass, Tony turned around and quickly turned back with a sickened face.
Nine turned her head and saw Christine Everhart and her Glameow approach them, "Oh boy." Nine said in a disgusted tone.
"What?" Rani asked.
"You'll see." The blonde came over and greeted Tony.
"Wow. Tony Stark." Her Glameow glared at Nine with contempt and raised an eyebrow at Rani.
"Oh, hey."
"Fancy seeing you here."
Tony was searching his brain for the name of the woman that he and Nine wanted to forget, "Carrie."
"Christine." She quickly corrected, Nine was still glaring at the rude cat but held her tongue for Tony's sake.
"That's right."
"You have a lot of nerve showing up here tonight." Tony and Nine already knew where this was going, "Can I at least get a reaction from you?"
"Panic. I would say panic is my reaction." Tony half joked.
Christine continued, "'Cause I was referring to your company's involvement in this latest atrocity."
Rani asked, "Not a nice lady, is she?" Nine shook her head.
"Yeah. They just put my name on the invitation. I don't know what to tell you."
"I actually almost bought it, hook, line and sinker."
"She's also a bit screwy up there, more so than most of Tony's lays." Nine explained with Rani surprised that Tony actually slept with her.
Tony finally defended himself, "I was out of town for a couple months, in case you didn't hear."
But Christine swiftly asked, "Is this what you call accountability?" She handed him several photos, "It's a town called Gulmira. Heard of it?" Rani looked up at the mention of Yinsen's hometown and climbed up to Tony's shoulders to look at the photos, she was shocked to say the least. The photos showed the small town in disarray with bodies everywhere, there were photos of weapons marked 'Stark Industries' Abu and his cohorts were also shown making it clear that this was another attack by the Ten Rings. Rani's thoughts were racing, why are Tony's weapons with those monsters? We destroyed them and Tony shut down the weapons factory, how did they get them?
As if he read her mind Tony asked, "When were these taken?"
"Yesterday."
Tony was just as confused as Rani, "I didn't approve any shipment."
But Christine didn't believe it, "Well, your company did."
"Well, I'm not my company." He took the photos and stormed out, Nine followed and signaled Claw and Z to follow which they did.
"What was in those photos?" Nine asked Rani while she was still perched on Tony's shoulder.
"It was Gulmira, the people who kidnapped me and Tony attacked it…with his company's weapons." Nine's eyes widened and realized that this means, someone in the company is secretly selling weapons to those terrorists, it's the only explanation that makes sense. The paparazzi were taking pictures while Tony was walking furiously towards Obie who was talking to the press while his Pokémon were inside.
Obadiah called off the vultures when Tony stood in front of him, "Please, do you mind?"
Nine was explaining to the others what she just learned while Tony asked straightforward, "Have you seen these pictures? What's going on in Gulmira?"
Obie pushed him away from the cameras, "Tony, Tony. You can't afford to be this naive."
Rani did nothing but stand on Tony's shoulders as he explained, "You know what? I was naive before, when they said, "Here's the line. We don't cross it. This is how we do business." If we're double-dealing under the table... Are we?"
Obie gave a cold expressionless face and responded, "Let's take a picture. Come on. Picture time!" He pulled him into a side by side pose and they faced the cameras and he responded in a haughty tone, "Tony. Who do you think locked you out? I was the one who filed the injunction against you." Rani could practically feel Tony getting unsettled from the revelation as did she, the others felt a chill down their spine when they heard Obadiah's cryptic confession, "It was the only way I could protect you." With that said he left the scene and Tony stood there stiff from the betrayal of his partner.
Tony said nothing while he was driving and when he returned home, Nine was starting to get worried about him. If it was anyone else in the company Tony would be somewhat fine but the fact that it was his long-time business partner shook him to his core.
Tony, Nine, and Rani were on the couch in the workshop watching the crisis in Gulmira on the news, while the reporter spoke Tony was fixing his arm blaster with an angry expression on his face that Nine has never seen before. Rani was numbly watching as the news showed footage of guns being fired at the people and her stomach lurched when Raza's face came on, it looked like half his face was burned likely from Tony's attack. At least we gave the bastard that Rani darkly thought, Z and Claw were in the kitchen watching the news as well.
Tony slowly stood up with his arm blaster on and dropped the screwdriver in the kitchen. Nine and Rani watched him point his hand to their right, when a familiar beep was heard they jumped off the couch and ducked when Tony blasted into the empty workshop making it into a mess. They all stared at Tony like he lost his mind and were a little frightened of the furious look he had on. He looked at the glass windows showing the stairs in curiosity and shot all windows with his blasts making them shatter, he walked away leaving his Pokémon in the workshop.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Nine said, worried about what Tony has planned.
AN: Yep I gave Stan Lee, RIP, a pikachu as suggested by Ian on the review board (Thank you Ian), I decided to pair up Tony and Steve's pokemon because I thought it might be cool to have both Avengers as in laws of some sort. If you don't like it then IDGAF, its my story and your just gonna have to deal with it, R&R guys, ill have the next chapter within the next few days.
