Chapter 18 Ninenine over one

Many hours passed before Misty and Ash finally needed to rest their legs. Shadow was annoyed at stopping but kept his frustration to himself, it was all in his face. Sonic however did not mind and in fact was wanting to enjoy a nice sunbathe in a sexy french pose which no one ever thinks is sexy due to being a fat orange winged lizard.

Pikachu also rests in Ash's lap to catch some well deserved Zs. the group rest to get some energy before returning to their walk towards Vermillion City. Shadow was going to tell the group they should get going, Shadow hop out of the way of a bird like Pokemons attack.

Shadow turned to the Pokemon and was reminded of a chicken with claw hands with lacks of claw thumbs, they look more like flippers of a penguin, at least in Shadow's mind.

"Wow a Combusken!"

Ash shouted while whipping out his red Pokedex to learn about this evolved hoenn starter.

"Combusken the Young Fowl Pokemon and the evolved form of Torchic. Combusken battles with the intensely hot flames it spews from its beak and with outstandingly destructive kicks. This Pokémon's cry is very loud and distracting. Combusken toughens up its legs and thighs by running through fields and mountains. This Pokémon's legs possess both speed and power, enabling it to dole out ten kicks in one second."

Combusken got into a batting stance to a skirmish with the black fur Lucario. Ash decides this will be a good time to battle together as Ash aimed his Pokedex to get the move list of Shadow the Lucario.

"Lucario's move list are Aura Sphere, Force Palm, Bone Rush, Blazing Kick, Bullet Punch, Dark Pulse, Dragon Pulse and Flash Cannon."

Combusken charged once more at Lucario and used a Fire Punch attack to attack Shadow. Shadow forms a bone staff of blue energy to do his Bone Rush attack as he sidesteps her jabs and gives her a jab with bone staff into her side doing good damage to her. Combusken recovered from the rock type attack quickly and dashed using its Aerial Ace attack which landed on crashing into Shadowing doing super effective damage.

Shadow gritted with his teeth and formed a rainbow of energy in their paws and claps together and shot to form an energy dragon that bit down on Combusken exploding and knocking her back and doing serious damage. Combusken charges to attack but her punch was caught by Sonic and he raised a claw to Shadow to give him a sign to stand down.

Combusken calmed down and got free from Sonic's grasp and dashed off, still wounded from Shadow's attacks.

"After her."

Shadow follows her and Sonic follows suit carrying Ash and Misty and Pikachu on his back to chase after Shadow who is chasing the Combusken. 7 minutes of following Shadow arrives at a small house near a cliff overlooking a beach side. An old man with his hair has become gray and watering plants. She arrived right at the steps of the house before her legs broke down and collapsed.

The old man put down the watering pot and checked on Combusken. Sonic soon arrives and Ash and Misty hop off his back and go over to help up the Combusken.

"Sorry about what happened to her, she fought my Lucario out of left field."

"It's okay, come inside I will heal her."

Ash picks up Combusken and carries her inside so they can treat her wounds. Sonic and Shadow wait outside and while they do the two talk.

"Are you waiting on fainted breath to get back home?"

"Moderately but I wish to help Ash achieve his dream as a Pokemon Master."

" What is even is a Pokemon Master?"

"What is even an Ultimate Life Form?"

Shadow got annoyed from Sonic's wisecrack and probably never not be annoyed with the blue blur. Inside the house the old man wraps special bandages around her legs and her right arm which was used for all the Fire Punches she throws at Shadow the Lucario.

"Let me guess she picked a fight with your Pokemon out of the blew."

The old man said and his voice showed his age with it being chucky and rough.

"Yes she did but she seemed very brave but a bit hot headed."

"And you know best Misty- OW!"

Ash got a bong on the head for his mean comment about the red haired trainer. A rough chuckle escaped the old man's chipped lips.

"She is trying to get stronger and move past the loss of her father, he died a few days ago from wounds he obtained during his long run as my starter."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

In the process of saying those words, Ash wonders what would he do if Pikachu were to die by natural causes? Though it's well known in the world of Pokemon many of them have really long life spans, one stage Pokemon can live for like 80 years easily. So Pikachu will likely outlive him by a few years. Sonic on the other hand could live for almost 150 years so for Sonic to be here why Ash is just dirt on the ground, or become like his name sake.

"It's okay he fought to the very end, he never ever fainted in battle through his entire life."

"WOW that's quite the feat."

"Yes it is my dear, yet it was the reason his body withered away and died so soon, and also the loss of his arm which ended both our careers in Pokemon battling."

Ash and Misty had no more words to say, what could they say in response? Combusken arose from the table and turned to the trainer of her father and gave him a hug along with using his chest as a pillow to cry into. Misty felt bad for the fighting chicken, but did not know how she could help? Ash on the other hand had at least one good idea to help Combusken.

Combusken's tears were overflowing from her eyes with no signs of stopping, but they seemed to stop in their tracks when Combusken felt a gentle hand resting on her shoulder and a gentle caring voice said to her.

"It's okay. I am sure you will grow up and make your father proud."

Combusken turned her head away from the elderly man's chest and saw the ones spilling those kind words was Ash himself, who would have guessed? This brought a smile to her face and the tears stopped for now. the retired trainer pick up on this and an idea formed inside his head before it slips down and escaped his worn lips.

"Say kid."

"Names Ash and her name is Misty."

"Ash would you mind taking Combusken with you? She, like her old man, did not like chilling around doing no battling. Besides you seem like a good kid and a good trainer."

Ash along with Combusken did not have any words to say, even if they did the words would come out as if both just caught a stroke.

"Come on Ash just say yes. She already likes you, besides now you have all the starters of Hoenn like you have with Kanto, Johto and Unova."

"Add Sinnoh to that list misty." Ash turns to the old man before finishing what he was saying, "and to answer your request sir, I accept."

Those words formed a smile on his aged face and from a bookshelf he grabbed Combusken's PokeBall and handed it to Ash to take with him and both head outside saying goodbye to the old man and return Combusken into her metallic sphere. Sonic and Shadow were talking about what Ash and Misty could make from approaching them was about that time Shadow and he rode Shadow's jeep to stop an alien invasion of Mobius? They must have really weird adventures.

"Finally done here?"

Shadow asked rudely.

"Yes we are. Could be nicer about it."

Misty said annoyed at his rudeness, Ash did not care since if Sonic trusts this Lucario edgelord edition then he can too. Meanwhile with the three stooges of Team Rocket, Jessie james and Meowth were setting up their laptop they have on hand to contact HQ and request a call with their high leader Giovanni.

"I hope the boss actually answers."

Meowth says fearing what will happen to them if they don't.

"If not I will go there myself and speak to them then."

"Really that not so bad-"

"With your heads in hand to show I mean business."

James regretted asking now as they were freaking out even more. Arceus shines down upon them as the call was accepted and their boss was there with his cold stare on his face.

"That better be good."

"Yes it does boss we got-"

They were blast away as the Pokenik Noctowl walked into frame to open its chest to show the Egg-Man himself.

"Hello leader of Team Rocket my name is Doctor Robotnik and I like to form a partnership of sorts."

Decided to use his first name since Egg-Man not a name that strikes fear into this world as it does back home.

"What kind of deal are you looking for? Need my men for work?"

"I don't need your cannon fodder, though I need technology and a place to build my stuff. And if I am allowed to finish I will give you a reward for aiding me."

Egg-Man's devious smile was mirrored by Giovanni as both agree to work together but he expects some of his machines to aid in Team Rocket's businesses. Egg-Man decided to agree since he can spare a few robots that he will explode once he no longer needs Team Rocket to take over the entire Pokemon World.

Back with the group they were walking still until an idea popped into Ash's head and he had to ask Shadow thinking it could lead to an issue if not dealt with now.

"Shadow can I catch you?"

"EXCUSE ME!"

Shadow's tone struck fear into Ash thinking he said something to offend the ultimate life form.

"Not trying to be rude but it would be good for me to capture you so no one else can and have to trade with them to get you back."

Shadow remains silent to think about the words Ash hit him with and process it.

"It would be a good idea Shadow. There could be a trainer who could catch you and I know you would not be taking orders from a trainer.

"... do it already kid."

Shadow said annoyed and wanted to get this over with so they can get back to their walk towards Vermillion City. Ash pulled out a Poke Ball and tossed it towards Shadow which smack the black Lucario square in the forehead before turning into red energy and entering the metal sphere before even hitting the dirt.

The Pokeball shook three times before giving out its click of approval of Ash capturing a black Lucario and the ultimate life form. Ash picked the Pokeball and was about to let the edgelord out.

"Hey Ash how about we don't let him out."

"Why?"

Ash asked of Sonic the Charizard and the fire breathing lizard said.

"Because imagine how he reacts being in the Pokeball for an entire day or something."

"That sounds very mean Sonic."

Misty said before Ash could respond properly.

"Yeah, LET'S do it."

High fiving Sonic before putting away Shadow's Pokeball before continuing their journey to Vermillion City while Misty and Pikachu shook their heads in disappointment at the both of them. Hours flew by and soon they arrive at a circus tent they were familiar with surrounded by a large wooden gate with a sign right above the entrance. The sign had.

A.J Ninetynine. Challengers Zero.

"Guess A.J. back at his thing."

"I wonder how long he has been here this time."

Ash and Misty said to one another as both head in and saw A.I. standing waiting for challenges to enter the ring, sheeps to the slaughter in A.J. 's mind.

"Who's the lucky- or unlucky person to be my hundredth victim and complete my streak to redo the Pok- oh high Ash."

"High A.J."

"So ready for a second round of ass whooping?"

"Actually no. This time I am the one be kicking ass."

Misty shook her head and moved to the side lines with Sonic to watch these two trainers have their long awaited rematch. A.J. let out to be the first Pokemon on his team of three was his deadly Beedrill, the drill hand bee Pokemon. Ash calls out his fish Pokemon Carvanha the piranha Pokemon appears hovering just above the ground ready to fight the giant bee. Ash pulled the Pokedex to get info about this kanto insect.

"Beedrill the Poison Bee Pokemon and the evolved form of Kakuna. Beedrill is extremely territorial. No one should ever approach its nest—this is for their own safety. If angered, they will attack in a furious swarm. It has three poisonous stingers on its forelegs and its tail. They are used to jab its enemy repeatedly."

Ash put away his Pokedex as A. .

"I start this rematch Beedrill use your Poison Jab attack."

"Carvanha dodge it and gift Beedrill with a bite attack."

Carvanha leaned to the side to avoid the charging bee Pokemon and took a bite into his side doing a lot of damage. Beedrill Backhanded Carvanha doing a bit of damage to the fish Pokemon. Carvanha smirk though due to having the incredible power ability of Speed Boost to raise his speed every time it's his turn to do battle.

"Carvanha attacks Beedrill with Ice Fang."

Carvanha's two big fangs got coated in blue energy that shot icy bolts of energy that struck Beedrill doing bone chilling pain to the black yellow insect Pokemon. Beedrill flew up into the air higher before coming down and dashing from side to side and slam into Carvanha doing okay damage to the fish. But the bee got bit before it could fly away from landing his Acrobatic attack.

"Carvanha ends Beedrill off with an Aqua Jet attack."

Carvanha coats his entire body in water before rocketing into the air and slam into the poisonous bug knocking the bee out. A.J. returns Beedrill to his Poke Ball and selects his next Pokemon. The next one up was Absol. A white canine like creature with a horn that is like a scythe blade of sorts. Ash drew the Pokedex out once more to get the info he would like to hear.

"Absol the Disaster Pokemon. Although it's said to bring disaster, in actuality, this Pokémon possesses a calm disposition and warns people of any crises that loom. The only thing unlucky about Absol is its appearance. It protects fields and warns people of disaster, so one ought to be grateful for it."

"Absol give Carvanha the best you got with your X-Scissor attack."

Absol's bladed horn glows with lime green energy to launch a big energy shape X that crashes into Carvanha doing incredible damage. Ash returns Carvanha so he can have someone else to do battle with Absol. It was Ash's first fairy type Pokemon Clefairy. She appeared and did a spinning jump to show she was excited and ready to fight for her master.

"Clefairy use your Moonblast attack." Clefairy form a pink sphere of energy that flew towards Absol doing incredible damage to the canine from the Hoenn region. Absol got back up but the attack did massive damage to him.

"Absol Hang in there. Use your Shadow Claw attack!"

Black ghost energy forms around one of his claws and slash into Clefairy doing an incredible amount of damage. Clefairy forms a flaming sphere between her arms before shooting it out as a stream of flames that slam into Absol cooking his white furry body. Absol look in searing pain and his last legs in this battle.

"Don't give in just yet attack once more with Shadow Claw."

"Clefairy hit Absol with your Moonblast attack."

The charging Absol got a full face of Fairy energy in the shape of a sphere which was enough to knock Absol out cold and unable to fight anymore. A.J. sigh as he returns his dark type Pokemon and call out his most trustworthy Pokemon.

"It's all up to buddy. GO SANDSLASH!"

Appearing from a pokeball was a spiky armadillo with hooks for hands and was ready to slice and dice up the Clefairy. Ash drew the Pokedex one last time.

"Sandslash the Mouse Pokemon and the evolved form of Sandshrew It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.Thanks to its thick claws, it's good at climbing trees. There are plenty of Sandslash that park themselves in trees and go right to sleep."

"Alright Sandslash I believe you can win us the game from the edge of defeat. Use your Poison Jab attack."

One of his bladed hands was coated in poison energy to stab Clefairy with doing serious damage to her.

"Clefairy hang in there, use your Ice Beam attack."

Like she did with Flamethrower but fire blue bolts of icy energy that strike into Sandslash doing pretty good damage but Sandslash was built like a living tank without the cost of speed.

"Sandslash uses your Poison Jab attack once more."

Clefairy got another poisonous jab to the face knocking her out cold forcing Ash to select a new Pokemon to do battle with Sandslash. Ash picks Carvanha ready to fight some more.

"Carvanha attacks Sandslash with your Aqua Jet attack."

Carvanha forms water all around her and flies off before slamming into Sandslash doing massive amounts of damage. Sandslash recovered quickly and hit Cavanha with a Brick Break doing damage to the dark type Pokemon with fighting type attack. But Carvanha was still able to fight some more.

"Carvanha give Sandslash your Aqua Jet attack with all you got!"

Carvanha uses his speed boost enhanced Aqua Jet attack that slam hard into Sandslash launching him off the battlefield into a wooden pillar cracking it and falling onto his spiky back. A.J. walked over to check on his old friend and saw Sandslash was unable to fight anymore. Ash patted Carvanha on his head which made the fish smile as its body got coated in blue energy and grew in size, Carvanha was evolving!

Carvanha grew twice as big and became a shark that was like a torpedo with a star on its forehead with razor sharp teeth and fins. Cavanha had become a Sharpedo. Ash drew the Pokedex and got out of it.

"Sharpedo The Brutal Pokemon and the form of Carvanha. Sharpedo can swim at speeds of up to 75 mph by jetting seawater out of its backside. This Pokémon's drawback is its inability to swim long distances. Nicknamed "the bully of the sea," Sharpedo is widely feared. Its cruel fangs grow back immediately if they snap off. Just one of these Pokémon can thoroughly tear apart a supertanker. Ability still is Speed Boost and gains new moves like Night Slash, Poison Fang, liquidation, and Crunch."

Ash was proud of his new Sharpedo and patted him more on his dark blue head. A.J. return Sandslash and walk towards Ash and said.

"So you beat my winning streak so I will start it all over-"

"How about you dont. you are more than ready to do the league again, trust me I have experience."

Ash said to give A.J. the confidence to start his journey for the next league he will enter and aim to win it all. They said their goodbyes and went back on their journeys they are on.