Cassidy and Butch return to challenge our heroes ... villians and they have a surprise that will shock Rayquaza. And Ash ventures through the Shadow Realm coming across many different creatures and he is about to encounter the most powerful Duel Monster of all.

Chapter 19

Legendary Rocket Battle and Ash's Shadow Realm Journey

The Venema Siblings plus the Two Legendary Pokemon are taking a rest. They have stopped to have a picnic before moving on. Little do they know that old friends are coming back to have a rematch. Gesper had just teleported a picnic basket from home filled with wonderful treats. Venemas were not only the best crooks but they were also good cooks. From crumpets to peach cobbler to chicken patty sandwiches, there was nothing a Venema could prepare.

"Ah, relaxation! A chance to stop worrying about those twerps and focus on stuffing our faces full of wonderful food!" Max said joyfully.

"People, let's not totally go into shut-down mode. The police and the twerps along with former rockets are looking for us." Trevor suggested.

"Trevor, no wonder why you aren't the life of the party. Relax, we found a perfect hiding place." Sanfra said while trying to cheer Trevor up.

"But you know what they say 'Better safe than sorry.' " Trevor growled back.

"How about the phrase 'All Work and no play makes Trevor a dull boy?' " Sanfra responded back.

"Guys, this fighting is ruining the atmosphere." Max said while trying to break up the fight.

"It is useless to stop them. That's like stopping a storm." Gesper said as he opened up a big of chips.

"Fine, fine! But we still should keep our heads up just in case we are attacked." Trevor responded.

That's true but who is going to attack us? Rayquaza responded back.

"I don't know! How about us?"

The Venema siblings plus the two legendary pokemon turned around to see Cassidy and Butch. How they got out of jail was no concern to the Venemas but what they were going to do was. Rayquaza glared at the two Rockets and they just glared back at the Sky Dragon Pokemon. Both Cassidy and Butch wondered how the Venemas got a hold of one of Hoenn's Legendary Pokemon but they wanted to prove that they were more powerful than any of the Venemas especially with their new captures.

"It is time for a rematch. You might have gotten lucky with the twerps but this time there are no police officers to stop us this time." Cassidy smirked as she talked.

"We got some new pokemon that will defeat your pokemon including that pathetic excuse for a legendary" Butch said as he pointed to Rayquaza.

You think you can beat me? I will send you home crying.> Rayquaza laughed as he glared at the two pathetic Rocket Members.

"Yeah right. You and what army, Dragon?" Cassidy snickered.

How about me, you pathetic excuse for a Rocket? > Mewtwo said as he sneered at Cassidy.

"You act all tough, Mewtwo but one Dark Attack and you are finished." Butch grinned.

I'd like to see you try to attack my friend. You might have gotten a hold of Lugia and Suicune but they are small fries compared to me. > Rayquaza snickered back to the two Rockets.

"Well, that is true but we have bigger fish than Lugia and Suicune. Probably even more powerful than you two." Butch snickered.

"Our pokemon will make your two legendaries like small fries!" Cassidy laughed.

"You really think so. Let's see how confident how you two are when Mewtwo and Rayquaza make you two look like fools. Mewtwo, will you allow me to be your trainer for this one match?" Max said.

"Rayquaza, as one dragon another, will you help me show these two that Dragons unite, they are unstoppable?" Trevor asked.

Trust me, as I would never back down a challenge. Your decision is accepted. > Rayquaza grinned as he flew over Trevor's side.

Normally, I wouldn't allow a human to allow me to be their pokemon but this two arrogant rockets need to learn a very valuable lesson. > Mewtwo floated beside Max as he glared at Cassidy and Butch.

"This double battle shall commence. If either set of pokemon is knocked out, the other side wins. There is no time limit. Let the battle begin." Sanfra replied.

Mewtwo and Rayquaza got in battle position waiting for the opponent's pokemon. Of course everyone was anxious to see what pokemon Cassidy and Butch had caught or captured in this case. Cassidy and Butch threw the pokeballs to the ground. It took a few seconds for the pokemon to come out. The reaction was surprising by all, but one of the members of the challenging group was a bit aggravated.

WHERE DID YOU GET THE AUDICITY TO CAPTURE OR ENSLAVE THE DRAGON TWINS ? > Rayquaza roared.

There they were, the Dragon Twins in all their glory. Butch was in possession Latios and Cassidy was possession of Latias. No wonder why Rayquaza was angry since the Dragon Twins were native Legendary Pokemon. Of course this didn't mean anything to Venemas but knew that this might put a damper in their battle plans. Surely Rayquaza wouldn't attack fellow Legendaries from his homeland, Gesper thought.

If you two think you can easily command Hoenn Legendaries, then you are wrong. The dragon twins might be powerful, but they know I am the top legendary in Hoenn. > Rayquaza growled.

"Let's just get the battle over with. Latios and Latias, use Take Down to trash these two weak Legendaries." Cassidy and Butch shouted.

The two Dragon Legendaries turned around and glared at the two bumbling Rockets. They normally wouldn't team up with any member of Team Rocket, Team Magma or Team Aqua but Cassidy and Butch had given them an ultimatum. Fight side by side or the Dragon Twins Legacy will be shortened down to two members. They rammed themselves towards Rayquaza and Mewtwo. Of course, the Twin Terror's Legendaries moved out the way.

"Why on earth would those legendaries let themselves be enslaved by Cassidy and Butch? I smell something fishy going on." Sanfra said while frowning.

"Yes, sister. I am getting that same feeling but don't worry things will turn around fast than you can say … " Gesper replied but was interrupted by Max.

" … Quidditch. You were going to say Quidditch right?" Max asked.

"I am supposed to be the Harry Potter obsessed one in the family." Trevor said while sighing.

"You stupid Dragons! Why does this always … " Cassidy started to say but she caught in the blast by three Dragons and one Angry Psychic.

… Happen? It is because you two are the lowest ladder of Team Rocket. Your trainer skills are weak compared to the Venemas. Even your convinced captives are in agreement with me. And even if you dare to harm them, I will make you wish you never BEEN BORN! > Mewtwo said in a Psychic Rage.

Cassidy and Butch ran off leaving the two Pokeballs behind. Everyone turned to Gesper and he psychically shattered the two pokeballs into a billion pieces. After a brief chat with the Dragon Twins, the group parted their separate ways and headed towards different directions.

Meanwhile back in the Shadow Realm, Ash was nervous. The Digital World was cheerful but this place was bleak. And he had second thoughts about finding a partner. He turned toward Pikachu, Guilmon and Slyfer. Could he find a powerful Duel Monster that could take down The Twin Terrors? Or was this all a waste of time?

"Nickel for your thoughts, Ashmon?" Guilmon asked.

"First of all, it is PENNY for your thoughts. And second of all, will you stop calling me Ashmon. It is Ash, not Ashmon. Now I know how feels when Ax calls him Prince Jake." Ash said while rubbing the back of his head.

Guilmon didn't understand but they kept on walking on. It wasn't until they found a resident of the Shadow Realm. She was something out of a Houdini magic act. She wasn't as scary as Harpy Lady. Ash decided to approach her and ask her for directions. She turned around and faced him. Then a figure came out the darkness. It looked like her older brother but more scarier.

"Hello, I was wondering if you … two could help me. By the way, who are you two?" Ash asked.

"You must be a visitor. I am known as the Dark Magician and this is my sister, the Dark Magician Girl." The brother said.

"So who are you and what are you doing traveling with Slifer the Sky Dragon?" The Dark Magician Girl asked.

"Well, my name is Ash Ketchum. I am training to be a pokemon trainer but right now I am trying to save the world. This is my Pokemon pal Pikachu. The dinosaur behind me is my Digimon partner Guilmon. Slifer is helping me navigate the Shadow Realm. I am trying to find a Duel Monster partner just like Meowth." Ash explained.

"Yes, I heard of a strange creature that accompanied Harpy Lady. What kind of Duel Monster partner do you need?" The Dark Magician asked.

"A powerful one because of what it is going on in my world." Ash said.

Then Ash told the two what had happened in the past few weeks. The two nodded and decided to take Ash plus his creatures to one of the biggest cities of all. They said that one of the most powerful Duel Monsters ruled there. It might be a powerful Ally in this time of crisis. It was a long walk but the different sights amazed Ash. Even the city was impressive. Nothing back home or in the Digital World could compare to what he was seeing right now.

"I am going to hand you off to a friend of mine. Don't be afraid. He is a brave warrior." The Dark Magician said while they entered the city

They stopped at a restaurant to eat and Ash couldn't argue. He was hungry and would eat anything. The Dark Magician called over a friend of his. He looked like something out of Medieval Fairy Tale. He looked like a Dragon Slayer. He was almost like that. The Dark Magician introduced Ash to Buster Blader. He told in a short summary of Ash's quest.

"So you need a Duel Monster to defeat this Twin Terrors. I don't understand how awful they could be." The Buster Blader said.

"I have faced a lot of foes in the past but none as powerful as those two. And their siblings are worse." Ash explained.

"That's why he got me. Meowth went on the same quest and Ash needs to do the same. Or else his world is doomed." Guilmon explained.

"You didn't call me Ashmon, Guilmon." Ash chuckled.

"Why does Guilmon call you … Never mind, I don't want to ask. Anyways, I know of the perfect Duel Monster. Even though he is a dragon like Slifer, he is one of the most powerful Dragons in existence." Buster Blader said.

One of the most Powerful Dragons in existence? That would be perfect. It is true that Trevor is a Dragonite Hybrid but this Dragon would be probably 10 or 100 times as powerful as Trevor would ever be. He had to take this chance. He needed all the power he could get. Guilmon was right. If Ash didn't complete this quest, his world would be doomed.

"Take me to this Dragon. You don't mind if Slifer comes along also. I feel comfortable when he is around. Sure, I didn't before but I am more used to him now." Ash said while making his decision.

"Sure, I bet those two would like to see each other again." Buster Blader said.

"Again? Am I missing something?" Ash asked.

"Don't worry, kid. You will be up to speed on everything. Now follow me." Buster Blader said while exiting the restaurant.

Buster Blader told Ash that the powerful Dragon lived in the big palace at the end of city. Of course, it might take them a while. Today, many events were going on. Ash could understand. This was the largest city Ash had ever seen. He had seen Goldenrod and Saffron City but those cities were anthills compared to this. Ash saw different duel monsters and was amazed. Slifer headed flew above the city to check for any blocked paths and dangers. Pikachu and Guilmon were surprised and amazed. Neither of them could believe the creatures that existed in here. Then they stopped.

"What is going on?" Ash asked.

"Slifer is telling me that the Dragon Tournament is happening. Well, at least the practice tournament. The actual tournament won't be until two days later. Too bad you can't stay. It is really interesting to see those dragons duke it out." Buster Blader explained.

"Well, if we can't see the actual tournament, why not see the practice tournament? We do have a little bit of time." Ash suggested.

"All right, let's go. If you want, we can help root for one of my favorite dragons and its trainer." Buster Blader said.

Ash and the others nodded. The group headed towards the stadium. It was hard because everyone wanted to see it. Of course Buster Blader was their ticket in. They entered into one of the champion entrances. There they saw the same Harpy Lady that Meowth met when he first entered the Shadow Realm. Did she have her own personal dragon or did she train other dragons?

"Harpy Lady, it is good to see you!" Buster Blader said while bowing.

"Good to see you, Buster Blader. And who are this friends of yours?" Harpy Lady asked.

"This is Ash. He is on a quest just like Meowth to save his world from powerful titans. And these are his partners Pikachu and Guilmon. Slifer is above us. So what dragon are you training today? I doubt it is the usual Harpy's Pet Dragon." Buster Blader explained.

"No, it is Red Eyes Black Dragon. Although I will be competing against Blue Eyes White Dragon." Harpy Lady said with a sneer.

"Red Eyes Black Dragon? Blue Eyes White Dragon?" Ash said with confusion.

Then he saw the two dragons enter the arena. It was kind of like a pokemon arena but much bigger. A blackish Dragon entered on one side and a white bluish dragon entered on the other side. These dragons reminded of something else. It had like he had seen these dragons before but that was impossible. Unless … what maybe this dragons remind him of certain pokemon back on his world.

"Dragonite! Charizard!" Ash shouted.

"I do not understand!" Harpy Lady said to Ash.

"Red Eyes Black Dragon reminds me of my Charizard and Blue Eyes White Dragon reminds me of Dragonite. In fact, it reminds me of Drake's Dragonite." Ash explained.

"I see. Even though you aren't on your world or planet anymore, you can still find connections. That is very fascinating" Buster Blader said and then turned to Harpy Lady, "so who is the trainer of Blue Eyes White Dragon?"

"It is my sibling Harpies Brother. He thinks he has the better Dragon but I will show him." Harpy Lady growled.

A dark figure appeared on what seemed to be the judge's stand. At first, Ash thought it was Dark Magician but this creature was darker than the Dark Magician was. Ash asked Buster Blader who that was and he soon learned that it was Black Luster Soldier. It was a powerful Warrior just like him. Ash couldn't wait to see Red Eyes Black Dragon take down Blue Eyes White Dragon.

"This final round of the tournament will commence. It is Harpy Lady's Red Eyes Black Dragon versus Harpies Brother's Blue Eyes Black Dragon. The winner of this tournament shall proceed to the actual tournament against the best Dragons in the Shadow Realm. There is no time limit! Let the Battle begin!" Black Luster Soldier announced.

Both dragons attack with fire and lightning. Red Eyes must be a standard Dragon whereas Blue Eyes must be a modern dragon. An explosion erupted and watchers would see the shadows of the two dragons clashing against each other.

"Go Red Eyes! Show that pathetic excuse for a dragon that he is no match for you!" Harpy Lady and Ash both shouted.

"Your friend is most competitive." Buster Blader commented to Guilmon.

"Yeah, Ash … I mean Ashmon is like that." Guilmon said while rubbing his claws against the back of his head.

"Why do you call him Ashmon sometimes but Ash very rarely?" Buster Blader asked.

"See I am best friends with Takato, who is a tamer. Takato's Guilmon used to call Takato Takatomon. I thought I would do the same thing but I am having hard doing that." Guilmon explained.

"I see. And I see that Red Eyes have won this match while we were chatting." Buster Blader said while turning to the arena.

Buster Blader was right. While their little chat, the cheering of Ash and Harpy Lady caused Red Eyes Black Dragon to be able to knock Blue Eyes White Dragon down. Harpies Brother was angry but he knew that against his sibling, he didn't stand a chance. The two shook hands and parted. Soon Ash and company headed for the castle. With no other distractions, they arrived there in perfect time. Buster Blader approached a creature that looked like something out The Legend of Zelda.

"We are here to see the Sky Dragon." Buster Blader said.

The creature nodded and let them through. After passing more of the Link-like creatures, which Ash learned that they were Celtic Guardians, they arrived at the main chamber. Inside was a long pathway to a giant throne. There sat or floated the most amazing creature Ash had ever seen. It looked like a dragon but it was strange looking. It looked more like a phoenix than a dragon.

"Ash, let me introduce you to the greatest dragon ever … Ra, the Sky Dragon." Buster Blader said while gesturing his sword pointing towards the Dragon.