*Crash* *Boom* *Whatever*

Ohirume: It's been three days! How are you still going?!

Omega: SEN'I SŌSHITSU!

Faux: Link Attack, Aerial Sphere! Impact!

Seishin: Gauntlet Power Strike!

Ohirume: Not you, too!

Seishin: Triple Ability Activate! Power Rangers Samurai Spin Sword, Black Clover Demon-Dweller Sword, and Supernatural Angel Sword.

Ohirume: Really?! Zoro's three sword style with that stuff? You can't be serious.

Seishin: Ability Card Activate! ZA WARUDO!

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Dojo A.J. (what? They can't all be a bad reference or play on words.)

.

Ash shouted and jerked awake. He woke up everyone else.

Misty looked over, "Ash, what's wrong?!"

Ash held his head, "Nothing, I just had a weird dream."

Soot's ears flattened. "A nightmare?" She asked concerned.

Ash shook his head, "No, it was just weird."

"Do you remember what it was about?" Brock asked.

Ash nodded, "Yeah, but I don't know how to explain it."

Misty laughed, "Oh, come on. It can't be that crazy."

Ash sighed, "I dreamt that a guy in a green jumpsuit and helmet was fighting a talking Zoroark with a tail. The guy was using a gigantic pair of green scissors and the Zoroark spoke in the same voice as me. Then a white-haired guy who looked like me jumped in wielding three swords, one of which was in his mouth, and froze time around himself."

Everyone just stared.

Soot spoke up, "Wow. That's, um … I don't know how to respond to that."

Ash held his head again, "Yeah."

Brock followed, "Have you ever had dreams like that before?"

Ash shook his head, "Never."

Everyone just went back to sleep; deciding that this was a problem for the morning.

.

**Time Skip**

The group continued on their journey to Vermillion City, the site of Ash's third gym battle. They were still trying to figure out Ash's dream from last night.

Brock began, "Have you ever considered dying your hair white or learning how to use a sword?"

Ash shook his head, "Not once."

Misty went next, "Have you met a talking Zoroark?"

Ash shook his head again, "I'd remember something like that."

She continued, "Maybe you had fantasies about becoming a Pokémon when you were younger?"

"Sort of, but I didn't know what a zoroark was back then. And I know for a fact that they don't have tails."

Brock went again, "Maybe you read something about Legendary Pokémon. There are some that can control time."

Ash considered this but shook his head again, "No, I don't think so. The guy shouted something before time froze. It was like, 'sewardo' or something."

They weren't making any progress.

They were interrupted when a trainer ran over to them.

He pointed to Ash, "You there! I challenge you to a battle!"

Soot blinked, 'Random.'

Ash smiled, "Sure, sounds good."

They found a clearing and stood on either side of it.

Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down from Ash's shoulders. Ash stretched before starting, "Alright, what should we do for the match-up?"

The trainer held out a pokéball, "One-on-one and I want to face the strongest Pokémon you have."

Ash frowned, "Are you sure about that?"

The trainer glared, "Hey! Don't doubt my skills!"

Ash raised his hands, "Alright, sorry." He turned to Soot, "You heard him, girl."

Soot jumped into the battlefield, "Finally!"

The trainer blinked, "Your Pokémon can talk?!"

"It's not that surprising." Soot argued.

Brock and Misty stood on the sidelines; watching with interest.

Misty grinned, "This is going to be awesome! I've never seen Soot in an actual battle before!"

Brock nodded, "I agree. It'll be exciting to see what she can do."

The trainer smirked, "It doesn't matter. I'll still win. Go, Rattata!"

Soot blinked in surprise as her opponent materialized. The small Pokémon tried to look tough but flinched upon seeing her. She frowned, 'great.'

Ash frowned as well, 'It doesn't look like he's been training it for that long. At least it looks healthy.'

The trainer held out a hand, "Now Rattata, Tackle it!"

Soot just stood there and took it. Rattata bounced back; the attack did almost nothing.

Trainer grinned, "Alright, a direct hit! Now, Fury Swipes!"

Ash raised his eyebrows, 'Huh, egg move. Not bad.'

Rattata clawed at Soot furiously. She just looked down at the Mouse Pokémon as it flailed.

She sighed, "Sucker Punch."

Before Rattata could react, Soot swatted it to the side with a paw. She knocked it out instantly.

Brock and Misty sweat dropped.

"At least it was over fast." Misty commented quietly.

The trainer was shocked, "Oh no! Rattata!" he pulled out a pokéball, "return."

He put the pokéball away and frowned, "Ah man, I was so close."

Ash walked over and held out a hand, "It was a good match."

The trainer smiled sadly and shook his hand, "Yeah, I guess." He perked up, "Hey, I bet you could beat you guys could beat A.J."

Ash raised a brow, "Who's A.J.?"

"He's known as the Savage Pokémon Trainer and owns an unofficial gym in the forest. I was actually his 95th win a few days ago. He's never been beaten before."

Ash's eyes widened, "Woah. That's impressive."

Soot was ecstatic, "That's great! I've been waiting for something like this. Please, dad!"

Ash chuckled and looked over to his friends, "What do you think, guys? Wanna check it out?"

Misty nodded, "Yeah. I've gotta see this."

Brock smiled, "Same. This guy sounds tough."

Soot cheered, "Alright! Savage Trainer, here we come!"

She ran off in the direction the trainer came from.

Ash turned to the trainer, "Is she going in the right direction?"

They nodded, "Yeah."

.

**Time Skip**

The humans, as well as Pikachu and Clefairy, finally caught up to the excited canine. It didn't take long to find the home of the Savage Trainer. They quickly noticed the electronic scoreboard. Wins: 99 / Loses: 0

Misty looked at the board, "Wow, that guy wasn't kidding."

Soot was trembling with excitement.

A new voice came up, "So, which of you is my next victim?"

Ash looked over, "You must be A.J. My name is-"

A.J. interrupted, "Don't care. You my next challenger or what?"

Ash frowned, "Yes, I am. I heard they call you the Savage Pokémon Trainer?"

A.J. smirked, "That's my job. Beating chumps like you is just a hobby. Let's get started"

The gates opened to fully reveal the gym.

Soot tilted her head, "Gotta be honest, I did not expect it to look like a circus tent."

The Savage Trainer looked at the Pokémon in surprise.

Soot deadpanned, "Yes, I can talk. It's not that big of a deal."

A.J. blinked, "Uh, right. Well, come on."

They approached the arena outside the tent.

Ash blinked, "Wait, if the arena's out here, then what's with the building?"

"Oh, that's just my training area."

Misty looked over, "Mind if we see?"

Soot looked at her, "Huh?"

A.J. chuckled, "Eh, why not. It'll give you a little taste of what's to come."

"What?! B-but the battle-" Soot pouted as A.J. pushed through the flap on the tent. Everyone followed him, soon after.

Inside, there was a Beedrill, a Butterfree, and a trio of Rattata sparing, jumping through flaming hoops, and running obstacle courses. They found A.J. next to a pool; holding a whip. There was also a sandshrew on the diving board.

"Now dive!", A.J. shouted as he cracked the whip.

Sandshrew jumped. Misty and Brock were about to intervene when Ash put his arms out in front of them.

Misty glared, "Ash, Sandshrew can't swim!"

Ash continued watching as the Mouse Pokémon hit the water, "Look closer."

Soot nodded, "Dad's right. Sandshrew's completely unaffected by the water."

Brock looked, "But that shouldn't be possible. Sandshrew are pure Ground-types."

A.J. overheard and looked back, grinning, "That's right. Your looking at the only sandshrew in the world that can withstand water."

Ash raised an eyebrow, "You mean aside from Alolan Sandshrew, right? They're Ice and Steel-types."

A.J. frowned, "You know what I meant!"

Sandshrew jumped out of the water and spun himself dry.

A.J. smiled, "Nice work."

Ash noticed something, "Hey, what's that thing Sandshrew's wearing?"

"One of my homemade strength intensifiers. There's a few on the shelf next to you." A.J. shouted back, "Alright wimps, fifteen-minute break!"

The Pokémon all collapsed from exhaustion.

Brock walked over to A.J., "Your Pokémon all look really healthy. What do you feed them?"

A.J. smiled proudly, "My own special recipe. Come look."

While the others went over to check out the Pokémon food, Soot and Ash walked over to the strength intensifiers.

"Whoa, these things are top notch." Soot commented.

Ash picked one up when he heard something snap. He turned to see Pikachu wearing one of the intensifiers. He was struggling to stay standing, "Ash, help."

Ash chuckled and pulled it off.

A.J. noticed, "How did you find the release switch that fast?"

Ash turned around, "There was a release switch?" he held up the gear, "Oh, there it is."

A.J. blinked, "Wait, how do you get it off without using the switch?"

Ash raised an eyebrow, "I pulled it off?"

A.J. ran over and snatched the gear back, "That's not what I meant! No one should be able to just pull it off." He inspected the gear, "What the?! You broke it?!"

Ash flinched, "Oh, sorry about that."

A.J. just stared at the intensifier, 'I just finished working on this one and triple checked everything. How on earth did it break already?'

He looked over at Ash, "How did you managed to break this?"

Ash frowned, "Look, I'm sorry about that. If there's anyway I can make it up to-"

"That's not what I meant." A.J. interrupted. He pulled another intensifier off the shelf and shoved it into Ash's hands, "Show me exactly how you took it off."

Soot blinked, "I'm sorry, what? You want him to break another one?"

"There easier to fix than you think. Now show me."

Ash sighed and closed the latches on the brace. He pulled and the whole thing broke in half.

Ash flinched, "Oh Crag!"

"Nice one, dad." Soot said sarcastically.

A.J. took the broken pieces and stared at them in shock. He looked at Ash, "Who did you say you were?"

Ash blinked, "I didn't. You interrupted me earlier. I'm Ash Ketchum." He gestured to his Pokémon, "This is Pikachu, Clefairy, and Soot."

A.J. listened intently, "Which one's the strongest?"

Soot walked up, "That would be me. I've been training with dad all my life."

Pikachu and Clefairy pouted at the comment. Ash pet them to cheer them up.

Ash smiled, "I've had her since I was five."

A.J. was astonished, 'Since he was five?! This could be the challenge I've been looking for!'

Brock walked over, "I have to say, A.J., I'm impressed."

A.J. snapped out of it. "Huh? Oh right, thanks." He said, still distracted.

Misty noticed, "Is everything okay?"

A.J. tossed the broke gear to the side, "Yeah, it's fine." He gave Ash a determined look, "So, are you ready to battle?"

Ash smiled and nodded, "Yeah, let's go!"

A.J. grinned, "Alright, Sandshrew let's do this!"

No response.

A.J. looked around, "Sandshrew?"

Soot frowned and look for her soon-to-be opponent, "He didn't get started scared off, did he?"

Ash frowned, "I doubt it. Something isn't right."

A.J. became worried, "Everyone, postpone training. Look for Sandshrew."

Ash tossed a pair of pokéballs, "Pidgeotto, Butterfree, you help too."

The Pokémon all flew and ran off to find the mouse.

He looked over to A.J., "Don't worry, I'm sure we'll find him."

Ash felt the ground beneath him shake lightly. He jumped back as Sandshrew burst out of the ground. And he wasn't alone.

"Sandshrew!" A.J. ran over and hugged is partner. "You're okay." His other Pokémon followed soon after.

Soot stood over the unconscious Team Rocket member, "Should have known it was you guys."

Meowth came too and flinched, "Oh boy."

"Prepare for trouble!"

"And make it double!"

Meowth turned around to see his partners, "Hah, right on time."

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love! To extend our reach to the stars above!" they said in unison.

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! Dat's right!"

Koffing and Ekans where already out.

Brock scratched his head in confusion, "What was that?"

Misty turned to him, "Wait, is this the first time you've heard them do that?"

Brock shrugged, "I guess it is."

A.J. glared, "So you're the creeps who kidnapped Sandshrew!"

Jessie laughed, "Please, we just grabbed the wrong Pokémon."

James pointed, "We wouldn't waste our time with wimps like yours."

A.J.'s glare deepened, "What did you just say?! That's it, we're taking this outside!"

"Soot, Marionetter!"

Everyone turned to Soot already on her hind legs. Ash stood with his arms with his arms crossed; the purple strings attached to his fingers.

Soot walked up to the tRio, "We'll handle this A.J."

A.J. glared, "No way! I don't care how well you know them! They insulted my team and I'm not gonna let them get away with it!"

Soot smiled, "And I'm positive you'll defeat them, but I want Sandshrew in top form for our battle."

A.J. stopped glaring, "Huh?"

Ash let Soot look back at him. She continued, "I've been looking forward to a real challenge for a long time. I don't want it to be made easy because of a few idiots."

Meowth glared, "Hey!"

Soot ignored him, "Don't worry. I won't get hurt while I'm like this. Just be ready for our battle. I don't want you to hold back."

A.J blinked in surprise and smirked, "Alright, just make it fast."

Soot grinned, "You heard him, dad. Make it fast!"

Ash grinned too, "Got it."

He moved his fingers. Soot turned back to Team Rocket and got into a fighting stance.

James smirked, "You may have caught us off guard last time-"

"Which 'last time,' exactly?" Soot interrupted with a smirk.

Jessie growled, "But we're ready this time!"

Jessie and James each pulled out a rocket launcher.

Soot blinked, "Where were you hiding those?"

Meowth raised a paw, "FIRE!"

The rockets flew towards Soot. Ash moved and she grabbed them at the nose. After a minute, the rockets stopped spouting flames. Soot smirked.

Jessie blinked, "Did we pack more missiles?"

James frowned, "We did not."

Meowth gulped, "Crag."

Soot tossed the missiles straight into the air, "Aw, we could have finished this already." She said jokingly.

Ash shrugged, "Didn't seem right." He moved his hands again.

Soot detached her right arm and jumped into the air; wielding her own right arm in her left. She spun at the missiles like a top and landed on the ground in a crouch. She stood back up and bowed as the missiles exploded violently in the air behind her.

Soot chuckled, "A bit flashy, don't you think, dad?"

Ash chuckled as well, "Please. This'll be too boring otherwise."

A.J.'s jaw dropped at the scene unfolding before him.

Brock rubbed the back of his head, "Geez, Ash is really showing off. I'm kind of embarrassed."

Misty chuckled, "It's like Soot said. Ash's technique is more advanced."

A.J. turned to them, "Wait, what? What do mean Ash's technique?"

Brock answered, "Ash is the one controlling Soot. That's what the strings on his finger are." He rubbed the back of his head "I actually tried it out over a week ago and Soot had to talk me through the whole thing. All I managed to do was help her aim."

A.J.'s eye widened at the news. He turned back when he heard the blue haired guy call out something.

Soot faced the Rockets and found Koffing charging directly into her face. Ash's/her response was to do a backbend handstand that would have destroyed her spine if it worked in this mode. Everyone grimaced at the sight.

Soot frowned, "Dad, I think we're scaring everyone. Look, can we just end this. I want to get to the battle."

Ash sighed, "Fine."

Soot righted herself, reattached her arm, and shot towards Team Rocket.

They started to panic, "Ekans, use Acid!" "Koffing, use Sludge!"

Ash acted fast. Soot weaved through the attacks with a series of rolls, flips, and cartwheels. She held out her arms to lariat the two humans. Getting into a handstand, she kicked Koffing and Ekans simultaneously. She stood back on her hind legs and turned to face Meowth.

Ash moved her arm to point the pad at Meowth and Soot formed a Shadow Ball, "So, ready to give up?"

Meowth trembled as he stared at the ball of energy and nodded.

Soot barely held a laugh, 'He really is an idiot. Shadow Ball wouldn't have any effect if I actually fired it.'

Soot dispelled the attack, "Good." She looked back to the rockets, "Now gather them up and prepare for blast off."

Meowth nodded again and complied.

Soot walked back to the group, "All yours, A.J."

A.J. didn't respond. He was staring at the scene that just unfolded, 'Th-that was insane!'

"A.J."

A.J. snapped out of it. He turned to find Soot already on all-fours again. The strings had vanished.

Soot raised brow, "Didn't you hear me? You're free to send them packing."

A.J. blinked, "R-right." He shook his head and glared, "Alright, Sandshrew, attack with Defense Curl!"

Sandshrew rolled into a ball and shot towards Team Rocket. Meowth braced as him and his gang were hit and shot into the air.

Meowth groaned, "Why did I haves to be the only one left awake? We're blastin' off again!"

*ding*

Soot smirked, "Attacking with a defensive move. I'm impressed, that's not easy to make work. Alright, battle time!" her smirk disappeared when she saw A.J.'s expression, "What's wrong?"

A.J. looked at her somberly, "I don't think a battle will be necessary anymore."

Soot frowned, "What?! If it's because of Marionetter, then don't worry, we never use in battles anyway. It's only for emergencies."

A.J. shook his head, "I saw you out there. Even if it was all your trainer's doing, it showed that I have a long way to go before I could really hope to pose a challenge."

Soot sat and looked down, "Ah man."

"But" A.J. started "I think a good battle will show me just how much further I need to go."

Soot blinked, "But, you said you didn't want to battle."

A.J. waved a finger, "No, I said it wouldn't be necessary. Big difference."

Soot laughed, "You're a jerk, you know that?"

A.J. shrugged, "Eh, like I care what some Pokémon thinks of me."

The two chuckled and made their way towards the battlefield.

Ash sweat dropped, "Is it normal to feel left out when something like this happens."

Misty, Brock, and Pikachu nodded, "Yup."

Clefairy tilted, "Left out? But we're inside."

.

*outside arena

Everyone except A.J., Soot, and Sandshrew stood off to the side to watch the upcoming battle.

Ash looked at Soot, "You sure you don't want me to help?"

Soot nodded, "I'm sure, dad. This battle is all mine."

A.J. pulled out his whip, "Alright, Sandshrew, let's show her who's boss."

Soot crouched down into a fighting stance and smirked, "We'll see about that."

Brock decided to play ref, "This will be a one-on-one battle. It will be decided when either Pokémon cannot continue. Are both sides ready?"

A.J. and Soot nodded.

"Start!"

A.J. cracked the whip and Sandshrew dug underground. Soot's eye widened, 'He trained him to take command from a whip alone?' she grinned, 'Oh, yeah. This'll be good.'

Soot closed her eyes.

Misty became confused, "What's Soot doing?"

Ash smiled, "You'll see."

Soot jumped back, right as Sandshrew burst through the ground. Capitalizing, Soot spat a Shadow Ball at the rodent.

Brock flinched, "What the?"

"She felt for the vibrations in the ground and reacted last minute." Ash wiped away a tear, "I'm so proud of her."

A.J. frowned and cracked the whip again. Sandshrew's claws glowed red and he charged at Soot.

She grimaced, 'Crag, he knows Fury Cutter!'

Soot dodged the attack as it came. 'Left, Right, Left, Left, Right-' "Gah!" One of the swipes managed to hit.

*crack, crack*

Soot looked over to see a hole where Sandshrew was, 'Dig again? But why the second crack this time?'

Soot felt for the Pokémon below her, 'now!' She jumped straight up and charge another Shadow Ball. Sandshrew didn't emerge.

Soot's eyes widened, 'Crag! He set a trap and I fell for it!'

She landed and jumped to the side immediately; barely a second before Sandshrew pounced. He managed a glancing blow with another Fury Cutter.

Soot landed; breathing heavily, 'I need to step up my game. If it keeps up like this, then I'm done for.'

She spat another Shadow Ball at Sandshrew before he could react. Soot didn't let up. She ran forward and pounced into a Sucker Punch. *crack* Sandshrew met her punch with Fury Cutter.

Soot smirked, "Gotcha."

A.J.'s eyes widened as Soot grabbed Sandshrew's claw and pulled him closer.

"Fire fang!" Soot opened her flaming mouth and clamped on the Sandshrew's shoulder.

The Ground-type shrieked from the heat. Soot picked him up and threw him back towards A.J. Sandshrew got back up but his movements had become stiff.

A.J. frowned, "Sandshrew, what's wrong?"

"It's because of the water training." Soot responded.

A.J.'s eyes widened, "What?!"

Soot chuckled, "Your training was definitely clever and made it possible to void Sandshrew's greatest weakness, but it also made your sandshrew nearly water dependent. He trains in that pool so often that his body has adapted to feeling moist and hydrated and I just dried him off. Seems like he still isn't used to the feeling yet."

A.J. gaped, "Y-you can't be serious!"

Soot shrugged, "I honestly didn't expect that to work so well. Afterall, I didn't know your training schedule."

A.J. grimaced, "Sandshrew, use Fissure!"

Sandshrew hit the ground; causing in to crack open.

Soot grinned, "Going verbal now, are we? Sounds good!" she jumped over the approaching crack and pointed her paws towards it, "Shadow Ball!"

The balls formed in Soot's paws and exploded when they made contact with Fissure. Dust filled the arena.

"Play Rough!"

Soot shot out of the dust and pounced on Sandshrew. A thick white cloud covered the two as Soot attacked. The cloud faded when Soot jumped out shot two more shadow balls at Sandshrew. The mouse looked up at the last second to see the attacks coming at him. They exploded on impact.

"No, Sandshrew!" A.J. shouted.

The dust cleared to reveal Sandshrew lying on the ground; eyes on swirls.

Brock raised an arm, "Sandshrew is unable to battle. Soot wins."

Ash ran over and hugged her, "Soot! That was incredible! I'm so proud of you!"

Soot tried to push away, "Dad, stop! You're embarrassing me!"

Ash pulled her tighter, "I know."

Pikachu and Clefairy laughed and giggled at the scene.

A.J. fell to his knees, "I … Lost?"

He felt something touch his leg and looked down to see Sandshrew looking up at him sadly. The mouse started tearing up.

A.J. crouched down to hug his Pokémon, "It's okay, Sandshrew. This loss isn't your fault. It's mine for not managing your training better. But now, we'll work to fix it. Then we'll earn another hundred wins and finally start our journey."

Misty overheard, "Start your journey?"

A.J. smiled sadly and nodded, "Yeah, Sandshrew and I made a promise. We won't begin our journey until we're strong enough to rack up a hundred consecutive wins against trainers."

Soot frowned and then realized something, "Well then, I guess your good to go."

A.J. looked confused, "What? But I lost."

Soot shrugged, "Sure, but I'm not a trainer. Beating me would just mean that you beat a Pokémon. Afterall, you are the ones who finished off Team Rocket earlier. If that doesn't count as a win, I don't know what does."

A.J. eyes widened.

Soot looked at him and smiled, "You guys have more than earned this."

A.J. started tearing up, "Sandshrew, we did it!"

The teammates hugged each other in joy; tears still streaming down their faces.

.

**Time Skip**

A.J. had finished packing and stood out front with Sandshrew by his side. Ash and his friends stood across from him.

Ash smiled and held out a hand, "It was nice meeting you, A.J."

A.J. shook his hand, "Likewise. I look forward to facing you in the Pokémon League." He turned to face Soot, "You'd better be ready, cause Sandshrew isn't gonna lose next time."

Soot smirked, "Oh, I'll be ready. Just don't expect to win." She yawned "Sorry, I'm still a little worn out."

Everyone chuckled. A.J. started to walk away, "See ya later!"

Ash and the others waved as he left. Soot yawned again.

Ash smiled slyly and whispered something to Pikachu and Clefairy on his shoulders. The two nodded and jumped off as Ash snuck up behind Soot.

Soot didn't notice, "Alright, lets- yipe!"

Ash hoisted Soot on to his back. She blushed, "D-dad, what are you doing?! I can walk on my own!"

Ash smiled, "Maybe, but your still tired from the battle. So, I thought I'd let you rest."

Soot glared, "I'm not that ti- *yawn* -red."

Ash rubbed his head up against hers, "Get some rest sweetie. You've earned it."

Soot tried to argue, "Don' call me … sweetie" She fell asleep on Ash's back.

Ash turned to his friends and gestured to the path ahead.

The group made their way towards Vermillion City in silence. They decided to let the tired dog sleep.

.

.

Ohirume: Thank goodness, they finally stopped.

Gem: Ah, man.

Ohirume: Zip it, rock boy! Sorry about the nonsense in the pre-chat and the last chapter's post-chat.

…

If you feel the need to call me out on that … whatever it was or flame in the comments. I honestly won't blame you. I deserve it.

…

One more thing. Summer classes are starting up, so the chapters will be coming out a bit slower for a while.

Before, I sprung for every third day, but it might shift to every fifth. Also, the next will be up in six.

Sorry.

Seishin: … Rob, you're almost done with chapter-

Ohirume: SHUT UP, SEISHIN!