I've had this idea for a long time now, but after seeing the third movie I've finally decided it's time to write this story out. :) This fic will be following the basic plot of How To Train Your Dragon, using Pokemon and Pokemon characters, plus my own ideas. Please note that some characters may be slightly out of character to play their role in the fic, but for the most part I will try to keep them true to the characters that the Pokemon Company has them to be. Some lines will be borrowed from the movie, but I am trying to stick to my own original dialogue.

This story is rated T, since my writing will be a bit more bloodier than the movies.


Chapter 1 – This is Pallet

Cinders were drifting through the air, thick smoke filling his lungs and stinging his eyes as he made his way through the splitting building. Each step was taking him deeper into the unbearable heat, the smell of burning wood filling the air, the sound of crackling fire surrounding him. Thick coughs were escaping his throat, stumbling as he tried to escape the weakening building.

"Ch-chu!" A weak voice called out, the small sound barely being heard over the roaring and the shouts outside.

Ash wheeled around on his heel as he heard the voice, wincing as the heat of the flames intensified around him. "Pichu!" He called out. "Pi-pichu!"

Everything in him told him to run, but he only pressed himself deeper in search of his lost companion. This wasn't the first time he had woken to find his house burning around him, and he knew that this wouldn't be the last. He blinked away the tears that were forming from the smoke, glancing about at what had once been his home. Between the flickering red flames he made out a small yellow shape, and he darted towards it.

The small Pichu was desperately climbing onto the shelves, trying to escaping the growing fire. Soot covered him in patches across his fur, the small Pokemon trembling as he wormed his way among cups and plates. Ash stumbled towards him, coughing on the smoke as he rushed towards the fleeing mouse. His hand shot out, grabbing the Pichu before he could get away. There was no time to comfort the trembling Pokemon– stuffing him into a pocket as he turned to escape the spreading flames.

Ash froze up as he heard a crack overhead– and without a second thought he ran towards the first opening he saw. A supporting beam overhead snapped– the burning wood collapsing across the kitchen. Embers flew into the air, sparks flying around them– and Ash jumped through a collapsing wall as the flames rose behind him.

The difference was startling– out of the burning fire and into the cool morning. Smoke had been filling his lungs, but now the fresh air felt almost painful as he drew in panicked breaths. The flames had been bright and harsh against his eyes, but now the darkness before dawn was set before him.

Not that it was anymore peaceful outside. Roars and shouting filled the air, other burning buildings dotted the village, and large shapes swooped through the air. Despite the chaos Ash let out a small sigh of relief, though flinched as the roof of his home collapsed in behind him. He glanced over his shoulder, watching as smokes and sparks rose higher into the sky, and then he reached into his pocket.

"You okay?" He asked the exhausted Pichu, holding him by the scruff. Small coppery eyes looked up at him, rosy red cheeks sparking weakly. Much of his golden fur was covered in soot, ears and tail hanging low, but Ash seemed satisfied with the Pokemon's state. He held it close to his chest as it let out several weak coughs, using his other arm to wipe away the soot on his own face. His clothes were singed, he would probably smell of smoke for a week, but he was alive.

"Well, nice to see they decided to wake me up when the attack started," The boy muttered, tucking the Pichu away in his chest pocket. "But this is our chance– we can finally show them what we can do!"

Ash sounded nothing but eager, but the Pichu only buried himself deeper into the pocket. He seemed unaware of the Pichu's hesitance though, his hand drifting to his belt. A small dagger rested at his side, but it was the only weapon he had on him. Perhaps in the right situation it could be of use, but seeing the large creatures flying in the distance the weapon would be next to useless.

"Chu..."

"Um," Ash said, heading down the path. "The forge. I've been keeping the launcher in the forge."

He took off with a light jog, heading right into the chaos he called his home village. All around him people were rushing, large swords and axes resting in their hands. One man held an armful of half-burnt supplies, rushing towards the edge of the village, nearly colliding into a woman carrying several shields. The raven haired boy darted under them, ignoring the startled glances his clanmates were giving him as he ran.

A shadow rushed overhead, and Ash found himself stumbling to a stop as a Salamence swooped down, jaws locking around a fleeing Mareep. The Pokemon's large wings opened, rushing back up into the air with a single flap of her wings. Several men were rushing after her in pursuit– one releasing a crackling pulse of yellow energy. The dragon shuddered as it was hit with the aura, but continued its climb up into the air, taking the Mareep with it.

Dragons were naturally resilient to basic elemental energy, and Ash wasn't even surprised that it had been able to shrug off the electric aura. And with one more Mareep gone, that was less food for the clan. Ash's eyes darted across the sky, trying to make out the shapes of the attacking dragons in the darkness. He could hear the bleating of Mareep both overhead and fleeing– as always the dragons went straight for the herds.

"Hax!" A loud voice bellowed, and his eyes immediately locked on a Haxorus charging towards him. Ash let out a yelp, instantly stumbling back as several of his clanmates rushed to face the incoming threat. Some raised weapons, and other raised their hands, which were pulsing with energy. The Haxorus regarded the humans with sharp eyes, and a glowing Dual Chop began to form around its axe-like tusks.

Ash had ducked into the nearest building, body trembling. The Salamence had been close enough, but the Haxorus had been coming right towards him. He closed his eyes, silently cursing at himself. He couldn't keep running away, he needed to hold his ground. One dragon, that was all he needed to kill, one dragon was all he needed...

He peered out through the door, watching as a woman swung a sword up towards the Haxorus. It let out a groaned pain as it was hit, blood dripping from its scales. A burst of energy began to form in its throat, forcing several of its attackers to scatter before they were torched.

"Pi... chu..." Pichu whispered, and Ash glanced down at the mouse. The little yellow Pokemon was shaking, and he felt shivers racing up his back, feeling as if someone were watching him.

He turned, eyes sweeping over barrels and racks of smoked meat. This was just one of their many food storage sheds, but a faint glow showed that he wasn't alone. He tensed as he watched a Salandit climbing into view, an orange lava-like glow running down its tail. The small dragon looked as if it were grinning as it crept towards Ash, and he swallowed.

"It's tiny, you can take it..." He muttered, even though this was far from what he had planned on facing tonight.

His hand drifted towards his belt, drawing his dagger. The Salandit's eyes narrowed, but it didn't seemed deterred. Its mouth cracked open, fire starting to form, and Ash felt himself freezing up. He just had to jump forward and stab– then it would all be over. Sure, it was just a Salandit, but it would still be a dragon kill under his belt.

He watched the flames form, the knife trembling in his hands, every part of him refusing to move forward in his fright.

A bright blue orb flew passed him– the Aura Sphere striking the poison type just as it leapt up to pounce on Ash. The Salandit was send flying back, crashing into the wooden wall of the shed with a hiss. A rough hand grabbed Ash's shoulder, dragging him out of the building as a blue blur rushed passed him.

"What are you doing?!" A voice snarled in his face as he was wheeled around, a pair of glowing blue eyes glaring down at him.

His stomach twisted, no response forming as he stared up at his rescuer. He quickly turned his head away, only to see a Lucario swinging a Bone Rush down towards the Salandit. The lizard was rushing out of the shed, but the canine was faster. Ash felt a hand grabbing his chin, forcing him to look back up into those burning blue eyes as the Bone Rush was brought down once more.

"I..." Ash began, but he wasn't quite sure of what to say.

The man gave a snort, before giving him a shove away from the shed. "Get back to the house– it's not safe out here," As he spoke a glow filled the sky– a burning figure letting out a mighty roar as it dove towards the village. The man gritted his teeth, reaching for a staff strapped across his back. "Never mind, nowhere is safe now," He muttered, then he raised his voice. "We have a Charizard heading towards the mill– cut it off now!"

"I–" Ash began again, taking one step forward, but another sharp glare was all it took to stop him.

"Get inside, now!" The man snapped, and then without another word he turned, rushing off to rejoin the fray.

Ash watched the man go, unreadable expression on his face. Charizards were one of the most dangerous dragons known to raid their village– large and powerful creatures with the ability to completely cover themselves in flames. Even the fire elements struggled against their heat, it often taking a group of several aura users to take one on.

But with Aaron the Guardian rushing into the fight, Ash knew that the creature would fall. He was the leader of their clan, the most powerful dragon slayer among them, and one of the few that wielded pure aura. With his Lucario by his side, dragons fled before him in droves. For a moment the chaos across the village seemed to fade, Ash simply watching as the Charizard landed, waiting for its attackers to draw near.

And then for the second time that morning someone grabbed him, a hand seizing him by the back of his shirt, dragging him away.

"B-brock!" Ash stuttered out, twisting to get a look at his assailant as he was pulled away from the shed. "What are–? I can walk– Put me down!"

The man let out a snort. "And what do you think you're doing out here in the middle of a dragon attack? Do you want to get yourself killed?"

Ash tried to pull himself free from Brock's grip, but the man literally had a clamp for a hand– the prosthetic limb not about to be letting him go anytime soon. He stumbled after the man, an Aerodactyl swooping above them, dried meat hanging from its mouth. Brock flashed the creature a dark glare, but made no effort to pursue it as he hauled Ash along. He shoved the teen into one of the few non-burning buildings, at last releasing him.

"Let me go fight!" Ash snapped in frustration as Brock swung the forge door shut behind them.

"You're not supposed to be out there, and you know it," Brock replied, remarkably calm despite the shouts and blasts taking place right outside the door. "But while you're here, you can make yourself useful– I need three aura crystals, now."

Ash gritted his teeth, but stumbled towards the back of the workshop, grabbing the gleaming gems from one of the baskets they were stored in. He held them in his hand for a moment, before closing his eyes. A soft white glow lit his hands, and in turn the gems began to pulse with light. As he opened his eyes he glared down at the glow with distaste, shoving the gems into Brock's hands as he headed back to the man.

Like everyone else in the clan, Brock often doubted him. But unlike everyone else, he didn't treat him like he was useless. Sure, he was just an apprentice to the man, but it wasn't like anyone else would be willing to apprentice him. Brock taught him, didn't talk like he wouldn't understand– so he could at least grudgingly respect the man.

"I can help out there," Ash said in a low voice, gesturing towards the window– just as a Dragon Rage exploded as it collided with the ground. "You need to let me have a chance– I just need to prove myself!"

"Prove what, that you can be carried off like the Mareep?" Brock asked, not looking up from his work. He was prying an aura crystal free from a sword, the older gem having been cracked in the battle. The gems weren't as sturdy as the metal of the swords they were embedded in, but they allowed an aura user to challenge their element into their weapon. A simple, but effective way to help down a dragon.

Aura was a rarer gift among the clan, but those who had it were critical to fending off the dragons. Whether it be fire, water, grass, or electric; the basic elements could completely change the course of the fight. Even if the dragons were able to withstand the force the aura brought, with large enough numbers their resistance wasn't enough. Elements were important, it put them on an even battleground with the dragons.

But while basic elemental aura was powerful, pure aura was even more so. A rare gift, pure aura being able to expand far beyond the basic elements. It could change, adapt, and become another element all together. Only two pure aura users resided within their village, one of them being Chief Aaron.

And the other being Ash himself.

"I have aura, I have a weapon, I have a Pokemon! All I need is one chance–"

"Aura? You can't even form an attack!" Brock scoffed, eyes rising to the counter as a woman stumbled up, dropping a sword into the forge counter. He didn't break stride, sliding a newly fixed aura-axe across to the woman, who snatched up the weapon to charge right back into battle. "You can't even wield a weapon properly– and your Pokemon is still just a hatchling!"

He pulled off the clamp on his prosthetic arm, popping in one that resembled a hammer as he picked up a bent sword. He jerked his head towards the counter as several more people ran up, leaving Ash to collect the battered and dull weapons.

"I don't need to lift a weapon, I have built a launcher that can throw it for me–"

Brock cut him off with a laugh, before signalling to the Pokemon curled up in the corner of the building. The Vulpix leapt up, sending an Incinerate into the forge to start it up. The fire type then leapt onto a wheel next to the grindstone, running across it to get the grindstone to start spinning, allowing Brock to press the dull sword against it. Ash dropped the other dulled weapons next to him as he sharpened the sword, jaw gritted together as he was repeatedly cut off

"Get the extra shields out, we're gonna need them," Brock called, and out the window they could see the mill going up in flames, a triumphant Charizard flying away. "A few quivers of arrows as well, the archers are gonna run low soon."

Brock's predictions were right, as they always were– several men rushing up to the counter, demanding more arrows as soon as Ash dragged them out from the back. He dropped them onto the counter, letting the archers grab them themselves. His frustration was eating away at him, and he allowed himself to drift away into his thoughts as he worked.

He couldn't spend another fight stuck in this forge. If he was going to earn the respect of the village, he needed to be out in the thick of things, not hidden away in a building that could catch fire at any moment. Others his age weren't cowering away! Though they weren't fighting either... But still, even fire management would be worth more than slaving away in here.

He wasn't a child. He could do something more.

His eyes slid to the corner, eyeing the launcher he had made. It had taken him nearly a month to perfect, but it was just the weapon he needed. All he needed was a clear shot, and then he could take down any dragon. He didn't need to lift a sword, nor face down a roaring a dragon– he just needed to fire it. This would be enough, because it didn't matter how he did it, he just needed to kill a dragon– because that was everything around here.

Silence fell across the building as a low hum echoed across the village, the sound building up to almost a screech– a purple burst of energy temporarily lighting up the night sky. Ash froze at the sound, before throwing himself towards the window, staring out in time to watch the watchtower be engulf in the psychic blast, a dark silhouette racing across the sky.

The watchtower had been standing all night despite the many attacks– but it crumpled as the Luster Purge engulfed it. The hum began to build up once more, and Ash wasn't sure if the sound was echoing through his ears or within his mind. All eyes were skyward, even the other attacking dragons pausing to watch where the next blast would strike.

"Latios!" Someone cried. "Get down!"

The next Luster Purge struck the main pavillion, the structure beginning to sag as it was hit. Ash's breath was caught in his throat, not believing his luck as he watched the shape race away through the sky, briefly blocking out the stars at it flew.

The Latios was here– the Latios was here right now.

"Ash," A voice said behind him, and he glanced over his shoulder in time to see Brock switching out another prosthetic. "Keep the weapons coming, we're going to need them. But if a Latios is here, then they'll need me out there," He headed towards the door, before pausing. "You. Stay here. Got it?"

Ash regarded him, before giving the smallest of nods. He didn't like lying, especially to the one person that seemed to put any ounce of hope in him, but he'd get no where otherwise. Brock watched him for a moment longer, before rushing out to join the fight. Ash held his breath, waiting to make sure that he was truly gone. He then glanced around the forge, heart racing.

No one was here to stop him.

Ash dragged a few swords over to the counter, laying out the weapons in case someone did come by– then he bolted straight for his launcher. He wheeled it towards the door, heart thundering in his chest as he racing back into the outdoors. He ran along the worn path, weaving between several people heading towards the forge. He knew he should be there, sharpening weapons or something... but he wasn't wasting this chance.

In his pocket Pichu trembled, but that did nothing to slow Ash down. He needed to get to the edge of the village, away from the fighting and the fire. He needed a clear shot, he was only going to get one chance at this, he needed a clear shot.

The launcher unfolded as he came to a stop on a small hill, each moment of him setting it up feeling like an eternity. He pulled the machine taunt, double check to make sure it was loaded, before locking it into place. As soon as he pressed the release button the bola of ropes and blades would be flying through the air, entangling whatever was flying above. He carefully adjusted the aim, eyes glued to the stars.

He just needed to see the faint silhouette, then he would need to fire. It wouldn't be an easy shot, but if he had this he'd be able to down a Latios. The dragon then wouldn't be able to flee, wouldn't be able to hide, and then he could kill it. Slay the dragon that no one in the village had ever dared to fight. Of all the dragons he could kill, he knew that this would be the one that would truly get him accepted, the one to prove beyond a doubt that he was one of them.

The Latios was the most powerful dragon that attacked their village, but yet it was one they knew little about. It was the unholy offspring of Zekrom and Yveltal itself, never stealing food, never showing itself, and...

Another hum filled the air and the their minds once more– building up to a whirling screech as the Latios dove down– another powerful Luster Purge blasting the pavilion.

...And never misses.

Shivers ran through him and the roof of the pavilion caved in, and Ash hoped no one had been inside. His eyes were immediately drawn to the sky, searching for the one sign of the powerful beast. He took in a sharp breath as he saw a sleek silhouette blocking out the stars as it swept through the sky– before vanishing from sight. His eyes swept the sky, wondering if he had imagined it. Still his hand tightened around the release button, eyes carefully scanning the dark sky above him.

And once again he saw it, the unmistakable shape of a dragon flying overhead, blocking out the stars– and it was swooping in his direction. Ash found himself letting out a grasp as it rushed in his direction, hands tightening– and firing the launcher the same moment the dragon swept above him. His launcher snapped and jerked, the force of the release knocking him to the ground, a mass of ropes being launched up into the sky, the whirling as it rushed through the air.

A screech– this one of pain from the dragon– filled his ears moments later. Ash's eyes widened as his gaze locked on the blur, watching as the dragon fell from its flight, plummeting down towards the forest. He couldn't believe his eyes as he watched it crash in the distance, realizing that he had done it.

"I... I hit it," Ash said in disbelief. "I hit it... I hit the Latios– did anyone see that?!"

Pichu was still cowering away in his pocket, and the rest of the clan was still defending the village, leaving Ash alone of the hilltop. He didn't care though, the excitement pulsing through him. He had actually hit the Latios, and not just hit it, but had done enough damage to pull it from its flight! It would be tangled in the bola, hooks and blades keeping it from breaking free. If the fall hadn't killed it, then it would be free game for him to finish off.

A glow began to fill the hill, causing the young boy to pause from his celebration. He slowly turned, and found a huge orange shape crawling up from the other side of the hill. A large red flame was burning at the end of its tail– a second Charizard apparently had come to join the raid. Ash stared up as it craned its large head above him, silvery eyes locked right on him. He felt Pichu quivering in his pocket, and the knife on his belt suddenly felt like a needle.

"Yep..." Ash muttered, stumbling back a bit as the creature stepped forward. "Time to run."

The Charizard opened its jaws, a Flamethrower forming in the back of his throat– and Ash took off racing down the hill. There was no dignity in his run, arms thrown above his head, a cry in his throat. He had nothing to take on this dragon, and his only hope was for several warriors to come to his aid. The Charizard was running after him, not even bothering to fly, just jaws snapping behind him. There was a gleam in its eyes as it pursued the small human, rumble in its throat as it chased after him.

"Chuuuuu!" Pichu screamed from within Ash's shirt pocket, coppery eyes wide and teary as they ran into the village.

Ash darted around the building, hoping that the monstrous Charizard would decide the Mareep running about would look tastier. But its long neck craned around the building, head bumping against Ash as it let out a rumble, as if trying to tell him he had been found. If that wasn't obvious enough. With a yelp Ash scrambled back, but another swing of the creatures head knocked him to the ground. It pulled itself around the building, rearing up onto its hind legs. Ash looked at those opening jaws, realizing those would be the last thing he ever saw.

An orb of blue light hit the Charizard in the face, sending the dragon stumbling back. A man jumped in front of Ash, a long staff in hand, the crystal on the end glowing with aura. Relief and fear ran through him as he looked up at Aaron, who had sent another Aura Sphere flying at the Charizard. It let out a snarl, falling onto all fours, tossing its head unhappily. It glowered at Aaron– before attempting to send a Flamethrower at him.

A few stray embers flew out of his mouth instead, and the Charizard froze up as Aaron smirked.

"Heh, all out of flames? He's all yours, Lucario," Aaron said– and a blue figure leapt onto the Charizard's back.

It let out a roar, neck twisting as the Lucario slashed at the dragon with twin Metal Claws. The dragon was large and towering, but the canine was swifter. He slipped off of the Charizard's back as its jaws snapped at him, a Bone Rush forming that he slammed up into the lizard's gut. Despite its swift movements, it alone would not be enough to take out the Charizard, but he wouldn't be alone for long.

The sun was beginning to peak over the horizon, and the dragons were starting to take to the sky. The remaining clans members were swiftly hurrying towards the second Charizard, their Pokemon leaping in to join the fight. Some humans added their blasts of aura, while several others raised their weapons.

"Don't kill it," Aaron said, holding up his hand to stop them. He glared down at the pinned Charizard, who was attempting to escape as several other Pokemon held it down or were blasting it with attacks. Blood was pouring from its wounds, pained gasped coming from it. "I think I want this one in the arena. Secure it."

The building next to them suddenly collapsed, having taken too many blasts in the fight. Cinders and splinters were sent flying as it caved in on itself, and the Charizard let out a long call as a rope was bound across his muzzle. It thrashed, but with the damage it had taken it wasn't hard to the Pokemon and humans to overwhelm the struggling dragon. Ash watched it with a neutral expression, the creature's eyes flicking about.

Aaron then turned to face Ash, his gaze narrowed and cold.

"Heh... Hi, Father..." Ash said weakly.

"Antagonizing a Charizard?" He asked slowly, frustration in his gaze. "Do you realize how easily that thing could have killed you?"

"Hence why I was running," He muttered under his breath.

"Why can't you follow the simplest of orders?" He snapped, fingers pressed against his brow. "I don't have time to deal with this, winter is almost here, and I have an entire village to feed!"

"Well, um, if it's any help, I shot down a Latios."

He tried not to cringe as he heard a series of laughs escape the crowd, though a glare from Aaron silenced them. Of course they didn't believe him, why should they believe them? Heck, he barely believed he had done it himself!

"I had a clear shot, it was basically circling over head, it went down past Murkrow's Point," Ash began, knowing he couldn't let himself faulter, but before he could finish Aaron grabbed him by the shoulder. He stumbled a few steps, attempting to keep up with his father as he was dragged away. After a moment he shoved him towards the south, where the remains of their home could be seen in the early morning light.

"I don't have time for tall tales," Aaron growled. "Go home, I'll deal with you later. Brock, make sure he gets there. The rest of you, help me move this Charizard before it's able to torch something."

Brock placed his hand– his real hand– on his shoulder, though the action wasn't gentle. He steered Ash away from the gathering village, whose focus was swiftly turning to the Charizard, who was starting to thrash. He gritted his teeth together, eyes locked on the ground. He had hit the Latios, but of course no one was listening. They'd regret that later once he brought back proof, once he was able to show them that he had done the one thing they never could.

"Nice going Ashy-boy," A familiar voice chuckled. "I've never seen anyone mess up that badly."

Ash shot a glare at a Gary– the grandson of the elder. He tossed his head, smirking at Ash as he passed. Gary was one of the few members of the clan his age, and for as long as he could remember he had been harassing him. Gary cracked some other joke, earning a laugh from the twins, May and Max. He quickly returned his gaze to the ground, reminding himself that as soon as he could get into the woods and get the Latios, he'd be the one laughing.


"So, another search for the nest, huh?" Brock asked as the village began to exit the dining hall– one of the few structures that had survived the dragon attack. Though a section of roof would need to be replaced, the reinforced stone walls had yet to fail them.

"What other choice do we have?" Aaron asked, pacing the length of the table Brock sat at. "Winter will set in within a few months– and food will become even more scarce, and we'll be dealing with even more attacks!" He paused, breathing slightly heavy. "We find the nest, destroy it, and the dragons will leave. It's so simple."

"Except for no one has ever found it," Brock finished, taking a long drink. "But I know that won't deter you, so I might as well go and start packing."

Aaron snorted. "You're not coming, I want you manning the arena. Train the new recruits– we'll be needing them in the ranks by next spring."

"Ah, yes. I'll be teaching the young ones, you'll be off and your little voyage, and Ash can be alone in the forge," Brock said with a nod. "Time to himself, as if he doesn't have enough of that already– what could possibly go wrong?"

"...What I am going to do with that boy?" Aaron muttered, sinking down into the seat next to Brock.

"You could put him in training, with the others."

Aaron rolled his eyes. "Lovely. He'd be dead before you even let the first dragon out of its cage."

"You don't know that," Brock replied, taking a long drink.

"Yes, I do, actually."

"No, you don't," Brock said, jabbing at Aaron with his metal arm. "What do you plan to do, lock him up forever? That won't protect him, Aaron. He's going to get out again, and without training that will just put him in even more danger. If you would let him have the opportunity to at least gain some basic skills it would protect him more than what you're doing now," He sighed. "Besides, the kid wants this, and when's the last time you've given him something he wants?"

"When he decided to have that little rodent to be his battling companion," Aaron glanced at his Lucario, who was waiting silently in the corner. "An electric type was the last thing he needed– he's a wielder of pure aura! His auratic energy is able to bend to any of the elements– but he chooses a basic to be his companion!"

"Give it time. Delia's aura wasn't adapted either, and she was an adult," Clement said, causing Aaron to stiffened up as the name passed by his lips. The blue haired man glared back at him, anger flashing across his features– though his eyes only looked sorrowful.

"You know, my father warned me before I married," Aaron said softly after a moment. "Holder of pure aura or not, he told me that marrying Delia would give me weak children– and he was right."

Brock's eyes widened slightly, staring at Aaron as he said this. The man's expression was completely serious, unreadable to even his close friend. "Aaron... that's your family you're speaking of. You loved– you love them!"

"I didn't say I didn't love them," He replied. "I was simply stating that Ash is not powerful. His aura will never adapt as a pure aura should, and I doubt he'll ever be able to properly attack with it."

"There are plenty of warriors in our clan that can't use aura– by Zekrom's wings, even I can't use aura," Brock said. "And we fight just as well as the rest of you, so why not Ash? Why not give him a chance, Aaron?"

"He doesn't listen, he keeps throwing himself in danger, making up stories! I tell him to stay, and then he goes hunting for Mews!"

"Mews exist!" Brock exclaimed– earning a sigh from Aaron.

"...When I was a boy, I knew exactly what I could do, who I was supposed to become. My father was able to guide me, show me how to take his place as chief, there was never a moment of doubt of what I could do. He showed me how to wield my aura, how to protect this village." He looked up at Brock, blue eyes clouded. "Ash is not that boy."

"He's a good kid, Aaron, and he'd do anything for you– all he needs a chance. No wonder he keeps making up stories, keeps sneaking off. I'm sure all he wants is a moment of attention."

"...I am the Chief. The village must be my priority. It was the same with my father, and it will be the same with Ash and his children."

"So you never spend any time with your father?"

He scowled, waving an arm about as he spoke. "Of course he did. He took me hunting, taught me how to fight dragons, he–"

Brock pinned Aaron's arm down to the table with his fake limb. "Then let Ash learn to fight as well. If you intend on him taking your place one day, then you must prepare him. He's like his mother, Aaron, he's a smart boy. And it'll surprise you what that can do to make up for what he's lacking."

"That's what worries me. If he's so much like Delia... I just don't want him to meet her fate."

Silence fell between them.

"If he can fight, then he can defend himself," Brock said, and then he pushed himself to his feet. "Tell Ash to join me and the rest of the students in the arena tomorrow for dragon training, alright?"

"Brock..."

"Alright?"

Aaron sighed. "...Fine. But I want him back with all limbs attached."

Brock grinned, letting Aaron's arm up. "You got it, Chief."

Aaron watched the man leave, before letting out a long sigh, burying his head into his hands. He had a voyage to prepare for, but right now his mind was only on his son. He tried to reason with himself that Ash would be alright. Even if he didn't properly know how to use his aura he could still fight, many men in his village both fought dragons and lacked aura powers. But those men were like mountains of muscle, able to make up for their lack of powers with brute force– something that Ash most certainly didn't have.

"Lu?" A voice asked, and Aaron looked up to see his loyal Lucario by his side. With a smile he reached out to pet the Pokemon, hands running through its blue fur. When he was a child he and Lucario had set off side by side, his pure aura soon adapting to the same metallic element that the canine possessed. His dark hair had taken on a blue sheen to reflect his aura abilities, his powers only growing from there.

But despite approaching his sixteen year, his son was nothing like him. His hair was still jet black, his stature lanky. He was stubborn, almost rebellious at times, and seemed to seek out danger. Aaron drummed his fingers against the table, thinking on what he had just agreed to with Brock. Ash wanted to fight dragons, and so perhaps if he finally gave in he would stop seeking out the beasts in his vain attempts to prove himself.

Aaron shivered, remembering the jaws of the Charizard reaching out towards his son. If he had only been a few seconds slower, Ash could have died. Right in front of him, torn in half when he was supposed to be inside and safe, away from the danger.

He shivered as he remembered Delia's cries to him as she was carried off in the claws of a Flygon, him trapped helplessly on the ground a crying baby in his arms, unable to reach his wife.

"Gah!" Aaron snarled, throwing Brock's mug across the room, shoving the memories from his mind. It was in the past, it was all in the past... Ash was okay now, and the Charizard was bound and locked up. In just a short time he would get to watch the top recruit kill the monster in front of the village– slay the beast that had nearly murdered his son. And Delia, his sweet, beautiful Delia... she was long gone. His heart ached everytime he thought about her, but he couldn't keep living in the past.

Tomorrow he would be setting sail to search for the nest once more. And once he destroyed it, once he had killed every dragon on this island, her soul could finally be at rest.

"Come on, Lucario," Aaron said, pushing himself to his feet, adjusting his hat. "Let's go find Ash and give him the news– I'm sure he'll be anywhere but home."


"Sure, some people misplace a button, or maybe a mug," Ash muttered as he made his way along the worn forest trail. "But then there's me– who somehow manages to lose an entire dragon!"

"Chaaa," Pichu yawned, the small yellow mouse currently resting on his head. He looked exhausted, having been up since early this morning, and now he was being forced to wander through the woods.

"We've gotta find it," Ash said, eyes scanning the shadows and underbrush around them, looking for some sign of the dragon.

Had he miscalculated where it had crashed? Too caught up in the moment to truly realize where it had landed? No, it had to be in here– this forest was huge, and there was plenty still left to search. He increased his speed, forcing himself to cover more ground. It wouldn't be long until someone would notice he was gone, and come in search of him.

And by someone, that would of course be Aaron.

Ash paused for a moment, biting his lower lip. If he didn't live in the same house as the man, he probably wouldn't even know that he was his father. They barely made eye contact, and if they 'talked' it was just him listening to orders. Ash was well aware that he was just a burden to the household, and in his father's eyes just another member of the village– someone he had to take care of, just like everyone else.

"See anything, Pichu?" Ash asked quietly, trying to pull himself from his thoughts, but he got no response. He reached up, grabbing the little mouse from off of his head, and found the little guy asleep in the palm of his hand. He faintly smiled, before stashing him away into his favorite pocket. "That's okay, I'll just keep looking."

Somewhere in these woods was his Latios, and his key to a new life.

And once again Ash set off, this time starting to stray from the path– weaving back and forth in his search. He tried to ignore the sun as it sank lower in the sky, trying to keep his mind off of the pressure on his shoulders. All he needed was the Latios, that was all that mattered. He knew it was here, so he had to find it.

He came across a herd of Deerling, several nesting Pidgeys, and a fleeing Nidoran– but not one dragon. This was both good and bad, since he had no way to deal with an attacking dragon, but it only meant he still hadn't found his Latios. He ignored his rumbling stomach and his parched throat, just taking putting one foot forward. Eventually Pichu woke up, the mouse sticking its head out of the pocket, ears drooped.

"Chu?" Pichu said after a moment, nose twitching. Ash pulled to a stop, looking at the mouse, before looking around in search of the scent he had caught. Were they being followed? Hunted? The last thing he needed was a Sceptile leaping down from the trees and gutting him with a Leaf Blade. His eyes scanned the treetops, before widening.

Broken branches and boughs, leaves torn off from the stem. Ash took a step back, trying to get a better view of what he was seeing. There was a gash in the canopy, the late afternoon sun shining down through the opening. It was as if something had sent a blast up through the trees.

Or something had come crashing down from the sky.

His breath caught up in his throat, and swiftly he began to scan the ground, looking for any sign of the dragon. Pichu immediately retreated into the pocket as Ash hiked into the undergrowth. A flash of color caught his eye, and Ash reached out, picking up a blue feather. He turned it over in his hands– much to large to be from an ordinary bird Pokemon, and the bright cobalt blue was unlike anything he had seen before.

And the base of the feather was coated in red blood.

Ash again turned his gaze skywards, trying to figure out what angle the creature must had come crashing down. As he looked around he began to notice more blue feathers tangled in the branches and littered across the ground. There was a faint coppery scent in the air, one that Ash tried to ignore.

"East..." He muttered, following the trail. "Crashed in from the west, so it should be east..."

East of the trail dropped off onto a small hill, one covered with underbrush and more trees. It wasn't too deep though, and Ash made his way over to the edge. Excitement raced through him when he saw the crushed plant life– like something had slid right down the hill. Roots and dirt had been scraped up, showing it wasn't just a large Pokemon moving though. He carefully made his way down the hill, eyes locked straight ahead. It couldn't be far now, it couldn't be far now...

The trees became thicker the farther down he went, and there he found more snagged feathers. Several of the trees had parts of their bark stripped from them, some gashed so deep that they were bleeding sap. At the bottom of the hill Ash found a tree that had been snapped in half– and it was completely covered in blood. He felt bile rising in his throat, carefully making his way around it. He leaned up against around tree, peering up ahead.

He felt his blood turning to ice when he saw a large, blue silhouette laying in the shadows.


When I first thought of this idea I was originally going to have Toothless be a shiny Charizard. Ash has a Charizard, it's an awesome Pokemon, and it has a matching color scheme to Toothless. After some thought, I eventually started to lean towards a Latios instead. As a legendary it fits the whole "rare, powerful, and never seen vibe", but it's not like some other legendary dragons that are more like deities. Also as I began to create my own original ideas for this story, a Latios just simply became a lot more fitting.