Ash, Dawn, and Hailey were all at the Village of Dragons to see Iris named as the new Dragon Mistress. (All is made up the title and the training.) It was a title Iris had worked for her entire life and one that she had trained for. To do it she had to be given the chance to undergo a very special training that lasted for at the most two years. She had to pass it to and most failed.
Iris was given the chance and she passed the training. She completed her training in 15 months which was a record. She first had to prove that she was capable of doing it. During her adventures with Ash it was deemed she proved herself. Also Ash going to bat for her and arguing that she was worthy helped out. She did not know how much Ash had defended her and spoke up for her or how much that speaking up for her helped her.
Iris was nervous very nervous and not that she was being named Dragon Mistress. No the reason for her nervousness was that her brother Ash had responded via mail that he was coming but he did not call her or contact her at all. For all she knew he was dead. Now some of the readers may be upset at Iris for not being there to support her bother in his darkest hour but hold off on judging her for a few moments please. Things are not always as they seem as the old saying goes.
If she knew her brother was in trouble and needed her help she would have flown over to help him. She knew that he would and had done the same for her and for all the ones he called friends. Careful readers would note the words if she knew and guess correctly that Iris did not know. However I will not tell you all that now I will wait for Iris herself to tell you all that shortly. Till then let us get back t the main story.
Iris was waiting for her brother since she refused to start without him being there. Without his encouragement she never would have gone though with the training. She finally finds him with Dawn and a little girl. She goes over to hug him but stops when a shiny Ninetails shoots fire at her. Flame had missed on purpose she was sending a warning and nothing more. Next time Flame would not miss. Ash calls out Gardevoir.
Iris is stunned by this. She is stunned by the coldness coming from her brother. She is stunned by the coldness of her friend Dawn. She is stunned by the little girl holding onto Ash. Lastly she is stunned by the Ninetails wanting to attack her and still in attack stance waiting to attack. Iris knew one wrong move and she was dead.
"Why did you not support me Iris? Where were you when I was on trail?" Ash asked softly but it was a deadly and cold softness one that would strike fear into the heart of anyone.
"What trail?" Iris almost shouted.
"She does not know of your trial. I will let her tell you the rest." Gardevoir said with shock and a lot of happiness knowing that her friend was not betrayed by someone he trusted.
"What trial?" Iris asked once more. So Ash told her and Iris was furious beyond it to be honest.
"I had no idea." Iris said and she then turned to the Elder.
"Why did you not tell me?" Iris said.
"I did not feel it was important enough to stop your training." The Elder said. Iris was even more furious at this then before.
"Not important my brother was put on trail and it could have resulted in his death and he asked for my help and you did not think it was important enough." Iris nearly screamed. She then turned towards Ash and got one knee in a kneeling position like a knight of old would do.
"I am beyond sorry. Had I known I would have flown there right away. I have been out of touch for the last 15 months. I ask to be told if anything important happened to my friends. It seems my wish was not answered. I need to find someone I can trust to aid me." Iris said.
"My friend she is telling the truth. Do not get mad at her. She is your sister." Gardevoir said. Iris knew she was in the wrong. She may have not known but it was still no excuse. So it was with great relief that Ash asked her to stand up and he hugged her. It was his way of telling her that he forgave her and understood.
"Iris a war is coming." Ash started to say but Iris stopped him.
"I am going to be a Dragon Mistress shortly. I will stand by your side in the coming battles. In the days of old the Dragon Master's and Mistress's would find someone to serve it was usually a King but I will gladly serve you my brother. You are the only one that has my loyalty. You are the only one that is worthy of my loyalty." Iris said.
"Ok now we can explain more after your coronation now go. By the way congratulations you have earned this so enjoy it forget everything else but the ones that got your there and your pokemon." Ash said. Iris smiled and hugged her brother.
"Thanks I am glad you came brother I really needed to hear that." Iris said. Iris said goodbye to her friends and left.
"How do you feel?" Dawn asked.
"Much better now that I have my sister on my side once more." Ash said.
"Daddy can you tell me more about Aunty Iris." Hailey asked so Ash did as they waited for the ceremony to start and Dawn added a thing or two that she knew. Once the ceremony started it lasted for an hour and Iris was given the title of Dragon Mistress the first since Clair. A dragon pin was given to her. It was the shape of a dragon but it was rainbow colored and had one black eye and one white eye. It showed that dragon's were guardians they could be good or evil. It showed that Iris was trusted to be able to wield the power of the dragons and that she understood the importance of the balance of good and evil. Iris went over to Ash and company.
"So Ash I just noticed the little girl that is now hiding behind you. Please tell me who she is and everything." Iris said. Iris saw Ash picked the little girl up and she cuddled up to him.
"Iris this is Hailey she is my daughter I adopted her. Hailey meet Aunty Iris. I also find it funny that you just noticed her now. It seems your observations skills need a little more work. " Ash said. Iris was stunned and Dawn was laughing. Ash told the story.
"Wow you have been busy. What next you have a girlfriend?" Iris said completely ignoring the crack about her lack of observation skills.
"Actually he has six and I am one of the six." Dawn said. She then told the story.
"Ok I guess I can't threaten anyone not to hurt my brother since three are Gym Leaders, one is a Frontier Brain, one is a League Champion and one is a top Coordinator." Iris said. Iris noticed another little girl that seemed to appear out of nowhere. She looked like Hailey expect she had blue hair. She was talking to Ash but Iris could not understand a word.
"Iris is there a private spot the four of us can go to?" Ash asked. Iris led them to a clearing in the woods.
"This is where I did my training. Now what is it you need?" Iris said.
"Ok Iris you must promise not to reveal any of what you see. She trust you which is why you are be given this chance." Ash said. Iris thought it was odd.
"Ok I will not, now what is this chance?" Iris asked.
"The chance to fight one of the most powerful dragon pokemon there is one that is not seen by many. One that only appears to ones she finds worthy." Ash said and in a flash the young girl was gone and Latias was in her place. Iris was stunned this was the legendary dragon pokemon.
"So Iris would you like to battle. Think of it as a test to see how good you are as a Dragon Mistress." Ash said and Iris smiled.
"I am honored but I am not sure I am worthy of battling Latias. She is already powerful enough and with you Ash as her trainer I am guessing she is stronger. So thank you but I should not battle you." Iris said. Latias smiled and turned into a copy of Hailey and hugged Iris.
"She said that on behalf of dragon pokemon everywhere she considers you worthy of the honor of Dragon Mistress." Ash said. Latias transformed to her pokemon form and took off a scale and then handed it to Iris. She then transformed back to a girl.
"Iris she said this scale you should wear it around your neck it will let all dragon pokemon know you are a true Dragon Mistress and they you have earned the respect of Latias. She also says you are the first to be deemed worthy in a long time. The last was an ancestor or yours." Ash said. Latias turned back and Ash called her back at her request.
"Ash can you understand pokemon?" Iris asked and Ash nodded.
"Is there any way I can learn?" Iris asked.
"Yes but I am not a good teacher. I know one that is better at it than me." Ash said.
"It will not be easy but it is worth it. Also I am the newest Frontier Brian, The Grand Battle Master." Ash said.
"That sounds really cool how did you come up with that?" Iris asked.
"Hailey gave me the idea and everyone agreed with it. I figured seven women know better than me." Ash said.
"Yep so true." Dawn said. On the inside she was happy to see that Ash trusted her. She could read his heart and she knew he did.
"So what are your plans?" Iris asked.
"Well tonight the three of us are going to the Carnival?" Ash said.
"Why not let me watch Hailey and you and Dawn can enjoy some time alone." Iris asked and Ash and Dawn smiled.
"I really appreciate that but I promised I would take Hailey." Ash said.
"It is ok Daddy I don't mind going with Auntie Iris." Hailey said. Ash called out Serperior and Flame was already out and so was Gardevoir.
"Sorry but my pokemon are all protective of Hailey." Ash said. Iris nodded that she understood. Hailey had called out Spark who was on her shoulder now.
"Ok you can go but listen to Auntie Iris and everyone else ok." Ash said to his daughter. He handed her some money to enjoy the carnival with.
"Ok I will daddy have fun you to Auntie Dawn." Hailey said and she ran off with Iris. Hailey had taken to calling her dad's girlfriends aunties until her daddy married them then she would call them all mom or mommy which everyone felt right at the time.
"So little one tell me about yourself and what do you want to do? Also are you sure you do not want to spend time with your daddy here?" Iris said.
"I do but I think you are fun to. Plus daddy has given me so much I need him to find love and happiness." Hailey said and Iris marveled at how mature and bright this young girl was.
"Ok we will give them a little while and then you will go and spend time with your father." Iris said.
"He thinks that is a great idea." Gardevoir said. Iris was shocked that should could understand the pokemon.
"I am using my powers. I have placed the knowledge of the poke language in your head you will have to learn the rest on your own and it will take time. Your pokemon will be easier to understand due to the bond that you have with them." Gardevoir said. The group went to play at the carnival.
Meanwhile Ash and Dawn were enjoying the carnival just having fun. They were holding hands and Dawn was happy about this. She had fallen in love with Ash a long time ago in fact a few weeks after she met him. They went on a few rides and had some food. They loved the merry go round riding the different pokemon. Right now they were on the tunnel of love.
Dawn had her head on Ash's shoulder and Ash had his arm warped around her stomach holding her close to him. Both Dawn and Ash thought this was perfect. After that they got a snack which was cotton candy and a hot dog. After they rode the Ferris wheel and Dawn used his shoulder as a pillow once more. Ash rubbed circles in her hand the whole time. They just had fun and it was a great feeling. They went to play games afterwards.
They did the knocking a stack of bottles down with a ball. There were five stacks to knock down with seven balls. Dawn could not seem to win and she had tired at least five times. On the fifth try she had knocked down three stacks but could not get anymore and that was the most she hit.
Ash being the good boyfriend he was attempted to do it. On the first try he failed and got only one stack down. On the second try he also failed but he got better and was able to hit three stacks. It was on the third try he had figured it out and won. Dawn got the stuffer pokemon toy she wanted so she was happy. It became her most prized precession and she never let it go. Dawn smiled a happy smile. She sadly had a contest to do in the next two days so she had to go. She kissed Ash.
"I love you and thanks for everything. Now go and get Hailey. See you in a few days." Dawn teleported away and Ash went to find his daughter and sister. He found them playing a game that Iris lost and Hailey won. It was the ball toss game. Hailey had won a little ninetails plushy.
"Hailey let us not tell your daddy that or else I will never live it down." Iris said.
"Sorry Iris but I saw it." Ash said with a smirk. Iris groaned at that.
"Don't worry sis I will not make fun of you. Some people are good at some things and not good at others nothing to be ashamed at." Ash said. Hailey ran over to Ash and asked to be picked up. So Ash gladly did pick her up.
"How was your date Daddy?" Hailey asked.
"It was a lot of fun. So is there anything you want to do." Ash asked. They heard an announcement.
"Parent and children tag battle tournament." A random voice form out of the blue said.
"Can we do that daddy? Can we use Flame and Spark?" Hailey asked.
"Even if we lose it will be fun." Hailey said. Ash looked at the two pokemon in question.
"Yes I am in. I am always looking for a battle. It is a problem I have I guess. " Flame said.
"Me to." Spark said.
So Ash, Hailey, Flame and Spark went to sign up. The tournament was 32 teams in all. Iris sat in the stands to cheer her brother and niece on. She did not know who would win. Figuring Ash would want this she pulled out her camera and started recording the battles. Down on the stage Ash was speaking to his daughter.
"It does not matter if we win or lose. All that matters is that we have fun." Ash said.
"Ok Daddy let us go." Hailey said. Ash held up his pokedex.
"Spark, knows tail whip, tackle, growl, ember, head butt, iron tail, scratch, and dig." Ash said to his daughter. He also made a note he needed to get her a pokedex.
"Ok we can do this daddy." Hailey said.
"Mommy I am nervous." Spark said.
"It is ok Spark you do not have to fight." Flame said.
"I want to fight but it is my first battle." Spark said.
"What if I mess up and she hates me?" Spark asked. She felt Hailey pick her up and cuddle with her.
"I will never hate you Spark you are my friend." Hailey said.
"If you do not want to fight I will not ask you to fight." Hailey added.
"No I want to fight." Spark said.
"Don't forget this is my first battle to and I am fighting with my daddy one of the strongest there is." Hailey said.
"Yep we were right she is like you." Flame said.
"Agreed I am already proud of her now let us battle with our daughters." Ash said.
The first match was Ash and Hailey battling a father and son pair. The father had a Blastoise and the son had a Feraligatr.
"This will be easy dad." The son said.
"Agreed we have the advantage and they look weak." The father said.
"Type advantage does not almost mean an easy win." Hailey said and Ash smiled.
"I could not have said is better myself." Ash said. The battle started.
"Hydro cannon." Both father and son shouted.
"Underground." Ash and Hailey said calmly. Hailey had learned quickly to be claim in battle. The attacks missed.
"Ok Hailey you need to analyze the attacks and the pokemon tell me what you can gather but you need to be fast. Sometimes you will have only a second to gather the data." Ash said.
"Both are big and strong, they have power but not speed." Hailey said.
"Good one more thing to add, Flame head butt on Blastoise." Flame jumped out and hit Blastoise hard with her head sending him flying into the dirt. Blastoise was able to get up but he was not doing well one more attack like that and he was down.
"They have little defense any lower and Blastoise would have been defeated." Ash said.
"Spark head butt as well on Blastoise." Hailey said. Spark jumped out and hit Blastoise. Spark was nowhere near as strong as her mom but she was able to hit Blastoise hard enough to knock him out. The father was stunned.
"I am sorry for my words." He looked to the ref and spoke.
"We give in. They are just too good." He said.
"Dad I can still win." The son said.
"No son you can't. The ninetials was holding back we have no chance." The father said.
"Ladies and gentlemen after just two attacks the first battle is done. I am really looking forward to the upcoming battles. " The announcer said. The battles raged on and a lot of fun was had by the contestants. Ash, Hailey, Flame and Spark were too good. It came down to the final battle. Ash and Hailey vs a mother and her daughter. The mother had long curly red hair and hazel eyes and the daughter was a near clone. The mother was Kana and the daughter was Rose. Kana had an Arcanine and Rose had a Growlithe. Kana winks at Ash but Ash ignores her.
"Daddy what was she doing?" Hailey asked.
"She was trying to distract me with how she looks." Ash said.
"The aunties are much prettier than her." Hailey said.
"I agree." Ash said. Kana smiled.
"It seems I have found a real challenge. This should be fun. Lets' make it more interesting adults vs kids." Kana said. Ash looked at Hailey, Flame and Spark all nodded that they agreed. The announcer came on and spoke.
"It is the final battle of the tournament between Ash and Hailey Ketchum and Kana and Rose Smith. Let the battle begin." The announcer said. Spark and Growlithe stood off facing each other and both were smirking, both pokemon knew this would be fun.
"Ember" both girls called out. Both fire canines shot the fire attacks at each other. The met in the middle and canceled each other out.
"Spark use scratch." Hailey called.
"Growlithe dodge and use bite." Rose said. Now the scratch hit but so did the bite and both pokemon took damage.
"Spark iron tail quickly." Hailey said. The attack made contact before Growlithe could dodge. It was a pretty serious hit.
"Use head butt Growlithe." Rose said and Spark not expecting an attack so soon took it head on. Both pokemon were tired.
"Iron tail." Hailey called.
"Headbutt." Rose called. Both attacks hit and both pokemon fell to the ground with swirls in there eyes. Hailey ran out to get Spark and Rose did the same.
"I am sorry." Spark said.
"Don't be you did wonderfully." Hailey said. Ash had handed her a max potion. He handed one to Rose as well. Both pokemon and humans returned to their sides.
"That was fun lets be friends." Rose said. Hailey smiled.
"I agree that was fun and yes let us be friends." Hailey said. The two girls shock hands.
"I must say that was good now it is our turn." Kana said.
"I agree are you ready Kana." Ash asked.
"Yes I am Ash now let us go at it." Kana said.
"Arcanine use fire blast." Kana said.
"Flame use fire blast as well." Ash said the two attacks meet in the middle and a huge explosion occurred. Neither pokemon was hurt. Both pokemon were females and both were smirking. Both had been looking for a real fight.
"Metal Claw." Both Ash and Kana shouted. The claws struck each other once more canceling each other out.
"Flame underground." Ash called. Kana smirked.
"Arcanine fire blast in the hole." Kana said and she was smirking thinking she had won. However she stopped when she saw a smirk on Ash's face.
"Now Flame head butt." Flame burst from the ground and hit Arcanie with a fully powered head butt. Also the fire blast hit Arcanine and hit her hard. She took a lot of damage in a few short seconds. She got up on shaky legs and got ready to strike.
"Flame iron tail." Ash called.
"Arcanine use fire blast." Kana called the fire attack was sent at Flame who dodged it and smashed her foe with the iron tail. Arcanine fell to the ground with swirls in her eyes. Kana rushed to her friend's side. Ash handed her a max potion. He also used one on Flame.
"Arcanine is unable to battle Flame is the winner. The winners of the tournament are Ash and Hailey Ketchum." A referee called. He handed Hailey a medal. Hailey was happy she had gained a new friend and earned a medal and her daddy's respect. She had her first battle and tournament. Sadly things were about to get bad.
An explosion was heard and the ferris wheel was hit with a missile. Thankfully no one was on it since it was closed due to the tournament but it was still destroyed. Ash looked over and saw a sight that made him mad. It was Team Rocket, the remaining five hundred of the once fifty thousand strong force some had rockets launcher which is what hit the ferries wheel and leading them was none other than Giovanni.
Cliff hanger