AN: Hey everyone! SUPER SORRY for the long wait. Turns out, I have never planned a war before! (Who knew?) So I had to do some research on it in the form of countless action movies and watching others play video games without playing any so I could study attack patterns. So rough. BUT I bring you another massive chapter of awesomeness. Probably only have 2 chapters or so left. Such a long journey it has been!

Super excited about this chapter. I've had this in mind since I can up with the idea for this story. The driving force behind it all! All thanks to listening to Rise by Skillet on repeat. If you haven't heard it before, strongly suggest you should listen to it! So badass!

Chapter Warnings: Language, little dark but not that bad

Pairing: Ash x Gary

Chapter 41 - Rise

Silence reigns for several seconds after the Draconid hits the floor. Just several seconds of quiet as the shock of what they all just heard settles into their minds. Several seconds until complete chaos erupts.

Ash and Gary stand awkwardly in the middle of the Council Hall. Not sure what to do as people begin to rush around them.

The Elders call out orders over the mayhem. Barely decipherable as the other clansmen rush around the marble flooring. A number of Draconids rushing in from the side doors at the sound of the raised voices. Immediately picking out the shouted orders as they rush off to do the Elders' bidding.

"Get Professor Ivy! He's lost too much blood already!"

"Get a message out to Heath! We need him to infiltrate Celadon and see if what he said is true!"

"Send out the alarm signal! Get everyone back to base ASAP! We need to ready the mountain for an attack!"

"The Aerials must set up watch around the mountain! We need eyes in the sky for any advance troops staking Mt. Silver!"

"Where are those Gym Leaders? We need to plan a counter-attack!"

Ash stands frozen next to his partner. Their dragons float above them. Out of the way to avoid accidentally squishing any humans in the confusion.

They step aside as Alli drags two chairs between the two long rows of thrones. Perhaps the same chairs that he and Gary sat in just a few months ago when they first met the Elders of the Draconid clan.

Her red hair, contained by a long braid down the center of her back, whips around as she turns. Almost smacking him in the face as she sprints off to complete another random task being shouted at her.

A commotion near the entrance to the Hall draws his gaze. Misty and Surge are following a Rider Ash is not familiar with. One that must've arrived just recently to celebrate his and Gary's induction into the clan.

In fact, if not for the long silver hair held up in a high ponytail, Ash would've sworn that Aidan just walked in. The man appears to have the same pale, defined features, dark green eyes, and confident stride. Almost like a carbon copy of the Ruby Elder.

Almost. His eyes are just a shade darker. His gait just a tad more fluid and graceful. His ears tapering slightly into a point. His nails long and pointed. Like claws.

Wait...what?

It's unnerving. One Aidan is hard enough to deal with. Now there was another one? The thought gives him goosebumps. And not in a pleasant way. Especially with this man looking like some kind of demon.

No. Not a demon. A Rider. Ash reminds himself as his gaze finally drops from the man's eyes. He can see easily make out his Rider mark. Two dark green slashes on each cheek. Starting thick at his ear and cutting horizontally across his cheekbones. Finally ending in tapered points below the center of his eyes.

"Brother! You've returned!" The exuberant call disrupts the shivers running down Ash's spine. He turns to watch Aidan bound towards the new Rider and embrace him in a tight hug. The man, Aidan's older brother apparently, just pats the Elder's back with one hand awkwardly until Aidan lets him go. For once, a genuine smile on the youngest Elder's face instead of his usual playful mask.

Any further words they speak to each other is lost to the cacophony of voices as his attention is pulled to the two gym leaders standing in front of him. To his growing confusion, they both bend at the waist as they slip seamlessly into a bow. Eyes focusing on the marble flooring between them.

"My apologies, Your Highness." Surge begins. Placing extra emphasis on the title that Ash can only assume was said with a giant smirk on the soldier's face. Teasing him about his newly acquired title to make Ash even more uncomfortable about it than he already is. "But I do believe that these lowly fold-up chairs are our seats. Your thrones are up there. And if my opinion has any merit, you should take control of this before they waste any more time squabbling. You two, of all people, know we need every second to prepare for what's coming."

Ash opens his mouth to retort but the words freeze in his throat as he catches the blond gym leader's eyes. Not a hint of the merriment Ash thought he picked up earlier is there. The soldier's brown orbs are hard and fierce.

If Lt. Surge is completely serious right now then it has to be true. He would know if the raid actually happened or not. The League is coming and we have to prepare NOW. Gary and I have the knowledge they need since they raised us. We need to take control of this while we still have time.

Taking a deep breath, Ash squares his shoulders and marches down the lines of large chairs. Eyes set on the two thrones at the end of the room. Ignoring the people rushing around him lest his concentration falter.

The largest throne, made of an ornate black metal, sits proudly on the raised dais. Its red cushions, matching the crown on his forehead, call him to their soft depths. The high back of the throne flares up and out, resembling a pair of outstretched dragon wings. Their polished surface reflecting the sunlight to create a glittering halo of light that surrounds it and draws the eye.

A smaller throne sits next to the ornate one. Lacking the massive wings, it appears almost simple in design. Simple and practical. The throne for a Knight. The King's Knight.

His Knight.

He can sense Gary following a step or two behind him. He can feel various sets of eyes locking onto them as they steadily make their way closer and closer to the two black thrones. He struggles to keep his face set in a blank mask of confidence as the room slowly goes silent. Their combat boots echoing across the white marble as his heart thunders inside his chest.

Climbing the three steps up onto the raised platform, he eyes the throne one final time. Once he sits on this ornate and intimidating chair, there's no going back.

It's a message to himself. A message to the rest of the Elders, Riders and Draconids. A message to theLeague itself.

A message that Ash Ketchum is truly the King of the Drakes.

With the comforting presence of his partner beside him, Ash removes his sword and scabbard. Resting them gently on the side of the ornate throne before he turns and sits down. Sinking into the plush red cushions as he turns to look over the frozen Draconids before him. Watching him with wide eyes and open mouths from various spots around the large Council Hall.

"I suggest you take your seats." Ash states loudly and clearly. His voice echoing in the silent room. Further adding to the weight of his words. "We have a war to plan."

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Gary squeezes the cool metal armrests in frustration. A whole hour they've wasted in the Council Hall. Sixty minutes bickering over the same issues. Over and over again. Starting from the very beginning as other Riders report in from wherever he or she was stationed.

On Ash's side of the room, Ansehelm sits on the raven's right. Followed by the other male Elders: Gerlach and Aidan. Next to Aidan sits his older brother, Silvanus, the Forest Blade Rider. An empty spot sits next to the long white haired Rider. Apparently for the Captain that rushed off to spy on the situation in Celadon. Heath, the Burgundy Cloud Rider. Finally, Anibal occupies the next seat.

On Gary's left sits Ragna followed by Aurora and Carys. Much to his initial shock, Aitor sits next to his fiancé on the female's side of the room. And surprisingly, Frank joins him on his other side. Gary can only suspect who the soft pink chair covered in small delicate flowers next to Frank's used to belong to. Aiding to his theory that married or engaged Captains sit on the right side of the room to create balance from lack of female Riders.

Not that any of that mattered. Gerlach, Aurora, Aidan and Frank were about to start a death match from their seats. All fighting to prove their point. Not letting any of the other Elders or Riders get a word in.

Ansehelm and Ragna sit silently with their hands sitting patiently in their laps. No doubt used to the turmoil that began rather abruptly several minutes after Ash sat down.

Ash had simply asked for their opinions and previous battle styles. No doubt wanting to analyze it against what he had observed training with the Aerials and what he learned in various classes at the Academy. At least that's what Gary was planning on doing. Before the Steel and Ruby Elders got in a bickering match over their most successful assault in the past few years.

Ash sits next to him completely stunned at the scene before him. Brown eyes flying back and forth across the room as his partner struggles to follow the arguments for each plan that arose over the obnoxious shouting.

Gerlach spearheads the decision to attack them directly. Strike before the League has time to annihilate the clan with their numerous forces and superior weaponry. Launch a massive assault against the Academy and League base in Viridian City after the army leaves. Deal a devastating blow to cripple the base while they are shorthanded and low on weapons as the military marches towards Mt. Silver. Then attack the soldiers from behind where they least expect it.

Aurora argues that they have only been successful with guerrilla tactics in the past. Using their speed and stealth to take out as many League soldiers as they can without giving them a chance to regroup and strike back. Melting back into the environment only to re-emerge when the soldiers let their guard drop. It's the Draconids only option with their smaller numbers.

Frank, the only Rider among them who was intimate experience with the League besides Ash and himself, shoots the other plans down immediately. Both of the Elders' plans leave Mt. Silver and all of the families and non-fighters they leave behind unprotected. It would be easy enough for the League to split their large forces and lay siege to the mountain while a fraction of their army battles the Draconids who meet them in combat. Just as the League had done when Pallet Town and Frank's hometown were attacked. They should just close down the entrances to the base and let the soldiers try, and fail, to conquer the massive mountain on their own.

And then there's Aidan. Fueling the fire with his sly comments. Changing from one side to the another as he analyzes and breaks down each plan. Infuriating the three vocal Riders and pissing off a few of the others. Gary didn't understand what the hell the perverted Elder was doing until he silenced the room with a single sentence.

"Why not combine all three?" The Ruby Rider states. Twirling his robe around in the light to cast odd patterns onto the floor.

"It makes sense doesn't it?" He continues when no one interrupts him. "If those three plans won't work separately, we just need to find a way to combine them. Don't you think so Your Highness?"

Cunning dark green eyes rise and look up towards Ash. Once more casting the room into utter quiet as they are reminded of their new ruling presence. The one who has the final say in any plans they lay forth. Their newly crowned King.

The title and sudden attention obviously startle his partner even though Ash does well to hide it. Gary can tell that Ash has no idea what to say.

The raven has lost enough face already with letting these arguments get out of hand to begin with.

Gary leans in towards Ash. Dropping his voice to prevent any of the Elders or Riders to hear his reassurances.

"I hate to agree with the dick but he has a point." Gary whispers. "We need a solid offense and defense if we want to defeat the League. We know that. We need to use the nearby land and pokemon to our favor."

Ash nods along with his words. Tapping the armrest with a tan finger as his face scrunches in thought. Gary is pleased to see the resolve in his eyes when Ash finally meets the gaze of the Draconids before him.

"I need a detailed map of the mountain and surrounding area. We might just have a chance after all."

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Twenty minutes later, the inhabitants of Council Hall gather around a large table that was pulled in by two Rhyhorns. A giant stone masterpiece on wheels. An incredibly detailed scaled replica of Kanto herself. Adapting and evolving over the years if the slightly different shades of paint are anything to go by.

One side of the table contains a wooden sculpture of the mountain. Cut horizontally into multiple thin layers to allow them to see inside the hulking landmark itself as sections are removed. Revealing every major tunnel and chamber that the mountain holds secret.

This...We can use this…If we can just figure out the right plan, we have a chance...

Ash stares at the replica intensely. Darting back and forth between the League base in Viridian city and Mt. Silver.

Routes 22 and 23 are extremely narrow and rocky. The League will be hard pressed just to get their equipment and forces through there. Especially with the dense forests on either side denying the large army access. Leaving them little maneuvering room.

The march will be slow going. Several days if not a week for them to get here depending on if they are bringing any big, heavy equipment or tanks and how long it takes them to leave the base. Perfect conditions for the guerilla tactics that the Dragon Riders are known for. Aurora was right given that she basically stated what the League told them growing up.

"The Dragon Riders fight from that shadows. Too scared and outnumbered to fight us League soldiers in an all out battle. Doing little more damage than a weak Magikarp flopping around a mighty Rhydon."

Ash can still hear one of those lectures echoing in the back of his mind. The League will expect the hit-and-run tactics. And they have ways to counter it if they are expecting it. So what do we do now?

Brown eyes fly upward as the heavy doors at the end of the hall slide open. Ash can only stare in confusion as Will, the shortest male member of little fighting unit he and Gary joined, races down the row of chairs to reach the stone table. Feet echoing off of the white marble. Very unlike the virtually silent gait that Ash usually associates with the small archer.

The dark brown riding cloak the Aerial is wearing is thrown haphazardly on Heath's chair as he approaches them. Revealing bright shocks of blond hair interwoven into the brown locks...

Ash just saw Will this morning before the trial started. He certainly had plain brown hair then. But, besides the hair color, the panting teen before him is almost a carbon copy of his friend.

Will said he had a brother...He didn't mention that he was a twin though? And that he is a Dragon Rider? Is that why he doesn't like to talk about him? Because he feels inferior?

Hazel eyes glitter in determination as the teen bows quickly before launching into a tirade about the happenings of Celadon and Viridian City. His thin arms flying every which way as he recounts how the Draconid hideout in Celadon was completely destroyed. The building still smoldering as the local police cordoned off the area to curious locals and journalists.

He described how League soldiers swarmed the area looking for survivors. How the pile of bodies steadily grew as they were pulled from the rubble. The whisperings of how the soldiers had to report back to Viridian at the earliest possible time.

Heath, for he must be the Burgundy Cloud Rider since that was the only Rider absent, continues on about how he infiltrated Viridian on his way back to Mt. Silver. How the League Base was a swarm of activity. Their tanks, supply trucks and siege equipment already waiting at the gates of the compound.

How they only had an hour or two before the League began their march to the mountain.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

They just stare at the small teen in disbelief. Shock clearly evident on everyone's faces as their timetable to plan a counter-attack considerably shrinks before their very eyes.

The small Rider before them hops anxiously from one foot to another. As if awaiting his orders to rush back outside to start the battle. The blond wisps glinting in the sunlight shining down from above with the repeated movement.

Gary frowns in concentration as his gaze switches back to the table. If we only have an hour or so, we need to split our forces up as soon as possible and get them off the mountain before the League gets here. If we give them time to set up a siege, anyone who tries to leave will be annihilated before they can even get in range to strike back.

"We have to strike before they get here then." Gerlach voices as if the Steel Elder read his mind. Gary nods his assent. Drawing the Elder's gaze and possibly getting his first ever approving look from the stern man.

"If they are leaving in an hour, we can send a small force to strike the base at nightfall." Gary supplies. "Whoever is left at the base will have their guard down from the exhaustion of getting the army marching."

He points toward the base before sliding his finger down Route 22. "Then, we have the Aerials launch consecutive guerilla attacks on the approaching army. They will have put a decent amount of distance in the couple hours worth of marching at that point. The attacks will keep them occupied enough to prevent them from turning back to recover the base. Especially if we can get some jammers to block their short range communication. Preventing them from learning of the attack in the first place."

Gary glances up to check the reactions of those in the room. Some nod along with his explanation but many still look doubtful. Aidan, once again, speaks up to assault any plan that has a chance of working.

"We still need to prepare for when they break through. Hit and run tactics can only thin out their forces so far. They will come here eventually. There is no way to distract them from that." The Ruby Elder argues.

Ash's head pops up at the man's last sentence. Tilting his head slightly as his eyes narrow in thought. "Distract huh?" He mumbles.

Gary barely catches the words as his partner quickly rounds the table. Stopping at the northern end. Looking straight down at the Pokemon League Coliseum and surrounding village.

"While the Academy may be the symbol of their military power," Ash begins excitedly, "what do most civilians think of when they hear the word 'League?' The Pokemon League right? It's the gathering of the greatest trainers who captured and trained the strongest pokemon team and proved their prowess in battle. If welay siege to the Indigo Plateau before their army arrives at Mt. Silver, they would be forced to divert their main force to take it back! Or they would lose public support and their money by appearing weak! And we have Lance there to support us and prevent the other Elite Four members from retaliating. It's perfect!"

Ash smiles widely at them. His brown eyes glittering in the light. Enhancing the new flecks of red in their depths. Gary can only smirk at the excitement coming from the raven.

Trust Ashy-boy to come up with some harebrained plan that no one else could ever think of in a million years...But he's right. The Commander would have to take back the Pokemon League if we lay siege to it.

"The brat - sorry, His Highness-" Surge quickly corrects, "is right. Mt. Silver is on the way to the Plateau after all. They would be forced to redirect the army to reclaim it. Most likely leave a small party here to watch the mountain as well. It won't be hard to protect your base against a smaller force."

Gary looks around with pride as the Riders and Elders nod in unison. FINALLY agreeing on a plan to protect their home against their enemy. However, his growing smirk fades as he narrows his eyes on the Ruby Elder whispering to Allie who had re-entered the Hall at some point. The young redhead nods quickly and scampers off down the Hall and out the main doors seconds later. Before he can question Aidan, the oldest Elder speaks.

"Lance isn't at the Pokemon League." The Gold Elder declares grimly. "He and Lorelei are off travelling the world visiting the various other Pokemon Leagues. Last I heard, they were all the way over in Alola to help set up their new League. There is no way to contact him without broadcasting that Kanto is going to war with itself to every other nation. Lance won't be able to help us." Ansehelm's voice echoes throughout the large room.

The room falls quiet as their tentative plan seems to dissolve before their eyes. His partner grunts in frustration as his eyes fly over the map. Trying to find some other alternative to their predicament.

I doubt even Ash can come up with something else. That plan is our best shot. We have to make it work.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Gary levels a calculating look at the two oldest Elders. "If Lance and Lorelei are gone, that leaves only Bruno and Agatha to defend the Plateau. Bruno specializes in the fighting type. While fighting pokemon usually have high physical attack, they tend to be slow and have average defenses. As long as we attack from a distance, he can't cause that much damage. And Agatha can literally do nothing during the daytime since she just has ghost pokemon. If we strike at dawn, the siege should be fully in place before dusk. Giving us a chance to neutralize her before she has a chance to fight back in the dark."

He can feel various sets of incredulous eyes on him. As if amazed that he, of all people, can think on such a detailed level.

Really? You're all really that surprised? After watching me score at the top of the Academy for years you're really that surprised I can come up with something as simple as that? Please. I'm an Oak after all.

The older Elders look between him and the replica. Weighing their thoughts as silence ensues. Trying to find the flaws in his plan. And failing if the growing acceptance on their faces is anything to go by.

"So we are splitting into four forces?" Aurora questions icily. Her voice as fluid as the silk white robe she wears.. "One to incapacitate the Academy, one to thin the army, another to lay siege to the Elite Four and the fourth to guard Mt. SIlver? We don't have enough soldiers for that."

"Sure we do." Ash reasons as he walks back to Gary's side. "We don't need many to guard Mt. Silver since it's literally a maze on its own filled with extremely strong pokemon. Nor do we need many to take out the Academy since it will be practically empty. That leaves the Aerials to attack the army and the Grounders to lay siege to the Indigo Plateau in a few days to give the army enough time to get closer."

"And we can split the Captains between the four forces to balance out the use of our dragons." Gary quickly supplies. Cutting off any arguments about distributing their strongest assets before they are even said.

The others finally nod their assent. Looking towards the King and Knight for their orders of where they will be sent to. Gary tilts his head towards Ash before addressing his partner. "I'll lead the attack against the Academy. And I would like to take two Riders with me. That way we can cause the most damage as quickly as possible with the dragons before splitting up to help with the other battalions. We might even be back before the other attacks even start."

He smirks confidently as Ash just rolls his multi-colored orbs at him. But the raven nods all the same. Confident in Gary's skills to handle the threat of the League home base that they have called home for most of their lives.

Gary redirects his gaze back out at the assembled Riders but stiffens in surprise when two have already stepped forward. Frank and Anibal.

"We will join you." The bald rider states. Ash's father nods his assent from his friend's side.

Gary eyes them critically. Having another ex-League soldier will be useful. Especially since he was the one keeping an eye on us all those years to begin with. And then there's Anibal...he was the one watching us before we could see the Elders so he must be strong to deal with such a large threat that I unwittingly became...I guess I couldn't have asked for a better three man team since Ash will be occupied elsewhere.

Gary nods his approval and is about to ask them several more questions before the short stack that bounded in earlier interrupts him.

"Silvanus and I can lead the Aerials in the sneak attacks!" The teen bounces on the balls of his feet. Face radiating joy at figuring out how he can help his people. Tugging on the older man's sleeve as if to draw him in and further prove his point.

Gary just stares at him doubtfully. Face pulling down into a frown as he stares at the young Rider who can't even keep still for the few minutes that he's been there.

There is no way he can be quiet enough to lead a stealth mission. He will give everything away before they even have a chance to strike.

As if sensing his hesitation, the young Rider's smile deteriorates as his hand falls away from Silvanus' sleeve. By some unbidden force, Gary's eyes are drawn up to the demonic looking man's face. Dark green eyes boring into his own with enough power behind them that he can barely repress the shiver itching to crawl up his spine.

"Heath and I are our main scouts. Sent on all Rider stealth missions. We will complete the task given to us. In the heat of the moment, Heath is silent as a cloud. Hence his Rider name." Silvanus reassures him. His quiet voice surprisingly deep and able to travel across the table with ease. The young twin beams up at the older Rider for the praise before pulling the sleeve up on his own right arm. Revealing a fluffy, brownish-red cloud on his upper arm near his shoulder. As if that will be the only proof Gary needs to give them such an important task.

"Go ahead." Ash calls out from his side. "I trust you." His voice steady as he gives a confident smile at the two across from them. Heath actually jumps up and cheers before practically jumping on Aidan's brother. A quick glare from the older man sends the teen back to the floor as soon as his feet had left the ground to begin with.

"Your Highness…" Ragna calls out in her soft voice. Drawing both Ash and Gary's gazes towards her petite, aged form. "I believe you should come with us Elders and the Grounders to launch the attack on the Elite Four. Your Royals will be joining us too obviously."

Gary grits his teeth in frustration. Ash should stay here on the mountain where it is safest. Why bring him to where the riskiest battle will take place?

"Royals?" The raven questions. Head tilting to the side as he stares at the older woman in confusion.

Ragna smiles gently at him before motioning to the back of the Council Hall. Behind which they practice in the mornings with their friends in the nearby open clearing.

"Yes, dear. The Royals. Your friends who were to fight under you in your squadrons should you two become Riders upon completion of the Trial. Since you are now King, they are now your Royal Guard and travel with you when you leave the mountain."

Her gaze travels to the side. Landing on the painting taking up one wall of the Council Hall. The last battle the First King of the Drakes fought in. Looking at it in a new light, Gary can now see the small group of Aerials fighting closer to the King than the others. Some of their gazes even directed at the King himself. A small detail he would have overlooked if he didn't know their purpose as he does now.

Before he can even argue about keeping Ash here in the mountain, he is frozen by her steely gray eyes. "We need to send the message that the King has returned. Even if we are only seen as a resistance group to the common people, they will know we have a new leader who will save them all from tyranny. Word will spread. Thus uniting the various dragon clans around the world together. For this will not be the last war. The King would not have been returned to us for just a single battle. More are coming. We need to be prepared for them."

Her words are directed at Ash but Gary knows she is sending an underlying message to him as well. That Ash won't sit idly by on some fancy metal chair while everyone else is fighting under his name. Not when he can fight by their side and help save as many of their lives as he can. And as much as Gary fucking hates that Ash will put himself in danger like that, there is nothing he can do or say to convince the raven otherwise.

Damn it.

"We will guard the mountain and all those left behind as usual then." Carys' gentle voice pulls him out of his thoughts. She stands at his other side. Hand in hand with Aitor as they look up at them resolutely. Determined to protect their home, families and pokemon left behind with all they have to offer.

"Awesome sauce!" Misty yells out. Startling most of people in the room with the sudden volume. Most likely forgetting she was even there to begin with. "Surge and I can make some calls to see if any other gym leaders will fight with us. But since all this planning stuff is over now, can we still have the Induction feast? I'm starving!" The red head pats her thin waist. Her face turning from exuberance to an adorable pout instantly. Trying to convince everyone to have the party even with a looming war at their gates.

"Well, the food's been made already...Might as well!" Aidan calls out cheerfully as he slides an arm around the young girl's shoulders. "We can share the plans with the rest of the clan after we dine. Shall we?"

With a graceful sweep of his arm, Aidan leads Misty out of the doors at the end of the hall. The others falling in step behind him. The promise of rich and hearty food dissolving any arguments they could come up with. The mountain base is always ready for the inevitable anyway.

Ash and Gary bring up the rear. Their Rider marks proudly on display on their foreheads as they head out into the fading light of the day. Stepping out to the cheers of the Draconid clan as they welcome their new King and his Knight.

Children rush forward to hand them flowers they picked themselves from around the crater. But Gary can't help but notice that Allie cheers the loudest in the front of the crowd. And he certainly doesn't miss the wink she sends the Ruby Elder's way as she pauses for breath.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

A tense air lingered in the background of the celebration. The alcohol remained untouched as the sun slowly sank in the sky. The darting glances toward their table cut through the pleasant chatter much more effectively than any shouts could. Word travels fast when an imminent war is upon them apparently.

Ash couldn't help but notice the worry displayed plainly on the clansmen and women's faces as the bowed before him and wished him congratulations. Leaving a knot in his stomach at the action that he will probably never get used to.

Even his massive appetite reacted to the strained situation. Hell, it almost vanished completely! He was barely able to finish the large platter of food that was set before him when he was finally able to make his way through the crowd and to his table.

His partner next to him finished his plate before he did. Sitting silently as his oceanic eyes roamed the seated crowd before them. At least he was, until Frank and Anibal quietly pulled Gary away. Leading the brunet out the back door and into the growing darkness.

Then, as suddenly as it began, the Induction Feast came to an end as Aidan stands with a flourish. Announcing that the King will give an important speech if everyone would be kind enough to clear off their plates and head over to the stage next to the Council Hall.

It was at this point that Ash's stomach started doing somersaults. He knew he would probably have to explain the battle plan that mostly Gary and him came up with but do to it so soon? And in front of so many people?

It was making him nervous.

Ash follows the Elders out of the Mess Hall. Walking across the open land in the center of the village. Standing resolutely next to the Council Hall, the stage awaits. Already lit with multiple blazing torches. Large fire pits guard the sides against the encroaching night.

Ash completely stops in his tracks when his eyes finally adjust to the flickering light. There, standing in the middle of the stage, stand three Riders and Dragonites in full battle armor. Two of the Riders stand slightly off to the left. Their dragons behind them being too heavy for the wooden stage to uphold.

But at the center...at the very center of the stage his partner stands tall. Pikachu and Umbreon standing smartly at his sides. Hands behind his back, Gary is as still as a statue. The only movement being his brown hair blowing in the slight breeze. Occasionally covering his ice blue bonding mark. The Mark of the Knight.

And Gary sure as hell looks like a Knight now.

Conformed tight to Gary's body, the black material hugs his torso and legs in overlapping layers. Mimicking his dragon's glittering scales. Sharp claw-like protrusions flare out away from his body at his shoulders, elbows and knees. His sword and heavy knife are sheathed at his side. Gun stashed away in a custom holster on his mid-thigh. Ash doesn't think he's ever seen his partner look as intimidating as he does now.

Especially with the towering Alpha and Beta Dragonites standing directly behind him. Gary's dragon wears the same armor that his father's dragon wore as they battled each other above Silph Co. Gleaming black metal covers the top of her head, following all the way down her back to the tip of her tail. Her vulnerable underbelly is covered in thick plates. Leaving her maw, arms and legs free for quick and deadly attacks.

Ash feels a strong pull at the back of his mind. An urge to stand up next to his partner. To stand in front of the Draconid people with his mighty dragon at his back. A force telling him to light the fire in these clansmen and women. To steel their resolve before leading them off to battle.

He doesn't fight it.

Ash slowly walks forward. Through the throng of people who passed him to get the best spots around the stage as he stood there staring. As he climbs up the few stairs, his gaze darts to the side at the two other Riders waiting patiently for him. Anibal and his father.

They bow as he passes. Handing out his belt with his pokemon that he left behind for the Trial as well as the weapons he must have left in the Council Hall. He quickly straps them around his waist. Their comforting weight settling low on his hips.

Frank mumbles something to him but he doesn't hear it. Ash can see the movement out of the corner of his eye. However, his gaze is already back on his partner. Standing slightly away from the microphone set at the front of the wooden structure.

Ash steps forward with determined steps. His nervousness from before is gone. Leaving behind a heightened sense of his surroundings. The chill of the night air in his lungs. The windswept flames dancing against the coming night. The murmur of thousands of voices whispering to their neighbors. Wondering if they rumors they heard were true. Rumors that they were going to war.

Before he can open his mouth, he hears a soft whisper from slightly behind him. "Be confident. You are their King now. Make them believe you are someone worth following into battle. That you can lead them to victory. Inspire them." Gary mumbles his advice. His lips barely moving as he stares out at the crowd ahead.

Nodding slightly to show the brunet that he heard him, Ash focuses his attention outward. Scanning over the crowd as he gathers his thoughts. The Elders and Dragon Riders watch him from either side of the stage. His Aerial friends taking their place in below him. Already well informed of their duties as his new Royal Guard. He picks out a few familiar faces in the crowd but most are just looking at him grimly. As if waiting to hear terrible news.

Taking a deep breath, Ash speaks into the microphone. His voice echoing slowly and clearly over the throng of people in front of him.

"My earliest memory is of fire. Burning flames consuming everything in its path. Taking all that I knew and loved, and burning it to a crisp...When I was still a young child, my hometown was burnt to the ground in a devastating attack. I lost my entire family in a single night. But a nearby Professor was kind enough to give me refuge. Until that too was taken away."

He steels his voice to prevent it from wavering. The memories still raw from the strange out-of-body experience he had when he almost died. It won't do me any good to show weakness now.

"League soldiers came. Claiming the attack and others like it were at the fault of a rogue resistance group called the Dragon Riders. They told us the League was collecting orphaned children from what remained of other ruined towns to start a trial program at their base. A program to protect the people of Kanto against these 'deadly terrorists.'"

The scorn and disbelief in his voice is evident. Ash is ashamed of himself for believing the lies for so long but there is nothing he can do about it now. He was young and gullible back then. Unable to make decisions and thoughts of his own.

"Under threat from the soldiers, the Professor was forced to give me and his young grandson over." Ash glances back towards his stoic partner. Gary meets his gaze instantly. His blue/green eyes hard. His jaw taunt as Ash retells their history. "We were plunged into a world of violence at this so called Academy. More and more children of all ages were brought in as its popularity grew. As both of us showed the world what we were capable of."

All of those countless hours of classes and training paid off. Gary and him were in the very first class at the Academy. The youngest children they ever brought in. The ones who were there the longest. The ones who had most time to be shaped into the soldiers the League wanted them to be.

"We were manufactured by years of League training to create the finest soldiers this world has ever known. From the time we could hold a dagger, we were baptized in the fire of combat. They forced us to fight. And to kill...Kill both people and pokemon. They forced us to bend the will of pokemon to our own. To make them submit to our whims. They taught us to show no emotion. No mercy…"

Ash looks down sadly at his first pokemon. The scars around its neck from its old collar still present. The different colored surface sticking out grotesquely in the fire light.

"We were constantly tested. Tossed out into the wilderness on missions. Left to pit our wits and will against nature's fury. We made mistakes. We lost fellow soldiers along the way."

Again his throat threatens to close up as his memories rush back to him. The two cadets who lost their lives because they were careless. Who died because they couldn't radio for help in time.

Swallowing the lump stuck in his throat, he gathers his resolve. Hardens his features as he meets the gazes of the Draconid clan once more.

"But we survived. Fueled by our desire to seek revenge on those who murdered our families and destroyed our hometown. We graduated with the highest scores the Academy had ever seen in its years of operation. Each given a pokemon as a reward, we were released into Kanto. With a mission to build a team of the strongest pokemon we could find."

Pikachu squeaks from his side. Standing up taller from its short height to enhance its image as one of Ash's elite pokemon. The action pulls a small smile to many of their lips. Ash's included.

"But on that journey," Ash begins again, "something happened. Townspeople seemed to fear us. Information was hidden from us. Things just weren't adding up like they did when we were at the Academy...and then we were suspended. All because we disobeyed direct orders in order to protect the safety of civilians. An objective that we knew was important enough to risk the severe consequences."

"So imagine our surprise when we found out the League was wrapped up in a nefarious plot involving black market drugs. Imagine our surprise when fellow soldiers attacked us and hurtled me toward the brink of death. Imagine our surprise when a Dragon Rider, our supposed enemy, came to our aid. And not just any Dragon Rider...my father."

Ash turns to look back at the man who abandoned him as a child. The first time that Ash has acknowledged him since the Rider began his own story back in the Medical Bay. The older man looks back at him stoically but Ash can see the slight sheen in his eyes. The utter happiness of finally being forgiven for his many transgressions by his only son.

"My father, an ex-League soldier, married to a Dragon Rider. Who sired a son of League and Draconid blood. A son who was brought back from the brink of death by Arceus itself inside this mountain…"

His gaze drifts off to the left. Towards the Medical Bay where he spent most of his first waking moments here.

"The three months we have spent here were tense. I admit to that...We didn't trust each other at first. How could we? We believed you were our enemies and we ended up causing you unimaginable suffering in the process…"

"But even after all that, you slowly welcomed us to your home. Showed us that everything we were raised to believe was a lie. You were the ones who showed us that the League was the real enemy. You were the ones who gave us a new home, a new people, and a new purpose to fight for."

His gaze falls to the small flower that sticks out of one of the pockets on his shirt. Given to him by one of the small girls in the class he was a part of just a few months ago. A girl who's life was saved from being crushed by thousands of pounds of boulders by his partner's heroic actions a little over a week ago.

"And for that reason alone, we will forever be in your debt."

His gaze fell as the silence dragged on. He's rambling. He knows he is. But reliving the past and especially telling it to this many people was harder than he thought it would be. How can they look at him with anything but pity?

"Be confident...Make them believe you are someone worth following into battle." Gary's quiet voice echoes inside his mind.

"I truly hate bringing this news to you. But you must know…The rumors are true. Our stronghold in Celadon was wiped out by the League early this morning. There was only one survivor who fought tooth and nail to get here to warn us...Warn us that the League is coming. That they are marching toward us as we speak."

The crowd erupted in angry shouts. Yelling out in fury at the League's ruthlessness. Piercing wails of pure agony breaking through the din as mothers and fathers wept for their fallen sons and daughters. For friends that will never return to the mountain.

Rage and despair warred before him. The threat of the League's enormous forces is just too much to bear. Even in their virtually impenetrable fortress.

The sight hurt. Ash can feel it deep in his chest. Arceus only knows what Carys must be feeling with this outpouring of intense feelings.

A quick glance to the side confirms his suspicion. Aitor holds up his fiancé who appears to have fainted from the overwhelming emotions rolling through the crater. Assaulting her mind due to the strength of her abilities. Thick streams running down her cheeks reflect the salty tears back at him.

What do I say? How can I inspire them? How can I turn this sadness and outrage into something they can use to fuel their fighting spirits?

He stares at the ground in front of the stage. He stares as one leaf catches the wind and rises up on the breeze. Blown away to sights unseen by a force stronger than its own weight being pulled down by gravity.

Rise.

The Alpha's voice rumbles through his mind. Accompanied by a flickering image of him from behind speaking to the Draconids. Of his fist rising into the air. Of thousands more joining his. An image of hundreds of flying pokemon rising from the ground as one. Taking off into the sky with their trainers armed to the teeth. Rising above Mt. Silver as they race off to confront their enemy.

Keeping that image as the front of his mind, Ash raises his voice to be heard over the cacophony of thousands of grieving voices.

"I know your pain! Gary and I both do. It's that pain of losing loved ones that binds us all together."

His words quiet the crowd minus the occasional sobbing that breaks through.

"We were their perfect soldiers. We know their tactics. We know how they fight. And we know their weaknesses...And now so do you since you allowed us to train with you. We will defeat the devil that marches toward us. We must defeat them! Defeat this beast who leaves nothing but grief and destruction in its wake!"

He grips the microphone tightly as he shouts out his last words. He can already see several of the Draconids nodding along to his words. Agreeing with him that the League must be defeated once and for all.

We can do this.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Gary stands at rest slightly behind Ash. Holding his heavy helmet behind him to keep it out of the way. Gaze locked straight ahead as Ash speaks out to the Draconids.

He was surprised when he was pulled away from dinner. But it made sense that he needed to get ready to go by the time Ash finished speaking. The sun has already set and they needed time to scope out the League base in Viridian before they attack.

Still, he couldn't believe they already had a full set armor completed for him and Ash already. Apparently that was why it took so long for them to get their clothes back to begin with. The blacksmith and tailor spent weeks going over their League issued gear to perfect the design for the Rider's armor.

It was a good stroke of luck that the blacksmith also had a set of armor ready for the Alpha and Beta Dragonites in case they ever needed it. For Gary has a feeling that their very lives will depend on it in the future.

Especially Ash.

The raven stands rigidly before him. Telling the Draconids their history. Explaining why he and Gary are their best hope for survival. That they are the League's top soldiers of their generation. Who better to bring the League down than one of their own?

Rise.

The word echoes at the back of his mind. The sensation familiar but yet different from when the Beta speaks to him. He chances a glance behind him to look at his dragon but instead his gaze locks onto Ash's Dragonite.

It's there, in the dragon pokemon's flickering gray orbs that Gary sees something strange. A flickering image of Ash with his fist rising into the air. Of thousands of Draconids raising their fists to join his. An image of hundreds of flying pokemon and their trainers rising from the ground as one. Rising above Mt. Silver as they race off to confront the League.

Did the Alpha just send that to me? How is that possible? I'm bonded to the Beta. Not him.

"I know your pain! Gary and I both do. It's that pain of losing loved ones that binds us together."

His partner calling out his name pulls Gary's attention away from the towering pokemon. Pushing his questions to the back of his mind as he focuses back on Ash.

"We were their perfect soldiers. We know their tactics. We know how they fight. And we know their weaknesses. And now so do you since you allowed us to train with you. We will defeat the devil that marches toward us. We must defeat them! Defeat this beast who leaves nothing but grief and destruction in its wake!"

Gary suppresses a smirk as Ash finally seems to connect his message to the clansmen and women. They're beginning to agree with him.

Just a bit more and they'll follow you Ashy-boy.

"For this beast is made of men and pokemon. Swords and tanks. Ready to snuff out the world's one hope for peace and justice. This monster approaches and it was we who provoked it by not submitting to its tyranny."

"That won't stop us though! Tonight, Gary will lead an attack against the Academy. Reducing the League base to ash while it is left undefended and unmanned. Heath and Silvanus will lead the Aerials to attack the approaching army under the cover of the night. We will use our superior pokemon and the terrain of Kanto herself to tear them apart!"

Ash's declaration brings cheers from the Aerials. Stomping their feet as their blood begins to boil. Adrenaline pumping through their veins as they picture the devastating attacks in their minds.

"And then, just as the League growls in frustration and pain, I will lay siege to the heart of the League...The Indigo Plateau itself! Forcing the army away from our home to reclaim what is theirs or lose all the support they have ever had. For I am the reborn King of the Drakes. With the Mark of the Flame on my brow, I will lead you all against the League!"

Hook. Line. Sinker.

Gary can't force down his smirk now. Pulling up the side of his mouth as he watches Ash shout out at the front of the stage. Gripping the microphone tightly as he waves his free hand around in the growing excitement.

"Their losses will be so great, their soldiers so demoralized, they will have no choice but to call off the invasion! To retreat back to the hole they crawled out of! All because we dared to defy them!"

A mighty cheer erupts from the center of the gathered Draconids. The rhythmic stomping so similar to what they heard this morning as they stepped into the Dragon's Den. So similar but yet so different.

"Into hell's mouth itself, we will ride. For we are the Draconids! The Dragon Riders that the League fears so much!"

With a graceful sweep of his hand, Ash pulls his sword free from its scabbard. Firelight dancing across its wickedly sharp surface as tongues of fire appear to climb up the blade. Reflecting onto the raven's face and upon the Mark of the Flame on his forehead.

"So we must rise! Rise for our country. Rise for our families. Rise for our freedom! We RISE!"

As soon as the words leave Ash's mouth, the Alpha Dragonite roars from behind him. Wings spread wide. Maw open to display all of its deadly teeth. It roars. The other dragons quickly following suit.

Gary flinches at the loud noise. Their bellows echoing throughout the crater. His gaze snaps toward Ash as the raven turns his head to look at him. His reddish brown eyes alight with adrenaline. Hardened in trust and determination.

It's time.

Turning towards his newest pokemon, he sees her bend toward him with an outstretched arm. As the Beta's rumbling roar fades, he pulls Umbreon's ball from his belt. He returns the dark type before swinging his helmet onto his head. Rushing forward, he uses his dragon's armored arm as a springboard as he leaps onto her back. Anibal and Frank following his lead.

They launch into the air as the Alpha roars once more. His cry strengthened by the voice of thousands of Draconids yelling out their resolve.

"RISE!"

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

AN: Ahhh my obsession with the Ranger's Apprentice and the 300 movies pops its ugly head again. Hoped you guys liked the speech! Had a bit of trouble with it but am glad how it turned out.

BTW if any of you have an idea how big of an army the League should have or how many people can live in a mountain, shoot me a message! Trying to figure out how big of a scale this battle needs to/can be!

Favorite/follow/review please!

Next up: Chapter 42 - Aerials