DRAGON HEROES

Well, we're almost at the tail end of the second season, so here's another adventure of our heroes! Some new characters will be introduced, one of whom made a short appearance in one of the previous stories (you'll see who it is). Let's kick back and enjoy what this story has to offer us, shall we?


The Art of Roar

Chapter 1 – The Beast Convention

Ignatius was an Incineroar who hailed from Hawaii and has arrived to Japan so he could attend the annual Beast Convention that was taking place in the city of Osaka. Thousands of anthros gather round to undertake difficult tests in the hopes of winning the coveted Scroll of the Beast. The convention was overseen by the illustrious Emperor Tomohiro, a powerful chimera who trained Ignatius many years ago when he visited the Hawaiian Islands.

As he waited in line, Ignatius was very anxious of what to say to his master since he had been defeated by Bowser at the Mauna Loa Tournament. He knew Emperor Tomohiro had expected him to win and become the Champion of Hawaii as he rightfully should, but it seemed that it was not to be. The one thing Ignatius remembered was that Bowser was among a group of dragons, and they all shared the same address. Soon, he found his loyal companion and best friend, a Pikachu called Shu, who was also a pupil of Emperor Tomohiro. They have known each other for years and they have come to respect each other as Emperor Tomohiro had hope when he made them partners.

Shu saw Ignatius, and he was excited to hear how the Incineroar went.

"Morning, Ignatius," he said. "How was the tournament in Hawaii?"

"The tournament went well, Shu," replied Ignatius. "But I didn't manage to become the Champion as I was bested by a Koopa in the first round."

"Really?" exclaimed Shu. "That's incredible! I mean, there's no way you could have been beaten that easily! You're the strongest beast to have ever been trained by Emperor Tomohiro!"

"I know," said Ignatius. "But this Koopa is very skilled that he was able to take me down with ease! And there's more to that!"

"Please, tell me everything!" said Shu. "I really want to hear the details!"

"This Koopa named Bowser is among a group of dragons who are really good fighters," began Ignatius. "One of them even became the Champion of the tournament after a rather intense fight. Whoever these dragons are, they are undoubtedly extraordinary."

"No kidding!" laughed Shu. "Maybe these dragons really have what it takes."

"So you're thinking what I'm thinking as well," said Ignatius.

"Oh, yes, absolutely!" smiled Shu. "These dragons might make excellent participants for the Beast Convention!"

"Precisely!" said Ignatius, brightly. "Their prowess and spirits are just what we're looking for! They could even try to compete for the scroll!"

"We better take this up to the Emperor," said Shu. "He might possibly approve of this idea!"


So Ignatius and Shu hurried into the dojo to see Emperor Tomohiro. There was a long line of anthros who have come to ask for advice in preparation for the convention. Some were already planning to sign up. The Incineroar and Pikachu waited anxiously in line as the anthros were getting his words of wisdom.

At last, after waiting for so long, it was Ignatius and Shu's turn to speak with Emperor Tomohiro. He looked at his two pupils, and he could tell that they have some really big news for him.

"Ignatius and Shu," he began. "I can see that you have come with something of great importance I should know."

"Yes, we have," said Ignatius. "Well, to be exact, I'm the one who is the bearer of the news as it has something to do with the Hawaiian tournament."

"Really?" asked Emperor Tomohiro. "Care to elaborate on what it is?"

"This is really going to be incredible to hear, Emperor," said Ignatius. "But over at the tournament, I have encountered a group of really strong dragons, one of whom defeated me in the first round."

Emperor Tomohiro's eyes widened when he heard what Ignatius just said. "That really is incredible!" he exclaimed. "You are the strongest beast I have ever trained, and you got bested by someone stronger! Just who are these dragons?"

"Well, the one who defeated me was a Koopa named Bowser," replied Ignatius. "I don't know much about the others, but there were three Charizards, and one of them happens to be a Twilight Storm dragon, I believe."

"This is very fascinating to hear," said Emperor Tomohiro. "Perhaps these dragons could be qualified for taking on the Beast Convention."

"That's what I was thinking as well," said Ignatius.

"No doubt that these dragons would provide us a great show," said Shu.

Emperor Tomohiro nodded. "First thing we need to know is the whereabouts of the dragons. This is certainly an opportunity they cannot miss."

"If my memory serves correctly," said Ignatius. "They apparently reside somewhere in the Ise-Shima National Park."

"In that case, I would like you to go there and bring them before me," said Emperor Tomohiro. "No doubt that these dragons are perfect for the Beast Convention as they could learn more about the ways of the anthro."

"As you wish, Emperor," bowed Ignatius. "It will be done."

"Excellent," said Emperor Tomohiro. "Now, hurry to the Ise-Shima National Park and find them!"

So Ignatius and Shu left the dojo and set off on their journey to the Ise-Shima National Park. They had never been at that part of Japan, so they figured that they would need to ask for directions so they could make it in time.

"Ignatius, just how will we going to convince the dragons to join the Beast Convention?" asked Shu.

"Leave everything to me, Shu," replied Ignatius. "The dragons are most likely to recognise me, especially Bowser."

"Okay then," said Shu. "I wonder what sort of place to do they live in the National Park."

"The only I can imagine is that they must have established a small village within," said Ignatius. "Well, there's only one to find out, and that's to pay them a visit!"


Author's Note: Yep, Ignatius from the Hawaiian Tournament two-parter is back to be properly introduced, so we're going to see how he and his Pikachu partner interacts with the dragons soon.