It could be Mew. Mew is known for its ability to transform and has a very mysterious nature. If Ash was Mew's son, he might inherit some of that mystery and the power to communicate with Pokemon in unique ways.
Arceus could be his parent. As the creator of the Pokemon world, Arceus would pass on some truly god - like powers to Ash. This could make Ash a key figure in some grand prophecy in the fanfiction, with powers that are both a blessing and a curse as he tries to fit in with the normal Pokemon - training world.
Maybe Lugia. Lugia is a very powerful and majestic legendary. If Lugia was Ash's parent, Ash might have an innate connection to the sea and flying - type Pokemon. He could also have the power to calm storms and other natural disasters, which would be really cool in his Pokemon - training adventures.
One of the Legendary Pokemon could be Giratina. Despite its somewhat dark and otherworldly nature, Giratina might be intrigued by Ash's light - heartedness and his ability to make friends with all kinds of Pokemon. Dialga and Palkia could also be part of the harem. Dialga, with its control over time, might see Ash as an important factor in the future of the Pokemon world. Palkia, in charge of space, could be interested in how Ash navigates different regions and spaces in his journey. And don't forget about Ho - Oh. Ho - Oh is a symbol of hope and might see Ash as a bringer of hope in the Pokemon world, thus joining his harem.
The plot might involve Ash being hunted by villains who want to use his connection to the legendary Pokemon. His friends in the fanfiction could be either helping him keep his secret or be in danger because of it. Also, his journey to become a Pokemon master could be intertwined with his search for his parent's true identity and purpose, which was perhaps hidden from him for his own safety.
Arceus is quite popular. Given that it's considered the creator of the Pokemon universe in the official lore, it often has a significant role in fanfictions. Mewtwo is also very common. Its powerful psychic abilities and complex backstory make it a favorite for fanfic writers to explore. Another popular one is Lugia. With its majestic appearance and its connection to the sea, it's often a central figure in many stories.
The appeal lies in seeing Ash in new and exciting situations. With legendaries involved, his journey becomes more epic. It's like taking the underdog story of Ash in the anime and supercharging it.
In Ash-centered legendary Pokemon fanfiction, often Ash has extraordinary adventures. He might form unique bonds with legendary Pokemon that are not seen in the official storylines. For example, he could befriend a Mewtwo and together they face off against an evil organization trying to clone more powerful Pokemon. These fanfictions allow for a lot of creativity, expanding on Ash's character and his relationships in the Pokemon world.
Often, Ash has to complete a quest. In a fanfic with Ho - Oh, Ash might have to find three special feathers scattered across the region. These feathers are said to be the key to summoning Ho - Oh. As he embarks on this journey, he faces many challenges and overcomes them with his existing Pokemon team. Once he collects all the feathers, Ho - Oh appears and, impressed by Ash's determination, decides to fight alongside him. Another way is through a prophetic vision. Ash might have a dream that tells him how to find and bond with a Legendary like Entei, and he follows this vision to make it happen.
Team Rocket would be the most obvious ones. They're always after rare and powerful Pokémon or Pokémon - related items, so the legendary egg would be a huge target for them.
There are also fanfictions where Ash catches Rayquaza. This could be set during a time when the sky is in chaos due to some dark energy. Rayquaza is drawn to Ash because of his pure heart and determination. Ash, with his usual courage, teams up with his pokemon to assist Rayquaza in restoring balance. As a result, Rayquaza allows Ash to catch it.
One possible plot could be Ash being chosen by Arceus to save the world from a new, mysterious threat that even the Legendary Pokemon are powerless against. He has to travel to different regions and form bonds with various Legendary Pokemon along the way, using their combined powers to face the danger.
Maybe Ash discovers a hidden power within himself that is linked to the legendary Pokemon. This power could be awakened through a series of dangerous adventures, like facing off against an evil team that is trying to capture all the legendaries. As he progresses, he gradually transforms into a being with some of the abilities of a legendary Pokemon.