In many 'Ash Catches Legendary Pokemon' fanfictions, the story develops by first establishing Ash's motivation. It could be to prove himself as the greatest trainer or to save the world from a threat related to the legendary. He then starts researching about the legendary's habits and location. He might get help from his friends or meet new allies. The encounter with the legendary is usually a climax, filled with intense battles and emotional moments, and after that, Ash has to deal with the consequences of having such a powerful pokemon on his team.
These fanfictions typically develop the story around Ash's growth as a trainer. They show how catching a legendary pokemon is not just about power but also about responsibility. At the start, Ash might be a bit overconfident or naive. But as he gets closer to the legendary, he realizes the enormity of the task. He trains harder, learns new techniques, and when he finally catches the legendary, he becomes a more mature and respected trainer. For instance, in a story where he catches Lugia, he has to first understand Lugia's connection to the sea and its role in the ecosystem before he can even attempt to catch it.
Often, they start with Ash getting a hint or a prophecy about a legendary pokemon. For example, he might hear rumors in a local pokemon center. Then, he embarks on a journey to find it. Along the way, he faces obstacles like other trainers who also want the legendary or natural barriers in the environment. Once he finds the legendary, there's a big battle. If he wins, he tries to form a bond with the pokemon to convince it to be caught.