(Next Morning)

Clemont comes out of his tent to see Serena asleep in Ash's arms. Ash is asleep, next to the extinguished bonfire, with his back rested against a tree trunk.

"I guess these 2 got so tired that they forgot to even go inside their tent after finishing their discussion." Clemont says to himself while smiling.

Clemont freshens up and then starts to get breakfast ready. The scent and sound of the breakfast being cooked wakes both Ash and Serena up.

"Morning sweetheart." Ash mumbles in a sheepish manner as Serena opens her eyes as as well.

Serena gives a sleepy smile before giving him a good morning kiss. After the kiss is over they both get up and stretch their hands and legs while yawning to get rid of their lethargy.

"How did you two sleep? Must have been a little uncomfortable sleeping like that?" Clemont says as both Ash and Serena walks towards him.

"Good morning to you as well Clemont. Slept fine actually. We fell asleep while watching a meteor shower." Serena says while looking for her water bottle.

"Alright you two. Go get cleaned up. He is here." Clemont says while pointing a finger at Dragon Emperor who is approaching their camp.

"Right." both Ash and Serena say in unison as they spring to their feet.

(Half an Hour Later)

Ash, Serena, Clemont and all the other Pokemon are eating their breakfast while Dragon Emperor is calmly waiting for them to finish. Like always he has serious yet calm and calculating face. His eyes are closed and his arms are crossed around each other.

"Wonder what's with that attire of his. It's like he is always deep in thought." Serena whispers to Clemont and Ash.

"Not just thought. Serious thought." Ash says as Serena nods. On seeing that the Dragon Emperor is not eating anything Clemont decides to speak up.

"Sir would you like some breakfast? We would be happy to share. There is plenty." Clemont offers.

"Thank you young man for that kind offer but I have already eaten. Kindly continue on. After you finish I need to have a word with the three of you." Dragon Emperor replies while staying in the same mysterious cold attire.

"So much for appreciation." Serena whispers.

"Well I thought he gave a little smile when he gave Clemont a reply." Ash whispers back.

"Well guys let's eat quickly. I am not sure keeping him waiting is the best thing to do under the circumstance." Clemont whispers back.

(10 Minutes Later)

"Well have the 2 of you reached a decision?" Dragon Emperor says while opening his eyes for the first time this morning in front of them.

"We have. We discussed it at length last night. We agree." Serena says.

"Good. I was hoping for that answer." Dragon Emperor replies while relaxing his facial expression a bit.

"Sir may I train under you too sir?" Clemont suddenly says.

Dragon Emperor looks at Clemont's determined face for a moment.

"I am afraid I must decline your request." Dragon Emperor replies.

"But why?" Serena asks while Clemont is looking disappointed.

"He does not have the inner strength to handle my training. He still has a long way to go before acquiring the level of maturity needed to undergo my training. I can't be the cause of any misfortune to happen to him should he go through my training without being ready to receive it." Dragon Emperor says quietly.

"Come on you can make an exception for Clemont." Ash says.

"Your trust in your friend is admirable but the path that you 2 are about to take is not meant for everyone. If everyone could become a Pokemon master then soon the world would be crawling with Pokemon masters with no one left to become a doctor, or an engineer or a researcher or something else. The path that he will take will be different from the path you two will take." Dragon Emperor says before pausing.

Ash and Serena are feeling sorry for Clemont. Clemont feels guilty about making his friends sad in the morning. He quickly says "Don't worry guys. Dragon Emperor is right. Besides now that I think about it I may not have the stomach for his training."

"Indeed. But don't worry Clemont. I won't leave you high and dry. There are a few things you need to learn in order to become a better gym leader. I will not take you as a proper student but I will teach you something about Pokemon as I have done several times in the past with promising trainers I have come across like you." Dragon Emperor says.

"You will? Thank you so much sir." Clemont says while bowing his head.

"No need to get so formal young man. Sit up and relax." Dragon Emperor says then he turns to Serena & Ash.

"You two are among the very few people in this world who will get a chance to learn the ways of the Pokemon as you train to become Pokemon masters. The journey you will take shall take you to places and heights you never imagined. You will learn things that you've never even dreamed about. I will be honest with you. As you progress with you training your skills and capabilities shall increase and so will the danger." Dragon Emperor says before pausing.

Ash and Serena both look at each other the moment they hear the word danger. Then they turn to Dragon Emperor and ask in unison "What danger?"

"That I can't tell you for the time is not right. But for now know this. You two will take the first step on your path to becoming Pokemon master under my guidance. That is just like a ship entering uncharted territories. It is exciting and adventurous. But you know what they say with new territory comes new danger. It will sometimes come in a form you know and have encountered before. Other times it will come in a way you don't know. Rest assured whether you want to or not the danger will come one way or another." Dragon Emperor says before pausing.

Ash and Serena look a little uncomfortable after all this talk of danger that they will have to face. Even Clemont is wearing a serious expression because he knows that the Dragon Emperor is not joking around.

"If the danger comes in a form we don't know how are we supposed to fight it?" Ash asks.

"There is no right way of doing that Ash. All I will say is this. Trust in yourselves. Trust in each other. Trust in your love and you will prevail. Besides you won't be alone. I will be there for you that is if you put your complete faith in me." Dragon Emperor replies.

Ash and Serena both look at each other tying to digest what the Dragon Emperor just said when suddenly the Dragon Emperor stands up to their surprise.

"So tell me you 2. Do you trust in the bond of love you share?" Dragon Emperor asks Ash and Serena is a clear and serious voice.

Ash and Serena both look at each other for a second. They nod and then they both turn to Dragon Emperor and say "We do." in unison.

"Very well then that is settled. I am the Dragon Emperor a Pokemon Master and you two ,Ash and Serena, are my apprentices."

"Thank you so much. I hope we 2 will not let you down sir." Serena says.

"Good to hear that. However in future now that you are my students you will address me by Dragon Emperor over Sir or Teacher, I prefer it that way." Dragon Emperor replies.

"OK." Ash says while giving Dragon Emperor a smile.

"Good now you have 15 minutes. Pack everything. It is time to hit the road." Dragon Emperor says while dismissing them.

"Right." the three of them say before hurrying off to pack everything in their backpacks and hit the road again. As they are packing everything up Dragon Emperor smiles and then turns to look at the clouds floating in the sky.

(30 Minutes Later)

"So Dragon Emperor tell us how did you become a Pokemon Master?" Ash asks the Dragon Emperor with enthusiasm.

"When I was your age my master made me a similar promise. Needless to say I accepted." Dragon Emperor replies.

"Wow. What was he like?" Ash asks.

Dragon Emperor smiles before saying "That story is for another time. Come on let's take a left here."

"But this will take us off course. Cyllage City is that way." Ash says.

"Correct. We are not going to Cyllage City." Dragon Emperor replies.

"But." Ash says before being cut off.

"the thing is when the teacher says to go left the student should say "Yes sir." instead of protesting." Dragon Emperor says in a sharp tone.

"U mm. Right sorry." Ash quickly says while scratching the back of his hair while Serena and Clemont walk in silence.

(2 hours later)

"Excuse me Dragon Emperor where are we headed? It doesn't show any towns this way." Clemont asks while looking at his Holocaster's map.

"This is one of the best places to train when it comes to Pokemon training without the presence of people to interfere. The air is extremely fresh and there are a lot of Pokemon around. If we walk for another 20 minutes we should come across a clearing by a spring next to a Bamboo forest. It is there we shall set up camp. We shall be here for a week before moving on to the next spot like this." Dragon Emperor says while continuing to walk. Ash however is a little sad that he won't get to challenge the Cyllage city gym for at least a week.

Serena sees that Ash is a little upset so she asks Dragon Emperor "What about Ash's gym battles?"

"Don't worry about that. I give you my word before your four months are over Ash will have all 8 badges in his hand. But for now I want to keep this quiet." Dragon Emperor replies.

"Why quiet?" Ash asks.

"Tell me Ash when you battled Seibold why did you not use Thunder Punch from the start?" Dragon Emperor questions Ash.

"I wanted to use it at exactly the right time. I kept it back like an ace." Ash replies.

"Exactly. The same applies here. You will keep this training to yourselves and yourselves alone till I tell you otherwise. I don't want other people interfering in matters they don't understand. No mention of me or this training to anyone. Not even to your family." Dragon Emperor says in a serious tone.

"Not even to our mom?" Ash and Serena say in unison.

"You will tell them that you are just training in the wilderness. There will be no mention of me, my offer or what techniques and knowledge you have been taught. You will not be lying to them. Just not telling them the complete truth for a while. But I need your word on this from the 3 of you." Dragon Emperor says.

"Fine." Ash, Serena and Clemont say in a grumpy fashion.

"I am serious about this. I don't care for false promises. Say it like you mean it." Dragon Emperor says in a loud and commanding voice.

"We promise." Ash, Serena and Clemont shout quickly in unison while also sweat dropping.

"That's better. Now let us get going shall we. Our campsite is not far." Dragon Emperor says while relaxing his facial expression and walking ahead.

"Phew that was close." the 3 mutter before resuming their walk.

(30 Minutes Later)

"Alright. Set up camp here and cook lunch. We will commence training after lunch. Till then you 3 are free to do whatever you please. But before you get going Ash and Serena please bring out all your Pokemon and introduce them to me.

Ash finishes introducing his Pokemon. When Serena is about to introduce her Pokemon suddenly her phone starts to ring. She checks who is calling and says "Guys it's my mom."

"Alright pick it up. But remember your promise." Dragon Emperor says moments before Serena accepts the call.

"Hi mom. How's it going?" Serena says.

"It's going good dear. So how is your journey with Ash going so far?" Grace says over the line.

"Good. But why are you calling right now mom." Serena asks.

"Oh right I forgot. Harry called me. Told me you hadn't reached Camphrier town yet so he got worried and called me to inform me of your delay. Now that I mentioned it why did you get delayed?"

"Oh nothing mom. Just stopped by with Ash and Clemont to do some training is all. Don't worry I will call Harry to let him know of this. Love you Bye."

"I love you too. Take care of Ash."

"I will." Serena says while cutting the line.

"Who is Harry?" Dragon Emperor asks.

Clemont sets up the lunch while Serena and Ash explain the arrangement they made with Harry to avoid unnecessary attention from the media regarding Serena's journey with Ash.

"I see. Well this is a good thing. If you have a car then it will be even easier for you two to travel from gym to gym which means more time for your training. Alright listen up Serena call up Harry. Tell him exactly what you told your mother. Then tell him to wait in Camphrier town till he gets your call. In the meanwhile show me your Pokemon." Dragon Emperor replies.

"Sure. Here you go." Serena says as she tosses all her Poke-balls while dialing Harry's number.

Dragon Emperor examines at Serena's Pokemon with interest as she talks with Harry. After she finishes her conversation he congratulates them both on raising their Pokemon very well.

"Alright now you 2 go and set up camp. Clemont come with me." Dragon Emperor replies while walking away.

After walking for a 15 minutes they both come to a large meadow where many Pokemon are present.

"Clemont your biggest shortcoming as a Pokemon trainer is your guts. Your unwillingness to tackle unfamiliar situations. That is the problem we will solve in this training session. Do you see those Tauros?" Dragon Emperor says while gesturing to a large group of Tauros grazing.

"I do? What about them?" Clemont says.

"Your job is to catch one of them and then master riding one." Dragon Emperor says.

"R-Ride O-One." Clemont stutters while completely terrified at the prospect of riding one.

"Yes. I can see that you are afraid. Good. This training will then go a long way in improving your level as a trainer, that is if you can pass this hurdle which is holding you back. Alright return to camp with me. After lunch is over you will begin your work immediately." Dragon Emperor says while turning around and walking back to camp.

"R-Right." Clemont says before following suit as well.

After both return to camp they see that Ash and Serena have almost finished setting up the camp.

"Clemont go finish making lunch now. Come here you two." Dragon Emperor says while sitting down.

"After lunch we will start with your training. Today's training will be a theoretical training sessions. We will start from the ground up. The very basics. As your level increases so will complexity of your lessons. We will start by covering the basics of Pokemon. Types, Type Advantages and Disadvantages, Basics of battling, Status Conditions, Abilities, Move Set etc."

"But why from the ground up? We already know all that. Won't it be better to learn about stuff like Mega Evolution." Ash says.

"I agree. It will save time too." Serena says as well.

"If you want to obtain knowledge from me and become my students then you will have to begin from the very start with me as your guide. You will have to forget everything you have learnt so far." Dragon Emperor says.

"Everything?" Serena asks in a shocked tone.

"Everything." Dragon Emperor repeats. On hearing this Ash and Serena look at each with a puzzled and shocked expression.

"All the incorrect knowledge must be forgotten. You will have to empty the cup before you begin to fill it." Dragon Emperor says. 

"We understand." Ash and Serena says after nodding.

"Then and only then will your journey be from a nothing to superior then finally to an all superior Pokemon trainer." Dragon Emperor says in a loud and booming voice.

"Sorry. We won't disobey your wishes. We understand." Both of them say in unison before gulping. Dragon Emperor nods on hearing this.

"Once you have mastered all these. Then we will move to advanced battle strategies like Mega Evolution, Z-Moves etc." Dragon Emperor replies with a softer tone.

"Z-Moves what are those?" Ash asks with interest.

Dragon Emperor smiles before saying "You will find out soon enough. If you study well and hard enough. The sooner you will get to find out."

"I don't mean to interrupt but lunch is ready." Clemont says. Dragon Emperor nods as Clemont turns around and walks away.

"Before we go. Ash I didn't see any Unovan Pokemon in your group?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Umm. Well I had a limit to the Pokemon I could bring." Ash replies.

"I would say more like you're a little uncomfortable with your Unovan Pokemon due to what happened with your father." Dragon Emperor replies. Ash gets the shocked of his life at the fact that the Dragon Emperor has seen through him like looking through a pan of transparent glass.

"Yes, that is also partly true. I am not yet completely comfortable with my Unovan adventure. Which is why I didn't bring any of my Unovan Pokemon and neither have I told Serena or Clemont about my Unovan adventures." Ash confesses in a somewhat ashamed tone.

"Do not worry. Time heals all wounds. With time everything will be alright." Dragon Emperor replies in an understanding tone. Ash nods on hearing this.

"Let's go. Before we begin lunch go into that forest. There are several Citrus and Oran berry trees in that forest. You will pluck the ripe ones and mix them in your Pokemon's food before eating your own food." Dragon Emperor says while taking a seat.

"What about your Pokemon Dragon Emperor?" Serena asks.

"Don't worry about them. Just get a lot of berries for my 10 Pokemon as well. They won't need Pokemon food only nutritious berries will do." Dragon Emperor replies while tossing his 10 Poke-balls to reveal a Raichu, Dragonite, Lapras, Meganium, Steelix, Hariyama, Aerodactyl, Aurorus, Dusclops and Sylveon.

"You have a Sylveon as well." Serena says with an ecstatic tone.

"Yes I do. But hurry along now. The Pokemon are getting hungry." Dragon Emperor says while gesturing her to go ahead.