(Next Morning at Breakfast)

"So Ash, Serena and Clemont what shall we do today before you head out for your journey tomorrow?" Korrina asks.

"I don't know we could do something. Hey, by the way where is Dr ,I mean the man who was here with us yesterday?" Ash asks while correcting himself.

"Oh. He left early morning to do some shopping." Korrina replies while drinking some water.

"That's an excellent idea. Why don't we go shopping?" Serena says.

Everyone nods. "Well that's settled. Hold on I'll just get my disguise and then we'll be off." Serena says while running of.

(Half an Hour Later)

"I must say Korrina you are a very good gym leader. You actually pushed Ash to the limit this time. This is something neither Grant or Viola were able to do." Clemont says while complimenting Korrina.

"I did. That means a lot coming from the Lumiose city gym leader." Korrina replies.

Ash and Serena are walking behind Clemont and Korrina.

Ash whispers to Serena "Hey it's been a while since we got any private intimate time together."

"What are you thinking Ashy?" Serena says with a smirk coming on her face.

"What I am saying is while these 2 are chatting we should give them the slip for some, you know alone time. Besides all our Pokemon are at the gym." Ash says while smirking as well.

"Well I did happen to see a decent inn on our way here." Serena says while smiling.

"You are just too good my sweet." Ash says while quickly taking her arm. They both quietly sneak off while giggling.

What they don't know is that the Dragon Emperor has been observing them all this while. He smiles to himself and says "The things people do for love."

Then he starts following Clemont and Korrina.

"Well I am the Lumiose City gym leader but I am also an inventor." Clemont says.

"Really wow. Can you show me any inventions." Korrina says.

"Here take a look. This is the Aipom arm. It is used for many things like picking up heavy objects, unlocking locks etc." Clemont says while demonstrating.

"Wow. It's so cool. What else can it do?" Korrina asks.

"Well it's most common use is to take care of my sister to avoid any embarrassing situations." Clemont says.

"What situations?" Korrina inquires.

"Well my younger sister Bonnie is very young and sweet. She is also very mischievous. She has this unfortunate habit of getting down on her knees and proposing to girls so that she can find me a wife. I only wish half of them were as pretty as you." Clemont replies in an embarrassed manner.

On hearing that Korrina turns a shade red.

'Did he just call me pretty?' she thinks to herself.

"Korrina what happened? Are you unwell or anything. You do seem to be turning a shade of red." Clemont asks with a concerned tone.

"No. No. It's nothing." she replies after shaking the feeling off.

"Interesting. This couldn't get any better. It seems my hunch about these turned out to be correct after all." Dragon Emperor says while chuckling at Clemont's denseness.

"OK. So what should we do then?" Clemont says.

"Well there is a rollerskating park just up ahead. If you want I could teach you how to roller skate." Korrina says.

"That sounds fun. What about you Ash and Serena?" Clemont says while turning around.

Both of them get shocked to see the 2 missing.

"Where did they go?" Clemont says.

"They could've got sidetracked or something. Don't worry we'll find them later." Korrina says.

"U mm. OK. I guess. But I should tell you now that I think of it. I am not very comfortable doing roller skating. Can we do something else?" Clemont says.

"Oh come on Clemont. Just this once for me. It's my favorite thing to do." Korrina says with puppy dog eyes.

Upon seeing that Clemont starts to gulp. He is experiencing something which he has never felt before. He is scared to roller skate but it's almost as if those eyes of hers have fixed his response for him already.

Meanwhile Dragon Emperor is barely able to contain his laughter at Clemont's reaction.

"OK. But you will have to teach me." Clemont says.

"Thanks Clemont. You are the best." Korrina says before hugging him.

Then she breaks the hug and runs of to get some roller skates for Clemont.

Clemont's face is flushed red with his hands and feet shaking uncontrollably. His head is feeling light and it's almost as if he is semi dizzy and semi conscious.

"What is happening?" Clemont says as he looks at his hands which are shaking uncontrollably.

"It's called having a crush genius." Dragon Emperor says causing Clemont to jump out of his skin.

"What?" Clemont shouts.

"My my. You must be the most dense boy on this planet. Did you really think she was unwell when she flushed red. You idiot she was blushing because you had said that she was a pretty girl when you were describing Bonnie's antics. Remember?" Dragon Emperor says.

Clemont's jaw drops as he realizes what had happened. He too turns a shade red.

"That was nothing. She is a beautiful girl. That's all. There is nothing between us." Clemont says.

"Nothing between us yet. You mean." Dragon Emperor says deciding to poke a little fun at him.

"Stop. She doesn't like me or anything." Clemont says in a rather loud tone.

"My my. You sure are turning angry at a thing like. You really do like her. Don't you." Dragon Emperor says after a giving a chuckle.

Clemont is still furiously blushing unable to say anything.

"If you think she doesn't like you. Just observe her reaction especially her cheeks which will be flushing red like a tomato. Now just stay quiet. Here she comes." Dragon Emperor says.

"No. I beg you don't do something embarrassing. My sister is enough." Clemont says.

"Relax I am helping you." Dragon Emperor says. "Hello Korrina. How are you on this pleasant morning."

"I am well thank you. Why is Clemont sweating like that?" Korrina says.

"It's nothing." Clemont quickly says.

"Come on Clemont you are no fun at all. Actually the reason why he is so nervous is because he just told me he liked you and was asking me on tips regarding asking you out." Dragon Emperor says.

Korrina is shocked at his words. Her arms and hands start shaking just like Clemont's a minute ago. Her face is flushing furiously like tomato.

Clemont has just been observing Korrina's reaction. He can't believe that what the Dragon Emperor just told him was true. Unable to take the intensity of the situation he falls on the ground with swirly eyes. On seeing that Korrina runs towards him, bends down to check up on him.

"Well. I will be leaving you lovebirds together. Don't be too late." Dragon Emperor says chuckling to himself and walking away.

"We are not lovebirds." Korrina shouts while trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Really. For someone who isn't related to you. You sure do care for him much more than expected. You didn't even realize it but arms have instinctively wrapped themselves around Clemont in a fierce protective manner." Dragon Emperor says while turning around.

Korrina looks at her arms and then blushes once again. Before she can say anything she gets cutoff by Dragon Emperor.

"Korrina. Take care of him. He may be a little dense but he does care for you. You will have to take the first step towards initiating the relationship but I promise you. You won't regret it. I can see that you 2 have a bright future together. He's a good kid. Take your time today. Enjoy the moment."

Korrina feels like snapping at him but then she takes a deep breath and replies "I will." with a tone of happiness.

Dragon Emperor smiles then turns around and walks away.

"That was easier than I thought. Now to get my 2 apprentices." Dragon Emperor says to himself.

(In an inn nearby)

"That was incredible. I must say I have missed your cock." Serena says as Ash gets off her and tries to catch his breath.

"Good thing you brought that condom in your purse." Ash replies in the middle of gasps of air.

"Well we better get going. Clemont and Korrina will be looking for us." Serena says as she gets up and starts putting her clothes on.

"Yup you are right."Ash says while putting on his clothes.

After wearing their clothes they walk downstairs pay the bill and walk out to find Dragon Emperor waiting for them.

"I can see some people enjoyed themselves." Dragon Emperor says in an uninterested warm tone.

Both Ash and Serena blush uncontrollably while scratching the back of their head in a nervous fashion.

"Come with me. I need Serena and you to do something in the Shalour gym." Dragon Emperor says before walking away.

"What something?" Serena asks.

"I will tell you on the way." Dragon Emperor says while walking away.

(10 Minutes Later)

"That really happened?" Ash and Serena shout in unison.

"Yes. It did." Dragon Emperor says as he finishes explaining what had happened between Clemont and Korrina.

"Wow Clemont and Korrina. I never would have thought." Serena says.

"I would have." Dragon Emperor says while chuckling.

Suddenly Serena's eyes widen and she says "So that's why you were so eager to come to Shalour City so quickly. This was your solution for Clemont's problem."

"You are wrong." Dragon Emperor replies.

"I am?" Serena says sounding a little confused.

"This is just the means not the solution. The solution you are going to help me with while Ash packs his and your bags." Dragon Emperor replies.

"And Clemont's right." Ash says.

"No. This is where our paths diverge. Clemont will be staying here while you 2 continue on with me." Dragon Emperor says.

"Staying here! What do you mean." Both of them ask in unison.

Dragon Emperor then repeats his explanation of why Clemont's will never be able to progress the way these two are progressing. Ash and Serena silently listen.

"I see. But how will staying here help Clemont?" Ash asks.

"You leave that to me and Serena. Now go and pack your bags we must be gone before they come back." Dragon Emperor says.

"But." Ash starts to protest only to be shot down by a firm look from Dragon Emperor.

As Ash leaves Dragon Emperor turns to Serena and starts to explain what she has to do.

(2 hours later)

Clemont and Korrina walk into the gym while holding hands. Upon hearing footsteps they separate their hands. Suddenly Gurkinn sees them and says "Ah. Clemont and Korrina. I was wondering when you 2 will be back. Come in. There is hot soup ready in he dining hall."

"Thank you sir but where are Ash and Serena?" Clemont asks.

"Oh they left an hour ago along with the man who was travelling to Coumarine City. He said if you had any questions on how, what and why this letter would suffice." Gurkinn says while handing Clemont a letter.

"What does it say Clemont." Korrina asks.

"U mm. Korrina would you mind letting me read this alone. I am just as clueless as you." Clemont says.

"Of course. No problem. I will be in the dining hall." Korrina says. She then takes a quick look around. Upon seeing no one else preset she gives Clemont a quick kiss on his left cheek before going away to the dining hall.

Clemont smiles then he opens up the letter. He starts reading.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Clemont,

You are probably wondering why did we leave you so suddenly. The answer is that the time has come to follow your own path. Do you remember the day we met. The next day you asked me why I didn't allow you to become my apprentice. Well the answer was that you did not possess the strength needed to withstand the training.

Well that answer was not a complete one. You see just like a mega stone and a keystone to work a student and teacher need to have a compatibility as well. You and I unfortunate as it may be did not have the required compatibility. I think this even you knew deep down as you must have noticed the progress that you made while learning how to ride Tauros was very little compared to what Ash and Serena achieved. This is because I could not reach through to you the way I could reach through to those 2.

When that happened I started to think of ways in which I could get you the help you needed. The answer struck me when I thought of Shalour City Gym. You see Clemont what you lack is a fiery spirit, a passion for Pokemon battling which needs to be set ablaze should you want to become a better gym leader. You may be able to make the perfect battle strategy but remember in a battle you an go only so far with the perfect score. The environment of the Shalour City gym is exactly what you need. An environment full of heat, passion, hard work, physical strength and most importantly your future girlfriend (that is if you have not confessed to one another already).

Well don't worry about Ash and Serena. I shall take good care of them. You have my word Furthermore with Serena's help I have fixed an internship on mega evolution under Gurkinn's tutelage for you. Now I want you to work hard and well. Furthermore do inform Diantha about your internship. Tell them Ash has already won 2 badges and is on his way to the next gym. The 2 of them will be fine together. Finally before ending this letter I will say his to you Clemont. Don't mess things up with Korrina. She is a lovely girl and in a way perfect for you. Don't worry you will meet us in the future when Ash challenges your gym. But that will not be before 2 months. For we shall challenge the other remaining ones first.

Ash and Serena Wish you luck with Korrina

D. E.

Don't mention me to Diantha when you call her or Korrina for that matter. When the time is right I will reveal it myself. But I am asking you to keep faith in me for the moment.

(After you have finished reading you will notice a black powdery mark at the bottom of this letter. Just give it a rub with your finger and watch)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Clemont finishes reading. Then he rubs the black spot. A few seconds later the entire letter catches fire and before Clemont can do anything there is nothing left but soot. Clemont is shocked at first but then he smiles.

'Good One Dragon Emperor.' Clemont thinks to himself as he walks to join Korrina and Gurkinn for some soup and lunch.

"What happened? Why did they leave?" Korrina asks.

"Well it seems they thought it will be better if I learned about Mega Evolution from your grandfather." Clemont says.

"That's great. Awesome." Korrina says in an ecstatic tone.

"Indeed. I look forward to working with you." Gurkinn says while breaking a piece of bread.

(After Lunch is over)

Clemont is calling KIP from his holocaster. Suddenly the a computer screen comes in focus with Prof. Sycamore in it.

"Ah. Clemont how are you. Good to see you." He says.

"Thanks Prof. Where is Diantha. I needed to speak with her regarding an important development." Clemont says.

"Well Diantha is shooting for her movie right now. She will be back by evening. Tell me what it was and I will tell her." Sycamore replies.

(10 minutes later)

"Well there is no problem as far as I can see. Interning under Gurkinn will be a wonderful opportunity for you. We both know that Ash and Serena can take care of themselves so there should be no problem at all. Anything else?" Sycamore asks.

Clemont considers telling him about the Dragon Emperor but eventually decides against it deciding to give him the benefit of the doubt. Also in a way he fells like he owes Dragon Emperor one for fixing him up with Korrina.

"Nothing." Clemont replies.

"OK then. It was nice talking to you. I need to get going now. I have a lecture in 5 minutes. Bye." Sycamore says before signing off.

(Meanwhile on the road)

"Well where are we going next Dragon Emperor?" Ash asks.

"We are going to Geosenge town. It is there you two will have a trial each which shall determine whether you two are ready to learn about Mega Evolution." Dragon Emperor replies.

"I feel a little guilty about leaving Clemont behind like that. Do you think he will be fine?" Serena asks.

"Knowing Clemont. I bet he will be more than fine. But enough about Clemont tell me do any of you know why we are going to Geosenge Town?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"I have heard that place is abundant with evolutionary stones." Serena says.

"Correct. Your trial is simple find a mega stone which goes with your Pokemon. Any idea which Pokemon it will be?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Let me guess. Lucarionite." Ash replies.

"Good and which one for your Serena?" Dragon Emperor asks Serena.

"U mm. I don't know Sylveonite maybe."Serena says.

"Well sorry to disappoint you but no one has ever found a Sylveonite before. You shall try to get a Delphoxite." Dragon Emperor says.

"But my Braixen hasn't evolved into a Delphox yet." Serena says.

"Oh. Don't worry it is about to evolve any day now. Best to use the fire stone that you got in the initiation ceremony and get it over with." Dragon Emperor replies.

"OK. But I will ask Braixen first." Serena says while tossing her Poke-ball.

She then kneels down and asks Braixen "Tell me do you want to evolve into Delphox. If you do then place your palm on the stone on my hand."

"Braixen Briax." it replies before putting her hand on the fire stone as it begins to evolve.

A few moments later Delphox is standing in front of them.

"Well that's that. Time to get going." Dragon Emperor says while resuming walking.

"Right." Ash and Serena say in unison.