(10 Minutes Later)

There is pin-drop silence in the common room. All the champions except Diantha are looking at the floor in silence while clutching a fistful of their hair in each hand. Diantha who has already gone through this experience once before is taking it much better. However, she too isn't saying anything.

The Elite Four, frontier brains and gym leaders are also not saying anything. All of them are giving one another nervous glances, unsure of what to say. The members of the press also are not saying anything for a change. All the professors and teachers are not saying anything either. Ash and Serena are however sitting calmly with their eyes closed and a deep thinking expression on their expression.

"How long Serena?" Diantha suddenly says to everyone's surprise.

"Are you talking to me Diantha?" Serena asks after opening her eyes.

"How long?" Diantha repeats herself to everyone's confusion.

"How long for what?" Serena asks.

"Did the battle last after he actually started battling? You were timing if I recall correctly." Diantha asks.

"Umm. Diantha this is not the best time. We can talk about it later," Serena says sweetly hoping to avoid the inevitable.

"No. Now!" Diantha says in a rather loud and hurt tone.

"But," Serena starts to protest.

"Now!" Diantha says in a menacing tone to everyone's shock.

Serena sighs and says, "1 Minute 57 Seconds." 

On hearing that Diantha starts laughing hysterically to the surprise of all the other champions.

"Is there something funny? We just got our asses handed to us on live TV, got Goodshow humiliated when he to kneel before that man and you are laughing?" Lance asks in an annoyed tone.

"Of course, there is. We took two months. Two fucking months to develop our strategy. Another three months to practice and modify it. It took him less than two minutes to blast and rip our efforts to shreds. Are we pathetic or incompetent or idiots or what?" Diantha says in the middle of fits of laughter which soon turns to incessant crying. 

No one says anything for they don't have an answer to Diantha's question.

"Neither of you is pathetic or idiots or anything like that. You are just out of your league is all," Ash says after opening his eyes.

"Easy for you to say. Mr. in-training-to-be-Pokemon Master," Diantha coldly replies before collapsing to the floor on her knees.

"Trust me, Serena and I have been in your shoes several times before to know what you are going through. That man is nothing short of invincible," Ash says while getting up. 

He walks over to Diantha and extends his arm to her crying face.

"True strength is to know to get back on your feet and trying again," Ash says as he pulls Diantha up.

"And true wisdom is to know your limits." He says as he seats her next to Cynthia who's sitting with her hands clutching huge folds of hair.

"Why not some hot chocolate and some cookies to cheer up the mood?" Serena says to Seibold who takes the cue and goes out to fetch the pick me up items.

(20 minutes later)

"Feeling better?" Serena asks as everyone else finishes their hot chocolate. All the champions give a little smile on hearing that. Even Goodshow nods in silence, giving his first visible reaction ever since he sat down in the room. Both Ash and Serena breathe a sigh of relief on hearing that.

"It still beats me. How on the earth did that man beat the champions like that? He is strong all right. But to annihilate them in under 2 minutes is mind-boggling," Alexa says.

"He won because of fear," Drake says of the Hoeen Elite four.

"Fear?" Alexa asks.

"Yes, Alexa fear. Dragon Emperor knows how to go for the kill. He preys on his opponents' weaknesses which in this case was the champions' fear of him," Serena replies.

"I don't understand. He beat them with sheer power," Sycamore says.

"You're right. He beat them with sheer power. But that power and strength is his advantage over the champions. The fear that the champions harboured against him even before the match started was their weakness which the Emperor exploited," Ash clarifies.

"Let me explain it to you further. Dragon Emperor is very good at reading people. He can see through people as if they were nothing but a pane of glass. When he arrived in the stage both Serena and I sensed the nervousness and the fear in the Diantha and the others. If we could sense it then you can assume he definitely sensed it. He very cleverly put up a low-level fight. Two reasons, first to study and decipher the entire strategy that the champions had created to combat him. And second to ensure that Diantha and the others would suppress their fear and become more and more overconfident as the battle progressed. As the first battle with Raichu progressed more and more, the level of fear which was suppressed inside the champions grew just like the level of water does when a river is dammed. The moment, he used Volt Switch it had a severe psychological effect on them evident by their shaking. What it did was ram up the pressure immensely. As a result, the dam broke and a torrent of fear inside the champions' minds was released. This literally arrested their thought process and completely paralyzed them. When that happened it rendered the champions' unable to give proper commands and allowed him to rip their carefully laid out strategies and any remaining confidence to bits. The fear inside them led to wide openings and careless decisions which allowed him to capitalize on them more effectively and take the win. But to make a statement he used a Signature Move," Ash says to everyone's shock except Serena.

"What even was that move?" Oak asks.

"Yes, even I want to know. That was not a move any of us recognizes," Juniper adds.

"The move is called 'Flying Dragon of Darkness' and it is one of the two Signature Moves that Noivern possesses. It brings out Noivern's Dark typing to its utmost potential for the duration of the move," Serena says.

"Dark typing? But Noivern is a ...," Rowan says only to be cut off by Ash.

"A Flying and Dragon-type. Correct?" Ash interjects only for everyone else to nod in response.

"For you, it may be. But for us, Noivern is a Dominant Flying-Dragon and Recessive Dark-type Pokemon," Serena answers.

"What's this weird terminology? What's Recessive and Dominant?" Oak asks.

"It's essentially the complete system in which Pokemon are categorized by typing according to the Dragon Emperor. I can't tell you about it because he's forbidden us from telling anyone about it but I'll tell you about the move. The signature move of Noivern temporarily makes it a Dominant Flying, Dragon and Dark Type Pokemon when it uses its Signature Move. That's what you saw when it got engulfed with that black energy. That was Dark-type energy which was drenching Noivern's entire body. The chains which pulled your Pokemon were also composed of Dark-type energy. And the fire, that was ignited by combining the Dragon-type characteristics with the Dark-type characteristics and using the Flying-type characteristics to control its spread. All in all, it brings out the power of all three typings to its highest potential to deliver a devastating attack. What you got hit with, I think was only 35% efficiency," Serena finishes completely mind-boggling everyone who hears the explanation.

"You said, one of two. What's the other one?" Brandon asks.

"We don't know. We've never seen it or been told about it before. But we do know that there are two different Signature Moves, Noivern possesses," Ash answers.

"We never stood a chance in the first place, did we?" Lance asks.

"No. You didn't," A voice says to everyone's shock.

"That voice!" Cynthia shouts as if she has just seen a ghost.

"But where did it come from. He is not here!" Brandon says as everyone looks around the room.

"I am here," the voice says. Moments later Dragon Emperor teleports right in front of the champions. On seeing him all the champions fall of their seats and back away while shaking. Everyone including Ash and Serena jump as well by this unexpected turn of events.

"Now now. Calm down, I just came here to check on you," Dragon Emperor says before smiling in a reassuring manner.

"You have some nerve coming here to rub salt into their wounds. Get out," Seibold angrily snaps with spit flying everywhere.

"Calm down. I have no intention of doing that to such accomplished trainers. These champions should feel proud instead of beaten down after putting up such a good fight... to the best of their limited capabilities," Dragon Emperor says. 

Seibold, however, is not listening to anything. He starts running towards the Dragon Emperor with his fingers curled in the form of a fist.

Dragon Emperor gives a wink to Diantha and Cynthia who return a confused look. On seeing their expression he simply smiles. Seconds before Seibold is about to tackle him he teleports away causing Seibold to lose his balance and fall on his face with a bang.

"Before fighting learn how to stay on your feet." Dragon Emperor says from another part of the room.

Everyone, including Ash and Serena, gets shocked at this turn of events. Seibold gets up while groaning. Diantha and Cynthia on looking at his face burst out in laughter for a few seconds before clamping their mouths shut with their hands. Seibold turns around to face the others. Soon the entire room bursts with laughter with the exception of Seibold who is looking at everyone else in a confused state.

"Here you go," Dragon Emperor says while holding a mirror for Seibold to see his face in the mirror on seeing that he himself bursts into laughter.

'I guess my work here is done,' Dragon Emperor thinking to himself before nodding at Serena and Ash and teleporting away.

Suddenly the bell rings signalling that the stadium has been repaired and it is time for the second battle to begin. On hearing that, Ash and Serena start to move to the battlefield.

"Win for our sakes," Cynthia says.

"Are you kidding me? Our defeat is certain. The question is how long we will last," Ash replies before walking out. 

There is stunned silence in the room at this answer.

"Well, we should get going as well," Diantha says.

"Are you kidding me? You need to get admitted to the psychiatric ward. There is no question of watching the match." Seibold says.

"I am not kidding. I will get admitted to the ward after the match is over. But I am watching it whether you like it or not," Diantha snaps back much to Seibold's disapproval.

"But," Seibold starts to protest only to be cut off by Goodshow.

"If they want to watch. They should be allowed to do so," Goodshow says in a firm and final tone. 

Everyone nods and one by one they all leave.

(10 Minutes Later in the VIP Box)

"Well, the match is about to start. Any estimates on how long those two will last?" Alexa says.

"I would estimate three to five minutes," Diantha replies.

"When it was just the six of us, we lost under two minutes. When it is just the two of them you are estimating almost twice of our time?" Drake asks from the Orange Islands.

"I agree with Diantha's estimate," Oak says.

"Why?" Grace asks, baffled at Oak's remark.

"Ash and Serena have been training under the Dragon Emperor for a long time. They know him well. They will not make the same mistakes that the champions made like letting fear get the best of them. Furthermore, they are the only ones here who can predict his moves ahead of time. Not even the champions have this skill," Oak replies.

"Not to mention both of them have become very powerful as well. Maybe they are not as strong as him but they will put up a good fight that is for sure." Cynthia says.

"I see," Grace says. Both she and Delia cross their fingers on hearing this.

'Be careful. Ash and Serena. And best of luck.' they both think simultaneously.

(On the Battlefield)

"Alright, This will be a one on two Dragon-type duel," Dragon Emperor says.

"Dragon-type duel?" Ash asks in a surprised tone.

"Yes. Dragon-type duel. We shall have the use of one Pokemon each. It has to have dominant/recessive Dragon typing. The reason why this scenario is because this will allow me to test your progress properly after all only when your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness only then does your true potential shine. So choose your partner well. Go Noivern," Dragon Emperor says while tossing Noivern's Poke-ball. 

It comes out and gives a huge roar sending chills down many people in the VIP Box and the stands as well.

"In that case, go Salamence," Serena says while tossing her Poke-ball.

"You too, Garchomp," Ash says while doing the same.

"Begin!" Referee shouts.

"Use Dragon Rush," Dragon Emperor commands.

"We'll use Dragon Rush as well." Ash and Serena say in unison. 

Noivern's Dragon Rush clashes with Salamence and Garchomp's combined Dragon Rush causing an explosion. Noivern flies out of the explosion looking unscathed. Garchomp and Salamence on the other hand, drop to the ground.

"Get up!" Ash and Serena say as their loyal Dragon types get back on their feet.

"Noivern use Gust," Dragon Emperor orders as Noivern flaps its massive wings.

"Quick! Dragon Claw into the ground." Ash says as both Dragon Types are barely able to hold their ground against Noivern's Gust. 

After the gust has stopped both Ash and Serena breathe a sigh of relief.

"Well done. Using Dragon Claw to act as an anchor against my Noivern's Gust," Dragon Emperor compliments his students.

"Thank you," Ash and Serena reply.

"Very well, then. Now you may have the first move," Dragon Emperor offers.

"Ash, we can't match that thing head-on," Serena says.

"I know. It's time to take it to the next stage," he replies. 

Ash and Serena both nod at each other. Then they both strike a characteristic pose to everyone's surprise. Serena's hands are crossed in the form of an X where her right palm is touching her left shoulder and her left palm is touching her right shoulder. Ash on the other hand has both of his hands stretched out. His right palm is above his left hand. Both the hands are pointing straight at Dragon Emperor.

"Respond to my heart. Beyond Evolution. Mega Evolve," Serena says after she has struck her pose and closed her eyes. As soon as golden light begin emanating from the pendant around her neck, her right hand makes a fluidic circular motion which becomes a gesturing stretched hand while her left hand is still on her right shoulder.

"Respond to my heart. Beyond Evolution. Mega Evolve," Ash says after he has struck his pose and closed his eyes. As soon as golden light begin emanating from the pendant around his neck his right palm slides back on his left outstretched hand like a credit card is swiped in a machine. The right palm then moves next to his face curling itself in a claw kind of a shape. His left hand copies what Serena did with her outstretched hand.

As soon as both Ash and Serena gesture their hands towards the Dragon Emperor as part of their pose their Pokemon finish Mega Evolving and give out a loud roar.

"I see. Creating little personas are we? Not bad. As for the sense of style and taste, Serena gets all the credit," Dragon Emperor remarks in an impressed tone.

(Back in the VIP Box)

"It seems Ash's Gible evolved!" Cynthia remarks as she sees Ash's Garchomp.

"What power!" Drasna remarks as Dragon Emperor's Noivern comes flying out of the Dragon Rush exchange.

"Indeed. The power that man and his Pokemon have is something to behold indeed." Oak remarks.

"Well, that is true. I have seen his abilities first hand. Had Alder told me he was going to battle Dragon Emperor then I would have warned him in advance," Drayden says.

"What you know him?" Alder asks.

"Yes. That man taught me everything I know about Dragon Types." Drayden remarks to Lance's surprise.

"So when I interned at your gym before becoming the Kanto Champion everything you taught me was taught to you by that man?" Lance asks to which Drayden nods.

"Indeed. That man has also taught me everything I know about Air Battling as well." McCann says who is the newest member of the Sinnoh Frontier Brains. 

Everyone is shocked at these revelations.

"So you two were his short term apprentices like I was?" Clemont clarifies to which Drayden and McCann nod.

"Just who are you Dragon Emperor and why have we never seen or heard about a trainer like you ever before?" Sycamore says to everyone's agreement.

"Look there. It seems Ash and Serena are Mega Evolving their Pokemon!" Brandon says drawing everyone's attention back to the match.

"That was a wise decision considering that they can't match up to his power without it." Oak remarks.

"Wow. Ash has a Garchompite. I have been trying to find one forever!" Cynthia says in an almost jealous tone.

"Things are heating up for sure. It seems we are in for one spicy battle!" Scott's specs gleam as everyone nods.

(Back on the Battlefield)

"Get ready for the fight of your life Dragon Emperor!" Ash and Serena say in unison.

"Ash... Serena..." Dragon Emperor says before pausing in a dramatic way. 

There is shocked silence in the stadium. Everyone watches with bated breathe not even daring to blink or for that matter move a muscle.

"Bring it," Dragon Emperor coyly smiles as the three of them eye each other intensely.