(Next Morning)

"Well you called us. We are here." Grace says as she and Delia enter KIP's conference room.

"Good to see you Grace and Delia. Had a good night's sleep?" Diantha asks.

"Yes. How are you and the champions doing?" Grace asks in a concerned tone.

"We are much better thank you. Of course Lance is still taking it quite badly. But how are Ash and Serena doing?" Diantha asks as everyone turns their gaze to Grace and Delia.

"They are still asleep. I actually put some sleep medication in their food last night. We all know they need it. They should be up in a couple of hours. So what did you want to discuss?" Grace says as she takes her seat as does Delia.

"Well first of all I am not the one who called this meeting. Professor Goodshow did. Why don't we let him speak." Diantha says as everyone turns to Goodshow who has been sitting silently.

"Well first of all both the members of the Pokemon League and the International Police Agency are quite distressed. The defeat of all the champions in such an overwhelming way has sent shock waves throughout both the organizations. Thankfully media agencies have not reported on this in a critical manner since even they felt sorry for the condition of the champions after the battle was over." Goodshow says before taking a sip of water.

"Well I for one would like to surrender my title of champion. I don't deserve it." Lance says to everyone's surprise.

"I understand but that is out of the question." Goodshow replies.

"Why? I am not fit to represent my region in the Pokemon league as evident from the events of yesterday. With such a disturbed mindset I don't think I can perform my duties of a champion as well. I am sure the other champions feel the same after having their a***s handed to them yesterday." Lance says in a bitter tone.

"Language young man. Use of such language does not befit a champion." Goodshow says.

"Another reason why I don't deserve it." Lance says in an ignorant tone.

Goodshow gives a sigh before saying "You are right. As of right now the state you are in. None of you are fit to be champions of your regions but you still must remain on that position."

"Why?" Alder asks.

"Because of the condition Dragon Emperor imposed just before the mach began which all of you accepted in front of international television." Goodshow says.

"The condition of us retaining our title regardless of the outcome. I had a feeling you were going to say that." Diantha replies.

"You had 5 months to create your strategy and train. Furthermore you were battling with a 1 vs 6 numeric advantage. He won despite that. As trainers you are bound by the code of honor of Pokemon trainers and you must uphold the condition that was imposed upon you by him. Besides if you were to step down right now it will cause even more panic than what already has spread." Goodshow says.

"That's right. To deal with the situation and mitigate it we must take steps." Looker says while interjecting.

"Yes but what can we do? You saw the battle. We can't beat him if that is what you are asking us to do." Cynthia says.

"We are not asking you to do that. However we can't stay like this with our heads in the sand without doing anything. So first let us start by reviewing what we know about this Dragon Emperor." Goodshow says.

"Well we know he is an extremely competent and powerful trainer. He knows the ins and outs of Pokemon." Diantha says.

"He is very reserved and calm. He has a dominating presence. Also has a little compassion in him. From what we have seen he cares quite a bit about Ash and Serena." Cynthia says.

"Yes but why does he care so much about Ash and Serena. That is one thing that has been bugging me ever since we have come across this guy." Oak says as everyone nods in agreement.

"I don't know for sure but I do have an inkling." Grace says as everyone looks at her.

"Go on." Diantha says.

"I feel as if he has a deep connection with Ash and Serena. That he knows them at a personal level from the past. Otherwise he never would have gone to such lengths to train them. If he had to train powerful trainers then he could have trained someone like Lance or Cynthia or Diantha for that matter. But he didn't do that. he chose Ash and Serena. I don't know what I am saying is right but it can't just be a coincidence. Can it?" Grace says.

"A most interesting hypothesis indeed. Sounds logically sound to me. I will look into this angle. What else?" Looker says.

"There is something about that man that has been bugging me and Olympia both." Sabrina says.

"Do tell." Goodshow says.

"All those who were there in the common room yesterday after the Champions' battle with him remember him teleporting. Am I right?" Sabrina says as many people nod.

"What of it. He could have had a Psychic type Pokemon have him transport him there. There is no evidence that he himself has psychic abilities." Looker says.

"No but wait. Do you all remember the voice that we heard before he actually teleported into the room when he answered Lance's rhetoric question." Sabrina says.

"I do. It was the Dragon Emperor's voice. But what of it." Oak says.

"Teleporting someone from one place to another is something that a Psychic type Pokemon can do for them. But to transfer his voice to the location is only possible if the user has Psychic abilities." Sabrina says.

"I didn't know that." Looker says as Olympia nods to confirm Sabrina's words.

"Interesting. Then this would suggest that this Dragon Emperor has psychic abilities. Also they must be quite powerful if he can teleport himself from one place to another." Oak remarks as everyone nods in agreement.

"Alright then we can at least safely assume that he is a powerful psychic. What else?" Looker says.

"Wait that's not all." Sabrina says before continuing.

"During the match between Ash and Serena vs him both me and Olympia were trying to read his thoughts." Sabrina says.

"And?" Lance says in a hopeful tone.

"And the most bizarre thing possible happened." Sabrina says to everyone's surprise.

"We couldn't read him at all." Sabrina says.

"What does that mean?" Looker says.

"Powerful Psychic users like me and Sabrina are capable of telekinesis, telepathy, teleportation etc. Because of our reasonable power levels other powerful Psychic type users can feel our presence due to the power emitted by our bodies. For example right now I can feel Sabrina's presence as can she feel mine." Olympia says.

"Like radiation being detected by a source?" Oak enquirers to which Olympia nods.

"So what happened?" Diantha asks.

"Nothing. There was nothing. We couldn't any readings at all. It was almost as if he had no psychic powers in the first place." Sabrina says.

"What?" everyone else exclaims apart from Olympia.

"Is that true?" Valerie asks Olympia after turning to her who only nods in return.

"How can that be? If he is a powerful psychic like you said then you should have been able to feel his presence." Cynthia says.

"Exactly. This is exactly what has got me and Olympia baffled. We don't know how this is possible." Sabrina says in an agitated tone.

"This Dragon Emperor is surely one hell of a mysterious puzzle box." Looker says as he scratches his forehead in frustration.

"But that's all we have got for you right now." Sabrina says.

"Well thank you for sharing this information with us. Better something than nothing. I guess." Diantha says.

"Wait a moment. Didn't he greet McCann and Drayden as old acquaintances. Perhaps you two can tell us something as well." Lance says.

"Well I met him around 20 years ago. Back when I was a trainer. I was in the the Kalos region for the matter of fact. I as training with my Scyther back in the Kalos Canyon. I was having difficulty with flying my Scyther for it always ended up smashing itself into the wall or being sent flying in the wrong direction. When suddenly one morning I heard the sound of laughter. It seems that he had been observing me and my Pokemon train for quite a long while. A first I was a little angry at him for laughing at me so I challenged him to fly his Pokemon in the wind. Till this day I will never forget the sight. It was transcendental. I had never seen such graceful flying before. So when he offered to teach me about air battling I of course jumped at the opportunity. He trained me for 2 weeks and then left. It was not until 12 years later that I ran into him again this time in the Sinnoh region where I had decided I would retire. Then we again saw each other at my house 2 years ago." McCann says.

"Wow. That's quite the story." Delia says to which McCann nods.

"I have similar tale as well." Drayden says.

"Go on." Alder says.

"It was 16 years ago. Me and my partner Haxorus were travelling through the Kanto region. We had just finished travelling but then we decided to go and visit the Blackthorn Gym before returning to Unova. It was in the evening. me and my Haxorus were getting ready to retire for the evening. We suddenly saw a Noivern fly past us. We knew Noivern was a Dragon Type Pokemon but the speed at which it flew was just incredible. Me and Haxorus followed that Noivern to the Dragon Holy Land. That is where we found him. He had been training his Noivern you see. When I saw that he had a Dragonite as well I immediately revealed myself. I introduced myself and then challenged him to a battle since I wanted to become a Dragon Master. Of course he won with just one move taking both my Haxorus and Druddigon out with his Dragonite. Then he offered to train me in the ways of a Dragon Master. I accepted and about a month later we parted ways. Unlike McCann I only ever saw him once after that which was 6 years ago when I was travelling to the Village of Dragons to consult with the elder regarding a matter." Drayden says.

"Interesting. It seems both of you ran into him just like the 3 of us did on the way to Cyllage City." Clemont says after hearing Drayden's story.

"Wait a minute by his looks that Dragon Emperor is a man in his 30's. most likely" Oak says.

"Well maybe early 40's." Sycamore says.

"Alright early 40's then. So if we go 20 years back he would be in his early 20's. That is the age of being a teenager. How can a teenager have so much experience that it can teach you two who were definitely older than him at that time?" Oak says as everyone gasp as they realizes that Oak has a point.

"Well?" Sycamore asks in a hopeful tone.

"Now that you mention it that is odd indeed. For when I met him 20 years ago he looked exactly like he did yesterday. What about you Drayden?" McCann asks Drayden.

"You are right. He hasn't aged a day." Drayden says.

"What!" everyone shouts in unison.

"How can that be? All living creatures age and die. It is the law of nature." Oak says.

"I know that but trust me he actually hasn't aged a day." Drayden says.

"This is most peculiar. How is it possible not to age?" Sycamore says.

"Beats us." Drayden and McCann say in unison.

"Are you sure of what you are saying? You do realize how crazy this sounds." Rowan asks to which both of them nod.

"Well. I guess that was unexpected." Looker says in a tired tone.

"All this talk is making my head spin. I am going for a cup of strong coffee. Anyone else?" Diantha says.

"I'll pass." everyone says except Cynthia who nods and also gets up. They both walk to the coffee machine and fix themselves a cup of coffee each. As soon as they turn their jaws drop and the coffee mugs shatter into pieces on hitting the ground.

"What happened Diantha?" Sycamore asks as Diantha and Cynthia stare with their open jaws towards the other end of the room.

"Look there on the couch he has been listening to the whole conversation all this while." Diantha and Cynthia say pointing to Dragon Emperor who is sitting on the couch on the other end of the room. He sees them, smiles and then gives a wink.

Everyone turns to the other end of the room and scan it. They turn around and Seibold says "Diantha there is no one there."

"Are you kidding me. He is sitting on the couch all this while." Cynthia says as they both turn their attention to Seibold.

"Diantha Cynthia. There is no one there." Goodshow says.

"He is right there." Diantha says while turning only to see the couch completely empty. Both of them get the shock of their lives as they run their eyes over every nook and corner of the room.

"But I could have sworn I saw him on the couch." Diantha says in a confused tone.

"Diantha I think you haven't completely recovered from yesterday's battle. The shattered nerves must have prompted you to see things. Why not take a nap after the meeting both of you." Steven says.

"I. U mm. Well. I guess you are right." Diantha says as she and Cynthia take their places again. They both drink their coffee and glance at each other with only one thing on their mind. Did they really see the Dragon Emperor there or not?

(3 Hours Later)

"Ash. It's good to see you after this whole time." Max says as he comes running towards Ash and Serena who are taking a leisurely stroll.

"Max. What are you doing here?" Ash says in an ecstatic tone as he bends a little and gives Max a hug.

"I came here with my father. We were invited to match yesterday's match with the Champions." Max says as he and Ash separate.

"Oh yes. Of course. Your father Norman is the gym leader isn't he. So he was invited." Ash says.

"Ash who is this?" Serena asks.

"This Serena is May's little brother Max Maple. I traveled with him when I challenged the Hoenn League and the Kanto Battle Frontier." Ash says.

"Yup that's me. I have seen you perform on TV. Ash is very lucky to have found someone like you." Max says.

"Why thank you Max." Serena says sweetly.

"Max there you are. We have been looking all over for you." May says as she comes running with all of Ash's other friends.

"Sorry sis. I just saw Ash so I ran of without telling you." Max says.

"Hey Ash. How are you feeling after yesterday's battle?" Brock asks.

"Both of us are feeling great. After all we just woke up an hour ago." Ash says.

"Good. You needed the rest Ashy boy. We all saw the battle that Dragon Emperor guy is powerful. I was surprised to see you last this long after the result of the champion's battle." Gary says.

"Hey Ash listen. Can you do me a favor?" Max asks.

"A favor. What favor?" Ash asks.

"Can you introduce me to that Dragon Emperor guy. I would like to challenge him to a battle." Max says as everyone shouts "What!"

"Max. You are barely able to last 5 minutes when you fight with father at home. You think you can challenge someone who demolished all the champions of the regions within 5 minutes! Get such foolish ideas out of your head. It's far too risky. I won't allow it." May says in a loud final way.

"Now now. Let the kid talk. I am interested in the direction in which this is headed." A smooth cool voice says causing everyone to jump for a moment except Ash and Serena.

"Dragon Emperor you really need to stop freaking people out like that." Ash says while turning to see Dragon Emperor walking towards the group.

A feeling of chill is send down the spine of everyone as they see the man who demolished the champions approach them.

"I thought you were going to pick us up in 3 days. What happened?" Ash asks.

"Nothing. I just came over to check whether you two had recovered well from your battle." Dragon Emperor says in a cool voice.

"Now who here was talking about challenging me." He says in a more cold and serious voice causing Max and the others to start shaking.

"Please forgive my brother sir. He was just joking." May says while waving her hands in a furious manner.

"I know that. I was just kidding. After all as I am always telling these 2 that being a hero is 1 part brave 5 parts fool. So Ash why don't you introduce me to all your friends one by one." Dragon Emperor says while chuckling causing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Right." Ash says as he one by one introduces everyone.

"It seems you have made a lot of friend over your numerous journeys. That's nice." Dragon Emperor says.

"Hello there everybody." Clemont says as he comes walking over with Korrina and Bonnie. All of them sit down on the grass and chat regaling each other with stories from their various journeys. Things like Bonnie's proposal habits to Dawn's hair to Brock's proposals are told. While everyone is chatting Dragon Emperor has been observing everyone including Bonnie and Max who seem to be stealing glances at each other when they think nobody is looking. Suddenly Dragon Emperor chuckles and calls Clemont to him. Clemont comes and then Dragon Emperor whispers something into his ears. Clemont turns back with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Bonnie sees Clemont's eyes going from her to Max and she realizes what is going to happen.

Before she can do anything Clemont gets down on one knee in front of Max and says "You are a keeper. Will you please look after my sister Bonnie. She is a little young and mischievous but has a very bright future." As soon as Clemont says this everyone rolls on the floor with laughter with a furiously blushing Bonnie and embarrassed Max to paralyzed to say anything. The laughter becomes even more intense when Clemont uses his Aipom arm to pick up Bonnie and put her in front of Max.

Even Dragon Emperor is chuckling when he suddenly gestures Ash and Serena to come to him.

"What is it?" Ash asks.

"Nothing. It's just I have to leave now. Your moms along with Diantha and Cynthia will be arriving soon. I will pick you up in a week. Tell Diantha and Cynthia I like my coffee strong as well. But tell them to this only when the 2 of them are alone." Dragon Emperor says before giving them a wink. Then he turns around and starts walking away.

"Why strong coffee?" Ash and Serena ask in a confused tone.

"They will understand. Now go and enjoy with your friends." Dragon Emperor says before walking away.

(10 Minutes Later)

"Well well. Looks like someone is having a good time." Ash hears as Delia, Grace , Cynthia and Diantha come walking towards them.

"Mom. Grace, Diantha and Cynthia." Ash says.

"By all means don't get up on our account. The four of us are out for a leisurely stroll as well after such a tiresome meeting in the morning." Diantha says as she breathes a sigh.

"Well the two of us are staying here for a while with the kids. What about you two?" Grace asks Diantha and Cynthia.

"We need to get back to Prof. Sycamore's lab. We'll see you later." Diantha says before turning around and walking away with Cynthia.

"Wait I need to tell you two something." Ash says as he runs after them.

"What is it Ash?" Cynthia asks Ash.

"Dragon Emperor told me to tell you that he likes his coffee strong as well." Ash says.

"Coffee? What does that mean?" Diantha asks.

"I don't know. See you later." Ash says after shrugging his shoulders, turning around and running back to his group.

Diantha and Cynthia start walking back when it suddenly hit them causing them both to gasp at the same time in shock.

"So he was there in the room!" they both exclaim at once.

"Great the plot just keeps getting thicker and thicker." Diantha says.

"But if he was there why didn't the others see him?" Cynthia asks.

"Or why didn't Sabrina or Olympia sense his presence?" Diantha adds.

"Good questions. I guess till we can figure this guy out we should keep an eye on Ash and Serena for their safety." Cynthia says.

"I agree. Let's go and inform Looker." Diantha says as they both start to walk away in silence.