(Next Morning)

"How are you Ash and Serena?" Diantha asks as they see Ash and Serena cuddled with their mothers during breakfast time.

"We're better. Thanks." Serena replies in a meek tone as she gives Diantha a weak smile.

"Good. Coz I have a message from your teacher." Diantha says gently while sitting down.

"What is it?" Ash says as both he and Serena sit up straight.

"He told me to tell you that the path of redemption begins with forgiveness. In order to redeem yourselves you will track down each and every individual who you might have hurt and ask their forgiveness. Also he told me no cheating or he'll know." Diantha says.

"I guess. We better get to work, apologizing. Starting with you I guess." Serena says as she and Ash look at Diantha.

(3 Days Later)

"I don't understand. What does he want? Ash and Serena have apologized to everyone. But each time they say they have done it he turns them away by saying there is still someone left." Grace says in an anxious tone to Delia.

"I know. I can't make head or tail of it either. As it is they have just recovered from that mountainous crap of a scolding which they got. He's frustrating them again and again by making them apologize. Have they not had enough? Tell me Grace does he not care? Every time he refuses them in that cold tone they crack inside. Can't he see that?" Delia complains to Grace.

"I know. But I don't know what to do." Grace replies.

"You know what. I am sick of waiting. I am getting some answers from that man right now." Delia says in an annoyed tone as she turns and starts walking at brisk pace to where the Dragon Emperor has temporarily taken residence. They both walk for a good 10 minutes before they reach his door. Delia kicks the door open and walks inside.

"You. Dragon Emperor. What kind of game are you playing with my son and daughter? I demand to know." Delia says. Dragon Emperor doesn't reply but calmly continues to sip tea from his teacup.

"She asked you a question. I want to know as well." Grace says in a firm tone.

"I don't play games. Ash and Serena made mistakes. Now they must atone for them." Dragon Emperor replies.

"No. They have apologized to everyone. Yet you still turn them away and have them go a fool's errand." Delia demands. Dragon Emperor finishes drinking his tea then sets down his teacup.

"Anything to add? Please get it all out." Dragon Emperor asks in a calm courteous tone.

"Oh sure. They have just recovered from that nightmarish scolding you gave them to the point Serena was in a way hallucinating attending Ash's funeral. Now you are making them suffer by going on this foolish waste of time. Cut them some slack, why don't you? They have learnt their lesson." Delia says in a concerned yet angry tone.

"I am not doing this intentionally. They still haven't apologized to everyone. They will be forgiven when they have done so." Dragon Emperor replies.

"They have apologized to everyone. Who's left? And no tricks or any wise words of wisdom." Delia snaps. Dragon Emperor sighs then stands up.

"They haven't apologized to themselves." Dragon Emperor calmly replies causing Delia and Grace to get completely taken aback.

"What do you mean? They have." Grace says.

"No. They haven't. They might've reconciled but they haven't yet put all those pent up feelings of apology, frustrations and disappointment in words to be said to themselves and to each other." Dragon Emperor says as he goes by the window and looks outside. Grace and Delia are too stunned to even say anything.

"When they battled the way they did. They betrayed not only their own character but the bond of love that they claim to share. If they don't apologize to themselves and each other then this will have an effect on their relationship in the future. Now you don't need me to tell you how important it is that they repair the fractured fragile bond they have? Do you?" Dragon Emperor says as he turns to face Delia and Grace.

"You will not tell them this. They need to figure this out on their own if they are to succeed as a couple. If you tell them this then the whole point of repairing their relationship thought introspection and retrospection will be for nothing." Dragon Emperor says.

"But but." Delia says as she tries to protest.

"I know. You are concerned that they won't figure it out and as a result with time passing their mental health might deteriorate. Right?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Yes. It's true. I have never seen them so torn apart and hurting from inside." Delia confesses. She starts to cry as Grace rubs her back.

"Thanks Grace." Delia says while sniffing her nose.

"I understand. But the bill comes due. Always a reckoning of our actions comes. It's the way of the world. Now the important thing is to ensure such a thing doesn't happen again. That is why I am being so tough with them at the moment. When they need mental support they have you for that. I shall give them the tough love they need to get back on the right track. But I think you should go and be with your children. Instead of wasting your time here with me. You should be there for your children." Dragon Emperor says as he turns once again to look out of the window.

"Thank you for understanding our feelings." Delia says while wiping her tears.

"It's my duty. Now rest assured and be at peace." Dragon Emperor says.

"Before we go. How are you so certain that they will be just fine?" Grace asks.

"Because they are your children and my apprentices. I have the utmost confidence and hope on their capabilities." Dragon Emperor replies.

"For someone who always plans ahead with prediction and strategy. It's kind of ironic that you would place so much trust on hope." Grace says while opening the door for her and Delia to go out.

"Why not. After all hope is a good thing. Perhaps the best of things. And no good thing ever dies." Dragon Emperor replies while chuckling as Grace and Delia take his leave with their uneasiness laid to rest.

https://youtu.be/3caBrqg9O-4

(Next Night)

Ash and Serena are cuddled next to each other. They are sitting peacefully in garden with their backs gently resting against the tree trunk and their hands peacefully intertwined. They are both smiling as they cuddle with each other. They feel free and its almost as if a huge burden has been lifted from their backs.

"I am so sorry Sere. I promise I'll never put you in danger the way I did." Ash replies as he nestles his head in Serena smooth silky hair. Serena smiles brightly before kissing Ash then cuddling even more tightly than before.

"I am sorry too." Serena says as she feels the cool of the night time breeze blowing through the garden. However unknown to Ash and Serena Dragon Emperor, the champions and the professors along with Grace and Delia have been observing them from the roof of the building overlooking the garden.

Everyone is smiling happily at Ash and Serena's reconciliation. Even the Dragon Emperor is chuckling softly.

"I guess the Ash and Serena we know are back." Oak says while beaming.

"I have a question Dragon Emperor." Cynthia says while breaking her silence.

"I will allow one question." Dragon Emperor asks.

"Why them? What's so special about them that you chose to teach them. You could have taught someone like me or Diantha or Lance. It would have saved you effort and made it more convenient having more mature students from the beginning. Then why them? What's special?" Cynthia asks as everyone fall silent.

"What's special in them is what is hidden behind the happiness which is radiating from every particle of their bodies. There used to be a time when even I used to be that happy." Dragon Emperor says while closing his eyes.

"Used to?" Lance asks.

"I think I'll call it a night. But are you happy now? Delia? Grace?" Dragon Emperor asks while turning to face them.

"Yes. Though I had my doubts for a moment there." Delia says as she wipes her tears knowing that her baby boy and the girl he loves are both coming back.

"Of course you did. It's in a mother's fierce instinct to protect and worry for their children. But you must always remember this simple fact of life." Dragon Emperor says before pausing.

"What fact is that?" Sycamore asks.

"The fact that the night is always darkest before the dawn. Good night everyone." Dragon Emperor says while walking away to call it a night. Everyone is digesting the Dragon Emperor's words when they hear him again.

"Or if you would prefer it in more artistic or rather poetic terms. What I meant was that 'And when thy little heart doth wake, then the dreadful night shall break.'" Dragon Emperor says before vanishing.

"He's quite the poet. Isn't he?" Oak saying.

"Yeah. And that's coming from you. From the Pokemon poet." Birch replies.

"Well I guess my Pokemon poetry is getting a little rusty." Oak replies while sweat dropping.

(Next Morning)

"Now then. It seems you two have reconciled quite well." Dragon Emperor says while giving his apprentices a small rare smile.

"Indeed. We are once again very sorry for what happened. It won't happen again." Ash and Serena reply in unison.

"Tell me. Ash and Serena. Do you know what is the burden of all true teachers. Of all true masters?" Dragon Emperor asks. Ash and Serena shake their heads sideways to convey they don't know.

"Would any of you like to venture a guess?" Dragon Emperor asks as he turns to the other people standing. After thinking a while they too shake their heads.

"All good masters pass on to their student what they know. This includes Discipline. Knowledge. Technique. Strength. Mastery." Dragon Emperor says as he lists out one by one and Ash and Serena nod their heads with each item.

"Also weakness, folly and failure." Dragon Emperor replies.

"F-Failure?" Ash and Serena ask in a taken aback tone. Everyone else who is present also mirrors Ash and Serena's reaction.

"Yes. Failure. The greatest teacher of all. Failure is." Dragon Emperor says before pausing.

"We are." Dragon Emperor says while placing his right hand one his chest.

"What our apprentices grow beyond." Dragon Emperor says while gesturing to Ash and Serena.

"That is the true burden of all true masters." Dragon Emperor says while gently keeping his right hand over his heart and keeping his head tilted forward slightly.

"Now. What's important is what you learnt from this mistake. You made a bad call. You learnt from it. Now you show me what you have learnt. I have an exercise for you. Come with me." Dragon Emperor says while turning around.

"Can we come as well?" Dawn asks. Dragon Emperor pauses for a moment then replies "I don't see why not?" before he resumes walking.

https://youtu.be/pOycG3KlTK8

(In the Ruined KIP Stadium)

"Today's exercise is all about trust. To see whether you trust yourself and you trust me. Now in the pen before you are 10 very wild and fierce Galvantulas freshly caught from the Unova region. Now enter the pen without any of your trusted Pokemon with you." Dragon Emperor says.

"You want us to go into that swarm of Galvantulas without any of our Pokemon." Ash asks.

"Yes. Why do you not trust your master?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"No. But stepping into a pen full of Galvantulas might not be the best idea either." Ash replies.

"True. But this my command. Do as you are told. Anyone who has any objections leave this place now." Dragon Emperor says.

"I am getting a bad feeling about this." Serena says as she and Ash steps over the fence and they both enter the pen. The moment they do so the Galvantulas fire Electro Webs and Thunderbolts causing Ash and Serena to jump here and there to avoid the attacks. Dragon Emperor chuckles as Ash and Serena run all over the place with the Galvantulas on their tail. Finally they manage to escape the wrath of the Galvantulas by narrowly getting out of the pen alive.

"Are you crazy? Galvantulas are among the most hostile Pokemon there are. And you send them into a pen full of them? What are you thinking?" Juniper asks in a frantic tone.

"I am eccentric. Big difference Prof. But if you find anything objectionable then feel free to leave." Dragon Emperor asks.

"Alright. Today's lesson is about seeing things in a different perspective." Dragon Emperor says.

"Haven't you already taught us this. How to see things differently?" Serena asks as she tries to catch her breath.

"So?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"So nothing. Well what do you want us to do now?" Ash asks.

"Well you are going to walk back into the pen. But this time with blindfolds on." Dragon Emperor says.

"What?" Delia, Grace and all the others shout in unison.

"They just barely managed to get out with their lives and you want to send them back in with blindfolds on. No I won't allow it." Delia and Grace say as everyone moves forward to stop Ash and Serena. However they find themselves unable to move or talk due to being restrained in place by Dragon Emperor's telekinetic powers.

"Ignore them. I am your master. You will obey me." Dragon Emperor says as he moves his palm containing the 2 blindfolds forward. Ash and Serena look at Dragon Emperor once then look at each other before giving a firm nod. They take the blindfolds and against the wishes of everyone present start walking towards to pen.

"Walk forward." Dragon Emperor commands them. Ash and Serena take in a deep breath and while holding each other's hands they walk forward.

"I don't think this is such a good idea." Ash says.

"Why not?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Because those Galvantulas are there waiting to zap us." Serena says while partly sweat dropping.

"Is that so? How do you know this?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Coz I can hear them." Ash replies.

"Good. Keep walking." Dragon Emperor says before pausing for a moment.

"Sound relates them to you. What else?" Dragon Emperor inquirers.

"Their vibrations in the ground. The clickety clackety motion. I can feel it in the ground." Ash replies.

"Perceptive as always. Tell me are they close?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"No." Ash and Serena say in unison as they can't hear or feel anything.

"Continue on then." Dragon Emperor commands.

"How else do you relate to these vicious Galvantulas?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"The smell. It's like a rotten fused car battery. Makes sense since they are dominant electric types." Serena says after sniffing the air twice.

"Fascinating description. You see quite a lot for someone who has been blindfolded." Dragon Emperor says while smiling.

"Of course. We can perceive them thanks to your training and also the fact that we saw what they looked like before we were blindfolded helps as well." Ash replies.

"Is that so. Then picture them in your mind. Are they close?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Uh. No. They are not. They are far away. I can't perceive them." Ash replies.

"Serena?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Yeah. I agree with Ash. I can't see them." Serena replies.

"Are you certain?" Dragon Emperor asks.

Ash and Serena sigh they both move forward only to have their hand pressed against something furry and sparkling. They both suck in a breath of air as they back away slowly.

"What do we do?" Ash asks in a panicked state.

"What do you want to do?" Dragon Emperor asks.

"Running. Would be a good idea." Serena says in a slightly panicked tone. But the very next instant she hears a clickety clackety sound coming from behind her.

"Be calm and above all else be empty. Then continue forward." Dragon Emperor replies.

"Why aren't the Galvantulas attacking?" Diantha asks as Dragon Emperor releases the spectators from their restraints.

"It is not in their nature." Dragon Emperor replies while smirking. Everyone apart from Ash and Serena shoot one another confused glances on hearing the Dragon Emperor's words.

"That's not what I would say given my interaction with them." Ash says in a panicked tone as he holds Serena close to him while she does the same with him.

"Because you do not see them." Dragon Emperor replies in a deep ominous tone.

"You mean. See them for what they are?" Serena asks in a confused tone.

"Look closer." Dragon Emperor almost whispers. Ash and Serena try to follow their master's instructions but fail to do so. Their frustration becomes apparent on their faces.

"Look within." Dragon Emperor says in a deep low voice.

"It's not the Galvantulas. It's us. They sense our fear. That's why they attacked us. That's how we see ourselves. Weak and afraid." Serena says.

"Aha. Your sight returns. Well done. Take of your blindfolds." Dragon Emperor says while chuckling. Ash and Serena take of their blindfolds then they sweetly pet the Galvantula around them before going out of the pen.

"You alright?" Dragon Emperor asks everyone else who seem to be trying to catch their breath after almost getting asphyxiated due to the tension in what they witnessed.

"Does it look like we are alright?" Delia says while panting profusely.

"You look fine to me. But well done. Both of you. Overcoming your fear and accepting it is the first step of what is to come next for the you. Most impressive." Dragon Emperor says.

"Thank you Dragon Emperor." Ash and Serena reply in unison.

https://youtu.be/ZDZK_9BTVNE

"Yes. But we are not finished yet. There is still one piece of business we have to attend to." Dragon Emperor says.

"What is that?" Serena asks.

"I need to find out from which level do I need to restart your training. But there is only one way to do that. And that is through the sport of combat."Dragon Emperor replies causing everyone else to get extremely tense including Ash and Serena.

"You are going to battle us?" Ash and Serena ask.

"Yes. In exactly one week's time. I will come back and we will have a battle. To see and assess where you stand after all these months of training and after experiencing a major failure. Is that understood?" Dragon Emperor says.

"Yes Dragon Emperor." Ash and Serena reply in unison.

"Very well then. I'll see you in one week." Dragon Emperor says before brandishing his robe and teleporting away. After the Dragon Emperor leaves everyone views Ash and Serena who seem to be deeply engrossed in thought.