"Alright everyone, gather around." Professor Cerise said. Ash, Goh, and Chloe having suitcases packed and ready. Today was the day. Today they'd be going off to work with other Professors while the lab was undergoing upgrades. "First off Goh, you'll be heading to Jhoto to work with Professor Elm and his research on Pokémon Eggs." Cerise said handing him a boat ticket, and a map. "Chloe, you wished to go and work with another professor, is that still what you want?" Cerise asked his daughter. "Yes, I'm sure." Chloe said. If Ash and Goh had to move around she wanted to have similar opportunities. "Very well then, you'll be heading to the Sinnoh region to work with Professor Rowan, and his studies on evolution." Cerise said handing Chloe her tickets and map. "Finally Ash, you'll be heading to the Hoenn region and studying habitats with Professor Birch." Professor Cerise said, handing Ash his ticket.

"Professor, there has to be another way. I don't know if I can keep up the act that long." Ash said worriedly . "I'm sorry Ash, but Professor Birch specifically asked for Ashley, and well, you are her." Professor Cerise said a bit bluntly. "Look, I get it, you panicked and lied last time he was here. Now he thinks you're a young lady. There's nothing we can do about that, except deal with it." Professor Cerise said realizing he needed to try and be a more calming presence.

"Well Pikachu, here we are. Back in Hoenn." Ash said nervously. He was wearing a white t-shirt with a Squirtle design that hung off his shoulders, with a black tank top underneath, and some jean shorts. Walking off the boat, Ash saw Professor Birch waiting for her a bit of a ways off. "Ashley, so good to see you!" Professor Birch said hugging Ash. "It's good to see you too Professor." Ash responded with a falsetto. "I felt you would feel most at home here in Hoenn, so when the opportunity arose, I asked for you immediately." Professor Birch said excitedly while grabbing one of Ash's bags. "Now, come on, I'll show you where you'll be staying during your time here." Professor Birch said as they got in his car.

A frighteningly short trip later, and they had arrived in Littleroot Town. Ash wasn't sure his fingers would be able to uncurl from the seat for a moment. "Hehe, not to worry, when I'm behind the wheel I know exactly what I'm doing." Professor Birch said reassuringly. "Now, let's drop off your bags before we have some lunch." Professor Birch said opening the door. "I hope you don't mind, I don't have spare researcher rooms in my lab, so you'll have the spare room at my house for the time being." Professor Birch said walking into a side room. "Go ahead and get settled, then meet me when you're ready." Birch said as he left the room. ASh looked around, it wasn't much, but it was still nice. After putting his things away, Ash made his way back to the main area of the house.

"So, Cerise tells me you're quite the battler." Professor Birch said, taking a sip of water. "Umm, yeah, I'm actually part of the World Coronation series." Ash said, keeping as much truth as he can. "Well, I make no promises on exciting battles everyday, but having someone who can fight will be a large help in field work." Professor Birch said laughing. "Oh, I was under the impression I'd be doing solo field work." Ash said surprised. "Don't worry, there will be times you'll be on your own, but other times you will be accompanying me into the field. Today for instance is one of those days." Birch said calmly. "Researching already?" Ash asked. "Not so much research as it is a test run of sorts. I have most of the information, but need a hand getting a bit more." Birch said calmly. "So where are we headed?" Ash said.

They had reached a forest clearing where a pack of Mightyena were known to be. If Birch was honest, he knew these Pokemon quite well, he wanted to see Ashley's tactics first hand. A three on one situation would provide him with just the information he was looking for. The Hoenn region was large, and he needed to know Ashley could take care of further jobs on her own.

"Pikachu use Discharge!" Ash commanded. The three Mightyena were encased, as Pikachu landed. "We're all clear Professor." Ash said calmly. "What do you mean all clear? They're still standing?" Birch asked. "They're just protecting their home, as long as we're careful we should be just fine." Ash said double checking to make sure they were okay.

'She may have a unique way of doing things, but she certainly can fight even when outnumbered." Professor Birch thought to himself, watching Ashley flying back to Littleroot on her Dragonite.

"Ashley, I have a unique request for you." Professor Birch said rolling out a cart. "What is it Professor?" Ash asked, turning from his notes. "While these are normally saved for trainers' first Pokemon, I feel like you should have one, so go on and take your pick." Professor Birch said standing in front of a Treecko, a Torchic, and a Mudkip. "Professor, I couldn't." Ash said standing back. "Please, I insist, consider it a gift." Professor Birch said. Ash was torn, it wasn't like he hadn't gotten Pokemmon normally saved by Professors before, but this was the first time it was outright being given to him. He already had Sceptile, and while Blaziken was a fun idea, Swampert was great for water transport and combat. "If it's alright, I'll take the Mudkip." Ash said picking it up. "Excellent choice, I'll let Swampy know that I'll need another once he gets a chance." Professor Birch said with a smile.