"Two evolutions in one fight. I have to say that's an impressive feat." Professor Oak said over the phone.

"Yeah, I was surprised about it too." Ash admitted.

"Your Pokémon have always risen to the occasion, and I think that this is no different." Professor Oak said. "But I don't think that's why you called me today, is it?"

"No, I'm curious if you know anything about this Project Mew. We found some information on it, but nothing more than an article or two. Goh still is looking to catch Mew, and with Chloe's research specializing in legendary Pokémon, I was hoping you might know something." Ash admitted.

"I'll admit, I was the one who funded project Mew. Shortly after you moved your Pokémon out of the lab again, I began expending some time to other research, and two trainers brought the idea to me." Professor Oak admitted. "Unfortunately, their hubris was their ultimate downfall. While their ideas were great, the execution was not. At one point I had even considered asking you to join them for a more leveled head."

"Me for a leveled head, wow things were that bad?" Ash asked.

"Yes, and after several months with no results, I had to pull funding, their excursions were getting more elaborate and more expensive." Professor Oak said. "Sorry I couldn't help more than that."

"No, that's great. Thanks to you, we know not to follow that lead." Ash said. "Look, I know I don't say this enough, but thanks for always believing in me."

"Of course Ash, and know that I'm always happy to help." Professor Oak said with a smile. "Well, until next time."

"Bye Professor." Ash said, as the call ended.

"Thanks for trying." Goh said. "I'm kinda glad I wasn't around when they were a thing. I'd probably have done whatever they asked to get in that group."

"No kidding." Ash said, flopping back in a chair, before spinning around to face Goh, his tight encased legs on either side of the backrest.

A rambling of footsteps was heard in the distance, quickly approaching.

"Ash, Goh. Have either of you seen my dad?" Parker asked. The other young researchers behind him. While Ash hadn't had many interactions with them, he had read a few of their mission logs, and they were working out so far.

"No, he stepped out for a bit, you guys are welcome to wait in here for now." Ash said. "Did he call for you?"

"He said he had a mission for us, and that's all we've been told." One girl said, finding a chair. She tried imitating Ash, but found it impossible with a skirt on.

"Word of the wise, skirts aren't your best friend for missions." Ash said, hooking his thumbs in the belt loops of his shorts.

"Because you're such an expert." The other boy of the group said.

"Seeing as I've been adventuring for eight years, yes. I think I have a bit of an understanding on what works and doesn't." Ash said.

"Ash, you're picking a fight with a ten year old." Goh reminded.

"No, I'm pointing out the facts." Ash said calmly. "Plus I'm giving good advice."

"You two, out. You know the rules." Professor Cerise said to Ash and Goh.

"We're leaving." Ash said defensively. "But we'll be back."

"Can they just talk like that?" The other boy asked.

"Seeing as they live here, and Ash is the reason we have this big of a lab, yes." Parker sighed.

Later

"Did you really need to patronize those kids?" Professor Cerise scolded Ash.

"I gave simple advice. Skirts are bad for journeying, even ask Dawn and Lillie." Ash said. "It's not my fault one of them questioned me."

"I'll double check with Goh and Parker, just try and remember they're new to this." Professor Cerise sighed.

"Hello Professor, oh there you are Ash." Serena said, entering the lounge. "Can we talk, just the two of us?"

"Don't worry, I have work to do." Professor Cerise said, exiting the room.

"So what's up?" Ash asked tucking his legs beneath him.

"You know that'll get runs in them." Serena pointed out.

"They make me look tough." Ash argued.

"You're a hundred pounds soaking wet, try again." Serena said. "That is sort of what I wanted to talk about though."

"Do not tell me I need to start eating more." Ash bemoaned.

"You already eat more than me, still not sure where it all goes though." Serena commented. "No, look I know you want us to be in our "traditional" roles for prom, but let's face it, it would never work."

"I mean, if that's what you want, then we can." Ash said.

"Ash, you're wearing clothes that show off every curve of your body. Even though you're a guy and I'm a girl, you've been the girlfriend in this relationship since the start, and it would be weird for that to switch now." Serena countered before Ash could start an argument.

"I guess I can get dolled up, wear a flowing gown, maybe even put on one of my tiaras, and be a damsel in distress for you." Ash joked, faux fainting over Serena.

"Okay, I've heard enough. I wanted to relax but apparently that won't happen with you two." Goh said in a disgusted tone.

"How long has he been there?" Serena asked. "And be honest this time."

"A few seconds longer than me, but I kinda forgot he was still in here." Ash admitted. "Sorry Goh."

"Yeah, just let me leave the room before you two continue whatever it is that was going to happen next." Goh said exiting the room.

As he left, Ash's phone went off.

"Another challenger?" Serena asked. It had been a while since someone had issued a challenge to Ash rather than just show up and face him.

"Not exactly. I've got a bit of a trip planned, and my plans are now all set." Ash said confidently.