Chapter 60

(Flashback)

On a crisp morning in Snowbelle City, the Mache Family gathers around the breakfast table. Eve drops a bombshell that leaves her family stunned. Flora, with wide-eyed excitement, blurts out, "No way! The project got the green light from the Pokemon League Association? That means you're on track to become the Professor you've always dreamt of!"

A hint of worry creases Eve's brow as she replies, "I know...but here's the catch: I've earned recognition from everyone except three Professors and a Regional Champion." She sighs, the weight of the challenge settling in. "Professor Sycamore acknowledged my hard work in his lab, but that leaves two Professor spots and one Champion spot empty."

Valerie, her mother, empathizes, saying, "That does sound like a tough nut to crack. Especially considering you're not personally acquainted with those other Professors."

Flora chimes in, "And let's not forget Diantha; she's off to Unova for movie filming and hardly knows you."

Eve's determination flares up, her frown turning resolute. "But I can't just give up, can I? I've poured my heart and soul into this dream. Walking away now would be like letting go of everything I've worked for."

Alice can't help but feel sorrow for Eve and offers a suggestion, "Why not consider asking Ash Ketchum for help with the Champion recognition?"

Eve raises an eyebrow, a glimmer of doubt in her eyes, and responds, "Your boyfriend? I mean, he could work considering he recently won the Unova League. Even if Ash could help with the Champion recognition, what about the other two Professors?"

Alice pauses for a moment, her eyes gleaming with determination, "Don't fret, Eve. I have an idea that might be of assistance."

Eve turns her attention to Alice, intrigued yet still uncertain. "How can you possibly help me, Alice? This seems like an insurmountable challenge."

A confident smile tugs at the corners of Alice's lips as she responds, "You'll be surprised, sister Eve. During my solo journey in the Kalos Region last year, I stumbled upon something extraordinary."

Eve leans in, her curiosity piqued. "Extraordinary? What do you mean?"

Alice takes a deep breath and addresses the group, "Do you all remember Professor Sylvan and Professor Binary?"

Eve and the others exchange surprised glances, and Eve replies, "Of course, they were renowned Professors dedicated to researching Legendary Pokémon. But they vanished years ago after their pursuit of the Pool of Youth, and no one has heard from them since."

"That's right," Alice continues, her voice tinged with excitement. "I stumbled upon the Pool of Youth during my journey, and to my astonishment, I found them there. Initially, they regarded me as a trespasser, but after explaining that I was merely passing through, they warmed up to me, and we became friends."

Eve's eyes light up with newfound hope, and she asks, "Does this mean you could ask them for help? I've heard Professor Sycamore and other Professors express their longing to see them again."

Eve grabs Alice's shoulder, her voice quivering with anticipation. Alice places a reassuring hand on Eve's, saying, "Calm down, Sister Eve."

Alice takes a moment to consider her options before replying, "Well, they've been missing for seventeen long years without any contact. I can't be certain if they'll be able to help."

Eve's determination doesn't waver as she insists, "You have to try, Alice. I believe they are my last hope."

With a small sigh, Alice agrees, "For your sake, Eve, I will do everything I can."

After Alice enters the forest, she's surprised to discover that Valerie has accompanied her on this mission. Alice can't help but inquire, "Mom? What brings you here?"

Valerie responds with a determined look in her eyes, "I simply want to know, are you planning to disguise yourself as Professor Sylvan and ask Ash to pose as Professor Binary for Eve's sake?"

Alice understands her mother's concerns and nods, saying, "Yes, Mom. I understand that Ash may not readily agree, but I'll give it my best shot. Besides, we located the Pool of Youth, a project you and Ash's father once worked on in Terminus Cave. We've thoroughly studied all the documents and theories you both penned, so impersonating them should be manageable."

Valerie wears a wistful smile, her voice tinged with sadness as she replies, "I see. I hope your plan succeeds."

Alice's determination shines through as she assures her mother, "I share the same hope, Mother. But for Eve's sake, I'm willing to give it my all."

With those words, Alice takes to the skies on the back of Articuno, setting off on her mission.

Upon her return to Sevestar Island, Alice spots Ash standing in the midst of the garden. However, an odd vibe seems to emanate from him. She forces a smile and greets him, "Hey Ash, there you are..."

Ash responds with a nonchalant tone, "Hey, Alice, how's it going?"

Alice, feeling a sense of urgency, wastes no time and asks, "Good, but I really need your assistance, Ash. Can you help me with something?"

Ash's unexpected response catches Alice off guard. He says, "Can I say no?"

Alice is taken aback, as Ash has always been willing to help her in the past. Confusion creeps into her voice as she inquires, "But why? You've told me before that you'd help me no matter what. Why..."

"There you are, you are not going to get away with this..." Alice watches in confusion as another Ash emerges from the castle. She can't help but express her bewilderment, "What's going on? Another Ash?"

The second Ash turns to Alice with a friendly grin, "Oh, hey, Alice. I'm glad you're here. But let me handle this Pokémon first." He grabs the Pokémon's tail, and it transforms into Zoroark.

"Zoroark?" Alice's confusion deepens. "Is this a new addition to your team?"

Ash reminisces, "Well, I met Zoroark in Sinnoh for some reason, but we were reunited thanks to Arceus, who mentioned a Pokémon that could communicate with humans was searching for me. Now, what's on your mind?"

Alice takes a moment and then asks, "Ash, could you do me a favor?"

Ash responds with a warm smile, "You're my Princess, Alice. Of course, I'll help. What do you need?"

Alice proceeds to explain the entire situation to Ash, who listens attentively. After hearing her out, he nods and says, "I see. It's important, especially for your sister's sake. Plus, I'm curious to give the Binary disguise a shot."

"Thank you so much, Ash," Alice expresses her gratitude. "I'll let my sister know the good news. I'm also eager to take on the role of Sylvan."

Ash, inspired by a sudden idea, suggests, "You know, if Eve becomes the Professor, she might even become the regional Professor of Sevestar in the future."

Alice's eyes light up with enthusiasm. "That's a brilliant thought! She'd have her own laboratory, her own Starter Pokémon to give to new trainers, and more. You're a genius, Ash." She wraps her arms around him in a heartfelt hug.

Ash chuckles and says, "Well, it's a win-win situation. Now, what are you waiting for? Go bring Eve here. I'll be waiting."

With a smile, Alice departs, heading back to Kalos to deliver the good news to her sister.

When the sisters have arrived at the Sevestar Island, Eve requests, "I'm here because I aspire to become a Pokémon Professor. However, I need three recognition stamps from different Professors and one from a Champion. Can you help me with this?"

Ash, although willing to assist, expresses his concern, "I can certainly help you with the Champion recognition, but there's an issue with Binary and Sylvan. Their names haven't been heard in seventeen years, and if we simply use our disguises, it might raise suspicions. People may believe you're fabricating their identities to obtain the stamps. Your mother did mention that they found the Pool of Youth in Terminus Cave, which adds to the complexity. I'm afraid the Professors might question your story..."

Eve's determination shines through as she frowns and asserts, "But... I've put in so much effort. I can't just give up now. My dream would mean nothing."

Ash takes a moment to read through her research papers before posing a thought-provoking question, "Interesting... your topic is about Dark-type Pokémon, huh? Alright, let me ask you this: Why did you choose Dark-types as your research focus?"

Eve explains, "Dark-type Pokémon are often labeled as 'evil' by some people. But I want to showcase that Dark-types can be good, forming bonds just like any other type of Pokémon. Take Houndoom, Absol, and even Greninja, for example."

Ash reassures her with a kind smile, saying, "I see. We can help you with obtaining the signatures but on one condition."

Eve eagerly inquires, "What's the condition?"

Alice explains, "We have to accompany you to ensure that they don't suspect you of forging the signatures." Ash nods in agreement, adding with a playful tone, "As expected of my lifelong partner."

Eve accepts their condition, understanding the necessity of their presence, and watches as Ash and Alice don their Binary and Sylvan disguises.

As the three of them arrive at the Pokémon League Association (PLA), Professor Oak greets Eve with a warm smile and inquires, "Hello, are you Eve Urup, the one who applied to become a Pokémon Professor?"

Eve confirms her identity, showing her application papers and saying, "Yes, that's me. I've submitted my application with three recognition stamps." Professor Oak takes a look at the papers, but his expression changes when he sees that two of the stamps are from Binary and Sylvan, and the Champion stamp bears Ash Ketchum's name.

His surprise is evident as he exclaims, "Where did you obtain these stamps? Binary and Sylvan have been missing for seventeen years, and no one has heard from them."

Eve, her voice trembling with anxiety, explains, "Ash Ketchum brought me to the Pool of Youth in the Kalos Region. I understand if you have doubts about the signatures. That's why I've brought both Professors here to the PLA building. They are waiting in a separate room designated for applicants only."

Professor Oak blinks in astonishment, struggling to come to terms with the return of two old friends he thought he had lost. He finally says, "Please, lead me to them. I must speak with them personally."

Eve raises a valid concern, asking, "But what about my application? We are still in the middle of the job review."

Professor Oak reassures her, saying, "This is one of your tasks as well." Eve nods in understanding, and she leads him to meet Sylvan and Binary.

As the two Professors engage in a conversation with Professor Oak, Eve patiently observes their discussion. Eventually, Oak approaches her with a smile and announces, "After speaking with Binary and Sylvan, I believe it's only fair to grant you permission to pass the test. You are now officially a Pokémon Professor."

Eve's face lights up with joy as she expresses her gratitude to Professor Oak. Once she obtains her Professor's license, the three of them exit the building. Alice congratulates her, saying, "You did it. You're now a Pokémon Professor."

Eve acknowledges their support, saying, "Yes, and I owe it to Professor Binary and Professor Sylvan for their help."

Ash adds, "It's no big deal, but we do have another task to attend to at Professor Oak's request."

Eve understands, saying, "I see. I can make my way back home on my own then."

After bidding farewell to Eve, Ash and Alice return to the PLA office to discuss new projects and various matters with Professor Oak. They share their insights, experiences, and ideas, collaborating on future endeavors.

Here is a new chapter. In this chapter, Eve successfully becomes a Pokémon Professor. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be more flashbacks.