12. The Sevestar Prince Darker Version

Chapter 10

(Flashback)

In Cerise Lab, Goh and Chloe engage in a hushed conversation about Ash's whereabouts. Ever since they learn the news of the murderer of Delia Ketchum, they have been concerned and they don't believe that Ash would do such a crime.

Goh breaks the silence, his voice filled with concern. "You're still preoccupied with Ash, aren't you?"

Chloe nods, her eyes reflecting a sense of longing. "Yeah... We owe him so much, Goh. Without his guidance, we wouldn't have made it this far. How would someone like him kill his own mother?"

Just as their melancholy deepens, Professor Cerise strides into the room, offering a temporary diversion from their worries. "I understand your worries about Ash. How about we shift our focus for a moment? I've just reached out to Reukra and Namie; they're coming over for a Pokémon styling session."

Goh raises an eyebrow, intrigued but puzzled. "Pokémon styling? That could be fun. But how does it help with our mood?"

Cerise leans in, sharing a piece of information that piques their curiosity. "Reukra and Namie haven't practiced styling for seventeen years, ever since their sponsor was tragically killed. The twist is, Ash was the one who offered to sponsor them, helping them get back to their styling business. If you talk to them, you might uncover something related to Ash."

A glimmer of hope flashes in Goh and Chloe's eyes, their spirits momentarily lifted by the prospect of meeting Ash again.

Once Ash, Alice, and Rosa arrive in the Kanto Region, Ash's expression darkens. He can't believe he's back at the Cerise Laboratory, the very place where he spent a year gathering information and achieving the title of World Champion. Now, however, his heart bears scars, and worries plague his mind.

Upon reaching the Professor's Lab, they warmly greet Professor Cerise, who extends a welcoming hand. "Hello, Reukra, Namie. It's great to see you two back in business, and you haven't aged a bit."

Alice nods gracefully. "Of course, Professor. As stylists, we have our ways to maintain a youthful appearance. Anyway, I'd like you to meet our student, Rosa."

Rosa offers a friendly smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you in person. Professor Juniper has spoken highly of you."

Cerise reciprocates the handshake. "So, you're from the Unova Region. That's good to know." He then leads them to the yard, where they encounter Goh and Chloe.

As they gather in the yard, Cerise takes the opportunity to introduce everyone. "This is my daughter, Chloe, and my assistant, Goh. They've been invaluable in helping me care for the Pokémon in the lab."

Ash offers a warm greeting, nodding to each of them. "It's nice to meet all of you." They begin to unpack their styling tools, preparing for the task at hand.

Cerise expresses his delight at seeing them back in the styling business. "You know, it's great to see you back in business again, and with a new student as well."

Alice adds with enthusiasm, "Yes, we've found a new sponsor to support us, allowing us to return to our work. So, where are the Pokémon that you'd like us to style?"

Upon surveying the Pokémon, Ash can't help but sigh. He knows that most of them were captured during missions he undertook alongside Goh.

Alice, noticing the diverse assortment of Pokémon, remarks, "You certainly have a wide variety of Pokémon here, although some of them do appear a bit unkempt. I assume those are the ones you'd like us to style?"