12. The Sevestar Prince Darker Version

Chapter 15

(Flashback)

Ash and Alice sit together, brainstorming ideas for their next disguise. They've enjoyed their adventures in various personas, but one disguise still remains undecided—the Bug Type Disguise. They exchange glances, both intrigued by the challenge of embodying Bug-type Pokémon trainers.

"So what did you guys do for the Bug Type disguises?" Eve inquires as they find themselves inside AK151, where their conversation remains private and unheard by others.

Alice gestures towards a worn diary, its pages filled with notes and sketches. "We decided to revisit our parents' old disguises," she explains, pointing to a page labeled 'Honey Cafe.'

"Honey Cafe?" Mark's eyebrows raise in surprise. "Dad and Valerie were involved in something like that?"

"Yes, they ran a Honey Cafe in the past," Alice confirms, flipping through the diary to reveal detailed recipes for honey cakes and other delectable desserts. "They even left behind the recipes for these treats."

"Insey and I tried replicating them," Ash adds, a hint of frustration in his voice. "But we've had no luck so far. Dad insists that something crucial is missing."

Helen's question hangs in the air, prompting Insey to respond, "We've been wondering the same thing. With Ash's culinary skills and our success with Helen's Kitchen, replicating the recipes should have been straightforward."

"We thought so too," Ash admits, a tinge of frustration in his voice. "But Dad, being the renowned baker Sector, set a high standard. If our honey cakes didn't match up to his, it could tarnish his reputation. That's why Chef Morris, my original disguise, doesn't face this issue."

Alice's eyes light up as she has a realization. "Wait a minute..."

"What is it, Alice?" Ash inquires, intrigued by her sudden insight.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with the honey cakes you've made," Alice explains. "Rather, I believe Dad wants you to create your own original honey cakes or perhaps improve upon the existing recipe."

Ash contemplates Alice's suggestion, repeating, "Create our own original honey cakes?" His mind races with possibilities as he considers the idea. "That could be an interesting approach. It would distinguish our version from Dad's and showcase our unique culinary style."

Insey nods in agreement, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Exactly! And if we manage to enhance the recipe, we not only pay homage to Dad's legacy but also introduce something fresh and enticing."

Alice adds her perspective, her enthusiasm evident. "Imagine presenting these signature honey cakes and desserts at our Honey Cafe as part of our Bug Type disguise. It would be a delightful treat for fellow trainers and travelers passing through."

Mark's eyes sparkle with approval. "I'm onboard with that idea. It's a way of carrying forward Dad's culinary tradition while infusing it with our own creative twist."

As they gather in the kitchen of the Resout Gym on Sevestar Island, Ash proudly presents the original honey cake that Dad had created. The testers—Mark, Eve, Lillie, and Helen—eagerly take a bite, their expressions turning to delight as they savor the exquisite taste.

"This cake is absolutely delicious!" Lillie exclaims, clearly impressed.

"I agree, the honey flavor is simply divine," Mark adds with enthusiasm.

Helen marvels, "The Honey Cake is flawless. Honestly, improving upon this will be quite the challenge. How do we even begin?"

Alice steps forward, offering insights into the original recipe. "The Honey Cake we have here uses fresh Combee Honey, and we meticulously measure the sugar to ensure it's not overwhelmingly sweet."