1. Ash's Story (Part 0: Prologue)

Chapter 15

Ash and his companions arrive in Resout Town and make a beeline for the Honey Cafe, which doubles as the town's Pokémon Gym. The air is sweet with the scent of fresh pastries and the warm buzz of friendly chatter fills the space. Mancy, the Gym Leader and an adept dessert baker who has a passion for art, greets them warmly. Her artistic flair is a family trait; she's married to Burgh, the renowned Gym Leader of Castelia City, known for his exquisite bug-type Pokémon art.

Their daughter, Shelly, a budding artist herself, dashes over to greet Insey, Ash's companion. Shelly's artistic aspirations are still undefined, leaving her to explore various forms—from painting to sculpture—but she's certain she wants to follow in her parents' creative footsteps. The Honey Cafe, a haven of creativity and sweets, is one of Insey's favorite hangouts, making Shelly and Insey's bond as strong as ever.

Inside the café, amidst the clatter of dishes and the soft humming of a tune, Adam pulls Ash, Alice, and Insey aside in the bustling kitchen. With a serious tone, Adam addresses them. "Ash, do you know why I've gathered you here?" he asks.

Ash, puzzled, shakes his head. "Dad? What's going on?"

Adam gestures around the busy café. "Mancy, along with Shelly and Burgh, is traveling to Castelia City for a few days. They're leaving us with a big responsibility. I need you three to manage the Honey Cafe in their absence," he explains.

Ash's eyes widen with a mix of excitement and worry. "But, Dad, we're only seven. Can we really handle it?" he asks, his voice tinged with doubt.

Alice chimes in, her tone reflecting her apprehension, "Yeah, it sounds like a lot of work. What if we mess something up?"

Insey, usually the quiet one, looks up with concern. "Are you sure we can do it all by ourselves?"

Adam kneels down to their level, his smile reassuring. "I know it seems like a big task, but I believe in you. You all are more capable than you think. I'll be here to guide you every step of the way, and I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job," he encourages them.

Seeing their dad's confidence in them, Ash, Alice, and Insey exchange glances, their initial doubts melting into a newfound resolve. Ash nods, more confidently this time. "Okay, we'll do our best. Right, guys?"

Alice and Insey nod in agreement, their spirits lifted by Adam's faith in them. "We won't let you down, Dad!" Alice declares, her voice filled with determination.

Together, they turn back to the café, ready to take on the challenge with the support of each other and their dad watching over them. The task ahead seems less daunting now, embraced by the warmth of trust and the excitement of a new adventure.

Ash, Insey, and Alice don their aprons, stepping into their roles with a mix of nervousness and excitement. As they greet the gym trainers, who are also maids serving desserts and drinks, the trio is quickly schooled in the art of dessert making. Each trainer, dressed in a neat maid uniform, offers tips and tricks, showing them how to whip cream to the perfect consistency and decorate cakes with artistic flair.

The first day is a whirlwind. Ash struggles with the piping bag, squeezing out uneven lines of frosting on a batch of cupcakes. Alice, with a steadier hand, takes over the decoration duties, drawing delicate flowers and swirling patterns that soon draw admiring glances from the customers. Insey, meanwhile, focuses on mixing ingredients for the next batch of dough, carefully measuring and blending under the watchful eyes of a trainer.

As the day progresses, the initial chaos in the kitchen begins to settle. Ash finds his rhythm in preparing the fruit toppings, his earlier mishaps turning into a newfound confidence. The maids keep the café running smoothly, guiding the children gently but firmly. The customers are delighted with the service, their smiles and words of encouragement fueling the trio's enthusiasm.