Flashback – Murcott Island Pokémon Center
Ash and the gang were resting in the Murcott Island Pokémon Center after the incident with the old Scyther. While waiting for updates, Ash's video phone rang.
Professor Oak's face appeared on the screen, looking excited.
"Ash, my boy! I have important news. The Elite Four has scheduled your first challenge. You'll be facing Lorelei in three days on Mandarin Island."
Ash's eyes lit up. "Finally! I've been waiting for this."
At that exact moment, a familiar mechanical voice rang in his mind.
[Ding!]
Mission Triggered: Discipline the Ice Elite
Mission Details: Discipline Ice Elite Lorelei for aiding her niece in violating the spirit of Pokémon battles either through battle or other means.
Reward: Psychic Boost +1 level, Aura Boost +1 level, Master Ball ×3
Ash grinned, feeling pumped up. This would be his second time facing an Elite Four member.
Present – Mandarin Island
The group finally arrived at Mandarin Island under a bright afternoon sun. The lively port city welcomed them with bustling streets, colorful markets, and beautiful sea views.
Ash stretched his arms with a big smile. "Mandarin Island at last. Feels great to be here."
Misty walked close beside him, Sabrina and Daisy flanked his other side, while Giselle followed just behind with a calm, graceful presence. Tracey was already sketching the scenic harbor.
The group soon settled into a beautiful open-air restaurant with a stunning sea view. The table was filled with fresh seafood platters, tropical fruits, grilled fish, and refreshing drinks. Laughter and easy conversation filled the air.
That peaceful moment was interrupted when an elegant figure approached their table.
Lorelei.
The Ice-type Elite Four member walked with graceful confidence, her long red hair flowing gently behind her like waves of fire. The moment her eyes landed on the group, she paused for a brief second.
First, she noticed her niece.
Giselle the same girl who used to be the pinnacle of arrogance and pride now sat with a completely different, mature aura. She looked calm and content. If one looked closely, there was a soft, loving gaze directed toward Ash. She was utterly smitten.
Then Lorelei's gaze shifted to Ash.
He was looking at her with open appreciation not with arrogance or lust, but as if he was admiring a beautiful work of art. His warm brown eyes held quiet respect and genuine warmth.
Lorelei felt her usual composure slip slightly.
This boy… I expected an arrogant womanizer after the Indigo League finals. But the way he's looking at me right now… it's different. Like he truly sees me as something beautiful, not just a challenge.
She quickly shook her head and regained her elegant smile, though a faint blush touched her cheeks.
"Hello, everyone. I am Lorelei, one of the Kanto Elite Four. I assume you are Ash Ketchum and his companions?"
Misty's eyes instantly sparkled with excitement. "Oh my gosh! It's really you! Lorelei! The Ice Queen! I'm such a huge fan of your battles! Your strategies are always so elegant and powerful!"
Misty began talking animatedly, almost bouncing in her seat as she praised Lorelei's Ice-type combinations and graceful commanding style. The rest of the group Ash, Sabrina, Daisy, and even Giselle chuckled softly at Misty's obvious fangirl moment.
Ash gave a teasing smirk. "Looks like someone's in heaven right now."
Seeing the teasing smirks from Ash, Daisy, Sabrina, and Giselle, Misty's face turned bright red. She puffed her cheeks and turned her head away in embarrassment.
"W-What are you all smirking at?! I'm just… showing proper respect to a strong trainer!"
Her childish reaction only made the group laugh more warmly.
Tracey was busy sketching Lorelei in his notebook, carefully capturing her elegant features and flowing red hair.
After the pleasantries and some light conversation about their Orange Islands adventures, Ash leaned forward, his expression turning serious yet excited.
"So, Lorelei… what kind of battle are we having? The usual 3 vs 3?"
Lorelei smiled gracefully, a competitive spark in her eyes.
"Normally it would be 3 vs 3. However, since Lance is currently away and I'm particularly interested in properly testing the newest Kanto League Champion… I would like to make this a full 6 vs 6 battle."
Ash's eyes gleamed with excitement. Without hesitation, he replied, "I gladly accept. A full 6 vs 6 sounds perfect."
Lorelei nodded, satisfied. "Then let's not waste any more time. Shall we head to the battlefield?"
The news of the Elite Four challenge spread like wildfire across Mandarin Island. By the time Ash and Lorelei reached the official Pokémon Trainer Field, a large crowd had already gathered. Reporters, trainers, and spectators filled the stands quickly. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation.
This was a rare sight the youngest Kanto League Champion facing one of the powerful Elite Four members.
Ash and Lorelei took their positions on opposite sides of the battlefield. The referee raised his flags.
"This will be a 6 vs 6 Elite Four Challenge match between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and Elite Four Member Lorelei! Both sides may substitute freely. The battle continues until one side's Pokémon can no longer continue!"
The crowd cheered loudly.
Ash took a deep breath, feeling the thrill of battle. He reached for his belt and tossed his first Poké Ball with confidence and a bright smile.
"Pikachu! Let's start strong, buddy!"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu leaped onto the field energetically, sparks dancing around his cheeks, eyes full of determination.
Lorelei gracefully threw her own Poké Ball.
"Lapras, come forth!"
A beautiful Lapras materialized, letting out a melodic cry as it floated gracefully onto the field.
The crowd roared in excitement.
The first battle of Ash's Elite Four challenge against Lorelei was about to begin.