Mandarin Island

The gang came to Mandarin Island next and took a break at a cafe. Ash wasn't exactly taking one though, he had been battling trainers for quite some time.

"It feels nice to take a break from traveling for a while." Misty said, sipping a cup of tea.

"Yeah." Ash said. "I just wish I will have the chance to take a break before any more Pokemon trainers battle me."

Tomo was playing with Growlithe. Tracey was reading a paper and noticed something very surprising.

"Hey it says here that Lorelei from the Elite Four is here on Mandarin Island." He said.

"Really?" Ash questioned. "An Elite Four member is here on this island?"

"What's an Elite Four member?" Tomo asked.

"The Elite Four are very powerful trainers." Ash explained. "I've seen them battle on TV before. Apparently they are stronger than the eight gym leaders."

Tomo was amazed by that.

"I certainly want to meet Lorelei." Misty said, dreamily. "She's a water type Pokemon trainer like me. And she knows how to bring out the power of them. She's my idol and hero."

Ash saw a shadow behind Misty.

"You might get your chance." He pointed behind her.

"Hero am I?" A voice behind Misty asked.

When Misty turned around to see where the voice came from, she realized that Lorelei was behind her. Lorelei was a beautiful woman, with long red hair and a pair of glasses on her face. Misty was surprised to see Lorelei in front of her and nearly lost her words.

"It's nice to meet you Lorelei." She stuttered. "I'm Misty and I'm a water Pokemon trainer."

"Hello." Lorelei greeted Misty back and then turned to look at the ocean. Tracey was about to talk to Lorelei, when she shushed him.

"The ocean is so beautiful." She said. "The gentle wind blows like it's speaking and you can feel the salty air on your face. The blue sky and ocean makes this spot the most beautiful place in the world."

From the way Lorelei spoke, Ash could tell she really liked nature.

After listening to her speak, Ash walked up to her.

"Excuse me Lorelei." He said. "My name is Ash. And I would like to battle you please."

Misty, Tomo and Tracey were surprised by what Ash said.

"I've watched the Elite Four battle on TV. So I would like to battle you and see what feels like to battle a member of the Elite Four. Please say yes."

Lorelei smiled.

"I accept your challenge Ash." She said. "Is one on one okay?"

"Of course." Ash replied.

Lorelei and Ash headed to a clearing, so they wouldn't break or knock anything over during their battle. Misty, Tomo and Tracey watched from the sidelines. Ash released Pikachu, while Lorelei picked Slowbro.

*'I better not take her lightly.'* Ash thought. *'I've seen her Slowbro on TV before and it's really strong.'*

"Okay Pikachu, Thunderbolt." Pikachu sent a bolt of lightning at Slowbro, shocking it a lot.

*'Since electricity beats water, Pikachu might have the advantage here.'* Ash thought.

Lorelei was smiling at the time; she didn't look concerned about anything at all. When the thunderbolt stopped, Slowbro didn't look like it was injured at all.

"Wow." Tracey said. "Slowbro looks like Thunderbolt didn't do a thing."

"Well Slowbro is one of Lorelei's toughest Pokemon." Misty said. "It's no surprise that it's still standing strong."

Ash was surprised as well, but he wasn't about to give up.

"Pikachu Thunderbolt again." Before Pikachu could use Thunderbolt again, Lorelei issued a command to her Slowbro.

"Disable." She said. Slowbro's eyes turned blue and stopped Pikachu in it's tracks. Pikachu couldn't move. Then Slowbro lifted Pikachu into the air and dropped it with it's psychic power.

"Pikachu, are you okay?" Ash asked.

Pikachu was growing weak, but it could still fight.

"Okay, go for Iron Tail." Ash said.

Pikachu charged at Slowbro with it's tail changing into metallic silver.

"Mega Punch Slowbro." Lorelei said.

Slowbro's fists turned white and as soon as Pikachu ran up to it, ready to hit it with his tail Slowbro punched Pikachu really hard. Pikachu was thrown back. Pikachu tried to get back up again, but he fainted making Lorelei the winner.

Ash walked over to Pikachu, picked him up and checked to see if he was okay before returning him to his Poke Ball. Lorelei returned Slowbro and walked over to Ash.

"Your Slowbro is amazing Lorelei." Ash said. He wasn't upset, despite losing.

"You are a good Pokemon trainer." Lorelei complimented him. "I could tell in our battle that you have a good relationship with your Pokemon. And your heart and Pikachu's heart was connected in a way. As long as your relationship with all your Pokemon is strong I know you will become a strong trainer in the future."

"Thank you Lorelei." Ash smiled.

That evening, it was time for Ash and the gang to leave. They bid farewell to Lorelei and set off on their journey once again.