Jessie: "Ugh... so numb... why'd they have to use electricity?"
James: "Jessie... Meowth... help... I can't feel my legs..."
Meowth: "Me neither, nya... everything's all tingly and prickly!"
Ash looked at the trio—the very ones responsible for him getting caught in Lorelei's predatory grasp. A twisted, eerie smile spread across his face as he slowly approached them. Even in their paralyzed state, Team Rocket sensed the sudden shift in the atmosphere.
James: "Uh... is it just me, or does the brat look a little... scary right now?"
Jessie: "You don't need to tell me that! I can feel the killing intent from here!"
"Pikachu! Lapras! Double Dance!" Ash and Lorelei shouted in perfect synchronization.
Without a second's hesitation, Pikachu and Lapras glided across the ice, converging on the downed trio.
WHAM! Pikachu's Iron Tail slammed into them from the left.THUD! Lapras's Body Slam struck from the right.
The two Pokémon began a rhythmic assault, treating Team Rocket like a shuttlecock in a high-stakes game of badminton, bouncing them higher and higher into the air.
"GYAHH!" / "WHOA!" / "HELP ME!"
As Team Rocket reached the apex of their forced flight, Ash and Lorelei pointed upward simultaneously.
"Finale: The Waltz of Ice and Electricity!"
Pikachu and Lapras exchanged a knowing glance.
Lapras:(If these two don't get married, there is no justice in this world.)Pikachu:(Tell me about it.)
Pikachu condensed a massive Electro Ball at the tip of his tail, while Lapras formed a jagged, colossal Ice Shard in her maw. The two attacks merged mid-air, forming a crystalline lightning bolt that pierced through the sky, striking Team Rocket dead center.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN—!!!"
A massive explosion lit up the Cerulean City skyline as the trio vanished into a distant star.
"What a mess..." Ash sighed, watching the faint glimmer of the explosion fade. He turned his attention back to the woman still clinging to him. "Alright, you've had your fun. You can get down now. If anyone sees this, the tabloids are going to have a field day."
To Ash's surprise, Lorelei actually let go, stepping back with a grace that felt far more natural. The predatory air around her seemed to soften.
"I'm sorry for earlier," She said, her tone unexpectedly gentle. "I was... perhaps a bit too aggressive. I've wanted to bring you into my circle for a long time."
Ash blinked, a bit caught off guard by the change. He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled. "It's fine. I just wasn't a fan of the... your approach. It's been a while, Lorelei."
He extended his hand. Lorelei took it, her smile warm and genuine. "It has, Ash. It's truly good to see you again."
"Everyone, please evacuate in an orderly fashion! And please, keep what you saw today private! It wouldn't be fair to Ash's journey if this got out!"
Under the staff's direction, the crowd began to disperse. Despite the chaos, every spectator felt they had gotten their money's worth—they had witnessed an Elite Four-level clash and the birth of a Champion-tier Pokémon.
Misty was currently being interrogated by her three older sisters, who were desperate for gossip about the handsome, high-level trainer she had brought home. Brock, meanwhile, had wisely decided to excuse himself to scout for beautiful ladies, leaving Ash and Lorelei some space.
"Ash, about that agreement... Can you sign it now?" Lorelei asked, pulling the document out once more.
This time, Ash took the time to read it. He frowned, skimming the legal jargon. "Wait... the Ice Family wants a formal partnership with my research and culinary brands? I mean, I can do that, but why? A family like yours shouldn't need my small contributions."
Lorelei chuckled. "As long as you keep creating world-class medicinal recipes and new moves, your value is infinite. Besides, the secret technique we developed together is the only reason I can consistently keep Lance in his place. It's only natural for the family to want a genius like you as an ally."
"Fair enough. Let me check with my mom and Professor Oak... and my step-dad."
After a few quick calls to Pallet Town and a very brief, cryptic conversation with Giovanni (who gave a knowing grunt), Ash finally penned his name on the document.
Lorelei's smile grew wide—almost too wide. She picked up the signed paper and held it like a treasure. "You know, Ash... I told my grandfather that with your help, my Lapras would reach the Champion grade. He didn't believe me."
"Oh? Well, sorry to hear he's about to get his face rubbed in it."
"Exactly," Lorelei purred, that predatory glint returning to her eyes. "He was so sure I'd fail that he made a bet. He said if you actually succeeded, he'd give his blessing for me to marry you."
Ash's smile vanished. "Wait... what?"
Lorelei licked her lips and pulled a second sheet of paper from beneath the one he had just signed—a carbon-copy "Engagement Contract."
"You just signed the marriage intent form. We're officially engaged now. Don't forget to send over my ring and the dowry, okay?"
Ash stared at the paper, then recalled the strange looks his mother and the Professor had given him over the video call.
"LORELEI! YOU SET ME UP!"
"Opportunity favors the prepared, Ash. You're the one who taught me that," She whispered, leaning in to claim a victory kiss before he could retreat.
A few minutes later, Ash was back on his PokéNav, sounding utterly defeated.
"Hey, Steven? Yeah, it's me. I need another custom ring. Style? I'll send you the specs. Let's go with an Ice theme... high-clarity diamond from a permafrost region. Payment? Yeah, I'll trade you the data for that new Steel-type offensive move I was working on. Thanks."
He hung up and looked at Lorelei, who was currently hugging his arm and burying her face in his shoulder.
"Satisfied now? The dowry and the ring will be sent over soon."
Lorelei nodded happily. "I finally got you, Ash."
"Yeah, yeah. You win, Lorelei." Ash smiled despite himself, finally wrapping an arm around her. Perhaps, as Pikachu suspected, Ash's protests were never as strong as he made them out to be.