Pokémon: The Cheating Life

Chapter 23: Lorelei's Arrival

"This is… Bishas from Team Rocket?!" Ron exclaimed, staring at the masked man tied up in a tree.

Early the next morning, Mewtwo woke him up and explained what had happened the previous night.

Based on Mewtwo's description and the identity of the masked man, Ron quickly realized that this was Bishas, one of Team Rocket's high-ranking executives, the same character who appeared in Celebi's movie.

He immediately reported the situation to Nurse Joy, asking her to notify the Pokémon League so they could send a team to handle it.

Since Ron and Lillie were witnesses and captors of a major criminal, they had no choice but to stay in town until League officials arrived.

The Captured Pokémon

Looking at the three Pokémon locked in an iron cage, Ron felt a pang of sadness.

These Pokémon were beyond saving—they had burned their own life force to obey Bishas' orders and had been twisted into berserk states by the Dark Balls.

All he could do was hope the League had a way to heal them.

The League responded quickly. By noon, a squad arrived in Flame Town, led by a tall, curvaceous woman with long, deep red hair and glasses.

Ron swallowed nervously.

"Wait… Why is Elite Four Lorelei here?!"

Meeting Lorelei

"Oh? So, you know who I am?" Lorelei asked with a gentle, teasing smile.

"You're one of the Elite Four," Ron replied, still in shock. "Why are you here, though? I thought the League would just send some agents."

Lorelei nodded.

"Normally, they would. But this is Bishas we're talking about. He's not just any Team Rocket member—he's a high-ranking executive. When the League received the report, they wanted to make sure things were handled properly. And…" She adjusted her glasses. "I was nearby."

Ron rubbed the back of his head, realizing how serious this had become.

"My Pokémon caught him, not me," he clarified. "Oh, and this is my traveling partner, Lillie."

Lillie nodded quickly. "Nice to meet you, Lady Lorelei."

Lorelei smiled politely but soon focused on the white-furred Pokémon standing beside Lillie.

"Wait a second… Is that a Vulpix?" she asked curiously. "It looks different—it's Ice-type, isn't it?"

Discussing Alolan Pokémon

"Yes," Ron nodded. **"This is an Alolan Vulpix. Some Pokémon from Kanto were introduced to the Alola region long ago, and over time, they adapted to the environment, developing new forms and types. Vulpix isn't the only one—Alolan Sandshrew also became Ice-type."

Lorelei raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "An Ice-type Vulpix… That's fascinating."

"If you ever get the chance," Ron suggested, "you should visit Alola. Since you specialize in Ice-types, you'd love it."

Lorelei grinned. "I like the sound of that. Maybe I'll take a vacation there someday."

Then, she paused, suddenly recognizing his name.

"Wait… You said your name is Ron? And you're from Pallet Town?"

Ron froze. "Uh… Yeah?"

Lorelei crossed her arms and gave him a knowing look.

"So, you're the kid who tricked the League into building a mansion for you."

Lillie gasped in shock. "WHAT?!"

The Infamous Mansion Incident

Ron awkwardly coughed.

"Uh… Well, I wouldn't say tricked…"

Lorelei sighed, shaking her head. "The League spent a fortune building that thing, and you basically got it for free."

Ron grinned innocently. "Hey, I earned it fair and square! It was a reward for my achievements, right?"

Lorelei rolled her eyes. "I don't really care. It's not like I paid for it."

"But," she continued, adjusting her glasses, "the League's higher-ups aren't too happy about you. I'd watch your back if I were you."

"Noted," Ron chuckled. "But since my mansion's almost done, you're welcome to visit anytime."

Lorelei narrowed her eyes, smirking slightly. "Oh, I'll definitely stop by. I'm curious to see what a League-funded luxury mansion looks like."

Lorelei Learns About Mewtwo

Lorelei cleared her throat, shifting back to business.

"Alright, enough about that. Let's talk about Bishas."

She glanced at the masked man, who was still tied up.

"He's a high-ranking Team Rocket member, and from what I've heard, he's pretty powerful. If you managed to capture him, your Pokémon must be incredibly strong."

She adjusted her glasses. "Mind if I take a look?"

Ron hesitated before glancing at Mewtwo.

After a moment, he nodded.

"Alright. Mewtwo, come over here."

Mewtwo floated over, and Ron recalled the rest of his Pokémon.

Lorelei's expression hardened the moment she saw Mewtwo.

"…That's not just any Pokémon, is it?"

Ron took a deep breath.

"This is Mewtwo. And before I say anything else—please keep this a secret."

Lorelei nodded seriously, motioning for her team to take Bishas away. Once they were alone, Ron began explaining.

The Truth About Mewtwo

"Mewtwo isn't a natural Pokémon."

Lorelei's eyes narrowed.

"**It was created by Team Rocket—**a Pokémon artificially engineered from Mew's DNA, combined with other Pokémon genes. It's a man-made Legendary Pokémon."

Lorelei froze.

"…A man-made Legendary?"

Lillie gasped, looking at Mewtwo with pity. "That's… so sad…"

Ron clenched his fists.

"Right now, I'm not worried about Team Rocket using it. I'm worried that Mewtwo will escape."

Lorelei's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Ron exhaled.

"If Mewtwo breaks free, it might see humans as its enemy and turn against the world. And if that happens…"

He met Lorelei's gaze. "…No one can stop it."

Lorelei's Response

Lorelei remained silent for a long time.

Finally, she spoke.

"Do you have any proof of this?"

Ron shook his head.

"No. It's just my theory—but I trust my instincts."

Lorelei sighed.

"Alright. I'll report this to the League. I'll make sure they consider the possibility of Mewtwo going rogue."

Then, she gave him a knowing look.

"But don't underestimate the League, kid. We're not as weak as you think."

Ron's Realization

Ron didn't argue.

Deep down, he knew she was right.

Even Team Rocket only acted recklessly when they had Legendary power in their grasp.

As Lorelei left, Ron smirked.

"Talking to smart people is fun."

Lillie's Confusion

As soon as Lorelei left, Lillie pouted.

"What were you two even talking about?!"

Ron grinned, ruffling her hair.

"I like you better when you're clueless."

Lillie puffed up in anger. "HEY! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?! GET BACK HERE!"

Laughing, Ron ran off with Mewtwo, while Lillie chased after him.

Meanwhile, Mewtwo silently made a decision.

It would find the other Mewtwo… and save it.