Upon seeing the match list and battle order, everyone quickly left the stadium. They returned to their lodgings to properly prepare. Many of their Pokémon had taken damage during the day’s battles, so ensuring full recovery was crucial for the next day.
Accompanied by his companions, Cain also returned to the mansion on the outskirts of Hearthome City. Although the upcoming matches were important, Cain kept his promise and prepared a delicious dinner for Steven and the others.
No one objected to Cain taking time to cook, although the looks they gave him when reviewing the match list were somewhat peculiar.
It seemed as if they suspected Cain had received some sort of preferential treatment.
Cain could only laugh awkwardly, assuring them he hadn’t received any help. If his matchup was favorable, it was pure luck, although it was clear that his opponent tomorrow wouldn’t have a peaceful night.
The next morning, the stadium was already packed early. The spectators had arrived with enthusiasm, eager to enjoy the matches, which promised to become more intense and exciting.
In the Hoenn representatives’ box, only Cain, Steven, Wallace, Phoebe, and old Matsuda were present. The rest decided not to enter, so as not to affect the participants’ focus or mood.
The five watched from the window, waiting for the first battle of the day to begin.
"In the first match, representing Kanto, trainer Lorelei will face the representative from Sinnoh, Volkner. Let the battle begin!" With the referee’s signal, the battle began.
On the giant screens, Lorelei and Volkner’s data was displayed, along with six shining icons representing the Pokémon they could use in the match.
Each trainer had six Pokémon, and the first to lose all their teammates would be the loser.
Lorelei, a specialist in Ice-type Pokémon, was facing Volkner, an expert in Electric-types. Although to the general audience both seemed to have similar skills, the more experienced could notice the difference.
Lorelei was one of the favorites, on par with Steven and Cynthia, while Volkner was a step below. However, that didn’t stop him from receiving enthusiastic support, especially since he was competing on his home turf, Sinnoh.
Moreover, his optimistic personality and ever-radiant smile had earned him the nickname "Little Sun." On the other hand, Lorelei, known as the Ice Queen, was famous for her beauty and cold demeanor, making her equally popular among the male audience.
The battle began on a mixed water and rock field, which turned out to be favorable for both trainers. Lorelei sent out her Dewgong first, while Volkner chose one of his star Pokémon, Jolteon.
The battle was intense from the start, with Jolteon taking advantage of its type advantage to defeat Dewgong, securing a first victory for Volkner. However, Jolteon did not emerge unscathed and suffered considerable damage.
Lorelei, maintaining her usual calm, didn’t show a hint of disappointment at Dewgong’s defeat. Unfazed, she sent out her next Pokémon, Jynx, an Ice- and Psychic-type.
Jolteon’s type advantage disappeared, and due to previous injuries, it was quickly defeated. Volkner then sent out his Electrode, but it too succumbed to Jynx, who earned two consecutive victories.
After this, Lorelei withdrew Jynx, who had taken some damage, to keep her in good condition for future battles. Both trainers then called out their next Pokémon: Volkner chose Raichu, while Lorelei surprised everyone with a Piloswine.
This Ice- and Ground-type Pokémon was completely immune to Electric-type moves, leaving Volkner in a desperate situation. Unsurprisingly, Piloswine defeated Raichu, putting Volkner at a clear disadvantage.
The field changed to a grassy meadow, but this didn’t significantly alter either trainer’s strategy. Volkner sent out Luxray, but it too couldn’t overcome Piloswine, who proved to be a formidable opponent.
Lorelei had specifically prepared Piloswine to face Electric-type specialists, while Jynx was intended to counter Fighting-type Pokémon. Her planning was impeccable.
With four of his Pokémon down, Volkner was on the verge of defeat. However, he didn’t give up and sent out his strongest Pokémon, Ampharos. Thanks to its impressive special attack ability, Ampharos managed to defeat Piloswine, though it was left severely weakened.
Lorelei responded by sending out Lapras, who quickly took down Ampharos, leaving Volkner with his last Pokémon, Electabuzz.
Electabuzz and Lapras ended up defeating each other, bringing the match to a close. Electabuzz, who had not yet evolved into Electivire, showed the potential to be a stronger card in the future. However, at this moment, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Lorelei used four Pokémon in total, of which three were defeated, while the remaining two did not participate. Her most powerful Pokémon, Cloyster, remained hidden, indicating that Lorelei hadn’t felt any real pressure during the match.
Volkner accepted his defeat gracefully, shaking Lorelei’s hand at the end of the match. His optimistic smile was contagious, and the spectators cheered and applauded him, especially the women.
For her part, Lorelei received even more ovations, mostly from male admirers.
"Now, the participants of the second match, Cain from Leafy Town in the Hoenn region and Clair from Blackthorn City in Johto, please prepare yourselves."