After two days of searching, Ash and Misty still failed to find Annie. They had asked around all the fun places and hotels on Tangelo Island, but every attempt ended in failure.
But...
Although they had not found Annie, that troublesome little girl who loved running wild, they had encountered some interesting things. For example, they had happened to rescue a young Lapras that had been bullied and injured by some delinquents.
It was a rare Water- and Ice-type Pokémon. It looked somewhat like a sea turtle, but its neck was much longer, making it resemble a dragon from the sea. That was why people affectionately called it "Lapras."
It was said that when a Lapras reached adulthood, it could gigantamax. At that point, not only would it possess extraordinary control over Water and Ice, but its enormous shell would also become large enough for more than five thousand people to ride on its back without feeling the slightest rocking. It was supposedly extremely comfortable, which was how it earned the elegant nickname "Lapras."
Of course, rescuing and caring for the poor Lapras was only a brief interlude. More importantly, they had met an overly familiar fellow named Tracey, a Pokémon watcher, and learned about the Orange League Tournament from him.
After learning that the Orange Islands had their own Pokémon League and tournament, Ash, itching to compete, immediately called Professor Oak. He planned to remain on Tangelo Island—and in the Orange Islands—for a while, then return the GS Ball after the Orange League Tournament ended.
However, anyone who wanted to participate in the Orange League Tournament had to first battle the Southern Cross—the Gym Leaders stationed at Gyms across the Orange Islands. Only those who challenged the Southern Cross and defeated every Gym Leader would qualify for the tournament.