Charizard touched down right in front of Viridian City's Pokémon Center. We jumped off of the lizard and I called him back. 

"Let's go to the Pokémon Center first," Daisy suggested. "We can rest up, and then you'll be all set for Victory Road!"

I started to think about how close I was to the end. We had been traveling for a few weeks, and I had collected every badge. I realized Daisy wouldn't be able to join me for the Elite Four battles. 

We entered the Pokémon Center and I left my Pokémon at the front counter. They'd need to rest up, we were almost at the end. Squirtle, Ivysaur, Pikachu, and Charizard had all grown so much. I couldn't wait to take on the final battle, and then properly thank them for all their effort. 

Daisy and I parted ways for the night so I could get some sleep. While dreaming, I felt myself being pulled toward the Cerulean Cave.

I looked around, my eyes falling onto Rogue Two. The Mewtwo had its arms crossed. "Why have you not let me go? Don't you long for a better world?"

I tilted my head. "What better world?" 

Rogue Two seemed to be looking past me. I turned to see MissingNo was looming over me. The Missing Palace had overlapped with Cerulean Cave. "What's going on here?"

"Visit me again... and I'll explain," MissingNo's voice rippled through me, and I shot awake. 

I met up with Daisy, and we started walking through Route 22. I could feel my heart pounding in my ears. I was trying to prepare mentally for the Elite Four, but I couldn't help but think about the dream I had. 

"So, Red," Daiy cleared her throat. "I won't be able to go with you once you're at Victory Road... are you ready for the Elite Four?"

I glanced at her but didn't reply. I was trying to focus on what had happened with Rogue Two and MissingNo. What did all these dreams mean?

We entered the Reception Gate. Two guards were standing inside, watching over the entrance to Victory Road. There was a path to Mount Silver, a mountain with a beautiful view at the top. Then, there was also a path down to the Johto Region.

I could feel my heart pounding like a drum as I walked into the gate.

One of the guards smiled. "Another set of trainers, eh? Guess everyone is getting their final badges. We just need to see the Boulder Badge, and then you can keep going."

I took out my badge case and showed off my Gym Badges. The man gave me a thumbs-up. "Head on through. Welcome to the Pokémon League."

Daisy frowned. "Guess this is it."

I turned to see my friend was looking off to the side. Thanks for being with me this whole time, Daisy. I'll be thinking of you the whole way!

She perked up a bit, and then I decided to give her a hug. You're my best friend. Daisy stifled a laugh. "So that's why you were being quiet. Go get them! I'll be watching from here!" 

I felt a bit bad that I let Daisy think that was the reason. However, it wasn't like she would understand. I pulled away from her, and then I walked on to Victory Road.

Victory Road started with a grand path made of bricks, with sweeping archways towering above me. There was an occasional stop where I had each of my badges checked. Eventually, I got through the final gate and arrived at the cavern that separated me from the Indigo Plateau. 

I walked into the cavern. The dark interior was illuminated by a handful of torches. Before me was a labyrinth full of powerful trainers. I took a deep breath and plunged into the cavern, taking on various powerful trainers and trying to find my way through the stone maze.

Finally, I emerged outside of Victory Road. I rounded the building and looked out at the Indigo Plateau. A massive staircase led to a shimmering building. The sun glimmered down onto the orange building. 

I took in the beautiful sight and began to fly up the stairs. I reached the top and threw open the doors. I entered the lobby of the building and had my Pokémon healed one last time. This would be it, the final gauntlet before Yellow.

I spent a bit of time thinking through each member of the Elite Four, stocking up on items so I could restore them after each battle, and then I walked to the final entrance.

I took stock of my things one more time and stepped forward. 

The door shut behind me with a loud click. The room was glazed in ice, the tiles were all light blue. In the center of the room was a lady with red hair pulled back into a shoulder-length ponytail.

She was wearing a black dress that was purple on the bottom. She had glasses on her face, putting a clear wall between her red eyes. 

The woman sauntered over to me, with a coy smile on her face. "Greetings, Challenger! Welcome to the Elite Four! I am Lorelei. I will be your first battle! Four on four! One after another! I hope you're ready."

I shook out my arms. It was time.

The explosive battle began with Charizard falling early on. Ivysaur worked hard to pull things back, and Squirtle managed to draw against Lorelei's third Pokémon. That left both of us with one Pokémon.

I sent out Pikachu, while Lorelei called out a mighty Lapras. The Pokémon was splayed out on the battlefield. It seemed it would be better fit for a water battlefield. 

"Lapras use Ice Beam!" Counter it with Thunderbolt! Lapras opened its mouth and a white beam launched from it, Pikachu sent a blast of electricity out to counter the move.

The two attacks were evenly matched. Run in with Wild Charge! Pikachu surrounded his body with electricity and ran forward, slamming into Lapras. The bulky Pokémon stood tall, swinging her neck into Pikachu. 

Lorelei made a fist with her hand. "Then we'll use Hydro Pump!" Lapras launched a torrent of water into my Pokémon, blowing him back. Pikachu shook the water out of his fur and then got down on all fours. Run in and use Mega Punch! Pikachu charged in and jumped into the air. The mouse slammed a fist directly into Larpas's head.

Pikachu tumbled onto Lapras's shell and grabbed on. Thunderbolt! He began to launch electricity into the opposing Pokémon.

Lorelei sighed. "Get this Pikachu off! Then, use Ice Beam!" Larpas started to thrash her body, launching Pikachu into the air. Then, she fired a beam of ice into Pikachu.

He landed on the ground and shook off the damage. We needed a few more hits. Pikachu, run around Larpas with Quick Attack, and then get in close! Pikachu started to dart around the sea beast, moving in circles at lightning speed.

Lorelei sighed. "Use Psychic!" My eyes widened as Lapras sent out a telepathic wave. The wave grabbed Pikachu and flung him into the ceiling. "Now finish this with Hydro Pump!" Lorelei's Pokémon launched another stream of water into the air.

I drew a sharp breath. Pikachu, block it with Mega Punch! Pikachu swung his fist into the approaching water, blocking the attack and safely landing. I've got a plan! Ready a Thunderbolt and run in! Pikachu started charging toward Larpas.

Lorelei raised an eyebrow. "We'll stop you with Psychic again!" Her Pokémon sent a telepathic wave out. Psychic wouldn't get me this time. Pikachu, use Thunderbolt like a shield! My Pokémon fired his electric blast outward, creating a wall of electricity that absorbed the approaching wave. Wild Charge! 

Pikachu raced from the clashing moves and surged with electricity. He rammed into Lapras, and she toppled over. We had won our first battle.

Lorelei sighed and returned her Lapras. "Well, you've won. You may move on to the next battle." I restored my Pokémon and then moved on to the next room.

The next room featured bright red tiles along the ground There were several cracks and fist-shaped indents in the walls and floor. In the center of this room, a muscular man was sitting cross-legged.

The guy had black spiky hair. He had the rest of his hair in a ponytail. He was wearing white pants and there were two large bracelets around his wrists.

"I am Bruno, the Fighting-Type Master. Call out your first Pokémon and face me down!" Bruno tossed a Poké Ball into the air and the battle began.

Charizard swept through Two of the opposing Pokémon before Bruno began to turn it around. Charizard and Pikachu fell to his third Pokémon, with Squirtle being bested by his final Pokémon. 

That Pokémon was a Machamp. It was a humanoid Pokémon with a muscular body and four arms. The creature had barely been phased by Squirtle, which left me with Ivysaur.

I sent him out, and Machamp motioned for us to give it our all. 

Ivysaur start with Toxic! Ivysaur launched a purple ball at Machamp. The ball drenched Machamp in poison. He didn't make any attempt to evade the attack.

"Machamp use Dynamic Punch!" Machamp leaped forward with surprising speed and punched Ivysaur. A shockwave echoed out from the impact point, and Ivysaur was launched into one of the walls. 

I winced. Hang in there and use Vine Whip. Ivysaur lashed his vines out and swung them into Machamp several times. "Respond back with Stone Edge!" Machamp was making no effort to evade Ivysaur's attacks. He slammed a fist into the ground, kicking up several stones. 

The Pokémon rapidly punched the rocks and sent them flying into my Pokémon. The attacks all struck true before we could react. Ivysaur was flung into the air while Machamp took damage from the Toxic. "Now strike with Ice Punch!" Machamp leaped into the air and uppercut Ivysaur with a frozen fist.

My Pokémon was launched into the ceiling and I felt my heart falter. We can't give up here! Come on! Take Down! Ivysaur jumped down from the ceiling and rammed into Machamp.

The muscular Pokémon was thrown to the ground, with Ivysaur standing on top of him. The venom coursed through our opponent. We needed to wrap this fight up. Hold him in place with Vine Whip! 

Ivysaur jumped off the Machamp and wrapped his vines around the opponent's arms. "Break free!" Bruno shouted from the other end of the battlefield. Ivysaur gritted his teeth as Machamp struggled against the vines. 

Ivysaur was desperately trying to keep the vines held taut to hold Machamp in place. Finish this with Solar Beam! Energy began to charge in Ivysaur's bulb. 

Bruno shook his head. "Machamp, move! Use your power!" Machamp wretched his arms into the air, pulling Ivysaur off the ground.

The plant Pokémon only tightened his hold. Ivysaur was hanging on. Finish it! He unleashed an explosion of light in the face of the opposing Pokémon. Finally, Machamp tumbled over and collapsed.

Bruno returned Machamp and smiled. "Excellent work. Your will is strong. Good luck against Agatha." Another round of healing, and then it was time for another battle. 

The room had ghostly purple tiles that were coated in dust. Purple flames danced around the walls of the room. In the center of the room was Agatha.

The Ghost-Type user had short graying blond hair, a wooden cane with a Poké Ball engraved into it, and she was wearing a purple dress with white flourishes. 

"Well done making it this far trainer. I do not offer an easy path, so I look forward to seeing how you perform." The woman spoke with a slow draw. It was time for my next battle.

This fight was an even clash for most of it. Agatha started to pull ahead at the end, leaving me with just Charizard. He took out her third Pokémon, and then Agatha unleashed her fourth.

A creature slipped through the shadows and then rose from them and solidified. A purple blob with arms and legs. His red eyes and unnerving grin bore into me. Charizard roared at the foe and brandished his claws. 

"Gengar use Shadow Ball." A purple ball appeared in the Pokémon's hand and he threw it at Charizard. Block it with Slash! Charizard deflected the incoming projectile with his claws.

Agatha narrowed her eyes. "Use Thunderbolt!" Electricity channeled through the foe, and then it flew out into Charizard. My Pokémon winced as he was hit by the attack. "Now use Shadow Ball!" Gengar flew in and conjured another purple sphere into his hand. He jammed the sphere into Charizard's face.

My Pokémon staggered back and his eyes snapped open. Fire Blast! A rush of flames burst from Charizard's maw and blew into Gengar. Hit him with Slash! My Pokémon flew forward and tried to strike the opponent with his claw.

The claw passed through Gengar's body. I felt my heart sink as the Pokémon reeled back a fist. "Focus Punch!" Agatha's sharp commands left no room for interpretation. Gengar uppercut Charizard and smiled. My Pokémon could only take a few more hits like that. 

I decided we needed to act fast. Charizard, Mega Evolve! I touched the Key Stone and Charizard transformed. A red ball appeared in the sky, and my Pokémon started to fly forward. Charizard could do this, we just needed a good hit. 

Agatha chuckled. "Now there's something new. Shadow Ball, again!" Gengar hurled another Shadow Ball at Charizard. He dodged around the attack and moved closer. Air Slash! My Pokémon flapped his wings, sending an air current directly into the Gengar.

Gengar fell to the ground and forced himself back up. "Thunderbolt!" Counter with Solar Beam! Electricity erupted from Gengar, while Charizard charged energy from the sun. My Pokémon unleashed a green beam that countered the Thunderbolt, generating an explosion.

Now, it's time to finish this! Use Fire Blast! Charizard landed on the ground and sent a massive ball of fire rocketing through the smoke. The ball blew into Gengar, and he fell over. It was a frantic fight, but we had won.

"And so that's it. I wish you luck, your final challenge before the Champion awaits." Agatha gestured to the door. I restored my Pokémon and took a breather. We were doing well, but every fight had been close. The final member of the Elite Four was by far the strongest. 

It was time. I walked into the final room, taking in the location. This room's tiles were dark blue, giving off a draconic feel. Two torches burned brightly on either side of the room, and Lance stood in the middle. 

The man's spiky red hair contrasted with the red and blue uniform he was wearing. He had a cape flowing from his back and stood tall. "Congratulations on making it this far, young trainer," Lance spoke. "I am the Dragon Master, and I will be the next challenge you face."

The battle began. We were evenly matched for some time, and I managed to gain the upper hand with Pikachu. That was until Dragonite came out. The beastly foe bested Pikachu and Charizard, leaving me with just Squirtle.

The beastly dragon had an orange body with a small horn on his head. Two small wings decorated the back of the imposing foe, and he brandished his claws at Squirtle. The turtle smiled as he faced down the foe in front of him. Of course he did. Alright Squirtle, it's all up to you. I'm counting on you. Squirtle nodded and readied himself for the battle.

"Dragonite use Dragon Claw!" Dragon charged forward with his claws extended. 

Squirtle ducked under the first swipe but the second one caught him on the side and flung him into the wall. Give them a taste of your hydro pump! Squirtle unleashed a rush of water into Dragonite's face. The Dragon-Type's head was pushed back, but he held his ground. 

"Dragonite use Hyper Beam!" Dragonite opened his mouth and fired a gargantuan beam. Squirtle, get out of the way! 

Squirtle stared at the beam, but retreated into his shell and spun out of the way. Squirtle retreated to his shell and spun away. The beam crashed into the ground and sent out a shockwave. Squirtle was flung from the ground and landed on his stomach.

Use Ice Beam! Squirtle launched a white beam into the recharging foe. Dragonite shuddered from the damage but managed to hold on. Coat the battlefield in ice! Squirtle jumped up and used his Ice Beam on the battlefield.

The floor was coated in a layer of slick ice as Dragonite shook himself back into the fight. "Fly through the air and use Extreme Speed!" Lance's Pokémon took off, zipping forward and ramming into Squirtle. "Now use Dragon Claw!" Squirtle was launched into the air.

Dragonite flew up and swiped his claws across Squirtle's body. The tiny turtle landed on the ground while Dragonite towered over him. Squirtle seemed to be growing exhausted from the fight. Hang in there buddy... I need you to be tough now! Hydro Pump!

Squirtle responded to my plea by unleashing a rush of water into Dragonite's face. "Hit them with Iron Head!" Dragonite descended and tried slamming his head into my Pokémon.

Dodge to the side! My Pokémon lunged out of the way of Dragonite's skull, slipping across the ice. Move in from behind with Rapid Spin! My mind was racing. This Pokémon was fast and powerful, a perfect weapon.

Squirtle jumped into his shell and spun towards Dragonite. He jumped up to hit the opposing Pokémon in the face. Squirtle, no! "Dragonite, use Dragon Claw!" My eyes widened as Lance's Pokémon swung a claw upwards, knocking Squirtle away. "Extreme Speed!" Dragonite flew into Squirtle again.

The dragon rammed into my Pokémon several times. Dragonite flung Squirtle into the ground, shattering the ice he crashed into. I felt my heart drop as the turtle seemed to have been overwhelmed. Squirtle... no. Come on... I noticed that his body was shaking.

Lance frowned. "Is that it? You know, I have big expectations for Pokémon that choose not to evolve. Their strength comes from their determination, instead of growing stronger strictly through evolution. Though, that determination can just as easily be mistaken for stubbornness."

My eyes fell on Squirtle. Is that it? Is it because you want to prove yourself... or are you stubborn? Come on Squirtle! Let's do this! Together! Squirtle's eyes snapped open and he raised his head to face Dragonite. Ice Beam! My Pokémon launched a beam of ice into the air. Dragonite swerved to evade, but his wing was clipped by the ice.

Lance's eyes widened. "There it is! Let's see it! Dragon Claw!" Dragonite flew down from above and swung his claw at my Pokémon.

Squirtle narrowed his eyes, and a plan formed in my mind. One more time. Dodge the claw, then use Skull Bash! I had to hope he would listen to me.

Lance's Pokémon descended from above, swinging his claw down. Squirtle jumped out of the way and tucked his head into his shell. The Pokémon slid across the ice, positioning himself on the other side of the dragon.

Dragonite's claw was stuck in the battlefield. Now! Squirtle erupted from his shell, slamming his skull into the mighty foe. Dragonite tumbled over, and it was finally done. We had won. 

As Lance recalled Dragonite, he couldn't hide a smile. "Well done. You have earned the right to face down the Champion of Kanto. I wish you the best of luck against Yellow. It will be a full battle, so you'll need to give it your all."

I tried to steady myself. Great work, Squirtle. I pat the Pokémon on the head, and he smiled up at me. We had just beaten the Elite Four. Now it was time to make good on an old promise, and battle Yellow for the Championship.