We turned in for the night, and I felt myself having a strange dream. This time, I was in Cerulean City and everything was drained of color once more. There was some voice calling to me from the cave. "Free me... free me!" The voice boomed.

"H-how?" I wondered. Somehow, my voice had returned. I took a step forward, but the dream began to fade once again.

I shot up in my bed. What was that about? I wondered. I tried to speak, but no sound came out.

I tried to put the incident out of my mind. It would only upset me if I thought about it too much. The next day rolled around, and so I got ready and met up with Daisy and Bill. We walked to the Cinnabar Island Gym, now reopened.

We entered the gym and were hit with a blast of heat. The air was dry and warm, and a geyser of fire shot into the air from the battlefield. In the back, there was a man standing around looking at his watch.

The battlefield was decorated with white square tiles. The tiles would shoot up blasts of fire for a few seconds occasionally, before dying back down.

The man looked up from his watch. I now recognized that he was Blaine, the Gym Leader. "Welcome to my gym! Oh, it's you kids from yesterday!"

"Yep, we're here to take on your gym!" Bill announced.

Blaine rubbed his hands together. "Alright, alright! Thanks for your help yesterday. I do gotta warn you, though, I won't go easy on you! See here, in this gym I rigged the lava to add something extra to my gym and to reduce the risk of eruptions! Fire will shoot from the tiles at random, letting out the lava and adding spice to my battlefield all at once!"

"Whoa! That is amazing!" Bill awed. "A succinct and clever solution,"

"Who are you, again?" Blaine raised his eyebrow.

Bill put his hand to his heart. "Bill's the name, being a genius scientist and a soon-to-be champion is my game!"

"I'm pretty sure Yellow is going to beat you." Daisy reminded him. "She's probably already gotten her eighth badge by now."

Bill's smile didn't waiver. "Well, at least I have being a genius scientist to look forward to."

"Uh, so which one of you is battling?" Blaine cleared his throat.

"Oh, that'll be Red!" Bill answered and shoved me forward. I stumbled and almost fell onto my face.

A referee walked onto the battlefield. "This'll be a three-on-three battle! Neither side may substitute their Pokémon, and the match will be over when all Pokémon on either side are defeated!"

Blaine threw his first Poké Ball into the air. "Hope you have a Burn Heal, kid!" From the ball, a large red horse landed on the battlefield. The Pokémon banged its hooves against the ground as its fiery mane roared to life.

I wouldn't be able to switch out a Pokémon after I sent them in, so I'd have to choose wisely. I decided to lead with Charmeleon, and he landed on the battlefield and started to bang his claws together.

"Rapidash, run in and use Stomp!" Blaine's Pokémon charged across the battlefield and raised a foot over Charmeleon. Use Slash! Charmeleon lashed out with his claws, swinging them into the beastly foe.

Blaine's Pokémon slammed its foot into Charmeleon's head has he dragged his claws across its body. Charmeleon winced from the blow while Rapidash took a few steps away. Use Flamethrower! Fired surged from Charmeleon's maw, and he launched it into the opposing Pokémon.

Rapidash absorbed the fire and Blaine grinned. "Take this! Fire Blast!" Blaine's Pokémon fired a gigantic flare into Charmeleon, blowing him back. "Ole Flash Fire means that any flames Rapidash comes in contact with are just added to the system!" One of the tiles on the ground started to heat up, and fire erupted into Rapidash.

The Pokémon surged as it absorbed all of the flames. This would be a problem. Charmeleon got back to his feet and banged his claws together. Alright, let's use Dragon Rage! Then run in and use Slash! Charmeleon launched a ball of blue fire into Rapidash's face and charged forward.

Blaine's eyes snapped open. "Use Poison Jab!" Rapidash's horn surged with purple energy, and the horse swung the horn into Charmeleon's claws to deflect the strike. Blaine's Pokémon was fast, and we needed a way to get around that. I had to stick with Charmeleon, and we only had two ways of damaging it.

Keep swinging! Go! I called. Charmeleon moved back in, striking Rapidash again. Keep up the pressure! Use Dragon Rage! Charmeleon charged another blue fire in his mouth when the ground beneath him suddenly surged with fire.

Blaine grinned. "Now, use Flare Blitz!" Rapidash's body was consumed by fire and the Pokémon galloped into the column, knocking Charmeleon back. The lizard rolled across the ground and forced himself back up. "Still got some fight, eh?"

I narrowed my eyes. Rapidash looked a bit worse for wear. We would need one more big move, and we could bring it down. Charmeleon, get ready! Use Flamethrower! Charmeleon looked back at me for a moment and then turned back around to attack Rapidash.

Flames erupted from his mouth and into the opposing Pokémon. Rapidash paused to absorb the fire, and that was our shot. Go and use Slash! My Pokémon ran across the battlefield and slammed his claws into Rapidash several times. Dragon Rage! As Rapidash staggered back, Charmeleon landed and launched a ball of blue fire into the opposing Pokémon.

Rapidash fell over and fainted, being overwhelmed by the barrage.

"Rapidash is unable to battle!" The referee declared. Blaine whistled and returned his Pokémon.

"Impressive stuff, kid." The man played with his cane for a few moments. "Let's see what else you've got!" Then he tossed out another Poké Ball and sent out a quadrupedal hound. The Pokémon had a body with red and black stripes.

The Arcanine snapped its jaws at Charmeleon, who winced at the intimidating foe. "Use Extremespeed!" In the blink of an eye, Arcanine was on the other side of the battlefield and rammed into Charmeleon. He tumbled over and fell unconscious.

Blaine grinned. "That usually gets 'em on the first time."

I sighed and called back Charmeleon. Arcanine was dangerous, and could easily spiral out of control. I made the choice to send in Squirtle, who landed on the battlefield eager to fight. Use Water Pulse! Squirtle fired a blue ball directly into the fire dog. Now use Rapid Spin and get in! Squirtle tucked into his shell and spun across the ground toward the opposing Pokémon.

I noticed that as Squirtle was moving in, Blaine seemed to be watching the battlefield. I gasped as a column of fire burst beneath Squirtle, carrying him into the air. "Wild Charge!" Electricity crackled around Arcanine's body and he jumped into the air.

The opposing Pokémon rammed into Squirtle, flinging him further up. Squirtle shrugged off the blow and turned to face his opponent. Let's use Water Pulse! Squirtle threw down another ball of water.

"Counter with Flamethrower!" Blaine called. His Pokémon launched an array of fire into the air, obliterating the incoming sphere and creating a cloud of steam. This was our chance to strike. Squirtle, descend and use Bite! Squirtle descended into the steam and landed on Arcanine's back, biting down on the Pokémon.

Arcanine cried out and started to thrash. Arcanine flung Squirtle from his body and into the air. "Use Extreme Speed!" Arcanine blinked out of existence, and I knew we had to be fast. Squirtle, use Rapid Spin and Water Pulse together! I called to the Pokémon.

Squirtle retreated into his shell and began to spin. A ball of water surrounded his body and Arcanine rammed into it, bouncing off as Squirtle landed safely. Ice Beam on the ground! Arcanine landed as the water turtle fired a ray of ice onto the battlefield.

While the ice clearly wouldn't last long, for now, it coated the floor of the field. It began to hiss and steam as the ice started to rapidly melt. Arcanine charged forward to strike Squirtle and slipped on the ice, falling onto his face. I grinned and Squirtle charged forward. Use Water Pulse! Squirtle summoned a ball of water into his hand and jammed it into the opposing Pokémon.

Arcanine was launched back, skidding to a stop. Blaine rubbed his glasses and shook his head. "How's this little Pokémon doing so much?" He wondered. "Well kid, you've got guts! But let's see if you can handle our tricks! Arcanine, use Reversal!"

Blaine's Arcanine surged with red energy as he charged at Squirtle. That move would deal a lot of damage, and that was damage Squirtle couldn't afford to take. I noticed the ice giving off steam as it melted and had an idea. A pillar of fire exploded next to Squirtle a few moments later. Water Pulse on that pillar!

Squirtle launched water into the magma, creating a cloud of steam as Arcanine approached. Now get on his back! Squirtle descended onto Arcanine's back once more, holding on for dear life. Blaine grit his teeth and raised his cane into the air. "Arcanine, use Wild Charge! Get that Pokémon off of you!"

Electricity surged through Arcanine's body and he electrocuted the turtle. Squirtle let go, and Arcanine flung him into the air. The dog then readied his legs and leaped up to ram directly into my Pokémon. Squirtle, quick! You need to counter that Wild Charge with everything you've got! I frantically called.

Squirtle's eyes snapped open and he unleashed a torrent of water from his mouth. The surge of water crashed into the ascending ball of electricity. I held my breath as the two moves were stuck in a deadlock until Squirtle's Hydro Pump carried Arcanine into the ground.

The dog then crashed into the battlefield and collapsed, falling unconscious. Blaine grumbled and returned the Pokémon. "Arcanine is unable to battle! Squirtle is the winner!" The referee declared.

Blaine huffed. "We know! Alas, you're not ready for my craftiest of tricks! Here we go, Magmar!" Blaine launched an Ultra Ball into the air. From it, a Fire-Type goliath landed on the battle field. It locked eyes with Squirtle and surged with flames all around its body. The beast's tail waved back and forth and the creature's yellow and red body created several fire patterns on itself.

Squirtle, start out with Hydro Pump! Squirtle fired a deluge of water at Magmar, who stepped to the side to evade. Steam coated the battlefield as Squirtle's Water-Type attack made contact with it. Move in with Rapid Spin! I watched Squirtle enter his shell and spin forward.

"Substitute!" Blaine called out to his Pokémon. I wasn't sure what that meant, and Magmar didn't seem to move. Squirtle slammed into the opposing Pokémon as the steam cleared, but it didn't seem to react. Use Hydro Pump! Squirtle exited his shell and launched out another torrent of water.

The water crashed into the opposing Pokémon. Then, it faded away. I did a double-take, but Blaine grinned. "Use Psychic and hold that turtle in place!" Magmar appeared from the side, its eyes glowing blue. Squirtle was locked in an invisible hold. "Now finish this with Thunder Punch!"

Magmar's fist crackled with electricity, and he swung it directly into Squirtle's body. The turtle was released from the hold, going flying into a pillar of fire. The fire died down, and Squirtle had been knocked unconscious.

"Squirtle is unable to battle!" The referee's voice rang out. "Magmar is the winner!" The beastly Pokémon flexed its arms and roared triumphantly.

I closed my eyes and took a breath. It was time to deal with Psychic once and for all. It was the source of too many problems. I grabbed a Poké Ball, threw it into the air, and felt my heart sink.

Ivysaur landed on the battlefield and began to look around. Somehow, I had made the same mistake for the third time. "Oh Red..." Daisy sighed from the sidelines.

Blaine raised an eyebrow but didn't stop the battle. "Whatever. Use Substitute, Magmar!" Magmar grinned and his body was suddenly replaced by a completely idle copy. I couldn't tell where the real one had gone, and all that was left was this dummy.

Use Toxic! Ivysaur flung a ball of poison into the dummy. The poison didn't seem to set, and instead, the dummy sat there idly. "Kid, do you know what you're up against?" Blaine questioned. "Let's show you! Psychic!" Magmar emerged from behind the fake Magmar, sending out a wave of energy that blew into Ivysaur.

He was tossed back and came to a stop right next to a pillar of fire. Ivysaur, run in! He's hiding behind the fake! Ivysaur charged over to the fake Magmar, peering around the Pokémon. "Thunder Punch!" Magmar suddenly launched out from behind the fake, slamming an electric fist into my Pokémon.

Ivsyaur staggered back and launched a flurry of leaves out as a counter. The leaves blew into the fake and it held strong. I guess... we have to destroy it, then! Use Take Down! Ivysaur charged forward, ramming into the false Magmar. The dummy burst into smoke, revealing the real Pokémon once more.

Blaine smirked. "Fire Blast!" Magmar charged a ball of flames in his mouth and launched it down into Ivysaur.

My Pokémon cried out as the powerful move slammed into him. Ivysaur! No! I called out as the Pokémon took on the brunt of the flames. Magmar began to laugh as Ivysaur staggered over. Ivsyaur, please hang on! "He's not fully evolved," Blaine commented. "Type matchups aside, he doesn't stand a chance."

Ivysaur's eyes snapped open at that, and the Pokémon exploded with a surge of green energy. Overgrow was back, and it was about to be Blaine's worst nightmare. Vine Whip! Ivysaur's vines exploded from his body and slammed into Magmar's stomach, blowing the Pokémon back.

Blaine shook his head. "This is over! Use Psychic!" I eyed the battlefield. It was time for a counter to this move. A pillar of fire rose up as Magmar sent out the wave of energy. Jump behind that fire! Magmar's Psychic blew into the flames.

As the fire died down, Ivysaur was unscathed. Use Razor Leaf! My Pokémon jumped up and fired several sharp leaves into the Magmar. Blaine's Pokémon staggered back, but shook off the damage. Use Take Down! Ivysaur landed on the ground and started to charge in.

"Knock them away with Thunder Punch! Then use Substitute!" Magmar swung his fist as Ivysaur jumped up to strike. The electric fist slammed into Ivysaur, forcing him back. A copy of Magmar then replaced the beastly flame Pokémon.

I had a plan, however. Grab it with Vine Whip and throw it into the nearest fire! I called to Ivysaur. His vines rushed out, wrapping around the dummy and tossing it at a pillar of fire. Blaine's eyes went wide as the dummy crashed into the fire. Magmar burst from it, being thrown into the air by the pillar.

My eyes lit up. Finish this, Ivysaur! My Pokémon began to charge a ball of energy in his bulb. In a few moments, the attack was unleashed. Ascending into the air and slamming directly into the Fire-Type Pokémon.

Magmar crashed onto the ground from the finisher, falling unconscious. "Magmar is unable to battle! Ivysuar is the winner meaning that Red has won this match!" The referee declared.

Blaine furrowed his brow. "Jeez kid, you really got me, huh?" He returned Magmar and walked up to me. "Alright, you've won fair and square. Guess even a brilliant scientist can be wrong." Blaine handed me a red badge with three wisps on the top. "Also take this TM for Fire Blast!" I took the red disk and placed it in my TM Case.

Then, I went down to Ivysaur and gave him a massive hug. You were incredible, Ivysaur! I praised. Seriously! You're so awesome! I'm so sorry about this, I'll never make this mistake again! I promised as my Pokémon nuzzled into me. I returned him so he could rest, and stood back up.

Daisy ran up to me and lightly jabbed me on the arm. "I think I need to label your Poké Balls, dude! Seriously, when will you learn?" I shrugged. This time, for sure. She rolled her eyes and chuckled. "You did good though. You and your Pokémon make a furious combination, Red." We locked eyes for a few moments, and then looked away from each other.

Bill then clasped his hand on my shoulder. "Good job, kid. Now why don't you go on and get out of here, eh? I don't want you copying my style in case we have to battle for the Championship."

I shrugged. I supposed it'd be nice to get a start on my final leg of the journey. See ya, Bill. He looked around like he was confused, before turning his attention back to the Gym Leader.

Daisy and I strolled out of the gym and I glanced at the coast again. It was time to go, for now. With MissingNo's gift... maybe I could reach anyone if I tried hard enough.