My descent was abruptly stopped by a tug on my ankle. I looked up to see Ivysaur's vines were wrapped around my leg. The Pokémon was hanging in the air, being held by Pikachu. Pikachu was being held by Squirtle, and Charizard had a hold of Squirtle. You guys, you saved me! 

The Missing Palace started to shake. We need to get out of here! Squirtle began to hoist Pikachu up, and then they worked to bring me and Ivysaur onto Charizard's back. The lizard flapped his wings and ascended into the air. 

We emerged from the pit, and I saw the gate was beginning to collapse. Charizard dashed towards our way out of the Missing Palace. I prayed that it wouldn't collapse before we were too late. 

My Pokémon flew as fast as he could, and we barely made it out of the Missing Palace. A few seconds later, the entire area faded away. Charizard crashed onto the ground and reverted back to normal. 

I sat on the ground with my Pokémon for a few seconds, fearing the worst. I let a few seconds pass without anything happening, and we seemed to be in the clear. I looked around the cave, noticing that everything seemed to have been restored to normal. The tears were all gone, as was the Corruption.

The entire area seemed to have a faint glowing light surrounding it. I wasn't sure what to make of that, but I was just happy it was over.

I looked at my Pokémon. Can... can you all hear me? They all nodded, and I felt a bit of relief. My voice had come back to me. Though... I didn't need it anymore. You were all amazing. I can't thank you enough! I told them.

Charizard yawned, while Squirtle gave me a stern nod. Ivysaur flexed his vines and Pikachu seemed to carry himself with a bit more pride. These four Pokémon and I had been through it all. You've been the best team a trainer could ask for! I told them. I took out their Poké Balls and returned my team so they could get some well-earned rest.

I started to walk out of the cave, weaving through a few paths before emerging in an open part of the cavern. Daisy was searching the area for me, and we locked eyes. I ran up to her and embraced the girl. Daisy! I'm so happy you're ok! She nearly squeezed the life out of me. "Red! You did it! I knew you could do it! You're incredible!"

I heard someone clear their throat and my face flushed red. I looked to see that Blue, Yellow, and Bill were standing in the back of the room. "So... nice work, pal." Blue sauntered over to me and rubbed my head.

Bill then charged up to me and threw his arms around me. "I'm so glad you're alright, buddy! I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you before our rematch!"

I raised an eyebrow, and he winked. "Kidding! Though, I am glad you're ok."

Yellow chuckled. "Well, I think we're all mighty relieved to be together again. Wanna tell us about how it went on your end? Then I think we can catch you up on our sagas."

I told them about the battle I had fought against MissingTwo, and that I had seen some of their situations. Blue and Yellow looked away from each other.

"Listen, I just owed her an apology, that's all!" Blue immediately said.

Everyone stared at him, and he sighed. "Whatever..." We continued to exchange stories until everyone was caught up.

Bill inspected the cave. "Everyone's all fixed too. There's this light surrounding it all... do you think Arceus did it?"

I shrugged. It's possible. I managed to get my voice back, so who knows? I'm happy there's not a ton of permanent damage either way. I feel... really bad about all of this. It's all my fault, after all. I admitted to them.

Yellow shook her head. "Now I don't think that's true at all! You couldn't have known any better before you were drawn in!"

"Plus, I have a feeling Rogue Two was going to get out on his own," Bill admitted. "I was getting cocky... and that prison wasn't as sound as it seemed."

"It also sounds like this cave is where MissingNo was at his strongest," Blue added.

They raised good points, but that didn't change the fact that I had still gone there. I had still let MissingNo get to me. I almost fell for his tricks, and it was because of me that Rogue Two was set free.

Daisy took my hands. "Hey, Red. Things happen, but you can't beat yourself up every time you make a mistake. You did everything you could to make it better. That's what counts, yeah?"

I thought over what she was saying to me. I guess so... it's just hard. I think at least I've figured out that I don't need a voice. MissingNo had me so convinced that I needed his gift. I know that I don't now.

Blue clamped his hand on my shoulder. "That's the spirit! You did plenty without it! Be it sign language... or punching me in the face."

Yellow started to laugh. "Now hold on, when did that happen?"

We all strolled out of the cave, laughing about the journey we'd had. I wondered what would happen with all the mistakes that were made going forward, now that MissingNo was gone. However, maybe they didn't need solving. Maybe all that needed to happen was for us to stop seeing them as mistakes.

I stepped outside and was blinded by the sunlight. A large crowd had gathered in Cerulean City and started to cheer when they saw us. 

We got into the city proper and were swarmed with questions. The crowd's voices drowned out the reporters, and we could barely manage to get a word in. Daisy translated everything that I had to say.

People were concerned about what had happened, and if it would happen again. I assured them that it wouldn't. However, if any trouble ever arose, I would be there with my friends to fight it. Hopefully, the rest of Kanto would be by our side.

Eventually, the crowd dispersed and gave us some time to breathe. Bill glanced to the south. "Well, I think I'm going to get outta here. I want to go to Fuchsia City and see about something." The boy sent out his Dragonite.

"Don't be a stranger, Bill!" Blue called to his friend. "The gang's back together now."

Bill chuckled. "Yeah, like I want to be a third wheel. Well, I guess I'd be a fifth wheel now. Eugh, that's even worse."

We all realized what he was implying and jumped to protest.

Eventually, I waved to him. Goodbye, Bill! Thanks for all your help! 

He gave me a thumbs-up. "Don't worry about it, Red! Just be ready, because I'll be back for a rematch soon!"

I nodded, and Bill's Pokémon took off.

Yellow sent out a Pidgeot. "Well, I best be off too. Blue, are you comin' with me? I figure we have things to talk about."

Blue blushed but nodded. "Ack! Uhm... yeah, yeah we do. See you around, kid."

"I'll be back for a rematch soon enough, Red!" Yellow assured me. "I know I can always go to you when I need a real battle!" You're one of the best trainers I've ever faced, Yellow. The girl let a few tears build up in her eyes. "Now aren't you just the kindest."

Blue sighed. "Aw look, you made her cry. I'd normally give you a talking-to, but I guess I can let you off easy."

Daisy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, big bro. Get out of here."

"I'm going, I'm going!" My rival assured us. "I'll see you both around. Thanks, for everything." I nodded. You too, Blue. See ya! The boy boarded the Pidgeot, and the two trainers flew off.

That left Daisy and I. "So, we should probably get back to Pallet Town, huh?" 

I nodded and then glanced at her. I suddenly felt a wave of embarrassment ripple through me. I had completely forgotten what I told her before jumping into the water. Uhm... yeah... we should do that. 

Daisy started to laugh. "Anything you want to say, first?" She remembered. 

The way the sunlight gently fell on her face made it impossible for me to look away. "Alright, how about this then?" Daisy gestured to herself, put her arms around her chest, pointed at me, and then held up two fingers. 

Then, she walked up to me. My best friend planted a kiss on my cheek, before taking a few steps back. "How about now?" I... uhm... you're... really amazing. I was flabbergasted. I couldn't think of what to say. It was like my thoughts wouldn't come out as anything coherent.

Daisy began to laugh. She gently took my hand. "You're amazing too. Now, let's go home, yeah? It's been a long day." She sent out Aerodactyl, and we climbed aboard.

There was so much to talk about, so much to think about. So many things had happened. My mind felt like it was going at a million miles per hour. 

Soaring over Kanto, all of those thoughts came to a stop. I had explored this region and made my mark. I had done it all with my best friend and made multiple other friends. I had never imagined accomplishing anything near this. I was the Champion of Kanto.

What I wanted more than anything was to keep adventuring. To meet new Pokémon, meet new people, and make the region better. With everything I had done, I could surely do that. 

I didn't need to find my voice at all. All I needed was to find my place in the world. One where I could make a difference and connect with people. Where those people would work to connect with me. 

Then, I could thrive. 

In a way, MissingNo had given me something. A means of easily communicating with those who took time to get close to me. However, I still had to put in the work to connect with them. I still had to have them get to know me, and to get to know them. Maybe it would get easier over time for my voice to reach them, or maybe it wouldn't.

Either way, I would be able to manage. Everyone who was close to me wouldn't care. That was all that mattered.

My eyes fell on Pallet Town as we started to descend. It was time to go home. Then, after that, new adventures awaited!