Andrew stood before the massive doors leading to the Elite Four chambers. Behind those doors waited four of the strongest trainers in Kanto, each a master of their type specialty.
His team was healed, rested, and ready. Two months of Mt. Silver training had transformed them into a force to be reckoned with. The preliminary tournament had proven that.
But the Elite Four was a different level entirely.
Professor Oak had sent him detailed notes on each member:
Lorelei - Ice-type specialist. Precise, calculating, elegant in battle.
Bruno - Fighting-type master. Overwhelming physical power and fighting spirit.
Agatha - Ghost-type expert. Tactical genius who specialized in status conditions and mind games.
Lance - Dragon-type master and the strongest of the four.
Andrew took a deep breath, touched Ash's cap on his head, and pushed open the doors.
Elite Four Chamber One: Lorelei
The first chamber was frigid—ice crystals covered the walls, and the battlefield was a frozen arena designed to give Ice-types every advantage.
At the far end stood Lorelei—an elegant woman with glasses and icy blue hair, wearing professional attire that somehow made her look more intimidating rather than less.
"Welcome, challenger," Lorelei said, her voice cool and measured. "I am Lorelei, first of the Elite Four. You've come far to reach this chamber, but your journey ends here if you cannot overcome the cold precision of Ice-types."
"I'm Andrew from Pallet Town," he replied, meeting her gaze steadily. "And I'm ready."
"We shall see. This will be a five-on-five battle. Once a Pokémon is defeated, it cannot return. Are you prepared?"
"I am."
The referee—an official League judge—raised his flags. "Elite Four Member Lorelei versus Challenger Andrew! Five Pokémon each! Begin!"
Round One: Venusaur vs Dewgong
"Dewgong, grace the battlefield!" Lorelei called.
The Water-Ice type emerged, elegant and powerful.
"Venusaur, you're up!"
Andrew's fully evolved Grass-Poison type landed on the icy battlefield with a heavy thud, his massive flower blooming on his back.
"Dewgong, Ice Beam!"
A beam of freezing energy shot toward Venusaur—super effective against Grass-types.
"Dodge and Solar Beam!"
Venusaur narrowly avoided the Ice Beam and began gathering solar energy. But in this frozen chamber, with limited light, the charge took longer than usual.
"Dewgong, Aqua Ring, then Ice Shard!"
Dewgong surrounded itself with healing water, then launched rapid ice projectiles.
"Vine Whip to deflect!"
Venusaur's thick vines knocked away most of the Ice Shards, but a few struck through.
"Solar Beam—fire!"
The grass-type energy finally released, striking Dewgong with devastating force. The Water-Ice type took massive damage from the super-effective attack.
"Dewgong, Blizzard!"
A massive ice storm filled the arena.
"Synthesis to heal through it!"
Venusaur began absorbing what little light existed, healing as the Blizzard raged. The Ice-type attack hurt, but the healing kept Venusaur in the fight.
"Again—Solar Beam!"
Another super-effective blast. Dewgong collapsed, unable to continue.
"Dewgong is unable to battle!"
One down.
Round Two: Venusaur vs Cloyster
"Cloyster, defensive formation!"
The Water-Ice type emerged, its incredibly high defense making it a fortress.
"Cloyster, Icicle Spear!"
Multiple ice spears launched toward Venusaur.
"Solar Beam through them!"
The grass-type energy burned through the ice and struck Cloyster. Even with its massive defense, the super-effective attack dealt significant damage.
"Cloyster, Ice Beam!"
"Vine Whip—pull yourself aside!"
Venusaur used his thick vines to yank himself out of the Ice Beam's path at the last second.
"Solar Beam again!"
Another super-effective hit. Cloyster's shell cracked, and the Water-Ice type fainted.
"Cloyster is unable to battle!"
Two down. Venusaur was holding strong despite the Ice-type attacks.
Round Three: Venusaur vs Jynx
"Jynx, show them psychic power!"
The Ice-Psychic type emerged, swaying hypnotically.
"Jynx, Psychic!"
Psychic energy lifted Venusaur into the air—super effective against Poison-types.
"Venusaur, break free with Solar Beam!"
Venusaur fought through the psychic hold and fired. The grass-type attack struck Jynx hard.
"Jynx, Ice Beam!"
"Solar Beam to intercept!"
The two attacks collided. Ice and grass energy exploded, and both Pokémon were thrown backward.
Both struggled to rise—both exhausted from the exchange.
"One more time, Venusaur! Solar Beam!"
"Jynx, Psychic!"
The attacks launched simultaneously. Solar Beam struck Jynx. Psychic hit Venusaur.
Both Pokémon collapsed.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled Venusaur. "You were incredible. Three of her Pokémon down. Rest now."
Round Four: Pikachu vs Lapras
"Lapras, show them true Ice-type mastery!"
The Water-Ice type emerged—elegant, powerful, and Lorelei's signature Pokémon.
"Pikachu, let's finish this!"
The Electric-type landed on the ice, sparking with electricity.
"Lapras, Surf!"
A massive wave of water rose across the battlefield.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt into the wave!"
Electricity surged into the water, electrifying it. The water struck Pikachu, but the electrical current also damaged Lapras—super effective.
"Lapras, Ice Beam!"
"Quick Attack to dodge—then Chidori!"
Pikachu vanished in a blur, the Ice Beam missing. He reappeared beside Lapras, electricity spiraling intensely in his paws.
The piercing electrical attack struck Lapras directly—super effective against Water-types.
"Lapras, Blizzard!"
The ice storm engulfed the battlefield. Pikachu was caught in it, taking heavy damage from the super-effective Ice-type move.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt—full power!"
Electricity arced through the blizzard, striking Lapras. The Water-Ice type was badly hurt now.
"One more Chidori!"
Pikachu charged again, the spiraling electricity concentrated into that piercing lance. He struck Lapras with devastating precision.
The Water-Ice type collapsed.
"Lapras is unable to battle!"
Round Five: Pikachu vs Piloswine
"Piloswine, my final stand!"
The Ice-Ground type emerged—massive and intimidating.
"Piloswine, Earthquake!"
The ground shook violently. Pikachu took massive damage from the super-effective Ground-type move.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
But Ground-types were immune to Electric attacks. The electricity dispersed harmlessly.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail glowed metallic as he struck—super effective against Ice-types.
"Piloswine, Ice Fang!"
The massive Pokémon bit down on Pikachu with freezing fangs. The Electric-type cried out in pain.
"Pikachu!" Andrew called. "One more Iron Tail—you can do this!"
Pikachu, badly hurt and struggling, channeled his remaining strength into his tail. The metallic attack glowed brighter than ever.
He struck Piloswine with everything he had.
The Ice-Ground type collapsed.
"Piloswine is unable to battle! The winner is Challenger Andrew!"
Pikachu collapsed immediately after, completely exhausted but victorious.
Andrew rushed onto the battlefield and carefully picked up his partner. "You were amazing. Rest now."
After the Battle
Lorelei walked across the frozen battlefield, her expression showing respect.
"You defeated me," she said simply. "Your Venusaur's Solar Beam mastery and your Pikachu's determination overcame my Ice-types. That's the first time in months someone has beaten me."
"Thank you for the battle," Andrew said sincerely.
"The next chamber awaits," Lorelei said. "Bruno's Fighting-types will test you differently. Physical power and overwhelming offense. Be prepared."
She gestured to a door that opened on the far side of the chamber.
"Good luck, Andrew. You'll need it."
Elite Four Chamber Two: Bruno
The second chamber was stark—a martial arts dojo design with training equipment visible around the edges. The battlefield was simple packed earth, designed for close-quarters combat.
Bruno stood at the far end—a muscular man with a serious expression, wearing martial arts clothing.
"Welcome, challenger," Bruno's voice was deep and powerful. "I am Bruno. My Pokémon and I have trained our bodies and spirits to their limits. Show me if you have the strength to overcome true Fighting-type mastery!"
"I'm ready," Andrew said, releasing Garchomp and Charizard's Pokéballs. These two would be his primary fighters here.
"Five-on-five! Begin!"
Round One: Garchomp vs Onix
"Onix, establish dominance!"
The Rock-Ground type emerged—Bruno's Onix was clearly trained for combat, not just defense.
"Garchomp, Dragon Rush!"
The Dragon-Ground type charged with incredible speed, draconic energy enveloping him.
"Onix, Iron Tail!"
The attacks collided with tremendous force. Both Pokémon were pushed back.
"Garchomp, Dig!"
Garchomp burrowed underground instantly.
"Onix, Earthquake!"
The ground shook, but Garchomp burst from below before the Earthquake reached full power, striking Onix's underside—a weak point.
"Dragon Claw—rapid fire!"
Garchomp unleashed the attack chain he'd perfected on Mt. Silver. Dragon Claw after Dragon Claw, striking so fast Onix couldn't counter.
The Rock-Ground type collapsed under the relentless assault.
"Onix is unable to battle!"
Round Two: Garchomp vs Hitmonchan
"Hitmonchan, show them the noble art!"
The Fighting-type emerged, fists ready.
"Hitmonchan, Mach Punch!"
The priority move struck Garchomp before he could react—super effective.
"Garchomp, Dragon Claw!"
Garchomp's attack struck back, but Fighting-types resisted Dragon-type moves.
"Hitmonchan, Sky Uppercut!"
Another super-effective Fighting-type move struck Garchomp hard.
"Garchomp, Earthquake!"
The ground shook violently. Hitmonchan took massive damage.
"Hitmonchan, Close Combat!"
"Garchomp, Dragon Rush through it!"
Both attacks collided. When the dust cleared, both Pokémon were down.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled Garchomp. "You took down two. Well done."
Round Three: Charizard vs Hitmonlee
"Charizard, you're up!"
The dragon roared, flames blazing.
"Hitmonlee, Hi Jump Kick!"
The Fighting-type launched with incredible power—super effective against Flying-types like Charizard.
"Dodge and Dragon Claw!"
Charizard barely evaded the devastating kick and struck back with draconic claws.
"Hitmonlee, Blaze Kick!"
"Counter with Flamethrower!"
Fire met fire, the two attacks canceling out.
"Charizard, Dragon Dance!"
Charizard performed the ancient ritual, boosting speed and attack.
"Hitmonlee, Mega Kick!"
"Dodge—you're faster now! Dragon Claw!"
The boosted Charizard moved with incredible speed, avoiding the kick and striking hard.
"Again! Dragon Claw!"
Another boosted attack. Hitmonlee couldn't keep up with Charizard's increased speed and fell.
"Hitmonlee is unable to battle!"
Round Four: Charizard vs Machamp
"Machamp, my pride and power!"
The four-armed Fighting-type emerged, intimidating and powerful.
"Machamp, Dynamic Punch!"
A devastating Fighting-type attack—super effective and causing confusion if it hit.
"Charizard, fly up!"
Charizard took to the air, avoiding the punch.
"Blast Burn!"
The devastating Fire-type attack struck Machamp hard. But Fighting-types were durable—Machamp endured.
"Machamp, Stone Edge!"
Rocks shot upward—super effective against Flying-types.
"Dodge and Flamethrower!"
Charizard weaved through the rocks and breathed fire. Machamp was hurt but kept fighting.
"Machamp, Cross Chop!"
"Charizard, Blast Burn Cancel into Dragon Claw!"
Charizard unleashed Blast Burn, then immediately followed with Dragon Claw—the technique finally working at full effectiveness. Machamp took both attacks and collapsed.
"Machamp is unable to battle!"
Round Five: Charizard vs Machoke
Bruno's final Pokémon was another Fighting-type, but clearly powerful.
"Machoke, Revenge!"
The more damage Machoke took, the stronger this move became.
"Charizard, stay airborne! Flamethrower!"
Fire rained from above. Machoke endured, the Revenge power building.
"Machoke, Stone Edge!"
Rocks launched upward, striking Charizard's wing. The dragon faltered.
"Charizard, one more Blast Burn!"
The devastating attack struck Machoke directly. The Fighting-type collapsed before it could use Revenge.
"Machoke is unable to battle! The winner is Challenger Andrew!"
After Bruno's Battle
Bruno approached, his expression showing respect and approval.
"Your Garchomp's speed and your Charizard's power—both exceptional. You've trained them well. You have the strength to continue."
He gestured to the next door.
"Agatha awaits. Her Ghost-types are tricky. Don't rely only on power—you'll need strategy."
Elite Four Chamber Three: Agatha
The third chamber was dark and eerie—the battlefield surrounded by shadows, with an unsettling atmosphere.
Agatha stood at the far end—an elderly woman with a wicked grin and sharp eyes.
"Well, well," Agatha cackled. "A young trainer who's made it this far. Let's see if you can handle a real battle. My Ghost-types will show you the meaning of fear!"
Andrew released Greninja and Gengar—his Ghost and Dark-type specialists.
"Five-on-five! Let the haunting begin!"
Round One: Gengar vs Golbat
"Golbat, drain them dry!"
The Poison-Flying type emerged.
"Gengar, Toxic Spikes!"
Poisoned spikes scattered across the battlefield.
"Golbat, Air Slash!"
"Shadow Ball!"
The ghost-type attack struck Golbat hard, but the Poison-Flying type endured.
"Golbat, Leech Life!"
"Phase out!"
Gengar became intangible, the draining attack passing through.
"Shadow Ball barrage!"
Multiple Shadow Balls struck Golbat from different angles. The Poison-Flying type fell.
"Golbat is unable to battle!"
Round Two: Gengar vs Haunter
A Ghost-type mirror match.
"Haunter, Hypnosis!"
"Gengar, Hypnosis!"
Both Ghost-types attempted sleep. Gengar was faster—Haunter fell asleep.
"Shadow Ball while it sleeps!"
The attack struck the defenseless Haunter. When it woke, it was already badly hurt.
"Haunter, Dream Eater!"
But Gengar wasn't asleep. The move failed.
"Toxic!"
The severe poisoning inflicted on Haunter worsened rapidly. The ghost-type fainted from poison damage.
"Haunter is unable to battle!"
Round Three: Gengar vs Arbok
"Arbok, constrict!"
The Poison-type emerged.
But Arbok immediately took damage from the Toxic Spikes Gengar had laid earlier.
"Arbok, Earthquake!"
Gengar, floating, was less affected but still took damage.
"Gengar, Sludge Bomb!"
Poison against Poison—neutrally effective. But combined with the Toxic Spikes poison, Arbok was suffering.
"Arbok, Gunk Shot!"
"Shadow Ball!"
Both attacks struck. But Arbok was badly poisoned. The poison damage finished it off.
"Arbok is unable to battle!"
Round Four: Greninja vs Gengar (Agatha's)
Agatha sent out her own Gengar—clearly her ace.
"Greninja, you're up!"
"Gengar, Shadow Ball!"
"Smokescreen!"
Greninja filled the battlefield with smoke. Agatha's Gengar couldn't see clearly.
"Greninja, Shunshin to reposition!"
The water-type vanished from one location and appeared elsewhere.
"Psychock!"
The psychic-physical attack struck Gengar from an unexpected angle—super effective against Poison-types.
"Gengar, Sludge Bomb!"
But Greninja had already moved again, the attack hitting empty smoke.
"Psychock again!"
Another super-effective hit from a different angle.
"Gengar, Clear Smog!"
The move cleared the smoke, revealing the battlefield—but Greninja was already behind Agatha's Gengar.
"Water Shuriken!"
The super-effective Water-type attack struck. Agatha's Gengar fell.
"Gengar is unable to battle!"
Round Five: Greninja vs Crobat
"Crobat, my final stand!"
The Poison-Flying type emerged, incredibly fast.
"Crobat, Air Slash!"
"Shunshin dodge!"
Greninja flickered out of existence and reappeared elsewhere.
"Psychock!"
The psychic-physical attack struck—super effective against Poison-types.
"Crobat, Brave Bird!"
The Flying-type suicide move charged with incredible power.
"Greninja, Water Shuriken!"
The water attack struck Crobat mid-charge. The Poison-Flying type's attack weakened, and when it struck Greninja, both Pokémon took damage.
But Greninja endured. Crobat did not.
"Crobat is unable to battle! The winner is Challenger Andrew!"
After Agatha's Battle
Agatha cackled with genuine amusement.
"You're good, boy. Really good. That Greninja's tactics—fighting like a true phantom. And your Gengar's battlefield control. You understand Ghost-types."
She pointed to the final door.
"Lance waits beyond. The Dragon Master. He's the strongest of us. But you… you might just have what it takes. Show him the power of your bonds!"
Elite Four Chamber Four: Lance
The final chamber was majestic—designed like a dragon's lair, with a massive battlefield and decorative dragon motifs everywhere.
Lance stood at the far end—a man with red hair wearing a cape, radiating authority and power.
"Welcome, challenger," Lance's voice carried absolute confidence. "I am Lance, master of Dragon-types and final member of the Elite Four. You've defeated Lorelei, Bruno, and Agatha. Impressive. But Dragon-types are the ultimate Pokémon. Show me if you can overcome their legendary power!"
Andrew assessed his remaining team. He'd used Venusaur and Pikachu against Lorelei. Garchomp and Charizard against Bruno. Greninja and Gengar against Agatha.
All six of his Pokémon were tired from previous battles but still ready to fight.
This would be his toughest challenge yet.
"Five-on-five!" Lance declared. "Let the dragons soar!"