The Silva brothers didn't waste any time heading to Kanto. However, obstacles emerge in their way. Originally, they intended to take the Magnet Train from Goldenrod City to Saffron City, only to find out that the train was completely booked for the next few days. Jason grew impatient and left for Olivine City to try to catch a ship to Kanto, with Henry following along. Again, most ships had already sold their tickets, and the only ones that didn't were too expensive for the brothers. The two brothers were lucky to secure transportation on a fishing barge heading towards Pallet Town.

"But there's not a single gym in Pallet Town!" Jason complained when he found out.

"There isn't, but at least we'd be in Kanto," Henry said with a shrug.

"We could be in Kanto if we went to Vermillion City or Cinnabar Island. They both have gyms!"

"We'll get to those cities eventually," Henry shrugged again. "The first step is getting to Kanto, and we don't have the money to get to Vermillion or Cinnabar at this rate."

"Fine," Jason groaned. "So, should we get on the ship?"

"The ship leaves tomorrow."

"That's when all of the gyms are going to be opened!" Jason exclaimed, shocked. "We're going to fall behind."

"The championship isn't a race, but a competition," Henry pointed out. "Doesn't matter if we get done first. What matters is we get it done when we can."

"Tomorrow then," Jason sighed. "What're we going to do until then?"

"You'll think of something. I'm going to do a little bit more research on Kanto. Maybe study a map."

"You do that then. I'll see you at the Pokémon Center tonight."

"See you then."

The two brothers parted ways for the day. It would take them a little longer to reach Kanto, but when they would arrive at the region, they would hit the ground running.

Starting tomorrow, the Indigo Pokémon League would not only open the gyms for battle, but also administer tests to determine whether a potential trainer is qualified to skip the months of schooling and receive their card. Ever since deciding to take that test, Danny and his friends have spent any of their free time preparing for the test and making arrangements for when they leave on their journey.

The group met at the Pokémon Center for a final study session. Although it was packed with trainers, they already had their own rooms as students at the trainer school in Viridian City. They ate dinner together, with Danny and Noah sitting on one side of the table, and Jared and Celena sitting across from them. Once they were done eating, it was time to get on with their plans.

"How about a recap over what we should expect from the tests, Jared," Noah started the conversation."

"Huh?" Jared looked surprised.

"You seem to know about what the League is doing," Noah commented. "I didn't even know that there were tests. So, that probably means you know about what we'll have to do, right?"

"Oh, right," Jared nodded quickly. "So, there are two tests that we're going to have to take tomorrow. The first is a written exam."

"A written exam?" Noah gulped. "Are we talking multiple choice, or something else?"

"I don't know. But if you don't pass, you won't be able to proceed to the practical exam."

"We do written tests all the time in school," Danny said encouragingly. "We're going to pass no problem!"

"You three might, but tests have never been my strong suit," Noah sighed, hand resting on his face. "The practical exam is just a battle, isn't it? Why couldn't they start off with the battle?"

"It is a battle, but with rules," Jared continued with his explanation. "The battles will be three on three against someone representing the league."

"But none of us have three Pokémon," Danny gasped.

"Rental Pokémon will be provided," Jared quickly noted. "All three Pokémon will be rental."

"But we already have two Pokémon each, so why couldn't we just use them?" Danny questioned.

"Actually, Danny, you would want the rental Pokémon," Celena told Danny after a moment of thought. "They'll make it easier for you to pass the practical exam compared to your own Pokémon. The same applies to Jared as well."

"Celena's right," Noah nodded in agreement. "Jared, your Caterpie and Weedle have a little bit more training to take care. Same goes for Danny's Magikarp. So, let's just accept the rental Pokémon and pass that exam, alright?"

"Fine," Danny huffed. "But next battle I take part in, I'm using my Pokémon, and no one else's."

"Fair enough," Noah stood up and stretched. "It's getting pretty late, guys. Let's get some sleep, and then take the test tomorrow."

The others nodded in agreement silently. Everyone stood up from their chairs, and with a final farewell, went to their rooms. Danny had high hopes for what tomorrow would bring to his friends. Noah and Jared may have their own doubts about their skills but Danny was confident enough for his friends that they would all pass. Together, they were going to become some of the greatest trainers to take on the Indigo Pokémon League.

It was late morning the next day when the four friends reunited at the testing center, a complex of tents that had been set up outside the Viridian Pokémon Gym. There were about two dozen other young trainers gathered to take the tests to gain their trainer card. Some of them were trainers Danny recognized from school. There were several employees of the Indigo Pokémon League with marked badges currently monitoring the trainers. They were in charge of registering the contestants, administering the tests, and making sure nothing out of the ordinary happens.

Danny was the last of his friends to arrive. Noah and Celena were already registered with name tags on and Jared was in line to be registered. He quickly took his place in line with the other trainers. It was only a few minutes until he was at one of the tables set up. Registration didn't take too long; he just needed to give his name, proof of his age, and turn in all of his Pokémon. With a name tag on his shirt, Danny quickly looked to join his friends while waiting for the tests.

However, it wasn't just the four of them together anymore. Victor was trying to start an argument with Noah with Jared and Celena watching silently. Like Noah, Victor was from Vermillion City. He had short and slick blonde hair, a slightly bulky build, and wore a plain white shirt with khakis. Victor was a somewhat aggressive person who was never afraid to boast or to pick a fight. Noah was one of his frequent targets. It may be because they were both from Vermillion City or it could be that they were the oldest in their class. Danny wasn't sure why they were rivals but he quickly rushed over to stand next to Jared and Celena.

"You should have stayed in school, Noah," Victor taunted. "You're not ready for the real deal, and won't be once I get my trainer card."

"Big words coming from someone with only one Pokémon," Noah shot back, arms crossed. "You really shouldn't be wasting your time with a hopeless fight. You're talking to the pride of Vermillion City."

"You're the pride of nothing. You're a disappointment of a trainer if anything. You should just go home now and prepare the Gym Leader for my arrival."

"I'll only go there when I'm ready to get my badge. And I'll beat you there no problem, just you watch."

"Maybe we should settle this now," Victor declared, reaching for his Poké Ball. "I'm good to battle if you are. And I'll let you use both of your Pokémon. Not that it will make any kind of difference."

"I don't have any on me right now," Noah grinned. "Had to turn them in so I could register."

"Really?" Victor asked, caught off-guard.

"I guess you forgot about that," Noah chuckled.

Victor grumbled to himself as he rushed to register before it was too late. Even though Noah might have won that word exchange at the end, Victor was able to get a rise from him. Most of the time, Noah was calm. Victor was the one person who was able to get his anger to boil over quickly. Danny, Jared, and Celena approached Noah afterwards, who was taking deep breaths.

"Don't let him get inside your head," Celena advised. "Now is not the time to get angry."

"We all still have the written test to pass, and we need to be in the best mental state to do so," Jared added.

"You don't think I know that," Noah took another breath in. "It's going to be hard dealing with Victor on our journey."

"We won't have to though," Danny said. "Once we all get our trainer cards, we'll never have to see Victor again."

Noah chuckled. "I like your spirit, but we have to be real. If I pass the test, which I'm still hoping to do so, then Victor's going to pass too. And we're going to encounter him on our journey. We're leaving the same city heading to the same destination. And even if we don't see him on the road, we will at the Conference."

"Do you think you can beat him?" Jared asked.

"Right now? No way," Noah shook his head and sighed. "His Electabuzz is too powerful for my team to compete against."

"But you know what?" Danny started. "This journey is going to make us a whole lot stronger! By the time we get to the Conference, you're going to beat him for sure."

"Yeah, you're right," Noah smiled. "He's not going to know what's about to hit him."

"Attention, everyone!" All of the trainers turned towards one of the test admins as he called out. "The written exam will begin in a few minutes. Please, head towards the back of the tent, and take a seat at an empty desk."

"Good luck, everyone," Danny told his friends. "We'll meet again for the battles, just you watch."

With a final round of farewells, the group split up, heading to find a seat to take their tests at.

Standing guard over the Viridian Gym was a dull but necessary task for Anthony. The first two days at his new post, all he had to do was tell a few trainers that the Indigo League had not started yet. That was enough to keep the impatient trainers at bay. However, with today being the start of the League, that was not a suitable excuse anymore. Although he told the new wave of incoming trainers that the gym was undergoing renovations, that just led to more questions regarding the project.

Anthony told them that the arena was damaged and in need of repairs. No one caught onto the lie yet thankfully, but if anyone got too curious, they may be able to find out the truth. He'll be glad once the grunts arrive to take over his position. He could do more than just keep trainers away. A young boy approached him. Probably another trainer wanting to challenge the gym.

"Excuse me," the child said. "Is this where I go to get my trainer card?"

Anthony wasn't expecting that question. "Not here. Try asking someone by the tents next door. They'll know."

"Thank you!"

The child ran off towards the tents. Anthony took another glance to see that whoever was in charge over there were now setting up something outside. The employees were creating small circles with various lines in the ground. If they were working with the League, it was likely that they were going to prepare for some battles. Anthony smirked a little at the thought. Although he wasn't sure how good of a show children could put with rental Pokémon, it would be better than just standing guard by a door.

Anthony looked forward to seeing what the trainers had coming up.

The test was harder than Danny expected. The test promoted that there was more than one correct answer with open ended questions which brought up various scenarios that a trainer may find themselves in. The scenarios ranged from battles to tending to Pokémon's injuries to basic traveling on the road. The test was created to cover the basic aspects of what a Pokémon Trainer may be expected to do during their journey.

The League employees analyzed the tests once they were completed. Only a few trainers were sent away based on their responses, and the rest moved onto the practical exam, which was going to take place outside of the tents. Employees were assisting others in preparing for their battles by providing them with rental Pokémon and directing them to where to battle. Danny only had a brief time to reunite with his friends, and was relieved to see that Noah had passed and was with Jared and Celena.

"We passed!" Danny exclaimed with a smile. "Great work, everyone!"

"We sure did pass," Noah grinned. "And here I thought that I was going to have to go back to school for another two months."

"The test isn't over yet," Jared said with a sigh. "There's still the practical exam, and that's just coming up."

"I am sure that we're more than capable of passing that test," Celena shrugged.

"You three will for sure, but not me," Jared shook his head. "I'm just not that good when it comes to battling."

"And I'm not that good when it comes to tests, but I passed," Noah said, placing a hand on Jared's shoulder. "You're going to do just fine."

"I hope so," Jared said, looking down at the group.

"You four!" a League employee called out. "I have your rental Pokémon. Report to one of the circles without a battle going on and begin."

"Good luck again!" Danny told his friends as they grabbed new Poké Balls from the employee.

Danny collected his three Poké Balls and split off from the rest of his friends. He couldn't tell what kind of Pokémon he had yet and was excited to find out through battle. The young trainer quickly stepped up to one of the empty circles and stood by a white line, marking where the trainers were standing. On the other side at a similar marked line was another League employee. He was a short man with black hair that wore a white shirt with a blue tie along with black pants and shoes.

"My name is Barnaby, and I will be your opponent and referee for this battle," the employee introduced himself. "The rules are simple. This will be a three on three Pokémon battle. You will only have one Pokémon out on the field, and cannot swap that Pokémon out until it is defeated. The winner will have to knock out all of their opposition's Pokémon. Do you have any questions?"

"No sir!" Danny shook his head.

"Then let's begin. We'll send out our first Pokémon at once."

Danny nodded and took out his first Pokémon. He still had no clue exactly what he had in his hands but he was just going to have to wing it. Together, Danny and Barnaby pressed the button on their Poké Balls, and released their Pokémon out on the field. The Pokémon Barnaby selected was a Koffing, which hovered over the ground. Danny smiled to see his Pokémon on the field, a Diglett.

It wasn't going to be an easy battle. Despite being a Ground-type, Diglett was going to be unable to attack Koffing with any effective moves. That only left a small amount of moves for Danny to have Diglett to use, and they can only be used when Koffing was in range.

"Koffing, Tackle!"

"Scratch Koffing when he gets close, Diglett!"

Koffing started to plummet towards Diglett, which brought its body back in preparation to attack it. The two attacks collided when Koffing slammed into Diglett, who did his best to cut Koffing during the brief time they were connected. Both Pokémon were injured and Koffing was hovering back above the ground. At least Barnaby was kind enough to let his Pokémon get into range, but that was not going to happen again.

"Sludge, Koffing!"

"Er, uh, Growl, Diglett!"

Diglett emitted a loud cry that briefly phased Koffing before he spat a poisonous sludge towards Diglett. The Sludge attack struck Diglett, damaging him even more. Diglett recoiled from the attack, crying out in pain. With Koffing able to attack from range, there was no way Diglett was going to win. Danny couldn't even swap out Pokémon due to the rules. All he had to do now was try to weaken Koffing for his next Pokémon.

"Another Sludge to finish him off, Koffing!"

"Growl again, Diglett!"

Once more, Diglett emitted that same cry as before to weaken Koffing's offensive, but that was all he would be able to do. Despite Koffing growing weaker, his Sludge was wearing down Diglett. Once more, the poisonous sludge struck Diglett. This time, the attack knocked out Diglett. Danny recalled his Pokémon into his Poké Ball. He was down to two Pokémon but the battle was far from over.

"Diglett has been defeated," Barnaby announced. "You may send out your next Pokémon."

Danny reached for another Poké Ball, wishing he knew what he had coming up next. He pressed the button and released his next Pokémon. Danny sighed in relief to see that he had unleashed a Spearow onto the field in front of him. No type advantages to his side, but with Digglet's constant growling, Spearow was sure to take down Koffing.

"Fury Attack that Koffing, Spearow!"

"Sludge!"

Spearow leapt from the ground, taking flight towards Koffing, who was trying to summon up his attack. Spearow rammed her beak into Koffing three times repeatedly, not giving him the chance to attack. Koffing fell down to the ground as Spearow returned to her earlier position. Barnaby recalled his unconscious Pokémon and picked another Poké Ball. The League administrator frowned to himself and took a moment to think it out.

Barnaby shrugged. "Koffing has been defeated. My next Pokémon is Oddish!"

Barnaby quickly released his next Pokémon with Oddish taking to the field. Danny was surprised by his opponent's choice. He now held a type advantage for this round, one that had been handed to him willingly. Still, Oddish was not the kind of Pokémon to underestimate. A single Oddish would be capable of inflicting status conditions on his Pokémon, a similar strategy to what he did with Diglett. Spearow needed to take her new opponent down quickly.

"Peak him, Spearow!"

"Stun Spore, Oddish!"

Spearow charged towards Oddish with her sharp beak slamming down on her opponent's head. However, yellow spores floated from Oddish's leaves on his head, some of which fell upon Spearow. Suddenly, Spearow twitched, and was unable to move due to being paralyzed. Danny gasped, unsure of how this was going to play out. Although Oddish was now weak, Spearow may be unable to land the final blow.

"Absorb her while she's stunned!" Barnaby grinned.

So that was what Barnaby had planned. "Spearow, use Fury Attack to end this!"

Oddish was able to drain Spearow with Absorb, restoring some of his health, but not by much due to the type disadvantage. A Pokémon that is paralyzed may be unable to attack and just stand still. Fortunately for Danny, Spearow was able to move. Even more fortunate was that she slammed her beak on Oddish five times, knocking him out. Danny gave a small cheer, glad to see his Pokémon succeed with the odds stacked against him.

"Good work, Spearow!" Danny called out.

Barnaby recalled Oddish and took out his final Poké Ball. "Oddish has been defeated. My final Pokémon," Barnaby paused, then sighed, "is Caterpie."

Barnaby released his final Pokémon unenthusiastically onto the field with Caterpie now only a few feet away from the paralyzed Spearow. Danny smiled widely at the pairing. It looked like the League employees had to follow the same rules as the tested trainers. Additionally, he knew exactly how to beat a Caterpie due to sparring with Jared. All Spearow had to do was land a single Peak to finish Caterpie off. Even while she was paralyzed, she would have plenty of time to finish the battle.

"Tackle, Caterpie!"

"Peak Caterpie when he gets close to you, Spearow!"

Caterpie launched himself forward, slamming his body into Spearow. He tried to crawl away before Spearow could land an attack. However, the paralysis did little to stop Spearow, who slammed her beak down on Caterpie's back as he tried to flee. Caterpie cried out once before collapsing, out cold.

"Caterpie has been defeated," Barnaby announced. "The victor is Daniel Hughes. Congratulations, young trainer!"

"I did it!" Danny jumped up in the air, cheering.

"You sure did," Barnaby clapped his hands. "Recall your Pokémon and head back inside the tent. You'll be leaving with your trainer card, allowing you to compete in any Pokémon League, including the Indigo Pokémon League. I wish you the best of luck on your journey, Danny."

"Thanks!"

Danny sped towards the tent, more than excited than ever. He had just finished his first battle on his journey to the Championship. It was a long road ahead of him but this victory made him even more confident that he was going to go far in the Indigo Pokémon League.

The checkout process for a trainer card was simple enough. Danny had to turn in his rental Pokémon and then fill out some paperwork. He then had his picture taken, and after a few minutes of waiting, a League employee printed out his trainer card. The card held personal information, such as his name, birthplace, and age, and purple was its dominant color to differentiate it from other regions. His Pokémon were returned to him and Danny left the tent with a smile.

Danny was the first of his group of friends to complete the test and waited outside the tent. There were a few trainers battling in his line of sight, but the only one he recognized was Victor (who eventually won his battle). Danny thought it couldn't be too long for the rest of his friends to arrive. The battles were short enough and there were other trainers already leaving. Some had succeeded with the practical exam while others failed and left empty-handed.

Noah joined Danny about two minutes after Victor left the tent, showing off his new trainer card. Celena was next, also successful in earning her trainer card. The three caught up on the battles they fought in. Then, they were all silent. Jared was taking his time in getting back to his friends. Danny knew he couldn't have failed the practical exam. Jared underestimated himself but was a smart trainer on his own. He just needed some confidence in himself.

It was evening when most of the trainers had cleared out. Jared was one of the last of the trainers to leave the tent, and in his hand, he held his trainer card.

"I did it!" Jared told his friends, excited. "I can't believe I did it!"

"I can," Noah told him, with Danny and Celena nodding in agreement.

"It's really not that strange that we all passed," Celena said.

"I'm ready to take on the gyms now!" Danny smiled. "Let's go!"

Noah chuckled. "Easy there. It's getting late, and we're going to need to make some preparations before we hit the road. Let's all meet back at the Pokémon Center tomorrow morning so we can figure out what we're going to need."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Danny agreed.

The four friends walked alongside each other back to the Pokémon Center. Tomorrow, the true adventure would begin. No matter what came their way, Danny was certain that he and his friends would be able to overcome it.

A/N: Took me longer than I expected, but the next chapter has been released. I'm not done with this story yet. Just suffered a mild case of writer's block.

Dam19: I appreciate the encouragement. I hope not to discontinue this story as well. I hope you and any other fans keep reading until I see my way to the end.

I would also like to make a request from everyone reading this story. I ask that reviews pertain to what I am writing only. If you have anything that you want to say to me directly, please message my account. I would be more than happy to talk with anyone, especially given what I'm seeing from a good majority of the reviews. However, there is one review that I will respond to.

Fire4Heaven: I do care for my story, hence why I am writing it. I am not sure what gave you the wrong idea, but please, message me. I am hoping that we can find a reasonable solution.

The next chapter will feature more of the groups meeting up, and more battles incoming. I'm looking forward to it just as everyone else is.

Until next time.