Jared could make out the buildings on the outskirts of Pewter City when he and his friends made it out of Viridian Forest. The city he called home was roughly the same size as Viridian City although he always thought there was more to do in Pewter City. He always enjoyed visiting the Pewter City Museum of Science with his family and was often disappointed when Viridian City didn't have similar attractions. Jared hoped for the chance to show his friends but wasn't sure if Danny and Noah would be interested in going to a museum.

It was no secret that they were interested in the gym, and despite his training, Jared still didn't feel ready to face the Gym Leader in battle.

Danny and Henry still led the way with the younger trainer's energy allowing him to keep a slight lead over the group. Celena stayed by Jared's side, the two knowing that they probably wouldn't be able to keep up with their friend. The sun was starting to set as the evening was coming to an end. When Danny and Henry reached the entrance to Pewter City, they both stopped by the sidewalk of the street. The older trainer waved Jared and Celena over when they caught up.

"Is something wrong?" Celena asked.

"Nothing, really," Henry said and shook his head. "I figured that if Jason and Noah beat us to Pewter City, they'll be at the Pokémon Center. Since most of us are new to the city, I was hoping that Jared could lead us there."

"You know the way, right?" Danny asked, taking a step toward Jared.

"I do," Jared answered. "Just follow me. I can get us there in a few minutes."

Even though Jared had been away from his home for some time, Pewter City was still familiar to him. He stepped forward and walked off to lead the others to their destination. As it so happens, the Pokémon Center was close to the southern entrance of the city which was where they were at. It only took a few minutes before the group came into sight of the Pokémon Center as seen by its red roof and logo. Danny didn't bother to wait and started to run forward, breaking off from the group for just a few moments. Jared, Celena, and Henry were quick enough to catch up to their friend by the time he entered the Pokémon Center.

Most Pokémon Centers were structured the same and Pewter City's location was no exception. There was a lobby area for those waiting for their injured Pokémon or to meet with someone else, a small restaurant for traveling trainers, and escalators that led upstairs where there would be rooms for trainers to rest in. Jared was quick to notice Jason and Noah by a dining table to the side, having finished a meal. When he pointed them out, Danny was quick to lead the others over to join their friends.

"Noah!" Danny called out. "I caught a Rattata!"

Noah turned his head to see his friends approaching and smiled. "That's great, Danny!"

"Were you able to catch a Pokémon?" Danny asked.

"Victor got in my way," Noah admitted with a sigh.

"You'll get a chance to catch a Pokémon eventually," Jason said, waving his hand dismissively. "That goes for the rest of you."

"We didn't catch any Pokémon but something else happened," Celena said and turned to Jared. "Tell them about what happened to Caterpie."

"Oh, right. We were training with Henry's help today and Caterpie evolved into Metapod."

"Really?" Noah gasped. "That's amazing, Jared!"

"Big deal," Jason shrugged. "Bug-type Pokémon evolve with no time."

"Says a trainer who's never evolved a Pokémon," Henry said in a teasing tone, clasping his brother on the shoulder with a laugh.

"Hey!" Jason exclaimed. "You haven't had a Pokémon evolve too! When it comes to it, I'll have a Pokémon evolve before you do!"

"Is that so?" Henry asked, letting go of his brother. "You know that Pinsir doesn't evolve."

"But Pidgey does," Jason countered. "Once I beat Brock, I'll be one step closer to evolving the Pidgey I caught. I signed up for a battle tomorrow so it's going to happen."

"You do know that Brock specializes in Rock-type Pokémon, right?" Celena pointed out. "A Pidgey won't do too well against him."

"He is?" Jason blinked in surprise. "Noah, why didn't you tell me?"

"It seemed obvious to me," Noah answered. "You saw the arena. There were tons of rocks scattered around."

Jason grew quiet in thought, giving Jared a chance to speak up. "Did you sign up for a gym battle too, Noah?"

"I did," Noah nodded. "I'm pretty confident with the team I have so far. Don't worry though. I won't leave anyone behind once I get my badge. I'll stick around until we're all ready to continue."

"I think I can still win tomorrow," Jason concluded with a grin. "I signed you up for a battle too, bro. We sweep through the gym tomorrow and then head toward the next city."

"While I appreciate that you thought of me, I'm going to hold off on challenging the gym," Henry said. "I want to help train Jared some more if he wants."

"Are you serious?" Jason asked, not hiding his disappointment.

"I am," Henry said with a nod.

"You don't have to change your schedule for my sake," Jared told Henry. "I don't want to be a bother."

"And you're not a bother. I want to help you. So, how about we meet up sometime tomorrow and I'll help you train some more?"

While Henry had no problems with his plan, Jason made his disapproval clear as he turned away from his brother and the others. Jared didn't want to intrude on the brothers but couldn't deny that Henry's been of great help. Under the older trainer's guidance, he was able to evolve Caterpie into Metapod. With his help, it may be possible to evolve Weedle or Metapod again. With his training, Jared was becoming more confident that he could defeat Brock. He wasn't going to turn away the help because he couldn't risk the chance at this point.

"That works for me," Jared said. "Thank you."

"It's no problem," Henry smiled.

"I want to train too!" Danny jumped up. "I want Bulbasaur and Rattata and Magikarp to all evolve!"

"Easy there!" Henry laughed. "Training takes time for its results to show, but yeah, you can join us."

"I'd like to help again too," Celena joined in. "I'm in no rush to challenge Brock."

"Thank you, Celena," Jared nodded to his friend.

"I wish I could join but I have a gym battle for tomorrow," Noah told the others. "Be sure to come by and watch if you can. Maybe you'll learn something to help you out."

"We should definitely do that," Danny said, nodding eagerly.

Jason yawned. "I'm starting to get tired. So, are you going to turn away the room I've got for us too, Henry?"

"Not at all," Henry shook his head. "Thanks for thinking ahead."

"Noah, were you able to get us rooms?" Celena asked.

"Kind of," Noah admitted with a sigh. "The Pokémon Center has a lot of traveling trainers right now. I was only able to get us two rooms. I think that Celena can have one while the rest of us try to cramp into the other."

"Actually, I think I should head home," Jared told his friends. "It sounds like that it would be helpful to you and Danny, and honestly, I miss my parents."

"That'd be great," Noah sighed in relief. "We should get some rest though."

"See you tomorrow, Jared," Henry waved, heading toward the escalators.

"See you then," Jared waved back.

Jason stood up from his chair and followed after his brother, not offering the trainers another glance. Danny and Celena headed to the restaurant counter to get a meal while Noah stayed at his table, leaning back on his chair. Jared waved toward his friends before heading to the exit. Having a meal with his fellow trainers was tempting but he was more interested in seeing his family. They had stayed in touch over his time studying in Viridian City but nothing was better than seeing them in person.

"This is it. Don't get too comfortable because we're not staying any longer than we have to."

Anthony led the way inside the "safe house," a building that members of Team Rocket used for their various heists. The location in Pewter City was a warehouse on the east end of the city, thought to be abandoned but actually owned by executives of Team Rocket (under a fake name of course). Aside from several of the empty crates scattered throughout the empty room, there was a torn-up couch, a table, and some folding chairs. There was some office space upstairs that Anthony was going to claim but otherwise the building wasn't good for long-term living. They just needed to get their job done and move on.

The grunts took in their new accommodations well enough. Penny and Horace took a spot on the couch while Martin grabbed one of the folding chairs, turned it around, and sat on it with his chest resting on the chair's back. Anthony walked to one side of the table, making it so that the trio had to pay attention to him. He still wasn't comfortable working with them but couldn't object to his orders. At the very least, he didn't have to interact with them for the pre-heist jobs.

"What's the word?" Martin asked.

"We have some prep to take care of before we can rob the museum," Anthony started. "Going into a heist blind is what gets us thrown in jail. You do what I say and we'll get through this job and on our way. Got it?"

"Got it," Marin nodded.

"Right," Horace agreed.

"What can I do?" Penny asked, smiling. "I promise I won't let the team down."

"You're on research," Anthony told Penny. "I want you to figure out as much as you can about the museum. Newspaper articles, blueprints if you can get your hand on, and a map of the city and surrounding area."

"A map?" Martin questioned.

"It'll all come together," Anthony said, dismissing Martin's concerns.

"I'll find everything I can," Penny said. "You can count on me!"

"Blueprints are helpful but they won't tell us what's exactly in there," Martin pointed out.

"That's what you're for," Anthony told Martin. "You'll buy a ticket for the museum and get inside. Take note of everything that you can: security personnel, cameras, and most importantly, where the fossils are on display and what they're behind."

"Right," Martin said with a shrug.

Anthony turned to Horace. "You're getting an escape vehicle. We need something that can hold four plus decent storage. The faster the better."

Horace pointed finger guns and made a clicking sound. Although the others couldn't see it with his sunglasses, Anthony rolled his eyes at the gesture.

"And what are you going to do?" Martin asked. "Sounds to me like we're doing all of the heavy lifting for you."

"I'm the brains of the operation. I'll take what you give me and figure out the plan. Now, I'm heading upstairs to get some rest. You can get started on your jobs tonight if you want but don't bother me until tomorrow."

"Understood!" Penny spoke on behalf of the group; Horace shrugged indifferently while Martin wasn't fully convinced of the plan.

Anthony made his way to the set of metal stairs that led up to a catwalk on the second floor. As the heist drew closer, he had his doubts over the plan. Pewter City had a Pokémon Gym and trainers were traveling to the city for a chance to become the next champion. All it took was one trainer to spot them and get involved for the heist to turn into a disaster. Still, Anthony wasn't going to be the one to tell the boss the job wasn't possible. It was his job to get through the difficult heist.

Although Anthony wasn't sure if the extra hands would be of use, he had to admit that it was nice to have some time to mentally prepare by giving them the menial yet important tasks. Martin could complain all he wanted to, but with Penny and Horace following orders, he was certain the third grunt would as well. Anthony just needed to wait for the information to start flowing in to come up with the plan for the heist.

He just hoped that none of the grunts needed help on their tasks.

The next day, Henry led Jared, Celena, and Danny outside of Pewter City towards the east. It took about half an hour to find a decent-sized clearing that was suitable enough for training. Once again, Henry took over being the instructor and referee for the training session. Since Jared was the only one who had doubts on being able to get through the Pewter City Pokémon Gym, he continued his repetition training with his Pokémon. Danny and Celena alternated as his partner for training.

The morning turned into the afternoon as Jared's training progressed throughout the day. Henry was starting to notice a minor improvement with how the younger trainer was holding out in battle. Celena still had a slight edge over her friend even as she held back with her Pokémon's strength although he was starting to catch up in experience. Meanwhile, Jared's Pokémon were on the same level as Danny's team, and although Henry always called the battles before a Pokémon faints, he realized that he wasn't sure who would win in a fair battle.

It was about time for the young trainers to have a break and it just so happened that Jared was up against Danny again, Weedle versus Rattata. Both Pokémon have taken hits, and with the battle nearing its end, Henry was content to see the match through to the end.

"Keep at it," Henry instructed, standing on the sidelines.

"Right!" Danny grinned. "Go in for another Tackle, Rattata!"

"Weedle, use Poison Sting," Jared instructed, remaining calm.

Rattata had been bound in two shots of String Shot and couldn't react as fast as his foe. Weedle surged forward, striking into Rattata's chest with the needle on top of his head. Rattata winced in pain before slamming his body into his opponent. Weedle was knocked back, but before the battle could continue, Rattata dropped down to the ground with his eyes closed.

"Rattata?!" Danny called out in alarm.

"I think that last hit might have poisoned your Pokémon," Celena told Danny. "Jared won this battle."

Danny recalled Rattata into a Poké Ball. "Great job, Jared!"

"Thank you," Jared said, kneeling down by Weedle to pat him on the back. "I just hope that it's enough. It isn't a good idea to rely on a lucky hit poisoning Brock's Pokémon for me to win the battle."

"What if Weedle evolves?" Danny asked, looking at the Pokémon expectantly. "I want to see a Pokémon evolve!"

Weedle looked up at Danny, unsure of what to do.

"Evolution can't be rushed," Henry told the group. "It's good that Caterpie evolved but that doesn't mean we can rush to evolve all of our Pokémon. It has to happen naturally."

"Do you think that I'm getting closer to being ready?" Jared asked Henry.

"You're getting there," Henry answered. "I think it would be a good idea to take a break. We can have another training session tomorrow and then I think you'll be good to go."

"A break?" Danny sighed. "But I wanted to have Bulbasaur fight!"

"It was going to be my turn next," Celena reminded Danny. "If you really want to, I think you could sign up for a gym battle tomorrow."

"Do you think I'm ready?" Danny asked, although he looked at Henry for confirmation.

Henry chuckled and nodded. "Yes,Danny. I think so. Now, come on, everyone. I'll apply a Potion to Weedle before we head back to the city."

Henry took time to treat Weedle of the injuries he sustained in battle, spraying the contents of the Potion on his back. Although the Pokémon winced in pain, he was starting to become stronger. The trainer figured it would be any day for the Pokémon to evolve, giving Jared a better chance of overcoming the gym challenge.

As he finished treating Weedle, Henry heard the other trainers call out. He looked up to see Jason walking toward the group, having finished his own match at the gym. The younger brother smiled and waved toward the group and started to pick up the pace. Although it could have been expected for Henry to watch the match and support his brother, the two had made a deal the night before. Both brothers decided that they didn't want an advantage over their other by spectating the gym leader during one of their matches and agreed to go in as blind as they could. Although that meant Henry couldn't be there, Jason could be a spectator in his next battle.

That is, if he didn't run off to continue the adventure.

"Heya Jason!" Danny greeted. "How'd your battle go?"

"Great," Jason said and quickly held a gray badge in his hand. "It was no problem for me."

"Good to hear," Celena said. "We were just finishing up our training. I'm sorry if you wanted to join us."

"Actually, I'm here for my brother," Jason revealed. "Henry, you read up on the rules for the Indigo League, right?"

"That's right," Henry answered.

"Then you know that to challenge a Gym Leader, you have to have at least two Pokémon, right?" Jason asked.

"That's right."

"Then what's your plan since you only have one Pokémon?"

"I was going to catch one," Henry shrugged, not seeing the problem. "I asked some of the locals about what kind of Pokémon are around and have an idea of what to catch."

"Then you really should catch it now," Jason suggested, his tone showing his impatience. "We can go right now."

"I should really see these three back to Pewter City," Henry said and shook his head.

"We can get back to the city no problem!" Danny looked to his friends. "If we hurry, we might be able to catch Noah's match."

"That'd be a great idea," Jared said with Celena nodding in agreement.

"Then it's settled. I'll go with Henry to catch the Pokémon he has in mind while you three support your friend," Jason said and waved. "See you around."

The three young trainers didn't stick around for much longer. Jared recalled Weedle, and with Danny leading the way, the trio started to take the path back to Pewter City. Henry held back a sigh, knowing that this conversation was going to come up eventually. Jason was right about one thing; he needed to catch a Pokémon before he could challenge the gym. Henry started to walk away, waving for Jason to follow him.

"Okay, so there's a hill somewhere around here, and on that hill is a cave mouth," Henry explained. "The cave doesn't go anywhere but it has the Pokémon I want to catch."

"Then, once you do, you can challenge Brock," Jason said, his tone implying less of a suggestion and more of a command.

"In another day or two," Henry answered with a nod. "I have some training to take care of myself."

"You and I both know that Onix is more than ready," Jason frowned. "Why are you stalling? Why are you helping those other trainers with their training?"

"They're kids, Jason, and they need all the help they can get," Henry told his brother. "Don't you want to face strong trainers in the Conference matches?"

"I want to win, and since they're our rivals, we shouldn't help them," Jason said. "Look, you can still have your battle with Brock today, and we could get to the base of Mt. Moon to set up camp."

"We shouldn't rush through our journey," Henry said, looking over his shoulder. "It's not a race. There's a set date that registration for the Indigo League Conference ends, and at the rate you want to go, we'll have weeks to wait before the matches actually start."

"What's the problem with wanting to get done early?" Jason asked.

"Knowing you, you'll die of boredom from waiting long before the matches start," Henry said in a teasing tone.

Jason crossed his arms. "Well, at least I won't be four badges behind by the time the Conference does start!"

Henry chuckled. "I'm just enjoying our time in a new region, that's all. It's nice to have a chance to meet new people and Pokémon. Speaking of, I think that's the cave up ahead."

From asking around at the Pokémon Center in the morning, Henry had learned of the hill. No one bothered to do anything with the cave within since it didn't lead anywhere and didn't have any valuable ore or metal. Sometimes, the cave served as shelter for the wild Pokémon in the area but not one made their home there until recently. The new denizens of the cave were territorial and everyone made note to stay clear of the cave. Henry took out an empty Poké Ball, thinking his plan through one more time. Jason tapped his foot impatiently behind his brother.

"What are you waiting for?" Jason asked. "Let's go in."

"Quiet," Henry whispered. "Besides, I didn't bring a flashlight."

"So much for being the brother who actually prepares," Jason said, holding back laughter. "So, you're not going in. What's the plan?"

"Stay behind me," Henry instructed, and not giving his brother a chance to leave, shouted at the top of his lungs. "COME ON OUT!"

The next few seconds passed in silence, and just as Jason started to open his mouth to speak, a swarm emerged from the cave. The younger brother screamed in terror as he pressed himself to Henry's back. The older brother held his ground, seeing a wave of blue and purple fly out of the cave before covering his head with one arm. His other arm held out the empty Poké Ball. The two brothers felt numerous Pokémon brushed against them, although fortunately for the two, they didn't attack. Henry chose to focus on the Poké Ball which now shook in his hand.

When the swarm cleared, Jason broke away from his brother, looking at the sky in terror.

"What was that?!" Jason asked as he fought back against the urge to panic. "What were you thinking?!"

"I was thinking that I didn't want to go into a cave full of Zubats," Henry told Jason. "You're safe, right?"

"Yeah, I think so," Jason answered, then processed what Henry told him. "That was a swarm of Zubats?"

"Mt. Moon has an overpopulation of them, so some of them had to find a home elsewhere," Henry explained, then held out the Poké Ball. "I can at least give a good home for one."

"You can't be serious," Jason said in disbelief. "Do you know how weak a Zubat is?!"
"It'll just need some training," Henry defended himself, tossing the Poké Ball up in the air. "I'd rather catch a Pokémon that could use some help than to catch one that has nothing left to improve on."

"It's your loss," Jason shrugged. "I guess we know which of us is going to win the championship."

"Don't be so quick to judge," Henry said, smiling. "Zubat can take your Pidgey on any day with no problems."

"Are you actually challenging me?"

"I am. Head back to where you found us. We'll battle there."

"You're going down!"

With that final declaration, Jason ran back to the clearing he found Henry and the other trainers. Henry followed behind, although he was in no rush. He knew that the battle would only delay Jason's desire to get through the gyms as quickly as possible. Still, he hoped that his younger brother would learn to slow down and appreciate the new surroundings they found themselves in. While Henry had integrated himself into Jared's group as a mentor, Jason had yet to find any friends. He hoped that would change before their adventure comes to an end.

A/N: So, here I am, back at it with this story again. Hoping to get back into a recurring writing schedule but as I will be working on other projects as well, updates may be slow.

For the most part, this chapter was just one meant to establish the group being in Pewter City. I didn't want to immediately jump into something big. Next time, we'll have a few actual battles which should be fun.

Until next time.