After camping with the wild Fairy-type Pokémon under the full moon, the others and I followed with Caps out of Mt. Moon.

It pays to have a friend with psychic abilities.

When we emerged from the cave, the bright sun bathed the new route in its light.

"Thanks for the help, Caps." Kat said.

"My pleasure, darling," Caps said with an elegant bow, "If it's all the same with you, I'd like to travel with you to this Pallet Town you mentioned while we were in the mountain."

The others and I glanced at one another and nodded with smiles.

"Of course, you can travel with us to Pallet Town, Caps," I said, "We'd love your company."

Libby and Angel smiled and happily cried out. The self-proclaimed Champion and his partner smiled.

"Thanks, kids," Caps said, "I'll make it worth your while."

I can't think of one way how he couldn't.

As we traveled down the dirt path, Pidgey and Pidgeotto flew and chirped merrily, and Weedle and Caterpie scurried along the ground.

Kanto isn't much different from Ezonia, so it seems.

As we climbed a small hill, a sea of silvery-blue buildings could be seen.

"That's Pewter City, all right," Georgia said, "Come on!"

Nodding to the cowgirl, we walked down the hill and into the sprawling metropolis. I craned my neck to admire the tall buildings with a smile.

"Welcome to Pewter City, y'all; the Stone Gray City between Rugged Mountains," Georgia said, "This place is known for its gym and Museum of Science that features fossils of ancient Pokémon and rocks from space."

"Rocks from space?" Caps asked, eyes sparkling, "Like what?"

Georgia hummed in thought before glancing at the self-proclaimed Champion.

"I think it's a giant Moon Stone that landed in Mt. Moon a long while ago," Georgia said, "I honestly wouldn't know; I ain't no space nerd."

"You certainly haven't met Caps, then," Nina chuckled, "His entire Pokémon team is space-themed."

Caps nodded as he patted his Clefairy.

"Why don't we check out the museum, then," Eric suggested, "I've never seen fossils before."

"Me neither," I said, "Let's go!"

After weaving through the city streets, we arrived at the Museum of Science. The museum looked like a research lab with brown, gold, and bronze stained glass windows.

This place already looks really cool!

When we walked inside, I smiled as I saw different fossils on display.

"Hello, and welcome to the Pewter Museum of Science," said the receptionist, "To get the full experience of our museum, you have to pay the admission fee."

I didn't know we had to pay.

When I reached for my bag, Caps stopped me and grinned.

"I got this." he said telepathically.

He glanced at the receptionist and grinned.

"My, my, darling, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Caps said, his eyes glinting purple, "It seems that you have forgotten who I am."

The woman's brown eyes soon started wafting purple.

"I'm the Cosmic Champion, and these kids are very close friends of mine," Caps said, his voice similar to a chant, "I don't think we need to pay anything."

"Oh, dear, I am terribly sorry, sir!" she said with a slight bow, "Please, come on in!"

"Thank you ever so much, darling!" Caps said with a smile and wink.

Caps glanced at us and gestured for us to follow him.

He really didn't have to do that.

"Oh, but I wanted to." Caps said telepathically with a wink.

I fondly rolled my eyes as we followed the self-proclaimed Champion into the exhibition hall. I gasped in awe as I admired the many fossils.

"Whoa, Libby, check this out." I said, walking up to a standing fossil.

When I looked at the fossil closer, I saw it was a Kabutops fossil.

I don't think I've ever seen a Kabutops, fossil or alive. Judging by the fossil, Kabutops was almost as tall as me.

As I admired the fossil, I looked down at the black and gold plaque and read it aloud.

"Kabutops, the Shellfish Pokémon," I read, "A slim and fast swimmer. It sliced its prey with its sharp sickles and drank the body fluids. The discarded body parts become food for other Pokémon. It is thought that this Pokémon came onto land because its prey adapted to life on land."

Whoa. Sounds like they were aggressive predators back then.

Libby hopped off my shoulder before walking over to another fossil and pointed at it with a cry. I joined my partner's side and looked at the fossil before me.

That's an Aerodactyl fossil.

Libby then stood on her hind legs, flapped her front legs, and let out a semi-ferocious cry that made me laugh.

"You're right, Libby," I said, "That is an Aerodactyl. Remember seeing one back home when we were traveling up Mount Haven?"

Libby sat, let out a happy cry, and wagged her tail, recalling the fond.

"Eragona!" called out a familiar voice.

I turned around and saw Eric waving me over.

"We're heading up to the space exhibit," he said, "Come on!"

I scooped up my partner and jogged over to my Unovan friend and the others before walking up the stairs. On the second floor, I smiled when I saw the different space artifacts. I turned to Caps and chuckled when I saw his silver eyes sparkling.

Someone's happy to be in the space exhibit.

Caps smiled before skipping over the large Moon Stone Georgia mentioned earlier. I grinned as I joined the self-proclaimed Champion's side, chuckling as his eyes sparkled at the oversized Moon Stone.

"I've never seen a Moon Stone so big before," I commented, "Or any evolutionary stone for that matter."

Caps agreed with a nod.

"It's beautiful..." Caps said.

His Clefairy nodded in agreement. When the others had our fill of the museum, we made our way to the exit. As we came down the stairs, I felt myself kick something. When I looked down, I saw a light gray rock with an indent of what looked to be the lower half of a jaw. I picked it up and glided my fingers along the smooth stone, tilting my head in confusion.

Where did this even come from?

I looked around the exhibit to see if anyone was looking for a lost rock.

Honestly, who would be searching for a rock? Might as well toss it on the side of the road when we get outside.

After exiting the museum, I tossed the rock and caught it, still admiring the indent.

"Watcha got there, Era?" Kat asked.

"Just this rock I found on the museum stairs," I said, showing my friend, "It wasn't missing from the exhibit, I don't think; it was just... there."

When Kat looked at the stone, she gasped.

"Eragona, that's a Jaw Fossil!" she exclaimed.

What the brunette said caught the others' attention.

"A fossil? This?" I questioned.

"Are you sure, Kat?" Eric asked.

"Yes!" Kat said, "These fossils are native to the Kalos region; if a scientist revived it, you would have yourself a Tyrunt!"

A Tyrunt? That's the pre-evolution to Tyrantrum, a Rock/Dragon-type!

"The Rock-type Gym Leader back in Kalos used a Tyrunt in his battles until it evolved," Kat said, "Era, you are holding your next potential team member!"

I glanced at the fossil and grinned.

"That is awesome!" Nina exclaimed, "And you just randomly found it on the stairs?"

"Yeah, I did," I said, glancing down at the fossil and frowning, "But I can't take it,"

"What? Why not?" Georgia asked.

"Because it doesn't belong to me. What if it's the museum's?"

"Haven't you ever heard of finders keepers?" Caps questioned, "If it were the museum's fossil, someone would've reported it missing. Judging by how and where you found it, the people there must've not cared much for it."

He has a point, but still...

"Come on, Era," Nina said, "This must've been fate. It can't be a coincidence that we show up at a fossil museum, and you happen to find a fossil that can revive a prehistoric Dragon-type Pokémon while you're on your journey to become a Dragon-type master."

Everyone stared at Nina with wide eyes.

"I'm with the redhead," Georgia commented, "Ain't no way this was a coincidence."

The others agreed silently, even Libby and Angel. I glanced at the Jaw Fossil and sighed.

"I know!" Georgia said suddenly, "If you're still unsure, why don't you hand it over to Brock, this city's Gym Leader? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to take it off your hands."

I glanced at the others, and they nodded with smiles.

"Alright, alright," I said, placing the fossil in my bag, "Let's go find Brock, then."

When the others nodded, we walked away from the museum and into the city. As we walked along the streets, my eyes shifted to a building that resembled a miniature museum.

"What's that building over there?" I questioned.

"Oh, that's the Pewter City Gym," Georgia said, "The Gym Leader, Brock, is a tough battler. Come on; we needed to come here, anyway."

The others and I followed the cowgirl's lead as we approached the gym. When we arrived, Georgia opened the door and smiled at the sight. I gasped at how big the inside of the gym was. The battlefield resembled the inside of a cave with rock pillars and stones scattered around.

This is definitely a Rock-type gym.

"Welcome, trainers!" said a stray voice.

When we turned to the side, a young man was standing on the battlefield with a smile. His skin and hair were different shades of brown, and his eyes were black. He wore an orange and gray vest with a green shirt, matching green sneakers, and gray pants.

"Brock! Great to see ya again!" Georgia commented.

"Oh, Georgia. Nice to see you again, too!" Brock said as he jogged over to us, "Who are your friends?"

"Right. Brock, this is Eragona, Kat, Nina, Eric, and Caps. Everyone, this is Brock."

The young man smiled and waved.

"Pewter City's Gym Leader, at your service." he said.

"It's very nice to meet you, Brock," Nina said, "Misty has told us a lot about you."

"Really?" he questioned, "Well, I'd expect nothing less from her and her descriptions of people."

He's saying that as if it's a bad thing; I can tell.

"So, what brings you guys here?" Brock asked, "Here for a battle?"

"Actually, we were wondering if you could help us with something." Kat began.

"Like what?"

When I glanced at Libby, my partner reached into my bag and pulled out the Jaw Fossil.

"I found this fossil in the museum, but it was just sitting on the stairs, not in any glass casing or anything," I said, taking the fossil in my hand, "I was wondering if you could take it for me. I don't know if it belongs to the museum, but I don't want to risk it."

Brock hummed in thought before taking the fossil from my hand.

"I go to the museum almost every day when they add something new to the exhibits, but I've never seen a fossil like this before," Brock commented.

"It's native to Kalos, but from my understanding, the Pewter Museum of Science prides itself on collecting ancient artifacts from other regions, correct?" Kat asked.

"Right, just like all other museums around the world."

The Gym Leader admired the fossil before turning to me.

"So, let me get this straight," he began, "You're saying you just randomly found this fossil on the museum's stairs?"

"Right," I said, "Nobody seemed to be looking for it, and I didn't see any empty glass case, and I just assumed it was a random rock."

Brock hummed in thought before smiling.

"Do you know what Pokémon comes from this fossil?" he asked.

"A Tyrunt, a prehistoric Pokémon native to Kalos," I said, "It would be cool to have one on my team, but I know the fossil doesn't belong to me."

Brock chuckled before placing the fossil in his pocket.

"Tell you what," he began, "Let's have a battle. If you win, you get to keep the fossil. If I win, the fossil returns to the museum, even if it wasn't originally from there. Deal?"

The Gym Leader held out his hand, waiting for my answer.

Even if I did find this fossil by chance, I'd like to think it belongs somewhere else, but still, having a fossil Pokémon on my team would be really cool.

After weighing my options, I sighed before shaking Brock's hand.

"Deal." I said.

"Great," he said, heading toward the battlefield, "Let's get to it."

I nodded as I followed the Gym Leader before standing on the opposite side of the battlefield. Caps stood on the side of the battlefield and glanced between us.

"This will be an unofficial Gym Battle between the Gym Leader, Brock, and the challenger, Eragona," he declared, "This will be a 1-on-1 battle. The battle ends when either side's Pokémon is unable to continue. Now, battle begin!"

"Steelix, I choose you!" Brock said, throwing a Pokéball.

A large silver Pokémon appeared at his command, releasing a reverberating, metallic cry. I took out my Pokédex and scanned the giant Pokémon.

"Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon, and the evolved form of Onix. Its body has been compressed deep under the ground. This Pokémon is known to dig toward the earth's core. There are records of this Pokémon reaching a depth of over six-tenths of a mile underground. As a result, it is even harder than a diamond."

Harder than a diamond? This Pokémon is really bulky, then. If only I had Charcoal, we'd win this battle for sure.

I breathed out a sigh before pulling out a Pokéball.

"Jet, take flight!" I called out, throwing the Pokéball.

Like clockwork, my Garchomp appeared with a mighty roar.

"Flamethrower!" I said.

Jet growled before roaring out a ribbon of fire. The Steelix groaned as it took the attack head-on.

Nice! A direct hit!

"Use Gyro Ball!" Brock said.

Then, parts of Steelix's body started to spin. When that happened, the flames from Jet's Flamethrower died out.

"What was that?" Kat questioned.

"Knowing my Steelix's weakness, I thought I'd come up with ways to counter them." Brock said.

That was really clever.

"Now, Steelix, use Dig!" Brock cried.

The Iron Snake Pokémon groaned before diving into the battlefield.

"Be on your guard, Jet!" I said.

Jet scanned the battlefield, waiting for any signs of movement.

Where did it go? Where is it gonna pop up?

Then, I noticed the ground cracking underneath Jet's claws.

"Jet, get out of there!" I cried.

Jet growled before propelling himself upward. Then, Brock's Steelix emerged from the ground at the same level as Jet and slammed him to the ground with his tail.

"Jet!" I cried fearfully.

That was impressive; I'll give him that.

The Steelix landed and let out a low, metallic groan. I looked over at Jet to see him get back on his feet and shake off the pain.

"Jet, are you okay?" I asked.

Jet growled before getting into a battle stance.

"Go, Jet and Eragona!" Eric and Georgia cheered.

"You can do it!" Kat and Nina cried.

Angel, Clefairy, and Libby bounced as they let out cheer-filled cries. I smiled at my friends' cheering and turned back to the battle.

"Alright, Jet, use Dig as well!" I called out.

Jet roared before drilling into the battlefield.

"Be on the lookout, Steelix." Brock said.

The Iron Snake Pokémon scanned the battlefield, waiting for Jet to strike.

"Now, Jet! Dragon Rush!" I cried.

At my command, Jet popped up underneath Steelix, cloaked in a purplish flame, propelling the Steelix in the air.

"Steelix!" Brock cried.

"Don't let up now! Use Flamethrower!" I cried.

Jet growled before releasing a ribbon of fire on the large Pokémon. Jet roared as he landed, watching the Steelix fall to the ground.

"I must say, that was impressive, Eragona." Brock said.

"Well, I learn what I can from the best." I said, gesturing to the Gym Leader.

Brock laughed before flashing me a dashing grin.

"I appreciate it," Brock said, reaching down his shirt, "But let's see if you can keep up with this!"

He then tore off what looked to be a necklace. When I looked closer, I gasped when he held out a familiar rainbow stone.

No way! He can use Mega Evolution, too!?

"Alright, Steelix!" Brock said, tapping on the Key Stone, "Mega Evolve!"

When his Key Stone glittered, Steelix's Mega Stone became visible and glowing. That same light soon cloaked the Iron Snake Pokémon and caused it to grow. When the light died down, the Steelix was bigger and had crystals sprouting along its back and swirling around it.

Now that's a massive Pokémon! No matter; this isn't the first time Jet and I faced up against a Mega Pokémon, and it certainly won't be the last.

"Now, Steelix, use Stone Edge!" Brock called out.

The Steelix roared as it slammed its tail into the battlefield, causing sharpened stones to sprout.

"Dodge it with Dig!" I said.

Jet grunted before diving into the battlefield and dodging the incoming attack.

"I don't think so," Brock said with a smile, "Use Dig as well!"

The Steelix roared before ducking under the battlefield. The battlefield was quiet for multiple beats; nervous sweat rolled down my cheek.

Where are they?

Then, the battlefield started to quake. A moment passed before Steelix emerged from the ground with Jet lodged between its jaws.

"Jet!" I cried fearfully.

"Nice going, Steelix!" Brock praised, "Let's wrap this up with Dragon Breath!"

What!? Steelix can learn that?!

The Steelix tossed Jet before firing a mighty multicolored gust at my Garchomp.

"Jet, get out of there!" I cried.

Then, I felt my heart swelling again. I glanced down at my bag and saw a faint glow. I glanced back at my Pokémon and saw Jet come to before dodging the attack just in time. I breathed out a relieved sigh and smiled.

That's the same feeling I had back at Team Xenon's hideout in Johto and when I was battling Kat in the Battle Tower.

When Jet landed, he stumbled and growled at the Iron Snake Pokémon.

"Well, well, I'm impressed!" Brock said, "You're a formidable battler, Eragona."

"Thanks, Brock." I said.

After I said that, I felt my heart swell again. I turned to Jet and saw a faint rainbow aura waft from him.

What in the world is that?

I glanced around at the others to see them focusing on the battle.

Can they not see that aura? It's so visible.

"Steelix, use Stone Edge once more!" Brock called out.

The Iron Snake Pokémon roared before slamming its tail against the battlefield, causing sharpened stones to sprout.

"Dodge it!" I said.

Jet growled before blitzing away from the attack and sprinting up to Steelix with incredible speed.

Whoa, I've never seen Jet move that fast before.

"Now, Steelix, use Gyro Ball!" Brock said.

Steelix groaned as parts of its body started to spin. When Jet was close enough, the Iron Snake Pokémon tackled my Garchomp with its spinning body, knocking Jet back. I clenched my fists when I felt my heart swell again.

What is this feeling?

Jet panted as he got into a battle stance, the rainbow aura around him starting to flicker.

"If you're still raring to go, Jet, use Flamethrower!" I cried.

Jet growled before releasing a ribbon of fire at the Steelix, taking the attack head-on. When the flames died out, the Steelix was unscathed.

What? But how? That was a direct hit!

"Our turn!" Brock said, "Dig, Steelix!"

The Steelix groaned before diving into the battlefield.

"Not this again..." I mumbled.

I sighed heavily as I scanned the battlefield, waiting for the Steelix to strike.

Where did you go?

Before Jet could react, the Steelix came from underneath him and lodged him between his jaws.

"Jet!" I cried fearfully.

"Let's finish this with a Dragon Breath, full power!" Brock cried.

Not releasing Jet from its jaws, the Iron Snake Pokémon released a mighty multicolored gust on my Garchomp. I grunted when I felt a pain in my chest and quickly clenched it.

What was that?

The Steelix groaned before releasing my Garchomp, who was unconscious.

"Garchomp is unable to battle," Caps declared, "The winner is Brock!"

When Caps said this, Steelix reverted to its original form.

"Great job, Steelix. Return." Brock said, retracting his Pokémon.

I sighed before jogging up to my partner and kneeling beside him. I then noticed the rainbow aura I saw before was gone.

"You okay, Jet?" I asked, placing a hand on his head.

When my Garchomp came to, he looked up at me and let out a weak cry.

"You did incredible, Jet," I said, "I'm so proud of you."

I helped my Garchomp up and had him lean against me.

"Eragona!" called a stray voice.

I looked over to see my friends jog over to me.

"You guys were awesome!" Nina exclaimed, "I was on the edge of my seat!"

"So was I!" Georgia said.

Libby happily cried out as she hopped on my shoulder and nuzzled her cheek against mine before doing the same with Jet.

"You battled valiantly, darling," Caps said, "That was a very invigorating battle."

"I'll say." said a stray voice.

I turned to see Brock walk up to us with a kind smile.

"I can't remember the last time I had fun battling a trainer," Brock said, "You and your Garchomp were amazing!"

"Thanks, Brock," I chuckled, "I was not expecting Mega Steelix at all."

Now I get why Team Xenon was stealing Onix.

Brock smiled before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the fossil.

"You've more than proven yourself that you earn this." he said as he handed me the fossil.

I glanced between the fossil and the Gym Leader.

"But I lost." I said.

"You did, but your strength and determination to win were enough for me to know that you deserve this fossil, especially since you're pursuing to become a Dragon-type trainer."

My eyes widened at what the Gym Leader said.

"You knew?" I questioned.

"Of course," Brock said, "Don't you think it's weird finding a fossil almost tailored to you randomly on the stairs of a museum?"

The pieces gradually came together.

"Did you...?" I began.

"I left the fossil there for you to help you in your endeavors of becoming a Dragon-type trainer," Brock said, placing the fossil in my hand, "It was yours from the start."

I glanced down at the Jaw Fossil with wide eyes.

"Told you it wasn't a coincidence." Nina commented with a cheeky grin.

I chuckled as I clenched the fossil.

"Thank you, Brock, truly. For the battle and the fossil." I said.

"Of course," he said, "I'd love to have a rematch with you when you become stronger."

The Gym Leader then extended his hand. I smiled and happily grasped his hand.

"And a rematch you shall get!" I said.

Jet smiled and let out a roar. I smiled before retracting my Garchomp and walking out of the gym with the others.

"So, where are you kids heading now?" Brock asked.

"After healing up our Pokémon at the Pokémon Center, the next place on the list is Viridian City, but we gotta head through Viridian Forest." Georgia said.

"We're going to Pallet Town to see Georgia's uncle's ranch." Kat explained.

Brock nodded with a smile.

"Pallet Town," he said, "I have a great friend from there. He's not there right now; he's a traveler."

I stared at Brock and noticed his smile grow.

"Well, I better head back to the gym," Brock said suddenly, "It was nice meeting all of you,"

"Likewise, Brock." Eric said.

"You're always welcome in Pewter City. Stop by and say hi when you get the chance again."

"Will do," Nina said, "Speaking of which, Misty wanted to tell you hi from Cerulean City."

Brock smiled and chuckled fondly.

"That's nice to hear," Brock said, backing away, "Catch you, guys, later!"

The others and I waved before walking to the Pokémon Center.

"After witnessing your battle, Eragona, I'm more eager to test my mettle against you," Caps said, "But not now, of course. I know you and Jet are positively exhausted from that last battle."

"We are," I admitted, "But once we get our strength back, Jet and I will give you the best battle!"

Caps' eyes sparkled, and his smile grew.

"I cannot wait!" he said.

I smiled as I followed my friends into the red-and-white building. I then touched my chest and felt my heart beating steadily.

What was going on with my heart during my battle with Brock, and what was that rainbow aura I saw around Jet...?