Third Person POV

Issei: "Hey, Flint. Can I ask a question?"

Currently, Issei, his Pokémon Tana, and Misty were walking through the streets of Pewter City, following the man called "Flint," who agreed to guide them toward the Pewter City Gym, where Issei could challenge the Gym Leader to a battle. Though both Flint and Misty knew that Issei wasn't going to be able to defeat the Gym Leader due to the disadvantage in the type of Pokémon they used.

Issei himself knew about the whole type advantage thing-well, he somehow knew about it. He guessed that before taking over the body he currently has, Issei Reyes must've been a huge Pokémon nerd or something because the brown-haired boy possesses knowledge that he didn't even know he had.

Anyway, he knew that he would need to have a strategy for the upcoming battle. Though he can't make one on the spot since he doesn't know what Pokémon the Gym Leader will use. Yes, he knows he'll have Ground or Rock-type Pokémon, but what specific ones he will use was still a mystery to Issei.

His Pokédex won't be much help since it only gives information on Pokémon that it scans, so to better formulate a strategy, he'll need to first observe the Pokémon the Gym Leader uses and intentionally lose the battle. It sounds easy on paper, but it's not really since he'll need to beat one of the Gym Leader's Pokémon to see the next one.

So it was still going to be a very tough task.

Flint glanced back at the young man.

Flint: "Go for it, young man. What would you like to ask?"

Issei: "Im just wondering, why are you on the outskirts of Pewter city? don't you have a home?"

After syaing that, Misty slapped Issei's arm.

Issei: "Ow!"

He looked at Misty.

Issei: "What was that for!?"

Misty: "Its rude to assume that he's homeless!"

Issei was gonna say something, but was cur off by hearing Flint chuckle which gained their attention.

Flint: "Thats a good one. I don't think I've had people call me Homeless before"

Misty: "Im so sorry for Issei, he didn't mean anything negative!"

Flint shook his head.

Flint: "Its alright, young lady. I'm not offended, plus he asked a question so I will answer it"

He glanced over at Issei.

Flint: "To answer you question, young man. I do have a home, but I haven't returned because I'm waiting..."

This confused Issei as he raised an eyebrow.

Issei: "Waiting? for what?"

Flint paused for a moment, unsure how to explain his current situation to Issei and Misty. This was his mess and he didnt want to involve either of the young trainers, after all they were simply guests in Pewter city.

Flint: "Im afraid I cannot tell you..."

Issei: "Why?"

Flint sighed.

Flint: "Because I do not wish to burden either you or your friend with my failure..."

Both Misty and Issei were taken aback by the man's words as they weren't sure how to respond, not that it mattered anyway because after Flint spoke those words, the rest of the trip through the streets of Pewter City was filled with nothing but silence.

Although as they continued to follow the bearded man, Issei for some reason was still curious about the topic. He didn't know why, though; he just felt like there was more to Flint than a simple man selling rocks on the outskirts of the town. Like he admitted that he had some past failures that he didn't want Issei to get involved in, while the brown-haired boy respected that... he couldn't blame him for being a little bit curious about the matter.

If Flint didn't wish to speak about his past, then Issei wouldn't force the man; after all, Issei too knows what it's like to have past failures. The boy's whole previous life was filled with nothing but failure after failure; he was honestly surprised that his parents didn't just decide to disown him after the 100th phone call they probably received about his perverted nature.

He was glad to have such caring parents, never giving up on him even when he was an idiot most of the time. Which makes things pretty upsetting knowing that he won't be able to see them again, even if he wanted to.

Issei silently sighed to himself.

Issei: 'I hope they're living a better life without me...'

Ddraig: ['Don't be upset, Partner. I'm sure your parents wouldn't want you to be upset']

Issei: 'Can you blame me, Ddraig? They have no idea what happened to me....'

Ddraig had to admit that Issei had a point there; his parents had no clue what happened to him. The last time he spoke to them was when he was heading off to his quote-unquote "date" with the Fallen Angel. That would be problematic, but if Ddraig knew Arceus, then he was sure the God of Pokémon would've taken care of that problem by simply altering their memories.

Ddraig: ['That is true, but you never know. Maybe Arceus changed their lives so that you can rest easily knowing that they won't be in any depressed state']

Issei closed his eyes.

Issei: 'I hope so, Ddraig. I hope so...'

Ddraig: ['Hey, keep your chin up. You're not alone in this...']

The brown-haired boy could feel the dragon giving him a reassuring smile.

Ddraig: ['I'll always be by your side, Partner']

Issei opened his eyes and couldn't help but chuckle internally.

Issei: 'Well duh, you're stuck in my arm.'

Ddraig let out a mighty laugh.

Ddraig: ['Okay, okay. You got me there, but watch it or else-']

Flint: "We're here..."

Hearing Flint's voice snapped Issei out of his thoughts as he turned his attention ahead of him and was greeted by the sight of the Pewter City gym. Issei had a basic concept of what the building would look like, although he wasn't expecting his concept to actually be true.

The entire Pewter City gym was made up of various rocks, stones, and boulders with red pillars that seemed to be keeping the structure from collapsing in on itself. It also had the words "Pewter Gym" carved on the biggest boulder above.

Issei looked at Misty.

Issei: "Hey, Misty. What's the next Gym after this one?"

Misty: Well, the closest would be the... Cerulean City Gym which is a Water Gym. why?"

Issei stared at Misty, then turned his attention towards the Gym in front of him before looking back at the orange-haired girl.

Issei: "Please tell me that its not some giant fish bowl..."

Misty paused for a moment, processing what Issei had asked before she started giggling which Issei had to admit was a little cute.

Misty: "No, no. Its not some giant Fish bowl"

This caused Issei to let out a sigh of relief.

Issei: 'Oh, thank Arceus...'

He then blinked in surprise.

Issei: 'Um, why did I just say that?...'

Ddraig: ['Well, Partner. Arceus is God in this universe and this new body of yours is originally from here, it makes sense that you have some muscle memory']

Issei nodded in understanding before he turned his attention to Flint.

Issei: "Thanks a lot, Flint. We couldn't of found it without you"

Flint: "No, problem. But are you gonna go challenge Brock now?"

Brock?

Issei guessed that was the Gym Leadsrs name, makes sense that Flint knows since he has probably seen Brock whenever he's not being a Gym Leader. Either way, Issei feels like he shouldn't challenge Brock just yet because no doubt Misty and Tana were probably hungry, he was feeling a little peckish himself.

Issei looked at Flint and shook his head.

Issei: "Not yet, first I'm gonna make sure that Tana has gotten some food"

Tana: "Fen! Fen! Kin!"

Issei glanced at the Fire fox Pokémon who seemed to like that idea, causing him to smile at her.

Issei: "You like that idea, Tana?"

Tana nodded her head as she nuzzled Issei's leg, making him chuckle before he looked at Caterpie who was on his shoulder.

Issei: "How about you? your not one of my Pokémon, but that doesnt mean I won't feel you"

Caterpie: "Pie!"

Issei finally turned his attention to Misty.

Issei: "How about you?"

Misty smiled.

Misty: "I could go for a bite"

Issei nodded his head.

Issei: "Then its settled then"

The brown-haired boy looked at Flint.

Issei: "Flint, do you know where the nearest place to grab a bite to eat is?"

Flint smiled slightly.

Flint: "I know just the place your looking for, its not far from here as well"

Issei smiled back.

Issei: "Well, lead the way"

Flint nodded as he began to head off somewhere with Issei, Misty, and Tanan following closely behind. As they were walking though, little did they know that there was a small blue Pokémon hiding in a nearby bush and it was silently observing Issei.

Pokémon: "Nido..."

(Time Skip Brought to you by Ash meeting Issei)

Misty: "Issei, do you really think you can beat Brock?"

Both Issei and Misty were sitting at a table in a pretty nice place, enjoying some food to fill their stomachs. After Flint guided them, he mentioned that he had to take his leave because he didn't want anyone to steal from his store. However, Issei had a feeling there was another reason for his sudden departure.

Caterpie, Tana, and Pidgeotto were also eating; though unlike Misty and Issei, the three Pokémon were enjoying food that was specifically made for them, and from the look of things, they were really relishing it.

Issei slurped up his noodles as he looked at Misty, who sat across from him.

Issei: "Why do you ask, Misty?"

Misty: "Gym Leaders aren't your typical trainers; they're much more powerful, and I'm not sure you'll be able to beat Brock."

She glanced at Tana.

Misty: "I mean, you should know that Tana will be at a disadvantage. Right?"

Tana looked up.

Tana: "Fen?"

Issei couldn't help but chuckle a little.

Issei: "Oh, I know that..."

He reached down and scratched behind Tana's ear, making the fox Pokémon's tail wag from side to side.

Issei: "I know that defeating Brock will be difficult, but if I end up losing, then that's alright."

Misty raised an eyebrow.

Misty: "Why?"

Issei gave her a small smile as he rested his fist against his own cheek.

Issei: "Because the battle will help me formulate a strategy to beat him on my second try."

Misty's eyes widened a little; that was Issei's plan. Most trainers who lose a battle would normally be upset or furious about their loss, but Issei doesn't seem to care about losing because it will instead help him immensely. Misty had to admit; Issei was definitely an unusual trainer.

Misty: "Wow, you really thought this out..."

Issei: "I have. The only downside is that I need to see the rest of Brock's Pokémon... depending on how many he uses."

Misty crossed her arms.

Misty: "Well, you have two. So he may go the same route and only use two as well."

Issei shrugged his shoulders.

Issei: "Maybe, but if not, then I will need to find something to give me the edge."

Misty: "Like a new Pokémon?"

Issei nodded.

Misty: "Oooh, do you want me to help you find one?"

This caused Issei to let out a small chuckle before shaking his head.

Issei: "No, I think I can handle it myself."

Misty: "Huh? Why not!?"

Issei let out a small sigh before a smile grew on his face. He then raised his hand and did a "come here" motion. Misty leaned forward a little over the table until she felt two fingers poking her forehead.

Issei: "Can't have you knowing all my secrets"

Misty glared at Issei with a pout as she rubbed her forehead, watching as the brown-haired boy stood up and began to walk away from the table.

Issei: "I'll see you at the Gym."

Misty: "Hey, what about the bi-"

Issei: "I already paid for it, don't worry."

He waved and continued walking off.

Issei: "Cya in a little bit..."

(Time Skip Brought to you by Il Capitano from Genshin)

Misty: "Where is he?"

Misty stood outside the Pewter City Gym, waiting for Issei to arrive. He told her that he would see her in a little bit, but it had been nearly two whole hours, and she was starting to get a little bit worried.

Misty: "I hope nothing bad happened to him..."

Caterpie, who was with Misty, looked up at her.

Caterpie: "Pie?"

Misty was still a little grossed out by Caterpie because it was a bug. However, she had slowly become more accustomed to it due to the Pokémon constantly being around her during her and Issei's travel to Pewter City.

She looked down at Caterpie.

Misty: "What do you think, Caterpie? You think Issei is alright?"

Caterpie tilted its head.

Caterpie: "Pie... Cater!"

Misty couldn't help but let out a small sigh; she honestly shouldn't have expected that to be the response. After all, Pokémon can't really talk to humans unless they're that weird Meowth from Team Rocket or are Psychic-type Pokémon. A part of her really wished that Pokémon could talk; that way, she could have a conversation with the ones she owned.

Misty: "I figured as much..."

She looked down.

Misty: "I hope he's okay..."

???: "Why wouldn't I be?"

Misty's eyes widened as she let out a loud "Eepp" sound, jumping a little before she turned and was greeted by the sight of Issei, who stared at the orange-haired girl with an amused smile on his face.

Issei: "Did I just scare you?"

Misty: "N-No! No, you didn't!"

Issei: "Oh, so I did then?"

Misty glared at Issei.

Misty: "No, you didn't; you're just hearing things!"

Issei chuckled as he leaned forward a little, looking into Misty's eyes.

Issei: "You don't gotta lie; I think it was pretty cute."

Hearing this caused a small crimson red to grow on Misty's face.

Tana, who stood next to Issei, glared at Misty with a look of jealousy, while Caterpie looked at the readers with a look that said, "This is what I gotta deal with."

Misty: "S-shut up, don't say such things!"

Issei chuckled.

Issei: "Alright, alright. But sorry it took so long; I had a little run-in."

This got Misty's attention as her blush started to fade a little.

Misty: "A run-in? With who?"

Issei just smiled as he raised his hand and did a "come here" motion. Misty leaned forward a little until she felt two fingers poking her forehead.

Issei: "You'll find out."

Misty rubbed her forehead again, pouting at the brown-haired boy, who made his way over to the front door of the Pewter City Gym. He took a deep breath before exhaling, a serious look of determination in his eyes.

Issei: "Let's do this..."

And with that, Issei raised both of his hands to the door and began to slowly push it open. A loud creak could be heard from the door, and before long, Issei had forced it open, revealing the inside of the Gym building.

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END OF CHAPTER