The Pokémon sent back to the Day Care facility weren't limited to just Electivire.
Others like Ursaluna, whose current development made it less suitable for active travel, were also returned after some consideration. Without much hesitation, Paul recalled them back to the facility.
In their place, he gave his team a fresh update.
Metagross, Hisuian Samurott, Froslass, Garchomp, Aggron, and Drapion — these six were the lineup Paul planned to use for his upcoming side challenge against the Battle Factory's Brain: Thorton.
After spending a few days in and around Pewter City, the location of the Battle Factory had finally been confirmed.
Just as he was about to depart aboard Metagross, something — or rather, someone — made him stop in his tracks.
A "legendary man" appeared before him.
"Miss Joy~ Miss Joy~"
Just as Paul was leaving the Pewter City Pokémon Center, a deeply tanned man with narrow eyes came sprinting up to the treatment counter.
Grabbing Nurse Joy's hand, he dropped to one knee and gazed up at her with passionate eyes, pouring out words of longing and affection.
"It's been so long since we last met! Your image has never left my mind for even a moment. Surely our reunion is fate itself — please, allow me to stay by your side…"
Yes — this man was none other than Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader and one of the most… unique figures in the Pokémon anime.
"Ah~ hehe… Brock, please don't be like this…"
Nurse Joy offered an awkward smile, her cheeks tinged pink.
Brock may have his share of flaws, but his strengths are undeniable — gentle, passionate, a skilled cook, a talented breeder, a strong Trainer, and physically fit...
This little episode didn't last long. Just a few seconds later, one of the Poké Balls on Brock's belt snapped open on its own. A Toxicroak leapt out, delivering a well-placed Poison Jab right into Brock's rear.
"Gaaah—! I'm numb…!"
"Kroaaak~!"
Brock's body went stiff as a board and toppled over sideways. The Toxicroak grabbed his pant leg and dragged him off to the side like it was routine.
"Pfft~"
Even Nurse Joy couldn't help but laugh at the scene.
"He managed to catch a Toxicroak in this world too?"
Watching from nearby, Paul furrowed his brow in thought.
After all, across different worlds, the same person could have vastly different experiences — from the Pokémon they raised to their personalities and fates.
Just as in this world, Paul's starter had been an Elekid rather than the usual options… and Ash had never caught Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Pidgeotto...
So the fact that Brock had still somehow caught a Toxicroak — and not just any Toxicroak, but one that paralyzed him, just like in the anime — was a bit surprising to Paul.
But only a bit.
"Excuse me, are you Brock, the Gym Leader of Pewter City?"
Just as Brock was recovering from the paralysis that had knocked him to the ground, a calm voice reached his ears. Looking up, he was met with the sight of a purple-haired boy standing before him.
"Yes, I'm the Gym Leader, Brock. Can I help you with something?"
"If you're here to challenge the Gym, my younger brother Forrest should be inside. He usually handles battles when I'm away."
When it came to anyone other than beautiful women, Brock maintained a composed demeanor.
Before leaving on his travels, Brock had already made arrangements for the Pewter Gym. If someone wanted to challenge it, Forrest was more than capable of taking over. Even if Forrest wasn't around, their father Flint could temporarily step in for a Gym battle.
"I'm Paul from Veilstone City. I'd like to battle you."
Paul's objective was straightforward—he wanted to gauge how strong this world's version of Brock was. By extension, it would give him some insight into the strength of other notable trainers like Misty.
Challenging the Gym itself held no interest for him. Paul had no attachment to badges and didn't plan on competing in the Kanto League, so he had no reason to go through the typical Gym Challenge path.
As far as he was concerned, only three Kanto Gyms were worth paying attention to: Saffron, Fuchsia, and Viridian.
Fuchsia City's Gym had prestige because its former Leader, Koga, was now a member of the Elite Four in the Johto region. Viridian's previous Gym Leader was Giovanni, and its current Leader was Blue.
As for the Saffron Gym, its Leader—Sabrina—was a special case: the most naturally gifted Psychic in centuries.
Due to differences between worlds, Sabrina had long since overcome her isolation and now served as Kanto's Elite Four member specializing in Psychic-type Pokémon.
The rest of Kanto's Elite Four consisted of Lorelei, Bruno, and Agatha.
And Lance?
He had returned to his hometown in the Johto region, where he was currently serving as the reigning Champion.
Johto's current Elite Four lineup included Will, Koga, Karen, and the elderly Master, Shiba.
Like Sabrina, Shiba also held dual roles due to the multiversal nature of this world—he was both a Gym Leader and a member of the Elite Four.
"You came all this way just to challenge me? Then I accept it. Follow me."
Brock could feel the intensity in Paul's gaze and instantly understood what the young Trainer was after. With a smile, he accepted the challenge and led Paul—alongside his Toxicroak—back toward the Pewter Gym he hadn't seen in quite some time.
But when they arrived, the scene before him was a far cry from the ancient, rugged Gym Brock remembered.
The outside still looked respectable. But the interior?
It was practically bursting with lights, colors, and garish decorations—a spectacle of festivity and modern flair. Instead of a Rock-type Gym, it felt more like a theme park.
"What… what is this…?"
Brock stood frozen in place, utterly dumbfounded as he led Paul through the gym. His face was a mask of confusion.
It wasn't until after speaking with Forrest, following the conclusion of a recent Gym battle, that Brock finally got a grasp on the situation. When he had left a few months ago, things had still been relatively normal.
But after that, their mother—Flint's wife, Lola—had unleashed her astonishing "creative energy" and completely turned the gym into a chaotic mess.
At first, their father Flint put up strong resistance. But eventually, even he was no match for Lola's peculiarity and ended up utterly defeated by her whimsical designs.
"So yeah... that's the situation." Forrest said helplessly. "Gym battles are still manageable, but beyond that? I've given up trying to control them."
Brock's expression darkened. "…I'll definitely have a serious talk with the two of them later."
Then he turned to Paul. "If you're here to challenge me, then let's begin."
"Understood." Paul replied calmly, stepping into the challenger's position. He had already taken out a Poké Ball and was silently watching Brock.
"Are you about to start a Gym match? Would it be alright if I spectated?"
At that moment, a mysterious figure appeared inside the arena. Dressed entirely in black and wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a mask, they just had a glimpse of pink hair showing—giving off a highly suspicious vibe. They spoke up voluntarily, their voice muffled but inquisitive.
"This strange, familiar aura… What an odd feeling~"
Even just a glance was enough to stir something in Brock's heart. He felt a peculiar sense of déjà vu and couldn't help but start pondering.
Still, with the battle about to begin, he didn't dwell too long on the suspicious figure. He turned instead to Paul and asked, "Are you okay with them watching?"
In Gym matches, it's the challenger—not the Gym Leader—who decides whether or not spectators are allowed.
Paul: "Doesn't matter to me."
"Now commencing an official Gym match between challenger Paul against the Pewter Gym Leader, Brock!"
"Each side may use two Pokémon. The first to render both of the opponent's Pokémon unable to battle will be declared the winner. The Gym Leader may not switch Pokémon mid-battle."
Forrest, who only knew Paul's name and assumed he was just another ordinary challenger, announced the match using standard Gym rules.
(To be continued...)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon.com / PMadz_23