Pokemon - To Catch Them All - Ilex Forest

Story by soni050 on SoFurry

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#23 of Pokemon - To Catch Them All

Leo explores Ilex Forest and arrives at Goldenrod City


After tending to Togepi I headed West to Ilex Forest where I assumed there would be a multitude of Bug Pokemon that would be a good challenge for my Pokemon to battle. Upon entering I was suddenly surrounded by looming trees and greenery everywhere. Bug Pokemon were all around, covering the trees enjoying the life they lived. Occasionally some of the Bug Pokemon descended down to challenge me to battles, but upon being introduced to my Croconaw and Noctowl the Bug Pokemon usually retreated sensing that they were not strong enough to defeat my Pokemon. While exploring Ilex Forest I was surprised to see a shrine in the middle surrounded my trees and nature.

I did some research on my Rotom phone to understand what the shrine was and perhaps what the shrine was dedicated too. Turns out the shrine was dedicated to Celebi a Pokemon which had the ability to travel through time. Finding a Celebi would one day prove to be incredibly difficult since they could as mentioned travel through time. Still I looked around the shrine carefully respecting the shrine in its entirety. However, as I explored I was surprised when a small electric Type Pokemon appeared challenging me to a battle.

It was actually a small but surprisingly ferocious Pichu that wanted to battle me and who was I to deny that Pokemon the opportunity. "I need your help Quagsire!" In the event the Pichu knew some powerful Electric Type moves having a Ground Type would prevent any of the Electric Type moves from affecting him. Pichu did inevitably try and use a Thunder Shock but Quagsire happily absorbed the electric attack with ease before retaliating with a Mud Shot. The attack was super effective and weakened Pichu enough for me to throw a Pokeball. I watched as the ball shook once, twice, three times before the capture was confirmed.

"Pichu has been registered to your Pokedex. Pichu the Tiny Mouse Pokemon a Electric Type. It plays with others by touching tails and setting off sparks. This appears to be a test of courage." The Pichu had notably calmed down upon being caught enough for me to administer the formerly feisty Pokemon with a Potion to help recover its strength. I had wondered whether this Pichu was guarding the shrine, or protecting the shrine for Celebi. It was unlikely but I guess there was a possibility. Most Pokemon respected and honoured legendary Pokemon for everything that had done to help the planet, people and Pokemon grow.

I continued exploring and begun battling with the new Pichu understanding his strengths and weaknesses. His mane weakness was his electricity output, after a powerful Thunder Shock, Pichu was practically exhausted but thanks to training with me, Pichu had begun to hold on even using multiple Thunder Shocks without struggling. We were really becoming fast friends. Speaking of friends though, Pichu had begun to be really good friends with the resident baby Pokemon, Togepi. Pichu had begun helping me raise Togepi, ensuring he was well fed and entertained through our journey.

Exploring through the forest further I saw that there was a new Pokemon living in a nearby tree, that was far too high for me to reach or even throw a Pokeball, it was actually a Pineco. Luckily, I had taught my Croconaw a new move that would bring that Pokemon down to my level where I would then be able to battle it. "Croconaw come out!" Croconaw appeared staring up at the tree understanding what needed to be done. "Croconaw use Headbutt!" Croconaw charged at the tree and at full power used Headbutt shaking the tree and causing the Pineco to drop down. Surprisingly it was unfazed by the apparent drop and stared confused at the trainer and Pokemon that had apparently knocked it out of its tree.

"Pichu ready for a battle?" Pichu eagerly accepted and jumped down to face the Pineco which still seemed disinterested in what was happening. "Pichu use Thunder Wave!" Pichu released a wave of electricity which paralysed Pineco, but Pineco was already a slow Pokemon in comparison. "Now use Thunder Shock!" Once more Pikachu used Thunder Shock but Pineco countered, using Protect. Protect blocked Thunder Shock annoying Pichu but he calmed down when I encouraged him to calm down and take things easy. "Pichu now use another Thunder Shock!" Pineco attempted to use Protect but since he had already used it once he was incapable of using it again. Realising this, Pineco then attempted to dodge, but by then it was already too late and Thunder Shock had scored a direct hit.

Seeing the weakened Pineco I decided now was the right time and threw a Pokeball and watched as it shook once, twice, three times before the capture was confirmed. "Pineco has been registered to your Pokedex. Pineco the Bagworm Pokemon a Bug Type. It looks just like a pinecone. Its shell protects it from bird Pokemon that peck it by mistake." I released Pineco and grabbed a paralyse heal and administered it to the Pineco healing him before then grabbing a potion and recovering him to full strength. Pineco was happy to have been healed and thanked me by latching onto me as if I was his new tree that he would live on. I smiled and laughed happy that the newest team member had already begun warming up to me.

However, now that I knew that I could have Croconaw use Headbutt on trees, I knew that back in Azalea Town there was apparently a few Heracross and Aipom that inhabited the town. Usually those Pokemon were difficult to find and reach but by using Headbutt if any Pokemon were in the trees they could be knocked out and further caught. As such I decided to quickly return to Azalea Town and found some trees that seemed suitable. As such I called Croconaw out once again and had him use Headbutt on the trees.

After some time and many unexpected Pokemon we finally found one of the new Pokemon that inhabited Azalea Town's forest and that was Aipom quite a mischievous Pokemon. "Pineco would you like to have a battle?" Pineco seemed more than happy to battle and dropped down from me to face the giggling Aipom that didn't seem annoyed at being knocked out of a tree. "Pineco use Tackle!" Pineco slowly advanced to Aipom using Tackle but Aipom easily dodged by simply jumping above Aipom and landing behind him. The Aipom seemed to take amusement in dodging so easily and seemed to taunt my Pineco. "Pineco try Bug Bite instead!" Pineco approached once more but Aipom dodged once again, but it did give me an idea.

The best chance for us to land a decisive blow against Aipom would be having Aipom strike first allowing Pineco to effectively counter without Aipom dodging so sporadically. After Pineco stopped attacking, Aipom had become bored and disinterested and decided to try and end the battle by using Scratch and that was what we were waiting for. At the right moment, when Aipom approached using Scratch. I commanded, Pineco to counter at full strength with Bug Bite. Aipom was caught unawares and Bug Bite was an excellent move. Taking full opportunity I threw a Pokeball and watched as it shook, once, twice, three times before the capture was confirmed.

"Aipom has been registered to your Pokedex. Aipom the Long Tail Pokemon a Normal Type. It lives atop giant trees. It wraps its tail around a branch so it wont fall off while asleep." Aipom naturally calmed down somewhat after being caught and seemed to apologise to the remarks it had apparently made to Pineco which Pineco seemed to accept. However, I soon realised that Aipom would be one of my most mischievous Pokemon as whenever he got the opportunity he would try and pull pranks whenever he could on whoever he could, whether that be me or any of my Pokemon. However, Aipom had some decency and left Togepi alone, ensuring that the young Pokemon didn't decide to take on any of Aipom's pranking behaviour.

That was one of the Pokemon I wanted to catch caught, but I knew there was another and that it might be a real good challenge to catch. I commanded Croconaw to once again use Headbutt and eventually the target I had been waiting for fell down with a heavy thud. It was a Heracross a powerful Bug and Fighting Type that seemed to be interested in battling me. "I need your help Noctowl!" Noctowl appeared staring down the Heracross unflinchingly. Heracross smirked at both trainer and Pokemon before beginning the battle.

Heracross started by using Horn Attack and flying directly at Noctowl who appared surprised at the apparent speed and power that it possessed. "Noctowl counter that with Air Slash!" Noctowl used Air Slash which stopped Horn Attack, but didn't defeat Heracross. but it sure weakened him thanks to his huge weakness to Flying Types. "Pokeball go!" I threw a Pokeball and watched as it shook once, twice before the Pokeball broke open and Heracross appeared grinning while breathing heavily. He wasn't done yet and wouldn't go down without a good and proper fight. "Noctowl, Confusion!" Noctowl took control of Heracross using Confusion causing more super effective damage and that proved to be too much for the powerful Heracross as he finally knelt down and smirked at the trainer who challenged him. Heracross understood that this trainer was capable and deserving of using his power and decided he would accompany this trainer through his journey and become stronger doing so.

Once more I threw a Pokeball at the smiling Heracross and watched as it shook once, twice, three times before the capture was confirmed. "Heracross has been registered to your Pokedex. Heracross the Single Horn Pokemon a Bug and Fighting Type. Its powerful legs and horns give it enough power to hurl foes over great distances." I released Heracross and have him a potion which recovered his strength before deciding to return to Ilex Forest and see what else might be in the forest for me to catch.

Exploring through the forest I battled many of the Pokemon training up my newest Pokemon, those being Pichu, Pineco, Heracross and Aipom and found that they were all catching up to my other Pokemon extremely quickly. I had even begun slowly training Togepi and it was a slow and delicate process and I was surprised at how quickly Togepi had begun to grow, he even learned Metronome and Extrasensory too. That was something he was extremely happy to show off to me against the wild Pokemon. About half way through the forest I was surprised when I saw a Chkorita walking through the forest. I shouldn't have been all that surprised since, Chikorita enjoyed forests and sunshines and it showed that Ilex Forest was a healthy forest for all Grass and Bug Types.

I grabbed a Pokeball and decided to have a go and try and catch the Chikorita. "Come on out Ariados!" Ariados appeared scuttling along the floor like a spider would. "Ariados use String Shot!" Ariados fired a sticky thread which wrapped around Chikorita preventing it from moving and escaping. Though the Chikorita did fight back and try and use Razor Leaf to free itself from the String Shot but it wasn't strong enough. "Ariados now use Infestation!" Ariados covered Chikorita in a powder which gradually weakened Chikorita enough for me to throw a Pokeball.

I watched as the Pokeball shook once, twice, three times before the capture was confirmed. "Chikorita has been registered to your Pokedex. Chikorita the Leaf Pokemon a Grass Type. It uses the leaf on its head to determine the airs temperature and humidity. It loves to sunbathe." I released Chikorita and introduced myself and my many Pokemon to the new member. Chikorita seemed to greet them all warmly especially the younger Togepi who was more than happy to have a new playmate.

The forest wasn't much longer and I continued advancing through, surprisingly in the forest there were actually no trainers around. That meant most of my battles were against the Bug Pokemon that challenged me. It was a challenge especially for my newest Pokemon being Chikorita but he was quite tough and tenacious. Chikorita also knew the moves, Razor Leaf, Synthesis, Tackle and Poison Powder. He also seemed close to evolving surprisingly based on his power compared to the other Pokemon I'd caught.

Eventually I exited Ilex Forest and reached Route 34 and continued heading north and was challenged by a youngster who first sent out a Rattata and I sent out my Chikorita to get him some training. A single Razor Leaf was strong enough to defeat Rattata. The second Pokemon sent out was a Sandshrew and I continued battling with Chikorita and had him use a second Razor Leaf defeating Sandshrew too. The third Pokemon was a Spearow and I substituted for my Flaaffy, having Flaaffy unleash Thunder Shock which was super effective. The final Pokemon sent out was a second Spearow which was defeated much the same way.

I headed onward and was challenged by a Pokefan who sent out a Snubbull which was a Fairy Type and I decided to send out Aipom. Aipom used a couple of Scratches and managed to defeat the Snubbell but it was by no means a walk in the park. That Snubbull was stronger than I anticipated. The second Pokemon sent out was a Mareep and I substituted for my Pineco. I had Pineco use Bug Bite and defeat Mareep too.

Next up I was challenged by a youngster who sent out a Mankey and I sent out my Ledyba who won with Aerial Ace. The second Pokemon sent out was a Diglett and I substituted for my Chikorita who used another Razor Leaf defeating Diglett. With that win and the multitude of experience gained from Ilex Forest, Chikorita had already begun to evolve. "Bayleef has been registered to your Pokedex. Bayleef the Leaf Pokemon a Grass Type. The buds that ring its neck give off a spicy aroma that perks people up." Bayleef happily jumped on me to show his exuberance at reaching his new evolved form thanks to the training he received.

I congratulated Bayleef on evolving before we continued onwards seeing what else was in store for us along the route. A Picnicker was next to challenge me with a Hoppip and I sent out my Heracross. I had Heracross use Aerial Ace which was super effective against Hoppip. The second Pokemon sent out was a Bulbasaur and I decided to swap out and send out my Skiploom and had Skiploom use Aerial Ace as well to knock Bulbasaur out. A second Hoppip was sent out but Skiploom won much the same way against its former form.

As I continued onward I saw a small cosy building that was the Day-care where trainers could send their Pokemon too if they wanted them to be raised while they were away. Sometimes when two Pokemon were left at a day-care together an egg could be found with them. I didn't need my Pokemon to receive any training as they were already growing stronger with me. As such we moved onwards and I was soon challenged by a picnicker who sent out a Psyduck and I sent out Bayleef who used Razor Leaf defeating Psyduck with a super effective move.

I continued north and soon reached the large and impressive city of Goldenrod. Before exploring the incredible large city I decided it would be wise to ensure my Pokemon were fully healed in case any trainers challenged me to battles in the city. I also stopped by at the Pokemart and brought some more Pokeballs in the event that I might find some new Pokemon to catch to complete the Pokedex.

Before doing any gym battles I decided to have a look around the famous Goldenrod city department store and see if there was anything worth my while. On the second floor they sold different types of Pokeballs, from your regular to even some unique and rare ones. However, at the current moment in time, I had a steady supply of Pokeballs and as such didn't need any more.

On the third floor they sold battle items, but they weren't all that useful for me, I would much rather win based on my own Pokemon's power without any enhancements that don't come from the Pokemon themselves. The fourth floor was much the same, some trainers would give their Pokemon some vitamins which would increase their strength when consumed. The fifth floor had what I might be interested in, people here could teach Pokemon some impressive and powerful moves. Right now that was unnecessary for me. Up on the top floor however there was a merchant who was selling some evolution stones that might come in handy for my journey through Johto.

Out of the Pokemon that I could obtain in Johto only a select few needed stones in order to reach their final evolutionary form. The first was Togetic which would need a Shiny Stone to evolve into a Togekiss. When I catch a Sunkern I'd need a Sun Stone as well. I'd need two Dusk Stones in order to evolve Murkrow and Misdreavus. As such I decided to purchase those stones for the future when I needed them.

At that I decided to continue exploring the city to see what else would be available too me.