Pokemon - To Catch Them All - Welcome to Sinnoh

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#56 of Pokemon - To Catch Them All

Leo arrives in the Sinnoh Region and makes his start on completing the Sinnoh Pokedex.


The sun rose early the next morning, the suns bright, warm rays shining right into a home in Viridian City. That was home to Leo who had recently returned from the Hoenn Region after he had pretty much caught every Pokemon from the Hoenn Region. All the adventuring and caring for his beloved Pokemon must have taken so much out of him as Leo slept soundly ignoring the sunshine shining directly on his face. He even moved his covers over his face and turned away from the bright sunshine as a way of staying in bed for as long as he possibly could. That wouldn't last for long though as downstairs Leo's mother had already awakened and prepared breakfast as she stared upstairs wondering what was keeping her son.

Realistically she knew that he was sleeping he always loved to sleep in even when he had lots to do. Usually she would go upstairs and wake him up herself, however, she didn't need to. Instead she opened the door to the garden where Leo's Pokemon were gathered around expectantly, wondering where their trainer was and they too knew he was asleep. "That boy is still sleeping well, you can go ahead and wake him up if you want." Leo's mum gave permission as suddenly the Pokemon began to communicate deciding who would get the honour of awakening their beloved trainer. It was eventually decided that Blaziken and Sceptile would go simply as they knew their master would be leaving soon, so they wanted to ensure he was ready and awake.

At that they quietly walked up the stairs, avoiding any creaking floorboards as they silently opened my bedroom door. Sceptile and Blaziken even though they were stern, determined and focused Pokemon who valued strength and courage. They also loved their trainer and would still mess around with him whenever the opportunity arose. Sceptile headed over to the curtains and opened them wider, allowing the sunshine to fully luminate the room. I awoke blurred seeing the bright sunshine, but tried to ignore it once more by using the covers as a blockade. That's where, Blaziken came in, Blaziken grinned as he pulled back the covers from his trainers weak grip. I shot up slightly annoyed in my tired condition but blinked awake as I saw Sceptile and Blaziken smirking in amusement as they had successfully awakened Leo. At that I greeted them slowly before they dashed downstairs informing the others their trained would be down as soon as possible.

Not wanting to keep them all waiting and knowing that if I did, they would come back and I doubt that they would be as kind when waking me up a second time. At that I finished up my morning routine and headed downstairs preparing breakfast for my multitude of Pokemon while my mum greeted me. "Good morning, good to see you've finally gotten out of bed." Mum seemed rather cheerful, "Sceptile and Blaziken made sure I was up bright and early." At that I finished preparing breakfast for everyone and began dividing up amongst everyone. Venusaur, Blastoise, Charizard, Meganium, Feraligatr, Typhlosion, Sceptile, Swampert and Blaziken took on the duty of helping me distribute the food to every Pokemon. I assume that because they were the starter species they considered themselves leaders and took their duties seriously.

After that was done, I thanked everyone and returned inside where mum was waiting. "So, what's your plan for today?" I knew I would be heading for Sinnoh next. "I've pretty much completed my Hoenn Pokedex, as such, I'm going to Sinnoh next. They'll be a multitude of Pokemon I can catch there that I can't anywhere else." Mum nodded in agreement. "I've never visited Sinnoh before, but from what I've heard the climate is much colder than most regions. Not only that its rumoured that Sinnoh has the most mythology of any region, but that's just as rumour I've heard." I agreed with the climate Sinnoh would be far colder than Hoenn was that's for sure. But also, Sinnoh did have an incredible amount of unique Pokemon, specifically legendary Pokemon that I hoped one day I would meet and maybe even catch if I was lucky.

"I know you should give Professor Oak a call and inform him of your progress on the Pokedex and your plans for Sinnoh. Who knows the Professor might have some helpful information about Sinnoh for you?" My mum always gave good advice and I followed her advice immediately giving Professor Oak a call. "Professor Oak it's me Leo." I greeted him and Oak seemed rather happy to hear from me. "Leo, it's been such a long time since our last conversation. Last I heard you were exploring Hoenn I assume you've returned now. How was your journey? Did you meet any new and exciting Pokemon?" Professor Oak was always very invested in hearing about the travels of new trainers and I was no exception.

"Professor, I just returned to Kanto yesterday and it was amazing exploring Hoenn. I caught so many Pokemon and I've almost completed the Hoenn Pokedex. I was actually beginning to make preparations for Sinnoh." That got Oak's attention. "The Sinnoh Region I see. Sinnoh is such a vast and plentiful region and is very different to the regions you've already fully explored. You'll find exciting new Pokemon that don't inhabit Kanto, Johto or Hoenn. I do wish you luck on your journey, keep doing your best to complete the Pokedex. I have faith in you." At that we ended the conversation and I headed outside to announce my next decision to the Pokemon I had caught. Heading outside they were already waiting, knowing what was happening. "I assume you already know, but I'm heading to the Sinnoh Region to catch every Pokemon I can there."

Every Pokemon began cheering excitedly, they were happy to know that their trainer would be continuing his journey and making even more friends. I decided to bring Pikachu with me briefly, in case I needed to battle any wild Pokemon. At that I said my goodbyes to my mum and Pokemon and headed to Vermilion City where I boarded a ferry which was headed towards Sandgem Town where Professor Rowan had his laboratory stationed. Since the journey to Sinnoh would take some time I decided to do some research on the mythology and basics of the Sinnoh Region to understand what I would be expecting. First Sinnoh was north of Kanto, Johto and Hoenn which may be why the climate of Sinnoh was so cold in comparison to the former regions. Also, Sinnoh had a mountain, Mt Coronet which actually split the Sinnoh Region in two which was something incredible, it must be a massive mountain unlike anything I've seen before.

Moving on I looked at the mythology of the Sinnoh Region and it was quite extensive, according to myths generated in the Sinnoh Rgeion, Sinnoh itself was the first region said to have been created. It was said that in a world of nothingness a single egg had been created and that egg hatched into Arceus, said to be the creator of the the world. Continuing on, Arceus then created, Dialga, Palkia and Giratina, giving them the ability to control time, space and anti-matter respectively. However, Giratina, was said to have been banished from our world and is said to live on a world parallel to our own, due to its violent nature. During the early formation of the world, Arceus then created Azelf, Uxie and Mesprit and it was said that when these Pokemon first flew they gave humanity the ability to understand and gain willpower, knowledge and emotion. Sometime after their creation, Azelf, Uxie and Mesprit dove deep into three lakes throughout the Sinnoh Region where they now live and watch over people and Pokemon.

I had also been slightly interested in the region formerly known as Hisui, before Sinnoh was given its name. Hisui was interesting and unique and had Pokemon that had never been seen before in the present day. I assume those Pokemon had simply died out much like ancient fossil Pokemon. I wondered if they could still be found and resurrected but they had never been discovered before meaning the likelihood of that happening was relatively low. There were also other legendary Pokemon of the Sinnoh Region that interested me as well and they were as follows. Heatran a Pokemon that was said to have been formed by volcanic pressure, as such, Heatran is commonly found inside volcanoes, I'd heard one lived in Stark Mountain. Then there was Regigigas a Pokemon that was said to have towed the continents with ropes. But, Regigigas was also the creator of Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Regieleki and Regidrago respectively.

Then there was Cresselia a Pokemon that seemed to represent the crescent moon itself. Cresselia had the ability to give people joyful dreams and dispel Darkrai's nightmares as such, some people consider those two Pokemon to be rivals. Maybe that wasn't the case though. Not much was known about Phione but that it lived in warm seas and has some resemblance to Manaphy. Speaking off Manaphy, it is said that Manaphy had the power to bond with any Pokemon, but also lives in the same environments as Phione suggesting their must be some sort of relation. Returning to Darkrai, it is said that this Pokemon had the ability to give anyone, human or Pokemon nightmares, it is believed that this is based on proximity, however, Darkrai doesn't mean any harm and the nightmares are Darkrai's way of protecting itself. Darkrai was just a misunderstood Pokemon, considered to be evil and dangerous based on its typing, looks and abilities. Finally there was Shaymin a Pokemon that sensed gratitude and was believed to have made Floaroma Town a beautiful, bountiful town filled with flowers and nature of all kind.

I was really invested in the Pokemon of Sinnoh, but my mind kept circulating back to the Pokemon that existed back in the Hisui Region. Those Pokemon were Wyrdeer, a Pokemon believed to be the evolved form of Stantler. Kleavor a different evolution of Scyther, not Scizor. Ursaluna the evolution of Ursaring. Basculegion said to be the evolution of a Hisuian variant of Basculin. Sneasler, the evolution of a Hisuian variant of Sneasel. Overqwil was the evolution of a Hisuian Qwilfish. Other Hisuian variants were Growlithe and its evolution Arcanine. Voltorb and Electrode, a Hisuian form of Typhlosion. A Hisuian version of Samurott and Lilligant too. A mystical Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark too, that looked eery in appearance. A Hisuian Braviary, Hisuian, Sliggoo and Goodra, Avalugg and even a Decidueye. I presume the climate of the Hisui Region back in the olden days was what created these variants, much like with the Alolan and Galarian varients of the current era. I know I had already mentioned it, but if I ever got the opportunity, somehow to catch, meet these incredible Pokemon I would love that.

After doing some more research on my Rotom Phone and a leaflet I had acquired earlier, I believed I understood much about the Sinnoh Region and the former Region of Hisui too. I must have been so enamoured with my research when the captain had announced that we had arrived at Sandgem Town, a small quaint town which housed the Pokemon Laboratory. When we docked, I departed and began exploring Sandgem Town but not before giving my mum a quick call to announce that I had safely arrived at Sinnoh. After that brief phone call I began heading to the laboratory which wasn't that difficult to find. I had to admit there were a large amount of different buildings all over such a small town, a couple of restaurants and homes made it confusing to navigate at first.

Eventually I found what I was looking for, a sort of landmark which helped me find the laboratory, a large and imposing windmill was connected to the laboratory. I headed on over and approached the building but before I could enter the building I heard a loud commotion coming from inside the laboratory. There were many people shouting, but they didn't seem to be in danger, they seemed to be panicking about something. Eventually I found what they were panicking about, as I was about to enter the doors opened and a Pokemon landed right in my arms. It was all so sudden that I almost dropped the Pokemon, but it clambered over on my shoulders before settling down. I then noticed that it was a Chimchar one of the three starter Pokemon given to new trainers in the Sinnoh Region.

"Thank goodness you happened to be there, who knows how far that Chimchar would have run. Chimchar please stop acting like a spoilt child." The guy spoke, he also appeared to be wearing a lab coat, suggesting he was a assistant to the professor. Mainly because Professor Rowan was much older than this guy appeared to be. The Chimchar however, glared and smirked sticking his tongue out at the assistant before dancing across my shoulders trying to get a good vantage point. "What seems to be all the ruckus?" A elderly voice spoke from further inside the laboratory. "Oh Professor Rowan! We were just trying to catch Chimchar. Thankfully this young man happened to catch him before he could dash of again."

Professor Rowan hummed in thought, "I apologise for this young man. My name as you've just heard is Professor Rowan and I run this lab. This is Chimchar one of the three starter Pokemon I end up giving to new trainers on their journeys. However, this Chimchar appears to be rather confident and mischievous. A rather difficult combination for new trainers to handle." I understood where he was coming from, judging from this spirited Pokemon, no new trainer would have near enough experience or knowledge at handling such a rambunctious Pokemon. "Oh, my name is Leo I came all the way from the Kanto Region." I introduced myself and Chimchar seemed suddenly more interested at the conversation all of a sudden as his ears perked.

"Kanto you say?" Professor Rowan hummed in thought before he suddenly perked up as if he remembered something important. "Ah, I remember now. Professor Oak called ahead to mention a trainer from Kanto would likely be visiting my laboratory. If I recall correctly he mentioned you were trying to complete the Pokedex. An ambitious goal to say the least. If I may be so bold, may I see your Pokedex, Professor Oak mentioned you had been catching Pokemon at a steady pace." I saw no reason to say no and showed him my Rotom Phone which in turn showed him my caught Pokedex. Professor Rowan slowly scrolled through the Pokedex he seemed to be rather impressed. "This is a very detailed Pokedex you have hear. You seem to be a rather accomplished and talented trainer. Incidentally this might be a stroke of good luck for us and for you." The Professor spoke as he headed inside gesturing me to follow him. Chimchar remained perched on my shoulder, carefully eyeing the Professor's assistants making sure they didn't attempt to catch him again.

"You already know about this Chimchar, from what I told you. This Chimchar I believe wants to head out with a experienced, capable and strong trainer, he's rejected many starter trainers simply because they are inexperienced, immature or perhaps he is just waiting for the right trainer." Chimchar nodded in agreement to Professor Rowan's analysis. "Here is my request for you, would you allow this Chimchar to accompany you on your journey. You obviously have experience handling many different Pokemon and likely different personalities and characteristics. Not only that but this Chimchar seems to have taken a liking to you. Not once has he attempted to run away from you, nor attack you."

At that I turned to Chimchar who dropped down in front of me staring me down confidently, hope was shining in his eyes as he practically began begging me to agree. At that I saw no reason to decline. "I accept the offer Professor Rowan." At that Chimchar jumped up and down performing backflips as he cheered excitedly. Interrupting Chimchar's acrobatics Professor Rowan approached me once again, this time holding a Pokeball in hand. "This here is Chimchar's Pokeball." I accepted the Pokeball and Rotom registered my first new Pokemon in the Sinnoh Region. "Chimchar has been registered to your Pokedex. Chimchar the Chimp Monkey Pokemon a Fire Type. Its fiery rear end is fuelled by gas made in its belly. Even rain can't extinguish the fire." Chimchar jumped upwards and happily bumped his fist with mine showcasing his happiness at his newfound trainer.

"Excellent, it seems you two are already showing a strong bond even though you've only just met. I hope you will be able to help Chimchar grow even stronger and perhaps tame his rather rambunctious personality." Professor Rowan requested but I knew that I had experience training many mischievous Pokemon and they really maintained that personality no matter what, only in battles did they concentrate on showcasing to me their full strength. At that I returned Chimchar to his Pokeball and returned Pikachu back home now that I had a partner Pokemon. I thanked Professor Rowan and began my journey through the Sinnoh Region first by heading West to Route 201 where I immediately began searching through the grass and trees for new Sinnoh Pokemon to catch.

It didn't take long to come across my first new Pokemon and it was a Bidoof a Normal Type, that looked rather cute. "Come out Chimchar!" Chimchar appeared looking ready for battle, "lets see just how well we work together Chimchar!" Chimchar agreed smirking confidently at the Bidoof who appeared rather frazzled. "Use Ember!" Chimchar unleashed a barrage of small Ember's which scored a direct hit against the underprepared Bidoof. "Wrap it up with Scratch!" Chimchar dashed forward following the command immediately landing a harsh Scratch weakening Bidoof enough for me to throw a Pokeball. "Pokeball go!" I watched as the ball shook once, twice, three times before the capture was confirmed. "Bidoof has been registered to your Pokedex. Bidoof the Plump Mouse Pokemon a Normal Type. It constantly gnaws on logs and rocks to whittle down its front teeth. It nests alongside water."

Chimchar cheered at the successful capture and dashed up to me ready to give me a high five which I accepted immediately. I released Bidoof and healed him up with some Potions. "Nice to meet you Bidoof, I'm Leo and this is Chimchar. Its my dream to catch every Pokemon there is to catch. Would you like to help me with that dream." Bidoof seemed to ponder but accepted quickly enough before he and Chimchar began chatting with one another as I continued my search. Eventually I came across the next new Pokemon a Starly. Before I could do anything, Bidoof ran forward deciding to have a battle to see his bond with his newfound trainer. "Bidoof Tackle!" Bidoof dashed forward but Starly dodged effectively by flying up. "Starly's coming at you with a Tackle dodge it!" Bidoof turned and just barely managed to dodge the attack. "Bidoof another Tackle!" Starly decided to counter by using its own Tackle and the two clashed together. Both grimaced trying to gain supremacy but neither side seemed to be giving an inch.

Bidoof wasn't one to give up and pushed forward feeling the determination his trainer was giving him. With that added boost of power, Bidoof smashed right into the stunned Starly who was sent plummeting to the ground shocked. I threw a Pokeball at the stunned Starly and watched as the ball shook once, twice, three times before the capture was confirmed. "Starly has been registered to your Pokedex. Starly the Starling Pokemon a Normal and Flying Type. Usually with a large flock, it is barely noticeable when alone. Its cries are very strident." I healed up Bidoof thanking him before releasing Starly healing him up as well. Starly seemed rather affectionate happily landing on my shoulder as we travelled through Route 201. I was searching for one final Pokemon that was a little rarer but nonetheless still worth the wait.

Starly decided to try and be of assistance to his new trainer and began searching for a Kricketot from the air and since Starly knew the area relatively well, he knew where he needed to look in order to find a Kricketot. Eventually Starly did find a Kricketot and began circling getting my attention. I headed on over to Starly was circling and found Kricketot eyeing Starly carefully. "Good work Starly, now use Tackle!" Starly descended rapidly while Kricketot Growled trying to lower Starly's attack power. Starly powered through landing Tackle against Kricketot, sending the Bug Type crashing to the ground.

"Pokeball go!" I threw a Pokeball at the stunned Kricketot and watched as the ball shook, once, twice, three times before the capture was confirmed. "Kricketot has been registered to your Pokedex. Kricketot the Cricket Pokemon a Bug Type. Its legs are short. Whenever it stumbles, its stiff antennae clack with a xylophone like sound." I healed up Kricketot and thanked Starly for his help before I continued heading West where I arrived at Verity Lakefront a brief stopping point before I headed North and reached Lake Verity iyself.

Through the trees I walked and eventually stumbled across Lake Verity, a peaceful, quaint lake surrounded by Pokemon and trees everywhere. Research also indicated that Lake Verity was believed to be the home of the legendary Pokemon Mesprit, the being of emotion. I doubted very much that I would find Mesprit but I was here thanks to a rumour that Piplup had been commonly found here swimming through the lake which was surprising.

I decided to try my luck at seeing if I could find and maybe even catch a wild Piplup. I had known that Piplup were quite the prideful and stubborn species of Pokemon and could be a challenge to raise for beginning trainers. I scoured the lake, watching for movement, what I spotted was mostly the wild Magikarp swimming through the lake. However, a sudden splash revealed a Pipup had exited the lake and meandered pridefully on to the land.

That's when the Piplup immediately spotted me and stared me down, confident and seemingly assured in its victory. "Come on out Starly!" Starly appeared staring down the Piplup awaited his commands. "Starly use Quick Attack!" Starly flew at lightning speed scoring a direct hit against Puplup who retaliated immediately, using Bubble. "Dodge those then strike with Wing Attack!" Starly evaded the slow moving Bubbles before landing a powerful Wing Attack against Piplup.

Piplup stumbled before falling on to the ground. "Pokeball go!" I threw the Pokeball at the weakened Piplup and watched as it shook once, twice, three times before the capture was a success. "Piplup has been registered to your Pokedex. Piplup the Penguin Pokemon a Water Type. It lives along the shore in northern countries. A skilled swimmer, it dives for over 10 minutes while hunting."

At that I thanked Starly for his good work and he happily cheered accepting the praise while I released Piplup fully anticipating him to be grouchy at having been caught. However, I was pleasantly surprised when this Piplup seemed relatively unconcerned about having been caught. Don't get me wrong, Piplup didn't hug me and clamber all over me like Chimchar would, but he didn't glare and act all high and mighty around me. It just goes to show that every Pokemon had its own personality and this one just wasn't all that prideful a surprise.

At that I had caught every Pokemon from Lake Acuity and Route 201 and as such I decided next I would return to Sandgem Town and continue north up to Jubilife City and beyond.