The Ilex Forest is a dense woodland located on the southern outskirts of the Johto Region, right next to Azalea Town.
The trees here were so lush and the canopy so thick that it blocked out the sun, making day feel as dark as night. In terms of atmosphere, it felt very much like Viridian Forest.
"This forest feels really nice!" Misty remarked, genuinely enjoying the stroll.
Now that Ash possessed Aura Power, they no longer got lost as easily, which kept Misty's mood relaxed. She didn't know that the Ilex Forest was home to a vast variety of Bug-type Pokémon; Ash was intentionally using his Aura to lead them away from bug habitats to keep her happy.
"Once we pass through the Ilex Forest, the closest stop is the Goldenrod Gym in Goldenrod City!" Brock said, smiling as he checked the travel guide.
"Goldenrod City?" Misty perked up at the name. "I know that place! Goldenrod is the largest city in the Johto Region and the hub of economy and technology. It's easily a match for Saffron City back in Kanto."
As a young woman, Misty couldn't resist the excitement of a big city shopping spree. Ash also knew that this "Mermaid" had the heart of a true foodie.
"What's this?"
Emerging from a Pokémon Center nestled in the woods, the group came across a shrine dedicated to Celebi, the forest guardian.
Near the shrine, Ash found a wide clearing that was perfect for camping and training.
"Come on out, Snorlax, Heracross, Bayleef, Quilava, and Slowpoke!"
Snorlax had just eaten the system-exclusive feed Ash provided that morning and promptly fell into a satisfied slumber.
Heracross and Bayleef clearly loved the scent of the forest. Heracross climbed a tree to feast on sap, while Bayleef immediately ran to Ash's side to act spoiled. She loved being near him.
Quilava looked lazy, curling into a ball and lying down next to Ash.
Slowpoke, however, seemed to have noticed something and began slowly shuffling toward a particular direction.
"Hey, Slowpoke, where are you going?"
Ash was curious. Over the time they had spent together, Ash had realized that this Slowpoke possessed incredible intelligence; its slow, easygoing movements were just a mask that made it look dazed.
Ash decided to follow it.
He didn't bother recalling the other Pokémon. "Brock, could you keep an eye on Snorlax, Heracross, and Quilava for me?"
"Sure, no problem!" Brock called back, already busy preparing a meal.
Misty waved lazily, leaning back against the sleeping Snorlax.
"Let's go!" Ash gestured to Pikachu and Bayleef, following after the pink Pokémon.
To his surprise, Slowpoke led them to a small stream deep within the forest.
"Is that...?"
In the middle of the stream, a yellow Pokémon was floating on its back, staring blankly at the clouds drifting by. It looked completely unmotivated, perfectly playing the part of a "salted fish" with no dreams left in life.
"Isn't that a Psyduck?"
It was indeed a Psyduck, though it looked very different from Misty's infamous "Duck God." Misty's Psyduck was legendary slow to react, often confused by commands, and prone to popping out of its Poké Ball at the wrong time with a bewildered expression.
But it was most terrifying when it got a headache, unleashing devastating Psychic power. Despite Misty's constant complaints, she actually doted on it more than anyone.
"What's wrong with this little guy?" Ash wondered, crouching down next to Slowpoke a short distance from the floating duck.
Hearing Ash's murmur, Slowpoke looked at him, and its eyes began to glow with a blue light.
"Is that the move Future Sight?" Ash recognized it immediately. He could actually exchange points for a similar skill in the System Mall called Foresight.
While the Pokémon move Future Sight launched a delayed burst of psychic energy, Ash's system version allowed him to see several seconds into the future.
A moment later, Ash understood the images Slowpoke was transmitting. This Psyduck had been "released" here by its trainer.
To be precise, it had been abandoned.
Ash had seen far too many cases of trainers discarding their Pokémon. His own Charizard had been cruelly abandoned by its original trainer before Ash took it in. Charizard's obsession with strength and its rapid evolution were likely rooted in that trauma;
subconsciously, it believed it had been abandoned because it wasn't strong enough. It had even disobeyed the original Ash because it felt its trainer couldn't provide the power it craved.
Of course, Charizard didn't have to worry about that anymore. Its bond with Ash had granted it a new form and even greater power.
Ash walked to the edge of the stream. "Hey, little guy. Why don't you come with me?"
Psyduck opened its eyes and looked at Ash, but then simply closed them again, continuing its "salted fish" impersonation.
Ash checked his compatibility with the Psyduck. The result was depressing.
0/40.
Ash had never seen compatibility that low. It meant Psyduck wouldn't listen to a word he said, no matter how much they trained. They were simply fundamentally incompatible.
"Fine, I won't bother talking then," Ash muttered. He didn't even try to persuade it; he just tossed a Poké Ball.
The Psyduck was so drained of hope that the Poké Ball didn't even shake before it clicked shut.
With such low compatibility, Ash knew he couldn't train this Psyduck properly.
However...
"I'll find you a trainer that fits you, little guy."
The chance to fulfill that promise came sooner than expected.
After leaving the Ilex Forest on their way to Goldenrod City, the group passed through Leaf Town, which was currently in the middle of a grand festival.
And at that festival, they were holding a Pokémon Swap Meet!
Slowpoke: 135/185
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