The Ilex Forest was a dense woodland in the southern outskirts of Johto. The trees were so thick they blotted out the sun, making the interior as dark as night even during the day. It felt very much like the Viridian Forest in Kanto.
"This forest feels quite nice." Misty enjoyed her stroll through the woods.
Since Ash had gained the power of Aura, the group no longer worried about getting lost. He had intentionally guided them away from the Bug-type habitats to keep Misty's mood light. She had no idea how many insects were actually hiding in the shadows.
"Once we pass through this forest, the closest major stop is Goldenrod City," Brock noted while consulting the travel guide.
"Goldenrod City?" Misty's excitement spiked. "It's the largest city in Johto! It's said to rival Saffron City back in Kanto."
Misty couldn't resist the thrill of a shopping spree. Ash also knew that beneath her "Mermaid" exterior, she had the heart of a true foodie.
After leaving a local Pokémon Center, the group found a clearing near a shrine dedicated to Celebi, the Forest Protector. It was the perfect spot for a break.
"Come out, everyone! Snorlax, Heracross, Bayleef, Quilava, and Slowpoke!"
Snorlax immediately fell asleep after eating his specialized fodder. Heracross and Bayleef loved the forest air, while Quilava curled into a ball for a nap. However, Slowpoke noticed something and began waddling toward the deeper woods.
"Hey, Slowpoke, where are you going?"
Ash was curious. This Slowpoke possessed a remarkably high level of intelligence, so its movements were never random. Ash decided to follow it.
"Brock, please look after the others for a bit."
"Sure, leave it to me," Brock replied.
Ash, followed by Pikachu and Bayleef, trailed behind Slowpoke until they reached a small stream.
"What's that?"
In the middle of the water, a yellow Pokémon was floating on its back. It stared vacantly at the clouds, drifting like a piece of driftwood. It was the perfect picture of a "salted fish" with no dreams left.
"Is that... a Psyduck?"
It looked nothing like Misty's Psyduck. While hers was famously confused, it had a spark of hidden power. This one looked soul-crushed, as if it had lost all interest in living.
"What's wrong with this little guy?" Ash whispered.
Slowpoke's eyes began to glow with a soft blue light. Ash recognized the move: Future Sight. Through the mental images Slowpoke shared, Ash saw the truth. This Psyduck had been abandoned by its trainer right here in the forest.
Ash thought of his Charizard, who had been left in the rain as a Charmander. He walked to the water's edge.
"Hey little guy, come with me."
The Psyduck opened its eyes, glanced at Ash, and then simply closed them again, continuing to float away. Ash checked the system for their Compatibility.
The result was a devastating 0/40.
Ash had never seen a score that low. It meant the Psyduck's heart was completely closed off. They were on entirely different wavelengths.
"Well, I guess talking won't work," Ash muttered.
He didn't try to persuade it further. He simply tossed a Poké Ball. The Psyduck didn't resist; the ball clicked shut without even a single shake.
Ash knew he wasn't the right trainer for this Psyduck, but he wouldn't leave it to rot.
"I'll find you a trainer who actually suits you," he promised.
That chance was coming soon. As they traveled toward Goldenrod City, they reached Palmpona, a town holding a grand festival and a Pokémon Swap Meet.
Slowpoke Sync: 135/185