Chapter 194: Wilderness Area
Journey to Fuchsia City
The morning sun rose over the forest, casting a golden glow as Ash and his team wrapped up their daily training.
Sweat glistened on their foreheads, and Charizard stretched its wings after a rigorous flying session. Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, let out a satisfied "Pika~" as it wiped its little face.
After cooling down, the group returned to camp, where Brock had prepared breakfast.
"Eat up, everyone! We've got a long journey ahead," Brock said as he stirred a pot of stew over the fire.
The group dug in eagerly, knowing that today would be another step closer to Fuchsia City.
This time, Brock made sure to triple-check the map, so they wouldn't take any unexpected detours again.
"No more wrong turns," he muttered to himself.
Even though their last mistake led to Ash catching Aerodactyl, they couldn't rely on luck every time.
Following the planned route was their best bet.
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The Venusaur Garden
Six days after departing from Dasha Valley, they found themselves passing through a mysterious forest.
According to the people in a nearby town, this place was known as "Venusaur Garden."
"Venusaur Garden?" Misty repeated, holding her Pokémon Egg carefully.
"That's right," Brock nodded. "Every year around this time, a large number of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur gather in this forest from all over the region."
"That sounds amazing!" Ash's excitement grew.
He turned to his own Ivysaur, who had been walking beside him, listening curiously.
"You hear that, Ivysaur? This might be the perfect place for you!"
Ivysaur's eyes sparkled with interest.
The group pressed forward, eager to witness this natural gathering.
As soon as they entered the heart of the forest, they were greeted by an incredible sight.
Hundreds of Bulbasaur and Ivysaur stood in a clearing, while towering Venusaur watched over them.
In the center of it all, a grand ceremony was taking place.
Under the guidance of the Venusaur, some of the Ivysaur began to evolve!
A warm, golden light surrounded them, and one by one, they transformed into powerful Venusaur.
Ash's Ivysaur, clearly drawn to the celebration, stepped forward to join them.
Misty and Brock watched in fascination as Ivysaur stood among its kind.
And then—
It happened.
A bright glow surrounded Ivysaur, and when the light faded—
A Venusaur stood in its place.
"Awesome! You did it, Venusaur!" Ash cheered.
Venusaur roared in acknowledgment, its strength now greater than before.
Although its level hadn't reached the Elite tier yet, it was now a powerful force in Ash's team.
Experiences like this were why they traveled on foot.
If they had flown straight to Fuchsia City, they would have missed this incredible moment.
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News from Nurse Joy
After spending the day in Venusaur Garden, the group stopped at a Pokémon Center in a nearby village.
While their Pokémon rested, they spoke with Nurse Joy, who shared some interesting information.
"You're not far from Fuchsia City now," she said kindly. "It should only take you about a day's journey."
Ash grinned. "That's great! We're getting close!"
"Oh, and there's something else you might be interested in," Nurse Joy added. "Before reaching Fuchsia City, you'll pass by the famous Wild Wilderness Area."
Misty tilted her head. "Wild Wilderness Area?"
Brock's eyes lit up.
"That's the new name for the Safari Zone!"
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The Wild Wilderness Area
Once called the Safari Zone, the Wild Wilderness Area was a vast Pokémon habitat with mountains, plains, lakes, and forests.
Because of its diverse landscapes, it was home to hundreds of Pokémon species.
Trainers from all over the world came here to catch rare Pokémon.
However, to protect the natural environment, the Pokémon League enforced strict rules.
"Each Trainer is only allowed 30 Safari Balls," Brock explained. "That means you only have 30 chances to catch Pokémon, so you have to be strategic."
Ash nodded. "Sounds like a fun challenge!"
Misty, still holding the Pokémon Egg, smiled.
"Even if we don't catch any Pokémon, just seeing the place will be worth it."
The decision was made.
They would visit the Wild Wilderness Area before heading to Fuchsia City.
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Arriving at the Entrance
After two more days of travel, Ash and his friends finally arrived.
Standing at the entrance, Ash's eyes widened in surprise.
"Whoa… There are a lot of people here!"
He had expected the Wild Wilderness Area to be a quiet, secluded place, but the entrance was crowded with Trainers.
Misty raised an eyebrow. "Why would you think no one would come here?"
"I don't know," Ash shrugged. "I just thought it'd be less busy."
Brock chuckled. "This is one of the most famous places in Kanto. Of course it's packed."
Trainers of all ages were gathered near the entrance, talking excitedly as they prepared to enter.
Some held Safari Balls, while others studied maps of the area.
Ash grinned.
"Well, let's not waste any time. Let's go!"
With that, the group stepped forward, eager to explore one of the most legendary Pokémon habitats in the world.
Little did they know… a new adventure awaited them.
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To Be Continued…