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| ==Plot== | | ==Plot== |
| {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} are walking through a forest, headed for [[Johto]]'s [[Violet City]], where Ash plans to challenge the local [[Falkner|Gym Leader]] for a Badge. While walking, the group comes across a part of the forest where the trees have no leaves. This confounds the group; Brock mentions that there are no signs of damage to the trees, nor is it the right season for the leaves to be falling off. {{AP|Pikachu}} suddenly spots something, and the group notices a single large, healthy tree among the dead-looking trees, one which has a number of large, dark bug-like Pokémon clamped onto its trunk. A closer look reveals that the Pokémon are lapping up a golden substance that is leaking from the trunk. | | {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} walk through a forest, headed for [[Violet City]], where Ash hopes to earn his first [[Johto League]] [[Badge]]. They soon stop and notice that several of the trees are missing their leaves. Brock notes that their appears to be no damage. Suddenly {{AP|Pikachu}} suddenly spots a [[horde]] of mysterious Pokémon clamped onto a healthy tree trunk. Ash's [[Pokédex]] confirms their identity as {{p|Heracross}}, mentioning their docile nature, great strength, and their preferred food: tree sap. Thinking he can catch some new Pokémon and save the tree at the same time, Ash goes to throw his [[Poké Ball]]. However, a voice behind him tells him to stop. The trio turn around to see a man in a red uniform, who warns Ash that catching the Heracross will only cause more damage to the forest. |
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| Misty expresses her disgust in the bug Pokémon, while Ash brings out his new [[Pokédex]] and scans them. The Pokédex identifies the Pokémon as {{p|Heracross}}, mentioning their docile nature, great strength, and their preferred food: tree sap. Ash, thinking that the tree is in danger from all of the Heracross feeding on its sap, wants to catch them all and try to save the tree. Before he can toss a [[Poké Ball]], however, a voice behind him tells him to stop. Ash, Misty, and Brock turn around to see a man in a red uniform, who tells him that catching the Heracross will only cause more damage to the forest.
| | The man introduces himself as [[Woodruff]], a forest ranger. After the group introduce themselves, Woodruff explains that the Heracross are important to the forest's natural balance. It turns out that they share a {{wp|symbiosis|symbiotic relationship}} with the local {{p|Butterfree}} population, who also feed on sap but are too weak to break into the tree trunk to get to it. The more powerful Heracross dig into the trunk to start the sap flow, eats their fill, then allow the Butterfree to come and feed. |
| | Misty is worried that both the Heracross and Butterfree are hurting the forest, looking up at the dying trees. Woodruff tells the group that the balance of nature in the forest was broken by "invaders". Pikachu's ears twitch as a large herd of {{p|Pinsir}} stampede toward the tree. Woodruff identifies the Pinsir as the "invaders" as the {{t|Bug}} Pokémon leap onto the tree trunk and scare away the Butterfree. Ash yells at the Pinsir to leave the other Pokémon alone, while Misty demands that the Heracross do something about it. In unison, the Heracross fly up and attack the Pinsir, while Ash and Misty cheer them on. However, the Heracross are easily scared off by the Pinsir's massive pincers, and fly away. Woodruff tells the group that the Heracross are too peaceful to have any desire to take on the Pinsir; this worries Brock, who says that the forest will surely be destroyed if the Heracross don't do something to prevent it. |
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| The man introduces himself as [[Woodruff]], a forest ranger. After the group introduce themselves, Woodruff goes on to explain how important the Heracross are to the forest. It turns out that they share a symbiotic relationship with the local {{p|Butterfree}} population, who also feed on sap but are too weak to break into the tree trunk to get to it. The more powerful Heracross digs into the trunk to start the sap flow, eats their fill, then allow the Butterfree to come and feed.
| | Ash notices a Butterfree still trapped up in the branches of the tree by the marauding Pinsir. A single Heracross pops up in front of the Pinsir to defend the Butterfree, and is quickly set upon by their giant, spiked pincers. Ash, upset that Heracross is being ganged up on, jumps in to help it, and sends out {{AP|Bulbasaur}}. One {{m|Vine Whip}} attack takes out all of the Pinsir, and Butterfree soon flies away; however, the Heracross is too tired to follow. The Pinsir regroup and start an ascent up the tree trunk, which Ash quickly puts to a stop by having Pikachu use {{m|Thunderbolt}}. The Heracross looks on while Ash defends it, watching as Ash's Pikachu defeats the lot with a {{m|Thunder}} attack and sends them packing. |
| Misty is worried that both the Heracross and Butterfree are hurting the forest, looking up at the dying trees. Woodruff tells the group that the balance of nature in the forest was broken by "invaders". Pikachu perks up, noticing something different, and turns around to point out something headed their way.
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| A large herd of {{p|Pinsir}} is stampeding toward the tree. Woodruff identifies the Pinsir as the "invaders" as the bug Pokémon leap onto the tree trunk and scare away the Butterfree. Ash yells at the Pinsir to leave the other Pokémon alone, while Misty demands that the Heracross do something about it. In unison, the Heracross fly up and attack the Pinsir, while Ash and Misty cheer them on. However, the Heracross are easily scared off by the Pinsir's massive pincers, and fly away. Woodruff tells the group that the Heracross are too peaceful to have any desire to take on the Pinsir; this worries Brock, who says that the forest will surely be destroyed if the Heracross don't do something to prevent it.
| | At Ash's all-clear, the Heracross flies down and approaches Ash's Bulbasaur and Pikachu. Ash thinks that it wants to thank his Pokémon; however, Heracross begins to suck forcefully on the opening of Bulbasaur's bulb, causing Bulbasaur some degree of pain as it drains his pollen. Bulbasaur knocks Heracross off with a strong vine whip, sending him sprawling on his back in the grass. While the group muses over whether or not Heracross was protecting the Butterfree or its food source, Woodruff is worried about the Pinsir possibly coming back. He mentions that the Pinsir live in the forest on the opposite side of a river, and that something has been causing them to cross the river and invade the Heracross territory. Misty, due to her fear of bug Pokémon, would rather leave the problem to itself and move on, but Ash and Brock want to help Woodruff and save the forest. Woodruff begins to lead them toward the Pinsir territory. |
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| Ash notices a Butterfree that was left behind, trapped up in the branches of the tree by the marauding Pinsir. A single Heracross pops up in front of the Pinsir to defend the Butterfree, and is quickly set upon by their giant, spiked pincers. Ash, upset that the Heracross is being ganged up on, jumps in to help it, and sends out {{AP|Bulbasaur}}. One {{m|Vine Whip}} attack takes out all of the Pinsir, and the Butterfree flies away; however, the Heracross is too tired to follow. The Pinsir regroup and start an ascent up the tree trunk, which Ash quickly puts to a stop by having Pikachu use {{m|Thunderbolt}}. The Heracross looks on while Ash defends it, watching as Ash's Pikachu defeats the lot with a {{m|Thunder}} attack and sends them packing. | | While Ash's Bulbasaur clears the path ahead using {{m|Razor Leaf}}, Ash notices the Heracross following them. Ash wonders if Heracross wants him to protect it, but Misty reminds him that Heracross liked Bulbasaur's nectar. Hearing this, Bulbasaur turns and confronts Heracross, slinging a Razor Leaf at it to try to scare it off. When Heracross looks up, confused, the group is further away down the path. |
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| At Ash's all-clear, the Heracross flies down and approaches Ash's Bulbasaur and Pikachu. Ash thinks that it wants to thank his Pokémon; however, Heracross begins to suck forcefully on the opening of Bulbasaur's bulb, causing Bulbasaur some degree of pain as it drains his pollen. Bulbasaur knocks Heracross off with a strong vine whip, sending him sprawling on his back in the grass. While the group muses over whether or not Heracross was protecting the Butterfree or its food source, Woodruff is worried about the Pinsir possibly coming back. He mentions that the Pinsir live in the forest on the opposite side of a river, and that something has been causing them to cross the river and invade Heracross territory. Misty, due to her fear of bug Pokémon, would rather leave the problem to itself and move on, but Ash and Brock want to help Woodruff and save the forest. Woodruff begins to lead them toward the Pinsir territory.
| | Once out of the woods, Ash recalls Bulbasaur. The group approaches a deep gorge which the river runs through. Woodruff calls attention to a rope bridge that he uses to cross, only to find that the bridge is down. Looking into the gorge, Misty sees the Pinsir getting across by jumping along tree limbs. Ash accuses the Pinsir of having cut the bridge ropes, but when Woodruff inspects the severed ends of the rope, he points out that the cut is suspicious and that it could have only been done by a human. Angry at whatever human had destroyed the bridge, the group then ponders how to cross the gorge. They hear a sound, and turn to find Heracross pushing on a tree. Misty begins to fuss at it, but Brock cuts her off, realizing that the Heracross is trying to push the tree over. The group jump out of the way as the tree comes crashing down, landing neatly across the gorge. The group soon cross the river and enter the Pinsir forest, with the Heracross still following at a distance. |
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| While Ash's Bulbasaur clears the path ahead using {{m|Razor Leaf}}, Ash notices the Heracross following them. Ash wonders if the Heracross wants him to protect it, but Misty mentions how Heracross liked Bulbasaur's nectar. Hearing this, Bulbasaur turns and confronts the Heracross, slinging a Razor Leaf at it to try to scare it off. When Heracross looks up, confused, the group is further away down the path.
| | As they enter Pinsir territory, they notice a tree with a single gigantic Pinsir up in the branches. Woodruff points out that Pinsir do not grow that large. A closer look shows that the [[Team Rocket's mechas|Pinsir robot]] has a hose connected to the tree trunk, with golden sap leaking out around the connection point. At this, {{TRT}} leaps out from the tree and launches their {{motto}}. Woodruff identifies them as the robot's owner, at which they explain their motive for building it: while hiking in the woods, tired and starved, they noticed a tree with sweet-smelling sap. After tasting the incredibly delicious sap, they decided to drain the forest of all of its sap and sell it, building a Pinsir mecha to do the draining job for them. |
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| Once out of the woods, Ash recalls Bulbasaur. The group approaches a deep gorge which the river runs through. Woodruff calls attention to a rope bridge that he uses to cross, only to find that the bridge is down. Looking into the gorge, Misty sees the Pinsir getting across by jumping along tree limbs. Ash accuses the Pinsir of having cut the bridge ropes, but when Woodruff inspects the severed ends of the rope, he points out that the cut is different that what a Pinsir would make, and that it could have only been done by a human. Angry at whatever human had destroyed the bridge, the group then ponders how to cross the gorge. They hear a sound, and turn to find Heracross pushing on a tree. Misty begins to fuss at it, but Brock cuts her off, realizing that the Heracross is trying to push the tree over. The group jump out of the way as the tree comes crashing down, landing neatly across the gorge where the bridge used to be. The group are able to safely cross the river and enter the Pinsir forest, with the Heracross still following at a distance.
| | Ash and the group berate Team Rocket for upsetting the balance of nature for selfish ends, but [[Jessie]] states that the only balance they care about is their checking account balance. Jessie sends out {{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}}, while [[James]] calls out {{TP|James|Victreebel}} and quickly makes a dive for the bushes, expecting to get a bite on the head from his Pokémon. When no such bite comes, he looks up, finding his Pokémon licking the tree sap. James scolds his Pokémon, Victreebel attempts to devour its {{pkmn|Trainer}}. Jessie also finds her Pokémon more interested in the sap; realizing that they're not getting anywhere, {{MTR}} whips out a remote to the Pinsir mech and commands it to attack Ash and {{ashfr}}. |
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| As they enter Pinsir territory, they notice a tree with a single gigantic Pinsir up in the branches. Woodruff points out that Pinsir do not grow that large, and that the Pinsir in question is really a machine. A closer look shows that the Pinsir robot has a hose connected to the tree trunk, with golden sap leaking out around the connection point. At this, {{TRT}} leaps out from the tree and speaks their motto. Woodruff identifies them as the robot's owner, at which they explain their motive for building it: while hiking in the woods, tired and starved, they chanced upon a tree with sweet-smelling sap. After tasting the incredibly delicious sap, they decide to drain the forest of all of its sap and sell it, building a Pinsir mech (the parts of which they sent for from an ad they found in the back pages of ''Popular Pokémon'' magazine) to do the draining job for them. ([[Jessie]] originally wanted to start a pancake house to sell the syrup, but her idea to top the flapjacks with her "own special blend" of limburger cheese and cajun curry powder didn't go over well with [[James]] and {{MTR}}.)
| | Ash sends out Bulbasaur to use Razor Leaf, but the robot negates the attack with its steel pincers. Bulbasaur then wraps it up in Vine Whip and sends it spinning like a top, then Ash commands Pikachu to use {{m|ThunderShock}} on it. However, the mecha absorbs the electricity, and shoots it back at the group from its pincers. Knocked down, the group are unable to do anything as the Pinsir robot approaches them. To everyone's surprise, Heracross decides to intervene and begins to push against the robot. At Meowth's command the Pinsir mecha pushes Heracross some distance, but Heracross gathers up its strength and begins pushing back, while Misty cheers it on, no longer thinking of it as "creepy" like other bug Pokémon. With their mech getting beaten, Team Rocket fights over the controls, and the remote ends up getting destroyed in the scuffle. Unable to receive commands, the robot cannot fight back; after Ash and the group remove the sap tanks, Heracross shoves its horn under the mech and lifts it up onto its shoulders. With a mighty heave, Heracross {{m|Seismic Toss|tosses}} the mecha high up into the air. The lands on Team Rocket, then explodes, sending them blasting off again. |
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| Ash and the group berate Team Rocket for upsetting the balance of nature for selfish ends, but Jessie states that the only balance they care about is their checking account balance. She sends out {{TP|Jessie|Lickitung}}, while James sends out {{TP|James|Victreebel}} and quickly makes a dive for the bushes, expecting to get a bite on the head from his Pokémon. When no such bite comes, he looks up, finding his Pokémon licking the tree sap. Only when he fusses at it for sucking up their profits does Victreebel pay heed to him and attempt to devour him. Jessie also finds her Pokémon more interested in the sap; realizing that they're not getting anywhere, Meowth whips out a remote to the Pinsir mech and commands it to attack the [[Twerp]] group. | | Heracross strikes a victory pose as Ash and Misty congratulate it. They then notice a crowd of Pinsir approaching them from the surrounding forest, signaling that the Pinsir population has returned to its own territory, leaving the Heracross and Butterfree in peace. Back on the Heracross side of the river, the group watch the Heracross and Butterfree feeding on a tree. The lone Heracross approaches the group, and Ash and Misty commend Heracross' efforts and congratulate it on helping to save the forest. Saying their goodbyes to Heracross and Woodruff, they continue on their path to Violet City. |
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| Ash sends out Bulbasaur to use Razor Leaf, but the mech negates the attack with its steel pincers. Bulbasaur then wraps it up in Vine Whip and sends it spinning like a top, then Ash commands Pikachu to use {{m|ThunderShock}} on it. However, the mech absorbs the electricity, and shoots it back at the group from its pincers. Knocked down, the group is unable to do anything as the mech approaches them. But then, the mech is quickly put to a halt by Heracross, who leaps in at the last moment, pressing against the mech's body with its claws.
| | However, upon leaving the forest, Ash and the group find that the Heracross is still following them. They realize that it wants to leave the forest behind and come with them. Heracross nods at the idea so Ash tosses a Poké Ball, and the Pokémon willfully enters inside. Ash celebrates his latest catch,{{AP|Heracross}}, before the group continues on their journey. |
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| Meowth commands the mech to retaliate, and the mech succeeds in pushing Heracross a distance; however, Heracross gathers up its strength and begins pushing back, while Misty cheers it on, no longer thinking of it as "creepy" like other bug Pokémon. With their mech getting beaten, Team Rocket fights over the controls, and the remote ends up getting destroyed in the scuffle. Unable to receive commands, the mech cannot fight back; after Ash and the group remove the sap tanks, Heracross shoves its horn under the mech and lifts it up onto its shoulders. With a mighty heave, Heracross {{m|Seismic Toss|tosses}} the mech high up into the air. The mech comes down on Team Rocket, then explodes, sending them blasting off again.
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| Heracross strikes a victory pose as Ash and Misty congratulate it. They then notice a crowd of Pinsir approaching them from the surrounding forest, signaling that the Pinsir population has returned to its own territory, leaving the Heracross and Butterfree in peace. Back on the Heracross side of the river, the group watch the Heracross and Butterfree feeding on a tree. The lone Heracross approaches the group, and Ash and Misty thank it and congratulate it for all that it did to save the forest. Saying their goodbyes to Heracross and Woodruff, they continue on their path to Violet City.
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| However, upon leaving the forest, Ash and the group find that the Heracross is still following them. It wants to leave the forest behind and come with Ash. Ash tosses a Poké Ball, which the Heracross willfully enters and remains inside. Ash celebrates having been chosen by {{AP|Heracross}} before the group continues on their journey. | |
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| ==Major events== | | ==Major events== |