On the way to Violet City, Ash and friends come across a forest where Pinsir and Heracross are normally separated by a river into their own sections of the forest. However, something has happened in Pinsir's side of the forest, causing them to migrate to the Heracross part of the forest and stir up trouble. Ash and friends, along with a forest ranger named Woodrow and a friendly Heracross set out to find out why the Pinsir are leaving their part of the forest.

Continuing their way to Violet City, Ash and friends have become lost in a forest. The forest seems to be haunted as the trees begin to move and faces appear on them. They try to run, but trees appear everywhere. Then a Hoothoot appears and uses Foresight to clear up the illusions. Gary appears and taunts Ash about going through the forest without a Hoothoot. Ash, Misty, and Brock go to rent a Hoothoot, and get stuck with one that is scared, can't use Foresight, and does not listen to Ash (but loves Misty). A series of crazy adventures ensues as they try to make it through the forest.