Got a little further on my Crystal journey. I continued with just Bayleef and Poliwag in my team as I had yet to encounter any other Pokemon I wanted to include on my team up to Azalea. However, I kept the Mystery Egg on my team in the hope that it would continue to develop.
Meanwhile, I took on the Azalea Gym, which was full of bug maniacs (or Bug Catchers, as they are known...). They were easily beaten, and I challenged Bugsy to a battle. His Metapod and Kakuna were no big threat, as Bayleef and Poliwag defeated one each. Maybe he should consider evolving them, eh? Then he sent his heavy-hitter out - Scyther! Poliwag was clearly intimidated, so I acted fast by ordering a Hypnosis attack, which worked. However, it soon woke up from its trance and hacked Poliwad down with a Fury Cutter, with the next one thankfully missing. Poliwag sent it to sleep again, though and it was plain sailing from then on. The Hive Badge was in the bag.
Thereafter, the Egg so shrouded in mystery hatched as a female Togepi, who I named Jovi. On the way to the Ilex Forest, my rival stopped me for another battle in which I proudly won. I noticed clear disdain and fear from his Pokemon, yet they were obliged to obey his orders. Either way, I made it through the Ilex Forest, where I helped the Charcoal Master and his apprentice find their Farfetch'd, and I received Cut for my troubles. On I went, training my new Togepi as I went along with the frustrating yet equally rewarding Metronome at its disposal. Eventually, I reached Goldenrod, and was happy to take a break.
Current Team:
Flora the Bayleef - Lv20
Tad the Poliwag - Lv20
Jovi the Togepi - Lv12