Leaf was my first pokegame and I beat it with my starter bulbasaur named Sweetie. Of course Sweetie evolved, but was still my beloved little Sweetie.
Sweetie was the strongest of all. By the time I got to unlocking legendaries they were no longer necessary because Sweetie could single handledly, effortlessly obliterate anyone and anything that stood in our way. I have formed strong attachment to lots of my pokemon in subsequent games but no one has beaten Sweetie.
I am always so happy to see Venusaur art... Look how pretty it is !