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franki-lew-yo · 3 years

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I really hate 2d purists. No, not 2d animation. Not 2d animators.

2d purists.

The sad thing is it’s gotten to the point that I really cringe hearing any pro-2D sentiment at all. I hate the arguments I agree with because how often they're misused and weaponized by idiots.

Let me make my stance here clear - 2d is NOT appreciated and 3d is used for everything! The layman Karen-mom who doesn’t have an artistic bone in her body looks at stupidsmooth 3D Grubhub ads and assumes quality cause it “looks more real” (aka ‘rendered’). I know as much is true because I literally have a member of my family who told my sister and I that she thinks 3d is better (and also that she “tolerated THOSE movies for us kids”. Touching words. My sister was taking an animation course by the way). Combined that with the studios either using 2D for cheap stuff or finding good 2d animation too “costly”, I get it and I’m not even any animator. I'm just a worm an illustrator.

but holy HELL -

There’s a backlash from the artistic community that's it's own kind of insufferable and deserve to be addressed.

“(insert2Danimatedfilm) is better BECAUSE it's 2D!”

followed by: "Animation is a visual medium and the quality of the art affects how much the story means !!!!”

Yes. Totally. Animation is a visual medium and the look and style is important. Sadly, people use this excuse to really obnoxious ends, insisting that design being pretty is '' everything ''. When you treat a movie more as a special effects demo I get why you talk about the artistry at hand; but I’m sorry, visuals are not the only thing important and it’s why I’m also getting sick of the sameElsafacesyndrome rants too! There’s this attitude that's reads as "but it LOOKS better fromaproductionimage/teasertrailerwhichapparentlyisindicativeof all themovieactuallyis so it MUST BE better".

-“3D should only be used to make things look realistic!”

I think I know the logic this criticism is made in response to, and that’s the Sony + Illumination films which look just as good in 2D as they do in three dimensions. I know it feels like people are twisting this medium to try and make it like a classic cartoon when by all means people can and would love a classic cartoon being a classic cartoon. That I get- From the unsung 2D animator’s perspective, that’s more than valid !

But it’s a huuuuuuge slap in the face to 3d in saying it should only be used for "realistic animation" because

1: It’s not like realistic animation could age badly or look uncanny in the next few years. It's almost like technology is constantly improving, which I guess 2d animation never did and it was always the same technique and quality as every film that came after it.

2: The industry does treat 3d as a magic-moneymaker for this reason. Just listen to these people call the 2019 LION KING “live action” as if they’re embarrassed to call it animation. It IS animation! It would be impressive if you acknowledged that what it is, but like the CATS, you basically are treating it as just a neato tool to better your live action and not it's own artform - which it is!

3: By this “three-deeonly gud when real liek in da toystories” non-logic I guess 2d should ONLY be for flowyflowy SPACE JAM cartoons and maybe some Disney*. Just that though. You can’t do anything more with 2d. It’s never supposed to be realistic I guess. Good thing Richard Williams only did 'toons' and just toons that’s why we need 3d in the world I guess.

Wait no - that’s stupid.

"I HAVE to see the “Land Before Time 14″ when it comes out! I mean it’s a 2D animated film!"

Lost in the aether that is Youtube comment chains removed from kid's videos is a stream of this very VERY stupid argument supporting the buying of the 14th LAND BEFORE TIME film because it’s supporting 2D. My sister and I can be found on that chain arguing against this stupidity. All you have is my word, but trust me: it really did happen.

I’m sorry but...no.

Unless you have a friend or a family member who worked on these movies there’s no reason to see this and ESPECIALLY no reason to insist it’s a win for the 2D community if you buy up this crap - and I'm not judging if you do like it, but come on! LAND BEFORE TIME 14 isn't where your money should go if you really like this medium.

What’s so infuriating about this argument is you can tell it’s made by nonanimators. Real animators will tell you to support their movies cause they want some respect for their artform which is why there’s such a push from the PRINCESS AND THE FROGcrowd that you SEE and LOVE every 2d thing out there, regardless of how good it is because any recognition for it is k i n d o f what they're after!

Kiddy sequel schlock isn’t even in the same ballpark as KLAUS or WOLFWALKERS; these films DID have very limited theatrical runs (Klaus so it could be nominated; Wolfwalkers in places where theaters opened up after Covid) and should have been supported because they were labors of love made by people who love animation.

As other people have already pointed out, one of the reasons for the lack of interest in 2000sera2D animation is that the only films released alongside critical+financial 3D hits were cheaper 2D films that either coincided with daytime tv shows or should have been just direct-to-video. It’s not to say art couldn’t come out of these flicks, but dayum if it wasn’t abused as much as the texture software that era's CG used... Point being, should the world ever go back to normal: If you hear about an out-of-town showing an acclaimed 2D animated film, make time to trek out and see THAT!

Don’t give your money to see yet another made-for-tv movie on the big screen because all that tells the studio is: “yeah 2d IS cheap and only good for cheap stuff let’s just keep it cheap. Only 3d is important 8D 8D 8D !!!"

“I don’t understand how it works. So it sucks.”

This text is from an ANIMATOR btw.

“I don’t understand how it works” and “it’s just some computer rendering” is the exact same wave of logic the people who prefer cgi use.

The plebian Karen I mentioned earlier? She understands the basics of 2D animation as much as you did from one of those cruddy flash classes you took in middle-school. She 'understands' the basics cuz she watched how it was made on the DVD features or maybe back on the WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY. To her, the illusion is broken and she’s not impressed by 'just some drawings on paper'. You, an animator, know the process is more complicated and is intrigued by knowing how it’s made - not bored or disinterested -

Neither you nor Aunt Karen have really good cg-animation software at your house and unless you ARE a 3D animator you probably DON’T know all the ins-and-outs of how these movies are modeled, rendered, and animated.

Aunt Karen is bedazzled by them cause she doesn’t know how it works and the technical aspect makes her brain hurt so it might as well be magic and she can feel like a cool kid sharing Minion-memes. Aunt Karen is the nonartistic type who just wants to feel safe. You're not. You want to feel challenged.

I get it: you’re pissed off cause you’re in a field no one, including Aunt Karen, appreciates; told to work in cg which it's an artform you didn’t devote your life to and told to learn it cause THIS style sells! 3D is everywhere and is starting to look like 'garbage' even if you don’t animate 3D models yourself you just KNOW, I guess. Besides, you know all there is to know about 2d!! You know all there is to possibly know about this artform and have to fight this 'war' against "r e a l" animation! And I mean even when 3d software is there to use, it's not like you can actually make anything worth while in it, especially not anything that transcends the medium. Right Worthikids?

TL;DR: This argument is basically just " BWAAAAH I’M NOT GONNA USE IT I HAVE STANDARDS (a chip on my shoulder cuz art should be what I deem it to be) "

“PRINCESS AND THE FROG is-”

There’s a reason I can’t say I truly like PRINCESS AND THE FROG even though it's not even a bad movie! Like, stop reading this and watch PATF if you haven't it's good. It's my 'FROZEN', in that; I see a lot of potential in it I just think it needs some serious rewriting and that bugs me. Always have felt that way, tbh.

I dislike this movie because the response from the animation community seems to be it was perfect and the Academy was just Pixar-crazy with UP ((ftr, the Academy IS Pixar’s bitch and I personally advocate a sequel be made to WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY about Mike Eisner’s sabotage of the 2D department at Disney which is still in place now!- but that’s a story for another day)). I’m sorry but UP was just a better story. So was CORALINE. So was FANTASTIC MR. FOX. Honest to god it feels like poor PATF is brought up as just a talking point and never for it's own worth as a labor of love - which it was! I'd like to honestly know: had PRINCESS AND THE FROG come out now and been cg if it would have even half the defenders for it because now it doesn't "look" like how a Disney movie "should" look...

If you like PatF more than the currant Disney lineup because of it's culture, it's music, it's feminism, it's black representation? Awesome. Great. Those things should be appreciated and I never want that taken away from you. But if you seriously think PatF is better just for how it was animated and looks - I lowkey may hate you.

“ALL OF DISNEY’S LATEST MOVIES SHOULD HAVE BEEN 2D! THEY ALL LOOK AWFUL IN 3D!! ALL OF THEM!”

TANGLED, FROZEN, and MOANA? Yeah. Sure. But um, e x c u s e y o u- WRECK IT RALPH sooooo doesn’t work in 2d! It could have used different between the various worlds but it’s about hopping through different video games. I’m also of the opinion that ZOOTOPIA and BIG HERO 6 are fine the way they are. Their 3d is awesome.

The latest fairy tale Disney films are really big on their place alongside the 2D canon esp in marketing. They keep trying to mimic 2D to varying results though I don't think it works as well as the movie's I'd previously mentioned. Me personally, I would love a mix of 3D and 2D technology, like if the backgrounds in FROZEN still got to be 3D but the characters were handdrawn and shaded ala KLAUS ((sweet sigh)). But even then are they truly unwatchable just based on how they're animated to you?

MOANA would have been incredible in 2D but for the record - I don't think it feels out of place in it's style. It reminds me more of a Pixar movie with the heart of a Disney classic which is it's own just as good.

“2D is the oldest form of animation and it’s being replaced.”

Actually, if we’re talking animation in film, stop motion is the earliest form of animation. The stop motion animated THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED and TALE OF THE FOX predate Disney’s SNOW WHITE. And yes: stop-motion IS still a form of animation even if it’s a serious of pictures taken of real life things and not drawings, so don’t you dare come at me with the "but that's not animated"/"Technically it’s LIVE ACTION" crap or I’ll envoke the spirit of Sandman to get you at night.

“Every animated film would look better in 2D! Even PIXAR would look better in 2D!”

Again, Stop Motion.

No, I mean it.

Lemme ask: Would ISLE OF DOGS or FANTASTIC MR. FOX carry any of the same effect if they were generic 90s toons? I know NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS wouldn’t. Christ, don’t even get me started on Svankmajer!

Sometimes the problem is that a movie is envisioned with a specific artform in mind. Pixar started out with toys and bugs for a reason and that’s cuz they were always gonna be a 3d studio and they needed to first overcome the placisity of the models. Over the years they’ve gotten really good at effects and blending unrealistic proportions with real textures (and also not so much- ONWARD and THE GOOD DINOSAUR really needed some different character designs and yeah, I do think would have looked better with a 2d artstyle, but not the ones they had in their films. THE GOOD DINOSAUR needed more realistic-speculative looking dinos and ONWARD needed a grittier HEAVY METAL/BLACK CAULDRON appeal to its designs.) My point being that the problems with these movies aren’t even inherently the animation as much as it is a problem of style. As someone who runs a group speculating different styles and designs for movies and tv shows I’m all for envisioning a 2D ZOOTOPIA or Bluth-inspired FNAF. That’s amazing!

But that’s also the talk of fan artists and nerds and not the professional artists working on visualizing their stories!!

Since I ate, slept, and breathed NIGHTMARE in my youth I’ll use it as an example: All the concept art ever done for TNBC was on paper and 2D was used in the final film. However, even when Tim Burton was thinking of making it just a tv special it was always going to be stop-motion. NIGHTMARE’s puppet cast do work very well in two dimensions, believe me, but the film was made as a love letter to Rankin/Bass and the art form of stop-motion. Skipping to another Henry Selick-helmed project (haha), JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH was also always envisioned as a multimedia film to give it a truly dream-like atmosphere. If you know anything about Henry Selick you’ll know he’s 1) a perfectionist, and 2) loves mixed media and different types of animation and puppetry at once. That’s why he was the perfect pick to direct TNBC at the time, why JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and CORALINE are so beautiful and why MOONGIRL, his only fully 3d film, doesn’t have the same appeal.

As for what films I couldn’t imagine NOT being 3D? Probably; 9, Padak, Next Gen, Soul, Finding Nemo, the Toy Story films, Wreck-it-Ralph (as previously mentioned), Wall.E, Waltz with Bashir, Robots, Inside Out, Arthur Christmas, The Painting, Happy Feet, Shrek, Enter the Spiderverse, Megamind… just naming a few here.

“I want a traditionally animated film [and by that I mean a 90s-Disney/Don Bluth looking movie] of ‘x'-popular live action/stage thing!”

Okay I’m cheating a bit but it’s my blog and so I’m gonna stick this one in because it’s related.

When I see musings about wanting live-action or CGI shiz to be in 2d again a lot of the time this argument actually boils down to " I want this to look like a 90s Didney movie ". Or, if it’s about animals - " I want it to look like a Don Bluth film! "

Like...there ARE other styles of animation out there...you know that right?

Frack, Disney themselves tried different styles throughout the 90s it’s just that the peak of the Disney renaissance films (LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN, THE LION KING) and the many imitators that followed tended to have the same look to them where only film/animation nerds kept watching into the era that was TARZAN, HERCULES, and ATLANTIS along with the kids. Aunt Karen wasn't singing Part of your World in the carride with you every day.

The Don Bluth argument is especially irritating because...what exact feeling do you WANT from a movie if it looked Bluthish? Each of the four ‘quintessential’ Bluth movies (NIMH, AMERICAN TAIL, LBT, and ALL DOGS) have such a different feel to them that’s complimented by that style; SECRET OF NIMH is a drama about wild animals trying to understand humans; LAND BEFORE TIME is even more squarely about an animal’s perspective as there’s literally no humans around; AMERICAN TAIL uses animals stowing away on the ship to tell a story about refugees; and ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN is ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN.

What the frack are you even asking for with that because I think there’s a certain flavor to the Bluth-styled oeuvre as well as the 90s Disney catalogue that would clash too much stylistically with some films.

Also come on! Like some Bluthian-style 2d would really fix THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS or SCOOB!, bite me.

I think this fixation solely on these two hand drawn styles and nothing else is based on nostalgia goggles, refusing to step outside the norm and discover different films and feelings than Disney and Bluth, and just preference. Goin back to NIGHTMARE there will always be a special place in my heart for Henry Selick’s stop motion, but I couldn’t imagine CHICKEN RUN or ANOMALISA in it's unique style.

Also I’m tired of every time there’s a "lets make an animatic to ‘x’ musical theater song" it’s reliably just Disneyesque or realistic. WHY envision an animated version of the show at all if it doesn’t have A STYLE to it??!?! I’m sorry but 90s-Disney does NOT fit CABARET!

“3D is so CHEAP now! Why can’t they just do 2D again?”

I think - on the cusp of the 2020s and the Grubhub hatedom, there ARE changing times ahead for 3d and 2d. The general public are starting to get tired of the same looking 3d films and wanting some 2d back, but they don’t have the best resources or opinions on animation to know what it is they want. Meanwhile, the animation community + industry is trying to figure out what to do and you have a lot of turmoil between the monopoly that is the industry, the high standards of the artists, and the mixed wants of the animation fanbase deciding what art needs to be.

It’s a tough business. And in the spirit of that tough business - maybe DON’T act like the means of a film’s production is solely your control, that you know best, and know definitively what the artists should have done....cuz you don't. Sorry my fellow criticalfanomanalysist-folks we DON'T and in an age of standom where fans and critics think it's okay to hackle indie animation studios about not getting their pitched cartoon out fast enough - we need to reserve these discussions to our circles and not treat them as gospel.

3d animation and 2d animation have to share this world. Stop acting like they’re either interchangeable in terms of budget, means of production, or artistry or that one has to be superior to the other.

The industry already says one art form is better (spoiler: it’s always live-action), we don’t need anymore of this purist garbage. Just stick to what you like while trying new things on the side. Be critical while also being compassionate. And remember:

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#animation #animation on tumblr #2d animation #3d animation #traditional animation #hand drawn animation #Franki's Features

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carriagelamp · 3 years

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April l was apparently the month for me to revisit some children’s authors who are steeped in controversy at the moment. So here’s my hot (well, lukewarm) takes on issues that absolutely do not need a single other person talking about them. Also some actual good books that I read this month!

Badger in the Basement

The Animal Ark books are a childhood classic — though I recently found out that apparently there’s a difference between American and British publications, and the American versions didn’t include a lot of actual COOL animals which is… bizarre. As a Canadian stuck in the middle of this, this nonsense drives me nuts. This one was about the main character, the daughter of pair of vets, trying to protect a local badger sett from men wanting to participate in badger digging and baiting. These books are always feel-good, and it was a nice single-day-read while I waited for a library book to come in.

Chi’s Sweet Home

The cutest manga series about the misadventures of a little kitten, Chi, who has been adopted by a loving family. I’ve never bothered to read them in order, but apparently this time I stumbled across the last in the series -- whoops! Still, stood on it’s own pretty easily, and it was a fun read! Things get tense when the family realize that they may have found Chi’s original home… and may have to give up Chi forever.

Earth Before Us: Dinosaur Empire!

This was an odd graphic novel, I feel like I’m not sure who the target audience was exactly. It was a nonfiction comic done in a Magic School Bus style, with the purpose of teaching current, up-to-date facts about the animals that lived in the Mesozoic Era. If you’re into dinosaurs, you’ll probably enjoy this! The art is absolutely adorable, I love the dinosaur illustrations, and I learnt some really neat facts. That being said, the pages are really dense, and there’s a lot of info crammed in… some of it will probably go way over a child’s head without specific additional teaching or a very strong personal interest. But that being said, a dinosaur obsessed kid is still probably going to really dig this… as would a dinosaur obsessed adult. It wasn’t my cup of tea exactly but I’m sure it is someone’s.

assorted Dr Seuss Books

I love these types of controversies because it means getting to listen to every moron who has never had an opinion on Dr Seuss ever start generating a mile of them out of the aether. So many people are so mad about the six books that are getting retired and I bet most of them haven’t even read them. These are not the friggin Cat In The Hat or The Lorax or even the likes of Yertle The Turtle. I was raised by a grade one teacher, was a voracious reader who loved Dr Seuss, and wrote my university thesis on children’s literature, and I still only knew two of the six books on that list. So by all means, if you want to write an essay explaining why those specific books are worth clinging to, feel free, but if you haven’t even heard of them maybe it’s not a big deal. *grumble*

Anyway, my grousing aside, it gave me the urge to reread a bunch of Seuss books, including the two retiring books I personally knew: McElligot’s Pool and To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street. I do still enjoy both, especially McElligot’s Pool which always sparked my imagination, but it’s obvious why they’re being retired and I personally think it’s the right choice. There’s so much good kidlit out there, we can survive without these.

Goodbye, My Rose Garden

A f/f romance manga, fairly standard fair though cute if you’re looking for some historical angst, pretty dresses, and mutual pining. A young Japanese woman moves to England in the hopes of meeting a writer (Mr Frank) who she has long admired. Along the way she is employed by an enigmatic woman with plenty of money, rumours, and melancholy following her. I’ll be honest, uncut romance isn’t really my genre, but I’ll probably still try to the second book to see if the story picks up.

From The Holocaust to Hogan’s Heroes: The Autobiography of Robert Clary

It’s no secret that I’ve been on a Hogan’s Heroes kick. This is the autobiography of Roberty Clary, who plays my favourite character in the show, Louis Lebeau. And holy shit what a life this man has had. He was a Jew growing up in France before the start of the war, and who was one of many children taken away from his family and sent off to the concentration camps in Germany. This was an amazing, intense, inspiring, and heartbreaking read… it has Clary’s voice all over it, and it tells everything from the charming childhood he had, to the horrors of the concentration camps, the brutality of survival, and then about his exciting journey into the entertainment industry afterwards. It’s an experience, would recommend if you’re a fan of the show.

The Ickabog

The second controversial author I read this month. Originally I was going to give Rowling’s new book a miss, given everything that’s been going on over the past few years, but in the end my curiosity got the better of me. Politics aside, it was a fun read! Not groundbreaking, but enjoyable enough and written in an interesting style. It didn’t read the same as a lot of modern kidlit, it felt more like a cross between a classic fairytale and a Dahl book. Perhaps a bit like Despereaux. It tells the tale of how an idyllic country gradually falls into ruin through the ignorance, inaction, and greed, and how a supposedly fictional monster hides the very real, human monsters at the heart of the country. It was cute and pleasant and I’m glad I decided to get it from the library, though for anyone who is choosing not to engage for political reasons: you aren’t missing anything major.

Franklin In The Dark

A Canadian classic. I don’t think there’s a single person my age who hasn’t read or been read a pile of these books, and the nostalgia is so comforting. I found this on Youtube and listened to someone read it to me, and honestly 10/10 would recommend for a calm evening.

The big reason I decided to seek this one out though, was because I finally got to the M*A*S*H episode that inspired this entire series! In the episode C*A*V*E, in which Hawkeye is freaking out over his claustrophia while the camp is forced to take shelter in a nearby cave during some intense shelling, he mentions that if he had been born a turtle he would have been afraid of his own shell, and that the other turtles would make fun of him cause he’d be forced to walk around in his underwear. And so this first story about a young turtle who’s afraid to sleep in his own shell and drags it around behind him. So if you were ever curious, Franklin the Turtle is in fact named after Dr Benjamin Franklin Pierce. (this is also why the French version is named Benjamin!)

Wolves of the Beyond: Lone Wolf

I loved the Guardians of Ga’Hoole books as a kid but I never read the Wolves of the Beyond series. This first book was an interesting read, Lasky does a great job creating worlds and societies for the animals that inhabit them. Lone Wolf is about a deformed wolf cub who was abandoned in the wilderness to die. And he would have, if a desperate mother bear, who had recently had her only cub killed, hadn’t stumbled across him and saved him, vowing to raise him as her own...

Petals

A “silent” graphic novel. It has beautiful artwork and is told entirely through pictures, no text at all. It’s loves and heart-wrenching, though it left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied… I felt like there should have been more. Still, a neat story.

The Southern Book Club‘s Guide To Slaying Vampires

What a banger of a novel!! I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s about a group of suburban mothers in the ‘80s who form a book club out of a shared need for community and a love of grisly true crime novels. But when a strange drifter appears in town and starts setting down roots… and when children begin disappearing… these women need to band together to confront the horrors that have invaded their neighbourhood, and face down not only a terrifying monster among them but the patriarchal system that allows it to flourish. To quote the preface:

“Because vampires are the original serial killers, stripped of everything that makes us human — they have no friends, no family, no roots, no children. All they have is hunger. They eat and eat but they’re never full. With this book, I wanted to pit a man freed from all responsibilities but his appetites against women whose lives are shaped by their endless responsibilities. I wanted to pit Dracula against my mom. As you’ll see, it’s not a fair fight.“

The Weirn Books: Be Wary of the Silent Woods

I love Chmakova’s graphic novels, though I’ve only ever read her slice-of-life middle grade series before. This one is pure fantasy and very fun. It’s about two cousin “weirns” — witches with demon familiars — who attend the local night school. Things get strange though when an ominous figure appears outside the old, abandoned school house deep in the Silent Woods, and begins tempting children down its path…

I’m very much looking forward to word of a second book and was honestly kind of surprised that I haven’t heard more about this book given how popular her other series is. This has all the same charm and quirks but for those of us who prefer stories based in fantasy rather than reality.

And A Bonus...

For some masochistic reason I got a Garfield book out of the library. Jeez, if I didn’t love these as a kid, I found them absolutely laugh out loud hilarious, and now I just don’t see it anymore. But here I will share the one strip in the book that actually made me laugh

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aspiestvmusings · 4 years

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WV PARALLELS

SPOILERS for WandaVision..up to ep 8

PARALLELS, CALLBACKS, FORESHADOWING... DETAILS..

throughout WV & MCU:

First look at Westview Wanda driving through WestView as she first arrives in reality - the town & the people seem in a non-happy state (people alone & depressed, town in ruins, she alone) in 1x08 flashback VS Wanda & Vision driving through WestView as they first arrive in the TV freality (everyone fake-happy & not alone, buildings & businesses flourishing in 1x01

Wanda creating new "life" Wanda's birthing screams & energy spending: Wanda "giving birth" to Vision in ep 8 VS Wanda giving birth to the twins in ep 3. I feel like in a way her subconcious was reminding her of the "birthing pains"

Heart & abbreviating The heart drawn on the wall calendar on the date Friday, August 23rd was an abbreviation & was referring to Vision's boss & his wife coming to dinner in 1x01... when neither could remember the significance of the heart or date. Also... "Who needs to abbreviate?" (when theyre both superheroes) VS The heart Vision drew on the property deed of the land he bought for them. Next to the text "to grow old in" - V. (abbreviating his name) in the 1x08 flashback VS The heart on the calendar on the Date Wednesday the 10th in the opening credits for Wandas sitcom freality in 1x07 VS The heart on top of a building in the 1x02 episode sitcom intro

Skeleton in the closet In 1x01 Vision tells his boss Mr. Hart that no, he does not have a skeleton, when he's asked if he has a skeleton in his closet VS In the 1x02 sitcom opening credits we see Vision go through walls & floor/ceiling. As he moves downstairs from the closet we see wht appears to be a spider & spiderweb there. And... bones.

Flourish! Vision as the magician Illusion using the phrase "fllourish!" for his magic tricks (that Agatha messes up & Wanda corrects) in the TV-freality in 1x02 VS Wanda after seing the state of the town & people (that to her seem like her own experience) making the place flourish (alive again)! 1x08 flashback

Stop it! Ms. Hart keeps saying "Stop it!" (with more & more concerned voice) as Mr. Hart chokes in 1x01 VS Wanda keeps saying "Stop it!" (with more & more concerned voice) when she sees Visions body being dismantled...like a machine in the 1x08 flashback.

To grow old in... Vision's plan was for them to move from big city to a small town, build a house & start a family/life together. Grow old together (even if he as a synthezoid presumbly doesn't grow old like Wanda as human would. Though maybe his human form could & perhaps she as Nexus being/witch can/will live for centuries..but they didn't know it back then?) as he had planned their life together in IW (making me suspicious if they got engaged or something...) as revealed in WV 1x08 flashback to the property deed that lead Wanda to WestView VS Wanda creating a sitcom world where decades change...she literally created an alternate reality where they live his plan for them..they grow old together..in a small town... as seen throughout the WV show...

Watching sitcoms on TV: Wanda & Vision family watching TV every night before going to bed in Wanda's TV freality on WV VS Wanda watching TV with her family in Sokovia - the last happy memory before trauma hit her (1x08 flashback scene) VS Wanda & Vision first bonding at the Avengers compound while watching TV together (1x08 flashback scene). He's learning "being human" with her help & she's learning about dealing with her trauma with his help.

Traditional Sokovian greeting In 1x01 Vision saves the day by calling Wanda covering the bosses eyes with her hands " a traditional sokovian greeting" when she thinks she's welcoming her husband home VS in the 1x08 flashback to her childhood we see that her mother covers her eyes with her hands the same way. Yet another subconcious detail from her real life.

Made-up superhero names: Hayward asking JImmy in 105 is Wanda has an alias or nickname “No funny nickname?” VS in 1x08 Agatha giving her a “nickname/alias when she says "...and that makes you The Scarlett Witch" ... Only...in this context it seems more like royal title than a superhero nickname.

Shakespeare Vision quoting Shakespeare in WV 1x02 VS Shakespeare mention related to Trevor Slattery in IM3

Universe of Colour

The paint cans that Wanda & Vision use to paint the nursery in WV episode 1x03 are Simser brand (crew member), but they also feauture other text, like "universe of color"VS the colours of each charactes magic...will make up a whoe spectrum/rainbow...especially in finale battle...

All these colours combined...give you the colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet)...so do expect there to be a rainbow above WestView...at the end of WV, cause that would tie into the coours of the different magic + it never raining/always being sunny in sitcom reality as it does rain outside the reality...and the spectrum (Monica's powers) of colours of a rainbow appear to us when sunshine + rain are combined

Wanda's magic powers are red (like aether/reality stone...and she can warp reality, even though her powers were amplified by the yelllow mind stone).

Vision's magic powers are yellow (just like the Mind Stone that gave him life)

Monica's magic powers are blue ("thanks to her connection to Captain Marvel, who got her powers form the blue space stone?")

Agatha's powers are purple...with a bit of black mixed to it (like the power stone is...but she seems to absorb others powers that are other colour: the blue magic of the other witches in her coven & the red magic of Wanda's)

Billy's/Wiccan's powers are ???

Tommy's/Speed's powers are ???

Fietro's/Quicksilvers powers are ???

Dr.Strange's powers are orange (like the soul stone, even if his task is to protect the green time stone)

Dottie's colour is yellow...it seems...based on her flowers.

Mind-reading & Visions of the future/past Wanda reading Tony's mind in & showing him a vision of the future trama...amplifying his deep fears about not being able to save the world & Ccommenting how she didnt need to do much, because he was so ful of self doubt, fear & all that.. in A2: AoU VS Agatha reading Wanda's mind & showing her visios of her past trauma...amplifying her deep sorrow & commenting how she is so full of self doubt & hope that it didnt take much to trick her with Fietro.... in WV 1x08

I just (can't) feel you

When the Mind Stone keeps "hurting" Vision, Wanda "reads the stones mind" says "I just feel you" to Vision in the beginning of A3:IF VS As Wanda is destroying the Mind Stone & Vision is dying, too, he tels her "You could never hurt me. I just feel you" at the end of A3:IW VS When Wanda is trying to connect to/with Vision on the table at SWORD, she cannot & she says "I can't feel you" in the 1x08 flashback scene.

Visions of the dead Wanda seeing Vision dressed as the WV character, but looking exactly like when he died in A3: IW w. the mindstone ripped out... in WV 1x0? VS Wanda seeing Fietro dressed as the WV character, but looking exactly like when he died in A2AoU w. the bulletholes in the shirt in WV 1x06 VS Peter seeing Tony as an Iron-Zombie rising from the grave in the illusion Mysterio created to play tricks on him in SM2: FFH

Hammers Wanda giving Vision the meat tenderizer (it looks like a small hammer) & him holding it in WV ep 1x01 VS Vision lifting & giving Thor's hammer (Mjölnir) to Thor in A2: AoU

Plants When Agnes introduces hersef to the new neighbours she brings a plants as a housewarming gift in WV episode 1x01 VS This is the first things that glitches in episode 1x07 as Wanda "loses control" of reality

The fallen pose Vision in A3: IW after Thanos killed him VS Vision in WV ep 1x06/1x07 after exiting the hex & faling apart VS Monica in WV ep 1x03 /1x04 after being thrown out from the hex VS Nat in A4:E after falling on Vormir...

Half of the universe When we see Wanda drive through Westview as she first arrives we see that she sees only half of the people - everyone she sees is alone... it's like half of the people are still missing (even if the blip happened & the missing are returned). Westview looks like the world during the 5 years she missed, half of everything gone, people missing their otehr half. This is excty how she is feeling & exactly what happened to her in A3: IW...Thanos first took half of her away by kiling Vision, and when she returned her world was still in the same state...she did not get the happy ending (that Tony talked about in his goodbye message & what the news report on screens...about happy family reunions)...her worls is still in ruins...figuratively & literally... as is WestView...at first glance...to her. The state of WV in the flashback represents the state of the universe during the five years she was gone.

SNAP "Sugar Snaps" - the name of the breakfast cereal Wanda eats in 1x07 VS word SNAP is on a billboard for Lagos towels in WV 1x08 flashback VS Thanos snapping his fingers in A3: IW & wiping half of he universe "out of existence" VS Agnes snaps her fingers in 1x08 as the illusion fades..and she sits in audience VS Agens’ line “this menu can be done in a snap” in ep 1x01

Life under a dome/hex (bubble): Wakanda is located inside a giant protective dome/bubble - an "invisible" energy field protects it & the barrier stops intruders VS Wanda creates a giant protective dome/bubble (hex-shaped) around WestView - an "invisible" energy field that stops people from entering or exiting...

STAGES OF GRIEF The show is abotu the past, and the future. About different realities. About grief, loss & moving on. About the stages of grief. If you pay attention you can see references to eaach stage in Wanda’s behaviour throughout the episodes...

10 = X The age when Wanda's powers manifested... probability hex...was age 10 VS When Billy & Tommys powers manifested... mind reading & speed they were 10 VS 10 = X (roman numerals) = X-gene (mutants)

Hero or Villain "Be good" - Vision to Wanda, WV 1x06 VS "I can be good" - Agatha & "No, you cannot" - Agatha's mom, WV 1x08 flashback

Wanda VS Tony "Don't let them make you the villain" - Monica & "Maybe I already am" - Wanda. WV 1x07 = The world sees Wanda as a villain (after Lagos, during the Hex), & she's struggled with this all her life. She is afraid of her own powers, just like regular people are. She doesn't fully understand them either. Vision was the only one who didn't see her as the villain. She is punishing herself for her mistakes. In many ways her backstory, and story arc, and mental state are very similar to Tony's.

Grief Monica & Wanda - their experiences are similar. Both blipped, lost loved one...twice. Both grieving... The way Monica describes the feeling she felt when under Wanda’s mind control = is the same as Wanda explained her feelings to Vision in the Flashback to Avengers compound “drowning...”

Control vs Chaos Wanda can & does control everyone & everything within the hex, except: Vision (though she cerated him & he is essentially part of her, she can't control him), the Twins (she can't control them with her powers, and they have powers of their own, separate from hers and Visions), Fietro (who is under Agathas spell...in a way) & Agatha (who plays along), and later on Monica. Everything & everyone follows her script & directions...exctly, but not these superpowered individuals.

People think that order & chaos are opposites - Vision, A2: AoU

Wanda & Vision are connected in many ways. They've been connected even before they met. Both got powered up by the Mind Stone. Which awakened the magical powers in Wanda & gave life to Visions corporal form. They are also connected via Tony Stark: Wanda's trauma was caused by Tony's past mistakes & Vision's humanity was created by Tony’s attempts to build a better future. They are so much of the same MIND STONE. He's science & order and she's magic & chaos... two sides of the same thing... Vision started out as Jarvis & was supposed to be all about order (he started out as pure science...trech). Jarvis is in many ways Tony's best creation - he's all good. But Wanda is chaos..that she needs to learn to control (Agatha didn’t find a teacher, Wanda should...)

It’d be too long if I’d inlude also the commercials & the group chants “this is all for the children” (not expained yet, will be ...soon) So a lot is missing from this list...

#WandaVision #SPOILER #WandaVision spoilers #WandaVision spoiler #WandaVisionSpoilers #MCU #Wanda #Vision #Wanda Vision #Wanda Maximoff #The Vision #Wanda x Vision #PARALLELS #CALLBACKS #FORESHADOWING

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mymarvelbunch · 5 years

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Be Your Own Hero - Steve Rogers x Reader

This is my first imagine, so feedback is greatly appreaciated!

Masterlist

Summary: (Y/N) has lost all her family and most friends in The Decimation (I refuse to call it The Blip). Refusing to believe their deaths are permanent, she dedicate years to find a way to reverse it. When she finally finds something that might help, she searches for the Avengers. It’s Steve Rogers x Reader, but there is also a lot of Badass!Reader. Also, Non-American!Reader. If you are American, think of a country you’d have loved to be born into :D

Warnings: for now, only a lot of sadness.

Note: Y/Co = your country. Y/Ci = your city

Steve won’t be featured in this part, only mentioned, and not in any romantic light, since the reader hasn’t met him yet.

Part One

A week after The Decimation

A huge memorial was prepared for every inhabitant of (Y/Ci) who dusted away. It was raining, as if Mother Nature was mourning with them. You stood in the far back, black umbrella open, all by yourself. There weren’t many people to keep you company. The few friends who survived had family members to stay with.

The vice-mayor (who was actually mayor now, since the old one was gone) made a heartfelt speech in honor of the fallen ones, but you barely paid any attention to it. Mentally, and in whispers, you recited the names of all the loved ones you lost: your mother, your father, your two older siblings, your sister-in-law, your only uncle and his wife, your 5-year-old cousin, your 89-year-old grandma who blissfully escaped Alzheimer’s. You had around forty friends, close and not-close, but now only twelve remained, and only two of them could be called close friends. Not to mention your college class, cut down from 48 to nine. You haven’t even counted the college staff.

It was surreal. Mass extinctions have happened before in history, but not like this. This wasn’t natural. The Avengers have called international press to explain what happened, but for most it was hard to understand.

For most. Not for you.

You searched Captain America’s video with the full, most detailed explanation and watched a dozen times, writing everything he said down. Apparently, an alien ingrained with Malthusian mentality used powerful items to wipe out half of the universe, believing that it would delay civilization’s self-destruction due to lack of resources. At one point he slipped the term ‘infinity stones’.

You haven’t had time to search about those ‘stones’ or anything else from the video (like the alien’s name, Thanos), but you fully intended to. Because there was surely a way to bring everyone back. Their deaths were result of magic (or whatever they called it), and magic can be reversed.

You refused to believe your family was lost forever.

You refused to believe that so many lives, families, hopes, dreams and achievements were gone for good.

There had to be a way out. And, while she hoped the Avengers would find a way, you decided to take matters into your own hands too. Everyone was mourning; you had the ‘advantage’ of having no one to comfort, meaning more time in your hands.

The memorial ceremony was over. After most people left (around two hours later), you walked over to where your family’s names were. “Mom, Dad”, you whispered, “I’ll do everything in my power to bring you back. I promise.”

A year later

Your graduation party was small and intimate. Your dusted classmates were properly honored, and, thanks to everyone having got closer in the following year, you all had a good time together. It was, overall, incredibly sweet.

You were now a doctor. Not so long ago, you’d be overjoyed by finally getting your medical degree. You were still happy, but the feeling was overshadowed with grief. You wish your family was there to celebrate with you.

At least your two close friends were there. They even brought their remaining parents to help cheer you up.

But now, you had a task: work to save money to keep your research.

The year had been productive, especially given the mess that was college. Thanks to Black Widow’s leaks from 2014, you progressed rapidly.

The so-called Infinity Stones had a few mentions, notably concerning the Battle of New York in 2012. The ‘Tesseract’, which seemingly fell in that category, had been mentioned in SHIELD files since the 50s; apparently, Captain America himself had come in contact with it in his war time. There is a mention of a Captain Marvel and the Tesseract in the 1995 files, but all were vague, as if SHIELD itself didn’t know who were dealing it. Probably an alien.

There was a mention of an Aether in 2013, which seemed powerful enough to be an Infinity Stone. The leaked files, obviously, ended in mid-2014, meaning there is nothing on the incident on Sokovia.

News sites and channels mentioned that the AIs created by Tony Stark had been powered by ‘an unknown object that seems to be a remain of the alien invasion of 2012’. There was no description, but there were pictures of Vision that featured a glowing yellow round-shaped thing. There was no way to be sure, but you’d guess it was also an Infinity Stone. Besides, Captain America’s announced that Vision was destroyed by Thanos right before the Decimation. Wouldn’t it be reasonable that the alien did that to steal a Stone?

Of course, you were far from being the only person researching on the Infinity Stones. In fact, so many were doing it that the Avengers (Natasha Romanov this time) had to make a press conference for a few statements:

1. There were no Infinity Stones in their possession.

2. They would not confirm nor deny whether they were ever in possession of a Stone or not.

3. As it was too dangerous, they would also not disclose information on the Stones.

It meant you had to hack into... somewhere to find more information. That held you back, since you didn’t have time to learn hacking abilities and finish college at the same.

Now that you graduated, you had more free time in your hands. You’d work few hours a week, enough to get money to survive. All your family’s inheritance belonged to you, which granted you more than enough money for you self-assigned mission.

Seating down, you opened your computer and started the next step of your research.

Early 2020

Hacking was useful, but not in the way you expected.

There was little new information concerning Thanos and the Infinity Stones. Most things you found were conspiracy theories, most of which were absurd and didn’t match the knowledge you already had.

However, Deep Web proved useful in one thing: you found out about the Mystic Arts and its Masters.

Information was vague and of questionable reliability, but you managed to gather that they possessed knowledge of many things ancient and alien. You also managed to find out their nearest temple’s location: Y/Ci! Ha! There was even an address!

It was near Valentine’s Day, meaning streets were crowded. You decided it was the best moment to search for that temple (which they called Sanctum). The best to hide, in your opinion, was in a big crowd.

Your first place of search was the given address, of course. Its street was crowded as hell, since it was a commercial one, full of shops that were perfect for buying valentine gifts. Good thing you didn’t find a boyfriend; there was no one to distract you from your goal.

(Were you obsessed? Maybe.)

The number on the address belonged to an oriental-styled house, something not really common in Y/Ci. You knocked on the door of the supposed tarot-reading house, hopeful that there was more about that place.

“Good morning, miss”, the woman who opened the door said. “Are you here for tarot reading?”

You took a deep breath and said, in a low voice, the sentence you read as being the password for entering a Sanctum: “Oh, I’d love to know if I was a Titanic victim in my past life.”

(God, it was such a ridiculous phrase. That was probably why they picked it; not even an insane person would willingly say that in a tarot house.)

The woman arched her eyebrows. You bit your lip, waiting for her to call a psychiatric ambulance, but she simply smiled. “Follow me, sister.”

You released your breath.

Next part

------

Hey, everyone! Hope you liked it! Feedback would be greatly appreciated :D

The MCU barely acknowledges the repercussion of Natasha’s leaks in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. I imagine most people wouldn’t read all leaked files, but, after the Snap, many would try to find explanations in those leaks. After all, Thanos was an alien, and everyone knew SHIELD was behind the Battle of New York (among other events). I do suspect there would be little information on Captain Marvel (a codename to hide Carol Danvers’ identity), since there is nothing said about her until the after-credits scene in Infinity War, and no one aside from Nick Fury and Maria Rambeau (who is not SHIELD) really knows what happened in 1995.

I’m not sure whether the events of Thor: the Dark World would actually be on a SHIELD file, since I haven’t watched Agents of SHIELD, but I guess the more information the better! However, there is no indication in the movies that SHIELD ever came into contact with the Master of Mystic Arts, which is why the reader doesn’t find anything on them until she goes to the Deep Web to find answers.

Part Two will be set mostly in the Sanctum and focus on what the reader finds there. If you have any suggestion on what you’d like to read in this part, you’re welcome to tell. The reader won’t meet Steve until part 3, but I think she’ll meet one or two Avengers by the end of part two, so stay tuned!

Taglist is open if anyone is interested! See you next time!

#steve rogers imagine #steve rogers x reader #marvel #marvel cinematic universe #Steve Rogers #captain america #infinity stones #steve rogers x y/n #y/n #imagine #marvel imagine #avengers: endgame

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medea10 · 5 years

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My Review of Pokemon Sun & Moon

Hi all. Sorry for the delay on this one. I usually go all-out on my Pokemon reviews that I wanted to let out everything I wanted to. Plus I had real-life work and other stuff. With that said, here’s my final review of 2019 as well as the final review of the decade. See you in 2020!

As Ash mentioned at the end of XY, Ash said he was going back home to Pallet Town and “start at zero”. This means when he decides to go on his journey, he leaves all of his other pokemon at Oak’s lab and goes on a new journey with Pikachu. But unlike the start of other journeys, this one started with Ash’s mom, Delia and her pokemon Mimie winning a contest which resulted in a trip to the Alola region. And since they were heading that way, Professor Oak asks them to bring a pokemon egg to his cousin in Alola. So let’s begin with Ash’s adventure in the Alola region.

The Alola region is split into four different islands. Each of these islands contains trial captains, island challenges, pokemon of different forms, and pokemon guardians! But unlike the game, Ash ends up in the Alola region to go to school. That’s right, after being the envy of every child for the last 20 years, Ash must go to school. In this school, Ash will learn all he needs to when it comes to living in the Alola region. Along with new friends, a helpful professor, a Rotom Pokedex, an enthusiastic Oak that does impressions, and a special bracelet capable of unleashing powerful Z-moves, Ash’s journey is getting very interesting.

MEET THE CHARACTERS: This seriously has got to be the biggest ensemble for Ash’s posse. Each character has their own unique charm and their own speciality when it comes to their pokemon type preference (and their hairstyle will say so too). At the beginning, I was just okay on some of these characters, but I have definitely enjoyed watching them evolve. Here are all of Ash’s new classmates, professor, Pokedex and a brand-new Oak.

Mallow is a very cheerful girl with the love of grass-types and cooking specialty dishes for friends and pokemon. While some of her dishes can be a little surprising, even shocking, she has a knack for using only the freshest ingredients, mostly coming from wild pokemon.

Lana has a passion for the water and yes, even water-type pokemon. She’s quite soft spoken and spends a lot of her days fishing. She may even look into becoming a fisher like her father. But she does have an edge that makes her and her Popplio tough to beat. Not to mention, quite the sense of humor! She also takes care of her two younger sisters Sarah and Harper.

Kiawe is very handy in a battle with his fire-type pals. Unlike the other students in the class, he’s been given a Z-ring first as he has attempted the Island Challenge. Because of this, he’s rather high-strong about those who own a Z-ring. His days start early in the morning with delivering MooMoo Milk, then he goes to class, then comes home to take care of the farm pokemon, and let’s not forget all that training with Charizard and Turtenator!

Sophocles is what you’d call a computer nerd (yeah, we have another one). He’s able to handle any electrical error that comes his way with the help of either Togedamaru or Charjabug. The only thing he’s unable to challenge is sleeping in the dark!

Lillie is the mysterious girl with no pokemon (at first) and seems to get scared by them real easily. However, she knows quite a bit about pokemon without having physical contact with them. Luckily, Lillie lets her guard down later in the series when she gets the opportunity to take care of an egg. And when it hatched, she kept it. Other pokemon, it still takes her a while to open up to them, but when she does open up, it’s adorable!

Professor Six-Pack is too hot (hot damn)! Call the police and the fireman!

FINE, I’LL DO THE RIGHT THING!

Professor Kukui is the teacher to these fine pupils and has even allowed Ash to stay with him while Ash attends school. He seems a little laid back at first glance, but he does take special care into each and every lesson he gives his students.

Rotomdex is the talking Pokedex for Ash. Unlike all the other Pokedexes up to this point, this one can actually carry on a conversation with Ash. Not just that, but come up with strategies, watch detective shows on TV, and even write screenplays. It’s amazing how so much can come from a fushion between a Rotom and a regular pokedex!

Principal Oak…Okay, no, I can’t do that! Over 10 years ago, I wrote a fan fic called Romance 101. And I spent a good five years writing the words “Principal Oak” because that’s what I called Samuel Oak. This Principal Oak is just giving me vivid flashbacks.

…fine Principal SAMSON Oak is of course the principal to the Pokemon School. This Oak is a much tanner, buffer, and at times sillier man when you compare him to the original Professor Oak. He really loves doing pokemon impressions. And much like Professor Oak’s poems, Samson Oak’s jokes goes over a lot of people’s heads.

BETWEEN THE SUB AND THE DUB: With the exception of Kiawe, Rotomdex, and Samson Oak’s voice actors, this is literally a brand new experience for most of these new characters. And I gotta say, I hope these voice actors get more attention. I know Reina Ueda (Mallow) has been getting a lot more roles in the last three years and I love that. The Pokemon anime has had quite a history of either getting very prominent voice actors or voice actors who aren’t known for much else. But I do hope for more exposure for Lana, Sophocles, and Professor Kukui’s seiyuus. Extra points for having Nobuhiko Okamoto play Gladion!

I’ll mention more later in the review but due to the death of a very, very, VERY prominent voice actor, there was a major change. With the passing of Unshou Ishizuka, there were three important characters that had to be changed; Professor Oak, Samson Oak, and the Narrator. I started noticing the lack of these three (yes, even the narrator) in episodes prior to Ishizuka’s death. If we go several episodes without one of the Oak’s, it’s not a big deal. But the fact that the narrator wasn’t heard before the start of the show or at the end for several episodes at a time, it felt very weird. But after hearing about how Unshou Ishizuka died of Esophageal cancer, I can’t help but think he was doing treatments during the Aether Foundation arc. His replacement, Kenyu Horiuchi is not bad. But after listening to Ishizuka since…well at least two decades, it’s very noticeable.

The dub once again is putting hope in brand new voice actors and even a few veterans from the XY series. And so far, this is very promising since they casted Alsyon Leigh Rosenfield. However, one prominent voice actor who has been around for a LONG time has retired. Kayzie Rodgers, the replacement voice of Max and Wobbuffet (and long-time voice to Mr. Mime and Professor Ivy) has retired at the beginning of SM (2016). I can honestly say, I will miss hearing her voice. Out of all the dub changes, you were one of a few I accepted. That and I will always remember you as Professor Ivy and Mimie! With that said, here’s what you might recognize these folks from.

JAPANESE CAST: *Lana is played by Hitomi Kikuchi

*Mallow is played by Reina Ueda (known for Kisa on Fruits Basket 2019, Shiori on Sakura Quest, Jiro on Tokyo Ghoul, and Katra Paige on Inazuma Eleven GO: Galaxy)

*Kiawe is played by Kaito Ishikawa (known for Genos on One Punch Man, Naofumi in Shield Hero, Sakakibara on Assassination Classroom, Kaito on Tsurune, Mitsuo on Golden Time, and Urie on Tokyo Ghoul :re)

*Sophocles is played by Fumiko Takekuma

*Lillie is played by Kei Shindou (known for Carissa on Index III and Shijimi on Rosario to Vampire)

*Professor Kukui is played by Keiichi Nakagawa (known for Salamander on Beelzebub)

*Rotomdex is played by Daisuke Namikawa (known for Rock on Black Lagoon, Jellal on Fairy Tail, Italy on Hetalia, Kazehaya on Kimi ni Todoke, Fai on Tsubasa Chronicle, Yuu on Persona 4, and Arima on Tokyo Ghoul)

*Narrator & Samson/Samuel Oak (ep1-93) is played by Unshou Ishizuka (known for Mr. Satan on DBZ Kai, Jet on Cowboy Bebop, Hohenheim on FMA: Brotherhood, Dr. Gel on Space Dandy, and Grandpa Joestar on Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Pt 3) [R.I.P.]

* Narrator & Samson/Samuel Oak (ep93-present) is played by Kenyuu Horiuchi (known for Pain on Naruto, Mako’s father on Kill la Kill, Sasaki on Bakuman, Hachiken’s father on Silver Spoon, and Takafumi on Sekaiichi Hatsukoi)

ENGLISH CAST: *Lana is played by Rosie Reyes

*Mallow is played by Rebecca Soler (known for Hart on YGO Zexal)

*Kiawe is played by Marc Swint

*Sophocles is played by Alyson Leigh Rosenfield (known for Rio on YGO Zexal, Aina on Promare, and Ally on YGO Arc-V)

*Lillie is played by Laurie Hymes (known for Prana on YGO: Dark Side of Dimensions)

*Professor Kukui is played by Abe Goldfarb

*Rotomdex is played by Roger Callagy

*Samson Oak is played by Marc Thompson (known for Chaz on YGO GX, Astral on YGO Zexal, and Kevin/Mr. O’Neill/Mr. Demartino on Daria)

FAVORITE CHARACTER: Pokemon…why do you keep doing this to me? Do you want me to lose what little faith I hold onto?

With that said, this season has given me a “best girl”. Yes, the term “best girl” is given to the…well, you know, the best girl of the series. And ever since the creators decided to shake things up by giving Ash a new female companion every couple of years, fans have fought to the death on who is best girl of Pokemon. For me, my best girls of Pokemon were Prima, Zoey, Blue/Leaf Green, and Bonnie. But there are just a few problems there. None of them are Ash’s piece of arm candy! And there’s some unwritten law that it has to be the possible love interest like Misty, Dawn, or Blushy McIdiot. And my best girls have either been in only one episode of the anime, was just a rival to someone who isn’t Ash, a girl who was never in the anime, and too young. BUT…Sun and Moon did it! It friggin’ did it! It gave me a best girl! And that girl is…

LANAAAAAAAA!

I never tire of that Archer joke! But yes, Lana is best girl.

I knew I was going to like her when she first debuted, but I had no idea how awesome she was going to truly be. Is it her prankish nature? Maybe! Is it this creepy yandere vibe I get off from her every now and then? Possibly! Is it the way I’ve seen her grow as a trainer throughout this series. You fucking bet! Lana at one point seemed like the one character who wasn’t getting much growth when it came to catching and evolving pokemon. Then again, everyone (including Ash) gave me that impression compared to other arcs. But then she caught the shaggy Eevee! Serious wild card! No one expected Lana to catch Eevee. And then there’s Popplio. She and Popplio trained like crazy later in the series and it shows when it evolved into Brionne and eventually into Primarina. ESPECIALLY WHEN PRIMARINA EVOLVED! Did you see Lana and Brionne going toe-to-toe with that Kyogre? That was epically awesome!

Plus, she was like the only female in God-knows how long to reach the top 8 in the Pokemon League.

DISLIKED CHARACTER: My tolerance has taken a slight dip because there are three people I feel should be up here!

First, I would like to put up Cross from the 20th movie, I Choose You. I know that he isn’t in the actual SM series, but I’m putting him up here because I just downright hate him. He is on Damien levels of shit. That’s how much I hate the son of a bitch. He could cure cancer, kick Donald Trump in the crotch, and bring peace in the Middle East and I would still hate him. Cross was like a very bad combination of Damien and Paul. Abandons a pokemon the same way as Damien and shows this power assholeness that Paul has. But add to that, a bit of a cruel edge to him and sprinkle a bit of whiny little bitch on that. He has to hold a grudge against Ash in this movie because he was blessed with Ho-oh’s feather, but when he saw Ho-oh, he got nothing. Oh boo-freakin-hoo! Cry me a river!

Next…Faba! You fucking testicle! Heads up, I like calling Faba a testicle! When I first saw him, I thought that Lusamine was gonna be the one to hate because of the game setup. But this anime just proves how much Lusamine loves both of her children. The same can’t be said about Faba! At first, I thought Faba would be like Colress in a way…creepy how they almost look and act the same. But then his true side started to show. Oh, this guy wants them Ultra Beasts. And will not let anyone get in his way. Not little children, not birds suffering from Insomnia, not Team Rocket, not even his boss’s child! This greedy sonuvabitch is literally the reason why Lillie was afraid of pokemon and re-triggered it AGAIN thanks to UB Nihilgo. Yeah, fuck you Testicle!

Now after that incident, Testicle was demoted and serves under Wicke and Clefable (which is literally the best thing I could ever ask for). And in most scenarios where he’s shown, Faba was silly with his fanboy obsession with the Masked Royal or his stupid experiment shrinks the kids. So other than him being a dumbass nothing too damning! That was until the Pokemon League where he decided to play dirty by having his Hypno bring out Ash’s Meltan instead of going up against Pikachu. I’m glad he got beat within less than 2 minutes because this testicle needs to shrivel up now.

Who else?

Viren! I can’t help but think he’s this anime’s answer to Donald Trump. But I hate both of them so that’s a start! I could let things slide with him just being there for one episode where he’s trying to buy out Kiawe’s family’s farm and be done with it. BUT NO! This sonuvabitch has gotta wear out his welcome by showing up another three or four times doing that same shit! And even his very first episode where he uses illegal tactics to get Rango and Sima’s farm was warrant enough to hate this fucker. I just thought he would just be a one-and-done character much like the Mayor of Trovitopolis (OI episode). Aggrivating to say, this dickhead came back numerous times to do more shady-ass shit. And I hope to Arceus I never see him again!

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: Kiawe and Lana’s mothers are total milfs.

DON’T ACT LIKE I’M THE ONLY ONE HERE! Kiawe’s mama, hell yeah total milf! Lana’s mother, I ended up having a lesbian dream about her and she became a milf.

Hey, usually I’m straighter than a honeymoon dick. But sometimes I peak over and can easily say that Sima and Lana’s mother are Mothers I Like to Fantasize about. Again, in the words of Forky, “I’m Trash”!

SHIPPING: Okay…let’s have some fun with this one. This is less vomit inducing than XY. Just keep that bitch in Hoenn for as long as it takes. I don’t want to see her for a long time.

Ash x Lillie: I honestly think this is rather cute. Ash is one of the very few who’s been able to help Lillie with her poke-phobia. Though this ship isn’t heavily pushed on us like a certain OTHER ship that just won’t DIE. I swear Amour is like the herpes. I really can’t say there’s much romance here. Although her goodbye to Ash was just honest-to-God cute! Now if there was one Ash ship that caused some sort of blushing, it would have to go to…

Ash x Lana: Whenever she could, Lana would drag Ash along with her. Whether it’s looking for a missing pokemon or on the hunt for a legendary pokemon in the water, she would take Ash by the arm and take him by force. However, none of this was romantically motivated. The only thing worth mentioning was her tsundere way of blushing and brushing off romance when her sisters pester if Ash is her boyfriend.

Mallow x Lillie: This was my OTP to be perfectly honest. While Ash was the actual first person to nudge Lillie to help her with pokemon, Mallow was like the best friend of Lillie’s. She would always show concern for her. I know this is more big sister syndrome, but I’ll still ship it. I never thought anything would happen until the episode where the class puts on a play and I see Mallow and Lillie dressed like Utena and Anthy from Revolutionary Girl Utena. To which I said, “HOLY SHIT, THIS IS AWESOME-BALLS”! Pokemon, are you trying to tell us something with this? You trying to tell us something with this clear and direct reference to one of anime’s famous Yuri couples?

Kukui x Burnet: THIS SHIP HAS SAILED! I’m actually surprised how fast this ship was. I know they’re married in all four games, but in the anime it seemed like they didn’t know each other that well prior to Burnet’s first appearance. And anime wise, they only spent 11 episodes with each other. And on the 11th episode not only did Kukui propose to Burnet with a ring, but they freakin’ got married! I guess there are such things as love at first sight. Kukui wanted it and put a ring on it. There’s a real man, yo! Now, he does lose some points here as he does lead that double life as the Masked Royal where he keeps it a secret from everyone, including his fangirl of a wife. But once she knew, she let him off the hook. And you know how much this ship is cemented? Watch the last 30 seconds of the final episode! It’ll blow your socks off!

On a side note, the way Kukui proposed to Burnet…BEST FUCKING PROPOSAL!

Nurse Joy x Officer Jenny: Amazing, it has taken over 20 years for anyone to think this is even humanly possible. But in Alola, there’s a Nurse Joy and an Officer Jenny that are constantly together. Maybe it’s because I hang out on Tumblr a little too much that it gets implied a lot, but I can’t help but have a guilty pleasure for this.

Pokeshipping: AAAAAAH! Yeah, Medea has to bring this old war back. Okay, okay, I won’t be long here. Just to let you know that I’m a fan of this ship, especially back in the day. As for Sun & Moon, at least we don’t see that classic tsundere syndrome Misty is known for. But she still cutefully teases Ash about several things from the past including the broken bike and their past gym battle. To add to this, Misty (and to lesser extent Brock) were the only ones from Ash’s past companions to see him this region...much to my dismay!

Brock x Olivia: Holy crap! Did Brock seriously get lucky? Is this it? Is this the woman to finally fulfill this pervy breeder/doctor? To me, it just feels like just another day in the life of Brock’s love life. However he has done his research of Olivia that makes me think he’s dead serious about her…I just think it’s a creative way to say he’s in the early stages of stalking. But nothing else came from it after Brock (literally) proposed marriage to her and joined in doing a Z-move with her. Then again, Brock does get a lucky break with at least one lady in each region. Sadly, that’ll probably be the end of that much like Professor Ivy, Pike Queen Lucy, Holly, and Autumn.

Ash x Gladion: Guilty pleasure…is it wrong that I want these two to dress up like Yuri and Yurio from Yuri on Ice. No, didn’t think so! Not sorry for that image!

ANIMATION: I’m sorry, I can’t stay quiet about this like most of the other fans of the show. What the hell were they thinking? This is not supposed to be One Piece. This is not supposed to that Rock Lee spin-off. This is Pokemon. Poke-fucking-mon! Ash went backwards on the evolutionary chart. And people have nerve to go off on the BW series for giving him wider pupils and a mediocre outfit. You people owe the animators for BW a fucking apology for one! Ash’s design now looks like he’s cosplaying to be Monkey D. Luffy’s retarded cousin. Even my own mother, who watches one episode once every couple of months commented to say Ash looks stupid. Thank you!

SADDEST MOMENT: It’s been a good while since I’ve had a Pokemon episode touch me to a point of almost crying. Close, but the Misty/Togetic goodbye still has it beat (which was then beaten by an episode of Violet Evergarden…Dammit 2019!). And even then, the touching moments in Pokemon would be because someone of the main cast released their pokemon like Ash releasing Charizard, Jessie releasing Dustox, and OH MY GOD, NO! ENOUGH WITH THE SAD TOGETIC SCENE! But that was just it, at least no one died!

…Until now! That’s right, deaths were usually only a movie thing as we saw in the fifth movie with Latios. But in the last three years, Pokemon got a little dark in both the anime and the movie trilogies. The 20th movie we saw a Luxray freeze to death, the 21st movie we saw a Snubbull burn to death, and because the 22nd movie is a rehash of the very first movie, we’re going to relive Ash dying.

The SM anime did a few things we haven’t seen in the Pokemon anime before. In the early episodes of SM, we were introduced to Litten and watched a very sad episode dealing with death. Before Litten joined Ash, it lived on the streets with a very old Stoutland. Now think of every sad animal movie you’ve ever seen and you’ll have your answer of what happens to Stoutland by the end of the episode. They don’t show Stoutland’s death on screen, but we know. This episode was very clever at tackling the death topic on a kid’s anime. And up to this point I thought this episode was going to take the cake in the sad department. Boy was I wrong!

The 108th episode of SM gave us one hell of a tear-jerker and it almost got me. It almost got me! We learn in this episode that Mallow had a mother. And this is a first because no one in any of the main cast talked about a dead parent before this episode! We learn about Mallow’s mother being sick a lot and it caused a rift between the two. Especially when Mallow snaps at her mother because all she does is apologize for not being there. Unfortunately that exchange was the last time she ever spoke to her. Where does the sad part get heavy? Here!

While everyone was on Poni Island, we hear about how Tapu Fini is able to communicate with the dead. And among some of the dead we saw Hapu’s grandfather, Kiawe’s grandfather, and Stoutland. But in the mist, Mallow came across her mother. And that one moment where she finally can see her mother after so many years! She breaks down and cries. She apologizes for the horrible things she said as a kid to her. But those sorrys turn into thank yous. She thanks her mother for what she’s done, thanked her for being her mother! God damn it, this is now #2 in saddest Pokemon moments. The second I saw this I thought it was going to make me ugly cry and trounce all over the Misty/Togetic moment. To my surprise, it didn’t. But came super close!

In short, Mallow seeing her mother again…this moment! Feels! Fucking feels!

COMEBACK: I have pretty much given up on people from the previous series to pay Ash a visit in the newest region. After XY where we didn’t get a single sighting of Iris and Cilan getting shafted to an episode that they didn’t even bother giving an English dub, I just gave up. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t get characters who “came back”.

In SM, there were two times where we got a blast from the past. In two episodes we had Ash, Kukui, and the class make a trip to Kanto where (that’s right) we get to see Professor Oak, Delia, Misty, and Brock again. Not only that but we get two more episodes where Misty and Brock come to Alola!

As much as I love Misty…and toler…ate Brock, many other characters are overdue for a get-together with Ash. If you want me to be blunt, May, Iris, and Tracey are the only ones who should get attention and everyone else needs to FUCK OFF. That’s right, we don’t need to see Brock hit on more whores of the day. No more fishing competitions for Dento-fruit (much as I love him). Blushy McIdiot, Dingus, and Bonnie can go fuck off! And that goes double for Dawn!

Shit Medea, that was cruel.

Yeah it was cruel and I’ll continue to do so. It’s been 11 years since May was last seen/heard. Iris got royally butt-fucked by everything in the anime. And as for Tracey, I don’t owe you pissants a fucking explanation. Tracey deserves better! Speaking of…

AN UNFORTUNATE THEORY: With the comebacks of Misty and Brock, Tracey has just been NOT THERE! They go to Oak’s lab and he isn’t there. Not even mentioned. Not a word about him. When Ash calls Professor Oak randomly, Oak is there and even Muk, but no Tracey. When Ash asks Misty and Brock about back home, they don’t mention Tracey…which is to be expected since they have to talk about their siblings, but still.

Pokemon doing anything island adventure wise kinda comes with a mixed bag. The Orange Islands came with immediate hate because loyal Brock fans are ass-hurt about Tracey’s existence. The Sevii Islands were a bust during the FR/LG games. And the less mentioned about Decalore Island in the BW anime, the better. But when they decided to do Alola, fans caught on quite quickly with some comparisons to the Orange Island anime portion.

Unlike all the other gyms in other regions, Alola had four grand trials/leaders. Orange Islands had the Orange Crew, which was essentially four gym leaders. Both the trials and the crew had Ash do different tasks before an actual battle. Next, pokemon with different colors/forms! In the early episodes of the Orange Islands, we saw pokemon just a smide different from their normal looks. We saw Vileplume with a different flower pattern, other pokemon with a different shade of color to them, and interesting designs on Butterfree. In Alola, they expaneded on that by giving “Alolan forms” to pokemon like Meowth, Diglett, Exeggutor, Marowak, and even Raichu! I do love Alolan Raichu! However, the pokemon that had small changes in the Orange Islands were not brought to the Alolan table. So maybe Orange Islands and Alola are in far different parts of the world.

Where my theory goes from here is that I think Pokemon really wants to pretend the Orange Islands never happened. That means the gym battles, the special pokemon, and yes, even Tracey. That’s the only way to explain why no one has mentioned him even when we’re standing in Professor Oak’s fucking lab! I hate to be blunt and say something so horrible, but every time I watch SM, it really does feel like that. Yes, I admit it, the Orange Islands were just filler until Ash and crew could go to Johto. First of all, it exists. No matter how much you try to white-wash us with Alolan features, the Orange Islands was a thing. And it was a great thing! Ash was in his first six-on-six match (and won), Ash’s first double battle happened here, and stellar episodes like Pikachu Re-volts and Tracey Gets Bugged should not be cast aside. Those were all great! Pokemon, you cannot run from your past! You can improve upon it, yes. But never forget! These were a thing! These were great things!

Thankfully, my death theory was put to rest in the first episode of Pokemon 2019 when the Orange Island trophy was shown. That’s great, now where’s Tracey?

Another theory! They couldn’t get Tomokazu Seki. That could also be it!

RUNNING GAG: We got two running gags throughout the SM series! First, there’s the return of that singing ball of pink, Jigglypuff! This little singer has not been seen or heard from since AG. That’s well over a decade, people. Well…when Ash and crew visited Kanto, they ran into Jigglypuff and by sheer coincidence, wound up riding the airplane back to Alola. So now we see it every now and then in Alola, singing in a Karaoke bar.

And the other…Bewear! It hasn’t been officially caught by Team Rocket. They don’t use it in a battle. But Bewear has literally made it impossible for Team Rocket to BLAST OFF ever again. Their life-long running gag died the minute they fell into Bewear’s meaty arms.

Also it doesn’t help that I constantly scream “KUMA SHOCK” every time it comes to collect Team Rocket. Anyone who gets that reference deserves a high five!

BANNED IN THE USA: Welcome back, banishment! I knew you couldn’t stay away for long as we do live in a SJW/PC time. So what episode never got to see the light of day in the U.S.?

This one…yeah, I can totally agree with. So in the U.S. there is indeed ONE episode we were not given. In this episode, Ash decides to help a group of Passimian. And throughout the majority of the episode, Ash is dressed up like a Passimian from the pajamas to the…OH MY! I actually let it slide when I saw the Japanese viewing (because I’m half-awake at 2am), but I can definitely see why this one would ruffle a few feathers. Let’s just say Ash’s costume was a little too borderline blackface and that’s why it’ll never air in the states.

Anything else!? Not in terms of full episodes. Certain scenes, absolutely! Little baby things were edited due to being not kid-friendly. What’s in those drinks Kukui and Burnet are drinking out of at their own wedding? Champagne? Blasphemy! That’s Orange Juice now! What’s in Delia’s drink in the first episode? Oh we can’t have her pull a Miriam Pataki here! Turn that shit into Pinap Juice! Okay, besides the censorship of drinks, was there anything else? Why, yes, yes there was!

We all know how creepy Team Rocket’s Mimikyu can be. That’s why it’s placed in my top 10 list of characters that scare the shit outta me! Well one scene had Mimikyu’s shadow scare Meowth so horribly, the next scene had Meowth DEAD! Face down in the water! Don’t worry kids, Meowth comes back to life. The U.S. said “OH HELL NO WE CAN’T SHOW THIS! FUCK IS WRONG WITH JAPAN!” And so the face down scene was completely chopped from the dub. Add to that, there were several instances where Meowth almost dies and parts of those scenes are cut from American broadcast.

REFERENCES: If there was one thing this new animation has given us, it has open the doors to using references from other animes and even a few western media projects. And we haven’t really seen much of this since the original series and AG. And even back then, it was mostly just Rose of Versailles references with Team Rocket. I know I give the animation flack for it being a pile of shit compared to better animation shown in XY and DP. But I think the animators do have a little more fun when doing Sun and Moon. And I think it’s loosened them to using other animation styles seen in different and popular animes.

And boy did SM use a butt-load of anime references! Here’s a list of what I was able to remember!

*Facial expressions matching those scene in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure in several episodes *A Mr. Osomatsu reference tossed somewhere *Ping Pong the Animation being used when Illma entered in the Ping Pong competition *Kiawe doing the famous Gendo Ikari pose from Neon Genesis Evangelion in the same episode mentioned above. *Ash and Kiawe making the scary, demonic face Popuko makes when she’s mad on Pop Team Epic, when the two missed out on catching a UB Pokemon. *Transformation scenes with Ash and crew that match those of Power Rangers or every magical girl show. *The girl with many Pikachus has one Pikachu with hair like Boruto (Naruto Uzamaki’s son) *Ash and Pikachu looking like they’re doing the Kamehameha attack during their league match (DBZ, duh) *Rotomdex mentioning it wants to do a sci-fi feature and the image strikes a chord with Star Wars fans everywhere. *Lillie dressed like Utena. Mallow dressed like the rose princess, Anthy. HOLY SHIT, MY OTP IS DOING A REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA REFERENCE! Take my revolution!

And the mother of all references goes to Jessie! Or should I say, her seiyuu Megumi Hayashibara! Pokemon animated many of her iconic roles in one epic scene. Just to name a few of Hayashibara’s roles shown there was Ranma Saotome (Ranma ½) Rei Ayanami (Evangelion), White Kitty (Hello Kitty), Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop), and everyone’s favorite Lina Inverse (Slayers). At least in the English dub, Lisa Ortiz popped in for the Lina Inverse moment! Epic on epic on epicly God levels of YES!

MUSIC: Okay in recent years, the English openings have gotten tolerable and the same can be said about the opening themes used this time around. So I won’t bitch about that. So how about I bitch about the BGM?!

Background music, I know a lot of complaints are expressed by loyal Japanese version fans that the English version has completely changed the BGM throughout most of the episodes and even the motion pictures! Yeah, in the I Choose You movie only ONE original BGM was used. The BGM topic never really got to me. But if I remember correctly when 4Kids lost rights to Pokemon and went to the new company, they said that they were going to keep a lot of things true and the BGM was one of them. Yeah, that went to the waist-side real fast! I do believe that they listened to that complaint because in the following movie, the entire score was kept (with the exception of the ED theme by Porno Graffitti).

The Japanese openings…I used to like Alola by Rica Matsumoto. Yeah…used to. Okay, that’s too mean. I don’t hate it on the lengths of V(Volt) from the previous series. It’s just that they used this song in certain scenes that took me out of liking it fully. Now anytime I hear Alola, all I can think about is Ash, Litten, Pikachu, and Rockruff wiggling their asses. Some of the other openings were just okay, I wasn’t too thrilled about them. But there was another thing I feel I should bring up.

Just like the English dub to XY, they wanted to capture a nostalgic feel to the general audience watching, Sun and Moon gave us some of that here. Because of the release of the 20th movie, Rica Matsumoto ended up singing her signature Mezase Pokemon Master again. And as a result, it was the show’s opening for quite some time. Not only that but the last ending theme to Sun and Moon was a cover of Rica’s other hit song Type Wild (now sung by Shoko Nakagawa).

MOVIES: The movies have taken a different turn from what we’ve seen previously. Let’s face it folks, the 10 movies that came out prior to these last three were average AT BEST. And with many other series doing reboots to their old classics, I guess Pokemon decided to do it on a large scale when it came to the story of Ash and Pikachu. With all new animation and a new story, we follow Ash and Pikachu in a much different take on their journey. A much faster-paced story where Ash doesn’t have much of the filler stuff and doesn’t travel with Misty, Brock, or the rest! To which I say, good! I know it means the Sun & Moon gang will never be in a movie, but it also means that animation won’t be there either.

I Choose You was the first movie and from the get-go, fans were upset over seeing a reboot of Ash’s beginning journey with Pikachu and not seeing Misty or Brock. Instead we get a kind of condensed version of certain moments of Ash’s original journey, mixed with new material and get introduced to new characters (who come from Sinnoh of all places). The pokemon featured was Ho-oh, who after all this time was going to be featured in a film and Marshadow because it’s not a pokemon movie without featuring a brand-new pokemon from this era.

The Power of Us, Ash ends up on an island where he meets several new characters who each have their own story to tell including a high school girl, a shy scientist, a pathological liar, an old woman who hates pokemon, and the daughter of the mayor. And we are introduced to another new pokemon, Zeroroa. All five characters (plus Ash) are put through their own trials and tribulations in order to save their town during a festival.

Mewtwo Strikes Back EVOLUTION: It’s the first movie…in CGI/3D/Robot-Chicken-ized, whatever! There’s no need for a synopsis since everybody and their mother knows this story. It’s literally the same story as Mewtwo Strikes Back. Ash and company get invited to an island, Mewtwo causes storms and clones to mess with the people, Mew appears, Pokemon fight, Ash dies, Ash doesn’t die, Mewtwo says profound speech that even Jon Stewart praises, everyone’s minds are erased, and that’s all! They even got the original cast to come back and reused Unshou Ishizuka’s old footage as the narrator for this movie!

The thing about this last movie is that, The Pokemon Company dropped the ball on this. SEVERELY dropped the ball on this! They had the perfect setup, the perfect opportunity to get this in the theaters just in time for the 20th anniversary of the first movie’s release in the U.S. and they do jackshit with it! Not even on Disney XD. For shame!

I will say that these three are a SEVERE improvement on the Pokemon movies. Can anyone with full honesty say that any pokemon movie that came out after the Lucario movie that any of the others were even good? Be honest, almost every movie since AG was just essentially a long side-story with an annoying mythical/legendary that can talk. It got annoying! Plus it just felt like Ash and whoever he was with would just be dragged in the middle of some bullshit and have to save the day. It was fine in the first couple of movies, but the pattern got worn out.

Plus with this alternate timeline to the Pokemon story, it gave the Sun and Moon anime more to work with legendaries and mythical pokemon. Hell, all the main cast was able to catch (and later release) an Ultra Beast pokemon. Not only that, but Mallow got to take care of the mythical pokemon Shaymin for over 40 episodes. Don’t you wish we got that with May and Manaphy? Plus, Ash got to take care of Cosmog and Poipole for an extended amount of time. Okay, my favorite movie of the three.

I Choose You is my favorite out of the bunch. I loved the retelling of Ash and Pikachu starting out on their very first journey. I love the new path they took with this story. I love the new characters introduced, Verity and Sorrel. I love the pokemon that were shown as it gave us a bit of everything from every region up to this point. Yes it was a cluster-fuck in some portions as I had to see past characters shown way different. Cynthia’s Verity’s mother! I can’t unsee this shit! And I will never unsee the messed-up dream Ash had where he was in actual real-world with no pokemon and in a real school where I’m given vivid flashbacks of my fanfic. Regardless, I enjoyed this movie so much. And I got to see many things here that I would always imagine would happen in a final episode of Pokemon (where Ash dies, Pikachu speaks, and an epic fight with Ho-oh). It is now my 2nd favorite Pokemon movie.

+1000000000 points for showing Tracey in the ED credits! Medea screeched in the theaters. I apologize for nothing! Best five seconds I’ve had in years.

TEAM ROCKET UPDATE: As this region does not have Pokemon Contests or that tact on Princess crap from Kalos, we’ll find our favorite trio (+Wobbuffett) going after the twerps and wandering around the area. And while I do enjoy Jessie dipping her foot in the contest arena, this pace can be boring and a blessing at the same time. Unlike previous seasons, we will go episodes at a time where we don’t see Team Rocket. But the episodes where they do show up aren’t the most thrilling. Usually they’ll just be in the background serving treats to background characters.

However, one major improvement with Team Rocket this season is with their pokemon. In the past, Team Rocket has had some unique pokemon that they’ve captured (or stolen…still not letting the Yamnega thing go). In Kanto, James had Victreebel that would eat him. In Hoenn, James had Cacnea that would pinch him every time it came out. In Sinnoh, James had Carnevine that would eat him…Okay, a lot of it is James torture-porn! Regardless, they were entertaining to watch. And I felt a complete slump with their pokemon during BW and XY. This season, pretty much ALL of Team Rocket’s pokemon are entertaining.

Marenie loves James so much that she would blow off being with her own kind to be with James. Even hearing the sounds of wedding bells every time James asks a favor of her! It’s actually adorable to watch Marenie. Jessie’s Mimikyu…I’m almost convinced Mimikyu is the reincarnation of a serial killer. And the biggest pokemon to cause Team Rocket so much grief is one they didn’t even catch, but it sticks around to take care of them like they were children, Bewear! And trust me, they’ve tried catching Bewear. And Bewear smushed the pokeball into poke-dust! Bewear would just come right the fuck out of nowhere, defying logic, gravity, and absurdity to bring Team Rocket back to its cave! This, making it the longest period of time where Team Rocket went without blasting off!

Every time they had the twerps cornered, in comes Bewear to take them back! Whenever they were about to do their traditional blast off, Bewear would come in and take them back to the cave! Even when they’re in fucking Kanto, it managed to swoop in and take them back to the cave. Team Rocket even DEFEATED Ash in a battle and had the perfect opportunity to take the twerp’s Pikachu. But no, Bewear came in and swooped them up! These pokemon were fun to watch this entire series! This was definitely an improvement from the last few seasons. Seriously, I can’t even remember what pokemon Jessie and James had during BW!

BIG TEAM BATTLE: Just like in Unova, Team Rocket ended up getting more attention than the antagonists of Alola. Except here, it’s a little more accepting. It’s just that in Alola, was there really a big team to cause major havoc with world-shaking consequences? Technically, the Aether Foundation wasn’t the big bad team and Team Skull was just a bunch of angsty punks. Regardless, there were two arcs with something epic happening.

The first of course was opening the wormhole and discovering the Ultra Beasts. And in almost the same fashion as the game, Lillie and the rest have to go and rescue her mother from the Ultra Beasts (because Lusamine got taken over by one). Only difference is that game Lusamine wanted to use this power. Anime Lusamine pushed her children out of the way so they wouldn’t get taken away. We did get some great moments with Ash doing a new Z-move with Pikachu, Nebby evolving, and Lillie’s relationship with her mother become stronger.

The second big battle was with Necrozma. Now this one heavily involved Team Rocket as Giovanni disbatched several other members including his assistant Matori and some eye-patch gorilla to try and get this pokemon. However after this incident, we never see Giovanni try to get his hands on this pokemon again or talk about it again. Even when he makes a big foreshadowy deal when he dialed Nanu about it! But in this arc, a mysterious power throughout Alola was making all of the adults listless and lazy. And it was up to Ash and the other kids to get to the bottom of this strange phenomenom.

ENDING – POKEMON LEAGUE: Yeah, this league was going to be different. In the Alolan League, just about anyone can join this certain Pokemon League, as long as you have a Z-crystal, it’s all good. Well, Alola has never had a Pokemon League, which is sort of like what was in the game. So Professor Kukui decided to put this dream into an action and now Alola will hold its first ever Pokemon League! So expect to see the entire cast compete! I’m not kidding!

From the get-go I was worried since Ash’s team here in Alola is pitifully underdeveloped compared to past arcs. And if he were to fight, he’d probably lose to Gladion or Guzma! But since the first task was to knock 151 competitors down to 16, we all know Ash was going to survive this trial. Now in past league competitions and even Pokemon Contests, thinning a big number down would take some time like an episode or two. Here, IT’S A FUCKING FREE-FOR-ALL BATTLE! Trainers coming at you from all angles and you can only use one pokemon! It’s like a mini-game from Mario Party it was that crazy!

The 16 trainers that made the cut are all trainers we know! They all had at least 1 debut episode prior to this moment. So no surprise bastards like Tobias to muck things up! The sixteen competitors are Ash, Mallow, Lillie, Lana, Kiawe, Sophocles, Jessie, James, Faba, Aceorla, Mina, Ilima, Guzma, Hau, Gladion, and Samson Oak! Unbelievable! The entire main cast, Team Rocket, trial people in the games, the head of Team Skull, the island heartthrob, Ash’s two main rivals, and a freakin’ Oak! We could not make this up!

From the Top 8, we wind up with Ash, Guzma, Hau, Gladion, James, Sophocles, Kiawe, and Lana advancing. These next battles had some pretty decent moments including James trying to hold his own against Gladion, Lana and Primarina trying to survive a poisonous dick move from Guzma, and action-packed moments with Kiawe and Sophocles.

…

I don’t want to talk about it. NO, I DON’T! NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT ASH’S BATTLE WITH HAU! First of all, their rivalry only expands to like two episodes. One episode prior to the league and the rest during the league! You’re just butt-fucking us on this sweet little cinnamon roll. I know the anime really wants to stand out on its own by not giving us awesome rivals that we get in the games like Cheren or Brendan, but God-forbid if you give them some awesome moments before you have them get beaten by Ash and sent back to wherever the fuck they came from! And this battle is just an insult of every level!

I know Ash has been known to pull off some stupid moments in his day when it comes to pokemon battles. He’d put a clear type-disadvantage against a powerhouse pokemon. He’d put all his faith in one pokemon and if it failed, absolutely fuck all. And most common of all, have one of his non-evolved pokemon go up against a fully evolved pokemon. We get the latter when Ash’s insomniac-stricken bird, Rowlet, go up against Hau’s fully-evolved Decidueye. But before the battle, we get some last minute training in done by Toucannon and its bird-kin. You’ve got to be the stupidest mother fu…Forget it, you’re just wasting your breath! Well, it’s because Rowlet is DETERMINED so that gives the green flag to fight in Ash Ketchum’s book.

You stupid fucking idi…

During the fight, Ash and Hau did use their Z-moves early on and both did little to no damage to either one. But it’s freakin’ clear that Hau’s Decidueye is clearly more trained. That’s why the two birds duked it out to a point of both of them being close to knocked out. But in the end, Nanu calls the battle for Decidueye because it got up first. AND ASH LOST!

…Or did he?

No, upon further inspection, ROWLET WAS FUCKING ASLEEP! God, no! No! Good fucking God, what were you writers thinking? You’re trolling us again, aren’t you? Ever since the Sinnoh League, you thought it was a good idea to troll the fucking audience. Like Tobias having another legendary or Davey winning with a fucking Eevee or Ash losing to Alain. You people are fucking with us!

Long story short, Ash and Rowlet get a second chance. They win the battle. Hau cries. Moving on!

NO, WE’RE NOT MOVING ON FROM THIS SHIT! WHO THE FUCK DECIDED THIS TO HAPPEN?! A lot of us fans are still sore over that retarded call back in the Kanto League where Squirtle falling asleep was a K.O. I can’t accept this, not after all the league battles Ash has had before this. Especially the last league against Tierno, Sawyer, and Alain! They are probably watching you and facepalming. Bonnie is laughing at you! Lysandre is calling you a dickhead from beyond the grave! Serena tore up a picture of Ash and went lesbian! Okay, that didn’t really happen. But this episode got me so fucking twisted I find myself eating thunder and shitting out lightening.

And now with Lana’s defeat by Guzma, we’re now in the final four. So…huh…um, new category! I know this is where I’m supposed to talk about the ending with the league, but I feel like I should talk about this.

GENDER AND LEAGUE PLACEMENT: Is it just me or are most competitors and even winners of these things majority male? It’s unknown who won the Kanto League. Johto went to some douchebag no one remembers. Hoenn was won by Tyson. Sinnoh went to Trollbias. Unova went to Davey. And Kalos went to NOT ASH…Alain! And even in the top 4 and 8 sometimes, it’s all men. I really don’t want to put the pussy hat on and claim unfairness to a show I’ve been watching for over 20 years, but…putting Lana up against someone we all know is going to go to the semi-finals…come on man! I probably should have questioned some gender stuff especially with that princess crap in Kalos where it was most, if not all female. But Pokemon Leagues are usually coed! It’s just that prior to Lana, the only other girls I remember competiting in past leagues were Katie from AG and Astrid from XY. Maybe I’m making too much out of it.

BACK TO THE LEAGUE: Thankfully the semi-finals fights were great (compared to that bullshit Hau/Ash match I wish would die). Gladion and Kiawe bro-downed with their match! Guzma learned the hard way of being defeated in the semi-finals by a twerp. Guzma, you may be older than Ash, but Ashy-boy has been defeated so many times in this position it’s not even funny. So the finals were a three-on-three match between Ash and Gladion.

Ash got some good traction with his newly evolved pokemon Melmetal. Gladion was able to put his father’s pokemon, Zoroark into good use. And there was even a double knockout near the end. But somehow, we knew it would go back to a finale of Lycanroc vs. Lycanroc. And this was a nail-bitter. Who the heck knows who was going to end up victorious?

…Actually, a certain publication leaked the result three days before the episode aired…

I fucking hate the internet sometimes.

So Ash won…

*CRAZY-ASS APPLAUSE TIME*

You’d think Jesus “Tap Dancing” Christ rose from the dead with how crazy this was. The internet lost it because after the Kalos League’s close-call and Sinnoh’s B.S. match against the legendaries, they saw this as Ash’s staple in becoming a Pokemon Master. Whatever…

WHAT NEXT?!: Actually, much like what happened after Alain won the Pokemon League, the ceremony was quickly interrupted by the appearance of the gluttenous Ultra Beast, Guzzlord. And it took the power of everyone’s Z-Crystal to get rid of this beast. However, at the end of this powerful battle, Ash and everyone else learned a shocking secret of Professor Kukui.

Kukui is really Alola’s most famous battler, Masked Royal!

Well now that the Delcatty’s out of the bag, might as well have Kukui actually go up against Ash in a six-on-six match. NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT! This was one hell of a match, spanning over three episodes (it was that bad-ass). Kukui’s got one hell of a line-up featuring pokemon from nearly every region. Now because of a certain battle, seeing Rowlet take out one of Kukui’s finest kinda pisses me off. But the biggest fights came from Incenaroar and Torracat. Because they fought, not one, not two, but THREE times! And their bout ended with Ash’s Torracat evolving and a double knockout! OH MY GOD, HOW COULD THIS GET ANY BETTER?!

In comes Tapu-Koko! He said, “Fuck your sixth pokemon, Kukui. I wanna battle this boy I’ve been stalking since 2016!” Yeah, we get one major fight between one of the Tapus and Ash’s Naganadel and Pikachu (and whatever pokemon that isn’t dead) and believe it or not, Ash won! He defeated all of Kukui’s pokemon AND Tapu-Koko. He’s seriously out-doing everything he’s ever done from XYZ! Even going above and beyond with Pikachu by doing a solid reference to Dragon Ball Z…You all know what they referenced.

So Ash, you just won the Pokemon League, you defeated your mentor, you took out one of the island deities, what are you gonna do next?

I’M GOING TO DISNEYLA…PALLET TOWN!

Yeah, I would choose that too Ash. Only for different and hornier reasons! Actually, Ash gave a lot of thought to what was next. Not only him, but everybody in his class! The biggest one of course was Lillie as she has been reading up on her father’s old journals and trying to figure out that gift he left her as a baby before he disappeared. I still can’t believe he got her quite a rare pokemon like Magerna. But Magerna has been a husk until Lillie took care of it and now it’s freakin’ mobil. Back to Ash, it wasn’t really until he fought Kiawe in a post-match fight that he buckled down on what he wants to do next. And I think Olivia mentioning traveling kinda sparked Ash for his next journey.

And wouldn’t you know it, Team Rocket at the same time gets word from Giovanni to pack their shit up and return to Kanto. Mimikyu in its satanic fashion tries to take out Pikachu one last time. But it failed, almost drowned in the water, and was then SAVED by the very Pokemon it’s tried to kill the last 145 episodes. Okay, vendetta over, later bitches. Team Rocket ended up leaving Maernie and Mimikyu in the dead of night. And Bewear promised to watch after them in their absence and gave us something we haven’t seen since this show began…a proper blast off! Team Rocket blasted off once more. I’m feeling quite nostalgic because it’s been a while.

Hey, I just realized. What happened to Jigglypu-

WHO CARES!

Okay then, I’ll probably see it in another 10 years.

Lillie decided to go off with her mother and brother to travel. Lusamine handed over her responsibilities to Rotomdex. And on the day of Lillie’s departure, she ends up almost in the same fashion as Serena’s goodbye (but thankfully we’re on a boat and she can’t do any last-minute smooches). Lillie remembered all that Ash has done for her and how much she’s grown, so she gives him a very earnest “Thank You”. Now for Ash’s goodbye to his host family! Now I’ve pretty much heard and seen the internet cherish this cute bond between Kukui, Burnet, and Ash. And yeah, it’s pretty genuine! Whenever we get an opening scene of them in Kukui’s home, they’re usually doing something family-ish. And they’re definitely going to miss that! Poor Burnet was even crying!

On Ash’s flight back to Pallet Town, he looks out the window and sees his friends giving him one final farewell as they fly through the skies with their partner pokemon.

In the aftermath we see, Sophocles leaving to go with his cousin, Mallow’s older brother returning home, Shaymin transforming into its flying form (yes, flying away leaving Mallow), Kiawe is doing some training with Olivia, Lana traveling with her father to fish for a mythical pokemon, Hau taking on Nanu in a grand trial, Team Skull just hanging there, Bewear looking after Maernie and Mimikyu, Lusamine traveling with the kids, and something that shocked the shit out of me! Even though I called it in the back of my mind!

We close out the episode with Kukui and Burnet sitting together and...

WHAT THE WHAT?!

NANI?

NANI THE FUCK?

IS THAT A BABY BUMP?! It is. It freakin’ is! God I hope Ash didn’t walk in on them having sex. Don’t be silly Medea, they probably conceived this child when Ash was either training or having a sleepover. Truthfully, I say they did the nasty when Ash, Kiawe, and Sophocles spent the night in the woods training.

OOH, BETTER IMAGE! They did roleplaying during sex and Kukui wore the Masked Royal mask! Just let me have this moment guys. I really enjoy frolicking in my gutter mind!

Oh and closing message, “and your dreams!”

I seriously hope the English dub keeps the end credits to this. They have a lousy reputation of skimping on things like that. They even skipped the photo scene at the end of BW. Please for crap’s sake, keep the ending scenes!

Yes, in the back of my mind I thought Sun and Moon would be radical and give us a pregnant Burnet. I knew this would happen sometime after that wedding episode a year and a half ago. But then a few weeks before the Sun and Moon finale, I wound up dreaming about Kiawe’s mother pregnant and she was wearing the exact same dress Burnet is wearing in the final scene. Sometimes my dreams can be fucking spooky and spot-on at the same time.

WOW-EE-WOWEE-WOW-WOW! Okay, um. Some thoughts! This anime gave me such a huge slump during a lot of it. I cannot lie. There was a long period of time where I was just disinterested in Sun and Moon. And seeing how other people were (especially those who were staunch XYZ fans) yeah I can see that. One big, annoying factor was once again, the animation. Yeah, you whiny bitches complaining BW Ash was the worst? You owe that one an apology! Because this Ash looks nothing like the past 5 Ash’s! And they tried this comedic style that won on some parts and failed in other departments. Though, spot-on whenever we get a Jojo’s reference! There were episodes that were just absolute MEH. And this is coming from the same person who sat through all the fillers in Johto, MORE THAN ONCE! And I had some severe reservations about seeing a main cast this huge trying to get some character growth. I had absolutely no expectations for anyone and thought they were gonna serve as dead weight (except for Kiawe and Lana).

Once again, I’m glad to see my expectations are blown away. There has been massive character development and they managed to hit all the main characters and even some of the minor ones. Lillie especially has blossomed throughout the series. As a girl who was afraid of Pokemon, I am impressed at how far she’s come. She was able to overcome her fear of pokemon eventually, hatch a pokemon from an egg, excel the power of Z-moves, bring back to life a rare/mythical pokemon, and even make it to the top 16 of the Alolan League. While Lana is still my best girl of this season, Lillie is definitely a wonder to behold. Sophocles, I had the littlest of hope or care for him. I still am not a fan of him really, but when you see this boy overcome certain anxieties, hurdles, and one sad moment involving the meteorite pokemon, you see he’s a pretty solid character.

And then there’s Mallow…Dammit! So I just realized as I’m wrapping up Sun and Moon.

One of the biggest things I saw was “Family”. And seeing as Alola is a take on Hawaii and one of the biggest things people pride theirselves upon is family, this totally makes sense. In Sun and Moon, we saw a lot of different kinds of families. Small ones like Sophocles. Bigger ones like Kiawe and Lana. Families that have had their own share of heartache like Mallow and Lillie. Ones that end up starting like Kukui and Burnet! Hala and Hau’s little relationship. And even families that are reunited like Bewear and Stuffel! These particular moments and episodes were ones that touched me in a way only Miyazaki can reach. Particularly Mallow’s story! I already mentioned this in the saddest moment category, but Mallow with her deceased mother is one of the best character growth episodes in Pokemon history. Up until that point, we’ve seen Mallow pretty perky, a good cook, and a supportive friend, especially to Ash, Lana, and Lillie. But then we get hit with this one story that no one expected. And now, let’s discuss Ash in this part! We got to see Ash settle in with a second family life with Kukui and Burnet. I mean let’s face it, all the other places Ash traveled he would roam from town to town. Here in Alola, it’s like Kukui was the father he never had and Burnet was like a second mother. And I suppose they felt like Ash was a son to them. So quite fitting they wound up having a baby after his departure.

And it wasn’t just the humans that have grown, but their pokemon too! Many of Ash and his friends’s pokemon were able to grow and shatter all expectations. Two of Ash’s pokemon especially deserve that praise and that’s Lycanroc and Incenaroar. Back when Lycanroc was a Rockruff, he always strived to get stronger. And in later episodes, it looked up to other Lycanroc like Olivia’s and Gladion’s. Then it evolved and it’s been quite the journey to try and train this doggo to it’s full potential. And because this is one of Ash’s pokemon, this has gotta be a one-of-a-kind pokemon (dusk form). Well Lycanroc has overcome some tough obstacles (yes, including bearing through getting dirty) and went on to be one of Ash’s top pokemon.

Litten, THANKFULLY didn’t have a dickhead trainer abusing him like many of Ash’s other fire-type pokemon. But Litten’s story was far from perfect as it was a stray cat pokemon living on the streets with an old Stoutland. And Ash took in Litten after Stoutland passed away. Litten was a pretty decent member of Ash’s team, but definitely got the fire in his eyes when he saw Masked Royal and Incenaroar. That encouraged Litten throughout the series to get stronger. Even leading to one of the best fights during Kukui and Ash’s match! Good doggo, good kitty!

Oh yeah, probably should talk about the battles! Unlike the other gyms up to this point, Ash went through Grand Trials (just like you would in the game). Except Ash really didn’t do that many of those mini trials since Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, and Sophocles were his classmates and not giving out tests! But Ash still wound up battling the big kahunas like Hala, Olivia, Nanu, and Hapu. And in the old Ash fashion, there were battles he won like a champ, ones where he’d have to try again, and ones where he got supremely lucky. Yeah, that Ash vs. Hapu match was such bullshit. But I’d still take that match over Ash vs. Hau in the Alolan League!

I will NEVER get over that match. Yeah aside from that travesty, a lot of the Pokemon League matches were pretty stellar, even the ones not involving Ash. I really enjoyed Sophocles vs. Kiawe and the Lana vs. Mallow match.

LET’S LOOK BACK AT MY HIGH HOPES: At the end of Pokemon XY, I made a nice list of things I would like to see. Did any of my high hopes come to fruition? Let’s see…

First of all, NO, I DID NOT SEE MY ANIME HUSBAND! For fuck’s sake Pokemon! If Snorlax exists at the Oak lab, Tracey Sketchit should too. They both came from the same arc. But NO! He’s not at the lab and doesn’t even get a mention. That is messed up! I don’t know if this is because they couldn’t get Tomokazu Seki to stop playing Gilgamesh for a second to come back or they’re trying to distance themselves from the Orange Islands as much as possible, or if they just FORGOT his existence, but I’m not digging this. No, Medea hates this with a holy fucking passion.

Old characters returning under this new style! Yeah, it happened. I think I was only a fan of how the women looked, so Misty and Delia looked okay to me. I just wasn’t a fan of Professor Oak and Brock. Although, kudos to the anime for having Brock take his shirt off and show off his six-pack. DAMN BOY! The animation ended up staying the same throughout the series, but I managed to tolerate/muscle through it.

I know I forgot to write this part, but I really wanted Kukui to remain single for the series. Yeah, that fell at the waist-side! Kukui was single…but then he got married. Okay, I can accept it. That was the cutest proposal, I have to admit that. And I was howling when I saw pregnant Burnet at the end. So alls well that ends well!

Let’s see, Lusamine wasn’t voiced by Miki Itou like I wanted. Then again, this Lusamine wasn’t a psycho bitch. Although kudos for getting Nobuhiko Okamato voicing Gladion. I am forever happy with that outcome.

Did I get more Clefables? FUCK YEAH, I DID! Holy shit, I forgot Lusamine had a Clefable in the games and didn’t even think the anime was going to keep that, but HOLY SHIT THEY DID AND I’M SO HAPPY! Not only that but we were able to see Clefable every so often. It’s so adorable. I just wanna hug her!

Lillie’s egg of course wasn’t Cosmog, it was Alolan Vulpix. Cosmog can’t be hatched. It just magically appears. Hey, cute choice though!

Did Ash catch a psychic pokemon? Uhhhhhhh…no! Still no psychic type.

Did I see Wicke and Olivia, fuck yeah I did! Wicke is adorable especially when she bosses Faba around. My only thing with Olivia is that, I wish the anime didn’t make her into a clumsy oaf the whole time. My God, she tripped more times than Bianca did during Best Wishes. That’s sad! Now her being the object of Brock’s eye, that I wasn’t expecting. I’m wondering if Brock will keep in contact with Olivia or if he’s moved onto another booty-call of the day.

Overall, it was a bumpy start for me to get into Sun and Moon. But it wasn’t until we got to important things like the Aether Foundation, Mallow’s mother, and Guzma’s debut that got me back fully invested. I know it’s damn near impossible to convince staunch XYZ fans to watch this, but give it a shot for the stories. The animation is just so undoable after what XY has given us, but still.

Currently, most (if not all) episodes of Sun and Moon dubbed will be available on Hulu, Netflix, Pokemon TV, and Disney XD. Yeah, no one has gotten around to giving us legal subtitled episodes sad to say. Here’s hoping Disney XD will continue holding onto the Pokemon license as they happen to be the ONLY one that literally has all episodes available. On the channel, they still kinda restrict themselves to only playing the current season, but sometimes we get lucky with the movies.

MORE HIGH HOPES: Okay, new high hopes for the new Pokemon series, Pokemon…um, 2019? Seriously guys, what’s up with this cryptic-ass series?

*Signs that Tracey Sketchit exists. Just show him at Oak’s lab or somewhere in this series. That’s all I ask. I will even swallow my pride and allow him to be at the Waterflower Slut Brigade in Cerulean. Just please, for the love of Arceus, show him to me. That flash in the 20th movie does not settle me. Give him to me, now! Don’t care how, I WANT IT NOW! I am the Veruca Salt of seeing Tracey again.

*Aside from Tracey, and seriously show him to me already…If at possible, update on May and Iris. Everyone else can go fuck off! These two deserve an update if Ash is doing this around the world adventure with his new boy-toy Gou. I know it may be difficult to get their voice actors back as I’m sure Aoi Yuuki’s schedule is insane and Kaori has an illness preventing her from voicing. Still! Something from those two…AND ONLY THOSE TWO FEMALES! I’m sick of Misty popping in without giving us what we want. Dawn and Serena need to go to the Pokemon version of Antartica until 2030. And unless Mallow, Lana, and Lillie make a shocking discovery, I don’t want to see them for a few years.

*CLEFABLES! Okay, yeah, that goes without saying!

*YAMPER or as I call him, Winston Corgles Ein Handbanana the Breadloaf must be seen at least once every two episodes.The opening theme doesn’t count. I want to see Winston Corgles Ein Handbanana the Breadloaf.

*Eventually spend some time in Galar and fight gym battles there. I know the Pokemon anime wants to take a sharp left turn into WTF territory, but sometimes don’t mess with the status quo and have Ash take on some gyms. Mmkay?!

*If Team Rocket and Giovanni really have to show up again, could we PLEASE finally get Ariana, Archer, Petrel, and Proton to be in the anime? Or as my friend calls them, the Stupid Sexy Rocket Execs!

*And while we’re at it, could we get an arc in this series where Ash goes to the Battle Tower in Sinnoh?

*Give James a Galarian Weezing.

*Rica Matsumoto must eventually sing an OP theme for this series. Goes without saying!

*Give Ash a Psychic type.

*I know nobody ages in this show, but please don’t keep Burnet pregnant forever. Also, if Ash decides to visit Kukui and Burnet again, I wanna see their baby.

Final category (I promise)!

IN MEMORIUM: I would like to close my review to Pokemon: Sun & Moon to talk about a certain voice that has been at the center of the Pokemon anime from day one. That was Unshou Ishizuka. If you watched the Japanese version of Pokemon, chances are you have heard this man’s voice in any episode you watch. Whether as Professor Oak or the narrator! Not only those two, but voiced Alder in the Black/White series, Samson Oak in the Sun/Moon series, several versions of the Pokedex, Magikarp Salesman, and many notable pokemon including Misty’s Gyarados, Cilan’s Stunfisk, Dawn’s Mamoswine, Ash’s Muk, Brock’s Onix/Steelix, and even Tracey’s Scyther. In August 2018, he passed away from Esophagus Cancer. So losing someone of this caliber is a huge hit to Pokemon.

I didn’t start watching the Japanese version religiously until 2006 (right around the time the dub murdered eardrums). But I was able to hear him as Onix and Gyarados early on because they had the same voice throughout the entire series run in English. But I had a lot of fun listening to him as Professor Oak when I switched to the Japanese version. Not to mention his other roles outside the Pokemon series including Mr. Satan in the later Dragon Ball series and Grandpa Joestar on JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. I seriously miss him. May he rest in peace.

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curiosity-killed · 5 years

Text

a rose

i have Feelings™ about Ahiriat and never give her enough screen time

Words: 1000

I don’t know my name anymore. No, that’s not — It’s that everyone calls me the same thing. Blue Princess, The Blue Princess, The Princess. All capitals, all title and not even a real one. If they wanted to use my title, it’d be one thing but this isn’t anything more than a habit half the world has picked up. It’s the prophecy’s fault as much as anything, all that poetry run amuck. When I hear “name,” now, I think “Princess.” Ahiriat comes only after delay. Even Veria doesn’t call me by my name anymore. She doesn’t talk to me at all much anymore, not since the last time —

The thing they don’t tell you about being Chosen, capital ‘C’, is that you aren’t the one choosing. We’re just lambs being tugged by a rope of words tightening around our necks. The gods don’t choose acolytes, they choose sacrifices. If the prophecy didn’t exist, would we have even been born? Some other kids would have been selected, noosed before they left the womb, and the universe would have no cause for us. We’d wither and dissipate, smoke in the aether.

The others, they chose this. They keep choosing it, every day they wake up and don’t turn and run. They say it’s a calling, that they have to do it, but they don’t know what it is to not have a choice. If they turned and left, maybe they’d feel guilty, maybe they’d return. If we turned and left, it would be a short circle back to where we have no choice but to be.

Sometimes I hate them for it, for choosing this life. She does too. I can see it in the coldness she wears like armor now, the way her chin lifts and eyes shutter when any of them try to get too close. I’m glad for it. I shouldn’t be, I know; I shouldn’t want her to be alone, shouldn’t want her to pull away from everyone else — but if I’m the only one who can still read her, the only one who can get close, then maybe there’s a chance —

They always dress me up like a doll at these things. Outside, everyone’s in jeans and sweaters like any normal person, but the minute I’m inside, I’m shuffled off to a ball gown that belongs to millennia past. Hoop skirts with eighty layers and corset bodices that cinch me in like a porcelain doll. And all that blue. Cyan, cobalt, peacock, ocean — I could drown in these silk waves.

The others don’t get invitations. Sure, they’re put up in the second-nicest inn in town, but they’re not part of the prophecy. They’re not chosen for this, either. Walking in those hideous golden gates, it’s just me and Veria, and she’s at least allowed — expected — to wear her own armor. Crowds like this fawn over the stoic paladin in her gleaming armor. They want the radiant, bubbly princess to match.

I remember Mom once telling me I was naive — no, childish — for asking why Veria had to work so much harder than me. She lived in the barracks from the time she came to the palace till the day we left, a little soldier with gap-tooth baby teeth. Growing up, I thought we were two halves of the prophecy, an equal split of a great task. No one else read it that way. Veria, when we’d been on the road some years, said, “it’s my job to protect you so that you can fulfill it.” Like she was just an afterthought, the parenthesis around a delicate clause.

I don’t know how to stop her. I don’t know if I’m supposed to. The gods want it this way; they say we’re on the right path. The first time she died, I clung to her so tightly I left bruises on her arms, and she told me that Death told her she couldn’t die yet because there was still work to do. It’s like a guarantee, a promise, that they’ll take care of her for as long as we keep doing what we’re supposed to, as long as there’s still work to be done. If we just stay in our roles and keep pressing forward, she won’t die because they won’t let her die.

I know she knows. I saw it in her eyes, when they opened and turned to me. They always do. Every time, her lashes flutter and lift so that I’m the first thing she sees. No matter how people are crowded around, she looks to me first. I know because I’m looking back.

People at these things always ask how things are going, how the quest for the good of the universe is unfurling. When I was younger, when we were just starting out, I’d try to actually answer them — give people the time they deserve. It took a few balls for me to realize they didn’t really want that. Their eyes always glaze over, polite smiles turning stiff as they start inching toward that person they think they recognize just — Now, I give them the pretty assurances they want to hear and turn to their families, their businesses, whatever little tidbits I’ve picked up while being paraded around.

I don’t tell them that we don’t really know if we’re making progress or if we’re just running around in circles. I don’t tell them how silent we’ve become, how drawn and withered the shadows make us when we stop for the night.

I saw it, the moment she saw me and understood.

They want to see heroes, want to see the glittery princess and the gleaming knight, and so I help them see it. I confirm all the noble stories they’ve heard of Veria and assure them of the gods’ support as we fulfill these roles we’ve always been written into. I tell them a beautiful lie, and I swallow the truth deep deep down.

The last time Veria died, I hoped she stayed dead.

#my writing #original fiction #story: pi and veria #ch: ahiriat

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chysgoda · 5 years

Text

The Dead Have No Need of Wheat

Prompt 13: Scour

FFXIV Write 2019

Word Count: 1153

Rating: PG

AU: Last Dragoon (An 8th umbral calamity story)

Only Logrif would fail by succeeding so spectacularly, Emet Selch mused as he watched the argument happening in the Iron Works workshop. Hidden in the shadows and the spaces between moments. It had been four years since the rejoining and one since they had realized that it had not happened correctly. He glanced across the room to where Elidibus stood in his own moment outside of time. A twitch of his fingers was all that the Emissary gave the Architect in return. This moment was weighty, there would be a divergence of some kind that might provide them with a way to salvage the source from the rejoining that was scouring it of life.

Emet Selch fully returned his attention to the bickering when the small Mi’qote woman in drachenmail slammed her hands down on the work table. The pair of Garlean engineers on the other side of the table leaned back obviously surprised by the physical demonstration of her temper. Cid nan Garlond and Nero tol Sceava glanced at each other and then back at the armored form in front of them with unease. For that matter, the young woman was the only one who had not formerly served the empire in some way. Behind her watching with folded arms and calculating eyes was his former bodyguard and Legatus Gaius van Baelsar. Though silent Baelsar’s posture and position made it clear he was not siding with his countrymen in this argument.

“I will not steal resources from those under my care to help with this mad scheme! You wish to go back in time and prevent the Eighth Umbral Calamity? How far back will you need to go exactly? What threads will you pull on to unravel that tragedy and leave everything else intact? Do you even know how time works?”

“I can’t answer any of that right now Bel! We need to do the research and find a way-” Cid began and blinked in surprise again when green and red eyes glared and interrupted him.

“Then put that genius of yours to better use and solve the problems in front of us, help figure out how to regrow crops and keep livestock alive.”

“It’s impossible, the star’s been damaged to completely to continue to support life. The only option is to go back and prevent it.” Nero’s voice was sharp with impatience.

Bel directed her glare to the blonde clearly ready to turn the sharp side of her tongue on him next. Garlond jumped back in before she could open her mouth. “If we go back and save the Warriors of light they’ll be able to prevent this. If we save your Moms Bel..”

Everything about the young dragoon went cold. Emet Selch was almost impressed that Garlond kept up his argument despite every visible warning that he was being gifted. The fur on ears and tail bristling, ears twisted back and pressed flat against her skull, delicate little fangs bared, and weight shifted forward ready to leap. Both Scavea and Baelsar did notice and their stances changed so that they could react as quickly as possible. When she moved Garlond reacted too late to prevent a fist covered in plate mail from slamming into his cheek. The engineer stumbled back losing his balance. The dragoon turned on her heel and walked out ignoring everyone else in the room. The Architect opted to examine her handiwork on her behalf as she was obviously in no mental state to do so and the engineer was going to have a positively lovely shiner in the next ten minutes. Baelsar exhaled a sigh with the kind of exasperated calm that indicated he was not impressed by either party.

The engineer glared as he climbed back to his feet, “Something you would like to add?”

“Speaking to a woman of twenty winters as if she were ten is not a wise approach.” Baelsar’s mild tone was a rebuke in itself.

The door opened again, admitting the young woman back in. She closed the door gently and turned back to the engineers. “I do not agree with your plan, and I think it’s at best naive and wasteful -” She held up a hand when Garlond opened his mouth. “But I will not prevent any of my people from donating their personal resources and I will allow you to scour what books I have been able to save so long as they do not leave Anyx Trine. If there is a consensus that would grant you supplies from the common stores I will not stand in the way of it.”

“Will you argue against us?” Garlond folded his arms and looked at the young dragoon with a hard stare.

“The dead have no need of wheat. I will always argue for the living first.” Bel returned Garlond’s hard look evenly.

“Not taking the opportunity to save millions of lives? How surprising from the foster daughter of the Warriors of Light.” Nero cocked his head examining the dragoon as if she were an interesting moth.

“Do not push me Scaeva. For now, I’ll hold my tongue unless asked for my opinion, don’t give me a reason to do otherwise.”

“And what do you intend to do? Ask Hydaelyn herself?” Garlond’s frustration made his tone sharp.

Bel paused, “That is not a bad notion, I’ll start with the Antitower.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“As serious as you are.”

They stared at each other until they both looked away, neither side able to instill doubt in the other by sheer force of will. With silent nods, Bel Aliender the Last Dragoon and Gaius Baelsar the Shadowhunter left the Ironworks to return to Anyx Trine in Dravinia. Elidibus caught Emet Selch’s eye and they quit the room as well. A twist of aether and they stood on the moon far from the dying source.

“So the greatest engineers of the Garlean Empire have no better idea than to pluck their heroes from Death’s jaws in the hopes that they might stop the rejoining.” Emet Selch yawned and leaned against a suitably tall boulder. “How terribly boring.”

“And Hydaelyn’s last champion seeks to redress the flaws of our last rejoining though she does not realize that.” Elidibus murmured. “Either path will work for our purposes.”

“Shall we lend our helping hands then?” Emet Selch yawned.

Elidibus sighed as he turned to face the Architect, “In his enthusiasm Logrif allowed too much of the First’s lifestream to be destroyed by the light. It-“

“Has disrupted the balance.” Emet Selch ignored the glare the Emissary gave him. “I’ve rather had my fill of Garleans, I will leave them in your capable hands and see what aid I may be for the young champion. Youth at least has the benefit of being amusing.”

He stood and waved to Elidibus as he stepped through a portal and away from any rebuttal the Emissary might have.

AN: Yea I’m probably going to be on this line for a bit.

#ffxiv #ffxiv fan fiction #FFXIVWrite2019 #it's late but I'll take my moral victory #8th umbral calamity #AU: Last Dragoon #elidibus #emet selch #cid garlond #nero tol scaeva #gaius baelsar #bel aliender

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sad-goomy · 6 years

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the misadventures of solgaleo and lunala

that’s a working title for a superhero!au with the sumo kids and lonashiping (and probably snowlily) and let it be known that @aurantia-ignis is an enabler

so here’s what I have so far, under a read more because it got long...

Gladion is an investigative journalist with The Alolan Tide, Alola’s oldest daily newspaper

He's known for dedicating his all to uncovering local crime (mostly tied to the Skulls) and getting himself in sticky situations

He was inspired to become a reporter after growing up knowing that something’s rotten in the state of Aether, and he wants to one day uncover it if he could just get a lead

Hau is a photographer and lifestyle editor for The Alolan Tide who has become Gladion’s friend (much to Gladion’s chagrin)

He's the one who realizes there are strange anomalies in a lot of his photos, and when he shows them to Gladion, they decide to take it to Lillie

Lillie is a scientist at Aether, who also has a hunch that something fishy is going on, and is trying to find out from the inside without their mother knowing

When she sees the photos, she can confirm they’re wormholes, and that she’s sure she’s seen a file floating around Aether looking into that sort of tech

And finally, enter Sun and Moon

Moon is a vet at Aether, who’s friends with Hau and Lillie, and while not exactly friends with Gladion, is always concerned when he comes in worse for wear after his latest investigation and gets him to at least take ibuprofen and ice things

She's also noticed that they’ve had a few issues of animals in their care going missing or unaccounted for at Aether...

Sun, her brother and best friend of Hau, is also at Aether, but mostly does deliveries and works down at the docks

He’s noticed some suspicious characters sliding in later at night, yet when he asks about it, he’s told to keep quiet

One evening, while working late at Aether, Sun and Moon become the only victims of a terrible...accident at Aether

The poor shmucks are exposed to a wormhole and spit out on a beach somewhere

Moon and Sun recover after a few weeks, returning to work and their daily routines

UNTIL Gladion forgets that he’s just a journalist (again) and gets himself held hostage at Po Town

He's about to give up hope, the boss of Skull himself, Guzma basically confirming that this is the last time he’s going to meddle in their business, when there’s a crash

Oh word, some actual superheroes in this superhero!AU

Solgaleo can run at the speed of light, has pyrokinesis, and a fearsome roar that sends his enemies flying

Lunala can summon wings of the night sky, has hydrokinesis, and echolocation that allows her to know her enemies’ exact locations

Plus some superhuman strength and generally heightened sense for both, and let’s throw in some bs ‘cloaking’ power or whatever that makes them a little taller and stronger-looking to help throw people off more than the masks and spandex

Gladion is...relieved? In awe? Grateful to these two heroes for coming to his rescue?

Nah, he’s annoyed

Because oh great, he was finally getting to the bottom of all this Skull nonsense, now he has to investigate two people who might be aliens??? This is so above his pay grade

And Lunala is so quick to save him that he feels a little useless, and there’s something about her that reminds him of someone..............

Sidenote: everyone in Alola must be so goddamn stupid for this AU to work their names are literally Sun and Moon, they were just in a wormhole, like they aren’t even trying to be slick anyway

Gladion has to include them in his article, and all of Alola is buzzing with curiosity over who these two could possibly be

Sun and Moon decided after they discovered their powers that they should keep it secret to protect themselves and others

Well cut to Gladion getting his butt saved by the superhero duo (mostly Lunala, who seems particularly concerned about him) a few more times, along with them solving some crimes he actually didn’t get himself involved in

Also, he swears that Lunala is flirting with him, but every time he tries to bring it up all of his friends are like “uh, yeah, the 6 foot sparkly amazon is definitely interested in some weirdo journalist, sure Gladion”

Especially Moon, who teases him relentlessly about it

And he’s so annoyed because Lunala hasn’t actually like, said anything that forward, but he swears she’s stared at his butt before guys just listen

Nanu, the chief of police, when asked to comment about the appearance of these two new heroes, replied, “Eh...a bit much.”

Gladion is at his wit’s end because now with every story he has to include Solgaleo and Lunala, and truthfully, he liked working alone. He just never wants to write about them again

Except Ilima, editor in chief of The Alolan Tide, wants his best reporter on the story of Solgaleo and Lunala

So Gladion......literally has to write all about them......all the time

To live is to suffer

So now Gladion’s mission is to unmask the two and put an end to all of this ASAP

Until he realizes Solgaleo and Lunala are also trying to get to the bottom of the mystery of Aether, and wouldn’t you know it, they have a lead

And now there’s a supervillain on the rise, Nihilego, with powers of poison and mind control

Gladion: is a legitimately good investigative journalist

Also Gladion: does not realize his mom is the supervillain

Can our heroes take down Nihilego? Will they discover the secret of the wormholes?? Will their identities be revealed??? Is Lunala actually hitting on Gladion???? Idk I haven’t written it but now I really want to damnit

#lonashipping #pokemon sumo #snowlilyshipping #enforcer gladion #trainer moon #trainer sun #rival hau #trainer lillie #superhero!au #now my hideous monkey brain wants to start writing this #which.....damnit ok I probably will #i just want something kinda fun and cheesy and adventury #hence the title #which will probably change but i can't think of anything

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why-is-it-always-autumn · 5 years

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Endgame Spoiler: Thor

Thor in Endgame... yikes. Thoughts on what went wrong and potential alternatives below the cut

Note: these are my personal opinions. Others may disagree. That’s fine.

Okay, so, wow. Where do I even start?

I liked the conversation with Frigga. That was excellent, keep that.

He was solid in the big fight against Thanos at the climax.

Everything else needs serious work.

I think the biggest problem with Thor is that he was one of the main characters, and yet he never actually did anything vital to the plot, except maybe provide some information about where they could find the Reality Stone, in the least helpful way possible and framed as a joke. Other than that, he did nothing that couldn’t have been cut. He killed Thanos... after he had already been completely negated as a threat. He attacked 2014!Thanos... just like every single other hero on that very crowded battlefield. He didn’t retrieve the Aether, that was Rocket. He didn’t lead the Asgardians into battle, that was (maybe?) Valkyrie. He didn’t steal the Gauntlet, or defeat Thanos, or make the plan, or do anything to justify his presence as a focus character.

Compare:

Steve: stole the Scepter and Pym Particles. Led the Avengers in the final battle. Returned the Infinity Stones to their proper timelines.

Bruce: did the initial legwork getting the quantum tunnel set up. Persuaded the Ancient One to give up the Time Stone. Used the gauntlet to reverse the Snap.

Tony: fixed the calculations to make the time travel plan work. Came up with the plan to get the tesseract, then made a new plan which also enabled them to get a new source of Pym Particles when the first plan fell through. Personally acquired the Space Stone. Dusted Thanos after stealing the stones from him.

Natasha: coordinated the Avengers for the five years after the Snap. Sacrificed herself so that Clint could acquire the Soul Stone.

Clint: retrieved the Soul Stone, kept the Gauntlet away from Evil!Nebula and got it out of the rubble, received the first concrete indication that the Reverse Snap worked.

All of that stuff is plot necessary. Thor’s as important as the other five, he’s been an Avenger as long, but in this movie he did almost nothing.

Then there’s what he was actually doing: being a punch line. For fat jokes. And acting in a way that does not remotely gel with his character development from his solo films.

There are a lot of ways to fix this, but here’s my suggestion, off the top of my head:

After the time skip, Thor is a recluse who never leaves New Asgard. Maybe he is still drinking heavily, maybe he has put on weight, but it isn’t played as a joke. He feels that he failed, and obsesses over what he can do to be a worthy leader. Odin wouldn’t have let this happen? Or would he? What is the point of a King who cannot protect his people? Getting involved in the outside world was a mistake, one that caused Loki and Hela and the Dark Elves and Thanos. Asgard should stand alone and mind its own business; if he leaves it will only spread pain.

Rocket and Bruce convince him to leave, to at least take a chance to save everyone else. Maybe Valkyrie and his gladiator friends help persuade him.

They do the thing, he goes to Asgard and has the conversation with his mom, who reminds him that everyone fails, and no ruler is perfect. He and Rocket acquire the Reality Stone and depart.

He leads the Asgardians in the final battle. He is the King, and they trust him. At the end, he returns to New Asgard. He will focus on leading, and on setting a good example. He tells the Avengers to call on him if they have need of the might of Asgard. Valkyrie stands at his right hand as Captain of the Guard or something, because I love her but putting her in charge makes no sense. She spent centuries living alone and relying only on herself, and in the scene in New Asgard and the battle she seems no more important or respected than anyone else. Bruce and Rocket talk to her because she’s the only person there that Bruce knows, not because she’s in charge. Asgard is a monarchy, and she has no leadership experience. These people just lost everything, no way are they giving up one of the few connections to their history they have left. No. Thor is King. That’s really all there is to say on the matter.

#endgame spoilers #avengers endgame #Avengers #Thor #me #comics are wild man

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lumiose-fletchling · 6 years

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Champion of the Small: Gummyworm the Caterpie

Wordcount: 10,890

After saving the world from Ultra Beasts and becoming League Champion of Alola, Luna decides to wind down from the adventuring life... That is, until fate brings her a new friend! Meet Gummyworm the Caterpie, a little bug who wants to realize some pretty big dreams. Can Luna make them a reality, or will they have to rethink what it means to be strong?

Trainer Luna had happily embarked on her new journey of dex filling, taking “gotta catch ‘em all” a bit too literally. Off she went across Alola, gathering research data for the professor, filling box after box with new discoveries. This had gone on for awhile until things grew a bit... snug. Luna wondered if having so many boxes was such a good thing after all.

Even Mohn had noticed many pokémon growing restless and a bit wild on Poké Pelago. “My, we’ve been near full up!” he had pointed out, keeping jovial. “We might have to look into developing a whole new island!” Luna had smiled politely, but the truth was plain: there was simply no way of attending everyone, and many needed a new adventure of their own.

Luna thought back on her latest quest that had brought her all across Alola. What had begun as an Island Challenge had quickly become something utterly extraordinary as she faced the Aether Foundation and helped protect the islands-- and the world-- from Ultra Beasts. She hadn’t been alone, though; Hau, Lillie, and Gladion had been by her side, along with her team. She wouldn’t have known any of them if her mom hadn’t packed up to Alola in the first place. Luna was once frightened and a bit bitter about the decision, but now? She wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Well. Maybe the life-threatening parts.

Dex-filling had been a great way to decompress after her harrowing experiences. With Kindle the Talonflame at her shoulder, they had grown by leaps and bounds nearly every day, and now... it was time to rehome all these pokémon so they could have their grand adventure, too.

Professor Kukui had agreed, showing Luna the Global Trading Station and offering her a place to stay at the lab. It had become a popular habit for many trainers to list a pokémon on the GTS for a Caterpie, releasing the bug once the trade was made. It was a neat and tidy way of adopting without taking on a new responsibility. Plus, Caterpie were everywhere, and it didn’t hurt to simply return them to the grass from whence they came. Knowing this was the right thing to do, Luna began sorting, feeling who needed to go where.

Out went Vikavolt, Eevee, Rattata, Pichu, Toucannon, Carbink, even a spunky Magikarp-- a host of pokémon just waiting for a whole new direction, a whole new life. In came the waves of Caterpie, all officially released into the grasses and trees of Melemele as quickly as they came. None seemed to mind too much, being more simple creatures. Luna slowly thinned out the ranks of her PC, feeling much better about it all. A few more trades, a few more Caterpie, and they would be good. Then, she could actually take a break from all the adventuring...

Which was true, surely, but life has a way of surprising us even in the gentlest of times.

While many Caterpie had gladly rejoined the Alolan wilds, Luna noticed how one had lingered. He had turned to them with wide, expecting eyes, slowly waving his feelers in greeting. Kindle cocked his head this way and that, trying to understand what this little creature wanted of them. It was supposed to be trade-and-release, not trade-and-stay. He took a careful step back. The Caterpie gladly inched forward. Kindle was not amused.

<<Go on,>> Kindle said. <<Lovely tree right over there, just for you.>> Caterpie didn’t quite catch his drift, continuing to inspect the air with his antennae.

Luna couldn’t help but laugh. “Name: Gummyworm. Adamant. Good endurance. Caught on Route 1.” All of this would be lost once she made the Release request, but it was a cute profile. Some kid probably named him and moved on, like so many did. “Alright, little guy. Time for a new life!” Just as her finger hovered over the key, Gummyworm realized what was happening and made a distressed mewling noise, waving his little feet and swaying as if to say <<No, no! Wait!>>

“Okay, okay!” Luna knelt down for a better look at him. “I’m sorry. It’s just, so many usually choose to head back out. Your name’s Gummyworm, right?” His little body heaved a sigh of relief. If there was something he didn’t want, it was being sent back out into a world of Pikipek and Spearow. He waved his antennae in what he hoped was an endearing way. His original trainer had been a young one, too, catching haphazardly along Route 1. He’d been Ruby’s very first catch, had been praised by her family, and was so sure this could be the beginning of something great! But, once the lass realized there were more powerful options, Gummyworm had been unceremoniously deposited in a box. That had been nearly a month ago.

Maybe, just, maybe, he could be strong for this new girl?

But even if he lived his days out on the Poké Pelago, Gummyworm just wanted to be safe.

Luna sensed this. She had a remarkable talent for understanding pokémon, a trait that had helped her build her first team of Champions, but had also helped her save the world. She sensed Gummy was preoccupied, and wanting.

“Here, why don’t you stay for dinner? I can get you some nice leaves and berries, and we can get to know each other!” Gummy looked up to Luna’s smiling face. She seemed kind! And she wasn’t going to let him go, not yet. He mewed happily, smiling at Kindle as well, who fluffed up his feathers in a huff.

---

They had known each other for a few days at the Professor’s house before their relationship was sealed.

Luna had successfully adopted out dozens of pokémon to trainers all over the islands, each one delighted to meet their new friend. She felt good knowing everyone was right where they should be, and Professor Kukui was glad to lend a hand. Finally, the whole job was done, and the boxes felt much more spacious and manageable than before.

They were having Apicot ice cream on the beach, admiring the waves. Luna had grown up inland, and hadn’t become a bit tired of this beautiful seaside view. Kindle basked in the sun, wings spread wide across the sands, while Gummy took cover under a propped-up beach hat. He did love the beach, too, when he was with friends. This was the life!

While relaxing, Gummyworm noticed a case in Luna’s bag had come poking out a bit. He stretched his antennae closer to the corner, wondering. “Oh,” Luna said, “Would you like to see? These are everyone’s ribbons that they’ve earned.” Luna carefully opened the folding case, and there lay a collection of shining, beautiful ribbons. He had never seen anything like them before, all brilliant and glittering in the Alolan sun. “These first ones,” she said, pointing to rows of bright gold badges, each with red and white details, “are for every team member who ever won in the League with me.” Kindle alighted next to the case to admire his own. There was a definite puff of his proud chest, and a gleam in his eye.

<<I wasn’t part of the First Team,>> he explained, <<But I was there in her first Title Defense! A League Champion just the same!>>

Gummyworm wondered how it must feel, basking in that moment like an eternal sun, and knowing forever after that you had stood on the top of the world. His own eyes began shining with the very thought-- had there ever been a Champion Caterpie before in all the world? He imagined standing tall on Luna’s shoulder as cameras flashed and interviewers vied for their attention. “How did you do it?” a plucky reporter would demand of them. “Gummyworm, over here! How does it feel to be a Champion of Alola??”

But his little Caterpie heart suddenly clicked back to reality, and felt very small on that big beach. Luna smiled at Kindle with such pride and closeness. She must have looked that way at every team member who credited her talent so boldly, for all the regions to see. That was real.

He turned away from the beautiful ribbons.

It just couldn’t happen to such a small bug like him, caught on Route 1 and forgotten in a box. Even Luna had originally planned on releasing him. Wouldn’t a Champion know best? Hadn’t she kept him just to be nice, because he had waved his little feet so wildly? Gummy suddenly became very focused on his melting ice cream.

Ruby is just a little girl, he thought. She didn’t know... how much it would hurt to be left behind.

It wasn’t worth the worry. To Poké Pelago he would go, and he must be content with that.

Kindle saw the change, the little crestfallen turn of Gummy’s green head, the dejected ice cream nibble. At first, he was fully prepared to ignore it-- not everyone could be so accomplished like them, grand heroes as they were-- until he saw a small glint of a tear in the sun. It actually took him by surprise.

But then... hadn’t he been a wayward Fletchling himself once? Small, with no idea what he could do in the world. It had been a chance meeting that had changed his life, and a leap of faith that had brought him to where he was. He looked to Luna. Luna saw his little nod towards Gummy, the concern in his eyes. A wordless understanding passed between them, and both their hearts beat a bit faster for this new friend.

“Hey, Gummy...” Luna scooted over to his hunched form, still holding the box. “There’s still a lot of room in here. Would you like to try for your own ribbons, too?” His antennae perked up. Luna looked to Kindle, who gave a few reassuring nods. Kindle was a sassy bird, but he wasn’t heartless. “If we spend some time together, practice battling, maybe watch some of the others, I’m sure you could be awarded something! Even a Champion title!"

Truly? Gummy considered it. Oh, it would be heartbreaking if nothing came of it. But hadn’t this been what he’d really wanted for so long? To prove himself on a journey, to be part of a team? Even if it was one ribbon, that was more than what he had now!

Gummyworm turned around swiftly, letting the few tears sparkle from his smiling eyes. If Luna thought it could be done, then they could try! She was a Champion, after all, whatever that meant! He nodded vigorously, making Kindle soften, too.

Such an uplift made Luna emotional in so many ways. Just what was she getting herself into? But imparting your strength unto others is just one responsibility of a good Trainer. Compassion, too. She nodded.

“It takes time and hard work, okay?” she said in a mock-stern way. Gummy waved his feet and gave a tough cry. Kindle churred. He still wasn’t sure how long this little bug would be around for, but if there could be some joy in the journey, then why not? Hadn’t Luna shown him time and time again the miracles born of every-day kindnesses as well as feats of bravery?

<<Yeah, yeah,>> he said warmly, shaking off any prior feelings. <<If she says so, then it’s settled! We’re teammates! Our ribbons will be side-by-side!>>

Gummy felt pride swell in his heart. Whatever they could achieve, they would do it together!

----

“Alright! The very first thing we need to do, Gummy, is...” Luna swept open the door dramatically, revealing a very cozy and clean house. “Meet my mom!”

“Luna?” came a kind voice from within the house. Out walked a lovely lady. Her smiling face and colorful clothing immediately put him at ease. “Oh, what do we have here? A new friend?” Her soft brown skin, hair in gentle waves... The way she looked at him as a welcome friend! He purred when she picked him right up from Luna’s arms.

Luna introduced them properly, as well as to Meowth, who seemed to like him well enough (Kindle made sure of that. It was one thing if he was a bit snippy, but no one else was allowed to be that way, surely).

As everyone grew acquainted, Luna wanted her mom’s advice on the whole thing. It was funny: there was so much mom didn’t know about her journey. There had been no time to call and say she was raiding the Aether Foundation, or pursuing an Ultra Beast. She never knew about facing Lusamine when she fused with Nihilego. Mom also had no idea about even the every-day dangerous things, like traversing Vast Poni Canyon. This seemed like the perfect time to let her in on the Big Plan.

Mom listened, and nodded, while watching Gummy play with Meowth. After hearing Luna out, she smiled. That was her daughter. Always compassionate, always trying to help and make new friends... Thankfully none of that had changed. Kukui and Burnet had filled her in one night on the details of Luna’s last adventure (or at least, what they knew of it). How a child could navigate so much... And to immediately become the first Champion in Alola’s history as well! It was enough to make her cry, she was so proud. This, though, is positively normal.

“It might be more about feeling accomplished and loved,” she offered. “Expose him a bit to the life of battling, let him choose, and go from there.” Luna nodded. “He can always live here if he wants a quiet life, too!”

“Thanks, mom... But, do you think it’s even possible? Getting him a champion title?”

“You’ve done some extraordinary things,” she said, considering her daughter lovingly. “I won’t say it’s not possible, but, sometimes we have to rethink what strength means. Like I said. See what works, what doesn’t, and go from there.”

They continued watching the group for a bit before starting dinner, Luna thinking all the while about how she was going to move forward.

---

From that day on, Gummy was part of the family. Mom looked up all the best care tips for Caterpie, making sure to load them up with the finest berries and drinks she could find. “Now make sure you don’t push him too hard,” she had said on their first day of training. “He’s still young. Make sure you stay hydrated! You, too, Kindle! And say thank-you to Lapras if you go out on the water! Have fun!” They waved as they walked off, looking for the best beginning Trainers in the area.

At first, Luna let him watch the tougher matches with Kindle out on the local beaches, just to show him the real heat of a competitive match. With every battle, Gummy felt his heart beat fast, and he could just feel himself grow stronger with each experience. Could he grow on the sidelines? It sure felt like it, almost as if he’d been in the thick of things himself. Kindle, too, was always giving him tips and tricks, asking him what he saw at exact moments when he had made a swift turn or a perfectly-aimed Flamethrower. He was pleasantly surprised that Gummy was taking everything in with enthusiasm.

<<Now, you’ll notice I didn’t use up all of my energy on that last one...>>

<<Yes, you were brilliant! A blur!>>

<<When it’s your turn, think of what’s best-- slowing them down with String Shot, or running in with a good Tackle...>>

While she was glad Kindle was taking him under his wing, Luna was feeling a bit over her head. Sharing experience was alright, but if Gummy ever wanted to be recognized big or small, he would have to get into the ring himself... How could he possibly hold his own with anything bigger than a coconut? Never having specialized in Bug pokémon, she honestly wasn’t sure what to do.

Ruto the Primarina, her starter and oldest friend in Alola, would know. He was spending a bit of time with Kahuna Hala, and was so was just nearby. Luna missed all of her team dearly, but had also known that they needed their own time to grow and learn away from her. Was this how Mom felt sometimes?

She did know someone else who could help, too. Someone who was an expert on Bugs, and who was actually right nearby... and might not be too glad to see them. Still, for Gummyworm, Luna would give it a shot.

They would have to go to Iki Town.

---

The next day, the team traveled to a place full of memories and dear friends. Iki Town was as warm as ever, with its sumo ring standing strong at its center. As Luna grew closer to the house of the Kahuna, she heard a familiar voice already calling her name.

“Aloooooola, Luna!!” Hau jumped down from his perch on the fence, running to catch his friend in a fast hug. Kindle and Gummyworm emerged from their balls, taking in the beautiful view. Luna laughed. “What brings you here?”

“I’d like you to meet someone! And hopefully have Kahuna Hala introduce him to someone, too...” Hau, in his usual way, greeted Gummy with his wide smile and contagious attitude. Everyone in Luna’s life seemed so wonderful! Of course they saved Alola together. Kindle hadn’t been there, but he’d learned the story through the First Team. Gummy wondered when he would get to meet them.

But, until then, they had some business in Iki Town.

“See,” Luna said, “I’m hoping he can convince Guzma to give us some pointers.” Hau recoiled slightly before recovering with an awkward smile.

“Gramps has been having some trouble with him lately...” He looked around anxiously, as if afraid of being heard. “But, maybe this will be good for both of you, if that’s what you really want! Let’s go!”

The group walked to Hala’s house where they were again warmly greeted, this time by the great Kahuna himself. They exchanged pleasantries, made their introductions, and finally sat comfortably in his living room with lovely, tall glasses of ice-cold Pinap juice.

“So,” Hala said, stroking his mustache. “You’re wondering if I can convince Guzma to help you guide this Caterpie.” Something in his voice made Gummy wonder if the road would end here. He certainly was a disciplined man... and Gummy hadn’t really thought about what it would be like to be scrutinized. Hala offered him a smile, though, easing the lump in his throat. “We can try. Though I must warn you, Luna: progress with him has been slow. You might be faced with much of the same rough-and-tumble attitude as before. But, he will not hurt you.”

Luna nodded. She’d been prepared for that, but something told her to try anyhow. If she was right about Guzma, Gummy would have no better teacher. First, they had to find him.

---

After some much-needed catching up and malasadas, Hau and Luna parted for the afternoon. He had some training of his own to direct with ex-Team Skull members who wanted to reform themselves into something resembling heroes. He was willing to give it a go, seeing what his grandfather was trying to accomplish with their old boss.

Meanwhile, Hala brought Luna out to Mahalo Trail, talking all the while as they went up, up, up towards the bridge. Luna remembered fondly how she and Lillie had met here, how Tapu Koko had saved her and Nebby... They hadn’t heard from her in awhile. Hopefully she was doing well, or at least was closer to saving her mother. It was difficult not knowing how she could help her friend.

But, she had to focus on who she could help. Two Spearow with one stone, right?

There, towards the left of the bridge, sat a familiar figure with Golisopod at his side. Guzma had been quietly considering the waterfall, thinking about a great many things. The disbanding of his team was a natural consequence of everything that had come before. He’d been stupid enough to trust Lusamine... but it’d been in the interest of everyone underneath him.

Tch.

Who was he kidding? She’d offered him power, saw him for who he was, and he took it without a second glance. Now everyone was gone. Plumeria was off training in her own way, and had even challenged Luna once. She had her life together. What was he doing? Thinking old man Hala had any answers for him was stupid, too. But, here he was. Big bad Guzma, training in Iki Town with the geriatric Kahuna and his brat grandson.

“Alola!” Guzma flinched. When he turned to see who Hala had brought with him, he outright grimaced. That kid. The one who dragged him out of Ultra Space, the one who defeated him again and again and never let up. Guzma turned and stood to face them, setting his face in a guarded expression.

To Luna, he looked surprisingly sparse. White sleeveless shirt and black baggy pants with his typical shoes. No jacket, no glasses... Professor Kukui and Guzma are around the same age, she thought. How could one adult be so together-- esteemed researcher, married, founder of the League-- and another seem... more like a kid? But he had been the cause of a great deal of trouble across the islands, and Luna couldn’t forget that.

“Guzma, my boy, I have a challenge for you, should you choose to accept it.”

“I ain’t in the mood for a battle.” They’d been meditating. Wasn’t that what the old man had wanted? Hala shook his head.

“Not quite. Luna has decided to train an unusual protege.” He motioned for her to walk forward with Gummy on her shoulder. That piqued Guzma’s interest immediately. Golisopod was... less impressed. Which, really, was fine, because Gummy thought if he had to go anywhere near all those arms, big or small, he just might faint.

Guzma sauntered up to Luna, leaning in close to Gummyworm.

“You’re training this squirt?” Up until now, Gummy had been met with kindness and support, but this! He gave an indignant wriggle and mew. Surely Luna wouldn’t let him talk that way! It was Guzma, though, who stood back and laughed, though Gummy couldn’t tell if it was mean-spirited or genuinely amused. “What a scrappy little guy!”

Luna could feel Gummy’s little suction feet gripping her shoulder a bit harder than usual. Hala was with them, though. So was Kindle, and he’d already faced off with Guzma on the beach what felt like ages ago. They had to play this well.

“Yup, he sure is. Name’s Gummyworm, and I think he could make it to the League.” At that, Guzma outright laughed. That was something!

“Kid,” he said, shaking his head at it all, “I ain’t gonna say you’re no miracle-worker, but be real. Who ever heard of a Champion Caterpie?” He shrugged. “But...” He thought about it for a moment. Golisopod considered him, too. If he could train a Wimpod into the beast by his side... and if he could get credit for having boosted a small fry to the League, then maybe he could make another name for himself. “If you’re really set on this, then you got yourself a deal.” Gummy wasn’t so sure he was set on this, but he was getting so terribly tired of everyone referring to his size. He watched as the tall, strange man turned away from them all, heading back to town. “Meet me in the ring at sunset.”

Hala nodded. Gummy had his teacher.

“Come,” he said, welcoming them across the bridge. “Let us pay our respects to Tapu Koko. Then, we can reunite you with your friend. He should be down by the waterfall...”

And so, they visited the Ruins of Conflict, where Gummy secretly prayed for courage and protection on their adventure. When they were done, Hala led them down to the water’s edge, where Ruto was waiting. Luna called, and out from the depths of the current sprung one of the most beautiful pokémon Gummy had ever seen-- a Primarina with flowing turquoise hair set with glistening pearls, impeccable grace, and large, bright eyes rimmed with thick lashes. Ruto sang out his happiness as they embraced, holding Luna’s face in his flippers and celebrating their reunion. There was no mistaking the bond they shared.

She introduced the two of them, Ruto taking Gummy into his cupped hands, and immediately placing a soft kiss on his forehead.

<<Any friend of Luna’s is a friend of mine,>> he said in his lovely, silk voice. <<Now, tell me about yourself, darling!>>

They sat together, Kindle, Gummy, Ruto, Luna, and Kahuna Hala, mapping out how the week would go as training began that evening.

---

Luna met Guzma and his team in the honey light of the sunset. He looked refreshed somehow, as if he’d been anticipating this since their last meeting. Finally, something worthwhile in this boring little town!

Luna, meanwhile, had assured Gummy that she wouldn’t let anything bad happen to him, and that Guzma was just someone hurting from the past. Gummy wasn’t too sure what that meant, but then, even Luna wasn’t entirely sure about how Guzma came to be the leader of Team Skull. She vaguely remembered something at Malie Garden awhile ago, about how he and the Professor had been “fellow rejects who couldn’t become Captains,” but... She also remembered his parents, the bent and broken golf clubs. His cries of “Guzma, what is wrong with you!?” after his defeats. Too many unknowns, she thought. Hala would have to sort them out. She could give this a try, if it would help. If it would make him kinder.

“Alright, Champion,” Guzma said, flexing. “Let’s see what this squirt’s got.” And so, it began. They started String Shot training with Ariados, then moved on to Bug Biting with Pinsir. Training continued for days, with each sun giving them another opportunity to become stronger, more agile, more focused. Luna found that Guzma really did have a soft spot for Bugs, never telling Gummy that he was stupid or hopeless. It was genuinely surprising after all she had seen from him, even with his own grunts.

Gummy, too, felt invigorated, if not constantly annoyed by the competitive, aggressive nature of his trainer. He was glad when finally it seemed he had mastered his String Shots, toughened his Tackles, and bettered his Bug Bites. Hala, who had been supervising every now and then, was also pleased at how this venture had turned out. Guzma was still harboring anger, frustration, and far too much aggression... but this exercise had set him in a more compassionate direction. They would get better, one day at a time.

On the final day of training, Guzma sat with them all on the platform, feeling like they’d accomplished something. Of course the strongest Bug trainer in all of Alola had successfully toughened up this wimp of a Caterpie! Who knew if he’d actually make the League, though. That worry had been itching his brain these last few days... Luna was an extraordinary kid, but that didn’t mean she was smart all the time. And if she set him up for failure... Well, she was gonna catch a beat-down right at the top of her Champion world, and he’d show everyone what the title really meant.

“Alright, Gummyworm.” He leaned in on his elbow, face-to-face with his student. “I like your moxie. But that ain’t gonna cut it if you really want to fight in the League. And you’re gonna have to fight if you want to actually earn that ribbon.” Guzma shook his head. Thank goodness he’d dropped all that trophy-and-ribbon BS back in the day. Luna, though, was on the verge of protesting before he cut her off. “Nah, look! You can get him to meet level requirements, but then what? He’s gonna backseat battle his way to the title? Never setting a sucker in the arena? First Caterpie Champion, and he ain’t never thrown a punch?” Gummy looked to her; surely that had been the plan all along? To actually fight? A little shadow of doubt crossed his mind as Guzma continued.

“Look, people are gonna tune in on this whole thing. You need to be ready. Even if it’s just one hit, one opponent you beat down, you need to show everyone you’re the biggest, baddest Caterpie in all of Alola! You got that?” Luna wasn’t entirely sure what to say. Gummy, though, mewed with determination. “Good. Besides...” He stood up, brushing himself off. “You don’t need no League and don’t need no ribbon to prove how tough you are.” And with that, Guzma waved them off, having taught Gummy everything he had the patience for.

Kindle and Ruto emerged, joining them in watching Guzma head off towards Mahalo Trail again. Thank goodness that was over. Kindle ruffled his feathers and sent a few embers floating in the cooling breeze. Goodness knows he had not approved of this whole thing from the start, and had kept a close eye those past few days to make sure there was no funny business. Ruto, too, had been wary, helping every now and then.

<<We’ll take over from here, yes?>> he said to Kindle.

<<Yes, we most certainly will.>>

“Well,” Luna sighed. “He certainly helped. And... he had a point.” Leave it to Guzma to drag everything out in the open. Gummy turned to look up at his visibly tired friend. “I’ll admit, Gummy. I had doubts that you could hold your own in the League. The Elite Four are no joke, and I just... don’t know that you’d be safe facing their teams.” Gummy’s heart dropped. Was this all for nothing, then? “There’s one pokémon, though: Acerola’s Sableye. You would have a chance of landing a hit on him. Maybe others... We can always go for other ribbons, though. It’s entirely up to you.”

Gummy considered this. Really, he did have to be realistic... He was small. And soft. He wasn’t ever going to be fast on his many feet, and he wasn’t ready to evolve just yet. He could, though, take what he had learned and start applying it. Kindle sat next to him as he thought.

<<You’ve grown a great deal, and that’s something to be proud of. You don’t have to decide now...>>

<<You’re right. What’s worse, though? Going in and being on the sidelines for almost everything, or never trying at all?>> Kindle considered this. Ruto scooted over, too, offering insight.

<<There have been a few Title Defense runs where not everyone was battling consistently. At times, maybe half the team carried the victory... but the team stood firm. We don’t have to prove ourselves constantly.>>

<<But only after you proved yourself a great deal elsewhere. No one doubted you.>> Kindle gave a soft, churring sigh. Luna returned it. Guzma had certainly put a Beedrill in their bonnets.

Gummy considered the deepening shadows. If they were going to do this right, there would be time enough to prove himself. You don’t need no League and don’t need no ribbon to prove how tough you are. <<Then, I’ll just keeping working hard! And there will be no doubt!>>

Somewhere, off in the distance, a cry of approval rang out, deep and ancient.

After saying good-bye to Hau and Hala, Luna called a Charizard service, and off they flew back to her house, where mom was sure to ask how all their training had gone.

They all needed a good rest.

---

It took a few days to shake the vibe of Guzma’s training, though the lessons stuck. Gummy had grown bigger and stronger, and continued to do so as he held his own against younger, beginner Trainers around the beach. Every victory brought him a bit closer to feeling like he belonged.

“You’re doing so well, Gummy!” She lifted him up in a celebratory swing. “Let’s get you cleaned up after all that.”

Later, as Gummy napped, it was Kindle who had opened up the ribbon book and pointed with a careful talon to one of his own. “Oh!” Luna exclaimed softly. “Of course... He should be able to get that one now.” Ruto also agreed, and so it was settled: they needed to travel to Akala!

They left on the ferry the next morning, waving to Melemele as they departed. Gummy had never been out on the ocean before, but thankfully Luna kept him tucked in snugly to her front with her jacket. Sunlight glinted off the water, Wingull glided with them... Actually, he could do without the Wingull, but Kindle was bigger, and he was very sure at this point he wouldn’t let him get eaten.

Someday, when he was a Butterfree, he’d be able to fly himself across the water to every island... Until then, he did like traveling swiftly on the waves with every possibility on the horizon.

---

Akala proved to be a wonderful adventure. They met up with Mallow, who had been teaching Orchid the Lurantis how to cook and forage, and both made them a fabulous dinner with Lana, Kiawe, and even Kahuna Olivia as guests. Orchid met Gummyworm warmly. Kindle and Ruto filled them in on their journey so far, and she was very sure they would be good friends.

<<It’s been awhile since we thought about a League run!>> She smiled demurely. Gummy was quite sure he’d never seen such an elegant and composed Grass-type before. Was everyone on Luna’s team so lovely? <<How interesting this will be!>>

Gummy was dazzled by them all, making new friends, who all wished him luck on his journey. Their pokémon even trained with him little by little, helping perfect his skills. (Gummy did decide, though, thanks to Kiawe’s Marowak, that fire was something beautiful to admire from afar, and not a type he could navigate very well. His webbing was very flammable.)

Kindle and Ruto both enjoyed the visit immensely, but also couldn’t wait until they made their way to the resort. Hopefully Kindle’s suggestion was more than just high hopes!

---

The Hano Grand Resort stood proud in the Alolan sun. Airy and opulent, it was unsurprising that so many celebrities found themselves basking on their award-winning beaches. Gummy hadn’t imagined that such a place existed. Were they on vacation? Wouldn’t that be lovely!

There was even a dashing Pikachu laying out in the sun with all sorts of people waiting on him. How nice, Gummy thought, to be taken care of so well. (Only later would Kindle tell him that he’d just seen one of the most famous Pikachu, star of so many films.)

They stepped inside the enormous lobby. The cascading water features caught the light and shimmered as water lilies quietly graced the indoor ponds. Gummy wondered at it all! You could live here without a care! As he marveled, Luna was walking towards the western corner where a gentleman in a straw hat sat drinking coffee. His face lit up when he saw Luna approaching.

“Well if it isn’t our Champion!” Gummy watched as they shook hands amiably before attention was immediately turned to him. “And this must be Gummyworm! I’ve heard all about you, my friend. You’ve been working hard, I hear! Let’s have a look-see.” Gummy wasn’t so sure what to do, but he picked himself up and struck a confident pose. He flexed his bug muscles, waved his antennae, and gave a spunky cry. The gentleman gave a hearty laugh. “Well, if you aren’t the spriest Caterpie I’ve ever met... But tell me, have you grown a great deal with Luna?”

Gummy hadn’t ever really thought about it on the spot before. He remembered when he had come out of the GTS, been allowed to stay, the moment Luna asked if he wanted his own ribbons... All of the battles he’d been allowed to watch from her shoulder, and even the ones he took part in himself. <<Yes!>> he mewed. <<Yes, I’m worlds away from where I was before! She believes in me, and I believe in her, and everyone here! We’re a team!>> He affectionately tucked himself against her neck, feeling very proud to have a friend like Luna.

That, it seemed, was enough.

“I have something for you...” There was a moment of rummaging, and Gummy wondered just what was happening. Kindle emerged from his ball, perching politely on a nearby chair, expectant. Ruto and Orchid came out as well. The kind man almost seemed misty-eyed. “Your love leaves its mark as surely as your passing leaves your footprints upon the sand...” He took a small case from his pocket, opening it to reveal a shining Footprint ribbon. “I’m grateful that you were willing to show me the wonderful bond between you and your team.”

A ribbon! His very first ribbon! Gummy mewed with delight as Luna held it up for him. Recognition for work well done, and a journey he would never forget. But this was surely just the beginning! Kindle gave a joyful cry, and together they took a lovely photo, sending it immediately to Mom.

“You always impress, Champion,” said their straw-hat friend. “Keep spreading that strength and cheer wherever you go.”

---

Gummy had traveled across each island with Luna and the rest of the team, having the chance to meet so many of the people who supported her along the way. Ula’ula was especially nice; they had tea at Malie Garden with Acerola, then popped by the Community Center so Luna could visit the local kids there. They loved hearing about her adventures leading up to becoming Champion, and peppered her with all kinds of questions about raising pokémon. One child in particular was there that day, and noticed Gummy sitting on her shoulder. “Oh, wow!” A few curious glances quickly grew into a little crowd regarding the bug with great curiosity. “You and your Caterpie are so close! Here, you should have...” He dug into his pockets, and procured a pink and white ribbon, set with a luminous gold heart. “This!” Gummy’s eyes glittered at the unexpected gift. He hadn’t known you could be recognized for friendship like that! Luna cheerfully took placed it in their case, safe and sound, while Gummy gave his chirping, chirring thanks. (And of course, then sent another picture to Mom.)

Suddenly an audience of children emerged and exploded into a barrage of questions. “Why’d you train a Caterpie?” “Is he strong?” “Can I get my own Caterpie??” “Why hasn’t he turned into a Butterfree yet?” “Is he really going to take on the League?”

Gummy’s head spun with all the questions, so many he’d been asking himself, but Luna took the reins of it all. Thank goodness he could count on her!

“He can evolve when he’s ready! Right now, he’s happy being a Caterpie. He is strong. Everyone’s strong in their own way. Yeah, you can catch your own! And I think we might just be thinking about a League run...” <<Oh!>> Just thinking about it made his heart skip. It hadn’t come up in awhile, and he had wondered if maybe Luna had let the idea slip away, focused on other things. <<Are we really still? Can I be a champion?>>

But, what are dreams if we don’t try at least once?

They left the Center feeling invigorated, setting off to catch a bus to the Hokulani Observatory.

---

There, they rejoined Science the Magnezone, who had been helping Sophocles with energy studies. The very notion of what they were setting out to do thrilled Science to his grommets, and he immediately began assessing all possible outcomes.

<<Caterpie have traditionally low capabilities,>> he buzzed. <<To pursue such an endeavor alone would produce a 98.375% chance of defeat within the first minute of battling. To do so with a team such as ours increases your success exponentially!>> Gummy laughed nervously. That was... exact and vague all at once.

The jolly Magnezone introduced him to all the Charjabug helping run the operation, and gave him a grand tour of the stars. Luna went to talk with Sophocles about Ultra Space, leaving her pokémon to stargaze. There, looking out upon the vastness of space, Gummy ventured to ask his new friends something that had been bothering him. He just couldn’t be part of this building team if... if he was right about his worry.

<<Do you think this is all a bit silly?>>

<<Well,>> Kindle thought, eyes skyward, <<Our very existence is overwhelming at the best of times. Why the great philosopher Mr. Fuji once said...>> And off he went, expounding on existentialism, and the concept of destiny, and many other theories that made Gummy’s head spin. Orchid and Ruto dozed, while Science was riveted.

<<I-I mean, do you think I am silly?>> he interrupted. <<That people wouldn’t take me seriously at the League?>>

<<Oh.>> Kindle brought himself back to earth again. Somehow, this seemed more complicated than explaining the miracle of life. He considered it carefully. There would always be someone out there, bitter and criticizing, some unhappy soul who wouldn’t believe in anything they were doing. <<There might be a few people who think it’s a mockery. That if you can do it, anyone can. But, isn’t that the point?>> He brushed a wing across him reassuringly. <<That if you work hard enough and keep with the people who can help you, who believe in you, anything is possible.>> Orchid nodded, cutting off Science who was undoubtedly going to make a comment about probability and calculate exactly what was possible.

<<Title Defense matches are serious business, but you’ve been making a name for yourself. Don’t mind what people say.>>

The friends sat in comfortable quiet for a moment.

<<You are the least silly pokémon I have ever known, Gummyworm. If anything, I admire you very much for your tenacity,>> said Ruto.

A star fell across the midnight sky, pulling a spider’s web of silver in its wake. They looked to Mount Lanakila in the distance, each making their own wish for the future.

---

They had been working hard for quite some time. Gummyworm was the strongest Caterpie Luna had ever met-- or was it that she had never considered investing in one before? It was curious, too, how Gummy hadn’t evolved yet, but she remembered her answer to the kids at the Community Center awhile back: he just liked being a Caterpie. Maybe someday he’d choose to evolve, and she would be there to protect him until he was a beautiful Butterfree.

For now, he was surprisingly talented in their League team.

On Poni Island, Moro the Lycanroc had been running through Vast Poni Canyon, patrolling for new Kahuna Hapu. When they met her once again, it was clear how fiercely loyal she was to Luna, and how she would treat Gummy as one of their own without question. He couldn’t help but be intimidated by her unwavering gaze and sharp claws, but it became clear she was essentially the Mom Friend of the group, and there was nothing to fear.

<<Are you well?>> she would ask, every day, and every day, Gummy would adamantly say that he was. Oh, he was, he was, he was. To be part of this full team, and to learn from them, was a wonderful, testing, trying dream.

They stayed on Poni with Hapu for a time, chasing Dragons and paying homage to the first Trial. Soon enough, it was obvious that they were ready for the final leg of the journey.

Ruto the Primarina, Moro the Lycanroc, Science the Magnezone, and Orchid the Lurantis were all together once more, sharing memories and rethinking strategies. They made Gummy feel right at home in their midst, though he couldn’t help but feel like an outsider in this tight circle. Science was an odd combination of logical and Brave, constantly computing but taking risks anyhow. Ruto was Hasty, but lovingly so. Serious Moro was clearly the protector of the group, especially with Timid Orchid. They complemented one another perfectly, knowing, it seemed, each other’s very heartbeats.

Even with the grand trip they’d just completed, he could just feel that what they had weathered together was something extraordinary. Listening to Moro’s recounting of Ultra Space, incredible monsters, saving the world... Suddenly he began wondering, again, if he was really even worthy to step foot into the League. She regarded him carefully, though not unkindly.

<<Is it... frightening?>> Gummy asked softly. Moro tilted her head, thinking. What had it been like for her? She had met Luna as a pup, and had gone through such trials at her side. But what joy they had as well! Her love was unshakable. By the time they had stepped through those great metal doors at the top of the world, they had dismantled the Aether Foundation, gazed into the abysmal darkness of Ultra Space, defeated Ultra Beasts, had saved Alola... Nothing could have stood in their way. Nothing.

And now, they were helping a small being achieve his dream. It had felt like an act of charity at first, but hadn’t she been a ragtag Rockruff once? Hadn’t they all been something small, and found their way to Luna? Moro had the honor of being a founding member, but she saw now that they had to make way for others to find their strength, too. Gummy had helped them all grow.

She realized Gummy was waiting for an answer.

<<It very well might be. You’ll meet those who walk with Kahunas and Captains. There is not one weak link in those walls, and once you step in, only defeat will bring you back out.>> Gummy hung his head.

<<What if I embarrass her? Or...>> Moro nodded her head, prompting him to say what was really worrying him. <<What if this whole thing... has just been... a joke?>> His little heart felt like breaking, once it was said. Moro didn’t seem surprised. She looked over to Ruto and Orchid, laughing easily by the water. Science was chatting with the Rotom Dex. Luna had set out with Kindle for some shopping, and they were all rather at ease waiting until she returned. Of course he felt out of place here, standing in the midst of history itself. She shook her rocky mane and stood, catching Gummy fast in her firm gaze.

<<You have asked that before, and must erase that doubt from your mind! You may have started this journey as an act of kindness, but Luna would not have led you to a false hope. I understand your doubts: who indeed has ever heard of a Caterpie Champion?>> She tossed her mane again, clacking her shards. <<Say it aloud! You will be the first in the history of Alola!>>

The first! Moro left no time for him to think twice. <<Are you ready to pull your weight, Gummyworm? Because the League is waiting for you!>> She gave a playful feint and yelp, ready to spar a bit. And so, they passed the evening practicing String Shots, and talking about their future opponents. They would be brave, and they would be ready!

---

Gummy couldn’t safely walk from the Pokécenter to the League Doors, and so had to wait anxiously as Luna made the trek. He heard the call to battle, Luna’s confirmation, and the hydraulic hiss of the immense doors pulling aside for their trial. This was it. All of their journeys together, their battles, training sessions, their victories and trials, had led to this moment. Gummy thought about his Footprint ribbon, given to honor his rise in strength since meeting Luna. There was the Effort ribbon, given to show how he had peaked in his strength. And then, of course, the Best Friend ribbon... because here they stood, ready for anything. Even if he should fail, Luna wouldn’t let him be ashamed.

Once inside, everyone emerged from their pokéballs. They stood in a semi-circle with Luna at their center. She looked so much different in this immense hall-- standing tall, strong, with a fierce look to her eye. The world was watching this curious team defend her title.

“Alright, everyone...” She held them all one by one in her gaze, holding Gummyworm last of all. She had to admit: there was still a seed of doubt about this whole thing. But, it was now or never. If ever she had wanted something badly enough, it was for this to all work out. “Here we are again! We’re all here to be Champions once more, and for the first time! Now, Gummy--” He perked up immediately. “The Elite Four are the strongest in Alola. But, they’re also our friends! We’re here to have fun, and to show the world what we’ve got.” She picked him up in her arms and held him gently, but firm. “Give mom a wave, okay? I know she’s rooting for you loud and clear.”

Gummy turned to the room and waved a few feet, hoping at least one camera would catch the gesture.

(It did, and far away, across Alola, many cheered for the Caterpie taking on his first Kahuna.)

---

As the Fighting Ring enclosed around them, Gummy felt the enormity of what they had just agreed to do. There was no going back!

Luna walked to the center of the stage, and faced Kahuna Hala as an opponent, but also as a friend. Gummy remembered how he had arranged for him to train with Guzma, and had watched over them so carefully during that week. It was time to show him just how much he had grown during his journey since then.

Once the battle was underway, the very arena was trembling with their might. Ruto, elegant and ethereal, sang and swam his way to victory. Once Hala sent out Primeape, though, the rhythm changed. It was his turn!

“Alright, Gummyworm! Let’s go!” And out he went! There, for all to see across Alola and the world, was a small green bug who the cameras could easily miss, especially as Hala’s Primeape stood mightily in the ring. He stamped his feet and glared down this ridiculous little opponent, leaping into the air for a decisive blow. But, before any contact, a sticky web found itself fast around his leg. “Just like we practiced!!” Luna cried, and Primeape found himself thrown off his trajectory, and hurtling towards the ground in his surprise. Tumbling across the floor, Primape was absolutely incensed.

“Excellent work, Gummy! Ruto, you’re in!” As Gummy returned to his ball, he could feel his heart absolutely pounding in his chest. He had done it! He had landed an excellent String Shot, and threw off his opponent just enough to make him tumble!

Ruto blew him a kiss before expertly ending the match. It had been a wonderful, frightening experience, everything and nothing like what Gummy had imagined it to be.

They were amazing!

---

Kahuna Hala gave a jolly, belly-shaking laugh. “Who would have thought? Caught off-guard like that... Just goes to show you the true power of you and your team. Go on! Face the remaining three!” Luna bowed, and exited the arena, transported back to the main hall.

There, everyone swarmed Gummy. He was shaken and a bit dazed, but he had slowed down the pokémon of a kahuna! He had contributed to their win! Ruto sang a spirited victory chant while Luna healed everyone.

<<Our darling Gummy,>> he said proudly. <<Tangling up a Primeape and setting my stage beautifully!>>

Luna, too, was feeling fierce pride for Gummy. So many people had just seen his skill, and she felt sure in her decision to bring him after all. But, she still had the good sense to know Olivia’s rock-types would not be a good match for her little fighter. Gummy quite agreed.

And so, he sat that battle out, and watched as Orchid and Ruto made swift work of Olivia’s team. Gummy felt he finally understood the phrase “poetry in motion” as they dodged boulders, avoiding being crushed under their brute strength. Ruto was elegance personified as his liquid voice eradicated all obstacles. Peaceful Orchid surprised Gummy most of all, becoming a blooming force on the field. It was all over, it seemed, in a wink.

Halfway through the League, and the team was doing very well. Next was Acerola with her spooky team, none of whom were Gummy’s cup of tea. Maybe they sensed his insecurities, and just couldn’t help but send shivers down his exoskeleton. He wasn’t too sure how this would go. Orchid offered a reassuring pat.

<<It’s alright if the first battle was your only battle. Why, I hardly made it out during one title defense sweep! Sometimes your role is to be on-call, just in case.>>

He nodded. Still... he had to give it a try. Kahili had a team full of birds that he most definitely could not face, so this might be his only chance before the very last match to make himself useful.

He had to try!

---

As Luna stepped into the misty, strange ring, Gummy gave a determined mew. He would be first! As he landed confidently in the ring, Acerola gave a gleeful jump.

“Oh!! I was hoping you’d come out to play! I can’t wait to see how this goes!” Out came Sableye, teeth bared in such an unsettling fashion that Gummy was quite sure he’d have nightmares for weeks. If his journey with Luna had taught him anything, it was that fear was natural; how we react to it, though-- that made all the difference.

Sableye danced around Caterpie, grin wide and menacing. Her aura seemed to consume him like a nightmare. <<Long way from home, little Caterpie?>> she sneered. <<Want to go back to your tree?>> Everyone watching was convinced Gummy was immobilized by fear, shaking as he was. In a blink, Sableye delivered a snappy Fake Out, but something in the blow brought Gummy to his senses. Instead of flinching, he shot out a string of sticky web! Cocooned in string, Sableye couldn’t move. Without missing a beat Gummy began a barrage of bug bites, enraging the captured Sableye until she broke free of her sticky bonds. <<HOW DARE YOU!>> she hissed, but Luna intervened, seeing there was no way Gummy could progress further with such an angry opponent.

“Great job, Gummy!” she called. “Come on back!” Ruto took over once more, with Moro and Science having their time as well. It was a heated, spirited battle, with Luna emerging victorious after a few close calls. Acerola’s Pallossand took no prisoners, that was certain.

Luna was once again astounded by Gummy’s gumption, lifting him high once they were back in the hall.

“Incredible!” she said. “You’ve shown everyone watching that you’re to be reckoned with, not once, but twice! Want to sit the birds out?” Gummy gave a vigorous nod. No beaks for him, please. He gladly sipped a Lemonade and let Luna apply some Potion to his scratches before they set out again.

---

Kahili was a breeze with Science and Moro, and they were soon back in the main hall. Everyone ate their berries and sipped Fresh Water, taking one last mini break before the last defense battle. Kindle turned to Gummy, hoping with all his avian heart that there were no surprises in this last battle.

<<Gummyworm,>> Kindle said, <<I... didn’t think too much on what I’d say once we were here, but. I am very glad you decided to stick around.>> Gummy chewed on a Sitrus berry and smiled.

<<I never could have done it without you, Kindle. And the others. And Luna!>> What would he have been without the faith of his friends? <<To think, here we are, after the Elite Four!>> Somehow, in that moment, looking around the vast chamber, it all came into perfect focus for Gummy. A calm came over him. Whatever happened next... <<Kindle... Thank you. For helping me prove to myself that I was able to get this far. I... I used to hurt a lot about being a throw-away. It wasn’t about the ribbons, really! I just wanted to be part of something bigger! And now, I’ve shown so many people that you can be small, and maybe not someone’s first choice, but still be great.>> By this time, everyone had gathered around him. His friends, boosting him to be the best he could be. <<Thank you, everyone. Thank you for helping me, and bringing me into the team.>>

Moro stepped forward to nuzzle him, prompting a huge group hug. Luna felt the energy of it all, the sense that they had fulfilled a great mission together. There was still one more step, though, and that involved the Champion’s room!

---

The tall staircase opened up to an immense dome magnifying the brilliance of the blue sky. Luna brought Gummyworm onto her shoulder to see the space, showing him the wide stretches of mountain and sea all around. “Isn’t it marvelous?” she breathed. “Every time I’m here... I’m just not ready to lose this view.” They took another minute to appreciate the mountaintop before Luna turned to a large chair set towards the back. With great dignity, she walked to her seat, and placed herself dutifully to receive her last opponent.

No sooner had she done so, a familiar figure entered the room. There stood Gladion, looking as fiercely morose as ever.

“You just use your best moves and see who is left standing at the end, right?" Was that really what it came down to? It had to be so much more than that. The way they supported one another, cheered, fought, hurt, and healed together... No! It was more than that!

Luna sent out Science as her first pokémon, and the following battle was breathtaking. Where Kahili’s match seemed almost unfair in its type match-ups, Luna and Gladion fought with unbridled spirit. Science removed Crobat from the line-up. Kindle faced off with Lucario. Ruto faced off with curious Silvally and Weavile. An absolute blur of might! It was the final pokémon for Gladion. Porygon-Z floated in its twitching dancing way, with Orchid calmly looking on. But, as Orchid prepared a Solar Beam, Porygon-Z used a surprising Ice Beam, nearly bringing the delicate Grass-type to her knees in moments.

<<I’ll go!!>> Gummy cried. Luna looked to him with determined eyes. This was it. She had to let him into the match... with no plan. Enough of the team was healthy that this could still end in their favor. There, in the Champion’s arena, Luna gave her command.

“Go! Gummyworm!” And out he went, taking the place of his wounded friend in the ring.

He couldn’t know that all across Alola, people cheered for the Caterpie with the audacity to fight in the Title Defense match. All the children they had met, rooting loudly in front of their TVs, every Captain, every Kahuna, even Guzma in Iki Town. They all watched as Gummy unleashed his String Shot straight at Porygon-Z.

He had carefully assessed its erratic motions, had aimed not where it was, but where it was going to be... and there! Ensnaring its body, then with a careful flick, extending the web to the ground. Porygon-Z was confused for a moment at being stuck; that was all the opening Gummy needed to shoot another string, pulling himself in at high speed for a Tackle aimed right at its middle. The blow was confident, sending both of them in opposite directions. Gummy flew across the ring... caught by the call of his pokéball as Luna brought him safely back.

“You did great!” she called, but Gummy was just a bit dazed at what he’d just done. He heard Kindle take up the battle, and rode out the remaining match with Luna.

Then, almost as soon as it had started, Gladion’s last pokémon was defeated, and quiet fell across the arena. The mist and dust settled... The battle was won!

Luna remained Champion!

Everyone emerged from their pokéballs for healing and celebration, letting out reeling cries of strength bouncing from the very walls. Their joy echoed across the blue sky, and all across the region, people celebrated another powerful League run. After making sure everyone was safe and sound, Luna took up Gummyworm into her arms with tears in her eyes.

“You did it! You really, truly did it, Gummy!!” There had been so many moments when his heart felt full to bursting, but this! The brave Caterpie let his own tears fall as he took in the great Alola sky, and his friends encircling him.

<<I did! We did! Champions!!>>

During this great celebration, Professor Kukui entered the room, bringing with him a small case. He had been watching from the very beginning as Luna entered with her familiar team, along with the Caterpie from that day, not so long ago. Wasn’t it something, how people and pokémon could come together and achieve spectacular things? And that String Shot move! He would have to ask this spunky bug if he could study its power.

But that would be another day.

“Hey, cousin!” he called, approaching the group. “I bring with me an honor for the new League Champion.”

Luna hugged Gummy snugly before calmly walking him over to the large Champion’s chair. There, she set him down, and stepped aside as Kukui revealed the small case. “Gummyworm the Caterpie...” He knelt down, opening the lid to reveal a shining gold emblem attached to red and white ribbons. “I’ve heard about your great journey all across Alola. You’ve learned what it is to truly work hard and achieve your dreams, yeah? Today, you stepped into the ring and showed everyone the results of all that work, and also showed what it is to work as a team. In honor of your victory, I present to you the Alola League Champion Ribbon.”

Holding the honor, and looking to all his friends... Gummy knew he had achieved his dream, one that had brought him all across the islands, and united the hearts of so many who saw him as the treasured being he was.

And so, Gummyworm the Caterpie was entered into the Alolan Hall of Fame, recorded for all eternity with wonder and pride.

---

The sunset gently sank from blazing red, pink, to purple, slipping ever closer to the dusky veil of night. Mom had spread out a large blanket on the beach with a few candles and snacks, ending the day in peace. Ruto stretched at the water’s edge with Orchid close by; Moro sat with Mom and Meowth on the blanket. Kindle dozed, perched on Science, who was out cold. Luna, meanwhile, was off a ways, walking the waves with Gummyworm perched on her shoulder, making their way back to the group before night fell.

So very much had happened since that day at the Professor’s lab.

They had journeyed all across the islands, meeting so many people who challenged and supported them. Why, there had been quite a few moments where they seriously considered just going home... But where would they have been if they’d given up?

“You sure have taught me a lot,” Luna said, looking out across the fading sunset. “But you know what? I think you taught so many other people today what the League really means, too.” Gummy wiggled his antennae, curious what she meant. “I think... It’s more of a feeling, really. The connections we share, how we support one another... How we define ourselves. Do you feel like you’re a Champion?”

In that moment before the last match, he knew within his heart that he had everything he needed, right there. And, when victory had truly been achieved?

He mewed a loud <<Yes!>>

Luna laughed. “You earned it, buddy. You really, really did. Thank you for taking me on this journey.”

<<And thank you for having faith in me, Luna.>>

They walked to Mom, who welcomed them back with a hug and kiss.

---

From that day on, Gummyworm was famous across Alola. There were interviews, and visits to Community Centers for meet-and-greets. Luna made her thank-you’s known. Guzma received more visitors at Iki Town, making Hala proud every time he didn’t tell someone off or make a child cry. He couldn’t help but smile, though, when a basket full of berries and battling items arrived from Luna. The kid was alright.

Others sent the team their love as well from all over the regions, especially the children who adored the idea of a Super Caterpie. There was even a picture book that came out: The Champion of the Small, which certainly took its liberties, but made him happy just the same.

When the hype died down, and Luna set her sights on a new adventure, Gummy decided to stay with Mom on Melemele. He loved Luna, but he did need a break, and growing plump on berries didn’t sound half bad! Luna would visit, as would everyone else when they could. Orchid had decided to return to Mallow to learn advanced forest foraging, while Science was set to study at the Hokulani Observatory for a bit longer. Ruto went with Luna, as did Moro and Kindle.

Gummy was thinking that, maybe soon, he just might evolve... but until that felt just right, life was beautiful and serene,

And he was loved.

---

The End.

#pokemon #pokemon sumo #pokemon fanfiction #caterpie

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