Together Forever?
Which Pokémon Will You Never Give Away?
With the latest buzz about the 30th Pokémon anniversary, I can’t help drifting back to some of the 4Kids music from the original (American) cartoon series. One song in particular came to mind, just yesterday: Together Forever. When I think of and listen to that song, I think of all the Pokémon I’ve encountered and caught in the games and how some are really, REALLY hard to part with or lose (if something ever happens to the game and the time invested).
So, with that song in your mind, I’d like to know…
Which Pokémon would you be unable to release back into the wild or trade away?
I could be here a while, trying to list every creature from all the various generations of games. But, but a quick list does come to mind rather easily.
Ninetales [The most beautiful fox I’ve ever seen; both the original fire and ice/fairy versions are divine. Between Ninetales and Rapidash, I could easily fill a team of six with lousy odds of being champion but great odds of being one of the best looking and loveable FEMALE teams.]
Rapidash [Just try to pry one of these away from me...FEMALES, at least. You can have the stallions. I keep close watch over every mare and raise according to best stats; meaning the ones with the worst stats just sort of hang around in the stables being appreciated for their beauty.]
Wartortle [Of all the original starter Pokémon, this second form of Squirtle is probably my favorite next to Bulbasaur. It just looks like a creature ready to defend and partner with me in a fight.]
Bulbasaur [I’m not a fan of Ivysaur and Venusaur; I’d like to create some regional variation of those. But, Bulbasaur stole my heart the moment I knew it was a starter. It just has that cute Chiapet look to it. I truly thought it must have been the first Pokémon created until I learned about Rhydon. Again, you might talk me out of a male Bulbasaur. But, any females I retain cautiously. However, like Wartortle, I’m okay with having a male Bulbasaur as a teammate.]
Dragonair [“She” falls into that early category of versatile beauty. Dragonair can learn a variety of moves to cover various types in battle, even though it doesn’t get that “STAB” benefit. But, as a travel companion and generally great inspiration, Dragonair is a fine FEMALE muse. Dratini is kind of a pocket version—which is probably why it makes sense as a Pokémon—and Dragonite is a less appealing cuddler.]
Lopunny [One of the rare Normal types to win my heart…FEMALES, anyway. If you have a male Lopunny, you can keep it or let him go. This is one of those special creatures that does not appeal to me if it’s a male. The same goes for Goldeen, Dragonair, Ninetales, Rapidash, etc. I’m only interested in pretty females.]
Scizor [When I first saw Scizor, I didn't think I’d like it much because it’s basically turning a living, breathing insect into some kind of cyborg or robot. But, once I was able to hone and put one on a championship team, I learned to love this shiny red sportscar. I named one female Portia for that reason. Gender is not critical, but females are definitely favored. Males I treat like prize fighters.]
Geodude [This is also one of the very first Pokémon to steal my heart. If Geodude had been a starter, I probably would’ve picked it just to have this tough, sturdy meatball with muscle on my team. Geodude had one of the coolest Burger King keychain toys, when this whole craze pretty much started. I can juggle both Geodudes and Geodudettes; I’m not particular. Thus I am more likely to be open to trade/release one, eventually…but I still adore every one I catch.]
Jigglypuff [I blame the cartoon series for turning this otherwise lackluster pink cat head into a loveable audience-seeking talent. I’ve learned how to turn what seems like a weak, feeble creature into a fairy “tank” that can be both tough and delightful. If female Lopunnys came in Wigglytuff colors, or if Wigglytuff had a Lopunny-like variant…that might be the perfect mix. I think MALE Lopunny and Jigglypuff should come in some other color/form. I mean….we have gender-special forms for creatures like Nidoran and Unpheasant; why can’t we have them for other rabbits and other creatures that just don’t look right when labeled male?]
Goldeen [FEMALES ONLY. I will not have a male Goldeen anywhere in my collection unless I need an ugly Seaking to complete the damn Pokedex. Goldeen is definitely a prize fish with lousy moves and odds of winning anything other than a beauty contest.]
Lurantis (So far, probably the prettiest of bug types and capable of being a serious teammate contender. But, again, FEMALES only. Tsareena is also a fun and feminine Grass type, but Lurantis feels like a more versatile and balanced partner.)
Purrloin/Liepard [‘One of the finest felines ever drawn! For a long time, I thought nothing could top Persian. Liepard does just that. There are other decent cats to collect/find. However, Liepard holds a special place in my heart…even if the name and latest limits of Dark types kinda suck.]
Articuno [If I have to pick a glorious bird, it would be hard to top Articuno. “She” is not one I would put much faith in to win a fast fight. But, in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (Red), I would not have survived the Celebi stage without her Powder Snow (and a belt which reverses attacks received). In any game where Articuno is available—namely Sword/Shield—I take Articuno with me wherever I can. “She” keeps me calm and cool and reassures me when I feel alone.]
Talonflame [Another fine bird; Talonflame is tough to top in terms of looks. Skills may be about as limited as just about every other bird. I mean…how many birds can you teach Steel Wing, Aerial Ace and some kind of diversion or team-speed-boosting tactic? Regardless, Talonflame just exudes power and beauty. “She” gives me courage.]
Noctowl [I’m not entirely Noctowl needs a place on this list because they can be quite common in certain games, including its origin space, Pokemon Gold/Silver. But, what makes Noctowl special is that I am pretty sure I invented “her.” Just about any time I catch and focus on one, I name HER Athena.]
Suicune [Like Articuno, I am partial to this bizarre sea dog? for its unique beauty, compared to its kin Entei and Raikou. Suicune sort of reminds me of Tiger of the Wind from Monster Rancher; a trusted partner (with a rather lousy, limited move selection).]
Muk [Call me weird, but Muk is one of those toxic friends you actually might learn to love…if you don’t think about it as sewage or anything else gross. When I look at Muk, I see a purple blob of silly putty. “She” is like a big Ditto. Muk can be quite fun and versatile to train.]
Gastly/Haunter [I’m not a fan of Gengar. But, the other two forms (thus far) have grown on me. There are other loveable spooks. But, Gastly/Haunter were the first to get my attention. I just like how Haunter seems “grabby.” What could “she” do with those hands?]
Tangela [The one Pokémon that, from the start, looked like a “Fry Guy” from McDonald’s. I just can’t resist when I see one. ‘Same goes for Oddish, usually. And, Oddish/Bellossom has more potential in battle. But, Tangela is just a mysterious muse.]
Sawsbuck [That’s Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring (SAWS) Buck, in case you didn’t know. I haven’t even caught any of these, yet, and I love them. If I start catching these, I’ll likely fill a box in no time, trying to pick out the best ones. The simple fact that these deer come in seasonal variations is a treat. I definitely want a set and favor the autumn version. Need I repeat…FEMALES only.]
I think I’ll stop there. But, you get the idea.
Now then…share. Share! What is YOUR list of hard-to-part-with Pokémon and why?