Sorry for the long question… a Gallade is my partner and best friend. Recently we’ve been battling together and he loves it and really wants to take on the League. The problem is he doesn’t have a pokeball and the league won’t allow our application unless he is registered to one. He thinks they’re degrading. I try to explain that he has to be in one only for a second to get registered and I won’t think any less of him but he won’t listen. Is there anything else I can say?

Perhaps there isn’t much you can say, anonymous, but maybe there’s something other pokémon can say. Have your gallade meet a gym leader’s team; gym leaders are often more than happy to let their pokémon mentor others. Additionally, show your gallade recorded matches between members of the Elite Four or the various champions. The more your gallade is exposed to pokémon that have poké balls (either by conversing with them or by watching them), the easier it may be to convince him it’s a painless process.

Best of luck!

The Ralts Line

bills-pokedex:

As an apology for our delay in both the response to the last question and our entries as a whole, please accept this special, extra entry for the day. Thank you for your patience. —LH

Ralts
The Feeling Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Fairy
Official Registration #: 280
Entry: A childlike pokémon native to the quieter forests of Hoenn. Because of its ability to sense the emotions of others, it typically avoids contact with anything that is not of the ralts line and is, therefore, extremely rare and difficult to find. However, because of its timidity, its soft but cute cry, and its eagerness to please others (in order to neutralize any negativity that surrounds it), it is also a popular pokémon among children and young adults … which very likely does absolutely nothing to alleviate ralts’s aversion to drama and high doses of extreme emotion.

Kirlia
The Emotion Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Fairy
Official Registration #: 281
Entry: The evolved form of ralts, by battle experience. Although kirlia possesses more mastery over its psychic abilities than its predecessor, it is still prone to being highly affected by the emotions of its trainer. For example, trainers who experience incredible emotions of joy or pride may cause their kirlia to dance with happiness. Trainers suffering through negative emotions will find that their kirlia has become lethargic and depressed. And trainers in the vicinity of other humans they find incredibly attractive will cause their kirlia to ███████

Really, Bill? Really? —LH

Gardevoir
The Embrace Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Fairy
Official Registration #: 282
Entry: The evolved form of kirlia, by battle experience. Only the strongest trainers who form the closest, most loving bonds with their kirlia may see their pokémon evolve to their final, natural forms. Thus, a gardevoir is born out of strong feelings of loyalty, so it stands to reason that gardevoir in general are inherently extremely protective of their trainers. This is true; all observable tamed gardevoir have been known to go to extreme lengths to protect their trainers from any potential threat. Unfortunately for most people, “extreme lengths” may include creating a miniature black hole, and “potential threat” may include literally anyone within five feet of their trainers.

Gallade
The Blade Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Fighting
Official Registration #: 475
Entry: The evolved form of male kirlia, by exposure to dawn stone. Although its sibling evolution results from the incredible bonds formed between a kirlia and another being, this does not mean gallade do not experience similarly intense urges to protect their trainers and loved ones. If anything, their ability to sense the emotions of potential foes, combined with the drive to battle inherent in all fighting-types and extreme fondness for using the swords hidden in their forearms, make them even more gung-ho about protecting the people and pokémon they value the most. Therefore, trainers should be extremely wary about teaching their gallade to attack only on command, rather than any time they sense danger. Well-meaning researchers who intend to give gallade to sisters with questionable tastes in men, however, are free to teach their pokémon whatever they wish.

They aren’t, but good try. —LH

Mega Gardevoir
The Embrace Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Fairy
Official Registration #: 282+
Entry: The advanced form of gardevoir, with gardevoirite. Due to this pokémon’s bridal appearance and strong associations with emotion, it’s said that those who manage to mega-evolve their gardevoir in tandem with a partner’s gallade are destined for one another. Unfortunately, the author has yet to verify these claims, as the only person he knows with a member of the ralts line has been a less-than-willing subject.

I’m not evolving my kirlia until he’s ready, just because you want to test the validity of old wives’ tales! Also, you don’t even have a gallade! —LH

Mega Gallade
The Blade Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Fighting
Official Registration #: 475+
Entry: The advanced form of gallade, with galladite. Due to this pokémon’s noble, swordsman-like appearance and strong associations with protection, it’s said that those who manage to mega-evolve their gallade in tandem with a partner’s gardevoir are their partner’s destined protector. Unfortunately, the author has yet to verify these claims, as the only person he knows who could secure a galladite for testing has been forbidden (by the editor of this blog) from selling evolution stones of any sort to him without the reassurance that it’s not for science.

Stop telling Steven you’ve gotten my permission too! —LH

Hey Bill, my kirlia used to be very excited to evolve, but recently she’s gotten upset every time I’ve brought up the topic. I think it might have something to do with the fact that she doesn’t have the choice to evolve into a gallade instead. I’m not sure if the exact issue is that she wants to *be* a gallade or if it’s just that she feels it’s unfair that she doesn’t get to choose, but she’s very upset about this. Anything I can do to help?


Whenever dealing with kirlia who wish but are unable to evolve into gallade (or a pokémon that’s unable to evolve into one of its evolutionary branches, such as eevee or snorunt), it’s extremely important to first emphasize both their own self-worth and the worth of their alternative evolution, gardevoir. Teach them that they can be strong, no matter what evolutionary form they take, and inform them of the strength of their alternate evolutions. In gardevoir’s case, this may be as easy as showing them videos of Champion Diantha’s gardevoir, as she’s well-known (to the point of being an idol for quite a few kirlia I know) for her strength and grace.

Additionally, consider teaching them techniques that can be translated into the evolutionary form they can take. Consider teaching your kirlia Focus Blast shortly after they evolve, or teach them to move about the field using the fencing techniques they would utilize as a gallade. This may help your kirlia feel as if they can get the best of both worlds, so to speak.

Above all else, though, reinforce the idea that you value your pokémon, no matter what forms they take. Let them know that they are still vital parts of your team, and show them—through affection or through displays of your trust—that you will always consider them to be your close companions, even if they can’t evolve into the form they wish.

Also, regarding the kirlia who may be upset that she doesn’t have a choice in the matter, the above advice is only if you’re sure that’s what she’s concerned about. I highly recommend that you communicate with your kirlia first, as what’s bothering her may have nothing to do with evolution at all.

Best of luck to the both of you!

Hello, big fan! Anywho im having a bit of a problem with my gallade recently. He has been my partner since I started my journey, but recently hes been agressive towards any men or women I try to date. He has a limited ability to telepathically communicate but he refuses to tell me why hes so antagonistic to my potential bf/gfs. Ive tried lavishing him with attention but no luck. Is he just sensing bad intentions in these people and trying to protect me? Not urgent but I could use help!

Generally speaking, gallade tend to be rather protective of their trainers, some more than others. So I wouldn’t say that the people you date are latently evil, @hoshikostar. It may be more that your gallade is finding it difficult to trust new people you bring into your life, especially if it’s been just the two of you for a very long time.

My advice would be to try and acclimate your gallade to a new partner the same way you would a new pokémon. Do it gradually and in comfortable settings, and make it clear to your gallade that your partner means him (or you) no harm.

If he continues to express aggression towards your partners, it may also be jealousy or a genuine fear of something he’s detecting. If it’s the former, have your new partner interact with your gallade in mediated settings to establish their intent on forming a partnership or family with him as well. (In other words, have your partner reassure your gallade that they have every intent on including him in activities, rather than excluding him and monopolizing your time.) If it’s the latter, reassure your gallade that you trust his judgment, but let him know that you can’t act on his advice unless he opens up to you.

Finally, consider training alongside him, rather than simply guide him through exercises as a trainer usually would. In doing this, you’ll remind your gallade that you’re not simply someone who needs constant protection but rather an equal, and thus, this should reassure your gallade enough to be a little less overprotective.

Best of luck!

May I also add on to the Gallade ask? Gallade can also learn Ice Punch and Stone Edge!

The ask in question: http://bills-pokedex.tumblr.com/post/161106519940/hey-bill-i-need-some-advice-my-gallade-has-been

Excellent point, anonymous, although a special note should be made about Ice Punch. if you wish to teach your gallade this move in order to counter flying-types, it’s worth it to be aware of the fact that flying-types … well, fly. That is to say, it would require extra accuracy and agility training in order to teach your gallade to not only leap that high but also strike a fast-moving, high-altitude target.

Stone Edge, being a larger move in scale (or a move that can be shot, depending on a trainer’s personal battling style), does not typically need extra training and can simply strike a flying pokémon if that flyer goes in for a physical attack (as many basic flying-type moves tend to be).

Hey Bill, I need some advice: My Gallade has been training for months but can’t seem to defeat strong Flying types. How can I help him train mentally as well as physically?

There are several ways you can do this.

If you’re looking to train your gallade’s psychic abilities, meditation is often the key. If you can, try pairing him with a medicham for best effect, but if not, simply be sure to have him sit down and engage in self-reflection for at least an hour a day. While, certainly, it sounds counterintuitive to have your gallade train his mental abilities by not doing anything at all, that’s strangely how many psychics go about fine-tuning their powers. (Some even do so under waterfalls, which may sound like a cliché but is actually an effective way to train discipline.) This is due to the fact that when meditating, a pokémon’s entire focus is on strengthening their inner self and seeking enlightenment, so by stopping all physical movement, they have no choice but to train their minds instead.

Of course, this isn’t the only way a gallade can defeat a flying-type. Gallade can, for example, learn Thunderbolt, Thunder Wave, and Charge Beam, among many others. However, because many of these moves don’t match either of gallade’s native types, training yours to use them may be a bit trickier. On the other hand, the associated training is often less time-consuming. You would still need to dedicate an hour a day to do so, and there will still be some level of meditation involved, of course. It’s just that most forms of type-based training are more active compared to psychic training.

For example, with electric-type moves, while your gallade will need to learn how to channel electricity properly (a process that will involve some meditation, combined with plenty of focus on the field), the bulk of your gallade’s training beyond that will be a simple matter of target practice, as electrical attacks are notoriously difficult to control due to their speed.

In short, each element tends to require different training techniques (some of which may vary depending on whether or not you’re dealing with your pokémon’s native elements), but should you simply want to train your gallade’s psychic abilities, intensive meditation should do the trick.

Best of luck, anonymous!

So about a week ago I started travelling with another trainer (someone I’ve met a few times, I consider him a friend) and ever since my Gallade has been wary of him, extending his swords whenever he gets within a few feet of me, and occassionally stops paying attention in battle. He used to be fine when we met up before, so I don’t know what is wrong all of a sudden. Any help?

It may be a good idea to communicate with your gallade—specifically through means your new traveling companion can’t eavesdrop on. Gallade are highly protective pokémon, but it’s also important to remember that in addition to this protectiveness, they’re also psychic. While it’s entirely possible that your gallade is simply being overly cautious around your friend, it’s also possible that your companion presents a very real danger that your gallade has picked up on. Communicating with your gallade through subtle channels will help you determine whether or not the threat is valid and what actions you would need to take after that.

If your new companion is indeed a threat (and, of course, always investigate before assuming your gallade is completely correct), it’s important to take caution in your dealings with him from that point forward. I would advise parting ways with him in a public area (and doing so politely but confidently) to minimize the possibility that he will respond violently. Be sure to have your pokémon close at hand for a few days afterwards for protection, and try not to make it obvious that it’s because you perceive him as a danger to you.

If, however, your companion is not a threat, try to explain to your gallade that your friend is trustworthy. I would also suggestion having your friend and your pokémon engage in team building exercises (such as, for example, allowing your friend to help take care of gallade or having your gallade and your friend work together to set up camp) so that the two of them may begin to build bonds with one another. Eventually, the longer your friend works with your gallade, the more likely your gallade will finally let his guard down.

Good luck, anonymous!

Hey Bill, I’ve had a Kirlia for a long time, and he’s getting close to evolving, he’s been my travel partner for the longest time, and I want to give him the choice of if he evolves into a Gardevoir or a Gallade, any advice for my Kirlia and I?

As always, research is key here. Do as much research as you can into kirlia’s evolution, using the internet, opinions from trainers who own gardevoir or gallade themselves, and guidance from your pokédex or regional professor. Share all of the information you gather with your kirlia at each stage of your investigation, and let him decide what feels best for his identity, based on what you’ve told him.

I’d like to refrain from giving you too many specifics because I don’t want to sway your decision, but I will say that, of course, gardevoir is the more psychic evolution, while gallade is the more physical. Both stand on equal footing, as both fulfill their respective roles reasonably well. It’s just that gallade might be slightly more difficult to obtain due to the rarity of dawn stone, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be worthwhile to train (or that he’s more desirable than gardevoir, for that matter).

Best of luck, anonymous, but one last piece of advice: give your kirlia an everstone until he’s ready to evolve. He needs to focus on his decision, not on resisting evolution, and the effort put into resisting evolution may either put him off the idea of being a gardevoir or make him feel like he needs to give up and become one, depending on his personality.

How to take care of a ralts please?

I must admit, this depends on your circumstances, especially given the fact that ralts is a branched evolutionary family. While there are certainly similarities between how you would raise a ralts who will eventually be a gardevoir and a ralts who will eventually be a gallade, when you get to preparing for their evolutions, the training regimens you will need will undoubtedly be different. Likewise, as soon as your ralts evolves into a kirlia, you may need to adjust its lifestyle, depending on whether or not it wishes to evolve at all and what it wishes to evolve into. A gallade requires a diet heavy in protein (to build muscle) as well as exercises of a more physical nature (especially to build arm strength). Meanwhile, kirlia that don’t wish to evolve and kirlia that wish to evolve into gardevoir will need exercises geared more towards developing their psychokinetic abilities, including more meditation than actual physical fitness. Additionally, as they develop their psychic abilities, they’ll need to rely more on a plant-based diet to avoid consuming anything that could experience emotions upon death, as the psychic exercises may increase their empathic strength.

Speaking of which, that’s the main challenge in raising a ralts at all: the empathic factor. Young ralts especially will be a little uneasy as they get used to feeling your emotions, and thus, from an early age, they should be trained to build psychic barriers. Keeping other, older members of the ralts family (including gallade) could help, but really, any psychic pokémon capable of using telepathy will do. Younger ralts will also require a lot of meditation in order to teach them mindfulness, which in turn will help them control their own emotions and prevent themselves from projecting onto others (including you).

A lot of these exercises may consume much of your ralts’s time, so distractions for stress relief are absolutely necessary. Soft toys may be a good choice due to the comfort the ralts may derive from the way they feel, but be wary when getting anything with a face. Ralts who struggle with controlling their psychic abilities may inadvertently bond with their stuffed toys, which increases the risk of producing a shuppet if the toy ever needs to be discarded. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give a ralts a stuffed animal—just that if you do get them one, don’t let them or the rest of their team beat it up too much, and be sure to have them draw out any psychic energy when the toy is ready to be discarded. Otherwise, believe it or not, but stimming toys normally given to humans are also excellent choices. Moon sand as well, for that matter. The more a ralts’s physical senses can be engaged when playing with the toy, the better, as it allows it to focus on the physical realm, rather than the psychic. (They’re also rather fun to collect or create, but … that may simply be my own personal preference showing through.)

In terms of food, it’s a misconception that members of the ralts family are exclusively vegan. While they can’t eat meat that had been taken from a living animal, eggs and dairy are perfectly fine. Dairy, after all, is not a complex living thing in itself, and eggs have never reached the stage where they would have developed emotions. If you’re thinking of evolving your ralts into a gallade, as I’ve mentioned earlier, protein is a necessity, so eggs—along with vegetarian proteins such as nuts or soybeans—are an essential. Otherwise, ralts that you don’t wish to evolve or ralts that will eventually become gardevoir can be completely vegan—if they wish, anyway. It’s always a good idea to ask your ralts what it prefers.

Otherwise, taking care of a ralts is very much like taking care of a small child. They sleep in small beds (with blankets and a pillow, preferably), they can be toilet-trained, they bathe in similar ways to humans, and they often need the same sorts of affection we give children. It’s just that it’s very highly recommended that you avoid physical contact as much as possible with particularly young ralts until they develop the aforementioned psychic barriers, as projection from a psychic pokémon is not a particularly wondrous experience. Thus, as tempting as it may be, your ralts will really need its own bed, and you may wish to avoid hugging it as much as possible at first.

Best of luck, anonymous.

What are the red pinkish shard things on the Ralts family’s heads/bodies? What do they do

Those are their horns, actually. Every member of the ralts family has crystalline horns that act as psychic amplifiers, much in the way that kadabra and alakazam’s spoons or spoink and grumpig’s pearls do.

This is why it’s generally considered impolite to downright dangerous to touch those horns.

Without permission, anyway.

(No, this is not an opportunity to “kinkshame” the people in the notes.)