Tag: special entry

Celebi

Celebi
The Time Travel Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Grass
Official Registration #: 251
Entry: Although those from mountainous East Johto, seafaring West Johto, and rural Central Johto are in disagreement as to which is more important between Lugia and Ho-oh, each Johtonian sect is in agreement that the other most important kami to our collective belief system is Celebi. According to general Johtonian belief, Celebi is the guardian of time, forests, and young pokémon, and its domain is specifically Ilex Forest. For this reason, not only is Ilex Forest sacred ground (and thus untouched, despite a major metro area bordering it to the north), but the region is also dotted with shrines dedicated to Celebi, the largest of which is located deep in Ilex itself. Additionally, there are a number of festivals throughout the year dedicated to Celebi, including one on New Year’s Day. This festival is called Shogatsu, which was the old word for the holiday in general but is, nowadays within Johto, used in reference to Celebi’s festival specifically. On Shogatsu, it’s customary to give thanks and ask for purification from Celebi in the form of offerings (of mochi, rice, or cards) left at any of its shrines throughout the region. 

Although it’s technically a religious festival, Kinjin, or residents of Goldenrod City, are a very hospitable sort and would be more than happy to accept foreigners into our celebrations. However, we also understand that many of you may not know all of our Shogatsu customs, which is why kimono girls are often seen performing demonstrations of Johtonian culture in the various Shogatsu street fairs held throughout Goldenrod City. Simply approach one and ask in Old Johtonian (that is, our language before Common became prevalent) to be shown how to give thanks, and the kimono girl will gladly teach you. For Unovans who might not know how to speak or write Old Johtonian, the author suggests something special for particularly respectful treatment. Simply present a prayer card with “助けてください私はアメリカ人です” written on it, and the kimono girl will be sure that your prayers will be sent to Celebi.

An Interview with Brendan

After the editor’s interview with @trainersofhoenn​’s Brendan, she sat down with him again to ask him a few questions.

So, The Pokédex According to Bill presents for your viewing pleasure a rarity for our blog: actual advice from a trainer on interacting with a starter.

LANETTE: To start things off, why don’t you tell us a little bit about your starter and your relationship with it? Which starter did you choose?

BRENDAN: I chose Mudkip, and he’s been an incredible partner! It’s been very easy to raise him. I was surprised that he picked up all my commands very quickly in our first few battles. When I started calling him Axle, it didn’t take long for him to get used to it, too!

LANETTE: Nicknames are great ways of bonding with pokémon, and that’s certainly a cute one for yours! Speaking of bonding, though, all new trainers go through challenges when first bonding with theirs. What challenges did you face while bonding with Axle?

BRENDAN: If anything, I had to get used to camping out near a body of water at night, since mudkip like to sleep at that meeting point of land and water. It wasn’t that necessary anymore once he evolved because the species are more amphibious, but I still made it a point to do so since marshtomp and swampert appreciate getting their bodies damp.

I also had to get used to how he loves battling. I mean, he really, really loves battling. I’m glad that my project allows me to meet so many trainers and in turn lets me battle them, because Axle won’t be able to sleep at night if he hasn’t battled at least a couple of pokémon. It only got worse ever since I was able to mega evolve him! I didn’t plan on being a battling-heavy trainer, but Axle single-handedly steered me to that direction.

LANETTE: It sounds like he was quite a handful at the end! On that note, what are a few things you wish someone would have told you beforehand about raising your starter?

BRENDAN: That he likes getting your attention by blasting water to your face! When he was a mudkip, I saw it as a playful thing and took it as a sign of friendliness, but when he evolved and his attacks got stronger, I had to tell him that there’s only so much water I can take. Axle still does this to me sometimes, but it’s more out of humor than anything. One time he did that to Melody, my exploud, and both of us had to deal with the constant ringing in our ears for the entire day because of her Hyper Voice attack. Axle stuck to picking on me after that.

LANETTE: [laughs] He sounds like he keeps you on your toes. But on the other hand, they say pokémon with forward personalities are more likely to create strong bonds with their trainers. So tell me, what’s the most rewarding part about being with your partner? And for that matter, what general advice can you give to a trainer who chooses your starter?

BRENDAN: I think my answer to your first question would be similar to what most other trainers would say about their partner, regardless of species. I’m very thankful to have a pokémon who I can trust and who jives so well with me. I can say the same thing for my other pokémon, but there really is something special when you’re talking about your starter. I’m not exaggerating when I say that he’s a big reason why I’m still journeying. 

As for general advice to trainers who are starting or want to start with mudkip: Don’t sweat it! It’s very easy for them to form a bond with their trainers—there’s a reason why Professor Birch gives them away as starters. Just make sure to be wary about their affinity for damp, muddy places. I’m sure the species’ name should’ve given it away!

Also, belly rubs go a long way in making mudkip more affectionate to you. And that grows exponentially after every evolution!

LANETTE: [laughs again] Yes, that’s very true for nearly every pokémon! Well, thank you, Brendan, for all your advice. I’m sure that this will be helpful for anyone who’s considering adopting mudkip as their partner in Hoenn this year! One last question, though, just to help send them off—what sort of advice do you have for anyone journeying through Hoenn?

BRENDAN: Great question, and one that I love asking to my interviewees as well! I’d say to keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. Your eyes will let you to discover many new pokémon and places to make your journey more expansive. Your ears will let you find out more about other people and let you learn from them to make your journey more colorful. And your mind will let you be ready and willing to take all of that in to make your journey more meaningful.

{Thanks again to @trainersofhoenn, who wrote Brendan’s parts this time around, for the awesome collab! It was a lot of fun, and it’s an honor to work with a really sweet writer!

Not to repeat myself (although it’s 100% worth it in this case), if you haven’t followed Trainers of Hoenn, you really should. His blog is not just a Humans of New York/Pokémon spiritual crossover. It’s also a humanizing, creative, and often heartwarming look into the NPCs of the Hoenn region. If you love reading character studies or pieces about people being people, give it a look!}