#Orich the Espeon δ

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When a metal Espeon falls asleep on you, you don’t really have a choice but to accept your role as pillow with grace unless you want to press your hand into needles.

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Mythological things! A metal, a fairy queen and a food/drink.

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Holon Information Post

{ooc: this is gonna be a bunch of headcanons so I know the rules Phil’s playing by. Feel free to agree or disagree with whatever!)

When I first made this blog I made a poll on what people know about Holon so I could make a post explaining a bit about it as a region. Since then I’ve been making this to try explain parts of our region and what were known for. This will be long but if you’re interested I think it’s worth a read!! Though of course I’d say that!

Contents

Geography Culture δ / Delta Species Pokemon Pokemon ex & Holon

Geography

Holon is both the name of the region and the name of our main city pictured below. For ease, Holon will refer to the region, Holon City/HC will be the city.

Thanks to our very small population and being a place of minimal interest, the region is mostly comprised of Mirage Forest. In the above photo, Mirage Forest is all the wooded bits around the edge. HC is quite small in comparison and completely surrounded by the Forest! This photo is a little old as there are more buildings in the open green spaces but we haven’t expanded the city’s limits. At the centre of the city there is the research tower that’ll be discussed more later.

Holon Lake is on the southern outskirts of Mirage Forest, just past some marshland. The other side of the lake leads to a lovely mountain range that is the most exhausting hike you’ll ever do, even if you use the caves for rest.

Holon is a coastal region! To the north-west of HC is the sea. The main island off the coast is Fract Isle, known as the ~mysterious island~ to most. Fract Isle’s most notable trait is that it grows ex crystals, again to be talked about later. Below is a picture taken on Fract Isle that includes a crystal cluster.

There is also a chain of small islands, the first of which is just about visible from Holon’s coast. There’s very little human presence on them or Fract Isle, just wildlife workers like myself and tourists.

Culture

I’ll be honest, it’s really hard to identify what should be here.

Since we’re a small region, it’s a close-knit community we’ve made. Everyone knows everyone to some degree, even if you never interact with them. This extends to people we know who don’t live here. I’ve talked about my interregional friends so much that when they come over most people accurately greet them and ask them something personal. They don’t come over that much after their first time.

Our relationship with Pokemon is a bit different too. We don’t have as big a “trainer culture” as most other regions. People keep Pokemon if they want to but there’s no obligation to from Holon, most of the pressure is from other regions. As a result we don’t have a Gym or League system, nor an Elite Four. We have one Pokemon Center that’s apparently a little bigger than ones in other regions. I guess this is to accommodate tourists who end up in battles with our Pokemon — they are likely underprepared. Those who do keep their own Pokemon are expected to be able to do most the care themselves. I invested in my own healer when I had to get a Service Pokemon. Very expensive. But that’s what’s expected if you can!

We do have 1 school building that has room for every child of different ages but it isn’t a trainer school — kids or parents who want that for their kids send them to other regions. This is also true of other specialist schools. At that point it’s expected they won’t come back to Holon for years if at all. I myself am an exception.

Another minor thing is a mix of self-sufficiency and collectivism. It’s a “you do what you can for yourself but if there’s anything you can’t do we won’t hesitate” thing. Pretty much every home has at least one berry crop of some kind, the healer thing, apricorn Pokeballs is a common practice; if you can’t do these there’s no shame! Everyone else will give you what you need and do what they can to help you get to the point you can be independent.

We’re getting more tourists than ever, likely due to the Internet allowing other regions to learn about us and our phenomena. I work with Renée and she’s apparently famous on some social site for posting clips and pictures of Sanctuary Pokemon. The issue is people come here wanting to take home a “weird Pokemon” and are grossly unprepared. Like one Ludicolo δ has wiped out a whole group that came wanting something. This has unfortunately put some strain on our Pokemon and how they view humans in general. Even the ones who go to the Shelter have to put a day in at the Sanctuary to be considered for adopting a δ Pokemon to prove they’re up to it.

Another reason may be that someone from Holon is one of the founders of the TCG. Helped us get some fame from there, although that influence has likely long dropped.

δ Pokemon

δ Pokemon, A.K.A. Delta Species Pokemon, are Pokemon whose DNA has been altered so it’s a different type. δ Pokemon are unique to Holon due to our weather; we have electromagnetic (EM from now on) storms fairly frequently. The region has natural EM storms, yet there has been an increase since the Research Tower’s construction as it emitted EM waves for its original purpose of finding Mew. EM waves are what cause the change to δ Pokemon, hence the influx of δs on the mainland despite consistent numbers on Fract Isle and the other islands.

Not all δ Pokemon are one from their hatching. The EM can affect them at “vulnerable stages” which is pretty much hatching & evolution. There are some cases of the change happening while at a healer so that may count but there’s not enough of a sample size to truly suggest the claim. There haven’t been any recorded cases of this but it’s theorised that phenomena such as Mega Evolution, Z-Energy, Giganti/Dynamaxing, and Terastilizing could also form “vulnerable stages” as Pokemon move into/out of them. Terastilizing especially!

( Small side note: Holon and Paldea have a few things in common: Pokemon changing type due to natural phenomena, phenomena-associated crystals, poison Woopers (δ Pokemon in our case), it being considered rude to enter people’s homes off the street, investment & use of door locks, and probably more I’d know if I ever visited Pa more. )

A lot of the time the change in type is addition of the Steel type or, in already dual-type Pokemon, one type being replaced by Steel. For examples, see my Orich (Psychic/Steel) and my friend’s Beedrill (Bug/Steel). Other type changes are possible even within species! I know a whole group of Electric Totodile-line δs that have a couple Grass ones in their ranks. It isn’t preset, so to speak, but it seems EM is more likely to change them to some types over others.

Explaining δs is hard to do without touching on how types work and whether they are real things. I can’t say much as I don’t know any science or sides of the debate, however I do think the traits we associate with the types aren’t just a random collective we group together for no reason. Orich’s got fur like copper, he’s immune to poisons & venoms, and he’s sensitive to heat physiologically. There’s likely a link between these traits all being activated by the EM. That’s just my thoughts though, best to listen to the professionals.

Pokemon ex & Holon

Pokemon ex (a shortening of “Pokemon Extra”) are found in many other regions, they are not a Holon exclusive. From memory they were first acknowledged in Hoenn. Pokemon ex are Pokemon with enhanced ability in all areas but most notably health and attack. They’re sought by competitive battlers as a result, even by those who don’t do Leagues because exs are more capable of different moves. There are whole separate battle systems where exs are legal and their move pools include home-brewed techniques. One of the more famous and recent examples I know of is a Paldean Ampharos ex who has a signature Thunderstrike Tail. However, Holon doesn’t have any part of these systems housed here.

From what I’ve looked up and asked professional researchers I work with, the true cause of Pokemon ex is unknown. The best guess Holon researchers have is ex crystals. Found in abundance on Fract Isle, residents of Holon and tourists alike have a habit of taking some home; our Pokemon Center sells faceted pieces, raw pieces and jewellery. This doesn’t explain exs’ presence in other regions. It’s possible it’s a different phenomenon entirely to what the crystals do and they’ve been incorrectly labelled the same.

And yes, there can be overlap between ex and δ!

Hope this was a good read and not too long! I tried to keep to the need-to-knows and stay off tangents.

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Orich has started floating his food bowl above my head so I grab it before he drops it, then excitedly running off to the kitchen all “oh you have my bowl food time!”

How did he pass service training?

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Sanctuary left me a voicemail saying the Impidimp has hatched! I can’t visit him at the mo sadly, I will definitely once I’m out to make sure he’s ok being the only one of his evolution line in the place and assess if he’s a δ.

Hospital staff told me Orich hasn’t left my bed the whole night. Poor li’l dude.

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{Could this be made into an rb game? Rb or comment or something stories about these!}

I’ve talked way too many times about Orich and Mab looking after me — I was most of the way through typing out how Mab now refuses to let me go into the sanctuary if I stumble three times in the way there. I’m curious about you all and your Pokemon. Do they do things like this for you?

Oh! And reciprocation! How do you look after them? Mab’s only been ill in my care once but I learnt he doesn’t like being worried about. I play everything down so he doesn’t over exert himself. Orich tells me he’s ill by getting my attention then laying on his side and crying loudly. He then gets some basic food and falls asleep wherever he wants. Yes that isn’t much different from normal.

Your trainer OC doting on one of their Pokémon when it falls ill, and your Pokémon OCs returning the favour when their trainer is feeling under the weather.

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I was told Orich was trained to be a service Pokemon specifically for auditory issues/hard of hearing/deaf people, so I’m not sure why he has a habit of making his own food and mine if he’s so inclined. I’m not gonna turn down the pre-made toast I find on my desk but he can’t have been trained for this; that’s a disaster waiting to happen. Does he just have a secret passion for the culinary arts he’s not yet willing to fully share with me?

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Rest of the day summary

Went to the sanctuary to check on the Impidimp. He’s not a δ, his physical health is fine. He seems quite frustrated when he’s not around people. He tries to approach other Pokemon but, when they acknowledge him, he hissed and runs away. With humans he’s more open and mischievous — based on research it seems the normal, healthy behaviour for Impidimp. He’s particularly fond of Sophia. She was the worker watching the egg when it hatched, so it’s possible he imprinted to some degree? Some Pokemon do that, some don’t, I’m not sure where Impidimp are. Either way, his pranks are more light-hearted with her.

Got home and contacted all the agencies I work with to say I’ll be taking time off. Really should’ve told the Sanctuary while I was there. Also moved private clients’ sessions either over a video call or to a later date.

Sophia & Atkins surprised me with dinner. They’d bought the ingredients for and cooked arroz de ducklett, and had bought a pão de ló cremoso for dessert. We watched ‘Crawdant Man From Mars’. Amazing film if you haven’t seen it. Atkins is staying over to make sure I’m ok.

Orich has stayed on me in some way all day. Curling up on my lap, laying across my feet, generally resting against me. I think he feels guilty or protective. He hasn’t been like this before.

I would say the day started out bad then got better but I was unconscious most of the start. Guess it was an overall pretty great day.

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[ID: A bald man with a flat cap surrounded by fire-types and an Ursaring — @betterorreworse’s Euca Lipton! — stands to the side of Philomena. He’s pointing out different stalls around a harbour-side market with glee. Philomena films all the stalls he points out.

“Oh ! There was a Maximizers concert in the stadium on my fifteenth birthday ! Got seats that time, right at the front of the top tier . Still a great time— Dante ? Where’d you go ? !”

“There!”

The camera follows Philomena’s view, watching a man with a dark quiff — Dante! — as he reads a menu.

“Have you eaten, Philomena? I’m starved.”

Philomena pauses so Orich can ‘translate’ what was asked. She responds, “I could go for some food. You two?” as she records her two service pokémon. Orich is awkwardly in shot, being pressed up to her leg, but replies enthusiastically. Mab can be seen holding Philomena’s hand. He nods, then steps out of the way of a passerby.

“The Captain’s Table ? Good choice , bouf !”]

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Orich is my service Espeon for ANSD. He’s meant to get my attention and notify me of hazards and similar things if I’m unaware. He also knows how to make toast, cereal, squash (properly now), and scrambled eggs. Just by himself.

Mab is recently service certified. I have hypoglycaemia so if he notices me displaying symptoms he can encourage me to eat, help keep me upright, or move me if I faint. He’s still very boisterous when my health is all good. He has a one-sided rivalry with a Spheal that always knocks me over when I check on her.

To people getting one, it can take a bit to get used to. It felt like I had a new shadow who’d judge me for doing something “wrong”. But me not being able to hear something isn’t “wrong”. That helped getting used to him. There’s a way to generalise it for advice but that’s for someone more eloquent to figure out (,,>﹏<,,)

People with service Pokémon:

Take this post as an opportunity to talk about them! How do they make your lives better? What’s a funny thing they’ve learned to do? What would you tell someone looking to get a service Pokémon? Whatever you want to say about them, just share it!

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Fun fact: Holon does not have an airport. This would require a new large area to be cleared and it’s generally not seen as worth the damage by residents. We do have a harbor-esque space but only very small boats can fit. This is because the sea floor is higher around a lot of the small islands for a substantial difference and the floor around Fract Isle has ex crystals. This is nice as it lowers the chances of our environment causing serious damage and getting us on the news. I am currently not a fan because I’ve got to get a ferry to Ambrette then another to reach Hulbury.

I haven’t actually been through a metal detector with Orich before…

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Back from the void, here’s some brief information on what’s happened in my life

Hypoglycaemia is a bitch

Orich has not left my side, even when my side is bleeding because of his fur.

Grendel the Impidimp evolved! Still not a δ. Rumpel mimics him a lot more now

Oh yeah, Sophia named the Pinkidimp Rumpel! His pranks tend to be stealing money. He gives it back within 10 minutes.

Nothing major to report with δs.

I saw Li’l Baby Squimsh the first day I was stable enough to work. Knocked me over immediately. Mab still doesn’t like her.

Mab’s been doing courses to be a service Pokemon, at the “request” of a researcher higher-up, on the basis he can move me if I faint or pass out.

The ex crystals have been fluctuating. Scientists think it’s something to do with unprecedented EM levels increasing the frequency. All I know is the human Fract Isle inhabitants, mainly researchers anyway, have been evacuated since the Aggrons are increasingly aggressive to Blazikens as they are now heat-resistant.

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Have I mentioned that Orich and the Bounkid do not get on? Orich either leaves or uses telekinesis to turn her around when she tries enter the room he’s in. She had enough a few days back and tried fighting and biting him.

Since Orich is my boy, the Bounkid is now living with Will Quince, one of the research towers scientists. He’s called her Marie. I see her when I go to the tower. She’ll still pop up on here! Mab still loves her and they still get up to no good.

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I didn’t train him but my Espeon δ made me hot bluk berry when I was faint once. Issue is he didn’t use any water, just pure bluk berry concentrate heated up. Credit where credit’s due, I didn’t feel faint after drinking it. I did feel like I’d just made out with a Slurpuff though.

Those who have trained your Pokémon to make coffee in the morning did it work and does the coffee taste good

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Back on the coast today doing the rounds. Little Baby Squimsh looks tip-top as ever! I don’t know how Orich feels about her bowling me over whenever we meet. He has gotten good at moving himself out the way at least. Mab on the other hand is decidedly Not A Fan, lifting me back up and chasing Squimsh until he got Aurora Beamed.

I did get a cute video though. Orich had done this before, I know he doesn’t use claws!

[ID: Little Baby Squimsh sat very nicely on the beach, her eyes staring at Philomena behind the camera. The camera moves around her to the left to reveal Orich sat next to her watching her tail as it thuds the ground with a repetitive rhythm. He suddenly baps the side of her body before immediately recoiling at the sound and feel, his head glowing red against his green ‘fur’, but his head also snaps to the now stilled tail. He watches it and only begins to relax when it subtly starts bouncing again. Once her tail is back to full tempo, he baps her again. Throughout all of this, Squimsh is smiling at Philomena, absolutely uncaring about Orich’s antics.]

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Issues with Orich warning me of stuff via telepathy

He is only aware of issues when I am.

When it’s stuff that’s already making it hard to focus on everything and making it feel like my thoughts are all fusing together, adding another thought just hurts.

So that’s why I collapsed after forgetting lunch. Arcdammit. I was doing well.