#my aunt was showing me what an Alpha Garchomp looked like and WOW

[ask-professor-laurel]

say prof, what are your theories on the alpha Pokemon from Hisui? they seem pretty similar to Totem Pokemon in Alola from what I can tell- but I'm no expert

Good question! Alpha Pokemon are such a recent discovery that there are theories flying around everywhere at the moment, but I'll do my best to explain the one I'm leaning into.

So, firstly, your own observation that they're similar to Totem Pokemon is correct. Both are notably larger than their species should be able to grow, as well as being quite a bit stronger. Though I don't think they served the same function. I'll explain that;

Totem Pokemon in Alola and greatly respected. They're often left small offerings, and they have a friendly relationship with the locals. Hence why the Totem Pokemon serve in the trials trainers go through, similar to our own Gym Challenge here in Galar. It's a relationship of mutual respect, with the Totem Pokemon being greatly cared for and loved by the communities they live in and around, and offering their services. They also protect the Pokemon they live with, standing out as leaders due to their size and strength, and watching over large units of Pokemon in their areas. I would say that in this respect, Totem Pokemon are very similar to the ancient Noble Pokemon, who were also larger and stronger, and were worshipped by the locals.

I think Alpha Pokemon came about because they were necessary. As strange as it is for us to think about these days, back in ancient Hisui, people and Pokemon weren't friends. Now, we have the recountings and the journals and all the evidence that shows people lived in fear of Pokemon, but we don't get the other side of that story. Pokemon lived in fear of people, they were just as scared as the people were, if not more! Pokemon did hurt people, yes, but people also hurt Pokemon, killed Pokemon, stole away their young and whisked them away. So, when people adapted, so did the Pokemon. I think Alphas came about because the Pokemon were trying to protect themselves and their families from people. This would explain why Alpha Pokemon were reportedly much more aggressive than regular Pokemon, as well as explaining why they were so much bigger and stronger.

I don't mean to paint a terrible image of the past. Everyone was acting to protect themselves and their loved ones, people and Pokemon alike. But while humans could make, say, houses and towns and protection, armour and weapons, vehicles, Pokemon can't do that. All they could do was get stronger, and so they did just that.

We don't see Alpha Pokemon anymore, and I think that's because they're not needed anymore. Sure, there's still people in the world who go out of their way to hurt Pokemon, but there's a lot more people looking out to help Pokemon. Pokemon can rely on their own strength, and on us, to help them when they need it.

I have to say I'm glad that Alpha Pokemon aren't around anymore. For one thing, it's wonderful that Pokemon no longer feel the need to defend themselves so fiercely that they evolve to be angry and strong. But for another... the idea of an Alpha Corviknight is absolutely terrifying. I love Corviknights, don't get me wrong, but the idea of one of those being even bigger, even stronger, and actively hunting you? No thank you!