#wda: task

[kylesvariouslistsandstuff]

John Musker recently spoke of his final years at Walt Disney Animation Studios, and on directing MOANA under the stewardship of John Lasseter. There's some stuff worth noting in here...

To start off, he kinda repeated the words Bob Iger said when evaluating Disney's 2023 movie releases that didn't do very well at the box office, in describing what's not working with WDAS' most recent films. Namely the box office bombs STRANGE WORLD and WISH...

We weren’t trying to be woke, although I understand the criticism. The classic Disney films didn’t start out trying to have a message. They wanted you to get involved in the characters and the story and the world, and I think that’s still the heart of it. You don’t have to exclude agendas, but you have to first create characters who you sympathize with and who are compelling. I think they need to do a course correction a bit in terms of putting the message secondary, behind entertainment and compelling story and engaging characters.

The key takeaway here is "you don't have to exclude agendas".

While I found Iger's similar statements to be confounding and toothless, seemingly catering to all the angry assholes on YouTube who call everything "woke" and think about Brie Larson 24/7/365... What John is saying is a very basic thing about storytelling, in that it's character first.

That being said, I personally don't feel the problem with WDAS' recent movies is that the messaging is front-and-center. I think that so-called messaging, like some of the character work, feels like an afterthought too. Specifically in STRANGE WORLD and WISH, not so much ENCANTO. But it is instead the rushed and hurried pacing of their over-crammed stories, the sort-of plainness of the presentations, weird dialogue choices (throughout my first viewing of WISH, I kept saying "Who talks like this?"), kinda reheated old hat tricks. It sometimes feels like the films made under CCO Jennifer Lee's watch are just trying to recapture FROZEN in some way or another... Without understanding why that film ticked with audiences and where the overall zeitgeist was in late 2013/early-to-mid 2014.

Also... Messaging. I'm not taking Musker to task specifically, because I know what he means in his words... But when others say it: All art is either political or about something, anyways. Choosing NOT to say anything is still saying something, it's still a political act to bow out or to be indifferent. Every Disney animated movie is about something, and they are indeed the works of their creators, so that means that their views on life and the world are somehow within the stories themselves. "Message" in this context, to me, reduces a work of art to a mere statement, like an after-school special or something. John and Ron Clements' Disney animated movies simply knew how to mix the themes with the character work, the storytelling, the worlds they put together, etc. You can't tell me with a straight face that something like THE LITTLE MERMAID, ALADDIN, or MOANA aren't about something or aren't political in any way, shape, or form. Especially the first of those three examples. The spirit of Howard Ashman would have a word with you if you think otherwise.

John also points out that the Lasseter years, which a lot of people online alarmingly pine for, weren't these amazing halcyon days. And this statement only confirmed the rumors I had heard about MOANA's production, how both John and Ron Clements were warded off on various things during its making:

MOANA was a very difficult project. It was our idea, but with Pixar and John Lasseter, our story kept changing hands. In the ’90s, we had Jeffrey [Katzenberg]. He was an emperor, you know. But there weren’t 10 Jeffreys. Now, you have too many people to satisfy, before we didn’t have 15 directors telling you how to make the movie. But in some ways, they were right, it was a good thing.

I feel like John's being very balanced in his words, finding the positives of that kind of environment while still calling out the not-great stuff. I love to hear these stories in former directors/animators' own words, and what the Lasseter and Lee regimes have been like. I feel that there are potentially fantastic movies buried in STRANGE WORLD and WISH, the former I rather liked still and the latter I found a fairly pleasant diversion.

I feel the fault lies in the execution, not so much the concepts, themes, or ideas. While some pockets of animation fandom online strongly feel that that earlier iteration of WISH with a younger version of Asha's grandpa being some kinda Star Boy would've been automatically better than the released film, to me it's down to the storytelling itself. Like, I think Asha, the silly goat, and the cute star thing could've been a fun trio and the movie itself a pretty fantasy flick, but it doesn't really get there. The Human-Star WISH, if made, could've also suffered from the same writing problems and similarly underwhelming songs.

STRANGE WORLD could've been this really dynamic sci-fi pulp adventure with a funny and super-enjoyable bickering family at its core, with the environmental themes intact... but it's mostly just kinda there in its execution, the characters kinda flat, the dialogue is forced a lot of the time, the dramatic beats aren't properly built up, and the film's editing makes it feel like it had been thrown into a dicer. There doesn't seem to be the hand and personality of the directors/filmmaking team, it's almost like a template is set for them. And they fill in the blanks and eke out as much personality as they can. See, I don't get that out of Pixar's recent films, all of which feel much more director-driven. And ARE about something, too, whether explicitly political or not. This current iteration of WDAS would not have made a movie like LUCA or TURNING RED.

For the forseeable future, it's sequels to favorites from last decade, who knows how those will be executed. Maybe an original or two sneaks in, I don't know, but I wonder if Lee and the leadership themselves looked at the response to WISH, STRANGE WORLD, et al. and are figuring things out. Or staying the course. But it isn't just people online saying it, nor critics. More than one Disney veteran is saying it... WDAS is in a bit of a rough spot at the moment. The solution isn't as simple as "they need to have romances and villains again" nor "they need to be less left-leaning", to me it's really... Let the filmmakers try something cool, even if it doesn't land. If it doesn't land, it'll be a cult classic thereafter. Live-action directors get to mess up all the time and make these 45%-scoring-on-RT released-by-A24 movies that later get hailed as auteur classics... Why do some animated movies have to live up to this weird nonexistent standard?

Back to Musker... In addition to this, John still expresses interest in adapting the DISCWORLD book MORT, from Terry Pratchett. He and Ron tried to get that going at Disney Animation after finishing THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, but it didn't pan out, so the pitch that morphed into MOANA happened thereafter. He feels it's a tough sell in today's "risk-averse" environment... Though somehow, the DISCWORLD book THE AMAZING MAURICE AND HIS EDUCATED RATS recently happened as an animated feature. The interview seems to confirm that METAL MEN, the DC animated adaptation that he and Ron were heading up at Warner Animation, isn't a thing anymore. John's new thing is his self-made short I'M HIP, so hopefully that circulates somewhere we can all see it.

[justlookatthosesausages]

Genuinely excellent and interesting debates in the notes!

My personal wish would be a series and a Frozen 3 and that's all.

A little CGI series like the baymax one (but for gods sake don't make it Olaf centric) that would explain all the new lore of Frozen 2, why the characters took such a turn in it, and what happens after it (+bonus: what happened between F1 and F2, because it would help to understand). I love Frozen 2 but it just raised more questions. And I know, I know that writing a sequel is hard, but WDAS really confused themselves in their writing progress. I blame the test audience back and forth process but they re-did the plot sooooo many times that they didn't realize, in their final version, that a lot of explanations were missing. Sure, some mysteries have their pros, because you get to have your own interpretation. But clearly the movie is missing fundamental pieces, like they forgot the base pillars in early versions of the plot and didn't realize it because they were so deep into writing they didn't need to clarify anything, but we did.

To be honest I want more content because I love Frozen and I want more of our beloved characters. But I'm also a bit angry; I feel like if we don't get ANYTHING other than a cameo, we'd be robbed. We're due explanations. I'm so very happy for what the girls have become by the end of F2 but how did they get there?? We know how they got there thanks to blu-ray features, BTS, and the Into the Unknown documentary. But it shouldn't be that way! Anyone should understand just by watching the movie!

So I'm bitter, but also optimistic. I feel like Jennifer Lee and her team are aware that their sequel is flawed; like I said, it's a hard task. So, as they care about their franchise like we do, I hope they will make amends and fix the little cracks and holes they unfortunately left behind while expanding this beautiful universe and deepening our beloved characters.

JLATS out ✌️

Only possible outcomes for the Frozenverse I can think of

No more content whatsoever, the franchise stops at Frozen 2. Lmao who am I kidding of course Disney will keep milking the cash cow

Little shorts with no big plot, happening either between Frozen 1 and 2, or after Frozen 2, maybe both. They're centered on really useless stuff so it makes most of us cringe but also brings good and welcome characters deepening so we're happy in the end. No Frozen 3 though that's all

No Frozen content for the longest time following a decision to stop there by Jennifer Lee herself, and then out of nowhere in 2031 a new Disney exec decides to make a Frozen 3 and even Jennifer Lee can't do a thing against the marketers' pressure so it still goes in production but she refuses to participate in it; it's a worldwide-known fact that Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck don't direct nor write Frozen 3 but a lot of people go see it anyway and it's a commercial success but it's very bad. Critics forever qualify the Frozen franchise as stupid because of it. (I like drama) (and hate capitalism)

No Frozen 3 but a live-action adaptation of Frozen 1

Frozen 3 AND a live-action adaptation of Frozen 1

Frozen 3, and for some reason a live-action ofr Frozen 1 with the same characters but with a whole new story

Utterly absurd but possible: Frozen 3 (bad), and a live-action (good)

Just Frozen 3 and nothing else. Definite end that makes it CRYSTAL CLEAR that it's the end end.

Frozen 3 with an open ending, a plot that leaves even more questions than before, an expanded universe that makes no sense, and then Disney never makes a sequel again (my nightmare)

The (somehow worse?) sudden planning of Frozen 3 followed by Frozen 4 in 2028, Frozen 5 in 2033 and Frozen 6 in 2037. Each is increasingly terrible and slowly kills the characters and stakes.

Same planning and each movie is really good and in the end we're all proud of what the franchise became. (I'm allowed to dream)

Same planning and each movie claims to have a main gay character, who actually gets one line.

Just Frozen 3, and it's excellent, saluted by the audience and the critics

Just Frozen 3 and it's really bad but in a stupid way, we make memes about it until the end of time

Just one final cameo from the Frozen characters in the Disney Animation 100th year special and that's it

The bets are open.

[octaviusacqua-blog]

TASK 008: MEET THE FAM !

Meet HANK ACQUA; a FORTY-TWO year old who resembles DAVID HARBOUR. He hails from THE GREAT BARRIER REEF.

+ loyal, intelligent, good-hearted - close-minded, serious, grumpy

Hank had wanted one thing: to get out of the Marine Life Institute and into a lovely, lonely tank in a Cleveland aquarium. However, his selfish attitudes quickly changed when he was shown the better side of himself by a silly, little fish named Dory. Hank had always lived, and wanted to live, a solitary life. After his adventure to reunite Dory with her family, he realized it might be time to settle down himself. His goals had changed, he wanted to have a child that loved him as much as Dory loved her parents. So, he settled down, found himself a lovely octopus and laid a few eggs. Octavius is the only one that hatched, and his mother died shortly after laying her eggs. And so, it was just Hank and Octavius, a couple of cephalopods taking on the ocean. It was going to be fine, or so Hank hoped. 

Hank raised Octavius the best he could. He thought he did a pretty damn good job too. The two of them were always on good terms, as they were always so alike. A father and a son, but also a pair of best friends. Octavius was fine, until he turned human and headed off to school with some other fish from the Great Barrier Reef. Hank rarely saw his son now, and as much as he basked in the peace and quiet, he missed Octavius. And when he did see him, something about his son was just off. School had changed him, and Hank wasn’t sure if he liked the change, or how to bring him back to the octopus he used to be. 

[walmartkaligaris]

love yourself to death | an andrea kaligaris mix. [listen]

001. you’ll never be loved ‘til you make your own // 002. twenty two and confused on what to do and how to set it up // 003. they call me lamborghini cause i know just what i'm worth // 004. got a pistol for a mouth, my own mama gave me that // 005. i make him wanna sin // 006. she was made to blow you away, she don't care what any man say // 007. you can't raise hell with a saint // 008. a whole lot of trouble in a itty-bitty skirt // 009. don’t even try, can’t fuck with my vibe, double cuppin’ in the ride motherfucker, don’t play with me // 010. get what i want cause i ask for it, not because i'm really that deserving of it // 011. never asking for your help, independent woman she ain't for the shelf // 012. you know your worth // 013. i'm the boss right now, not gonna fake it // 014. just a young gun with a quick fuse // 015. i never pay for my drinks, my entourage behind me // 016. solo ride until i die, cause i got me for life // 017. with her sweetened breath and her tongue so mean, she's the angel of small death and the codeine scene // 018. heaven help me, i didn't see the devil in your eyes // 019. cause i'm looking like class and he's looking like trash, can’t get with no dead-beat ass

[roselinewynters]

i felt alive & i can’t complain | a rose wynters mix. [listen]

001. when she was just a girl she expected the world, but it flew away from her reach so she ran away in her sleep // 002. you built up a world of magic, because your real life is tragic // 003. and i was running far away, would i run off the world someday? // 004. cause you look greatest when you feel like a damn queen // 005. i was born to late into a world that doesn’t care, i wish i was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair // 006. i’m a wanderess, i’m a one night stand, don’t belong to no city, don’t belong to no man // 007. i got my pride, my self respect, want nothing more, want nothing less // 008. not quite a victory to run from your problems, but it’s the only plan that i got // 009. standing frozen in the life i’ve chosen, you won’t find me the past is all behind me // 010. i walk alone i’m everything, my ears can hear and my mouth can speak, my spirit talks i know my soul believes // 011. got my ticket for the long way round, two bottle of whiskey for the way // 012. you’ve been acting awful tough lately, smoking a lot of cigarettes lately, but inside you’re just a little baby // 013. trying to find that peace of mind behind these two white highway lines // 014. c’est la vie, maybe somethings wrong with me but at least i’m free // 015. we know the fire awaits unbelievers, all the sinners the same // 016. don’t you worry child, see heaven’s got a plan for you 

[jubiibean-blog]

JUBILEE JAMISON — POKÉMON TRAINER/MUSICIAN

h o m e t o w n

Jubilee hails from the most populous city in Kalos, Lumiose City. As the central hub of the region for it’s massive tourism it’s no surprise why she fell in love with the musician’s lifestyle. With her parents ( and later, after her father left, just her mother ) traveling to and from various regions for work, Jubilee spent a vast amount of her time just exploring all the bustling city had to offer.

s t a r t e r

One day on her adventures she had found a small, lost Shinx hiding in the bushes of Lumiose — which wasn’t too surprising because Lumiose was a melting pot of people and pokemon considering it’s heavy onslaught of visitors. She tried in vain to find the poor Shinx’s family while nursing it back to health but when he wasn’t claimed she demanded on keeping him, naming him Abel. When she finally got her pokédex, Abel tagged along on all of her adventures, protecting her from harm and dancing along to her songs. He evolved into Luxio right before she began her journey as a pokemon trainer.  

j o u r n e y

The Jamisons originated from Castelia City in the Unova Region where Axel Jamison was able to spread his musical prowess and Joy Jamison made a name for her water-type gym. It was only after the couple had a falling out that Joy and her baby girl, Jubilee, moved to Lumiose City from the Kalos Region. It was a whirlwind of water types and overbearing happiness to prove that they didn’t need any man in their life to get them by.

It wasn’t a surprise that Jubilee was typically found around the city joining in on street performances and catching all of the battles held at the Lumiose Gym considering all the free time she had while her mother worked. What did come as a surprise was her love for electric-types or how she’d befriended a Shinx when she was only seven. Joy was very supportive during all her shenanigans, but there was a rift in their relationship when Jubilee began adding grass-type pokemon to her team. Jubilee didn’t want to live in her mother’s shadow so she broke the mold, not mentioning the fact that water-types only reminded her of her mother’s constant facade of happiness that she wanted to escape.

With a guitar on her back and Abel by her side they went off to begin their journey, making music, friends and memories. They travelled all across Kalos battling at the gyms and performing for those who wished to see. Jubilee even decided to venture to Unova to see her father after so many years of wondering who he was. Axel was ecstatic, bonding with his daughter and seeing how much she’s grown. He was even happier to find that his time as a musician gave him the right connections to help his daughter out, getting her together with an agent. Having the opportunity to travel and perform she started to become quite known for her music and her underdog team. Many discounted her electric and grass based team yet she continued on gaining more badges from the regions to prove their hard work wasn’t for naught. Jubilee is on track to becoming a Pokemon Master and a popular musician she just needs to remember to stop by home every once in a while.

t e a m

Since she was young Jubilee has had an admiration for electric-type pokemon, whether it be because of her young shinx or the Lumiose Electric gym, it wasn’t clear. However Joy Jamison was renowned for her water-type team, something Jubilee grew up to despise. Growing apart from water-types she found a new love for grass-type pokemon. Now she is out showing that the most unlikely ones can be hard to beat.

Official Name: Luxray Nickname: Abel Gender: Male Type: Electric Dex #: 404 Dex Entry: Strong electricity courses through the tips of its shap claws. A light scratch causes fainting in foes. Nature: Bold Ability: Intimidate Moveset:                   •  Thunder Fang                 •  Crunch                 •  Wild Charge                 •  Volt Switch Item Held: Focus Sash + loyal, nurturing - overly protective

Official Name: Zebstrika Nickname: Chance Gender: Male Type: Electric Dex #: 523 Dex Entry: They have lightning-like movements. When Zebstrika run at full speed, the sound of thunder reverberates. Nature: Relaxed Ability: Lightning Rod Moveset:                   •  Discharge                 •  Stomp                 •  Charge Beam                 •  Double Team Item Held: Iapapa Berry + jolly, intellectual - clumsy, brash

Official Name: Ferrothorn Nickname: Melon Gender: Female Type: Grass/Steel Dex #: 598 Dex Entry: It fights by swinging around its three spiky feelers. A hit from these steel spikes can reduce a boulder to rubble.   Nature: Relaxed Ability: Iron Barbs Moveset:                   •  Pin Missel                 •  Power Whip                 •  Protect                 •  Thunder Items Held: Chople Berry + dignified, quiet - fickle, anxious

Official Name: Heliolisk Nickname: Sage Gender: Male Type: Electric/Normal Dex #: 694 Dex Entry: The frills on either side of its head have cells that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. Nature: Mild Ability: Dry Skin Moveset:                   •  Mud-Slap                 •  Razor Wind                 •  Parabolic Charge                 •  Rain Dance Item Held: Damp Rock + curious, bubbly - jumpy, loud

Official Name: Sceptile  Nickname: Winter Gender: Female Type: Grass Dex #: 254 Dex Entry: Sceptile has seeds growing on its back. They are said to be bursting with nutrients that revitalize trees. This Pokémon raises the trees in a forest with loving care. Nature: Timid/Naive Ability: Overgrow Moveset:                   •  Leaf Blade                 •  Dual Chop                 •  Agility                 •  Leaf Storm Item Held: Sceptilite + helpful, level-minded - controlling, hot-headed

Official Name: Trevenant Nickname: Jinx Gender: Female Type: Ghost/Grass Dex #: 709 Dex Entry: Through its roots, it exerts control over other trees. A deadly curse falls upon anyone cutting down trees in forests where Trevenant dwell. Nature: Adamant Ability: Natural Cure Moveset:                   •  Wood Hammer                 •  Will-O-Wisp                 •  Shadow Claw                 •  Rock Slide Item Held: Choice Band + empathetic, playful - domineering, serious

[sylviarobiin-blog]

― ❝  you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know. ❞

Click here to meet Christopher & Jessica Robin.

[castorsilver]

castor silver — pokémon trainer/researcher

H O M E T O W N

Cas’ life was spent on the road, traveling with his father — a former, reformed member of Team Rocket — and his mother. However, their most frequented town was Azalea Town in the Johto Region. The three of them would travel across the various regions, often returning to Azalea Town when they wanted a place to rest their heads. It was in this town where Cas’ little brother was born, and where Castor’s life took a turn for the worse. 

S T A R T E R

Cas’ starter pokémon wasn’t a “starter” in the traditional sense. He didn’t go to the region’s professor and request his first pokémon. Instead he befriended one. It was on one of his family’s many trips through Azalea Town that Cas came across a Slowpoke. Azalea Town was known or their large population of Slowpoke, so meeting one was hardly rare. Cas came to befriend the Slowpoke, and they quickly became inseparable. His mother gave him a pokéball, just so he could make the capture official. They were together for quite some time, and it wasn’t until Cas started on his own journey that he started adding other pokémon to his team. By that point his Slowpoke, who he nicknamed Neptune, had evolved into Slowking.  

J O U R N E Y

Cas’ journey began the moment he was born. John and Lyra Silver were traveling trainers, and they weren’t about to settle down simply because they had a son. All things considered, Cas took to the mobile lifestyle well. He enjoyed meeting new people, seeing different places, and exploring hidden areas. Things were carefree, jovial, and it all came to a screeching halt with the birth of his brother. Lyra Silver died during her childbirth, and the family was never the same. They stopped traveling, settling down in Azalea Town so that single father John could take care of his two children. However, it was Cas that took care of Pollux, not his father. John turned to alcoholism, and then back to his villainous, Team Rocket ways. 

Castor, not wanting to subject his innocent little brother to a life of evil and thievery, volunteered for Team Rocket in his place. He became a member, much to his chagrin, and swiftly rose in the ranks. He did all he cool to distract his father’s attention from Pollux, because John was a ruthless battler — sometimes even ordering his team to attack trainers instead. Years passed this way, and Cas hated it. He didn’t like being a member of Team Rocket, and didn’t enjoy the life of crime. Fed up with the team’s evil ways, and with his father’s anger, Cas invited Pollux with him on a journey. The two left Azalea Town and never looked back. 

Since the two brothers had no money to their name, and Cas was determined to avoid a life of crime, he started challenging Trainers to battles. Winning pokémon battles gave him money, and money helped him keep his little brother and his Slowking fed. Cas took to being a Trainer with ease. He and Neptune had become an excellent pair while they were members of Team Rocket, and that level of connection didn’t falter with their change in lifestyle. Cas swiftly started adding to his team, and gaining recognition as a trainer. Although he may hate to admit it, his time in Team Rocket gave him a strategic mind that helped in his battles. It especially helped him when he took on the Johto League. Cas and his team rose through the ranks, winning battle after battle. When it came down to the final battle, between Cas and the Johto Champion, that was when he finally lost. However, he certainly didn’t go down without one hell of a fight, and he absolutely wasn’t disappointed in his team for their loss. He thanked the Champion for the battle, and travelled to the Kanto Region for a fresh start. 

He was nineteen by this point, and had earned enough money to pay for his and Pollux’s living expenses. Pollux still had his own journey to complete, one that Cas would occasionally join in on. Cas, however, wasn’t sure if he wanted to continue battling. He would have the occasional fight, mostly in good fun, but lacked the motivation to pursue anything more. He started attending college instead. He’d always had an interest in the science of Pokémon Biology, and had always greatly admired the researchers he came across during his journey. He graduated as one of the top students and was offered a job working under Professor Burnet of the Alola Region. Part of him wanted to go, but he couldn’t. Pollux was still in the middle of his journey, and Cas couldn’t just uproot his life. Not yet. 

Now he’s twenty-three, lazing about in Saffron City. Pollux will stop in every so often, recuperating from his journey. Sometimes Cas will visit his little brother, popping in and out on a whim. 

T E A M

Cas always had a fascination with Psychic Types. Something about their high level of intelligence intrigued him. Although not all of his pokémon are Psychic Types, it is what makes up the majority of his team. 

Official Name: Slowking Nickname: Neptune Gender: Male Type: Water/Psychic Dex Number: #199 Dex Entry: It has incredible intellect and intuition. Whatever the situation, it remains calm and collected. Nature: Jolly  Ability: Own Tempo Moveset:  • Water Pulse                   • Zen Headbutt                   • Yawn                   • Psychic

+ jolly, intellectual, easy-going – lazy, airy, careless

Neptune was Castor’s very first pokémon. They clicked immediately when Neptune was just a Slowpoke, and have been partners ever since. The two are better described as friends than pokémon and trainer. In fact, they can often be seen conversing together. Yes, that’s correct. Conversing. Due to Slowking’s drastically high intelligence, it developed the ability to communicate telepathically. Cas was shocked to learn of this ability, but it certainly comes in handy in battle. While Cas can’t speak telepathically to Neptune, he can hear the Slowking’s voice in his head. Neptune is the most calm and level-headed out of Cas’ pokémon, and is looked to by the others as a leader. He’s often the voice of reason when there’s a spat between Mars and Galileo. 

Official Name: Marowak Nickname: Mars Gender: Male Type: Ground Dex Number: #105 Dex Entry: Marowak is the evolved form of a Cubone that has overcome its sadness at the loss of its mother and grown tough. This Pokemon’s tempered and hardened spirit is not easily broken. Nature: Hardy  Ability: Lightning Rod Moveset:  • Thrash                   • Stomping Tantrum                   • Earthquake                   • Stone Edge

+ alert, determined, practical – defensive, serious, hardened

Castor met Mars when he was just a Cubone. It wasn’t that long after Cas started on his own journey with Pollux. It was late one night and Cas couldn’t sleep, so he and Neptune decided to take a walk. He started to hear some sort of crying sound — something sorrowful and lonely. It resonated with him, the part of him that was always sorrowful due to the loss of his mother. Searching for the source of the crying, Cas saw a Cubone sitting on a rock and staring up at the moon. He’d heard tales that, if you saw a Cubone crying at the moon, that it was longing for its lost mother. He felt for the pokémon, and decided to reach out to help. Mars was defensive, if a bit fearful, but Cas and Neptune were able to calm him down. He looked hungry, so Cas offered him some food and the rest was history. 

Official Name: Kadabra Nickname: Galileo Gender: Male Type: Psychic Dex Number: #064 Dex Entry: Kadabra emits a peculiar alpha wave if it develops a headache. Only those people with a particularly strong psyche can hope to become a Trainer of this Pokémon. Nature: Hasty  Ability: Inner Focus Moveset:  • Teleport                   • Future Sight                   • Psybeam                   • Telekinesis

+ adventurous, clever, adaptable – easily angered, reckless, competitive

Usually Abra are timid creatures, teleporting away at the first sign of trouble. Galileo, however, was the exact opposite. Even when Cas met him as an Abra, he was abrasive and upfront. Rather than teleporting away, he teleported directly into Cas’ path and challenged him to a battle. Cas accepted, and when he won he decided to catch the fiery Abra. Galileo has since evolved into a Kadabra, and could evolve into an Alakazam if he desired. However, Cas isn’t about forcing his pokémon to evolve, so Galileo will evolve at his own pace. At the moment he seems content being a Kadabra, and challenging Mars to battle after battle. The two often butt heads, squabbling over who knows what. The two fight more than they get along, at least outside of the battlefield. On the field, however, they work like a well-oiled machine. They are Cas’ pair of choice during double battles, as they’re able to work seamlessly and efficiently. 

Official Name: Espeon Nickname: Nova Gender: Female Type: Psychic Dex Number: #196 Dex Entry: Espeon is extremely loyal to any Trainer it considers to be worthy. It is said that this Pokémon developed its precognitive powers to protect its Trainer from harm. Nature: Sassy  Ability: Synchronise Moveset:  • Morning Sun                   • Swift                   • Dazzling Gleam                   • Giga Impact

+ poised, curious, good-natured – prissy, temperamental, vengeful

Nova was just a little Eevee when Cas caught her. She was a bit shy at first, but warmed up to the rag-tag group quickly. Cas had always liked Eevees, and it was what prompted him to go out in search for one. He didn’t know what he wanted her to evolve into, and didn’t really care either way. Much like his attitude with Galileo, he had no interest in forcing her to evolve. The town formed a powerful bond. Although she didn’t take to battling as naturally as Mars or Galileo, she was fierce in her own right when provoked. She became particularly protective of the male pokémon, and would enter into battle with the goal of vengeance when one of them was defeated. It was a bright and sunny morning when Nova evolved into an Espeon, and Cas couldn’t have been happier. She’s still just as prissy, perhaps a bit more so, but is even fiercer than before. 

Official Name: Lunatone Nickname: Dione Gender: Agender Type: Rock/Psychic Dex Number: #337 Dex Entry: Lunatone was discovered at a location where a meteorite fell. As a result, some people theorize that this Pokémon came from space. However, no one has been able to prove this theory so far. Nature: Gentle  Ability: Levitate Moveset:  • Moonblast                   • Rock Slide                   • Cosmic Power                   • Explosion

+ graceful, cooperative, leisurely – cowardly, easily discouraged, untrusting

Cas had heard rumor about pokémon that came from space — some fanciful tale that couldn’t possibly be true. However, his curiosity got the best of him, so he sought out an area where a meteorite had recently landed. Supposedly with meteorites came these extraterrestrial pokémon. That’s when Cas found Dione. They were confused, and seemed rather timid. It took three days of Cas returning to that same spot for him to even get close to Dione. He’d never seen a pokémon that was shaped like the moon, and couldn’t help but long to catch them. However, Dione seemed a bit untrusting and wary of Cas and his team, despite proving that he didn’t want to hurt them. Galileo and Mars were both keen on battling, but Cas kept them from doing so. After a week, Dione seemed to have relaxed considerably. With Neptune at his side, Cas approached the Lunatone and offered a spot on his team. After some convincing, Neptune said Dione agreed, so long as they could take to battling at their own pace. It took some time, but eventually Dione came to enjoy battling just like the rest of Cas’ team. 

Official Name: Girafirig Nickname: Pandora Gender: Female Type: Normal/Psychic Dex Number: #203 Dex Entry: Girafarig’s rear head also has a brain, but it is small. The rear head attacks in response to smells and sounds. Approaching this Pokémon from behind can cause the rear head to suddenly lash out and bite. Nature: Impish  Ability: Early Bird Moveset:  • Crunch                   • Stomp                   • Psychic                   • Protect

+ playful, energetic, sweet – crafty, envious, fickle

For the rest of Cas’ team, he’d sought them out. He’d been the one that decided to add them to his team. With Pandora it was the other way around. She decided that she would be on Cas’ team, and he had no say in the matter. It happened on Route 43 in the Johto Region. Cas was just leaving the Lake of Rage — with no luck of finding the rare Red Gyarados — when he was practically accosted by a small, dark brown ball with teeth. He was quick to discover that it was Pandora’s tail chomping on his arm. Neptune explained to him that apparently Pandora had been following them, watching them battle some of the trainers at the Lake of Rage, and decided that she was going to join his team. The rest of his pokémon seemed to converse with her — and Neptune stopped translating for him, at that point — and came to an agreement. Pandora would be the sixth pokémon on his team. It was Galileo that picked up the pokéball from Cas’ bag and offered it to her. Cas found the whole thing baffling, but entertaining. He figured why the hell not, he’d been meaning to complete his team anyway. 

[thorxson]

REGRET IN YOUR TEARS // NOW YOU TASTE THEM // wda task.

Calder’s biggest regret:

Not saving the love of his life, Phoebe Stark. It isn’t just that Calder didn’t save her, but that he felt a disconnect from the entire group as a whole, as soon as she died. She was the glue that held them all together, and kept them close. Without Phoebe, they all fell apart, in their own ways. The fact that she died because of him makes it even worse. If he could have, he would have kept them both safe, somehow.

How life would change, if this were erased from the past:

Phoebe would have lived. She’d have gone to WDA/ U with the rest of them, graduated with them, drank and laughed with them. The group would have become stronger if anything. Most importantly, they all would have stayed friends. They all would have stayed as family. Rylie would have her best friend and sister, Troy would have somebody to help ground him, Dan would have had someone to help keep him laughing, and Calder would have had the person who truly connected to him and understood him. 

Phoebe has been the missing piece for years now. If she had lived, then life wouldn’t have been perfect, but it definitely would have been better. Calder will regret not saving her until the day he dies.

[wesratcliffe]

wesley ratcliffe — pokémon trainer

H O M E T O W N

Wesley Ratcliffe was born in an extravagant mansion in Lumiose City in the Kalos Region. He was raised in the lap of luxury — surrounded by art and culture, showered in any gift that he could possibly desire, and proudly carrying the Ratcliffe name. John Ratcliffe was a respected Trainer and a businessman who specialized in real estate. With the sprawling, lively city of Lumiose as his playground and his father’s fortune behind him, what more could Wesley ask for?

S T A R T E R

Wesley’s first pokémon was given to him when he was just a young boy. A prized, purebred Snubbull that John Ratcliffe was assured would be an excellent battler one day. His Snubbull, who Wesley nicknamed Percy, was a feisty pokémon, keen on battling anything and everything in his path. Wesley was more than happy to oblige, and the two started to become an excellent team. Percy evolved into a Granbull before Wesley left on his journey at the age of sixteen — rather late for most trainers. 

J O U R N E Y

Wesley didn’t think he’d ever go on a journey. He believed that he would take over his father’s business, with his trusty partner Percy by his side. That all came crashing down not long after Wesley’s sixteenth birthday. He was supposed to join his father for a meeting — some real estate deal that John wanted him to witness. Wesley got there a bit early, as the walk to their meeting place was quicker than expected. That was when he saw John conversing with Lysander — the man previously known for his inventions, and now known for being the leader of the extremist group Team Flare. Wesley was appalled to see John being so buddy-buddy with such a wicked, twisted man. Wesley ran away from home out of fear and disgust, as he had no interest in being involved with such an evil group. 

Wesley began traveling, exploring city after city and distracting himself from the chilling truth about his father. He didn’t have any money, and so he started earning it by battling. He and Percy were an excellent team, but one pokémon could only get him so far. It wasn’t long before his team began to grow, and his skills as a Pokémon Trainer grew as well. His travels lead him all across the Kalos Region, and he was swiftly becoming a well-known trainer. Some other trainers expressed their interest in joining him and journeying together. Wesley tried a few times, but always believed he was better off alone. 

John Ratcliffe caught wind of Wesley’s whereabouts and went to confront him. He was enraged — his son? His ultimate pawn to take over the Kalos Region had betrayed him and left? — and the pokémon battle that ensued was catastrophic to the area around them. Wesley, in the heat of his own rage, revealed that he knew Ratcliffe Industries was working with Team Flare. The battle ceased, each of them with only one pokémon left standing. John was quick to threaten Wesley — he would drag him back, and make certain that Wesley was caught in the crossfire should his secret be revealed. Wesley agreed to keep his mouth shut, so long as John left him alone. The two haven’t spoken since. 

Since that incident, Wesley has traveled across multiple regions — Kalos, Alola, and Sinnoh — and simply grown stronger. He’s also managed to acquire a Key Ring and the Mega Stone Gengarite from an elderly couple named Paul and Kim. They saw his eagerness to train, and the bond with his pokémon, and decided to gift him with the rather rare items. His bond with his team is unbreakable, and his ever-growing guilt fuels his need to keep moving and keep battling, all as a distraction from his own issues. 

T E A M

Wesley never had a favorite type of pokémon. He simply caught whichever ones he connected with, not particularly caring about their type. However, he does have a soft spot for Ghost Types. Perhaps its his own desire to disappear and be invisible, or because having them on his team keeps other trainers at a distance, but they are the type he has the most of on his team. 

Official Name: Granbull Nickname: Percy Gender: Male Type: Fairy Dex Number: #210 Dex Entry: More timid than Snubbull, this Pokémon is doted on by young people amused at the contrast between its looks and its attitude. Nature: Adamant  Ability: Intimidate Moveset:  • Fire Fang                   • Scary Face                   • Play Rough                   • Crunch

+ intelligent, loyal, classy – cowardly, grumpy, antisocial

Percy was Wesley’s first pokémon, a gift from his father. Although part of Wesley wishes that he’d caught Percy on his own — especially now, with his growing resentment towards his father — he wouldn’t replace his Granbull for the world. The two have an unbreakable bond, as it was just them for the majority of their lives. Percy can often be found outside of his pokéball, simply because he’s a spoiled Granbull that doesn’t like to be confined. He’s a skilled battler, and although he isn’t Wesley’s highest level pokémon, he is the best at battle strategy. He and Wesley can win an entire battle simply by communicating with glances. 

Official Name: Gengar Nickname: Loki Gender: Male Type: Ghost/Poison Dex Number: #094 Dex Entry: Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. Nature: Naughty  Ability: Cursed Body Moveset:  • Hypnosis                   • Sucky Punch                   • Shadow Ball                   • Dream Eater

+ calculative, clever, fun-loving – deceptive, sadistic, obsessive

Loki was Wesley’s second pokémon, and his first encounter with a Ghost Type. Wesley were just leaving Laverre City and were exploring the Lost Hotel when he felt a chill in the air. Percy was clearly on edge, and far jumpier than usual — which was saying something, as his Granbull was all bark and no bite and was usually quick to startle — and Wesley couldn’t help but feel like someone, or something, was watching them. Cue Loki’s entrance when he was just a Gastly. The pokémon seemed to take a sadistic pleasure in scaring Percy. A battle ensued when Percy had enough of the scaring, and it was no surprise that he won. However, Wesley was intrigued by the Ghost Type and decided to catch him, much to Percy’s displeasure. Loki still takes great joy is scaring Percy, but their fights are more in good fun now. Loki is also the only pokémon that Wesley will Mega Evolve. He’s the strongest out of Wesley’s pokémon, and is often the last one he uses in battle. 

Official Name: Absol Nickname: Salem Gender: Female Type: Dark Dex Number: #359 Dex Entry: Although it’s said to bring disaster, in actuality, this Pokémon possesses a calm disposition and warns people of any crises that loom. Nature: Docile  Ability: Super Luck Moveset:  • Night Slash                   • Razor Wind                   • Perish Song                   • Psycho Cut

+ calm, friendly, earnest – overly protective, jumpy, curious

Salem came to Wesley when she warned him and his team about a rock slide that was about to happen. Absol have a talent for sensing disaster, but unfortunately many people believe that they are the ones that bring disaster. The falling rocks fell directly in the path Wesley would have walked to, and he was thankful to have narrowly escaped injury. Salem, who was incredibly appreciative that this human was grateful for her help, rather than fearful that she’d caused the trouble, decided that she would be joining Wesley. He had no say in the matter, which became apparent when she simply kept following him on his journey through Route 8. She’s been on his team ever since. 

Official Name: Crobat Nickname: Bram Gender: Male Type: Poison/Flying Dex Number: #169 Dex Entry: Crobat sneaks up on its intended prey using wings that barely make a sound. This Pokémon rests by hanging on a tree branch with its rear legs that serve as wings. Nature: Rash  Ability: Inner Focus Moveset:  • Air Slash                   • Confuse Ray                   • Venoshock                   • Leech Life

+ daring, helpful, orderly – abrasive, domineering, serious

Bram came to join Wesley’s team only days after Salem. Wesley and his team — now of three pokémon — were on their way through Connecting Cave when Salem stopped them in their tracks. A flock of Zubat swarmed through the cave, wild and worked into a frenzy. A Fraxure seemed to be on an enraged rampage, and was taking its frustrations out on the Zubat. Wesley, with Salem’s prompting, was quick to intervene and battle the Fraxure. He would have done so had it not been for Bram — a Golbat at the time, and the self-appointed leader of the Zubats — who swooped in at the last second to battle the rampaging Dragon Type. Wesley helped out the Golbat by warning him of Fraxure’s moves, and with their teamwork they won the battle. Wesley took a liking to Bram’s leadership skills, and Bram seemed curious of Wesley as well. Another battle ensued, meant to earn Bram’s respect. Wesley left Connecting Cave with his fourth pokémon. 

Official Name: Chandelure Nickname: Baroque Gender: Male Type: Ghost/Fire Dex Number: #609 Dex Entry: The spirits burned up in its ominous flame lose their way and wonder this world forever. Nature: Quirky  Ability: Flash Fire Moveset:  • Will-O-Wisp                   • Hex                   • Inferno                   • Curse

+ playful, sociable, faithful – naive, childish, fiery

With each passing day of his journey, Wesley came to realize that while he adored his other pokémon, he wanted to add another Ghost Type to his team. He’d defeated the majority of the Gyms in the Kalos Region and was preparing to travel to Sinnoh, but he decided to change his plans last minute. He travelled back to the Lost Hotel, where he met Loki, in search for another Ghost Type to add to his team. He came across a Litwick not long after entering the spooky, abandoned building. He seemed friendly, if a bit inexperience battling wise, and Wesley decided that he would be his next team member. Baroque’s playful, impish nature was a stark contrast to the rest of his team, and would be a great addition with his Fire Type moves. The rest of his team adored Baroque, and became quite protective of his innocence. Despite now being a fully evolved Chandellure, Baroque is still babied by Wesley and the rest of the team. 

Official Name: Froslass Nickname: Willow Gender: Female Type: Ice/Ghost Dex Number: #478 Dex Entry: It freezes foes with an icy breath nearly -60 degrees Fahrenheit. What seems to be its body is actually hollow. Nature: Quiet  Ability: Snow Cloak Moveset:  • Icy Wind                   • Draining Kiss                   • Ominous Wind                   • Blizzard

+ elegant, debonair, flexible – lonely, cautious, cold

Wesley travelled through most of the Sinnoh Region with his team of five. He came across multiple pokémon that caught his eye, but didn’t connect with any of them. His team was getting stronger and stronger, and their ability to work together was unmatched. But something seemed to be missing. It wasn’t until Wesley was on his way to Snowpoint City — just outside of Lake Acuity — when he found what it was. The people of Snowpoint told legends of a woman who had apparently been lost in the snow, and that she now haunted the lakefront with her sorrowful singing. Intrigued, Wesley ventured to the lakefront and following the ominous sounds. That was when he discovered Willow the Froslass. She seemed lonely, as each pokémon and trainer that she approached was scared away. Wesley approached her, challenging her to a battle. She was powerful, and it took using his type advantage with Baroque to win his battle against her. Wesley doesn’t know how Loki and Baroque convinced her to join them — some ghostly conversation he couldn’t hope to understand — but she did. She was the sixth and final member to Wesley’s team. 

[reesesxpiece-blog]

Reese Ham - Pokémon Artist

What region does your character come from?

Reese has never been a fan of change, so it’s no surprise she was upset when her family decided to move from the Kanto region to Violet City in the Johto region. Even though she was only a child when she lived there, she was enamored by all the color and art she saw daily in Celadon City, and she hated that she had to leave it behind. Just travelling through Saffron City to catch the train into Johto was uncomfortable. Once Reese got situated in Violet City, though, she learned to love it.

What was their starter pokémon?

Reese never went to her region’s professor to request a starter. Rather, she found Smeargle on her own. Nothing she’d seen before could have prepared her for meeting a Painter Pokémon, so she was awestruck immediately, and struck up a friendship, before taking it home to be the family pet as well as her new painting buddy.

What is their preferred type of pokémon?

For someone who’s so anxious, it only makes sense that Reese’s preferred type seems to be Normal. Most of the pokémon on her team, in fact, are either pure Normal types or Normal-mixed. In general, Reese is drawn towards calmer, more relaxed pokémon, or ones that seem to share similar characteristics with her. And she’d be lying if she said her team wasn’t also composed of some of the cutest she’d ever seen.

What are the six pokémon they have on their team?

Reese’s team is composed of Smeargle, Togetic, Sunflora, Whismur, Deerling, and Jigglypuff.  Reese chose her line-up to be something that would make her happy every day, and these six are all different types she’s caught in her travels over the years that she’s come to love. Comfort and happiness are much more important to Reese than power or battle.

Did your character follow the trainer life?  What is their pokémon specific occupation?

Reese never really had any interest in having her pokémon compete, but she still trains them, so she didn’t really follow the trainer life much. Reese is an artist, and she’s lucky enough to have Smeargle help her paint. She paints for the city, the gym, whatever’s needed or whatever she feels. Sometimes the pair will even use Sunflora for inspiration.

[kylesvariouslistsandstuff]

"You gonna talk some more?"

Yeah, some addendums and such, re: Jennifer Lee steps down, Jared Bush takes over as WDAS Chief Creative Officer...

So, she is still at the studio, which tells me that there wasn't any major rift here. That she's still going to direct the next two FROZEN movies and maybe help out on other projects, seems like it was a smooth step-down. I still think having trouble as CCO, STRANGE WORLD and WISH flopping, and filmmakers leaving played a part, but it's not just on her...

Which is why I'm curious about Bush taking the reins. Does anything change? ZOOTOPIA 2, which releases after MOANA 2, is already deep in production and he's writing-directing that. I think we truly get a taste of what Bush's WDAS is with that yet-to-be-revealed original 2026 movie. Lee at least confirmed that for us at D23 last month, before the presentation quickly shifted to FROZEN III, which hits theaters after that. So that one's two years away, and anything can change on its story/character stuff between now and when it enters full production. But when those changes come, they'll be under Bush. If this film, whatever it's called and whatever it's about, isn't nearly completely redone 5 months from release (at the behest of whomever, be it Bush or those focus groups), then we'll know. I think. At least in that regard... And Bush was present for both her and Lasseter's ways of doing things, maybe he watched and learned the don'ts from both leaders' respective tenures...

I think it also has to be emphasized what Lee tried to do in her brief 6-year run... After finishing FROZEN II, the first movie she would truly oversee was RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON. And right before she heads into that one... COVID-19 happens, and is a national emergency by the first third of RAYA's intended release year - the hell year that was 2020. Meanwhile, the larger Disney company is fired up about their newly-launched Disney+ and tasks WDAS to make "content" (shudder) for the service. So, I gotta give it to Lee there, she did jump head-first into that while working on the big-time movies. While the majority of the stuff was based on previously-released movies, it was still cool! BAYMAX! was fun, and because it wasn't a big budget feature, they got some nice rep into that one (though not w/o the usual fuckfaces making noise about it), and I liked the format of ZOOTOPIA+. And hey, she was willing to partner up with a Nigerian upstart whose founders said they wanted to take Disney on... Savvy move on her part! IWAJU was an okay show to me, but it was neat to see a WDAS collaboration like that. Maybe it opens the door to more. And of course, MOANA 2 began life as a MOANA series, and TIANA's still happening in some way or another. That they chose THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, a movie that otherwise "disappointed" Disney bean counters back when it came out, to do a sequel series to all those years later... Again, gotta give it to Lee for that.

It's worth noting that WISH seems to be the only released film she greenlit, as development is traced back to 2018. Lasseter couldn't have okayed it that year, given the weird protracted way Disney Co. chose to slowly oust him. STRANGE WORLD, released fall 2022, was in development as far back as early 2017. That was after director Don Hall finished up his work as co-director on MOANA, working with his BIG HERO 6 partner Chris Williams underneath Ron & John. RAYA was conceived by Dean Wellins around 2015, who was supposed to direct it, until Lee removed him and replaced him with Hall and Carlos Lopez Estrada (taking the latter off of an original project of his own). ENCANTO was on the boards as far back as 2016, after Byron Howard and Bush finished up on ZOOTOPIA... So that leaves not only WISH, but MOANA 2/The Series greenlit in 2020, ZOOTOPIA 2, and FROZENs 3 & 4. In late 2019, Lee said that directors Suzi Yoonessi, Carlos Lopez Estrada, Marc Smith, and Josie Trinidad were at work on original movies... Estrada left WDAS after RAYA came out, Smith's on the FROZEN sequels, it is not known if Suzi and Josie's movies ever made it past the announcement stage. (Suzi's Insta bio still says "Director Disney Animation", so it still seems to be a go?) All those years ago, no less...

If Bush greenlights something by the end of the year, I wouldn't expect that film to show up until 2028 at the earliest. So for now, Bush is working with Lee greenlights. Just like Lee did with what Lasseter left her... And funnily enough, about half of Lasseter's run is stuff leftover from the final Eisner years when David Stainton was in charge: A DAY WITH WILBUR ROBINSON, AMERICAN DOG, RAPUNZEL UNBRAIDED, JOE JUMP... You can probably guess what those all became, haha.

So for now, it's gonna be a bit of a long ride. MOANA 2, more than anything, will hold us over, no matter how it turns out. Maybe Lee approached this one differently from WISH and STRANGE WORLD, maybe not. Maybe those two in a row flopping - *especially* WISH given how STRANGE WORLD was straight up abandoned - gave her a real jolt and she went about this movie differently. It's also very possible that Lee was looking to exit some time ago, as some rumblings suggest, and that maybe Lee and Bush lead together and shared duties throughout the year before an official announcement. Who knows!

I myself haven't been blown away by a WDAS movie in a while, and I think the last one I found to be really good was MOANA, ENCANTO did come pretty close in parts, RAYA had its strengths too. I'd love to really love a movie from this studio again, and hey, maybe the return of Moana and pals will be just that? We'll see!

[lookingformika-archive-blog]

MIKA BENALLY- Pokémon Breeder/Future Pokémon Doctor

HOMETOWN: 

Mika spent most of her life in the Sinnoh region, in Snowpoint City. She lived with her parents, who were Pokémon trainers when they were younger, then Gym leaders, and finally settling as Pokémon breeders. They had hoped that Mika would follow in their footsteps and eventually lead the Snowpoint City Gym for a period of time, but Mika’s heart belonged to something else.

STARTER:

Because Mika’s parents expected her to be a trainer, they took her to Professor Rowan of Sandgem Town. She was faced with the choice every trainer faces: fire, water, or grass type. It was a difficult choice for Mika because she loved all Pokémon, and didn’t want to have to choose between them. After her parents made Mika feel like this was the most important decision in her life, she chose Piplup, a water type Pokémon. He was blue, one of Mika’s favorite colors, and she had seen them around her city before. Piplup felt familiar to her, he felt almost like home, and even thought Mika was terrified of water, Piplup seemed like a great choice.

JOURNEY:

Shortly after choosing Piplup, Mika’s parents wanted to send her on her way to become a trainer, but before she could leave a Snorunt visited her at home. Mika didn’t think anything of it, she had seen one before, when she was younger, but she couldn’t figure out why she was here. Mika didn’t have time to find out because the Snorunt disappeared as fast it she came. The next day, Mika set off, waving goodbye to her parents. Because Mika loved her parents she told herself she would try hard to follow the path her parents wanted. Unfortunately, that didn’t last very long. She had already had a not-so-traditional approach to being a trainer. She couldn’t find it in her to force Piplup into a PokéBall, so he walked alongside her during her travels. Then, shortly after she began her journey, the Snorunt made another appearance, and this time she didn’t run away. In fact, the Snorunt began to follow Mika, then knocked a PokéBall off Mika’s belt, and jumped inside. “Well I guess I’ve caught my first Pokémon.” She said to Piplup who smiled.

Mika had gotten fairly far away from home, and she still wasn’t feeling like training was her calling. The next pokemon she encountered was Happiny. She was a ball of joy, and constantly followed Mika around giving her stone after stone, running around her feet, tripping her a few times. After Mika tripped, happiny would come and heal any wounds she had. That was when Mika decided she wanted to help Pokémon. Mika wanted to go home and study to become a Pokémon doctor. So she began her journey home. Eventually, Happiny handed Mika an Oval Stone and she evolved into Chansey. Chansey is just as sweet as her previous form, and she is constantly gaining friendship. Soon she will evolve into Blissey. 

The decision do to be a doctor, still fresh in her mind, Mika set out to find a a few specific  Pokémon to aid her in her studies. She quickly found an Eevee. It wasn’t the first Pokémon Mika would’ve thought could help her, but because she could potentially evolve it into any type of Pokémon, she thought he would be useful, eventually eevee evolved into a Leafeon. 

Continuing her journey back home, Mika came across an Audino. He was even more friendly than Mika’s Chansey. The Audino loved to help any Pokémon they came across on their journey. She would even give them kisses to make them feel better. Mika had never seen anything like the Audino, and she felt lucky to have found her. 

Finally, on her return home, Mika ran into her parents, told them of what she had decided, and was upset with their response. She ran out of the house and too one of her spots in the city. It was up on one of the snowy mountains. Mika had just gotten into an argument with her parents, but she was sure they would eventually come around, she just needed to let them cool off. So, Mika decided to wander around in the mountains when she saw auroras. The lights were beautiful and Mika had to find out where they were coming from. What she wasn’t expecting a tiny, adorable little Pokémon. Amaura became the last part of Mika’s team before she began her studies at the University. 

TEAM:

Official Name: Empoleon Nickname: Sivudlerk (Inuit for First) Evolution chain: Piplup (Level 16) → Prinplup (Level 36) → Empoleon Gender: Male Nature: Indifferent Type: Water/Steel Dex Number: #395 Dex Entry: It avoids unnecessary disputes, but it will decimate anything that threatens its pride Moves: Surf, Ice Beam, Earthquake, Brick Beak Ability: Torrent Hidden Ability: Defiant

Official Name: Froslass Nickname: Iluq (Inuit for Frost) Evolution chain: Snorunt (Dawn Stone) → Froslass Gender: Female Nature: Isolated Type: Ice/Ghost Dex Number: #478 Dex Entry: When it finds humans or Pokémon it likes, it freezes them and takes them to its chilly den, where they become decorations Moves: Blizzard, Hyper Beam, Thunder, Dream Eater Ability: Snow Cloak Hidden Ability: Cursed Body

Official Name: Chansey Nickname: Kakrayok (Inuit for Cheerful) Evolution Chain: Happiny (Oval Stone) → Chansey (High Friendship) → Blissey Gender: Female Nature: Bubbly Type: Normal Dex Number: #113 Dex Entry: A gentle and kind-hearted Pokémon that shares it nutritious eggs if it sees an injured Pokémon. Moves: Healing Wish, Aromatherapy, Natural Gift, Counter Ability: Natural Cure Hidden Ability: Healer

Official Name: Leafeon Nickname: Sura (Inuit for New Life/Green Leaf) Evolution Chain: Eevee (near Mossy Rock) → Leafeon Gender: Male Nature: Protective Type: Grass Dex Number: #470 Dex Entry: With cells similar to those of plants, it performs photosynthesis inside its body and creates pure air Moves: Giga Drain, Leaf Blade, Razor Leaf, Magical Leaf Ability: Leafguard Hidden Ability: Chlorophyll

Official Name: Audino Nickname: Kunikpok (Inuit for Kisses) Evolution Chain: Audino (Audinite) → Mega Audino Gender: Female Nature: Loving Type: Normal Dex Number: #531 Dex Entry: It touches others with the feelers on it ears, using the sound of their heartbeats to tell how they are feeling Moves: Calm Mind, Healing Beam, Sweet Kiss, Toxic Ability: Regenerator Hidden Ability: Klutz

Official Name: Amaura Nickname: Kinguyakkii (Inuit for Northern Lights) Evolution Chain: Amaura (Level 39, Nighttime) → Aurorus Gender: Male Nature: Childish Type: Rock/Ice Dex Number: #698 Dex Entry: This ancient Pokémon was restored from part of its body frozen in ice for over 100 million years Moves: Blizzard, Take Down, Discharge, Ancient Power Ability: Refrigerate Hidden Ability: Snow Warning

ITEMS:

Medicine: Antidote, Burn Heal, Elixir, Energy Root, Fresh Water, Ice Heal, Revive, Paralyz Heal, Max Potion Berries: Cheri Berry, Chesto Berry, Lum Berry, Oran Berry, Pecha Berry, Persim Berry, Rawst Berry, Pokeballs: Fast Balls, Friend Balls, Great Balls, Heal Balls, Love Balls, Luxury Balls, Master Balls, Poke Balls, Ultra Balls General: Dawn Stone, Mossy Rock, Holo Caster, Permit, Reveal Glass

PROFESSION:

Shortly after realizing that the training life was not for her, Mika went back home to her parents. They were upset a first, but they respected her decision to study to become a Pokémon Doctor. Because, her studies involved a background in Pokémon breeding, she quickly became a breeder. Now, she is continuing her studies in the hopes of becoming a Pokémon Doctor. 

[catswillothewisps-archive-blog]

CATRIONA DUNBROCH- Pokemon Trainer/Gym Leader

HOMETOWN: 

Cat’s family was filled with trainers. Her mother, father, and older brother had all done well throughout their lives. They tended to travel quite a bit when she was younger, but eventually they found home in Camphrier Town in the Kalos region. Her parents were well trained, had earned many medals, held gym leader positions, and had rare and valuable Pokémon. When they settled, they became almost like royalty. People came from all around to get advice and see their Pokémon. Cat didn’t want to be like them. She wanted to be better. 

STARTER: 

In order for Cat to be different than her family, she had to choose her starter very carefully. She researched for weeks about each type, grass, water, and fire. She read up on each starter’s evolutions and possible moves, and when they day came for Cat to choose, she knew she would have the best Pokémon around. Contrary to her family, who had always chosen grass type as a starter, Cat chose fire, like her hair. Fennekin, would be fierce as a starter and evolve it an extremely powerful Pokémon. However, she wasn’t expecting him to be stubborn and difficult to train. 

JOURNEY: 

After receiving Fennekin, Cat went on her way, eager to catch and train the best Pokémon she could. She was determined to travel the entire Kalos region and choose only the best. Cat started off extremely picky; she lived by what her Pokédex told her. If a Pokémon wasn’t strong enough to get here where she wanted to be, Cat left them behind. The first few Pokémon she encountered, she caught, trained them, and let go. Cat felt as if they were holding her back. They followed her for a while, but Cat eventually hurt their feelings enough to scare them off. Her Fennekin began to under-perform for Cat in battles. She quickly became angry and threatened to leave him behind, so Fennekin stood up for all Pokémon, and refused to do what Cat said, until she realized that Pokémon had feelings too. 

Cat became more understanding after that, but she was still fairly picky. She came across an Eevee who showed much promise. Liking the fire types she had found, Cat had planned to evolve him into a Flareon, but one night the Eevee presented Cat with a Moon Shard. It took her by surprise the he had an opinion about his evolution, but Cat was happy to oblige. The Umbreon performed better than she could’ve hoped and won her many battles. 

The next two Pokémon Cat came across and kept were Purrloin and Vulpix. Purrloin was an east choice. She was a dark, cat Pokémon, and since Cat had such success with her Umbreon, she gave the dark Pokémon a chance. Purrlion didn’t let Cat down, in fact, she level up so quickly that it was a big surprise when she evolved into Liepard. Once, evolved Liepard was stronger and faster than ever. She became a perfect addition to Cat’s team. Vulpix on the other hand was Cat’s way of sticking to her gut. She was a fire type, and she was very feisty. Vulpix reminded Cat very much of Fennekin before he evolved into his current state, Braixen. Vulpix fought hard and dirty, which Cat found to be very impressive. Because Vulpix was so tiny, many Pokémon underestimated her. 

The final two additions to Cat’s team were surprises. She wasn’t expecting to feel nostalgic when she came across Misdreavus and Litwick, but she did. They reminded her of the will-o-the wisps she’d seen as a child. Both Pokémon were mischievous and didn’t seem to have an interest in becoming captured, which made Cat want them on her team that much more. Eventually, she did catch them, but training them was difficult, and evolving them was even harder. 

After her team was completed, Cat trained for months, battled as many times as she could, made her Pokémon strong and brave. She won all the badges she needed to before setting off to become a gym leader. Unfortunately it was not as easy as it looked, so she kept trying. Her Pokémon, just weren’t strong enough or so she thought. Going home was not an option, asking for help was not an option, giving up was not an option. So Cat did what she knew how to do; she trained and trained and battled and battled until one day Braixen evolved in Delphox. With one look, Delphox made Cat believe they could do this, and she automatically believed him. Delphox had been with her since the beginning, when he was just a Fennekin. 

Off they went to battle. They arrived in Santalune City, trained a bit more so Cat could get used to Delphox’s moveset, and then went to bed to rest up for the Gym battle in the morning. Needless to say, the won with ease and Cat became the new Gym Leader, offering up a badge for anyone who could defeat her. 

TEAM: 

Official Name: Delphox Nickname: Latharn (Scottish Gaelic for fox) Evolution Chain: Fennekin (Level 16) → Braixen (Level 36) → Delphox Gender: Male Nature: Mischievous   Type: Fire/Psychic Dex Number: #655 Dex Entry: It gazes into the flame at the tip of its branch to achieve a focused state, which allows it to see into the future Moves: Mystical Fire, Future Sight, Psyshock, Will-O-Wisp Ability: Blaze Hidden Ability: Magician

Official Name: Umbreon Nickname: Ciaran (Scottish Gaelic for Dark/Shadowy) Evolution Chain: Eevee (Moon Shard/Nighttime) → Umbreon Gender: Male Nature: Cold Type: Dark Dex Number: #197 Dex Entry: When exposed to the moon’s aura, the rings on its body glow faintly and it gains a mysterious power Moves: Feint Attack, Assurance, Pursuit, Dark Pulse Ability: Synchronize Hidden Ability: Inner Focus

Official Name: Liepard Nickname: Quaire (Scottish Gaelic for Proud/Noble) Evolution Chain:  Purrloin (Level 20) → Liepard Gender: Female Nature: Prideful Type: Dark Dex Number: #510 Dex Entry: These pokemon vanish and appear unexpectedly. Many trainers are drawn to their beautiful form and fur Moves: Night Slash, Sucker Punch, Foul Play, Scratch Ability: Limber Hidden Ability: Prankster

Official Name: Ninetales Nickname: Sionn (Scottish Gaelic for Fox) Evolution Chain: Vulpix (Fire Stone) → Ninetales Gender: Female Nature: Regal Type: Fire Dex Number: #038 Dex Entry: Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystic power Moves: Flame Thrower, Extrasensory, Tail Slap, Flare Blitz Ability: Flash Fire Hidden Ability: Drought

Official Name: Misdreavus Nickname: Guirmean (Scottish Gaelic for Blue One) Evolution Chain: Misdreavus (Dusk Stone) → Mismagius Gender: Female Nature: Cunning Type: Ghost Dex Number: #200 Dex Entry: It loves to watch people it’s scared. It frightens them by screaming loudly or appearing suddenly Moves: Shadow Ball, Hex, Ominous Wind, Psybeam Ability: Levitate Hidden Ability: n/a

Official Name: Litwick Nickname: Aodh (Scottish Gaelic for Fire) Evolution Chain: Litwick (Level 41) → Lampent (Dusk Stone) → Chandelure Gender: Male Nature: Two-faced Type: Ghost/Fire Dex Number: #607 Dex Entry: While shining a light and pretending to be a guide, it leeches off the life force of any who follow it Moves: Overheat, Confuse Ray, Imprison, Flame Busrt Ability: Flame Body Hidden Ability: Infiltrator

PROFESSION: 

Since she began her journey, Cat has been a trainer. Along her travels she won many battles, many badges, and has now become one of the strongest Gym Leaders. Trainers flock to her for advice and she enjoys every minute of it. 

[brightsunshinybay-archived-blog]

b a y   m i c h a e l s  —  p o k é m o n   t r a i n e r

H O M E T O W N

Bay was born to Brady and Mack Michaels, two caring ex-trainers from Hau’oli City on Melemele Island in the Alola Region. The two were falling out of love with each other but very quickly fell in love with their daughter, and in order to spoil her as much as they possibly could, Bay’s parents moved into a small house near the beach on the southeast side of Melemele. It is in this house by the water that Bay spends most of her childhood.

S T A R T E R

Bay had a knack for adventure from the moment she could stand on her own two feet. Because of her house’s proximity to her favorite spots to explore, Bay’s parents often let her wander the beachfront alone, and she made a habit of collecting treasures and knick knacks for both her parents and herself. It’s a few days after her fifth birthday that Bay stumbles upon a small, shiny, egg-shaped object, and she becomes basically attached to the thing, eventually realizing that what she thought was a stone was not a stone at all, but an egg, which held a small, feisty Piplup! Bay fell in love the moment she saw him, and named him Blue. Instantly, Bay had a best friend, a partner in crime, and she loved it. The two became practically inseparable. It was a give-in now: if you saw Bay, Blue wasn’t far behind.

J O U R N E Y

The first five years of Bay’s life were pretty uneventful – she spent her days playing in the water with her two loving parents and exploring the sandy beaches that surrounded her home. Even after meeting Blue, Bay found herself in the same sort of routine: surfing, exploring, playing, learning.

And then came the day that Bay and Blue got stuck in Ultra Space.

Even now, Bay isn’t entirely sure how it happened, where she went, or how she came back. She remembers tripping with Blue in her arms, and falling for what seemed like forever, and then being somewhere completely different from before. It was cold, and dark, and scary – and if it hadn’t been for Blue (and her backpack, which she always kept stocked with food in case of adventure), Bay probably wouldn’t have made it through at all. Somehow, though, the pair found their way through the darkness and the confusion and after two days, Bay ended up stumbling, and tripping, and falling for what seemed like forever, and then finding herself back on Melemele Island, right on the edge of Hau’oli City. It wasn’t long before a passerby noticed the shivering, sobbing girl and young Piplup, and the two were brought to the Hau’oli Police Station, and soon were reunited with Bay’s parents.

Bay (bless her soul) tried her hardest to explain what had happened to her, and where she’d gone, but her parents had a hard time believing her retelling. Worried that perhaps Bay was covering up a darker truth, Brady and Mack began taking their daughter to see a therapist. Bay was not so keen on the idea at first – even bit a therapist or two because they didn’t believe her – but eventually the young girl gave in, and started to believe that the days she spent…somewhere else…were the result of her active imagination.

Eventually, Bay grew old enough to start training. She focused on Blue, first (obviously), and worked her way through Alola region, challenging as many people as she could and befriending as many  pokémon as she could buy pokéballs for. Through her training, Bay developed quite a soft spot for water-type pokémon, but also found herself drawn to psychic-type pokémon as well, for reasons she can’t entirely explain.

Now eighteen, Bay has not lost her love of adventure or competition, and is debating what her next move should be. There is a part of her that has debated going to college, but it is perhaps more likely that Bay will be traveling away from Alola region and making her way to Sinnoh, in an attempt to learn more about the pokémon who has been with her from the beginning…and why, despite being her highest-level pokémon, he has not evolved.

T E A M

Bay has made it a mission of hers to befriend almost every pokémon she meets, in the hopes of filling her pokédex, but she certainly has a pattern to those she keeps in her team.

Official Name: Piplup Nickname: Blue Gender: Male Type: Water Dex Number: #393 Dex Entry: A poor walker, it often falls down. However, its strong pride makes it puff up its chest without a care. Nature: Brave Ability: Torrent Moveset:  • Whirlpool                   • Brine                   • Surf                   • Protect

Official Name: Raichu Nickname: Riley Gender: Female Type: Electric & Psychic Dex Number: #026 Dex Entry: It uses psychokinesis to control electricity. It hops aboard its own tail, using psychic power to lift the tail and move about while riding it. Nature: Jolly Ability: Surge Surfer Moveset:  • Psyshock                   • Thunder                   • Echoed Voice                   • Psychic

Official Name: Slowking Nickname: Sheldon Gender: Male Type: Water & Psychic Dex Number: #199 Dex Entry: This Pokémon is so famed for its intellect that a proverb still persists in some regions: “When in doubt, ask Slowking.” Nature: Serious Ability: Oblivious Moveset:  • Zen Headbutt                   • Water Pulse                   • Nasty Plot                   • Confusion

Official Name: Starmie Nickname: Vega Gender: Genderless Type: Water & Psychic Dex Number: #121 Dex Entry: Its unusual body shape, reminiscent of abstract art, led local people to spread rumors that this Pokémon may be an invader from outer space. Nature: Impish Ability: Natural Cure Moveset:  • Dazzling Gleam                   • Scald                   • Rest                   • Sleep Talk

Official Name: Milotic Nickname: Melody Gender: Female Type: Water Dex Number: #350 Dex Entry: Milotic has provided inspiration to many artists. It has even been referred to as the most beautiful Pokémon of all. Nature: Modest Ability: Competitive Moveset:  • Hydro Pump                   • Aqua Tail                   • Rain Dance                   • Waterfall

Official Name: Mantine Nickname: Marlin Gender: Male Type: Water & Flying Dex Number: #226 Dex Entry: On sunny days, schools of Mantine can be seen elegantly leaping over the sea’s waves. This Pokémon is not bothered by the Remoraid that hitches rides. Nature: Bashful  Ability: Water Absorb Moveset:  • Air Slash                   • Acrobatics                   • Giga Impact                   • Double Team

[frankiies-blog]

(( ! * TASK SEVENTEEN ; CHARACTER INSP., PART ( 1 ) REMADE

“some (wo)men aren’t looking for anything logical, like money. they can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. some (wo)men just want to watch the world burn.”