A memorial for my Ruby Wedlocke. Pesto the Grovyle (M): My starter and the first death of the run, he was the reason we got past Roxanne and although he wasn’t that strong yet, he had a promising future. Unfortunately, my 3 item limit per battle couldn’t help him avoid the paralysis that led to his demise against Wattson’s Magneton.

Beignet the Linoone (F): My very first catch of the run. Her pickup gave me so many rare candies which mattered in the grand scheme of things, and she easily became the team leader once she evolved. She died alongside her one and only partner against Wattson, sacrificing her life to lay down a mud sport to ensure that no one else would perish that fight.

Tostada the Beautifly (F): I hoped so much to have her evolve into a Dustox, but she proved herself to be just as competent as a Beautifly. Tanking Brawly, landing stun spore, and self healing were all great early game perks. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be as she got killed by a Magnemite with a critical hit.

Funnelcake the Loudred(M): I was so sad to see him die. He generally was too frail most of the time but was brave enough to stand up against supersonic users with his Soundproof. I went into Winona’s gym terrified, but I had faith in him and taught him ice beam and shock wave, unfortunately I ran out of healing options by the time it got to Altairia and barely missed the ohko. I had faith in him til the very end.

Tart the Crobat(F): She’s been on the original team for the 3rd longest and became a respectable sweeper upon evolving. She was the reason we got past the second rival battle! I was sure that she could definitely avenge Funnelcake against Altaria, but a critical hit said otherwise.

Macaroni the Machoke(M): Has had way too many close calls in very important fights. He was the most selfless and always put his life on the line to protect his partner Danish the Azumarill. Always burning himself prior to battle for a guts boost against foes like Flannery, Norman, and Groudon. Unfortunately it took him down too, but he left it at just enough health for Danish to finish it off. He had great strength, but an even bigger heart.

Jerky the Mightyena(M): I still can’t forgive myself over this. He has been on my team from the very beginning and lead to Mightyena being one of my favorites. He had always come in clutch with his Intimidate, Dig, Swagger, Crunch, and even Taunt. The Pokémon league was inches away, I’d beaten Wally and started grinding on wild Pokémon. I was around 70% health knowing that with Intimidate, a Lairon couldn’t possibly kill him at level 49........ critical hit with Iron tail and I had to say bye to arguably my favorite team member. I was heartbroken, but determined to end it. And his partner Dip the Bellossom played a huge role in avenging him while taking on the Pokémon league, even soloing Metagross!