The New Normal – 9-18 – INTERLUDE – Pokenet Reactions
[THE CHAOTIC RELEASE OF THE POKÉMON STORAGE SYSTEM! WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE WORLD AT LARGE?!] by The Indigo Post
[A picture of a PC in a Pokémon Center with the PSS installed]
Often times, the release of a fantastical invention is able to invoke a paradigm shift in our world. It flips over everything we know and forces everyone to relearn the basics. The release of the Pokémon Storage System, or more commonly known as the PSS, is no different.
In fact, the release of the PSS can be summarized as – utterly chaotic, unplanned, and unorganized.
We here at The Indigo Post have little idea why something as momentous as the PSS was allowed to be released in such a haphazard manner, especially when the leadership of each region knew about its existence in advance. And considering the hasty scrambling in an attempt to restore order, we can tell that they were unprepared for such a release as well.
We suspect that the creator, Bill, may have something to do with this, especially considering the reactions of his peers. However, this is a topic for another time.
Unless you've literally not been around the Pokenet over the past few days, or listened to the news in any capacity, you would have already known that the PSS is a revolutionary new invention that allows for the near-instantaneous transfer and 'storage' of Pokémon through a PC. That means that there is no need to physically trade your Pokéball with a fellow trainer anymore! Your trades can all be done at ANY PC that has the PSS installed.
For now, the installation of the PSS can be found in your nearby Pokémon Center and other specific places. And with the implementation of the recent restrictions, that will likely be the only places you can access the PSS in the future as well.
Speaking of the restrictions, their implementation have received a mixed reception from the general public, though many have come around in support as time has passed. These restrictions were obviously put in place to cut down on the sudden surge of smugglers and opportunistic trainers that had emerged and were trying their hands at abusing this new system. This same limitation has been placed on businesses as well, forcing them to obtain a license before they can make use of the PSS.
Personally, this writer will be commending the combined efforts of the three Leagues' to install a common set of policies to control the PSS. The chaos created by the release of the PSS cannot be understated, and it is to the League's credit that they managed to restore order as quickly as they did.
What do you all think about these new restrictions and the PSS? Do you think the League has gone too far? Or do you think it was an acceptable measure to combat those that would have tried to abuse the system?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Comments
TangelaThoughts
My goodness that was a mess and a half to deal with. I normally am quite excited by all these new inventions and the possibilities of change that they bring, but I was genuinely concerned about the state of the region when all that chaos erupted in the earlier days.
Big props to all of the Leagues for being able to hold things together. I honestly wasn't certain that they would be able to hold back the tide of chaos, so I'm very proud of them for being able to do so. Kudos to all your hard work!
FlyingHigh
Yeah, I've never seen all of the Elite Four and Gym Leaders rushing about as hectically as they do. It was almost like we were in a war for a moment – it was really scary! Where did all these poachers even come from?
I can't believe people just aren't able to keep control of themselves. It's like the release of the PSS just awakening the inner greed in everyone's minds. Insanity!
KantoRepresent
Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm proud of us for being able to work together as a region. John is right when he made that call for unity. We can do better if we work together. Kanto benefits more that way.
AlluteNinja
It was a great speech – and one that was very needed during such trying times. Good job to everyone for coming together.
RockGetGrunt
Aw…I was hoping things would last a bit longer. I'm really upset at the new restrictions. Why can't they just let us make use of the PSS whenever we want. Now we have to be monitored while we use it. Bleh!
SlugmaBalls
Yeah…not a huge fan of getting restrictions imposed on us. Feels like too much interference with what is supposed to be a product that should have been freely available to the public.
But again, seeing the chaos that broke out, I can't fully blame the League for reacting like this. I'm honestly feeling a little mixed.
ResearchMagnet
The foolish are often quick to misuse technologies that they do not understand. I am not surprised.
LoveIsEterna
I totally get you, but I think the restrictions were for the best. Yes, no one likes League interference into your private life, but this is one case where if they didn't tighten up the controls, then there'd be no easy way to stop widespread abuse of the PSS.
It was a necessary act.
[THE INDIGO CONFERENCE BEGINS! HOPEFUL TRAINERS EVERYWHERE FLOCK FOR A CHANCE AT GLORY! BUT WHERE IS BRUNO?! AND WHO AMONG THE ELITE FOUR WILL BE CHALLENGED?] by BattleCast
[Picture of all of the Gym Leaders and Elite Four standing behind Lance as he makes a speech] [A picture of Bruno with a big red question mark stamped on it]
It's finally that time of the year! As the circuit draws to a close, this year's Indigo Conference is finally underway! And the hype for it is REAL!
We have already provided a list of hopefuls in our previous post about the topic, but as the Open Qualifiers have begun, we felt that there was just so much to discuss that it warranted another post!
However, first and foremost, we must address the main thing that most readers will be disappointed to hear – we have confirmed that Bruno will NOT be participating in this year's Indigo Conference. Instead, he has been spotted training with Steven Stone in Hoenn for unknown reasons. Our attempts at getting an interview with him were sadly rebuffed.
For what reason has Bruno decided to skip out on this year's Conference? We here at BattleCast highly doubt that his lack of participation is due to a lack of strength. Everyone is fully aware that Bruno, had he participated, would have been the greatest contender to win it all. So why has he chosen not to participate? Unfortunately, he has chosen to maintain his silence, so all we can do is speculate and hope to see the powerful Fighting type specialist return sometime in the future.
Aside from an update on Bruno, while it may be overly hasty to do so, our analysts at BattleCast have been in deep discussion about who amongst the Elite Four will be challenged once we identify a victor for this year's Indigo Conference.
Would it be the mighty Elite John? Known to have already defeated many notable opponents in his first year of being an Elite Four? While also being acknowledged to be an equal to Lance in both strength and influence? Will he finally meet his match?
Or would it be the fearsome Elite Agatha? A long-time staple of the Elite Four and an extremely formidable Ghost specialist who was has remained undefeated since the time of Champion Oak? Has age continued to temper her skills? Or will someone expose her frailty?
Perhaps it would be the rising star Elite Lorelei? Who has come very far since her slightly underwhelming victory against ex-Elite Four Walker? And who has managed to defend her title with a convincing victory against Gym Leader Surge? Would she continue to grow stronger? Or will someone knock her off her upward trajectory?
Or – as we here in BattleCast believe – will it be the knowledgeable Elite Will? Despite his competence and activeness in politics, he remains the sole Elite Four member to be untested and unproven, having been given the position in the Elite Four. While that is not an attack on his strength, it is undeniable that many are wondering how strong Elite Will actually is.
Out of all the four members of the Elite Four, we suspect that Elite Will is the most likely one to be challenged. We're super excited to see him action and wish him all the best!
Let us know your thoughts about who you think will be challenged – and if you think they'll be able to hold on to their positions!
Comments
PunchingBag
FUCK! Since when do true fighters BACK AWAY from a challenge?! HE SHOULD HAVE STOOD UP AND FOUGHT!
UNLESS HE'S SECRETLY TRAINING HARD SO THAT HE CAN COME OUT OF TRAINING AND BE THE PURE DOMINATING FORCE THAT ALL FIGHTING TYPE TRAINERS CAN BE! LETS GO BRUNO!
FlyingHigh
I've never seen someone able to change their opinion MID comment. That's actually impressive. Your brain really does work in mysterious ways.
Anyways, I agree that Will is the one most likely to be challenged next – whether that be from whoever wins this year's Indigo Conference or by a Gym Leader. Are there any other people eligible to make a challenge to the Elite Four?
TangelaThoughts
No. The past three years' Indigo Conference winners have been Bruno, then Will, then John. Bruno already lost his opportunity with his defeat and won't be able to make a rechallenge in time before his eligibility expires, and Will and John are already in the Elite Four.
So like you said, that leaves this year's winner and any Gym Leaders who can make the challenge. Hope we see someone step up soon.
FutureAce
I actually think Agatha might be the one challenged. She's old, and I know she has a 'fearsome' reputation and all that. But surely that's just overinflated by now? We haven't seen her in a proper battle in years!
FearTheRat
Oh I can't wait for someone to challenge Agatha. Not because I think she'd lose. Quite the opposite really.
Yes, we haven't seen her in a while. But Agatha is the last of the old guard for a reason. She outlasted all her contemporaries. She might be old, but I'm certain she still easily qualifies as an Elite Four.
[OPINION: THE SHIFT TOWARDS INTERNATIONALISM! THE BENEFITS AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE POLICY SPEARHEADED BY ELITE JOHN!] by the Indigo Post
[Picture of John making his speech, calling for mutual aid and assistance during the PSS crisis]
It doesn't take a particularly politically astute person to see the way that international politics have been trending these days, where there has been a heavy emphasis on international cooperation and mutual support from every region.
While internationalism has always been a known political idea, it only really exploded in popularity and favour ever since the idea was spearheaded by Elite John and his myriad of pro-internationalism policies and the downfall of ex-Champion Pryce. Every opportunity that he has, John has constantly and consistently been pushing his agenda, hoping to foster better cooperation both within Kanto and Johto, and between Indigo and the other foreign regions.
And has this push for internationalism been good for Indigo? After much discussion, our political analysts have come up with a singular answer – yes.
Letting go of national pride and 'identity' has opened up many opportunities to allow our region to prosper. Not only has Indigo never been MORE united, especially after John's inspiring rallying cry during the chaotic release of the PSS, but also as a result of the many beneficial policies and acts that the League has done to soothe over any lingering resentments between Kanto and Johto.
And when suspicion and paranoia fall away, we get what we have right now – growing prosperity and unity between all. With the growth of internationalism, the regions of the world are able to see that there is little to fear from your neighbours, but rather there is plenty to be gained. By pooling our resources together across all of our regions, we are suddenly far more capable any threat to our peace and stability.
You only need to see the shared growth and prosperity that each region is currently blessed with, something that has brought life back to our previously stagnating economy. Or how beneficial having the International Police be active and ready to respond to any threats from any region – with Team Rocket being dealt with swiftly by the combined efforts of the best of Indigo and Hoenn's brightest. Or how Sinnoh was given a breath of fresh air as support and investment poured into the region after they opened their borders.
If you need more evidence of the benefits of internationalism, just look at how efficiently the chaos of the PSS was dealt with collectively across all three regions. Such a collaboration and cohesive response between all three regions would not have been possible a few years ago. Not when there was still a distinct lack of goodwill between our regions.
It is clear that we are now in the beginnings of a new age. A new age where friendliness and mutual support triumphs over any problems that we face. Because problems are never insurmountable when you work together.
And this writer hopes for more of the same in the future.
Comments
KantoRepresent
I am not blind to the reputation that I have on the Pokenet. I make it no secret that I champion the cause of Kanto above all else.
However, I will not lie and say that the shift towards internationalism has been bad for us. Quite the contrary. If working together with other regions is what it takes to ensure the continued prosperity and success of Kanto, then I am all for it.
ILoveGoldenRod
Your reasoning is slightly off, but I commend the attempt. Johto and Kanto work very well when we're not too busy bickering against each other, and I hope to see this trend continue.
NotTooMuchWater
Agreed. Ever since we moved away from Pryce, Hoenn has gained nothing but benefits from working closely with the other regions. Even if we did inherit some problems like with Team Rocket, but we're pleased that Indigo had come to help clean up (potentially) their own mess and more.
GodBidoof
Sinnoh wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for the help and support that we've gained from the other regions. Opening our borders really WAS the right decision.
Take that, traditionalists!
RuinsManiac
Well the benefits are even more obvious from a scientific standpoint. Without needing to jealously keep our discoveries to ourselves, we're able to be much more free with the sharing of knowledge – which leads to further discoveries!
I doubt we'd able to discover as much as we did recently without this newfound growth in inter-regional relations!
[SINNOH HAS A NEW CHAMPION! CHALLENGER CYNTHIA DEFEATS LUCIAN TO BECOME THE CHAMPION OF SINNOH! ANNOUNCES A CHALLENGE!] by Sinnoh News
[Pictures of her match] [Picture of Cynthia on the Champion podium]
I'm sure that many excited readers were expecting this outcome, but Cynthia has done it! She has managed to uphold her dominating winning streak and handedly defeated the final opponent standing in between her and the title of Champion, knocking out Lucian in a jaw dropping 6-4 victory!
And with that, Sinnoh now has a new Champion! And the future is looking bright in such strong hands! Even ex-Champion Hayato, throughout his relatively long rule over Sinnoh, could have never made such convincing displays of powers as was just shown by Cynthia.
Plus, it looks like there's still many more tricks left in that brilliant mind of hers that she has yet to show. After all, it was clear that while the Elite Four put up a good fight, they were yet to truly push our newest Champion to her limits.
It was no surprise then that many were eagerly awaiting what the first announcement from our new Champion would be. And Cynthia did not disappoint us, because she threw down the gauntlet.
She dared her naysayers to challenge her in an open invitation to battle her over the next two weeks. Inviting any trainer from the region who had achieved at least 8 badges and have qualified as an Ace Trainer to challenge her and to test her strength. In her announcement, she maintained her strong aura of confidence, completely sure that whoever challenged her would not be able to beat her.
Cynthia has also further announced that she will be temporarily delaying her ascension as Champion until the 2-week challenge period is over, emphasizing the seriousness of her words.
We here at Sinnoh News support such a declaration, untraditional as it might be. What Sinnoh needs right now is a Champion and a League that the public can wholeheartedly support without reservation. Taking the initiative to silence any opposition is an excellent way of ensuring that public confidence in the Sinnoh League does not waver at such an important time.
Furthermore, with the lack of surprise found in the faces of the remaining Elite Four members when she made her announcement, we suspect that they were already in the know.
Her declaration has caused a stir amongst the Sinnoh trainer scene, and many prominent trainers have hinted towards their possible participation. But our eyes are on ex-Champion Hayato, who has been eerily silent since his forced retirement. Is this the moment where he takes to the stage again? Possibly as a last ditch effort to salvage his crumbling reputation?
What do you all think about the situation? Do you think Cynthia has gotten too big for her boots? Or was this a way of sending a powerful message to the public of Sinnoh? Let us know!
Comments
PianoLover
WOOOOO! I KNEW THIS WOULD BE THE CASE! CYNTHIA ALL THE WAY! I KNEW she would sweep through the competition, and Lucian was no different. LETS GO! CHAMPION! CYNTHIA! CHAMPION! CYNTHIA!
GeneralistGeneral
Arceus…we really have a generalist as a Champion. I actually can't believe it. I feel so validated right now. I TOLD YOU ALL that being a generalist trainer CAN work. Where are you now, doubters?! YOUR PROOF IS RIGHT THERE!
I mean, you could always try your luck fighting against her in her open invitation! Can't wait to see how you'd lose!
FearTheRat
…Yeah, right. Only the stupid and foolish would be dumb enough to challenge her after what she just did.
FlamingAfro (Verified POG)
Phew. I was always confident, but you really crushed us all didn't you? I've said it in person, but congratulations, Cynthia. You earned it. I look forward to working with you.
DragonKnight (Verified POG)
Well done. It was a hard-fought climb to the top, but you have done it. You have swept through all in your way. I look forward to working with you. I hope you come to enjoy shouldering the responsibilities of being a Champion.
SeasidePerformer (Verified POG)
Oh my! What a fantastic showing! You're quite the star in the making, aren't you? Beauty and power is a fantastic combination. I'm very excited to see how we get along as fellow Champions.
JohnSmith (Verified POG)
I always knew you could do it. An amazing fight to the top. Good job, Cynthia!
BlondeQueen (Verified POG)
Thank you, all. I will prove that I have earned this position.
FutureAce
…Woah. That's some comment section.
[CYNTHIA'S CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM! HOW STRONG IS IT AND WHAT CAN WE LEARN ABOUT IT?!] by BattleCast
[Graphic of all of Cynthia's Pokémon]
We all know about Cynthia's rise to become the newest Champion of Sinnoh. We all know of her dominating winning streak where she crushed all of the Elite Four in her way. We all know of the team that brought her victory after victory.
But do we REALLY know what makes her team strong? Because as our analysts point out – it's far more than just being a generalist trainer.
Traditionally speaking, generalist trainers have gotten a pretty spotty reputation. There have been few, almost no, examples of a generalist trainer achieving great success as a trainer. The one notable exception was Champion Oak, but now there are two.
So what makes Cynthia's Champion team consisting of a: Spiritomb, Roserade, Togekiss, Lucario, Milotic, and Garchomp so strong?
Well, as obvious as it sounds, the simple answer that our analysts concluded with was that Cynthia has just spent hours upon hours training up her Pokémon to achieve the brilliance that they have shown. They are just extremely well-trained Pokémon.
Or, to put it another way, Cynthia has managed to squeeze each and every last bit of potential from her Pokémon to maximize their effectiveness in battle. Whether that is by hiding combining normally separate moves together, like her combination of Worry Seed and Leech Seed, or by turning her Spiritomb into a self-regenerating tank that can also inflict a whole host of debilitating status moves, all of this builds towards Cynthia's growing reputation.
Because there is no one easy way to deal with her team. Unlike with Type specialists, where MOST of the time opposing trainers can come in with a distinct advantage should they have brought the right Type to counter their Pokémon, such an easy solution does not exist when fighting against Cynthia as her team does not share a single common weakness. Rather, they all have different fighting styles and all requiring different strategies to defeat.
Of course, we would be remiss to overlook the sheer power that her team also possesses. Her trio of Lucario, Milotic, and Garchomp fit a very fitting trio of speed, defense, and attack respectively (though of course these traits are also shared between them). The versatility and vastly different fighting styles that these Pokémon all possess helps play to Cynthia's strength, only further compounding how difficult she is to fight in a battle.
Though we may never see it – our analysts have spent some time discussing how Cynthia compares to the other Champions and strong trainers from the other regions. While she is the undisputed strongest trainer in Sinnoh at the moment, how would she fare against someone like Wallace or Lance, or even an Elite Four like John?
We acknowledge that Lance has the stronger team in terms of sheer strength – that is undeniable. But, would Cynthia's more versatile team be able to overcome the difference in strength? Or how would she face off against John in a proper battle? Since his previous draw with her was where they were both clearly downplaying their strengths?
It's an interesting thought to have, and one we would be happy to invite you to join in on. How strong do you think Cynthia's team would match up against the other Elite Four and Champions from Indigo and Hoenn? Let us know in the comments!
Comments
DragonPower
Lance would win, no doubt about it. He wasn't even fazed when the new usurper Fairy types were introduced! Cynthia is strong, but Lance is just stronger. As befits the Master of Dragons.
GeneralistGeneral
I wanted to say more in the other post…but the comment section scared me off (seriously, when do you get to see 3 Champions and 2 Elite Four posting all together?).
Anyways, Cynthia would win. Easily. Because she has the most versatility. And time and time again we've seen how useful having a versatile team truly can be. She's the strongest trainer in the world right now. No doubt about it.
TangelaThoughts
Hmm…it's a difficult question. I think you're overemphasising the inflexibility of type specialists. I mean, using Lance as an example, we've SEEN him use a whole host of different Types of moves, not just Dragon.
And all that versatility is useful, but Lance has always shown that he is able to brute force his way through most problems. I'm not too sure if Cynthia would be much different here, because her Pokémon might not be able to withstand the sheer force of Lance's assault.
ANormalFan
John would win if it was a proper battle. He has more experience fighting against high level trainers than her. And his team is also very versatile. He wouldn't lose!
NotTooMuchWater
I feel like you guys are looking down on Wallace too much. While his team isn't nearly as 'showy' as the other Champions, he truly has mastered the tenacity of Water types to the fullest extent. That gives him an edge over any kind of generalist.
PunchingBag
Bruno. WOULD. WIN! He lost before, but against some pansy generalist who can't even master a single type?! There's NO WAY he could lose!
FlyingHigh
Bruno is a strong trainer. That I'm not disputing. But I think Cynthia has more than enough tricks up her sleeve to handle someone who can ONLY really fight in close range.
A.N. And that marks the end of the "Progress" Arc. Thank you all so much for reading up to now, and as always – thank you for your continued support of my story. Your continued readership and support is what keeps me going.
I hope you all enjoy what's coming next! There are more battles planned ahead!
And to anyone who wants to support me, please check out my p atreon at CartecTNN where you can read 8 advanced chapters! Thanks to those who have supported me already!