Somebody Else [Pokémon]

"Enough, Gary. I'll tell Mom after the Pact today, okay?"

"Fine." You sigh. Even as you stride into Pallet Town's Guild Hall, she still hasn't told her Mom about leaving with you yet. Over the past day, you've only grown more worried about how she'll react or whether she'll blame you, and Leaf is obviously sick of it. You suppose you can only change the topic to something more pertinent. "Have you met the candidates for our Pact, then?"

"I did," she slowly says. "After I told Gramps I'm going to leave... He arranged for me to interview the candidates."

You hum thoughtfully.

As is customary, each of the five Ancient Houses of Pallet Town has sent a representative to be a Pact candidate. That means you have a choice between someone from House Venusaur, House Charizard, House Blastoise, House Raichu, or House Eevee.

There are other families living in Pallet, of course, but as you said, it's custom to forge your first Pact with one of the founding families of your settlement.

"Do you know who you're choosing yet?"

"Ah?" She hesitates, glancing at you. "Well... I mean, you should have first pick, right? You have seniority..."

You shrug. "If both of us want him or her, I promise I won't change my mind."

"Then... Rydia, to be honest."

You could've guessed. "Following in your brother's footsteps, huh..?"

She slows down her footsteps, and you match her pace until the both of you come to a stop. You suppose this is yet another reason why she's so reluctant to tell her Mom... Quietly, you reach out to wrap your arms around her.

"Yeah, that," she admits. "But also... if we're travelling together, I thought a Poison-type Pokémon would be the best way to support you."

"You're always so thoughtful," you say. Tightening your hug, you gently kiss her on her head. "I guess you're planning on Restricting your Domain, too."

She nods into your shoulder. "Poison-type females."

"That's a pretty good call, to be honest."

She doesn't need to explain her choice. Just the fact that Ash's first Pact was with a Bulbasaur would be enough to validate her choice, but if she's thinking about synergy and support... It doesn't get much better than a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon.

In addition... Well, any Trainer without a Pact can choose to place a Restriction on their Domain, strengthening its effect on all of their Pacted Pokémon. The downside is that they can't forge any Pacts with Pokémon that don't fall under the Restrictions, and there's no way to change it unless the Trainer somehow manages to outlive all of their Pokémon.

But for a Trainer like Leaf who's not only undertrained, but also has an underdeveloped Domain? You're surprised she stopped at two conditionals. She could've done what the League's Champion did if she didn't restrain herself. He even went to the point that he Restricted his Domain to the individual Dratini who was his first Pact -- and only that one Pokémon -- meaning that not only can he not have more than one Pact, but also that even if he outlives his Dragonite, it's the end of the road as a Trainer for him.

But you suppose... as far as you know, Ash never placed even a simple Restriction on his Domain at all.

"I'm okay," she finally says, pulling away from you. "We'll be okay."

You're not sure you believe her, but okay.

"What about you, Gary? Have you decided?"

"Hmm..." Actually, you're certain that your Domain is strong enough by now that you could even approach another one of them after the ceremony and propose a Pact. But you do need to pick one of them for the ceremony, so you think again about the candidates that you've interviewed.

Rydia is a bit on the shy side, but she seems like she's pretty sweet. She's not that strong at close combat, but like Leaf says, she'll make an excellent support. Armed with her vines, leech seeds, and powders... She can probably kite her enemies to death.

Arthur is more of a dominant personality with a violent streak, and focuses on using his flames to wreak havoc. Both in close combat or at range, he's learned to utilise his flames to give him an advantage in direct fights.

David seems like a reserved individual, although he does have his witty side. He's an extremely defensive fighter, letting his shell help him tank through any damage while he uses simple but effective punches or bubbles to take down opponents.

Elliot is charming, and you can tell he's a little bit of a ladies' man. Although his constitution means he can't take too many hits, he's the most skilful close combat fighter out of your candidates, and he even knows to use some of his House's Electric element.

Chloe is unruly and mischievous, and she's the type that doesn't like playing by the rules. She's also the only one who doesn't know how to use any Elements, unlike most Eevees who end up learning a few. But not only is she good at brawling, she's also the hardiest amongst your candidates.


[x] Rydia the Bulbasaur
[x] Arthur the Charmander
[x] David the Squirtle
[x] Elliot the Pikachu
[x] Chloe the Eevee


[x] Restrict your Domain to not-fully-evolved Pokémon only.
[x] Restrict your Domain to Pokémon of a certain element only.
[x] Restrict your Domain to Pokémon of a certain race only.
[x] Restrict your Domain to Pokémon of a certain gender only.
[x] Restrict your Domain to Pokémon of a certain species only.
[x] Restrict your Domain to one Pokémon only.
[x] No Restriction.
[x] Write-in.