Pokemon—originally named Pocket Monsters—has been around since 1996 and Nintendo doesn’t plan on stopping this forward momentum toward building up the franchise’s lore. Every couple of years, Nintendo will release a new game filled with nearly a hundred new little creatures to catch and train. In addition to this, the shows and comics help you build a relationship with every monster living within this world.
However, not every Pokemon is built the same way. Whether it’s the description in their Pokedex entry or their appearance on the show, some are just built to be scary. Only one of the following Pokemon is a ghost type and I dare you to guess which one.
Houndoom’s body is armored from bones resembling skulls and other hellish images. Dusknoir can collect your soul and transfer it to the netherworld. Shiinotic has the power to put people to sleep and violate them for energy. Galvantula will stun its victims with an electric charge so powerful they won’t be able to move for days; resulting in the enlarged spider eating them as if they were caviar.
Their world is a scary place and children are left to roam the world with their companions they happen to meet along the way. The world within the television program is a bit different than the game world, though.
For instance, they rarely show these mortal deities being graphic to each other. It’s usually tossed aside as a slight scratch, a knockout, or an explosion with them blown away in a comical fashion. Despite this, one name still brings people to their knees when hearing it; no matter the world you are in.
Terrified by All, Bringer of Confusion, Polymorph, the Furry Flash of Thunder, Pikachu.
It may be a common Pocket Monster in the wild but we all know which one I’m talking about. The one we are forced to love but we can’t ignore everything it has done to its world. One doesn’t get the name Terrified by All, Bringer of Confusion, Polymorph, the Furry Flash of Thunder, for only slathering honey on trees. All you need to do is look back at what he’s done.
How Did Pikachu Start?
If it had only remained a mystical prophecy, many lives would still be around. Atsuko Nishida’s original design sent Pikachu down a path of eventually becoming a God of Thunder, but this would have required it to evolve twice. Sooner or later, the final evolution of Pikachu was cut from the game and it remained a line of Pikachu becoming Raichu.
Pikachu’s popularity eventually led it to have its own game and obtain an addition to its evolutionary line. The second generation of Pokemon saw it develop a lovable baby version. Pichu’s debut highlighted its cuteness, sending people into overdrive for merchandise. Conversely, Pikachu was subtly making his influence on the people existing in the game and overpowering those in the show.
This isn’t because he is particularly strong, but his smiley outer frame and ability to slowly lose weight made him an icon no one else would rival. Soon, it was fine he did the most heinous crimes because he did it with a smile on his face. We mustn’t forget Pikachu’s first appearance; decimating Satoshi with electrocution (Ash, to the Americans reading this) to the point he was debilitated into a fetal position.
It wasn’t until Satoshi nearly died did Pikachu suddenly start to care about him. We can only assume he did this because he knew the boy would always take care of him, not because of his genuine interest in being friends. Now, Pikachu’s little discharges are meant to be a friendly greeting. After all, he still does it to Satoshi and has done it to most of the partners this naive human meets on his journeys.
Pikachu hasn’t slowed down on his love for overpowering others when it’s so easy for him, though. Team Rocket would appear over and over again to try to catch this little mammalian battery but they would never obtain this glory for decades to come. Repeatedly, for years, they would be thunderbolted into the lower atmosphere; crashing down from an elevation easily shadowing the height of the largest roller coaster.
But, it was clear Pikachu hated this never-ending cycle when he showed his discontent with them surviving. Satoshi was relieved to see their safety again but Pikachu didn’t. He snapped his fingers and frowned his face in a frumpy exasperation. A majority of children, teenagers, and adults, can justify this since Team Rocket continues to chase them for longer than the average mouse’s lifespan. These poor children had no choice but to blast the enemy for the 397th time.
It’s also understandable to see why Team Rocket continued to chase this little rodent for so long when you realize he constantly wins every round against them. Building up a vendetta creates all kinds of problematic beliefs in one’s psyche, drastically changing their appearance and belief system. Pikachu doesn’t have to worry about these concerns because he knows how to stay in shape.
Pikachu takes his anger out when at certain club meetings allowed only to certain individuals who check-off a list of requirements. This invitation comes out periodically but the number of participants increases every time. Pikachu jumps into the open arms of this tournament every year and comes in first most times.
Being able to continuously perfect his smashes against a versatile group of fighters means he never has to lose again. Oh, you’re a long-range fighter against this flash of yellow? Little tases are coming your way before you are knocked into the abyss. Fighting with your fists? Get ready for a shock blasting you away. Coming from the sky? Google what thunder is. Over the years, his plumpy-self slowly turned into a hulkling of a vermin. His weight change is noticeable when looking at past exchanges.
This bloodlust for a memorable fight has only fueled his hunger. You can see this as time passes and no amount of Smashing could have prevented what was to come. His signs are distinct now but hindsight is always 20/20. Thankfully, we can look back at these periods as a process to educate ourselves and catch future offenders from ever appearing.
What Has Pikachu Not Done?
Pikachu has caused immeasurable pain over the years of his existence and some were worse than others. Informing everyone about these atrocities is crucial in pushing him back into his chambers. It’s easy to know what are good counters to his deceptive ways when you understand how he thinks, what he likes, and what he’s done.
Pikachu is Selfish
One of the most heinous crimes about Pikachu’s belief system is he never wants to live in his ball. Poke balls are supposed to help the Pokemon. They are sent to a wonderful environment where they can relax while waiting for their master to call them. Pikachu is the rabid dog you see roaming the street, attacking other animals it runs into.
He doesn’t stop to think about what is best for the community but what makes him happy. For some reason, Pikachu doesn’t want to evolve into Raichu. He’s ignoring his instinct to get stronger because he doesn’t like this change. This “cuter” current form is the perfect level of adorable to get what he needs doing done without being stopped for being too heavy on one side.
The little ones aren’t going to be able to trust a Raichu when in their throes nor are the more grown PMs going to believe what a tiny Pichu has to say.
The perfect gatherer knows where to look for the best fruits without accidentally offending the local tribes. This is why he’s constantly missing in Satoshi’s eyes; he’s gathering intel. He has no regard for what Ash thinks nor does he have the time. He’s on a schedule and needs to meet every appointment when in a new region.
Contact the “untouchables” of the area? Check.
Create an organization with them? Check.
Listen to the ancients on how they’ve stayed young? Check.
Expand his reach and knowledge on where to visit next? Check.
Make suggestions on where to go but have Satoshi think he’s making them? Check.
There is a reason this group of Neanderthals are always running into new obstacles, despite no other people traveling as intensely as them. This cunning quadruped wants to make sure he has an idea of what is where; calculating his best plans and executing them on the go.
This doesn’t mean Pikachu is silent on his travels. No. No, he leaves an imprint wherever they go so they remember the legend of who he is. The vocal ones are only going to think of him as a hero because of the wonders he brought them. This positive attention helps distance himself from what is really going on. This doesn’t mean his true side stays hidden all the time. Sometimes, it accidentally leaks out.
Pikachu is a Revolutionizer
One of the biggest differences between this Pikachu we all know and those in the wild is the fact ours is memorable. He has quirks no other Pocket Monster can replicate. You’d think he would know how it feels to be each Pokemon since he regularly attends local shops and brothels within the community he visits but he doesn’t. He actively uses his shapeshifting to worsen tensions between rivaling neighborhoods so he can swoop in later to act as a problem solver.
The great Seviper Uprising was all started because Pikachu matched the face of a Zangoose and broke into one of their idol’s homes. Jellicent Jealousy was only worsened when Pikachu promised them land legs but only stole their greatest jewel; The Hardened Jelly of Jejjunjun. The Tapus of Alola are all enemies now because one fell for Pikachu’s pranks. To this day, no one knows all of these issues were caused by him but they do recall his personality being a great relief to the situation.
Wars have been fought for simpler things and Pikachu knows this. People have killed thousands of their brethren because a bucket was stolen once. A few ignorant individuals didn’t understand the idea of running and started the slaughter of thousands. Sometimes tea is worth devastating a culture with poppies. Humans aren’t the only animal who is emotionally irrational but his crimes are what truly set him apart from other criminals. Sometimes, there is a reason those who are deeply religious fear something.
Praising Satan
Conventions for nerds were thought to be hotspots for those looking to know more. Concerts were places to hear hymns. Child-care facilities were suspected of being sacrifice centers. The Satanic Panic wasn’t always as lighthearted sounding. Many considered any news of these cultists as gospel. But, each time, it failed to bring in new followers and was usually made worse through misinformation the media spread.
Pikachu decided to go with a more direct routine in finding those who could help his cause without them fully knowing what’s at stake. Each time he met a new couple or individual wanting to expand the cause, he would appear in a new form. His body would maintain its small proportions but his face would resemble other Pocket Monsters. They could never remember his original form because there was no way to know which one it was.
These people were dedicated to his cause. It brought them peace knowing there was a higher power they could rely on. His lies convinced them of eternal youth and a safe space where their talents will be appreciated. They’ll pray on their knees, Pikachu would fire off a volt, forcing them to the floor, paralyzing them, and then finish them with a thunderous blow turning them to ash.
The ether flowing from the believers would be used to send a message. This holy word is something many people can get behind; whether it’s for rebellion or actual need for faith, they will listen. No longer should we be held by past limits. Surpass your capabilities and become something greater. There is no reason we can’t see future generations develop.
Circling the walls with organic red paint and drawing a star within draws attention to a false cause. The more people he can get involved, the less people he has to fight. They will slowly start to splinter among themselves.
There were many sacrifices on the way but it was all for righteousness.
Pikachu’s cause.
Does Pikachu Even Win?
In this world, winning is everything. People are literally mugged when they lose, which usually leads to fainting. Pikachu has been next to Ash throughout their featured time together but he hasn’t won every match he’s been placed in. As a matter of fact, Pikachu only wins about 60 percent of them, which is weird considering who he is.
For one, Pikachu has faced off against some of the strongest Pokemon in the region and made a mark. Pikachu has faced negative typings and won; Onyx, Honedge, Rhydon. He once absorbed a shot from Thundurus with not only ease and glee but transferred it back with even more strength. Facing off against Latios may have led to both of them fainting but it still means he can take on a legendary Pocket Monster.
He is choosing when to fight and when to leave. He rarely wants to do something unless he benefits from it. If he actually pushed himself past his limit he wouldn’t have let Mewtwo get away nor would he have trouble in all the other Leagues he and Satoshi partook in.
Pikachu’s actual level nor age has ever been disclosed but he’s constantly bouncing around. Furthermore, in this world, it’s possible for a soul to transfer to a Pokemon’s body. You can see this with Phantump, Froslass, Drifblim, and many other ghost-types. Why isn’t it possible for reincarnation to work on other Pokemon?
How Old is Pikachu?
There has to be a reason as to why Pokemon not only understands any language spoken but has been shown to live longer than most trainers could ever dream of. Reincarnation exists and this could explain why there are always new Monsters being discovered. These powerful beings outnumber humans multiple times over and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop soon, especially when you consider all the trainers who breed one specific species so it’s completely matching their needs.
All of these Pokemon have to come into existence through something and since there is a god—the all-mighty Arceus—it’s reasonable to presume there is a place we go to purify our souls. After all, there is an underworld and Giratina doesn’t seem to enjoy people’s company. It doesn’t matter how bad you were, you have the capacity to return to the mortal realm to start over. But, what if someone didn’t want to start over?
Sometimes people come back to Terra and visit their family as a Pokemon, or will develop new relationships with their fellow Pocket Monsters; but, they come back either way. Unfortunately, the bureaucratic system on how this works is not fully understood other than the fact homo sapiens can come back as these peaceful, potentially enslaved creatures.
Temujin knew this and would espouse teachings while working his way up to leader. He would continue his education when he became the leader and took people in without question. They would be of different nationalities, races, and religions, but he didn’t care as long as each had a story to tell. Later on, the man whose name translates to “blacksmith” or “of iron”, would be bestowed upon the title of “Genghis Khan”.
Temujin had a rough start to life but he would use this pain to further his intelligence, strength, and willpower. When he was given his honorable label around 1206, it started the reign of one of the biggest empires in history. Amassing a property twice the size of Alexander the Great’s, it’s easy to see why he would need to be a just leader. He didn’t kill everyone and gained some of his most faithful generals because of this.
This doesn’t mean he was free from crime. This man would kill up to 40 million people during his conquest, which is more than Hitler and Stalin ever dreamed of. There was no crime or debt he left unsettled and he sent a message to everyone not to cross him. Extinguishing the light from whole populations reminded the world how he became one of the strongest leaders.
Despite being one of the most successful conquerors, no one actually knows what he looks like. This allowed him to blend in within the enemies’ ranks, listen to their plans, and create a strategy Sun-Tzu would be envious of.
His ability to transform using the black arts may be mythologized a bit but Pikachu would argue otherwise. Lickitung, Totodile, Brock, Axew, Torkoal, Popplio, and Scolipede are just some imitations he’s been able to perfect since his time becoming this furry ball of shocks and it’s easy to see why when you realize he’s been practicing for most of his original life.
Usually, the older you get, the more wise and influential you become. People turn to you for advice and Temujin hasn’t shied away from this part of his life. You can see it when Pikachu runs to new creatures during his adventures or when Ash asks what he wants to do. Pikachu has an answer to every inquiry being thrown his way.
However, this intelligence has also been used to create an ideology people should fear. There is a reason the Satanic Panic was as prominent as it was; there was some truth behind it. Pikachu wanted to make sure the false ones would get distracted from this rock being thrown but the true believers will seek out the thrower. He needed only the truly radicalized to seek out his mission because the weak would crumble the instant something was asked of them.
Those who would seek Pokemon out because of its dark and inhumane ways would be gifted with something they can only dream of. Temujin needed to make his unspeakable ways pleasing to the simple minded, which also happen to be predominantly children. Nintendo wouldn’t have existed, though, without the help of this outside force. His careful hand led to the creation of this berserker domain.
PETA saw right through his ploy and called them out for what they were; animal abusers and dark magic users. Pikachu never thought twice about it, though, and continued on with his mission. No one would believe a simple game would cause others to become violent but Michael Vick is an example otherwise.
Despite the valiant efforts of Karen and Kevin—the holy Christian role models—generations would flock to every new version released. Countless games would be sold to varying ages and they would all enjoy it. Temujin now has millions of people in the palms of his hand but we don’t know when he will act. If he can wait a couple hundreds of years then this simple era will be easy to pass.
Names Come for a Reason
Pikachu is a mascot for the Pokemon company, despite them knowing about his history. They don’t care because they know he will be loved by all. He’s cute, fluffy, and friendly with those he meets, which is why there are dedicated days to his existence. There is merchandise with his face plastered on them and there are clothing lines highlighting his misadventures. You can’t go anywhere without being reminded of him in some way.
It also helps he’s a role model for children who are struggling with their weight. Over the 25 years of the Polymorph’s public life, he’s slimmed down. He went from a ball of fat to a mouse kicking Mickey Mouse’s ass. His time traveling from one region to the next is nothing new but being smaller means he needs to excel more energy. This is why he’s fitter now than when he was a Mongolian lord.
Although no one knows what he looked like as Temujin, people will remember all the atrocities he’s committed. Sure, there are people still trying to piece together everything he’s done but we can’t just ignore what we do have. We need to bring to light everything abhorrent this cretin has done. We need to make sure people understand why he has the title of Terrified by All, Bringer of Confusion, Polymorph, the Furry Flash of Thunder.
Pikachu must answer for his crimes.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200811-pokemon-the-japanese-game-that-went-viral
https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/
https://venturebeat.com/2016/02/29/how-pikachu-went-from-rare-rodent-to-media-icon/
https://www.thegamer.com/10-reasons-pikachu-is-literally-the-worst-pokemon-and-5-reasons-hes-still-killer/
https://www.thethings.com/times-pikachu-kind-of-a-bad-person/
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Ash%27s_Pikachu
https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-ash-pikachu-weird-things-nobody-notices/
https://www.businessinsider.com/3-of-the-stupidest-wars-ever-fought-in-world-history-2019-7
https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/3-of-the-stupidest-wars-ever-fought-in-world-history/
https://www.military.com/off-duty/4-more-of-stupidest-wars-world-history.html
https://filmschoolrejects.com/pokemon-satanic-panic/
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/china-history/genghis-khan.htm
https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-genghis-khan
https://owlcation.com/humanities/40-Facts-About-Genghis-Khan
Leave a Reply