Work Text:
26/01/xxxx
Subject: 19
Status: Wild-Untagged
Today, while I was checking tagged nesting sites, I came upon a pokemon I did not recognize. Upon reviewing all relevant resources, I was unable to identify the pokemon’s species. It was a human-sized biped with features halfway between feline and fetal. Until species can be confirmed, the pokemon in question will be referred to as Subject 19.
As Subject 19 appeared to be in bad condition, I attempted capture in accordance with standard procedure. The subject was extremely uncooperative and difficult to contain; I suspect the only reason capture was achieved is the amount of damage it had already sustained. Subject 19 was badly beaten, having multiple scratches (consistent with local feline pokemon) as well as showing signs of poisoning (consistent with local bug pokemon), dehydration and exhaustion. I assume it had been in a fight with a group of wild pokemon prior to my arrival and had been worn down by sheer numbers.
Upon capture, Subject 19 displayed aggressive behavior when I approached its cage. To remedy this, I attempted common calming tactics. While Subject 19 did not react to music or aromatics, it did respond positively, albeit hesitantly, to human speech—a response characteristic of psychic types.
When the subject was pacified enough to begin treatment, I retrieved a number of relevant healing items and began administering them. Subject 19, while cautious of me, willfully ingested berries given to it. When asked in human language if anything else was wrong, it turned to reveal a dermal abrasion on its back.
Once treatment had been adequately administered, I decided against the tagging of Subject 19. Given its strength while injured, it would be unwise to risk further aggravation. Subject 19 was promptly released, at which point it waited a moment before slowly exiting containment and floating into the surrounding forest.
Again, while species cannot be confirmed at this time, Subject 19 shows traits consistent with the psychic type and appears to be capable of understanding at least some human speech. The extent to this is unknown. The subject displayed psychokinetic properties during containment, which it used both on itself and on objects.
I hope to encounter Subject 19 again in the future for further observation and analysis.
Will keep an eye out for information in addition to other duties.
~~~~~
30/01/xxxx
Subject: 19
Status: Wild-Untagged
Since the first encounter four days ago, Subject 19 has appeared numerous times, mostly just within my periphery. Although it avoids being watched, it does not seem to want its presence to be unknown. Subject 19 never interacts with me or my surroundings directly; it only appears to observe. I suspect the subject is studying me and my actions, trying to determine whether I am a threat.
It is not wholly atypical for pokemon recently C&R to be curious about the researchers responsible, but the extent to which Subject 19 is following my behavior may prove concerning.
Subject 19’s recent appearances have allowed for further observations to be made about its behavior.
Subject 19 is wary of other organisms, especially humans but including pokemon. It will flee if approached by either, but shows unique behaviors when approached by humans. Its eyes glow slightly, and its stance tenses as though preparing for a fight. This is likely a threat display, wherein it attempts to scare off potential foes.
Subject 19 nearly always locomotes through levitation. Its legs appear to be unfit for other modes of movement. Whether this is a species-wide characteristic or the result of abnormalities is unknown. I have observed it attempt to locomote bipedally once and quadrupedally thrice. Bipedally, its movement was very slow and clumsy. It stumbled twice before it began levitating again. Quadrupedally, it retained a similar air of clumsiness, though to a lesser extent. It did not trip quite as much, but its limb length made taking even strides an awkward endeavor. Observing this was oddly endearing.
Finally, Subject 19 appears to be frightened by syringes. One day, as I was giving a resident pokemon a regular immunization, Subject 19 came unusually close. Subject 19 used its psychokinetic abilities to grab the syringe from my hand and remove it from the area, disappearing along with it. Initially, I believed the subject to be afraid of needles, but subsequent exposures to similar objects indicated it was scared of the syringe itself, not the needle. I cannot help but wonder where such a fear could have originated. It worries me.
After a considerable time spent researching every database available to me and communicating with other researchers, I was able to find a lead on Subject 19’s species. I heard a rumor about a pokemon matching Subject 19’s description. The rumored pokemon is a psychic type, which matches my hypothesis, and if it is as rare a sight as the rumors would indicate, it would explain my lack of knowledge.
This pokemon of legend is said to be a failed creation of the now defunct Team Rocket. It is said to be as aggressive as it is resentful. Despite myself, I hope this lead turns out to be a dead end. I have grown oddly attached to 19. I do not like the implications of this rumor.
Will continue to monitor.
~~~~~
15/02/xxxx
Subject: 19
Status: Wild-Tagged
So much has happened since my previous entry on this case.
19 has continued making appearances near me, becoming more bold with each one. 19 has done nothing to warrant my fear, so I permitted the increased contact. After some time, I began regularly speaking to it in human language, curious as to the extent it would understand me. What I found was unprecedented. Not only does 19 appear to understand most, if not all, spoken words, but it seems to be literate as well.
Our exchanges began with me greeting it whenever it would appear. I referred to it as “19” each time. The third time I greeted it by this name, it made a sound of acknowledgement. The fourth time, it repeated the sound and drew closer. The fifth time, it mimicked the greeting, down to a wave. At the time, I was under the assumption that 19 had simply recognized that I was speaking to it and begun mimicking my actions.
Following this, I began telling it a variety of things about my responsibilities. Some exchanges of note are as follows:
I explained that I was looking for a particular pokemon I had already tagged but was having difficulty finding. 19 proceeded to leave momentarily. Upon returning, 19 patted my arm, indicating that it wanted to be followed. When I complied, it led me to a burrow in which I found the exact pokemon I had been seeking. When I thanked 19, it nodded in acknowledgement.
I complained that I was low in stock of a particular berry, which I had been growing on the Southernmost edge of my property. 19 vanished for approximately 45 minutes before locating me outside of my greenhouse. 19 was carrying a basket I use frequently when harvesting from my garden, which was full of the specific berry I had indicated earlier. Again, thanking 19 prompted a nod.
While writing notes on another subject, 19 approached me and began looking at my notebook over my left shoulder. After some time, 19 made a noise, drawing my attention, and–for lack of a better word–pointed at my notebook before pointing at the subject I was writing about. Despite my slight confusion, I confirmed that my writing was about the subject. Upon hearing this, 19 spent a long moment examining my notes before stepping away and making a long, low noise, as if going “hmm.”
I am forced, given the sheer number of related events, to conclude that 19 understands English to an extent far exceeding other pokemon. If proven, this would be my biggest discovery yet. I don’t know if it would be ethical to share these findings. 19 has shown time and time again to be terrified of humans. I can’t bear don't like the thought of it being stalked by researchers it doesn’t trust for its abilities. I’m simply too attached.
Recently, I have come to believe 19 may be developing a particular trust in me. At least more so than it does other humans. It allows my closeness and seems to find solace in my presence in a way I have not observed before. It seems comfortable when I am around. I don’t know how to feel about that.
Typically, 19 will not tolerate physical contact. At best, it startles and moves away; at worst, it retreats from the exchange entirely. As of today, I was able to place a loose, circular tag on 19’s left leg. It appeared cooperative throughout the process, and the tag has yet to be removed. Is it bad that I feel wrong for doing this? Does it know what the tag is for?
Paradoxically, as I become more confident in my ability to keep tabs on 19, I am becoming less and less confident in my ability to find out what, precisely, it is. I am beginning to believe it is the pokemon from those rumors. How ridiculous of me.
I just cannot get its fear of medical equipment out of my head. Beyond syringes, it appears to be frightened by lab equipment, certain varieties of pill bottles, and infrared thermometers. It also avoids enclosed spaces and machines with LED lighting. I shudder to think what else it fears. Where did it come from to pick up each of these oddly specific fears if not a… ? I wish I knew what happened to it before we met. I wish I knew how to help.
Will continue to monitor.
~~~~~
13/04/xxxx
Subject: 19 Mewtwo
Status: Unknown
Two days ago, I did something I may come to regret. I hope it has not diminished my progress.
Since my previous report, 19 has remained a constant presence in my day-to-day life, with me taking increasingly detailed notes on its anatomy and behavior. In the meantime, I continued searching for any leads regarding 19’s species. After months of searching, I just got so tired…
I asked. I had avoided asking for so long out of the fear that 19 would react poorly, but I finally just asked. I was outside going over my notes when I, out of nowhere, turned to 19 and explained the rumors. I told it about Team Rocket, about their cloning program, about the pokemon residents of surrounding towns insisted appeared after it was shut down. Upon reflection, 19 was visibly uncomfortable as I explained, something I willfully ignored in my desire for truth.
When my exposition was over I said, “19, is it you? Are you that pokemon?”
We sat in dumb silence so loud it was deafening. I don’t know how long we sat there before 19 (no, I’m sure of it now) Mewtwo teleported away. Two days have passed since that conversation. I have not seen Mewtwo since. The tracker was left on my porch last night, intact but inactive.
I don’t care if my research comes to an abrupt end. It has been a long time since that was a concern for me. I care immensely that I may have hurt Mewtwo. I care immensely that I may have broken our uneasy sense of trust. I care. I’m scared to think it cared about me, too.
If the rumors are true, I worry that Mewtwo has lived a painful, lonely life. I’m scared that I have contributed to that. The thought that I returned its trust with a reminder of traumatic experiences distresses me.
I hope it returns. I really want to apologize.
[Intended action: Left intentionally blank]
~~~~~
20/05/xxxx
Subject: Mewtwo
Status: Wild-Untagged
Mewtwo returned to my property a week ago today. Upon exiting my home, it approached from the forest and waved in greeting. I returned the gesture. Instead of “19”, I called it Mewtwo. It responds to either name.
Mewtwo shadowed me from a distance as I went about my day. I spoke to it occasionally. It was like our earlier interactions, before I was certain it understood me. I didn’t attempt to replace the tag; Mewtwo didn’t acknowledge any differences in my behavior. Our earlier trust has been shaken, but it isn’t gone. I’m grateful for that.
Since that day, Mewtwo has been making daily appearances. We have returned to some semblance of normality. It still watches, occasionally assisting, and I still watch back. It is familiar. I hadn’t recognized how much I missed this.
Will attempt to make new ground. I want to be friends.
~~~~~
10/01/xxxx
Subject: Mewtwo
Status: Wild-Tag deemed unnecessary
I realized that it has been a significant time since I last wrote up a report on the status of Mewtwo. I am happy to say my previous intended action was a success.
Simply going about our days in each other’s company was, apparently, enough for Mewtwo to develop a bond with me. It spends nearly all of its time with me or otherwise on my property. I have become so accustomed to its presence that I am disoriented when it is gone.
Mewtwo assists me in many tasks. It helps with harvests, retrieving equipment, and even occasional repairs around my property. It has been an invaluable companion during the last several months.
I have a number of new observations to record:
Mewtwo sleeps suspended in midair via levitation in something resembling the fetal position. It is very cute. I am in awe that Mewtwo trusts me enough to sleep in my presence. Mewtwo falls asleep around me so often now that I am no longer shaken by it. I hope it continues.
Mewtwo exhibits a notable amount of dietary plasticity. It will eat a wide variety of vegetation as well as seafood, eggs, and meat. It has a preference for light meat, such as fowl. Mewtwo is also lactose intolerant, something I learned the hard way. I empathize with its condition; I know its struggle.
Mewtwo seems to have a similar sense of vision to humans. This was determined through eye tests performed by a friend and colleague of mine. Mewtwo’s depth perception, range of sight, and color recognition are all comparable to that of a human, though there is evidence that Mewtwo may struggle to distinguish between blues and yellows. I find the notion that a pokemon which is the subject of urban legend might be color blind inexplicably comical. Further testing would be required to prove this.
Mewtwo enjoys playing games. It will play games solitary, if need be, but it displays a clear preference for cooperative and competitive games. Mewtwo seems capable of inventing new games using objects in its vicinity; I observed, once, Mewtwo using its psychokinesis to skip stones across a nearby pond. Mewtwo would take its time to carefully locate flat stones and would visibly preen when stones skipped a great number of times. Its record was a very impressive thirteen skips before the stone sank. It did a little somersault and looked to see if I had seen the feat.
Mewtwo loves, above all other games, playing tag and hide-and-seek. It often captures my attention before running off, visibly delighting when I would pursue it. It may be slightly disruptive to my schedule, but I cannot help indulging this behavior. It makes me so happy to see Mewtwo when it is playful. I’m certainly not going to stop it.
Strangely, Mewtwo seems almost self-conscious about its own playfulness. If any other humans are around, it refuses to engage in any form of play. Instead, Mewtwo will resort to what I affectionately refer to as “Lurking”, standing stone-faced and barely moving until the offending humans are gone. It is tolerant of their presence, but it will not accept them as it has me. I wonder if it is embarrassed. I wonder if it is protective of me.
Mewtwo has become more willing to engage with other pokemon, and it seems to prefer relatively relaxed, unenergetic Pokemon. That being said, we have encountered a new problem with such socializing. Even when Mewtwo wants to socialize, other pokemon seem to be terrified of it. With the exception of my own team, pokemon regularly flee when Mewtwo is near. I feel kind of sorry for it. I wonder what about it is so scary to them.
I am thrilled by the progress I have made with Mewtwo in the time since my last report. I have also decided to keep my findings confidential. I don’t believe Mewtwo would respond well to fame. I want to keep it a secret a little longer.
Will continue to take notes and befriend.
~~~~~
26/01/xxxx
Subject: Mewtwo
Status: Tame
It has been one year ago today since my first encounter with the pokemon I now know to be Mewtwo. I have some updates to record.
Mewtwo has been living in my home with me since the day I created my last report. Mewtwo willingly enters my home and remains there when I am away. It is free to exit at any time, as it has proven capable of opening doorways in addition to its teleportation, but it chooses to remain. I am not opposed to this arrangement. I like having my Buddy around.
My Buddy’s Mewtwo’s aversion to touch has been slowly fading as time passes. I am now able to pet it without it shying away. Sometimes it seeks out this physical affection. I cannot express how happy this makes me.
Mewtwo has taken to drawing, as of late. It will find empty patches of flat dirt or sand and imprint symbols of various kinds. I have seen drawings of trees, flowers, other pokemon, and, twice now, myself. I am considering how I could encourage this behavior without causing Mewtwo to stop. I know now that Mewtwo is exceptionally shy when it comes to play, and Mewtwo refuses to be seen drawing. I wonder what it would do if given paint, crayons, pencils, and paper. My curiosity is boundless.
Once–only once–I have awoken to Mewtwo sleeping on the foot of my bed. It woke not long after, immediately teleporting away when it noticed I was aware. I wonder if it does that often.
As of about a week ago, I decided to change Mewtwo’s status from “Wild” to “Tame”. Apart from the lack of a pokeball, I fully consider Mewtwo my pokemon. There is an unspoken bond here which goes beyond capture. I have begun calling Mewtwo by a new name: “Buddy.” It seems to enjoy this name. I'm glad. I like it, too.
Will continue to monitor.