Guest Submission: Baton Pass It On

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Today we bring you an article by our very own RocketClauncher. It was his submission for the PJM Writing Contest and the rules stated that everyone who didn’t win could get a second chance. So here it is!

Baton Pass It On

Pokémon is timeless. Who knew back in the 90’s that this whole thing would take off? What started as some fancy animals that could change forms and learn different fighting moves is now a complex system of monsters that vary in endless ways. We started out with Scratches, Mega Punches, Double Kicks, and Bites. Nowadays, we have Parting Shots, Dazzling Gleams, Oblivion Wings, and more. We have gone from brown colored rats to aerodynamic blue frogs that sport their tongues as scarfs. No matter how much the series has changed and will continue to change, there is one thing that is certain: we aren’t gonna play these games forever. Now stick with me, I know that may sound a tad depressing, but it’s the truth. Some of us will get that big job, move far away, and start a family. Others will stay where they are and go on with their normal lives. Some will stay in their mother’s basements (won’t mention any names). Nonetheless, we will eventually part our ways with the series, giving up Pokémon. I know that may sound unfathomable, but trust me, I was obsessed with toy trains when I was younger, but you don’t see me playing with them anymore do you? Okay maybe a little from time to time but you get my point. Eventually we will take a broad look at our journeys as Pokémon masters, admiring all the fun times we had with our friends. It seems like a sad ending, but in reality it will be filled with bliss. The only thing better than playing the series is getting to see the next generation play it. We will have left our mark, and will pass it on.

NO WAY! I’M NEVER GONNA STOP PLAYING! POKEMON FOR LIFE!

Here, here. The first stage, denial, is the hardest. We’ll get through it together though. I’m not saying Pokémon will be something that’s locked away in the depths of your memory. Nostalgia, despite fueling “genwunners”, is a beautiful thing. Imagine a situation, years from now, where something as simple as hearing a Pokémon song, or starting up that Gameboy Color again, could give you chills. It strikes a nerve in you like a crisp harp string, sending a sweet melody throughout your soul. How about that, huh? Who knew giving up Pokémon could promote such imagery? It’s not all bad. Imagine telling your children about all the adventures you went on, all the people you met. No matter how you think about it, you will always be remembered as a Pokémon master. You’re in the Hall of Fame.

Okay…I guess I’ll accept that I will retire from Pokémon…

Good, I’ve convinced you. I’m sure you are wondering what’s next. Is there a retirement ceremony? Do I have to sign up? Is Sudowoodo really a Rock Type? Take it slow now, no need to rush your fate. If I were you, I would stick it out as much as you want. I gave up Pokémon after Ruby and Sapphire, but here I am, writing an article about it. You never know what will happen. I’m sure one day; I’ll truly have that moment. I will look back at everything, appreciate all that I was able to do, and let it go. It won’t be a long thought out process, it won’t be sad or painful, so don’t worry. One day I will happen to walk into the store, having not really paid attention to Pokémon as much as I used to. I will walk up to the gaming section and spot the latest Pokémon game or spinoff. I’ll pause for about half a second, and then come to peace. I don’t really need that. I think I’ve enjoyed it all so much; it’s time to let someone else experience everything I did. I’ll see a little kid walk up with his mom, grab the game, and purchase it. I’ll take a few seconds to look over and smile. All of the great things I have felt from a Pokémon game…this kid gets to feel for the very first time. If that’s not reassurance, I don’t know what is. I’m expecting my retirement to go something like that. But, maybe not.

So here’s my story, the story of my retirement from Pokémon:

It was the middle of March, 2013. I had just recently found out that there would be a new Pokémon game: Pokémon X and Y. I had been disappointed by Diamond and Pearl, so really didn’t play Black and White until shortly before the release of X and Y. However, Black and White really got me pretty pumped up. I loved them. For the first time in a while, I was excited about a new Pokémon game. There was a brief moment where I thought to myself, maybe I should stop now? I wanted to end on a good note. After a little thought, I decided to get a new Pikachu 3DS XL, and that I would maybe get the new Pokémon games when they came out. So off I went, to the store.

I walked over to the gaming aisle, and saw one of the Pikachu 3DS XL systems left. Just as I walked to the counter, I overheard a kid asking his mom if they had any Pikachu ones left. I turned and immediately realized the right thing to do. I bent down and told the little guy that he could have mine. I thought this way my glorious moment. I had passed on the wonderful gift of Pokémon. He was ecstatic. I smiled and he told his mom that he wanted to pick a game. As I started walking away I saw what game he had picked.

Digimon.

Who am I kidding? We can’t ever retire. These little punks will never appreciate Pokémon like we do.
-RocketClauncher

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1,479 thoughts on “Guest Submission: Baton Pass It On”

  3. How i came to Pokejungle:
    I was a little kid and remember finding it either by google search or something serebii related.xD I would look up articles every now and then but i never posted anything. I rarely ever went on PJN. Then around X and Y i remember finding Zephyrsonic’s smash streams and seeing that they were on Pokejungle which i remembered so i looked up pokejungle. Made posts every now and then as “Mike” with a big red R on a Black Background for Team Rocket. Eventually i started using it more and became Shiny Noivern because ShinyXatu’s name was awesome xD

    Reply

  5. Oh my. My first comment was awfully ironic.

    When replying to someone wanting to buy a DSi:
    “Wait for the 3DS, otherwise you’ll regret that you wasted 100 dollars when you only needed to wait three months.”

    If only I had known it would apply to the 3DS too…

    Reply

  6. I just realized that this might be my first (and last) full year on pokejungle.
    The way my grades are going this year, I will most likely be taking all AP courses next year.
    But I have to live in the now time.

    Reply

  7. @daedardus:disqus
    If it isn’t too much to ask, could you also find my first comment? I’ve been here for nearly or already a year now 😮

    Reply

  9. One more thing before going to bed.

    You guys remind me of why I still want to pour so much time into this site. Keep up the good work!

    Reply

  15. So I just got my 6th Badge
    Where do I go now?
    BTW Current Roster
    Typhlosion
    Sudowoodo
    Tauros
    Magnemite
    Mantine

    Reply

  17. This was a great article Rocket 😀 Perfect title, made me feel denial, like what are you talking about!? I ain’t gonna quit! And then the end made me happy xD

    Reply

      • You’re only asking me, which puts me in a tough position, because I honestly don’t want to do 800 trades (I have them in order, so it would be a trade, trade back ordeal). Get help from others, the GTS, etc first, THEN ask me and I can fill in the missing spots for each dex. Sorry 🙁

        Reply

      • Sorry Skiddo 🙁 When you fill up your dex more, then I’ll help you. I don’t know why you haven’t been asking others for help =/ Make lists of who you need and post it here 🙂 People will help you!

        Reply

  19. Nice job, RocketClauncher! Very well written. Mine looks way too official compared to this XD I very much enjoyed reading it!

    Reply

  21. There I was craving new info for the upcoming games and like the TM Flash I stumbled across Pokejungle dun dun dunn xD I remember coming here around March,I found PJN when I was searching pokemon on google to see if anything new came up,And thinking what this site could be about I clicked a link for pokejungle I thought the site looked cool and I enjoyed how they made separate articles for news I didn’t end up making an account until October because I didn’t want to be spoiled even more when the new pokemon were leaking xD my first comment was something about banning myself until I played because I felt guilty for looking at the leaks early 🙂 and ever since I don’t regret joining because I met so many amazing people that I come to care for as friends I love this website <3 Rocket you did a splendid job with this article simply awesome the end was hilarious XD there was a lot of feeling in your writing and was enjoyable to read 🙂

    Reply

  24. Is GovnahSkiddo here? If not, can someone tell him I’ll help him with his dex, but only a limited number of trades per day? Also tell him to start working on his list of Pokemon he needs. Thank you 🙂

    Reply

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