UPDATE: Here are some of my thoughts on the final game (My Review)
Ladies and gentlemen, finally the Rock has come bac... (whoa, my make-believe lawyer warns we not to finish that sentence). I know, I know you all missed me and have been eagerly anticipating my next post almost as much, if not more, than the premiere of Walking Dead (and yes, my ego truly knows no bounds).
I am going to try my very best to continuously update the blog, but never mind that today we are going to talk about what in the heckler's left boot is going on in Pokémon Sun and Moon. I'm going to do my very best (like no one ever was, yes, I know this joke has probably been made thousands of times) to try and predict what will happen. Ladies and gentlemen get ready for the first ever the McTheorizer Machine.
So, let me preface this by saying that I don't have anywhere as much knowledge than most of the people coming up with their own theories about the games. My theories are mostly based on what Game Freak has said, what I've read and watched from other Pokémon fans and what makes sense to me (or really really hope, pray and dream about). Just in case you haven't caught on, there will be SPOILERS coming from leaks.
The End
Let's start at the end, is this truly the end of the Pokémon world as we know it? It's the common theme amongst most theories, and I hope it's true because that would make for the deepest and most awesome game that Game Freak has put together. Is this true? Is Game Freak going to get that dark in a Pokémon game? I want this to be true, but I have a hard time believing that Sun and Moon will go in that direction (I'm not saying that there won't be some crazy villain with some insane plan. That is a staple of series, it would be like biting into a Kit Kat bar without breaking a piece off to eat it, and let me warn you, you don't need people like that in your life). The proof of the end is intriguing because if you look at the past villains there is an obvious sign of escalation.
(Is it me, or does the hair style get crazier each generation?)
Team Rocket was just a classic mob who stole rare Pokémon, sold Slowpoke tails, and more. In other words, their goals were never big enough to impact the world. Jump to X/Y with Team Flare, they literally (and I mean literally in the literal sense, not figuratively like kids use these days) want to wipe out all life on Earth to have it for themselves. There is a huge discrepancy between both teams like one wants money while the other wants to kill everyone. So, the next evil team, Team Skull (at least that's what they want us to think), must do something so great and terrible that it will end the world or at least reboot it. Part of the theory here is that even though the main character would eventually save the day, Team Skull would find a way to F everything up so bad that there will need to be a reboot. I don't necessarily believe the reboot theory because Game Freak doesn't need a reason to make the next Pokémon game different. Plus, the series is still popular with children, so giving the game a Dark Knight like ending would be kind of well, dark. If it does happen and they pull off a DC New 52 situation it will be interesting and another interesting aspect would be what the post-game would be like.
There are other things that is starting to convince more of this theory (I know I said I didn't believe it, but that's just like 75% percent of me, the other 25% believes but that side also believed that the world was ending in 2012, so this section you should take with a grain of salt). One clue is the fact that my boy Red is making his grand return and is still silent as ever (if I'm going, to be honest here, I would rather play as Red rather than another random kid, hopefully, I can customize my character to look like him). It's not just him either, some of the toughest and legendary trainers from the past games are coming back for the Battle Tree, but they could also be there for this impending apocalypse. If someone is threatening to destroy the world, you’re going to need the very best (these people probably listened to the song religiously) trainers to try and defend the world. It makes sense for them to be reappearing. So, it would be Red (and friends) vs Team Skull for the fate of the universe (as you can tell I'm a big Red fan, and I'm 90% sure that Gold cheated. All Red had to do was use his Mewtwo).
So, we are supposed to believe a gang (who are probably listened to a little too much 90's rap) called Team Skull, that talks in rhythm and moves their hand like they are in the middle of the sickest beat they are rapping to, are going to doom the world (you can't see my face now, but imagine me looking into a camera and making the Jim Halpert face).
The Bad Guys
I'm going to go ahead and judge this book by the cover and say that they are a pseudo-evil team. Don't get me wrong, I think they are evil (have you seen Guzma, that guy looks certifiably crazy) but world-ending evil, nope. The Aether Foundation, though, look very, eerily suspicious (how many "good" guys wear all white huh?). Why do they need grunts? I hear some people say, they are there to team up with you and take out Team Skull nobodies. But come on, when's the last time you needed help taking out the subordinates in an evil team? The Aether Foundation are here to "help" Pokémon and do "research" (although that last point might be true though) what do they need "employees" who are trainers for? A friend did point out to me that they maybe there to defend the weakened Pokémon from Team Skull, but I still don't believe them. Have you seen Faba, who smiles like that and Wicke is one letter away from wicked? These disguises are almost as bad as Superman's glasses. Again, no self-respecting good guy bases their entire color scheme on white.
(Does this guy have the face of someone who is looking to solve world hunger?)
In all seriousness, Aether foundation seems better equipped to end the world. Reading between the lines you can, or at least, I can see through the facade. This is an excerpt from Pokémon 's website "The Aether Foundation has constructed an artificial island called Aether Paradise. There, they not only provide shelter for Pokémon but also conduct various research projects. It seems that the main character will also be able to visit Aether Paradise during the adventure." First, they "care" for the Pokémon on their island and then on this same island they conduct "research." So, it is easy to see that they are taking some of these hurt creatures and conducting experiments on them. What are these results of their experiments? Type: Null for one. This Pokémon is a synthetically made creature. Who else in Alola is smart enough to make a Pokémon? Not Team Skull.
Let's look at some of the biggest story plots that may or may not (but definitely are) involve the Aether Foundation. We already talked about how Type: Null is already a result of their "research." The fact that they know about Cosmog's existence is also a suspicious coincidence. Then there are the Ultra Beasts, mysterious creatures who love to make an entrance. Once again, their description on the Pokémon website mentions Aether Foundation's research. Not only that, one of the beasts makes an entrance at the Aether's headquarters. I'll bet you they have their hands in the cover legendaries story also.
(They are always the answer)
You're probably thinking "Okay Tevin, I get it Aether is evil, but then what's the purpose of Team Skull then and what did you do to my wall?" I obviously need space for this conspiracy theory, especially since Aether Foundation has probably convinced everyone in the region that they are law abiding citizens. I think that Team Skull was set up or are being funded by the Foundation. Now they can come in like a hero to save everyone from this dangerous gang and do some shady business on the side. I would even go as far to say that Team Skull probably supplies Aether with stolen Pokémon for research. It does explain why one of their people has a synthetic Pokémon. Speaking of Gladion...
The Family
There is one more connection (at least it seems like one) between the Foundation and Team Skull, and that is between Gladion, the Team Skull Enforcer, and Lusamine, the leader of the Aether Foundation. Plus, Lillie also looks like she is a part of this connection. Now this is a big assumption (especially since we are assuming that three people with blonde hair and green eyes are automatically siblings). Looking at all the other characters, no one else has blonde hair or green eyes. So, either the character designers just love that combination or there is at least some connection there.
Then there is the three Ultra Beasts that have been officially unveiled, UB-01, UB-02 Beauty and UB-02 Absorption, that all have similar features with the siblings. UB-01's tentacles are curiously shaped like Lillie. UB-02 Beauty looks and poses like Lusamine and Gladion's color scheme does look eerily like UB-02 Absorption (I know I know the last one is a bit of a stretch). Lillie's and Gladion's Pokémon also share their connection to the Aether Foundation. The shady organization is one of the rare people who knows that Cosmog, Lillie's Pokémon, exists, which not many people know of it. Then there is Type: Null, Gladion's Pokémon, who is a man-made and given Aether's "research," there is a 99.9% chance Aether is the man in man-made (that .1% chance that there could be a rogue group of scientists that are in Alola). There’s another theory picking up steam online that's worth mentioning and that's Lusamine, Lillie and Gladion are supposedly part of the lost royal family of Alola.
There seems to be a royal family that ruled over Alola years ago. This royal family is mentioned in Meowth's and Cosmog's description on the Pokémon website. Something happened to the family that caused them to lose power and fall. Looking at all the bits and pieces of information on the royal family of Alola, they probably didn't give up their power voluntarily (then again, I don't see many people giving up power like that. Just look at the Queen of England and her army of vicious corgis, I'm sure that why she is still in power). Looking closer at Cosmog's description, it says that not many people knew about the Pokémon 's existence and those people who knew were the royal family and the Aether Foundation. Knowing this, you could probably guess because they come from a royal line they know about Cosmog. So, Lusamine probably told the Foundation about Cosmog, and Lillie knows of its existence since she has the little pocket monster hidden in her bag. That's why we can assume they are part of the royal family (Gladion still has Type: Null, so that's our flimsy connection to royalty). At the very least, story wise, these characters' roles should intersect at some point during the game, there is just too many lines that cross for them not to be related.
Ultra Beasts vs Type: Null vs Solgaleo and Lunala vs Zygarde vs Four Island Guardians vs Starters
Ultra Beasts, Type: Null, Solgaleo and Lunala are the monsters stealing all the headlines for this generation. These Pokémon are, including Cosmog, are at the center of the plot. So, let's start with the ones we know the least about, and that is surprisingly Solgaleo and Lunala. Since the reveal of the two cover legendaries back in May, the two of them have almost been forgotten until the reveal of Cosmog in the data mine of the demo. Thanks to the data mine leaks, there seems to be evidence that Lunala and Solgaleo are related to Cosmog in some way or form. There is a chance that Cosmog evolves into the legendary monsters, but that would be the first time a legendary Pokémon has a pre-evolution. In this theory, Cosmog's evolution would evolve into Solgaleo in Pokémon Sun and into Lunala in Pokémon Moon. So, if this is true, that would connect the two legendaries to the "benevolent" group known as the Aether Foundation.
(This is not even my final form, wait, my lawyers have informed that it is)
Then there is the surprise package known as Zygarde making an appearance (although I feel sorry for him. He was promised his very own game, his agent probably threatened Game Freak with a lawsuit to get included in the game). Apparently, the Zygarde we know is only the 50% form, meaning Zygarde is not even in its final form (possible cousin of Frieza?). There is the 10% form that looks like a dog, and the 100% form pictured up above. In the game, to get this legendary, you must get Zygarde cells and cores. The more you collect the stronger Zygarde gets, at least until it gets to its 100% form. Other than that, I have no clue what Zygarde is doing in the Alola region (maybe it's on vacation). Like the cover legendaries, Zygarde has been largely forgotten, but with the collection of the cores and cells, it seems like it should play a big part of the game. Maybe the reason we haven't seen much from him is because he is part of the post-game and. One theory that everyone is hoping for, is that the post-game happens in a different region, Kalos. It would make sense, Pokémon Sun and Moon could be hiding Pokémon Z.
A lot of theorist point to the size of the games being double the size of XY and ORAS, meaning that there may be two regions. While I would love for this to be true, the chances of that happening are low. The increased size could be due to the new engine running the game and it would be a big secret for Game Freak to hide. There are two reasons why they could pull it off with Gold and Silver. One, because we lived in different times, there was no YouTube, the internet wasn't as big, and the only way to hear about the game was through magazines. So, a leak wouldn't reach as many users as one would today. The second reason was how the game was made. Looking at the graphics between two eras, the jump between Red/Blue and Gold/Silver was relatively small, I would even go as far to say it might have been running on the same engine. With a three-year wait between the two generations, it could be reasonable to assume that it was easier. XY and Sun/Moon run on different engines, and with the regions much bigger than they were in 1996, that would mean Game Freak would have had to rebuild Kalos from the bottom up for Sun/Moon. Then again, this could all be bs, and the two years we had to wait allotted Game Freak enough time to recreate Kalos. Back to Zygarde, from some theories I've heard, Zygarde is supposed to be the emissary of Earth, meaning that if the planet is put into real danger, he would show up and defend it. With the Ultra beasts threatening the planet, that could be why Zygarde is included in this game, to defend Earth from the impending end of everything Pokémon.
(In another world I bet these guys would make excellent Power Rangers)
Speaking of defending, the four island guardians are probably going to be there to back Zygarde right? The Ultra Beasts are breaking through in Alola, and there are the trailers showing UB-02s attacking Tapu KoKo, so, we can assume they are going to be in the front line to fight the beasts. Other than that, (the other three guardians have also been recently revealed) not much is known about them. Part of me also thinks that other than the reveal trailer of the UB-02s, they may not play as big a role in the story. That's all I got for them, they do have a cool Z-move.
Now it is time to talk about one of my favorite new Pokémon, Type: Null. This synthetic Pokémon is a man-made Pokémon (*cough* Aether *cough* Foundation *cough*) that was created to take down legendaries. When he was first revealed everyone assumed that legendary was Arceus because of the special collar was shaped like the yellow thingy around Arceus body (I have no idea what to call it). Then its evolution, Silvally, was shown off with the RKS system (RKS huh, that sounds familiar. Almost like the name of some god Pokémon). So, the story goes that the helmet restricts its power, and when it breaks free from it Type: Null's power could rival the power of god. So, does that confirm that Arceus will make some sort of appearance, and can Type: Null truly succeed with its mission? It would further prove that Sun/Moon is the Pokémon Apocalypse. One of the greatest signs of the impending doom would be the fall of god. Especially since Gladion is over at Team Skull with Null, and my theory being that the Aether Foundation is controlling Team Skull, there has to be a way to keep them in check. Guzma doesn't look like the type of person who looks like taking orders, and that would justify Gladion's enforcing presence. Lusamine could have given Type: Null (a literal pseudo legendary in terms of story) to Gladion to keep Guzma in check.
Surprisingly, for the first time, the starting Pokémon seem to matter in the story according to Game Freak. In fact, Litten, Rowlet, Popplio, along with Rockruff, all share some sort of secret. We all assumed that secret was split evolutions since Rockruff had one, (honestly, myself included, I think all the fire starter purist we're hoping for a split evolution since Litten betrayed us all when it got up on two legs) but it has since been revealed that is not true. What could it be? Could the secret help with fighting the Ultra Beasts? Or could the four Pokémon be the ingredients to create the chimera monster, Type: Null, in some alchemy experiment (if alchemy doesn't work, they could all do a four-way Dragon Ball z style fusion dance)? It makes the game just that more complete if given the feel that the starters feel that important. Not since Team Rocket's quest for Pikachu, has a starter felt that vital.
Are they Pokémon? Are they something else? Ever since their announcement, the Ultra Beasts have stolen all the attention. The fact that Game Freak keeps insisting that these are not Pokémon has everybody in a tizzy. Just looking at the designs of each of these beings, you get the feeling that these beasts are different than Pokémon. The vibe they give off just seems unnatural or other-worldly. With the reveal of the first three Ultra Beasts, many theories are saying that these beasts are human-Pokémon hybrids (the siblings being Ultra Beasts in disguise), but that seems too weird to me, especially since through the data mine some information has shown that these unusual beings can be caught. Won't it be strange to capture humans? My crazy friend did tell me that what if instead of a hybrid, these weird creatures possess people, that would explain why there are beasts that have something in common with certain characters. Or, they could absorb the essence of the characters and that would explain the similarities also.
I personally believe that these things are from another dimension, don't get me wrong, as I have said before, there is a connection with these Ultra Beasts and the siblings. In fact, I would go as far and say that each Ultra Beast is related in some way to someone in the Pokémon world. I think the Ultra Beast are from a shadow dimension that is affected by whatever happens in the regular Pokémon world. The Pokémon world we've come to know and love is the world of light, while the shadow world is a universe where their version of their Pokémon has become twisted beasts. Just how will they make their way to the world of light? Maybe, Lusamine and the Aether Foundation are involved, or maybe, the events in Kalos with the Ultimate Weapon attracted them there, or maybe, the Ultra Beasts are destructive beings and like to travel from dimension to dimension causing death and misery, or maybe, all this is just crazy talk from a madman with too much time on his hands.
Whatever the case is, there are 7 Ultra Beasts (two version-exclusive UB-02s, and to be honest, there could be more version-exclusive) that are reigning down on Alola, the Aether Foundation, and Team Skull. In the other corner, you have Type: Null (assuming that you can catch one or Gladion will have a change of heart. He just seems like that type of person who would), the four island guardians, Solgaleo/Lunala, Zygarde and one 10-year-old entrusted to save the world (which is irresponsible, come on adults, that's like sending a kid to destroy an asteroid heading towards Earth). You know, the more I write this, the more I believe the end of the world theory.
Oh yeah, there's also Magearna. I know this Pokémon has a movie coming out (that takes place in Kalos) and looks like a Pokeball, but that's all I got. Since it is an event Pokémon, I don't see it having a role in the story.
Completely forgot about Marshadow, I can just say that I have no idea what role he plays, and that's if he even plays a role. One of my friends keeps telling me that Marshadow could be the one pulling all the strings (may even be the leader of the Ultra Beast), but after seeing what it looks like that is less likely (although he could have a second form or his own game).
It All Comes Together (A little Break)
It's all been leading up to this, for six generations (the buildup probably started during the development of XY) it is all supposed to come together. This most likely means we are going to get a lot of callbacks to the previous generations in forms of easter eggs. With that said, Sun/Moon has the potential of being the best Pokémon game. Why (the imaginary person, who gave up on Pokémon a long time ago, asked)? It's the game we've all been asking for. So far, it seems like it has a deep story. Outdated concepts that have been stuck in the games for so long have been addressed (now, we can free all the HM slaves). The gyms have been replaced by island trials. This game looks to revitalize the series after 20 years.
I know people will point to Black/White for having a strong story. I must confess something about those games, it is all a blur to me. I remember buying the game, I remember playing it, but other than that, I don't remember the game at all (I remember the badass scene where you and N face off with Reshiram and Zekrom). I think the reason why I don't remember much is because the story was fitted into the usual system of Pokémon. So, I just went through the motions of catching and battling to the end until I caught all the legendaries in the post-game. Out of all the generations I spent the least amount of time with the fifth. In Black/White, you have an evil team, 8 gyms, an Elite 4 and a legendary Pokémon with the power to destroy the world. I don't doubt the story was good, but it had to fit into the confines of the Pokémon system. Sun/Moon looks so much better because of the evil team looks like a front for an even more despicable group, 7 trials with four Kahunas that replace the gyms, the league for the Elite 4 must be built and multiple legendary Pokémon (and Ultra Beast) with the power to destroy the world. The difference between the two generations is that the story looks to influence the usual system. I don't think Black/White is a bad game (I plan on replaying it one day), I think that I was just ready for something different. The question now is, who or what starts the events of Sun/Moon? Well, let's get back to speculating.
The Plot
(They're all connected, all too connected)
Who's responsible for the Ultra Beasts attacking? What role does Cosmog play in all this? What Pokémon is Type: Null made of? What is the Aether Foundation's true intention? Will I be able to make my character look like Wes from Pokémon Coliseum? Will Ash ever win a league (no, because Ash is a loser)? These six questions are the biggest inquiries plaguing everyone's mind, and I will attempt to answer four of them and put together the plot (seriously, can someone find out about the Wes question or at least if there are cool looking trench coats).
Long ago, Alola was ruled by a royal family (of course, you already knew that). Whether the family ruled with an iron fist or was a benevolent force of good is unknown, but it doesn’t matter. There is an event that causes the family to lose their power. There are two possible scenarios that may cause this. One, we get into a French Revolution style situation where the people revolt against the royal family (this will probably point to the iron fist type of rule). Another way the family may lose power by losing a war or a war pushes the people to start a revolution. Either way, no more kings, and queens. Whatever the case, the way the people get rid of their monarchy is not ethical.
The surviving members of the royal family go into hiding until they can reestablish themselves safely somewhere else. Years pass and the Alola monarchy and their descendants live their lives. The siblings (Lusamine, Lillie, and Gladion) are born into a crappy situation and this greatly influences Lusamine. Upon seeing all the imperfections of the world, Lusamine wants to work to correct the problems of the world. During this time, she becomes obsessed with Pokémon research, most notably, when she learns about the royal Pokémon, Cosmog. At first, her obsession with Pokémon falls in line with most Pokémon Professors, but soon that interest turns dark. She begins formulating a plan to create the perfect being or Pokémon (I am assuming she begins learning about alchemy). Lusamine hides this dark nature with kindness and the will to help all Pokémon. She passes this facade on to her younger siblings Lillie, who doesn't like Pokémon battling, and Gladion, who only battles when there is no choice.
(Cause good guys totally need grunts)
The real trouble begins when the siblings find out about their royal history. At this point, Lusamine feels like she deserves what life has taken away from her, power. This pushes her research to very unethical places. As time goes on, Lusamine develops a hatred for the Alola region. She soon develops a plan to reclaim her throne, take over the world and create the perfect form of life (you know, the usual super villain goals).
How does she do this? She begins by putting together a group that masquerades as an organization that is here to benefit the world. Before they head to Alola, they need the people's complete trust for their plan to work. Lusamine recruits Faba (who looks like he would have had his own world domination plans) and Wicke (who again is one letter away from wicked. Nobody names their child that and not expect them to be a little evil). Together they create the organization called the Aether Foundation, who disguise themselves as a benevolent group hellbent on helping Pokémon. Before they move into Alola, they need an antagonist the people of Alola could hate, and this is where Team Skull comes in. I don't know whether Team Skull already existed or the Aether Foundation had a hand in its creation (then again, I don't know anything at all, this is all ramblings of a madman). One way or the other, Lusamine provides Team Skull with resources to go terrorize Alola. One of the reasons Aether needs this other team is because there needs to be someone to take the fall.
(*Scheming Intensifies*)
Team Skull steals Pokémon and gets blamed for it. The Aether Foundation "liberates" the stolen Pokémon all the while buying some of the stolen Pokémon for Lusamine's research. Lusamine uses Guzma to run the Team Skull (Guzma also feels betrayed by the Alola region), but Guzma is almost too uncontrollable. Lusamine's first successful experiment resulted in the creation of Type: Null (using Rockruff, Litten, Rowlet and Popplio in some sort of alchemy experiment), and I think somehow Cosmog was used in the creation of this Pokémon. Seeing how powerful Type: Null is, Lusamine gives the Pokémon to Gladion to use it to keep Guzma in check.
As time goes on, the Aether Foundation continues its experiments until one disturbs reality itself, again, this probably involves Cosmog. This super experiment (I know it's not the flashiest of names) disturbs a shadow dimension and creates portals for the Ultra Beasts to get through. The first Ultra Beast, UB-01, was harmless and didn't pose a threat, so Lusamine experiment on it. During this time, Lillie spends a lot of time with both Cosmog and UB-01 (which would explain the similarities). Lusamine becomes obsessed with the Ultra Beasts and continues to try to unlock portals to release more. Now she sees her plan come together, with the power of the Ultra Beasts she could create the perfect lifeform and not only take back her throne but also challenge god for control of the world. When Lillie learns of the experiments her sister is running on Cosmog, she steals the Pokémon and hides it in her bag. She is also able to help UB-01 escape (would explain why Lusamine is surprised to see it in one of the Sun/Moon trailers). Lillie goes and masquerades as an assistant to Professor Kukui. The Aether Foundation is now hunting for Lillie and Cosmog.
(Seriously, the adults in this world are irresponsible for leaving the fate of the world to ten-year-olds)
After some time has passed, a ten-year-old boy/girl arrive from Kanto looking to start their journey to become the Pokémon Master, little does he/she know that they will be integral in saving the entire world (you know the usual heroic stuff).
Wrap-Up
P.S. Just in case some people takes this too seriously, this plot breakdown was all for fun, just a lunatic trying to kill time.
P.P.S. I'm hearing that the full game has leaked as I am writing this, so be careful of comment sections. Plus, Nintendo you need to do a better job of controlling the release of your game.
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