#* pokepairs

Shiny Scrafty (#233) / 3′07″ & 66.1lbs / Dark, Fighting

(1) Green, punk, lizard - I’ll admit, this seems like an obvious choice. However, “obvious” doesn’t always mean “bad” - and in this case, it only implies a perfect match. Scrafty is known for its reputation as a bit of a hoodlum - its species name offers that much straight off the bat - but it follows a strict hierarchy. If there was ever a Pokémon that better embodied the perfect combination of chaos and order, I can think of none better than this. Though they’re often seen as possessing a potential for violence, Scrafty aren’t needlessly cruel; they defend their territory and the people they love fiercely, and despite its rudeness, it’s loyal.

(2) With a resting expression that oozes nigh-unapproachable laziness, many often mistake Scrafty for being sluggish; one fierce kick tends to change that opinion quite quickly. In the wild, Scrafty taunt one another with roguish behaviour, but in the care of a trainer, Scrafty is quite tame - providing it’s provided with an outlet for its “bad-attitude” behaviour. The world of mosh pits, gigs and embraced-weirdness is one that Scrafty will take to with a strange sort of glee - though seeing it smile is... a rare occurrence. No matter; it shows its joy in other ways, like... relinquishing control of the “pack” to you, regardless of who has the bigger “crest”.

(3) As a species, Scrafty are capable of possessing one of three abilities: Moxie, Shed Skin and Intimidate. Cocky and blasé, Scrafty are capable of shrugging off damage to themselves in order to grow ever stronger; one might consider them reavers, if they fancied placing a name to their tactics. Point is, Scrafty aren’t easily knocked down, and their self-confidence can sometimes even be a method of undermining those who wish to harm them. Much like you, your Scrafty is incredibly independent, with a powerful sense of character, and despite its occasionally-dubious morality, it has strong principles and a deep-rooted loyalty towards you. Whatever you choose to do in life, I know Scrafty will be right there behind you.

Mimikyu (#778) / 0′08″ & 1.5lbs / Ghost, Fairy

(1) Usually, I would consider pairing someone shy with an outgoing partner; opposites do attract, after all. However, in this case, I feel as though timidity ought to bind you to your new companion, especially given your other traits. Kindness, supportiveness, an approachable air and a dash of morbid curiosity are traits that can, in different groups, draw many Pokémon to you; but if you want a partner that loves all aspects, then I can think of no better than Mimikyu. Your openminded willingness to support anybody will strike a cord with the insecure, easily-embittered Mimikyu; it has spent much of its time in the shadows, shoved aside by more-beloved creatures with much easier dispositions and cuter appearances. To have a trainer who will love it as it is? That is a dream that, until meeting you, it likely wouldn’t have indulged in. Offering Mimikyu kindness leads to great loyalty being given in turn. Perhaps unexpectedly, Mimikyu will share in your openness and conscientiousness; above all else, it’s a lonely creature, and companionship breeds a desire to please in it. 

(2) Both of your aspirations take you down paths that rely heavily on diligence to succeed; Mimikyu possesses a surprising amount of dedication. Creative and hardworking, it prides itself on its disguise; given its violent resistance to being disrobed, it’s no wonder that should any harm come to its precious garment, it will work tirelessly to repair it. Not only can you draw inspiration from and share in this dogged work ethic, but imagination will allow the two of you to indulge in your more creative hobbies; with surprisingly manipulable appendages, Mimikyu can easily be taught to draw, crochet, or (attempt to) play board games of any sort. Just beware that its childish curiosity and occasional immaturity might lead to a few ruined games if it gets overexcited.

(3) Pessimism about oneself is a terrible burden to bear. Whether about physical or aspects otherwise invisible at first glance, insecurity preys upon the mind. Mimikyu knows this well; its desperation to hide itself is largely a mystery, though the apparent fatal effect of bearing witness to its true form may have something to do with that. Frustration at struggling to stay hidden leads to despair in Mimikyu; if its disguise is broken and mending it proves difficult, this Pokémon may lapse into great stress and grief. Your supportiveness will build Mimikyu back up, soothing the hurt left behind by its unhappiness; but equally, Mimikyu will recognise some dissatisfaction within yourself. Does this pessimism come from things you cannot change, or will growth as a person turn your self-aimed rancour into content? Either way, Mimikyu can help you grow into somebody who looks at themselves with a little more love.

Spritzee (#682) / 0′08″ & 1.1lbs / Fairy

(1) Remarkably, “cute” can often blend well with the macabre. That which we expect to be harmless seems far more terrifying when the opposite turns out to be true than if we were expecting to be afraid from the get-go. The fairy typing captures that aesthetic well; their often-“cutesy” appearances mask dangerous powers, and in many cases, a ruthlessness that is often more than a little surprising. After all, these usually-pink Pokémon are more than capable of bringing down dragons; underestimating them is simply poor judgement on our parts. Spritzee in particular encompasses that duality well; between its pink body and tiny stature, one would perhaps expect it to be no threat at all - but it isn’t reminiscent of a plague doctor for no reason. Drawing too close can leave enemies almost hypnotised by the scents it exudes, leaving them completely vulnerable in their haze. Its red eyes command attention.

(2) Your ambition pushes you to become better and better; what you see, you strive to get. It’s a healthy thing in the correct doses, ambition - but is it pushing you into overdrive? Sometimes, you might lose sight of what’s truly important - yourself - in a bid for greatness. Keeping an eye on your limits will help you remain on track - and remarkably, Spritzee is an excellent helper in that regard. Relaxation is just as important as any other part of self-improvement, and Spritzee’s calming scents - all of which can be controlled by its diet - will remind you of that simple fact. It’s very difficult not to unwind - or, if you don’t require that, to focus - whenever Spritzee is around.

(3) With a face rather reminiscent of a mask and a fairly in-your-face appearance, complete with eyelashes that resemble particularly-thick eyeliner, Spritzee presents the front of a theatrical creature. Royal ladies in the past would carry Spritzee of their own around as replacements for perfume, but over time, this habit extended to multiple others - the fashion business, the music industry, and yes, theatre. Their easily-manipulable scents and endearing, dramatic looks make them particularly attractive for those wishing to put on a performance; for you, Spritzee can add a little olfactory enhancement to the world of acting.

(4) Jealousy makes monsters out of men; it’s a poison that rots the veins. Battling it with positivity is an admirable method of trying to shake it - surrounding yourself with goodness is a sure way to help try and lessen the grip any envy may have on you. In your partner, you will find a sense of kinship; Spritzee are Pokémon that have a habit of bonding closely with one person and struggling to let many others, if any others at all, into their tight little circle. Regardless of the motivations for your own jealousy, Spritzee’s comes from your socialisation with other people. Despite your closeness, it may fear being replaced, and become cantankerous both towards you and to those around you. Having Spritzee by your side, therefore, may do it as much good as it tries to do you; your positivity should uplift it, helping it come to terms with others and reducing the likelihood of it growing stressed. In this sense, as well as in many others, the two of you should be able to grow together.