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Description
My life was one of great dreams. Dreaming of travelling. Dreaming of battling as a trainer. Dreaming of simply getting away from parents, so I wasn’t forced to do washing up! But the main dream I had was to spend it with my friend, Ebony.

Do not get me wrong, Ebony is especially pretty; pure black hair trailing to her waist, fair skin, blue eyes that just seem to judge you in a friendly way. Sort of like a modern Snow White. And she was beautiful on the inside too; one of those caring girls who rarely said a lot but meant it through what they did, although she would certainly never be the brightest or the most well-spoken (seriously, some of the things she said innocently got her in a lot of trouble). She had done work experience at Mr Fuji’s Day Care Centre and the staff had wanted to employ her full time. She, like me, chose to battle. However, I did not fancy her, there wasn’t that spark between us. We were simply, and always will be, good friends.

We had to wait a while though before getting our Pokémon. My parents, for example, forbade me to have one before I was 20. Sheesh! I think you can tell the sort of parents I had. Ebony, meanwhile, was given an Ursaring from her father’s party by the name of Uffo, which is funny as that’s my name. The Ursaring was getting on in years and Ebony agreed with father that battling wasn’t in him anymore. The two of us focused on enjoying life spending time with a Pokémon.

That happiness didn’t last. Uffo the Ursaring died of cancer. Ebony had shut herself away for about a week after his death. No one could get through to her. I knew why; she had become very attached to Uffo and I knew that if she went on a journey as a trainer, she would have to have an Ursaring as her first mon to relive the memories. But as we lived in Lavender Town, that wouldn’t happen easily.

I went to meet her at the Pokémon tower, where Uffo was being laid to rest. Yesterday had been my birthday, which was the most depressing birthday ever as it didn’t have my childhood friend Ebony in it. I understood, and yet I was at an age where it was now permissible to have my own Pokémon. I had gone today not only to sympathize with Ebony, but also to explain my decision.

She came out and, while I could tell she had been crying, she looked composed. I went straight to her.

“Are you…ok?” I asked uneasily.

She took a while to respond. She seemed to be looking at my whole body. The windswept blond hair (definitely windswept that day as the wind seemed to howl around us), the green eyes which Ebony had once said were sensitive, my freckled skin, my ‘Gotta catch them all’ T-shirt. I think it was that, it suggested something.

“Yes, I’ll be fine,” she said, and turned her head back to the Tower. “Uffo is at peace now.”

I didn’t know how to start after that, but she turned back and looked at me straight in the eyes.

“You’re going on your Pokémon journey, aren’t you?”

“Well, um, yes, that was the plan,” I admitted, however I hastened to add, “But I would rather go on a journey with you, even if I was a Pokémon myself!”

There it was, the honest truth, but Ebony shook her head. “No, it’s only right that you go. You and I have wanted to become trainers for ages; I won’t get in the way of your dream.”

I was about to interrupt when she spoke once more.

“Promise me one thing?”

I looked at her solemnly. “Anything.”

“Get me an Ursaring. Male please. That way, I will be comforted on my journey.” Ebony looked hopeful.

I smiled. “Of course I will. As soon as I get one, I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you, good luck,” she said and walked past without another word.

Although I should have been happy about that arrangement, I really wasn’t. It numbed my heart thinking I’d be alone on my journey, and it was going to take ages before I got Ebony her desired Ursaring. The path of a trainer just didn’t seem to be a dream anymore.

“I will get her that Ursaring though,” I thought, “Even if I have to become one myself.”
“Oh, will you now?” someone questioned.

I was shocked and turned around. It was Mr Fuji; Day-Care man and Ebony’s previous employer. How he had known my thoughts, I don’t know: had I said them aloud, or was he actually psychic?

I walked towards him. I was about to ask another question when he spoke once more.

“Do you mean that from the bottom of your very heart?”

Trust Mr Fuji to say something that sounded meaningful and wise. Yet, I saw no reason why I couldn’t be honest with him.

“Yes, Ebony’s my friend, you see, and I just want her to be happy again and go on a journey with her.”

Mr Fuji nodded and smiled. “You show great understanding for a young man, and only 20. Come inside, I have something important to show you.”

Something made me trust him. I followed him in and saw lots of screaming Pokémon. I can remember a Psyduck running around being chased by a male Nidoran, a Smoochum hanging from a curtain and a Clefairy crying as food was chucked over it by an angry Cubone. Despite the chaos, they looked quite happy (well, the Clefairy obviously wasn’t). Mr Fuji led me down to the basement. It was obviously where the food and medicine was kept, and something else. In a glass box on a wooden table stood a Pokeflute like no over. No, it wasn’t golden. It was an ivory colour. Most flutes are either blue or silver, just to let you know.

I went over to pick up the glass case when I was stopped by Mr Fuji.

“Now, hold your Rapidashes, young man. That flute is obviously very special. So special in fact that it might just change your life,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

I listened as he explained its properties.

“That flute has been passed down from Fuji to Fuji. When Team Rocket killed that Marowak mother a couple of months ago, I had tried to sooth it with this flute, but it was almost stolen. Team Rocket must have known what it could do, but fortunately a young trainer, I think his name was Red, stopped them and returned this precious flute. But what can it do, you ask in your head? Why did Team Rocket value it? Simply because of this: this flute is able to grant the wishes of the user when played. Only a Fuji can play it; the knowledge of this special flute’s notes and songs passed down since records began. So, if I wanted to, and if you wished it for I would seek your acceptance first, I could grant you a wish.”

I was amazed. Part of was unbelieving, but I knew Mr Fuji was a man of his word. If he said it was magic, then it was.

“So, could you summon an Ursaring for Ebony with this?” I asked, pointing at it.

“Alas, no. There are some limitations. I cannot create anything, nor can I destroy or kill with it, or make peace and happiness all over the world. Such are the realms of Legendries like Jirachi (which the flute might have come from). However, I could change someone into a Pokémon, but once the tune was made on the flute, it cannot be reversed. That person would have to be a Pokémon for the rest of their lives. Who they are, their memories and so on would still remain.”

I knew now why Mr Fuji had brought me here. He could change me into an Ursaring and the effect would be permanent. I would be unable to speak human and would not see my family again. The decision was difficult. The old man was silent now, but I had a feeling he wouldn’t let me leave until I had arrived at a decision. He wanted me to take my time; that much was clear from his silence. I thought about for what I thought was a long time; it might have only been 10 minutes for all I knew. Yet, I wanted to be with my only friend Ebony, and being an Ursaring meant she would still have an emotional attachment with someone she knew (if she knew who I was). Getting a wild Ursaring might mean a totally different personality. And I could still battle and interact with other Pokémon; that would be exciting. So, I announced my decision; it was now or never.

“Mr Fuji, I would be grateful if you could transform me into an Ursaring, but I ask for one thing.”

“State your wish, young man, and I will tell you if it is wise,” he said gravely.
I drew my breath in sharply. “Can you tell Ebony of my choice? That way, if she wants me she can have me and know who I am. If not, I am still willing to take the risk and live a wild life if need be.”

Mr Fuji looked hard at me, then his expression became a beaming smile.

“Of course I will, young man, just give me your name.”

“Uffo.”

“Ah yes, Uffo means bear, very appropriate. You show compassion and strength of heart; you will make a good Pokémon.”

With that, he removed the glass cover and picked up the flute. For the last time he asked me if this was what I wanted, I replied that it was. He put the flute to his lips and played. I can’t remember the tune, but at the time I felt it was enchanting. I was in a trance, the music washed over me and in my mind, I imagined all the things me and Ebony would get up to and the new friends I’d meet. A most wonderful dream that I hoped would soon become reality.

The music stopped and Mr Fuji placed the flute back in its case. With a slow nod, he walked up the stairs.

“I will find the young lady and convey your sentiments. I will leave you to your transformation and lock the door so you do not need to feel embarrassed. I have also incorporated in this wish that you feel no pain. Good luck,” he mentioned and left me alone.

I decided that, seeming no one was going to enter during this change, to take my clothes off (except my pants in case someone did come in, at least I wouldn’t be that indecent). As soon as I had, I noticed changes to my arms. Was it me, or were they getting shorter? I wasn’t feeling any pain, so I wasn’t surprised that I hadn’t realised sooner. Fur, a deep brown, began emerging from my skin and I was now feeling slightly warm. My muscles became thicker and stronger (I had never been a man with the greatest of muscles). I felt like I could pick up a ton of bricks. My bones clicked slightly, but not much as they adjusted for the new growth. I looked at both my hands as they widened, became covered with the brown fur and were thus paws. My fingers became smaller, then harder as the bone in them thickened. The tip of each finger and thumb became a sharp point. I had claws.

Still amazed at the changes, the next phase was my shoulders. They clicked and raised my arms to be the same level as my shoulders. The top then became covered in a mass of brown fur, which separated slightly. It looked like I had short sleeves; the pattern reminded me of clothing. The brown fur coursed across my chest and stomach. At the same time, I became uncomfortable. My organs, muscles and skeleton were changing. I felt constricted yet empowered at the same time! I focused on the fur, seeing it and my body getting wider and bulkier. It looked a bit like a cuboid. I felt powerful if a little awkward (after all, my pants had just ripped). A yellow ring of fur emerged on my middle as the changes in my body died down.

Next were my legs, which seemed to be shrinking into my body. I’m not sure if that actually happened; I’m just guessing. They stop eventually as the brown fur also covered them. My knees became slightly disjointed for a moment before moving to the side subtly. The muscles were once again thick, but I didn’t feel the same strength as in my arms. Moving on my new two legs was going to be tiring and I felt that if I wanted to be fast, I better get used to being on all fours.

The feet came afterwards. They widened like the rest of my body. They also felt, well, rather flat. This made me unsteady on my feet, but I recovered as they became slightly longer. Unlike my arms, I watched the biggest and smallest toes recede into the rest of my foot. The other toes became just like my fingers; sharp pointed claws. I felt something shuffling behind me and noticed a tail emerge. It was a stubby tail; round like a circle but not quite like a Lopunny’s. It was quite a large tail too, but I felt that it wasn’t going to be useful.

The bit which I had secretly dreaded came next; my head and neck. My neck started to shorten and I am sure I lost some of my spine through that. It grew slightly to accommodate the changes. My nose began to tickle and push out. Narrowing my eyes, I saw it turn black and slightly wet. New smells came to me; my stomach began rumbling when I realised it was Pokémon food. My mouth pushed out as well, causing a lot of discomfort. My mouth was becoming a muzzle, growing outwards with my nose and changing to a creamy colour. My tongue grew longer and flapped about a bit as I was not used to it yet. My teeth fell out all at once and were quickly replaced with sharp canines. My eyes felt they were getting smaller and I knew the pupils were turning black. My skull shifted to one of my new species. My ears rose to the top of my head as my hair fell out. They grew smaller but more rounded and my hearing became improved. Finally, the dark fur covered everywhere bar my muzzle. I was finally an Ursaring.

I had a few moments to get hold of some of my new instincts, such as my sense of smell and ways of moving, as well as to ponder what Ebony would make of this. Would she reject me as a friend? Was this for nothing?

I didn’t have long to wait. I heard a key in the door and slowly it opened. Ebony was in the doorframe. She wasn’t smiling.

“Ursa…” I began, but of course, she wouldn’t understand me now.

She gradually walked up to me. I was getting scared now. Ebony reached out and…petted my fur around my face. It felt…nice.

Ebony smiled. “Are you ready to come home?”

---

Since that day, me and Ebony have travelled around Kanto, Johto and now Honen. I like Honen, even though my fur gets rather sweaty, because it feels like summer all year round. This is the best decision I’ve ever made! Ebony’s done really well; completed the gym leader challenge in our home region and in Johto and is about to face Petalburg City’s leader. Can’t wait for a good fight. We don’t always understand each other like we used to, but wood carving means I can write if it’s too complicated for gestures. Also, with the Pokémon Ebony’s gathered, we both have new friends. And you’re a new friend too. So tell me, what’s your story?

Description
My life was one of great dreams. Dreaming of travelling. Dreaming of battling as a trainer. Dreaming of simply getting away from parents, so I wasn’t forced to do washing up! But the main dream I had was to spend it with my friend, Ebony.

Do not get me wrong, Ebony is especially pretty; pure black hair trailing to her waist, fair skin, blue eyes that just seem to judge you in a friendly way. Sort of like a modern Snow White. And she was beautiful on the inside too; one of those caring girls who rarely said a lot but meant it through what they did, although she would certainly never be the brightest or the most well-spoken (seriously, some of the things she said innocently got her in a lot of trouble). She had done work experience at Mr Fuji’s Day Care Centre and the staff had wanted to employ her full time. She, like me, chose to battle. However, I did not fancy her, there wasn’t that spark between us. We were simply, and always will be, good friends.

We had to wait a while though before getting our Pokémon. My parents, for example, forbade me to have one before I was 20. Sheesh! I think you can tell the sort of parents I had. Ebony, meanwhile, was given an Ursaring from her father’s party by the name of Uffo, which is funny as that’s my name. The Ursaring was getting on in years and Ebony agreed with father that battling wasn’t in him anymore. The two of us focused on enjoying life spending time with a Pokémon.

That happiness didn’t last. Uffo the Ursaring died of cancer. Ebony had shut herself away for about a week after his death. No one could get through to her. I knew why; she had become very attached to Uffo and I knew that if she went on a journey as a trainer, she would have to have an Ursaring as her first mon to relive the memories. But as we lived in Lavender Town, that wouldn’t happen easily.

I went to meet her at the Pokémon tower, where Uffo was being laid to rest. Yesterday had been my birthday, which was the most depressing birthday ever as it didn’t have my childhood friend Ebony in it. I understood, and yet I was at an age where it was now permissible to have my own Pokémon. I had gone today not only to sympathize with Ebony, but also to explain my decision.

She came out and, while I could tell she had been crying, she looked composed. I went straight to her.

“Are you…ok?” I asked uneasily.

She took a while to respond. She seemed to be looking at my whole body. The windswept blond hair (definitely windswept that day as the wind seemed to howl around us), the green eyes which Ebony had once said were sensitive, my freckled skin, my ‘Gotta catch them all’ T-shirt. I think it was that, it suggested something.

“Yes, I’ll be fine,” she said, and turned her head back to the Tower. “Uffo is at peace now.”

I didn’t know how to start after that, but she turned back and looked at me straight in the eyes.

“You’re going on your Pokémon journey, aren’t you?”

“Well, um, yes, that was the plan,” I admitted, however I hastened to add, “But I would rather go on a journey with you, even if I was a Pokémon myself!”

There it was, the honest truth, but Ebony shook her head. “No, it’s only right that you go. You and I have wanted to become trainers for ages; I won’t get in the way of your dream.”

I was about to interrupt when she spoke once more.

“Promise me one thing?”

I looked at her solemnly. “Anything.”

“Get me an Ursaring. Male please. That way, I will be comforted on my journey.” Ebony looked hopeful.

I smiled. “Of course I will. As soon as I get one, I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you, good luck,” she said and walked past without another word.

Although I should have been happy about that arrangement, I really wasn’t. It numbed my heart thinking I’d be alone on my journey, and it was going to take ages before I got Ebony her desired Ursaring. The path of a trainer just didn’t seem to be a dream anymore.

“I will get her that Ursaring though,” I thought, “Even if I have to become one myself.”
“Oh, will you now?” someone questioned.

I was shocked and turned around. It was Mr Fuji; Day-Care man and Ebony’s previous employer. How he had known my thoughts, I don’t know: had I said them aloud, or was he actually psychic?

I walked towards him. I was about to ask another question when he spoke once more.

“Do you mean that from the bottom of your very heart?”

Trust Mr Fuji to say something that sounded meaningful and wise. Yet, I saw no reason why I couldn’t be honest with him.

“Yes, Ebony’s my friend, you see, and I just want her to be happy again and go on a journey with her.”

Mr Fuji nodded and smiled. “You show great understanding for a young man, and only 20. Come inside, I have something important to show you.”

Something made me trust him. I followed him in and saw lots of screaming Pokémon. I can remember a Psyduck running around being chased by a male Nidoran, a Smoochum hanging from a curtain and a Clefairy crying as food was chucked over it by an angry Cubone. Despite the chaos, they looked quite happy (well, the Clefairy obviously wasn’t). Mr Fuji led me down to the basement. It was obviously where the food and medicine was kept, and something else. In a glass box on a wooden table stood a Pokeflute like no over. No, it wasn’t golden. It was an ivory colour. Most flutes are either blue or silver, just to let you know.

I went over to pick up the glass case when I was stopped by Mr Fuji.

“Now, hold your Rapidashes, young man. That flute is obviously very special. So special in fact that it might just change your life,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

I listened as he explained its properties.

“That flute has been passed down from Fuji to Fuji. When Team Rocket killed that Marowak mother a couple of months ago, I had tried to sooth it with this flute, but it was almost stolen. Team Rocket must have known what it could do, but fortunately a young trainer, I think his name was Red, stopped them and returned this precious flute. But what can it do, you ask in your head? Why did Team Rocket value it? Simply because of this: this flute is able to grant the wishes of the user when played. Only a Fuji can play it; the knowledge of this special flute’s notes and songs passed down since records began. So, if I wanted to, and if you wished it for I would seek your acceptance first, I could grant you a wish.”

I was amazed. Part of was unbelieving, but I knew Mr Fuji was a man of his word. If he said it was magic, then it was.

“So, could you summon an Ursaring for Ebony with this?” I asked, pointing at it.

“Alas, no. There are some limitations. I cannot create anything, nor can I destroy or kill with it, or make peace and happiness all over the world. Such are the realms of Legendries like Jirachi (which the flute might have come from). However, I could change someone into a Pokémon, but once the tune was made on the flute, it cannot be reversed. That person would have to be a Pokémon for the rest of their lives. Who they are, their memories and so on would still remain.”

I knew now why Mr Fuji had brought me here. He could change me into an Ursaring and the effect would be permanent. I would be unable to speak human and would not see my family again. The decision was difficult. The old man was silent now, but I had a feeling he wouldn’t let me leave until I had arrived at a decision. He wanted me to take my time; that much was clear from his silence. I thought about for what I thought was a long time; it might have only been 10 minutes for all I knew. Yet, I wanted to be with my only friend Ebony, and being an Ursaring meant she would still have an emotional attachment with someone she knew (if she knew who I was). Getting a wild Ursaring might mean a totally different personality. And I could still battle and interact with other Pokémon; that would be exciting. So, I announced my decision; it was now or never.

“Mr Fuji, I would be grateful if you could transform me into an Ursaring, but I ask for one thing.”

“State your wish, young man, and I will tell you if it is wise,” he said gravely.
I drew my breath in sharply. “Can you tell Ebony of my choice? That way, if she wants me she can have me and know who I am. If not, I am still willing to take the risk and live a wild life if need be.”

Mr Fuji looked hard at me, then his expression became a beaming smile.

“Of course I will, young man, just give me your name.”

“Uffo.”

“Ah yes, Uffo means bear, very appropriate. You show compassion and strength of heart; you will make a good Pokémon.”

With that, he removed the glass cover and picked up the flute. For the last time he asked me if this was what I wanted, I replied that it was. He put the flute to his lips and played. I can’t remember the tune, but at the time I felt it was enchanting. I was in a trance, the music washed over me and in my mind, I imagined all the things me and Ebony would get up to and the new friends I’d meet. A most wonderful dream that I hoped would soon become reality.

The music stopped and Mr Fuji placed the flute back in its case. With a slow nod, he walked up the stairs.

“I will find the young lady and convey your sentiments. I will leave you to your transformation and lock the door so you do not need to feel embarrassed. I have also incorporated in this wish that you feel no pain. Good luck,” he mentioned and left me alone.

I decided that, seeming no one was going to enter during this change, to take my clothes off (except my pants in case someone did come in, at least I wouldn’t be that indecent). As soon as I had, I noticed changes to my arms. Was it me, or were they getting shorter? I wasn’t feeling any pain, so I wasn’t surprised that I hadn’t realised sooner. Fur, a deep brown, began emerging from my skin and I was now feeling slightly warm. My muscles became thicker and stronger (I had never been a man with the greatest of muscles). I felt like I could pick up a ton of bricks. My bones clicked slightly, but not much as they adjusted for the new growth. I looked at both my hands as they widened, became covered with the brown fur and were thus paws. My fingers became smaller, then harder as the bone in them thickened. The tip of each finger and thumb became a sharp point. I had claws.

Still amazed at the changes, the next phase was my shoulders. They clicked and raised my arms to be the same level as my shoulders. The top then became covered in a mass of brown fur, which separated slightly. It looked like I had short sleeves; the pattern reminded me of clothing. The brown fur coursed across my chest and stomach. At the same time, I became uncomfortable. My organs, muscles and skeleton were changing. I felt constricted yet empowered at the same time! I focused on the fur, seeing it and my body getting wider and bulkier. It looked a bit like a cuboid. I felt powerful if a little awkward (after all, my pants had just ripped). A yellow ring of fur emerged on my middle as the changes in my body died down.

Next were my legs, which seemed to be shrinking into my body. I’m not sure if that actually happened; I’m just guessing. They stop eventually as the brown fur also covered them. My knees became slightly disjointed for a moment before moving to the side subtly. The muscles were once again thick, but I didn’t feel the same strength as in my arms. Moving on my new two legs was going to be tiring and I felt that if I wanted to be fast, I better get used to being on all fours.

The feet came afterwards. They widened like the rest of my body. They also felt, well, rather flat. This made me unsteady on my feet, but I recovered as they became slightly longer. Unlike my arms, I watched the biggest and smallest toes recede into the rest of my foot. The other toes became just like my fingers; sharp pointed claws. I felt something shuffling behind me and noticed a tail emerge. It was a stubby tail; round like a circle but not quite like a Lopunny’s. It was quite a large tail too, but I felt that it wasn’t going to be useful.

The bit which I had secretly dreaded came next; my head and neck. My neck started to shorten and I am sure I lost some of my spine through that. It grew slightly to accommodate the changes. My nose began to tickle and push out. Narrowing my eyes, I saw it turn black and slightly wet. New smells came to me; my stomach began rumbling when I realised it was Pokémon food. My mouth pushed out as well, causing a lot of discomfort. My mouth was becoming a muzzle, growing outwards with my nose and changing to a creamy colour. My tongue grew longer and flapped about a bit as I was not used to it yet. My teeth fell out all at once and were quickly replaced with sharp canines. My eyes felt they were getting smaller and I knew the pupils were turning black. My skull shifted to one of my new species. My ears rose to the top of my head as my hair fell out. They grew smaller but more rounded and my hearing became improved. Finally, the dark fur covered everywhere bar my muzzle. I was finally an Ursaring.

I had a few moments to get hold of some of my new instincts, such as my sense of smell and ways of moving, as well as to ponder what Ebony would make of this. Would she reject me as a friend? Was this for nothing?

I didn’t have long to wait. I heard a key in the door and slowly it opened. Ebony was in the doorframe. She wasn’t smiling.

“Ursa…” I began, but of course, she wouldn’t understand me now.

She gradually walked up to me. I was getting scared now. Ebony reached out and…petted my fur around my face. It felt…nice.

Ebony smiled. “Are you ready to come home?”

---

Since that day, me and Ebony have travelled around Kanto, Johto and now Honen. I like Honen, even though my fur gets rather sweaty, because it feels like summer all year round. This is the best decision I’ve ever made! Ebony’s done really well; completed the gym leader challenge in our home region and in Johto and is about to face Petalburg City’s leader. Can’t wait for a good fight. We don’t always understand each other like we used to, but wood carving means I can write if it’s too complicated for gestures. Also, with the Pokémon Ebony’s gathered, we both have new friends. And you’re a new friend too. So tell me, what’s your story?