Heck with it ... I'm working a bit on a Pokemon "history" fanfic of my
own, either a fanfic or an essay - I have several ideas of my own - but I
wanted to add my two cents to this particular exchange.
For reference purposes: my knowledge of Pokemon comes from what I've seen
of the TV series, what I've played thus far of the game, and a couple of
tidbits extracted from a player's guide (which I have made very little
reference to in *playing* the game ... n.n;)

<massive snipping>

Which reminds me, after seeing the episode where Ash almost gave up 
Pikachu, I'm thinking that the Raichu is a mutation of the pikachu.

Raichu is Pikachu's evolved state, but the evolution has to be triggered -
with a Thunder Stone, such as Joy offered to Ash.

Remember what Lt. Surge says in the game.  Pokemon were at one time, and 
probably still are, used as weapons.  Which means the if a kid like Ash 
or Gary can freely use Pokemon like Onix and Gyarados, any Pokemon 
reserved or restricted for military use must be truly frightening!

Mewtwo comes to mind ... according to Nintendo's own strategy guide,
Mewtwo was deliberately created (genetically engineered) to be the perfect
fighting machine.

Rumors abound of a prototype Pokeball, designed to use 

shifted-wavelength

Pokemon energy to neutralize and contain ANY type and strength of 

Pokemon,

but this prototype, if it exists, is not as yet available to the 

public.

<grins> I really liked this reference to the "Master Ball" that appears in
the game.

Anyway, I'm working out my own take on it ... and I'm trying not to use
too much of what I see on the FFML so far. n.n;;

				Tim Miller
					trmiller@bcpl.net