While all these spoiled Poké-slackers sit around in their spacious accommodations, probably smoking weed, the trainers are doing all the skilled labor. They’re finding the Pokémon. They’re catching the Pokémon. They’re throwing the Pokémon into battle. They’re telling the Pokémon what to do in battle. They’re collecting the winnings from battle. And on top of that, these same trainers are also supposed to shoulder the burden of giving each Pokémon a ball to live in—completely unpaid, mind you. Last I heard, that’s pretty much the same as slavery. Take it from the owner of nearly 20 Pokéballs: We are being exploited by a bunch of moochers. What, you think Pokéballs are free? They cost serious money from Pokémon battles. That’s not counting the risk the trainer takes in purchasing one. What if the Pokémon they catch isn’t as good at battling as the other Pokémon? What if they have to put that Pokémon in storage? Is the trainer just supposed to just eat that cost? Are they supposed to cover these posh living arrangements for these unemployed losers, with no hope of recouping their investment? No. Hardworking Pokéball owners need to get paid for putting themselves on the line. Because having a Pokéball is a job.

I know what you’re thinking: How are Pokémon supposed to pay rent when the fruits of their labor go to the trainer? You must not have taken economics. It’s too complicated to explain why that’s a dumb question, but basically, Pokémon need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. I started with nothing but some Pokéballs, a home to live in, a complete education in how to catch Pokémon, a one-of-a-kind Pokédex from the most renowned professor in the region (a family friend), and a Charmander. But more than anything, I relied on my work ethic. It’s about time these Pokémon find a work ethic of their own.

:data-laughing: