Pokémon enthusiasts are currently feeling uneasy as recent information leaks have sullied their admiration for the franchise, particularly concerning one Pokémon.
Recently, Game Freak—a well-known video game development company based in Japan—was the target of a cyber attack, revealing some unsettling unreleased lore about Typhlosion.
The hack orchestrated by Game Leak unearthed a multitude of files, some containing private data of employees, while others disclosed previously unseen concept art and lore. A particular piece of this lore pertaining to Typhlosion, a Fire-type Pokémon from Generation II, has ignited considerable debate online. This revelation places Typhlosion among other infamous Pokémon, with Lopunny being another notorious example.
The disturbing lore opens with the phrase, “A long time ago,” leading into a tale where “the boundaries between Pokémon and humans were unclear.” You can probably anticipate where this narrative is headed. If you cannot, consider yourself fortunate and perhaps discontinue reading to maintain that innocence. For those still with me, this story takes a turn toward an intimate human/Pokémon relationship.
A unique tale involving a human and Typhlosion
I just literally read the lore and I don’t know what I should feel about this…#PokemonLeak #Typholsion #NotAllTyphlosions pic.twitter.com/9g8GH61Cde
— ∆l∑X_K? (@AK0lden) October 15, 2024
The narrative starts with a young girl who finds herself lost in the woods and culminates in an eerie twist involving a hybrid child between her and a Typhlosion. After meeting a mysterious man while wandering, she discovers that he is actually a shape-shifting Typhlosion and ultimately ends up having his child during her prolonged stay in his cave.
The shocking events unfold further when her father searches for her and ends up killing the Typhlosion, resulting in heartache for the girl and her child, who now live at the forest’s edge, facing the ire of the villagers. Those curious can find the full post circulating across social media platforms like X.
The online community reacts
Evidently, Typhlosion has become a target of ridicule online, marking yet another Pokémon facing backlash due to this leak. Conversely, a number of devoted Typhlosion enthusiasts have taken to social media to defend their beloved character. The hashtag #NotAllTyphlosion is gaining traction, urging fans to rally behind the Pokémon amidst the controversy.
Typhlosion is precious and not a degenerate. Don’t let ANYONE shame you over loving this Goober. We love Typhlosion!#NotAllTyphlosions pic.twitter.com/uMYeOnqlAF
— CallMeGekkouga (@SonGekkouga658) October 14, 2024
Many fans are highlighting that, being rooted in Japanese culture, Pokémon stories often draw inspiration from local myths. In Japanese folklore, various spirits known as yokai can assume animal forms and tales of shape-shifting creatures capturing humans are prevalent. Similar stories exist in other cultural mythologies, such as those featuring Zeus in ancient Greece.
Regrettably, Typhlosion seems poised to suffer the consequences of this leak. Hopefully, true fans will continue to support the Pokémon while trying to overlook what could be construed as a profoundly disturbing narrative.
(featured image: The Pokémon Company)
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