16 - The League

#DearProfessorOak,

I made it to the Pokemon League but I am not satisfied. I just walked through Victory Road without battling. The trainers looked destroyed and kept mentioning a young girl, about 15-years-old, demolishing people and flowing through Pokemon like nothing.

As I got here, I noticed that there was already a new declared champion. Then I saw on the big screens who the champion was - LOGAN with her all-water team. I just caught the end of the interview where she said, “…and I’d like to thank a pal of mine back home for teaching me everything I know and to just have fun with life!”

Then it hit me, I have focused too much on winning. Maybe that is why getting here did not satisfy me. Maybe I should try to have fun and life would be much better, no? With the Elite Four freshly beaten, I don't think I will challenge the Pokemon League today. I'm gonna leave Unova to explore another region and try to enjoy life more.

Regards,
Jerm

P.S. - Please tell Don Happy Birthday for me! Maybe I’ll be catching him sooner or later.

In Frame: Logan
PokéConcept: Don Lov

15 - Nature Preserve

#DearProfessorOak,
_
The other day, a team of researchers had invited me to this Nature Preserve. There was Pokemon everywhere! Definitely one of the coolest parts of Unova that I've been to. Apparently, there used to be a Black Haxorus that lived here, but a trainer had caught it many years ago.
_
As I made my way through the Preserve, I came across a massive body of water, with one of the most gorgeous views I've seen. Wading in the water was this maiden with a curious Pokemon I've never seen before. Her silent presence alone just felt powerful - I felt like I had intruded on a secret just being there. I think it was then that I decided that my trip was done; that lake was enough fulfillment for me.
_
I'm making my way towards Victory Road now. Please tell Don that I hope to see him soon. Definitely going to be a long road ahead.
_
Regards,
Jerm

In Frame: Sydney
PokéConcept - Don Lov

14 - Public Service Announcement

#DearProfessorOak,

Please remember to tell kids embarking on their first journey to stow away their Fire types in their Pokéballs while indoors. My friend upset his apartment's landlord when his Charmeleon's tail set off all the sprinklers on the first floor, "unintentionally".

Sincerely,
Jerm

In Frame: Carl Del Rosario
PokéConcept: Don Lov

13 - Undella Town

Dear Professor Oak,
Sorry I haven't been writing to you recently. Got caught in a nasty storm in Undella Town that had appeared despite people telling me that it subsided. What kind of luck is that?!

Anyway, I managed to meet this guy and his Larvitar in Undella. He seems to be doing well for himself, having opened up a successful trainer school and get sponsored by some big energy drink company. It's nice seeing trainers get recognized by big companies for their hard work. Really inspires people like me to keep grinding to get to a similar point in life.

Anyway, I've been really busy, but I hope to catch more interesting folk in my travels, soon. I wonder how Don's been? He's been M.I.A. recently, as well. Please find out how he's doing for me!

Best,
Jerm

In Frame: Jeremy - Havikoro/Monster Energy Bboys
PokéConcept: Don Lov

12 - Battle Subway

DearProfessorOak,

It's been a little while since I last wrote, hope you're doing well! 

I came back to Nimbasa City this week, this time to check out the Battle Subway. Heard many stories about an up and coming double battle squad that had very strong Pokémon, so naturally, I had to see what the hype was about.

There, I met a couple of goofy dudes with some Eevee evolutions. They were very friendly, and seemed to know a bit about the Battle Subway. I didn't think much of them for a little while, and then I noticed that they were on the top of the doubles leaderboards, having won countless matches in the past few weeks. It was nice to see that these guys didn't really have winning get to their head, yet they stayed humble and true to themselves and I really respected that. 

After meeting these two, I'm really interested in seeing where they end up next. For now, the storm has ended by the Undella Bay, so I'm going to be headed there shortly, save for some pit stops. I'll be writing soon. Hope Don's doing well over there. 

Regards,
Jerm

11 - Nacrene City

Dear Professor Oak,

I hope you are doing well. 

There was a storm this past week at Undella Town, so my visit there will have to wait. Instead, I decided to catch up with Lenora and her husband in Nacrene. I am extremely interested in checking out their museum. 

Today has been interesting. While waiting, I met this fashionable trainer and his Zangoose in the plaza. His outfit was very interesting, and something about it was just so aesthetically pleasing. As we were chatting, he told me about his dream of getting into fashion, creating outfits inspired by the Pokémon he encounters in his travels. I thought that was pretty neat and very inspirational. 

Anyway, Lenora and Hawes are waving me over to their museum, so I gotta pen this letter short. Hopefully Undella Town wasn't battered too hard so I can leave this town in the next few days. 

I'll write to you after those adventures are done! Take care. 

Regards,
Jerm

In Frame: Gerome
PokéConcept: Don Lov // Pokémon Files

10 - Aspertia City

Dear Professor Oak,

Had to fly down to Aspertia today. Professor Juniper had asked me to come speak for a little bit at the Trainer School to tell the students about my adventures. I could never resist an opportunity to tell stories, so I jumped on the opportunity! The kids were very attentive and asked a lot of questions. I'd totally do this again elsewhere.

Here, I met a teacher's aide and her Buneary. She's an avid artist, and her Buneary helps her make beautiful art (though it IS strange she isn't just using a Smeargle). She told me that one day, she'd like to ventures out into all the regions (like me!), and paint the different landmarks and sights that she sees throughout her travels. It inspires me that there are people that strive to create art through their travels. 

I'm on my way back to Lacunosa now, to get moving towards Undella. I'm thinking before I finish my travels in Unova, I'm going to revisit some of the cities I glazed over while I was around. I'll let you know what I decide! Tell Don that I saw a bunch of his friends recently. We miss him! 

Regards,
Jerm

P.S. Who are your favorite artists?

In Frame: Barakah Iqbal
PokéConcept: Don Lov // Pokémon Files

9 - Lacunosa Town

Dear Professor Oak,

I made it quick stop in Lacunosa Town today! It is a nice and quiet town, with a relaxing aura to it. It seems to have been built long ago judging by the buildings' old architectural designs. And everything else in the town seems to be as stuck in time as well. Something about towns like this really intrigue me.

I met a couple and their Unfezants while in Lacunosa Town. They, like me, are travelling to learn more about Unova region! It was really cool to meet up with fellow explorers. They each had cool stories to tell about their travels across the region. Stories which made me wish that I had a travelling partner with me (aside from my Gardevoir, of course!). 

The couple was kind enough to point me the way to Undella, and they even let me stay with them until sunrise. I definitely learned a lot on this short stop at Lacunosa Town, but now, I have to get going. I’ll be sure  to write again whenever I can settle down. Life has been quite busy. But please tell Don I said hi, and that I’ve been training for when we do battle.

Regards,
Jerm

P.S. Who's your favorite travelling partner? 

In Frame: Brian and Emalee
PokeConcept: Don Lov / Pokemon Files

8 - Opelucid City

DearProfessorOak,

The last week was fairly eventful. I entered a tournament for the heck of it with my Gardevoir and found out that even with a solid Pokemon, I still gotta do some extra training to make that extra push forward. I didn't make it as far as I'd like, but no matter; all that tells me is that I need to train more and better! 

Anyway, I bumped into a fellow travelling friend of mine, Owen. He's doing a great job documenting the beauty of the Unova region. He's one of the people I can say that push me harder to become better at what I am just by constantly improving at his craft. He even has an ill little Axew to go along with him on the journey. It's great that we have Pokemon on our sides, that way, we never really feel alone. 

Anyway, I still have quite a bit of Unova to explore, but I think I'm at a good spot right now. I have a feeling my next few weeks are going to be great. I can't wait for these adventures to unfold! I'll be back in touch soon.

Regards,
Jerm

P.S. Who inspires you? Let me know and I'll check 'em out.

In Frame: Owen 'Illroc' Stallworth
Pokéconcept: Don Lov // Pokemon Files

7 - Icirrus City

Dear Professor Oak,
Icirrus City was pretty neat. One of my friends recently got work at a brand new greenhouse here and she decided to show me around! In the middle of a city where the changing seasons make everything look vastly different, the greenhouse is such a nice constant.

She told me the owner has plans of making this into a little sanctuary for Grass and Bug Pokémon, and that brought me back to my experience with the flying green Pokémon in front of Twist Mountain. It inspires me that people, everywhere, are looking to make impacts in the world in their own little ways.

Anyway, this trip to Icirrus was fairly short, I really had to get going towards Opelucid. Hope you’re doing alright, Professor.

Regards,
Jerm

P.S. I really love roses. What’s your favorite flower?

In Frame: Ana

PokeConcept: Don Lov / Pokemon Files

6 - Route 7

#DearProfessorOak,

What an odd weekend this was. I was with Skyla learning more about flying type Pokemon. Man, I feel like I am floating when I am with her. She said hi and hopes you are doing well. She also warned me about the long road through Route 7 and Twist Mountain to Icirrus City.

Before entering Twist Mountain something weird happened. Everything turned gray, and the ground started shaking. Then in front of me appeared a green Pokémon. Though it is small, I felt a great, powerful presence. I followed it and it showed me the inside of Twist Mountain, untouched and full of different green plants. It was beautiful, like nothing I’ve ever seen.

I wanted to stay there forever but before I knew it, I was back in front of Twist Mountain. I ran back inside and was disappointed to find nothing but brown rocks, yellow bulldozers, and construction sites everywhere. And then I understood what the little green guy was trying to tell me. It may be too late for the interior of Twist Mountain, but maybe there can be something done to protect other beautiful, natural places.

Please give my folks my regards, I know it’s been a while since I’ve seen them last.

Regards,
Jerm

P.S. Can you suggest things I can do differently to save the environment?

In Frame: Me! 
PokéConcept: Don Lov/Pokémon Files

5 - Route 6

Dear Professor Oak,
I stopped by Driftveil, but Clay was away for a big excavation, so now, I’m on my way to Mistralton City. Before I crossed the last bridge to Chargestone Cave, I bumped into a childhood friend who is also named Jeremy! He was “the other Jeremy” back in grade school. I used to be the only Jeremy in the whole school until he came. That is when someone called me “Jerm”, a nickname that I’ve used all my life because it set me apart from other Jeremy’s.

“The other Jeremy” goes by a different name now, Ashtin Larold, an upcoming rapper from the tri state area. It’s crazy that he’s gone this far. It feels like it was only yesterday from his first rap battle, against ME (an embarrassing one, at that). I hope he blows up so I can say that I know a famous musician!

After catching up, he went off the opposite direction with his Blitzle. Maybe he’s going to Nimbasa to play at that big theatre. People say that his performances with Blitzle are quite… electric.

Anyway, I have to get going. Got a long cave to traverse. I’ll be writing to you, Professor! Tell Don to keep the training up. I gotta get to his level soon!

Til next time,
Jerm.

P.S. I think I saw that Silver Eevee again.

In Frame: Ashtin Larold
PokéConcept: Pokémon Files / Don Lov

4 - Nimbasa City

Dear Professor Oak,
I finally made it to Nimbasa City! This place is enormous and it is filled with people from all walks of life! There is so much to do here but today, I decided to go to the sports complex to visit a friend of mine who I heard was in town.

Attached is a photo of my friend Onton and his Accelgor after sparring with local trainers. He and his Pokémon are training hard to be in tip-top shape because he is planning on traveling to many places and winning every tournament. He will probably deny it but the dude is a legend. If you ask anybody that knows him, they will say the same, that he is supernatural. 

If there is one thing I learned from him, it is to dream big and work hard for it everyday. Onton is a big inspiration of mine and I have no doubt they will achieve whatever goals they have. 

Anyway, that’s all from me for now. I’ll send you some photos of the city when I can! 

Regards, 
Jerm

P.S. Did you know that Nimbasa is the second most populous city in the Pokémon World? I’m definitely lookin forward to meeting new friends here.

In Frame: Onton (Supernaturalz)
PokéConcept: Pokemon Files / Don Lov

3 - Castelia City

Dear Professor Oak, 

Remember that old friend of mine, Aswan? I met up with him today and he told me he just came from an art show where they sold the famous Casteliacone and gave me some. They definitely live up to the hype.

Anyway, my friend took me to a rooftop near the GameFreak building and the view was immaculate. We just caught up and he told me that he’s going to open a creative hub soon. After that, he just took off with his Braviary and didn’t look back. Hopefully I’ll see him again soon and I can't wait to see his vision come to life.

Right now, I’m on my way to Nimbasa City to check out their vibrant atmosphere that everyone keeps telling me about! I’ll be sure to talk again soon. And tell Don that I owe him a good battle with his Pignite! 

Regards,
Jerm.

P.S. 
Are Eevees supposed to be silver?

In Frame: Aswan Carbonell
PokéConcept: Pokémon Files / Don Lov

2 - Liberty Garden

Dear Professor Oak,

After arriving in Castelia City, I decided to take the ferry to Liberty Garden to explore the lighthouse everyone keeps telling me to visit. At least, that was the plan when this Ralts started following me around when I got there. I decided to take it along with me after finding the lighthouse was all padlocked. At least I'm coming back with something!

I'll have to come visit the lighthouse again at some point, since I have to meet a friend in the city later. For now, can you send me more data about Ralts? Looks like I'll be sticking with this one for a little while.

How's Don? Have you heard from him recently? Been a while since I've seen him!

Best, Jerm

P.S. Should I evolve it to Gallade or Gardevoir? What do you think?

In Frame: Me! (Self Portrait)
PokéConcept: Pokémon Files / Don Lov

1 - Pinwheel Forest

Dear Professor Oak,

I've found myself in a forest here in Unova, they call it Pinwheel Forest, I think? I haven't had the most eventful of stays here yet, but people told me that there's a Legendary Pokemon here, deep in the forest.

After some time in the side paths, I came across this clearing with this pretty girl wearing a cool crown and her Ivysaur. She told me that she's not allowed to let anyone beyond her, or "Vizzy" will get upset. She and Ivysaur then looked to the side.

She was kind enough to show me the way back on the path. Maybe I'll come back some other day. But for now, I'm headed to Castelia City. I heard great things about their Ice Cream! Talk to you soon!

Regards,
Jerm

P.S.
Now that I think about it, I don't think "Vizzy" is the name of her Ivysaur.
-

In frame: Kendra Williamson
PokéConcept: Pokémon Files / Don Lov

Introduction

Hello,

If you are here, welcome to the Pokemon Files, a collection of portraits of people and their Pokemon in travels around the world, with writings to Professor Oak in my perspective.

All photographs here are taken by me, and all Pokemon edits are done in collaboration with fellow digital artist/photographer/Bboy Don Lov, who you can follow on his Instagram Page and his Pokemon Files Instagram, as well as his website linked here

I'm excited to get started with this new journey, challenging myself and Don to create new stories and content weekly! Until then, see you in Unova ;).

Best, Jerm.