Happy Valentine's Day, dear readers! 

In this special chapter, we'll be doing something a little bit different than normal: rather than evaluate an evolutionary line from the Kanto Pokédex, we'll be talking about the Pokémon we love the most! For the purposes of this guide, I'll be limiting myself to talking about my favorite Pokémon from Kanto specifically, but that doesn't mean you have to limit yourself! As you're reading this chapter, feel free to think about your favorite Pokémon from any region!

As for my favorite Kanto Pokémon, I feel like some of you readers might be able to guess it. Can you? Think about the previous chapters... think about what Pokémon I seemed to really enjoy talking about...

Water you thinking about? If you're thinking about Squirtle, you'd be right! 

I love this Pokémon so much, I just can't get enough of it! So in this chapter, I'll be sharing my favorite things about Squirtle while encouraging you all to share your favorite things about any Pokémon of your choice.

Before we go any further, comment your favorite Pokémon here! You don't have to explain why yet; there will be plenty more opportunities for that. In the meantime, once you've commented your favorite Pokémon (Kanto or no), start reading the chapter and respond to the questions about your Pokémon, as prompted.

This is going to be fun!

My Favorite Things about Squirtle:

Squirtle is my favorite Kanto Pokémon of all time. I won't focus too heavily on things like type combinations, design, lore, stats, or evolutionary change like I normally do in this guide. Instead, I'll be sharing my feelings about the Pokémon and celebrating it!

Look at Squirtle's face. It's so adorable and lovable! And it's little hands are just too cute! Plus, have you seen its Funko Pop? I want one soooo bad!

It's not any less lovable once it evolves into Wartortle. The darker, richer blue and the flowing tail make Wartortle cool, cute, and lovely all at once! One of my favorite middle stage evolutions, hands down!

Blastoise is an absolute beast, yet it still looks so cuddly and friendly! It has such an interesting design to make it look both strong and kind all at once. Not to mention, this Pokémon seems really dependable! If I was ever in a tough spot, I have no doubt I'd want a Blastoise on my team!

As for you all: what are some of your favorite things about your favorite Pokémon? If it evolves, do you like it better once it does? Or would you rather keep it in the stage it's already at? Comment here and let me know!

My Good Memories with Squirtle: 

I have a lot of good childhood memories with Squirtle. When I was younger, the only Pokémon games I had were Pokémon Sapphire and Pokémon LeafGreen for the Gameboy. So, although Squirtle was not my first ever Pokémon (that would be Torchic!), Squirtle was my first ever Kanto Pokémon. That makes it really nostalgic for me!

I can remember playing my Gameboy in the backseat of the car, on road trips or on the way to my grandparents' house, and battling alongside Squirtle. Beating Brock was an easy task, but Misty was a whole other story! Squirtle and I had to work really hard to beat her, especially because I was too young to really understand type advantages. But we powered through, just like we powered through the rest of the eight gyms, all of Team Rocket, through the Elite Four and straight to the Champion! I remember being so proud of Squirtle (well, Blastoise, then) and I. We had accomplished so much! To this day, that feeling of triumph and adventure I had with Squirtle still makes me smile.

Now, think about the memories you have with your favorite Pokémon. Were their difficult times? Moments of victory? Are there any memories that still warm your heart? Comment here and let me know!

Recent Times with Squirtle: 

In more recent times, Squirtle has still been a big part of my Pokémon playing experience. Even though there are a lot more generations, games, and Pokémon than when I was younger, Squirtle still remains one of my favorite starters of all time. When it was revealed that Kanto starters would be available in the Kalos region for Pokémon X and Y, I didn't have to think twice about what Pokémon I would choose. I already knew it had to be Squirtle! And Squirtle it was. Just like when I was younger, Squirtle helped carry me to the Elite Four and the Champion. It felt so nice to have an old friend back on my team, right by my side through thick and thin. Not to mention, the addition of Mega Blastoise and Gigantamax Blastoise has been really exciting for me! Getting to see one of my favorite starters with new power-ups has been really exciting!

Think about your favorite Pokémon. Have you been able to use them recently? If not, why not? Have they undergone any changes, such as new evolutions, new type combinations, or something similar? If not, do you wish that they would get updates, or do you prefer them the way they are? Comment your thoughts here!

Conclusion: 

All this talk about Squirtle makes me want to dust off my old LeafGreen game and get back at it! I really love this Pokémon, not just because it's a cool Pokémon, but because of the memories we share. So, readers, take time today to appreciate your favorite Pokémon!

To my fellow researchers: 

Any other thoughts on your favorite Pokémon? Things that you didn't get a chance to say? Comment them here and let it all out!