So Long, Old Friends

For those who still keep up with the Pokémon anime, this is old news and an outdated tribute, but it's a tribute nonetheless. I made this picture as a farewell to the beloved Arbok and Weezing, primary nakama of Jessie and James, or Musashi and Kojirou respectively in Japanese, if you prefer.
For those who didn't know about it and still have an interest in the storyline, the poison Pokémon pair have indeed left the show, in one of the first few episodes in the Advanced Generation season. I have seen both the Japanese and English versions of this particular episode, and I have to say, the original is very touching while the dubbed version seems to think people parting with pets/partners/practical family members is grade A joke material.
The general story of the episode tells of a Pokémon hunter wandering the forests and cruelly capturing them to sell on the black market. This hunter has a current interest in Poison-type monsters, and has accumulated a large catch of Arbo (Ekans) and Dogaasu (Koffing). Enter Team Rocket, who feel sympathy and compassion towards the captured creatures and decide to set them free with the help of their determined Arbok and Matadogasu (Weezing).
Things are turning out pretty well until the hunter's Sanagirasu (Pupitar) decides to evolve into Bangirasu (Tyranitar), and the Rockets find themselves brutally mismatched. In a moment of desperation, Musashi and Kojirou tell Arbok and Matadogasu to take the young Pokémon and escape into the forest. The Pokémon realise that this would mean permanently leaving the team and refuse, but their trainers insist that it's the right thing to do. Musashi and Kojirou then offer themselves up as cannon fodder for Bangirasu so the others have a chance to escape. Tears are shed, but the poison-types make a getaway while Musashi, Kojirou and Nyaasu heroically attack the tyrant monster. They're continuously beaten until they lose consciousness, but the plan has worked - the innocent Pokémon are free. We end the episode with Team Rocket feeling sad and lonely, but confident that their old friends will take care of themselves. Kojirou captures a Sabonea (Cacnea) to lighten the mood, but the departure of Arbok and Matadogasu will leave an empty hollow in their team for many years to come.

Phew. Anyway, I'm quite pleased with the results of the picture. I wanted to show the Pokémon in a happy pose, making sure the young ones have a carefree life in the forest. Thanks to all those who gave comments and tips during the process of making this piece, it took a long time and I'm glad it's finished.

Goodbye Arbok, Matadogasu. We'll miss you guys.