[ Honestly, he's not surprised about the assumption. When you hear about people using creatures for battling against each other, it sounds a lot like regular combat, there's just a middleman (middlemon??) doing all the fighting. It does sound distressing, and Kabu has met some people in his life who have absolutely refused to use Pokemon for battle. ]

Oh, not at all. I'd say its thousands of years since my world has ever experienced that sort of environment. It's difficult to explain just why trainers battle with their Pokemon. As someone who has been doing so for many years, it feels like second nature at this point. However I assure you my intent is not to hurt others, fellow trainers or Pokemon, especially my own.

I would say it's something similar to the way people invest their time in sports, exercise and rigorous physical activity. They enjoy the challenge, or they want to improve themselves physically or mentally, or they have a desire to simply be good at something. Being a Pokemon trainer is something many children aspire to be nowadays, and I've known many who look forward to the day they reach the age where they can receive their first Pokemon. We do not see them as simple tools, just creatures to send out into danger. They are our partners and dear friends.