I had always been a little different from the other monkeys in the forest. While they were busy swinging from tree to tree, gathering bananas and playing with each other, I had a different passion - Pokémon.

Ever since I was an infant, I had been fascinated by the world of Pokémon. I spent years collecting cards, reading books, watching shows and playing every Pokémon game I could get my hands on.

As the years passed, my love for Pokémon grew. My treehouse, nestled high in the tallest tree, became a haven for everything Pokémon - walls covered in posters, shelves full of plush toys and stacks of games, books, and of course, trading cards. It wasn’t just a treehouse - it was a sanctuary for my beloved passion.

However, no one else seemed to share the same excitement.

At first, I didn’t think much of it. Maybe the other monkeys just hadn’t discovered the world of Pokémon yet. But as time went on, I began to feel more and more out of place. I tried talking to the other monkeys about his favorite hobby, but they would just scratch their heads and say things like, “Why are you so interested in creatures that aren’t even real?” or “Why don’t you play games like the rest of us?”

Feeling misunderstood, I spent many lonely days wandering the forest, wishing I could find someone - anyone - who shared the same enthusiasm. I’d sit on my favorite branch, staring up at the sky, dreaming of a community where I could be myself; where people would understand my excitement and passion. I began to question if there was even a place for me in the world, where my love for Pokémon could truly be celebrated.

Then one day, I had an idea. Sitting on that same branch feeling more isolated than ever, something clicked. I didn’t need to keep searching for a community - if one didn’t exist, I would create it myself! There were probably many other creatures, big and small, who shared my passion.

I worked day and night, decorating my treehouse with posters of Pikachu’s bright smile and Charmander’s fiery tail, and made sure all of my collectibles on the shelves were dusted.

Nervous, I didn’t know who would show up. Would anyone even come? But to my surprise, the word spread quickly. Animals from all over the forest - squirrels, rabbits, birds and even a few curious bears - came to see what my treehouse was all about!

My idea became more than just a treehouse - it became a dream come true for me. It wasn’t just a place for fans to come together - it would be a community; a safe haven where everyone could talk about their favorite Pokémon, trade cards, battle each other and celebrate the magic as a whole. A troop, if you will!

My treehouse became the epicenter of fun and excitement in the jungle. I was always there, offering tips, showing off his prized collection and, of course, hosting the most fun Pokémon trivia contests. My human best friend Maxwell and a few other humans started helping me do livestreams, where they would open booster packs, do giveaways and hold community events for those who couldn’t make it physically to my treehouse.

I loved nothing more than seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as they were enjoying their time in his treehouse. I realized that the love for Pokémon was more powerful than anything I had ever imagined. It had brought him friends, it had brought him purpose and it had brought him a sense of belonging that he had always desired.

I knew that the magic of Pokémon wasn’t just about the cards, toys or games - it was about the friendships it created, the bonds it forged between people and the joy it brought to all.

No longer did I feel like he didn’t fit in; because, in my treehouse, I created a community where I truly felt I belong!

From that day forward, I knew one thing for sure: sometimes, when you can’t find the community you’re looking for, the best thing you can do is create it yourself.

In the heart of the forest, my treehouse remains a beacon of friendship, fun and of course, an immense love of Pokémon.

I hope you swing in and join the troop!

Your friend and fellow Pokémon fan,

Fudge 🐵