To clarify possible wonders and questions, I'll be answering basic ones for clarifications.
When will Zeriel evolve?
- Well, for his first evolution, he will evolve after defeating the Elite Four, something that will surprise Oak and make him then want even more to get Kanto back from losing it after the war.
- For his second evolution, it will happen after both him and Ash get glitched back thanks to the Save Star thrown to Missingno, what makes Zeriel evolve but also Missingno become a real and full Pokemon as was meant to be.
When will Zeriel Mega Evolve?
Zeriel will Mega Evolve in Kalos, after deep development, opening, and submission from self defeat and recognizing it all altogether. Then, when kneels down, Red forces Zeriel to get up, to then make him remember by himself all he learnt and more, and then the bond through determination makes Red capable of making Zeriel Mega Evolve to get back up to finish what was started.
When will Zeriel use his Gigantamax Form?
Will be in Galar, where he will claim to be the Master of all Pokemon, and so much more. Thrown Ash away for his friendship philosophy and attempt to flee away by destroying everything with the lesson of "everything was the friend made along the way", what ends making Zeriel get done with Ash, throwing and pushing Ash away to claim it for himself. Red then by bond becomes the Pokemon Champion of the world, but still has to prove it in other Regions.
Will Zeriel get any other form that isn't on his Pokedex entry?
Never. Zeriel got his evolutions, Mega Evolution, and Gigantamax Form thanks to the experiment with Oak. After the birth of Seraphiel, Oak decided to quit with biology manipulation research, and so, Zeriel will never obtain Dynamax, Terastallize form, or any other new form further than waht already has.
Will he have a Z-Move?
Yes, quite many actually. Some directly offensive, others entirely defensive, others that require a tactic in specific, others that create open ups for strategies, and more.
With who will Zeriel be capable of using his Gigantamax Form?
With Ash in Galar, but is kinda uncontrolled, weaker and more unstable than other Pokémon. But for a perfected term, is with Red.
Would Zeriel have the same bond with Gary as has shown with Red?
Probably, yeah. Not entirely the same in the same aspects, but would respect Gary. Both have things in common, the seriousness, going to the point, train, analyze... Red is just a perfect version of how any trainer should be, but Gary shows it imperfectly and more human than Red.
What is the bond between Misty and Zeriel?
There's no actual bond between them. Misty only captured Zeriel to protect and save both, Ash and Pikachu. In trainer or even personal terms, there's nothing between them. But Oak actually enjoys of the interactions between both.
In what is based the bond between Red and Zeriel?
Entirely in determination. A will and focus deepened into what must be done, reach and conquer the goal, and surpass what gets in your way. For Zeriel, Red is a reminder of Frisk, along also a constant whisper of bond and flame he still feels familiar as with Chara's. This makes Zeriel surrender way easier for Red, than with anyone else, including Gary.
What is the Ibérica Region?
Ibérica is the region in base of Spain. And was created to reflect the economy, social issues, politic problems, and corruption in all it's glory.
Why does the Monarch challenges the Champion in Ibérica?
Simple, to overcome the hope of the champion. The monarch, if decides to challenge, is entirely for claim people's fear and a control over everyone. Is still kinda forced, as the monarch is expected to challenge the champion by always happening every time, so those who win and become the monarch are expected to also do that, and the pressure overcomes them and continue the cycle.
How hard are the Gym Leaders and Elite Four of Ibérica?
Well, kinda hard, but actually kinda easy if you prepare with items and had training. The only issue is that they have money, what they obviously used to buy advantage in battle, as items to Mega Evolve their Pokémon, gas items that simulate the ambient for their Pokémon to can go Dynamax Form, and much more.
How is a normal day in Ibérica?
Kinda meh. Predict constant conflict by lies and fake ragebait to distract and steal, or just to make worse your situation publicly. And political only makes it way worse. So a normal day depends, but outside your house is full of danger everywhere, with clear unfairness everywhere you look at. All depends in how much money you have.
Why does Zeriel have mixed typings (Ghost/Psychic, secondary Fire/Dark)?
Zeriel is dead and the reborn of Asriel Dreemurr, along the perfect fusion with Sans. This brings the Ghost and Psychic Types to fit perfectly, but has by Fire Magic, the Sub-Type of Fire, while for all the genocides and Dusttale past the Dark Sub-Type as that changed his mentality but not himself as he truly is.
What's the logic behind his staggering base stats—defense in the thousands?
His STATS working on Undertale rules, re-shaped, from his past of what he has done, into Pokemon rules and world. His past following him as his past, as for good and bad.
How does his stamina / soul mechanic differ from standard PP, and what gameplay narrative does it serve?
Works like a monster magic in Undertale. Is unlimited in amount of times, what for long battles is good as can last as long as Zeriel has stamina to use SOUL abilities in battle. In gameplay narrative, is more perfect as when Zeriel uses all his stamina, he goes down, his STATS go to zero, and his weaknesses by type are boosted with a multiplier of x2 to what were already, and his strengths of types and immunities are gone to be neutral damage of x1.
What triggers the "Forma Caída"? Is it voluntary or a last resort?
Forma Caída or Fallen Form, is just an alternative form of Zeriel's second evolution. He can trigger it at any time, but only truly does when is overwhelmed and can't with himself any longer, and is when his madness is the only thing he can have in his mind, and with a roar, the only thing that remains, is his corrupted determination and his mindset of "Killed or be killed" and "Has to be done". Is voluntary, but triggered by something else too.
Is a reflection of the Roaring Knight from Deltarune too.
Can Zeriel Mega Evolve and use his Gigantamax Form in the same battle?
Yes. Tho, first is Gigantamax form and then Mega Evolution. Why that order specifically? Because when Zeriel Mega Evolves, once is done, gets a drawback of being tired. Is not the same as when his stamina is completely depleted, but still leaves him weakened for a short moment as one or two turns, and can't use his Gigantamax Form until recovers.
While if it's the opposite, when his Gigantamax Form ends, he can Mega Evolve without issue.
Does Zeriel ever bond with Ash or Gary, or is the connection with Red unique at an emotional or metaphysical level?
Yes, with Ash. He doesn't have the chance to bon with Gary, but as Ash being his trainer across all Regions, he has a bond with Ash. Is a simple mutual and respectful... "You don't bother me, and I don't bother you" bond. Are not friends, they only get along, and is just there. That's why for Zeriel to Mega Evolve and perfect the Gigantamax Form, requires Red.
What role does Zeriel play in the Johto/Kanto war context?
As the perfect weapon Oak couldn't obtain in the Mewtwo project, but also extremely better too. Zeriel in this war, that ended but Oak refuses to let go, is a comeback to finish it for good and get Kanto back from Lance's control.
What is the Ibérica Region like beyond the politics and corruption you described? How do people/view Pokémon there?
Good food, good views, a lot of culture, and parties. Is quite a good place to pass the time, enjoy the view, enjoy some time letting yourself go wild, and other things. Is not safe, but is the price to pay or the danger to accept for such joy. Any distraction and you may lose something, enjoy too much a party and you may faint and get taken or loose quite much things or what is valuable.
They see Pokémon as many things, depends who you ask. Art, culture, entertainment, etc.
How would someone even train Zeriel, given his power level and fragile stamina system?
That's why Oak wanted Red to train Zeriel. Yet, anyone who knows how to be serious, go to the point, is a tactician, can do strategies, and knows what is doing... Will have it very easily to train Zeriel.
In a PVP battle, you need to know what you're doing, and all Zeriel can do, to can get him show his full potential and value properly to win all the time.
How do you balance Zeriel in battles considering his extreme power and fragility?
You can't, that's why would be banned in PVP and never added in a Pokemon game, as in gameplay, can't be fair, and only really shines as should in the stories, while in gameplay is just for fun and not to take anything seriously.
Can Zeriel carry teammates in doubles/triples through his healing, and at what cost?
Yes, but can't heal them all the time, or will use all his stamina and fall down and be weak and wide open to be one-shot.
How does stamina recovery work—with items only, or narrative recovery through plot?
He can recover stamina with items, as despite his stamina doesn't have any item to recover it or fulfill it back, any item that can be used to recover a Pokemon can recover his stamina. He can also just rest and recover every turn, while in narrative he can take a deep breath and recover either all his stamina or part of it.
The items that help recover his stamina are: Full Heal (Full recover), Aguav Berry (Partially), Apple (Full recover plus 5 happiness), Applin Juice (Full recover plus 20 happiness), Avocado (Full recover plus 10 happiness), Awakening (Full recover of stamina after is depleted), Bacon (Small recover plus 35 happiness), Baguette (Small recovery, and -5 happiness "Doesn't really bother him as he likes the crumb of bread but prefers a sandwich"), Banana (Good recovery plus 10 happiness), Belue Berry (Full recovery plus 5 happiness), Berry Juice (Partial recovery plus 15 happiness), Berry Sweet (Very Small recovery plus 5 happiness), Ketchup (Full recovery and increases his stamina by 200% temporary), Bluk Berry (20% recovery plus 10 happiness), Bob's Food Tin (Small recovery and -10 happiness), Boiled Egg (75% recovery plus 15 happiness), Bread (Wasted item with no recovery and -20 happiness "Small bread with nothing, a total waste with no taste"), Casteliacone (Full recover, +50% stamina boost, plus 50 happiness "Better if was chocolate ice cream"), Cheese (Small recovery plus 50 happiness "Likes cheese"), Cheri Berry (Full recovery and +100% stamina boost), Cherry Tomatoes (25% recovery plus 20 happiness "Yummy slices, better if had salt"), Chesto Berry (Full recovery), Chorizo (60% recovery plus 40 happiness "It does taste good actually, que no se diga que no soy español"), Clever Mochi (Full recovery, +50% stamina boost, plus 100 happiness), Coconut Milk (50% recovery plus 25 happiness "Hmm, awita de coco"), Cornn Berry (Small recovery plus 5 happiness), Cream Cheese (Small recovery plus 75 happiness "Good taste"), Crunchy Salt (Full recover and 150% stamina boost), Grilled Sandwich [Cooking Cheese+Baguette] (Full recovery, +80% stamina boost, plus 120 happiness).
Way too many items... and this aren't all tho...
What if I use the Bicycle while Zeriel is outside the Pokeball?
Zeriel will use a blaster to ride it and follow you then. You could also teach him how to properly ride a bicycle as doesn't know at all except one or two things and that's it, but if you teach him you could go with him in bicycle together. At least in his first evolution, in his second evolution he couldn't and would just use his blaster to even take you and be faster, and in his base form he would be better in a basket in the bicycle than learning or using a blaster to ride it.
What does Zeriel think about the ingredient Brittle Bones?
Better not show him that ingredient. For him would be an insult and something offensive.
What does Zeriel think about the Powders?
He would tell you to stop doing drugs. He would never accept any boost from any powder, and will unable you from using them in battle for him or for any other Pokemon as sees them as drugs.
Is possible to obtain a stamina boost by other way?
Any trophy or memorable item that recognizes effort and value can grant a stamina boost to Zeriel and is stackable. This is because he will feel proud, what feels him with determination, and the more determined he feels, the more stamina he has and more stronger.
What type moves can Zeriel learn?
Ghost, Psychic, Dark, Fire, and Normal moves.
How would Zeriel think to some items?
Well, to be specific, with Calcium he will tell you the meme of potassium to rhyme. With Calm Mint he will relax and calm down, obtaining extra boosts in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. With Burn Heal he will receive damage from it, and if he is enraged and covered in flames, this item will deal Super Effective damage, making him quite some damage and weakened.
What would be the best item for Zeriel to have equipped?
Zeriel can equip multiple items, and the best would be items that symbolize value. The best items for him are: Choice Band, Choice Scarf, Clear Amulet Covert Cloak. While Choice Specs would bother him.
Each of those two items will increase his determination, help recovering his stamina, give an extra boost than 50%, and boost him slightly in general. The clear amulet also increases his determination and assists recovering his stamina. The Cover Cloak increases his stamina in good amount and makes him more confident, what makes his Special Attack and Special Defense increase quite good.
How does Happiness work with Zeriel?
Zeriel works EXTREMELY different from how any Pokémon does. You start with him having no happiness, so the items will give 50% less happiness and penalize more. When you have a friendship, the items will give 25% less while items that increase a lot will give 20% more and the penalization is small almost unnoticeable. When you have a bond or relationship, the items will give 20% more while the items that increase a lot will give 50% more happiness and there are no penalties.
If you do remain him in the PC, saved in storage or just remain in his Pokeball, he will feel abandoned, what will quickly reduce his happiness a lot and very fast, and if reaches zero he will distrust you and the items will give 90% less happiness and penalize a lot more.
How do I know his exact bonuses of penalties from happiness?
Level - Name - Zeriel's Behavior
0–25 - 🪦 Irrelevant - Aggressive, hostile, dismissive. May disobey, won't eat or use forms. Doesn't acknowledge your presence.
26–50 - 🌑 Distant - Slight tolerance. May follow orders, but emotionally guarded. Coexistence only.
51–75 - 🌘 Neutral - Cooperative. Finds you tolerable and may follow strategy. Can act as a team member.
76–100 - 🌗 Attuned - Starts forming a hidden bond. Can now Mega Evolve. Will listen more but hides affection. Still guarded emotionally.
101–150 - 🌕 Protective - Affectionate and possibly overprotective. Uses Gigantamax Form, though imperfectly. +20% to all stats. Shields you in battle.
151–200+ - 💖 Soulbound - Fully open and loyal. Acts beyond orders to protect you. Perfect Gigantamax. Will show affection openly (hugs, cheek kisses). +50% to all stats. May resist mind control.
💥 Effects of Happiness
Mechanic - Impact
Stat Boosts - +20% (Protective), +50% (Soulbound)
Form Access - Mega Evolution unlocked at Attuned (76+); Gigantamax at Protective (101+); Perfect Gigantamax at Soulbound (151+)
Battle Behavior - Disobedience when Irrelevant/Distant. Acts instinctively when Soulbound. May act out of turn to defend you.
Bond Mechanics - Shielding, extra moves, kisses, reacting to whispers or subtle cues only if happy enough.
Item Reactions - Stamina item effects depend on happiness. Some items may be refused or thrown away if trust is broken.
- From level 0 to 25, he will be aggressive, and even ignore you in battle to do whatever he wants.
- From level 26 to 50, he will remain similar, but slightly closer to you where you can notice is near you in an acceptance to coexist way.
- From level 51 to 75, he will find you irrelevant in a good way, where he won't mind you being near, and even guide him or telling him what to do if you're right.
- From level 76 to 100, he will start to being close to you, despite he will fake and hide it. He will listen more and start having a bond with you, what will allow you to Mega Evolve him.
- From level 101 to 150, he will start being clingy and affectionate, and maybe take it a little far as overprotective, but will be on guarde all the time to check on you and around you. His Defense and Special Defense increase to cover you from anything, and will act instinctively to get you out of trouble or danger without thinking. Will also be capable of using his Gigantamax Form, but is still unstable as his focus is still like dependency and to look after you. His STATS are also boosted by 20%.
- From level 151 to 200 and more, he will want to be on your side, won't hide anything from you, will always listen, be capable of using his Gigantamax Form perfectly, will be very lovely and even romantic in touches and details, will want to hug you warmly and tightly to even give you a kiss in the cheek. His STATS are also boosted by 50%.
Why is Gary mentioned as Blue is near? His name is Gary Oak.
Blue is the nickname, in game and player view, Red gave to Gary, and when Red is near. A battle alias and nickname that overshadows his real name. A way to implement both, games and anime, together withouth breaking any of both.
If Blue is Gary, how is Gary the rival of Ash if Blue is the rival of Red?
In the Anime, Gary is the childhood friend and rival of Ash, while in games as Blue is the rival of Red.
In a simple way, his childhood was the same, until his path moved away where his rivalry with Ash was gone as had Red following his path to surpass him while he tried to reach to become a Champion. When he finally did, Red immediately won against him, what took him down, while Ash was starting his journey. But as Red was created by Oak, was incapable of maintaining the role of Champion, and so, Gary remained as Champion, but he didn't felt as one.