From the introduction: Pokémon. Several months ago they started appearing all over the world, forever disrupting life as it was. Companies and scientists jumped all over the phenomenon, companies in an attempt to earn some money from it, scientists to study the Pokémon and figure out why they started appearing. Technology permitting Pokéballs was quickly developed as were special Candies and Stardust that can be used to help Pokémon power-up and evolve into higher forms.