Shifter

*For the similar concept of humans transformed into Pokémon in the Mystery Dungeon series, see Poké-human (LitS).*

 File:Peta Celiccia Desert.png
A **shifter** (Japanese: **チェンジリング** *changeling*) is a species introduced in Pokémon Azure and Rose and Pokémon Mythos. They are also referred to as **demi-humans** (Japanese: **亜人** *ajin*), particularly in Pokémon Ultraviolet and Infrared.

## Description

A shifter is a being who can transform between a human or humanoid state and a Pokémon state. Even in their humanoid states, most shifters have features of their Pokémon selves. This state in particular is what the term *demi-human* technically refers to, though some people - including S.A.M.U.S. and the Chimera Project - refer to shifters as demi-humans in all cases.

Shifters can be of any Pokémon species. Multiple shifters can be of the same species, even if they are unrelated or the Pokémon is a Legendary Pokémon. Shifters can Evolve, though it is different than for a standard Pokémon in most cases and resembles the format of Evolution seen in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon.

Shifters also can use the powers of their Pokémon selves even in their humanoid states. Humans with strange powers are not unusual to the Pokémon world - examples include Sabrina of the Indigo League and Yellow from the Tzarin region, but usually these powers are psychic or fey in nature. This has led to the scientific conclusion (according to the Aether Foundation) that humans are most likely closely related to the Ralts family. However, it seems that shifters are the reverse, more Pokémon than human, and might be related to Mew or similar.

## Examples

### Pokémon Azure, Rose, and Sage

In Pokémon Azure, Rose, and Sage, almost every shifter is of a Ghost-type Pokémon. This seems to be intentional, as many of them reference well-known yokai, in more ways than simply being a Pokémon based on it.

#### Neka and Sorrel

Main articles: Neka and Sorrel
 File:Matareon siblings ARS.png
Neka and Sorrel are siblings that are both Matareon shifters. Previously both were Eevee instead, but they were cursed by a Supaizard when they stumbled into Death's Gateway Cave. Neither one transforms in Azure, Rose, or Sage, though it is stated that they are able to do so.

#### Tamamo

Main article: Hayashiro no Tamamo
 File:Tamamo cutscene ARS.png
Tamamo is the spirit of a child from ancient times, who turned into a Hisuian Zorua shifter upon her death in Whitepetal Forest. She may be based upon and named after the kitsune demoness Tamamo-no-Mae, but that is only because rumors of a Hisuian Zoroark inhabiting Firelight Tower have caused her to be feared as if she is one, and the abandonment of Candlewax Field's cemetery.

#### Fritz

Main article: Fritz
Fritz is a Gym Leader who is found in Rio Bossano City. She is a Belledam shifter.

#### Lusamine

Main article: Lusamine § Azure, Rose, and Sage
 File:Ice Lusamine cutscene ARS.png
A Lusamine from an alternate universe appears in Pokémon Azure, Rose, and Sage in the postgame. This Lusamine is a Nihilego shifter, and might be inspired by the yuki-onna, due to Lusamine's increased focus on preserving Pokémon. The real world Lusamine simply let Dr. Rodney Avarik and the Chimera Project take on this task.

### Pokémon Ultraviolet and Infrared

#### Cirrina

Main article: Cirrina
Cirrina is the Gym Leader of Aviakra. She is a Felacier shifter, who used to live in Istahkali, but her family moved to Aviakra.

#### January

Main article: January
 File:January cutscene UVIR.png
January is the Champion of Syraik. She is a Kyurem shifter. Although she doesn't normally have any Kyurem-like features, they grow in in the form of wings and a helmet if her body temperature gets cold enough.

#### Peta

Main article: Peta
Peta is a member of the Chimera Project, an all-too-casual (at least according to the scientists he works with) Quakeon shifter who was given the role of a Chimera caretaker.

### Pokémon Sunburst

#### Nick

Main article: Nick
Nick is Jennifer's primary rival during Pokémon Sunburst, and a Naganadel shifter. Due possibly to the vicious nature attributed to Ultra Beasts, Nick cannot control his form, so he is somewhat reclusive as a result. Team Meta uses an outburst of his (provoked by Team Meta, but they do not admit this) to back their claims that shifters are inherently dangerous.

#### Ian

Main article: Ian
Ian is an originally Hoennian Gardevoir shifter whose family moved to Irada several years ago. He's a mutual friend of Nick and Jennifer (and a secondary rival to the latter), and is in fact how the two of them met in the first place.

#### Holly

Main article: Holly
Holly is a Houndour shifter, and one of the rivals to Jennifer in Sunburst. She is also a high ranking member of Team Meta, though does not share their ideals, instead attempting to hinder Jennifer along her journey through Irada.

#### Ichiro

Main article: Ichiro
Ichiro is a Guzzlord shifter, as such, Team Meta has great interest in him, allowing him to infiltrate the group, though he is turned against the player during the story. Unlike Nick, he has some control over his Ultra Beast form, though Jennifer does note that he may have gone overboard with his attack on Team Meta.

#### Kyrie

Main article: Kyrie
Kyrie is the Gym Leader of Seuaville City, and is an Altaria shifter. Outside of that, she is a pilot who flies commercial airliners in Irada's largest airport.

#### Diego

Main article: Diego (Irada)
Diego is a Carracosta shifter, and is a veteran retired gym leader, formerly of Riverbridge City. He shows up in Riverbridge, after Jennifer defeats Champion Kerry. He originally hails from Paldea, which he and his family emigrated from years prior.

#### Kris

Main article: Kris (Irada)
Kris is a traveling trainer originally from the Johto region, and a Suicune shifter. She appears, along with her friend Gold in Iquarrel Town, in the post-game as a bonus trainer after Jennifer defeats Champion Kerry.