[ And that someone will be receiving a 'hey' in PokéSpeak from Mokona alongside a 'look up here'. Clearly it's okay to talk over their trainers. ]

I wish I knew. All I know is that everyone who comes to Johto is given a Pokémon partner. We're supposed to catch more Pokémon, train them, and take really good care of them. They're important friends and we rely on them for protection while we're here. People battle with them regularly for fun or sport and there's a gym challenge, too!