For example, you enter a battle like you have a few dozen times already. You are fighting the lunch lady or a deranged werewolf P.E. coach. But before you face your nightmare, a long forgotten friend drops down onto the screen.
You are confused at first but then you remember. It's the virtual pet you lost somewhere in 8th grade.
It tells you that it's very hungry. It last ate in 1996. It notices you have a snack and asks if you'd be willing to give it up.
Should you do it? That snack would be very helpful during the upcoming fight against your P.E. coach. But the pet did say it would give you something worthwhile in exchange...
I won't ruin the surprise here by telling you what you get.