Fathead Cat
Alolan Persian@Darkinium Z
Timid nature
Fur Coat
252 Sp. Atk/252 Speed/4 HP
~Nasty Plot
~Dark Pulse
~Power Gem
~Parting Shot
Alolan Persian was a big surprise, both in design and in usability. Basically, this here is kind of a sweeper that can make an exit if it needs to, help set up for its replacement. Nasty Plot to boost stats. Dark Pulse for STAB. Power Gem for coverage. Parting Shot when you know it's time to bring in something else, maybe save Persian for later.
Item has multiple possible uses. Switch in on Sticky Web, need that Speed back? Z-Nasty Plot. Need a one-time nuke to take out a powerful foe? Turn Dark Pulse into Black Hole Eclipse. Need to heal up a teammate? Z-Parting Shot. Very versatile. Ability gives Persian some physical bulk.
Other options:
*Swift on standard Persian is an attractive option with Technician, but it also gets Hyper Voice- same base power when all is said and done, and it also hits through Substitutes.
*Speaking of standard Persian, it can run a Nasty Plot set with Hyper Voice, Water Pulse, Thunderbolt, Power Gem, Icy Wind- whatever moves it needs. Works pretty well with Technician. Not the best, but it's a thing that can be done.
*Alolan Persian gets Snarl. Could work pretty well with Fur Coat to give it bulk on both sides.
Abilities:
*Limber: Persian can't be paralyzed. Definitely not a bad option for something that so depends on its Speed, but it can do better than that. Standard Persian only.
*Fur Coat: Persian takes half damage from physical attacks, effectively doubling its Defense. This is generally what you want on your Persian, so it can take physical hits. Alolan Persian only.
*Technician: Persian's moves with a base power of 60 or lower are 50% stronger. This is a very good Ability any way you slice it. Its's the best you got for standard Persian, but Alolan Persian prefers Fur Coat generally. Available on both kinds of Persian.
*Unnerve: Persian's Hidden Ability. When Persian is in battle, its opponents cannot eat their held berries. Ehhhh... Standard Persian only.
*Rattled: Alolan Persian's Hidden Ability. When Persian is hit by a Bug, Ghost, or Dark move, its Speed goes up one stage. Not much of an improvement over Unnerve, honestly, considering Persian isn't really in need of a Speed increase. Alolan Persian only.
Partners:
Anything that could use Wish support would appreciate Alolan Persian as a teammate. Anything that wants a nice, safe switch-in? Persian's Parting Shot can make that happen.
Counters:
Fur Coat doesn't do crap for Persian's Special Defense, so fast special attackers are something it won't appreciate. Special Pheromosa comes to mind- outspeeds and almost certainly OHKOs with Bug Buzz.
Opinion:
As far as standard Persian goes, I've always thought it was OK. Always preferred Meowth in terms of design. Alolan Persian, on the other hand, I took an immediate and instant liking to it as soon as I saw it. Very cool design, it's awesome in battle, easily one of my favorite Alola Forms.
Prediction for next week:
Nihilego.