Dreamwood Forest.
Hatterene was enjoying a peaceful afternoon tea, hosted by Polteageist and Sinistcha.
For a Pokémon with a sweet tooth like Hatterene, nothing could be more delightful than pairing honey-sweet berries with the rich, fragrant aroma of fine tea.
Of course, it had also invited some of its newfound friends—Pokémon that had recently settled in Dreamwood Forest.
A cheerful Milcery clung to an entire Roseli Berry, happily savoring its sweetness. It didn't mind at all when the other Pokémon occasionally scooped up some of its whipped cream—since its body was still unstable, the cream it produced carried the berry's unique fragrance.
A Galarian Rapidash gently sipped its tea, its fluffy, shimmering mane swaying in the breeze. The tranquil energy of the forest soothed its spirit, allowing it to gather its psychic energy with ease.
A bouncing Tandemaus was curiously sniffing around. With their heightened sense of smell, they found the scent of this place comforting—such a rare occurrence that it had convinced them to settle here.
A lively Aromatisse twirled gracefully, releasing a delicate perfume that added an elegant touch to the gathering. It had chosen to stay in Dreamwood Forest because Hatterene appreciated its scent—unlike other Pokémon, who always ran away whenever it experimented with new perfume mixtures.
A Jigglypuff stood at the center, singing its heart out, elated that—for the first time—its audience wasn't immediately falling asleep. (Unbeknownst to it, Hatterene had discreetly set up a Misty Terrain to prevent drowsiness.)
Beside it, a Kirlia danced along to the melody, its movements graceful and poised, basking in the joyful emotions surrounding it.
Originally, Hatterene had considered inviting the mushroom Pokémon of the forest as well, but they were more interested in eating fallen leaves than drinking tea. So, in the end, they hadn't attended.
"Yo, Hatterene! Looks like you're having quite the party."
A familiar voice called out, and Hatterene turned to see Summer approaching with Rillaboom by his side.
Hatterene beamed. This tranquil, joyful life—surrounded by friends—was something it had always dreamed of. And it was all thanks to Summer.
"Shacha~!"
A Sinistcha floated over, swirling the tea inside its cup and offering it to Summer with enthusiasm.
"Thanks. I'll take a sip."
Truthfully, Summer hesitated. Sinistcha's tea was known to drain the drinker's energy, but refusing would seem rude. Holding the base of the cup, he took a small sip.
"…I see. The aroma is quite unique."
He nodded in approval, realizing why some daring gourmets risked their lives just to sample it.
Sinistcha's little face beamed with pride. Hah! Take that, you matcha-blasphemers! We just got a direct compliment from Summer himself!
Summer chuckled but soon shifted to a more serious expression.
"Actually, I came to find you for something, Hatterene. Here—look at this."
He set down his backpack and pulled out a gleaming, ancient stone tablet.
The moment the Fairy Plate appeared, every Fairy-type Pokémon in the area turned their gaze toward it, eyes sparkling with excitement—much like how a Garchomp might react upon spotting a Carbink.
Hatterene gasped, covering its mouth with its claw.
"This is the Fairy Plate," Summer explained. "I think you'd be the perfect one to safeguard it. Will you accept it, Hatterene?"
Hatterene suddenly turned away, its cheeks flushing pink as it shyly waved its claws in excitement.
Then, Summer heard a voice directly in his mind.
"To bestow such a precious treasure… Could this be a human's way of proposing? How unexpectedly bold of you, Summer~."
Summer froze.
Rillaboom scratched its head, watching his trainer's face cycle through shock, exasperation, and despair. Was this the first time Summer had ever been thrown off like this?
Shutting his eyes, Summer pressed his fingers against his forehead and answered in his thoughts.
"It's not a proposal. Where are you even learning this kind of nonsense? And for the record, Milotic has a similar Plate—our relationship is perfectly normal."
"Oh? Milotic has one too? My, my… Such a charming gentleman~."
…
"Fine, fine. I was just teasing you," Hatterene giggled. "But I truly am grateful. So, then… shall we?"
It pointed toward Summer's belt, specifically at the Poké Balls fastened there.
"…Hatterene, are you sure?" Summer asked seriously. "I'm entrusting this Plate to you because I believe in you—nothing more."
Hatterene reached out a claw, gesturing at the lively tea party around them.
"Can you see, Summer? My dream was always to have friends. And now, that dream has come true."
"So, I want to go with you—to walk alongside you from now on."
"…I understand."
Raising a Poké Ball, Summer gently tapped it against Hatterene's hat-like head. With a bright flash of light, the Fairy-type was drawn into the sphere. A soft chime sounded—signifying a successful capture.
Then, without hesitation, Summer released it back into the open air.
After all, every Pokémon he had ever caught lived freely.
"Ah! How fascinating! Oooh, this is what the inside of a Poké Ball feels like? Such a curious sensation~!"
Hatterene immediately began chatting excitedly, overflowing with childlike curiosity.
Summer smiled. Yeah… that's definitely the Hatterene I know.
Since it was officially his Pokémon now, he decided to check its stats. As he focused on Hatterene, lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[Hatterene: Psychic/Fairy-type Pokémon. Ability: Magic Bounce. Potential Abilities: Hyper Perception (Activated), Healer, Heaven's Wrath.]
[Hyper Perception – Nothing Escapes Me.]
Effect: Gains extraordinary sensory abilities. The stronger the emotions felt, the wider the perception radius. Psychic-type moves receive a power boost.
So that's Hatterene's unique ability? Summer was surprised. I always thought strong Psychic-types naturally had this kind of power.
[Healer – I Can't Stand Watching Others in Pain.]
Condition: Master three different healing moves.
Effect: Grants the Healer ability, allowing the user to occasionally cure allies' status conditions.
[Heaven's Wrath – A Thunderous Divine Judgment.]
Condition: Master Thunderbolt and awaken the power of Gigantamaxing.
Effect: Psychic-type moves may inflict paralysis or confusion. Small chance to summon a natural lightning strike.]
Summer blinked. Wait… Hatterene can't even learn Thunderbolt, can it?
This feels oddly familiar—like how Milotic unlocked an ability it wasn't supposed to have.
Still, the effect was undeniably powerful. Paralysis and confusion? Plus a random lightning strike? That was absurd.
Finally, he glanced at Hatterene's move list.
[Moves: Psychic, Psybeam, Confusion, Calm Mind, Heal Pulse, Psycho Cut, Psychic Terrain, Spirit Break, Dark Pulse, Dazzling Gleam, Moonblast, Misty Terrain, Charm, Magic Powder, Energy Ball.]
Just then, the Forest Assistant's voice echoed in his mind.
[Conditions met. Power sufficient. Type alignment verified. Would you like to appoint Hatterene as the Lord of Dreamwood Forest?]
Summer looked at the joyful Hatterene, still admiring its Fairy Plate.
If Hatterene agreed, then Sunset Forest would gain another powerful guardian—one as strong as the noble Milotic of Misty Lake.
[Region: Dreamwood Forest. Lord's Aura: Dreamwood Blessing. Fairy-type moves used within the domain receive a power boost. Additionally, there is a small chance to nullify enemy attacks. The Lord gains a greater boost than others.]
"Hatterene, there's one more thing I'd like to ask you," Summer said.
Hatterene turned toward him with an attentive expression. Summer then explained what it meant to be a Lord, using Milotic as an example to help it better understand the role.
"Hatterene!"
Its eyes gleamed with certainty—becoming a Lord? How could it refuse!
First, it would gain greater strength, allowing it to better protect its friends. Plus, Summer mentioned that a Lord's power could also enhance the strength of others.
As for restrictions, Hatterene felt none. This was its home, where all of its friends lived. It was already a Pokémon born and raised in Sunset Forest—if anyone dared to harm it, it would be the first to take action.
And besides, if it became a Lord, wouldn't that make it the same as Nana? If that were the case, then surely it wouldn't refuse an invitation to a tea party next time!
Seeing Hatterene's eager acceptance, Summer didn't hesitate any longer. He reached out and placed his hand on Hatterene's claw, silently acknowledging its appointment as the Lord of Dreamwood Forest.
A brilliant pink light flared from his palm. Hatterene felt an incredible sensation washing over its entire body. Within this forest, it was now the absolute presence. This newfound ability to sense everything freely—it truly was the Witch of the Forest now.
[Dreamwood Forest has gained a new Lord: Hatterene. You have received the item: Mistbloom Seed.][Mistbloom: A flower that thrives in dim environments. It emits a faint mist with a disorienting effect to protect itself.]
[You have received the item: Moonlight Grass Seed.][Moonlight Grass: A nocturnal plant that glows with a soft, moon-like radiance. It is favored by Pokémon associated with the moon.]
[You have received the item: Startear Seed.][Startear: A tiny, luminescent plant loved by Psychic-type Pokémon. It is said to originate from beyond the skies.]
[You have received the item: Furo Fruit Sapling.][Furo Fruit: A berry loved by Psychic Pokémon. It is said to expand when living beings approach, earning it the nickname 'Mind-Reading Fruit.' The rounder the fruit, the juicier and sweeter it is, making it a popular crop in urban areas.]
[You have received the TM: Mistburst (One-time use). Expends all stamina to unleash a powerful mist explosion. The move is stronger when used in Misty Terrain.]
[You have received 5 Comet Shards.][Comet Shard: Rare fragments that fall to the earth when a comet passes by. They are highly valuable and rumored to enhance certain Pokémon's power.]
[You have received the item: Psychic Tablet.][Psychic Tablet: A fragment of a colossal stone slab infused with immense psychic energy. It enhances the power of Psychic-type moves when held.]
[Dreamwood Forest has expanded its territory following Hatterene's ascension as its Lord.]
Summer nodded. As expected, the rewards for becoming a Lord were as lavish as ever. These plant seeds, in particular, all carried a mystical quality. Planting some would make this forest feel even more like a dreamscape.
Then there was the Psychic Tablet… Perhaps he was getting used to encountering these now, because he no longer felt as surprised as before. Its power suited Hatterene well, but he decided to let it adjust to its new role before offering it.
Meanwhile, Hatterene was marveling at how Dreamwood Forest had suddenly expanded. Though it had felt something similar before, experiencing it in its own home was an entirely different feeling.
"Hatterene, one last thing. Let's make Dreamwood Forest even more dreamlike," Summer said with a smile.
"Hatterene?"
Hatterene tilted its head in curiosity. Make Dreamwood Forest even more dreamlike? Hmm… Was he planning to bring in a few Munna?
After explaining the plants to Hatterene and the other tea party guests, they all eagerly agreed. Summer was right—these plants really did have an ethereal charm to them.
And so, they joined in on the planting. Among them, no one was happier than Rillaboom—it felt just like the carefree days of its youth.
Mistbloom, Moonlight Grass, and Startear were scattered throughout Dreamwood Forest. The dim environment suited their growth perfectly.
Summer did, however, make sure to control the number of Mistblooms—planting too many would turn Dreamwood Forest into something more like a delirium forest.
As for his ability Bountiful Touch, he decided to save it for last—to accelerate the growth of a Furo Fruit tree.
The deep purple fruits soon hung in abundance from the branches. Even for non-Psychic Pokémon, their tart-sweet taste was irresistible. And what better reward after a hard day's work?
Sharing the Furo Fruit with all the Pokémon, Summer watched as each one smiled in delight. Hatterene, too, plucked one from the tree and took a small bite.
The joy in the air. The warmth of friendship. The comfort of home.
Savoring the moment, Hatterene devoured the rest of the fruit in one go.
Yes—now, it truly understood the meaning of being a Lord.
Its existence was to protect this—this precious, irreplaceable beauty.
—
At the entrance of Sunset Forest, a cloaked Pokémon twirled a fan in its hand. Beside it stood two others—one was a dark-feathered bird with a hat-like crest, the other a feline Pokémon with gleaming, sharp claws.
Behind them, the sky and ground were shrouded in a looming darkness.
The leader of the trio elegantly waved its fan.
A forest so enchanting that Pokémon enter and never wish to leave…
Surely, it must be abundant in food.
Then we shall take it for ourselves.
(To be continued…)