In Dreamwood Forest, faint electric sparks flickered in the darkness, illuminating Hatterene's pale face as they danced along her cheeks.
"Muu…"
No matter how much she tried to adapt to electric energy, she couldn't feel any significant improvement. At most, her Nuzzle had reached the strength of a weak Thundershock.
Her expression showed disappointment.
Summer had told her that if she mastered Thunder, her power would increase dramatically. But right now, she couldn't even manage Thunderbolt, let alone Thunder.
"Muu!"
There was only one person she could rely on—Summer. If anyone could help her figure this out, it was him!
"You're such a strong and kind child, Ogerpon…"
Marnie's voice wavered as she listened to Summer recounting Ogerpon's past.
Losing its closest companions, being misunderstood, rejected, and forced to survive alone for so long… No wonder she was so attached to Summer.
Back in Spikemuth, there had been some prejudice against outsiders, but at least people would help those in need. That was thanks to her brother Piers and Gideon's efforts.
Thankfully, Spikemuth hadn't turned into a place like Kitakami.
And now, things were changing for the better. That was because of Summer.
He always helped people. He always helped Pokémon.
That was why…
"Ponyo~!"
Ogerpon popped up on the screen, flashing a big, cheerful grin.
No need to be sad for me, Marnie! I've already thrown away all those bad memories!
Marnie let out a soft chuckle.
"You're really such a sweet kid, Ogerpon… Once I get back, I'm gonna give you the biggest hug!"
Summer placed a hand on Ogerpon's head, smiling.
"Of course. Ogerpon's always been a good girl. By the way, Marnie, how's your preparation for your last Gym Challenge going?"
Marnie smirked confidently.
"Well, of course, I plan on winning it in style. I gotta be fully prepared, though. Raihan's no joke—he's got Dragon-types and is a master of weather tactics."
"Not to mention, it's a Double Battle."
"So, I'm heading to the desert for some special training. You better look forward to my match!"
"Yeah," Summer nodded seriously. "I'll be watching."
Ogerpon blinked between them.
Wait… wasn't Summer the one who was always over-preparing for battles?
Had Marnie started acting like him too?!
"Anyway, time for training," Marnie stretched. "I'll see you next time, Summer."
As the call ended, her usual calm expression returned.
"Pokémon that can control others… how dangerous…"
She leaned back in her chair, thinking about Summer's latest encounters.
"The photographer, Perrin? I've met her before, she's alright.
Nessa… seems like a beautiful girl, but a bit too forceful. I'm definitely the gentler one.
Carmine? She seems more focused on her brother, Kieran.
Lacey… No problems there. Actually, Summer thinks she's irresponsible. And yeah, she really just left her students behind—what kind of teacher does that?!
And that Fairy-type girl, Briar… She's too unpredictable. But she's more interested in Ogerpon than Summer, right…?"
Marnie suddenly froze.
Wait.
Why was she only thinking about the women Summer had met?
Her cheeks warmed slightly.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself.
"…So what if that's the case? I won't lose in terms of charm!"
"Summer, are you free now?"
Just as Summer finished the call, Hatterene's voice echoed in his mind.
She had actually been waiting outside for a while, but didn't want to interrupt his conversation.
Now that he was done, she finally spoke up.
"Yeah, what's up, Hatterene?"
She hesitated for a moment, then admitted,
"I want to learn Thunder… but I can't even strengthen Nuzzle, let alone produce actual lightning. Do you have any advice?"
Summer blinked.
His Pokémon were really hardworking…
If that was the case, then he had to give her proper guidance!
Standing up, he stepped outside.
Hatterene looked at him expectantly.
"Alright, Hatterene. First, show me your Nuzzle."
"Muu."
Electric sparks flickered on her cheeks. As expected, it was too weak.
The key wasn't producing electricity—it was mastering it.
"I have an idea. Let's head to Misty Lake."
Hatterene exchanged glances with Rillaboom and Ogerpon.
Misty Lake? Were they going to ask Milotic for help?
Wouldn't it make more sense to find Morpeko?
Wait—did Milotic know Electric-type moves?!
At Misty Lake, Milotic was happy to help.
But she was also confused.
"I don't know Thunder, though," she pointed out.
Summer chuckled. "That's fine. I just need you to use Rain Dance."
Hatterene's eyes widened.
Oh.
So that's why they needed Milotic—because her Rain Dance was the strongest in the entire forest.
The thicker the storm clouds, the stronger the lightning.
But… Summer wanted her to control lightning using her psychic powers?
"Exactly," Summer confirmed.
"You're not an Electric-type, Hatterene. You're a Psychic-type. So why fight that? Use your strengths—control the storm with your mind."
"Summon the electricity. Gather it into one point. And let it fall as your weapon."
Hatterene's eyes shone.
"I see… Alright, Milotic! Let's begin!"
Milotic let out a soft song, and within moments, the sky was shrouded in heavy clouds.
Lightning flickered above.
Thunder rumbled across the lake.
Rain poured down.
Hatterene closed her eyes, focusing her mind.
She could feel it.
The static in the air.
The chaotic charges clashing inside the clouds.
Her body began to glow soft pink.
Come to me.
The storm responded.
Fall.
With a deafening crack, a bolt of pure lightning tore through the sky, slamming into the ground like a divine spear.
A blinding flash illuminated the entire area.
As the dust settled, a scorched mark was left behind.
Hatterene opened her eyes, her expression lit with excitement.
She had done it.
[Hatterene learned Thunder.]
Summer smiled. "Great work, Hatterene. Now you just need to perfect it. That new power of yours… it won't disappoint you."
Hatterene turned to Milotic.
"So… I can stay here and train?"
Milotic smirked.
"Of course. Until you master Thunder… this rain will not stop."
(End of Chapter)