As soon as Summer stepped into Dremwood Forest, he found Hatterene already waiting for him, her expectant gaze practically shining with curiosity—as if to say: Summer, what gift do you have for me?
"Did you sense it in advance?" Summer chuckled helplessly, holding up a finger. "Well, either way, let's start by making some Max Soup for you."
Soup?
Hatterene narrowed her eyes, scanning Summer's emotions.
Without a doubt, they were filled with pure kindness—which meant Max Soup was something beneficial for her.
"Hatterene!"
She nodded, her smile elegant. Alright, then! I'll look forward to it!
From what Summer had researched, Max Soup was fairly simple to make.
All it required was three Max Mushrooms, chopped and boiled in water until a crimson mist formed over the pot.
Technically, the soup didn't need any extra ingredients to work.
But… it was bitter, which meant some Pokémon might refuse to drink it.
The solution? Mix in their favorite food.
So, Summer chose to add Rindo Berries and Roseli Berries—two of Hatterene's favorites.
Hatterene nodded in approval as she watched him drop the berries into the pot. Rindo Berries and Roseli Berries? Even if he boiled a leather shoe with them, it would still be delicious.
After about fifteen minutes, wisps of crimson steam began rising through the cracks of the pot's lid, swirling together into a scarlet cloud.
Summer turned to Hatterene. "Alright, it's ready. Just be careful—it's still hot."
"Hatterene~"
She puffed up her chest confidently, waving a clawed hand dismissively. Summer, let me show you the results of my training in Misty Lake!
She extended her claws, lifting the Max Soup into the air with Psychic energy.
At the same time, a glowing orb of healing water formed around her.
With a snap of her fingers, the healing water began spiraling around the pot, acting as a coolant, quickly lowering its temperature while producing gentle wisps of white steam.
Summer blinked. "Wait… Hatterene, are you using a healing move to cool down the pot?"
"Hatterene~"
She smirked, clearly pleased with herself. Of course! A move's use isn't limited to just battles! Mystic Fire can be used for cooking, and Psychic can make me fly—I'm even faster than Corviknight now!
"That's pretty smart," Summer praised, genuinely impressed. "You're always growing, Hatterene."
At that, her gaze softened.
She let out a quiet hum, as if making a decision, then floated toward Summer—and, without hesitation, wrapped an arm around his waist before pressing her cheek against his face, rubbing affectionately.
Mm, mm! I work really hard too! Not just Milotic! So, let me have my moment to be spoiled!
"Bo!"
Nearby, Ogerpon fidgeted restlessly, eyes darting between Summer and Hatterene.
After witnessing both Milotic and Hatterene being pampered, she wanted to join in too—but with her small size, the best she could do was rub against Summer's leg…
That wasn't enough!
Ogerpon looked around and suddenly spotted Rillaboom, who was calmly observing with his arms crossed.
Her eyes lit up. Target acquired!
"Rill?"
Rillaboom turned just in time to see Ogerpon poking him repeatedly, her tiny hands gesturing at Summer and Hatterene.
It took him all of two seconds to understand what she wanted.
Oh. She wants to be carried so she can cuddle Summer too?
Easy.
Without a word, Rillaboom scooped Ogerpon up with one hand, walked over to Summer, pried his arm open, and stuffed Ogerpon into his arms.
Summer, still wondering what Rillaboom was up to, barely had time to react before—
SMUSH!
Ogerpon pressed her tiny face against his chest, mimicking Hatterene, her mask emanating a faint citrus-like fragrance.
Rillaboom gave Summer a "good luck" look before stepping back.
Meanwhile, Hatterene and Ogerpon locked eyes—and suddenly, it turned into a contest.
Who could snuggle Summer more aggressively?
A mix of elegant floral scents and refreshing citrus flooded Summer's nose as he struggled to keep up with the unexpected onslaught of affection.
Then—
Zap!
A sudden shock ran through his body, leaving him lightheaded and numb.
[Hatterene has learned Nuzzle.]
"…Hatterene?"
She froze, eyes widening in shock.
She quickly pulled away, concern flashing across her face.
Did I just… accidentally paralyze Summer?!
"Are you okay?!"
Summer shook himself out of the paralysis with sheer willpower. "I'm fine… Hatterene, I think you just learned a new move—Nuzzle. It's a weak physical move, but it guarantees paralysis."
Hatterene's expression darkened.
She crossed her arms, clearly displeased. Tch. Like hell I'm using that on anyone besides you!
Then, she let out a deep breath, floating back down. "Hatterene…"
As long as Summer's okay, it's fine. But still… that scared me.
"I told you, it's fine," Summer reassured her, smiling. "I'm a lot tougher than you think."
Hatterene hesitated, then finally relaxed, nodding.
"Rill."
Rillaboom coughed lightly, drawing their attention back to the floating pot.
Oh—right. In the chaos, Hatterene had lost control, and the pot had nearly crashed to the ground.
Thankfully, Rillaboom had caught it just in time.
Summer sighed in relief. "We almost forgot the actual reason we came here—Hatterene, you haven't even had your Max Soup yet!"
He crouched down and set Ogerpon back on the ground, patting her head. "That's enough for today, okay?"
Ogerpon nodded seriously, realizing she had pushed it a bit far.
Meanwhile, Hatterene lifted the pot lid and peered inside.
The Max Soup was a rich crimson color, with hints of violet and brown, and in the center of the broth, a spiraling pattern had formed—exactly like the markings on the Max Mushrooms.
Summer nodded. "I guess rare items make rare foods."
Hatterene took a deep breath, then drank the entire pot in one gulp.
"So? Feel anything different?" Summer asked.
"Hatterene!"
Her eyes flashed, psychic powers trembling.
A surge of power flooded through her, coiling deep inside, waiting for the moment she'd need to release it.
She could already see it in her mind—her Ultra Gigantamax form.
A towering Goddess of Chaos, radiating pure destructive energy, her three tendrils crackling with divine lightning, bringing forth judgment upon the land.
Summer smirked. "Looks like you're ready."
Before leaving, he turned back and grinned.
"Oh, and Hatterene—get used to Electric-type energy. You'll need it if you want to unlock Heaven's Wrath."
Hatterene smirked.
Oh, don't worry, Summer—I'll make sure it's perfect.
(End of Chapter)