Deep in Eternal Forest, Ursaluna was training a small Teddiursa.
The last time Team Rocket invaded, the little one had been terrified—despite being so fearless when it came to food.
So, Ursaluna decided to help it grow stronger. Strength brings courage.
Although Ursaluna had changed, now fighting with its psychic abilities, it still remembered its past—how it had once been a Teddiursa, then an Ursaring, and finally a leader.
It knew how to become strong.
"Yo, Ursaluna! Didn't expect to see you playing teacher!" Summer greeted as he walked over.
"Urgh," Ursaluna rumbled, giving a sheepish grin.
It wasn't just for training. Truthfully, it had selfish reasons too—it had been so long since it had last seen one of its own kind.
Now that it had, it wanted to protect it.
Nearby, Teddiursa's big, teary eyes glistened as it tried to plead for help.
Teacher Ursaluna was too strict! He was so gentle most of the time—why was training different?!
Summer chuckled. "That won't work on me."
Next to him, Ogerpon puffed up her chest proudly.
Of course it won't work! Summer is surrounded by adorable Pokémon every day—he's totally immune!
Summer smiled. "Ursaluna, I came to thank you. You single-handedly took down an entire Team Rocket unit."
Ursaluna scratched its head, looking bashful. That was nothing. I just hate those who try to destroy our home.
Last time, its kindness had made it weak—and because of that, it had transformed into this form.
But now, it wouldn't hesitate anymore. If someone tried to invade again, it would crush them all.
Summer grinned. "Then this power is perfect for you."
Ursaluna blinked. Suddenly, it felt new energy awaken within itself—
Moonblast.
It could now wield the power of mystic moonlight against its enemies.
"Moonblast suits you, doesn't it?" Summer chuckled. "Oh, and this is for you—something from your homeland."
He opened his hand, revealing a small lump of black coal, its texture rough like earth.
Ursaluna stared at it, stunned—
Then, tears welled up in its eyes.
It began to sob.
"Ursaa…!"
Seeing Ursaluna cry, Teddiursa panicked, waving its little paws in an attempt to comfort its teacher.
Summer gently stopped it. "It's okay, Teddiursa. Let it cry. It's seeing its old home again."
Ursaluna wept for half a minute, then wiped its eyes, taking deep breaths to calm down.
Then, it turned to Summer, eyes filled with gratitude.
I'll remember my past—but I'll also live in the present. Sunset Forest is my home now.
Summer nodded. "This little one was really worried about you just now. You two have a strong bond—I'm sure, with your guidance, it'll grow into a great Pokémon someday."
He placed the coal in Ursaluna's paw.
"So, let this be Teddiursa's now. On a certain full moon night, it will gain a new power."
Ursaluna was deeply moved.
Summer really does understand me.
It turned to Teddiursa with a smile.
"Alright, Teddiursa. Starting today, we're doubling your training."
Teddiursa's expression froze in horror.
What?!
Shouldn't this be a moment of kindness?! Shouldn't training decrease, not increase?!
"…But the honey reward doubles too."
Teddiursa immediately perked up, its eyes blazing with determination.
"Four times the training! A Teddiursa never surrenders—unless there's unlimited honey!"
Summer chuckled. "Ursaluna, you really know how to negotiate."
"By the way, Ursaluna," Summer said, "I don't know the Eternal Forest residents that well.
Any Pokémon here who'd benefit from an Evolution Stone?"
Ursaluna pondered for a moment.
After Team Rocket's attack, many Pokémon had started to trust it more—so it knew exactly who to pick.
Ten minutes later, it returned with two Pokémon: Vulpix and Lampent.
Summer nodded. "Good choices. They evolve with Fire Stones and Dusk Stones."
But then he hesitated.
Fire-types always made him a little uneasy—after all, he was a Ranger.
But…
He took a deep breath.
"You're both here because you want to protect this forest, right?"
Vulpix and Lampent nodded firmly.
"Then I won't doubt you."
"But you have to remember: Fire Safety is important. No exceptions."
The Pokémon around them suddenly remembered—
Oh yeah… Summer's a Ranger…
Vulpix touched the Fire Stone, its golden fur glowing brightly as it transformed into Ninetales, its aura now elegant and mysterious.
Lampent, on the other hand, absorbed the Dusk Stone, morphing into Chandelure, its purple flames dancing coldly in the air.
Summer nodded.
"Ninetales, if you want to train your Psychic moves, go find Hatterene in Dremwood Forest."
"Chandelure, if you want to sharpen your Ghost moves, train with Trevenant."
"You may all live in different parts of the forest—but in the end, you're all family. I'm sure they'll be happy to help."
Both Pokémon nodded in understanding.
Meanwhile, in Snowy Forest, Summer helped a Piloswine master Ancient Power, allowing it to evolve into a Mamoswine—adding a new powerhouse to their ranks.
He also gifted an Ice Stone to a Galarian Darmanitan—but before it could use it, a group of Galarian Darumaka started fighting over it.
In the chaos, an Alolan Vulpix managed to snatch it, evolving into an Alolan Ninetales.
After all the power shifts, the Snowy Forest now had five factions constantly fighting for dominance.
In Rainforest, Summer found Cyclizar training alongside Crabrawler and Charjabug.
After seeing their dedication, he offered them Evolution Stones.
Without hesitation, they accepted.
Cyclizar watched proudly as Crabrawler evolved into Crabominable, and Charjabug became Vikavolt.
However—
Almost immediately, Crabominable started sweating profusely.
The Rainforest was too hot for its thick fur.
So, with a determined wave, it set off for Snowy Forest—
But before leaving, it turned back.
"If you ever come to Snowy Forest, Cyclizar—look for me!"
Cyclizar nodded, watching its friend disappear into the distance.
Summer sighed.
"…Snowy Forest isn't about to have another power struggle, right?"
(End of Chapter)