"Look, that's the tree I mentioned."
In Hikaru's memory, the most distinctive feature of Lostlorn Forest was the moss-covered hollow stump at the entrance. While iconic, it wasn't particularly good material. But now, the backpacker had led Hikaru to a cluster of tall trees intertwined with each other.
They were in the eastern sector of Lostlorn Forest.
A tranquil hidden grove.
[Festival Quest: The Hidden Hollow of Illusion]
[Description: Discover the source of the forest's unique powers! Though the illusions stem from Zoroark, this relatively small forest still possesses mysterious natural forces.]
[Rewards: Reveal Glass ×1, Lostlorn Forest Emblem ×1, Voice of Verdure ×1, Illusory Branch ×1]
Since the Connecting Tree had issued a quest, it meant this forest truly possessed borrowable power.
"This is excellent wood. Nature... lend me a little of it."
Sunlight flared from Hikaru's palm as he channeled Nature Power.
Nature would guide and aid in critical moments. Sometimes it would even bestow Berries.
The backpacker stared in disbelief. Then, a crack—a branch broke—but it was unclear where. Soon, a shimmering piece of timber appeared in a hollow within the grove.
"This?!"
The backpacker's eyes went wide in shock!
It was as if the forest had come to life—was it… communicating with that human?
If so, then this human… was really weird. Incredibly weird.
Hikaru picked up the wood and sized it up. It would be perfect for crafting a Ukulele—a rare instrument that, to the untrained eye, might look like a guitar or bass. Many people even call basses "those weird guitars."
Then he slid the Silph Scope back onto his head.
Hmm… not as effective this time. The Silph Scope showed strange ripples, but couldn't detect dream rifts.
Well, that's fair. Silph Company may be green-skinned in spirit, but they can't block all future technological advancements.
Searching for dream rifts was a job for the Pokémon AR Searcher!
No room for amateur tech commentary!
Hikaru summoned Torterra and Riolu. As usual, the backpacker's instincts—Zoroark's instincts—sensed that something was unusual about these two Pokémon.
They were not normal.
Curious, the backpacker excitedly began observing them. When Hikaru looked over, the Zoroark disguised as a backpacker casually said,
"Don't be fooled by appearances—I'm actually a Pokémon Watcher!"
A Pokémon Watcher, like Professor Oak or Tracey from the anime, studies Pokémon habits, behaviors, and interactions across the world—recording valuable information that researchers deeply rely on.
As a genuine enthusiast, the backpacker began sketching Torterra and Riolu.
Hikaru noted how curious this Zoroark was—no wonder he looked down on the reclusive mother-and-child Zoroark pair in the forest. Compared to hiding, actively traveling and learning from the world was the better path.
Yes, traveling was a good thing. As the saying goes, "The best defense is a strong offense."
With Torterra and Riolu's help, the dream rift quickly manifested—wispy dream clouds representing the Lostlorn Forest's illusions began to spread.
Black mist flowed from Hikaru's fingertips, gradually devouring the dream energy. Perhaps due to the forest's smaller size, its awakening was much faster than that of Pinwheel Forest!
A smaller Forest Seal Stone emerged faintly, and just like in Pinwheel Forest, when a forest's secret is revealed, its guardian Pokémon appears!
With a thud, something big dropped out of the dream rift, startling the backpacker.
What a noise! He nearly lost his illusion disguise!
When he looked up—he saw…
A pink Heracross!
With the Moxie ability!
It was a female Heracross (you could tell from the horn shape). Her sharp eyes locked onto Hikaru, completely ignoring the backpacker behind him. But Hikaru's sunlight aura washed over her face.
There was no hostility—only a soothing warmth that calmed hearts. Combined with Hikaru's "Bug Friend" ability—while it didn't affect dream-born Shiny Pokémon, it did allow for proper communication and peaceful encounters.
The Blue Crystal on Hikaru's chest also had a calming effect, though it usually only glowed when danger was near. This time, it was an exception.
"Herra?"
Heracross had originally leapt out ready to battle, but suddenly lost the will to fight. However, when Hikaru pointed at the Forest Seal Stone, Heracross quickly stepped between him and the stone, staying alert.
"That stone—or rather, that tablet—what is it?"
The backpacker was stunned. The stone was hazy, half-real, half-illusory. He rubbed his eyes—he'd been through this forest many times and had never seen anything like this.
"It's a Forest Seal Stone—the forest's dream. These stones are its secrets, imbued with mystical power. Normally, they're completely invisible."
Hikaru didn't mind sharing the secret—after all, this backpacker was a Zoroark. Not a human. No risk of the secret being spread. In fact, he was more likely to protect it.
The backpacker's interest peaked. "So you're the unusual one here, huh?"
"Exactly. Defeat the guardian and receive the forest's gift." Hikaru turned to the backpacker. "Wanna try?"
"Ah, on second thought, maybe not!" The Zoroark, fearing his disguise would be broken, quickly declined.
Hikaru originally intended to solve things peacefully, but even after pacifying the guardian, it seemed that the stone's power couldn't be given up so easily. Just as he was about to send in Torterra, Heracross suddenly pointed at Hikaru.
"Herra Herra!"
She wasn't looking at Torterra or Riolu—she wanted Hikaru to fight her directly.
"You mean me?"
He pointed to himself, surprised.
So… this Pokémon wanted to wrestle with him?!
Some kind of tribal tradition?
Well, not unheard of. Drayden of Opelucid City wrestled with his Haxorus. Professor Kukui of Alola battled with Incineroar. Many Fighting-type Gym Leaders even engaged in physical combat, capable of deflecting Aura Spheres barehanded.
Hikaru figured he could handle it. His physical stats might already exceed those of most Gym Leaders.
After all, he had survived a punch from Landorus!
"Alright! Let's go!"
Hikaru accepted Heracross's challenge. She might've looked goofy, but the slight smirk curling her lips didn't escape the backpacker's sharp gaze.
Ha! Foolish human!
Everyone says I'm dumb, but I'm secretly a genius!
There's no way a human can overpower a Pokémon—especially one as strong as me!
And this guy looks like the honest, rule-following type… easy prey!
"I think this Heracross is plotting something shady," the backpacker muttered, eyeing her suspiciously. Heracross stiffened and stared straight ahead, avoiding eye contact.
"See! She's not even looking at me! Totally guilty!" the backpacker barked.
Hikaru chuckled. "Maybe she thinks if she defeats the trainer, she won't have to fight the Pokémon. That's fine—sometimes trainers need to get physical too. I've heard of that happening in other regions."
The backpacker narrowed his eyes. "Wait… don't tell me you're one of those wrestling-with-Pokémon freaks."
"But this is Heracross! She's strong! If she lifts you with that horn and tosses you, you could break your bones!"
"I'll be fine!" Hikaru limbered up while Torterra and Riolu transformed into bloodthirsty spectators, cheering him on like a fight club audience.
Heracross watched them in utter confusion.
Why aren't they stopping him? Aren't they worried?
Hmph! This is the fragile bond between dumb humans and Pokémon! That's not trust—it's stupidity!
Thumping her chest, Heracross felt absolutely confident. Then, as the breeze swept through the hollow grove, she lunged forward!
First strike! Megahorn—no, it's Push!
"She's using a move! That's cheating!" even the Zoroark disguised as a backpacker called it out.
But when Heracross rammed into Hikaru—
She slammed into a wall.
"Huh?!"
Heracross couldn't believe it. The collision didn't budge him. Worse—he was pushing back!
What the—what the hell is this guy?! Is he even human?!
"What strength! He's not human!" the backpacker gasped.
Heracross couldn't agree more. Compared to this monster, the disguised Zoroark looked more human!
Damn it—if this keeps up, I'll lose! Beaten by a human! What a nightmare!
"Herra!"
Feeling the danger, Heracross's eyes darted—she had a new idea!
Rules? What rules?! I'm a Pokémon—I make the rules!
Megahorn!
She lowered her body—her horn gleamed with power!
The backpacker shouted, "Watch out! She's using another move!"
"Herra~! (I do what I want!)"
She swung her horn, trying to flip Hikaru into the air!
If this works, I'll win no matter what!
But just as she tried—
Nothing.
She couldn't move.
Bound by an invisible force, Heracross's eyes widened in horror. Hikaru's voice echoed beside her:
"I'm a Psychic. If you use a move, I'm allowed to use psychic powers too!"
That was Calm Mind-based Psystrike!
While Hikaru couldn't use Telekinesis, Psystrike in ancient-enhanced form worked similarly—psychic pressure that could restrain and damage!
Sure, it took more effort—but it worked.
Of course, there was a difference—Telekinesis immobilizes, Psystrike crushes.
Heracross felt overwhelmed by invisible power—until Hikaru picked her up and threw her!
"Guwahhhhhh!!"
She screamed, flailing as she hit the ground hard.
Victory!
"A human beat a Pokémon at wrestling… You're a monster!" the backpacker gawked at Hikaru's freakish strength.
Seriously, the weirdos in Unova never stop coming. But strangely enough—those weirdos were often the most trustworthy. The ones who look kind… usually aren't.
Hikaru waved to his Pokémon. Riolu and Torterra roared their cheers. Heracross lay dazed on the ground, eyes wide, brain blank.
Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?
I lost… I lost… her thoughts spiraled in nonsense. Then she curled up in the corner, her coloring even seemed to turn white. Somewhere, a ding sounded.
"She's so depressed after losing to a human," the backpacker muttered.
Hikaru brought his Pokémon over and knelt to touch the Forest Seal Stone.
These stones couldn't be taken from their location, but they would grant blessings. Though theoretically, one could craft a replica and place it on Torterra's back…
[Acquired: Blessing of Lostlorn Forest]
[Description: The Forest Seal Stone contains power rooted in the divine might of VSTAR Heaven. Defeating the guardian has earned you its blessing. It can be passed on to a Pokémon attuned to heavenly power.]
[Torterra has gained a special power: Evolution Suppression! When facing unevolved Pokémon, damage is increased due to dominant pressure.]
The forest's blessing suited Torterra perfectly. It also drew power from the dream realm, nurturing the tiny Connecting Tree on his back. The three white stones began to emit a soft glow.
Hikaru had once tried to bestow Heaven's Might onto Torterra after the Pinwheel Forest blessing—but it hadn't worked.
Torterra couldn't accept heavenly power, even though his back stones were linked to sacred relics. But forest blessings could stack indefinitely.
Hikaru sighed.
It was Arceus's fault—for not giving Torterra a proper VSTAR card. Though… he vaguely remembered Torterra having a special mode. Maybe he just hadn't unlocked it yet.
(End of Chapter)
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