Liko's New Pokémon Discovery: A Match Made in Character Heaven!

Summary

Liko's first wild caught Pokémon, Hatenna, is a perfect match for her empathetic personality, as they both have a sensitivity to the emotions of others.

With Hatenna's assistance, Liko can comprehend the emotions of Pokémon, thereby facilitating conflict resolution without the need for violence. The primary struggle for Liko lies in striking a harmonious blend between empathizing with others and asserting her own needs, a task which Hatenna assists her in understanding.

In episode #21 of Pokémon Horizons, the heroes Friede, Liko, and Roy were heading to the mines of Galar to investigate the sighting of the Black Rayquaza. However, their plans were interrupted by a sudden rainstorm, forcing them to seek shelter. While waiting for the storm to pass, they stumbled upon a Hatenna seeking refuge, but Liko noticed that something was wrong with it. Concerned, Liko quickly took the Pokémon to the airship, hoping that the ship's doctor Molly could help. Although Molly determined that Hatenna was physically healthy, the Pokémon still appeared to be troubled, as it is highly attuned to strong emotions.

Hatenna's Ability Matches Liko's Empathy

In the previous episode, Liko displayed her sensitivity to the desires and emotions of others by intentionally withdrawing from a battle to let her opponent win and feel good. This trait is similar to Hatenna's, who also shares Liko's empathetic nature. While exploring the airship, Hatenna comes across a minor argument and some grumbling, both of which it struggles to cope with. After finally finding Hatenna, Liko explains that she initially found the airship overwhelming due to being surrounded by strangers with strong emotions. Hatenna, known for preferring individuals with calm dispositions, finds Liko to be a perfect match in this aspect.

Hatenna has now directed Liko towards a new objective: to comprehend the emotions of Pokémon. This goal starkly contrasts Roy's dream but proves to be an extremely valuable skill when it comes to caring for and interacting with Pokémon. Hatenna's abilities will undoubtedly aid Liko in achieving this objective. In the world of Pokémon, conflicts often arise due to a lack of understanding. Therefore, this goal can greatly contribute to resolving conflicts peacefully, without resorting to violence. As exemplified by Liko's involvement with the Titan Arboliva, even if violence has already become part of the equation, making an effort to understand one's enemy can still lead to a peaceful resolution.

Working with Hatenna presents a unique challenge for Liko, diverging from the typical experience of other trainers. Both Liko and Hatenna possess empathy towards others, but this empathy can sometimes create difficulties, especially in high-stakes situations like battling the Explorers. As Liko faces the threat of dangerous individuals pursuing her, striking a delicate balance between caring for others and asserting oneself becomes crucial. Fortunately, Hatenna's understanding nature enables Liko to navigate this complex dynamic. This dynamic sets Pokémon Horizons apart from its predecessor series and unveils an intriguing journey of growth in the evolving relationship between Hatenna and Liko.