Summary
Riko’s first wild Pokémon, Hatenna, is a perfect match for her empathetic personality, as they are both sensitive to the emotions of others. Hatenna’s ability allows Riko to understand Pokémon’s emotions, which can be useful in resolving conflicts without resorting to violence. Riko’s challenge will be to find a balance between empathy for others and standing up for herself, with Hatenna’s help understanding this.
Pokémon Horizon took its time allowing its heroes to catch new Pokémon, but all the waiting paid off, as Riko’s first wild-caught Pokémon happened to be a perfect match for the girl. Always consider other people’s feelings above your own.
Episode #21 of Pokémon Horizons features Friede, Riko, and Roy on their way to investigate a mine in Galar where Black Rayquaza is said to have been sighted, but a sudden rainstorm sends them scrambling for cover. While waiting for the storm to pass, the team encounters a Hatenna who is also taking shelter, but this Hatenna seems a bit lost, making Riko worried. Riko rushes to bring the small Pokémon to the spaceship in hopes of having the ship’s doctor Molly examine it. Molly informed Hatenna of being in good physical health, but something still seemed to be troubling the Pokémon, which were known to be particularly sensitive to strong emotions.
Hatenna’s abilities match Riko’s empathy
As seen in the previous episode, when Riko retreated from battle because she wanted her opponent to win and feel good, Riko is very sensitive to the wishes and feelings of others, just like Hatenna. Hatenna wanders around on the airship and comes across a small argument and a bit of grumbling, both of which are hard to bear. When Riko finally finds Hatenna, she explains that the airship initially left her a bit overwhelmed as well, surrounded by strangers with strong emotions. Hatenna is known to like people with calm personalities, a description that fits Riko to a T.
Hatenna steers Riko toward a new goal: understanding Pokémon’s emotions, a goal that couldn’t be more different than Roy’s dream. It’s certainly a valuable skill when it comes to caring for or interacting with Pokémon, and Hatenna’s ability will certainly come in handy when trying to do this. Often in Pokémon, conflicts arise due to lack of understanding, so in that sense, this goal can be extremely useful in resolving conflicts without resorting to violence. As Riko demonstrated with the Titan Arboliva, even when violence has been introduced into the equation, making an effort to understand one’s enemy can still help find a peaceful solution.
Working with Hatenna will be a challenge for Riko, although perhaps not like most coaches. Riko and Hatenna both empathize with the feelings of others, but sometimes caring for others’ feelings can put oneself in a difficult position, such as when there is a lot at stake, e.g. like when fighting the Adventurers. With dangerous people after her, Riko will have to find a careful balance between empathy for others and standing up for herself, and Hatenna is in an excellent position to help Riko understand this. That’s another way Pokémon Horizon has become different from its predecessor series, and it will be interesting to see how Hatenna and Riko’s relationship develops as the series moves forward.
