"No, you must be Nessa," Summer finally decided to speak after a moment of thought.
"Uh, yes, that's right, I am Nessa."
"You were recognized! After all, Nessa is a Gym Leader and a famous model. It's only natural to be recognized," Coral nodded and said.
"That's only because you introduced me like that!" Nessa turned around and pinched Coral's cheek.
"Sorry, sorry, but you didn't refuse, did you, Little Nessa? I thought you liked it."
Nessa sighed silently, her multitude of thoughts converging into that single sigh, and she withdrew her hand.
"So, Summer, are you a fan of Nessa?" Coral suddenly asked.
"A fan? Not exactly. I've just seen her often enough to recognize her," Summer explained.
"Looks like you lost, Nessa."
"No way, not everyone can be my fan," Nessa's tone relaxed after Summer recognized her identity.
"So, Coral, you didn't come to Sunset Forest just to visit a friend, right?" Summer asked again.
"You should know my real purpose. I'm here to see the Queen and also to check if Sunset Forest has a lake!" Coral replied.
"I figured as much. Alright, I'll take you there. Don't get lost," Summer said as he turned to lead the way.
The purpose wasn't just Coral's; it was also Nessa's. As a Water-type Gym Leader, hearing about a powerful Water-type Pokémon was irresistible, especially if it was a Milotic, one of her favorite Pokémon.
Her fondness for Milotic was second only to her ace, Drednaw. Every time she thought of it, she was filled with motivation.
As they arrived at Misty Lake, both women were in awe of the magnificent body of water. As trainers who knew Water-type Pokémon well, they could tell that this place was perfect for Water Pokémon to live.
"There really is a lake, and such a large one at that. I thought it would be no bigger than a pond," Coral remarked.
"Yes, and the Pokémon here, like Slowpoke, Psyduck, Lotad, Magikarp, and Wingull, all seem so lively," Nessa said as she observed the Pokémon in the lake.
Honestly, this far exceeded her expectations. The lake gave her a comfortable feeling, and she was sure that the Water-type Pokémon living here were very happy.
"So, Summer, where is the Queen?" Coral asked, this being her ultimate goal for coming to Sunset Forest.
"At this time, Milotic is usually sleeping."
"Sleeping? Oh, the Queen has such a cute side? Well, there's nothing we can do then. Let's wait, Nessa!"
"Wait? I can't stay with you for too long. I have other work to do," Nessa hinted that she couldn't wait indefinitely.
At that moment, Milotic emerged from the lake, its ruby-like eyes looking at Summer. In reality, if Summer didn't visit, Milotic would mostly be sleeping. Who could resist a top-notch pillow?
"Queen! Do you remember me?" Coral waved her hand, her expression excited.
"Milooo~" Milotic nodded coolly at Coral, remembering her because of the important meeting with Summer.
"Great, you look even better than before. That's wonderful."
Nessa was stunned. This Milotic was indeed beautiful, but more importantly, its power was evident. Its aura was so strong that even her heart was moved.
Nessa prided herself on being the best Water-type trainer in Galar, but this Milotic was undoubtedly the strongest she had ever seen. She didn't want to admit it, but it was indeed stronger than her Drednaw.
Feeling such a sense of defeat upon meeting it was frustrating. Nessa, it seems you haven't given your all yet. You haven't reached your limit.
While Nessa was mentally preparing herself, Coral took out a Dive Ball and turned to Summer.
"Let's battle, Summer! I want to fight the Queen!"
"A battle?"
A battle?
Summer and Nessa asked aloud and in their minds respectively.
"What do you think, Milotic?" Summer asked.
Milotic nodded and gave Summer a look, agreeing. As long as it's a Water-type Pokémon, it doesn't need to fight to settle things.
"I understand. Then send out your Pokémon, Coral."
"Alright, go, Gyarados!"
Coral sent out her Gyarados, having once declared she would raise a Gyarados stronger than her grandfather's. Now she was ready to test its strength.
Gyarados roared fiercely, full of momentum, but then suddenly fell silent, lay down obediently, and showed submission.
And Milotic, it only glanced at it.
"Gyarados, what are you doing?!"
"Roooar," Gyarados made a pitiful sound, conveying that it couldn't do it. The opponent's power was too overwhelming!
"Oh well, it is the Queen after all," Coral thought for a moment with her hand over her mouth.
Nessa had anticipated Coral losing, but not in this manner. It was a complete suppression by a superior.
"It's not your fault. Better luck next time, Gyarados."
Coral patted Gyarados' head, and it made a sad noise, like a scolded puppy.
"Um, Summer, could I battle your Milotic too?" Nessa suddenly asked.
She didn't want to admit defeat. She couldn't accept that her proud Drednaw was weaker than Milotic.
"What? Nessa, you want to challenge the Queen too?" Coral exclaimed. Nessa was a Gym Leader, among the strongest trainers.
Was it the Queen's strength that triggered her competitive spirit?
"Please, Summer!" Nessa's expression was serious.
"I understand. Let's do it."
Summer agreed to her request. Honestly, he wasn't sure about Milotic's strength in Misty Lake. Could it match up to a Gym Leader's ace with its leader boost?
"That's more like it!" Nessa smiled with excitement. Different from her graceful model image, she was fierce in battle.
"Go, Drednaw!"
Nessa's Drednaw appeared. It had blue-green skin, a rock-hard shell, sharp teeth, and strong jaws.
Drednaw felt the powerful pressure from Milotic, but it was still ready to fight for Nessa.
Seeing Drednaw's fighting spirit, Nessa smiled. They wouldn't lose!
"Drednaw, use Headbutt followed by Double-Edge!"
"Milotic, use Surf," Summer commanded.
"I lost... I lost!" Nessa shouted in frustration, holding her head. Despite her and Drednaw giving their all, they couldn't defeat Summer and Milotic.
"Nessa, don't be sad. Remember, you didn't use Gigantamax," Coral consoled.
"Thanks, Coral." Nessa quickly calmed down.
Reflecting on the battle, Summer's command was impressive. He avoided direct contact with Drednaw, preventing it from using its strongest bite.
This level of experience and judgment, was it truly the skill of a ranger? No, Aiden was also a ranger. This
was becoming more confusing.
However, she gained a lot from this battle. It had been a while since she fought without Gigantamax. Giving her all was who she truly was, and she would train even harder now!
"Summer, why don't you challenge a Gym? If you want, I can recommend you next year," Nessa suggested after a moment of silence. She felt he could defeat even the undefeated myth.
"No need. I enjoy my current job. I don't have the same boldness to handle both jobs like you, Nessa."
"Is that so? That's a pity. And thank you for the compliment," Nessa smiled genuinely, different from her professional smile as a model.
"Nessa, your smile just now was great," Coral said.
"Really? I'll remember this feeling. I'll give my all in both modeling and being a Gym Leader," Nessa looked at Summer.
"So, Summer, can I challenge Milotic again?"
"Yes, Milotic agreed," Summer replied.
Drednaw, who had fainted earlier, suddenly revived in the lake. This water was amazing!