The next day, three Pokémon followed Summer to Misty Lake. Milotic poked its head out from the water, recognizing two of the Pokémon, while the third was new to it.
"Milotic, these are the two teachers I found for you. You should be familiar with Hatterene," Summer introduced.
Hatterene excitedly waved its claws. Long time no see, Nana!
Milotic showed a mix of helplessness and relief. Hatterene had left quite a psychological impact on it. Usually, when Milotic came to Misty Lake, it would hide underwater to avoid Hatterene.
But today, it seemed Hatterene had improved. It didn't immediately overwhelm Milotic with a flood of noisy information, nor did it go berserk due to nearby emotional fluctuations.
Hmm, maybe I'll spend some time with it next time we meet, Milotic thought.
"This is your first meeting with this one. It's Ursaluna from the Eternal Forest region," Summer continued, introducing the bear behind him.
"Roar."
Ursaluna nodded slightly and extended a paw, mimicking Hatterene's greeting style.
Milotic nodded in return. Despite Ursaluna's fierce appearance, it seemed gentle, even lowering its voice intentionally.
"Hatterene!"
Hatterene pouted, clearly upset that Milotic had ignored its greeting.
Milotic sighed. Don't act like a child; we know each other well.
Hatterene, embarrassed, covered its face. Yes, we are close friends, after all.
"Ahem, Milotic, Hatterene can use Misty Terrain, while Ursaluna can summon mist. I believe both will help you learn Misty Terrain," Summer explained.
Milotic thought, as expected of Summer, always well-prepared. Wait, where's Ogerpon?
Milotic used its ruler abilities to sense all Pokémon in Misty Lake. Ogerpon was playfully chasing Barraskewda.
Just then, Ogerpon, wearing its Wellspring Mask, surfaced and waved its stick at Summer and Milotic.
"Boni!"
Don't worry about me. I can find playmates on my own. You and Big Sis Milotic have important things to do, so I won't disturb you!
What a considerate child, Milotic thought, feeling gratified. But who taught it to call me Big Sis? A dark bird flashed in its mind—most likely that one.
"Alright, let's start. Ursaluna, please show us your ability first."
Ursaluna let out a low growl, and faint mist appeared around them. It didn't fully understand this ability, which seemed to manifest after its body had changed.
Whenever its spirit fluctuated, mist would appear. The greater the fluctuation, the denser the mist. If it got angry, those nearby probably wouldn't be able to see their own hands.
Fortunately, Ursaluna was a gentle giant. If anger consumed it, combined with its unique left eye, it would undoubtedly become a terrifying reaper in the mist.
Milotic carefully observed how Ursaluna summoned the mist. It seemed related to its mental energy. What if I infused mental energy into my Haze move?
It immediately tried. A white mist appeared around it, just slightly denser than usual.
"Not working," Summer murmured thoughtfully.
"Roar." Ursaluna's tone was apologetic, feeling it hadn't helped.
"It's alright," Summer reassured gently. "I believe you've already helped Milotic."
Milotic agreed. Yes, this experience gave it confidence to enhance other moves, an unexpected benefit.
After comforting Ursaluna, Summer looked at Hatterene, who understood and closed its eyes, singing softly. Light pink mist surrounded them, seemingly purifying everything.
"Hmm, from my understanding of Grassy Terrain, Misty Terrain should not only produce mist but also use Fairy energy as a carrier," Summer explained to Milotic.
"Milotic, since you can use Disarming Voice, you're familiar with Fairy energy. Try combining the two moves."
As Milotic pondered Summer's words, a memory and voice simultaneously surfaced in its mind. "Nana, this is my memory of learning Misty Terrain. I hope it helps!"
"Also, I believe Summer's suggestion is correct. Creating an enchanting mist is key to Misty Terrain's unique effect."
I didn't expect to have such a change of heart about this ability. Let's honor Hatterene's intention and meet Summer's expectations.
Creating mist was familiar. Infusing it with Fairy energy, simple! Light pink mist appeared around Milotic. Did it succeed? The mist quickly reverted to colorless white.
Disappointment welled up, but Milotic quickly suppressed it. The mist dissipated due to insufficient energy infusion. Let's try again! Repeated attempts and failures followed. Summer wanted to help the hardworking Milotic. It lived leisurely but had a competitive nature, maintaining the queen's dignity.
Suddenly, Summer remembered a special item he had. It might work!
He quickly approached Milotic, holding a delicate bottle containing a luminous liquid.
This is Purifying Water, a miraculous liquid made by Tapu Fini, said to cleanse all impurities.
Since Tapu Fini's ability was Misty Surge, Summer believed it could help Milotic.
Despite its value, Summer felt no qualms about using it for his Pokémon.
Milotic sensed the Purifying Water's magic and paused, looking at Summer as he uncorked the bottle.
Before he could finish, about half the water flowed to Milotic on its own, evidently more miraculous than expected.
Since Summer offered it, Milotic accepted, letting the cool liquid merge into its body, feeling its mind clear, free of distractions.
A gentle voice whispered in its mind: "My child, don't fixate on Fairy energy. Your true talent is water control."
"Mist is dispersed water. Focus on controlling it with your thoughts, then let it inherit your dreamlike power."
Recalling the motherly guidance, Milotic followed through. White mist spread out, turning light pink. This time, it succeeded.
[Milotic learned Misty Terrain.]
[Milotic activated the potential Misty Lord. Its special attack and evasion increase in misty or foggy terrain.]
"Boni!" Ogerpon, perhaps drawn by the Purifying Water, had returned to Summer's side, now eager to celebrate Milotic's success.
"Hatterene!" Hatterene smiled broadly. Great job, Nana! Ursaluna silently observed, filled with joy.
"Great job, Milotic," Summer sincerely praised. Milotic had now unlocked all its potential. Wait, this is!
The potential list's text quickly changed, merging into a single water-blue line.
[Potential: Pure Water Queen.]
[Pure Water Queen, the queen of water that purifies all impurities. Conditions: Master over ten Water-type moves, consume Purifying Water, and receive blessings from three Legendary Water Pokémon. Effect: Enhances Water-type moves and can create Purifying Water.]
Summer was astonished. This was potential beyond potential! Achieving it allowed making Purifying Water! The conditions were stringent—blessings from three Legendary Water Pokémon, not easy for anyone to encounter.
But Summer wasn't worried. Such things depended on fate. He already knew one Legendary Water Pokémon and believed he'd meet more in the future, thanks to space-time distortions.
[Space-time distortion will start in one second. Please prepare.]
What! Summer's expression froze. Was it because of unlocking new potential? But what could he prepare in such a short time!
Light enveloped Summer. Milotic, basking in joy, opened its eyes to find everyone gone. Was it a space-time distortion? But I didn't get on the carriage!
(End of the chapter)