Chapter 4: Cave Dwellers
Within a few days, everyone has gotten their items from Gladwell to have the house fully stocked. Lillie is in her snow dress making her feel warm in the rough cold of the Crown Tundra. She fixes up her hat to check out the main entrance of the cavern. "This is so beautiful," she thought as the snow is still coming down onto the small island.
Snowy is enjoying the snowfall as the snow kitsune is playing around in the snow. "Yes Snowy, it's so lovely. It's very romantic," Lillie thinks about exploring the area with Wes together.
Snowy noticed something as she spotted a Pokemon. "What is it Snowy?" she asked as Snowy spotted a Galarian Rapidash nearby for Lillie falls in love with the colorful pony. "Goodness, she is so cute. I need to catch her. Snowy go now," Lillie said as Snowy comes in to face the unicorn.
"Who dares to come to my domain," the deep female voice said within Lillie's head. "Oh, a human who wants to capture me. If you want me, you must earn it human," the psychic horse said as Lillie noted that Galarian Rapidash is a dual Psychic/Fairy type which is perfect for her.
"Okay time to get me a unicorn. Hail," Lillie said as Snowy uses her power to make the snow around harsher using her special ability Snow Cloak to merge with the snow around them. Lillie is still warm in her new winter outfit as she sees Snowy disappearing into the hail.
The horse can sense the presence of the fox but Snowy uses Double Team to make it even harder to know where she is. Snowy fires a Moonblast as the Galarian Rapidash uses a Psycho Cut to slam into the attack to cancel each other out.
"Blizzard," Lillie ordered as Snowy summons a barrage of ice energy to sweep into the Galarian Rapidash.
"So cold," the pony is wearing down as Snowy is firing Ice Beams and Dazzling Gleam to wear down the mystical horse. "Enough," the pony begins to summon powerful mystic fire from her horn to burn through the snowstorm Snowy created.
"Oh goodness, she uses Mystical Fire. That can come in handy," Lillie said as the Rapidash is trying to warm up the area to melt away the Hail to expose Snowy. The horse uses Mystical Fire with Snowy using Moonblast to clash with their attacks but Snowy overpowers the Galarian Rapidash to put her down.
"I have been beaten, you win," the Rapidash said as Lillie petted Snowy to show her she did a good job.
"Thank you Snowy, good girl. Good job," Lillie said as she pulls out a Heal Ball to approach the Galarian Rapidash. "I am Lillie and I will be your trainer. I will take good care of you," Lillie said.
"Well, I am your horse to use. Lillie," Rapidash said as Lillie tosses her ball to capture her and now she is part of her team.
"Great, this is a great find. Let's head back," she said as they go deep underground to see Jessie and James working on their Pokemon.
"Hey there, you went outside?" Jessie asked.
"Yep, I was checking out the snowfall. It's so pretty," Lillie said as Snowy brushes against her covered legs. "I managed to catch a Pokemon. This lovely Galarian Rapidash," she pulls out her Heal Ball to summon her to the field. She looks around the huge cavern to look at Jessie and James.
"Where am I?" she asked.
"You are in our base of operations. We are working with people to stop some bad humans," Lillie said as she pets her new Galarian Rapidash to see if she has fully healed from their battle.
"I will do my best to aid in your quest," the horse said bowing her head.
"Gee, this horse is quite serious huh," Meowth said.
"You got some skills," James said.
"I won two Pokemon Tournaments in the Indigo League and the Hoenn League. Then I bested both Elite Fours. Sadly, I didn't defeat Leaf or Steven but I was close both times. Then I defeated the Frontier Brains at the Battle Frontier. I was going to challenge the Galar Pokemon League but you know the rest of the story," Lillie said as the trio was deeply impressed by her record.
"Damn girl, no wonder you beat us so easily," Jessie said.
"No, it's just you both are on the weaker side. It was an easy sweep," Lillie said as the two dropped onto the ground.
"Gee, don't rub in. Champ," Jessie said.
"But I can aid you in making your Pokemon stronger. It's best when we are at our best," Lillie said.
"Indeed. Within these caves, there are hostile who could come into our camp and destroy our house. So, a training trip would be good for you guys," N said.
"That would be great but I am going to hit it inside," Lillie lets out all her Pokemon to spread out their legs in the huge cave.
"All of her Pokemon are Fairy Types," James said as Jessie and Meowth were caught off guard by how cutesy all her Pokemon looked like
"There is a Gym in Galar that specialized in Fairy Types. The Gym Leader would be interested in Lillie if it wasn't for us becoming criminals," N said as Meowth looks at one of Lillie's Pokemon called Ribombee hovering in front of him.
"Gee, she even has a bug. Seems so small," Meowth said as he is not impressed. Ribombee frowns at him mocking her tiny size to use Pollen Puff which is purple to hit him with it making him flinch in pain. "Okay you made your point," Meowth said as Ribombee smiles for she tosses good Pollen Puff to release a cloud of pollen which heals Meowth from his wounds.
"Don't underestimate someone's size," N said as he opens his hand to let the tiny Bug/Fairy Pokemon sit on it to pet her on the head.
"No kidding," Jessie said as she looks at Snowy aka Alolan Ninetales, Ribombee, Galarian Rapidash, Florges, Azumarill, Magearna, Dedenne, and Diancie.
"That robot Pokemon gives me the creeps," Meowth said as Magearna turns around to give him a blank stare.
"That Pokemon is one of a kind. Lillie tells me it was an old creation from a kingdom long since passed. It was supposed to be created to protect the daughter of an old king over 500 years ago in Kalos. Her father found it in an antique shop and the owner thought it was junk. They didn't realize they were holding a powerful Mystical Pokemon," N said as he thought the owner was quite foolish to sell such a powerful Pokemon for just 5000 Poke Dollars.
"Time about undervaluing what you have," James said as he looks over Lillie's White Flower Florges. "What is the deal with that one? It knows so much Grass moves yet it's not Grass itself," James wondered.
"Florges is an interesting creature. They are Fairies who protect gardens allowing them to have a connection with Grass Pokemon. She is a great asset in aiding Grass Pokemon in combat," N said as he remembers James having a Carnivine and Jessie having a Gourgeist who can benefit from Florges's presence.
James looks at the rock princess floating in the air to play with her new friends. She summons a bunch of rocks to let the little fairy mouse Dedenne practice her electric bolts to strike the floating rocks. "Who is this?" Meowth asked.
"This is Diancie, we saved her from a Cipher Lab on the SS Mary," N said as Diancie talked with Meowth for he felt a chill up his spine.
"Yeah, she said it was terrible. Being mistreated by the researchers," Meowth feels sympathy for the rock princess. He noticed the Mega Stone around her neck like a necklace. "What is this?" he asked.
"Oh, that is a Mega Stone. This will be useful in a pinch," N said as Lillie has a Mega Band as well as her Z Band for Snowy.
"All Fairy type like a real Princess," Jessie said as Lillie enters the house with Wes setting up the mini transporter in the corner of the living room.
"Got it all set up?" she asked.
"Yep, we send all our captured Shadow Pokemon and send them to Sonia to purity them," Wes looks outside the window to see her having a new Pokemon. "A Galarian Rapidash," he said.
"Yes, I and Snowy were at the entrance of the cave and spotted her. I battled her, earned her respect, and capture her to add to my team," Lillie said.
"Well, a princess like you, needs a unicorn to fit the theming," Wes said as Lillie playfully hits his arm.
"Oh, be quiet," Lillie said as she spreads out her limbs. "I am going to cook some food. You want some?" she asked.
"Oh yes, I am looking forward to your cooking," Wes said.
"I have learned quite a bit over the years when I am on the road," Lillie said as she is happy to cook for her crush.
"Our kitchen is stocked," he said.
"Oh, I can cook something nice for us. Give me 20 minutes," Lillie said.
"Go right ahead," he said as Lillie flashes a cute, reserved smile for Wes is taking a liking to as she goes into the kitchen.
Lillie sees a stove, microwave, big cold box, cabinets, and a sink. "So nice, time to wipe something up," she said taking an apron to put it on and pulling out the pot.
Within 20 minutes as Lillie has a smile on her face to be holding bowls of meat stew. "Wow, those are big bowls and they smell good," he said.
"Well, I am a bit of a cook, eat up," Lillie said as she places it by Wes and she sits beside him with her bowl.
He takes his spoon and begins eating it for his mouth is watering with delight. "Wow, this tastes great. You are underplaying your cooking skills," he said as Lillie has a glow on her face from his sweet comment.
"Oh, thank you. It's nice to cook for others," she said as she is deeply happy inside. "Yes, he likes it. Fitting to be his girlfriend, hopefully," she thought as she hopes for that moment to come very soon.
"You were amazing out there. Fighting those mutant Pokemon like a graceful dancer on the battlefield," he said.
"Thank you, I have been practicing in the back of the cave. I noticed I can create moves that Nebby never used before," Lillie said.
"Then you are a True Hybrid. One who goes beyond the normal limits of the Pokemon you were using. These moves can only be used when in your Hybrid Form, that's what Swan talked about," he said.
"I see, who discovered the Burst Hearts anyway?" she asked.
"Some researcher named Mike Aura who came from Orre. He was the one who found the original 6 Burst Hearts. After his death against Cipher, the grandmaster took one of them but the rest were scattered across the world. N got one and you have one as well. The other three are currently unknown," Wes said.
"What do they do with the current one in Cipher?" Lillie asked.
"They managed to make fake Burst Hearts for their Elite Peons and Admins to use to become Burst Warriors. They misuse technology and use them like weapons. Burst Hearts were made so Humans and Pokemon can work together as one," Wes said.
"Does Doctor Death has one too?" Lillie asked.
"Yes, a fake one that holds a Deoxy who can use all three forms. Attack, Speed, and Defense forms. He can switch on the fly between these forms which makes him very dangerous for anyone to deal with. I hope Sonia's friend Leon does not face him or he will have to fight for his life," Wes said.
"He is the Galar Champion. People have called him the Unbeatable Champion," Lillie said as she is excited to fight him one day.
"Still, fighting in a stadium and fighting for your life are too different things that require different skill sets," Wes said.
"Well, I can see that with you fighting alongside your Pokemon without using a Burst Heart," Lillie said as she was deeply impressed.
"Using a Burst Heart is not my style. I prefer hit-and-run tactics, trying to subvert the battlefield to my advantage," Wes said.
"Well, you seem to know what you were doing," Lillie said.
"I am grateful to have such a great partner," Wes said as he places his hand on Lillie's hand.
"Ditto to that, I am grateful you are here with me as well," she said flashing him a little smile. "Well, I am done," Lillie said as Wes sees she ate the bowl of meat stew already with him only eating 1/4 of his bowl.
"Wow, that was fast," he said.
"Well, I will get some more stew," Lillie said as she goes off to get food. Within ten minutes Wes is done with his bowl but Lillie has finished her 3rd bowl. She lets out a cute little burp to pat her thin belly. "Oh wow, that was so good," she said for Wes looked on with terror.
"Damn, she is quite a monster with her stomach, but she is so shapely. Where does she put it," he thought as he looks at her large breasts forming against her wool dress. "Well, of course," he said letting out a big sigh.
"Let me clean that up," she said taking the bowl and bringing them into the kitchen. "Well, this will be interesting being together like this," she thought having a faint blush on her face thinking about Wes' handsome face.
Elsewhere Jessie and James hear something deep within the caves. "What is that?" James wondered. "I think we hear something moaning in the tunnels nearby," James said on his comlink in his ear.
"Well, there could be Pokemon Dens here. We should check it out," Lillie said as she heads outside to take Florges and Snowy. "Protect the camp if they attack here," Lillie said as her Pokemon nods her head.
"I will hold the grounds here," Rapidash said as Lillie leads James and Jessie to go over to the tunnels where the moaning is coming from.
"I wonder if we can fight a Dynamax Pokemon here," Lillie said as the duo was confused by this. "Dynamaxing, it's a gimmick unique to Galar Region. Allowing them to grow very large and strong," Lillie said.
"That could come in handy," Jesse said.
"Not really. It just makes them bigger targets in the end. Also, it draws too much attention to us to use something like that," Lillie said as they go through the tunnels to reach a big cavern.
"You got a point, kid," James said with their balls at the ready for something emerge from the large. A Giant Drednaw seeps with Dynamax energy to unleash a powerful roar.
"Oh goodness, that thing is huge," Jessie said as the duo were panic but Lillie remains focused. She tosses Florges to use Grassy Terrain to emit a green field within the cavern to spread grass onto the rocky floor.
"Stay focused. This thing is Water/Rock, use your Grass Pokemon," Lillie said as she transforms into her Hybrid Form to engage with the giant Pokemon.
"Got it," the duo said as they toss Gourgeist and Carnivine for their Pokemon to feel stronger in Florges' presence as Grassy Terrain is empowering them as well.
"What the hell?" Jessie wondered as the giant turtle lobs slabs of rock with Florges using her vine whips to knock them out of the air. Florges is using Moonblast to strike against the big turtle with Lillie coming in to pepper the beast with Shadow Balls to crash into the shells taking some damage. "Use Magical Leaf," Jessie ordered as her Gourgeist tossed a bunch of mystic leaves to strike into the beast to do some damage.
"Her Fairy is powering up our Grass Type. Pretty cool, Carnivine Bullet Seed let's go," James' Carnivine is spitting explosive seeds to strike the target to do some damage which is weakening the giant turtle.
"Bloody Howl," Lillie tosses an orb of ghostly energy to slam into the beast to encase it into a dome of ghastly energy to rapidly tear into the Dynamax Pokemon. The giant Pokemon unleash waves of rock spikes to slam into the trio of Pokemon. Grassy Terrain is healing the Grass Types while Florges covers herself in vines to reduce the damage.
Lillie begins to store energy into her third eye just in case something bad happens as she flies through the cavern to launch several psychic blasts and Shadow Balls to slowly wear down the beast.
"Will-O-Wisp," Jessie's Gourgeist tosses orbs of ghostly fires to strike at the big brute to give it some burns. "Hex," her Pokemon launches several ghostly attacks which double in power due to the monster's burns to hit it quite hard.
All three Pokemon use Giga Drain to seep energy away from the big beast to hit it very hard as it's weakening.
"Yes we are wearing it down," James said as the beast leaped at them with Jessie and James about to be crushed by the giant Pokemon. Florges, Gourgeist, and Carnivine summon a bunch of huge vines to block the incoming beast. Florges hits it with a Grassy Knot to let the vines grip around the legs of the Dynamax Pokemon to hold it in place.
The two empowered Grass Pokemon hit it with several attacks to begin weakening it with Grass moves. Florges powers up and use Solar Beam to hit the big Pokemon scoring a big hit and pushing it to the brink with Lillie coming in for the kill.
She launches a powerful psychic blast to knock it on its side to launch it across the cavern to slam into the wall. "Stored Power," she unleashes a powerful psychic surge which is powerful enough to punch a hole right through the shell to break the Pokemon in half killing it instantly. Guts and blood spread all over the place as they finished the fight.
"That is nuts," James said as Lillie landed beside them to revert to normal.
"Seems like Hybrid overpowers the Dynamax. Makes sense," Lillie thought. "Well, you two did a decent job. As you can see, Florges can buff up Grass Types with her powers. You Pokemon did well," Lillie said as the duo was tired from that experience of fighting a giant turtle.
"Thanks, we managed," Jessie said.
"Well, it is a good exercise if we need to fight Dynamax Pokemon in the future," James said.
"Where did it come from?" Jessie wondered.
"Well, it has to do with this region lore about the Darkest Day made by a powerful alien Pokemon lost to time. It has to be connected to Rose," Lillie said as they reach back at the camp to see Wes, N, and Meowth waiting for them.
"How was your trip?" Wes asked.
"We have taken care of a Dynamax Pokemon but we managed to kill the thing. Hopefully no more threats here," Lillie said.
"So how was your battle?" N asked.
"Not that bad, we managed to win for once. Feels good," James said.
"I know but we need to train our Pokemon to make them more effective," Jessie said as Meowth can see his friends' sparks were lit up.
"Good to hear guys, we should be getting blown into the sky anymore," Meowth joked.
"Yeah, we will make you good support for us in no time," Wes said.
"Yes boss," the trio said to salute him as Wes laughed at this for them to settle in their space.
Elsewhere Cipher Elite Peon Adams led a group of Peons to invade a Pokemon Center in the middle of the night to raid the place. They brand their guns to begin shooting into the bodies of the people inside as they push front into the vault where the Pokemon are being held.
"You can't do this," Nurse Joy begged but Adams pulls out a pistol to shoot her in the head.
"Time to collect these mons and go to the lab in the mines to the southern top of Galar," Adams said as they disappear into the night leaving a path of destruction behind.