Chapter 56: Lillie's Evolution
The boat ride was short, but awkward. While Illima and Hapu congratulated Ash and Lillie, Illima even commenting that it was about time it happened, Gladion kept on shooting daggers at Ash, making him sink into his seat.
After what seemed like an eternity to the new couple, the boat finally arrived back at Seafolk Village. Before they headed out to search Vast Poni Canyon, they needed to pick up some supplies, so they headed for the nearest Pokemart where they stocked up on hiking supplies, Pokeballs, and anything else they could think of.
"Alright, I think we're all set. Hey, where's Lillie?"
"She and Hapu went to do some shopping on their own. Didn't say what for, though."
"We're back, everyone!"
The three men turned to see Lillie and Hapu coming back. When Ash saw his girlfriend's new look, his jaw dropped. Lillie had completely changed her look. Her hat was gone, and her long blonde hair was pulled up into a pony tail. No longer did she have a look of fear on her face, but a look of fierce determination.
"Wow Lillie, you look great."
Lillie giggled, pleased with her makeover.
"Thanks, Ash! I decided that its time to reinvent myself. If I want to help Nebby, I can't be the same old Lillie who's afraid of her own shadow."
"I helped pick them out. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself."
Gladion stepped forward, holding out the map.
"You look great Sis, really, but we should get going. We've got a lot of area to cover."
"Gladion's right. We should get moving."
Nodding affirmatively, the other 3 followed Gladion and Ash towards their next destination.
It took them a half hour to find their destination. They found themselves in a vast, dark cave, the walls standing imposingly above them.
"Alright folks, as long as we follow this map we'll reach the Altar of the Sunne and Moone at the end of the Canyon. So lets get going."
Slowly but surely, the group made their way through the cave, their flashlights being their only source of illumination. As they were nearing the exit, they heard a pained cry for help.
"JANGMO!"
"Sounds like someone's in trouble!"
"Come on, we better help them!"
"Guys, wait! We don't have time for this!"
Despite Gladion's warning, Ash and Lillie took off to help them, followed closely behind by Illima and Hapu. With an annoyed sigh, Gladion took off in pursuit. When they reached the source, they found a tiny Jangmo-o trapped under a pile of rubble.
"Moooooooo. Jangmo-o."
"Come on, we need to get him out."
The five of them began digging at the pile, their Pokemon helping out as much as possible. Slowly but surely, they managed to free the tiny dragon. It struggled to its feet, only to fall right back down.
"Oh, you poor thing!"
Lillie gently picked him up, digging a potion out of her back pack and spraying it on the Jangmo-o. The potion helped, but the Pokemon was still in great pain.
"Lillie, come on. Leave him, we have to go!"
"No!"
Gladion was taken aback by his Sister's outburst.
"I can't just leave him here. At least let me make sure he can walk."
Realizing her mind was made up, Gladion just shrugged.
"Fine, but he better not be dead weight!"
Nodding in understanding, Lillie followed the others as they ventured out of the first cavern.
A while later, the group was sitting down for lunch. As she was eating, she noticed Jangmo-o sitting by itself, looking down into the canyon alone. Feeling sorry for it, she sat down next to it, holding out some food.
"Eat up. You need to get your strength back."
With a grunt, the dragon swiped the food out of her hand, sending it careening down crevisce below.
"Hey! What was that for?"
The Dragon said nothing, only returning to staring forlornly.
"Zzzzt, perhaps I can offer a hand, Lillie?"
Lillie nodded, moving aside so Rotomdex could talk to the disgruntled Pokemon.
"Hey buddy, what's wrong?"
Once again, the dragon just humphed and turned his head in disgust.
"Ah come on, you can trust Rotom!"
Sighing, the dragon turned back and the two communicated. Nodding, Rotom turned back towards Lillie.
"You see Lillie, Jangmo-o's value one's ability to survive on the own. Anyone who can't pull their weight is cast out, and this one was one of the unlucky ones. He wanted to earn his way back in, and was honing its powers when it caused a landslide. That's when we came in. By rescuing it, you robbed it of its honor."
Lillie gasped in horror.
"Oh, Jangmo-o, I'm sorry. But you see, I can't stand to see Pokemon hurt. I never meant to insult you, but I also couldn't stand by and let you suffer."
The dragon remained silent, but seemed to be listening.
"You know, you and I are actually similar in some ways. You see, I want to get stronger too. For so long, I've relied on others to protect me. I was too scared of my own shadow to do anything but watch as people fought my battles for me. But I've come to realize that I can't let my fears rule my life. If I want to move forward in life, I need to fight my own battles. But you know what else?"
The dragon opened one eye, somewhat curious at what Lillie was saying.
"I've also learned that there are somethings that you can't do by yourself. There's no way I would've ever made it this far without my friends. And if I want to save Nebby and my mother, I'll need their help to do that too. Some problems are just too big for one person, or Pokemon. Just remember that."
With that, Lillie left to rejoin the others, leaving the lone Pokemon to its thoughts.
After lunch, it seemed that Jangmo-o was well enough to go off on its own, so they continued on their route. However, when they turned back around, they found the Dragon following closely behind Lillie.
"Jangmo-o? What are you doing?"
The Pokemon gestured towards Lillie, bowing in respect.
"Do...Do you want to be my Pokemon."
The Pokemon nodded, fire in its eyes. Lillie smiled, happy to be able to help it, but a realization struck her.
"Wait! I don't have any Pokeballs!"
Ash stepped forward, holding out an empty Pokeball to her.
"Here, you can use one of mine."
"Thanks, Ash. Go, Pokeball!"
The ball shook once before clicking, officially marking Jangmo-o as Lillie's first catch, to her excitement.
"Alright! I just caught a Jangmo-o!"
"Vulpix Vul!"
Realizing everyone was clapping for her, Lillie blushed and returned to her normal pose.
"Alright, Lillie! Way to go!"
"Come on guys, lets get moving."
With a new friend in tow, the group of five made their way outside, ready to tackle the next step in their journey.
