Chapter 337

"If you successfully reach the Altar of the Moone, successfully play the flute, and ultimately awaken the Child of the Stars, you might also gain the power to open that door. However, I do not recommend that you go directly to that world."

"Did Gladion say these things?"

Qiao Ran thought of the blond boy. As Lillie's older Older Brother, he had also experienced the Ultra Wormhole, just like Anabel, and had lived in the Otherworld for a long time.

If what Lusamine said is true, then Gladion's life back then... must have been quite difficult.

"Yes, he also struggled a lot back then to persevere. Those auras can erode a person's consciousness... If one is not careful, they can be led to certain extremes."

When Gladion was mentioned, Lusamine seemed somewhat frustrated and disappointed. She couldn't help him when Gladion Disappearance, nor could she help him when Gladion left. In terms of her duties as a mother, she had indeed failed quite a bit.

However, seeing Gladion grow up and realize that he has taken on responsibility and gained great strength Lusamine a sense of relief.

Overall... everything is moving in a positive direction.

"Therefore, I suggest you don't go there immediately. If you must go, you can wait for my progress. I estimate it won't be too long before I can make some usable devices."

"What kind of thing is it?" Qiao Ran asked again.

"Currently, I'm thinking of a helmet-style design; anything that can resist the interference of the aura will do."

Lusamine pointed to the design on the screen. She hadn't been idle during this time; with most of the Aether Foundation's elite forces gone, she was now the best researcher Alola could find.

"The helmet is indeed a good choice, and it won't interfere with combat too much... um..."

Lillie chimed in from the side.

The conversation lasted for a while, discussing the equipment that Lusamine was researching. It might really come in handy in the future. After all, as someone who knew certain "plot points," Qiao Ran had always understood one thing.

--If we want to solve the problem of Ultra Beast the Alola Region, we must solve the root cause of this problem.

The root of this problem lies in the "Ultra World" that gave rise to all of this.

One day, they will need to go to that continent and sort all this out.

After their conversation ended, Qiao Ran and Lillie prepared to leave the research lab. They had been discussing business for quite a while and were getting a little tired.

However—just as the two Yawn and preparing to leave, Lusamine suddenly spoke up from behind.

"By the way, are you really not going to tell me anything?"

Beneath her long hair, one of her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Qiao Ran and Lillie with interest.

"... You guys don't really think I didn't find anything, do you?"

After discussing serious matters for so long, Lusamine her true intentions and asked the question directly.

I'm not pretending anymore.

"It'll probably be quite a while before you come again. Aren't you going to talk to me about it?"

Seeing that Lillie and Qiao Ran seemed to still have some hesitation

Yu, Lusamine's attitude softened slightly.

"I'm all alone here..."

"..."

Lusamine's "playing the victim" was indeed highly effective. Not to mention Qiao Ran, Lillie on the other side was the first to lose her composure.

This was the first time she had ever seen her mother say such a thing.

"I... I..."

Indeed, it will definitely be a long time before I see Lusamine again. If I don't say it now, some things will have to be said when we meet again much later.

"Qiao Ran... is it okay?"

Lillie looked at Qiao Ran, seeking his opinion. Of course, Qiao Ran couldn't refuse here. Since Lillie had made up her mind, he could only go along with her.

"Um."

"This is a matter between the two of us."

That night, Lillie talked with Qiao Ran and Lusamine for a very long time.

As a mother, Lusamine certainly offered a lot of advice, and she also shared her thoughts on the couple's future.

"... I don't object to you two being together, but as you know, the Pokémon World is in this state right now, and you probably won't have time to have a wedding ceremony or anything like that... However, once everything is over, I will definitely help you take care of all of this."

Lusamine hopes to see Lillie happy one day, but that day is destined to be some time away.

"I've been watching your relationship from the very beginning. I can trust you with Lillie in my hands, but... if you do anything to betray her, I won't let it go, you understand?"

"Mmm... mmm."

Faced with Lusamine's "threat," Qiao Ran could only obediently nod. Moreover, he and Lillie had actually tacitly kept Mei about Mei and the others; otherwise, Qiao Ran might not have been able to leave this room.

Lillie understood that she might be able to accept this relationship, but her mother would most likely not agree. So, she remained silent, only speaking about herself.

"And regarding the issue of children... I don't recommend that you two... Of course, if you insist, then I still don't recommend it."

"I know, I know, Mom, there's no need to talk about this!" Lillie blushed and interrupted Lusamine.

This topic was clearly too far removed from their lives.

The crisis in the Pokémon World hasn't been resolved yet, and there are still many things waiting for them to deal with. How could they possibly spend their time on this?

"This is a very important issue; we can't afford to be careless."

Lusamine, however, maintained a serious expression and Sheer Force the conversation to continue.

"I was the same way back then... because I was pregnant with both of you..."

As if she had opened a floodgate, Lusamine began to talk about the past, recounting her experiences from back then. She had never told anyone else about these things, but they probably had nothing to do with Lillie, Qiao Ran, or anyone else.

In short, the conversation lasted a long time.

It was already late at night when Qiao Ran and Lillie left.

"We'll head back now... Mom."

Lillie and Lusamine nodded goodbye, and Qiao Ran did the same.

But Lusamine suddenly looked at Qiao Ran and said with a smile, "Aren't you going to change how you address me now?"

"..."

Qiao Ran froze on the spot.

Change... change the way you address me...

This... could it mean...?

"Puff."

Seeing Qiao Ran's somewhat conflicted expression, Lusamine didn't press him further. She simply smiled and changed the subject.

"Since you're not ready yet, don't worry about it. I won't mind. You can still call me 'sister' like before; I quite like that title."

Compared to formal titles, what one truly thinks is perhaps Heavy Slam, and Lusamine also prefers that Qiao Ran call her younger.

Especially as one's age continues to increase.

"However, you must always remember this. You are now Lillie's husband, so don't do anything to hurt Lillie."

Lusamine emphasized this point again—as a mother.

She had forgotten this identity for a long time, but she picked it up again. There are still many days ahead, and she probably won't let it go again.

"Alright, you guys should head back now, it's getting late."

After saying this, Lusamine waved for Qiao Ran and the other person to leave; she was a little tired after talking for so long.

"Call..."

Watching Qiao Ran and Lillie leave the room, Lusamine sat in her chair and leaned back deeply.

Before anyone knew it, the little girl who only knew how to follow him had grown up and become a Performing Family and Trainer. In particular, she chose a very outstanding man.

In this Torn World, he should just...

That's the key point that brought about the change.

Not only in this region, but also in other regions, he has built a good relationship of trust with those Legendary Pokémon.

He may indeed possess some special abilities, but to gain the long-term recognition of Pokémon, he must have exceptional qualities.

Lillie's judgment is indeed excellent.

Not only the world, but even Lillie herself probably learned a lot from him.

"..."

Thinking of this, Lusamine suddenly straightened up and picked up a photo frame from her desk.

Within the frame appears the image of a family of four: Lusamine and her husband, along with their young children, Gladion and Lillie.

"Mohn..."

Lillie has found her happiness, so Gladion will surely find a woman he loves too. But where is the person she's been searching for?

Lusamine looked at the photo for a while, then put the frame back on the table.

After Lillie and the others leave tomorrow, she'll probably be alone again.

Perhaps... this is the Punishment for what I did back then.

What Lillie and Qiao Ran did after leaving Lusamine's lab is another story. After a good night's rest, the group began their journey towards the island's Shrine, with Acerola, as the administrator, serving as their best guide.

"Our island's guardian deity is Tapu Bulu, a Deity who manipulates vegetation and brings us bountiful harvests and strength... In legends, it doesn't like fighting, but to be honest, if it gets angry, it's usually quite formidable."

Acerola suddenly lowered her voice.

"On our island, there was a village that once angered it, and so it was eventually destroyed."

In legends, not all Pokémon are well-behaved. Many Pokémon have complex relationships with humans. They don't have the same moral compass as humans and act more according to their own nature and preferences. For example, Yveltal, who brings death, is probably the kind of villain that should be defeated in the eyes of most residents of the Pokémon World.

"... However, if you can talk to it peacefully, it's quite easy to communicate with, so there's no need to worry too much."

Acerola didn't harbor much ill will towards the Island deity, partly because he did indeed protect the island, and partly because the Rage incurred by humans was usually over trivial matters.

"Grass-type Tapu Bulu..."

During his journey, Qiao Ran also recalled the appearance of this Island deity. In the Alola Region, each Island deity is actually a Legendary Pokémon with local characteristics. Their bodies usually have the appearance of different animals, and some parts of their bodies can be closed to completely wrap their bodies, forming shapes similar to Ritual containers such as "bottles" and "pots".

Tapu Bulu is one of them, Island deity with a cow-like appearance. Although Qiao Ran likes the other three the most among the four Tapu, that is only based on their appearance.

I wonder if it's still near the Shrine.

Qiao Ran couldn't help but mutter to himself.

To be honest, even he himself felt that the possibility was not very high.

During the long time they had been on Ula'ula Island, they had never seen the Island deity appear. If it was truly protecting the island, then surely it should have shown up and fought against those Ultra Beasts, right?

"I think... the possibility is rather low."

Acerola shared the same opinion; she placed her hand on her chest and lowered her head slightly.

"In the past, the Island deity often appeared before humans... Many island residents had the opportunity to see the Island deity, but after this crisis, the Island deity seemed to have vanished, and we have never seen it again..."

"If it really gets into trouble, Qiao Ran... you absolutely have to help it...!"

Acerola glanced at Qiao Ran, her eyes darting around.

She had volunteered to lead the group to the Shrine because she had similar thoughts. The Island deity was, after all, their local faith, and no matter what, she couldn't just stand by and watch them fall into danger.

Especially when they saw the Shrine shrouded in a strange black object, this sense of crisis reached an unprecedented level.

"Certainly."

Qiao Ran nodded; he had come here with the same idea in mind.

Legendary Pokémon are usually one part of maintaining power. Although the Island deity of Alola may not have any strong "Rules," if Alola is to return to normal, the efforts of these Island deity will most likely be needed.

If the other party is in any trouble, Qiao Ran wouldn't mind lending a hand, but that's on the premise that they can meet and resolve the issue.

Everything is still uncertain, so it's best to be cautious.

It takes a long time to reach Tapu Muo by heading south from the Aether House.