Chapter 60: Iono and Lillie—Off to Ultra Space!

At this historic moment, Lillie's blade was born!

With the mighty power to summon the Lunar Beast, helping a weak, pitiful, and helpless girl unleash her fury—how could that not be easy?

Victory was certain!

"Li...Little Nebby? Is that really you?"

"You're... so beautiful and powerful now."

Even though she had already learned Nebby's true identity from Haru, the moment Lillie witnessed Nebby's evolution with her own eyes, it still felt like a dream.

That once-crybaby, mischievous little thing had really become the Moon Goddess?

After evolving, Nebby's personality had grown far more reserved. In response to Lillie's question, it merely gave a slight nod—no trace of pride on its face.

It flapped its wings and gently floated to her side, letting out a low call once more.

"Mahinapea!!"

It hadn't forgotten the real reason it had taken on this form.

Now that they possessed invincible, eternal power, their next step—naturally—was to make that enemy pay.

"Is that so...? So that's your wish? Thank you, Nebby."

Though she wasn't Nebby's official Trainer, Lillie still understood what it wanted to say.

In the end… someone still loved her.

Even if that woman had taken away the two most important people in her life, there was still someone willing to stand by her side.

With that thought, the gloom and anger in Lillie's heart seemed to melt away.

Beneath the starry sky, she gently stroked Lunala's smooth wings with a faint smile.

"Let's go, then. With your strength, we'll definitely rescue Mr. Haru and my mom."

"No matter how powerful Necrozma may be—it doesn't stand a chance against you."

This was the Moon Goddess, after all! Just hearing the name, you could tell she had to be a top-tier Legendary.

Would a Pokémon like that really struggle against some divine beast with an unknown dominion?

Even if the opponent was also a top-tier Legendary—you're a top-tier Legendary, I'm a top-tier Legendary—why should I fear you?

With that, she moved to climb onto Lunala's back, who had willingly lowered itself for her.

The moment of vengeance had arrived!

Just then, a slightly anxious voice called out from nearby.

"Um... are you going to look for Haru? Could Iono come with you?"

"You just said he was captured, right? I mean, I am one of Haru's 'friends'—there's no way I could just sit this out."

"Maybe I could even help out or something."

As she spoke, Iono—who had just packed away her camera—struck a 'strong' pose, as if worried Lillie might underestimate her:

"Don't look down on me, okay? If I go all out, I'm totally on par with Gym Leaders!"

"…"

Lillie stared at the shark-toothed girl in the distance. Though she couldn't explain why, she felt a strange hostility toward her—but her naturally kind heart made her nod all the same.

She still wasn't sure of Iono's identity, but judging from her reaction to the footage on her phone earlier, she definitely knew Mr. Haru.

The two quickly made their preparations, Lunala included—who now fully understood its mission.

Their next step: to blitz Ultra Megalopolis and reclaim everything that was taken from them.

Lunala tore open an Ultra Wormhole with ease. In a flash, the two disappeared into the skies above Alola.

---

Haru's "education" was still ongoing...

Though, perhaps that wasn't quite accurate anymore—since both the subject and content of the lessons had subtly shifted.

Take Lana, for example: after three solid hours of Haru's tireless "teaching," she finally summoned the courage and strength to seize a chance to escape…

Grabbing her clothes, she put them on at a speed that Haru simply could not comprehend—then ran.

But Haru wasn't the type to let things slide. As soon as Lana fled, he released Flutter Mane, who had just recovered its energy.

With Flutter Mane's power, he quickly recaptured the "Lana" who had made it all the way to the exit.

Unfortunately for him...

The "Lana" he'd caught wasn't quite right. Strictly speaking... she was actually Necrozma.

After receiving guidance from Master Lana, the now-human-fixated Necrozma had begun studying the art of transformation—hoping to turn her body into a humanoid form.

The problem was: what should she look like?

Necrozma hadn't met many people and didn't have many examples to draw from.

After thinking it over, she figured—since Master Lana had granted her this technique, why not just model herself after Lana?

Though she had lent most of her power to Lana, she still had enough left to morph her body.

And so… Necrozma (Lana Version) was born!

Just as Lana made her getaway, she immediately noticed her doppelgänger and—without hesitation—pointed a finger toward the top of the tower while continuing to run.

In her heart, she was thinking:

Yes! Someone to take the fall! My decoy technique has finally succeeded!

Necrozma, don't blame me for being underhanded—just cover for your Master for a little while. When I come back, I'll teach you the true "secret techniques."

Meanwhile, Necrozma tried to interpret what her Master meant.

Was that gesture telling her to go to the tower at 1 a.m. to learn Lana's secret art?

Still dazed, she was promptly captured by Haru...

Her instinct was to resist, but she realized that her transformation had consumed too much energy—and she couldn't overcome the Fairy-type advantage Flutter Mane held over her.

Oh no. This is bad! Why did that man break free and recover so quickly? What is Master even up to?!

Bewildered and still in her white stockings, Necrozma was dragged up to the rooftop.

Then... she saw Haru pull out some kind of small ball attached to a strap—and a whip.

What was this man planning?

"Hmph. Trying to escape, are we? Looks like I'll have to deal with you using... harsher methods."

"Disobedient children must be properly disciplined!"

"Wha—what escape?!"

Necrozma was even more confused now.

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