Chapter 229: The Final Result
Ryan and his group entered Samiya. Although it was underwater, it was still illuminated by light. The entire Samiya floated in the water, and the structure had water passageways, seemingly built for Manaphy.
Manaphy followed the water passageways into the structure. After walking a short distance, waterfalls blocked their path. Manaphy leaped from the water and landed in Lillie's arms. It closed its eyes and sang an ancient song.
Manaphy's song echoed throughout Samiya, resonating with the structure itself. Then, the waterfalls blocking their way slowly parted like a curtain, as if the structure was welcoming them.
"This is welcoming the People of the Water," Hiromi said.
Ryan then noticed that Hiromi's bracelet token emitted a pale blue light, just as she said: Samiya was welcoming the People of the Water.
As they went deeper, a stone tablet attracted their attention. Lillie looked at the words on it and said, "Behind the door opened by the token of the People of the Water lies a sleeping crown. He who holds the Sea Crown will become the true King of the Sea."
Ryan asked curiously, "Lillie, how did you understand the words?"
"Oh, last time I was deciphering the inscriptions on the Plates, I also read some ancient books. One of them mentioned the People of the Water. I wrote some down, and I didn't expect it to come in handy now," Lillie said.
Ryan: Amazing, my Lillie!
Hiromi brought the token closer and successfully opened the path ahead. Ryan and the others also saw the legendary Sea Crown, with its crystals embedded in the foundation stone. The entire foundation platform was surrounded by water. Manaphy, seeing the Sea Crown, excitedly rushed over and swam around inside: It had finally returned to its homeland!
Jack Walker scratched his head and said, "Well, the mission is finally over. Let's go back now."
"Just leaving Manaphy here alone?" Lillie frowned.
"Don't forget, you promised me you'd let Manaphy choose for itself. It's the Prince of the Sea, and it has its own mission," Jack Walker said.
Lillie wanted to say something, but Ryan pulled her back, shook his head at her, and said, "No need to say anything more, Lillie. This is also Manaphy's destiny. Let's go. Try to believe in the bond between you two sometimes. If Manaphy is willing to follow you, then I'll do whatever it takes to bring it with us. If Manaphy doesn't want to come with us, then forcing it is useless."
Lillie nodded with tears in her eyes. She looked back at Manaphy swimming freely in the water and said with some reluctance, "Goodbye, Manaphy."
After saying that, the group left Samiya, but even after they boarded the submarine, Manaphy still didn't catch up. Lillie buried her face in Ryan's chest, her tears soaking his shirt.
"Sigh. I told you not to get too attached. This is how we part..." Jack Walker said.
But before he could finish, Ryan's sharp gaze silenced him. Ryan hugged Lillie tightly, offering her the comfort he could.
The submarine surfaced, and Lillie stopped crying. Back on the cruise ship, Lillie stared blankly at the sea, saying, "I wonder if Manaphy will be lonely. It's only been born a short time; I wonder if it can take care of itself."
Ryan hugged Lillie from behind, saying, "Don't worry, it's the Prince of the Sea. How could it not take care of itself?"
"It's just that Manaphy stayed in Samiya. I don't know when we'll see it again. Without Manaphy's guidance, we'll never find Samiya again," Lillie murmured, tears streaming down her face once more.
"Go back, a good night's sleep will make you feel better," Ryan said.
Lillie nodded, leaning against Ryan, preparing to go back to the cabin for a rest. But after only a few steps, Lillie stopped, excitedly exclaiming, "It's Manaphy! It's back! I heard it calling me!"
Ryan smiled wryly, "You're hearing things. There's no sound at all. Get some rest."
"No, listen carefully again. It really is, Manaphy is calling me," Lillie said excitedly.
Ryan gently held the slightly excited Lillie, listening carefully. Apart from the sound of the cruise ship's engine, he could indeed faintly hear some voice calling Lillie's name.
The two quickly leaned over the ship's railing and looked out to sea. From the water, a small blue Pokémon burst out of the surface, leaping into the air and calling out loudly, "Lillie, Lillie, Lillie!"
Who else could it be but Manaphy? Lillie cried out excitedly, "Manaphy! You're back!"
Without waiting for a reply, she dove into the sea. Manaphy, seeing this, swam right to Lillie's side. Lillie hugged Manaphy tightly, her voice trembling with emotion, and said, "Manaphy, I knew you wouldn't leave me! Manaphy, come with me, I'll take care of you!"
"Lillie, Lillie!" Manaphy nodded excitedly, agreeing.
Ryan felt a surge of warmth watching this scene and said, "You won't stop it, you said it yourself."
Jack Walker walked to the ship's railing, looked at Lillie and Manaphy, and smiled, "It's a touching reunion, why would I stop it? Well, a Pokémon saved my life, which is why I chose the profession of Pokémon Ranger. I don't like using Poké Balls to capture Pokémon because I think they are free and shouldn't be confined in Poké Balls unless they choose to be."
"I have a friend who thinks similarly to you, just a bit more extreme. I feel that once he's found his path, I can introduce you two; you should be able to become good friends," Ryan said.
"Oh, really?" Jack Walker was curious.
"Yes, really. But his extreme thinking is quite concerning. I'll introduce you after I've helped him find balance. I just hope he doesn't make another mistake and commit an unforgivable error," Ryan said.
"Hearing you say that makes me even more eager to meet him," Jack Walker said.
"There will be opportunities," Ryan said. "But it's frustrating. I originally wanted to catch Manaphy, but Lillie got it first."
"Hahaha," Jack Walker patted Ryan on the shoulder and said, "Aren't you two engaged? Why are you so competitive?"
He then pointed to the ring on Ryan's ring finger. Ryan was speechless, but he felt incredibly frustrated: he had used a Legendary Pokémon Map, only to help Lillie catch a legendary Pokémon, while he himself got nothing. He hadn't even seen a Phione, let alone caught Manaphy.
Alas, what bad luck!
(End of Chapter)
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