"A month ago, we didn't even know where to start looking. Now at least we have a clear direction. As long as we keep moving forward, we can definitely find our way back."
"Hmm."
Ash nodded slightly, then closed his eyes.
The tent gradually fell silent.
A night passed without words.
At sunrise the next day, everyone at the Wetland Base was already awake.
Ash and Cynthia had a simple breakfast before checking Typhlosion and Samurott's condition, and then headed out together with Adaman, Arezu, and Xipu.
Originally, Adaman hadn't planned on letting Xipu come along.
At ninety-nine, Xipu was at risk of an attack by the Frenzy Queen at any time. It was far too dangerous to bring her along.
But Xipu was adamant in her decision.
She had already regretted once for not thoroughly listening to Arezu's judgment on Ursaluna's abnormality, and now Arezu was off on her own adventure for Lilligant; she didn't want to stay at the base waiting for the outcome again.
Moreover, she wanted to witness the Queen of the Crimson Mirelands returning to normal firsthand.
Adaman tried to persuade her several times, to no avail, and ultimately agreed to let Xipu accompany them to the Grandtree Arena.
While on the road, Ash and Cynthia rode on Wyrdeer's back, while Adaman, Arezu, and Xipu all sat on Ursaluna.
Ursaluna's broad body accommodated three people, noticeably slowing down its usually brisk pace.
It turned to glance at the three passengers behind it, and emotions flashed in its green eyes, instantly revealing its thoughts to Ash.
Ursaluna: I'm bearing too much!
Fortunately, Ursaluna's strength was formidable, carrying three people did not truly impede its movement.
Wyrdeer also controlled its speed, maintaining equal pacing with Ursaluna.
With two Mount Pokemon responsible for the journey, it took only a few hours for the group to reach the foot of the mountain where the Grandtree Arena was located.
If traveling at the speed of a normal person, the journey would have taken an entire day.
By this time, the sun had risen high, casting bright rays across the mountain ahead and illuminating the special area at the summit clearly.
The Grandtree Arena contrasted greatly with the other arenas.
The entire battle ground was situated on the mountain's summit, a round platform upheld by stone walls.
Around the stage, it was nearly devoid of trees and rocks, with no obstacles blocking the view across the expansive surface.
Only a stone-paved staircase connected the mountain's base to the stage entrance.
It resembled a gigantic stage prepared solely for Lilligant, where any life stepping in would immediately appear within the Queen's sight.
Currently, the frenzy of Lilligant was intensifying.
Even if the group didn't step onto the stage, simply being too close to the entrance could be perceived as a threat.
Therefore, Adaman, Arezu, and Xipu halted near the mountain's base.
"Leave the next step to us; stay here and wait; do not approach the stage further."
Ash leapt off Wyrdeer's back and patted his chest.
"But the Queen's abilities and tendencies..."
Arezu hesitated slightly, clearly desiring to join them.
"You've told us everything you know. Once the battle begins, the situation may change at any moment."
"Even if you follow, you won't be able to attack the Queen, and then we'll have to deal with the Queen and divert our efforts to protect you."
Cynthia glanced at the staircase leading to the stage, her tone gentle yet firm.
Adaman listened, though somewhat unwilling, he couldn't refute Cynthia's reasoning.
They were unwilling to attack the Queen and couldn't match the Frenzy Queen's speed.
If they entered the stage arena, their contributions would be limited and might disrupt Ash and Cynthia's teamwork.
Xipu brought no opposition, simply looking intently at the duo.
"The Queen is more dangerous than Kleavor; do not relax your guard because you succeeded once before."
"Rest assured, Grandma Calaba."
Ash waved his hand with a smile and then ascended the stone stairs with Cynthia.
Pikachu still perched on Ash's shoulder, its ears fully erect, eyes fixed on the summit.
As they reached the midsection of the stairs, the stones beneath them began to lightly tremble.
Boom!
A dull sound echoed from above the stage arena, causing the entire stairway to shake slightly.
Ash and Cynthia came to a simultaneous halt, lifting their gaze toward the stage's entrance.
A golden figure leapt down from above, swiftly landing at the center of the stage.
Bang!
Long legs struck hard against the stone stage, a potent impact rippled across the ground as several thin cracks spread rapidly from the landing point.
The golden radiance covering the figure surged outward, a golden flame seemingly igniting at the stage's center.
Ash and Cynthia quickened their pace, reaching the stage arena swiftly.
At last, they saw the current appearance of the Red Lotus Wetland Queen.
"Is this Lilligant?"
Ash's face showed evident surprise.
He had previously only heard of and seen Lilligant via the Pokédex and the group chats' explanations.
However, the Lilligant from the modern regions was relatively petite, with broad petals unfurled around its body, resembling a girl in a billowy long dress.
The Lilligant before them was completely different.
Its body was more slender, with the leaf length below the waist noticeably shortened, revealing elongated, slender legs.