Seeing Lugia become friendly, Lana swam closer.
Lugia tensed immediately, hiding behind Li Yuan, fearing Lana would hurt her.
Li Yuan realized this wasn't just vigilance; it was fear. A Legendary Pokémon fearing humans?
She must have been tortured. PTSD.
"Don't worry. She's a good person," Li Yuan handed some cubes to Lana to build intimacy.
Lana took them and approached carefully.
Lugia flinched, hiding again. She remembered whips.
But no whip came. And the scent was irresistible.
Can't hold back!
Lugia peeked out, verified safety, and snatched the cube from Lana's hand with lightning speed before retracting her head.
Cowardly yet gluttonous. Lana giggled. So cute!
I want to raise her!
"Little Lugia, I have more~." Lana grabbed a handful of cubes, resting her hand on Li Yuan's shoulder.
Lugia hesitated like a shell-less turtle.
Suddenly, a shadow flashed.
Primarina swooped in and ate all the cubes in Lana's hand!
She stuffed her mouth, holding her cheeks in bliss.
"Lu! Lu-lu-lu!!!" Baby Lugia raged in baby talk. Cursing violently!
Those were for me! You broke the rules!
Primarina ignored her. Smells too good. I'm hungry too. You were too slow. If you lived in the wild, you'd know better.
Don't eat? I'll eat!
Primarina nuzzled Lana, asking for more.
Lugia panicked. Half the box was gone! If Primarina ate more, what was left for her?
No! Legendaries don't stand under dangerous walls... unless food and housing are included!
Risk it!
Ugly thing! Don't touch my food!!!
Lugia rushed out, nuzzling Lana's cheek affectionately, signaling: I was wrong to doubt you! Feed me again!
Two Pokémon stared each other down, fighting like rivals for a lover.
Lana was helpless. Did I gain Lugia's trust, or did the cubes?
And I can't abandon my starter Primarina...
She looked at Li Yuan for help. A Shuraba (carnage) field over food?
Li Yuan took out two more boxes. Both Pokémon's eyes lit up. They abandoned Lana and rubbed against Li Yuan instantly.
Lana's mouth twitched.
Traitors! Changing affection so fast! Can I still want them?
"Alright. Let's go to the surface. It's dark down here; who knows what's hiding," Li Yuan patted their heads and swam up.
The Pokémon followed the scent. Fortunately, Primarina remembered to tow Lana, or Lana would have been heartbroken.