Does Lillie Leave in Ultra Sun? Exploring Lillie’s Journey
Yes, Lillie does leave Alola in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, but her destination and purpose differ significantly from the original Sun and Moon games. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, instead of leaving for Kanto to become a trainer, Lillie accompanies her mother, Lusamine, to Kanto to seek treatment for the effects of Nihilego’s neurotoxins. This change is a crucial divergence in her character arc, prompting debate among fans about whether this alteration enhanced or diminished her growth as a character.
Lillie’s Evolution Across Generations
In the original Sun and Moon games, Lillie departs for Kanto with the desire to become stronger and more independent. This journey symbolizes her final step in breaking free from her mother’s oppressive influence and forging her own path. However, in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, her primary focus shifts to supporting her mother’s recovery, a more nurturing role that some find less empowering for her character. This departure alters her personal trajectory as she dedicates herself to her mother’s well-being, showcasing a different kind of strength—one rooted in compassion and family devotion.
The altered narrative significantly impacts Lillie’s character development. In Sun and Moon, the journey to Kanto represented Lillie’s quest for self-discovery and empowerment. In contrast, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon portray her as more concerned with her family’s healing, potentially sidelining her individual aspirations. This pivot is a central point of contention among players, with opinions divided on whether it provides a more nuanced portrayal of Lillie’s character or undermines her initial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lillie
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Lillie’s storyline, her relationships, and her role in the Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon games:
1. Where does Lillie go at the end of Pokémon Sun and Moon?
At the end of Pokémon Sun and Moon, Lillie departs for the Kanto region. Her goal is to become a Pokémon Trainer and learn how to better care for Pokémon, symbolizing her newfound independence and desire to forge her own path. This journey is a direct consequence of the events that unfolded in Alola and is central to her character development.
2. How does Lillie’s ending differ in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?
In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Lillie accompanies her mother, Lusamine, to the Kanto region to find a cure for the neurotoxins that Lusamine suffered from her exposure to Nihilego. This differs significantly from the original Sun and Moon, where Lillie left to become a trainer herself.
3. Why did Lillie leave Nebby?
Lillie doesn’t explicitly leave Nebby (the Cosmog) permanently. Instead, in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, she entrusts the player with Nebby to catch it so that Necrozma would feel better with it, giving the player the Solganium Z/Lunalium Z that Nebby was holding. This decision is driven by her desire to protect Nebby and to ensure the well-being of the Alola region.
4. Is Lillie in love with the player character?
The games leave Lillie’s romantic feelings ambiguous. While there are hints of admiration and affection, it’s largely up to player interpretation. Some players perceive Lillie’s interactions as potentially romantic, while others view her relationship with the player as a close friendship.
5. What is Lillie’s relationship with Lusamine?
Lillie has a complex and strained relationship with her mother, Lusamine. Lusamine’s obsession with Ultra Beasts led her to neglect and emotionally abuse Lillie and her brother, Gladion. Over the course of the game, Lillie confronts her mother’s actions and strives to heal their fractured relationship.
6. What is Lillie’s relationship with Gladion?
Lillie shares a close bond with her brother, Gladion. Both siblings suffered under Lusamine’s care, and they support each other throughout their respective journeys. Gladion is fiercely protective of Lillie, and their sibling relationship is a significant aspect of their character arcs.
7. What is Lillie’s role in the Battle Tree?
In the post-game content, Lillie can become a battle partner at the Battle Tree in both Pokémon Sun and Moon and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. This allows players to team up with Lillie in multi battles, showcasing her growth as a trainer and her ability to battle alongside other strong trainers.
8. Why does Lillie’s outfit resemble Nihilego?
Lillie’s initial outfit is designed to resemble Nihilego, a reflection of Lusamine’s obsession with the Ultra Beast. Lusamine dressed Lillie in this style as part of her distorted vision, highlighting the unhealthy control she exerted over her daughter.
9. Does Hau have a crush on Lillie?
There are hints that Hau has a friendly affection for Lillie, but it’s never explicitly stated that he has a romantic crush on her. Hau’s interactions with Lillie are typically cheerful and supportive, characteristic of his overall friendly demeanor.
10. How old is Lillie in Pokémon Sun and Moon?
Lillie’s exact age is never officially stated in the games, but she is generally assumed to be around 11 years old, making her a similar age to the player character. This estimation is based on her appearance and her role as a student.
11. Where is Lillie located after becoming champion?
After becoming the champion, Lillie can be found at Professor Kukui’s laboratory on Route 1 in both Pokémon Sun and Moon and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. She is available to join the player as a multi-battle partner at the Battle Tree, showcasing her growth as a trainer.
12. Is Lusamine evil?
Lusamine is presented as an antagonist in Pokémon Sun and Moon and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Her obsession with the Ultra Beasts leads her to make morally questionable decisions that negatively impact her children and the Alola region. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Lusamine is portrayed with slightly more nuance and empathy.
13. What happens to Lillie after Episode RR?
After Episode RR in the post-game content, Lillie remains at Professor Kukui’s laboratory. She continues to develop her skills as a trainer and can be invited to join the player in battles at the Battle Tree, further highlighting her personal growth.
14. What is Lillie’s Z-Power Form?
The Z-Power Form refers to Lillie’s transformation in the game where she overcomes her fear of touching Pokémon and adopts a more confident and empowered persona. This transformation is marked by a change in her appearance and demeanor, symbolizing her personal growth and newfound strength.
15. Why does Lillie have a Cosmog (Nebby)?
Lillie found Cosmog (nicknamed Nebby) while working at the Aether Foundation. She rescued it from Lusamine’s experiments and took it upon herself to protect and care for Nebby, forming a strong bond with the legendary Pokémon. This event is a critical catalyst for Lillie’s character development and her decision to leave the Aether Foundation.
The Impact of Lillie’s Choices
Lillie’s journey, regardless of whether it leads to Kanto for personal growth or to support her mother, underscores themes of family, self-discovery, and personal strength. Her character resonates with players because she embodies the struggles of overcoming adversity and finding one’s place in the world. The differences between her story in Sun and Moon and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon provide a fascinating lens through which to examine narrative choices and their impact on character development.
Ultimately, whether Lillie leaves for personal growth or familial healing, her impact on the Alola region and the player remains significant. Her story encourages empathy, resilience, and the importance of forging one’s own path, even when faced with daunting challenges. Her evolving relationships and personal growth are central to the narrative’s themes.
The study of games, their narratives, and their impact on players is a fascinating area of research. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore these topics, looking at how games can be used for education and to understand social dynamics.
In conclusion, Lillie’s departure in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, though different from the original Sun and Moon, provides a compelling narrative arc centered on family and healing, showcasing a different facet of her character and highlighting the complexities of personal growth.