Many moons had passed since Lilith ventured on her own and for a while it was terrifying. She wasn't well educated on the world outside her family life and did not have the social skills to approach anyone that may have crossed her path. Lonely as she was, Lilith didn't care too much about making friends, she supposed. I just need to get stronger, she'd tell herself. There's no time to settle down, and at her pace there really wasn't. On the off chance that she'd stumble upon a village or any form of civilization, Lilith would only stay long enough to make use of its resources until she felt it was time to train again. Though she didn't understand some social norms, Lilith had learned some basic manners from her mother and would use that to her advantage. She found she could get strangers to get her what she wanted quicker with a facade, a forced smile. Though, that's not to say that she isn't truly grateful for their help. In fact, it was these short and kind interactions with strangers that helped shape Lilith's growing personality. She had never experienced acts of kindness from strangers. Sometimes she'd think about staying a while longer in a village but ultimately turned back on the decision and returned to her nomadic lifestyle. There was so much more to see, to experience, to prove. She edged herself on. But sooner or later, no matter how much she enjoyed her wandering lifestyle, the void inside would demand satisfaction.
A few days passed since Lilith learned a new skill. She felt empowered, though still aware of her lack of experience. She'd venture into the forest and tall grass in search of territorial pokemon living outside the villages. After losing a particular battle and injuring herself quite badly, Lilith decided it was time to find another village. She had failed to dodge the projectile stinger launched from the Weedle and had run out of Pecha berries. She needed medical attention and needed it fast. She mustered enough energy to walk several miles before reaching a stream. Thank Arceus She dipped her head down to lap up some water before turning to face the direction of the flow. Maybe it flows into town, she hoped. At this point her vision began to fade periodically and she found it difficult to walk. In a final effort to reach a village, Lilith's legs gave and her weakened body splashed into the stream.
"Mrs. Kangaskhan, look!" cried a muffled young voice. "Her ear twitched!" Lilith felt a light brush against her ear.
A sweet voice followed, "Sweetie, don't bother the poor thing."
Lilith's eyes strained to open and regain vision. Everything was blurry, everything sounded blurry. She was laying on some sort of cot and could make out a single figure hovering over her. When she recovered enough senses she recognized the second voice to be that of the Kangaskhan standing in front of her. Beside it stood a small blue Totodile, beaming up at her. She felt sore but managed to sit herself upright in the cot.
"No need to rush yourself, dear," assured the Kangaskhan. "You were quite ill. Give your body time to recover."
Her memory foggy and confused, Lilith nodded. Before she could open her mouth, the Kangaskhan explained.
"We found you by the riverside, dear, just on the edge of town. It was quite the fright, seeing you lying there, soaking wet, and so young. Where are your parents?"
Lilith's eyes went to her feet, unsure how to answer. "I-rr" she cleared her throat, "I'm, uh, emancipated." She turned to look up at her savior. "I live alone."
A warm smile rose on the Kangaskhan's face. "Well, you're more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you like. My name is Kala, and this is Theodore." Kala gestured her head to the cyan pokemon beside her. It shifted in place eagerly. ”He’s one of the many young pokemon that I take care of.”
"My name is Lilith, ma'am."
Kala smiled and turned from Lilith, walking out of the room for a moment and returning with a mug. She offered it to Lilith, who gratefully accepted. She looked down at the steaming liquid and inhaled its scent. She couldn't help but smile. "It smells amazing." She took a sip, he eyes widening. "This is great!" she chimed. Kala was visibly pleased. She pulled up a stool from a nearby desk and sat herself down.
"Do you mind if I ask what happened, dear?" asked the concerned Kala.
Lilith stopped drinking, gulping down her last sip before setting it down on the ground beside the cot. "Just wasn't quick enough..." she admitted. Her tail wrapped around the side of her body. "I'm sorry. I appreciate you help but I think I should go soon."
Theodore nearly jumped toward Lilith as he exclaimed, "But I wanted to play!" Kala calmed the child and hushed him. She turned her attention back at Lilith. "The tea should accelerate the healing process, but I would really prefer if you stayed in town for a few days, just until you're at full strength."
The corned of Lilith's lip curled faintly. "I appreciate your concern, ma'am, but I really need to get back to training. If I can't hold my own from one poison sting then I'll never get strong." Lilith eased her way off the cot and winced, her body still sore. Her legs trembled in support of her body. She took a few steps toward the doorway before turning to Kala with a reassuring expression, "See, I'm okay," she lied. She felt like zubat dung. The state of her health was much better now, but she needed a few minutes to adjust. Lilith entered the living area and was greeted by various young pokemon. One of them, a Cubone, approached her very cautiously. Tears gathered in its eyes. “Have you..” he sniffled, “have you seen my momma?” Lilith apologized, shaking her head. Before she could even try to comfort it, the Cubone let out a small sob before trudging away.
“He’s new…” Kala explained, her friendly tone now saddened.
Lilith muttered an ”Oh” before assuring Kala that she wouldn’t be any more of a bother. ”I think it’s best I go”As she started for the front door Kala called out.
"Wait, Lilith," she called almost frantically. With a sigh, she continued. "There's a lovely young pokemon by the name of Willow. She's starting up a guild based in town. Please, if you really insist on training while in recovery, talk to her about joining, if not until you're at full health? I'm sure you're fully capable of taking care of yourself," she paused, approaching the young Eevee, "but it would put my mind at ease knowing you'll be in town a little longer and have others with you." Kala brushed her hand against her face, just as her mother once had. "Arceus knows what would have happened if that river didn't flow to this town."
Lilith was taken aback by this kind gesture. Throughout the time she'd ventured, no one had shown her this level of genuine concern. She was touched, and felt guilty if she were ever to bring a worried though to this kind stranger. Lilith gave her word that she would talk to Willow. "Thank you for your help, ma'am."
Kala chuckled."Please, dear, I'm Kala."
"Kala," Lilith corrected. Kala opened the door for her and grinned
She opened the town to Lilith and pointed up the path. "Now, you'll want to go up that hill right there and find the library. That's were Willow is starting the guild."
Lilith stepped out into the sunlight and thanked Kala one last time before finally asking, "Wait, where am I?"
A lighthearted giggle emitted from Theodore. "Welcome to Sunny Town!"
As she stood at the top of the hill, Lilith turned and saw Kala's hut below. For the first time she noticed a sign near the building.
Kangaskhan Orphanage
She couldn't help her lips curl with a heavy heart. The Cubone. With a deep breath, Lilith turned away and approached what she believed to be the aforementioned library and was greeted by a small bundle of pokemon met by a Braixen. She nervously walked up to the door, lightly wedging herself past the Rhyhorn and Turtwig. "Excuse me?" she said meekly. Her usual confidence seemed to drop slightly. She had never been accepted into a group and despite her drive for independence, she secretly feared rejection.
