Chapter 28: The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend?
For the next week, Ash helped the resistance in any way he could, be it applying first aid to patrolling the base to just training in general. In that time, he and Día had become good friends, bonding over a love of Pokémon and a desire to help others.
One morning, Ash and Dia were training Pikachu and Zeraora when Mohn came running up to them.
"Ash, Día, come quick!"
Surprised, the two stopped their sparring battle and ran to Mohn's office. His tiny cracked computer showed a picture of a very familiar Pokémon. The picture was blurred, but there was no doubt in any of their minds that they were looking at Tapu Koko.
"Tapu Koko? I thought the guardian had been vanquished in battle with Guzzlord."
"Yes, as had I Día, but it seems we were wrong. A patrol guard managed to take this photo before it vanished. He said it appeared to be headed for The Ruins of Conflict. In any case, he may be our only hope to defeat Guzzlord."
"But Mohn, that is too far outside of the safe zone, we have no idea what lies out there. Are you sure it's worth the risk?"
"Honestly Dia, I don't know. There are still too many unknown variables. Are there any other survivors? If so, what have they become? Would Tapu Koko even bother to help us? And even if, by some means, we succeed, is it even possible to undo the damage wrought by Guzzlord?"
Ash and Dia fell silent, having no answers to these questions themselves as Mohn continued.
"But if there's even the slimmest chance of salvation, should we not take it? If not for ourselves, then for the next generation? I will do anything to assure these little kids have a future to look forward to, and if that means I have to risky my life on a rumor, then so be it."
Moved by Mohn's speech, Ash and Día nodded.
"Well in that case, you'll need some help. Count me in."
"Us too, right Pikachu?"
"Pika!"
"Right, then get ready. We'll leave in an hour."
After an hour of walking, the trio had made their way to what remained of Iki Town. Ash had to hold back his tears at the destruction. Día noticed this and put a comforting hand on Ash's shoulder.
"Its alright, let it out. It's only natural. If it makes you feel any better, most of them made it out and are safe back at the base."
"What about Kahuna Hala and his family?"
Dia's silence told Ash everything he needed to know.
They had just left the town and were making their way to the bridge when a piercing scream filled the air.
"Someone's in trouble!"
"Come on, this way!"
The trio ran to find…
Team Rocket, cowering in fear as a flock of Mandibuzz circled overhead, occasionally swooping down to peck at them. Although he didn't like them, Ash couldn't bring himself to leave them to suffer.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt now!"
"Zeraora, Plasma Fists!"
"Go, Zoroark! Use Night Slash!"
After being hit by the powerful attacks, The Manibuzz decided to flee and fight another day. The Trio gasped for breath, only to look up and realize just who their rescuers were.
"You!"
"You're welcome."
"You know these three, Ash?"
"Unfortunately, yes. They're part of Team Rocket, a criminal organization dedicated to stealing Pokémon and taking over the world. What are you three doing here?"
The trio became nervous, trying to think of an excuse.
"Um, well, we were just minding our own business when- "
"You were trying to steal Pokémon at the Aether Foundation and got sucked in, weren't you?"
"You know us to well, twerp."
Ash sighed, really not having the time for this.
"Alright, look. If we want to get back to our own universe, our best chance is to work together."
Team Rocket did a double take, not believing what they were hearing.
"What? Team up with you?"
"Not in a million years, twerp!"
Ash sighed, realizing how difficult this would be.
"Alright, look. I don't like it any more than you do, but you have no idea what Guzzlord is capable of. You really would rather spend the rest of your lives out here being pecked on by Mandibuzz and Spearows than cooperate with me?"
Realizing Ash had a point, the trio sighed in defeat.
"Alright, but funny business."
Ash and the two humans shook hands, glaring at each other all the way. Even Meowth and Pikachu shook paw to tail, Pikachu reluctantly reigning in the desire to electrocute his nemesis.
"Alright, lets go. We need to get there and back before sundown."
"Right!"
After another hour of walking, they saw the entrance to the ruins up ahead.
"Alright, lets go find the Tapu."
But before anyone could take another step, Guzzlord slammed right down before them, blocking the entrance with a massive roar. Everyone's faces turned serious.
"Alright guys, this may be our only chance to end this. We stand the best chance if we work together."
"Right!"
"Pikachu, let's go!"
"Zeraora, I choose you!"
"Zoroark, stand ready for battle."
"Mareannie, attack…Not me, that thing!"
"Go, Se…"
Before Jessie could do anything, Mimikyu emerged from his Pokeball and attacked Pikachu with a Shadow Claw to Ash's anger.
"Jessie, what gives? We need to work together!"
"Its not my fault! That stupid thing released itself! Mimikyu, attack that thing, we'll steal Pikachu later!"
With a frustrated growl, Mimikyu relented, turning to face Guzzlord before attacking him with everyone else.
The battle did not go well for them. Even though they had a numerical advantage, Guzzlord was too bulky for any one of them to do significant damage before being thrown back like ragdolls. Zeraora was the only one who seemed to be having an impact, its Plasma Fists causing it to howl in pain, but even he was pushed back. After only five minutes, their Pokemon were battered, bruised, and exhausted. Guzzlord moved to deal the finishing blow, its cries sounding like a demonic laugh…
Only to be rammed by a ball of lightning, forcing him back in pain. Before everyone's eyes, Tapu Koko unfolded his wings, its face ready for battle.
"No way, its Tapu Koko!"
"He never abandoned us. He was here all along."
Dia smiled.
"Deep down, I always knew."
Tapu Koko turned to the gathered humans, nodding its head to let them know he was on their side.
"Alright, let's do this!"
Reinvigorated by the Tapu's presence, the Pokémon once more launched themselves at Guzzlord, ready to end this once and for all.
