Chapter 43: On the Run
At Hapu's insistance, Ash, Lillie, and Ilima agreed to stay the night. The next morning, Hapu's grandmother cooked them a huge breakfast before they went on their way.
"So if you hadn't had a Kahuna in years, what have you done for Trial goers when they come looking for him?"
"Honestly, not too many people even attempt the challenge these days, and even fewer make it this far. For those that do, all we can do is give them a Groundinium Z and wish them the best of luck on their adventure."
"That's horrible! This tradition has been apart of Alolan culture for centuries, but now hardly anybody challenges it?"
"I agree, Lillie, but times change. Without any major recognition for doing so, most challengers just don't see the point anymore."
But before this discussion could go any farther, a small explosion rocked the house.
"What was that?"
"Come on out! We know you're in there!"
Everyone peeked out of the window to see an army of Team Rocket grunts lead by Petrel outside their door. The grunts commanded an array of Electrode to explode against the house, rocking it farther. Petrel grabbed his megaphone and shouted into it.
"Alright punks, do as I say and I'll consider letting you live. Hand over the legendary Pokemon you've got, or else we'll blow you sky high!"
Ash and his friends exchanged looks.
"Legendary Pokemon? Could he mean Nebby?"
"But how could he know?"
"That's not important right now, we need to get out of here."
"Quickly, there's a back way out through here."
Quickly, the group of five ran out, just as Team Rocket burst through the door. Petrel grinded his teeth in annoyance.
"Search the whole island! They can't run forever."
The group made their way to Poni Meadow, where they had to stop and catch their breath. Hapu's grandmother had it the worse, her back aching as she tried to rest.
"Take it easy, grandma. We should be able to-"
"This way! Hurry before they get too far ahead!"
"Blast! Come on, we gotta go!"
But Hapu's grandmother shook her head.
"Go on without me, I'll just slow you down."
"I'm not leaving without you! I can't lose another grandparent, not again!"
Hapu's grandmother put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"It's alright, dear. Go, i'll hold them off as long as I can."
Realizing her mind was made up, Hapu and the rest of the group ran ahead, while her grandmother turned to see more grunts coming her way.
"Alright lady, step aside."
"If you want my granddaughter, you'll have to go through me. Go, Machamp!"
Ash, Hapu, Ilima, and Lillie found themselves deep in the meadow, out of breath and out of ideas as they heard more grunts closing in.
"Come on guys, we gotta keep moving!"
"But Ash, Hapu can't take another step."
Realizing she would just slow them down, Hapu took a step towards the incoming wave.
"Go. I'll buy you some time."
Unleashing her Mudsdale, she helped Ash and Lillie up before giving it directions.
"Mudsdale, get Ash and Lillie as far away as possible. Make sure no harm comes to them, no matter what."
"Dale."
"I'll be alright, just keep them safe."
After giving Hapu a brief nuzzle, Mudsdale galloped off as fast as he could, Ilima staying behind with Hapu to buy them time.
"Ilima, whatever happens, I'm glad I got to know you."
"The feeling is mutual. Go, Kangaskhan!"
"I choose you, Dugtrio!"
Ash and Lillie managed to get a good distance away, but they were hopelessly lost as Mudsdale slowed down, out of energy.
"I guess this is as far as we can go."
"Then it'll have to do. We better find some shelter, and fast."
"Over here!"
Ash and Lillie turned to find Rose and Alex waving them over.
"If you guys are looking for shelter, you can stay here until things settle down."
"Awesome, thanks!"
Lillie was uncertain, but seeing that it was their best option followed Ash into the small hut. Ash breathed a sigh of relief, happy to have found a place to catch their breath.
"Man, am I glad we ran into you. Glad to see some familiar-"
Ash's sentence was cut short as a frying pan to the back of the head knocked him unconcious.
"Ash!"
"Quiet, you!"
To Lillie's surprise, Rose grabbed her and taped her mouth shut before tying her up. Sighing, Rose turned to her partner, who had just finished tying up Ash and Pikachu.
"About time we got what we came for."
"I'll saw, now help me get these two to the boat. Next stop, Aether Paradise!"
