Fury and Confusion (A Pokemon Fanfiction)

Chapter Thirteen

"I'll get it!" Acerola chimed, jumping back up onto the porch and padding through the house. The knocking resumed, quieter this time but still firm and demanding.

"What the hell?" Acerola muttered, quickening her pace over the hardwood floors. She stopped before the front door, peering through the peephole.

What?

She opened the door slowly, revealing an impatient Professor Kukui, his arms folded and one foot tapping relentlessly. Two men in familiar white uniforms flanked him, their expressions blank. One scratched absently at his cheek, looking away from them both. Acerola leaned against the doorway, looking up at the man in the center.

"Professor?" Acerola arced an eyebrow. It had been a long time since she'd last seen the man.

"Acerola?" The man's eyes opened wide in genuine surprise. "I didn't realize you and Ilima were back on good terms." She opened her mouth but found she didn't have much to say in response. Kukui smiled sympathetically at her.

This probably doesn't look that great for me, Acerola thought to herself. At least Kukui was discreet.

"I'm looking for a young girl named Lillie," Kukui explained. "I've been led to believe that she's currently staying here."

"Lillie?" Acerola leaned back somewhat. But those two are from Aether Foundation, aren't they?

"She's here, isn't she?" Kukui stepped forward, his face a mask of intensity. Acerola found herself backing up almost on instinct. "I need to see her."

He brushed past her, the two Aether Foundation members following quickly after. Acerola stood aside, unsure how to respond. After a long moment she regained her composure, chasing after them.

"Hey! Wait a second!"

"Lillie!" Kukui stood on the porch, looking down to where Ilima and Lillie stood talking. Hau was off to the side. Surprise hung thick on all of their expressions. Lillie backed away, her shock quickly replaced by fear.

Fear?

Acerola rushed past them, gingerly stepping around the three men on the porch and jumping down on the sand in front of Lillie, one arm extending in front of the younger girl defensively. Her other hand reached down to her belt, readying Sandy's pokeball. Ilima was walking forward, his back straight and a hand firmly wrapped around the Ultra Ball at his waist.

Ilima noticed Lillie's reaction too, I'm sure of it.

"Professor Kukui!" Ilima said, his voice light. He was probably smiling too. "How unexpected! I didn't realize I'd be running into the man organizing the Pokemon League in my very own home!"

"Ilima," Kukui nodded to the Captain, but his focus was clearly fixed on Lillie. "It's been some time since we spoke last. I'm here on family business, unfortunately, otherwise I would love to catch up with you."

If he tries something, I don't know if Ilima and I together are strong enough to take him... Acerola gritted her teeth. Kukui didn't seem to have his full team with him, but even so it would be a battle hard fought.

"I'm not going back!" Lillie shouted. Acerola turned just as Lillie stepped past her, Koa right at her heels. "You can't make me go back to my Mother."

A runaway? Acerola put her hand down. Maybe this wasn't her place to get involved. Professor Kukui sighed, running a hand down his face. He sat on the edge of the porch, his head in his hands as he looked at Lillie. There were bags under his eyes, his skin pale from a lack of sleep.