Chapter Text
With the very notable exception of Mount Lanakila, Alola couldn’t really be described as cold. Even in the depth of winter it was unusual for it to exceed mildly chilly. Phoebe knew tropical weather, she had been born and had grown up in Hoenn after all, and even she had to admit that Alola was warm. Not that she minded in the slightest, unlike some of her colleagues.
At the present moment, however, she was glad of her light jacket. The breeze at the top of Wela Volcano was decidedly fresh, and it didn’t help that the sun had set some time ago.
And of course there was the minor matter of the disturbed spirits to deal with.
A faint howl made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. The giant Marowak next to her shifted, but stilled when she laid a hand on his arm.
“It’s all right,” she murmured. “We have it under control.”
The hard part was done. None of the spirits surrounding them had been actively malicious, just lost, and easily soothed by the old ways learned at her Grandmother’s knee. Now all that remained was to ease them back to their rest.
Phoebe gestured, and Sableye and Banette slipped back into the shadows, their parts done for the night. It was Drifblim and Chandelure who floated forward, and Phoebe quietly passed Marowak a Chesto berry. The Totem Pokémon hesitated, but then the haunting refrain started to echo through the rocks and he grabbed the berry without further prompting.
Blue witchfire flickered in the night sky in a captivating counterpart to the music, and Phoebe tore her eyes from the display before she ended up joining the ghosts. Not that either of her partners would allow such a thing, but Grandmother would never let her live it down.
Next to her Marowak let out a plaintive growl, and Phoebe patted him on the back. It wouldn’t be much longer.
Sure enough, the shrieks and howls slowly started to fade away. The icy chill was lost in the balmy Alolan night, and Phoebe turned back towards the summit and smiled.
“Thank you.”
Chandelure crooned, blue flames more subdued now, and Drifblim floated over for a hug before both returned to their Pokéballs for a well-deserved rest. Sableye climbed back onto Phoebe’s shoulder, wrapping her hair around her like a blanket as she chattered softly to herself, and Phoebe gave her a grateful stroke.
“Stop that, Banette,” she added, without turning round.
The Ghost sniggered as Marowak spun round, club raised, and retreated back into her Pokéball before the Totem could retaliate. Phoebe rolled her eyes. One would think several hours of settling restless spirits would be enough to keep them busy, but oh no. Sidney had clearly been a bad influence.
A footstep surrounded behind her, and Phoebe turned to see two tall figures approaching. She smiled and waved.
“All done!”
A relieved smile spread across Kahuna Olivia’s face. “I’m glad to hear it. Thank you.”
Phoebe waved off the thanks and turned to Kiawe, who had gone straight to Marowak’s side. “No problem. He’s going to need to rest for a while; this sort of thing isn’t easy for Ghosts, even when they’re not the focus of the session.”
She would really have preferred to work alone, but the Totem Pokémon had been adamant on helping defend its territory. At least she knew it would be in good hands, judging by the look on Kiawe’s face.
“I’ll make sure of it,” he promised. He rubbed his friend’s skull, expression softening. “Looks like our next performance will have to wait a while, my friend.”
Phoebe glanced at him. “Performance?”
Kiawe raised his chin proudly. “We have been studying the traditional fire dances of Alola,” he said. “One day we will share them with the whole world.” His cheeks darkened, and he ducked his head. “That’s a long way in the future though.”
Olivia slung an arm around his shoulders. “You’ll get there,” she said. “And sooner than you think, I bet.”
Phoebe nodded. “That sounds like a wonderful dream.” She watched the way Marowak lightly butted his head against Kiawe’s ribs, and smiled. “I don’t know much about your traditions, but I can see how much Marowak trusts you. I am sure you will succeed.”
“Thank you,” said Kiawe. Marowak leaned into his hand for another scratch, and Kiawe sighed. “I still have much to learn though.”
Marowak snorted, and Olivia chuckled. “Listen to your partner, kid. You’re doing just fine.”
Kiawe nodded, a slightly sheepish smile touching his lips, then he blinked as Marowak yawned. “You need rest.”
Sableye muttered an agreement from Phoebe’s shoulder, and she covered a yawn of her own with a hand. Olivia frowned at the them.
“I think you all do. Come on, I’ll see you back to your hotel. Kiawe?”
“I’ll fly back in a bit,” said Kiawe. “I want to make sure Marowak is settled first.”
“He should just need some sleep,” said Phoebe, “and maybe take it easy for a day or two. I don’t know exactly how your Island Trial works, but it would be better if you could delay any challenges for a bit.”
“That won’t be a problem,” said Kiawe, with a nod. “Challengers understand that Totem Pokémon need rest like everyone else. If they really want a fight I can send them on to Mallow or Lana.” A quick grin touched his face. “Or battle them myself.”
Olivia grinned. “I think they’d rather face Marowak.”
Kiawe’s grin widened for a moment, then his expression turned serious and he turned to Phoebe. “I understand that you are on holiday, and you have already done more than I could have hoped for, but I would appreciate any advice.”
Phoebe blinked. Marowak looked equally bemused, turning a frown on his friend, but Kiawe held Phoebe’s gaze without flinching. “I have lived with and worked with Fire-types all my life, but that is only part of Marowak’s nature.” His mouth twisted into a self-deprecating smile. “As my inability to handle this matter myself demonstrates.”
“You’re not being fair to yourself,” said Phoebe, shaking her head. “You recognised the problem immediately, and asked for help. I’m sure that you had a plan in mind even before you knew I was on the island.”
“I was going to send a message to Acerola,” Kiawe confirmed. “But I should have been able to do something myself.”
Phoebe shook her head. “Ghosts are tricky,” she said. “If something like this happens, consulting an expert is always the best option.”
“And exactly the same could be said of any other type specialist,” said Olivia. “If a Fire-type is in trouble, I’m calling you before anyone else.”
Kiawe ducked his head, and Phoebe gave him a warm smile. “Marowak trusts you,” she said. “If you want some tips on working with Ghost-types then I am more than happy to help, but you don’t have anything to worry about. The two of you are doing just fine.”
Marowak nodded firmly, prodding Kiawe with his club, and the teen let out a long breath and looked up. “Thank you,” he said. He patted Marowak on the back, and looked back at Phoebe. “And thanks again for your help. If you need anything while you’re here, just let me know and I’ll be right there.”
Phoebe considered that, then nodded. “I can think of one thing, if you really want to pay me back.”
“Name it,” said Kiawe immediately.
Phoebe looked at the two of them, and her smile widened. “When Marowak is fully rested, show me one of these fire dances of yours. I’d love to see the two of you doing what you love.”
Kiawe blinked, then his face broke into a broad grin. “It would be our pleasure.”
Marowak barked his agreement, spinning his club in brilliant circles around him in his glee, and Phoebe let out a contented sigh. This really was the best holiday ever.