Under The Alolan Sun

Izzyaro

Peace and Quiet

I need a break from Harry Potter now and then, and this fic is good stress relief. Many thanks to Wolflyn for all the encouragement with this chapter, and this story in general!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Steven eased himself down onto a rock and let out a long breath. As excited as he was to be exploring Alola, and Ten Carat Hill inparticular, he couldn't ignore the effects his recent illness had had on his body. He was over the virus now, but being effectively bedbound for a while had taken its toll.

A Pokéball twitched on his belt, and Steven smiled at the echoing concern in the back of his mind.

"It's nothing," he said softly. "Just a little tired, that's all."

The 'ball remained still, but Steven knew better than to think Metagross was content with that. Sure enough, a moment later another 'ball opened and Steven smiled as Aron appeared next to his feet.

"Good morning," he murmured, bending down to rub the steel head. Aron crooned at the attention, but then he caught the scent of the new rocks and ores surrounding them and was off.

Steven watched his youngest friend scurry from one outcropping to the next, and had to chuckle. It had been too long since they had last had a chance to relax. It was early enough that the sun wasn't too hot, but it made a pleasant change from the chill of the caves.

He was just debating whether the clearing was large enough to send out more of his Pokémon when the quiet of the morning was interrupted by a sudden howl.

Steven was on his feet immediately, his weariness forgotten. This was not the sort of environment where one ignored the sounds of an upset Pokémon. Even a weak attack could all too easily cause a rockslide, or worse. The howling was followed by a series of roars, and Steven grabbed a Pokéball from his belt.

"Skarmory, find out what's going on!"

Skarmory took to the air with a shriek of his own, and shot off in a blur of silver. Steven glanced at Aron. "We'll explore later, all right?"

Aron let himself be returned without any fuss, and Steven took off in the direction of the commotion. The ground shook under his feet, but years of Aggron's Earthquakes served him in good stead and he kept his balance, instead increasing his pace. Skarmory knew better than to dive straight into any trouble, but Steven still wanted to be on hand in case there really was something wrong.

A minute later, Steven was breathing heavily, and deeply regretting taking Wallace's advice to wear sandals instead of his usual boots. His feet and ribs were beginning to burn and the dust in the air was making his eyes sting, but he could hear the clash of bodies and attacks and forced himself on. He swerved around a tree, and skidded to a halt as he found himself at the top of a sharp incline. Heart pounding from the exertion and his near fall, he stared down at the events below.

The slopes around him formed a rough bowl-shaped arena, and standing at the edge Steven had a perfect view of the chaos below. It took him a moment to sort out what was happening, and another moment to recognise the Pokémon involved.

"So that's what Alolan Graveler and Golem look like."

The variation in Alola really was fascinating, but another howl effectively diverted Steven's attention from the novelty. The dozen or so Rock/Electric types were roughly gathered at one end of the clearing, and at the other were two lupine Pokémon that were clearly different Forms of the same species. Though heavily outnumbered they were clearly preparing to attack. Steven swallowed, grateful once again that he had bothered to read up on Alolan Pokémon, and looked up just as Skarmory swooped down to hover next to him.

"Where are they?"

Skarmory jabbed his beak past the two Lycanroc, and Steven gritted his teeth at the sight of three tiny bodies attempting to hide in the bushes. Sometimes he hated being proved right. There was only one reason why two vastly outnumbered Pokémon would make a stand instead of running, and it made the whole situation exponentially more serious.

Steven didn't have time to think about it though. Several of the Golem and Graveler were already preparing fresh attacks, and both Lycanroc had already taken heavy damage. Steven grabbed a Pokéball from his belt and scrambled onto Skarmory's back.

"Drop me at the bottom, then protect the Rockruff!"

Skarmory clacked his beak in clear concern but didn't argue. He dived for the impromptu battlefield, and Steven jumped off and flung the Pokéball at the same time.

"Stop this!"

None of the Pokémon paid the slightest bit of attention. They continued to ready their attacks, and only the Midday Lycanroc spared him even a look.

Then half a ton of Steel-typed Pokémon landed in between them with a crash that made one of the Graveler fall over, and all movement died rather quickly.

Metagross gave a threatening growl and turned to the Graveler and Golem, and Steven took the opportunity to approach the two Lycanroc. Both bared their teeth and snarled, but Steven stopped well out of reach and raised his hands.

"It's all right," he said gently. "We're friends. We just heard the battle and wanted to help."

The Midnight Lycanroc's snarl deepened and she took a step forward, but her mate glanced back at their den. Steven knew better than to take his eyes from the female, and he didn't need to look to know that Skarmory had followed his orders and the young ones were safe.

Sure enough a little of the tension left the male's body, and the glare he turned upon Steven wasn't quite as antagonistic as it had been. Steven was careful to keep his body language open and non-threatening, but just as he was opening his mouth there was a sudden flicker of warning, and he glanced back at his Starter.

"Metagross?"

Metagross didn't move, but Steven saw the problem instantly. The Graveler and Golem seemed to have recovered from their surprise, and none of them looked particularly happy with the situation. Growls from the Lycanroc confirmed that they hadn't missed the change, and Steven bit his lip. As much as he wanted to keep the Rockruff and their parents safe, he didn't want to hurt the Electric types either.

But it looked like the Lycanroc had been there for some time and the pups were in danger, and that made his decision. Still keeping his eyes on their opponents, Steven spoke in a low voice,

"Metagross. Bullet Punch."

He felt the warm rush of agreement, then Metagross launched itself forward far faster than any of its targets would have expected.

The next few seconds were very, very loud.

But it was over quickly. The last Golem fled, and Steven hurried to his partner's side.

"Are you all right?"

Metagross gave a reassuring rumble that held more than a little satisfaction, but under the circumstances Steven could hardly fault them for that. He checked his friend over and let out a relieved sigh.

"That was amazing," he said quietly. "Thank you."

Metagross leaned into his touch for a moment, but then their red eyes flickered in the direction of the Lycanroc and Steven nodded.

"Good point."

He straightened up, and turned to find the Midnight Lycanroc staring at the two of them. The Midday one had gone to their pups, and Steven was relieved to see that Skarmory had retreated to a nearby tree rather than interrupt the reunion. The Rockruff were already spilling out of the bushes, any fear apparently forgotten, and even as Steven watched the Lycanroc raised his head and barked.

At that signal the Midnight Lycanroc finally lifted her gaze from Metagross and turned to her children, and Steven let himself relax against Metagross' side.

"Well done."

Metagross hummed in acknowledgement, and Steven felt their contentment echo in his mind. The young Rockruff were safe, and the parents relatively unharmed, and as the two of them watched the family of Rock-types disappear into the rocks Steven could only smile.

Skarmory let out a soft caw, and Steven nodded.

"Yes, we should leave them in peace," he murmured. His Flying-type flew down to land next to him, and Steven fed him a berry before returning him to his Pokéball. He took a final look at the Lycanroc and Rockruff, but as he turned back to Metagross something made him pause.

It wasn't anything he saw or heard. It was a feeling in the air; the sting of ozone before a Thunderbolt, and the moment when nature held its breath before a summer storm. It was the almost tangible feeling of being watched by something with incredible power. It left Steven frozen where he stood, every sense straining for something that was just out of reach...

"There he is. Hey, Boss!"

Steven spun round so fast he almost fell over. The near suffocating aura vanished, and Steven would have thought he had imagined it but for the fierce unease he could feel emanating from Metagross. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of yellow and orange, but when he turned he met only concerned brown eyes.

"Steven? Are you all right?"

Steven blinked, and finally pulled himself together. "Yes, fine. I just thought...Never mind."

Phoebe did not look convinced. Neither did Sidney, but the elderly Alolan man they were with just gave him an appraising look.

"You'll see some strange things around these parts," he said. Then he grinned and held out his hand. "Kahuna Hala. Heard a lot about you, Champion Stone." He looked round at the battlefield and shook his head. "And I thought they were exaggerating."

Steven winced. Metagross hadn't done all the damage. Just a lot of it. "It's a pleasure Kahuna, and please call me Steven." He paused, but the memory of that unearthly presence as too strong, and he couldn't help himself. "When you say strange things..."

Hala's dark eyes twinkled. "Local legends. Maybe you'll get a chance to learn more about them."

Steven frowned, but something in Hala's expression made him let the subject drop. If it was a local legend he would have plenty of opportunities to investigate for himself. A soft yowl provided a distraction, and Steven looked down and smiled.

"So he did decide to stay."

Litten spared him a single glance before disdaining him in favour of climbing Sidney's leg. The Dark-type specialist winced. "Yeah, he's gonna be sticking around for a bit." He gathered into the feline into his arms and flicked him lightly on the nose. "No getting holes in my clothes, okay?

Litten did not look convinced, and Phoebe looked like she was trying to hide her laughter. Steven shook his head. "I had similar problems with Skarmory when he first hatched." Razor sharp feathers did not mix well with even the thickest clothing.

"Just keep him away from Wallace's Contest outfits," Phoebe chimed in.

Steven imagined the resulting carnage and winced. "Yes, let's avoid that if we can."

Hala chuckled. "I've seen your friend on television. Most impressive."

"He's the best," said Steven with a smile. Though Lisia was improving rapidly. He had a feeling the Hoenn Top Coordinator title was going to be staying within the family. "He came to Alola with us."

"Oh, I know," said Hala. "My grandson bumped into him the other day." He paused. "I now know exactly how cool Hoenn-native Water Pokémon are. All of them. In detail."

Sidney snorted. "Now why doesn't that surprise me?"

Steven shook his head fondly. Wallace would never change. Hala just laughed.

"It's good for Hau to know more about other Pokémon," he said. "He'll be getting his own partner soon." His eyes twinkled. "Though if he asks for a Feebas I will have to talk to Lana, of Akala Island. I was always terrible at fishing."

Phoebe glanced at Steven. "Didn't Wallace say he wanted to go to Akala Island next?"

"Indeed he did," Steven confirmed. "We'll spend a few days there and then head to Ula'ula Island."

Hala nodded approvingly. "I'm glad to see you want to explore our islands fully. You will see things in Alola that you will never see anywhere else." He glanced at Steven. "But I would like to ask one favour."

"Name it," said Steven immediately.

Hala smiled at him. "It would be interesting to see how a Kahuna fares against a League Champion."

Steven brightened at the idea, and Metagross let out a deep rumble of agreement. Hala turned to the Steel-type and nodded. "It would certainly be an interesting battle." He glanced back at Steven. "Perhaps when you return from your tour?"

"I look forward to it," Steven replied. A glint at the Kahuna's wrist caught his eye, and he couldn't help himself. "And if I might ask a favour of my own?" Hala inclined his head, and Steven grinned. "Might we make it an all out battle?"

Hala looked at his Z-Ring, and then at Steven's Key Stone, and an answering grin lit his face. "I would expect nothing else."

"This is gonna be awesome," Sidney breathed.

Steven had to laugh.

"There you all are!"

For the second time that morning Steven nearly jumped out of his skin. This time he turned to find an irate Top Coordinator glaring at him.

"You all left without me!"

"You were asleep," Steven pointed out.

"You could have woken me."

"You threatened to have Milotic soak the next person to walk through the door."

Wallace folded his arms with a scowl, but the boy by his side just laughed. "She totally would have too, wouldn't she?"

Wallace's frown vanished in an instant, and he beamed at his new friend. "Of course. My darling always knows exactly what I need." He scowled up at the sky, and moved so that he was in the shadow of the rocks. "Besides, you should be appreciating it in this weather."

Hala chuckled. "Thank you for showing him the way, Hau."

The boy's brilliant smile somehow got even wider, and Steven could see the family resemblance. "That's what we do in Alola, right, Tutu?"

Hala laid a fond hand on his shoulder. "It is indeed."

"And we appreciate it," said Phoebe with a smile.

Wallace wandered over and flung an arm around Steven's shoulders. Steven rolled his eyes and shoved him off, it was far too hot for that, but his friend just smirked. "I like Alola," he announced. "Wonderful people, fascinating Pokémon, and I'm assuming interesting rocks?"

Phoebe snorted. "Sableye was very happy in the passages coming here. What about you, Steven?"

Steven rubbed the back of his head. "Well, Aron was enjoying himself, but then I'm afraid we got a little distracted."

Metagross' deep grumble vibrated through his body, and he patted his partner's head. Sidney stared at them, then rubbed his ear. "Wait, say that again?"

Litten mewed a protest at the lack of attention and Sidney quickly turned back to scratches, but Phoebe too was eyeing Steven in open confusion. "You got distracted from rocks? New rocks?"

Wallace just folded his arms and glared at him. "You managed to get into trouble here?"

"It's not completely unheard of," Steven protested. "And it wasn't much trouble."

A chorus of mingled exclamations met his words. Hala and Hau didn't even bother to hide their amusement, and Steven leaned back against Metagross with a smile.

This really was turning out to be an excellent holiday

Any feedback would be very much appreciated.