The first rays of sunlight pierced the canopy, casting soft, golden patches across the ash-covered forest floor. Isabelle stirred, letting out a small groan as her stiff muscles protested the uneven ground she'd slept on. Sitting up, she brushed stray leaves from her black denim dress—a chic yet casual choice with button details running down the front, paired neatly with her plaid puff-sleeve top underneath. It had looked effortlessly stylish yesterday, but after a night outdoors, she felt distinctly less glamorous.
Azzy was already awake, bounding about energetically, her bright chirps filling the clearing. Isabelle watched her partner’s enthusiasm with mild envy, sighing as she stretched her arms overhead. Her hazel eyes glinted softly in the morning light as she took a moment to gather herself.
Across the clearing, Collin stood fully awake, directing Pancham through a morning warm-up. The small Fighting-type moved with impressive precision, throwing sharp punches into the air as Collin called out commands.
"Left jab! Dodge! Now, Tackle!" Collin instructed, his voice cheerful and energetic despite the early hour. Pancham lunged forward confidently, landing in a victorious stance, chest puffed proudly.
Isabelle yawned dramatically, brushing back her hair with an exaggerated gesture. "Do you ever actually sleep, or is this a perpetual state of existence for you?"
Collin chuckled, turning toward her with a playful grin. "Sleeping’s overrated when there’s training to be done. Pancham takes pride in staying sharp."
Azzy, intrigued by Pancham’s practice, bounced over and attempted to mimic his precise punches. Her tiny, stubby arms flailed about enthusiastically, missing the refined grace entirely. Isabelle rolled her eyes affectionately. "Don't let her fool you; bouncing’s definitely her strength. Boxing? Not so much."
Collin knelt, giving Azzy a gentle pat on the head. "Hey, don’t underestimate her. Ever considered teaching her moves like Slam or Play Rough? You never know—she might surprise you."
"Azzy’s strength is her cuteness, not her combat skills," Isabelle replied with a smirk. Azzy puffed out her chest proudly, eliciting laughter from both trainers.
Deciding it was time to freshen up, Isabelle rose, adjusting the straps of her dress self-consciously. Her clothes felt stiff and uncomfortable after the previous day's adventure. She lifted her bag, rummaging through it to retrieve her traveling attire—a durable pair of cargo pants, a breathable shirt, and her reliable hiking boots. Her fingers brushed against the deep navy fabric of her heavy haori jacket, adorned with intricate embroidery depicting Virelia’s iconic mountains beneath a shimmering aurora borealis.
Collin noticed her preparations and respectfully turned his attention back to Pancham. Isabelle appreciated his subtle courtesy. Still, she cleared her throat pointedly.
"I’m going to find somewhere… a little more private to change. So don’t, you know, wander over or anything," she said, attempting to keep her tone casual but firm.
Collin’s ears turned slightly red, but he nodded quickly. "Got it. We’ll stay right here. Pancham’s too busy showing off anyway."
Pancham grunted indignantly, flexing dramatically in response, as if proving Collin's point.
Isabelle smiled appreciatively before making her way carefully through the trees to a secluded spot she'd noticed the evening before—a small clearing shielded by a dense cluster of bushes and tall ferns. Setting her bag down, she began unpacking her supplies methodically, laying out a pouch of berries, three potions given to her by Professor Ardene, and the burn heal she'd purchased at Route 3’s entrance. She briefly checked her remaining funds—still around 2200 Pokédollars after the recent expense.
Changing into her practical traveling clothes felt like shedding yesterday’s fatigue. She pulled on her comfortable cargo pants, appreciating their durability, and slid into her hiking boots, feeling instantly more prepared for the day ahead. Finally, she slipped into her haori jacket, the familiar fabric instantly soothing against her skin. Adjusting her sleeves, she took a deep breath, savoring the quiet moment of privacy.
As Isabelle emerged from the thicket, she felt significantly more herself. Azzy immediately bounced to her side, inspecting her new attire with cheerful approval. Collin, noticing her return, offered a friendly wave, his eyes respectful and kind.
"Ready to face the day?" he asked.
Isabelle adjusted her jacket, smiling confidently. "Absolutely."
Azzy chirped eagerly, and Pancham punched the air, clearly energized by the morning’s preparations. Rotom floated overhead, its digital screen displaying an animated sunrise. "Adventure awaits, Trainers!"
Isabelle chuckled softly, feeling strangely optimistic. "Then let's get started."
The group packed up and continued their journey. The terrain shifted noticeably as they entered Hot Spring Pass, a rugged expanse of rocky hills dotted with steaming pools. Isabelle adjusted the folds of her haori jacket, feeling the temperature rise slightly with each step forward. Her boots crunched lightly over the uneven gravel path, careful to avoid patches of loose rocks and slippery, damp moss that grew stubbornly in the humid air.
The volatile beauty of their surroundings quickly captured Isabelle's attention. Hot springs bubbled softly, their surfaces shimmering gently in vibrant shades of deep sapphire and warm amber. Thin wisps of steam floated lazily upward from fissures in the rocky terrain, curling around jagged stones that sparkled subtly in the daylight. She caught a faint sulfuric scent carried by the breeze and wrinkled her nose briefly, the smell sharp but strangely comforting—another reminder that they were somewhere completely new.
As they navigated deeper into the pass, wildlife became increasingly visible, clearly at home amid the heat haze. Fletchinder perched confidently atop blackened rock formations, their wings spread wide as they soaked in the warmth radiating from the steaming pools. Small clusters of Numel grazed peacefully on sparse vegetation, their rounded bodies unbothered by the travelers' presence. Nearby, a Torkoal rested contentedly beside a particularly active steam vent, its relaxed exhales creating gentle plumes of smoke.
Collin took the lead, carefully stepping over a small stream of steaming water, clutching a worn notebook filled with handwritten notes and rough sketches. Isabelle eyed it skeptically, noting the battered edges and smudged ink.
“You’re really navigating us with that thing?” she asked, not bothering to hide her dubious expression.
“Yup,” Collin replied cheerfully, flipping through the pages as he squinted down at his handwriting. “It’s not fancy, but it works. I jot down tips from League forums whenever I get time at a Pokémon Center. Keeps me prepared.”
Rotom zipped closer, its screen lighting up with exaggerated disdain. “A notebook? Seriously? What is this, the Dark Ages? Ever heard of digital maps?”
Collin chuckled good-naturedly, taking the criticism in stride. “Not everyone’s lucky enough to have a fancy VireBand,” he replied with a casual shrug. “Besides, doing it this way means I don’t have to worry about battery life or signal issues.”
Isabelle tilted her head, curiosity replacing her initial skepticism. “Wait, you don’t have a VireBand?”
“Nope,” Collin admitted easily, glancing back at her with a small smile. “Couldn’t afford one. They're pretty limited supply-wise, too. I just hit up Pokémon Centers whenever I need to check the forums or update my notes.”
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Rotom zoomed impatiently around Collin’s head, buzzing dramatically. “Primitive! Quaint! Also wildly inefficient! You’d save so much time with—”
“Rotom,” Isabelle interrupted firmly but gently, waving her hand dismissively. “We get it.”
Collin laughed softly, not bothered in the slightest by Rotom’s antics. Isabelle felt a small pang of guilt for her initial judgment. She admired his resourcefulness and easy-going acceptance of his situation. Her fingers brushed instinctively against her own VireBand, suddenly aware of the privilege she’d unknowingly taken for granted.
They paused briefly to refill their water bottles near a crystal-clear spring tucked between two large boulders. The water was warm but pleasant, infused with faint mineral hints. As Isabelle capped her bottle, she stole another glance at Collin, who was busy scribbling something into his notebook. A rough sketch of a nearby rock formation began taking shape, along with several small notes in the margins.
"What’s that?" she asked, curiosity piqued.
Collin glanced up, startled but quickly smiling again. “Oh, I keep track of landmarks and interesting things we come across. Helps with navigating back if we get turned around.”
Isabelle leaned closer, impressed by his careful attention to detail despite the notebook’s shabby appearance. "You’re a real survivalist, aren’t you?"
He laughed warmly, scratching the back of his head. “I don’t know if I'd go that far, but I guess I like being prepared. You never know when these notes might save your life—or at least prevent getting lost in places like this.”
She smiled softly, feeling increasingly glad she’d decided to join him. Isabelle noticed Azzy watching Pancham intently, mimicking his confident strides through the rocky terrain. Pancham proudly puffed out his chest, clearly aware of his audience and taking every chance to demonstrate his bravery and leadership.
Rotom, meanwhile, continued hovering close by, scanning the environment intently. Its digital screen lit up periodically with helpful facts about local Pokémon species and geographical features. It seemed genuinely delighted by the abundance of data, its voice ringing cheerfully as it delivered updates.
“Did you know,” Rotom announced excitedly, “the springs here reach temperatures up to forty degrees Celsius? Perfect for Fire-types and tourists alike!”
Isabelle chuckled, shaking her head affectionately at Rotom’s enthusiasm. Her gaze lingered on the rugged beauty of the Hot Spring Pass, quietly appreciating how quickly her journey had become something richer and more meaningful than she’d anticipated. Each step seemed less daunting with Collin’s genuine kindness and resourcefulness alongside her.
"Alright, notebook boy," she teased lightly, nudging him playfully. "Lead the way."
Collin grinned brightly, sketchbook in hand, and nodded eagerly. “With pleasure. Onward to adventure!”
Azzy and Pancham exchanged determined glances before bounding ahead excitedly, while Rotom zipped forward, illuminating their path with a cheerful glow.
Despite the warmth and strange sulfuric scents, Isabelle felt perfectly at ease, eager to see what awaited them next in their journey.
The winding trail soon opened into a cluster of bubbling pools, their surfaces shimmering gently in the sunlight. Steam rose in soft tendrils, curling gracefully into the sky and filling the air with a faint mineral tang.
Azzy darted forward, sniffing curiously at the nearest pool. Isabelle quickly scooped her up. “Oh no, you’re not turning into a steamed dumpling today.”
Collin crouched by the edge of a smaller pool, dipping his hand into the water. “These are great for a break. Ever soaked your feet in one of these? Feels like a mini healing spring.”
Rotom hovered over the water, scanning it enthusiastically. “Temperature: 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Mineral content: high in magnesium and sulfur. Danger level: negligible unless you’re a Trainer with zero balance!”
“Helpful,” Isabelle muttered, setting Azzy down a safe distance from the edge.
As Collin removed his boots to soak his feet, Isabelle unpacked a small snack for Azzy. The little Azurill eagerly devoured a berry, her tail wagging as Isabelle stroked her fur.
“You know,” Isabelle said thoughtfully, watching Collin sketch the pools in his notebook, “you seem awfully prepared for someone without a VireBand. I barely managed to register for the Circuit.”
Collin grinned proudly, flipping a page to show a rough drawing of a nearby landmark. “It’s all about being resourceful. The forums have everything—tips on Gym Leaders, rare Pokémon sightings, even stuff about this area.”
Isabelle tilted her head with newfound curiosity. “Like what?”
“Well,” Collin lowered his voice conspiratorially, glancing around as if revealing a closely guarded secret, “there’s a rumor about a Fire Shrine somewhere out here. Supposedly, it’s tied to an ancient legend.”
Rotom lit up immediately, its screen flickering with excitement. “A shrine, you say? Oh, this could be big! Let’s find it! Let’s—”
“We’re not here to chase rumors,” Isabelle cut in firmly. “We need to focus on the trail.”
“But what if it’s true?” Rotom argued, zooming around her head insistently. “Think of the data! The discovery! The fame!”
Isabelle sighed softly, suppressing an amused smile. “One adventure at a time, Rotom.”
The trail narrowed into a wooden bridge, shrouded in thick steam rising from the vents below. Isabelle paused at the edge, a lump forming in her throat as she eyed the rickety planks warily.
Great. This looks exactly like the kind of bridge you'd find at the start of a horror movie. 'Local girl vanishes on sketchy bridge, never seen again.' Ugh.
“You’re sure this is safe?” she asked, casting a dubious look toward Collin.
Collin laughed brightly, stepping confidently onto the bridge as Pancham trotted happily beside him, seemingly unbothered by the precarious footing. “Only one way to find out.”
“Famous last words,” Isabelle muttered, her arms tightening protectively around Azzy. The planks groaned ominously beneath her feet, the dense steam swirling around her ankles, obscuring her vision. Rotom zipped ahead gleefully, its display flashing wildly.
“Visibility: minimal! Danger level: moderate! Adventure level: maximum!”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Isabelle retorted, her heart skipping a beat as another plank creaked louder beneath her foot.
Halfway across, a sudden burst of steam exploded upward with a deafening hiss, sending a surge of panic through Isabelle's veins. Azzy shrieked in fright, squirming frantically.
“It's okay, Azzy,” Isabelle whispered soothingly, gripping the small Pokémon firmly, her voice steadier than she felt. It's okay, Isabelle. Just one foot in front of the other. And don’t. Look. Down.
On the far side, Collin waited patiently, amusement dancing in his eyes as Isabelle finally stepped onto solid ground with an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Told you it was fine,” he said smugly.
“Barely,” Isabelle shot back, her legs feeling like jelly. She set Azzy gently onto the ground, the little Azurill quickly regaining her confidence with a defiant chirp. “This route is going to be the death of me.”
“More likely Rotom’s enthusiasm,” Collin teased lightly, earning a playful glare from Isabelle.
Their bickering was interrupted by Rotom, who suddenly beeped excitedly, practically vibrating in the air. “Incoming data! Strange energy detected nearby! Could it be a shrine? A nest? A hidden Pokémon?!”
Collin’s eyes sparkled eagerly as he flipped through his notes, excitement coloring his voice. “Maybe it’s the Fire Shrine! The forums said there was some kind of glow around here.”
Isabelle raised an eyebrow skeptically, glancing around at the swirling steam and rugged cliffs. “Or it could just be another hot spring, Collin.”
“Only one way to find out!” Collin replied cheerfully, already moving toward the source of the faint, flickering glow.
The warmth intensified with each step forward, the air thickening with heat and the strange, almost mystical fragrance of mineral-rich steam. Isabelle’s pulse quickened, a thrill of unease mixed with genuine curiosity. Beside her, Azzy hopped determinedly, clearly emboldened by the group's shared excitement.
Rotom darted forward eagerly, spinning in tight circles. “Oh, this is exciting! Data incoming! I can feel it—this is going to be big!”
Despite herself, Isabelle smiled softly. Okay, maybe adventure isn’t entirely terrible.
Collin moved closer, his voice lowering conspiratorially, eyes gleaming with something deeper than simple curiosity. “You know, there are rumors about shrines like this. Supposedly, Pokémon who live near these sacred sites can sometimes develop unique typings or powers. Like Astrid’s Haxorus—it’s a Fire and Dragon type. Usually, Haxorus are pure Dragon. The shrine energy might have caused that. Imagine if Pancham experienced something like that…”
Pancham glanced up at Collin, puffing his chest out proudly as if he fully supported the idea of becoming even more impressive. Collin chuckled warmly, affectionately ruffling the small Pokémon’s fur.
“Sounds like a fairy tale,” Isabelle said lightly, though she couldn’t quite suppress the intrigue in her voice.
Collin shrugged, his tone half-serious, half playful. “Every legend has a bit of truth to it, right?”
Rotom zipped past them again, chirping eagerly, “Hurry up! Data doesn’t wait for humans and their tiny legs!”
“Tiny legs?” Isabelle echoed indignantly, breaking into a laugh as she followed. Maybe this adventure is starting to grow on me.