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Chapter 37: Steamy Encounters

  The air grew thick with humidity as Isabelle, Collin, Azzy, Pancham, and Rotom trudged further into the expanse of Hot Spring Pass. The faint smell of sulfur tickled Isabelle’s nose, and faint plumes of steam hissed up from vents scattered across the rocky ground. Pools of shimmering water reflected the sunlight, their surfaces rippling as if something just beneath was stirring.

  Isabelle wiped sweat from her brow and grimaced. “Lovely. I didn’t think my first week on the road would include being steamed alive like a goddamn dumpling.”

  Azzy chirped in agreement, hopping ahead but carefully avoiding the steaming vents.

  “You’ll appreciate the hot springs more when your muscles start aching from all the walking,” Collin said with an easy grin. He crouched beside a vent, examining the rock formations and scribbling notes in his battered notebook. Pancham struck a mock heroic pose nearby, punching the air like a pint-sized boxer warming up.

  “Oh, great,” Isabelle muttered under her breath, side-eyeing Collin. “Indiana freaking Jones over here is gonna start talking about hidden treasure any minute.”

  Rotom, ever the opportunist, buzzed out of Isabelle’s bag and zipped around the area. “Adventure? Discovery? Treasure? I’m in! Scanning for hidden goodies now!”

  Isabelle groaned. “Rotom, not everything has to be an expedition.”

  “Don’t be such a spoil-sport!” Rotom chirped. Its screen lit up as it darted toward a nearby pool where tiny ripples disturbed the water. “Scanning subject now! Ohhh, fascinating! A Poliwag! Data incoming!”

  Rotom’s screen projected an image of the round blue tadpole. “Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. Its thin skin makes it easy to see the spiral innards of its body. Don’t poke it, though—those legs can pack a punch!”

  Isabelle blinked as the Poliwag dove into the water, leaving only ripples in its wake. “Yeah, thanks for the warning, Rotom. I was totally planning to wrestle a wild Poliwag.”

  Nearby, Collin was bent over another pool, watching a small Numel lazily sip at the water. “Man, these Pokémon are thriving here. No wonder this area feels so alive.” He turned to Isabelle, practically beaming. “You know, there’s a theory that certain areas like this are charged with residual energy from ancient Pokémon.”

  “Residual what-now?” Isabelle raised an eyebrow, leaning on one leg. “Are we talking about weird shrine crap again?”

  “Possibly!” Collin said enthusiastically, completely ignoring her sarcasm. “I’ve been looking for signs of the Fire Shrine—there are forum posts about it being somewhere around here.”

  Isabelle sighed, glancing at Azzy, who was sniffing curiously at the ground. “If I had a PokéDollar for every time someone mentioned this Fire Shrine, I wouldn’t need to battle Trainers for cash.”

  Rotom zipped toward a passing Fletchling, which chirped and flitted into a tree. “Fletchling! The Tiny Robin Pokémon! Known for its cheerful disposition but watch out—it’ll peck you if it feels threatened. Imagine getting pecked to death. That’d be embarrassing!”

  “Rotom,” Isabelle said flatly, “do you ever shut up?”

  “Nope!” Rotom chirped cheerfully, spinning in circles.

  Azzy bounced toward the tree with a happy squeak, wagging her tail like she wanted to play. Isabelle chuckled, scooping her up. “Sorry, Azzy. I don’t think it wants to hang out.”

  As they ventured deeper into the steaming landscape, Collin stopped abruptly, his eyes lighting up. “Look at this!” He knelt by a strange blackened stone near a vent, running his fingers over faint grooves carved into its surface. “It’s definitely a marker. These patterns match descriptions I’ve read—this might be tied to the Fire Shrine!”

  Isabelle tilted her head, unimpressed. “Cool. A rock. Totally worth sweating my ass off for.”

  Collin ignored her, scribbling furiously in his notebook. “This could be proof the shrine’s close. The energy readings Rotom picked up earlier line up with the theories about these vents being part of a larger network.”

  “Energy readings?” Isabelle looked at Rotom, who hovered nearby like a smug child showing off a drawing. “Rotom, you didn’t tell me you were picking up shrine vibes.”

  “You seemed… uninterested,” Rotom replied, its voice dripping with mock innocence. “But if you must know, there’s definitely something funky about this area. You humans wouldn’t understand—it’s Pokémon stuff.”

  “Pokémon stuff,” Isabelle repeated, deadpan. “Thanks for the groundbreaking analysis.”

  Collin was practically vibrating with excitement. “We should explore further. Who knows what else we might find?”

  “Or,” Isabelle countered, pointing toward the path ahead, “we could not get sidetracked and stick to getting to Blazebrook City.”

  Collin paused, finally looking at her. “Why are you in such a rush?”

  Isabelle hesitated, feeling Azzy nuzzle her arm. “Because I don’t want to end up like you—stuck in the wilderness for two months chasing rocks.”

  Collin smirked, unfazed. “Suit yourself, but you’re missing out. These places have stories, you know? History. Don’t you ever wonder what came before us?”

  “Nope,” Isabelle said flatly. “I’m too busy trying not to get murdered by Beedrill.”

  A sharp screech broke through their conversation, making Isabelle whip around. A Numel bolted from behind a vent, clearly startled, as a Poliwag darted back into a pool. The ground shook slightly, and Isabelle’s stomach sank. “Oh no.”

  Collin’s expression turned serious. “What is it?”

  “Please tell me this isn’t another Beedrill situation,” Isabelle muttered, scanning the area. Azzy squeaked nervously, her tail thumping against Isabelle’s leg.

  Rotom buzzed excitedly. “Scanning incoming threat! Ooh, this one’s spicy!”

  Isabelle groaned. “Can you not sound so happy about it?”

  The ground trembled again, and from behind a particularly large vent, a hulking Numel appeared. It stomped forward, its eyes narrowed and flames flickering faintly from its back.

  “Looks like it’s territorial,” Collin said, pulling out a PokéBall. “Pancham, ready?”

  “Pancham!” the Fighting-type growled, stepping forward with its tiny fists clenched.

  Isabelle took a step back, holding Azzy protectively. “I really hope you’ve got this, because I am not in the mood for another fight.”

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  Rotom zipped around the Numel, scanning furiously. “Numel, the Numb Pokémon! Its fire burns hotter when it’s angry, but it moves like a Snorlax on a bad day. Pro tip: Don’t piss it off!”

  “Too late,” Isabelle muttered as the Numel growled, stomping closer.

  “Pancham, Arm Thrust!” Collin commanded.

  Pancham charged forward, landing a series of rapid strikes against the Numel’s side. The Fire-type stumbled slightly but retaliated with a plume of smoke that sent Pancham coughing.

  “Stay focused, Pancham!” Collin urged. “Tackle!”

  Isabelle stood frozen, her heart pounding as the battle unfolded. Azzy chirped nervously, hiding behind her leg. “This is insane,” she muttered under her breath. “Why does everything out here want to kill us?”

  Rotom hovered by her shoulder, screen flashing. “Technically, it just wants to assert dominance over its territory. But yes, also potentially murder.”

  “Great. Thanks for that,” Isabelle snapped.

  Pancham landed another Arm Thrust, this time knocking the Numel off balance. The Fire-type stumbled, snorted a plume of smoke, and retreated back toward the vent it had emerged from. It let out a low growl before turning and lumbering away.

  Collin let out a breath, kneeling to pat Pancham’s head. “Good job, buddy.”

  Isabelle exhaled shakily, clutching Azzy. “Well, that was fun. Let’s not do it again.”

  Rotom floated between them, its voice cheerful. “Exciting! Terrifying! Educational! What a combo!”

  “Rotom,” Isabelle muttered, “shut up.”

  Collin glanced back at the vents, his expression thoughtful. “We should keep moving. If that Numel was defending its territory, there might be more around.”

  “Exactly why I want to get out of here,” Isabelle said, stepping forward. “The faster we’re out of this death trap, the better.”

  As they walked, Rotom buzzed happily, scanning random rocks and pools. Isabelle ignored it, her focus entirely on the path ahead. But in the back of her mind, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Collin’s obsession with the Fire Shrine might lead to something bigger than either of them expected. For now, though, survival was priority number one.

  The steamy, mineral-rich air around them thickened as Isabelle and Collin continued down the path, their Pokémon partners bouncing alongside. Azzy chirped cheerfully, occasionally pausing to sniff at the warm ground, while Pancham mirrored Collin’s curiosity, poking at rocks and plants like a tiny, furry explorer. Rotom hovered overhead, its screen flickering with excitement as it scanned the area.

  “So, what’s the verdict, Rotom?” Isabelle asked, trying to mask her irritation at the AI’s ceaseless chatter. “Still picking up your so-called ‘Pokémon stuff’?”

  “Absolutely! The residual energy readings are through the roof!” Rotom buzzed in a gleeful circle, spinning so quickly Isabelle almost thought it would fry its circuits. “Oh, oh! And it’s getting stronger the further we go! Adventure awaits!”

  Collin perked up, glancing between his notebook and the trail ahead. “Residual energy? That could mean we’re getting close to something significant. Maybe another marker like the one we saw earlier?”

  “Or,” Isabelle interjected, kicking a loose pebble, “it could mean we’re walking straight into more pissed-off Numel. Which, for the record, I’d really like to avoid.”

  Collin shrugged, undeterred. “You’re not even a little curious?”

  “Oh, absolutely,” Isabelle deadpanned. “Curious about how long it’ll take me to limp to Blazebrook City if I break an ankle running from something this time.”

  Rotom zipped lower, hovering just in front of Isabelle’s face. “Relax, partner! I’ve got your back. No Beedrill ambushes this time—just scientific discovery!”

  “Great,” Isabelle muttered, swatting Rotom aside gently. “Exactly what I signed up for.”

  The rocky terrain shifted slightly as the group climbed a shallow incline. The air grew hotter, and the hissing of steam vents became more frequent, their rhythmic bursts creating an eerie atmosphere. Isabelle wiped the sweat from her brow and took a deep breath, her patience wearing thin.

  “Are we almost out of this sauna?” she grumbled.

  “Not sure,” Collin admitted, studying the path ahead. “It doesn’t seem to match anything in my notes or the Ranger’s map.”

  Isabelle pulled her own map from her bag, carefully unfolding it. She compared it to the terrain around them, frowning. “Yeah, this doesn’t look right at all. The map shows a single straight path leading to Blazebrook, but—”

  “Hold up!” Rotom interrupted, its voice sharp with excitement. “There’s a split ahead! Scanning now!”

  Sure enough, the trail veered into two distinct directions just a few meters ahead. One side descended into a series of jagged, rocky steps, the other sloped gently into a dense cluster of trees shrouded in mist. Isabelle hesitated, looking from one path to the other.

  Collin’s brow furrowed as he compared the split to his notebook. “This wasn’t here last time,” he muttered. “I’m sure of it.”

  “Not on my map, either,” Isabelle added, her voice tinged with unease. “Rotom, what’s the deal? Why doesn’t the VireBand show this?”

  “Excellent question!” Rotom declared, zipping between the paths like an overexcited tour guide. “This split isn’t marked on anything! But… ohhh, the energy readings are wild down both paths! Especially the misty one. It’s screaming ‘Pokémon stuff!’”

  Collin’s eyes lit up. “The misty path could lead to the Fire Shrine. Or at least something connected to it.”

  Isabelle groaned, rubbing her temple. “Of course it could.”

  Collin crouched near the split, examining the ground. “Look at the rocks here. They’re smoother—worn down, like something passed through here recently.”

  “Yeah,” Isabelle said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Something like another cranky Numel or a herd of Rapidash looking for a fight.”

  Rotom ignored her tone, scanning the paths with gusto. “The misty trail has the strongest energy readings, but the rocky one could be safer for your squishy human limbs. I suggest... the misty one!”

  “Shocking,” Isabelle muttered, folding her arms. “Collin, please tell me you’re not seriously considering—”

  “I mean, it’s worth a look, right?” Collin said, his grin almost sheepish. “We could find something amazing.”

  “Or something that eats us,” Isabelle shot back. “I vote we stick to the main path.”

  Azzy chirped and tugged at Isabelle’s leg, her wide eyes curious but nervous. Isabelle sighed, crouching to rub her partner’s head. “You don’t like the look of this either, huh, Missy?”

  “Adventure is calling!” Rotom declared dramatically, zipping toward the misty trail. “And it would be rude not to answer!”

  “Adventure can leave a voicemail,” Isabelle muttered, though a flicker of curiosity tugged at the edges of her mind.

  Collin pulled out his notebook again, jotting down observations about the area. “The misty path could lead to something really special. If it’s tied to the shrine, we might even find a rare Pokémon.”

  “Or,” Isabelle countered, pointing toward the rocky path, “we could take the safe route and not end up as barbecue. Your call.”

  Collin hesitated, glancing between the two options. Pancham crossed his arms, mimicking his Trainer’s thoughtful expression. “Pancham!”

  “I get it, buddy,” Collin said. “It’s a risk, but sometimes risks pay off.”

  “Spoken like a guy who’s never been chased by a Beedrill,” Isabelle muttered, though there was no real malice in her voice.

  Azzy squeaked, hopping onto Isabelle’s shoulder and tugging at her sleeve. Isabelle sighed, feeling her partner’s unease. “Look, Collin. I know you’re all about this shrine business, but—”

  “Please?” Collin interrupted, his tone earnest. “I know it’s a long shot, but if there’s even a chance this leads to something important, I have to check it out.”

  Isabelle opened her mouth to argue but stopped when she saw the determination in Collin’s eyes. He wasn’t just curious—he was driven. For all his easygoing attitude, this clearly meant a lot to him.

  “Fine,” she relented, throwing up her hands. “We’ll check out your spooky mist trail. But the second something tries to kill us, we’re turning back.”

  “Deal,” Collin said, his grin brightening into genuine warmth. “Thanks, Isabelle—I owe you big time for this. Anything you want when we reach Blazebrook, it's on me. Seriously.”

  Isabelle smirked, folding her arms. "Careful what you promise, treasure boy. I'm thinking something expensive, sparkly, and ideally edible."

  Rotom buzzed with delight, darting toward the misty trail. “Onward, brave explorers! The unknown awaits!”

  Isabelle shook her head, muttering under her breath. “I swear, if this ends with me covered in bug bites and regret, I’m never letting you live it down.”

  Azzy chirped in agreement, clinging tightly to Isabelle’s shoulder as they ventured into the mist. The air grew cooler, the shadows deeper, and the faint hissing of steam vents faded into an eerie silence.

  As the fog thickened, Isabelle felt a strange sensation stir within her, something dormant awakening in her bones. The air seemed charged with unseen energy.

  The mist explicitly opened for her. She couldn’t name it–nor even fully sense it–Isabelle felt the weight of countless eyes, ancient and watchful, quietly observing from beyond the veil of mist, waiting for the one chosen to tread this path–and it was her.

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