<sub>the base of mt. chimney was a beautiful place. being in such close proximity to the volcano meant that it was free of most of the ash and smoke that usually scorched the earth during volcanic activity, with route 113 marking the sweet spot of such debris.

instead, the ash was sparse enough that the local plant life thrived — as well as the local communities, what with lavaridge town being only a few uphill treks away from mauville's main road. it was a strange smell, one which mithril savored as she stomped through the lush plains.

"a hot springs visit doesn't sound so bad right now, actually," she murmured, her nose buried deep in a pamphlet outlining each of signature tourist attractions sprawling throughout the hoenn region, "lord knows my legs need it."

"casa," her companion would hum from their perch on her shoulder.

a rustle.

the sound made mithril's head snap to attention, looking for whatever caused it. castform stood at attention, as well.</sub>