The morning sun shone brightly over Liyue Harbor, casting warm light over the docks, bustling streets, and sprawling stalls of the morning market. Today felt different. There was a gentle buzz in the air, a blend of excitement and anticipation. Word of the Pokémon partners was spreading like wildfire, and Hiroshi could see it in the eyes of those passing by his shop—a curiosity that couldn't be quenched without seeing the magic for themselves.
"Looks like we're about to get busy, Zekrom," Hiroshi said, glancing at his ever-vigilant partner.
Zekrom gave a knowing nod, his eyes glinting with an almost amused look. "The people of Liyue are beginning to understand what Pokémon can bring to their lives. Today, I sense, will be a day of many new partnerships."
Just as Hiroshi was about to open the shop for the day, the door burst open with a burst of energy—it was Xiangling, the ever-enthusiastic chef of Wanmin Restaurant, her Charmander trailing right behind her. Charmander's tail flame flickered brightly as it waddled in after her, clearly used to Xiangling's boundless energy by now.
"Hiroshi! Hiroshi!" Xiangling called, nearly hopping in excitement. "I've got a problem—a good problem, but still a problem!"
Hiroshi smiled, tilting his head in curiosity. "Good morning, Xiangling. What's the problem?"
Xiangling took a deep breath, her eyes wide. "Everyone wants to come to Wanmin to see Charmander! They keep asking for a special dish made with 'Pokémon fire.' I want to give them a good show, but I don't want Charmander to get too tired. Is there anything I can do?"
Hiroshi looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding. "Charmander's flame is special, but it also needs rest, just like anyone else. If you want to make it fun without overworking Charmander, how about getting another partner that could help out in the kitchen? Maybe something that can add a unique touch to your dishes."
Xiangling's eyes lit up. "Another Pokémon partner? Oh, that would be perfect! Do you have one that's good with... hmm, maybe water or plants? Something that could balance Charmander's fire?"
Hiroshi smiled, walking over to one of the shelves and picking up a Pokéball. "I think I have just the one. How about this? Come on out, Lotad!"
In a flash of red light, a small, round Pokémon appeared, with a big lilypad on its back. Lotad looked around curiously before spotting Xiangling and Charmander, giving them a friendly wave with one of its stubby little feet.
Xiangling gasped, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, it's adorable! And it's got a lilypad! I bet it can help me wash ingredients and maybe even add some special flavors to my dishes!" She bent down, looking Lotad in the eyes. "Hi there, little guy! Would you like to help out at the restaurant?"
Lotad gave an enthusiastic nod, its lilypad swaying back and forth as it hopped a little closer to her. Charmander gave it a curious sniff before smiling, clearly approving of their new team member.
"I'll take Lotad, Hiroshi!" Xiangling said, her excitement palpable. "Charmander, Lotad, and I are going to make the best dishes in all of Liyue!"
Hiroshi handed her Lotad's Pokéball, smiling as she hurried out of the shop, Charmander and Lotad both following closely behind. "Good luck, Xiangling! Remember to take breaks!"
---
Meanwhile, down at the harbor, Beidou was introducing Fletchinder to her crew aboard the Crux. The sleek, fire-and-flying Pokémon was perched on the mast, its wings spread wide as if to show off. The crew watched with mixed expressions of awe and admiration as Beidou explained how Fletchinder had already helped scout out areas of the sea.
"This little guy here can spot trouble before we even see it," Beidou said, her voice full of pride. "And if we need a quick flame, Fletchinder's got us covered."
One of the sailors, a burly man named Hai, raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at his lips. "So, Captain, does that mean Fletchinder's replacing our trusty old lanterns?"
Beidou laughed, shaking her head. "Not quite, Hai. But it's always good to have extra help. Besides, Fletchinder's faster than any lantern. It's like having an extra pair of eyes up there."
Fletchinder let out a proud chirp, puffing its chest out as it looked around the deck. The crew couldn't help but chuckle, clearly impressed with the Pokémon's spirit.
"Alright, alright, everyone, back to work," Beidou called, clapping her hands. "We've got a busy day ahead. And remember, Fletchinder's part of the crew now, so treat it like one of us."
Fletchinder swooped down, landing on Beidou's shoulder as the crew got back to work, clearly enjoying the attention. Beidou smiled, giving her new partner a pat. "You and me, Fletchinder, we're going to rule the seas."
---
Back at Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling was already putting Lotad to work. The little water-and-grass type was standing next to a basin of vegetables, using its lilypad to gently wash them while Charmander watched from the side, its flame flickering brightly as it tried to keep pace with Xiangling's enthusiasm.
"Great job, Lotad!" Xiangling cheered, tossing some freshly washed carrots into a pot. "You're a natural! And Charmander, keep that flame steady—we want the perfect amount of heat!"
Lotad gave a happy chirp, splashing a bit of water playfully, which made Charmander jump back with a surprised squeak. Xiangling laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey now, no water on Charmander! We don't want to put out that flame!"
Lotad looked apologetic for a moment before Charmander gave it a playful pat, as if to say, "No hard feelings." The two Pokémon shared a smile, and Xiangling couldn't help but beam at them.
"See? We're already becoming a great team! I can't wait to see what kind of dishes we can make together. Maybe we'll create a brand-new recipe—something that uses both fire and water!" Xiangling said, her imagination clearly running wild.
Customers began arriving, curious about the "Pokémon fire dish" they had heard about. Xiangling greeted each of them with her usual enthusiasm, Charmander by her side, while Lotad stayed near the basin, happily splashing water on the vegetables.
One customer, an elderly man named Bao, watched in amazement as Charmander carefully controlled its flame to roast a skewer. "I never thought I'd see the day when a little creature could help cook my meal," he said, his eyes wide with wonder.
Xiangling beamed at him. "That's the magic of Pokémon! Charmander and Lotad are both amazing helpers, and they make cooking so much fun!"
Bao nodded, smiling as he watched Charmander work. "Well, I must say, this is quite the experience. You've got yourself some talented helpers, young lady."
Xiangling grinned, her heart swelling with pride. "Thank you! Just wait until you taste the dish—it'll be the best you've ever had!"
---
Elsewhere in the market, Chongyun and Hu Tao were continuing their... unique brand of "introducing Pokémon to the people of Liyue." Chongyun, ever the serious exorcist, was trying his best to keep Hu Tao's antics in check as they made their way from stall to stall, Duskull and Shuppet floating along beside them.
"Hu Tao, please," Chongyun said, his voice tinged with exasperation. "We're supposed to be showing people that Pokémon are helpful, not scaring them."
Hu Tao giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, come on, Chongyun! A little scare here and there is all in good fun. Besides, Shuppet's not scaring anyone too badly—look!"
She pointed at a nearby stall, where Shuppet was floating in front of a young boy, who was giggling uncontrollably as the ghost-type made funny faces. Chongyun sighed, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "Alright, I suppose that's not so bad. But let's try to keep it harmless, alright?"
Hu Tao saluted playfully. "You got it, exorcist! No harm, just fun!"
Duskull floated over to Chongyun, its single eye blinking curiously. Chongyun glanced at his partner, a soft smile forming on his face. "See, Duskull? It's not always about exorcisms and banishing spirits. Sometimes, it's okay to just have fun."
Duskull nodded, its gaze shifting to Shuppet, who was now playing peek-a-boo with another child. Chongyun watched, feeling a sense of warmth in his chest. Maybe, just maybe, having a ghostly partner didn't always have to be about work and responsibilities. Perhaps there was room for a little bit of lightheartedness too.
---
As the sun began to set over Liyue Harbor, Hiroshi stood outside his shop, watching the people of Liyue interact with their Pokémon partners. He could see Beidou and Fletchinder soaring over the docks, Xiangling and her Pokémon team serving the last few customers of the day, and Chongyun and Hu Tao still wandering the market, their ghostly companions floating close by.
"Today was a good day, Zekrom," Hiroshi said softly, his eyes full of pride. "More and more people are beginning to see the value of Pokémon in their lives."
Zekrom nodded, his gaze following Beidou as she flew past, Fletchinder beside her. "Yes, Hiroshi. Each day brings new bonds, new partnerships. The people of Liyue are slowly embracing the wonders of Pokémon. And soon, all of Teyvat will understand."
Hiroshi smiled, determination shining in his eyes. "We'll keep going. One person, one Pokémon at a time. Until everyone knows the magic they bring."
As the last light of day faded and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Hiroshi knew that this was only the beginning. The journey ahead was long, but with each new bond formed, they were one step closer to bringing the magic of Pokémon to all of Teyvat.