The first rays of dawn broke over Liyue, painting the city in soft hues of orange and pink. The air was abuzz with excitement as preparations for the upcoming Lantern Rite were well underway. Workers were setting up decorations, stalls were being built, and the aroma of freshly baked treats wafted through the harbor.
Inside the Jade Chamber, Ningguang sat behind her grand desk, her Rotom hovering just above her shoulder. The Pokémon's electricity sparked faintly, almost as if it was eager to help with whatever was coming next.
Ningguang observed her paperwork with a keen eye, her lips curving slightly upward as she watched Rotom. Ever since it had joined her, Ningguang found herself finishing her work twice as fast, thanks to Rotom's natural affinity for technology. Today, however, she had something different in mind.
"Rotom," Ningguang called, looking over at her partner, "we have something special to take care of today." She held up a jade-colored lantern, its intricate carvings casting faint shadows on her desk. "The Lantern Rite is coming up, and I want to test a few new ideas to make this year's celebrations even more memorable."
Rotom buzzed with excitement, its sparks flashing brightly. "Rooo-tom!"
Ningguang smiled and placed the lantern on her desk. "I'm thinking of using your electric abilities to light up the lanterns. If this works, we might be able to illuminate the Jade Chamber in a way that no one has ever seen before." She paused for a moment, then added, "Would you like to give it a try?"
Rotom gave an enthusiastic nod, its body crackling with electricity. Ningguang gently pushed the lantern towards her Pokémon, her gaze curious and thoughtful. Rotom hovered over it for a moment, then discharged a soft electric current into the lantern. The jade carvings lit up instantly, the glow spreading through the intricate patterns and creating a mesmerizing effect.
Ningguang watched with widened eyes, clearly impressed. "Beautiful," she murmured. "This could make the Lantern Rite a truly spectacular event."
As she marveled at the glowing lantern, a knock echoed through the room. "Lady Ningguang," Ganyu called from the entrance, stepping inside with her Snorunt waddling after her. Ganyu paused, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the illuminated lantern.
"Lady Ningguang, that's... incredible," Ganyu said, her voice filled with awe. "Did Rotom do that?"
Ningguang nodded, her smile widening slightly. "Indeed. I'm experimenting with new ways to make the Lantern Rite even more special. Rotom's electric abilities are perfect for bringing something unique to the event."
Ganyu looked down at her Snorunt, who was staring at the glowing lantern with wide eyes, its small body shivering slightly in excitement. "Maybe Snorunt could help too? I'm not sure how, but... it would be nice if we could contribute to the preparations as well."
Ningguang tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. Snorunt's ice abilities could be useful. Perhaps we could use its powers to create decorative ice sculptures or add a frosted effect to some of the lanterns." She looked at Ganyu, her eyes twinkling. "Would you be willing to give it a try?"
Ganyu smiled, nodding eagerly. "Of course! Snorunt, what do you think? Would you like to help make some ice decorations for the Lantern Rite?"
Snorunt looked up at Ganyu, then at Ningguang, before giving an enthusiastic nod. "Snorunt!" it chirped, its excitement evident.
---
Meanwhile, down in Liyue Harbor, Hu Tao was overseeing the preparations at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's stall. Lantern Rite was always a busy time for them, and she was more than ready to add her own flair to the festivities. Beside her, Shuppet floated around, occasionally poking its head into one of the paper lanterns that Hu Tao was setting up.
"Now, now, Shuppet," Hu Tao said, her tone teasing, "these lanterns are for everyone to enjoy—no hiding inside them! You'll scare the poor folks who come by."
Shuppet let out a soft whine, clearly disappointed. Hu Tao chuckled, patting the ghost-type gently. "Don't worry. You'll get your chance to add a little spookiness to the event. But for now, let's focus on making everything look nice."
Chongyun approached from the nearby stall, Duskull hovering by his side. He paused for a moment, watching Hu Tao and Shuppet as they worked on their decorations. "Hu Tao," Chongyun called, "are you planning on scaring people during Lantern Rite again?"
Hu Tao turned, grinning at Chongyun. "Oh, come on, Chongyun! It's all in good fun. Besides, Lantern Rite should be memorable, shouldn't it? A little harmless scare here and there just makes it more exciting."
Chongyun sighed, though there was no real annoyance in his expression. "As long as it's harmless. We want people to enjoy themselves, not run away in fear."
Hu Tao gave him a playful salute. "You got it, exorcist! Harmless fun only. Right, Shuppet?"
Shuppet bobbed up and down in agreement, though there was a mischievous glint in its eyes that suggested it had a few ideas of its own. Duskull floated closer to Chongyun, its single eye narrowing slightly as if to keep a close watch on Shuppet.
"Maybe we could find a way for both of them to help with the decorations," Chongyun suggested, looking thoughtful. "Duskull's abilities could create a unique effect if used properly."
Hu Tao's eyes lit up. "Oh, I like the sound of that! Imagine lanterns with a ghostly glow—something that's both beautiful and a little eerie. It would be perfect!"
Chongyun hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But let's make sure it doesn't scare anyone too badly. We want people to have a good time."
Hu Tao clapped her hands together. "Deal! Alright, Shuppet, Duskull, let's get to work! We're going to make these decorations the best in all of Liyue!"
---
Back at Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling was hard at work preparing a special Lantern Rite menu. Lotad and Charmander were both busy by her side—Charmander carefully roasting skewers over a small flame while Lotad washed vegetables with its lilypad. The restaurant was buzzing with customers, many of whom were curious to see the "Pokémon cooking show" that had quickly become a popular attraction.
"Alright, Charmander, keep that flame steady," Xiangling instructed, her voice full of focus. "We want the perfect char on these skewers. And Lotad, make sure those carrots are nice and clean!"
Lotad gave a cheerful nod, splashing water over the vegetables while Charmander concentrated on keeping its flame just right. The customers watched in awe, many of them whispering excitedly about how unique and fascinating the Pokémon were.
One customer, a young girl named Lian, approached the counter, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Miss Xiangling," she asked, "can I pet Lotad?"
Xiangling looked up, smiling warmly. "Of course you can! Lotad loves making new friends. Just be gentle, alright?"
Lian nodded eagerly, reaching out to pat Lotad on its lilypad. The Pokémon looked up at her, chirping happily as it leaned into the gentle touch. Lian giggled, her eyes shining with delight. "It's so soft! Thank you, Miss Xiangling."
Xiangling beamed. "You're very welcome! Lotad and Charmander love meeting new people. They're a big part of the Wanmin family now."
As Lian ran back to her family, Xiangling looked at her two Pokémon partners, her heart swelling with pride. "You two are amazing," she said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you. Let's keep making people smile, okay?"
Charmander and Lotad both chirped in agreement, their dedication to their trainer evident in their eyes.
---
The preparations for Lantern Rite continued throughout the day, each of Liyue's residents contributing in their own unique way. Ningguang and Ganyu worked on creating stunning ice and light displays in the Jade Chamber, while Hu Tao and Chongyun brought an eerie yet beautiful touch to the harbor's decorations. Beidou and her Crux Fleet were busy helping transport supplies, with Fletchinder flying overhead to scout out the best routes.
As night fell, the harbor came alive with the glow of countless lanterns, each one carrying a wish or a dream from the people of Liyue. The streets were filled with laughter, the scent of delicious food, and the gentle hum of music. Pokémon and their partners were everywhere, adding their own magic to the festivities.
Hiroshi stood at the edge of the harbor, watching the scene with a sense of pride and fulfillment. Zekrom stood beside him, its gaze sweeping across the harbor.
"You've done well, Hiroshi," Zekrom said, its deep voice resonating with warmth. "The people of Liyue are embracing Pokémon more and more each day. Tonight is proof of that."
Hiroshi nodded, his eyes shining as he watched Xiangling, Hu Tao, Ganyu, Chongyun, and all their Pokémon enjoying the celebrations. "It's amazing, isn't it? Seeing everyone come together like this—humans and Pokémon working side by side. This is what I dreamed of when I first arrived in Teyvat."
Zekrom looked down at Hiroshi, a rare smile forming on its face. "And it's only the beginning. There is still much more to do, but tonight, we can celebrate how far we've come."
As lanterns floated into the sky, carrying the hopes and dreams of Liyue's people, Hiroshi couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. The journey ahead was still long, but with each new bond formed between humans and Pokémon, they were one step closer to a world where Pokémon were an integral part of Teyvat.
Tonight, under the glow of countless lanterns, Hiroshi knew that anything was possible.