Liyue Harbor was bustling as always, filled with merchants, travelers, and locals enjoying the clear morning air. Amidst the commotion, Chongyun walked purposefully through the streets, his Duskull floating beside him, its single eye darting about curiously. Today, Chongyun had a rare day off, and he was determined to make the most of it by indulging in his favorite pastime—a day dedicated to enjoying cool, refreshing treats. However, as with anything involving Chongyun, things weren't quite as simple as they seemed.
"Alright, Duskull," Chongyun said, a hint of excitement in his normally serious tone, "first stop, Third-Round Knockout. I heard that Smiley Yanxiao has come up with a new type of chilled dessert, and we're going to be the first to try it!"
Duskull bobbed up and down in the air, clearly excited by the prospect. It had learned quickly that whenever Chongyun said "chilled," something tasty was usually involved.
The pair made their way to the bustling restaurant, and sure enough, there was Smiley Yanxiao, busy preparing a dish behind the counter. Upon spotting Chongyun, he waved them over with a grin.
"Ah, Chongyun! You're just in time. I've been experimenting with some new frozen delights, and I could use a willing taste-tester," Smiley Yanxiao said, placing a bowl of frosty blue dessert on the counter.
Chongyun's eyes sparkled as he took a seat, Duskull hovering close by, its eye fixed on the bowl. "That looks amazing," Chongyun said, almost unable to contain his enthusiasm.
Smiley Yanxiao chuckled, pushing the bowl closer. "This one's got a bit of a twist. Go ahead, give it a try."
Chongyun eagerly took a spoonful, savoring the icy sweetness as the dessert melted on his tongue. It was refreshing, with a hint of mint that made it extra cooling. "This is perfect," he said, nodding approvingly. "It's just the thing to keep me balanced."
Duskull, curious, floated down and peered at the dessert. Chongyun laughed softly. "Would you like to try some, Duskull?"
Duskull hesitated for a moment before giving an eager nod. Chongyun carefully scooped a tiny portion and held it up to Duskull. The ghostly Pokémon tasted it and let out an appreciative sound, its body giving off a faint, happy glow.
"Looks like Duskull approves," Smiley Yanxiao said with a laugh. "I think I might have to start adding a ghost-type menu."
Chongyun smiled, watching as Duskull floated happily, clearly enjoying the treat. "That's a great idea. Pokémon seem to have their own preferences, just like us."
---
After finishing their dessert, Chongyun decided to take Duskull on a walk along the pier. It was a beautiful day, the sky clear and the sea breeze gentle. As they strolled, Chongyun noticed a small group of children gathered near a Pokémon stall, looking fascinated by something.
Curious, Chongyun approached, and he quickly realized that the stall belonged to Hiroshi. Hiroshi was animatedly explaining something to the children, with Zekrom standing behind him, looking as majestic as ever. The children seemed enthralled by the sight of the legendary Pokémon, their eyes wide with awe.
"And that's why every Pokémon is special in its own way," Hiroshi was saying, gesturing to a small Piplup that was standing proudly on the counter. The Piplup gave a cheerful cry, puffing out its chest.
Chongyun smiled at the scene, stepping closer. "Hiroshi, seems like you're getting quite the crowd today."
Hiroshi looked up, smiling warmly. "Chongyun! Good to see you. Yes, the children have been very curious about Pokémon lately, especially since we've opened more shops. Everyone wants to know what kind of partner they might get." He then nodded toward Duskull, who was now floating near Piplup, the two seemingly sizing each other up. "How's Duskull doing?"
Chongyun looked at his partner, who was now trying to imitate Piplup's confident stance. He chuckled. "Duskull's been great. We were just having a chill day—literally. Smiley Yanxiao's new dessert is incredible."
Hiroshi grinned. "Ah, I'll have to try it myself sometime. Zekrom here isn't too fond of cold things, though. Right, Zekrom?"
Zekrom let out a low rumble, its eyes narrowing slightly as it shook its head. Chongyun laughed softly, giving Zekrom an understanding nod. "That's fair. Not everyone likes the cold."
---
As the crowd began to disperse, Hiroshi turned to Chongyun with a thoughtful expression. "Actually, Chongyun, there's something I wanted to ask. Would you be willing to help with a demonstration? I think it would be great for people to see a Pokémon like Duskull in action."
Chongyun hesitated for a moment, then looked at Duskull, who was now spinning in place, clearly eager to do something fun. Chongyun smiled and nodded. "Sure, why not? Duskull could use some excitement."
Hiroshi's eyes lit up. "Great! Let's show everyone what ghost-types are capable of. We'll do something simple but fun—like a game of hide and seek."
Chongyun nodded, and Hiroshi quickly gathered the children who were still hanging around. "Alright, everyone! We're going to play a game of hide and seek—with Duskull as the hider! Let's see if you can find it!"
Duskull let out a happy cry, quickly vanishing into thin air. The children gasped, looking around excitedly. Chongyun watched with a smile, his arms crossed over his chest as the children began their search, running around the stall and peeking behind crates and barrels.
"Duskull's pretty good at hiding," Chongyun said, a note of pride in his voice. "This should be fun."
Hiroshi grinned, nodding. "Exactly. It's a good way to show how ghost-types can be playful and not just scary."
The children searched high and low, their laughter filling the air. At one point, one of the children spotted a faint glow behind a stack of crates. "I found it!" she cried, pointing excitedly.
Duskull floated out from its hiding spot, giving a playful twirl before letting out a ghostly cheer. The children clapped and laughed, clearly delighted by the game.
Chongyun smiled, patting Duskull on the head as it floated back to his side. "Good job, Duskull. You made everyone happy."
Duskull bobbed up and down, clearly pleased with itself. Hiroshi stepped forward, giving Chongyun a nod. "Thanks for helping out, Chongyun. I think this really helped the children see Pokémon in a new light."
Chongyun nodded. "Happy to help. It's nice to show that ghost-types can be friendly too."
---
After the demonstration, Chongyun and Duskull continued their walk, eventually finding themselves near Liyue's famous stone bridge. Chongyun leaned against the railing, looking out over the water. The sound of waves lapping against the stones was calming, and Chongyun felt a sense of peace wash over him.
Duskull floated beside him, looking out at the water as well. Chongyun glanced at his partner, smiling softly. "You know, Duskull, days like this remind me of why I love Liyue so much. The people, the sights, the food... and now, Pokémon. It feels like everything's coming together in a way I never expected."
Duskull let out a contented sigh, its single eye closing as it leaned against Chongyun. Chongyun chuckled, reaching out to pat the Pokémon gently. "And I'm glad you're here with me. You make everything a little more... unpredictable." He laughed, shaking his head. "And that's not a bad thing."
As the sun began to set, Chongyun decided it was time to head back. He made his way through the streets, the lamps beginning to flicker to life as the evening approached. As he walked, he spotted Xiangling near her food stall, her Charmander and Lotad busy helping her prepare for the evening rush.
"Chongyun!" Xiangling called out, waving him over. "Come try this new dish I'm working on! It's got a bit of a spicy kick, but I promise it's worth it!"
Chongyun hesitated, then shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "You know me, Xiangling. I can't handle anything spicy. But I appreciate the offer."
Xiangling pouted playfully. "Oh, come on, just one bite? It's not *that* spicy."
Chongyun laughed softly, shaking his head. "Maybe next time. Duskull and I have had enough excitement for one day."
Xiangling nodded, smiling. "Alright, but I'm holding you to that! And tell Duskull it did an amazing job today—I heard all about the hide and seek game."
Duskull floated up, giving Xiangling a cheerful wave. Xiangling giggled, waving back. "See you both later!"
Chongyun continued on his way, eventually reaching his home. He let out a deep breath, feeling the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to him. He looked at Duskull, who was now floating lazily beside him.
"Today was a good day," Chongyun said, his voice soft. "We made people smile, had some great treats, and even played a game. I think we've earned a good rest."
Duskull nodded, its eye drooping slightly as it settled down beside Chongyun. Chongyun smiled, closing his eyes as he leaned back against the wall, the warmth of his partner by his side.
It was days like this that made all the challenges worth it. Pokémon had brought something new to Liyue—something that brought people closer together, made every day a little brighter, and created bonds that Chongyun knew would last a lifetime.
And for that, he was truly grateful.