The sun rose gently over the harbor of Liyue, casting a golden hue across the bustling city. It was one of those rare mornings when everything seemed to move at a slower, more leisurely pace. Today was special: the people of Liyue had declared it a "Community Day" of sorts, where locals could take a break from their usual routines to enjoy various activities throughout the city. Fishing was one of the most popular choices for relaxation, and that was precisely where Beidou, Ningguang, and Xingqiu found themselves headed.
Beidou stood at the docks, her wide grin matching the sunny sky as she adjusted her fishing rod. Fletchinder perched on her shoulder, looking at the water with keen eyes. The fire-type Pokémon occasionally flapped its wings as if to shake off its morning drowsiness. It wasn't often Beidou had a day off, and she intended to make the most of it.
"Fletchinder, I bet we can catch the biggest fish today!" Beidou said, her voice filled with determination. "This is going to be the perfect day for some friendly competition."
Fletchinder chirped, its feathers ruffling in excitement as it mimicked Beidou's enthusiasm.
Ningguang approached, her elegant robes flowing behind her as she carried a delicate but functional fishing rod. Rotom floated beside her, its inquisitive eyes scanning its surroundings. Ningguang smiled at the sight of Beidou's eagerness, a small chuckle escaping her lips.
"Beidou, I see you're already getting into the competitive spirit," Ningguang remarked, an amused glint in her eyes.
Beidou turned, giving her a wide grin. "Well, it's not a competition without a little enthusiasm, now, is it? Are you ready to join in, Ningguang? Or are you here just to supervise?"
Ningguang shook her head, her smile unwavering. "I'm here to participate, of course. Though I must admit, fishing is not my area of expertise." She glanced at Rotom, who was buzzing around her. "But with Rotom's help, I believe we can at least have an enjoyable day."
"That's the spirit," Beidou said, giving her a thumbs-up. "And look who's here to join us!"
Xingqiu arrived, carrying a small basket filled with snacks and refreshments. Finneon swam happily in a clear bowl that Xingqiu had brought along, its shimmering blue fins flickering in the sunlight. Xingqiu smiled warmly as he approached his friends.
"Good morning, everyone! I thought I'd bring a little something to keep us energized," he said, placing the basket down beside Beidou. He looked down at Finneon, who gave a joyful splash. "And Finneon wanted to come along as well. After all, what better activity for a water-type Pokémon than fishing?"
Ningguang nodded appreciatively. "You always think of everything, Xingqiu. I must say, Finneon looks rather excited."
"Finneon is always eager for any activity involving water," Xingqiu said with a chuckle. He then looked at the rods and the group, his eyes glinting with determination. "So, what's the plan? Are we going to make this a friendly competition?"
Beidou laughed heartily, giving Xingqiu a playful nudge. "You bet we are! Biggest fish wins. And maybe the loser treats everyone to dinner tonight, what do you say?"
Xingqiu smiled, nodding. "Sounds fair to me. What about you, Lady Ningguang?"
Ningguang raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a small, amused smile. "Very well. I'm always up for a friendly wager. But don't be surprised if I end up surprising you both."
Rotom buzzed eagerly, its electric energy crackling softly as if it was ready for the challenge.
---
As the group settled down along the docks, lines were cast into the water, and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the wooden posts created a peaceful atmosphere. Beidou's enthusiasm was infectious, and soon the group was chatting and laughing as they waited for a bite.
"You know," Beidou said, looking out over the harbor, "there's something about fishing that just clears your mind. No monsters, no sailing—just you, your rod, and the water."
Ningguang nodded in agreement. "It does have a calming effect, though I must say, patience is key. Something I'm still learning." She glanced at Rotom, who was now floating above her fishing line, sending small sparks into the water as if trying to attract fish.
Xingqiu chuckled softly. "Rotom certainly has its own approach to fishing. Perhaps it'll work—you never know what might be drawn in by a little spark."
Beidou smirked. "Hey, as long as it doesn't scare the fish away, I'd say let Rotom work its magic."
Suddenly, Beidou's line went taut, and she let out an excited yell. "Whoa, I think I got something!" She started reeling in her line, her muscles straining as she pulled. Fletchinder flapped its wings, looking down at the water with keen interest.
After a few moments of struggle, Beidou managed to pull up a large fish, its scales glistening in the sunlight. She held it up triumphantly, a grin stretching from ear to ear. "Look at this beauty! What did I tell you? Biggest fish of the day, right here!"
Xingqiu clapped his hands, clearly impressed. "Very well done, Captain Beidou. It seems I have some catching up to do."
Ningguang smiled, giving Beidou an approving nod. "An impressive catch, indeed. Though the day is still young, and I'm sure more surprises await."
As they continued fishing, a gentle breeze rolled in, bringing with it the scent of salt and the distant laughter of children playing by the docks. Xingqiu cast his line again, glancing at Finneon, who was now peering eagerly at the water, seemingly cheering him on.
---
The hours passed by, and the group found themselves enjoying not only the thrill of the catch but the quiet moments in between. Ningguang, who rarely had time to indulge in leisure, found herself truly appreciating the simplicity of the activity. She watched as Rotom darted around, occasionally startling a fish but always eager to help.
Xingqiu, after several attempts, finally managed to hook a decent-sized fish. He lifted it up, smiling brightly. "Look, Finneon! We did it!" Finneon splashed excitedly in its bowl, clearly happy for its partner.
Beidou leaned over to inspect the catch, nodding approvingly. "Not bad, Xingqiu. Not quite as big as mine, but it's definitely respectable."
Xingqiu chuckled, shaking his head. "I suppose I'll have to settle for second place—for now."
Ningguang's rod suddenly jerked, and she blinked in surprise before quickly grabbing hold of it. "It seems I may have a contender as well," she said, her eyes narrowing in concentration.
Rotom buzzed excitedly, darting around Ningguang as she carefully reeled in her catch. After a few moments of steady pulling, a shimmering fish broke the surface, its silver scales reflecting the sunlight beautifully.
Beidou let out a low whistle. "Now that's a catch, Ningguang. I think you might've just taken the lead."
Ningguang held the fish up, her expression one of quiet pride. "Perhaps luck is on my side today." She looked at Rotom, giving it a nod. "Thank you for your assistance, Rotom. It seems your sparks worked after all."
Rotom buzzed happily, its eyes glowing with delight.
---
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the harbor, the group decided it was time to pack up. Beidou stretched her arms above her head, her smile wide and content. "Alright, I suppose it's time to declare the winner. I think Lady Ningguang takes the prize today."
Xingqiu nodded, smiling warmly. "I agree. Lady Ningguang, it seems you're treating us to dinner tonight."
Ningguang chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Very well, I shall uphold my end of the wager. Though I must say, the real prize today was the company. It's not often we get to spend a day like this, free from responsibilities."
Beidou nodded in agreement, her expression softening. "You've got that right. It's days like these that remind you what's really important. Friends, good times, and a bit of friendly competition."
Rotom buzzed in agreement, while Fletchinder chirped happily, and Finneon swam in circles, clearly enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Xingqiu looked at his friends, his heart feeling full. "Indeed. Today was truly wonderful. And who knows—maybe next time, we can invite more people. The more, the merrier."
Beidou grinned. "Absolutely. We'll make it the biggest fishing competition Liyue has ever seen!"
Ningguang smiled, her eyes reflecting the warm glow of the setting sun. "That sounds like a plan. For now, let's enjoy a well-earned meal."
With their Pokémon partners by their sides, the group made their way back into the heart of Liyue, their laughter echoing through the harbor as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon. It had been a day of fishing, friendship, and fun—a reminder that even in the bustling city of Liyue, there was always time to create memories with those who mattered most.