The warm, calming aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the Feiyun Commerce Guild Tea House as the afternoon sun peeked through the delicately embroidered curtains. Today, the tea house had an unusual gathering. Xingqiu had invited several friends over, and the group had gathered to unwind after the busy celebrations of the Lantern Rite. The soothing environment seemed perfect for a casual chat, but as always with the residents of Liyue, things rarely went as expected.
Xingqiu had secured a private corner of the tea house, his Finneon swimming in a glass bowl set at the center of the table, which served as both decoration and company. Beidou, her arm resting on the back of her chair, had Fletchinder perched casually on her shoulder, preening its feathers in the afternoon light. Across the table sat Ganyu, her stack of paperwork notably absent for once. Instead, Snorunt was in her lap, nibbling on a small rice cake with pure delight.
"I must admit," Ganyu said, looking around the table with a small smile, "it's nice to take a break for once. Snorunt has been quite insistent on making me relax."
Snorunt looked up, nodding earnestly while its mouth was still full, causing Beidou to burst out laughing. "Looks like Snorunt knows what's best for you, Ganyu," Beidou said, grinning. "You've been working yourself too hard. It's about time someone convinced you to slow down a bit."
Ganyu gave a soft chuckle, patting Snorunt on the head. "Yes, I suppose you're right. It can be hard to take a break, but I'm glad I listened."
Xingqiu sipped his tea thoughtfully, then set the cup down and leaned forward with a gleam in his eye. "Speaking of breaks, I was hoping we could use this opportunity to discuss something interesting I've been thinking about—how to integrate Pokémon into our work even more efficiently."
Beidou raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? What kind of idea do you have in mind, Xingqiu?" Fletchinder also seemed to perk up, its attention shifting from its feathers to the conversation.
Xingqiu tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I've noticed how well Finneon helps me relax and stay focused. I've also seen how Fletchinder and Snorunt have brought new possibilities to your work and daily routines. So, I was thinking, why not create a Pokémon training session specifically tailored to our professions? Something that helps Pokémon adapt their skills to the unique tasks we handle in Liyue."
Ganyu blinked, tilting her head slightly. "A training session? You mean like a workshop?"
Xingqiu nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Think about it—a dedicated workshop where we can train our Pokémon to assist us more effectively. Imagine how much more efficient Liyue could be with Pokémon tailored to the tasks we face every day!" He then looked at Finneon, which swam excitedly in its bowl, clearly enjoying the attention.
Beidou scratched her head, considering the idea. "That sounds like it could be a lot of fun, actually. Fletchinder's been great out at sea, but I'd love to see what else it can do. Plus, it could be a good bonding experience." She looked at Ganyu, whose expression had turned thoughtful.
"It could be beneficial," Ganyu mused. "Snorunt helps me a lot with organizing, but there may be other skills it could learn that would make our work even smoother. It might also help other people in Liyue feel more comfortable with Pokémon."
The conversation was interrupted by a sudden, soft clatter from the other side of the room. Everyone turned to see Hu Tao enter the tea house in her usual lively manner, her Shuppet floating beside her, clearly trying to balance a precariously stacked tray of teacups. Hu Tao, with a grin on her face, waved as she made her way over.
"Hey everyone! Looks like I made it just in time for the big brainstorming session!" she announced, flopping down in an empty chair, much to Shuppet's apparent relief. The ghostly Pokémon let out a sigh and set the tray on the table, only to have one cup wobble and nearly topple before Hu Tao quickly caught it.
"Careful, careful!" Beidou said, trying and failing to stifle her laughter. "Are you trying to give Shuppet a hard time?"
Hu Tao giggled. "Shuppet's gotta practice its balancing skills! You know, gotta keep those ghostly reflexes sharp." She gave Shuppet a playful nudge, and it swirled around her head, as if slightly exasperated.
Xingqiu cleared his throat, trying to bring the conversation back on track. "Hu Tao, we were just discussing organizing a Pokémon training session—a sort of workshop where we train our Pokémon to help us with our daily duties. What do you think?"
Hu Tao's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, that sounds like a blast! Imagine all the things Shuppet could learn to do around the funeral parlor! Maybe it could even help guide spirits in a more organized way." She looked at Shuppet, which gave her a curious look as if to say, "You want me to do what now?"
Ganyu smiled softly, nodding in agreement. "It seems like everyone could benefit from it. Even the smaller, simpler tasks can become much more meaningful with a Pokémon's help."
---
As the afternoon progressed, the tea house was filled with laughter and chatter, and the Pokémon partners each took turns showcasing their skills. Fletchinder performed a graceful display of Ember, creating small sparks that illuminated the warm, cozy tea house. Snorunt, not wanting to be outdone, used Powder Snow to cool the tea, much to the delight of everyone present. Even Shuppet got in on the action, levitating the teacups (this time successfully) to help serve everyone.
In the midst of all the laughter, Hiroshi entered the tea house, accompanied by Zekrom. Hiroshi paused for a moment, taking in the lively scene before him with a smile. "Looks like I'm just in time for some excitement," he said, making his way to the table.
"Hiroshi! Just the person we needed!" Xingqiu said, waving him over. "We've been talking about organizing a Pokémon training workshop. Would you be willing to help?"
Hiroshi's face lit up, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Of course! That sounds like an amazing idea. Pokémon are already making a difference in Liyue, but a training workshop could take it to the next level. And Zekrom here could help supervise." He looked at Zekrom, who gave a nod of approval.
"You know," Hiroshi continued, looking thoughtful, "there are a lot of people who are still curious about Pokémon but hesitant to interact with them. A workshop could also help bridge that gap—give everyone a chance to see firsthand what Pokémon are capable of."
Beidou raised her teacup, grinning. "To Pokémon and to making Liyue an even better place! I say we make this workshop happen." Fletchinder chirped in agreement, while the others raised their cups as well.
"To Pokémon and Liyue," they all echoed, clinking their cups together.
---
Later, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over Liyue, the group left the tea house together, their Pokémon partners by their sides. The air was filled with laughter, and the bonds between them seemed even stronger after their impromptu planning session.
As they walked along Feiyun Slope, Hu Tao suddenly gasped, her eyes lighting up with mischief. "Oh! I just thought of something! What if we add a bit of fun to the workshop? Like a Pokémon talent show! Everyone can showcase their Pokémon's unique skills. It'll be entertaining and inspiring!"
Xingqiu nodded, clearly intrigued by the idea. "A talent show, you say? That could certainly help with easing people's fears and showing them the diverse abilities that Pokémon have."
Beidou nudged Ganyu, grinning. "Imagine Snorunt up there, showing off its adorable tricks. I bet the crowd would love it."
Ganyu blushed slightly, smiling down at Snorunt. "It could be a good way to show everyone how kind and gentle Pokémon can be." Snorunt gave a happy chirp, clearly on board with the idea.
Ningguang, who had joined them as they walked, looked thoughtful. "A talent show could be an interesting addition. It would also give people a reason to attend and stay engaged. And it would certainly make the event more memorable."
"Then it's settled!" Hiroshi said, his excitement palpable. "We'll organize the workshop with a talent show segment at the end. It'll be educational, fun, and it'll bring everyone in Liyue together."
The group continued walking, their conversation filled with ideas and plans for the workshop. As they passed through the harbor, they noticed children running around, excitedly pointing at a Mareep that was grazing nearby. Mareep bleated happily, and its fluffy wool glowed faintly as it absorbed the evening's ambient energy.
Ganyu paused, watching the scene with a soft smile. "It really is incredible how Pokémon have become such a natural part of our lives here in Liyue. Just a few months ago, no one even knew what Pokémon were, and now... it feels like they belong here, as much as anyone else."
Hiroshi nodded, his eyes reflecting the gentle glow of the harbor lights. "Yes, they do belong. And together, we'll continue to build a future where Pokémon and the people of Liyue grow side by side."
The evening continued with laughter and planning, the excitement of what was to come filling the air. And as the lanterns began to glow softly against the night sky, it became clear that this was only the beginning of the journey—a journey of discovery, friendship, and the incredible bond between humans and Pokémon in the beautiful city of Liyue.