The sun rose slowly over Liyue Harbor, painting the streets in soft hues of gold. Today was a special day for Qiqi—a rare day off from her duties at Bubu Pharmacy. Baizhu had insisted that she take some time to rest and explore the city, and Qiqi, though hesitant at first, had agreed. Her companion for the day was none other than Chikorita, her Pokémon partner, whose cheerful nature made it the perfect companion for a relaxing day out.
Qiqi, with her small stature and quiet demeanor, walked through the bustling streets of Liyue, Chikorita by her side. Chikorita trotted alongside her, its leaf swaying gently in the breeze as it looked around with wide, curious eyes. The Pokémon seemed fascinated by everything, stopping occasionally to sniff at flowers, gaze at passing merchants, or peer at children playing nearby.
"Chikorita, today is... a day to relax," Qiqi said softly, her voice almost a whisper. "Baizhu said it is important to take breaks." She paused, as if thinking deeply. "But... I don't know what people do on a day off."
Chikorita looked up at her, its big eyes filled with warmth and understanding. It nudged Qiqi's leg gently, as if to encourage her, then turned towards a stall selling fresh fruit. It trotted over, sniffing the air with delight, and Qiqi followed, her curiosity piqued.
The vendor, an elderly woman with a kind smile, looked down at Chikorita and then at Qiqi. "Oh my, what a lovely little Pokémon you have there! Would you like some apples? They're fresh and sweet."
Qiqi tilted her head slightly, looking at the apples. She then glanced at Chikorita, who was practically bouncing on its feet in excitement. Qiqi gave a tiny smile. "Chikorita... seems to want one. Yes, please."
The vendor handed Qiqi an apple, and Chikorita immediately began nibbling on it, its face lighting up with joy. Qiqi watched her partner, her smile growing a little wider. "Thank you," she said, nodding to the vendor before they continued on their way.
---
The duo soon found themselves at Feiyun Slope, where they spotted Chongyun sitting cross-legged beneath a tree, his Duskull hovering nearby. Chongyun seemed to be deep in meditation, his eyes closed and his breathing steady. Duskull, on the other hand, appeared to be bored, its single eye lazily scanning the area.
Qiqi approached quietly, not wanting to disturb Chongyun's focus. She watched him for a moment before speaking. "Chongyun... are you... busy?"
Chongyun's eyes snapped open, startled by the sudden voice. He looked up, relaxing when he saw Qiqi. "Oh, Qiqi. I didn't hear you coming." He gave a small, polite smile. "I was just meditating. Trying to keep my yang energy in check. It's good to see you."
Chikorita, finished with its apple, approached Duskull, giving it a friendly sniff. Duskull floated around Chikorita, examining the leaf on its head, seemingly intrigued by this unfamiliar Pokémon. The two Pokémon seemed to hit it off immediately, with Chikorita playfully nudging Duskull, who responded by floating in circles around it.
Chongyun watched the interaction, his smile growing. "It looks like our Pokémon are becoming friends. I suppose meditation can wait for now. Would you like to join me, Qiqi?"
Qiqi nodded slowly, her eyes still on Chikorita. "Yes. Today is... my day off. But I don't know what to do."
Chongyun chuckled softly. "Well, sometimes, it's nice to just spend time outside. How about we take a walk? It might be nice for both you and Chikorita." He stood, brushing off his clothes before turning to Duskull. "What do you think, Duskull?"
Duskull gave a happy spin, and Chikorita bounced in agreement, clearly excited by the idea. Qiqi gave a small nod. "Alright. A walk... sounds nice."
---
The trio walked along the edge of the harbor, the gentle lapping of the waves creating a calming backdrop. Chikorita and Duskull played ahead of them, Chikorita running in circles while Duskull floated above, trying to mimic its movements.
Chongyun glanced at Qiqi, who was watching the Pokémon with a distant but content expression. "You know, Qiqi," he began, his tone gentle, "it's important to take breaks like this. You work so hard at Bubu Pharmacy, and I think you deserve to enjoy these small moments."
Qiqi looked at Chongyun, her expression thoughtful. "I forget sometimes... that I need rest. Baizhu tells me... but I always forget." She paused, her gaze drifting back to Chikorita. "But today is... nice. I think Chikorita makes it easy."
Chongyun smiled. "Pokémon have a way of doing that. They bring joy without even trying. It's something I've noticed with Duskull too. It's always there for me, whether I'm training or just trying to relax."
Qiqi nodded slowly, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Yes... Chikorita is always here too. It makes me happy." She paused, as if searching for the right words. "I think... this is what people call friendship."
Chongyun's smile widened, and he gave a small nod. "Exactly. Friendship."
---
As they continued their walk, they found themselves near a small park area where several children were playing. The children immediately noticed Chikorita and Duskull, their eyes lighting up with excitement. One of the children, a young boy with a wide grin, ran up to Qiqi.
"Miss, can we play with your Pokémon? They look so cool!" the boy asked, his eyes practically sparkling.
Qiqi blinked, looking down at the boy, then at Chikorita. She hesitated for a moment before giving a small nod. "Yes... Chikorita likes to play."
Chikorita, sensing the excitement, trotted over to the children, who immediately began petting it and playing with its leaf. Duskull, not wanting to be left out, floated over as well, making ghostly sounds that elicited delighted giggles from the kids.
Chongyun watched with amusement, leaning towards Qiqi. "It looks like Chikorita and Duskull are quite popular."
Qiqi nodded, her gaze softening as she watched the children play. "Yes... they bring happiness. It is... a good feeling."
One of the children, a young girl, looked up at Qiqi, her expression full of curiosity. "Miss, where did you get Chikorita? I want a Pokémon too!"
Qiqi thought for a moment before replying. "I got Chikorita... from Hiroshi's shop. He has many Pokémon... and they are all special."
The children exchanged excited glances, clearly intrigued by the idea of getting their own Pokémon. Chongyun smiled, stepping forward. "Pokémon like Chikorita and Duskull are wonderful partners. They help us, they play with us, and they make our lives better. If you visit Hiroshi's shop, you might find a partner that's perfect for you."
The children all nodded eagerly, their excitement palpable. Qiqi looked at Chongyun, her expression thoughtful. "It is nice... that they want Pokémon. I think... everyone should have a friend like Chikorita."
Chongyun smiled, nodding in agreement. "I think so too, Qiqi. Pokémon bring out the best in all of us."
---
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the children reluctantly said their goodbyes to Chikorita and Duskull, waving as they ran back to their families. Qiqi watched them go, a sense of warmth settling in her chest. Today had been different—calm, simple, and full of small joys that she rarely had the chance to experience.
Chongyun turned to Qiqi, his expression gentle. "Thank you for spending the day with me, Qiqi. I hope you had a good time."
Qiqi looked at him, then at Chikorita, who was now resting contently by her side. She gave a small nod. "Yes... today was a good day. Thank you, Chongyun. And thank you, Chikorita."
Chikorita let out a soft chirp, nuzzling against Qiqi's leg. Chongyun smiled. "I think we should do this again sometime. A day off now and then can do wonders."
Qiqi looked up at the sky, the first stars beginning to twinkle above. "Yes... I think I would like that."