It was an unusually calm morning at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, but that calmness was not destined to last. Hu Tao, always eager to liven up the atmosphere, was bustling around with her usual playful energy. Beside her, Shuppet floated in the air, swirling and twirling around her head as they moved through the parlor.
"Shuppet! Today, I've got an idea," Hu Tao said, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "How about we invite some friends over? I'm talking about our Pokémon friends! Let's see what they can bring to the Funeral Parlor—besides, things have been too quiet here lately." She winked at Shuppet, who made an eerie sound that was probably its version of laughter.
As Hu Tao turned to make preparations, she noticed Qiqi in the hallway, her usual distant gaze fixed on the clipboard she carried. Chikorita followed her quietly, looking a little confused about its surroundings. Hu Tao grinned, her mind instantly coming up with a plan.
"Qiqi!" she called out, her voice echoing down the hallway, causing Qiqi to look up slowly, blinking in confusion. "How would you and Chikorita like to help me with something fun today?"
Qiqi paused, her blank expression slowly shifting into one of curiosity. "Fun...? What kind of... fun?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.
Hu Tao dashed over, practically bouncing with excitement. "We're going to have a Pokémon Pet Day right here in the parlor! Imagine—our Pokémon cheering people up, maybe even lending a hand! It'll be good for business and good for the soul! What do you say?"
Qiqi tilted her head slightly, looking down at Chikorita, who let out a soft, curious chirp. "Okay... if it will make people happy," she said quietly.
Hu Tao beamed, giving Qiqi a quick pat on the shoulder. "That's the spirit, Qiqi! Alright, you and Chikorita get ready—I'm going to bring some more friends over!" She dashed out, Shuppet floating behind her, leaving Qiqi and Chikorita standing in the hallway, both looking a bit bewildered.
---
Within an hour, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had transformed into an impromptu Pokémon Pet Day venue. Hu Tao had rallied several of her friends, and soon enough, the usually somber building was filled with laughter, excited chatter, and, of course, Pokémon.
Chongyun had arrived with Duskull, who floated alongside Shuppet, the two ghost Pokémon seeming to have a silent conversation that nobody else could hear. Xiangling had brought both Lotad and Charmander, and they had quickly become the stars of the day, with Lotad splashing around a basin of water and Charmander showing off small bursts of Ember to entertain the curious onlookers.
Ganyu had also joined, albeit a bit reluctantly, her Snorunt sticking close by her side, seemingly fascinated by the unfamiliar surroundings. Beidou even made an appearance, with Fletchinder perched proudly on her shoulder, its bright plumage adding a pop of color to the room.
Hu Tao clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Welcome to the first-ever Pokémon Pet Day at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! The goal is simple—have fun, help out, and make sure everyone leaves with a smile! Let's see how our Pokémon can brighten the atmosphere."
Qiqi stood near the back, watching as everyone began mingling, her gaze fixed on Chikorita, who was busy sniffing the flowers arranged in vases along the walls. Ganyu walked over, giving Qiqi a gentle smile.
"It's nice to see so many people here," Ganyu said, her voice soft. "I think Hu Tao's idea is... unique, but it might actually bring some comfort to people."
Qiqi nodded slowly. "Yes... I think Chikorita likes it. It seems happy." She watched as Chikorita used its leaf to tickle a child who had wandered over, making the little boy giggle in delight.
Ganyu smiled, patting Snorunt's head. "It's wonderful how Pokémon can make such simple moments special."
---
As the day went on, the Funeral Parlor was filled with activity. Hu Tao had come up with a variety of games and challenges for the Pokémon and their trainers. One such challenge involved Fletchinder and Charmander in a friendly contest to see who could light a series of candles the fastest. Beidou cheered loudly for Fletchinder, who darted around the room, while Xiangling encouraged Charmander, who was trying its best to keep up, its small tail flicking with determination.
"Come on, Fletchinder! Show them what you've got!" Beidou called out, her laughter echoing through the room.
"Charmander, don't give up! You're doing great!" Xiangling added, clapping her hands in encouragement.
The crowd watched, cheering for both Pokémon, and when the contest ended in a tie, the room erupted in applause. Charmander and Fletchinder both seemed proud of their efforts, giving each other a friendly nod.
Meanwhile, Chongyun was trying to teach Duskull a new trick—balancing a small orb on its head. Duskull seemed more interested in floating upside down, however, much to Chongyun's exasperation. Hu Tao, noticing his struggle, came over with Shuppet.
"Looks like Duskull's got a mind of its own," Hu Tao said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Maybe Shuppet can help show it how it's done."
Shuppet floated over to Duskull, balancing the orb effortlessly on its head. Duskull watched for a moment before attempting it again, this time managing to keep the orb steady—at least for a few seconds. Chongyun smiled, giving Duskull an encouraging pat.
"Good job, Duskull. We'll get there eventually," he said, his tone filled with patience.
---
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the windows of the Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao gathered everyone together for one final activity—a group photo to commemorate the day. She arranged everyone in front of the altar, positioning the Pokémon at the front.
"Alright, everyone say 'Wangsheng'!" Hu Tao called out, holding up a small camera.
"Wangsheng!" everyone echoed, their voices filled with laughter.
The camera flashed, capturing the moment—a moment filled with smiles, laughter, and the bonds between friends and their Pokémon. Hu Tao looked at the photo, her smile softening as she gazed at the image.
"This is what it's all about," she said quietly, more to herself than anyone else. "Bringing people together, making memories."
She looked at Shuppet, who floated beside her, and gave it a gentle nudge. "What do you think, Shuppet? Should we make this a regular event?"
Shuppet let out an enthusiastic cheer, swirling around Hu Tao's head. She laughed, her eyes filled with warmth. "Alright then, it's settled. Pokémon Pet Day is officially going to be a tradition at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
The announcement was met with cheers and applause from everyone present. Qiqi, standing off to the side, looked down at Chikorita, who nuzzled against her leg affectionately. She smiled—a small, genuine smile that was rare for her.
"Today was... a good day," she said softly, her gaze drifting to Hu Tao, who was busy talking animatedly with Chongyun and Xiangling. "I think... I understand now."
Ganyu, who had been standing nearby, looked at Qiqi, her eyes gentle. "Understand what, Qiqi?"
Qiqi looked at Ganyu, her expression thoughtful. "Why people like to be together... and make memories. It feels... nice."
Ganyu smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yes, it does. And I think that's something we can all cherish."
---
As the evening came to a close, everyone began to head home, the laughter and excitement slowly fading into the night. Hu Tao stood by the entrance of the Funeral Parlor, waving goodbye to her friends, her heart full.
"Thank you all for coming! Let's do this again soon!" she called out, her voice filled with joy.
As the last of her friends left, Hu Tao turned back to the now-quiet Funeral Parlor. She looked at Shuppet, who hovered beside her, and then at the photo she had taken earlier.
"We made some great memories today, didn't we, Shuppet?" she said, her voice soft. Shuppet nodded, its ghostly form shimmering in the dim light.
Hu Tao smiled, her eyes filled with determination. "This is just the beginning. With Pokémon by our side, we're going to keep bringing joy to Liyue—one day at a time."