It was a crisp morning in Liyue, the mist lifting from the harbor and revealing the bustling streets below. The Jade Chamber sat high above the city, its architecture as grand and elegant as its overseer, Ningguang. Today, Ningguang had decided to take some time away from her usual strategic work in favor of a different endeavor—a visit to the Xinyue Kiosk, one of the finest tea houses in Liyue. And she wasn't alone. Floating by her side was her partner Rotom, buzzing with excitement at the prospect of new experiences.
Ningguang had decided to use the occasion to introduce Rotom to something new: the intricacies of tea making. For her, tea was an art, a delicate process that involved knowledge, patience, and the right touch. She was curious to see how Rotom's unique abilities might complement the task. Plus, she was interested in what the patrons might think of her peculiar companion.
As they entered the tea house, the delicate scent of freshly brewed tea leaves mixed with the fragrant aroma of herbs and flowers. The owner, Mr. Lao, greeted Ningguang with a polite bow, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of Rotom.
"Lady Ningguang, it's an honor to have you visit," he said warmly, though his gaze lingered curiously on the electric Pokémon. "And I see you have brought a most unusual guest."
Ningguang smiled gracefully. "Indeed, Mr. Lao. This is Rotom, my partner. Today, I thought we might try something new, and see how Rotom fares in the delicate craft of tea making."
Mr. Lao nodded, a mix of intrigue and slight bewilderment on his face. "Well, we are always happy to have new approaches here, Lady Ningguang. Please, make yourself comfortable."
Ningguang led Rotom to a low table near the back of the tea house, where a set of tea-making tools had been neatly arranged. She gestured for Rotom to take a look, the Pokémon buzzing with energy as it floated over the table, inspecting the tools with interest.
"Now, Rotom," Ningguang began, her voice calm and instructive, "tea making is a delicate process. It requires precision, but also a certain gentleness. I want you to help me heat the water, but we must do it carefully. We wouldn't want to scorch the leaves."
Rotom's electric eyes blinked in understanding, and it zipped over to the kettle, its body glowing slightly as it prepared to use its electric power to heat the water. Ningguang watched closely, her hand resting on her chin as she observed the Pokémon's movements. Rotom released a controlled surge of electricity, and within moments, steam began to rise from the kettle.
"Excellent, Rotom," Ningguang said, her tone filled with approval. "Now, let us move on to the next step."
As Ningguang guided Rotom through the process of steeping the leaves, more patrons began to take notice of the unusual scene. Whispered conversations floated through the tea house, and more than a few curious glances were cast their way. Ningguang, ever the picture of poise, paid no mind to the attention, her focus solely on Rotom and the delicate process at hand.
One of the onlookers, a young woman, finally gathered the courage to approach. "Excuse me, Lady Ningguang," she said hesitantly, "is that... a Pokémon? I've heard of them, but I've never seen one before."
Ningguang looked up, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, indeed. This is Rotom, a Pokémon with a rather unique affinity for electricity. It has been a wonderful companion, and today we are experimenting with something new." She gestured to the tea set in front of them.
The young woman looked at Rotom with wide eyes, her curiosity evident. "That's amazing... Could it really help with tea making?"
Ningguang nodded, her expression serene. "Pokémon have abilities that, when applied thoughtfully, can enhance our daily lives. Rotom here is learning the art of tea making, and it has done quite well so far." She glanced at Rotom, who was now carefully pouring the tea into a delicate porcelain cup, its electric form shimmering softly.
The young woman watched in awe, then turned to Ningguang. "I would love to have a Pokémon companion. It seems like they bring so much joy and help in unexpected ways."
Ningguang smiled, nodding in agreement. "Indeed they do. If you are interested, I suggest visiting Hiroshi's Pokémon shop here in Liyue. There, you might find a companion that suits you perfectly. Pokémon have a way of finding those who need them."
The woman beamed, thanking Ningguang before returning to her table, her eyes filled with excitement. Ningguang watched her go, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Every small step they took towards integrating Pokémon into the lives of Liyue's citizens was a step towards something greater.
---
After they finished preparing the tea, Ningguang poured a cup for herself, taking a careful sip. She closed her eyes, savoring the delicate flavors, the warmth spreading through her. Rotom hovered beside her, its eyes wide with anticipation.
"You did well, Rotom," Ningguang said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "The temperature is perfect, and the flavor has been preserved beautifully. You are truly a remarkable partner."
Rotom let out a pleased buzz, its electric form flickering brightly. Ningguang smiled, her gaze softening as she watched her Pokémon. "Perhaps in time, we can introduce more of Liyue to the joys of Pokémon-assisted tea making," she mused. "There is so much potential yet to be discovered."
Their peaceful moment was suddenly interrupted by a burst of laughter from across the tea house. Ningguang turned to see Beidou, of course, making her way towards them, her Fletchinder perched proudly on her arm. Beidou's grin was as wide as ever, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"Ningguang! I thought I'd find you here," Beidou said, plopping herself down at the table across from Ningguang without waiting for an invitation. "And look at that, you've brought Rotom! Teaching it the fine art of tea making, are you?"
Ningguang raised an eyebrow, though her lips held the hint of a smile. "Indeed, Captain Beidou. Rotom has been doing quite well. Perhaps you and Fletchinder would like to join us?"
Beidou's grin widened. "Why not? Fletchinder here could use a little refinement. Right, buddy?" Fletchinder chirped in agreement, its feathers ruffling as it looked curiously at the tea set.
Rotom hovered over to Fletchinder, buzzing in greeting. Fletchinder blinked, then gave a small nod, as if acknowledging its fellow Pokémon. Ningguang watched the interaction, her eyes thoughtful.
"It seems they get along quite well," she noted, her gaze shifting to Beidou. "Perhaps there is more potential for collaboration between our Pokémon than we initially thought."
Beidou leaned back, her expression amused. "Oh, I'm sure there is. Imagine Rotom and Fletchinder teaming up on the ship—Rotom powering the lights, Fletchinder keeping everyone warm. We could revolutionize sailing as we know it!"
Ningguang chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You always think big, Beidou. But perhaps there is merit in that idea. Pokémon have already begun to change the way we live in Liyue. Why not the way we travel as well?"
Beidou raised her cup of tea in a mock toast. "To the future of Liyue—powered by Pokémon," she said with a wink.
Ningguang clinked her cup against Beidou's, her smile softening. "To the future," she agreed.
---
The afternoon passed in pleasant conversation, with Ningguang and Beidou exchanging ideas about how their Pokémon might further integrate into their daily lives. Rotom and Fletchinder seemed to enjoy each other's company, with Rotom occasionally zipping around Fletchinder, who would flap its wings in response, sending small sparks of flame into the air.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over Liyue, Ningguang stood, Rotom floating obediently beside her. "I believe it is time for us to take our leave," she said, her voice calm. "Thank you for joining us, Beidou. It has been an enlightening afternoon."
Beidou stood as well, Fletchinder hopping onto her arm. "The pleasure's all mine, Ningguang. And hey, maybe next time, we'll bring the whole crew and have ourselves a proper tea party. Pokémon included."
Ningguang smiled, nodding. "I look forward to it. Until next time, Captain."
With that, Ningguang and Rotom made their way out of the tea house, the evening air cool against her skin. She looked down at Rotom, who was buzzing contently by her side, and she felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Today had been a small step, but an important one. Pokémon were becoming a part of Liyue's culture, and with each passing day, more people were opening their hearts to the possibilities they brought.
And as the lights of Liyue Harbor began to flicker on, one by one, Ningguang knew that this was only the beginning of a much larger journey—one that she was eager to continue, hand in hand with her Pokémon partner.