It was a typical day at the Dawn Winery, with workers bustling around and the scent of freshly harvested grapes filling the air. Diluc Ragnvindr stood by the entrance, his gaze focused on the vineyard, his hands resting behind his back. The sun hung low in the sky, painting the fields with a golden hue. For Diluc, it was a day like any other, filled with responsibilities and ensuring the smooth running of the winery.
But something had changed in Mondstadt, and even Diluc had to admit that it was hard to ignore the buzz about the new creatures being introduced by Hiroshi. Pokémon, they called them. He had heard stories from Kaeya, and he had seen Venti with a bird that sang to the heavens, and even Razor had an odd new electric partner that followed him around. Though he tried to maintain his usual distance, curiosity had finally gotten the better of him.
Adelinde, the head housemaid, approached Diluc with a soft smile. "Master Diluc, I've been hearing a lot of good things about those Pokémon from the citizens of Mondstadt. Would you perhaps be interested in visiting the new shop to see them for yourself?"
Diluc let out a quiet sigh, crossing his arms. "I suppose I have been hearing enough about them to warrant at least a look," he admitted, though his tone remained neutral. He wasn't sure what he expected—after all, his duties at the winery kept him more than occupied. Still, the thought of a companion who could aid him on patrols or even help out at the winery had started to take root in his mind.
Adelinde's eyes lit up, clearly pleased. "Why don't you go take a break and pay a visit to the shop, Master Diluc? It might be a refreshing change of pace."
Diluc sighed again, but a small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "Very well. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a small break." He adjusted his coat and began making his way towards the city of Mondstadt, the thought of meeting these new creatures stirring a mix of reluctance and curiosity in his chest.
---
The walk to Hiroshi's shop was uneventful, but as Diluc entered the bustling streets of Mondstadt, he couldn't help but notice how lively the city had become. Children were running around with their Pokémon, while others watched in awe as knights trained alongside their new partners. There was an undeniable sense of excitement that hung in the air—it was almost contagious.
When Diluc reached Hiroshi's shop, he was greeted by the sight of Zekrom standing beside the entrance, its imposing figure casting a long shadow. Diluc eyed the large dragon with a mix of awe and curiosity, though he kept his expression neutral.
"Welcome to the Pokémon shop," Hiroshi greeted, his smile bright and welcoming. "Ah, Master Diluc! I wasn't expecting you, but I'm glad to see you here. I take it you're interested in finding a partner?"
Diluc hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to see what all the excitement is about," he said. "But I have certain expectations. I need a partner who can assist with my duties, particularly with the patrols."
Hiroshi nodded thoughtfully, looking through the shelves of Poké Balls lined behind the counter. "I think I have just the right one for you, Master Diluc. Someone who is strong, dependable, and would be perfect for a protector of Mondstadt." He selected a Poké Ball and handed it to Diluc. "Go ahead, try it out."
Diluc took the Poké Ball, examining it for a moment before pressing the button. In a flash of light, a tall, imposing Pokémon appeared before him. It had a dark, rocky body, and its eyes burned with a fierce intensity—a Lycanroc in its Midnight Form.
Diluc looked the Pokémon over, his eyes narrowing in interest. The Lycanroc stood tall, its gaze meeting Diluc's as if assessing him. There was something about the way it carried itself—proud, unyielding—that struck a chord within Diluc. He slowly nodded, stepping closer.
"A strong companion indeed," Diluc said, his voice softer, almost as if he were speaking to himself. He held out a hand, and after a brief moment, Lycanroc leaned forward, nuzzling his palm in acknowledgment. Diluc allowed a small smile to grace his lips. "I think we'll get along just fine."
Hiroshi clapped his hands together, clearly pleased. "Lycanroc is a perfect partner for someone like you, Master Diluc. It's fiercely loyal and strong, and it will be a great asset on your patrols. Here's your Pokédex, as well as six Poké Balls and some food to start with."
Diluc took the items, examining the Pokédex for a moment before pocketing it. "Thank you, Hiroshi. I'll see how well Lycanroc and I work together." With that, he turned to leave, Lycanroc falling into step beside him, its eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously.
---
That afternoon, Diluc returned to the Dawn Winery, Lycanroc walking beside him. The workers at the winery stopped what they were doing to stare at the new arrival, their eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of awe. Adelinde was waiting for Diluc at the entrance, her eyes softening at the sight of the Pokémon.
"Oh my, what a magnificent creature," Adelinde said, her smile widening. "It looks like it suits you, Master Diluc."
Diluc nodded, glancing at Lycanroc. "This is Lycanroc. It will be helping me with patrols and perhaps with some of the duties here at the winery."
Lycanroc let out a low growl, its eyes shifting to the vineyard as if to assess its new home. Diluc crossed his arms, observing the Pokémon for a moment before speaking again. "Adelinde, could you prepare an area for Lycanroc to rest? It will need a place to stay while I'm away."
Adelinde nodded. "Of course, Master Diluc. I'll make sure everything is prepared. In the meantime, perhaps you could take Lycanroc on a patrol? It might be a good way for the two of you to bond."
Diluc glanced at Lycanroc, who was already watching him with an eager expression, its sharp claws digging slightly into the dirt. He nodded. "Very well. Let's go, Lycanroc. We have much to do."
---
The patrol around the outskirts of Mondstadt was quiet, as usual. Diluc walked in silence, his eyes scanning the landscape for any signs of trouble. Lycanroc walked beside him, its head held high, ears twitching at every sound. Despite its intimidating appearance, there was something almost comforting about having the Pokémon by his side—a sense of companionship that Diluc hadn't expected.
As they made their way towards a small wooded area, Diluc suddenly heard a rustling sound coming from the bushes nearby. He immediately went on high alert, his hand moving towards his claymore. Lycanroc growled, stepping in front of Diluc, its body tensed and ready for action.
After a tense moment, the bushes parted, and out stepped a familiar face—Kaeya, with his Zorua in tow. The mischievous little Pokémon was giggling, clearly enjoying the moment of surprise it had caused.
Kaeya laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Easy there, Diluc. Just me. No need for violence."
Diluc sighed, lowering his hand. "Kaeya. What are you doing out here?"
Kaeya gave him an innocent smile. "Just taking Zorua out for a walk, same as you. Though it seems your new partner is a bit more intense." He eyed Lycanroc, who was still growling softly, its eyes locked on Zorua.
Zorua, in response, shifted into a perfect replica of Lycanroc, mimicking its stance and growl. Lycanroc seemed momentarily startled, then let out a bark that sounded almost like a laugh, relaxing its posture.
Diluc raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kaeya. "It seems your Zorua has a sense of humor."
Kaeya grinned, patting Zorua on the head. "Oh, you know how it is. We like to keep things lighthearted. Besides, it looks like your Lycanroc appreciates the joke." He looked at Diluc, his expression softening. "I have to say, it's nice to see you with a partner, Diluc. I think it suits you."
Diluc looked down at Lycanroc, who was now watching Zorua with interest. He allowed a small smile. "Perhaps. We're still getting used to each other, but I think this will work out."
Kaeya nodded, his eyes glinting with a hint of warmth. "I'm sure it will. Just remember, even the toughest partners need a bit of care and fun." He gave a playful salute before turning to leave, Zorua following at his heels. "Catch you later, Diluc. Don't be too much of a stranger!"
Diluc watched him go, shaking his head slightly before turning back to Lycanroc. "Let's continue," he said, his voice softening. "There's still much to see."
Lycanroc barked in agreement, and the two continued their patrol, the bond between them growing stronger with each step.
---
As the day drew to a close, Diluc returned to the Dawn Winery, Lycanroc still at his side. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the vineyard, and Diluc felt a sense of calm that he hadn't experienced in a long time. He looked down at Lycanroc, who was watching the sunset with him, its eyes reflecting the golden light.
"You did well today," Diluc said quietly, reaching down to pat Lycanroc's head. The Pokémon leaned into his touch, letting out a contented growl. Diluc allowed himself a rare smile, feeling a warmth in his chest.
Perhaps having a partner wasn't such a bad idea after all.