The early morning sun shone down on the rolling hills surrounding Mondstadt, warming the dew-covered grass. Razor was already up, his Pokémon partner Electrike bounding alongside him as they made their way through the Whispering Woods. Today, they were on an important mission—Razor wanted to learn more about how to care for Electrike, and for that, he needed the help of someone who knew all about nurturing others. That person was none other than Barbara.
Razor wasn't used to asking for help, especially when it came to caring for others. But after spending time with Electrike, he realized that understanding its needs was just as important as fighting alongside it. So, when he heard Barbara was heading to Springvale to collect herbs, he decided to join her.
Barbara was already waiting at the edge of the woods when Razor arrived. Her Jigglypuff was sitting comfortably in her arms, humming a soft tune that seemed to make the entire forest feel more peaceful.
"Razor! You made it!" Barbara greeted him warmly, her smile bright enough to rival the sun.
Razor nodded, a shy but grateful smile tugging at his lips. "Yes. Want to learn... how to care for Electrike."
Barbara beamed at him, giving Jigglypuff a gentle pat on the head. "Of course! I think it's wonderful that you want to learn. Electrike is lucky to have someone like you. Aren't you, Electrike?"
Electrike barked in agreement, its tail wagging happily. Barbara giggled and motioned for Razor to follow her as they started walking towards Springvale.
"Today, we'll gather some herbs that are good for Pokémon," Barbara explained, her voice gentle. "Some herbs can help with energy, while others can help when they're feeling under the weather. It's important to know how to take care of them outside of battle too."
Razor listened closely, his eyes focused on Barbara as she spoke. He was used to taking care of himself in the wild, but caring for Electrike was different—it wasn't just about survival. It was about creating a bond, making sure Electrike was happy and healthy.
---
As they made their way through the woods, Barbara showed Razor different plants and herbs, explaining their uses. Jigglypuff floated alongside her, occasionally humming a soft tune that seemed to make the entire forest come alive. Electrike, on the other hand, was full of energy, sniffing every bush and chasing after butterflies.
Barbara knelt down, pointing to a small patch of bright green leaves. "These are Sitrus herbs. They're great for restoring energy. You can make a simple tea with them for Electrike, and it'll help if it's ever feeling tired."
Razor watched as Barbara carefully picked a few leaves, mimicking her movements as he picked some for Electrike. "Tea... for Electrike. Good," he mumbled, placing the herbs carefully into a small pouch.
Barbara smiled at him, her eyes warm. "You're doing great, Razor. You know, caring for Pokémon is a lot like caring for friends. You have to be attentive to their needs, make sure they're happy, and always be there for them."
Razor looked at Electrike, who was now rolling in a patch of flowers, its tail wagging furiously. He nodded slowly. "Electrike... is my friend. Want to be good to friend."
Barbara's smile widened, and she reached over to give Razor a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "And you're already doing that by being here today. Electrike knows you care, and that's what matters most."
---
After they finished gathering herbs, the group decided to take a break near a small pond. Barbara laid out a blanket, and they all sat down, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Jigglypuff was humming softly, its eyes closed, while Electrike was busy exploring the area, occasionally running back to Razor with a stick or a flower.
Barbara pulled out a small picnic basket, offering Razor a sandwich. "I brought some snacks for us. It's important for trainers to take care of themselves too, you know."
Razor hesitated for a moment before taking the sandwich, nodding in thanks. He took a bite, his eyes widening slightly at the taste. "Good... thank you."
Barbara giggled. "I'm glad you like it. Jigglypuff helped me make them, didn't you?"
Jigglypuff nodded, looking quite pleased with itself. Electrike trotted over, sniffing at Razor's sandwich, and Razor tore off a small piece, offering it to his partner. Electrike sniffed it before gobbling it up, its tail wagging happily.
Barbara watched them, her eyes softening. "You know, Razor, it's moments like these that make having Pokémon so special. It's not just about battles or training—it's about the little things, like sharing a meal or exploring together."
Razor looked at Electrike, who was now nuzzling his side, and a small smile appeared on his face. "Little things... are good. Make bond stronger."
Barbara nodded. "Exactly. And you and Electrike already have a strong bond. I can see it."
---
After their break, they decided to head back to Mondstadt. As they walked, Barbara suggested they stop by the Pokémon shop to see if Hiroshi had any new supplies that could help Razor take care of Electrike. Razor agreed, curious to see what else he could learn.
The shop was bustling as usual, with Hiroshi behind the counter, Zekrom floating beside him, its eyes glowing faintly. When Hiroshi saw Razor and Barbara enter, he greeted them with a smile.
"Razor! Barbara! What brings you two here today?" Hiroshi asked, his eyes glancing down at Electrike, who was sniffing around curiously.
Barbara stepped forward, her smile bright. "Razor's learning how to take care of Electrike better, so we thought we'd stop by and see if you had anything that could help."
Hiroshi nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I think I might have just the thing." He walked over to a shelf, picking up a small box filled with various Pokémon grooming supplies. "These are brushes and grooming tools. Electrike's coat will need regular care to keep it healthy, especially since it's an Electric-type."
Razor took the box, examining it closely. "Groom... Electrike. Keep coat healthy," he mumbled, nodding in understanding.
Hiroshi smiled, giving Razor a pat on the back. "You're doing a great job, Razor. Electrike's lucky to have you. It's clear you care a lot about your partner."
Zekrom, its deep voice resonating, added, "The bond between a trainer and their Pokémon is forged through moments of care and understanding. You are on the right path, Razor."
Razor looked up at Zekrom, his eyes filled with determination. "Will keep caring. Make bond stronger."
---
As they left the shop, Barbara turned to Razor, her eyes filled with warmth. "You've learned a lot today, Razor. And I think Electrike knows just how much you care."
Razor looked down at Electrike, who was now walking closely beside him, its tail wagging slightly. He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Electrike is my friend. Will always care for friend."
Barbara smiled, giving Razor a thumbs-up. "That's the spirit! And remember, if you ever need help, you can always come to me. We're all friends here, after all."
Razor nodded, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. He wasn't used to relying on others, but today had shown him that it was okay to ask for help—especially when it came to his friends.
As they made their way back to Mondstadt, the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Razor looked at Electrike, who was now trotting happily beside him, and he knew that their bond had grown stronger today. It wasn't just about battles or survival—it was about the little moments, the care, and the love that made their bond unbreakable.
And with friends like Barbara, Hiroshi, and the rest of Mondstadt by his side, Razor knew that he and Electrike could face anything that came their way—together.