Morning broke over Liyue Harbor, the bustling port city slowly coming alive with merchants setting up their stalls and workers starting their day. The air was filled with the smell of the ocean mixed with the scent of freshly baked pastries from the market. It was a typical day, except for one notable difference: the Pokémon shop had a visitor.
Keqing stood in front of Hiroshi's shop, her eyes narrowing slightly as she stared at the sign that read "Pokémon Emporium." She had often passed by the shop, watching as others purchased their Pokémon partners and left with smiles on their faces. She had even seen how much joy Pokémon had brought to her friends. Her Shinx, her first Pokémon partner, had become a reliable companion. But today, she felt a new urge—to see if another Pokémon could bring something unique to her life.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Hiroshi looked up from behind the counter, a warm smile spreading across his face as he saw Keqing. "Ah, Keqing! Welcome! I must say, I wasn't expecting you today. What brings you to my humble shop?"
Keqing glanced around the store, her eyes scanning the shelves lined with Poké Balls, various Pokémon-related items, and even some snacks. "I've been curious about expanding my team," she admitted, her tone serious. "Shinx has been a wonderful partner, but I want to see if another Pokémon could bring something different to our work in Liyue."
Hiroshi's smile widened, and he nodded. "That's a wonderful reason to be here. Pokémon can bring out the best in us, often in unexpected ways. I'd be happy to help you find a partner that complements you and Shinx." He gestured toward the display of Poké Balls. "Would you like me to introduce you to a few Pokémon? You might find one that speaks to you."
Keqing hesitated for a moment, then nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Alright, let's see what you've got."
Hiroshi picked up a Poké Ball and opened it, releasing a small, feline-like Pokémon with purple fur and a mischievous expression. The Pokémon—Purrloin—looked up at Keqing, its eyes glinting as it let out a playful "Purr!"
Keqing blinked, surprised. "A cat Pokémon? It looks... sly."
Hiroshi chuckled. "Purrloin is definitely mischievous, but it's also very loyal. It might just be the kind of partner that keeps you on your toes, much like your work as Yuheng."
Keqing knelt down, studying Purrloin as it pranced around her feet, its tail flicking playfully. She reached out, hesitantly petting its head, and Purrloin purred, leaning into her touch.
"Alright," Keqing said, a small smile forming on her lips. "I think I'll give this a try."
---
Later that day, Keqing decided to take her new partner out to explore Liyue Harbor. Purrloin trotted beside her, its ears perked up as it took in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. Keqing couldn't help but notice how the people around her reacted to Purrloin—some smiled and waved, while others stopped to ask her about her new partner.
One such person was Ningguang, who had spotted Keqing from the balcony of the Jade Chamber and decided to come down to greet her. "Keqing," Ningguang called, her elegant voice carrying over the noise of the harbor. "I see you've decided to expand your Pokémon team."
Keqing turned, her eyes meeting Ningguang's as she approached. "Yes, Lady Ningguang. I thought it was about time I understood what all the excitement was about." She gestured toward Purrloin, who was now busy batting at a piece of stray paper on the ground. "This is Purrloin. It's... quite playful."
Ningguang smiled, nodding in approval. "It seems like a perfect match for you. A Pokémon that's both clever and graceful. Have you had much opportunity to train with it yet?"
Keqing shook her head. "Not yet. I want to build a strong bond first, much like I did with Shinx."
Ningguang's smile widened. "A wise approach. Pokémon are not just tools for battle—they are partners. The bond you form will be the key to unlocking its full potential." She paused, then added, "How about a little practice match? Nothing too intense, just something to get both of you acquainted with each other's capabilities."
Keqing hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I think that might be a good idea."
---
The two made their way to Feiyun Slope, where there was enough open space for a practice battle. Several onlookers gathered, curious to see the Yuheng and the Tianquan in a Pokémon match. Ningguang released her own Pokémon, Rotom, which immediately began buzzing around, its electric sparks crackling with energy.
Purrloin looked up at Rotom, its eyes narrowing as it prepared for the challenge.
"Alright, Purrloin," Keqing said, her voice calm but firm. "Let's see what you can do. Use Scratch!"
Purrloin dashed forward, its claws extended as it leapt towards Rotom. Ningguang watched closely, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Rotom, dodge and use Thunder Wave."
Rotom zipped to the side, avoiding Purrloin's attack before releasing a wave of electricity that crackled through the air. Purrloin was quick, managing to avoid the worst of it, though it stumbled slightly as the electricity brushed against its fur.
Keqing frowned, her eyes focused. "Purrloin, stay sharp. Let's try a Fury Swipes!"
Purrloin lunged again, its claws slashing at Rotom in a flurry of quick strikes. Rotom zipped around, avoiding most of the hits, but a few managed to land, making Rotom buzz in irritation.
"Not bad, Keqing," Ningguang said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You're adapting quickly. Rotom, use Confuse Ray."
Rotom's eyes glowed, and a swirling beam of light shot out towards Purrloin, who tried to dodge but was caught in the confusion. Purrloin staggered, its movements becoming erratic as it tried to shake off the disorienting effect.
Keqing clenched her fist, her eyes narrowing. "Come on, Purrloin. Focus. You can do this."
Purrloin shook its head vigorously, its eyes clearing as it regained its focus. It let out a determined growl, and Keqing smiled. "That's it. Now, use Assist!"
Purrloin's paw glowed as it used a move borrowed from another Pokémon, surprising even Ningguang as a small Water Gun shot out, catching Rotom off guard and dousing it with water.
The crowd gasped, and Ningguang's eyes widened slightly before she laughed. "Well done, Keqing. It seems Purrloin has a few surprises up its sleeve."
Keqing smiled, her heart swelling with pride as she looked at her partner. "Thank you, Lady Ningguang. I think we're starting to understand each other."
---
After the match, Keqing and Ningguang made their way back to the harbor, both of them in high spirits. Purrloin trotted beside Keqing, looking quite pleased with itself.
"You did well today, Purrloin," Keqing said, her voice soft. "I think we're going to make a great team."
Purrloin purred, rubbing against her leg affectionately. Ningguang watched them, her expression filled with warmth. "You know, Keqing, I think this is just the beginning. Pokémon have a way of bringing out the best in us—both in battle and in life."
Keqing nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "I believe you're right, Lady Ningguang. And I'm looking forward to seeing where this journey takes us."
As they walked through the bustling streets of Liyue, Keqing couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what lay ahead. She had always been dedicated to her duties, always focused on ensuring the prosperity of Liyue. But now, with Shinx and Purrloin by her side, she felt like she was embarking on a new adventure—one that was filled with challenges, surprises, and the promise of new bonds.
And she couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.