The markets of Liyue Harbor were bustling as usual, a blend of lively chatter, the scent of exotic spices, and the clang of merchants setting up their stalls. Today was market day, and people had come from far and wide to browse the goods, socialize, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. But this particular market day was a bit different—ever since the Pokémon ecosystem had begun forming in Liyue, Pokémon had become a common sight in the harbor, adding a unique flavor to the already vibrant market.
Yanfei had decided to spend her day off browsing the market. She loved the atmosphere of market days—it was lively, colorful, and there was always something interesting happening. Beside her, Pichu waddled along, its tiny cheeks occasionally sparking with electricity, much to the fascination of the children that passed by.
"Alright, Pichu," Yanfei said, her eyes scanning the stalls. "Let's see if we can find something new today. Maybe some berries, or something nice for you."
"Pichu!" Pichu responded with an enthusiastic squeak, its eyes widening at the sight of a fruit stall overflowing with various berries. The two approached the stall, and Yanfei greeted the vendor with a warm smile.
"Good morning! What kind of berries do you have today?" she asked, her eyes lighting up at the sight of some Oran Berries.
The vendor smiled back, clearly intrigued by Pichu's presence. "Ah, good morning! We've got some Oran Berries, Pecha Berries, and even a few Sitrus Berries. The Pokémon seem to love them."
Yanfei nodded, reaching for a few Oran Berries while Pichu watched with sparkling eyes. "We'll take a few of each," she said, handing the vendor a handful of Mora. As the vendor wrapped up the berries, Yanfei glanced around, noticing that quite a few Pokémon were wandering through the market, either with their partners or simply exploring.
She chuckled to herself. "This market is really turning into something special, don't you think, Pichu? It's like we're in another world."
Pichu nodded, munching on an Oran Berry that Yanfei had handed it, its tiny tail wagging in excitement. As they moved further down the market, they passed by a crowd gathered around a street performer. Yanfei paused, curious, and moved closer to see what was happening.
Standing in the center of the crowd was Hu Tao, her Shuppet floating beside her as she performed a series of playful pranks, much to the amusement of the onlookers. Hu Tao's sense of humor had always been... unique, and today was no different. She had her Shuppet disappear and reappear in unexpected places, much to the surprise of the passersby.
"Now you see it, now you don't!" Hu Tao called out, her voice filled with enthusiasm as Shuppet vanished once again, leaving a young child gasping in delight.
Yanfei shook her head, smiling as she approached. "Hu Tao, causing trouble again, I see?"
Hu Tao looked up, her eyes brightening as she spotted Yanfei. "Oh, Yanfei! Just bringing a little joy to market day! Look at all these smiling faces! Besides, Shuppet's having the time of its life." She winked at Shuppet, who had reappeared right above Yanfei's head, making Pichu squeak in surprise.
Yanfei laughed, reaching up to pat Shuppet. "Well, as long as you're not scaring anyone too badly. Pichu and I were just picking up some berries—care to join us?"
Hu Tao grinned, nodding eagerly. "Of course! I was just about to grab a snack myself." She glanced around the market, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, who knows what else we might find today? The market's full of surprises lately."
The two of them continued through the market together, Shuppet floating beside Hu Tao while Pichu sat on Yanfei's shoulder, still nibbling on its berry. As they wandered, they spotted Beidou and Fletchinder at a food stall, seemingly bargaining with the vendor over a particularly large fish.
"Captain Beidou!" Yanfei called out, waving. Beidou turned, her face breaking into a grin as she spotted the two approaching.
"Well, if it isn't the legal eagle herself! And the director of the funeral parlor! What brings you two here today?" Beidou asked, her voice carrying over the noise of the market.
Yanfei shrugged, her expression amused. "Just enjoying a day off, picking up some berries for Pichu. What about you?"
Beidou gave a hearty laugh, gesturing to the fish in her hands. "Oh, just trying to get a good deal on dinner. Fletchinder's got its eye on this one, so I figured I'd oblige." Fletchinder let out a proud chirp, clearly pleased with Beidou's choice.
Hu Tao leaned in, her eyes glinting with interest. "You know, Captain, I heard that some of the new glowing mushrooms around Liyue are edible. They're supposed to be quite the delicacy. Maybe you should try that instead?"
Beidou raised an eyebrow, giving Hu Tao a skeptical look. "Glowing mushrooms? Sounds more like something that'd put me out for a few days than a good meal. But if you're willing to try it first, Hu Tao, I might reconsider."
Yanfei giggled, shaking her head. "I think I'll pass on the glowing mushrooms, thank you very much. I'm not sure I trust anything that glows quite so brightly."
The group continued their banter as they made their way through the market, the lively atmosphere filled with laughter, chatter, and the occasional cry of a Pokémon. The ecosystem had certainly brought about some interesting changes—changes that made everyday life in Liyue even more colorful and unpredictable.
---
Later in the day, the group found themselves near the docks, where Zhongli was sitting with Slowpoke, enjoying a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the market. Hu Tao, never one to pass up the chance to tease Zhongli, approached quietly, her Shuppet following suit.
"What's this? The great consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, taking a break?" Hu Tao called out, her voice filled with mock surprise.
Zhongli looked up, his expression calm as he regarded Hu Tao. "Even the most diligent among us require rest, Director. And Slowpoke seems to enjoy the tranquility of the docks."
Slowpoke, oblivious to the conversation, simply stared out at the water, its tail dipping lazily into the sea. Hu Tao giggled, sitting down beside Zhongli and watching as Shuppet hovered over Slowpoke, seemingly trying to figure out what the Pokémon was doing.
Yanfei and Beidou joined them, Yanfei giving Zhongli a polite nod. "Good afternoon, Mr. Zhongli. Enjoying the market day, I see?"
Zhongli nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Indeed. The market has taken on a new life ever since the Pokémon began integrating into our world. It's quite fascinating to observe."
Beidou sat down on the edge of the dock, letting her legs dangle over the side. "I'll say. It's like every day's an adventure now, even if we're just buying fish."
Hiroshi soon arrived with Zekrom, the massive Pokémon drawing more than a few curious glances from the people nearby. He approached the group, giving them a warm smile. "I see everyone's enjoying the day. Zekrom and I have been keeping an eye on the market, making sure things are running smoothly."
Zekrom rumbled in agreement. "The presence of Pokémon brings both curiosity and caution. It is our duty to ensure harmony."
Hu Tao looked up at Zekrom, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, Zekrom, always so serious! Lighten up a little—we're just here to have fun today!" She then turned to Zhongli, a playful grin on her face. "Maybe you could take a leaf out of Zekrom's book, Zhongli. Try being a little more... imposing."
Zhongli sighed, shaking his head. "I think I'll leave the imposing presence to Zekrom, thank you. I am quite content observing from the sidelines."
The group shared a laugh, the air filled with the warmth of friendship and camaraderie. As the sun began to set over Liyue Harbor, the lights of the market flickered on, casting a soft glow over the bustling docks. Pokémon and people alike moved through the market, their laughter and voices blending together in a harmonious melody.
Yanfei looked around, her heart swelling with a sense of contentment. "It's amazing, isn't it? How much has changed, and yet, how much still feels the same. Liyue has always been about people coming together, and now it feels like Pokémon are becoming part of that too."
Hiroshi nodded, his eyes reflecting the glow of the market lights. "That's the beauty of it. Change doesn't have to mean losing what makes a place special. It can mean making it even better."
Beidou raised her hand, her eyes shining with excitement. "Here's to more adventures—with friends, and with Pokémon!"
The group raised their hands in agreement, their voices echoing across the docks. And as the night fell over Liyue, the market continued to thrive, the people and Pokémon of Teyvat finding joy in each other's company, ready for whatever the future might bring.