It was a bright, sunny morning in Liyue. The bustling harbor was coming alive with merchants setting up their stalls, and the air was filled with the scents of fresh herbs and spices. Amid the commotion, Xiangling could be seen carrying a basket filled with ingredients, her Lotad walking beside her, balancing a few berries on its head.
"Alright, Lotad, today we're going to make something special! I have a feeling we're going to need a lot of energy," Xiangling said, her eyes glinting with excitement. She glanced over towards the newly sprouted hilltops that had recently become popular as a Pokémon ecosystem.
Ever since Hiroshi opened the Pokémon shop and wild Pokémon started appearing, the people of Liyue had begun venturing out more, keen to understand and interact with the new inhabitants of their land. Some were excited to catch their own Pokémon, while others simply enjoyed observing these unique creatures. Xiangling, of course, was interested in how the Pokémon might contribute to her culinary experiments.
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Xiangling stopped in her tracks and reached into her pocket, pulling out the Pokédex she had received from Hiroshi's shop. "Gotta make sure this is ready to go," she said, opening the device and watching as it lit up with a pleasant chime.
The Pokédex had been a game-changer for the people of Liyue. It provided information about each Pokémon's level, strengths, and preferences, making it easier for trainers to strategize and bond with their Pokémon. Xiangling had become quite fond of using it, especially when it came to learning about the types of berries her Pokémon liked.
"Alright, Lotad, let's head out towards Qingce Village! I heard that a group of wild Buneary were spotted there," she said, her excitement evident. Lotad responded with an enthusiastic "Lota!" and they set off, weaving their way through the busy streets.
---
In the hills of Qingce Village, Ganyu was already hard at work, observing the Pokémon in their natural habitat. Her Snorunt was happily waddling around, fascinated by the small group of Lotad it had found near a pond. Ganyu sat on a rock, her Pokédex in hand, scanning each Pokémon and taking notes.
"Lotad, level 12... likes damp environments... oh, and they seem to enjoy Pecha berries," Ganyu read aloud, her voice gentle. She glanced over at Snorunt, who had taken an interest in a Budew nearby, playfully circling around it.
Ganyu smiled, her eyes softening at the sight. "It's wonderful, isn't it, Snorunt? The Pokémon seem so happy here." Snorunt looked back at her, letting out a cheerful chirp in agreement.
Suddenly, Ganyu heard a familiar voice calling her name. She looked up to see Xiangling approaching, her Lotad waddling quickly to keep up.
"Ganyu! There you are!" Xiangling called, waving with her free hand while balancing her basket in the other. "I figured you'd be here. Are there really wild Buneary around?"
Ganyu nodded, pointing towards a nearby meadow. "I saw a few hopping around earlier. I think they might be resting in the shade now."
Xiangling's eyes lit up. "Perfect! Maybe we can catch one. I've always wanted a Buneary as a partner—they'd make the perfect kitchen assistant! Plus, they're so cute!"
Ganyu chuckled softly. "You're always thinking about cooking, Xiangling. But that sounds like a wonderful idea. I'd be happy to help you catch one."
---
The two made their way towards the meadow, Lotad and Snorunt following close behind. As they approached, they spotted a group of Buneary resting beneath a large tree, their ears twitching as they soaked up the sun.
Xiangling knelt down, taking out her Pokédex to scan the group. "Buneary, level 10... normal type... likes Oran berries," she read, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Alright, Lotad, let's befriend them."
Lotad waddled forward, carrying a berry on its head, and carefully approached the Buneary. The Buneary looked up, their eyes widening in curiosity as Lotad offered the berry. One of the Buneary sniffed at the berry before taking a small bite, its eyes lighting up in delight.
Xiangling watched eagerly, her hands clasped together. "That's it, Lotad! You're doing great!"
Ganyu stood beside Xiangling, her eyes filled with warmth. "It's amazing how easily Pokémon can connect with each other. It's like they understand each other in a way we can only hope to."
One of the Buneary hopped closer to Xiangling, looking up at her with wide, curious eyes. Xiangling smiled, reaching into her basket for another berry. "Hello there! Would you like one too?" she asked, holding out the berry.
The Buneary took the berry from her hand, nibbling on it contentedly. Xiangling took a Pokéball from her belt, glancing at Ganyu. "I think... I think I want to catch this one," she said, her voice filled with determination.
Ganyu nodded encouragingly. "Go ahead, Xiangling. You've already made a friend."
Xiangling took a deep breath, then gently tossed the Pokéball towards the Buneary. The ball opened, enveloping the Buneary in a soft red light before closing with a small click. The ball wobbled on the ground for a moment before it stilled, signaling a successful catch.
Xiangling let out an excited cheer, jumping to her feet. "I did it! I caught a Buneary!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy.
Lotad danced around her, clearly just as happy as Xiangling. Ganyu clapped her hands, her smile bright. "Congratulations, Xiangling. I think Buneary will be a wonderful addition to your team."
Xiangling picked up the Pokéball, holding it close. "Thank you, Ganyu. I can't wait to introduce Buneary to the kitchen! I think we're going to make some amazing dishes together."
Ganyu chuckled. "Just make sure you let Buneary rest first. It's had a big day already."
---
As the sun began to set, the two friends made their way back to Liyue Harbor, their Pokémon happily trailing behind them. Along the way, they ran into Beidou, who was leaning against a railing, her Fletchinder perched on her shoulder.
"Hey, you two! Looks like you've been busy," Beidou called, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "Catch anything interesting today?"
Xiangling grinned, holding up her Pokéball. "I caught a Buneary! We're going to be the best cooking team in all of Liyue!"
Beidou laughed, giving Xiangling a thumbs-up. "That's awesome! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Maybe Fletchinder and I will drop by for a taste test."
Ganyu smiled, nodding. "It's been a wonderful day. We've learned so much about the Pokémon ecosystem—and made new friends along the way."
Beidou's eyes softened as she looked at her friends. "That's what it's all about, isn't it? Exploring, learning, and making memories. The Pokémon have brought something truly special to our world."
Xiangling nodded, her expression filled with determination. "And this is just the beginning. There's so much more to explore, so many more Pokémon to meet. I can't wait to see what comes next!"
As the lights of Liyue Harbor began to twinkle in the distance, the group knew that this was only the start of their journey. With their Pokémon by their side, there was no limit to what they could accomplish, no end to the adventures that awaited them in Teyvat.