It was an exceptionally clear morning in Liyue Harbor, with the sky painted in hues of golden orange as the sun rose over the horizon. Today was a rare occasion—Ningguang had given herself a day off from her usual busy schedule. She had been endlessly managing the commerce and affairs of Liyue, and it was time for a well-deserved break. The Jade Chamber hovered above the harbor, bathed in the morning light, and Ningguang had decided to spend her day with her Pokémon, Rotom, and her close friends.
The Jade Chamber was a place of prestige, a representation of Liyue's prosperity, but today it was a haven for some peace and light-hearted fun. Ningguang was dressed in more casual attire, her usual regality giving way to a softer look. Rotom buzzed happily around her, zipping between the rooms of the Jade Chamber.
"Rotom, I think we should invite some friends over today," Ningguang said with a gentle smile. "A quiet day is nice, but a little company wouldn't hurt, would it?"
Rotom hummed in excitement, sparking slightly in agreement. It zoomed to her side as Ningguang made her way to the communication device Hiroshi had installed for her. It was a kind of transmitter powered by Rotom, allowing her to connect with her friends across Liyue.
Moments later, Beidou's face appeared on the screen, her eyes wide in surprise. "Well, look at that! The mighty Tianquan inviting us common folk to the Jade Chamber? What's the special occasion, Ningguang?" she teased.
Ningguang chuckled softly. "No special occasion, Beidou. Just thought I'd take a day off and spend it with friends. Care to join me?"
Beidou grinned. "You bet! Mareep and I will be right over. Don't start the party without us."
---
Beidou Arrives with Mareep
Not long after, the telltale rumble of the Crux could be heard below the Jade Chamber as Beidou arrived, Mareep happily trotting behind her. Beidou was in her element, her boisterous laughter echoing as she climbed aboard, her Pokémon at her side.
"Ah, it's so good to be back here," Beidou said, stretching her arms above her head as she walked up to Ningguang. Mareep looked up at Rotom, letting out a cheerful bleat.
Ningguang greeted them warmly. "It's good to have you here, Beidou. And you too, Mareep." She bent down to pat Mareep, who bleated happily at the attention. Rotom buzzed around Mareep, fascinated by its wool, the two of them sharing a playful exchange of electricity.
"You know, Ningguang, you should do this more often," Beidou said, leaning against the railing and looking out at the harbor below. "It's not every day the great Tianquan gets to relax."
Ningguang smiled, her gaze softening. "Perhaps you're right. It's easy to forget that there's more to life than work. Rotom has reminded me of that."
Beidou nodded, a grin spreading across her face. "Mareep here is a constant reminder for me. If I don't take breaks, she'll find a way to force one on me." Mareep gave a happy bleat, as if confirming Beidou's statement.
---
Unexpected Guests - Hu Tao and Ganyu
A while later, more guests arrived. Hu Tao, with her mischievous Shuppet floating alongside her, and Ganyu with her gentle Snorunt. Hu Tao burst into the Jade Chamber with her usual energy, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Did someone say day off? Count me in!" Hu Tao declared, twirling around. Shuppet mirrored her movements, floating with a playful spin of its own.
Ganyu followed more quietly, her Snorunt clutching her sleeve as they entered. "I hope we're not intruding, Ningguang," Ganyu said, her tone soft.
"Not at all," Ningguang said warmly, gesturing for them to join her on the terrace. "The more, the merrier."
Hu Tao immediately made herself comfortable, lying back on one of the cushions with her hands behind her head. "Ah, the Jade Chamber is the perfect place for a little R&R," she said, her eyes drifting closed. Shuppet floated beside her, looking just as content.
Ganyu, on the other hand, sat down carefully, her Snorunt climbing onto her lap. She looked at the other Pokémon, her gaze curious. "It's amazing to see how well everyone's Pokémon are getting along. They seem to be forming bonds of their own."
Beidou chuckled, watching as Mareep and Rotom played together, sparks flying harmlessly between them. "Yeah, they're like us in a way. Finding their own friends and causing their own kind of chaos."
Hu Tao peeked one eye open, a grin spreading across her face. "Speaking of chaos... who's up for a little friendly competition? I was thinking we could have a Pokémon race!"
Ganyu blinked, tilting her head. "A race? How would that work?"
Hu Tao sat up, her excitement palpable. "Easy! We pick a starting point and an endpoint, and the Pokémon have to make it there as fast as they can. No battling, just speed! What do you say?"
Beidou laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm in! Mareep's pretty fast when she wants to be. What about you, Ningguang?"
Ningguang looked at Rotom, who buzzed excitedly at the prospect. She smiled, nodding. "Alright. Rotom seems eager. Let's give it a try."
---
The Pokémon Race
The terrace of the Jade Chamber was quickly transformed into a makeshift racecourse. Hu Tao marked the start and finish lines with chalk, and the Pokémon lined up, ready to go. Rotom floated in the air, Mareep pawed at the ground, Shuppet hovered playfully, and Snorunt stood ready, a determined look on its face.
"Alright, everyone! On your marks, get set... go!" Hu Tao called out, throwing her arm into the air.
Rotom shot forward like a bolt of electricity, zipping through the air with ease. Mareep bleated and dashed forward, her little legs moving as fast as they could. Shuppet floated along, spinning in circles, while Snorunt waddled forward, trying its best to keep up.
"Go, Rotom!" Ningguang called, her usually composed demeanor giving way to genuine excitement.
"Come on, Mareep, you've got this!" Beidou cheered, clapping her hands.
Hu Tao laughed as Shuppet floated past her, twirling in the air. "That's it, Shuppet! Have fun with it!"
Ganyu watched Snorunt with a gentle smile, her hands clasped together. "You're doing great, Snorunt. Just keep going!"
The Pokémon raced across the terrace, each one giving it their all. Rotom crossed the finish line first, its body sparking with excitement as it let out a triumphant buzz. Mareep came in second, followed closely by Shuppet, who seemed more interested in spinning than actually racing. Snorunt brought up the rear, but Ganyu cheered just as loudly for it, kneeling down to give it a hug as it crossed the line.
"Great job, everyone!" Ningguang said, clapping her hands. "That was wonderful."
Beidou grinned, giving Mareep a pat. "You did great, girl. We'll get 'em next time."
Hu Tao laughed, lying back down on the cushions. "That was fun! We should do things like this more often. It's a nice change of pace from all the serious stuff."
Ningguang nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at her friends and their Pokémon. "I agree. It's moments like this that remind us why we work so hard. To protect and cherish these simple, joyful times."
Ganyu smiled, her eyes glistening slightly. "Yes. And with our Pokémon by our side, there are so many more memories to be made."
---
Evening at the Jade Chamber
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the Jade Chamber, the group gathered around a low table, sharing a simple meal. Rotom floated near Ningguang, occasionally zipping down to grab a berry from the table, while Mareep lay curled up beside Beidou, content and sleepy.
Hu Tao was busy telling a dramatic story about a recent adventure, her hands waving wildly as she described her encounter with a particularly stubborn Rattata. Shuppet floated beside her, mimicking her movements, much to everyone's amusement.
Ningguang listened, a smile playing on her lips. It was rare for her to have moments like this—moments where she could simply be herself, surrounded by friends and laughter. She looked at Rotom, who buzzed happily, and she reached out to give it a gentle pat.
"Thank you, Rotom," she said softly. "For bringing us all together like this."
Rotom hummed, its eyes glowing warmly as it nuzzled against her hand.
Beidou raised her cup, her voice loud and cheerful. "To Pokémon, and to all the adventures they bring us! May we continue to grow stronger together!"
"Cheers!" everyone called, raising their cups in unison.
As the evening continued, the laughter and warmth of friendship filled the Jade Chamber, the bonds between trainers and Pokémon growing stronger with each passing moment. And as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Ningguang knew that this was only the beginning of their journey together—a journey filled with discovery, excitement, and above all, the magic of Pokémon in Teyvat.