Xerneas tilted its head and looked at him. "Instead of building a pool for it, why not let it live in the Poké Ball and take it out for a walk every day?"
"People walk their birds, and I walk my fish?" Takashi laughed at Xerneas' suggestion. It wasn't impossible—just felt rather novel.
Xerneas' expression grew serious as it glanced towards the shop's entrance. Takashi followed its gaze and saw an elegant woman standing gracefully in the moonlight. She playfully twisted a strand of her wavy chestnut hair, her sultry gaze enticing, the kind that would stir any shut-in's imagination.
"Miss Lisa." Takashi stood up to greet her. "Visiting the shop so late—is it because of what happened earlier today?"
Lisa walked in leisurely, still showing a hint of tipsiness. She leaned against the counter, placing her delicate hand on it along with a banknote. "Here's two million Mora. Now we're even."
Takashi took the note, secretly regretting it—not because he had been shorted a million Mora, but because the note had arrived at the wrong time.
If she had come tomorrow, it could've counted towards his daily mission.
Now, he could only accept it as it was. In the eyes of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt, Takashi, as the Pokémon shop owner, already had the image of a miser like Harpagon. Could he really see money and say, "Come back another day"?
That would only arouse suspicion of shady dealings.
"I'm leaving." Lisa put down the note, waved her hand, and turned to leave.
"Say hello to Tynamo for me," Takashi called out warmly.
Takashi placed Feebas' Poké Ball in the Pokémon Health Center for Nurse Joy to treat, then returned to the sofa to watch the show with Xerneas.
...
Under the moon, fireflies danced across the endless expanse of Windrise, with the wind howling.
"Yah-huu!"
A cheerful voice of a young girl could be heard from afar. The camera zoomed in to reveal a Ponyta carrying a spirited young girl, galloping along the path outside of Windrise.
The sound of hooves rumbled like rolling thunder, and its neigh echoed through the valleys.
Amber had set off from Mondstadt with Ponyta at twilight, rode to the Windwail Highland to watch the sunset, then galloped all the way back.
The journey was easily over a hundred li, but Ponyta had managed to make a round trip in a short time.
Truly a champion athlete.
"Ponyta, let's take a break." Amber noticed the fireflies glimmering around the lake near Windrise, and they were simply beautiful.
"Neighhhh..."
Ponyta obediently stopped.
Amber dismounted and brought Ponyta under an ancient thousand-year-old tree. She scooped up some clean, clear lake water and splashed her flushed face after all the exertion. Flashing a big, radiant smile at Ponyta, she said, "Thanks for all your hard work."
"Neighhhh... (Don't stop, I can still keep running!)"
Ponyta remained full of energy, showing no signs of fatigue.
"Hehe..." Amber reached into her pouch and took out the premium Pokéblocks she'd bought from the Pokémon shop. Even riding on Ponyta's back had been exhausting, let alone Ponyta itself.
She couldn't just feed it hay, as the shopkeeper suggested.
Ponyta lowered its head to munch on the Pokéblocks. After washing her face, Amber leaned against Ponyta's leg, smiling sweetly. "Today was really fun. Thank you, Ponyta."
"Neighhhh..."
"I don't know what you're saying, but shall we run again tomorrow? Hehe." Amber stroked the flames of Ponyta's mane.
"Neighhhh..."
"It's great to have a Pokémon with me," Amber murmured, gazing up at the moon. "Next time I see Eula, I must introduce her to the Pokémon shop."
"Neighhhh..."
"You think so too, right?"
"Neighhhh..."
"Ahahaha..." Amber laughed when she saw Ponyta nod.
But her smile gradually faded. She lowered her head and muttered, "Eula, honestly, why do you always have to go to Dragonspine and take those ice baths every day?"
"Neighhhh..."
"You think we should go too?" Amber asked tentatively, noticing that Ponyta seemed to understand her words, even responding to her.
"Neighhhh..."
"Then it's settled." Amber slapped her thigh, making a quick decision.
...
Meanwhile, let's talk about Master Diluc and his Bagon.
After taking Bagon home from the Pokémon shop, Diluc personally prepared premium Pokéblocks, treating Bagon with VIP-level care.
Bagon looked at the table full of Pokéblocks, tilted its head, and gave a couple of "Yah-yah" sounds, staring blankly at Diluc.
Diluc crossed his arms and sat by the dining table, smiling. "Bagon, eat up. It's all yours."
Bagon nodded and began to eat heartily.
Seeing Bagon's appetite return, Diluc's expression softened, with a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
He wondered if he should delay Bagon's training plan for a few days. Since Bagon had just recovered, pushing it too hard wouldn't be good.
The arrangements with the Pokémon shop's owner had been made—future medical care would be handled by them, and the potions would arrive soon.
Clearly, he didn't need to worry about such matters.
Besides, Bagon's strength was already enough to crush the local Magikarp. It was about time to leave the beginner's village and head into the wider world to hone its abilities.
Although, he'd still need to avoid Cryo Slimes.
Thinking of this, Diluc couldn't help but feel uneasy. Those wretched Cryo Slimes—he'd defeat them every time he encountered one in the future.
Bagon quickly finished a large box of Pokéblocks, its belly now round like a ball, lying on the table and letting out a content burp.
"Yah-yah (I'm full)..."
Diluc gently patted its belly and hardened head. Bagon closed its eyes contentedly, enjoying Diluc's affection.
Moments later, Adeline, the head maid, approached and said respectfully, "Master, the bathwater is ready."
"Alright." Diluc stood up, holding Bagon.
"Master, let me take care of Bagon," Adeline offered.
"No need." To Diluc, Bagon was now more precious than a house full of Mora or the wine in his cellar. "You all can leave. I'll handle the bath myself."
Adeline clasped her hands at her waist, bowing slightly, though her thoughts were filled with curiosity. The relationship between Master Diluc and Bagon had grown increasingly delicate.
With Bagon around, Diluc smiled more often and even took on some chores himself.
Heavens, at this rate, would she lose her job?
Diluc lay in the bathtub, using his Vision to adjust the water's temperature. He could comfortably adapt, even in cold, icy water.
He placed Bagon in a basin, letting it jump and play in the water. Watching Bagon enjoy itself made Diluc happy too.
"Bagon, I'm sorry," Diluc said slowly.
"Yah-yah..." Bagon's smile faded as it looked at Diluc with what seemed like a serious expression.
"I won't make that mistake again."
"Yah-yah (It's okay)..."
Bagon raised its small, stubby arms and let out a resonant roar to cheer up Diluc.