Welcome to the Choose Your Own Adventure game: Pokémon x Genshin style!

Are you ready to become a Trainers of Teyvat?

Continued From Week 3

Which Pokémon did you choose as your starter?

Which Pokémon did you hatch in the Daycare?

Which Pokémon did you hatch in the Daycare?

Which Pokémon did you hatch in the Daycare?

Week 1

Finally, the day that you’re going to receive your starter Pokémon has arrived! You swing your backpack over your shoulder, change into the new running shoes your mom gave you last night, and head out of the door.

As you walk down the street to Professor Ping’s house, you can’t help but wonder which Pokémon partner you’ll get. You’ve helped to muck out the Bulbasaurs, Charmanders, and Squirtles flocking in her Serenitea Pot, of course, but her protégé Xiangling received a Stufful, so perhaps you’ll be able to get something special too!

Professor Ping is already waiting for you when you arrive, and next to her is a table with three Pokéballs on it.

“Come closer, dear,” she invites. “Take one of these three Pokémon on your journey.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the left.

“Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the left.

“Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the left.

“Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the left.

“Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the left.

“Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It can go for days without eating a single morsel. In the bulb on its back, it stores energy.”

You pick up the Pokéball in the middle.

“Charmander, the Lizard Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places.”

You pick up the Pokéball in the middle.

“Charmander, the Lizard Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places.”

You pick up the Pokéball in the middle.

“Charmander, the Lizard Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places.”

You pick up the Pokéball in the middle.

“Charmander, the Lizard Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places.”

You pick up the Pokéball in the middle.

“Charmander, the Lizard Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the right.

“Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It shoots water at prey while in the water and withdraws into its shell when in danger.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the right.

“Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It shoots water at prey while in the water and withdraws into its shell when in danger.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the right.

“Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It shoots water at prey while in the water and withdraws into its shell when in danger.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the right.

“Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It shoots water at prey while in the water and withdraws into its shell when in danger.”

You pick up the Pokéball on the right.

“Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon,” your Pokéwatch chirps. “It shoots water at prey while in the water and withdraws into its shell when in danger.”

“Still haven’t decided?” Professor Ping asks. “Take your time, dear.”

“Still haven’t decided?” Professor Ping asks. “Take your time, dear.”

“Still haven’t decided?” Professor Ping asks. “Take your time, dear.”

“Still haven’t decided?” Professor Ping asks. “Take your time, dear.”

Professor Ping sighs and shakes her head.

“So picky. Looks like I’ll have to bring out something special.”

Saying that, she walks into another room.

“So, you’re claiming the Grass Pokémon Bulbasaur? A fine choice,” Professor Ping says.

Just when you clip the Pokéball onto your belt, Professor Ping’s Rotom Phone rings.

“Breaking news,” it announces, “an outraged Red Gyarados has been spotted in Luhua Pool. Millelith have been dispatched to evacuate the area, and all civilians are advised to avoid the region until further notice.”

You perk up at the message. “Luhua Pool? That’s not too far from here!”

“Be careful, dear,” Professor Ping says. “An outraged Gyarados is not something you can defeat at your level.”

“Don’t worry, Professor! I’m just going to take a quick look from far, far away.” Your eyes shine at the prospect. “How often will we get to see a shiny Gyarados?”

“So, you’re claiming the Fire Pokémon Charmander? A fine choice,” Professor Ping says.

Just when you clip the Pokéball onto your belt, Professor Ping’s Rotom Phone rings.

“Breaking news,” it announces, “an outraged Red Gyarados has been spotted in Luhua Pool. Millelith have been dispatched to evacuate the area, and all civilians are advised to avoid the region until further notice.”

You perk up at the message. “Luhua Pool? That’s not too far from here!”

“Be careful, dear,” Professor Ping says. “An outraged Gyarados is not something you can defeat at your level.”

“Don’t worry, Professor! I’m just going to take a quick look from far, far away.” Your eyes shine at the prospect. “How often will we get to see a shiny Gyarados?”

“So, you’re claiming the Water Pokémon Squirtle? A fine choice,” Professor Ping says.

Just when you clip the Pokéball onto your belt, Professor Ping’s Rotom Phone rings.

“Breaking news,” it announces, “an outraged Red Gyarados has been spotted in Luhua Pool. Millelith have been dispatched to evacuate the area, and all civilians are advised to avoid the region until further notice.”

You perk up at the message. “Luhua Pool? That’s not too far from here!”

“Be careful, dear,” Professor Ping says. “An outraged Gyarados is not something you can defeat at your level.”

“Don’t worry, Professor! I’m just going to take a quick look from far, far away.” Your eyes shine at the prospect. “How often will we get to see a shiny Gyarados?”

You can feel the ground trembling even before you can see Luhua Pool.

“Wow, so that’s an outraged dragon?” you whisper, hunkering down on a nearby cliff. The Red Gyarados looks very small from up here, but it has taken up almost the entirety of Luhua Pool, so it must be a perspective issue.

Your Pokéwatch blinks to life. “Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokémon. Brutally vicious and enormously destructive, it is known for totally destroying cities in ancient times.”

“Ehh? It’s not a Dragon-type?” you exclaim, making a face. “Even though it knows all these Dragon-type moves?”

Well, whatever. It’s still cool, anyway!

You can feel the ground trembling even before you can see Luhua Pool.

“Wow, so that’s an outraged dragon?” you whisper, hunkering down on a nearby cliff. The Red Gyarados looks very small from up here, but it has taken up almost the entirety of Luhua Pool, so it must be a perspective issue.

Your Pokéwatch blinks to life. “Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokémon. Brutally vicious and enormously destructive, it is known for totally destroying cities in ancient times.”

“Ehh? It’s not a Dragon-type?” you exclaim, making a face. “Even though it knows all these Dragon-type moves?”

Well, whatever. It’s still cool, anyway!

You can feel the ground trembling even before you can see Luhua Pool.

“Wow, so that’s an outraged dragon?” you whisper, hunkering down on a nearby cliff. The Red Gyarados looks very small from up here, but it has taken up almost the entirety of Luhua Pool, so it must be a perspective issue.

Your Pokéwatch blinks to life. “Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokémon. Brutally vicious and enormously destructive, it is known for totally destroying cities in ancient times.”

“Ehh? It’s not a Dragon-type?” you exclaim, making a face. “Even though it knows all these Dragon-type moves?”

Well, whatever. It’s still cool, anyway!

The Millelith don’t seem to be doing well against the Red Gyarados. Their Rockruffs look laughably small next to the Gyarados, and the one person who has a Lycanroc is struggling to keep the Red Gyarados distracted for long enough to evacuate the last few civilians.

Part of you wants to rush down to help, but you know that your new Pokémon partner is no match for the Red Gyarados. It’s better not to add to the Milleliths’ workload.

“One day,” you tell yourself, watching the Lycanroc rush at the Red Gyarados in a beautiful Accelerock. “One day.”

The Pokéball on your belt shakes gently, like your Bulbasaur is agreeing with your sentiment.

The Millelith don’t seem to be doing well against the Red Gyarados. Their Rockruffs look laughably small next to the Gyarados, and the one person who has a Lycanroc is struggling to keep the Red Gyarados distracted for long enough to evacuate the last few civilians.

Part of you wants to rush down to help, but you know that your new Pokémon partner is no match for the Red Gyarados. It’s better not to add to the Milleliths’ workload.

“One day,” you tell yourself, watching the Lycanroc rush at the Red Gyarados in a beautiful Accelerock. “One day.”

The Pokéball on your belt shakes gently, like your Charmander is agreeing with your sentiment.

The Millelith don’t seem to be doing well against the Red Gyarados. Their Rockruffs look laughably small next to the Gyarados, and the one person who has a Lycanroc is struggling to keep the Red Gyarados distracted for long enough to evacuate the last few civilians.

Part of you wants to rush down to help, but you know that your new Pokémon partner is no match for the Red Gyarados. It’s better not to add to the Milleliths’ workload.

“One day,” you tell yourself, watching the Lycanroc rush at the Red Gyarados in a beautiful Accelerock. “One day.”

The Pokéball on your belt shakes gently, like your Squirtle is agreeing with your sentiment.

A commotion on the main road that leads to Luhua Pool catches your attention. A Charizard lands, and a figure leaps from its back.

“Ohhh, look, look! That’s Champion Zhongli!! He’s been Liyue’s undefeated champion ever since the League started!” To give your Pokémon a better look at the famous champion, you release it from its Pokéball.

“Bulba! Bulba-a!” your Bulbasaur cheers.

Now you wish you were closer to hear what he’s saying, but it’s too late. You can only see him approach the Red Gyarados slowly, a hand outstretched. He doesn’t even flinch when the Red Gyarados snaps its jaws at him!

In the nick of time, Zhongli’s Charizard catches the Red Gyarados with a Thunder Punch, successfully deflecting its Bite. Unfazed, Zhongli continues talking to the Red Gyarados, and eventually manages to calm it down.

“Wow…” you whisper to yourself. “I want to be a Pokémon Master just like him someday!”

End of Week 1

A commotion on the main road that leads to Luhua Pool catches your attention. A Charizard lands, and a figure leaps from its back.

“Ohhh, look, look! That’s Champion Zhongli!! He’s been Liyue’s undefeated champion ever since the League started!” To give your Pokémon a better look at the famous champion, you release it from its Pokéball.

“Char! Char!” your Charmander cheers.

Now you wish you were closer to hear what he’s saying, but it’s too late. You can only see him approach the Red Gyarados slowly, a hand outstretched. He doesn’t even flinch when the Red Gyarados snaps its jaws at him!

In the nick of time, Zhongli’s Charizard catches the Red Gyarados with a Thunder Punch, successfully deflecting its Bite. Unfazed, Zhongli continues talking to the Red Gyarados, and eventually manages to calm it down.

“Wow…” you whisper to yourself. “I want to be a Pokémon Master just like him someday!”

“Char, Char!”

Guess your Charmander must be saying the same about that Charizard!

End of Week 1

A commotion on the main road that leads to Luhua Pool catches your attention. A Charizard lands, and a figure leaps from its back.

“Ohhh, look, look! That’s Champion Zhongli!! He’s been Liyue’s undefeated champion ever since the League started!” To give your Pokémon a better look at the famous champion, you release it from its Pokéball.

“Squir! Squir-tle!” your Squirtle cheers.

Now you wish you were closer to hear what he’s saying, but it’s too late. You can only see him approach the Red Gyarados slowly, a hand outstretched. He doesn’t even flinch when the Red Gyarados snaps its jaws at him!

In the nick of time, Zhongli’s Charizard catches the Red Gyarados with a Thunder Punch, successfully deflecting its Bite. Unfazed, Zhongli continues talking to the Red Gyarados, and eventually manages to calm it down.

“Wow…” you whisper to yourself. “I want to be a Pokémon Master just like him someday!”

End of Week 1

Week 2

You and your partner Bulbasaur are resting at the side of the road, drinking in the scenery. It’s the furthest you have traveled yet, and the ruins in the Guili plains are even more stunning in real life. You can spot some Flying types up in the sky, but it’s too far away to see which ones they are. Pidoves, maybe?

“Do you think we will see some rare Pokémon here?” you ask Bulbasaur, suddenly struck by the thought that this is the chance to build your team.

Maybe you would even meet the first new member here! There have to be cool Pokémon in the Ruins.

Excited, you fumble for your Pokéwatch. Surely there is at least a basic list of the native Pokémon in there, so you can check!

Week 2

You and your partner Charmander are resting at the side of the road, drinking in the scenery. It’s the furthest you have traveled yet, and the ruins in the Guili plains are even more stunning in real life. You can spot some Flying types up in the sky, but it’s too far away to see which ones they are. Pidoves, maybe?

“Do you think we will see some rare Pokémon here?” you ask Charmander, suddenly struck by the thought that this is the chance to build your team.

Maybe you would even meet the first new member here! There have to be cool Pokémon in the Ruins.

Excited, you fumble for your Pokéwatch. Surely there is at least a basic list of the native Pokémon in there, so you can check!

Week 2

You and your partner Squirtle are resting at the side of the road, drinking in the scenery. It’s the furthest you have traveled yet, and the ruins in the Guili plains are even more stunning in real life. You can spot some Flying types up in the sky, but it’s too far away to see which ones they are. Pidoves, maybe?

“Do you think we will see some rare Pokémon here?” you ask Squirtle, suddenly struck by the thought that this is the chance to build your team.

Maybe you would even meet the first new member here! There have to be cool Pokémon in the Ruins.

Excited, you fumble for your Pokéwatch. Surely there is at least a basic list of the native Pokémon in there, so you can check!

The watch lights up.

“Marill. The Aqua Mouse Pokémon. Marill's oil-filled tail acts much like a life preserver. If you see just its tail bobbing on the water's surface, it's a sure indication that this Pokémon is diving beneath the water to feed on aquatic plants.”

“Huh?” That’s not the kind of Pokémon you expected. Where did the Marill come from?

The watch lights up.

“Marill. The Aqua Mouse Pokémon. Marill's oil-filled tail acts much like a life preserver. If you see just its tail bobbing on the water's surface, it's a sure indication that this Pokémon is diving beneath the water to feed on aquatic plants.”

“Huh?” That’s not the kind of Pokémon you expected. Where did the Marill come from?

The watch lights up.

“Marill. The Aqua Mouse Pokémon. Marill's oil-filled tail acts much like a life preserver. If you see just its tail bobbing on the water's surface, it's a sure indication that this Pokémon is diving beneath the water to feed on aquatic plants.”

“Huh?” That’s not the kind of Pokémon you expected. Where did the Marill come from?

You hear someone laugh.

There is a boy in shorts approaching you on the road, a Marill by his side.

“Good afternoon,” he greets politely, “How fortuitous that we should meet. I’m Xingqiu, and you know what they say,” he continues with a smile, “When two trainers meet gazes, it’s time for a battle!”

You hear someone laugh.

There is a boy in shorts approaching you on the road, a Marill by his side.

“Good afternoon,” he greets politely, “How fortuitous that we should meet. I’m Xingqiu, and you know what they say,” he continues with a smile, “When two trainers meet gazes, it’s time for a battle!”

You hear someone laugh.

There is a boy in shorts approaching you on the road, a Marill by his side.

“Good afternoon,” he greets politely, “How fortuitous that we should meet. I’m Xingqiu, and you know what they say,” he continues with a smile, “When two trainers meet gazes, it’s time for a battle!”

There is no time for lunch, no time to take in the scenery. This was the life of a Pokémon Trainer! It’s your first real battle against a proper trainer!

The first step towards becoming the next Champion.

You face off against Xingqiu, but before the battle can commence, you hear the sound of an explosion close by.

Xingqiu and you turn towards the sound.

“An explosion?” Xingqiu says, “that doesn’t sound good.”

There is no time for lunch, no time to take in the scenery. This was the life of a Pokémon Trainer! It’s your first real battle against a proper trainer!

The first step towards becoming the next Champion.

You face off against Xingqiu, but before the battle can commence, you hear the sound of an explosion close by.

Xingqiu and you turn towards the sound.

“An explosion?” Xingqiu says, “that doesn’t sound good.”

There is no time for lunch, no time to take in the scenery. This was the life of a Pokémon Trainer! It’s your first real battle against a proper trainer!

The first step towards becoming the next Champion.

You face off against Xingqiu, but before the battle can commence, you hear the sound of an explosion close by.

Xingqiu and you turn towards the sound.

“An explosion?” Xingqiu says, “that doesn’t sound good.”

You had to. People and Pokémon could be hurt, and you won’t be able to forgive yourself if you don’t at least check. A quick look at your Bulbasaur shows you that it is looking up at you with determination in its eyes.

Xingqiu steps up next to you.

“Yes,” he says, “let’s go.”

Despite the urgency you are feeling, however, you don’t dare to rush forward blindly. To get your Trainer License, you have to take a lot of classes. You passed them all, and there was one thing they all had in common. One rule of thumb: Don’t rush in blindly.

Clearly, Xingqiu has taken those classes as well.

It seems like everyone is truly on the same page. The mission was on.

You had to. People and Pokémon could be hurt, and you won’t be able to forgive yourself if you don’t at least check. A quick look at your Charmander shows you that it is looking up at you with determination in its eyes.

Xingqiu steps up next to you.

“Yes,” he says, “let’s go.”

Despite the urgency you are feeling, however, you don’t dare to rush forward blindly. To get your Trainer License, you have to take a lot of classes. You passed them all, and there was one thing they all had in common. One rule of thumb: Don’t rush in blindly.

Clearly, Xingqiu has taken those classes as well.

It seems like everyone is truly on the same page. The mission was on.

You had to. People and Pokémon could be hurt, and you won’t be able to forgive yourself if you don’t at least check. A quick look at your Squirtle shows you that it is looking up at you with determination in its eyes.

Xingqiu steps up next to you.

“Yes,” he says, “let’s go.”

Despite the urgency you are feeling, however, you don’t dare to rush forward blindly. To get your Trainer License, you have to take a lot of classes. You passed them all, and there was one thing they all had in common. One rule of thumb: Don’t rush in blindly.

Clearly, Xingqiu has taken those classes as well.

It seems like everyone is truly on the same page. The mission was on.

Xingqiu frowns at you.

“Yes,” he agrees, “it is. But it is our duty as Trainers to ensure that the peace is kept.”

He turns towards the ruins and his fists clench at his side.

“There are no Pokémon around here that can cause an explosion like that. So either it’s a Pokémon from elsewhere—and in that case we need to inform the Rangers—or it’s someone causing trouble.”

Xingqiu starts walking. It’s quite clear that he is done with your conversation.

Shame bubbles up in you. It’s not that you don’t want to help. It’s just… it’s scary.

Xingqiu frowns at you.

“Yes,” he agrees, “it is. But it is our duty as Trainers to ensure that the peace is kept.”

He turns towards the ruins and his fists clench at his side.

“There are no Pokémon around here that can cause an explosion like that. So either it’s a Pokémon from elsewhere—and in that case we need to inform the Rangers—or it’s someone causing trouble.”

Xingqiu starts walking. It’s quite clear that he is done with your conversation.

Shame bubbles up in you. It’s not that you don’t want to help. It’s just… it’s scary.

Xingqiu frowns at you.

“Yes,” he agrees, “it is. But it is our duty as Trainers to ensure that the peace is kept.”

He turns towards the ruins and his fists clench at his side.

“There are no Pokémon around here that can cause an explosion like that. So either it’s a Pokémon from elsewhere—and in that case we need to inform the Rangers—or it’s someone causing trouble.”

Xingqiu starts walking. It’s quite clear that he is done with your conversation.

Shame bubbles up in you. It’s not that you don’t want to help. It’s just… it’s scary.

There is another explosion.

Your head snaps up.

This isn’t how your journey is supposed to go. Seeking reassurance, you look towards your Bulbasaur only to find that it's looking at you with determination in its eyes.

“Oh,” you mumble and clench your fist.

This isn’t how your journey is supposed to go, but…

Xingqiu is right. You have to do something.

With a sharp nod, you follow Xingqiu.

There is another explosion.

Your head snaps up.

This isn’t how your journey is supposed to go. Seeking reassurance, you look towards your Charmander only to find that it's looking at you with determination in its eyes.

“Oh,” you mumble and clench your fist.

This isn’t how your journey is supposed to go, but…

Xingqiu is right. You have to do something.

With a sharp nod, you follow Xingqiu.

There is another explosion.

Your head snaps up.

This isn’t how your journey is supposed to go. Seeking reassurance, you look towards your Squirtle only to find that it's looking at you with determination in its eyes.

“Oh,” you mumble and clench your fist.

This isn’t how your journey is supposed to go, but…

Xingqiu is right. You have to do something.

With a sharp nod, you follow Xingqiu.

The closer you get to the source of the explosion, the more evident it becomes that whatever happened wasn’t an accident. You can see vehicles and machinery around, as well as equipment that you think belongs in a mine.

It looks out of place here, surrounded by greenery.

“I don’t think I will like what we will find.” Xingqiu mumbles next to you.

The only things that can be found in the Plains are old ruins that are under the protection of the league.

“Neither do I,” you agree.

By now, you can smell and see the smoke in the air. And then you see it.

The closer you get to the source of the explosion, the more evident it becomes that whatever happened wasn’t an accident. You can see vehicles and machinery around, as well as equipment that you think belongs in a mine.

It looks out of place here, surrounded by greenery.

“I don’t think I will like what we will find.” Xingqiu mumbles next to you.

The only things that can be found in the Plains are old ruins that are under the protection of the league.

“Neither do I,” you agree.

By now, you can smell and see the smoke in the air. And then you see it.

The closer you get to the source of the explosion, the more evident it becomes that whatever happened wasn’t an accident. You can see vehicles and machinery around, as well as equipment that you think belongs in a mine.

It looks out of place here, surrounded by greenery.

“I don’t think I will like what we will find.” Xingqiu mumbles next to you.

The only things that can be found in the Plains are old ruins that are under the protection of the league.

“Neither do I,” you agree.

By now, you can smell and see the smoke in the air. And then you see it.

For a moment, you and Xingqiu do nothing but stare in horror.

The ruins of the Guili assembly are part of your history! Your heritage! And they are also the home to a lot of Pokémon.

Beside the ruin, below some bushes, you make out the form of a Deerling. It’s lying on its side and its chest rises and falls quickly. It doesn’t seem seriously injured, but it is clearly knocked out.

Suddenly, you hear footsteps approaching. Several sets of them, all of them rushed and hurried. They seem to come from within the ruin. Then you hear the shouting.

“Get it! Don’t let it escape. The boss ordered us to get as many test subjects as possible.”

For a moment, you and Xingqiu do nothing but stare in horror.

The ruins of the Guili assembly are part of your history! Your heritage! And they are also the home to a lot of Pokémon.

Beside the ruin, below some bushes, you make out the form of a Deerling. It’s lying on its side and its chest rises and falls quickly. It doesn’t seem seriously injured, but it is clearly knocked out.

Suddenly, you hear footsteps approaching. Several sets of them, all of them rushed and hurried. They seem to come from within the ruin. Then you hear the shouting.

“Get it! Don’t let it escape. The boss ordered us to get as many test subjects as possible.”

For a moment, you and Xingqiu do nothing but stare in horror.

The ruins of the Guili assembly are part of your history! Your heritage! And they are also the home to a lot of Pokémon.

Beside the ruin, below some bushes, you make out the form of a Deerling. It’s lying on its side and its chest rises and falls quickly. It doesn’t seem seriously injured, but it is clearly knocked out.

Suddenly, you hear footsteps approaching. Several sets of them, all of them rushed and hurried. They seem to come from within the ruin. Then you hear the shouting.

“Get it! Don’t let it escape. The boss ordered us to get as many test subjects as possible.”

Your heart goes cold.

Test subjects?

You don’t have much time to think about it, because at that moment the first Pokémon burst from the hole in the wall. The first one out is another Deerling running as fast as its legs can carry it, and it’s followed by a score of Pokémon. A Mareep, a Zigzagoon, a pair of Skitties and a panicked gaggle of Petililies. All of them seem afraid.

You have to help them.

But just as you are about to move forward, a burst of fire shoots out from the hole in the ruin wall. A pack of Houndooms follows and with them, their Trainers.

Treasure Hoarders, you realize, and not just one.

Your heart goes cold.

Test subjects?

You don’t have much time to think about it, because at that moment the first Pokémon burst from the hole in the wall. The first one out is another Deerling running as fast as its legs can carry it, and it’s followed by a score of Pokémon. A Mareep, a Zigzagoon, a pair of Skitties and a panicked gaggle of Petililies. All of them seem afraid.

You have to help them.

But just as you are about to move forward, a burst of fire shoots out from the hole in the ruin wall. A pack of Houndooms follows and with them, their Trainers.

Treasure Hoarders, you realize, and not just one.

Your heart goes cold.

Test subjects?

You don’t have much time to think about it, because at that moment the first Pokémon burst from the hole in the wall. The first one out is another Deerling running as fast as its legs can carry it, and it’s followed by a score of Pokémon. A Mareep, a Zigzagoon, a pair of Skitties and a panicked gaggle of Petililies. All of them seem afraid.

You have to help them.

But just as you are about to move forward, a burst of fire shoots out from the hole in the ruin wall. A pack of Houndooms follows and with them, their Trainers.

Treasure Hoarders, you realize, and not just one.

With a battle cry, you and your Bulbasaur rush forward.

There is no time to wait. You need to chase the Treasure Hoarders away. There is no way you are going to let those poor Pokémon become test subjects.

Behind you, Xingqiu almost sounds like he is biting back a curse, but then—

“Go Marill! Use Bubblebeam!”

He backs you up.

A vicious smile plays on your lips as the bubbles slam into the Treasure Hoarders’ Pokémon. They flinch back, both at the water that they are weak to and the force of your combined attack.

The Houndooms aren’t all that well-trained. They are weak.

It only makes you angrier because that means that those poor Pokémon must have been very young and untrained as well.

How despicable.

With a battle cry, you and your Charmander rush forward.

There is no time to wait. You need to chase the Treasure Hoarders away. There is no way you are going to let those poor Pokémon become test subjects.

Behind you, Xingqiu almost sounds like he is biting back a curse, but then—

“Go Marill! Use Bubblebeam!”

He backs you up.

A vicious smile plays on your lips as the bubbles slam into the Treasure Hoarders’ Pokémon. They flinch back, both at the water that they are weak to and the force of your combined attack.

The Houndooms aren’t all that well-trained. They are weak.

It only makes you angrier because that means that those poor Pokémon must have been very young and untrained as well.

How despicable.

With a battle cry, you and your Squirtle rush forward.

There is no time to wait. You need to chase the Treasure Hoarders away. There is no way you are going to let those poor Pokémon become test subjects.

Behind you, Xingqiu almost sounds like he is biting back a curse, but then—

“Go Marill! Use Bubblebeam!”

He backs you up.

A vicious smile plays on your lips as the bubbles from both your Squirtle and Xingqiu's Marill slam into the Treasure Hoarders’ Pokémon. They flinch back, both at the water that they are weak to and the force of your combined attack.

The Houndooms aren’t all that well-trained. They are weak.

It only makes you angrier because that means that those poor Pokémon must have been very young and untrained as well.

How despicable.

You have no idea how many Treasure Hoarders are still inside the ruins. It’s smarter to try to get a better idea for the situation first. Seeing the way those people treat the young Pokémon makes you angry, but won’t be able to help them if you run straight into a trap.

A soft touch against your arm makes you startle in surprise, but before you can make a sound, a hand is slammed over your mouth.

Wide eyes you stare at—

Xingqiu.

There is an apologetic look in his eyes and a sheepish smile on his lips. You relax in his hold, even when your heart is still racing like a Rapidash. Xingqiu lowers his hand and leans closer to you.

“We need to take a look inside.” His voice is barely audible. You nod and gesture towards the hole in the ruins.

“Let’s look while they are distracted.” That way, you can make sure that the Pokémon don’t have to suffer this in vain.

You have no idea how many Treasure Hoarders are still inside the ruins. It’s smarter to try to get a better idea for the situation first. Seeing the way those people treat the young Pokémon makes you angry, but won’t be able to help them if you run straight into a trap.

A soft touch against your arm makes you startle in surprise, but before you can make a sound, a hand is slammed over your mouth.

Wide eyes you stare at—

Xingqiu.

There is an apologetic look in his eyes and a sheepish smile on his lips. You relax in his hold, even when your heart is still racing like a Rapidash. Xingqiu lowers his hand and leans closer to you.

“We need to take a look inside.” His voice is barely audible. You nod and gesture towards the hole in the ruins.

“Let’s look while they are distracted.” That way, you can make sure that the Pokémon don’t have to suffer this in vain.

You have no idea how many Treasure Hoarders are still inside the ruins. It’s smarter to try to get a better idea for the situation first. Seeing the way those people treat the young Pokémon makes you angry, but won’t be able to help them if you run straight into a trap.

A soft touch against your arm makes you startle in surprise, but before you can make a sound, a hand is slammed over your mouth.

Wide eyes you stare at—

Xingqiu.

There is an apologetic look in his eyes and a sheepish smile on his lips. You relax in his hold, even when your heart is still racing like a Rapidash. Xingqiu lowers his hand and leans closer to you.

“We need to take a look inside.” His voice is barely audible. You nod and gesture towards the hole in the ruins.

“Let’s look while they are distracted.” That way, you can make sure that the Pokémon don’t have to suffer this in vain.

Xingqiu nods, and together you sneak forward slowly. Behind you, a Pokémon battle breaks out. It seems like the Treasure Hoarders are finally facing resistance.

You chance a glance back over your shoulder when you reach the Ruin. You hope that the Pokémon win their fights and that you can join them soon.

“Well, well, well,” someone says teasingly. It’s not Xingqiu, but the voice is nearby.

The sound of fighting stops, a Skitty cries out victory, and the leaves rustle as it escapes. The Treasure Hoarders don’t follow. They heard the person speaking as well, and whoever it was, they had their attention immediately.

Well. The speaker and you, because now all the Treasure Hoarders have turned around, and your cover is completely blown. You're surrounded.

Xingqiu nods, and together you sneak forward slowly. Behind you, a Pokémon battle breaks out. It seems like the Treasure Hoarders are finally facing resistance.

You chance a glance back over your shoulder when you reach the Ruin. You hope that the Pokémon win their fights and that you can join them soon.

“Well, well, well,” someone says teasingly. It’s not Xingqiu, but the voice is nearby.

The sound of fighting stops, a Skitty cries out victory, and the leaves rustle as it escapes. The Treasure Hoarders don’t follow. They heard the person speaking as well, and whoever it was, they had their attention immediately.

Well. The speaker and you, because now all the Treasure Hoarders have turned around, and your cover is completely blown. You're surrounded.

Xingqiu nods, and together you sneak forward slowly. Behind you, a Pokémon battle breaks out. It seems like the Treasure Hoarders are finally facing resistance.

You chance a glance back over your shoulder when you reach the Ruin. You hope that the Pokémon win their fights and that you can join them soon.

“Well, well, well,” someone says teasingly. It’s not Xingqiu, but the voice is nearby.

The sound of fighting stops, a Skitty cries out victory, and the leaves rustle as it escapes. The Treasure Hoarders don’t follow. They heard the person speaking as well, and whoever it was, they had their attention immediately.

Well. The speaker and you, because now all the Treasure Hoarders have turned around, and your cover is completely blown. You're surrounded.

The Houndooms growl, the Treasure Hunters smirk. They don’t seem angry, but somehow their amusement is so much worse.

Then the man steps out of the ruin. He looks different from the treasure Hunters. His clothes are well-made and clean, and he is wearing a strange mask.

The man continues walking, moving past you and Xingqiu like you are two rocks. His cloak swishes around him.

“It seems like we have some unwelcome guests, I believe that you assured me that no one would interrupt us.” His voice carries an air of authority. Even the Houndooms stop growling. The Treasure Hunters make way for him with an ease that speaks of practice. There is no question about the fact that this man is in charge.

The Houndooms growl, the Treasure Hunters smirk. They don’t seem angry, but somehow their amusement is so much worse.

Then the man steps out of the ruin. He looks different from the treasure Hunters. His clothes are well-made and clean, and he is wearing a strange mask.

The man continues walking, moving past you and Xingqiu like you are two rocks. His cloak swishes around him.

“It seems like we have some unwelcome guests, I believe that you assured me that no one would interrupt us.” His voice carries an air of authority. Even the Houndooms stop growling. The Treasure Hunters make way for him with an ease that speaks of practice. There is no question about the fact that this man is in charge.

The Houndooms growl, the Treasure Hunters smirk. They don’t seem angry, but somehow their amusement is so much worse.

Then the man steps out of the ruin. He looks different from the treasure Hunters. His clothes are well-made and clean, and he is wearing a strange mask.

The man continues walking, moving past you and Xingqiu like you are two rocks. His cloak swishes around him.

“It seems like we have some unwelcome guests, I believe that you assured me that no one would interrupt us.” His voice carries an air of authority. Even the Houndooms stop growling. The Treasure Hunters make way for him with an ease that speaks of practice. There is no question about the fact that this man is in charge.

Xingqiu steps closer to you so that you are shoulder to shoulder. You can feel how tense he holds himself. You ball your hands into fists and your Bulbasaur presses against your legs.

You’re not just outnumbered anymore, because behind the masked man, you spot a Reuniclus. You swallow and fear claws at your throat. There is no way you and Xingqiu can defeat that Pokémon.

And the Treasure Hunters know it too, they smirk and chuckle at your fear.

“Dottore, we’ll handle them.” One of the Hunters steps out from the crowd. “We have captured some of the Pokémon you asked for, but there is no sign of the colt.”

The Trainer with the Reuniclus hums and Xingqiu tenses next to you. When you chance a glance in his direction, you see that his eyes are wide in surprise. What colt are they looking for? A Ponyta?

Xingqiu steps closer to you so that you are shoulder to shoulder. You can feel how tense he holds himself. You ball your hands into fists and your Charmander presses against your legs.

You’re not just outnumbered anymore, because behind the masked man, you spot a Reuniclus. You swallow and fear claws at your throat. There is no way you and Xingqiu can defeat that Pokémon.

And the Treasure Hunters know it too, they smirk and chuckle at your fear.

“Dottore, we’ll handle them.” One of the Hunters steps out from the crowd. “We have captured some of the Pokémon you asked for, but there is no sign of the colt.”

The Trainer with the Reuniclus hums and Xingqiu tenses next to you. When you chance a glance in his direction, you see that his eyes are wide in surprise. What colt are they looking for? A Ponyta?

Xingqiu steps closer to you so that you are shoulder to shoulder. You can feel how tense he holds himself. You ball your hands into fists and your Squirtle presses against your legs.

You’re not just outnumbered anymore, because behind the masked man, you spot a Reuniclus. You swallow and fear claws at your throat. There is no way you and Xingqiu can defeat that Pokémon.

And the Treasure Hunters know it too, they smirk and chuckle at your fear.

“Dottore, we’ll handle them.” One of the Hunters steps out from the crowd. “We have captured some of the Pokémon you asked for, but there is no sign of the colt.”

The Trainer with the Reuniclus hums and Xingqiu tenses next to you. When you chance a glance in his direction, you see that his eyes are wide in surprise. What colt are they looking for? A Ponyta?

“Disappointing,” the man says, and the air changes. Reuniclus floats upwards with a wide almost maniac smile on its face. “Well, I should not have expected more from hired help.”

Reuniclus laughs, a beam of light shoots out from its clasped arms and the Treasure Hoarder that had spoken up is thrown backwards, until his back slams against the ruin wall. His Houndoom lets out a whinny, rushing to his side, but the man only groans where he lies on the ground.

You have no idea what’s going on.

“Fortunately,” the man continues, “I found what I was looking for. The colt should be here any moment.”

For a moment you consider trying to run, but conflict between the thieves or not, you know they won’t let you and Xingqiu get away.

“Disappointing,” the man says, and the air changes. Reuniclus floats upwards with a wide almost maniac smile on its face. “Well, I should not have expected more from hired help.”

Reuniclus laughs, a beam of light shoots out from its clasped arms and the Treasure Hoarder that had spoken up is thrown backwards, until his back slams against the ruin wall. His Houndoom lets out a whinny, rushing to his side, but the man only groans where he lies on the ground.

You have no idea what’s going on.

“Fortunately,” the man continues, “I found what I was looking for. The colt should be here any moment.”

For a moment you consider trying to run, but conflict between the thieves or not, you know they won’t let you and Xingqiu get away.

“Disappointing,” the man says, and the air changes. Reuniclus floats upwards with a wide almost maniac smile on its face. “Well, I should not have expected more from hired help.”

Reuniclus laughs, a beam of light shoots out from its clasped arms and the Treasure Hoarder that had spoken up is thrown backwards, until his back slams against the ruin wall. His Houndoom lets out a whinny, rushing to his side, but the man only groans where he lies on the ground.

You have no idea what’s going on.

“Fortunately,” the man continues, “I found what I was looking for. The colt should be here any moment.”

For a moment you consider trying to run, but conflict between the thieves or not, you know they won’t let you and Xingqiu get away.

The air remains tense. After the first attack, the man named Dottore makes no other move. He simply stands calmly before the fearful Treasure Hoarders. Waiting.

You have a feeling you don’t want to know what he is waiting for.

Then there is a rushing sound and tenseness in the air. The hairs on the back of your hand stand up, and Xingqiu tenses at your side.

Something is coming.

Dottore starts to laugh. “Finally!” he shouts gleefully, and by his side the Reuniclus starts to glow again.

Branches crack and the ground seems to shake with the thundering of hooves.

With a loud crack, one of the trees at the edge of the clearing falls, and something descends.

The air remains tense. After the first attack, the man named Dottore makes no other move. He simply stands calmly before the fearful Treasure Hoarders. Waiting.

You have a feeling you don’t want to know what he is waiting for.

Then there is a rushing sound and tenseness in the air. The hairs on the back of your hand stand up, and Xingqiu tenses at your side.

Something is coming.

Dottore starts to laugh. “Finally!” he shouts gleefully, and by his side the Reuniclus starts to glow again.

Branches crack and the ground seems to shake with the thundering of hooves.

With a loud crack, one of the trees at the edge of the clearing falls, and something descends.

The air remains tense. After the first attack, the man named Dottore makes no other move. He simply stands calmly before the fearful Treasure Hoarders. Waiting.

You have a feeling you don’t want to know what he is waiting for.

Then there is a rushing sound and tenseness in the air. The hairs on the back of your hand stand up, and Xingqiu tenses at your side.

Something is coming.

Dottore starts to laugh. “Finally!” he shouts gleefully, and by his side the Reuniclus starts to glow again.

Branches crack and the ground seems to shake with the thundering of hooves.

With a loud crack, one of the trees at the edge of the clearing falls, and something descends.

“Cobalion!”

The Pokémon lets out a battle cry, the golden horns on its head gleams and its face is fierce. Resolute and unhesitating, it rushes into the clearing.

The Treasure Hoarders scatter, but before your disbelieving eyes, the man with the mask faces it without hesitation. His humor and elation is gone, and even with the half mask, he seems to radiate displeasure.

“You are not the one I want,” he hisses.

Cobalion isn’t impressed. It stomps its feet and the ground shakes again. “Balion!!”

“Cobalion!”

The Pokémon lets out a battle cry, the golden horns on its head gleams and its face is fierce. Resolute and unhesitating, it rushes into the clearing.

The Treasure Hoarders scatter, but before your disbelieving eyes, the man with the mask faces it without hesitation. His humor and elation is gone, and even with the half mask, he seems to radiate displeasure.

“You are not the one I want,” he hisses.

Cobalion isn’t impressed. It stomps its feet and the ground shakes again. “Balion!!”

“Cobalion!”

The Pokémon lets out a battle cry, the golden horns on its head gleams and its face is fierce. Resolute and unhesitating, it rushes into the clearing.

The Treasure Hoarders scatter, but before your disbelieving eyes, the man with the mask faces it without hesitation. His humor and elation is gone, and even with the half mask, he seems to radiate displeasure.

“You are not the one I want,” he hisses.

Cobalion isn’t impressed. It stomps its feet and the ground shakes again. “Balion!!”

You stumble back; the power that Cobalion gives out is like nothing you have ever seen before. Everything about the Legendary—from the dangerous horns to the steel hooves, screams danger.

Your instincts tell you to run, but there is nowhere to go.

Dottore laughs in the face of his doom.

“Even if you are not the one we wanted, you should be good enough for a trial run at least.”

He sweeps his hand to the side in a dramatic gesture, and Reuniclus lunges forward. The Treasure Hoarders cheer, but their joy is short-lived. Cobalion is prepared. It rears up and the horn on its head starts to glow.

With one mighty sweep of its head, the Psychic type is swept out of the sky and thrown back towards its trainer. You lean forward to see the man’s face, but Xingqiu catches hold of your arm and pulls you back.

When you turn to look at him, his eyes are wide, and he is still pale with fright. However, there is a determined light in his eyes.

“We need to get out of the way,” he says quietly, and pulls you to the side. “This is not a battle we want to get caught up in.”

You stumble back; the power that Cobalion gives out is like nothing you have ever seen before. Everything about the Legendary—from the dangerous horns to the steel hooves, screams danger.

Your instincts tell you to run, but there is nowhere to go.

Dottore laughs in the face of his doom.

“Even if you are not the one we wanted, you should be good enough for a trial run at least.”

He sweeps his hand to the side in a dramatic gesture, and Reuniclus lunges forward. The Treasure Hoarders cheer, but their joy is short-lived. Cobalion is prepared. It rears up and the horn on its head starts to glow.

With one mighty sweep of its head, the Psychic type is swept out of the sky and thrown back towards its trainer. You lean forward to see the man’s face, but Xingqiu catches hold of your arm and pulls you back.

When you turn to look at him, his eyes are wide, and he is still pale with fright. However, there is a determined light in his eyes.

“We need to get out of the way,” he says quietly, and pulls you to the side. “This is not a battle we want to get caught up in.”

You stumble back; the power that Cobalion gives out is like nothing you have ever seen before. Everything about the Legendary—from the dangerous horns to the steel hooves, screams danger.

Your instincts tell you to run, but there is nowhere to go.

Dottore laughs in the face of his doom.

“Even if you are not the one we wanted, you should be good enough for a trial run at least.”

He sweeps his hand to the side in a dramatic gesture, and Reuniclus lunges forward. The Treasure Hoarders cheer, but their joy is short-lived. Cobalion is prepared. It rears up and the horn on its head starts to glow.

With one mighty sweep of its head, the Psychic type is swept out of the sky and thrown back towards its trainer. You lean forward to see the man’s face, but Xingqiu catches hold of your arm and pulls you back.

When you turn to look at him, his eyes are wide, and he is still pale with fright. However, there is a determined light in his eyes.

“We need to get out of the way,” he says quietly, and pulls you to the side. “This is not a battle we want to get caught up in.”

Xingqiu is right.

Slowly, the two of you move further and further away from the battle, where Reuniclus had risen from the ground again and thrown itself back into the fight. The Treasure Hoarders joined in as well, and by now, the clearing was a battlefield.

A battlefield that Cobalion is dominating. Eventually, the Treasure Hoarders retreat. Dottore clicks his tongue in annoyance as they do, but it seems that he has realized that he is outmatched as well. With a sharp gesture, he calls Reuniclus back to his side, and as soon as the Pokémon reaches him. They are gone.

You blink.

“Teleport…” Xingqiu mumbles, and oh. Yes. That does make sense.

Xingqiu is right.

Slowly, the two of you move further and further away from the battle, where Reuniclus had risen from the ground again and thrown itself back into the fight. The Treasure Hoarders joined in as well, and by now, the clearing was a battlefield.

A battlefield that Cobalion is dominating. Eventually, the Treasure Hoarders retreat. Dottore clicks his tongue in annoyance as they do, but it seems that he has realized that he is outmatched as well. With a sharp gesture, he calls Reuniclus back to his side, and as soon as the Pokémon reaches him. They are gone.

You blink.

“Teleport…” Xingqiu mumbles, and oh. Yes. That does make sense.

Xingqiu is right.

Slowly, the two of you move further and further away from the battle, where Reuniclus had risen from the ground again and thrown itself back into the fight. The Treasure Hoarders joined in as well, and by now, the clearing was a battlefield.

A battlefield that Cobalion is dominating. Eventually, the Treasure Hoarders retreat. Dottore clicks his tongue in annoyance as they do, but it seems that he has realized that he is outmatched as well. With a sharp gesture, he calls Reuniclus back to his side, and as soon as the Pokémon reaches him. They are gone.

You blink.

“Teleport…” Xingqiu mumbles, and oh. Yes. That does make sense.

With all the hostiles gone, the clearing is strangely quiet. Now it’s only Xingqiu, you, some wild Pokémon, and a furious Legendary. And with that, it’s the two of you who are holding the Pokémon’s attention. Cobalion turns, and for a long moment you think that this is the end of your journey. Cobalion is staring at you, judging you, and you are afraid to breathe.

Then—

It throws back its head and lets out a cry that echoes through the forest.
Your heart is racing, but before you can cry, or run, or scream.

Cobalion’s hooves land on the ground again. It shakes its head and when it looks back at you and Xingqiu again, the rage is gone from its eyes.

It seems calm, and its gaze on you is piercing. You feel like it’s seeing through you, somehow.

With all the hostiles gone, the clearing is strangely quiet. Now it’s only Xingqiu, you, some wild Pokémon, and a furious Legendary. And with that, it’s the two of you who are holding the Pokémon’s attention. Cobalion turns, and for a long moment you think that this is the end of your journey. Cobalion is staring at you, judging you, and you are afraid to breathe.

Then—

It throws back its head and lets out a cry that echoes through the forest.
Your heart is racing, but before you can cry, or run, or scream.

Cobalion’s hooves land on the ground again. It shakes its head and when it looks back at you and Xingqiu again, the rage is gone from its eyes.

It seems calm, and its gaze on you is piercing. You feel like it’s seeing through you, somehow.

With all the hostiles gone, the clearing is strangely quiet. Now it’s only Xingqiu, you, some wild Pokémon, and a furious Legendary. And with that, it’s the two of you who are holding the Pokémon’s attention. Cobalion turns, and for a long moment you think that this is the end of your journey. Cobalion is staring at you, judging you, and you are afraid to breathe.

Then—

It throws back its head and lets out a cry that echoes through the forest.
Your heart is racing, but before you can cry, or run, or scream.

Cobalion’s hooves land on the ground again. It shakes its head and when it looks back at you and Xingqiu again, the rage is gone from its eyes.

It seems calm, and its gaze on you is piercing. You feel like it’s seeing through you, somehow.

Cobalion rushes off, leaving you and Xingqiu behind. Suddenly, it’s very quiet. The Treasure Hoarders and Dottore are gone, and the fighting is over. Only the wind rustles through the leaves and blows through the ruin.

Slowly, the Pokémon who went into hiding begin to come out again. They give you and Xingqiu suspicious looks, but it seems like the fact that you haven’t been chased off is enough to mark you as non-hostile.

“Wow.” Xingqiu's voice is hushed, and he sounds just as awed as you feel. “I never imagined that I would ever meet a Legendary Pokémon.”

“Neither did I,” you say. But the Legendary is not the only thing you didn’t expect. The Treasure Hoarders…. You wonder if you will run into them again. It feels like they will be in trouble.

Cobalion rushes off, leaving you and Xingqiu behind. Suddenly, it’s very quiet. The Treasure Hoarders and Dottore are gone, and the fighting is over. Only the wind rustles through the leaves and blows through the ruin.

Slowly, the Pokémon who went into hiding begin to come out again. They give you and Xingqiu suspicious looks, but it seems like the fact that you haven’t been chased off is enough to mark you as non-hostile.

“Wow.” Xingqiu's voice is hushed, and he sounds just as awed as you feel. “I never imagined that I would ever meet a Legendary Pokémon.”

“Neither did I,” you say. But the Legendary is not the only thing you didn’t expect. The Treasure Hoarders…. You wonder if you will run into them again. It feels like they will be in trouble.

Cobalion rushes off, leaving you and Xingqiu behind. Suddenly, it’s very quiet. The Treasure Hoarders and Dottore are gone, and the fighting is over. Only the wind rustles through the leaves and blows through the ruin.

Slowly, the Pokémon who went into hiding begin to come out again. They give you and Xingqiu suspicious looks, but it seems like the fact that you haven’t been chased off is enough to mark you as non-hostile.

“Wow.” Xingqiu's voice is hushed, and he sounds just as awed as you feel. “I never imagined that I would ever meet a Legendary Pokémon.”

“Neither did I,” you say. But the Legendary is not the only thing you didn’t expect. The Treasure Hoarders…. You wonder if you will run into them again. It feels like they will be in trouble.

“I came to the area to get material for my story,” Xingqiu says, letting out a disbelieving laugh, “and this is certainly more than I could have dreamed of.”

You nod. After all, the only thing you thought you could find here was maybe another member of your team.

You gaze back at the Pokémon still moving nervously around the ruin, slowly but surely they keep coming closer to the two of you. But catching them… It would feel wrong.

No new Pokémon for you, still, you aren’t sad.

Cobalion’s gaze had been fierce and unrelenting. Almost like a challenge. You wonder if you will see it again.

“I came to the area to get material for my story,” Xingqiu says, letting out a disbelieving laugh, “and this is certainly more than I could have dreamed of.”

You nod. After all, the only thing you thought you could find here was maybe another member of your team.

You gaze back at the Pokémon still moving nervously around the ruin, slowly but surely they keep coming closer to the two of you. But catching them… It would feel wrong.

No new Pokémon for you, still, you aren’t sad.

Cobalion’s gaze had been fierce and unrelenting. Almost like a challenge. You wonder if you will see it again.

“I came to the area to get material for my story,” Xingqiu says, letting out a disbelieving laugh, “and this is certainly more than I could have dreamed of.”

You nod. After all, the only thing you thought you could find here was maybe another member of your team.

You gaze back at the Pokémon still moving nervously around the ruin, slowly but surely they keep coming closer to the two of you. But catching them… It would feel wrong.

No new Pokémon for you, still, you aren’t sad.

Cobalion’s gaze had been fierce and unrelenting. Almost like a challenge. You wonder if you will see it again.

“Are you going to the Pokémon Center too?”

Xingqiu hesitates for a moment. “No,” he eventually says. He kneels down when a Skitty approaches him, and some of the tension is gone from his face when he looks up at you again. “I think I will stay a while longer. This story will need to be told the right way, and for that I need research.”

You look at him. Kneeling on the ground, Pokémon slowly coming closer. You think of Cobalium, the Treasure Hoarders… and Dottore. You can almost imagine it as an adventure story.

“I will read your book when it comes out!” you promise.

Xingqiu grins at you, “Good. But for now we still have a fight to finish. An ally of justice you might be, but that does not mean I will go easy on you.”

End of Week 2

“Are you going to the Pokémon Center too?”

Xingqiu hesitates for a moment. “No,” he eventually says. He kneels down when a Skitty approaches him, and some of the tension is gone from his face when he looks up at you again. “I think I will stay a while longer. This story will need to be told the right way, and for that I need research.”

You look at him. Kneeling on the ground, Pokémon slowly coming closer. You think of Cobalium, the Treasure Hoarders… and Dottore. You can almost imagine it as an adventure story.

“I will read your book when it comes out!” you promise.

Xingqiu grins at you, “Good. But for now we still have a fight to finish. An ally of justice you might be, but that does not mean I will go easy on you.”

End of Week 2

“Are you going to the Pokémon Center too?”

Xingqiu hesitates for a moment. “No,” he eventually says. He kneels down when a Skitty approaches him, and some of the tension is gone from his face when he looks up at you again. “I think I will stay a while longer. This story will need to be told the right way, and for that I need research.”

You look at him. Kneeling on the ground, Pokémon slowly coming closer. You think of Cobalium, the Treasure Hoarders… and Dottore. You can almost imagine it as an adventure story.

“I will read your book when it comes out!” you promise.

Xingqiu grins at you, “Good. But for now we still have a fight to finish. An ally of justice you might be, but that does not mean I will go easy on you.”

End of Week 2

Start of Week 3

As you continue on your journey, you find a Daycare facility in a small town close to the border between nations, and you wander in, curiosity piqued. The one who seems to be the caretaker’s currently busy handing off an egg over to a couple, so you make your way to the indoor garden, where the most peaceful Pokémon can relax outside their Poké Balls.

You lean against the fence dividing the reception from the garden to smile at a Breloom slowly uncurling from a nap under a tree, as a pair of Ampharos fight over some ripe Sunsettias, sending small electric shocks to the bushes around them.

Start of Week 3

As you continue on your journey, you find a Daycare facility in a small town close to the border between nations, and you wander in, curiosity piqued. The one who seems to be the caretaker’s currently busy handing off an egg over to a couple, so you make your way to the indoor garden, where the most peaceful Pokémon can relax outside their Poké Balls.

You lean against the fence dividing the reception from the garden to smile at a Breloom slowly uncurling from a nap under a tree, as a pair of Ampharos fight over some ripe Sunsettias, sending small electric shocks to the bushes around them.

Start of Week 3

As you continue on your journey, you find a Daycare facility in a small town close to the border between nations, and you wander in, curiosity piqued. The one who seems to be the caretaker’s currently busy handing off an egg over to a couple, so you make your way to the indoor garden, where the most peaceful Pokémon can relax outside their Poké Balls.

You lean against the fence dividing the reception from the garden to smile at a Breloom slowly uncurling from a nap under a tree, as a pair of Ampharos fight over some ripe Sunsettias, sending small electric shocks to the bushes around them.

“Welcome! Are you here to pick up or drop off?”

You jump in place, turning around. While you were distracted admiring the scenery, the caretaker has walked over to you, hands on their hips. Up close, you realize they have golden cat-like eyes, the same color as the horns that fanned over their head like branches of a tree. As they get closer you realize just how tall they were, as they tower over you, almost double your height. Belatedly you realize they’re probably an Adeptus, but before you can do anything about that revelation, they smile widely and repeat their question.

“Welcome! Are you here to pick up or drop off?”

You jump in place, turning around. While you were distracted admiring the scenery, the caretaker has walked over to you, hands on their hips. Up close, you realize they have golden cat-like eyes, the same color as the horns that fanned over their head like branches of a tree. As they get closer you realize just how tall they were, as they tower over you, almost double your height. Belatedly you realize they’re probably an Adeptus, but before you can do anything about that revelation, they smile widely and repeat their question.

“Welcome! Are you here to pick up or drop off?”

You jump in place, turning around. While you were distracted admiring the scenery, the caretaker has walked over to you, hands on their hips. Up close, you realize they have golden cat-like eyes, the same color as the horns that fanned over their head like branches of a tree. As they get closer you realize just how tall they were, as they tower over you, almost double your height. Belatedly you realize they’re probably an Adeptus, but before you can do anything about that revelation, they smile widely and repeat their question.

As you strain your neck trying to look into their eyes, you pray they weren’t here to admonish you or bring misfortune over you and all your nonexistent descendants. On second thought, you’re not too sure which Adepti legends are even true. The one before you certainly doesn’t seem like the type to curse people.

After an awkward pause, you finally remember to reply.

“Oh, my apologies, er, honorable Adeptus. I was just looking. I’ve never been to a Daycare center before.”

They laugh, “No need to be so nervous, young one. I am the one known as Skybracer. You’re a Pokémon Trainer, correct? Is this your first journey, then?”

“I—yes, yes it is.”

As you strain your neck trying to look into their eyes, you pray they weren’t here to admonish you or bring misfortune over you and all your nonexistent descendants. On second thought, you’re not too sure which Adepti legends are even true. The one before you certainly doesn’t seem like the type to curse people.

After an awkward pause, you finally remember to reply.

“Oh, my apologies, er, honorable Adeptus. I was just looking. I’ve never been to a Daycare center before.”

They laugh, “No need to be so nervous, young one. I am the one known as Skybracer. You’re a Pokémon Trainer, correct? Is this your first journey, then?”

“I—yes, yes it is.”

As you strain your neck trying to look into their eyes, you pray they weren’t here to admonish you or bring misfortune over you and all your nonexistent descendants. On second thought, you’re not too sure which Adepti legends are even true. The one before you certainly doesn’t seem like the type to curse people.

After an awkward pause, you finally remember to reply.

“Oh, my apologies, er, honorable Adeptus. I was just looking. I’ve never been to a Daycare center before.”

They laugh, “No need to be so nervous, young one. I am the one known as Skybracer. You’re a Pokémon Trainer, correct? Is this your first journey, then?”

“I—yes, yes it is.”

“Listen, my assistant had to take the day off and I’m running this place on my own.” Skybracer rubs the back of their head, smiling at your confusion. “Now I’m not saying you have to, but would you like to help out? It wouldn’t be anything too complicated, I promise.”

“Oh,” you say, nervousness forgotten in your excitement. “Sure, yes, of course! What do you want me to do?”

The Adeptus hums, “Well, I would need help feeding the water Pokémon, brushing the tangles of the Growlithe babies, or cleaning the nesting area. I don’t want to keep you here all day, so just pick one.”

“Listen, my assistant had to take the day off and I’m running this place on my own.” Skybracer rubs the back of their head, smiling at your confusion. “Now I’m not saying you have to, but would you like to help out? It wouldn’t be anything too complicated, I promise.”

“Oh,” you say, nervousness forgotten in your excitement. “Sure, yes, of course! What do you want me to do?”

The Adeptus hums, “Well, I would need help feeding the water Pokémon, brushing the tangles of the Growlithe babies, or cleaning the nesting area. I don’t want to keep you here all day, so just pick one.”

“Listen, my assistant had to take the day off and I’m running this place on my own.” Skybracer rubs the back of their head, smiling at your confusion. “Now I’m not saying you have to, but would you like to help out? It wouldn’t be anything too complicated, I promise.”

“Oh,” you say, nervousness forgotten in your excitement. “Sure, yes, of course! What do you want me to do?”

The Adeptus hums, “Well, I would need help feeding the water Pokémon, brushing the tangles of the Growlithe babies, or cleaning the nesting area. I don’t want to keep you here all day, so just pick one.”

“Back so soon?” Skybracer asks. “Hmm, would you like to pick something else to do? I would need help feeding the water Pokémon, brushing the tangles of the Growlithe babies, or cleaning the nesting area. I don’t want to keep you here all day, so just pick one.”

“Back so soon?” Skybracer asks. “Hmm, would you like to pick something else to do? I would need help feeding the water Pokémon, brushing the tangles of the Growlithe babies, or cleaning the nesting area. I don’t want to keep you here all day, so just pick one.”

“Back so soon?” Skybracer asks. “Hmm, would you like to pick something else to do? I would need help feeding the water Pokémon, brushing the tangles of the Growlithe babies, or cleaning the nesting area. I don’t want to keep you here all day, so just pick one.”

“I want to help clean the nesting area!”

Skybracer gives you a funny look. “Are you sure? I would have thought you would prefer doing the other stuff.”

You laugh nervously, but they smile again, patting your shoulder. “Well, I do need help with that, so thank you so much, young trainer. Follow me then.”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes, as a Persian purrs at the Adeptus from her perch up a tree.

“I want to help clean the nesting area!”

Skybracer gives you a funny look. “Are you sure? I would have thought you would prefer doing the other stuff.”

You laugh nervously, but they smile again, patting your shoulder. “Well, I do need help with that, so thank you so much, young trainer. Follow me then.”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes, as a Persian purrs at the Adeptus from her perch up a tree.

“I want to help clean the nesting area!”

Skybracer gives you a funny look. “Are you sure? I would have thought you would prefer doing the other stuff.”

You laugh nervously, but they smile again, patting your shoulder. “Well, I do need help with that, so thank you so much, young trainer. Follow me then.”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes, as a Persian purrs at the Adeptus from her perch up a tree.

After a bit of walking, you reach a separate room. Skybracer opens the locked door for you, and you enter nervously.

The room is warmer than the garden you just left, perfectly cozy for the half dozen bird Pokémon hooting and clicking their beaks in greeting as they spot you. A Pidgeot swoops down, almost too big for the passageway between nests, but the Pokémon just chirps happily, nuzzling into the caretaker’s hands before flying off again.

It’s rather dazzling, but you can’t help but notice… it’s a little smelly.

“Well then,” Skybracer says much too cheerfully, handing you a bucket and some cleaning supplies. “Good luck!”

… You are beginning to wonder if you shouldn’t have gone with one of the other options.

After a bit of walking, you reach a separate room. Skybracer opens the locked door for you, and you enter nervously.

The room is warmer than the garden you just left, perfectly cozy for the half dozen bird Pokémon hooting and clicking their beaks in greeting as they spot you. A Pidgeot swoops down, almost too big for the passageway between nests, but the Pokémon just chirps happily, nuzzling into the caretaker’s hands before flying off again.

It’s rather dazzling, but you can’t help but notice… it’s a little smelly.

“Well then,” Skybracer says much too cheerfully, handing you a bucket and some cleaning supplies. “Good luck!”

… You are beginning to wonder if you shouldn’t have gone with one of the other options.

After a bit of walking, you reach a separate room. Skybracer opens the locked door for you, and you enter nervously.

The room is warmer than the garden you just left, perfectly cozy for the half dozen bird Pokémon hooting and clicking their beaks in greeting as they spot you. A Pidgeot swoops down, almost too big for the passageway between nests, but the Pokémon just chirps happily, nuzzling into the caretaker’s hands before flying off again.

It’s rather dazzling, but you can’t help but notice… it’s a little smelly.

“Well then,” Skybracer says much too cheerfully, handing you a bucket and some cleaning supplies. “Good luck!”

… You are beginning to wonder if you shouldn’t have gone with one of the other options.

It takes a while, but you manage to clean the entirety of the floor, as the Pokémon chirp their encouragement around you. Your muscles are sore, and you are ready to go straight to sleep, but as you make your way to the door, you spot something out of the corner of your eye.

It takes a while, but you manage to clean the entirety of the floor, as the Pokémon chirp their encouragement around you. Your muscles are sore, and you are ready to go straight to sleep, but as you make your way to the door, you spot something out of the corner of your eye.

It takes a while, but you manage to clean the entirety of the floor, as the Pokémon chirp their encouragement around you. Your muscles are sore, and you are ready to go straight to sleep, but as you make your way to the door, you spot something out of the corner of your eye.

You stop to check, squatting next to the clean haystack you just brought in. And lo and behold there’s an egg there.

You grab it gingerly, admiring the markings on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg? Did it fall out of a nest?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to Skybracer, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

You stop to check, squatting next to the clean haystack you just brought in. And lo and behold there’s an egg there.

You grab it gingerly, admiring the markings on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg? Did it fall out of a nest?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to Skybracer, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

You stop to check, squatting next to the clean haystack you just brought in. And lo and behold there’s an egg there.

You grab it gingerly, admiring the markings on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg? Did it fall out of a nest?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to Skybracer, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting Skybracer writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

They immediately look up at you, frowning. “An egg? Where did you find it?”

“It was on the ground,” you immediately answer as they draw close. You hand the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting Skybracer writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

They immediately look up at you, frowning. “An egg? Where did you find it?”

“It was on the ground,” you immediately answer as they draw close. You hand the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting Skybracer writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

They immediately look up at you, frowning. “An egg? Where did you find it?”

“It was on the ground,” you immediately answer as they draw close. You hand the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hmm,” They hand the egg back to you as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “Let me check the database, every so often we get one or two additional eggs that appear or disappear at random, and—”

They trail off, but you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

“Hmm,” They hand the egg back to you as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “Let me check the database, every so often we get one or two additional eggs that appear or disappear at random, and—”

They trail off, but you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

“Hmm,” They hand the egg back to you as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “Let me check the database, every so often we get one or two additional eggs that appear or disappear at random, and—”

They trail off, but you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Pikipek staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The bird Pokémon chirps happily, clumsily flying up to you.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Pikipek staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The bird Pokémon chirps happily, clumsily flying up to you.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Pikipek staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The bird Pokémon chirps happily, clumsily flying up to you.

“Odd,” Skybracer says, as the Pokémon nuzzles into his face, noisily making your acquaintance. “The last Toucannon to visit us was a couple weeks ago. No wonder this little one hatched so fast. I wonder how he managed to remain unnoticed this long. I see he has taken a liking to you. Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” you say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, our last Pikipek egg was delivered successfully, the Toucannon must have produced two eggs and this little one probably got snatched by another Pokémon. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

“Odd,” Skybracer says, as the Pokémon nuzzles into his face, noisily making your acquaintance. “The last Toucannon to visit us was a couple weeks ago. No wonder this little one hatched so fast. I wonder how he managed to remain unnoticed this long. I see he has taken a liking to you. Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” you say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, our last Pikipek egg was delivered successfully, the Toucannon must have produced two eggs and this little one probably got snatched by another Pokémon. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

“Odd,” Skybracer says, as the Pokémon nuzzles into his face, noisily making your acquaintance. “The last Toucannon to visit us was a couple weeks ago. No wonder this little one hatched so fast. I wonder how he managed to remain unnoticed this long. I see he has taken a liking to you. Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” you say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, our last Pikipek egg was delivered successfully, the Toucannon must have produced two eggs and this little one probably got snatched by another Pokémon. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You grab the little bird between your hands as you smile at him. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

It chirps in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Pikipek’s vibrant red forehead and watching the little bird disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Pikipek was now yours.

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You grab the little bird between your hands as you smile at him. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

It chirps in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Pikipek’s vibrant red forehead and watching the little bird disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Pikipek was now yours.

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You grab the little bird between your hands as you smile at him. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

It chirps in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Pikipek’s vibrant red forehead and watching the little bird disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Pikipek was now yours.

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” The Adeptus’ violet eyes sparkle with glee as they walk you to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” The Adeptus’ violet eyes sparkle with glee as they walk you to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” The Adeptus’ violet eyes sparkle with glee as they walk you to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

“I want to play—I mean groom the Growlithes!”

Skybracer laughs, “Of course, of course. Follow me.”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes, as a Persian purrs at the Adeptus from her perch up a tree.

“I want to play—I mean groom the Growlithes!”

Skybracer laughs, “Of course, of course. Follow me.”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes, as a Persian purrs at the Adeptus from her perch up a tree.

“I want to play—I mean groom the Growlithes!”

Skybracer laughs, “Of course, of course. Follow me.”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes, as a Persian purrs at the Adeptus from her perch up a tree.

You eventually reach a secluded area protected by some bushes. An enormous Arcanine is sleeping curled around three little Growlithes and for a second you are concerned about your own safety.

“This is Tiana, my little helper,” Skybracer says, patting her on the side. Even though the Adeptus is the tallest being you’ve met, the massive Arcanine was still an inch or two taller. And, well, a fire dog capable of burning you to a crisp. The Adeptus seems to find your nervousness amusing. “These cubs hatched before their trainer could come get them, so they’re in her care until then. It’s okay, this old lady is used to working with people. Although if she scares you, she could leave, it’s not a problem.”

“No, no,” you immediately say, still staring up at the Pokémon grinning down at you with sharp teeth. “It’s fine.”

The Arcanine huffs in amusement and goes back to sleep. One of the cubs goes up to sniff curiously at your feet.

“Alright then, here is the brush. Come back to the front once you’re done.”

You eventually reach a secluded area protected by some bushes. An enormous Arcanine is sleeping curled around three little Growlithes and for a second you are concerned about your own safety.

“This is Tiana, my little helper,” Skybracer says, patting her on the side. Even though the Adeptus is the tallest being you’ve met, the massive Arcanine was still an inch or two taller. And, well, a fire dog capable of burning you to a crisp. The Adeptus seems to find your nervousness amusing. “These cubs hatched before their trainer could come get them, so they’re in her care until then. It’s okay, this old lady is used to working with people. Although if she scares you, she could leave, it’s not a problem.”

“No, no,” you immediately say, still staring up at the Pokémon grinning down at you with sharp teeth. “It’s fine.”

The Arcanine huffs in amusement and goes back to sleep. One of the cubs goes up to sniff curiously at your feet.

“Alright then, here is the brush. Come back to the front once you’re done.”

You eventually reach a secluded area protected by some bushes. An enormous Arcanine is sleeping curled around three little Growlithes and for a second you are concerned about your own safety.

“This is Tiana, my little helper,” Skybracer says, patting her on the side. Even though the Adeptus is the tallest being you’ve met, the massive Arcanine was still an inch or two taller. And, well, a fire dog capable of burning you to a crisp. The Adeptus seems to find your nervousness amusing. “These cubs hatched before their trainer could come get them, so they’re in her care until then. It’s okay, this old lady is used to working with people. Although if she scares you, she could leave, it’s not a problem.”

“No, no,” you immediately say, still staring up at the Pokémon grinning down at you with sharp teeth. “It’s fine.”

The Arcanine huffs in amusement and goes back to sleep. One of the cubs goes up to sniff curiously at your feet.

“Alright then, here is the brush. Come back to the front once you’re done.”

Sitting with your back against warm fur, you hold one squiggly Growlithe, brushing his fur as he tries eating the brush whole. There’s another one gnawing your shoe with little success, while the third one is trying to climb onto your back. The Arcanine’s sleepy breathing lulls you to calmness.

This is bliss.

Sitting with your back against warm fur, you hold one squiggly Growlithe, brushing his fur as he tries eating the brush whole. There’s another one gnawing your shoe with little success, while the third one is trying to climb onto your back. The Arcanine’s sleepy breathing lulls you to calmness.

This is bliss.

Sitting with your back against warm fur, you hold one squiggly Growlithe, brushing his fur as he tries eating the brush whole. There’s another one gnawing your shoe with little success, while the third one is trying to climb onto your back. The Arcanine’s sleepy breathing lulls you to calmness.

This is bliss.

When it’s time to leave, you reluctantly get up, your back cracking pleasantly. The Growlithes are all fast asleep, and your shoes are only a tad scorched.

You pat Tiana on the head, she purrs contently, and you’re already leaving when you spot something out of the corner of your eye.

When it’s time to leave, you reluctantly get up, your back cracking pleasantly. The Growlithes are all fast asleep, and your shoes are only a tad scorched.

You pat Tiana on the head, she purrs contently, and you’re already leaving when you spot something out of the corner of your eye.

When it’s time to leave, you reluctantly get up, your back cracking pleasantly. The Growlithes are all fast asleep, and your shoes are only a tad scorched.

You pat Tiana on the head, she purrs contently, and you’re already leaving when you spot something out of the corner of your eye.

You stop to check, squatting next to the similarly singed bushes nearby. And lo and behold there’s an egg there.

You grab it gingerly, noticing the odd marking on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg? Did someone forget it?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply. Tiana only huffs before going back to sleep.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to the Adeptus, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

You stop to check, squatting next to the similarly singed bushes nearby. And lo and behold there’s an egg there.

You grab it gingerly, noticing the odd marking on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg? Did someone forget it?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply. Tiana only huffs before going back to sleep.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to the Adeptus, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

You stop to check, squatting next to the similarly singed bushes nearby. And lo and behold there’s an egg there.

You grab it gingerly, noticing the odd marking on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg? Did someone forget it?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply. Tiana only huffs before going back to sleep.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to the Adeptus, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting Skybracer writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

They immediately look up at you, frowning. “An egg? Where did you find it?”

“It was on the ground,” you immediately answer as they draw close. You hand the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hmm,” Skybracer hands the egg back to you with a smile as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “We sometimes get an extra egg or two, but you may want to look closer at what you’ve got on your hands.”

You don’t have time to ask them what they mean as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting Skybracer writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

They immediately look up at you, frowning. “An egg? Where did you find it?”

“It was on the ground,” you immediately answer as they draw close. You hand the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hmm,” Skybracer hands the egg back to you with a smile as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “We sometimes get an extra egg or two, but you may want to look closer at what you’ve got on your hands.”

You don’t have time to ask them what they mean as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting Skybracer writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

They immediately look up at you, frowning. “An egg? Where did you find it?”

“It was on the ground,” you immediately answer as they draw close. You hand the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hmm,” Skybracer hands the egg back to you with a smile as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “We sometimes get an extra egg or two, but you may want to look closer at what you’ve got on your hands.”

You don’t have time to ask them what they mean as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Ditto staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. A wobbly smile spread over its face, managing to look sheepish in all of its goopy glory.

“What,” you manage to say as it wobbles off your hands, bouncing on the ground in the shape of a Poké Ball, before transforming into a Pikachu and scurrying away.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Ditto staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. A wobbly smile spread over its face, managing to look sheepish in all of its goopy glory.

“What,” you manage to say as it wobbles off your hands, bouncing on the ground in the shape of a Poké Ball, before transforming into a Pikachu and scurrying away.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Ditto staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. A wobbly smile spread over its face, managing to look sheepish in all of its goopy glory.

“What,” you manage to say as it wobbles off your hands, bouncing on the ground in the shape of a Poké Ball, before transforming into a Pikachu and scurrying away.

Skybracer laughs at your bafflement, “Our Dittos certainly like playing pranks on people and Pokémon alike. Very much like the Tanuki of Inazuma, I must say.”

“Oh, so it wasn’t an egg,” you say, slowly processing what had happened.

“Indeed.” They nod, their cat-like eyes shimmering with mirth. “How was your time with Tiana and the little ones?”

“Oh, yeah, I enjoyed it very much! Thank you for this opportunity, uh, honorable Adeptus Skybracer?”

“Skybracer is fine,” they remind you, laughing at your nervousness. “I’m glad you enjoyed your time here. Are you ready to depart, then?”

“I—yes, I have to go into town.”

Skybracer laughs at your bafflement, “Our Dittos certainly like playing pranks on people and Pokémon alike. Very much like the Tanuki of Inazuma, I must say.”

“Oh, so it wasn’t an egg,” you say, slowly processing what had happened.

“Indeed.” They nod, their cat-like eyes shimmering with mirth. “How was your time with Tiana and the little ones?”

“Oh, yeah, I enjoyed it very much! Thank you for this opportunity, uh, honorable Adeptus Skybracer?”

“Skybracer is fine,” they remind you, laughing at your nervousness. “I’m glad you enjoyed your time here. Are you ready to depart, then?”

“I—yes, I have to go into town.”

Skybracer laughs at your bafflement, “Our Dittos certainly like playing pranks on people and Pokémon alike. Very much like the Tanuki of Inazuma, I must say.”

“Oh, so it wasn’t an egg,” you say, slowly processing what had happened.

“Indeed.” They nod, their cat-like eyes shimmering with mirth. “How was your time with Tiana and the little ones?”

“Oh, yeah, I enjoyed it very much! Thank you for this opportunity, uh, honorable Adeptus Skybracer?”

“Skybracer is fine,” they remind you, laughing at your nervousness. “I’m glad you enjoyed your time here. Are you ready to depart, then?”

“I—yes, I have to go into town.”

“Before you go, you can have this.” Skybracer reaches for something beneath the counter.

You take it from them. It’s another egg. You eye it suspiciously, but it doesn’t turn into a Ditto this time.

Skybracer laughs at your expression. “It’s a real Pokémon egg this time!”

But you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

“Before you go, you can have this.” Skybracer reaches for something beneath the counter.

You take it from them. It’s another egg. You eye it suspiciously, but it doesn’t turn into a Ditto this time.

Skybracer laughs at your expression. “It’s a real Pokémon egg this time!”

But you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

“Before you go, you can have this.” Skybracer reaches for something beneath the counter.

You take it from them. It’s another egg. You eye it suspiciously, but it doesn’t turn into a Ditto this time.

Skybracer laughs at your expression. “It’s a real Pokémon egg this time!”

But you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Pikipek staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The bird Pokémon chirps happily, clumsily flying up to you.

“I see he has taken a liking to you already!” Skybracer laughs. “Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” you say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, our last Pikipek egg was delivered successfully, the Toucannon must have produced two eggs and this little one probably got snatched by another Pokémon. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Lotad staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The Pokémon makes a funny noise, wiggling his plump little body and almost making you drop him.

“I see he has taken a liking to you already!” Skybracer laughs. “Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” you say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, the last Ludicolo to visit us was a couple weeks ago, and the batch of Lotads we’re taking care of are all hatched and accounted for. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Pikipek staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The bird Pokémon chirps happily, clumsily flying up to you.

“I see he has taken a liking to you already!” Skybracer laughs. “Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” you say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, our last Pikipek egg was delivered successfully, the Toucannon must have produced two eggs and this little one probably got snatched by another Pokémon. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You grab the little bird between your hands as you smile at him. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

It chirps in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Pikipek’s vibrant red forehead and watching the little bird disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Pikipek was now yours.

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You lift the pudgy Pokémon higher so you can see each other eye-to-eye. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

It honks in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Lotad’s leaf and watching him disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Lotad was now yours.

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You grab the little bird between your hands as you smile at him. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

It chirps in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Pikipek’s vibrant red forehead and watching the little bird disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Pikipek was now yours.

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” The Adeptus’ violet eyes sparkle with glee as they walk you to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” The Adeptus’ violet eyes sparkle with glee as they walk you to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” The Adeptus’ violet eyes sparkle with glee as they walk you to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

“I would like to feed the water Pokémon!”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes. A couple Persians look up, keen eyes watching you walk by, their tails thumping loudly.

Skybracer takes you all the way to the back, where you can see a blue-green pond that’s clearly too big for the small building you had spotted from outside. You can spot a Lapras, placidly drifting with her eyes closed, a Primarina and some Krabbies using her shell to hang out.

“I would like to feed the water Pokémon!”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes. A couple Persians look up, keen eyes watching you walk by, their tails thumping loudly.

Skybracer takes you all the way to the back, where you can see a blue-green pond that’s clearly too big for the small building you had spotted from outside. You can spot a Lapras, placidly drifting with her eyes closed, a Primarina and some Krabbies using her shell to hang out.

“I would like to feed the water Pokémon!”

You follow them through the garden, the previously napping Breloom getting up to follow you around, losing interest after a couple minutes. A couple Persians look up, keen eyes watching you walk by, their tails thumping loudly.

Skybracer takes you all the way to the back, where you can see a blue-green pond that’s clearly too big for the small building you had spotted from outside. You can spot a Lapras, placidly drifting with her eyes closed, a Primarina and some Krabbies using her shell to hang out.

The Adeptus takes you closer to the shore, and with a wave of their hand a bag of food appears from thin air and drops into your surprised hands.

Already the Lotads you had previously assumed to be Lotus leaves suddenly get up and start running circles around you, honking with glee. You can’t help but laugh and with an approving nod from Skybracer, you start dropping dry pellets, like one would feed city doves.

The Lotads gobble the food eagerly, and while they’re distracted, you carefully make your way around them to throw more pellets to the fish Pokémon that were staring at you eagerly, their heads peeking out of the pond’s surface.

Briefly you wonder if you would have enough to feed everyone as the Lapras opens her eyes and makes a beeline towards you, hunger in her gaze. But you shouldn’t have worried as the bag in your hands seems to refill itself, more pellets taking the place of the ones you grab.

Distractedly, you hear the Lotads honking in distress, and you glimpse them running away out of the corner of your eye.

“What—?” You manage to say before a sizable wave crashes against the shore, drowning you and all the poor Pokémon that had gotten caught as well.

The Adeptus takes you closer to the shore, and with a wave of their hand a bag of food appears from thin air and drops into your surprised hands.

Already the Lotads you had previously assumed to be Lotus leaves suddenly get up and start running circles around you, honking with glee. You can’t help but laugh and with an approving nod from Skybracer, you start dropping dry pellets, like one would feed city doves.

The Lotads gobble the food eagerly, and while they’re distracted, you carefully make your way around them to throw more pellets to the fish Pokémon that were staring at you eagerly, their heads peeking out of the pond’s surface.

Briefly you wonder if you would have enough to feed everyone as the Lapras opens her eyes and makes a beeline towards you, hunger in her gaze. But you shouldn’t have worried as the bag in your hands seems to refill itself, more pellets taking the place of the ones you grab.

Distractedly, you hear the Lotads honking in distress, and you glimpse them running away out of the corner of your eye.

“What—?” You manage to say before a sizable wave crashes against the shore, drowning you and all the poor Pokémon that had gotten caught as well.

The Adeptus takes you closer to the shore, and with a wave of their hand a bag of food appears from thin air and drops into your surprised hands.

Already the Lotads you had previously assumed to be Lotus leaves suddenly get up and start running circles around you, honking with glee. You can’t help but laugh and with an approving nod from Skybracer, you start dropping dry pellets, like one would feed city doves.

The Lotads gobble the food eagerly, and while they’re distracted, you carefully make your way around them to throw more pellets to the fish Pokémon that were staring at you eagerly, their heads peeking out of the pond’s surface.

Briefly you wonder if you would have enough to feed everyone as the Lapras opens her eyes and makes a beeline towards you, hunger in her gaze. But you shouldn’t have worried as the bag in your hands seems to refill itself, more pellets taking the place of the ones you grab.

Distractedly, you hear the Lotads honking in distress, and you glimpse them running away out of the corner of your eye.

“What—?” You manage to say before a sizable wave crashes against the shore, drowning you and all the poor Pokémon that had gotten caught as well.

You splutter, completely drenched from head to toe. A soft, rumbling keen reaches your ears and you push wet hair out of your eyes to see the Lapras lowering her head, apologetically staring at you, as she nuzzles you gently. You pat her and say, “It’s okay, it’s okay, it was an accident!”

The Lapras sighs sadly, but perks up when you grab the food bag you had fortunately kept ahold of, and offer a handful to her.

She opens her massive mouth, and you just empty the bag several times inside it, until she’s satisfied and leaves.

Once you are done feeding the Pokémon, you start making your way back, still dripping water everywhere, when you spot something out of the corner of your eyes.

You splutter, completely drenched from head to toe. A soft, rumbling keen reaches your ears and you push wet hair out of your eyes to see the Lapras lowering her head, apologetically staring at you, as she nuzzles you gently. You pat her and say, “It’s okay, it’s okay, it was an accident!”

The Lapras sighs sadly, but perks up when you grab the food bag you had fortunately kept ahold of, and offer a handful to her.

She opens her massive mouth, and you just empty the bag several times inside it, until she’s satisfied and leaves.

Once you are done feeding the Pokémon, you start making your way back, still dripping water everywhere, when you spot something out of the corner of your eyes.

You splutter, completely drenched from head to toe. A soft, rumbling keen reaches your ears and you push wet hair out of your eyes to see the Lapras lowering her head, apologetically staring at you, as she nuzzles you gently. You pat her and say, “It’s okay, it’s okay, it was an accident!”

The Lapras sighs sadly, but perks up when you grab the food bag you had fortunately kept ahold of, and offer a handful to her.

She opens her massive mouth, and you just empty the bag several times inside it, until she’s satisfied and leaves.

Once you are done feeding the Pokémon, you start making your way back, still dripping water everywhere, when you spot something out of the corner of your eyes.

To your horror you realize that an egg must have been washed up from the depths of the pond by the Lapras’ excitement. You grab it gingerly, admiring the typical markings on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to Skybracer, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

To your horror you realize that an egg must have been washed up from the depths of the pond by the Lapras’ excitement. You grab it gingerly, admiring the typical markings on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to Skybracer, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

To your horror you realize that an egg must have been washed up from the depths of the pond by the Lapras’ excitement. You grab it gingerly, admiring the typical markings on its shell. Oh god, what do you do with an egg?

You look around, “Who’s this from? Is anyone missing an egg?”

Unsurprisingly, none of the Pokémon give you a satisfying reply.

Since nobody got angry at you for grabbing the egg, you decide to take it to Skybracer, so it won’t lay unprotected on the ground.

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting the Adeptus writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

Skybracer immediately looks up at you, scandalized. “Why are you wet?”

“Oh, uh…” In your excitement and concern over the egg you’ve found, you forget you’re, well… still dripping water everywhere. “The Lapras was a little hungry.”

Skybracer huffs a laugh, drawing closer and waving a hand in your direction. A sigil blazes to life in the air and you can feel a warm breeze enveloping you. Once it leaves, you’re warm and dry like fresh laundry.

They nod. “There we go. Now, what was this about an egg? Where did you find it?”

“It got washed up,” you immediately answer, handing the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hmm.” They hand it back to you as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “Let me check the database, every so often we get one or two additional eggs that appear or disappear at random, and… “

He trails off, but you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting the Adeptus writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

Skybracer immediately looks up at you, scandalized. “Why are you wet?”

“Oh, uh…” In your excitement and concern over the egg you’ve found, you forget you’re, well… still dripping water everywhere. “The Lapras was a little hungry.”

Skybracer huffs a laugh, drawing closer and waving a hand in your direction. A sigil blazes to life in the air and you can feel a warm breeze enveloping you. Once it leaves, you’re warm and dry like fresh laundry.

They nod. “There we go. Now, what was this about an egg? Where did you find it?”

“It got washed up,” you immediately answer, handing the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hmm.” They hand it back to you as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “Let me check the database, every so often we get one or two additional eggs that appear or disappear at random, and… “

He trails off, but you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

“Hello? I’m back,” you say, quickly spotting the Adeptus writing on what looks like a journal at the receptionist’s desk. “I found an egg.”

Skybracer immediately looks up at you, scandalized. “Why are you wet?”

“Oh, uh…” In your excitement and concern over the egg you’ve found, you forget you’re, well… still dripping water everywhere. “The Lapras was a little hungry.”

Skybracer huffs a laugh, drawing closer and waving a hand in your direction. A sigil blazes to life in the air and you can feel a warm breeze enveloping you. Once it leaves, you’re warm and dry like fresh laundry.

They nod. “There we go. Now, what was this about an egg? Where did you find it?”

“It got washed up,” you immediately answer, handing the egg over as they gently inspect it. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.”

“Hmm.” They hand it back to you as they return to their desk, grabbing their computer instead. “Let me check the database, every so often we get one or two additional eggs that appear or disappear at random, and… “

He trails off, but you’re no longer paying attention as the egg in your hands begins to squirm.

You grab onto it more firmly, but in a flash of blinding light, it disappears, leaving you holding something else entirely.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Lotad staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The Pokémon makes a funny noise, wiggling his plump little body and almost making you drop him.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Lotad staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The Pokémon makes a funny noise, wiggling his plump little body and almost making you drop him.

You blink your eyes repeatedly, until you notice there’s a Lotad staring back at you from the comfort of your hands. The Pokémon makes a funny noise, wiggling his plump little body and almost making you drop him.

“Odd,” Skybracer says, as the Pokémon nuzzles into your stomach, noisily making your acquaintance. “The last Ludicolo to visit us was a couple weeks ago, and the batch of Lotads we’re taking care of are all hatched and accounted for. I wonder how this one managed to remain unnoticed this long.” They smile. “I see he has taken a liking to you. Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” You say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, as mentioned all of the Lotads were hatched successfully, the Ludicolo must have produced an extra when we weren’t looking, and this little one probably got snatched by another Pokémon. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You lift the pudgy Pokémon higher so you can see each other eye-to-eye. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

“Odd,” Skybracer says, as the Pokémon nuzzles into your stomach, noisily making your acquaintance. “The last Ludicolo to visit us was a couple weeks ago, and the batch of Lotads we’re taking care of are all hatched and accounted for. I wonder how this one managed to remain unnoticed this long.” They smile. “I see he has taken a liking to you. Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” You say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, as mentioned all of the Lotads were hatched successfully, the Ludicolo must have produced an extra when we weren’t looking, and this little one probably got snatched by another Pokémon. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You lift the pudgy Pokémon higher so you can see each other eye-to-eye. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

“Odd,” Skybracer says, as the Pokémon nuzzles into your stomach, noisily making your acquaintance. “The last Ludicolo to visit us was a couple weeks ago, and the batch of Lotads we’re taking care of are all hatched and accounted for. I wonder how this one managed to remain unnoticed this long.” They smile. “I see he has taken a liking to you. Would you like to keep him?”

“Eh?” You say, shocked. “Are you sure? Doesn’t he have a trainer already?”

The Adeptus shakes their head. “No, as mentioned all of the Lotads were hatched successfully, the Ludicolo must have produced an extra when we weren’t looking, and this little one probably got snatched by another Pokémon. In any case, he doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

“Oh, in that case, I suppose I can keep him,” you say, the words slowly sinking in. You lift the pudgy Pokémon higher so you can see each other eye-to-eye. “Do you want to be my Pokémon?”

It honks in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Lotad’s leaf and watching him disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Lotad was now yours.

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” Skybracer says as you walk to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

It honks in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Lotad’s leaf and watching him disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Lotad was now yours.

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” Skybracer says as you walk to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

It honks in delight, and you fumble for a new Poké Ball from your satchel, gently pressing it against the Lotad’s leaf and watching him disappear in a flash of red.

The Poké Ball glowed red as well, before settling with a pleasant hum. The Lotad was now yours.

“I’m happy to see this visit of yours proved to be beneficial to the both of us.” Skybracer says as you walk to the exit. “Do take care of your new Pokémon, and feel free to visit us at any time.”

“Thank you!”

With a new friend on your belt, you continue on your journey.

End of Week 3

It’s not everyday when you wake up to see the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing brewing tea in your kitchen, but today seems to be the exception. You mumble a tired greeting to Keqing as you stumble into the dining area, cup of coffee clutched in hand.

“I need you to find the best recipe for Poképuffs,” she informs you with the directness that normally Ningguang holds. “It is crucial we perfect the recipe to present at the convention.”

You, still in a sleepy trance, only respond when the first drop of caffeine hits your tongue. “Where’d you want me to start?”

Xiangling’s a chef, so it’s only common sense you accompany her on her journey. A small part of you worries that slime condensate would end up being the secret ingredient… but never mind! Xiangling’s easy to find, prepping ingredients for her father’s restaurant in the early morning.

“Hey, Traveler!” She shouts, probably waking up the entire block. You give a warmhearted greeting in return, filling her in on Keqing’s request. Guoba’s tussling with a Fennekin in the corner, playfully smacking its ears. “Of course. I’ve developed two ideas focusing around more savory types. Which one do you think would be better, Jueyun chilis or bamboo shoots?”

Xingqiu? You remember Dottore and the Treasure Hoarders, and can't help but fight a shudder. Chongyun, if you recall right, is his childhood friend.

“I have been closely studying the intricacies of glucose levels in the local flora of Liyue,” Xingqiu proudly says, clapping a hand on your shoulder despite being shorter than you. “How’s your Bulbasaur doing?”

“Pretty well!” you answer. “And I picked up a new Pikipek at the Daycare Center too. But uh, what’s this about glucose… levels?”

“Basically, what he means is that he has no idea what he’s doing,” Chongyun pipes up, which surprises you because he’s typically mild-mannered. Xingqiu playfully whacks him on the back of the head before producing a notebook from nowhere and flipping to its bookmarked page. He accidentally drops it. You, with lightning reflexes, drop down to catch it. Xingqiu meets your eyes as he mirrors your action, quietly saying, “I think someone’s watching us.”

Xiangling claps her hands. “Good! Let’s go, then.”

You two walk past a cluster of Pidoves that scatter as the girl picks her way through Liyue Harbor. Eventually, you stop at a house at the edge of the town, well loved and weathered with the elements. There’s an old woman who brightens upon seeing Xiangling.

“Hello, xiaojie,” the woman says cheerfully. “I have your chilis ready. Would you like to come in?”

“Sure,” Xiangling responds, gesturing for you to come inside. Before she does, though, she frowns and turns to you, whispering. “Do you feel like someone’s… watching us?”

Just when you make your way to Qingce, a flash shower tumbles down, drenching the two of you. Xiangling droops slightly, but isn’t quite deterred.

“We’ll just call a friend and combine ideas, then,” the girl says cheerfully. Before you can respond, she cups her hands around her mouth and shouts as loud as she can. “Xingqiu! Chongyun!!” With no response, she sighs. “I’ll go run around to find them. Just stay here.”

She leaves. A few seconds later, you hear the approaching footsteps of two people—one steady, the other fumbling while they’re running. The boys are twin gemstones—one cloaked in a deep azure, the other a cloud blue. You can’t help but chuckle at the way the dark blue haired boy—wait a second, he’s familiar—skids to a stop a breadth away from his companion, chest heaving.

“You called us!” The light haired boy exclaims. You try to explain, but his companion is uneasily wringing his hands.

The dark haired boy turns his head sharply, and then you startle. “Xingqiu?”

“Traveler,” he greets, and then pulls you aside. “I feel like someone’s watching us. Do you feel it? The subtle tension in the air… the scent of danger. It feels… even stronger than Cobalion had been.”

“I think we may have worried for nothing,” Chongyun quietly surmises as you huff to a stop, winded. You’d fast walked all the way here in an attempt to drag the lurker out, but somehow instead you lost them.

Well, that’s good…one way or another. You still can’t rid the chills that shudder up your spine.

“If Xiangling were here, we’d have strength in numbers, you know,” Xingqiu says. “But the only thing we can do is to meet up with her after we get the Qingxin. By we, I mean I guide you and you climb. Chongyun will be there for moral support.”

“I’ll try to catch you if you fall,” Chongyun says. He says it too seriously, and you stare at him for a bit before he flushes. “It’s a joke, don’t worry.”

A flash of purple so fast you barely miss it. But Xingqiu’s sharp eyes catch nothing, and so does Chongyun’s senses, so you dismiss it.

“Anyways, we need to go find some Qingxin for the Poképuffs,” Xingqiu says after a pause. “I know the terrain of the mountains well, so I can guide you. Unfortunately, my climbing skills are less on par. Would you help me? Just make sure to go to the right side of the mountain.”

You agree, because that fulfills your assigned task. But you kind of regret it soon after, because you find yourself scaling a very tall mountain. You forget which way to go after you hit a certain checkpoint, though…what did Xingqiu say?

You nearly shriek. It’s just a Toxel that launches at your face. Xiangling laughs. Red faced, you join her inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

“Ow!”

Xiangling rushes over as you gasp at the static. “I must have… touched something metallic,” you mutter, waving her concerns aside. “Don’t worry about it. Electric static is pretty normal.” You don’t think too much about it and go inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

As you leave, you do notice, however, that there’s no metal scraps that you could have touched. Maybe someone moved the metal when you spent the time inside? There’s no other explanation for the electric shock you felt…

When you go to Chef Mao’s place, you find that Xiangling greets Xingqiu and Chongyun with grace. “And Xingyan will come later!” She says, clapping her hands. “She’s the best with spice.”

Chongyun looks like he’s about to object, but Xingqiu places a ginger hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Xiangling is a pro in the kitchen, divvying up roles. In no time, you manage to make a set of multicolored Poképuffs. Xingqiu ends up doing his own cooking, and you’re presented with shades of red and pale green.

“Ah, traveler!” Xingyan calls, walking through the doorway. “I smelled a terrific scent and followed it here.” She pops a Poképuff in her mouth casually—a red one—and shudders pleasantly. “Wow! This is amazing.”

“Thank you,” Xiangling says, evidently embarrassed at the praise. “Anyways, Traveler, which one do you like better?”

You pick the flowers. They’re cold to the touch, water beading on its edges like crystals. You’re pretty proud of yourself, and Xingqiu claps his hands. A few Swablu and Altaria begin to float around you, attracted by the bittersweet scent of the Qingxin.

“Great job!” Chongyun calls. There’s a Swablu that’s landed on his head and decided to make a home there. You laugh, petting the Swablu after you climb down. That’s a job well done. Time to bring this back to the kitchen.

You lose your footing. For a moment, the world expands in your stomach, hollowing it from the inside out. The wind streams against your back like razor edges. You don’t dare move your arms in fear of the wind tearing through them.

Your back meets warmth. Chongyun’s yelling something, balanced on an Altaria. There’s another Altaria that you’re meshed against, chirruping cheerfully.

“I told you to go right,” Xingqiu says, concern coloring his cheeks. “I’m so glad Chongyun reacts fast.”

You try again, visibly shaken at the fall, but at least Chongyun’s extra careful to maneuver his Altaria to tail you. Soon enough, the fruits of your labor are clutched in your hands—stalks of pearlescent Qingxin, cold with beads of condensation dripping from its tips. Time to head to the kitchen to process it.

“No worries,” Xingqiu says, amused. “I think Keqing would be super surprised when you present her with the spicy option. Take some of mine, though—just for yourself and your Pokémon.”

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red… we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

“It is very unique,” Xiangling says, eyes sparkling. “Xingqiu! You gotta teach me some of your ways. Did you read about synergy or something?”

“Come back after you deliver them,” Xingqiu hurriedly says to you, before turning to Xiangling and launching a full blown essay on why he chose it. You, adamant on not being dragged into an hour long lecture, leave as fast as you can (with the intent to return afterwards—you’re famished, anyways).

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red…we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

It’s not everyday when you wake up to see the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing brewing tea in your kitchen, but today seems to be the exception. You mumble a tired greeting to Keqing as you stumble into the dining area, cup of coffee clutched in hand.

“I need you to find the best recipe for Poképuffs,” she informs you with the directness that normally Ningguang holds. “It is crucial we perfect the recipe to present at the convention.”

You, still in a sleepy trance, only respond when the first drop of caffeine hits your tongue. “Where’d you want me to start?”

Xiangling’s a chef, so it’s only common sense you accompany her on her journey. A small part of you worries that slime condensate would end up being the secret ingredient… but never mind! Xiangling’s easy to find, prepping ingredients for her father’s restaurant in the early morning.

“Hey, Traveler!” She shouts, probably waking up the entire block. You give a warmhearted greeting in return, filling her in on Keqing’s request. Guoba’s tussling with a Fennekin in the corner, playfully smacking its ears. “Of course. I’ve developed two ideas focusing around more savory types. Which one do you think would be better, Jueyun chilis or bamboo shoots?”

Xingqiu? You remember Dottore and the Treasure Hoarders, and can't help but fight a shudder. Chongyun, if you recall right, is his childhood friend.

“I have been closely studying the intricacies of glucose levels in the local flora of Liyue,” Xingqiu proudly says, clapping a hand on your shoulder despite being shorter than you. “How’s your Charmander doing?”

“Pretty well!” you answer. “And I picked up a new Pikipek at the Daycare Center too. But uh, what’s this about glucose… levels?”

“Basically, what he means is that he has no idea what he’s doing,” Chongyun pipes up, which surprises you because he’s typically mild-mannered. Xingqiu playfully whacks him on the back of the head before producing a notebook from nowhere and flipping to its bookmarked page. He accidentally drops it. You, with lightning reflexes, drop down to catch it. Xingqiu meets your eyes as he mirrors your action, quietly saying, “I think someone’s watching us.”

Xiangling claps her hands. “Good! Let’s go, then.”

You two walk past a cluster of Pidoves that scatter as the girl picks her way through Liyue Harbor. Eventually, you stop at a house at the edge of the town, well loved and weathered with the elements. There’s an old woman who brightens upon seeing Xiangling.

“Hello, xiaojie,” the woman says cheerfully. “I have your chilis ready. Would you like to come in?”

“Sure,” Xiangling responds, gesturing for you to come inside. Before she does, though, she frowns and turns to you, whispering. “Do you feel like someone’s… watching us?”

Just when you make your way to Qingce, a flash shower tumbles down, drenching the two of you. Xiangling droops slightly, but isn’t quite deterred.

“We’ll just call a friend and combine ideas, then,” the girl says cheerfully. Before you can respond, she cups her hands around her mouth and shouts as loud as she can. “Xingqiu! Chongyun!!” With no response, she sighs. “I’ll go run around to find them. Just stay here.”

She leaves. A few seconds later, you hear the approaching footsteps of two people—one steady, the other fumbling while they’re running. The boys are twin gemstones—one cloaked in a deep azure, the other a cloud blue. You can’t help but chuckle at the way the dark blue haired boy—wait a second, he’s familiar—skids to a stop a breadth away from his companion, chest heaving.

“You called us!” The light haired boy exclaims. You try to explain, but his companion is uneasily wringing his hands.

The dark haired boy turns his head sharply, and then you startle. “Xingqiu?”

“Traveler,” he greets, and then pulls you aside. “I feel like someone’s watching us. Do you feel it? The subtle tension in the air… the scent of danger. It feels… even stronger than Cobalion had been.”

“I think we may have worried for nothing,” Chongyun quietly surmises as you huff to a stop, winded. You’d fast walked all the way here in an attempt to drag the lurker out, but somehow instead you lost them.

Well, that’s good…one way or another. You still can’t rid the chills that shudder up your spine.

“If Xiangling were here, we’d have strength in numbers, you know,” Xingqiu says. “But the only thing we can do is to meet up with her after we get the Qingxin. By we, I mean I guide you and you climb. Chongyun will be there for moral support.”

“I’ll try to catch you if you fall,” Chongyun says. He says it too seriously, and you stare at him for a bit before he flushes. “It’s a joke, don’t worry.”

A flash of purple so fast you barely miss it. But Xingqiu’s sharp eyes catch nothing, and so does Chongyun’s senses, so you dismiss it.

“Anyways, we need to go find some Qingxin for the Poképuffs,” Xingqiu says after a pause. “I know the terrain of the mountains well, so I can guide you. Unfortunately, my climbing skills are less on par. Would you help me? Just make sure to go to the right side of the mountain.”

You agree, because that fulfills your assigned task. But you kind of regret it soon after, because you find yourself scaling a very tall mountain. You forget which way to go after you hit a certain checkpoint, though…what did Xingqiu say?

You nearly shriek. It’s just a Toxel that launches at your face. Xiangling laughs. Red faced, you join her inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

“Ow!”

Xiangling rushes over as you gasp at the static. “I must have… touched something metallic,” you mutter, waving her concerns aside. “Don’t worry about it. Electric static is pretty normal.” You don’t think too much about it and go inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

As you leave, you do notice, however, that there’s no metal scraps that you could have touched. Maybe someone moved the metal when you spent the time inside? There’s no other explanation for the electric shock you felt…

When you go to Chef Mao’s place, you find that Xiangling greets Xingqiu and Chongyun with grace. “And Xingyan will come later!” She says, clapping her hands. “She’s the best with spice.”

Chongyun looks like he’s about to object, but Xingqiu places a ginger hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Xiangling is a pro in the kitchen, divvying up roles. In no time, you manage to make a set of multicolored Poképuffs. Xingqiu ends up doing his own cooking, and you’re presented with shades of red and pale green.

“Ah, traveler!” Xingyan calls, walking through the doorway. “I smelled a terrific scent and followed it here.” She pops a Poképuff in her mouth casually—a red one—and shudders pleasantly. “Wow! This is amazing.”

“Thank you,” Xiangling says, evidently embarrassed at the praise. “Anyways, Traveler, which one do you like better?”

You pick the flowers. They’re cold to the touch, water beading on its edges like crystals. You’re pretty proud of yourself, and Xingqiu claps his hands. A few Swablu and Altaria begin to float around you, attracted by the bittersweet scent of the Qingxin.

“Great job!” Chongyun calls. There’s a Swablu that’s landed on his head and decided to make a home there. You laugh, petting the Swablu after you climb down. That’s a job well done. Time to bring this back to the kitchen.

You lose your footing. For a moment, the world expands in your stomach, hollowing it from the inside out. The wind streams against your back like razor edges. You don’t dare move your arms in fear of the wind tearing through them.

Your back meets warmth. Chongyun’s yelling something, balanced on an Altaria. There’s another Altaria that you’re meshed against, chirruping cheerfully.

“I told you to go right,” Xingqiu says, concern coloring his cheeks. “I’m so glad Chongyun reacts fast.”

You try again, visibly shaken at the fall, but at least Chongyun’s extra careful to maneuver his Altaria to tail you. Soon enough, the fruits of your labor are clutched in your hands—stalks of pearlescent Qingxin, cold with beads of condensation dripping from its tips. Time to head to the kitchen to process it.

“No worries,” Xingqiu says, amused. “I think Keqing would be super surprised when you present her with the spicy option. Take some of mine, though—just for yourself and your Pokémon.”

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red… we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

“It is very unique,” Xiangling says, eyes sparkling. “Xingqiu! You gotta teach me some of your ways. Did you read about synergy or something?”

“Come back after you deliver them,” Xingqiu hurriedly says to you, before turning to Xiangling and launching a full blown essay on why he chose it. You, adamant on not being dragged into an hour long lecture, leave as fast as you can (with the intent to return afterwards—you’re famished, anyways).

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red…we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

It’s not everyday when you wake up to see the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing brewing tea in your kitchen, but today seems to be the exception. You mumble a tired greeting to Keqing as you stumble into the dining area, cup of coffee clutched in hand.

“I need you to find the best recipe for Poképuffs,” she informs you with the directness that normally Ningguang holds. “It is crucial we perfect the recipe to present at the convention.”

You, still in a sleepy trance, only respond when the first drop of caffeine hits your tongue. “Where’d you want me to start?”

Xiangling’s a chef, so it’s only common sense you accompany her on her journey. A small part of you worries that slime condensate would end up being the secret ingredient… but never mind! Xiangling’s easy to find, prepping ingredients for her father’s restaurant in the early morning.

“Hey, Traveler!” She shouts, probably waking up the entire block. You give a warmhearted greeting in return, filling her in on Keqing’s request. Guoba’s tussling with a Fennekin in the corner, playfully smacking its ears. “Of course. I’ve developed two ideas focusing around more savory types. Which one do you think would be better, Jueyun chilis or bamboo shoots?”

Xingqiu? You remember Dottore and the Treasure Hoarders, and can't help but fight a shudder. Chongyun, if you recall right, is his childhood friend.

“I have been closely studying the intricacies of glucose levels in the local flora of Liyue,” Xingqiu proudly says, clapping a hand on your shoulder despite being shorter than you. “How’s your Squirtle doing?”

“Pretty well!” you answer. “And I picked up a new Pikipek at the Daycare Center too. But uh, what’s this about glucose… levels?”

“Basically, what he means is that he has no idea what he’s doing,” Chongyun pipes up, which surprises you because he’s typically mild-mannered. Xingqiu playfully whacks him on the back of the head before producing a notebook from nowhere and flipping to its bookmarked page. He accidentally drops it. You, with lightning reflexes, drop down to catch it. Xingqiu meets your eyes as he mirrors your action, quietly saying, “I think someone’s watching us.”

Xiangling claps her hands. “Good! Let’s go, then.”

You two walk past a cluster of Pidoves that scatter as the girl picks her way through Liyue Harbor. Eventually, you stop at a house at the edge of the town, well loved and weathered with the elements. There’s an old woman who brightens upon seeing Xiangling.

“Hello, xiaojie,” the woman says cheerfully. “I have your chilis ready. Would you like to come in?”

“Sure,” Xiangling responds, gesturing for you to come inside. Before she does, though, she frowns and turns to you, whispering. “Do you feel like someone’s… watching us?”

Just when you make your way to Qingce, a flash shower tumbles down, drenching the two of you. Xiangling droops slightly, but isn’t quite deterred.

“We’ll just call a friend and combine ideas, then,” the girl says cheerfully. Before you can respond, she cups her hands around her mouth and shouts as loud as she can. “Xingqiu! Chongyun!!” With no response, she sighs. “I’ll go run around to find them. Just stay here.”

She leaves. A few seconds later, you hear the approaching footsteps of two people—one steady, the other fumbling while they’re running. The boys are twin gemstones—one cloaked in a deep azure, the other a cloud blue. You can’t help but chuckle at the way the dark blue haired boy—wait a second, he’s familiar—skids to a stop a breadth away from his companion, chest heaving.

“You called us!” The light haired boy exclaims. You try to explain, but his companion is uneasily wringing his hands.

The dark haired boy turns his head sharply, and then you startle. “Xingqiu?”

“Traveler,” he greets, and then pulls you aside. “I feel like someone’s watching us. Do you feel it? The subtle tension in the air… the scent of danger. It feels… even stronger than Cobalion had been.”

“I think we may have worried for nothing,” Chongyun quietly surmises as you huff to a stop, winded. You’d fast walked all the way here in an attempt to drag the lurker out, but somehow instead you lost them.

Well, that’s good…one way or another. You still can’t rid the chills that shudder up your spine.

“If Xiangling were here, we’d have strength in numbers, you know,” Xingqiu says. “But the only thing we can do is to meet up with her after we get the Qingxin. By we, I mean I guide you and you climb. Chongyun will be there for moral support.”

“I’ll try to catch you if you fall,” Chongyun says. He says it too seriously, and you stare at him for a bit before he flushes. “It’s a joke, don’t worry.”

A flash of purple so fast you barely miss it. But Xingqiu’s sharp eyes catch nothing, and so does Chongyun’s senses, so you dismiss it.

“Anyways, we need to go find some Qingxin for the Poképuffs,” Xingqiu says after a pause. “I know the terrain of the mountains well, so I can guide you. Unfortunately, my climbing skills are less on par. Would you help me? Just make sure to go to the right side of the mountain.”

You agree, because that fulfills your assigned task. But you kind of regret it soon after, because you find yourself scaling a very tall mountain. You forget which way to go after you hit a certain checkpoint, though…what did Xingqiu say?

You nearly shriek. It’s just a Toxel that launches at your face. Xiangling laughs. Red faced, you join her inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

“Ow!”

Xiangling rushes over as you gasp at the static. “I must have… touched something metallic,” you mutter, waving her concerns aside. “Don’t worry about it. Electric static is pretty normal.” You don’t think too much about it and go inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

As you leave, you do notice, however, that there’s no metal scraps that you could have touched. Maybe someone moved the metal when you spent the time inside? There’s no other explanation for the electric shock you felt…

When you go to Chef Mao’s place, you find that Xiangling greets Xingqiu and Chongyun with grace. “And Xingyan will come later!” She says, clapping her hands. “She’s the best with spice.”

Chongyun looks like he’s about to object, but Xingqiu places a ginger hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Xiangling is a pro in the kitchen, divvying up roles. In no time, you manage to make a set of multicolored Poképuffs. Xingqiu ends up doing his own cooking, and you’re presented with shades of red and pale green.

“Ah, traveler!” Xingyan calls, walking through the doorway. “I smelled a terrific scent and followed it here.” She pops a Poképuff in her mouth casually—a red one—and shudders pleasantly. “Wow! This is amazing.”

“Thank you,” Xiangling says, evidently embarrassed at the praise. “Anyways, Traveler, which one do you like better?”

You pick the flowers. They’re cold to the touch, water beading on its edges like crystals. You’re pretty proud of yourself, and Xingqiu claps his hands. A few Swablu and Altaria begin to float around you, attracted by the bittersweet scent of the Qingxin.

“Great job!” Chongyun calls. There’s a Swablu that’s landed on his head and decided to make a home there. You laugh, petting the Swablu after you climb down. That’s a job well done. Time to bring this back to the kitchen.

You lose your footing. For a moment, the world expands in your stomach, hollowing it from the inside out. The wind streams against your back like razor edges. You don’t dare move your arms in fear of the wind tearing through them.

Your back meets warmth. Chongyun’s yelling something, balanced on an Altaria. There’s another Altaria that you’re meshed against, chirruping cheerfully.

“I told you to go right,” Xingqiu says, concern coloring his cheeks. “I’m so glad Chongyun reacts fast.”

You try again, visibly shaken at the fall, but at least Chongyun’s extra careful to maneuver his Altaria to tail you. Soon enough, the fruits of your labor are clutched in your hands—stalks of pearlescent Qingxin, cold with beads of condensation dripping from its tips. Time to head to the kitchen to process it.

“No worries,” Xingqiu says, amused. “I think Keqing would be super surprised when you present her with the spicy option. Take some of mine, though—just for yourself and your Pokémon.”

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red… we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

“It is very unique,” Xiangling says, eyes sparkling. “Xingqiu! You gotta teach me some of your ways. Did you read about synergy or something?”

“Come back after you deliver them,” Xingqiu hurriedly says to you, before turning to Xiangling and launching a full blown essay on why he chose it. You, adamant on not being dragged into an hour long lecture, leave as fast as you can (with the intent to return afterwards—you’re famished, anyways).

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red…we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

It’s not everyday when you wake up to see the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing brewing tea in your kitchen, but today seems to be the exception. You mumble a tired greeting to Keqing as you stumble into the dining area, cup of coffee clutched in hand.

“I need you to find the best recipe for Poképuffs,” she informs you with the directness that normally Ningguang holds. “It is crucial we perfect the recipe to present at the convention.”

You, still in a sleepy trance, only respond when the first drop of caffeine hits your tongue. “Where’d you want me to start?”

Xiangling’s a chef, so it’s only common sense you accompany her on her journey. A small part of you worries that slime condensate would end up being the secret ingredient… but never mind! Xiangling’s easy to find, prepping ingredients for her father’s restaurant in the early morning.

“Hey, Traveler!” She shouts, probably waking up the entire block. You give a warmhearted greeting in return, filling her in on Keqing’s request. Guoba’s tussling with a Fennekin in the corner, playfully smacking its ears. “Of course. I’ve developed two ideas focusing around more savory types. Which one do you think would be better, Jueyun chilis or bamboo shoots?”

Xingqiu? You remember Dottore and the Treasure Hoarders, and can't help but fight a shudder. Chongyun, if you recall right, is his childhood friend.

“I have been closely studying the intricacies of glucose levels in the local flora of Liyue,” Xingqiu proudly says, clapping a hand on your shoulder despite being shorter than you. “How’s your Bulbasaur doing?”

“Pretty well!” you answer. “And I picked up a new Lotad at the Daycare Center too. But uh, what’s this about glucose… levels?”

“Basically, what he means is that he has no idea what he’s doing,” Chongyun pipes up, which surprises you because he’s typically mild-mannered. Xingqiu playfully whacks him on the back of the head before producing a notebook from nowhere and flipping to its bookmarked page. He accidentally drops it. You, with lightning reflexes, drop down to catch it. Xingqiu meets your eyes as he mirrors your action, quietly saying, “I think someone’s watching us.”

Xiangling claps her hands. “Good! Let’s go, then.”

You two walk past a cluster of Pidoves that scatter as the girl picks her way through Liyue Harbor. Eventually, you stop at a house at the edge of the town, well loved and weathered with the elements. There’s an old woman who brightens upon seeing Xiangling.

“Hello, xiaojie,” the woman says cheerfully. “I have your chilis ready. Would you like to come in?”

“Sure,” Xiangling responds, gesturing for you to come inside. Before she does, though, she frowns and turns to you, whispering. “Do you feel like someone’s… watching us?”

Just when you make your way to Qingce, a flash shower tumbles down, drenching the two of you. Xiangling droops slightly, but isn’t quite deterred.

“We’ll just call a friend and combine ideas, then,” the girl says cheerfully. Before you can respond, she cups her hands around her mouth and shouts as loud as she can. “Xingqiu! Chongyun!!” With no response, she sighs. “I’ll go run around to find them. Just stay here.”

She leaves. A few seconds later, you hear the approaching footsteps of two people—one steady, the other fumbling while they’re running. The boys are twin gemstones—one cloaked in a deep azure, the other a cloud blue. You can’t help but chuckle at the way the dark blue haired boy—wait a second, he’s familiar—skids to a stop a breadth away from his companion, chest heaving.

“You called us!” The light haired boy exclaims. You try to explain, but his companion is uneasily wringing his hands.

The dark haired boy turns his head sharply, and then you startle. “Xingqiu?”

“Traveler,” he greets, and then pulls you aside. “I feel like someone’s watching us. Do you feel it? The subtle tension in the air… the scent of danger. It feels… even stronger than Cobalion had been.”

“I think we may have worried for nothing,” Chongyun quietly surmises as you huff to a stop, winded. You’d fast walked all the way here in an attempt to drag the lurker out, but somehow instead you lost them.

Well, that’s good…one way or another. You still can’t rid the chills that shudder up your spine.

“If Xiangling were here, we’d have strength in numbers, you know,” Xingqiu says. “But the only thing we can do is to meet up with her after we get the Qingxin. By we, I mean I guide you and you climb. Chongyun will be there for moral support.”

“I’ll try to catch you if you fall,” Chongyun says. He says it too seriously, and you stare at him for a bit before he flushes. “It’s a joke, don’t worry.”

A flash of purple so fast you barely miss it. But Xingqiu’s sharp eyes catch nothing, and so does Chongyun’s senses, so you dismiss it.

“Anyways, we need to go find some Qingxin for the Poképuffs,” Xingqiu says after a pause. “I know the terrain of the mountains well, so I can guide you. Unfortunately, my climbing skills are less on par. Would you help me? Just make sure to go to the right side of the mountain.”

You agree, because that fulfills your assigned task. But you kind of regret it soon after, because you find yourself scaling a very tall mountain. You forget which way to go after you hit a certain checkpoint, though…what did Xingqiu say?

You nearly shriek. It’s just a Toxel that launches at your face. Xiangling laughs. Red faced, you join her inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

“Ow!”

Xiangling rushes over as you gasp at the static. “I must have… touched something metallic,” you mutter, waving her concerns aside. “Don’t worry about it. Electric static is pretty normal.” You don’t think too much about it and go inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

As you leave, you do notice, however, that there’s no metal scraps that you could have touched. Maybe someone moved the metal when you spent the time inside? There’s no other explanation for the electric shock you felt…

When you go to Chef Mao’s place, you find that Xiangling greets Xingqiu and Chongyun with grace. “And Xingyan will come later!” She says, clapping her hands. “She’s the best with spice.”

Chongyun looks like he’s about to object, but Xingqiu places a ginger hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Xiangling is a pro in the kitchen, divvying up roles. In no time, you manage to make a set of multicolored Poképuffs. Xingqiu ends up doing his own cooking, and you’re presented with shades of red and pale green.

“Ah, traveler!” Xingyan calls, walking through the doorway. “I smelled a terrific scent and followed it here.” She pops a Poképuff in her mouth casually—a red one—and shudders pleasantly. “Wow! This is amazing.”

“Thank you,” Xiangling says, evidently embarrassed at the praise. “Anyways, Traveler, which one do you like better?”

You pick the flowers. They’re cold to the touch, water beading on its edges like crystals. You’re pretty proud of yourself, and Xingqiu claps his hands. A few Swablu and Altaria begin to float around you, attracted by the bittersweet scent of the Qingxin.

“Great job!” Chongyun calls. There’s a Swablu that’s landed on his head and decided to make a home there. You laugh, petting the Swablu after you climb down. That’s a job well done. Time to bring this back to the kitchen.

You lose your footing. For a moment, the world expands in your stomach, hollowing it from the inside out. The wind streams against your back like razor edges. You don’t dare move your arms in fear of the wind tearing through them.

Your back meets warmth. Chongyun’s yelling something, balanced on an Altaria. There’s another Altaria that you’re meshed against, chirruping cheerfully.

“I told you to go right,” Xingqiu says, concern coloring his cheeks. “I’m so glad Chongyun reacts fast.”

You try again, visibly shaken at the fall, but at least Chongyun’s extra careful to maneuver his Altaria to tail you. Soon enough, the fruits of your labor are clutched in your hands—stalks of pearlescent Qingxin, cold with beads of condensation dripping from its tips. Time to head to the kitchen to process it.

“No worries,” Xingqiu says, amused. “I think Keqing would be super surprised when you present her with the spicy option. Take some of mine, though—just for yourself and your Pokémon.”

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red… we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

“It is very unique,” Xiangling says, eyes sparkling. “Xingqiu! You gotta teach me some of your ways. Did you read about synergy or something?”

“Come back after you deliver them,” Xingqiu hurriedly says to you, before turning to Xiangling and launching a full blown essay on why he chose it. You, adamant on not being dragged into an hour long lecture, leave as fast as you can (with the intent to return afterwards—you’re famished, anyways).

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red…we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

It’s not everyday when you wake up to see the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing brewing tea in your kitchen, but today seems to be the exception. You mumble a tired greeting to Keqing as you stumble into the dining area, cup of coffee clutched in hand.

“I need you to find the best recipe for Poképuffs,” she informs you with the directness that normally Ningguang holds. “It is crucial we perfect the recipe to present at the convention.”

You, still in a sleepy trance, only respond when the first drop of caffeine hits your tongue. “Where’d you want me to start?”

Xiangling’s a chef, so it’s only common sense you accompany her on her journey. A small part of you worries that slime condensate would end up being the secret ingredient… but never mind! Xiangling’s easy to find, prepping ingredients for her father’s restaurant in the early morning.

“Hey, Traveler!” She shouts, probably waking up the entire block. You give a warmhearted greeting in return, filling her in on Keqing’s request. Guoba’s tussling with a Fennekin in the corner, playfully smacking its ears. “Of course. I’ve developed two ideas focusing around more savory types. Which one do you think would be better, Jueyun chilis or bamboo shoots?”

Xingqiu? You remember Dottore and the Treasure Hoarders, and can't help but fight a shudder. Chongyun, if you recall right, is his childhood friend.

“I have been closely studying the intricacies of glucose levels in the local flora of Liyue,” Xingqiu proudly says, clapping a hand on your shoulder despite being shorter than you. “How’s your Charmander doing?”

“Pretty well!” you answer. “And I picked up a new Lotad at the Daycare Center too. But uh, what’s this about glucose… levels?”

“Basically, what he means is that he has no idea what he’s doing,” Chongyun pipes up, which surprises you because he’s typically mild-mannered. Xingqiu playfully whacks him on the back of the head before producing a notebook from nowhere and flipping to its bookmarked page. He accidentally drops it. You, with lightning reflexes, drop down to catch it. Xingqiu meets your eyes as he mirrors your action, quietly saying, “I think someone’s watching us.”

Xiangling claps her hands. “Good! Let’s go, then.”

You two walk past a cluster of Pidoves that scatter as the girl picks her way through Liyue Harbor. Eventually, you stop at a house at the edge of the town, well loved and weathered with the elements. There’s an old woman who brightens upon seeing Xiangling.

“Hello, xiaojie,” the woman says cheerfully. “I have your chilis ready. Would you like to come in?”

“Sure,” Xiangling responds, gesturing for you to come inside. Before she does, though, she frowns and turns to you, whispering. “Do you feel like someone’s… watching us?”

Just when you make your way to Qingce, a flash shower tumbles down, drenching the two of you. Xiangling droops slightly, but isn’t quite deterred.

“We’ll just call a friend and combine ideas, then,” the girl says cheerfully. Before you can respond, she cups her hands around her mouth and shouts as loud as she can. “Xingqiu! Chongyun!!” With no response, she sighs. “I’ll go run around to find them. Just stay here.”

She leaves. A few seconds later, you hear the approaching footsteps of two people—one steady, the other fumbling while they’re running. The boys are twin gemstones—one cloaked in a deep azure, the other a cloud blue. You can’t help but chuckle at the way the dark blue haired boy—wait a second, he’s familiar—skids to a stop a breadth away from his companion, chest heaving.

“You called us!” The light haired boy exclaims. You try to explain, but his companion is uneasily wringing his hands.

The dark haired boy turns his head sharply, and then you startle. “Xingqiu?”

“Traveler,” he greets, and then pulls you aside. “I feel like someone’s watching us. Do you feel it? The subtle tension in the air… the scent of danger. It feels… even stronger than Cobalion had been.”

“I think we may have worried for nothing,” Chongyun quietly surmises as you huff to a stop, winded. You’d fast walked all the way here in an attempt to drag the lurker out, but somehow instead you lost them.

Well, that’s good…one way or another. You still can’t rid the chills that shudder up your spine.

“If Xiangling were here, we’d have strength in numbers, you know,” Xingqiu says. “But the only thing we can do is to meet up with her after we get the Qingxin. By we, I mean I guide you and you climb. Chongyun will be there for moral support.”

“I’ll try to catch you if you fall,” Chongyun says. He says it too seriously, and you stare at him for a bit before he flushes. “It’s a joke, don’t worry.”

A flash of purple so fast you barely miss it. But Xingqiu’s sharp eyes catch nothing, and so does Chongyun’s senses, so you dismiss it.

“Anyways, we need to go find some Qingxin for the Poképuffs,” Xingqiu says after a pause. “I know the terrain of the mountains well, so I can guide you. Unfortunately, my climbing skills are less on par. Would you help me? Just make sure to go to the right side of the mountain.”

You agree, because that fulfills your assigned task. But you kind of regret it soon after, because you find yourself scaling a very tall mountain. You forget which way to go after you hit a certain checkpoint, though…what did Xingqiu say?

You nearly shriek. It’s just a Toxel that launches at your face. Xiangling laughs. Red faced, you join her inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

“Ow!”

Xiangling rushes over as you gasp at the static. “I must have… touched something metallic,” you mutter, waving her concerns aside. “Don’t worry about it. Electric static is pretty normal.” You don’t think too much about it and go inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

As you leave, you do notice, however, that there’s no metal scraps that you could have touched. Maybe someone moved the metal when you spent the time inside? There’s no other explanation for the electric shock you felt…

When you go to Chef Mao’s place, you find that Xiangling greets Xingqiu and Chongyun with grace. “And Xingyan will come later!” She says, clapping her hands. “She’s the best with spice.”

Chongyun looks like he’s about to object, but Xingqiu places a ginger hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Xiangling is a pro in the kitchen, divvying up roles. In no time, you manage to make a set of multicolored Poképuffs. Xingqiu ends up doing his own cooking, and you’re presented with shades of red and pale green.

“Ah, traveler!” Xingyan calls, walking through the doorway. “I smelled a terrific scent and followed it here.” She pops a Poképuff in her mouth casually—a red one—and shudders pleasantly. “Wow! This is amazing.”

“Thank you,” Xiangling says, evidently embarrassed at the praise. “Anyways, Traveler, which one do you like better?”

You pick the flowers. They’re cold to the touch, water beading on its edges like crystals. You’re pretty proud of yourself, and Xingqiu claps his hands. A few Swablu and Altaria begin to float around you, attracted by the bittersweet scent of the Qingxin.

“Great job!” Chongyun calls. There’s a Swablu that’s landed on his head and decided to make a home there. You laugh, petting the Swablu after you climb down. That’s a job well done. Time to bring this back to the kitchen.

You lose your footing. For a moment, the world expands in your stomach, hollowing it from the inside out. The wind streams against your back like razor edges. You don’t dare move your arms in fear of the wind tearing through them.

Your back meets warmth. Chongyun’s yelling something, balanced on an Altaria. There’s another Altaria that you’re meshed against, chirruping cheerfully.

“I told you to go right,” Xingqiu says, concern coloring his cheeks. “I’m so glad Chongyun reacts fast.”

You try again, visibly shaken at the fall, but at least Chongyun’s extra careful to maneuver his Altaria to tail you. Soon enough, the fruits of your labor are clutched in your hands—stalks of pearlescent Qingxin, cold with beads of condensation dripping from its tips. Time to head to the kitchen to process it.

“No worries,” Xingqiu says, amused. “I think Keqing would be super surprised when you present her with the spicy option. Take some of mine, though—just for yourself and your Pokémon.”

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red… we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

“It is very unique,” Xiangling says, eyes sparkling. “Xingqiu! You gotta teach me some of your ways. Did you read about synergy or something?”

“Come back after you deliver them,” Xingqiu hurriedly says to you, before turning to Xiangling and launching a full blown essay on why he chose it. You, adamant on not being dragged into an hour long lecture, leave as fast as you can (with the intent to return afterwards—you’re famished, anyways).

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red…we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

It’s not everyday when you wake up to see the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing brewing tea in your kitchen, but today seems to be the exception. You mumble a tired greeting to Keqing as you stumble into the dining area, cup of coffee clutched in hand.

“I need you to find the best recipe for Poképuffs,” she informs you with the directness that normally Ningguang holds. “It is crucial we perfect the recipe to present at the convention.”

You, still in a sleepy trance, only respond when the first drop of caffeine hits your tongue. “Where’d you want me to start?”

Xiangling’s a chef, so it’s only common sense you accompany her on her journey. A small part of you worries that slime condensate would end up being the secret ingredient… but never mind! Xiangling’s easy to find, prepping ingredients for her father’s restaurant in the early morning.

“Hey, Traveler!” She shouts, probably waking up the entire block. You give a warmhearted greeting in return, filling her in on Keqing’s request. Guoba’s tussling with a Fennekin in the corner, playfully smacking its ears. “Of course. I’ve developed two ideas focusing around more savory types. Which one do you think would be better, Jueyun chilis or bamboo shoots?”

Xingqiu? You remember Dottore and the Treasure Hoarders, and can't help but fight a shudder. Chongyun, if you recall right, is his childhood friend.

“I have been closely studying the intricacies of glucose levels in the local flora of Liyue,” Xingqiu proudly says, clapping a hand on your shoulder despite being shorter than you. “How’s your Squirtle doing?”

“Pretty well!” you answer. “And I picked up a new Lotad at the Daycare Center too. But uh, what’s this about glucose… levels?”

“Basically, what he means is that he has no idea what he’s doing,” Chongyun pipes up, which surprises you because he’s typically mild-mannered. Xingqiu playfully whacks him on the back of the head before producing a notebook from nowhere and flipping to its bookmarked page. He accidentally drops it. You, with lightning reflexes, drop down to catch it. Xingqiu meets your eyes as he mirrors your action, quietly saying, “I think someone’s watching us.”

Xiangling claps her hands. “Good! Let’s go, then.”

You two walk past a cluster of Pidoves that scatter as the girl picks her way through Liyue Harbor. Eventually, you stop at a house at the edge of the town, well loved and weathered with the elements. There’s an old woman who brightens upon seeing Xiangling.

“Hello, xiaojie,” the woman says cheerfully. “I have your chilis ready. Would you like to come in?”

“Sure,” Xiangling responds, gesturing for you to come inside. Before she does, though, she frowns and turns to you, whispering. “Do you feel like someone’s… watching us?”

Just when you make your way to Qingce, a flash shower tumbles down, drenching the two of you. Xiangling droops slightly, but isn’t quite deterred.

“We’ll just call a friend and combine ideas, then,” the girl says cheerfully. Before you can respond, she cups her hands around her mouth and shouts as loud as she can. “Xingqiu! Chongyun!!” With no response, she sighs. “I’ll go run around to find them. Just stay here.”

She leaves. A few seconds later, you hear the approaching footsteps of two people—one steady, the other fumbling while they’re running. The boys are twin gemstones—one cloaked in a deep azure, the other a cloud blue. You can’t help but chuckle at the way the dark blue haired boy—wait a second, he’s familiar—skids to a stop a breadth away from his companion, chest heaving.

“You called us!” The light haired boy exclaims. You try to explain, but his companion is uneasily wringing his hands.

The dark haired boy turns his head sharply, and then you startle. “Xingqiu?”

“Traveler,” he greets, and then pulls you aside. “I feel like someone’s watching us. Do you feel it? The subtle tension in the air… the scent of danger. It feels… even stronger than Cobalion had been.”

“I think we may have worried for nothing,” Chongyun quietly surmises as you huff to a stop, winded. You’d fast walked all the way here in an attempt to drag the lurker out, but somehow instead you lost them.

Well, that’s good…one way or another. You still can’t rid the chills that shudder up your spine.

“If Xiangling were here, we’d have strength in numbers, you know,” Xingqiu says. “But the only thing we can do is to meet up with her after we get the Qingxin. By we, I mean I guide you and you climb. Chongyun will be there for moral support.”

“I’ll try to catch you if you fall,” Chongyun says. He says it too seriously, and you stare at him for a bit before he flushes. “It’s a joke, don’t worry.”

A flash of purple so fast you barely miss it. But Xingqiu’s sharp eyes catch nothing, and so does Chongyun’s senses, so you dismiss it.

“Anyways, we need to go find some Qingxin for the Poképuffs,” Xingqiu says after a pause. “I know the terrain of the mountains well, so I can guide you. Unfortunately, my climbing skills are less on par. Would you help me? Just make sure to go to the right side of the mountain.”

You agree, because that fulfills your assigned task. But you kind of regret it soon after, because you find yourself scaling a very tall mountain. You forget which way to go after you hit a certain checkpoint, though…what did Xingqiu say?

You nearly shriek. It’s just a Toxel that launches at your face. Xiangling laughs. Red faced, you join her inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

“Ow!”

Xiangling rushes over as you gasp at the static. “I must have… touched something metallic,” you mutter, waving her concerns aside. “Don’t worry about it. Electric static is pretty normal.” You don’t think too much about it and go inside. There’s rows upon rows of potted Jueyun chilis, all in different shades of red. You touch a creamy pink one, amazed at the care put into growing them.

“Thank you,” Xiangling says as she picks at certain plants. “You really have a superb green thumb.”

The old woman simply smiles. “I’m honored you think that.”

After she finishes choosing some, Xiangling pops one in your hand. “Try it.” Hesitantly, as to not be rude, you do. It’s surprisingly sweet, and then the spice explodes on your tongue. You choke, surprised, and she laughs, handing a mug of water to you. It doesn’t do much to help, but at least you know the flavor now…

As you leave, you do notice, however, that there’s no metal scraps that you could have touched. Maybe someone moved the metal when you spent the time inside? There’s no other explanation for the electric shock you felt…

When you go to Chef Mao’s place, you find that Xiangling greets Xingqiu and Chongyun with grace. “And Xingyan will come later!” She says, clapping her hands. “She’s the best with spice.”

Chongyun looks like he’s about to object, but Xingqiu places a ginger hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Xiangling is a pro in the kitchen, divvying up roles. In no time, you manage to make a set of multicolored Poképuffs. Xingqiu ends up doing his own cooking, and you’re presented with shades of red and pale green.

“Ah, traveler!” Xingyan calls, walking through the doorway. “I smelled a terrific scent and followed it here.” She pops a Poképuff in her mouth casually—a red one—and shudders pleasantly. “Wow! This is amazing.”

“Thank you,” Xiangling says, evidently embarrassed at the praise. “Anyways, Traveler, which one do you like better?”

You pick the flowers. They’re cold to the touch, water beading on its edges like crystals. You’re pretty proud of yourself, and Xingqiu claps his hands. A few Swablu and Altaria begin to float around you, attracted by the bittersweet scent of the Qingxin.

“Great job!” Chongyun calls. There’s a Swablu that’s landed on his head and decided to make a home there. You laugh, petting the Swablu after you climb down. That’s a job well done. Time to bring this back to the kitchen.

You lose your footing. For a moment, the world expands in your stomach, hollowing it from the inside out. The wind streams against your back like razor edges. You don’t dare move your arms in fear of the wind tearing through them.

Your back meets warmth. Chongyun’s yelling something, balanced on an Altaria. There’s another Altaria that you’re meshed against, chirruping cheerfully.

“I told you to go right,” Xingqiu says, concern coloring his cheeks. “I’m so glad Chongyun reacts fast.”

You try again, visibly shaken at the fall, but at least Chongyun’s extra careful to maneuver his Altaria to tail you. Soon enough, the fruits of your labor are clutched in your hands—stalks of pearlescent Qingxin, cold with beads of condensation dripping from its tips. Time to head to the kitchen to process it.

“No worries,” Xingqiu says, amused. “I think Keqing would be super surprised when you present her with the spicy option. Take some of mine, though—just for yourself and your Pokémon.”

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red… we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

“It is very unique,” Xiangling says, eyes sparkling. “Xingqiu! You gotta teach me some of your ways. Did you read about synergy or something?”

“Come back after you deliver them,” Xingqiu hurriedly says to you, before turning to Xiangling and launching a full blown essay on why he chose it. You, adamant on not being dragged into an hour long lecture, leave as fast as you can (with the intent to return afterwards—you’re famished, anyways).

When you rap on Keqing’s office door, she opens it instantly, brightening at the sight. “Traveler! Good timing. I see you’ve gotten a—woah, that’s beautiful.”

She plucks the box of Poképuffs out of your hands, staring at them. “I love the contrast between these two. The frothy green and the passionate red…we could definitely use them both.”

You stare at her. “I thought you said one.” It really had pained you to choose.

“I never… specified it,” Keqing amends. “But we can definitely take both. Who made these?”

“Xiangling and Xingqiu,” you say.

“Xingqiu definitely used an academic route,” Keqing replies. “He balanced the bittersweetness with a tangy flavor…maybe some sort of citrus? I can smell it from here. Xiangling’s super passionate about her cooking, and I can already tell her Poképuff will have an explosion of flavor. Thank you, traveler, again. I’ll be sure to compensate you well.”

You think about telling her about the weird feeling of being watched, but hey—nothing bad happened, so you shake it off and shake Keqing’s hand before exiting with a smile. Time to go hang out with the rest again!

End of Week 4

Start of Week 5

You wave goodbye to Captain Beidou and Kazuha as you step off the Crux Fleet onto the shores of Ritou Island.

A bored official takes down your name and other details such as how long you’ve been on your journey. You look down at the data displaying on your Pokéwatch, fascinated.

Has it really been that long since you started on your Pokémon journey? Just yesterday it feels like you were putting on your new running shoes and heading to Professor Ping’s.

“Bulba?” your first ever partner asks curiously when you are asked to release your Pokémon from their Poké Balls for inspection.

You muster up a smile. “Hey, buddy.”

Pokémon registration in Inazuma is super strict and all, and you’ve heard that Champion Raiden has completely stopped giving out starter Pokémon in the past year, but that shouldn’t affect an outsider like you.

Right?

Getting onto Narukami Island took some effort, but with the help of the Ritou fixer Thoma and his Houndoom, you’re soon on your way to Inazuma City.

You’re glad that Thoma isn’t traveling with you. His Houndoom reminds you of an encounter you’d rather forget. Yes, you’re definitely stronger now than you used to be… but are you strong enough to defeat Dottore, should you run into him again?

You don’t know the answer.

What did Dottore want, anyway? Were the Treasure Hoarders just going around randomly capturing wild Pokémon for experiments?

You look at the Braixen meandering boldly through the tall grass in plain sight, clearly used to the presence of humans. If the Fatui wanted high level Pokémon, they should just come to Inazuma, where there are few trainers around to catch all these wild Pokémon—

Wait, do you hear something?

That was definitely the distressed cry of a Pokémon! You rush towards the source of the sound, hoping that you aren’t too late.

There is a Treasure Hoarder hidden amongst the bushes in the nearby gorge, struggling to keep a Pikachu restrained in his Omni-Poké Net. The Pikachu makes the same growling noise that attracted your attention earlier, and you decide you’ve had enough.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?”

“You again?” shouts the Treasure Hoarder upon spotting you. He struggles with the Omni-Poké Net with one hand, reaching for his Poké Ball with the other.

“Crobat, take care of them!”

“Go, Bulbasaur!” you yell, not to be outdone. “Use Razor Whip!”

“Dodge and use Tailwind!” orders the Treasure Hoarder.

Tailwind makes a Pokémon faster, you recall.

“Put it to sleep with Sleep Powder!” you shout, fumbling for your second Poké Ball. Nevermind fairness, you have to save that Pikachu!”

“Pikipek, help Bulbasaur out! Use Drill Peck!”

The Treasure Hoarder reacts immediately. “Cross Poison!” he calls out.

Both your Pokémon dart away from the poisonous slashes, and the Treasure Hoarder grins, beginning to press the advantage. “You won’t get away this time!” he taunts. “Crobat, use Mean—ack!”

It’s the Pikachu!

The Treasure Hoarder falls to the ground, twitching in his paralysis.

What an intelligent Pikachu! It must have taken the chance to use Thunder Wave. You can see it frantically wriggling out of the Omni-Poké Net, ready to make its escape.

With its trainer down, the Crobat flaps its wings furiously, generating a cloud of dust. You can’t help but shield your eyes from the onslaught.

“Mark my words, the boss will hear of it!” you hear the Treasure Hoarder shout. By the time the dust dies down, there’s nothing left in front of you except for a gnawed-through net.

The boss? You look around quickly, sensing that someone is watching you. But no, it seems to be just a lady with a long violet braid passing by…

She gives you an unreadable look as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

The End?

Ignoring the noise, you continue walking towards Inazuma City.

A lady with a long violet braid is walking in the other direction, giving you an unreadable glance as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Start of Week 5

You wave goodbye to Captain Beidou and Kazuha as you step off the Crux Fleet onto the shores of Ritou Island.

A bored official takes down your name and other details such as how long you’ve been on your journey. You look down at the data displaying on your Pokéwatch, fascinated.

Has it really been that long since you started on your Pokémon journey? Just yesterday it feels like you were putting on your new running shoes and heading to Professor Ping’s.

“Char?” your first ever partner asks curiously when you are asked to release your Pokémon from their Poké Balls for inspection.

You muster up a smile. “Hey, buddy.”

Pokémon registration in Inazuma is super strict and all, and you’ve heard that Champion Raiden has completely stopped giving out starter Pokémon in the past year, but that shouldn’t affect an outsider like you.

Right?

Getting onto Narukami Island took some effort, but with the help of the Ritou fixer Thoma and his Houndoom, you’re soon on your way to Inazuma City.

You’re glad that Thoma isn’t traveling with you. His Houndoom reminds you of an encounter you’d rather forget. Yes, you’re definitely stronger now than you used to be… but are you strong enough to defeat Dottore, should you run into him again?

You don’t know the answer.

What did Dottore want, anyway? Were the Treasure Hoarders just going around randomly capturing wild Pokémon for experiments?

You look at the Braixen meandering boldly through the tall grass in plain sight, clearly used to the presence of humans. If the Fatui wanted high level Pokémon, they should just come to Inazuma, where there are few trainers around to catch all these wild Pokémon—

Wait, do you hear something?

That was definitely the distressed cry of a Pokémon! You rush towards the source of the sound, hoping that you aren’t too late.

There is a Treasure Hoarder hidden amongst the bushes in the nearby gorge, struggling to keep a Pikachu restrained in his Omni-Poké Net. The Pikachu makes the same growling noise that attracted your attention earlier, and you decide you’ve had enough.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?”

“You again?” shouts the Treasure Hoarder upon spotting you. He struggles with the Omni-Poké Net with one hand, reaching for his Poké Ball with the other.

“Crobat, take care of them!”

“Go, Charmander!” you yell, not to be outdone. “Use Fire Fang!”

“Dodge and use Tailwind!” orders the Treasure Hoarder.

Tailwind makes a Pokémon faster, you recall.

“Trap it with Fire Spin!” you shout, fumbling for your second Poké Ball. Nevermind fairness, you have to save that Pikachu!”

“Pikipek, help Charmander out! Use Drill Peck!”

The Treasure Hoarder reacts immediately. “Cross Poison!” he calls out.

Both your Pokémon dart away from the poisonous slashes, and the Treasure Hoarder grins, beginning to press the advantage. “You won’t get away this time!” he taunts. “Crobat, use Mean—ack!”

It’s the Pikachu!

The Treasure Hoarder falls to the ground, twitching in his paralysis.

What an intelligent Pikachu! It must have taken the chance to use Thunder Wave. You can see it frantically wriggling out of the Omni-Poké Net, ready to make its escape.

With its trainer down, the Crobat flaps its wings furiously, generating a cloud of dust. You can’t help but shield your eyes from the onslaught.

“Mark my words, the boss will hear of it!” you hear the Treasure Hoarder shout. By the time the dust dies down, there’s nothing left in front of you except for a gnawed-through net.

The boss? You look around quickly, sensing that someone is watching you. But no, it seems to be just a lady with a long violet braid passing by…

She gives you an unreadable look as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Ignoring the noise, you continue walking towards Inazuma City.

A lady with a long violet braid is walking in the other direction, giving you an unreadable glance as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Start of Week 5

You wave goodbye to Captain Beidou and Kazuha as you step off the Crux Fleet onto the shores of Ritou Island.

A bored official takes down your name and other details such as how long you’ve been on your journey. You look down at the data displaying on your Pokéwatch, fascinated.

Has it really been that long since you started on your Pokémon journey? Just yesterday it feels like you were putting on your new running shoes and heading to Professor Ping’s.

“Squir?” your first ever partner asks curiously when you are asked to release your Pokémon from their Poké Balls for inspection.

You muster up a smile. “Hey, buddy.”

Pokémon registration in Inazuma is super strict and all, and you’ve heard that Champion Raiden has completely stopped giving out starter Pokémon in the past year, but that shouldn’t affect an outsider like you.

Right?

Getting onto Narukami Island took some effort, but with the help of the Ritou fixer Thoma and his Houndoom, you’re soon on your way to Inazuma City.

You’re glad that Thoma isn’t traveling with you. His Houndoom reminds you of an encounter you’d rather forget. Yes, you’re definitely stronger now than you used to be… but are you strong enough to defeat Dottore, should you run into him again?

You don’t know the answer.

What did Dottore want, anyway? Were the Treasure Hoarders just going around randomly capturing wild Pokémon for experiments?

You look at the Braixen meandering boldly through the tall grass in plain sight, clearly used to the presence of humans. If the Fatui wanted high level Pokémon, they should just come to Inazuma, where there are few trainers around to catch all these wild Pokémon—

Wait, do you hear something?

That was definitely the distressed cry of a Pokémon! You rush towards the source of the sound, hoping that you aren’t too late.

There is a Treasure Hoarder hidden amongst the bushes in the nearby gorge, struggling to keep a Pikachu restrained in his Omni-Poké Net. The Pikachu makes the same growling noise that attracted your attention earlier, and you decide you’ve had enough.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?”

“You again?” shouts the Treasure Hoarder upon spotting you. He struggles with the Omni-Poké Net with one hand, reaching for his Poké Ball with the other.

“Crobat, take care of them!”

“Go, Squirtle!” you yell, not to be outdone. “Use Water Pulse!”

“Dodge and use Tailwind!” orders the Treasure Hoarder.

Tailwind makes a Pokémon faster, you recall.

“Make it flinch with Bite!” you shout, fumbling for your second Poké Ball. Nevermind fairness, you have to save that Pikachu!”

“Pikipek, help Squirtle out! Use Drill Peck!”

The Treasure Hoarder reacts immediately. “Cross Poison!” he calls out.

Both your Pokémon dart away from the poisonous slashes, and the Treasure Hoarder grins, beginning to press the advantage. “You won’t get away this time!” he taunts. “Crobat, use Mean—ack!”

It’s the Pikachu!

The Treasure Hoarder falls to the ground, twitching in his paralysis.

What an intelligent Pikachu! It must have taken the chance to use Thunder Wave. You can see it frantically wriggling out of the Omni-Poké Net, ready to make its escape.

With its trainer down, the Crobat flaps its wings furiously, generating a cloud of dust. You can’t help but shield your eyes from the onslaught.

“Mark my words, the boss will hear of it!” you hear the Treasure Hoarder shout. By the time the dust dies down, there’s nothing left in front of you except for a gnawed-through net.

The boss? You look around quickly, sensing that someone is watching you. But no, it seems to be just a lady with a long violet braid passing by…

She gives you an unreadable look as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Ignoring the noise, you continue walking towards Inazuma City.

A lady with a long violet braid is walking in the other direction, giving you an unreadable glance as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Start of Week 5

You wave goodbye to Captain Beidou and Kazuha as you step off the Crux Fleet onto the shores of Ritou Island.

A bored official takes down your name and other details such as how long you’ve been on your journey. You look down at the data displaying on your Pokéwatch, fascinated.

Has it really been that long since you started on your Pokémon journey? Just yesterday it feels like you were putting on your new running shoes and heading to Professor Ping’s.

“Bulba?” your first ever partner asks curiously when you are asked to release your Pokémon from their Poké Balls for inspection.

You muster up a smile. “Hey, buddy.”

Pokémon registration in Inazuma is super strict and all, and you’ve heard that Champion Raiden has completely stopped giving out starter Pokémon in the past year, but that shouldn’t affect an outsider like you.

Right?

Getting onto Narukami Island took some effort, but with the help of the Ritou fixer Thoma and his Houndoom, you’re soon on your way to Inazuma City.

You’re glad that Thoma isn’t traveling with you. His Houndoom reminds you of an encounter you’d rather forget. Yes, you’re definitely stronger now than you used to be… but are you strong enough to defeat Dottore, should you run into him again?

You don’t know the answer.

What did Dottore want, anyway? Were the Treasure Hoarders just going around randomly capturing wild Pokémon for experiments?

You look at the Braixen meandering boldly through the tall grass in plain sight, clearly used to the presence of humans. If the Fatui wanted high level Pokémon, they should just come to Inazuma, where there are few trainers around to catch all these wild Pokémon—

Wait, do you hear something?

That was definitely the distressed cry of a Pokémon! You rush towards the source of the sound, hoping that you aren’t too late.

There is a Treasure Hoarder hidden amongst the bushes in the nearby gorge, struggling to keep a Pikachu restrained in his Omni-Poké Net. The Pikachu makes the same growling noise that attracted your attention earlier, and you decide you’ve had enough.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?”

“You again?” shouts the Treasure Hoarder upon spotting you. He struggles with the Omni-Poké Net with one hand, reaching for his Poké Ball with the other.

“Crobat, take care of them!”

“Go, Bulbasaur!” you yell, not to be outdone. “Use Razor Whip!”

“Dodge and use Tailwind!” orders the Treasure Hoarder.

Tailwind makes a Pokémon faster, you recall.

“Put it to sleep with Sleep Powder!” you shout, fumbling for your second Poké Ball. Nevermind fairness, you have to save that Pikachu!”

“Lotad, help Bulbasaur out! Use Giga Drain!”

The Treasure Hoarder reacts immediately. “Cross Poison!” he calls out.

Both your Pokémon dart away from the poisonous slashes, and the Treasure Hoarder grins, beginning to press the advantage. “You won’t get away this time!” he taunts. “Crobat, use Mean—ack!”

It’s the Pikachu!

The Treasure Hoarder falls to the ground, twitching in his paralysis.

What an intelligent Pikachu! It must have taken the chance to use Thunder Wave. You can see it frantically wriggling out of the Omni-Poké Net, ready to make its escape.

With its trainer down, the Crobat flaps its wings furiously, generating a cloud of dust. You can’t help but shield your eyes from the onslaught.

“Mark my words, the boss will hear of it!” you hear the Treasure Hoarder shout. By the time the dust dies down, there’s nothing left in front of you except for a gnawed-through net.

The boss? You look around quickly, sensing that someone is watching you. But no, it seems to be just a lady with a long violet braid passing by…

She gives you an unreadable look as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Ignoring the noise, you continue walking towards Inazuma City.

A lady with a long violet braid is walking in the other direction, giving you an unreadable glance as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Start of Week 5

You wave goodbye to Captain Beidou and Kazuha as you step off the Crux Fleet onto the shores of Ritou Island.

A bored official takes down your name and other details such as how long you’ve been on your journey. You look down at the data displaying on your Pokéwatch, fascinated.

Has it really been that long since you started on your Pokémon journey? Just yesterday it feels like you were putting on your new running shoes and heading to Professor Ping’s.

“Char?” your first ever partner asks curiously when you are asked to release your Pokémon from their Poké Balls for inspection.

You muster up a smile. “Hey, buddy.”

Pokémon registration in Inazuma is super strict and all, and you’ve heard that Champion Raiden has completely stopped giving out starter Pokémon in the past year, but that shouldn’t affect an outsider like you.

Right?

Getting onto Narukami Island took some effort, but with the help of the Ritou fixer Thoma and his Houndoom, you’re soon on your way to Inazuma City.

You’re glad that Thoma isn’t traveling with you. His Houndoom reminds you of an encounter you’d rather forget. Yes, you’re definitely stronger now than you used to be… but are you strong enough to defeat Dottore, should you run into him again?

You don’t know the answer.

What did Dottore want, anyway? Were the Treasure Hoarders just going around randomly capturing wild Pokémon for experiments?

You look at the Braixen meandering boldly through the tall grass in plain sight, clearly used to the presence of humans. If the Fatui wanted high level Pokémon, they should just come to Inazuma, where there are few trainers around to catch all these wild Pokémon—

Wait, do you hear something?

That was definitely the distressed cry of a Pokémon! You rush towards the source of the sound, hoping that you aren’t too late.

There is a Treasure Hoarder hidden amongst the bushes in the nearby gorge, struggling to keep a Pikachu restrained in his Omni-Poké Net. The Pikachu makes the same growling noise that attracted your attention earlier, and you decide you’ve had enough.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?”

“You again?” shouts the Treasure Hoarder upon spotting you. He struggles with the Omni-Poké Net with one hand, reaching for his Poké Ball with the other.

“Crobat, take care of them!”

“Go, Charmander!” you yell, not to be outdone. “Use Fire Fang!”

“Dodge and use Tailwind!” orders the Treasure Hoarder.

Tailwind makes a Pokémon faster, you recall.

“Trap it with Fire Spin!” you shout, fumbling for your second Poké Ball. Nevermind fairness, you have to save that Pikachu!”

“Lotad, help Charmander out! Use Giga Drain!”

The Treasure Hoarder reacts immediately. “Cross Poison!” he calls out.

Both your Pokémon dart away from the poisonous slashes, and the Treasure Hoarder grins, beginning to press the advantage. “You won’t get away this time!” he taunts. “Crobat, use Mean—ack!”

It’s the Pikachu!

The Treasure Hoarder falls to the ground, twitching in his paralysis.

What an intelligent Pikachu! It must have taken the chance to use Thunder Wave. You can see it frantically wriggling out of the Omni-Poké Net, ready to make its escape.

With its trainer down, the Crobat flaps its wings furiously, generating a cloud of dust. You can’t help but shield your eyes from the onslaught.

“Mark my words, the boss will hear of it!” you hear the Treasure Hoarder shout. By the time the dust dies down, there’s nothing left in front of you except for a gnawed-through net.

The boss? You look around quickly, sensing that someone is watching you. But no, it seems to be just a lady with a long violet braid passing by…

She gives you an unreadable look as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Ignoring the noise, you continue walking towards Inazuma City.

A lady with a long violet braid is walking in the other direction, giving you an unreadable glance as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Start of Week 5

You wave goodbye to Captain Beidou and Kazuha as you step off the Crux Fleet onto the shores of Ritou Island.

A bored official takes down your name and other details such as how long you’ve been on your journey. You look down at the data displaying on your Pokéwatch, fascinated.

Has it really been that long since you started on your Pokémon journey? Just yesterday it feels like you were putting on your new running shoes and heading to Professor Ping’s.

“Squir?” your first ever partner asks curiously when you are asked to release your Pokémon from their Poké Balls for inspection.

You muster up a smile. “Hey, buddy.”

Pokémon registration in Inazuma is super strict and all, and you’ve heard that Champion Raiden has completely stopped giving out starter Pokémon in the past year, but that shouldn’t affect an outsider like you.

Right?

Getting onto Narukami Island took some effort, but with the help of the Ritou fixer Thoma and his Houndoom, you’re soon on your way to Inazuma City.

You’re glad that Thoma isn’t traveling with you. His Houndoom reminds you of an encounter you’d rather forget. Yes, you’re definitely stronger now than you used to be… but are you strong enough to defeat Dottore, should you run into him again?

You don’t know the answer.

What did Dottore want, anyway? Were the Treasure Hoarders just going around randomly capturing wild Pokémon for experiments?

You look at the Braixen meandering boldly through the tall grass in plain sight, clearly used to the presence of humans. If the Fatui wanted high level Pokémon, they should just come to Inazuma, where there are few trainers around to catch all these wild Pokémon—

Wait, do you hear something?

That was definitely the distressed cry of a Pokémon! You rush towards the source of the sound, hoping that you aren’t too late.

There is a Treasure Hoarder hidden amongst the bushes in the nearby gorge, struggling to keep a Pikachu restrained in his Omni-Poké Net. The Pikachu makes the same growling noise that attracted your attention earlier, and you decide you’ve had enough.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?”

“You again?” shouts the Treasure Hoarder upon spotting you. He struggles with the Omni-Poké Net with one hand, reaching for his Poké Ball with the other.

“Crobat, take care of them!”

“Go, Squirtle!” you yell, not to be outdone. “Use Water Pulse!”

“Dodge and use Tailwind!” orders the Treasure Hoarder.

Tailwind makes a Pokémon faster, you recall.

“Make it flinch with Bite!” you shout, fumbling for your second Poké Ball. Nevermind fairness, you have to save that Pikachu!”

“Lotad, help Squirtle out! Use Giga Drain!”

The Treasure Hoarder reacts immediately. “Cross Poison!” he calls out.

Both your Pokémon dart away from the poisonous slashes, and the Treasure Hoarder grins, beginning to press the advantage. “You won’t get away this time!” he taunts. “Crobat, use Mean—ack!”

It’s the Pikachu!

The Treasure Hoarder falls to the ground, twitching in his paralysis.

What an intelligent Pikachu! It must have taken the chance to use Thunder Wave. You can see it frantically wriggling out of the Omni-Poké Net, ready to make its escape.

With its trainer down, the Crobat flaps its wings furiously, generating a cloud of dust. You can’t help but shield your eyes from the onslaught.

“Mark my words, the boss will hear of it!” you hear the Treasure Hoarder shout. By the time the dust dies down, there’s nothing left in front of you except for a gnawed-through net.

The boss? You look around quickly, sensing that someone is watching you. But no, it seems to be just a lady with a long violet braid passing by…

She gives you an unreadable look as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Ignoring the noise, you continue walking towards Inazuma City.

A lady with a long violet braid is walking in the other direction, giving you an unreadable glance as she passes by. Somehow, you can’t help but feel you’ve dodged a bullet there.

Hmm… you wonder what that is about? Ah well, you’re sure you’ll find out later on your Pokémon journey.

The End?

(Why not retrace your footsteps on this journey? Who knows, a set of different choices might lead to a different journey…)

Credits

Carrd coding, overall design and continuity by Starrie Wolf.