The early evening sky above Liyue Harbor had been clear moments before—stars beginning to emerge as merchants closed their stalls and families gathered for dinner. Now, without warning, dark clouds rolled in from nowhere, swirling ominously above The Pokémon House.
Inside his private quarters behind the shop, Shinzō Tatsunaga sat cross-legged on a cushioned mat, methodically counting the day's earnings—a habit that brought him both satisfaction and useful business insights. Blaziken stood attentively by the window, its flames casting a warm glow across the room. The Fire-type had been unusually alert since they'd returned from Bubu Pharmacy, as if sensing something that its trainer could not.
"Another record day," Shinzō murmured, organizing stacks of Mora. "The medicine partnership with Baizhu is already generating interest." He looked up at his loyal starter. "What do you think? Should we expand the shop's pharmaceutical section next month?"
Before Blaziken could respond, a sudden crash of thunder shook the building, rattling the decorative Poké Ball display cases on the wall. Shinzō jumped to his feet, instinctively grabbing the belt where he kept his active Pokémon. Through the window, he could see darkness had fallen over Liyue Harbor with unnatural speed.
"That's not normal weather," he muttered, reaching for Tyranitar's Poké Ball.
The small chest that had appeared on his desk after closing the Baizhu deal—a reward from his mysterious system—began to pulse with a blue-black light, each throb synchronized with the thunder outside. The chest was larger than usual, bearing the "Luxury" classification that Shinzō had learned indicated particularly valuable rewards.
Blaziken stepped protectively in front of its trainer as Shinzō cautiously approached the glowing container. The moment his fingers touched the ornate latch, a bolt of electricity arced from the chest to his hand, painless but intense. The lock clicked open of its own accord.
"System," Shinzō whispered, "what's happening?"
The familiar interface appeared in his vision, visible only to him:
[LUXURY CHEST REWARD: LEGENDARY POKÉMON CONFIRMED] [ZEKROM - THE DEEP BLACK POKÉMON - LEVEL 91] [WARNING: LEGENDARY MANIFESTATION WILL PRODUCE DETECTABLE ENERGY SIGNATURE]
"Zekrom?" Shinzō breathed, his eyes widening. "The Dragon of Ideals..."
Before he could say more, the chest burst open. Instead of containing a Poké Ball as expected, it released a torrent of black lightning that shot upward, passing through the ceiling as if it were immaterial. The air grew heavy with electricity, making Shinzō's hair stand on end.
Blaziken barked in alarm, pointing toward the sky visible through the window. The clouds had formed a perfect spiral above The Pokémon House, rotating slowly as blue lightning crackled between them.
"We need to get to the roof," Shinzō decided immediately, grabbing his coat. "Whatever's happening, it's going to attract attention—a lot of it."
The two raced up the stairs to the shop's flat rooftop, emerging into a scene of elemental chaos. The air buzzed with electricity so dense that Shinzō could taste it—metallic and sharp. Citizens of Liyue were emerging from buildings, pointing upward at the unnatural storm. In the distance, he could see Millelith guards rushing toward the harbor's center, likely heading to his location.
At the spiral's center, a ball of black energy was forming, pulsing with blue veins of lightning. It grew larger with each moment, stretching and contorting until it formed a massive silhouette—winged, draconic, and impossibly powerful.
"This is..." Shinzō whispered, awestruck despite his predicament. "This is a full manifestation."
With a roar that shook the harbor, Zekrom materialized fully—its black armored body gleaming under flashes of its own lightning, turbine tail spinning with raw electrical power. The legendary Dragon/Electric-type Pokémon was easily the size of a small building, its wingspan casting a shadow over the entire market district as it hovered above The Pokémon House.
Zekrom's eyes—fierce, intelligent, and ancient—locked onto Shinzō. The dragon lowered itself slightly, electricity arcing between its claws and the rooftop as it examined the human who had summoned it.
Several gasps and screams came from the streets below as Liyue's citizens witnessed the massive creature. Someone shouted about a "Vision-less monster," while another voice called for the Millelith.
Blaziken moved to stand beside its trainer, flames burning bright in a display of solidarity rather than aggression. Shinzō raised a hand toward Zekrom, meeting the legendary's gaze without fear.
"I am Shinzō Tatsunaga," he declared firmly, instinctively understanding that this moment would define their relationship. "I recognize your power and welcome your strength. Will you join me as we reshape this world's understanding of Pokémon?"
Zekrom's expression was inscrutable, but its turbine tail spun faster, generating a low hum that vibrated through Shinzō's bones. The dragon lowered its massive head until it was level with the human, electricity crackling between them without causing harm.
From below, a commotion drew Shinzō's attention. A contingent of Millelith had arrived, led by a familiar figure—Ganyu, the half-qilin secretary to the Liyue Qixing. Her expression was a mixture of alarm and determination as she nocked an ice arrow in her bow, aiming upward at Zekrom.
"Manager Shinzō!" she called, her voice carrying despite the storm's noise. "Step away from that creature! We don't know what it's capable of!"
"Wait!" Shinzō shouted back, raising his hands. "This is a Pokémon—a special one, but still under my care! There's no danger!"
Zekrom, appearing to understand the developing conflict, rose slightly higher and let out another thunderous roar. The dragon's back began to glow blue as energy gathered around its body.
"It's preparing to attack!" one of the Millelith soldiers shouted, raising his spear.
"No!" Shinzō objected, turning back to Zekrom. "Please, stand down! Let me handle this!"
To his relief, the legendary Pokémon seemed to consider his words, the glow diminishing slightly though not disappearing entirely. Zekrom maintained a defensive posture, watching the gathered crowd with obvious wariness.
"Ganyu," Shinzō called down, trying to project calm authority, "I need you to tell your people to lower their weapons. This is Zekrom, a legendary Pokémon from my homeland. It's responding to perceived threats—if everyone stays calm, there won't be any problems."
Ganyu hesitated, her arrow still nocked but her aim wavering. "Manager Shinzō, this creature is disrupting the entire harbor. Its power signature is... immense. Even I can sense it's not ordinary."
"You're right," Shinzō acknowledged. "It's not ordinary. Zekrom is what we call a Legendary Pokémon—immensely powerful and rare. But it's still a Pokémon, and I am still responsible for it."
The tense standoff might have continued if not for the sudden appearance of a third party. A slender figure in a black suit materialized beside Ganyu, his serene expression contrasting with the chaos around them. Zhongli—consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and, known only to a few, the mortal vessel of Rex Lapis himself.
"Interesting," Zhongli's calm voice somehow carried clearly despite the electrical storm. "An entity of considerable power, yet not one I recognize from any of the elemental realms."
Shinzō had met Zhongli briefly at a business function, but they'd never had an extended conversation. Nevertheless, something in the consultant's demeanor—the ancient wisdom behind his eyes—had always made Shinzō suspect there was more to him than his modest job suggested.
"Mr. Zhongli," Shinzō called down, "if you could convince Miss Ganyu to stand down her forces, I promise I can stabilize this situation."
Zhongli studied Zekrom for a long moment, his amber eyes seeming to perceive things others could not. Then, with a subtle nod, he placed a gentle hand on Ganyu's bow, lowering it.
"I believe we should allow Manager Shinzō to demonstrate his control," Zhongli said calmly. "This being, while powerful, does not appear to have hostile intent toward Liyue."
Ganyu looked uncertain but respected Zhongli's judgment enough to signal her troops to lower their weapons. "Very well, but we will remain on standby."
With the immediate threat of conflict reduced, Shinzō turned back to Zekrom. The dragon was watching him expectantly, as if waiting to see how he would resolve the situation. Shinzō reached into his pocket and withdrew an empty Ultra Ball—he'd learned to always carry a few for emergencies.
"Zekrom," he said clearly, "I understand your power and respect your sovereignty. But in this world, your presence in this form causes fear. Will you trust me to be your partner, to represent your ideals in this new land?"
The legendary dragon considered him for what felt like an eternity. Then, deliberately, it lowered its massive head in a gesture that wasn't quite submission but rather acknowledgment. Electricity crackled around its body once more, but this time forming a coherent pattern—the symbol for "ideal" in a language Shinzō somehow understood despite never having seen it before.
With a steady hand, Shinzō enlarged the Ultra Ball and tossed it toward Zekrom. Instead of resisting, the legendary Pokémon transformed into energy, flowing into the ball which fell to the rooftop with a soft thud. It rocked once, twice, three times... then clicked with finality.
The storm clouds began dissipating almost immediately, stars once again becoming visible in the night sky above Liyue Harbor. A collective exhale seemed to pass through the watching crowd as the immediate danger passed.
Shinzō picked up the Ultra Ball, feeling the immense power contained within. Blaziken stood beside him, looking both impressed and slightly concerned at this new addition to their team.
"We should go down and explain," Shinzō murmured to his starter. "This is going to require some serious diplomatic skills."
As they descended to street level, Shinzō found Zhongli and Ganyu waiting, the latter still flanked by Millelith soldiers at a respectful distance.
"Manager Shinzō," Ganyu began formally, "while we appreciate your containment of the situation, the Liyue Qixing will require a full explanation of what just occurred. Director Ningguang has already requested a meeting tomorrow morning."
"I understand," Shinzō nodded. "I'll prepare a complete report."
"Perhaps," Zhongli interjected smoothly, "a preliminary explanation would ease immediate concerns? I myself am quite curious about this... 'legendary Pokémon' you called it?"
Shinzō recognized the diplomatic opening Zhongli was providing. "Yes, of course. Would you both join me inside? I can offer tea and answers."
Ganyu glanced at the night sky, then nodded. "A brief explanation would be appropriate. The Millelith will handle crowd control."
Inside The Pokémon House's comfortable sitting area—a space designed for trainers to relax while their Pokémon were being groomed or treated—Shinzō prepared tea with practiced motions. Blaziken assisted by heating the water to the perfect temperature with a carefully controlled Flamethrower, drawing an appreciative eyebrow raise from Zhongli.
"In my homeland," Shinzō began once they were seated, the Ultra Ball containing Zekrom placed carefully on the table between them, "Pokémon are categorized not just by type but also by rarity and power. Most common Pokémon—like those I sell here in the shop—are wonderful companions and can become strong partners with training."
He sipped his tea, organizing his thoughts. "But there exist much rarer categories. What just arrived is what we call a Legendary Pokémon—beings of immense power often associated with natural forces or cosmic concepts. Zekrom specifically represents Ideals and commands both Dragon and Electric powers."
"Not unlike the relationship between Visions and elements," Zhongli observed, studying the Ultra Ball with intensity that seemed beyond casual interest.
"Similar, but different in key ways," Shinzō explained. "A Pokémon's power is innate to its species—not granted by an external source. Zekrom has always been a Dragon/Electric-type, from the moment of its creation."
Ganyu leaned forward slightly. "And how many of these... Legendary Pokémon exist in your homeland?"
Shinzō considered carefully how to answer. "They are exceedingly rare. Some are unique—only one exists in the entire world. Others may have small populations of three or five individuals. Their powers often shape entire regions or maintain fundamental aspects of nature."
"Yet you... captured this entity?" Zhongli's voice carried a note of something unidentifiable—not quite accusation, but perhaps concern.
"It's more complex than that," Shinzō replied. "The relationship between a trainer and a Legendary Pokémon is based on mutual respect and shared purpose. Zekrom chose to join me because it recognized something in my ideals that aligned with its own nature. It can leave at any time if it feels that alignment is broken."
Zhongli nodded slowly, as if this explanation satisfied some internal question. "I see. Not unlike contracts that bind powerful entities in Teyvat—founded on mutual benefit and understanding."
"Exactly," Shinzō agreed, sensing that Zhongli grasped the concept better than most would. "I don't command Zekrom in the traditional sense—we're partners."
Ganyu was taking notes in a small book. "And can we expect more such... dramatic arrivals in the future? The Qixing must be prepared for any potential disruptions to Liyue's peace."
"This was unusual," Shinzō admitted. "Typically, Pokémon arrive more... discretely. I believe Zekrom's dramatic entrance was partly due to its nature—it embodies powerful ideals and dramatic change. Future acquisitions should be less disruptive."
"Should be," Ganyu emphasized, looking skeptical.
"I will take full responsibility for any disturbances," Shinzō assured her. "And I'm more than willing to work with the Qixing to establish protocols for integrating more powerful Pokémon into Teyvat society."
Zhongli set down his teacup with precision. "Tell me, Manager Shinzō, what ideal does this particular entity embody? You mentioned it represents 'Ideals' in a broader sense, but surely it must have resonated with some specific vision you hold."
The question caught Shinzō off guard—it was surprisingly insightful, cutting to the heart of Zekrom's legendary status. The Pokémon was indeed known as the Dragon of Ideals, representing the power of conviction and future possibility.
"In my homeland," Shinzō explained carefully, "Zekrom embodies the power of ideals—the drive to create new futures and reshape the world according to one's vision. It's drawn to those with strong convictions about how things could be, rather than how they are."
He ran a finger along the Ultra Ball's surface. "I believe it responded to my vision for this world—bringing Pokémon and the people of Teyvat together in harmony, creating something entirely new that benefits both."
Something flickered in Zhongli's eyes—recognition, perhaps. "A worthy ideal indeed. One that seeks to build rather than destroy."
Ganyu finished her notes and stood. "While philosophically interesting, practical matters must be addressed. Manager Shinzō, I expect you at the Jade Chamber tomorrow at the eighth hour. Director Ningguang will want to establish formal guidelines for these powerful beings."
"I'll be there," Shinzō promised.
After she departed, Zhongli lingered, studying the Ultra Ball with an intensity that seemed beyond casual curiosity.
"There's something you're not saying," Shinzō ventured, serving more tea. "About Zekrom, I mean."
Zhongli smiled faintly. "Just as there are things you haven't shared about yourself, Manager Shinzō. We all have our secrets."
"Fair enough," Shinzō conceded.
"I will say this," Zhongli continued, rising to leave. "Teyvat has its own system of powerful beings—Archons, adepti, and others. The introduction of your 'Legendary Pokémon' will inevitably create... interesting interactions with the established order."
He paused at the door. "Be mindful of which ideals you pursue, Manager Shinzō. Even the noblest visions can have unintended consequences when power of this magnitude is involved."
With that cryptic warning, Zhongli departed, leaving Shinzō alone with Blaziken and the Ultra Ball containing their newest team member.
"Well," Shinzō sighed, lifting Zekrom's ball, "that could have gone worse. But I suspect tomorrow's meeting with Ningguang will be considerably more challenging."
Blaziken nodded in agreement, its flames dimming as the excitement of the evening finally began to wane.
Outside The Pokémon House, life in Liyue Harbor was already returning to normal, the strange storm becoming just another tale to share over dinner. But atop Mt. Tianheng, Zhongli stood gazing down at the harbor, his expression contemplative.
"A dragon that embodies ideals," he murmured to himself. "How curious that such a being would appear in Liyue, of all places."
The wind carried his words away as he turned toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, pondering what this new development might mean for the contracts that had governed Teyvat for millennia.
Inside The Pokémon House, Shinzō carefully placed Zekrom's Ultra Ball in a special containment case beside Tyranitar's and Blaziken's Poké Balls. Three powerful partners now, each bringing unique strengths to his growing enterprise.
"Tomorrow's going to be interesting," he told Blaziken as they prepared for bed. "I wonder what the going rate is for 'not causing an international incident with a legendary dragon' in Mora."
Blaziken chuckled, a warm sound accompanied by a gentle flare of its wrist flames.
As night settled fully over Liyue Harbor, citizens returned to their homes, the Millelith returned to regular patrols, and Shinzō fell into a deep sleep filled with dreams of black lightning and ancient amber eyes watching from the shadows.
The Dragon of Ideals had come to Teyvat, and with it, the seeds of change had been planted in fertile ground.