High atop Mount Aocang, Cloud Retainer stirred from her meditation as unfamiliar energies rippled through the ancient ley lines of Liyue. The crane-like adeptus had lived for millennia, witnessing the rise and fall of countless dynasties, but this sensation was entirely new—a harmonious resonance that seemed to dance between the elemental frequencies she knew so well.
"Most peculiar," she murmured, her ethereal voice echoing through her mountaintop domain. "These energies carry neither malice nor chaos, yet they disrupt the established patterns of Teyvat's elemental flow."
From her elevated perch, Cloud Retainer extended her consciousness toward Liyue Harbor, where the disturbances seemed strongest. What she sensed there defied easy categorization—creatures of immense variety, each radiating unique energy signatures that bore no resemblance to the hilichurls, slimes, or other monsters she was familiar with.
Most intriguing of all, several of these energy signatures shared characteristics with her own adeptal nature. She sensed creatures that commanded the winds, others that wielded powers over earth and stone, and still others that seemed to exist in harmony with multiple elemental forces simultaneously.
"One must investigate this phenomenon personally," Cloud Retainer declared, her curiosity overriding her usual preference for solitude.
The morning sun had barely crested Liyue's mountains when Shinzō noticed an unusual shadow passing over his shop. Unlike the typical merchant vessels or fishing boats that frequented the harbor, this shadow moved with purpose and intelligence, circling the Pokémon House in wide, graceful arcs.
Umbreon, who had been dozing in its favorite shadowy corner, suddenly became alert. Its golden rings pulsed with increased intensity as it focused on something beyond normal human perception.
"What is it, Umbreon?" Shinzō asked, following his partner's gaze toward the shop's roof.
Before Umbreon could respond, a voice resonated from above—melodious yet commanding, carrying the weight of ages.
"Mortal merchant, one requests permission to examine your establishment and the curious creatures within."
Shinzō's eyes widened. He recognized that formal speech pattern from his gaming days—this was one of Liyue's legendary adepti. Stepping outside, he looked up to see a magnificent crane perched on his roof, its feathers shimmering with adeptal power.
"Cloud Retainer," he said respectfully, offering a deep bow. "I'm honored by your visit. Please, you're welcome to examine anything that interests you."
The adeptus transformed in a swirl of wind and light, taking her human form as she gracefully descended to street level. Her appearance was striking—tall and elegant, with long silver-blue hair and robes that seemed to flow like captured clouds. Her eyes held the wisdom of millennia and the sharp intelligence of a master craftsman.
"One has sensed unusual energies emanating from this location," Cloud Retainer stated, her gaze sweeping over the shop's exterior. "These disturbances in Teyvat's elemental harmony demand investigation."
"Of course," Shinzō replied, opening the shop's doors wide. "I believe you'll find the source quite fascinating."
Cloud Retainer's first step into the Pokémon House was met with immediate reactions from its inhabitants. Several Flying-type Pokémon that customers had left for temporary care sensed her presence instantly—a Pidgeot preened its feathers in what appeared to be respectful acknowledgment, while a Crobat performed intricate aerial maneuvers that seemed almost like a greeting dance.
"Extraordinary," the adeptus breathed, her usual formal composure cracking slightly. "These creatures... they recognize one's nature. How is such a thing possible?"
Shinzō smiled, leading her deeper into the shop. "Many Pokémon have instinctive recognition of power and wisdom. Flying-types especially seem drawn to those who command the winds and skies."
Cloud Retainer approached the Pidgeot cautiously, extending one hand. The large bird Pokémon studied her for a moment before allowing her to stroke its magnificent crest.
"The craftsmanship is impeccable," she murmured, clearly impressed. "This creature's mastery over wind currents rivals that of trained adepti. Yet it possesses no Vision, no divine blessing. How does it achieve such control?"
"Pokémon don't need Visions," Shinzō explained. "Their abilities are innate, developed through training and evolution. Would you like to see more examples?"
He guided Cloud Retainer to the portal leading to the backyard habitat, where his more powerful Pokémon resided. The moment they stepped through, the adeptus froze in amazement.
Zekrom stood near the habitat's center, its black scales gleaming as electricity danced between its wings. The legendary Dragon/Electric-type's presence commanded respect from every other Pokémon in the area, yet it radiated a calm dignity that spoke of wisdom rather than mere power.
"This one..." Cloud Retainer whispered, her eyes wide. "Its mastery over lightning exceeds even that of the Electro Archon. And yet it chooses to remain here, in peaceful coexistence with lesser beings."
"Zekrom values ideals and cooperation above domination," Shinzō said softly. "Many legendary Pokémon share similar philosophies. They could easily claim territory and rule through force, but they choose harmony instead."
Cloud Retainer spent the next hour observing various Pokémon, her fascination growing with each new species she encountered. She was particularly drawn to the Flying-types—studying their wing structures, questioning their flight patterns, and marveling at their intuitive understanding of aerial combat.
"One must admit," she said eventually, "these creatures possess capabilities that challenge one's understanding of natural law. They achieve mastery without centuries of study, power without divine intervention, and wisdom without the burden of immortality."
As afternoon approached, other visitors began arriving at the shop. Ganyu was among the first, carrying her usual stack of administrative documents that required Shinzō's signature for various Pokémon-related permits.
The qilin-blooded secretary stopped short when she saw Cloud Retainer examining a detailed chart of Flying-type evolutionary lines.
"Master Cloud Retainer?" Ganyu's voice carried surprise and reverence. "I didn't expect to see you in the harbor."
The adeptus looked up from her studies. "Ah, young Ganyu. One was compelled to investigate the unusual energies emanating from this establishment. The discoveries have been... illuminating."
Ganyu glanced at Shinzō, who nodded encouragingly. "The adepti's perspective on Pokémon would be invaluable," he said. "Perhaps Master Cloud Retainer would be interested in experiencing our selection process firsthand?"
Cloud Retainer's eyes sharpened with interest. "One has observed your 'rolling' mechanism but has not yet comprehended its full function. Enlighten me."
Shinzō led both women to the gleaming machine at the shop's center. "This device connects to the Pokémon House System, allowing customers to discover which Pokémon they're most compatible with. Each person gets three attempts every fifteen weeks."
"The system evaluates compatibility based on personality, goals, and spiritual resonance," Ganyu added, having become quite knowledgeable about the process through her administrative duties. "It's remarkably accurate."
Cloud Retainer studied the machine with the intensity of a master craftsman examining an unfamiliar mechanism. "The engineering principles are beyond one's current understanding," she admitted. "Yet the purpose seems sound—matching creatures with compatible partners based on deep analysis rather than mere preference."
"Would you like to try?" Shinzō offered. "I'm curious to see what the system would recommend for someone of your wisdom and power."
The adeptus considered this for a long moment. "One's curiosity compels acceptance. If these creatures truly recognize kindred spirits, then perhaps this 'system' will provide enlightening results."
Cloud Retainer approached the machine with characteristic dignity, placing her hand on the interface panel. The device hummed to life, its crystals glowing with unprecedented brightness as it analyzed the adeptus's unique energy signature.
[Analyzing Compatibility...][Subject: Ancient Wind Adeptus][Resonance Level: Exceptional][Recommended Categories: Flying, Dragon, Fairy][Special Note: Subject displays rare harmony with high-tier celestial entities]
The machine's first roll produced a swirl of pink and white light, revealing a Clefairy that chirped happily before being recalled. The second attempt generated a Dragonair that regarded Cloud Retainer with obvious respect before disappearing.
For the third and final roll, the machine's entire chamber filled with brilliant golden light. When it faded, a magnificent Togekiss floated gracefully within—its pristine white wings spread wide, emanating an aura of pure joy and benevolence.
"Extraordinary," Cloud Retainer breathed, her usual formality forgotten in the face of such beauty. "This creature... it resonates with frequencies one has not encountered in millennia."
The Togekiss—a fully evolved Elite Tier specimen at level 55—descended slowly, its movements filled with celestial grace. As it approached Cloud Retainer, both beings seemed to recognize something profound in each other.
[Perfect Match Detected][Compatibility Rating: 98%][Special Bond Available: Celestial Harmony][Would you like to complete the partnership?]
"The choice is yours," Shinzō said softly. "But I can tell you that Togekiss are known as the Jubilee Pokémon. They appear only to pure-hearted trainers and are said to bring good fortune wherever they go."
Cloud Retainer extended her hand, and Togekiss settled onto her arm with the natural ease of wind finding its proper current. The moment of contact created a visible resonance—both beings glowing with harmonized energy that spoke of perfect compatibility.
"One accepts this partnership," the adeptus declared, her voice carrying new warmth. "This noble creature shall be treasured and protected as befits its magnificent nature."
The bonding process complete, Cloud Retainer spent the remainder of the afternoon learning about Togekiss care and training. The Jubilee Pokémon demonstrated its remarkable abilities—creating protective barriers of light, generating healing energy, and manipulating air currents with precision that impressed even the ancient adeptus.
"Its mastery approaches one's own," Cloud Retainer admitted, watching Togekiss perform aerial maneuvers that seemed to defy physics. "Yet it achieves such feats through joy and harmony rather than rigorous discipline. Most enlightening."
Other customers began arriving as word spread of the adeptus's presence. Xiao appeared briefly, his usual stoic demeanor softening slightly as he observed the peaceful interaction between Cloud Retainer and her new partner. Even Zhongli made an unscheduled visit, his ancient eyes holding quiet approval as he watched the former Geo Archon's old friend embrace this new form of companionship.
"The implications are fascinating," Zhongli remarked to Shinzō as they watched Cloud Retainer teach Togekiss advanced flight patterns. "If the adepti begin forming bonds with Pokémon, it could fundamentally alter the balance of power in Liyue."
"Not power," Shinzō corrected gently. "Harmony. The strongest Pokémon partnerships aren't about increasing strength—they're about achieving perfect understanding between two beings."
As evening approached, Cloud Retainer prepared to return to her mountain domain, but not before making arrangements for regular training sessions and care consultations.
"One will return weekly," she announced. "This Togekiss deserves proper attention, and one's understanding of these remarkable creatures remains woefully incomplete."
She paused at the shop's entrance, Togekiss perched contentedly on her shoulder. "Additionally, one suspects other adepti will soon seek similar enlightenment. The energies of these creatures call to something ancient within us—a reminder of what we once were before immortality set us apart from the world's natural harmony."
With that profound observation, Cloud Retainer transformed back into her crane form, Togekiss keeping perfect pace beside her as they ascended into the evening sky. Their synchronized flight created patterns of light against the darkening clouds, visible throughout Liyue Harbor as a sign of their newfound bond.
Shinzō watched them disappear into the distance, Umbreon padding up beside him to observe the spectacular aerial display.
"Well, partner," he said to his Dark-type companion, "I think we're about to get very busy. If one adeptus is this interested in Pokémon, the others won't be far behind."