The morning sky over Liyue Harbor was unusually dark, heavy clouds gathering despite the weather forecast predicting clear skies. Shinzō stood in his shop, watching raindrops streak down the windows as an odd sensation tugged at his consciousness—something was stirring within his system.
"Manager Shinzō," Ganyu approached hesitantly, shaking water droplets from her horns. "The Qixing received reports of unusual weather patterns forming directly above your establishment. Is everything—"
A deep resonance echoed through the shop, making the healing machine hum and the Pokédex displays flicker. The sound seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere, carrying an ancient power that made even Tyranitar lift its massive head with interest.
"Fifth emergence," Shinzō muttered, recognizing the signs. His system had been unusually active lately, and he'd felt the presence of his next partner growing stronger each day.
The crystal panel controlling the backyard portal began glowing with an intense blue light. Through the shimmering gateway, they could see the habitat's artificial sky darkening to match the real weather outside.
Keqing burst through the shop's front door, her purple hair plastered to her head from the sudden downpour. "Shinzō! The harbor authority is in chaos. Ships are reporting massive waves appearing from nowhere, and the water level is rising despite no tidal predictions—"
The building shook.
Not from an earthquake, but from something immense moving beneath the earth. The crystal formations throughout the shop pulsed in rhythm with whatever was awakening below.
"Everyone stay calm," Shinzō instructed, though his own heart was racing. He'd known this day would come—Kyogre, the legendary Sea Basin Pokémon, was finally ready to emerge. But he hadn't expected the process to affect the entire harbor.
Through the portal, they watched as the backyard habitat's central pond began expanding rapidly, the water level rising as if fed by an invisible source. The other Pokémon in the habitat moved to higher ground instinctively, sensing something massive approaching.
"By the Archons," Albedo whispered, his scientific instruments beeping frantically. "The dimensional readings are off the charts. Whatever's happening, it's not confined to your pocket dimension."
From his position near Yujing Terrace, Zhongli paused his afternoon walk as he felt the familiar stirring of elemental power. But this wasn't Vision-based energy—it was something far older, more primal. The geo energy in Liyue's foundation stones resonated with recognition.
A creature of pure elemental might, he mused, golden eyes scanning the darkening harbor. But not one born of this world's principles.
He had been curious about Shinzō's mysterious creatures since first visiting the shop, but this display of raw power demanded closer attention. Whatever was emerging possessed strength that could rival an Archon's authority over the elements.
Back in the shop, the portal to the backyard suddenly flared with brilliant light. When the radiance faded, they could see something massive moving beneath the expanded pond's surface—a silhouette easily fifty feet in length.
"Impossible," Childe breathed, his Fatui training unable to suppress his awe. "That's larger than any sea creature I've encountered, even in the Abyss."
The water began to part as Kyogre slowly rose to the surface. Its blue and white form was majestic beyond description—massive fins trailing elegant patterns, ancient markings glowing with primordial power. When its eyes opened, they held the depth of entire oceans.
The legendary Pokémon's presence immediately calmed the chaotic weather outside. The rain gentled to a steady drizzle, and the harbor's turbulent waves settled into rhythmic swells.
"Kyogre," Shinzō spoke softly, approaching the portal's edge. "Welcome to Teyvat."
The Sea Basin Pokémon's massive head turned toward him, and for a moment, the assembled crowd held their breath. This was clearly a being of immense power—the kind that could reshape coastlines or summon tsunamis with a thought.
But Kyogre's response was gentle. A low, harmonious call that seemed to acknowledge Shinzō as its trainer, the bond between them settling into place like pieces of an ancient puzzle.
"The harbor authority needs an explanation," Keqing said tersely, though her eyes remained fixed on Kyogre's magnificent form. "Ships are still reporting unusual currents, and the fishing fleet is afraid to leave port."
"I understand their concern," Shinzō replied. "Kyogre's presence affects all bodies of water in the surrounding area. We'll need to create proper accommodations to minimize the impact."
He activated his system interface, noting several new options that had unlocked with Kyogre's emergence. Among them was something called "Legendary Habitat Expansion"—apparently, housing a creature of Kyogre's caliber required more than the standard backyard facilities.
"System," he subvocalized, "initiate Legendary Habitat Expansion for aquatic environment."
Legendary Habitat Expansion initiated. Warning: Process will require significant energy draw from local elemental sources. Estimated completion time: 4 hours.
The backyard portal shimmered as construction began. Through the gateway, they watched as the simple pond transformed into something resembling an inland sea—complete with deep trenches, coral formations, and enough space for a creature of Kyogre's size to move freely.
Bennett arrived at the shop just as the expansion was completing, his eyes wide with excitement despite being soaked to the bone. "Manager Shinzō! There's something incredible happening at the harbor—the water's glowing blue and all the sea creatures are acting strange!"
"That would be Kyogre's influence," Shinzō explained. "Legendary Pokémon of its caliber affect their environment naturally. The sea life is probably experiencing enhanced vitality."
Chongyun, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "Will this affect my exorcism work? The spiritual energy near water sources feels... different."
"Enhanced, not corrupted," Albedo interjected, his instruments still recording. "Whatever this creature represents, it's bringing positive changes to the local ecosystem. The elemental resonance is actually more stable than before."
Through the portal, they watched as Kyogre gracefully explored its new habitat. The legendary Pokémon seemed pleased with the expansive environment, its presence causing small fountains to spring up throughout the aquatic area.
The shop's front door chimed as an unexpected visitor entered—Tartaglia, the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger, his usual confident grin replaced by genuine curiosity.
"Well, well," he said, water dripping from his ginger hair. "The entire harbor's talking about strange phenomena centered on this establishment. I had to see for myself what could cause such a stir."
Shinzō tensed, but Childe's attention was focused entirely on the portal view of Kyogre. The Harbinger's expression showed none of his usual calculating interest in potential weapons—instead, there was something almost reverent in his gaze.
"That's a creature of pure oceanic power," Childe murmured. "In Snezhnaya, we have legends of beings that ruled the ancient seas before the Archons claimed dominion over the elements."
"Kyogre isn't meant for domination," Shinzō replied carefully. "It's a guardian of the ocean's balance."
"And you... control such a being?" The question carried no threat, only wonder.
"Partnership," Shinzō corrected. "Pokémon aren't tools or weapons. They're partners who choose to work alongside humans."
As if responding to the conversation, Kyogre approached the portal's edge and gazed directly at the assembled group. Its ancient eyes seemed to evaluate each person present, and several visitors stepped back instinctively from that oceanic gaze.
But then the legendary Pokémon did something unexpected—it began to sing.
The sound was unlike anything heard in Teyvat before. Deep, melodious tones that seemed to carry the rhythm of tides and the memory of primordial seas. The song filled the shop with a sense of peace and timeless wisdom.
"It's... beautiful," Ganyu whispered, tears forming in her eyes. As a half-adeptus with strong ties to nature, she felt Kyogre's song particularly deeply.
Even Xiao, who had remained silent throughout the emergence, found himself affected by the ancient melody. The song reminded him of times before the Archon War, when the world was younger and elemental forces moved in simpler patterns.
The peaceful moment was interrupted by hurried footsteps as Ningguang arrived with a small retinue of Millelith guards. The Tianquan's usual composure was strained as she surveyed the scene.
"Shinzō," she said formally, "the Liyue Qixing requires an immediate assessment of the situation. Reports are coming in from across the harbor about unprecedented changes to maritime conditions."
Before Shinzō could respond, Kyogre's massive form moved through the water toward the portal. The legendary Pokémon's head emerged partially into the shop's space, its presence filling the room with the scent of ocean depths and ancient wisdom.
Ningguang's breath caught as she found herself face-to-face with a being whose power rivaled the gods themselves. But instead of the destructive force she might have expected, Kyogre radiated calm authority—a creature comfortable with its strength and uninterested in causing harm.
"Will it remain contained?" she asked quietly.
"Kyogre chooses to stay," Shinzō replied. "But Ningguang, we need to discuss expanding the shop's official status. With legendary Pokémon in residence, this has become more than a simple business."
The Tianquan nodded slowly, her mind already working through the implications. A creature of Kyogre's magnitude under Shinzō's partnership changed everything about Liyue's strategic position.
But before she could respond, the shop's crystal formations began resonating with a new frequency. Somewhere in the distance, an answering call echoed across the harbor—deep, thunderous, and distinctly different from Kyogre's oceanic song.
Shinzō's system interface chimed with an urgent notification: Warning: Legendary Pokémon signature detected approaching from the direction of Guyun Stone Forest. Identity: Unknown. Estimated arrival: 30 minutes.
"What now?" Keqing muttered, but her question was answered by another thunderous roar that shook windows throughout Liyue Harbor.
Whatever was coming, it was big, it was powerful, and it was heading straight for them.