c149: Are You a Dramatist
Chen Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes at the odd little creature.
Let's see what's really weird about you. Why pretend to be Pikachu of all things?
If there truly was nothing wrong, perhaps she could still take it in for her grandmother's sake, who always loved cute Pokémon like Pikachu.
"Okay… let me think about it."
She smiled gently and lifted the "Pikachu" into her arms.
Xiao Zhao and the staff exchanged approving looks.
"As expected, Miss Xiaoxiao has a soft spot for adorable Pokémon," one whispered with a smile.
"Come on, little one, do you want to eat this?"
Instead of the normal Electric-type cube used in tests, Xiaoxiao secretly pulled an Evil-type Apex Energy Cube from the system's exchange, then held it out.
The Pikachu, which earlier showed complete disinterest in the standard cube, suddenly froze. Its eyes locked onto the dark cube, pupils dilating.
I want it! I need it!
After a "careful" pause that lasted less than a heartbeat, it tossed aside the electric cube disdainfully and lunged for the one in Xiaoxiao's hand.
"(Ah—damn it!)"
The Pokémon's heart skipped. I've been pretending to be dull and sluggish this whole time, but I moved too quickly! They'll see through me!
It stiffened, forcing its expression back into that blank, dopey look. Its tiny paws clutched the cube, glancing nervously up at Xiaoxiao.
"Go on, try it."
Her smile didn't falter.
Pretend all you want. I already know the truth. That reflex was way too sharp for an 'anesthetized' Pokémon.
The so-called Pikachu hesitated a moment longer before sinking its teeth into the cube. The moment the taste of pure Dark energy hit its tongue, it lost control.
Bite after bite, it devoured greedily, unable to maintain its mask. Its body quivered as shadows surged through its veins.
Evil energy… oh no!
The realization hit the impostor too late. Looking up, it saw Xiaoxiao's smile, it wasn't kind, but sharp, like a predator's grin.
The creature shivered violently.
---
The Mask Slips
"Hey… you can't pretend anymore," Xiaoxiao said telepathically, her words sliding directly into its mind.
The creature froze.
What? How… how is she speaking inside my head?
By reflex, it replied the same way: "(I-I don't understand what you mean!)"
Her smirk widened. "Hehe… telepathy, huh? For a Pikachu? Still playing dumb with me?"
Its heart lurched. Crap… I gave myself away!
"(Hisss…!)" it gasped inwardly, panic rising.
Then, in a sudden burst of improvisation, the "Pikachu" went limp, shutting its eyes and flopping lifelessly in Xiaoxiao's arms.
"…Are you serious?" Xiaoxiao nearly dropped it. This thing's pretending to faint?
"You're a full-on dramatist!" she snapped via telepathy, shaking the limp body.
The impostor stubbornly remained "dead."
Xiaoxiao's strength increased, frustration rising, until the staff nearby noticed.
"Miss Xiaoxiao?"
Gardevoir quickly whispered telepathically, "(Careful, everyone's watching.)"
Startled, Xiaoxiao looked up. Sure enough, several staff had turned their heads curiously then immediately looked away, pretending to be focused on their own Pokémon examinations.
"Ahem… well, this one sure has a flair for drama!" she forced a laugh, covering the situation.
Awkward smiles spread across the room as the staff nodded politely and pretended not to notice.
Damn it, Xiaoxiao thought. They all believe it's just a playful Pikachu. But I know better.
---
The Misunderstanding
"Perhaps," Mina suggested delicately, "it ate something just now that upset its stomach. Should we check?"
Xiaoxiao nearly fell over. Upset stomach? Really? This faker is obviously acting!
"No, no—it's fine. It's just playing around," she reassured with another forced laugh.
Mina gave a neutral nod, but her eyes clearly showed disbelief. The awkward air thickened.
Inside Xiaoxiao's arms, the impostor gave a tiny suppressed giggle.
"(You're still laughing?)" she hissed inwardly, catching the ripple of its amusement.
This little rascal!
---
The Trap
Thinking quickly, Xiaoxiao summoned another Evil-type cube from the system and dangled it casually in front of the "unconscious" Pokémon's mouth.
The reaction was instant. The faker's jaw snapped open, teeth clamping down greedily. But Xiaoxiao whisked the cube away just in time.
Chomp!
The impostor bit nothing but air, eyes widening in panic.
It scrambled, pawing desperately after the cube.
"Hehe, look," Xiaoxiao said loudly, "it's playing with me!"
The staff, who had been sneaking glances, chuckled in relief. "This Pikachu is really mischievous," one whispered.
---
The Revelation
Inside, the impostor's voice cracked with hunger. "(Give it! I'm starving, I need it!)"
Xiaoxiao's eyes narrowed. "Oh? You want it so badly? Then why pretend to be Pikachu?"
"(What? I-I am Pikachu!)" it insisted, blinking innocently.
She smirked coldly. "Heh… are you kidding me? Since when can Pikachu use telepathy or crave Evil energy?"
The cornered creature stiffened. Then, with a sigh, its illusion shimmered.
The yellow fur rippled like smoke, melting away to reveal sleek black and gray fur, a bushy tail tipped in crimson, and sharp blue eyes.
"Zorua," Xiaoxiao muttered, holding the squirming fox up for all to see.
The system's screen confirmed it instantly:
Zorua
Gender: ♂
Level: 15 (Advanced)
Type: Dark
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