"In this digital age, do you really expect customers to just walk through the door like in the old days?" mused Chris, lounging in his chair at the Pokémon House. Meanwhile, Diancie watched cartoons quietly and obediently.
The video of Diancie dancing to "Pure Land of Bliss" had become a sensation, even surpassing Chris's expectations. Well, who could resist Diancie's charm, especially when she's dancing?
Filming promotional videos was just one tactic, but the video's popularity was promising.
"I just wonder if the locals here in Magic City will actually visit the shop," Chris thought. Just as the thought crossed his mind, the doorbell jingled sweetly.
A customer!
Chris sprang up, watching as a young man with glasses walked in.
"Welcome."
Chris put on his best professional smile, patting his face to shake off any tiredness.
"Boss, you really have... Diancie here!" the young man, Alex Lin, exclaimed, his eyes locking onto Diancie.
Hearing her name, Diancie turned her head, gazing at Alex with curious eyes.
"It's actually real!"
Seeing Diancie's response, Alex was thrilled. The video was genuine!
A real, living Diancie!
"Uh... sir, your words are a bit rude," Chris interjected with an embarrassed yet polite smile.
Saying "it's actually real" was quite the understatement.
"Sorry, I saw your video on Station B, boss. I was just excited to see Diancie in person," Alex explained, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"I understand. So, are you here to buy a pet?" Chris asked, noting Alex's excitement as a testament to Diancie's allure.
"Yes, I'd like to take a look. But, boss, where are the pets?" Alex inquired, glancing around the store.
This was his first time considering a pet, but only if Chris's claims held true.
"Our store operates differently from traditional pet shops. I believe pets and humans have their own destinies."
"What kind of pet you connect with depends on you," Chris explained, leading Alex to the rest area and handing him a Pokédex.
"This is the Pokémon Pokédex. Click it to see which partner you might draw," Chris said with a smile.
"Well, I'll give it a shot," Alex decided, intrigued. He tapped 'go' on the Pokédex.
Silhouettes flashed across the screen as Alex focused intently.
He was curious about these "magical" pets Chris had mentioned. Could there be a pet as beautiful and amazing as Diancie?
The images slowly became clearer.
"Boss, is this it?" Alex asked, showing the screen to Chris, eyes bright with excitement.
"Looks like your luck is good too," Chris remarked, raising an eyebrow. The image displayed a Vulpix, a charming little fox.
Though not as striking as the Alolan Vulpix, the regular Vulpix was undeniably cute.
"Boss, is this real?" Alex asked eagerly, increasingly fond of the little fox.
A fox!
There were fox pets in the world, but this one had many tails!
"Absolutely. Please wait a moment," Chris replied with a smile, heading to the back to retrieve Vulpix from the system.
"Sir, here's the Vulpix you drew. What do you think?"
A minute later, Chris returned, a small fox with six fluffy tails following him.
Alex's eyes lit up as he gazed at the Vulpix.
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Its body was small, with reddish-brown fur, large brown eyes, pointed ears, a small black nose, and six curled orange tails.
"A fox with six tails!" Alex marveled, nearly overflowing with affection.
"Vulpix starts with a single white tail at birth, which becomes more beautiful and splits as it grows," Chris explained.
"But it's still very small," Alex noted.
"Yes, technically speaking, this Vulpix is still a baby," Chris agreed.
"Will it grow more tails, boss?" Alex asked curiously.
"You're wondering if Vulpix will become a Ninetales, right?" Chris replied, amused by Alex's curiosity.
In folklore, the Ninetales fox is legendary.
"I can assure you that Vulpix can evolve into a Ninetales, but it requires a special method. However, it's still young, and today isn't the right time," Chris explained.
Vulpix evolves using a Fire Stone, but it's too early for this young Vulpix.
"Can I hold it?" Alex asked, eager to get closer to Vulpix.
"Of course, Vulpix is quite gentle," Chris encouraged.
Alex crouched down, and Vulpix tilted its head, studying him curiously. Sensing no malice, Vulpix didn't retreat.
"So soft and cozy!"
Alex gently reached out, finally touching the fluff atop Vulpix's head.
As he stroked Vulpix's head, its eyes closed in contentment, and Alex's heart melted.
Oh my gosh, this little fox is stealing my heart!