Chen Xuan felt a headache forming. Letting Lin Bei lead the operation felt… dangerous. With that brain of his, anything could happen.
Still, he reasoned — at worst, he could humour him.
With that IQ, can't I handle one fool?
"Alright, no problem. You'll be in charge of this operation."
"Not bad."
Lin Bei nodded approvingly and tossed Pikachu to Chen Xuan. "Keep it safe. Don't lose it. That's the strongest war beast in the world."
"Yes, yes, don't worry."
Chen Xuan was overjoyed to finally hold Pikachu — until he looked closer and realised it was just a toy doll. His mouth twitched.
"Lin Bei, this thing—"
"Please call me Captain Lin."
"Oh, Lin… Captain, I mean. How do I make Pikachu fight?"
Lin Bei rolled his eyes. "Are you mentally retarded? You don't even know the mantra? The moment you throw it, you shout — Go, Pikachu!"
"Oh… right." Chen Xuan nodded repeatedly, recalling how Lin Bei had done it with the tiger.
"Good, it's settled then," he muttered under his breath.
Lin Bei changed into the uniform of the Supernatural Bureau — crisp, dark, neatly buttoned. He stood before the mirror, admiring himself. "Handsome," he murmured.
Chen Xuan meanwhile briefed the three operatives.
"Lin Bei will lead this mission. You'll cooperate. On the surface, at least."
"Uh… okay."
The three exchanged confused glances.
"Stand still, all of you!" Lin Bei barked suddenly.
They snapped to attention, back straight, eyes forward. Chen Xuan smiled, giving a discreet thumbs-up.
"You too!" Lin Bei turned, glaring at him.
"Yes, Captain!" Chen Xuan stiffened, expression blank.
"Very good. Energetic."
Lin Bei's eyes drifted to the team's only woman. "Your name?"
"C-Captain Lin, my name's Bai Qiong."
Lin Bei gave her a once-over — flat as an airport runway, nowhere near Chen Daxigua's level. "Too long. I'll just call you Little White Bun."
"...…" Bai Qiong froze.
Small white bun?
Did he just call her small?
Chen Xuan made a face, silently urging her to bear it. The two men behind her struggled not to laugh. Their professional training held — barely.
"And you?" Lin Bei asked the first man.
"Captain Lin, my name's Wang Hu."
"Too long. From now on, you're Wang Ermaizi." Lin Bei squinted. "Those freckles fit the name."
"Uh… yes, Captain," Wang Hu said, deciding it was better than 'Little White Bun.'
Lin Bei turned to the last one. "And you?"
"Captain Lin, I… I'll just answer when you shout."
Lin Bei glanced at his badge. "Bian Mingjun, huh? That one's fine. You keep it."
Everyone: "...…"
"Alright, Paw Patrol, move out!"
"Paw Patrol?" the team echoed blankly.
"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."
No one knew who said it first — but somehow, it suited Lin Bei's command style perfectly.
The "Paw Patrol" piled into a black Mercedes van. Wang Ermaizi took the wheel, Chen Xuan sat in front clutching Pikachu, and they headed toward the riverside park — where the monster awaited.
Tension filled the air. Only Lin Bei looked relaxed, gazing out the window like a child on a school trip.
Chen Xuan sighed quietly. Was this a terrible idea? He hugged Pikachu tighter, as if the plush could save him.
Half an hour later, they arrived. The park loomed dark and silent, surrounded by wire fences and guarded checkpoints.
"Captain Chen, you're finally here!"
A young officer rushed from the sentry post — then froze as Lin Bei stepped forward.
"Please call me Captain Lin."
"Uh… Captain Lin?" The young man looked to Chen Xuan for help.
Chen Xuan cleared his throat. "Don't worry about it. Report to Captain Lin."
"Oh, yes. The monster hasn't moved for days, but it's still inside. Our sensors can't pick it up. It scrambles electronics somehow."
Mutant monsters — some absorbed energy, some regenerated. Bullets and bombs couldn't kill them.
Magic defeats magic. Only awakeners could end them.
"Attention, Paw Patrol! All forces, advance!" Lin Bei shouted with heroic fervour.
The team exchanged looks, but obeyed.
The young sentry blinked as they passed. Did they just change captains? And team names?
The park, once filled with old ladies dancing to square music, now lay silent. The air was heavy, the trees unmoving, the smell faintly rancid.
Chen Xuan gripped Pikachu. Don't be scared… you've got this.
"Where's the monster?" Lin Bei looked around.
Bai Qiong swallowed. "It usually lurks in the trees."
"Alright, Little White Bun, you lure it out."
"What?" Bai Qiong's eyes widened. "You want me to—?"
Wang Hu chuckled. "Captain's orders, Little White Bun."
"You come with her, Wang Ermaizi." Lin Bei turned his head.
"...…" Wang Hu immediately regretted opening his mouth.
Chen Xuan sighed and coughed softly. He patted Pikachu. His eyes said: It's fine. You've got Pikachu.
"Oh well…" Bai Qiong muttered, steeling herself.
The night deepened, wind whispering through the leaves. Somewhere in the darkness, something stirred.