Very soon, the day went by without anyone noticing.
Sandshrew truly had talent for playing with sand. In that privileged environment, and with Dugtrio's direct teaching plus Ethan Black's corrections, he had already managed to execute the move Dig in a basic way.
The next day, Professor Harris returned in a hurry, holding a Pokéball in one hand and a book in the other.
"Professor Harris, you're finally back! Did you find a Sandshrew or Sandslash that fits what you were looking for?" asked Alex Baxter, running to meet him.
"Yes, I found a Sandslash capable of using Sand Attack while using Rapid Spin at the same time," nodded Professor Harris, though his brow furrowed slightly as he looked at the Pokéball, showing a hint of regret. It was clear he had paid a high price to obtain such a special Sandslash.
"Professor Harris... could that book be...?" asked Ethan Black, whose heart skipped a beat upon seeing the other object in his hands.
"Here, take a look. It's the breeding method for the Sandshrew evolutionary line," said Professor Harris, rolling his eyes as he handed over the book. "I'm starting to suspect you made this request on purpose just to see me suffer searching for that guide."
"Ehh... Professor, I'm just a civilian! I had no idea that only Sandshrew could use Sand Attack and Rapid Spin at the same time... Maybe other Pokémon can too, who knows..." said Ethan Black, scratching his head awkwardly.
Last night he had reviewed the topic in more detail, and seemed to recall that Kabuto (a fossil Pokémon) might also be able to do it.
But since those Pokémon had not yet been seen in the present world, nor were they even registered in Professor Harris's Pokédex, the truth was that this combination seemed exclusive to the Sandshrew evolutionary line.
"I know, I know... You got away with it," said Professor Harris, resigned but with a sly smile. "But on one condition—you'll be the one to raise this Sandslash. I no longer have the energy to raise more Pokémon, I'm just an old, tired bone."
"Oh, of course!" replied Ethan Black happily.
Although caring for a Sandslash would cost him more time and effort, it also represented a chance to gain valuable experience, something that would eventually serve him when his own Sandshrew evolved.
Seeing that he accepted, Professor Harris nodded in satisfaction and tossed the Pokéball.
Poof! A muscular figure appeared on the field.
It was a Sandslash with pale yellow skin, a white belly and snout, covered in hard brown spines protruding from its back. Its huge claws shone faintly like sharp blades.
Ethan Black observed him carefully. This type of normal Sandslash was usually called "Brown Spines" by trainers.
If his Sandshrew—who was Shiny—evolved, the spines that grew on his back would be a deep red, hence the nickname "Red Spines."
"Shaaa!" squealed Sandshrew, who trembled upon seeing Sandslash and hid behind Ethan Black.
After all, Sandslash was the natural "king" of its species, and his presence inspired respect (or fear) in the younger ones.
"Ethan, how about we have a Pokémon battle?" Professor Harris suddenly proposed. "I'd like to evaluate this Sandslash's strength, which would be useful for our research."
"Good idea! Come on, Sandshrew! If you win, I'll treat you to the nighttime snacks for the whole month!" shouted Alex Baxter, cheering him on.
"Shaaa...!" Sandshrew hesitated, his ears twitching, uncertain.
"Well, well... I'll add another month of snacks! But no more, got it?" said Ethan Black, smiling.
"Sha!" Sandshrew instantly leapt out from his hiding place, full of enthusiasm, ready to fight.
"Could this little glutton have been faking it from the start?" thought Ethan Black wryly, noticing the complete change in attitude.
"Anyway, get ready to battle! I'll be the referee," announced Alex Baxter, positioning himself between both Pokémon.
Professor Harris and Ethan Black took their places at the sides of the field.
"Let's begin. Sandslash, fight on your own. I want to see what you're capable of," ordered Professor Harris.
Sandslash glanced at the other gathered Pokémon, all imposing. He nodded solemnly, determined to show off in this fight.
"Sandshrew, do it for the snacks and treats!" shouted Ethan Black.
Sandshrew: ┗(｀0')┛
Victory at all costs!
"Alright then, let's start! Sandshrew, use Rollout!"
Ethan Black squinted as he looked at Professor Harris and his Sandslash.
Upon seeing the move, Sandslash also used Rollout, eager to teach his young rival a lesson.
BOOM!
They both clashed brutally with the move Rollout, creating waves of Rock-type energy. The result: a total draw. Neither side gave in!
"I knew it. This Sandslash still doesn't know the move Defense Curl, nor how to boost Rollout," murmured Ethan Black.
"Even so, his raw strength is tremendous. Not even with Sandshrew's boosted Rollout was he able to surpass him!"
The situation looked tough. Sandslash was clearly superior in power.
"Defense Curl and Rollout together?" Professor Harris asked, thoughtful as he watched the boys. "These two youngsters really surprise me..."
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
The battle continued. Both Pokémon kept using Rollout again and again, colliding in a series of violent impacts with neither side gaining the upper hand.
"Shaaa!" growled Sandslash in frustration, realizing his attacks weren't enough.
Then, Sandslash stopped his rolling form and activated the move Metal Claw: his claws began to shine with a metallic silver light.
With pride, Sandslash crossed his claws in front of his body, determined to withstand Sandshrew's attack head-on and with sheer force.
(End of chapter)