It took a good...well to be honest he lost track of time but just when Simon was about the give up and declare the 'stake-out' futile, the ground he was staring at stirred. Slowly at first. Then rapidly. Then in a cloud of dust and dirt a tan and white head appeared. It was soon followed by two arms with long claws at the end. Bright blue eyes began scanning the nearby area.
Simon brought his Pokédex up to scan the creature as it continued to peer suspiciously around. He placed his thumb over the speaker to prevent the registration sound from carrying.
027 Sandshrew
Pokémon
HT 2'00"
WT 26.0 lbs
Shadow stood rigidly still in the grass beside of his trainer. The Poochyena's tail was raised, and his nose was in the air. A low whine rumbled through his frame but was never voiced. As soon as the Sandshrew finishing climbing out of its tunnel Shadow looked up at Simon.
The trainer looked down then nodded once. "Let's go." he said.
"
Chee!" Instantly Shadow broke into a run. He aimed a full speed tackle at the round mouse-like Pokemon. Simon jogged behind Shadow in an attempt to keep up. The trainer's bag made metallic jingling sounds as he moved.
Alerted by Shadow's cry, the Sandshrew's head swiveling in the direction of the oncoming Poochyena. A sharp sound, quickly cut off, emerged from its mouth. It attempted to launch itself toward the safety of the tunnel. But just as it began to move Shadow hit the Sandshrew straight on. Though only four pounds separated the two Pokemon Shadow's attack knocked the Sandshrew head over tail into the grass. It's escape route was now cut off.
Or at least, so Simon hoped as he stepped onto the impromptu battlefield. He felt a little bad for the creature that they'd ambushed. As he walked closer he saw that it was still on the ground. Had they beaten it already? Shadow seemed to be wondering the same thing. He began nudging the downed Sandshrew with his paw.
*Shreea* Sharp claws suddenly raked across Shadow's muzzle.
Shadow's cry of pain was high-pitched and sharp. He backpedaled rapidly, shaking his head and pawing at his injured nose. Another whine of pain sounded.
'Scratch attack.' Simon noted with dismay. He no longer felt sorry for the Pokemon.
"Shadow, use bite." he called.
The Poochyena's answer was to growl and lunge. Rather than face its attacker the Sandshrew quickly curled into a ball.
*Rrrrf* Shadow's bite connected solidly. A muffled cry of pain sounded from the tan Pokemon.
'We need to get it out of that defensive position.' Simon thought. "Shadow use tackle, then try to bite again." he ordered.
'It might work.
"
Chee!" Shadow released his toothy attack and lunged at the Sandshrew. There wasn't as much force behind the tackle as the two Pokemon were close together. But it was enough to push the Sandshrew onto the ground. The impact seemed to stun the Sandshrew momentarily as it released its curled position. Shadow gave a cry of challenge and darted forward.
"Watch out." Simon cautioned.
Shadow's paws skidded in the dirt as he attempted to slow down just as Sandshrew tried another scratch attack. The mouse Pokemon managed to clip Shadow's ear but the Poochyena was determined. Ignoring his bleeding ear Shadow ducked under Sandshrew's arm to latched onto the its side.
A cry of pain, almost a shriek, came from Shadow's opponent. Shadow shook his head with his jaw still latched onto Sandshrew's side. Sandshrew gave another cry of pain. It tried scratching at Shadow's head but no amount of scratches deterred the Poochyena. After each series of scratches Shadow would reapply his bite. He did so fast enough that Sandshrew couldn't escape.
'It's a stalemate.' Simon realized. Shadow wasn't going to let go, but he couldn't perform anything other than bite from such a close position. And with Shadow latched onto its side, the Sandshrew couldn't get away or curl into its defensive mode. So what now?
Simon got an idea. But he wasn't sure if it was going to work.
'Alright. Let's try this'
"Shadow, heads up!" Removing a Pokeball from his bandolier Simon threw it at the two combatants.
Due to a trick of the wind the Pokéball landed right on Sandshrew's head.
*Shreea* Sandshrew disappeared in a flash of white light.
'Gotcha.' Simon jogged toward the still wobbling Pokéball. By the time he arrive Shadow had both paws braced on either side of it.
Together they watched the Pokéball swivel and shake. The clasp on the Pokéball flashed white, then red, then white again.
'Please. Please. Please. Stay.' Simon crossed his fingers. Just in case it would help. The Pokéball shook a final time, then stilled.
"Yes!" Simon exclaimed happily. He laughed and picked up his startled Poochyena. "We won." he said happily.
"Chee?" Shadow complained. He whined urgently and began to struggle.
"Sorry! Sorry." Simon quickly put Shadow back down on the ground. "Let me see." he said in a quieter tone. The unexpected win had made him momentarily forgetful.
Shadow bent his head and pawed at his nose. Now that Simon was up close he could see the scratches running parallel to one another that liberally covered Shadow's head.
"We can fix that. Hold on, bud. You'll be fine." Simon dug one of his Potions out of his pack and began liberally applying the medicine to each of the scratches. With his free hand Simon scooped up the Pokéball contained the latest addition to his team. He snapped the Pokéball into place then continued with his administration.
