Crimson Evolution

"Moo."

Camerupt appeared in midair, then unleashed a jet of deep black flame wreathed in billowing black smoke, completely blocking the oncoming Venoshock. As for the remaining Pin Missiles, Camerupt simply took them head-on without a care.

Beedrill did not care either. With another sweep of an arm, Beedrill fired eighteen more Pin Missiles, then another eighteen. Beedrill wanted to see just how many volleys the opponent could withstand.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Camerupt stood like a wall in front of Courtney, blocking every attack.

Meanwhile, Dian remained under Misdreavus's protection, guarding against a surprise attack from Sneasel.

He toyed with Aggron's Poké Ball, drawing Courtney's attention every so often. In truth, both had their concerns. Courtney feared that he would release Aggron to launch ranged attacks.

And he feared the Sneasel lurking in the shadows, so he dared not distract Misdreavus by having Aggron lifted into the air.

For the moment, the battle had reached a stalemate. Either Courtney would receive orders to retreat and withdraw, or Dian's reinforcements would arrive in time.

Neither noticed that the layer of red sand beneath their feet was gradually thinning.

Beneath the Stardust Sea, the tunnels originally dug by Trapinch and the other underground Pokémon had been wrecked beyond recognition.

Larvitar and Trapinch were both buried beneath a layer of red sand.

"Kak, kak, kak."

Trapinch slowly began burrowing to the side, with a weakened Larvitar following behind. If Trapinch had not blocked the Earth Power spreading down from above, Larvitar probably would not have been able to move at all.

"Yoo..."

Yet, incredibly, Larvitar felt no discomfort within the red sand. Instead, it felt like returning to a mother's embrace.

"Yoo-ji."

The farther down Larvitar followed Trapinch, the stronger that feeling grew, and strength gradually filled Larvitar's body again.

What Larvitar failed