Chapter 13: Slug Hunting
Eli and Harley were out teaching Tad how to catch slugs. The Garcias were there too, looking after Xana. "Now remember, Tad, slug energy has an effect on everything in Slugterra and is essential to the health of the 99 Caverns." Eli explained. "He's right. There's a fragile balance that we have to maintain." Harley said. "And too many slugs can be a bad thing?" Tad asked. "No, not really. More like too much of a good thing." Eli said. "Alright. Let's show Tad how to meet a slug." Harley said.
"How long do you reckon our little brother might actually get a few slugs?" Aerona asked. "Tad's a natural like us, Eli and Harley. He'll do fine." Kala assured. Xana watched closely as Eli and Harley showed Tad how to get slugs. Just then, a Hop Rock hopped past her. She started following it.
Later, Eli, Harley and Tad were finished getting new slugs. "You really are a natural, Tad." Eli said. "Yeah. You're a lot like your sisters than you lead on." Harley said. "Thanks, guys. But I couldn't have done it without your help." Tad said. "Oh, don't be modest, little bro." Fareeda said. "Yeah. You did a good job with getting these new slugs." Kala said. Just then, Eli noticed that Xana was gone. Again. "Uh, Garcias, where's Xana?" He asked. The Garcias turned around and gasped when they saw that Xana was gone. "She must've slipped away from us when we weren't looking. Again!" Paulina exclaimed. "Split up and look everywhere for her!" Eli exclaimed. The 7 slingers searched every inch of the cavern, but couldn't find any trace of Xana. "Dude, how could your sister get away so fast?" Tad asked. "I don't know. She moves like a slug, using the environment to her advantage." Harley said with worry.
Meanwhile, Xana continued following the Hop Rock. Just then, the slug finally noticed her and chittered happily. Xana giggled as she started playing with the Hop Rock. Just then, more slugs started coming out, taking an interest on Xana, and started to join the fun. Suddenly, there was a low growl in the bushes, getting their attention. Just then, a big Slug Hound walked out of the bushes, growling at Xana and her slugs. Xana grew scared as the Slug Hound walked towards her. But then, her slug friends hopped in front of her, attempting to protect her. Suddenly, as the Slug Hound charged towards them to attack, before it got in range, a Rammstone appeared and bashed the Slug Hound away with a single blow. Xana turned around to see Aerona, revealing the Rammstone to be Aries. "Xana!" Eli and Harley cried as they ran over to check on their baby sister. Xana cooed in scared as she held out her arms, wanting to be picked up. Eli picked her up and hugged her gently. "It's okay, sis. You're safe now." He said. "Yeah, your brothers are here now." Harley said as he joined the hug. Just then, the brothers noticed the slugs nearby. Xana giggled as she waved to her new friends.
Later, after they returned to the hideout, Eli and Harley watched Xana play with Rouge and her new slugs. "Look at her. So young and already a friend to all kinds of slugs." Eli said. "Yeah, reminds me of us when we were her age." Harley said. "She's gonna be the next Shane in the future." They said simultaneously.