There was a tradition for young Oshawott. Once they had learned how to swim, they had to dive in a lake or any body of water, and find a shell that would become their scalchop. It was almost like a coming of age ceremony. A scalchop was a Oshawott’s most precious possession after all, therefore it had to be picked with care. It was a great symbol for their evolution line.

This very important moment had come for Mijou. Today he would find the shell that would accompany him for years to come. In a part of Cobalt Lake sheltered by a thick forest, the young Oshawott stared at the water nervously while his brother Futachi stood back, curious about how his brother would fare. Mijou was confident about his swimming skills. He had practiced a lot with his mother and other friendly Oshawott from the area. He took a deep breath and dove in.

The older Dewott watched the shadows in the water where his brother had disappeared. Surely Mijou would find a pathetic shell to match his skills. Under water, Mijou looked around for something that would make a good scalchop. It had to be sturdy, but light. There were lots of shells scattered across the lake floor, hiding among rocks and algae, but none seemed good enough. All too small, damaged or the incorrect shape. Mijou came back to the surface for air.

“Well?” Futachi asked, sounding impatient.

“Nothing good yet. I’ll look over this side,” Mijou said as he dived back in.

That’s where he saw it. This huge, shiny, beautiful shell lodged between two rocks. Mijou pulled hard and the shell came out. With a huge smile on his face, he quickly emerged from the lake.

“Look what I found!” Mijou exclaimed as he held out the shell proudly. “This should make an awesome scalchop!”

Futachi couldn’t believe his eyes. His stupid brother had found a perfect scalchop, way better than his own. The shape, size, luster: all amazing. What use could Mijou have for such a nice shell? It’s not like he would ever become strong enough to use it correctly! He would be a much better choice for it.

“Let me see that!” Futachi snatched the shell from Mijou’s hand as the Oshawott climbed out of the lake. “Wow! It’s beautiful!”

Mijou beamed. “I know! Give it back so I can go show mom!”

Futachi held the shell up out of Mijou’s reach. “I don’t think this is a good scalchop for you. You should find another one. This one is too big and sharp for you.”

“No, I’m fine! I like this one!” Mijou jumped up and down, trying to get the shell from his brother’s hand. “Give it back! I found it!”

“I’ll keep it; it’ll be of better use to me. You can just find another one.”

Tears appeared at Mijou’s eyes. “You’re mean! Give it back or…”

“Or what? You’re going to tell mom?” Futachi snickered. “That’s right, you go crying back to mommy, like the baby you are! You’ll always be a child who can’t do anything on his own!”

Futachi took out one of the scalchops from his hip, old and cracked, and threw it in the lake. “Even that one is wasted on you.” He then replaced it with the brand new shiny one.

With that done, the Dewott disappeared in the bushes, leaving his little brother crying alone.