Pokemon : Rewind

Murcott Island is a medium-to-large island located on the southeastern edge of the Orange Archipelago. 

It is home to a wide variety of Bug-type Pokémon, making it a popular destination for Trainers who specialize in or adore these Pokémon. 

Its natural beauty and rich biodiversity place it among the most famous and frequently visited islands in the region.

Except for the western coastal areas, the rest of Murcott Island is blanketed by dense forests, the ideal habitat for Bug-type Pokémon. 

This environment not only attracts Trainers but also maintains an ecological balance, thanks to the oversight of Officer Jenny, who is stationed on the island to ensure that Trainers do not disrupt the Pokémon's natural habitat.

---

"Come back, Lapras. Thank you for all your hard work," Ash said as he returned Lapras to its Poké Ball. The group's arrival on the beach caught the attention of several tourists enjoying the sunny shoreline.

Although Lapras hadn't undergone much formal training, its continued journeys had strengthened it considerably. 

Its experience on the sea had raised it from the beginner's Starter level to a respectable Official/Ordinary level. 

However, Ash knew it still needed more time and focus on move mastery to reach its full potential.

"We made it! Murcott Island at last!" Tracey exclaimed with excitement. Wasting no time, he pulled out two Poké Balls. "Venonat, Marill, come on out!"

With a flash of light, the two Pokémon appeared. Tracey's enthusiasm was contagious, though Ash and Misty couldn't help but glance at each other in slight confusion.

"Tracey, why'd you release them now?" Misty asked, tilting her head.

"Because—" Tracey began, but he was interrupted when a large flock of Butterfree soared across the sky. 

There were dozens of them—at least thirty or more. The graceful group mesmerised the beachgoers as they disappeared into the distant forest.

The sight also drew the attention of several Trainers, many of whom began running toward the forest, hoping to catch one of the Butterfree.

"So many Butterfree..." Misty murmured. Although she had mostly overcome her fear of Bug-types, she still felt uneasy around them. Even the elegant Butterfree couldn't completely dispel her discomfort.

"Of course! Murcott Island is home to a huge number of Bug-types. It's a perfect opportunity to observe how they live!" Tracey said enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

---

"You two head to the Pokémon Center. I'll go check out the forest!" Tracey announced before running off with Venonat and Marill in tow.

"Have fun!" Misty called after him, though she made no move to follow. Instead, she grabbed Ash's arm and steered him toward the nearby town. 

"Let's go, Ash. No need to waste this rare chance to explore together!"

Ash hesitated for a moment, considering joining Tracey, but Misty's determination was clear. He relented, deciding to make the most of their time together.

---

The town on Murcott Island was bustling with activity, its modern infrastructure blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. 

The Pokémon Center was especially impressive—twice the size of the ones Ash had visited on previous islands.

Even within the town, Bug-types were everywhere. Beedrill and Butterfree hovered gracefully through the skies, some landing on trees to rest while others approached humans for food. 

Despite their presence, the Pokémon here seemed to understand the rules—no wild Pokémon in town were to be attacked or captured, and they, in turn, refrained from causing harm to humans.

The harmony was astonishing, a scene rarely seen in other regions.

---

After checking into the Pokémon Center, Ash and Misty enjoyed lunch at the on-site restaurant before heading outside to feed their Pokémon. 

Ash had prepared Snorlax's meal using the recipe Brock had provided. Snorlax, thankfully, wasn't picky. As long as it could fill its enormous appetite, it didn't seem to care about taste or nutrition.

Relieved, Ash thought, If Snorlax had been fussy, I'd have no choice but to ask Professor Oak for help.

---

By afternoon, Ash and Misty grew concerned about Tracey, who had yet to return. Deciding to search for him, they left the Pokémon Center. 

However, before they had gone far, they spotted him staggering toward them at the end of the street.

"Tracey!" Ash called out, rushing forward.

Venonat and Marill followed closely behind Tracey, who was carrying a Pokémon on his back—a severely injured Scyther.

"What happened?" Ash asked, his voice filled with concern. He carefully took Scyther from Tracey, who was clearly exhausted.

"I found it like this on my way back," Tracey panted. "It was already injured... I have no idea what happened."

Misty, despite her unease around Bug-types, stepped in to support Scyther and ensure it didn't slip from Ash's grasp. 

The group quickly returned to the Pokémon Center, where they handed Scyther over to Nurse Joy.

---

More than twenty minutes later, Nurse Joy returned to the lobby.

"How is it, Nurse Joy?" Ash asked anxiously as the three of them hurried to meet her.

"It's going to be fine," Nurse Joy said with a warm smile. "Thanks to your quick actions, its life isn't in danger."

The trio sighed in relief, but Tracey couldn't help asking, "Do you know what caused its injuries?"

Nurse Joy nodded solemnly. "Yes. This Scyther is the leader of the largest Scyther group on the island. Judging by its injuries, it likely lost a leadership battle to another Scyther."

"Leadership battle?" Ash, Misty, and Tracey echoed in surprise.

Nurse Joy explained, "On this island, it's common for Scyther groups to challenge their leaders. If a leader is defeated, they are usually exiled from the group." 

She sighed, her expression filled with sympathy. "This Scyther has likely been cast out of its group."

The revelation left the trio thoughtful. While they were glad the Scyther was safe, its situation tugged at their hearts. What would become of a leader who had lost everything?

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