Chapter 352: Chapter 34: The Unwilling Scyther
From Nurse Joy, Ash and his friends learned the tragic story of the Scyther they had rescued.
This Scyther was once the powerful leader of the largest Scyther group on Murcott Island. Its strength was unparalleled, and many Trainers had tried to capture it, hoping to add such a formidable Pokémon to their team. However, they were either defeated or failed to earn Scyther's respect.
Over the years, Scyther faced countless battles—against Trainers and rival Pokémon vying for territory.
These constant conflicts left it with numerous injuries, many of which never fully healed, leading to lingering ailments.
The accumulation of these wounds, combined with the natural toll of ageing, gradually diminished Scyther's once-dominant strength.
Recently, a younger, stronger Scyther within the group rose to challenge the aging leader for dominance.
Though Scyther managed to fend off earlier challenges, its declining power and recurring injuries finally caught up with it.
In its most recent battle, Scyther was defeated and stripped of its status as leader. As per the harsh laws of survival, the former leader was banished from the group. It was in this broken state that Tracey had found it.
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The trio sat in silence in the Pokémon Center's lobby, the weight of Scyther's story heavy on their minds.
They knew they couldn't change the situation. The law of the jungle—survival of the fittest—was a fundamental reality of the Pokémon world.
"I'm going to check on Scyther," Tracey announced, breaking the silence. He stood up and headed toward the nursing room. Ash and Misty exchanged a glance before deciding to follow.
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Inside the nursing room, Tracey sat beside Scyther's bed. The Pokémon was awake but too weak to move. It kept its gaze turned away, refusing to acknowledge Tracey's presence.
"Are you okay, Scyther?" Tracey asked softly. He received no response.
Despite its silence, Tracey could see the deep frustration and regret in Scyther's eyes. It wasn't just injured—it was crushed by the humiliation of its defeat.
"You're not okay, are you? You're still holding on to what happened," Tracey said, hesitating before continuing. "You're angry because you lost the leadership battle, aren't you?"
These words struck a nerve. Scyther's eyes sharpened, and it turned its head to glare at Tracey. If it hadn't been too weak to move, it might have lashed out in anger.
"If you want to regain your honor, you need to heal first," Tracey continued, undeterred by Scyther's glare. His tone was serious but sincere.
"Recover your strength. Only then will you have a chance to challenge the new leader and reclaim your place."
For a moment, Scyther continued to stare at Tracey, its eyes full of defiance. Then, slowly, it closed its eyes and fell into a restless sleep.
Tracey sighed in relief, feeling that his words had reached the proud Pokémon. He turned to Ash and Misty. "You two should get some rest. I'll stay here with Scyther tonight."
Ash and Misty nodded, though they reminded Tracey to call them if anything happened. Later, they brought him dinner from the Pokémon Center's restaurant before heading to bed.
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Night fell, and the town grew quiet. Most people were asleep, and the Pokémon Center was nearly empty.
In the nursing room, Tracey dozed off beside Scyther's bed, his head resting on his folded arms.
Scyther, however, woke up. After a full day of rest, it had recovered enough strength to move.
Silently, it sat up, glanced at the sleeping Tracey, and turned toward the window. It paused for a moment, looking back at Tracey once more, before leaping out into the night.
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Some time later, Tracey stirred awake. Groggily, he glanced at the bed and froze in shock when he realized Scyther was gone. The open window confirmed his fears.
Tracey's expression turned serious as he rushed to Ash and Misty's room. He quickly explained the situation, and the three of them sprang into action.
Ash dressed quickly and grabbed Pikachu, while Misty joined them without hesitation. Tracey released Venonat and Marill, instructing them to use their abilities to track Scyther.
Guided by the Pokémon, the group left the town and ventured into the dark forest. After some time, they began to hear the sounds of battle—blades clashing and roars echoing through the trees.
"It's Scyther," Tracey said, his voice tense. "And there's more than one!"
The three picked up their pace, breaking into a clearing where the scene unfolded before them.
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In the clearing, over thirty Scythers had gathered, their sharp eyes watching the battle taking place in the center.
Two Scythers were locked in combat—one was the younger, current leader, and the other was the old, former leader.
Scyther, still injured, was struggling to keep up. The new leader had the upper hand, relentlessly pressing the attack. It was clear that the old Scyther was nearing its limit.
The group's arrival didn't go unnoticed. The surrounding Scythers turned their attention to Ash, Misty, and Tracey, their scythes raised in warning.
"Pikachu, be ready!" Ash said quickly.
"Pika!" Pikachu stepped forward, its cheeks sparking with electricity. Its fierce expression and crackling aura radiated power, causing the Scythers to hesitate. None dared approach, wary of the formidable electric-type Pokémon.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the younger Scyther saw an opportunity and landed a devastating Wing Attack. The old Scyther was sent flying, crashing to the ground with a pained cry.
"Scyther!" Tracey shouted, stepping forward. "Don't give up! Show them the strength that made you their leader!"
Scyther stirred, Tracey's words reigniting a spark in its eyes. Slowly, it struggled to its feet, its unyielding determination shining through.
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