Pokemon : Rewind

The new Scyther leader stood facing the former leader, its expression shifting to one of solemnity. 

Despite its recent victory, the young Scyther could now sense a threat emanating from the old leader—a strength that it hadn't felt before. The realization was as surprising as it was unsettling.

"Scyyy-ther!" the old Scyther roared, its wings buzzing with renewed vigour. Flying-type energy began to condense along its scythes. 

With all its remaining power focused into one final attack, the old Scyther slashed its arms forward, unleashing an X-shaped burst of sky-blue energy—Air Slash!

The young leader's pupils shrank as it tries to prepare for the incoming attack. However, its reaction was too slow. 

Before it could fully gather its strength, the powerful Air Slash struck with unrelenting force.

The cross-shaped energy hit the young Scyther directly, sending it sliding backward across the grass. 

Its claws dug deep into the ground, carving two trenches as it was pushed nearly twenty meters away before the energy finally dissipated.

The effort left the old Scyther completely spent. Kneeling on one leg, it struggled to stay upright, its body trembling from exhaustion. It had reached its limit and could no longer continue the battle.

Across the field, the young leader, though battered by the attack, stood still for a moment, looking at the former leader with a contemplative gaze. Then, without warning, it closed its eyes and collapsed forward, unconscious.

---

The surrounding Scyther group erupted in surprise. Some members rushed to the side of the new leader to tend to it, while others stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

The old Scyther, still kneeling, lifted its head and let out a triumphant cry. "Scyyy-therrr!" The shout echoed through the clearing, carrying all the pride and emotion it had bottled up.

Despite its defeat and banishment, it had proven it was still the most powerful warrior in the tribe.

"That was incredible, Scyther!" Tracey shouted, his voice full of admiration. The shout caught the old Scyther's attention.

After taking a moment to gather its remaining strength, the old Scyther slowly stood up. Ignoring the rest of its tribe, it walked toward Tracey. 

Stopping in front of him, it raised its right scythe and extended it toward the young Trainer.

"Tracey, don't just stand there!" Ash called out, quickly realizing what was happening. "Scyther wants to go with you—it's recognizing you as its Trainer!"

Tracey, still processing the moment, looked at Scyther in disbelief. "Really?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Scyther glanced briefly at Ash before locking eyes with Tracey. It gave a firm nod, leaving no room for doubt.

---

The decision was clear. Having regained its pride, the old Scyther felt no need to remain with the tribe. 

Though the new leader was not yet as strong as it had been, it could see the potential in its successor. The group would be safe under its guidance, and there was no longer a reason to stay.

"Then... I'll do my best, Scyther!" Tracey said, his voice filled with determination. He pulled out an empty Poké Ball and gently touched it to Scyther's extended blade. 

The red light engulfed the Pokémon, and the capture was seamless—there was no resistance.

The rest of the Scyther group looked on in confusion. Their new leader was unconscious, and now their old leader had left with a human. The group was momentarily lost, unsure of what to do.

"Scyyy-ther..." A soft but commanding cry broke the silence. The new leader, regaining consciousness, stood up. 

Despite its injuries, it called out to the tribe, gathering their attention before leading them away into the forest.

Ash, Misty, and Tracey watched in awe.

"So it wasn't really defeated," Misty said, realization dawning on her.

"No," Ash replied with a smile. "It let itself fall to make sure the old leader could leave with dignity. Even under the law of survival, there's still room for compassion."

---

The next morning, after receiving a light scolding from Nurse Joy for causing trouble, Ash, Misty, and Tracey decided to stay one more day on Murcott Island to allow Scyther to rest and recover fully. 

Once it had regained its strength, the group set sail for their next destination.

Their goal was Trovita Island, home to the next gym in Ash's Orange League challenge. Located near Mandarin Island, the journey between the two islands would take less than an hour.

Before heading directly to Trovita, however, the group decided to stop at Mandarin Island—a large and bustling island with diverse terrain and vibrant cities.

---

Mandarin Island was more like a small continent than an island. Divided into eastern and western regions, it featured a variety of environments, from lush forests to arid deserts. 

The eastern side housed two major cities: Orange City, the island's namesake, and Yangbella City, a gateway to the desert. The western region had a large harbour city known as Big City and a smaller desert-adjacent town.

As the most populous and modern island in the Orange Archipelago, Mandarin Island was a hub for tourists and Trainers alike. It was known for its rich resources, scenic beauty, and bustling atmosphere.

After two days and one night of travel by sea, Ash, Misty, and Tracey finally arrived at Orange City on the island's eastern shore.

---

On the beach near Orange City, Ash was challenged by a local Trainer eager to test his skills.

"Lapras, use Ice Beam!" Ash commanded, eager to let Lapras gain battle experience.

The Trainer sent out a Butterfree with unique markings, likely caught near Valencia Island. While Butterfree was slightly stronger than Lapras, the type advantage tipped the scales in Ash's favour.

"Lapras, finish it with another Ice Beam!" Ash shouted.

The icy attack hit Butterfree directly, knocking it out of the air.

"Butterfree is unable to battle. Lapras wins!" Tracey, announced as the battle's referee.

The opposing Trainer sighed, recalling Butterfree. "You're amazing," he admitted before leaving, unaware that he had just battled the famous Ash Ketchum.

"Well done, Lapras!" Ash praised, patting the Water-Ice Pokémon's head. Though Lapras was still inexperienced, it showed great promise in its first battle.

"Lapras!" it cried happily, nuzzling Ash's hand. Its confidence had grown after its victory, and it seemed eager for future challenges.

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