The gentle waves carried Lapras and Shiny Gyarados toward their next destination. After leaving Moro Island behind, the group finally arrived at Murcott Island, a place well-known throughout the Orange Archipelago for its rich population of Bug-type Pokémon. The air was filled with the buzzing of various insects, and the dense forests looked alive with movement.
As soon as the gang stepped onto the island, they encountered something unexpected. Lying near the edge of the forest was an aged, heavily injured Scyther. Its once-sharp blades were dull and chipped, its body covered in old scars, and its eyes carried the heavy weight of exhaustion and exile.
This was no ordinary Scyther it was clearly the former leader of a swarm, now cast out and left to fend for itself.
Ash's eyes lit up with interest the moment he saw it. Scyther was one of his favorite Bug-types, and the thought of adding such a cool Pokémon to the team crossed his mind.
However, after a closer look using his System and his own trained eyes, he shook his head slightly. The Scyther was simply too old and worn out. Even with the best training, it would never be able to unleash its full potential again. Ash decided to let nature and the story follow its natural course.
Thankfully, in this journey Misty was no longer afraid of Bug-types Ash had helped her overcome that fear long ago during their Kanto travels.
Tracey, however, was deeply moved by the injured Pokémon. "This Scyther… it looks like it went through a lot. I can't just leave it suffering here."
Instead of challenging it to a direct battle, Tracey chose a gentler approach. He released his Venonat, who quickly scattered a cloud of Sleep Powder over the weakened Scyther. The old leader's eyes slowly closed as it drifted into a peaceful sleep.
"We'll take it to the Pokémon Center right away," Tracey said with determination. Ash and the girls nodded in agreement, carefully helping carry the injured Scyther.
At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy immediately began emergency treatment. The old Scyther lay on the examination table, its breathing shallow. During the treatment, its eyes remained distant, staring into some unseen abyss, as if its spirit had already given up.
Tracey looked visibly worried. "He doesn't look like he wants to fight anymore… What if he never recovers his will?"
Ash placed a reassuring hand on Tracey's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll help you bring back his spirit. He was a leader once. That kind of pride doesn't disappear so easily."
After making sure the Scyther was stable, the group went to the cafeteria to eat while waiting for updates. They enjoyed a hearty meal and light conversation, the peaceful atmosphere helping everyone relax.
However, trouble was brewing elsewhere on the island.
In a hidden clearing deep in the forest, the new leader of the Scyther swarm and several other Scyther were suddenly surrounded by a group of ruthless Pokémon poachers. The criminals had set up a powerful electric cage that crackled with energy, trapping the entire swarm. The Scyther struggled fiercely but couldn't break free.
Back at the Pokémon Center, the old exiled Scyther suddenly jolted awake. Its eyes widened as it sensed the danger to its former swarm. With a burst of desperate strength, it shattered the window and escaped into the forest, ignoring the calls of Nurse Joy.
When the gang heard the commotion and learned the Scyther was missing, they immediately rushed out to find it.
Deep in the woods, the two poachers were laughing greedily while discussing how much money they would make selling the captured Scyther swarm on the black market.
At that moment, the old Scyther arrived at the scene. The poachers noticed the newcomer and smirked.
"Look at this pathetic old thing!" one of them laughed. "It's half-dead already. Might as well catch it too for spare parts."
Their mockery ignited a burning rage in the old Scyther. Despite its injuries, it charged forward with whatever strength it had left.
The poachers responded by releasing their strongest Pokémon a powerful Salamence and a massive Swampert. The two giant Pokémon looked unwilling to attack the weakened Scyther, but the poachers activated the painful electric collars around their necks, forcing them to obey.
"Finish it off!" the poachers shouted. "Use Hyper Beam!"
Both Salamence and Swampert charged their strongest attacks. Twin beams of destructive energy shot toward the already exhausted old Scyther.
But the attack never landed.
In a flash of dark illusion, a mysterious fox-like Pokémon appeared in front of the old Scyther, shielding it completely. The Pokémon had a pale-grey body, a voluminous wispy white-and-red mane that flowed like the cloak of the Grim Reaper, golden-yellow eyes, red makeup-like markings around its face, and long flowing fur that gave off a malicious yet majestic aura Hisuian Zorua (evolved form, but Ash had kept it in its special Hisuian line for now actually Hisuian Zoroark).
The poachers were stunned. They had never seen a Pokémon like this before.
"What the hell is that thing?!" one shouted. "It looks rare! We can sell it for a fortune!"
Before they could act, a cold, malicious voice cut through the air.
"Two fuckers attacking an injured Pokémon, huh? Let's see how you'll escape from here."
Ash stepped out from the trees, his eyes narrowed dangerously. Behind him, Misty, Sabrina, Daisy, and Giselle all wore extremely pissed-off expressions especially Misty and Giselle, who were furious at the sight of the electric collars cruelly controlling the Salamence and Swampert.
Ash released his Hisuian Zoroark. "Zoroark, handle them without causing more injury. Use Hypnosis and put them to sleep."
The majestic illusion fox moved with terrifying speed and grace. It weaved illusions and hypnotic waves that quickly overpowered both Salamence and Swampert, forcing them into a deep, peaceful sleep without adding any further wounds.
The poachers panicked and tried to run, but the old Scyther intercepted them with one last burst of speed. Tracey quickly commanded, "Venonat, Sleep Powder again!" The poachers were soon knocked out cold.
Officer Jenny arrived shortly after with her team, taking the two criminals into custody.
While the poachers were being arrested, Misty and Giselle gently approached the sleeping Salamence and Swampert. With careful hands, they removed the painful electric collars. In a surprisingly short time, both powerful Pokémon grew attached to the kind girls who had freed them.
Ash picked up the poachers' Poké Balls, crushed them in his hand, and looked at Misty and Giselle. "Do you two want to catch them?"
Both girls nodded without hesitation.
Officer Jenny gave her approval with a smile. "They deserve better trainers. Go ahead."
Misty caught the Swampert, and Giselle caught the Salamence. The two Pokémon looked visibly relieved and happy with their new partners.
Meanwhile, the old Scyther had a quiet, emotional one-on-one conversation with the new swarm leader. After giving his final pieces of advice and wisdom as the former leader, the old Scyther made his decision.
With a respectful bow to its former swarm, the aged Scyther turned and walked away from Murcott Island, choosing to live out the rest of its days in peace on its own terms.
Tracey watched the scene with mixed emotions but ultimately respected the old leader's choice.
As the sun began to set over Murcott Island, the gang stood together, another meaningful day behind them. New bonds had been formed, cruelty had been stopped, and the natural order of the swarm had been allowed to continue.
The Orange Islands adventure continued, with more challenges and heartfelt moments waiting ahead.
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Next chapter will be First elite four challenge vs lorelei what do you guys want 1. 6 vs 6
or
2. 3 vs 3.
Please tell me as soon as possible atleast 4 response is ok then i will upload the chapter