Chapter 70: Friends
In the dense forest, the old Scyther flew erratically, blood still oozing from the scar on his left eye. He was in extremely poor condition and could collapse at any moment. He had to find a safe place to rest.
"Hey!"
A sound came from behind him. Scyther's gaze sharpened, and he spun around, adopting a battle stance. When he saw Ryū, his eyes widened, and the light in them seemed to dim. His intuition told him that in his current state, he was no match for this massive creature. He might die here.
"Scy-ther..." he hissed, attempting to scare Ryū off.
"Don't be nervous. I have no ill intentions," Ryū said calmly.
"Scyther?"
"Looking at you now, it's going to be difficult to survive in this forest. With your injuries, you won't make it far. Why not come with me? I'll help you." Ryū stood his ground, maintaining a respectful distance to give the Scyther space to think.
"Scyther? (What's your purpose?)"
"Purpose? Probably because I've been quite bored lately," Ryū tilted his head, then added, "Oh, and let's survive in this forest together from now on."
..."Scyther."
The Scyther hesitated, then nodded in agreement.
"Come with me. My den is close, and I have Berries that can help you recover."
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the cave.
"This was originally a bear's territory; I took it over. Eat this," Ryū said, handing Scyther a few Berries.
"Scyther," the Scyther nodded gratefully. Having lived in this forest for decades, he knew these Berries were good for healing. He ate them immediately, his trust in Ryū growing. He was not a naive Pokémon like Charmander or Gligar; his temperament had been forged in the treacherous forests of Mt. Silver. The dozens of scars covering his body were a testament to the countless battles he had survived.
"And this," Ryū said, pulling out a bundle of herbs. "When ground into a powder and applied to a wound, it can quickly stop bleeding."
He crushed the herbs with a stone and neatly smeared the paste onto Scyther's wounded eye.
"Scyther!"
The Pokémon trembled violently, writhing in pain for a few seconds before sitting back up, drenched in sweat.
"Feeling better now?" Ryū smiled. This was likely the raw material for the Potions of the future.
"Scyther," he nodded. His condition was still poor, but he was no longer on the verge of collapsing. "Scyther? (Who are you?)" he asked curiously.
"I came from outside the forest. I'm here to train and become stronger."
"Scyther? (Why?)"
"I want to protect someone, but I feel my strength isn't enough yet."
"Scyther." The old warrior expressed his understanding and then began to tell his own story. He was born alone on the outskirts of Mt. Silver, surviving by fighting for the territory of Caterpie and Weedle. He was hunted by Pidgeot and Fearow, but he survived, gathered allies, and eventually led his colony into the deeper, more dangerous parts of the forest to escape the threat of humans.
The more Ryū listened, the more he admired him. Scyther's story was much like his own past life as a Beedrill, filled with constant, cautious struggle.
"When your position as leader was taken, weren't you unwilling to accept it?" Ryū asked.
"Scyther..." The Scyther lowered his head, unwillingness flashing in his eye. How could he be willing to give up the results of decades of hard work?
"It's okay. We'll become stronger together, and then we'll go back and help you reclaim your honor."
..."Scyther!" The Scyther looked up at Ryū and nodded heavily.
"Scyther? (What about your story?)"
"My story? Hmm, alright. I was originally in a small lake..."
And so, in the cave, a Dragonair and a Scyther recounted their pasts to each other. At that moment, Ryū felt a peculiar sensation. He had found his first and only true friend in this world—a bond formed not out of necessity or hierarchy, but out of a chance encounter and mutual respect.