Chapter 72: Thirty Years East, Thirty Years West
[Aqua Tail]
Ryū made the first move, his long tail whipping out with incredible speed and knocking out two smaller Ariados instantly.
"Ados!" The other Ariados shot String Shot at his tail, trying to pin it down.
"Scyther." Scyther's figure flashed, his scythes a blur of motion as he used Fury Cutter to slice through the incoming silk.
[Chilling Water]
Ryū pulled his tail back and spun, sending countless streams of ice-blue water scattering outwards. The Ariados all jumped onto the surrounding webs to dodge.
"I was waiting for you to get on the web," Ryū grinned. A golden light flashed on his body as he unleashed a Thunderbolt.
Dry webs are not conductive, but Ryū's Chilling Water had soaked them completely. Now, they were perfect conductors. The electric current spread through the silk threads, shocking the Ariados who failed to react in time.
The ones that jumped down immediately launched a desperate assault. One used Sucker Punch from the front, while another used Shadow Sneak to attack from behind. Ryū met the frontal attacker with an Aqua Tail, sending it crashing to the ground. At the same time, the one behind him let out a wail as Scyther silently appeared and cut it down.
"Ados," the Ariados leader hissed, signaling a retreat.
Ryū and Scyther didn't pursue, quietly watching them disappear into the darkness.
"Well done," Ryū smiled, extending his tail. Scyther raised an arm and touched it, but the next moment, his expression changed, and he collapsed, purple bubbles foaming from his mouth.
"Gotta get some Pecha Berries in you, quick."
Ryū wrapped his tail around Scyther and flew back to the cave. Thanks to his large stockpile of medicinal berries, Scyther's poisoned state eventually stabilized.
"Scyther," he said, thanking Ryū once again.
"It's nothing. Aren't we friends?" Ryū grinned. "Oh, right, I found some huge footprints nearby. A really strong Pokémon must have come down from the depths. Be careful."
"Scyther," his friend nodded seriously.
"Speaking of which," Ryū said, munching on a berry, "you've recovered now, and you're stronger than before. Do you want to go back to your old colony and reclaim your honor?"
Scyther opened his mouth but said nothing.
"Tomorrow, after you've fully healed, we'll go find that upstart and let him know what 'thirty years east, thirty years west, don't bully the old and poor' means!" Ryū smiled, making the decision for him.
"Scyther?" The old warrior looked at Ryū, wondering how this creature knew so many strange things.
"Oh, it's a long story," Ryū chuckled. "On the other side of the sea, there's a region called the Dou Qi continent..."
He then began telling Scyther his own modified version of Battle Through the Heavens. The protagonist was an old Scyther named Scy-an. Because he hadn't fought for a long time, his strength declined, and he was humiliated by Nalan the Lurantis, who broke off their engagement. It was at this moment that he met a clever Dragonair named Master Drago...
Scyther was completely fascinated by the story.
The next day, though he wanted to hear the rest of the tale, Scyther knew there was an important battle to fight.
"Ready?" Ryū asked.
"Scyther," he nodded. He felt more than a little stronger now. With the techniques he had learned from Ryū, he was confident he could defeat the new leader.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the Scyther colony. A patrol quickly recognized the old leader and called for the new one.
"Scyther?" The new leader frowned as he saw the old one, then shifted his gaze to Ryū, assuming he had been brought for revenge.
"Scyther," the old warrior said, extending an arm to shield Ryū as he explained his purpose. The new leader calmly accepted the challenge. He was bigger and stronger now; he didn't think he would lose.
The battle was swift. In just ten minutes, a victor was decided. And that victor was the Scyther who had received special training from Ryū. Their levels and physiques were similar, but this time, the old warrior's technique was far superior. He completely crushed the new leader, who was left unharmed except for the loss of his right eye.
"Scyther..." The new leader's eyes were dull with disbelief. He stood up and lowered his head, preparing to leave in disgrace under the burning gazes of his former subordinates.