Scizor wasn't known for its speed.Although it evolved from Scyther, it was actually slower than Scyther of the same level.
Scizor belonging to Bugsy was fast only because of its high level. If it were swapped for a Scyther of equal level, the latter would be even faster.
Scyther itself was a naturally swift Pokémon, but after evolving into Scizor, its body became covered in steel. That heavy armor greatly boosted its strength, but it also dragged down its speed.
Of course, there was one exception—Scizor with the Light Metal Ability.
Thanks to Light Metal, their bodies became astonishingly light, never feeling heavy at all. They gained overwhelming strength while also moving with incredible agility.
Only those rare Scizor with Light Metal could be called "Crimson Flashes." Such Scizor were twice as fast as their peers at the same level—an entire twofold difference!
Unfortunately…
Bugsy's Scizor did not have Light Metal. Its Ability was Technician.
Although it was at Gym Leader-level, its speed was only average among that tier.
Its base speed was still well over 200 points thanks to its level, but if it had Light Metal, its speed could have been closer to 500 points.
And what would that mean?Even a Dragonair maximizing its speed wouldn't be able to compete.
"Dragonair, Bind it!" Yozora commanded sharply.
A flicker of light flashed across the battlefield. In the blink of an eye, Dragonair appeared right beside Scizor, its long, elegant body coiling in a circle, attempting to trap it.
"So fast?!" Bugsy was shocked. He couldn't understand it. That Dragonair was only a mid-Commander tier—how could it erupt with such terrifying speed?
It was even faster than his Gym Leader-level Scizor! Impossible!That shouldn't make sense at all—the difference in level should have been overwhelming.
But Dragonair's body was already winding in for the Bind. Bugsy couldn't spare another thought and shouted instinctively:"Scizor, get out of there!"
Scizor, equally startled, reacted on instinct. Its wings flared as it activated Agility.
In an instant, its speed surged by sixty percent.
Whoosh!
Its wings snapped once, and its silhouette vanished. The next moment, it reappeared several meters away.
Yet Dragonair seemed to have anticipated the move perfectly. It stopped coiling without hesitation, its sharp gaze tracking Scizor's every motion.
"Now! Dragonair, Flamethrower!" Yozora ordered in perfect sync with his partner.
BOOM—!
A torrent of blazing flames roared forth, engulfing Scizor completely. The attack landed squarely, the fourfold weakness making the damage devastating.
Scizor was hurled backward, its entire body scorched black.
"Scizor, use Swift!" Bugsy shouted through gritted teeth, unwilling to yield.
Though badly injured, Scizor was still standing thanks to its high level.
Even while being blown back, it spread its pincers wide and launched a barrage of glowing stars.
Bang bang bang—!
Dragonair was struck by the storm of Swift stars, recoiling in pain from the direct hits.
…
Scizor had taken quadruple damage, but Dragonair only received neutral damage.
Even so…
When the two Pokémon steadied themselves, Scizor's condition was noticeably better than Dragonair's.
That was the difference of level.
The sheer advantage of Gym Leader-level allowed Scizor to endure where Dragonair could not. By contrast, Dragonair lacked that margin for error—one Swift barrage already had it panting for breath.
It was clear—it couldn't withstand a second round.
Bugsy saw this as well and pressed his advantage immediately:"Scizor, no need for close combat! Keep firing Swift, nonstop!"
Scizor gave a sharp cry and obeyed, its pincers glowing as it unleashed a relentless stream of energy stars.
Scizor was a physical attacker, a warrior specializing in melee. It wasn't proficient in special attacks.
As such, its Swift was weaker than its normal arsenal.
But with its massive level advantage, even its special attack was enough to cripple Dragonair!
Shu-shu-shu!
The battlefield blazed with streaks of light. Dragonair twisted and darted desperately through the air, dodging as long as it could.
But fatigue soon caught up. Its movements faltered, and another volley of stars struck it clean.
Boom!
Dragonair crashed heavily to the ground. Its eyes shut tight. It could no longer battle.
"Dragonair is unable to fight! Scizor is the winner!" the referee announced.
The crowd exploded with cheers. The Gym disciples' spirits soared.
Although Bugsy had been on the back foot at first, losing two straight matches, once Scizor took the field, he had immediately brought the score back even.
Now, both sides were down to their last Pokémon.
…
Scizor had already fought twice and even taken a Flamethrower, yet it still had over half of its strength left.
Its aura was fierce and unbroken.
Watching from the sidelines, Akai and Tiane grew uneasy. Bugsy's power was undeniable. Could Yozora really overcome him?
"This last one's up to you. Go, Eevee!" Yozora declared, releasing his final partner.
Because Scizor was weak to Fire, Yozora was determined to settle this battle with flames.
"Eevee?"
Bugsy immediately gauged its level—mid-Commander tier. His face fell with disappointment. Eevee was weaker even than Dragonair.
If Dragonair had already fallen, what could Eevee possibly do?
"And at least Dragonair had fire-type power to threaten Scizor. Eevee, on the other hand, not only has lower level, but also no access to fire attacks. How can it possibly harm my Scizor?"
Bugsy frowned in confusion. Surely Yozora wouldn't make such a rookie mistake.
Could it be… that Eevee was truly his last option? If so, wasn't his Trainer rank too low?
He shook his head, pushing aside the thought."Scizor, finish it quickly! Bullet Punch!"
"Chaahh—!"
Scizor streaked forward, its fist gleaming with a metallic shine as it aimed a crushing blow at Eevee.
"Now, Eevee—Flamethrower!" Yozora's voice cut sharply across the arena.
"Flamethrower? From Eevee?!"
Bugsy froze. At first, he thought he had misheard. Then he thought Yozora had misspoken.
But in the very next moment—he was left completely dumbfounded…
…
…
(End of Chapter)