Ash coughed violently, his body trembling as he slumped back onto the cold, damp ground. His vision blurred, the world around him spinning as a sharp pain coursed through his chest. He barely registered Gary kneeling beside him, rummaging through his bag with swift, practiced movements.

"You reckless fool," Gary muttered under his breath, pulling out a medical kit. "Why do you always have to throw yourself in harm’s way like this?"

Ash tried to smirk, but another cough racked his body, a thin line of blood escaping the corner of his lips. "T-They needed me…" he wheezed, gripping his chest as he fought to catch his breath.

Gary frowned, his jaw tightening as he took Ash’s wrist, feeling for a pulse. It was weak—too weak. His gaze darkened. He had seen Ash in bad shape before, but this… this was different. This was worse.

"Don't talk," Gary said firmly, grabbing a penlight and lifting one of Ash’s eyelids. His pupils were sluggish, his breathing erratic. Gary knew what this meant—Ash was going into shock.

"Ash, listen to me," Gary said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I need you to stay awake. You hear me?"

Ash let out a weak chuckle. "No promises…"

Gary clenched his teeth. "Don't joke right now!" He reached into his bag, pulling out antiseptic and bandages. His hands moved on instinct—this wasn’t the first time he had to patch Ash up, and he had a sinking feeling it wouldn’t be the last.

Behind them, Dawn and Brock watched from the bushes, wide-eyed.

"I had no idea Gary cared about Ash this much," Dawn whispered.

Brock nodded, equally surprised. "Neither did I… but look at him. He's done this before."

Gary carefully dabbed at the wound, trying not to cause Ash more pain than necessary. The cross poison had left a deep gash along his ribs, and the toxins were already setting in.

"I need to slow the poison down," Gary muttered, reaching for a syringe filled with an antidote. He grabbed Ash’s arm and injected it carefully. "This will help, but you need proper treatment."

Ash groaned, his head lolling to the side. "Mmm… ‘m fine…"

Gary scoffed. "You are NOT fine, you idiot." He lifted Ash slightly, pressing gauze against the wound. "You push yourself way too hard, Ash. Always thinking about everyone else but never yourself."

Ash gave him a tired grin. "Sounds like someone I know…"

Gary shook his head, his grip on Ash tightening slightly. "Yeah, well… you better not make me regret it."

Ash’s breathing remained ragged, but the bleeding was slowing. Gary carefully wrapped the wound, then placed a hand against Ash’s forehead. He was burning up.

"We need to get him somewhere safe," Gary said, looking back at Brock and Dawn. "I’ve stabilized him, but he needs rest. A lot of it."

Dawn nodded. "There’s a cabin nearby. We can take him there."

Gary looked back at Ash, his expression softening for just a second. "You’re lucky, you know that?" he murmured. "Not just because we’re here—but because somehow, no matter how reckless you are, you always find a way to come out of it."

Ash, half-conscious, smirked slightly. "Guess that’s… my thing…"

Gary sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah… but one of these days, Ash, I won’t be there to catch you."

And for the first time, Gary realized just how much that thought scared him.