" I'm launching a full investigation into Hunter J's dealings right away!" Officer Jenny announced.

" That's great, Officer Jenny." Brock said.

" I hope you arrest her soon." Dawn added

" Pika Pika!" Pikachu added.

Ash was deep in thought, so he didn't hear anything.

" Yes, but in any case I'm glad you're all safe." Professor Rowan said.

" Yeah, thanks to Ash!" Gary replied.

Rowan and Jenny turned. " Hm?" Rowan asked.

" It was Ash's bravery and quick action that did it, and now the Sheildon are safe! Thanks, Ash!"

Ash didn't reply. " Mmmmm.... Thanks Gary."

Gary frowned. " Hey, if this is about Hunter J, I already told you, chill out. There's nothing we can do about her. At least the Sheildon are safe."

" Mmhm."

Ash looked up. " I have a hunch."

Brock raised a brow. " What kind?"

Ash didn't seem to hear him.

" Pikachu, stay here, okay? I need to see something, and if I run into you know who, they might want you. So stay with them and hide, okay?"

" Pikachupi?!"

" Yeah yeah, buddy. I'll be fine."

And with that, Ash turned on his heel and bolted.

Gary stared.

Then he sighed and turned to Professor Rowan, his assistants, and Jenny. " You guys go back. I'll stay here and wait for Ash."

" No one is leaving until your young friend is back." Rowan said authoritatively.

Brock nodded. " Thanks."

Dawn sighed. " I wonder where he went off to?"

" Bests me," Gary replied. " But wherever he went, it's a dangerous place, I'll tell you that much."

Gary was leaning against the car.

Dawn was pacing.

And the others were conversing.

" Starrrivia!"

The sudden Pokemon sound shook everyone, and they turned to see a Starivia carrying a young Sheildon on its back.

" Sheildon!" The young one yelled as it jumped off the bird and ran to its family.

The other Sheildon embraced the baby Sheildon.

" Awwww... they're so cute!" Dawn exclaimed.

Gary nodded. " Yeah... but where's Ash?"

They got their answer when the raven haired boy who how had bruises everywhere and blood on his shirt ( which was somehow still together) walked out of the bushes, waving to everyone.

"Hey, guys! What are you all looking at?" Ash asked, as if he hadn't just walked out of a battlefield.

Dawn gasped. "Ash! What happened to you?!"

Brock was already rushing forward. "You look terrible!"

Gary, however, was already on the move, reaching into his bag. "Yeah, no kidding," he muttered. He grabbed Ash's arm and pulled him down onto the ground, ignoring the weak protests. "Sit. Now."

Ash winced as he hit the dirt. "I'm fine-"

"You're not fine!" Gary snapped, already assessing the damage. "You're covered in bruises, you've got blood on your shirt, and don't even get me started on how exhausted you look."

Pikachu hopped onto Ash's shoulder, its ears twitching anxiously. "Pika pi!"

Ash laughed weakly, rubbing Pikachu's head. "I told you to stay put, buddy."

Gary, meanwhile, was all business. He yanked out antiseptic wipes, some bandages, and a bottle of water. "Okay, genius, care to explain what kind of stupid thing you just did this time?"

Ash scratched his head sheepishly. "I, uh... went to check on the Sheildon. Found out there was one left behind. It was stuck in a trap."

Rowan and Officer Jenny exchanged glances before nodding in understanding. "I see," Rowan said, stroking his beard. "That must be the young Sheildon that just returned."

"Yup!" Ash grinned. "Had to deal with some of J's grunts, but-ow, Gary! What the heck?!"

Gary had just wiped a deep cut on Ash's arm with antiseptic. "Oh, sorry-I thought you were fine," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe if you actually took care of yourself, I wouldn't have to do this every time!"

Dawn and Brock shared a look.

"Every time?" Dawn asked.

Brock crossed his arms. "Seems like Gary's had to patch Ash up more than once."

Gary sighed, shaking his head. "You have no idea." He turned back to Ash, checking his pulse. It was still too fast.

Ash gave him a lopsided grin. "Hey, don't worry. I've been worse."

Gary scoffed. "Yeah, and I've had to deal with all those times too. Hold still." He grabbed a gauze pad and pressed it against a nasty scrape on Ash's side.

Ash hissed through his teeth. "Geez, Gary, I thought you were supposed to be a gentle doctor."

Gary shot him a glare. "I am-but you don't deserve it."

Ash just laughed, and somehow, despite the injuries, the exhaustion, and the chaos, Gary found himself shaking his head with a smirk.

"Idiot," he muttered under his breath, wrapping Ash's arm.

But if he was being honest, he wouldn't have it any other way.