Tessa stepped into the room first, with Ash barely managing to shuffle in behind her. The moment Gary looked up from his paperwork, his eyes widened in surprise. Ash, grinning through what seemed like sheer determination, stood before him, but it was obvious he wasn’t doing well. His clothes were dirtied, his face pale, and his usually bright eyes were glassy, though he still somehow managed a weak grin.

"Ash?" Gary’s voice dropped from its usual teasing tone to something more concerned. Without thinking, he was already standing and hurrying toward his longtime rival. "What in the world happened to you?"

Ash straightened a little more, trying to stand tall, but the effort only made him sway slightly. "Hey, Gary!" he greeted, a strained smile on his face. "I’m fine... Just a little dizzy, you know. I was just trying to save this Budew..."

Gary didn’t have time to let Ash finish his sentence. The moment Ash wobbled again, Gary rushed to his side, his hand on Ash’s arm, steadying him before the trainer could fall.

"You call this fine?" Gary snapped, though there was no usual edge in his voice, just a deep worry. "You're pale as a ghost and you can barely stand. What do you mean you’re fine?"

Ash shrugged as best as he could, his voice still trying to sound upbeat. "It's just a little poison... Nothing I can’t handle. I—" He coughed softly, a wince flashing across his face as he struggled to hide the pain.

Gary’s brow furrowed, a sharp line of concern crossing his face as he took a step back, sizing up Ash. His eyes quickly moved to Ash’s Pikachu, who was sitting on Ash's shoulder, looking just as worried and scared as its trainer. It was clear the little electric-type was agitated, its ears drooping and its cheeks crackling with faint sparks, as if trying to help its trainer but unsure how.

Gary exhaled sharply. "This is bad, Ash. Real bad. Tessa, get the IV ready and set up for some emergency treatment, stat. Ash, you're not leaving this room until I make sure you're not gonna pass out, okay?"

Ash opened his mouth to protest, but Gary was already gently pushing him toward the nearby exam table. "No arguments. Just sit. You're in no condition to stand right now."

Ash grumbled as he allowed Gary to guide him to the table, but his strength was faltering. His body shook slightly, and it was becoming increasingly clear to Gary that Ash was trying not to show how badly he was struggling. The young trainer's grin had turned into a tight-lipped smile, but it did nothing to hide the discomfort in his posture.

Gary quickly grabbed a stethoscope, his hands now moving with a sense of urgency that matched his rising concern. He pressed the chest piece against Ash’s exposed chest, his eyes narrowing as he listened to the steady but faint thrum of his heart.

“Your heart’s a bit fast, but that’s to be expected with poison and the stress on your body,” Gary murmured, his mind already working through the steps. “But we need to act fast here.”

Ash let out a light laugh, though it sounded strained. "Yeah, I always get myself into... trouble."

Gary looked at him sharply, not finding this situation funny at all. “Ash, you’re not invincible. Poison like this, especially with the fall from that tree... If I hadn't seen you standing here right now, I would have thought you were in critical condition.”

Ash tilted his head back a little and tried to offer a comforting smile, but the effort only made him cough again. He gripped the side of the table for support, his other hand still trying to keep his composure.

"I'm not going down that easy," Ash said, his voice tinged with the optimism Gary had heard countless times before. "I’ve been through worse."

Gary huffed, shaking his head. "You’re too stubborn for your own good. Stay still, okay?" He quickly pulled the stethoscope from around his neck and placed it over Ash’s abdomen, trying to assess the damage there. He could feel a subtle twitch in Ash’s muscles, but it wasn’t normal—his stomach was under pressure, likely from the poison working its way through his system.

Gary looked up, his jaw tightening with frustration. "Ash, your stomach’s starting to act up, too. The poison's moving fast. I don’t care how tough you are; you're not walking out of here on your own. No more playing hero. Not this time."

Ash opened his mouth to argue, but the words caught in his throat when he finally noticed how bad he was really feeling. His head spun for a moment, and his vision blurred slightly. He gripped the side of the table harder, trying to steady himself. Pikachu hopped off his shoulder, hopping to the floor and giving a concerned squeal as it scampered over to Ash’s side.

Gary noticed the small, desperate sparks that flickered from Pikachu’s cheeks. His attention was quickly drawn back to Ash’s face, where the defiant grin had melted into something more vulnerable—a small, almost defeated look that Gary rarely saw.

“Alright,” Gary said, his voice softer now, but still firm. “I need you to breathe for me, okay? Deep breaths. I’m going to help you.”

Ash nodded, though it was clear the effort to do so was taking more out of him than he was willing to admit. He took a shaky breath, his chest rising and falling slowly.

Tessa returned, carrying a tray with a needle and a small vial of antidote. Gary immediately moved to take the antidote, ready to start treatment, but he shot Ash one more serious look. “You better stay awake for this, Ash. I don’t want to deal with a knocked-out trainer right now.”

Ash gave a small, weary chuckle. “I’m good... just... need a minute.”

Gary set to work quickly, and the procedure was swift and precise. As he injected the antidote into Ash’s arm, he noticed the smallest signs of relief on Ash’s face—his muscles slowly relaxing, the pain visibly ebbing away.

As Ash lay there, looking up at Gary, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate slightly. Pikachu climbed back up onto Ash’s shoulder, its small paws resting gently on its trainer’s neck. Gary could see that Ash was exhausted, but there was something in his eyes—some kind of quiet determination, as always.

Gary paused for a moment, before giving Ash a sideways glance.

“Next time,” Gary muttered, “You’re calling me first when you get yourself into trouble, alright?”

Ash smiled weakly, his eyes half-lidded. “Yeah, yeah... whatever you say, doc.”

Gary couldn’t help but smile too, despite the seriousness of the situation. “You’re lucky I’m here, Ash. Lucky, but stubborn.”

Tessa chuckled from the door as she watched the interaction. "I think we all know that about him by now."

Gary shook his head, but the genuine concern he had for Ash was clear. “I’m just glad I got here before it was too late.”

The door swung open, and Tessa led Ash inside. The moment Gary’s eyes landed on him, his heart sank. Ash was standing, but barely. His normally bright and determined face was pale, his eyes glassy, and there was a noticeable wobble in his stance. He was grinning—grinning—but it was a grin that didn’t reach his eyes, a forced expression that barely hid the pain he was clearly in. His clothes were torn, dirt-streaked, and his hair was mussed up, evidence of his fall. Gary's chest tightened as he rushed to Ash’s side.

"Ash! What  happened?" Gary’s voice was a mix of concern and disbelief as he grabbed Ash’s arm to steady him. His heart raced as he realized just how bad Ash looked.

Ash chuckled softly, though it sounded strained. "Well, you know... just another day in the life of a Pokemon Trainer, right?"

Gary wasn’t having any of it. "Don’t joke around, Ash. You can barely stand. What happened?"

Ash shifted a bit, trying to straighten up, but his legs were shaking so much that it was clear he was barely holding himself up. "Koffing... poisoned me... I was trying to get Budew out of the tree, but... I missed a branch. Pikachu was really worried."

Gary’s eyes flashed with concern as he noticed Ash’s unsteady movements. He put his arm around Ash’s shoulders to help him balance, his mind racing with thoughts of what he needed to do.

Poisoned?

And a fall?

This is bad... really bad.

Ash gave him a faint, optimistic grin. "I’m fine. Just a little dizzy. I can handle it."

Gary couldn’t stop the deep sigh of frustration that escaped him. "You are not fine, Ash. You’re shaking, you can barely stand, and your heart rate is through the roof. This is serious."

Ash’s grin faltered slightly, but he still didn’t drop it entirely. "Gary, I’m used to worse. It’s not the first time I’ve been poisoned, right?"

Gary shook his head firmly. "I don’t care how many times you’ve faced poison or danger. You need help now, and you’re not walking out of here like this."

Ash didn’t argue, but Gary could see the pride in his eyes, the stubbornness that Ash always carried. This guy never changes. Gary helped him onto the examination table, his mind already running through a list of tests and treatments he needed to get started on. He turned to Tessa.

"Grab the antidote for poison, and I need a quick blood sample, stat. Also, check his vitals, make sure there’s no internal bleeding or anything severe." Gary’s voice was sharp, and Tessa moved quickly to follow his orders.

Gary kept his focus on Ash, kneeling beside the table. "Ash, you need to listen to me now. You’re not leaving here until I know you're stable. Poison and a fall from a tree? That's too much. Don’t make me argue with you."

Ash’s grin wavered even more. "I’m fine... just... a little... dizzy," he murmured, but his voice was weak now, and he didn’t have the same spark that normally came with his optimism.

Gary looked into Ash’s eyes, seeing just how tired and weak he truly was. Despite Ash’s attempts to brush it off, Gary knew there was nothing normal about this. This is bad. Really bad.

"Ash, stop pretending you’re okay. I’m not going to let you suffer because you think you can handle this alone," Gary said softly but firmly, his concern seeping into his voice despite his attempts to remain professional.

Ash gave a small nod, his usual fiery spirit subdued. "Okay... fine... I guess maybe I could use a little help."

Gary let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and gently adjusted the position of Ash’s arm. "I’m going to take care of you, Ash. Just hang in there for me, okay?"

Ash, still trying to keep up appearances, managed a small chuckle. "Gary, you’re the last person I want hovering over me."

Gary raised an eyebrow, but there was a tenderness in his expression as he adjusted the stethoscope on Ash’s chest. "Well, you’re stuck with me now. This isn’t a request."

Ash rolled his eyes but didn’t push back. He knew Gary was right. He could barely keep his head up, let alone argue about how much attention he was getting.

Gary’s hands moved with practiced precision, listening to Ash’s heart, his lungs, and checking his vitals. "Your heart rate’s still elevated, Ash. You’re not getting off the hook just yet. Stay with me here, alright?"

Ash’s eyes fluttered for a moment, and he groaned softly. "I really don’t want to be here right now... but I guess I don’t have much of a choice."

"No, you don’t," Gary replied firmly, keeping his voice calm despite the rush of emotions inside him. "You're staying put until I give the all-clear. Got it?"

Ash gave him a weak nod, and for once, Gary didn’t feel the need to argue. He was always looking out for Ash, no matter how much the other tried to act tough. But right now, seeing him in such a vulnerable state was different.

Gary continued his assessment, making sure to check every possible sign of the damage the poison had done, his worry mounting with each passing second. He wasn’t sure how bad the situation was yet, but one thing was certain—he was not letting Ash go anywhere until he was sure he was going to make it through.

"Stay with me, Ash," Gary murmured, his tone a little more vulnerable than usual, though he kept his professionalism in check. "You're not going anywhere yet."

Ash, despite all the pain he was in, flashed a small, tired smile. "Guess you’re stuck with me, huh?"

Gary snorted softly, his hand resting on Ash’s shoulder. "You bet I am."

Tessa stepped aside, allowing Ash to enter the room. The moment Gary saw him, his breath caught in his throat. Ash was standing, but barely. His legs wobbled under his weight, his face pale with streaks of sweat glistening on his forehead. His usually bright eyes were dulled, exhaustion seeping into every inch of his being. His shirt was torn, dirt smeared across his skin, and his hands trembled slightly as he gripped onto the doorframe for support.

But despite all of that, Ash was grinning. That stubborn, optimistic grin that Gary knew too well.

"Ash!" Gary rushed over to his side before Ash could even take another step, catching him by the arm just as he swayed dangerously to one side.

“Hey, Gary,” Ash said, his voice strained but still upbeat. “It’s nothing. Just a little... mishap with a Koffing and a tree. No big deal.”

Gary's eyes narrowed in concern. "Ash, you look like you're about to fall apart. What in the world happened?" He guided Ash carefully to the examination table, sitting him down gently. Gary took a moment to glance at Tessa, who was now standing near the door, looking uneasy.

“Get me the medical kit,” Gary ordered, his voice sharp, a slight edge of panic in it he couldn’t quite hide. Tessa nodded and quickly left the room.

Gary turned his attention back to Ash, who was trying to keep up his bravado despite the obvious pain in his face. "You’re shaking," Gary said, kneeling in front of him. “You didn’t just fall, Ash. You’re in serious trouble."

Ash waved a hand dismissively, though his body seemed to betray him, leaning slightly into Gary’s touch for support. “I’ll be fine, Gary. I’ve had worse.”

Gary wasn’t buying it. “Worse? You’re barely standing. I want to hear everything, now.” His tone had shifted, no longer teasing or snarky, but concerned and serious.

Ash winced, but tried to sit up straighter. “Well, the Koffing... poison... kinda hit me hard, I guess. And the tree was... unstable, so when I went to help the Budew, I ended up falling.”

Gary could see the struggle in Ash's eyes as he tried to downplay it, but the fact that Ash wasn’t slurring his words or collapsing meant he was doing his best to hide the severity of the situation.

But Gary knew him too well.

“You’re in a lot of pain, aren’t you?” Gary asked softly, his hand now on Ash’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He could feel the tension in Ash’s body, the stiffness that wasn’t just from the fall. “You don’t have to pretend to be fine. I’m not going anywhere.”

Ash hesitated, but then finally let out a breath, his grin faltering. “Yeah... my whole body feels like it’s been run over by a Machamp.”

Gary gave him a pointed look. “You are a Machamp sometimes, aren’t you?”

Ash tried to chuckle but immediately regretted it, wincing from the pain it caused. “Guess I’m not feeling like one right now.”

Gary stood, his expression serious as Tessa entered the room with the medical kit. “Alright, Ash. I’m going to check you over. I don’t care how stubborn you are, you’re not leaving this room without a full examination.”

Ash opened his mouth to protest, but Gary was already unbuttoning the top of his shirt to check for any signs of injury or internal damage. The bruising on Ash’s body was more than visible—dark splotches were forming across his chest and arms where he must have hit the ground hard.

“Sit still,” Gary ordered, gently pushing Ash back down onto the table when he tried to move. “You’re gonna let me do my job, okay? No more bravado.”

Ash looked up at him, his grin faltering for a moment. “I’m sorry, Gary. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Gary’s eyes softened, though his jaw was clenched. “Worry is my job, Ash. Now let me take care of you. You’re gonna be alright.”

Tessa stepped aside as Gary worked quickly, his hands moving with precision as he examined Ash’s chest, listening for any abnormal sounds from his heart and lungs. He tapped on Ash’s stomach lightly, checking for signs of internal damage from the fall.

“Your heart’s racing, Ash. And your lungs don’t sound great—probably from the poison,” Gary murmured, his brow furrowing as he worked. He looked up at Ash, his gaze intense but caring. “You’ve got a lot of toxins in your system right now. I’m gonna need to administer something to counteract the poison, but I want you to stay still. Can you do that?”

Ash, despite everything, managed another weak grin. “Guess I can... if you promise me one thing.”

Gary raised an eyebrow, not liking the way Ash’s voice still sounded too upbeat for someone in his condition. “What’s that?”

“A Pikachu-sized treat after this is over?” Ash asked, his eyes twinkling just a little.

Gary shook his head, but the hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Only if you don’t make me worry like this again. Now stay still. I’m not letting you out of here until I know you’re in better shape than this.”

Ash, despite all the pain and exhaustion, couldn’t help but feel a bit of relief. Gary was there, right beside him, always ready to help, even if it meant taking care of stubborn trainers who didn’t know when to quit.

Gary finished preparing the antidote, administering it carefully. He gave Ash a soft nod. "There. That should help stabilize you. But you need rest. A lot of it. No more heroics for today, alright?"

Ash nodded, his eyelids heavy as the poison slowly started to fade from his system, his pain easing just enough to feel more human again.

“Fine... you win, Gary.” Ash's voice was quieter now, softer. “I guess I’m just not as tough as I thought.”

Gary smirked, though there was affection in his gaze. “We both know you’re tougher than anyone I’ve met, Ash. But even you need a break sometimes.”

Ash chuckled weakly, finally letting himself relax against the table. “Guess I’ll take a break... but only ‘cause I can’t argue with you right now.”

Gary shook his head, his face softening. “You really are something else, Ash. Now get some sleep. I’ll be here if you need anything.”

Ash’s eyes fluttered closed as the antidote began to work its magic, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself to drift off—safe in the knowledge that Gary would always have his back, no matter how badly things got.

The door swung open, and in walked Ash, looking like he’d just been through a battle he wasn’t meant to win. His clothes were torn in places, his face pale, and his eyes were wide with a feverish gleam that didn’t quite belong. He was grinning, but it wasn’t the usual mischievous grin Ash wore when he was excited about something—it was strained, barely a shadow of his usual self. His legs wobbled slightly as he stood tall, stubbornly refusing to show weakness. But anyone with a trained eye could tell: Ash was struggling.

Gary, still seated at his desk, froze at the sight. His eyes widened with disbelief. The once-cheerful and strong Pokémon Trainer was barely standing, his face streaked with dirt and sweat. His skin had an unhealthy grayish tint, and his movements were slow, like every step took an immense amount of energy. Pikachu, perched weakly on his shoulder, looked just as exhausted, its fur slightly ruffled and eyes blinking in concern.

“Ash…” Gary’s voice came out more surprised than he intended. He stood up so quickly that the chair toppled behind him. Without thinking, he rushed toward Ash, his usual smugness replaced with genuine concern.

Ash’s grin faltered as Gary closed the distance between them. He tried to stand straighter, puffing out his chest in an effort to appear fine. “Hey, Gary! Long time no see, huh?” His voice was faint, but he forced the words out, even though his body clearly protested.

Gary’s eyes scanned Ash’s face and immediately noticed the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He reached out to steady Ash, his hands resting firmly on his shoulders. “Don’t move, Ash. You look like you’re about to collapse. What happened to you?”

Ash’s breath hitched slightly as he struggled to keep his footing, his legs trembling underneath him. “I... I’m fine! Really. It’s just a little... poison, and, uh... I fell out of a tree.” His voice cracked slightly, betraying his attempt at toughness. "But, you know, I’m good!"

Gary’s frown deepened. The words "poison" and "falling from a tree" didn’t mix well in his mind. “Ash, you’re not fine. What’s going on? Why didn’t you come in sooner? You should’ve gotten help immediately!” Gary’s tone softened as his worry surged, his hand gently guiding Ash toward the nearest chair.

Ash shook his head, though his body swayed dangerously. “I didn’t wanna hold up the mission. There was this Budew stuck in the tree, and it needed saving. I couldn’t just leave it there...” His voice trailed off as he gasped for air, the simple act of speaking clearly taking more out of him than he let on.

Gary, now genuinely panicked, moved quicker than he thought possible. “You’re insane! You’re lucky you didn’t pass out from the poison already. Tessa, get me the antidote. Now!” He looked to the nurse, who was standing in the doorway, her expression equally filled with concern.

Tessa hurried out of the room without another word, and Gary turned his full attention to Ash, trying to support him while also assessing the situation. “Ash, you’re barely standing. Why didn’t you let anyone help sooner?”

“I... didn’t wanna bother anyone,” Ash said weakly, his voice dropping to a faint whisper. “I know you’re busy... and I just... wanted to keep going.”

Gary’s face hardened with frustration, but his hands remained gentle on Ash’s shoulders, supporting him like a lifeline. “You should’ve bothered us, Ash! That’s what we’re here for. You don’t have to take on everything alone.”

Ash’s eyes fluttered, and for a moment, he looked like he was about to lose consciousness. His hand came up to grip the edge of the desk, but he quickly steadied himself. “It’s just... a little poison... it’s no big deal.”

Gary’s voice cracked with worry. “Ash, you’re shaking. You can’t lie to me. This isn’t just ‘a little poison.’ You’re seriously hurt. Stop pretending like you’re fine!”

Ash gave a weak smile, his lips trembling. “I’m not pretending... I’m just... you know... not giving up.”

Gary looked down at Pikachu, whose small body was curled in a protective ball on Ash’s shoulder. Pikachu’s eyes were wide, its cheeks sparking faintly, as if trying to reassure Ash in its own way. But even Pikachu looked exhausted. Gary gently reached up and touched the little Pokémon’s head. “You’re both lucky you made it this far,” Gary muttered, his voice thick with concern.

Just then, Tessa returned with the antidote. Gary quickly grabbed the small vial, uncorked it, and held it to Ash’s lips. “You need this, now,” Gary ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Ash hesitated, his pride fighting against the reality of his condition. But Gary’s firm grip on his chin, along with the seriousness in his eyes, convinced him to swallow the bitter liquid. He winced at the taste, but at least the poison would start to wear off.

Gary helped Ash sit down on the chair, taking a deep breath as he watched the antidote begin to take effect. Ash’s grinning face slowly lost some of its strained look, and his breathing eased just a fraction.

Gary stayed by his side, refusing to leave until he was certain Ash was going to be alright. “You’re not getting away with this, Ash,” he said quietly, though there was a note of affection in his voice. “I’m not letting you do this to yourself.”

Ash chuckled weakly, his usual spark returning, albeit dimmed. “I guess... I can’t always be the hero, huh?”

Gary smiled, though his eyes were still filled with concern. “Just rest, alright? You’ve earned that much.”

Ash leaned back into the chair, letting out a long, shaky sigh. "Thanks, Gary... Sorry for worrying you."

Gary just shook his head, giving Ash a soft but firm look. "No more near-death experiences, okay?"

Ash gave a tired but genuine grin, the kind of smile that said he would never stop fighting. “Deal.”

The door creaked open, and in walked Ash, his posture unsteady as he leaned on his Pikachu for support. Despite the obvious pain in his movements, he flashed a grin at Gary, the kind that was both forced and stubborn. His clothes were torn, a bit of dirt and grime staining them from his fall, and his face was pale, covered in a sheen of sweat. His left arm was cradled awkwardly, and his right leg was clearly limping with every step he took.

Gary's eyes widened when he saw Ash standing in front of him. His expression went from surprised to deeply concerned in a split second. Without a moment’s hesitation, he sprang from his chair, rushing to Ash’s side.

"Ash, what happened?" Gary demanded, his voice unusually soft but full of urgency. He could see the way Ash’s movements were labored, the way his breathing was shallow, and the way his legs were barely holding him up. His usual cocky confidence was gone, replaced by a pained expression that couldn’t be masked.

Ash’s grin faltered, though he still tried to look upbeat. "It’s not as bad as it looks, Gary. Just... a little rough around the edges, you know?" His voice was strained, and he wavered slightly before his Pikachu gave a concerned "Pika!" and nudged his leg with its small body.

Gary frowned, inspecting Ash carefully. He could feel his heart rate spike as he noticed how pale Ash had gotten, the cuts and bruises on his skin, and the way his usually bright eyes were dull and tired. His body was fighting to stay conscious, but Gary could tell Ash was hanging on by sheer willpower.

"No, Ash, this is bad. This is VERY bad," Gary muttered, his tone tightening with worry as he moved to steady Ash, placing a hand under his shoulder to support him more firmly. "You’re not standing on your own, buddy. You're barely holding up."

Ash gave a weak chuckle. "I’m fine, really. Just need to... rest for a bit." He tried to push himself upright, but his legs trembled, and his body swayed. Pikachu, sensing the danger, clung to his trainer’s leg even more fiercely, as if trying to keep him from toppling over.

Gary gritted his teeth, shaking his head. "You're not fine, Ash. You’re lucky you made it this far." He caught Ash’s arm and helped him gently ease into a nearby chair. "Sit. Now. I can’t believe you’re trying to stand after what you’ve been through."

Ash didn’t resist, but his smile was still in place, albeit weaker now. "I didn’t want to bother you, Gary. I know you’re busy... and I don’t like being a burden."

Gary's face softened, though the concern never left his eyes. He kneeled beside Ash and quickly began to assess the situation. "You’re not a burden. You’re an idiot for not coming to me sooner." He paused for a moment, brushing Ash's messy hair back from his forehead, revealing how flushed and feverish his skin had become. "You’re burning up."

Ash's eyes flickered for a moment as he tried to focus on Gary, but his vision was swimming. He shook his head slightly, determined to stay awake, to not fall into weakness. "I didn’t want to... bother you... with something like this."

Gary bit back a sigh. He hated when Ash tried to play the "I'm fine" card. He hated that stubborn streak of his—because it always came at a cost. "You’re not bothering me. But I’m about to bother you a whole lot, because I’m going to check everything—everything, Ash. You’re going to sit still and let me do this, okay?"

Ash, despite his condition, gave a little nod. "Yeah, okay. Just... be gentle, alright? I think I might’ve overdone it a little..."

Gary immediately began inspecting Ash’s wounds, his fingers gently pressing at his arm to check for swelling or breaks, his eyes scanning Ash’s face for any signs of distress. "Poisoned by Koffing, huh?" Gary muttered, carefully feeling Ash’s pulse. "No wonder you’re so out of it."

Ash let out a small cough and winced. "Yeah, the Koffing... I think it hit me pretty hard. But I couldn’t just let that Budew fall from the tree, you know? It was in trouble."

Gary’s heart clenched at those words. Even in the state he was in, Ash couldn’t ignore a distressed Pokémon. He could practically feel the weight of that same stubborn optimism that always seemed to drive Ash, even when it endangered his health. It wasn’t just a trainer's spirit—it was Ash’s spirit.

"That Budew..." Gary murmured, his hand hovering over Ash’s stomach, where the poisoning had likely spread. "We’ll get you fixed up, alright? I’m not letting you go anywhere until you’re better."

Ash, barely able to keep his eyes open, gave a faint smile. "Thanks, Gary... I knew you’d... I knew you’d be there..."

Gary squeezed his shoulder gently, his tone serious but full of care. "Of course, I’m here. I’ll always be here." He glanced over at Tessa, who had quietly stood by, watching the interaction with concern. "Get the antidote ready. And get me some water—he needs to hydrate before we even think about administering it."

Tessa nodded and quickly went off to fetch the requested items, while Gary turned his full attention back to Ash.

"Alright, buddy, hang in there for a bit," Gary murmured, leaning in a little closer. "You’re going to be alright. I’m not going to let anything happen to you."

Ash’s smile grew slightly, though it was weak. "Yeah... I know..." His voice trailed off as his eyes fluttered closed for a brief moment.

Gary kept his hand firmly on Ash’s shoulder, his expression hardening with concern as Ash struggled to stay conscious. "Ash, you’ve got to focus here. You're not doing yourself any favors by trying to push through this. Just... breathe, okay?"

Ash managed a weak nod, but his head was starting to droop, his eyelids heavy. "I’m fine, really, Gary... just... need a nap..." His voice trailed off, and for a moment, Gary thought Ash might pass out right there in the chair.

"No, you’re not going to sleep just yet," Gary said, his voice firm. He gently lifted Ash’s chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. "Stay with me, alright? You’ve got to stay awake so I can help you."

Ash tried to smile, but it faltered. "I didn’t want to... make things worse," he muttered, sounding more like a child than the experienced trainer Gary knew him to be.

Gary’s heart softened at that. He could see it—the weight Ash carried, the constant need to help others even at his own expense. That was just who Ash was. But it didn’t make things any easier for Gary, not when Ash was so clearly hurting.

"You’re not making things worse, Ash," Gary said quietly, his voice filled with an earnestness he rarely let slip. "You’re just being stubborn, like always."

Ash chuckled weakly, but even that was a struggle. "It’s my thing."

Gary smiled faintly. "Yeah, it’s definitely your thing." He rubbed his thumb against Ash’s shoulder, trying to keep him awake and alert. "But you’ve got to trust me on this. I’m not letting you get any worse, alright?"

Ash’s eyes fluttered open again, and he blinked a few times, trying to focus on Gary. "Yeah... I trust you, Gary..." His words were soft, barely audible now, and his body trembled slightly as the poison began to take its toll.

Gary’s brows furrowed, and he quickly looked down at Ash’s leg, which was swollen and turning an unhealthy shade of purple. The poison had definitely spread, and Ash wasn’t making it any easier by trying to stand and push through it. Gary didn’t waste a moment.

"Okay, let’s take a look at your heart, Ash. I need to hear if that’s alright before we do anything else," Gary said, his voice commanding yet gentle.

Ash, barely able to keep his eyes open, let out a weak chuckle. "I feel like my heart’s about to give out, so... yeah, good idea..."

Gary couldn’t help but smirk at the joke, though his worry only grew deeper as he carefully placed his stethoscope against Ash’s chest. The cool metal felt sharp against Ash’s skin, and Gary was quick to adjust his position, the warmth of Ash’s body radiating through the stethoscope.

Gary listened closely, his brow furrowing as he heard the irregular beat of Ash’s heart. It wasn’t the smooth, rhythmic thump that he expected from someone as healthy as Ash. The poison was clearly affecting him internally, making even his heart work harder than it should.

"Your heart’s working overtime, Ash," Gary murmured, pressing the stethoscope further into his chest. "It’s a little erratic, but nothing we can’t fix. We just need to get you back to full strength."

Ash’s breath was coming in short gasps, each one a struggle. "It... doesn’t feel good, Gary," he admitted weakly, his head falling back against the chair. "It feels like... like there’s something pressing down on my chest..."

Gary nodded, his mind racing. He could feel his pulse quicken as he moved down to Ash’s stomach, his hands cold as they hovered just above the trainer’s abdomen. "Alright, I’m going to check your stomach now, Ash. Don’t worry, I’m right here."

Ash winced as Gary pressed lightly on his stomach, his face contorting in discomfort. "It hurts... when you touch it," he murmured, the pain evident in his voice. The poison was making his body fight against even the simplest of touch, and it wasn’t helping that Ash wasn’t giving his body the rest it so desperately needed.

Gary felt a wave of guilt. He could feel Ash’s stomach tightening, the muscle spasming under his touch. "This poison’s spreading quickly, Ash," he said, his voice more serious now. "It’s affecting your whole body. I need you to stay still so we can get the antidote to you as fast as possible."

Ash gave a small nod, his breathing shallow. "I’m sorry, Gary... I didn’t want to make this harder on you..."

Gary looked at him, his face softening. "Stop apologizing. This is exactly why I’m here. I’m not going to let you do this on your own."

He squeezed Ash’s hand, hoping it would offer some comfort as he checked the rest of his vitals. He moved to his lungs next, pressing the stethoscope to Ash’s chest once more. The slight wheezing sound that came through the earpieces only confirmed Gary’s fears. The poison wasn’t just affecting his heart and stomach—it was affecting his lungs as well.

"I can hear it in your lungs, Ash," Gary said softly, taking a step back and running a hand through his hair. "There’s fluid buildup. It’s going to make breathing harder the longer we wait."

Ash let out a small sigh, too weak to protest. His eyelids were halfway closed, but his head was still held high, that stubborn little grin still in place. "Guess I’m a little more messed up than I thought, huh?"

Gary shook his head, his voice soft but firm. "You’re not messed up. You just... overdid it. I’m going to fix you, but you’ve got to let me do my job, okay?"

Ash gave a small nod, his body leaning further into the chair, exhausted. Pikachu, seeing his trainer so worn out, jumped onto his lap, offering him some comfort.

Gary sighed, feeling the weight of the responsibility settle on his shoulders. But he wasn’t going to let Ash down—not when he was this close to pulling through. He turned to Tessa, who had just entered with the antidote and a bottle of water.

"Alright, we’ve got everything we need. Let’s get him stable," Gary said, his voice steady as he focused all his energy on helping his friend. "You hear that, Ash? We’re going to get you better. Just hang on."

Ash’s eyes flickered, a weak smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Thanks, Gary... I knew you’d... help me out..." he mumbled, his words growing faint.

Gary was ready. Ready to fight for Ash’s health just as fiercely as Ash had fought for everyone else’s safety. He wouldn’t stop. Not until his best friend was back on his feet.