A nurse knocked on Gary's office, and he looked up from the paperwork. " Oh, hi Tessa. What's up?"

" Doctor Gary, there's a Pokemon Trainer who's been poisoned from a Koffing and fell from a tree while trying to save a Budew from a tree."

Gary grimaced. " That doesn't sound too good. Alright, bring him in."

Tessa nodded, but stopped and turned again. " Oh, and he's got a Pikachu."

Gary's eyes widened. " ' He'?"

" Oh yeah, and he's stubborn."

Gary groaned. " Arceus save us all...."

" And he's very optimistic."

Gary let his head drop to his table. " This is going to be a loooong day...."

Tessa blinked. " You know who it is?"

Gary didn't look up. " Is he still standing?"

Tessa peeked out.

" Yes."

Gary sighed, head still down. " Alright. Send him in."

Tessa nodded and stepped out, returning a moment later with the patient. Sure enough, Ash Ketchum strode into the office, slightly unsteady on his feet but grinning like he’d just won a championship. Pikachu sat on his shoulder, eyes filled with concern as he clung tightly to his trainer.

"Hey, Gary!" Ash greeted, his voice a little too chipper for someone who had been poisoned and had fallen from a tree. "Long time no see, huh?"

Gary lifted his head, his expression somewhere between exasperation and disbelief. "Ash. You got poisoned and fell out of a tree, and you’re acting like it’s just another Tuesday."

Ash chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, I couldn’t just not save Budew, right? Besides, I’ve had worse—"

Gary slammed his pen down. "Worse?! You literally just walked in here poisoned! Arceus, Ash, do you ever not throw yourself into danger?"

Pikachu let out a worried "Pika pi," nuzzling against Ash’s cheek.

"Aw, Pikachu, I’m fine," Ash reassured, scratching behind his ear before turning back to Gary. "So, doc, what’s the game plan? Quick antidote, and I’m outta here?"

Gary pinched the bridge of his nose. "You are not going anywhere until I make sure you’re actually fine. Sit."

Ash shrugged and plopped onto the examination table, swinging his legs like this was the most casual check-up ever. Gary, meanwhile, was trying to figure out how to keep his patience intact.

"First, let’s check your vitals," Gary muttered, grabbing his stethoscope. "I swear, Ash, you stress me out more than my actual patients."

Ash laughed. "Aww, you care about me! That’s sweet."

Gary rolled his eyes. "I care about not having to deal with you in critical condition every time we meet. Now, shirt up."

Ash blinked, his grin faltering just a little. "Huh?"

Gary waved the stethoscope in the air. "I need to listen to your heart and lungs, genius. Or would you rather not breathe properly?"

Ash hesitated for a second, then huffed. "Fine, fine." He pulled his jacket off and lifted his shirt, revealing a few scrapes from his fall. Gary’s eyes narrowed at them but decided to check the important stuff first.

Placing the stethoscope against Ash’s chest, Gary listened closely. The steady but slightly rapid rhythm of Ash’s heart pulsed in his ears.

"Your heart’s racing," Gary observed. "Could be from the poison, or it could be because you’re literally sitting here injured."

Ash grinned. "Or maybe it’s 'cause you’re finally being nice to me!"

Gary flicked his forehead.

"Ow!" Ash whined. "That’s doctor abuse!"

"That’s rival frustration," Gary shot back, moving the stethoscope slightly. "Now take a deep breath."

Ash inhaled deeply, holding it for a moment before exhaling. Gary moved the stethoscope to another spot.

"Again."

Ash repeated the action, this time wincing slightly.

Gary frowned. "Feel tightness in your chest?"

"A little," Ash admitted. "But I’m fine."

Gary gave him a deadpan look. "That means you’re not fine, genius."

Ash waved a hand. "C'mon, it's just a little discomfort. I’ve had worse—"

"ASH, I SWEAR TO ARCEUS—"

Tessa, standing nearby, coughed to cover a laugh. Gary shot her a glare before refocusing.

"Alright, lungs sound a little irritated but not too bad," he muttered. "Now let’s check your stomach."

Ash blinked. "You can hear my stomach?"

Gary rolled his eyes. "Yes, Ash, because I’m a doctor. Now, lean back."

Ash did as instructed, and Gary pressed the stethoscope to his abdomen. A soft gurgle echoed through the room.

Tessa smirked. "Sounds like someone’s hungry."

Ash grinned. "See, this is what I need—food, not a check-up!"

Gary ignored him, listening carefully. "Your digestive system seems normal. No severe cramping, no signs of internal damage from the fall. But since you were poisoned, I’m keeping you here for observation."

Ash groaned. "Aw, man, Gary! I feel fine!"

Gary crossed his arms. "Oh really? Then stand up straight without wobbling."

Ash opened his mouth—then shut it. He hesitated, then attempted to stand, only for his legs to slightly give out. Pikachu let out a worried squeak as Gary caught Ash by the arm.

"Fine, huh?" Gary deadpanned.

Ash gave a sheepish chuckle. "Uh… maybe just a little dizzy."

Gary sighed. "You’re staying here until I clear you."

Ash pouted. "You're no fun."

"And you're no patient."

Pikachu nodded enthusiastically in agreement with Gary.

Gary rubbed his temples. "Tessa, let Nurse Joy know Ash needs an antidote treatment and fluids. I’ll monitor him in the meantime."

Tessa saluted. "On it, doc."

As she left, Ash flopped back onto the table dramatically. "Man, I thought I was just gonna pop in and out, but nooo, Gary’s gotta keep me hostage."

Gary smirked. "That’s what you get for getting poisoned and playing Tarzan at the same time."

Ash sighed. "Next time, you save the Budew."

Gary chuckled, shaking his head. "Next time, don’t get yourself killed, and we won’t have this problem."

Ash grinned despite his exhaustion. "Where’s the fun in that?"

Gary just groaned. Today was definitely going to be a long day.