" Use Vine whip!"

As his Pokemon did the command, Ash suddenly felt something hit his head. He looked down.

A paper airplane.

He raised a brow and opened it, completely missing Gary's ' really?' face.

Why do you even try when you know you're not gonna succeed? Just go back to where you belong - the dump! And leave your Pokemon- it's for the best

Ash's breath got stuck in his throat. Without a second thought, he dropped the paper and ran out, his fists balled as he tried to hide tears

" TIMEOUT!" The announcer yelled. " A POKEMON MASTER EXITED THE ARENA! THAT WOULD MEA-*

" Wait!" Gary yelled. " Don't draw the score yet. Let me go find him. Judging by how he bolted out, he must have been hit pretty hard with whatever was on the paper!"

He picked his Poke ball up just as Delia, Oak, Brock and Misty came running down the stairs.

" What happened?" Misty asked.

Gary shrugged. " I dunno. He just ready whatever was on the paper and bolted off."

Oak picked the paper up and read it. " I believe it's because he was told it would be better just to quit."

Gary gasped. He turned to Brock and Misty.

" Distract the crowd with your Pokemon while I go find ash!"

The duo nodded, and Misty took a Poke ball out. " Go, Staryu!"

Psyduck came out instead.

" Psyduck!" Misty yelled as Brock called Onix out. Gary turned and ran.

The crowd buzzed with confusion, eyes darting between the arena and the exit Ash had rushed through. Gary felt his heart race as he sprinted down the corridor, determination fueling his legs. He had seen that look in Ash's eyes before—pain and doubt clouding his spirit. The words on that paper had struck a chord deep within him, and Gary couldn’t let Ash dwell on them.

“Where could he have gone?” he muttered to himself, glancing around the dimly lit hallways. Each corner looked the same, and the muffled sounds of the crowd faded as he focused on his friend’s distress. “Come on, Ash. Just hang in there.”

Gary remembered Ash's determination, how he always pushed through, even when the odds were against him. The last thing he wanted was for Ash to give up because of a few hurtful words. He turned down a side hallway, hoping that Ash hadn’t gone too far.

As he rounded the corner, he heard a faint sound—a muffled sob. He stopped, listening intently. It was coming from a nearby storage room, the door slightly ajar. He pushed it open, peeking inside. The room was cluttered with old boxes and discarded equipment, but his focus was on Ash, who sat huddled in the corner, his back against the wall and his knees drawn to his chest.

“Ash?” Gary called softly, stepping inside. “Ash, it’s me. I’m here.”

Ash looked up, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with unshed tears. He wiped his face with the back of his hand, trying to regain some semblance of composure. “I don’t want to talk about it,” he mumbled, turning his head away.

Gary sat down next to him, creating a space of comfort and safety. “You don’t have to, but I’m not leaving you like this. Whatever that paper said, it doesn’t matter. You know that, right?”

“It does matter,” Ash whispered, his voice trembling. “They’re right. I keep failing, and maybe it is time for me to just quit.”

“No!” Gary exclaimed, shaking his head vehemently. “You can’t believe that! You’ve faced some of the toughest trainers out there and come out on top. This one thing doesn’t define you. It’s just a piece of paper!”

“Yeah, but it feels like it defines me,” Ash countered, his voice breaking. “What if I’m never good enough? I try so hard, and it always feels like I’m falling short. Maybe I should just… give up. Maybe they’re right. Maybe I should go back to where I belong.”

Gary’s heart sank as he heard the pain in Ash’s voice. He leaned closer, grabbing Ash’s shoulders gently. “You belong right here, with your Pokémon and your friends. You belong with us. You are a Pokémon Master, Ash. No one can take that away from you.”

“But they think I’m a joke,” Ash replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gary’s frustration boiled over. “Forget them! You think I care about what they say? I care about you. You’re my friend, and you’ve inspired countless trainers out there. You’re not a joke. You’ve brought hope and determination to so many people and Pokémon. Don’t let a few mean words erase that.”

Ash looked at Gary, searching for sincerity in his eyes. “But… it hurts.”

“I know it does,” Gary said softly. “But you can’t let it control you. You’re stronger than that. You’ve fought through challenges that would make others give up. You’re not alone in this; I’m here. We all are.”

Ash’s resolve wavered as he took a deep breath, letting Gary’s words sink in. “It’s just hard sometimes. I feel like I’m always fighting an uphill battle.”

Gary placed a comforting hand on Ash’s back. “And it’s okay to feel that way. Just remember, every great trainer has their ups and downs. Even I have my share of failures. But that doesn’t mean we quit. It means we learn, adapt, and come back stronger.”

With every word, Ash felt the tightness in his chest begin to ease. He looked down at the floor, where a few stray pieces of paper lay scattered. “I just… I thought I was getting better. But then, moments like this happen.”

“Moments like this don’t define your entire journey, Ash,” Gary said, his voice steady. “You’ve already accomplished so much. Remember when we were kids, and you took on that Gyarados? You didn’t let anything scare you back then. You can’t let it scare you now.”

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ash’s mouth as memories of their childhood adventures flooded back—nights spent under the stars, sharing dreams and ambitions. “Yeah… I remember that.”

“See?” Gary grinned, sensing the shift in Ash’s mood. “You’re a fighter. Just look at your team. They believe in you. They wouldn’t want you to quit either.”

Ash’s gaze softened as he thought of his Pokémon—Pikachu, Charizard, and all the others that had stood by him through thick and thin. “You’re right. They deserve better than a quitter.”

“Exactly! Now, are you ready to show everyone what a true Pokémon Master looks like?” Gary asked, standing up and extending a hand to Ash.

Ash hesitated for a moment but then took Gary’s hand, feeling a spark of hope igniting within him. “Yeah. Let’s do this!”

“Great! Now let’s get out there before they think I actually lost you,” Gary teased, a playful smirk on his face.

As they left the storage room, Ash felt lighter, the burden of doubt lifting. He and Gary stepped back into the arena, where the crowd was still buzzing, unaware of the moment of vulnerability that had just taken place.

“Look, there he is!” Misty shouted, pointing excitedly as she spotted Ash re-entering the arena.

The crowd turned, some cheering while others looked puzzled. Ash felt the warmth of their attention wash over him, a mixture of nerves and determination flooding back into his veins.

Gary nudged him playfully. “Just remember, don’t let anything get to you this time. You’re going to knock them out of the park.”

“I won’t,” Ash said, nodding firmly. “I promise.”

Gary smirked. " Now it's time for me to become competitor Gary. Good luck Ashy-boy."

* Thinks* but still, I'm gonna win this battle in a way that'll make Gary proud

Awwwwww he wants to make his friend proud that's so cute

The vibrant sounds of the Pokémon battle faded into the background as Ash sprinted away, his heart pounding in his chest. The arena, filled with cheers and the occasional roar of Pokémon, felt worlds away as he ducked into the nearby forest, tears stinging his eyes. He pushed through the underbrush, branches snagging at his clothes and the ground uneven beneath his feet. Ash could still feel the weight of the paper airplane’s cruel words echoing in his mind.

“Why do you even try when you know you're not gonna succeed? Just go back to where you belong—the dump! And leave your Pokémon—it’s for the best.”

He bit his lip hard, willing himself to stay strong. No matter how much he wanted to, he couldn’t let those words sink in. Not now. Not when he had worked so hard to become a Pokémon Master. The trees surrounded him like silent sentinels, and he felt momentarily lost in their shadow. He knew he had to keep going, but where?

The underbrush cracked behind him, and he glanced back, expecting to see the chaos of the arena. Instead, it was just the quiet rustle of the wind through the leaves. He pressed on, his breaths coming in shaky gasps.

“Time out! A Pokémon Master exited the arena!” The announcer’s voice rang through his ears, but he blocked it out, pushing further into the forest.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the trees. “Ash! Wait!”

It was Gary. Ash hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of relief and dread. What would Gary say? Would he pity him? The thought of that made him run even faster, desperate to distance himself from anyone who might see him break. He couldn’t let Gary see him like this.

But the crunching of leaves behind him grew louder, more persistent. Ash’s feet moved faster than his thoughts as he darted deeper into the woods, adrenaline coursing through him. He could hear Gary calling out, his voice becoming more frantic.

“Ash! Come on, just stop!”

Ash felt a pang of guilt for not stopping, but he pushed it aside, determined to find a place to hide where no one could see him. He had always prided himself on being brave, on facing every challenge head-on. But this was different.

Finally, he stumbled into a small clearing, breathing heavily as he pressed his back against a tree, trying to steady himself. He could hear the distant sound of Gary’s footsteps drawing closer, and the instinct to hide took over. He crouched low, hoping to remain unseen.

Gary burst into the clearing, his face flushed with exertion. He looked around, his expression a mix of worry and determination. “Ash? Where are you?”

For a moment, Ash felt a flicker of hope. Maybe Gary wouldn’t find him. Maybe he could just stay here, hidden away from the world. But then Gary’s voice softened, laced with sincerity. “Ash, I know you’re here. You can’t just run away from this.”

Ash remained silent, his heart racing as he fought against the urge to answer.

“Please,” Gary continued, his voice more desperate now. “You’re my best friend. You don’t have to deal with this alone. Just come out.”

Something in Gary's tone broke through Ash’s resolve. He let out a shaky breath, knowing deep down that he couldn’t hide forever. He pushed himself off the tree, stepping into the clearing, his head hung low.

“How’d you find me?” Ash muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gary’s expression softened as he stepped forward. “We’re best friends, remember?” he said, a slight smile breaking through his worry. “I can always find you.”

Ash’s heart swelled at those words. He wanted to feel angry, to yell about how unfair everything was, but instead, he felt something else—relief. It was comforting to know that, no matter what, Gary was there for him.

“I just… I just don’t get it,” Ash admitted, his voice trembling. “Why do people say things like that? I’ve worked so hard, and I thought—”

“You thought it would be different?” Gary interrupted gently. “Ash, listen to me. You’re not going to please everyone. You’ve faced challenges that most trainers wouldn’t dream of. Just because some people don’t see your worth doesn’t mean it’s not there.”

Ash looked up, meeting Gary’s gaze. “But what if they’re right? What if I really am a failure?”

Gary shook his head vigorously. “No! That’s not true. You’ve trained hard, and you’ve made friends all over the world. You’re an amazing trainer, and more importantly, you’re an incredible person.”

The weight of Gary’s words hung in the air, and Ash felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes again. This time, he didn’t fight them. “I just don’t want to let everyone down,” he admitted, his voice breaking.

“You won’t,” Gary assured him, stepping closer. “You’ve inspired so many, including me. When I see you go all out for your Pokémon, it pushes me to be better. So please don’t give up. Just remember, you’ve got me in your corner.”

Ash nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him. “Thanks, Gary.”

“Now let’s get back before they declare you missing and send a search party,” Gary said with a teasing grin, trying to lighten the mood. “I’d hate to have to explain to your mom why I lost you in the forest.”

Ash chuckled, wiping his eyes. “Yeah, I wouldn’t want to deal with that either.”

Together, they started back toward the arena, side by side, the bond of friendship stronger than ever. Ash felt a newfound determination build within him, a sense that he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

“And Ash?” Gary added as they walked. “ If anyone sends you another mean letter, just give me a shout. I’ll be more than happy to track them down and give them a piece of my mind.”

Ash laughed, the sound echoing through the trees. “Deal!”

As they stepped back into the sunlight, Ash realized he wasn’t alone in this fight. With friends like Gary by his side, he could face anything—even the harsh words of a nameless foe. Together, they were unstoppable.

Ash sprinted through the trees, his heart racing as the words on the paper echoed in his mind. He felt a sharp pang in his chest with every step, the humiliation of that message clawing at him. How could someone say that? Who would write such a cruel thing? He didn't stop to think; he just ran, letting the cool breeze and rustling leaves wash over him as he desperately sought solace in the depths of the forest.

His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, the laughter of the crowd fading behind him. He had worked so hard, poured his heart and soul into becoming a Pokémon Master, only to have someone try to tear him down with a few cruel words. “Just go back to where you belong,” the letter had said. “The dump.” Ash clenched his fists tighter, anger bubbling beneath the surface, but it was quickly overshadowed by the sting of tears threatening to fall.

Suddenly, he felt a presence behind him. “Ash, wait!” Gary’s voice cut through the silence, forcing Ash to stop. He turned around, panting, the urgency in Gary’s voice pulling him back from the brink of despair.

“How’d you find me?” Ash gasped, bewildered. He hadn’t expected anyone to chase after him; he thought he would be alone in his misery.

Gary closed the distance between them, his expression serious yet compassionate. “We're best friends, remember?” he said, his voice steady. He took a seat on the soft forest floor, patting the ground beside him. “Come on, sit with me.”

With a deep breath, Ash reluctantly lowered himself to the ground, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. Gary turned to face him, placing a hand firmly on his shoulder while the other cupped Ash’s chin, guiding his gaze to meet his. “Ash, look at me,” he said softly, his eyes searching Ash’s for answers.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Ash mumbled, his voice barely a whisper as he looked away, feeling exposed under Gary's steady gaze.

“Too bad,” Gary replied, his tone firm yet gentle. “You can’t just run away from this. Whatever that paper said, it doesn’t define you. You’re not a failure.”

“But it feels like it sometimes,” Ash admitted, his voice cracking as he finally allowed his emotions to surface. “I keep trying, and trying, but it’s never enough.”

Gary shook his head. “That’s not true. You’ve achieved so much! You’ve saved regions, won tournaments, and inspired so many people. Just because some jerk wants to drag you down doesn’t mean you should listen to them.” He paused, his grip tightening slightly. “You need to hear this, Ash. You are a Pokémon Master, no matter what anyone says. You’ve got more heart than anyone I know.”

Ash’s breath hitched, the warmth of Gary’s words slowly beginning to penetrate his fog of despair. “But what if they’re right?” he whispered, his doubts creeping back in. “What if I’m just… not cut out for this?”

Gary’s expression softened, and he let go of Ash’s chin, allowing him to look away again. “It’s okay to feel scared, Ash. It’s okay to doubt yourself sometimes. But you have to remember that it’s those moments of doubt that make us stronger. Every Master has faced criticism, but they don’t let it stop them. You shouldn’t either.”

Ash looked back at Gary, searching his face for signs of insincerity, but all he found was unwavering support. “You really think so?”

“Of course I do!” Gary exclaimed, leaning forward earnestly. “I’ve seen you in action. You never back down, even when the odds are against you. That’s what makes you a true Master.” He paused, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. “You’re more than just a trainer to me, Ash. You’re my best friend. I believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.”

The words settled into Ash’s heart like a comforting embrace. He felt the tension in his shoulders begin to ease, the crushing weight of self-doubt slowly lifting. “I just… I don’t want to let everyone down. Especially you guys.”

“You could never let us down,” Gary replied firmly, resting a hand on Ash’s back. “We’re here for you, no matter what. And that’s not going to change just because of a few nasty words.”

Ash nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, Gary. I really needed to hear that.”

“Good,” Gary said, grinning. “Now let’s go back. I’m pretty sure the crowd is still in shock over your dramatic exit.”

Ash chuckled, feeling a bit lighter. “Yeah, I guess I did make quite the scene, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, well, it’s not the first time you’ve bolted out of a battle,” Gary teased, standing up and extending his hand to Ash. “But you know what? It’s okay. You’ll bounce back, like you always do.”

Ash took Gary’s hand, rising to his feet. “Thanks for coming after me. I really appreciate it.”

“Anytime, Ashy-Boy,” Gary said with a smirk. “Now, let’s get back out there and show them what we’re made of. You’ve got a battle to finish, and I’m not letting you back out.”

“Use Vine Whip!”

As Ash commanded his Pokémon, a sudden thud jolted him from his focus. He felt something light hit the back of his head, and when he looked down, he found a crumpled paper airplane resting at his feet.

He raised an eyebrow, the annoyance of the interruption momentarily overshadowing his worry for the battle ahead. As he unfolded the paper, he completely missed Gary’s exasperated look, which silently conveyed, Really?

His heart dropped as he read the words scrawled across the page:

Why do you even try when you know you're not gonna succeed? Just go back to where you belong—the dump! And leave your Pokémon—it's for the best.

Ash’s breath caught in his throat, a suffocating mix of disbelief and despair. He felt as if the air had been knocked out of him. Without a second thought, he crumpled the paper back up and dropped it, his fists clenching as anger and hurt surged through him. He turned on his heel and dashed out of the arena, trying to hide the tears welling up in his eyes.

“TIMEOUT!” The announcer’s voice echoed through the arena. “A POKÉMON MASTER HAS EXITED THE ARENA! THAT WOULD MEAN—”

“Wait!” Gary shouted, panic surging through him. “Don’t draw the score yet! Let me go find him. Judging by how he bolted out, he must have been hit pretty hard by whatever was on that paper!”

He snatched up his Poké Ball, ready to chase after his friend, just as Delia, Oak, Brock, and Misty came rushing down the stairs, concern etched on their faces.

“What happened?” Misty asked, breathless from the sprint.

Gary shrugged, trying to keep his own panic in check. “I dunno. He just read whatever was on that paper and ran out like a rocket.”

Oak bent down to pick up the crumpled paper, his expression turning grave as he read it aloud. “I believe it’s because he was told it would be better just to quit.”

Gary’s eyes widened in horror. “No way. Not after everything he’s been through.” He turned to Brock and Misty, urgency driving his words. “Distract the crowd with your Pokémon while I go find Ash!”

The duo nodded immediately. Misty grabbed a Poké Ball and called, “Go, Staryu!” But instead, Psyduck tumbled out, flopping awkwardly on the ground.

“Psyduck!” Misty cried, her face twisting in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Brock called forth his Onix, which coiled majestically into the arena. “Onix, let’s put on a show!”

As the crowd gasped and murmured, Gary bolted away, racing into the thick cover of the forest bordering the arena, his mind racing with worry for his friend.

“Where could he have gone…?” he muttered, darting through the trees, his heart pounding as he thought of Ash’s expression when he read that note.

Gary called out Ash’s name, but the only response was the rustle of leaves and the distant sounds of Pokémon battles echoing from the arena. He couldn’t lose him—not now.

Suddenly, he spotted a flash of red—Ash’s cap—vanishing deeper into the woods. “Ash! Wait!” Gary shouted, sprinting after him. He pushed branches aside, his determination fueling him forward.

“Why are you running?” he called out, hoping Ash would slow down enough to hear him.

But Ash was too far gone, his heart racing as he ran, desperate to escape the hurt that the letter had caused him. The pain of the words felt like a weight on his chest, pressing him down, and he just wanted to find a place to breathe, a moment to think.

“Ash!” Gary called again, desperation rising in his voice. “Please, just stop!”

Finally, he broke through the trees into a small clearing. There, on a fallen log, sat Ash, his shoulders trembling as he clutched his cap in his hands.

“How’d you find me?” Ash whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he looked up, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Gary stepped forward, relief flooding through him as he took in Ash’s disheveled appearance. “We’re best friends, remember? I’ll always find you,” he replied, sitting down next to Ash.

Ash turned to him, confusion mingling with gratitude in his eyes. “But I thought… I thought you wouldn’t care if I just ran away.”

“Of course I care!” Gary exclaimed, placing a hand on Ash’s shoulder. “You’re like a brother to me. I wouldn’t let some stupid paper stop me from being there for you.”

“Paper?” Ash echoed, shaking his head as if trying to shake off the hurt. “It just said I should give up, Gary. That I don’t belong here.”

Gary frowned, his anger rising again. “That’s nonsense! Whoever wrote that doesn’t know you at all. You’ve fought battles no one else could win. You’ve saved so many Pokémon, and you’ve inspired everyone around you.”

Ash rubbed at his eyes, trying to blink away the tears. “But what if they’re right? What if I’m not good enough?”

Gary shook his head vigorously. “That’s not true! You’ve beaten Gym Leaders, faced off against Team Rocket, and tackled Legendary Pokémon. You’re not just good enough; you’re amazing! If you give up now, you’ll never know how far you could go.”

“Gary…” Ash started, his voice breaking as the warmth of his friend’s words washed over him.

Gary scoffed lightly, the familiar playful glint returning to his eyes. “Besides, what would I do without you? Who else would I have to keep me on my toes?”

A small smile tugged at Ash’s lips, the weight on his chest starting to lift. “I guess you’re right.”

“Darn right I am,” Gary replied, his voice confident and reassuring. “Now let’s get back to that arena and show everyone what we can do!”

Ash took a deep breath, his heart slowly calming. “Yeah… let’s do it.”

"Use Vine Whip!" Ash shouted, his voice echoing in the arena as his Pokémon sprung into action, sending out tendrils of green energy to ensnare the opposing Pokémon. The crowd cheered, and for a moment, Ash felt invincible. But then, out of nowhere, a small paper airplane collided with his head, interrupting his focus.

"What the—?" He glanced down, his brow furrowing as he caught sight of the paper fluttering to the ground.

Gary, who was just about to comment, rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Really?"

Ash didn’t register Gary’s expression as he unfolded the airplane, curiosity overshadowing his thoughts. The words inside hit him like a punch to the gut.

Why do you even try when you know you’re not gonna succeed? Just go back to where you belong—the dump! And leave your Pokémon; it’s for the best.

His heart sank, and the air caught in his throat, rendering him momentarily speechless. Without a second thought, he dropped the paper and bolted from the arena, fists clenched tightly as he fought to hold back tears. The taunts echoed in his mind, every syllable cutting deeper than the last.

“TIMEOUT!” the announcer bellowed, his voice booming over the shocked crowd. “A POKEMON MASTER HAS EXITED THE ARENA! THAT WOULD MEA—”

“Wait!” Gary interrupted, his voice urgent as he saw the distress etched across Ash's face. “Don’t draw the score yet. Let me go find him. Judging by how he bolted out, he must have been hit pretty hard with whatever was on that paper!”

With that, he picked up his Poké Ball, adrenaline surging through him as he raced toward the exit, not bothering to look back at the confusion in the crowd. He barely noticed Delia, Oak, Brock, and Misty sprinting down the stairs, concern written across their faces.

“What happened?” Misty called out, her voice tinged with worry.

“I dunno,” Gary replied breathlessly. “He just read whatever was on that paper and bolted off like a rocket.”

Professor Oak picked up the discarded paper and scanned its contents. “I believe it’s because he was told it would be better just to quit.”

Gary felt a wave of anger surge within him, realizing the toll those words must have taken on Ash. “Oh no…” he murmured, feeling his heart race. He turned to Brock and Misty. “Distract the crowd with your Pokémon while I go find Ash!”

Without waiting for a response, he took off, leaving Misty fumbling with her Poké Balls. “Go, Staryu!” she commanded, but instead, Psyduck emerged, looking as confused as ever.

“Not you, Psyduck! Come on!” Misty exclaimed, throwing her hands up in frustration as Brock called out Onix, who emerged with a loud roar, drawing the crowd’s attention.

Gary sprinted into the nearby forest, pushing through the thick underbrush. “Where could he have gone?” he muttered, his thoughts racing. He had to find Ash; he couldn’t let his friend stay alone, especially not after receiving that cruel message. He kept running, his heart pounding in his chest as he scanned the trees for any sign of his friend.

Then, just ahead, he spotted a flash of familiar red. “Ash! Wait!” Gary called, quickening his pace. Ash was sprinting deeper into the woods, desperately trying to escape. The hat he cherished so much clung to his head, flapping wildly as he pushed through the branches, intent on losing himself in the solitude of the trees.

“Ash!” Gary yelled again, urgency spilling into his voice. “Ash, stop! Please!”

But Ash didn’t stop. He grabbed his hat tighter and disappeared into the foliage, as if he believed he could outrun the pain. Panic gripped Gary. He pushed forward, following Ash’s path until he finally caught up to him.

“How’d you find me?” Ash asked, his voice hoarse, eyes wide with a mix of surprise and vulnerability.

“We’re best friends, remember?” Gary replied, a reassuring smile spreading across his face, even as worry creased his brow. “I’m not gonna let you go through this alone.” He stepped closer, trying to bridge the distance between them, but Ash remained rooted to the spot, as if he were a statue carved from stone.

“Ash, come on!” Gary pleaded, grabbing Ash’s arm and tugging gently. “You can’t just stand there. We need to get back.”

But Ash didn’t budge. “I can’t,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “What if they’re right? What if I’m not good enough?”

Gary’s heart ached at Ash’s words, understanding the weight of his friend’s despair. “They’re wrong! You’ve accomplished so much. You’ve trained harder than anyone I know! Don’t let some stupid note tell you otherwise!”

“Just leave me alone, Gary,” Ash said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“No!” Gary said, his frustration spilling over. He planted his feet firmly, refusing to let Ash push him away. “I’m not leaving you alone! You’re my friend, and I won’t abandon you just because you’re feeling down.”

He pulled harder, trying to coax Ash back to reality, to the friendship they’d built over the years. “Come on, Ash! We have to go back! You don’t want to give them the satisfaction of knowing they got to you, do you?”

With a reluctant grunt, Ash finally moved, but it was slow and hesitant. Gary, sensing the shift, wrapped an arm around Ash’s shoulder and began leading him back through the trees, pulling him along gently. “See? Not so hard, right?”

“I feel like I can’t breathe,” Ash admitted, his voice shaking as they walked. “Those words—they just cut deep.”

“I know,” Gary replied softly. “But you’re more than what some random stranger thinks of you. You’re a Pokémon Master. You’ve fought battles that most people can’t even imagine. You’re strong, Ash. So strong.”

Ash finally turned his head to meet Gary’s gaze, the flicker of hope igniting just a little in his eyes. “Do you really think so?”

“I know so,” Gary said, his voice steady. “Now let’s get back and show everyone why you’re a champion.”

“Use Vine Whip!”

The command echoed across the arena, but just as Ash's Pokémon sprang into action, he felt something thud against his head. Confused, he looked down to find a crumpled paper airplane fluttering to the ground. A frown creased his brow as he picked it up, completely oblivious to Gary’s disapproving expression.

With curiosity getting the better of him, Ash unfolded the note. His heart sank as he read the cruel words: Why do you even try when you know you're not gonna succeed? Just go back to where you belong—the dump! And leave your Pokémon; it’s for the best.

His breath caught in his throat, and he could feel a storm of emotions swirling within him. Anger, sadness, and disbelief flooded his senses, igniting a fire that demanded release. Without a second thought, Ash dropped the paper airplane and bolted from the arena, fists clenched tightly at his sides. He needed to escape, to breathe, as tears threatened to spill.

“TIMEOUT!” the announcer’s voice rang through the air. “A POKEMON MASTER EXITED THE ARENA! THAT WOULD MEA—”

“Wait!” Gary shouted, cutting the announcer off. “Don’t draw the score yet. Let me go find him! Judging by how he bolted out, he must have been hit pretty hard by whatever was on that paper!”

Without a second thought, Gary snatched his Poké Ball, his heart racing. Just then, Ash’s mom Delia, Professor Oak, Brock, and Misty rushed down the stairs, concern etched on their faces.

“What happened?” Misty asked, her eyes wide.

Gary shrugged, frustration bubbling within him. “I dunno. He just read whatever was on that paper and took off.”

Professor Oak bent down, picked up the paper airplane, and read the hurtful words aloud. “I believe it’s because he was told it would be better just to quit.”

Gary’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh no… This is bad!” he exclaimed, glancing at Brock and Misty. “Distract the crowd with your Pokémon while I go find Ash!”

The duo nodded, springing into action. Misty threw her Poké Ball, calling out, “Go, Staryu!” But instead, Psyduck emerged, looking confused and slightly dazed.

“Psyduck!” Misty yelled, her frustration bubbling. Meanwhile, Brock released Onix, commanding, “Let’s keep the crowd entertained!”

While they struggled to manage the audience, Gary dashed toward the forest, heart pounding. “Where could he have gone?” he muttered, running deeper into the trees, the sunlight filtering through the branches. He called out Ash’s name, his voice echoing against the bark.

“ASH!” he shouted, desperation fueling his speed.

Just then, he caught a glimpse of Ash’s familiar figure ahead, sprinting with a determination that belied the anguish in his heart. “Ash, wait!” Gary called, pushing himself to run faster.

Ash glanced back, and for a moment, their eyes met. In that instant, Gary could see the pain etched on his friend’s face, and it tugged at his heart. “How’d you find me?” Ash’s voice was barely a whisper, strained and breathless as he stopped, panting.

“We’re best friends, remember?” Gary replied, forcing a grin to lighten the mood, though concern flickered in his eyes. He closed the distance between them, reaching for Ash’s arm. “Come on, we need to get out of here.”

But Ash stood frozen, his feet planted firmly on the ground as if the weight of the world pressed down on him. His eyes glazed over, lost in thought, as he replayed the cruel words from the letter in his mind.

“Come on, come on!” Gary pulled on Ash’s arm, trying to coax him out of the forest. “You can’t just stand here! We need to talk about this!”

“Why does it even matter?” Ash said, his voice trembling. “They’re right, Gary. I’m never going to be good enough.”

“Don’t say that!” Gary exclaimed, exasperated. “You’re the most determined trainer I know. Those words don’t define you, Ash. They’re just… just noise!”

Ash remained unmoved, staring into the distance as if searching for something lost. Gary sighed, a mixture of frustration and empathy washing over him. “Please, just come back with me. The crowd’s worried, and I’m worried too. We can face this together.”

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ash blinked and seemed to come back to himself. His eyes focused on Gary, and a flicker of vulnerability passed through them. “I don’t want to face them. I don’t want to hear them.”

“Then don’t,” Gary said gently, stepping closer. “We’ll deal with this together. Just trust me.”

With a deep breath, Ash nodded slowly. “Okay. Just… don’t let go.”

“I won’t,” Gary promised, his grip firm on Ash’s arm as he began to lead him out of the forest. “We’ll go back together, step by step. No more running.”

As they made their way back, Gary felt a renewed determination swelling within him. They would get through this, just as they had before. Because friendship wasn’t just about sharing the good times; it was about standing together in the face of adversity.

Once they reached the edge of the forest, the sounds of the arena returned, a buzzing energy that felt both inviting and intimidating. Gary turned to Ash, who still looked uncertain. “You ready?”

Ash nodded, albeit hesitantly. “Yeah, I think so.”

“Then let’s go show them what we’re made of,” Gary said, a confident smile breaking through the tension.