Ash sprinted through the park, his heart racing faster than his legs could carry him. "I can't believe I let Pikachu get that mad!" he muttered to himself, glancing back to see Pikachu fuming, sparks of electricity flickering from his cheeks. "I didn't mean to eat the last berry! It was an accident!"

Ash was running away from a very, very, very angry Pikachu.

He kept glancing back he didn't realize he was going inside a building!

And he knocked into a tree.

" Ow!" He mumbled as he landed on his elbow, and rubbed his cheek.

" Ash?" A familiar voice asked as the tree lent him a hand. " Are you okay?"

Ash squinted. " Brock? What are you doing in the park?"

Brock blinked. " Uh.... Ash? This is the Pokémon center!"

Ash stood up quickly. " What!" He exclaimed. " I'm gonna be late!"

He ran out the door, shouting, " Thanks Brock!"

Misty appeared behind Brock, arms crossed with a smirk on her face. "So... are you gonna take a guess as to why he quickly ran away?"

Brock shrugged, a knowing smile creeping onto his lips. "He sprained his elbow while falling and didn't want to bother me because he saw all the Pokémon that needed help, thus thinking he wasn't that special."

Misty raised an eyebrow, impressed. "How'd you guess?"

Brock sighed, shaking his head. "Happens every time. Now, what was it he said about being late?"

Misty rolled her eyes playfully. "Brock, Ash just made that up!"

Brock nodded, his expression turning serious as he watched Ash disappear down the path. "Knew it."

Misty chuckled softly, then turned her attention to the Pokémon Center. "Come on, let's go after him. He might need our help... especially if Pikachu is still mad."

Ash ran deeper into the forest, his heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and determination. "Pikachu, would you stop!" he yelled, glancing back over his shoulder. "You can get another berry, I promise!"

As he dashed through the underbrush, he felt a twinge of guilt for making Pikachu upset. He knew his Pokémon well enough to understand that Pikachu was simply worried about him.

Suddenly, Ash tripped over a root and stumbled, wincing as he landed on his elbow again. "Ow!" he exclaimed, gritting his teeth against the pain. He looked up just in time to see Pikachu stop in his tracks, ears drooping and a concerned expression on his face.

"Pika?" Pikachu said softly, noticing the way Ash winced. He approached cautiously, his eyes filled with worry as he took in the sight of Ash's arm.

"I'm fine, really!" Ash insisted, trying to brush off the concern. But the way Pikachu sighed—"Pika pika."—made him realize that his friend didn't believe him.

Ash sighed, sitting back against a tree and rubbing his forehead. "I just didn't want you to be upset. I thought if I left, you'd stop being angry about the berry."

Pikachu stepped closer, looking up at Ash with a soft gaze. He nudged Ash's hand gently with his nose, reminding him of the bond they shared.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay?" Ash said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll make it up to you. I'll find you the best berries in the forest—just don't be mad at me."

Pikachu's ears perked up at the mention of berries, and he nodded slowly.

"See? We'll find them together!" Ash smiled weakly, but the pain in his arm made him wince again. "But maybe let's take it easy for a moment, alright?"

Pikachu seemed to understand, settling down next to Ash and resting his head on Ash's knee, giving a soft, " Pika Pi." of reassurance.

"Thanks, buddy," Ash said, scratching behind Pikachu's ears. "I really need you by my side right now."

Just then, Brock and Misty burst through the trees, concern written all over their faces.

"Hey! There you are!" Brock called, spotting them. "Are you okay, Ash?"

Misty knelt down beside them, eyes wide with worry. "What happened? We were so worried!"

Ash smiled weakly, gesturing to Pikachu. "I think we're okay now."

Brock gestured to his arm. " How'd it happen?"

Ash was confused. " What happened?"

" You fell on your arm? The elbow, especially?" Misty prompted.

Ash blinked. " Uh...... You do realize that not every time I fall I get hurt, right?"

As Ash spoke, he noticed a faint crackling sound. Looking down, he saw Pikachu’s cheeks beginning to spark with electricity. “Whoa, Pikachu! Sheesh, chill out!” Ash exclaimed, feeling a mix of amusement and concern.

Pikachu looked up at Ash, his eyes wide with worry as the electricity crackled more intensely. It was as if he could sense Ash’s pain and was getting worked up about it.

“Pikachu, it’s okay! I’m fine, really!” Ash reassured, but Pikachu continued to tremble, clearly anxious.

Brock stepped closer, glancing between Ash and Pikachu. “I think he’s just worried about you. You’re his best friend, after all.”

Misty nodded, gently placing a hand on Pikachu’s back. “You’re not alone in this, Ash. We’re all here for you, and so is Pikachu.”

“I know, I know,” Ash said, his heart swelling with gratitude. “But you’ve got to control those sparks, buddy! I don’t want you accidentally shocking me!”

Pikachu’s ears drooped slightly, and he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. The crackling diminished, though the energy still flickered around his cheeks.

“See? That’s better,” Ash said with a small grin. “Just take a breath.”

Pikachu nodded and closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth of Ash’s hand still scratching behind his ears. Slowly, the electric sparks faded away, replaced by a gentle glow.

“Okay, Ash, we need to get you back to the Pokémon Center for a proper check-up,” Brock suggested, crossing his arms and giving a determined nod.

Ash sighed, looking at his friends. “Do I have to? I mean, it’s just a little fall.”

“It’s not just a little fall if it’s affecting you and Pikachu like this,” Misty insisted. “You’re both in this together, and we want to make sure you’re both okay.”

“Fine,” Ash relented, standing up with a wince as he stretched his arm. “But only if Pikachu gets some berries afterward.”

Pikachu perked up, his eyes sparkling at the mention of berries. “Pika!” he exclaimed, his voice brightening.

Brock chuckled. “Deal. Let’s get you checked out so we can celebrate with some food.”

Back at the Pokémon Center, Brock led Ash to a nearby examination room. “Okay, Ash, let’s take a look at that elbow,” he said, his tone all business as he grabbed his stethoscope and some bandages.

“Does it hurt?” Brock asked, gently prodding Ash’s elbow.

Ash winced slightly and replied, “No, not really.” But as Brock pressed a little harder, Ash instinctively hugged his arm tight. “Thank you very much, I think that’s enough!”

Brock raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You’re tougher than you look, but I still need to make sure everything’s okay.” He pressed lightly again, gauging Ash’s reaction.

“Seriously, Brock! I promise, I’m fine! Just… don’t push it too hard, okay?” Ash insisted, trying to ease the tension.

Misty, who had been standing in the doorway, chuckled. “Looks like someone is a little sensitive about his injuries.”

Ash rolled his eyes but couldn’t help a small smile. “You have no idea,” he muttered, looking at Pikachu, who was perched on the counter, watching intently.

Brock pulled back and examined Ash's arm more closely. “It doesn’t look swollen or bruised, but let’s keep it wrapped for a bit just in case.” He began to bandage Ash’s elbow, working carefully to ensure he wouldn’t hurt him.

“There you go,” Brock said, tying off the bandage. “Now, just remember not to push yourself too hard while it heals.”

“Thanks, Brock,” Ash said, relieved. “I’ll be careful. Just let me know when I can start training again.”

“Just give it a day or two, and we’ll see how you feel,” Brock replied. He stepped back, satisfied with his work.

Misty crossed her arms, a playful grin on her face. “So, how does it feel to be the ‘patient’ for once?”

Ash smirked. “I don’t know, I think I’m ready to be the one helping you guys again soon!”

Pikachu nodded vigorously, his tail flicking back and forth. “Pika!”

“Just remember,” Brock said, leaning against the wall, “it’s okay to rely on us, too. We’re in this together, remember?”

Ash looked at his friends and smiled, feeling a warm sense of camaraderie wash over him. “Yeah, together.” He reached down and ruffled Pikachu’s ears. “And that includes you, buddy. Always.”

Misty clapped her hands together, breaking the moment. “Alright, let’s grab some food! You’ve been through enough for today, and I think you both deserve a reward for being so brave!”

“Food sounds great!” Ash exclaimed, the idea of berries making his stomach rumble.