" ' The world's a big place', huh?" Ash muttered under the large Oak tree behind Professor Rowan's laboratory. " ' So many Pokemon you don't even know about '."

" Pika?"

Ash looked at Pikachu. " Oh. I'm fine. But are you fine?"

Pikachu looked confused. " Pika?"

" Do you ever wish you were someone else's Pokemon?"

Pikachu blinked at Ash.

" I mean, someone who's like Gary. Smart, cocky. Doesn't do dumb things."

Pikachu still looked confused.

" Really?"

" Chuuu....?"

" I mean, Squirtle, Charizard and Bulbasaur have their own new life. You want a new life too?"

" Pika pi......?"

" Do you think I should give up with the badges?"

" Give up?" A voice asked. " That's a word I never thought I'd hear from you."

Ash looked up, startled, to see a familiar figure leaning casually against the Oak tree. Gary Oak, with his trademark smirk, crossed his arms as he stared at Ash. His Umbreon sat by his feet, tilting its head curiously at the exchange.

"What are you doing here, Gary?" Ash asked, trying to mask the vulnerability in his voice.

Gary raised an eyebrow. "I could ask you the same thing. Hiding under a tree and muttering about giving up? That’s not the Ash Ketchum I know."

Ash sighed, looking away. "Yeah, well, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think."

Gary frowned, his cocky demeanor softening slightly. "Come on, Ash. What’s going on? You’ve never been one to quit, no matter how hard things get. What’s eating at you?"

Pikachu looked between the two boys, its ears twitching nervously. It nudged Ash’s shoulder, as if encouraging him to speak up.

Ash hesitated before finally letting out a deep breath. "It’s just... I’ve been at this for so long, Gary. Traveling, battling, collecting badges. And for what? To lose in some League again? I mean, what’s the point if I can’t even win when it really matters?"

Gary’s eyes softened as he crouched down, resting a hand on his Umbreon's head. "You’re seriously doubting yourself over that? Ash, winning isn’t everything. It’s about the journey, the bonds you’ve made, and the things you’ve learned along the way."

Ash shook his head. "That’s easy for you to say, Mr. Researcher. You don’t have to deal with constantly failing in front of everyone."

Gary rolled his eyes. "First of all, I’ve had my fair share of losses too, Ash. You think being a researcher is a walk in the park? Second, do you even hear yourself? You’ve accomplished more than most trainers ever will. How many Legendary Pokémon have you met? How many lives have you changed just by being you?"

Ash was silent, his gaze fixed on the ground.

Gary stood up, brushing off his pants. "Look, if you really want to quit, that’s your choice. But you’re not just giving up on yourself—you’re giving up on Pikachu, your dream, and everything you’ve worked for."

Pikachu let out a determined "Pika!" and jumped onto Ash’s lap, looking him straight in the eye. Its expression was one of unwavering loyalty and encouragement.

Ash felt a lump form in his throat as he met Pikachu’s gaze. "You really think I can still do this?" he asked softly.

Pikachu nodded firmly, letting out an enthusiastic "Pika-pika!"

Gary smirked. "See? Even Pikachu knows you’re being ridiculous. Now, are you going to sit here and mope, or are you going to get back out there and do what you do best?"

Ash looked at Pikachu, then at Gary, and finally at the horizon. A small smile began to form on his face. "You’re right. I’ve come too far to stop now."

Gary clapped him on the back. "That’s the Ash I know. Just remember, the world’s a big place, and there are still a ton of Pokémon waiting for you out there."

Ash stood up, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, and nodded. "Thanks, Gary."

Gary shrugged, his smirk returning. "Don’t mention it. Just try not to embarrass yourself too much next time we battle."

Ash laughed, feeling the weight of his doubts lifting. With renewed determination, he turned to Pikachu. "Let’s go, buddy. We’ve got a lot of work to do."

"Pika!" Pikachu cheered, and together, they headed off, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.