" Psst. Ash. Hey, Ashy Boy! Wake up, Ash!"

Ash moaned and rubbed his eyes as he sat up in his sleeping bag. " What happened?" He muttered sleepily.

" Ash, it's time to get up."

Ash groaned. " I don't want to!"

Gary smirked. " Okay then. More pokemon for me."

A snore.

Ash was asleep.

Again.

Gary sighed. " Pikachu?"

" Piiiika.... Chuuuu!"

Ash jumped out of the bed.

" PIKACHU WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"

Pikachu gave him a cheeky grin. " Chu."

Gary grinned. " Come on, Ash. We have to finish that quest grandpa asked us to go on."

Ash sighed. " Coooomiiing."

" Finally, you're out." Gary teased as he stirred the pot. " Hungry Ash?"

Ash shook his head, which made Gary's smile turn upside down.

" You sure?"

Ash nodded. " Think I had too much last night."

Gary shook his head. " No that can't be it. You barely had dinner."

Ash smiled. " Nah, I'm not hungry."

Gary raised a brow. " How many?*

Ash blinked. " How many whats?"

" How many letters saying you had to eat less came to your mail?"

Ash didn't respond.

" Aaaaaash..."

Ash sighed. " Few weeks, maybe."

Gary’s spoon clattered against the pot as he froze mid-stir. He turned to face Ash fully, his eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. “A few weeks? Ash, are you serious right now?”

Ash scratched the back of his head, avoiding Gary’s sharp gaze. “It’s not a big deal, Gary. I just—y’know, wanted to cut back a little.”

Gary crossed his arms, his expression stern. “Ash Ketchum, what kind of nonsense is that? Who told you to do this?”

Ash hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. “It’s just… some people on the internet, I guess. And I thought maybe they were right. Maybe I’m not, like... in the best shape for battling.”

Gary let out a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair. “Ash, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. You’re one of the most active people I know! Running, battling, traveling—it’s practically your life!”

Ash shrugged. “Yeah, but—”

“No buts,” Gary interrupted. “Who cares what some random people think? They’re not the ones training day and night like you are.”

Ash opened his mouth to argue but quickly closed it when Gary jabbed a finger at him.

“Listen to me, Ash. Skipping meals isn’t just dumb—it’s dangerous. You need energy to keep up with everything you do. Do you think Pikachu or your other Pokémon would fight their best if you were starving yourself?”

Ash glanced at Pikachu, who looked up at him with concern in its eyes. “Pika...” the little Pokémon said softly, its cheeks sparking faintly as if to punctuate Gary’s point.

Gary softened slightly at the sight. “Look, I get it. Pressure is tough. People can be jerks. But you’re better than this, Ash. You’ve got to take care of yourself. Otherwise, what’s the point of all your hard work?”

Ash sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I guess I didn’t think about it that way...”

“Clearly.” Gary turned back to the pot, giving it one last stir before ladling some of the soup into a bowl. He handed it to Ash, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Sit. Eat. No excuses.”

Ash hesitated but eventually took the bowl, sitting down beside the fire. He stirred the soup absently, still feeling embarrassed. “You’re not gonna let this go, are you?”

Gary smirked, sitting down across from him with his own bowl. “Not a chance. Someone’s gotta keep you in line.”

Ash gave a small laugh, the tension easing slightly. “Thanks, Gary.”

Gary’s expression softened. “Hey, that’s what friends—and rivals—are for.”

As they ate in silence, Pikachu nestled beside Ash, the warm glow of the campfire reflecting off its fur. Gary watched him out of the corner of his eye, relieved that Ash was finally eating but making a mental note to keep an eye on him.

Because if anyone was going to make sure Ash stayed on track, it was going to be him.