Pokemon Indigo League stories

Ash's Ankle+ TR= not good

" I'm fine." Ash said as he pushed Gary's hand away.

Gary raised a brow. " Don't play hero."

" I'm not playing hero!"

" Then let me help!"

" I don't need your help!"

Gary rolled his eyes. " Yes you do. Now, sling your arm around me."

Ash huffed but obeyed.

Gary hooked his arm around Ash's waist, supporting him as they trudged forward. "You're stubborn, you know that?" Gary muttered, his tone a mix of frustration and concern.

"I'm fine," Ash repeated, gritting his teeth as they moved. "It's just a scratch."

Gary glanced down at the makeshift bandage wrapped around Ash's leg. "That's not *just* a scratch, Ash. You're limping."

Ash looked away, refusing to meet Gary's eyes. "I've been through worse."

Gary shook his head, his patience wearing thin. "You always say that. Just admit you're hurt and let me help for once!"

Ash opened his mouth to protest but then winced as a sharp pain shot through his leg. His stubbornness wavered, and he let out a defeated sigh. "Fine. But only because I don't want to slow us down."

Gary smirked, though the concern in his eyes didn't fade. "Good. Now, lean on me. We'll make it back to camp faster this way."

Ash reluctantly complied, shifting more of his weight onto Gary. The two of them moved slowly, the quiet of the forest broken only by the sound of their footsteps and Ash's occasional grunt of pain.

After a few minutes of silence, Gary spoke up again. "Why do you always do this? Act like you don't need anyone?"

Ash frowned. "I don't know. I guess... I don't want to be a burden."

Gary stopped in his tracks, forcing Ash to halt too. He turned to face Ash, his expression serious. "You're not a burden, Ash. You're my friend. We're supposed to look out for each other, remember?"

Ash blinked, surprised by the sincerity in Gary's voice. He glanced down, feeling a bit sheepish. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Gary rolled his eyes playfully. "Of course I'm right. Now come on, let's get you back to camp before you collapse on me."

Ash chuckled softly, leaning on Gary a little more as they continued forward. "Thanks, Gary."

"Don't mention it," Gary said with a smirk. "But next time, don't wait until you're practically falling apart before asking for help, okay?"

Ash smiled. "I'll try. No promises, though."

Gary sighed dramatically. "Why am I not surprised?"

When they got back to the lab, Oak gasped as he saw Ash leaning on Gary. " What happened?" He asked as he opened the door.

" Team Rocket trying to steal Arkinine happened." Gary replied.

" Why is Ash limping then?"

" Because he decided to board off a ramp and launched himself onto the balloon. His board ripped the balloon, and Arkinine was able to escape, unharmed. This boy, on the other hand...."

" Chu."

Ash glared at his Pokemon. " Not necessary."

Professor Oak rushed to Ash's side, his face etched with concern. "Ash, you know better than to do something so reckless! You could've been seriously hurt!"

Ash sighed. "I had to do something. Team Rocket was getting away!"

Gary rolled his eyes. "And your genius solution was to catapult yourself into danger? Real smooth, Ash."

"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Ash shot back, though the pain in his leg made his voice sound less confident.

Professor Oak examined Ash's injured leg, frowning. "You're lucky this isn't worse. I'll get the first-aid kit and some supplies. Gary, help him inside."

Gary nodded, supporting Ash as they carefully made their way into the lab. Pikachu scurried alongside, its little head drooping as if feeling guilty about the whole ordeal.

As they settled Ash into a chair, Professor Oak returned with a medical kit. "You've got to stop thinking you're invincible, Ash. One of these days, you're going to get yourself into real trouble."

Ash winced as Oak started cleaning the wound. "I know, but I couldn't let them get away with Arcanine. What if they hurt it?"

Gary leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "And what if you got yourself hurt beyond repair? You need to think before you leap into action."

Ash glanced at Gary, knowing he was right but too stubborn to admit it. "I'll be fine."

Gary shook his head. "Sure, you will. Just don't expect me to carry you every time you pull one of your stunts."

Professor Oak chuckled softly. "Sounds like you two have a pretty good system worked out."

Gary smirked. "Yeah, I save him from himself, and he gets all the glory."

"Do not!" Ash protested, but his smile betrayed him.

Pikachu hopped onto Ash's lap, nuzzling him apologetically. Ash gave Pikachu a soft pat. "Don't worry, buddy. We're all good."

Professor Oak finished wrapping Ash's leg and stood up. "There. You'll be fine, but I want you to rest for the next day or two. No more crazy stunts."

Ash grumbled but nodded. "Fine, fine."

Gary raised an eyebrow. "You say that, but we all know how this goes. Bet you'll be up and running after the next adventure within an hour."

Ash grinned. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see."