Pokemon Indigo League stories

A claim to Flame

As they sat looking at the water, Ash looked at Gary. " Hey Gary?"

" Hmmm?"

" Do.... Do you think I'm a good person. Like, not as a Pokemon trainer, but as a person."

Gary turned to him. " What kind of question is that?"

Ash looked away. " It's.... It's nothing.'

" Pikapi."

Ash looked at his partner. " It really is-"

Pikachu rolled his eyes and reached for Ash's pocket. He took a paper out and handed it to Gary.

" what's this?" Gary asked.

Ash's eyes widened. " You're not supposed to see that!"

He tried to grab it, but Gary held it high as he read.

" A.... Ash, why didn't you say anything?"

Ash looked away. " Because it's not a big deal."

" Yes it is. This is called bullying, Ash."

Gary folded the paper. " How long. Have you been getting these for?"

Ash sighed. " Two weeks."

Gary's eyes bungled. " TWO WEEKS?!"

Ash nodded. " But it's really not a big deal."

" Yes it is! Ash, someone is Bullying you."

Ash looked away. " It's..... It's....."

Then Gary heard a sniff. Ash's arm went to his face as he tried to wipe it.

Gary's heart broke. " Oh, Ash."

Without hesitation, he grabbed Ash and pulled him into a hug. Ash turned and buried his face on Gary's purple shirt.

" G... Gary..."

" Shhhh, Ashy. Just relax."

Gary tightened his hold on Ash, feeling the subtle shudders as his friend fought to hold back tears. It was hard to believe that the same kid who had once fearlessly challenged him and so many others was now struggling under the weight of something so heavy and personal.

"Why didn’t you tell me sooner?" Gary asked softly, keeping his voice low. “You didn’t have to go through this alone.”

Ash’s voice came out muffled, barely audible. “I… I didn’t want anyone to worry. I thought it would stop eventually, you know? It’s just… they think I’m too ‘soft’ to be a real trainer… that I’ll never be like you or the others.”

Gary shook his head, pulling back just enough to look Ash in the eye. “Ash, that’s ridiculous. You’re one of the strongest people I know—not just because of your battling, but because you’re a good person. And I’m sorry, but these jerks clearly don’t know you if they think that stuff makes you weak.”

Ash swallowed, staring down at his hands. “It’s just… hard sometimes, Gary. You’ve always been this strong, confident person, and I… I feel like I don’t measure up. Not to you, not to anyone else.”

Gary’s heart ached seeing his friend so vulnerable. “Ash, listen to me,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “You don’t have to be me or anyone else. You’re you, and that’s more than enough. Look at everything you’ve done—your strength is in how much you care, how much you give. Not everyone can do that, and that’s what makes you amazing.”

Ash looked at him, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “You… really think so?”

“Of course I do,” Gary replied, giving him a reassuring smile. “And so does Pikachu, right?” He glanced at Pikachu, who nodded enthusiastically and wrapped his tiny arms around Ash’s leg.

Ash chuckled softly, ruffling Pikachu’s fur. “Thanks, buddy… and thanks, Gary.”

Gary shrugged, his arm still around Ash’s shoulder. “Anytime, Ashy-boy. That’s what best friends are for.”