Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

The Unbeatable light of Seeing

" wow! Sounds like Gary's working hard too!"

Ash looked at the postcard and closed his eyes

When he opened them again, he was standing in a grey area with a boy wearing a lab coat and had spooky brown hair.

" Everything's cool. Just hang in there."

The figure turned, and Ash gasped

" Oh, Gary?"

" Hey, don't forget you managed to beat me." Gary looked away. " You're tellin me you're gonna hang it up over this?!"

When no one replied, Gary's eyes widened. " Wait, you're gonna hang it up over this?!"

He turned to Ash, who was sitting on the ground drawing in the dirt.

" Well I have no other-"

" YOU'RE GONNA HANG IT UP OVER THIS?!" Gary yelled.

Ash winced. " Easy Gary. No need to yell."

" Oh, there is a very good reason to yell, young man. And you had better start talking right. Now."

Gary took a deep breath, kneeling down to meet Ash at eye level. The tension in the air was palpable, but his voice softened—though still firm.

"Ash, listen to me. Losing isn't the end. It's part of the journey. You’ve been through worse and came out stronger every time. Remember when you lost to me? Did you give up then?"

Ash’s fingers paused mid-doodle in the dirt, but he didn’t answer.

Gary continued, his tone rising slightly. "No, you didn’t! You trained harder. You got better. And you beat me! That’s who you are, Ash! A fighter. Not some kid who quits when things get tough."

Ash looked down, his shoulders slumped. "But the Battle Pyramid… it’s different. Brandon's way too strong. I keep losing no matter what I do. Maybe I’m not cut out to be a Pokémon Master."

Gary’s eyes narrowed, and he grabbed Ash by the shoulders, shaking him lightly. "Oh, come on! Since when do you decide who you are based on one loss? You’ve faced legendaries, taken on the toughest trainers in the world, and inspired more people than you even realize! You’re Ash Ketchum! The kid who never gives up, remember?!"

Ash blinked, Gary’s words starting to sink in.

"Do you think Pikachu would give up on you because of a loss?" Gary asked pointedly. "Or Charizard? Or any of your Pokémon? They trust you because you never stop trying, no matter what. And you're just gonna quit? What are you gonna tell them?"

Ash’s lip quivered as he thought about Pikachu, who had given his all in the battle. He thought about his other Pokémon, who had fought by his side through thick and thin.

Gary stood up and crossed his arms. "If you’re really gonna quit, then fine. Go back to Pallet Town and tell Professor Oak, your mom, and everyone who believed in you that you’re done. But don’t expect me to sit here and feel sorry for you. You’re better than this, Ash."

He heard footsteps go away. When he turned to where Ash was sitting, he froze

Ash was gone.

He looked up to see a figure running.

Gary groaned. " Ash, get back here!"

But Ash didn't turn.

Gary sighed. Great. Now he had upset his poor Ashy Boy.

Amazing.

And WHERE was he supposed to find Ash?

By following the sniffs, of course.

Wait.... Sniffs?!

" Oh Ash, you big baby." Gary muttered as he ran after the sound, concern overriding anything and everything he was feeling.

As the sound got closer, Gary took a deep breath to calm himself and peeked out of the rocks.

But then his mouth dropped open.

Because Ash was crying.

Like crying crying.

He was sitting on a rock, fists clenched and resting on his knees, hat pulled down, and tears dripping all over his hand.

But then something else went on Ash's hand.

Something cold.

Then he heard the person speak.

" Ash, talk to me."

Ash froze at the voice, his body tensing as if caught off guard. Slowly, he lifted his head, revealing a face streaked with tears. He didn’t even bother brushing them away.

"Gary… I thought you left," Ash mumbled, his voice hoarse from crying.

Gary stepped closer, his lab coat catching the faint breeze, and crouched beside Ash. His expression softened, all traces of annoyance gone. "Left? You really think I’d leave you like this? I’m not that kind of guy, Ash."

Ash sniffled, rubbing at his eyes with the back of his hand. "I don’t get it, Gary. Why are you even here? Why do you care?"

Gary frowned, leaning in closer. "Why do I care? Because you're my rival, Ash. My friend. We’ve been through so much together. You think I can just stand by while you beat yourself up like this? Not a chance."

Ash looked away, staring out at the horizon. "I’m just… tired, Gary. Tired of losing. Tired of letting everyone down. I work so hard, but it feels like it’s never enough."

Gary placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring. "Ash, no one’s expecting you to be perfect. No one wins every single battle. Not me, not Brandon, not even the greatest trainers in the world. But you know what makes a real Pokémon Master? It’s not just winning battles—it’s getting back up every time you fall. It’s learning from every loss and trying again."

Ash’s lips trembled, and he let out a shaky sigh. "But what if… what if I can’t do it? What if I’m not as good as everyone thinks I am?"

Gary shook his head, his voice steady. "You’ve got it all wrong. You are as good as everyone thinks, Ash. Probably better. You just don’t see it right now because you’re stuck in your own head. But I see it. Your Pokémon see it. And if you keep going, I promise, you’ll see it too."

Ash blinked, another tear sliding down his cheek. This time, he didn’t wipe it away. He just looked at Gary, his voice barely a whisper. "You really think I can do it?"

Gary smirked, standing and holding out his hand. "Ash, I don’t think—you know I know you can do it. Now come on. Let’s get you back on your feet."

After a long moment, Ash hesitated but then reached out, letting Gary pull him up. His grip was weak at first, but as he stood, it grew stronger, his resolve returning little by little.

Gary clapped him on the back, a teasing grin on his face. "There’s the Ash I know. Now, wipe those tears before someone else sees you. Wouldn’t want Brock or Misty to think I turned you soft."

Ash chuckled weakly, brushing at his face. "You’re still as annoying as ever, Gary."

"Hey, that’s what rivals are for," Gary said with a wink. "Now let’s go, Ashy Boy. You've got a Battle Pyramid to conquer."

And for the first time in a while, Ash felt like he just might.