"C'mon, Misty, it's not that bad," Ash urged, tugging her arm gently as they made their way through the tall reeds. He could feel the hesitation in her steps, the way she slowed down every few paces.
Misty was stubborn, crossing her arms. "Nope. No way. I hate doctors, even if it's Brock." She glanced nervously toward the cave where Brock was waiting with his medical supplies, her face set in a defiant frown.
Ash sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. "You're like me," he muttered, remembering his own reluctance. "I didn't want to go either, but it wasn't that bad. Brock's cool about it, I swear."
Misty shot him a skeptical look. "Easy for you to say! You survived a shot today. I’m not ready for that." She glared at the medical kit that peeked through the reeds in the distance. "Plus, what if he finds something serious?"
"Serious?" Ash chuckled, though he understood her fear all too well. "Misty, you're not dying. You just need a check-up, like I did. Brock’s not gonna do anything crazy. Besides, Pikachu was right there with me, and I got through it fine."
Pikachu, still riding on Ash’s shoulder, gave an encouraging "Pika!" to back up his trainer's words.
Misty sighed, her resolve wavering. "I know, but…" she trailed off, glancing down at the ground, clearly uncomfortable.
Ash gave her a soft nudge. "Look, if I can do it, so can you. And if Brock can give me a shot and I survived, then you definitely will. I'll stay with you the whole time, okay?"
Misty finally looked up, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Alright," she said reluctantly. "But if he tries anything with needles, I’m out of there."
Ash laughed, giving her a playful pat on the back. "Deal. No needles—just a quick check-up. It'll be over before you know it."
With Pikachu cheering them on, Ash led Misty closer to the cave, hoping that maybe this time, the roles were reversed, and he could be the one offering comfort for once.
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When they finally stepped through the entrance to Brock’s makeshift clinic in the cave, Ash grinned and called out, "You've got a reluctant one here, Brock!"
Misty instantly shot back, "Am not!" Her cheeks flushed as she defensively crossed her arms, trying to appear braver than she felt.
Ash just chuckled, patting her on the back in an attempt to calm her nerves. He grabbed her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Uh-huh," he teased with a smirk. "Sure you’re not."
Misty shot him a glare but didn’t pull her hand away. "I’m really not," she muttered, though her grip on Ash’s hand tightened just a little.
Brock looked up from his tools, smiling at the familiar banter. "Hey, Misty, don’t worry. I promise this will be quick. You’ll be in and out before you know it."
Misty shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, yeah, that’s what Ash said too," she mumbled.
Ash gave her another encouraging smile. "See? We both survived, and Pikachu didn’t even flinch."
"Pika!" Pikachu chimed in from his usual spot on Ash’s shoulder, giving Misty a bright, reassuring look.
With a deep breath, Misty reluctantly let go of Ash's hand and stepped forward toward Brock. "Fine. Let’s just get this over with."
Ash gave her a thumbs-up, still smiling. "You got this, Misty!"
Brock stood nearby, adjusting his gloves, his expression a mix of focus and reassurance. "Alright, Misty, just take a seat here," he said, gesturing to a flat rock cushioned with pillows. His voice was calm, a steady anchor in the moment.
Misty approached hesitantly, her eyes darting to the instruments. The stethoscope glimmered under the light, and she winced at the sight of the syringe, memories of past check-ups flooding her mind. "This better not hurt," she muttered under her breath.
Ash, still beside her, nudged her gently. "Brock’s the best. You won’t even feel it," he promised, his own eyes bright with encouragement. He could see the uncertainty flickering in her blue eyes, the way they widened slightly at the sight of the tools.
Misty took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Okay, okay. Just… let’s get it over with," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. She sat down on the rock, glancing at Brock, who was now standing with a warm smile.
"Let’s start with your eyes," Brock said, picking up a flashlight. He stepped closer, focusing on her, the soft light illuminating her features. Misty felt the warmth of his gaze, trying to push past her nerves. "Just look straight ahead for me."
Misty nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She stared at a spot on the cave wall, feeling the light flicker across her vision. Brock leaned in slightly, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Looks good," he said, his voice soothing. "Now for your ears."
She shifted a bit, feeling a mix of nervousness and embarrassment. "Why does it always feel awkward?" she thought, but she trusted Brock. He gently examined her ears, the cool metal of the otoscope sending a slight chill through her.
"All clear," he said, stepping back with a satisfied nod. "Now, let’s check your reflexes."
Misty raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk creeping onto her lips. "You mean I get to kick you?"
Brock chuckled. "Not quite! Just tap your knee for me." He tapped her knee lightly, and she felt the familiar reflex kick in, her leg bouncing slightly.
"See? You're all good!" he said, pleased. Misty couldn’t help but smile at Brock’s easygoing nature.
"Okay, now the mouth," he instructed, pulling out a tongue depressor. Misty’s eyes widened as she instinctively clamped her mouth shut.
“Uh, are you sure I need that?” she protested, her cheeks flushing.
“It’ll be quick, I promise,” Brock reassured her. “Just say ‘ah’ for me.”
With a resigned sigh, Misty opened her mouth, feeling the cool wood press against her tongue. “Ahh,” she managed, trying to keep her discomfort hidden.
“Perfect!” Brock said, examining her throat. “You’ve been taking care of yourself, I can tell.”
Misty blinked, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Thanks, I guess.”
“See? Not so bad after all,” Ash chimed in, a playful grin on his face.
“Yeah, yeah,” Misty replied, rolling her eyes but feeling the warmth of their friendship surrounding her.
As Brock finished up, he glanced between the two of them. “You both make a great team. Now, just one more thing—”
Misty cut him off, raising a finger. “No needles!”
Brock laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. “Okay, I promise, no needles today.”
With the final checks complete, Misty felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had faced her fears, and the support of her friends had made all the difference. Ash beamed at her, and she felt a rush of gratitude.
“See? You did it!” he said, full of pride.
Misty smiled, her heart lighter. “Thanks, Ash. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
