Pokemon Indigo League stories

Seasonal Allergies!

  " Achoo!" Ash sneezed. " Achoo! Achoo!"

Ash rubbed his eye and let out a sigh, but it was followed by two more sneezes. 

Gary, who was setting a box down, raised a brow as he turned to his friend. " Hey Ash. You okay?"

Ash set the box he was carrying down and leaned on the wall. " Yea-"

" ACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Gary gently took Ash's arm. " Come on, Ashy. Let's go to my room."

Ash rubbed his eye. " W... why?"

" Because I'm gonna see why you're all sneezy."

" I- ACHOOOOOOO!"

Gary grimaced. " And we might have to figure out fast because if this keeps up you're gonna get weak!"



" Take a deep breath, Ashy. In and out." Gary guided as he moved the stethoscope.

Ash took a deep breath, but it was interrupted with a rude sneeze.

" ACHOOOOOOOOO!"

Gary switched a flashlight on and held a tongue depresser out. " Open wide, Ash."

Ash opened wide and sniffed a little as Gary checked his mouth.

" Hmm......" Gary mused as he removed the wooden stick. " Your throat's irritated, but not red."

He looked at his medical records. " I wond-"

He stopped when he heard muffled sneezes.

Ash was trying his level best to try and keep the sneezes as discreet as possible, but that was impossible. With a fond sigh, Gary handed Ash a tissue from his bedside. " Easy, Ash."

Ash blew his nose. " S... Sorry."

Gary sighed. " It's okay, Ash. It's okay."

He held a thermometer up. " Here, put this in your mouth and under your tongue."

Ash obeyed and Gary helped him stick it under his tongue as Gary placed a cool cloth on Ash's head.

" Now, lie down." Gary advised. " I have to do something."

Ash watched as Gar went to the bathroom and came out, adjusting gloves on his hand.

Before Ash could ask, the thermometer beeped. Gary pulled it out and read the numbers.

' 93. 34...... That's good." He muttered.

Then he turned to Ash. " Okay Ashy lift your shirt."

Ash widened his eyes slightly.

Gary noticed and smirked. " Don't worry Ashy.  I just want to palpate it."

" W... What does that mean? Is it a new Pokemon?"

Gary chuckled at Ash's confusion. "No, it’s not a new Pokémon, you goof. Palpation is just a fancy medical term for feeling your abdomen to check for any abnormalities."

Ash blinked, still a bit wary but nodded. "Oh, okay... I guess that makes sense."

Gary held Ash's hand reassuringly as he gently pressed on his stomach. Ash found comfort in the gesture, his earlier anxiety fading. It had always been like this with Gary—through the teasing and playful banter, there was an underlying current of support that made Ash feel safe.

"There we go," Gary said, his tone softening as he continued to check Ash. "Just a little pressure here... and here..."

After a few moments, he finished and sat down next to Ash, leaning against the bed. “Everything feels normal. But we’ll have to keep an eye on those sneezes. Let’s look at your results now.”

As they reviewed the medical records, Gary kept Ash’s hand in his, their fingers intertwined. Ash couldn't help but feel grateful; it was nice to have someone to lean on, especially when he wasn't feeling his best.

"Alright, so your temperature is good, your throat's irritated but not infected, and your sinuses are... well, a mess," Gary remarked, glancing over his shoulder at Ash. “You’re definitely dealing with some allergies or maybe even a cold. But it’s probably just the allergies.”

Ash sighed, a little dejected. “So it’s not just a sneeze-fest for fun?”

Gary laughed. “Nope. But don’t worry. I have a plan.”

“Oh?” Ash raised an eyebrow. “What’s the plan?”

“First,” Gary said, holding a tissue out. “Let’s blow your nose. I can’t have you sneezing all over my medical records.”

Ash chuckled, shaking his head. “But I can do it myself!”

“Not a chance,” Gary insisted, holding the tissue closer. “You’re my patient now, and I’m the doctor. So just let me do this for you.”

With a resigned sigh, Ash took the tissue and blew his nose, but Gary's patience and gentle demeanor made the whole process feel less awkward. He was used to having his friends tease him, but having Gary around was different. There was a caring nature about him that made Ash feel protected.

“See? Easy as pie!” Gary exclaimed, grinning. “And you’re lucky I’m here. Otherwise, you’d probably just be sneezing all over yourself.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Ash said, scrunching his face up. “I feel like a mess.”

Gary leaned in a bit closer, checking Ash’s face. “And you look like one too. Here, drink this.” He handed Ash a glass of warm water with honey mixed in. “It’ll help soothe your throat.”

Ash took the glass and sipped carefully, feeling the warmth spread through him. “Thanks, Gary. You always know how to make me feel better.”

Gary shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. “It’s my job as your best friend. Besides, I’d rather not see you suffer while I’m around.”

“Speaking of suffering,” Ash said, frowning slightly, “what’s the deal with blowing my nose? I’m fine. I can do it myself!”

“Sure you can,” Gary said with a teasing smile. “But you need to save your energy, especially if you’re feeling under the weather. I’m here to take care of you, so let me take care of you!”

Ash huffed, crossing his arms. “Fine, but I’m not going to be your patient forever.”

Gary chuckled and patted Ash’s shoulder. “For now, you are. So relax, and let me handle the hard stuff.” He gently took the tissues again, and Ash allowed him to blow his nose for him, which felt surprisingly comforting.

Once they finished, Gary leaned back and surveyed Ash, who looked slightly better already. “See? We’re making progress. Now, time for some snacks! I’ll feed you.”

“What? I can feed myself!” Ash protested, but there was an edge of laughter in his voice.

“Not when you’re a sneezy mess!” Gary said, standing up and heading to the kitchen. “Stay put. I’ll be right back.”

As Gary disappeared, Ash settled into the blankets, feeling a bit more at ease. Sure, he was still sneezy and a little achy, but with Gary looking after him, he felt like he could handle whatever came next.

When Gary returned, he had a plate filled with crackers and some soup, his face bright with enthusiasm. “See? Perfect for the sick guy! Just what the doctor ordered.”

“Very funny,” Ash said, rolling his eyes but smiling nonetheless.

“Now open wide!” Gary said playfully, using a spoon as a makeshift airplane.

Ash chuckled, opening his mouth. “Okay, but you have to promise not to crash this time!”

“Only if you promise not to sneeze on me!” Gary shot back, pretending to fly the spoon towards Ash’s mouth.

As they fell into a comfortable routine, Ash couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, being sick wasn’t so bad after all—especially when he had a friend like Gary by his side.