Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's shot

Ash took a deep, shaky breath, filling his lungs with the sharp scent of hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes. His eyes darted to Gary, who was watching him with a gentle, unwavering gaze.

"Okay, Ashy, look at me," Gary said softly, leaning down a little to meet Ash’s eyes.

Ash’s head turned, and he found himself looking right into Gary's calm, green eyes. There was something steadying about them, as if they held a promise that everything would be okay.

“Close your eyes, got it?”

Ash swallowed, his eyes flickering downward to his trembling hands, but he couldn’t bring himself to close them. Gary sighed, stepping closer and reaching out to place a hand gently under Ash’s chin, tilting it up so their eyes met again.

“Buddy,” Gary’s voice softened, almost a whisper. “You trust me, don’t you?”

Ash nodded, his throat too tight to speak.

“Then trust me on this. I know what I’m doing, okay?”

Ash nodded again, the tension in his shoulders loosening, if only just a little. His eyelids fluttered shut as he took another shaky breath.

"Okay," Gary’s voice was calm, reassuring. “Close your eyes. If it helps, hold my hand.”

Ash felt Gary’s hand slide into his, warm and steady, and he gripped it, finding some comfort in the contact. His other arm instinctively wrapped around Gary’s shoulder, leaning in for support. Then he felt Gary’s arm come around him, a gentle, grounding presence that seemed to make the fear fade just a little.

"Gary, it’s gonna hurt!” Ash whispered, his voice barely more than a frightened breath.

"It only hurts if you think it’s gonna hurt," Gary murmured, giving Ash’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Focus on the hug, okay? Focus on my hand, and focus on my breathing."

Ash took in a breath, concentrating on the steady rhythm of Gary’s chest rising and falling against his own. The sound of Gary’s even breathing was soothing, grounding him in the moment.

He squeezed Gary’s hand, and with each exhale, he tried to release a bit of the fear that had been holding him in its grip. He clung to Gary, focusing on the warmth of the hug and the steady, comforting presence of his friend.

Ash didn’t know how much time passed. All he knew was that as long as Gary was there, he felt safe.

Then Ash’s heart skipped a beat as he felt the cool, damp touch of a sanitizing wipe against his skin, just under the sleeve of his shirt. The cold sensation jolted him back to full awareness, his muscles tensing up all over again.

“Easy, Ash. Easy,” Gary murmured, his voice calm and steady, bringing Ash’s focus back to his friend instead of his fears.

Ash squeezed his eyes shut tighter, every nerve in his body bracing instinctively. Gary’s hand never left his own, giving a reassuring squeeze. Ash clung to it like a lifeline, trying to draw strength from the familiar warmth.

“Listen, Ashy-boy,” Gary’s tone was soothing, almost like he was coaxing a skittish Pokémon. “It’s just some sanitizer, that’s all. One step at a time, okay?”

Ash let out a shaky breath, nodding, but he still couldn’t bring himself to open his eyes. The antiseptic smell filled his senses, mingling with the subtle scent of Gary’s cologne—a familiar mix that somehow made everything feel a little less terrifying.

“Keep breathing, buddy,” Gary whispered. “I’m right here.”

Ash felt Gary’s hand give his another gentle squeeze, anchoring him, and he focused on the rhythm of Gary’s calm breaths, trying to match them. Each inhale and exhale slowed his racing heart, grounding him a little bit more.

“Good. Just like that,” Gary praised quietly. “You’re doing great, Ash. We’re almost there.”

Ash felt a shiver run through him as Gary gently dabbed at his arm, sanitizing the skin in small, careful circles. Gary’s touch was steady, each movement smooth and purposeful. He didn’t rush, and he didn’t pressure Ash to speed up or be braver than he was ready to be. Instead, Gary stayed close, a constant, calming presence.

“See? Not so bad,” Gary said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He reached over with his free hand, giving Ash’s shoulder a gentle pat. “Just keep focusing on me, alright?”

Ash nodded, his grip on Gary’s hand loosening slightly as his nerves finally began to settle. He knew he was safe, here with Gary. And as long as he kept his focus on his friend, he could get through this.

Ash watched, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves rise in his chest as Gary peeled back the little paper tab on the bandage, sticking it to the glove on his left hand. Every small action felt magnified, like a countdown he had no control over. He swallowed, eyes locked on Gary’s every move.

“Gary…” Ash’s voice was a whisper, barely there, but Gary’s gaze shifted up, catching his eye.

“It’s not gonna hurt, will it?”

Gary’s expression softened, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Only if you keep your muscles tense, Ashy,” he said with an encouraging wink. “Loosen them up, kiddo. And breathe. Just like before.”

Ash exhaled shakily, realizing he had been holding his breath. He tried to relax his shoulder, but his nerves kept making him tense up, his body practically buzzing with anxiety. He gave Gary a quick nod, trying his best to focus on what Gary had said.

Gary leaned in slightly, his tone gentle and patient, guiding Ash through it. “Alright, keep your hand relaxed, okay? Just like you’re doing.” He placed his hand firmly but comfortingly on Ash’s shoulder. “Take a deep breath for me.”

Ash inhaled deeply, feeling his chest expand, his eyes drifting to the ceiling as he concentrated on loosening the tension from his arm. Gary’s hand was still on his shoulder, grounding him, reminding him he wasn’t alone.

“Perfect,” Gary murmured, giving Ash’s shoulder a light squeeze. “Just stay loose. It’ll be over before you know it.”

Ash forced himself to nod, closing his eyes to avoid seeing it happen, his fingers pressing into his thigh as he braced himself. He felt Gary’s other hand steady his arm, applying the smallest amount of pressure to keep it in place.

“Alright, Ashy-boy,” Gary whispered. “Three… two… one…”

Ash barely felt it—a quick pinch, then it was over. Before he could even register the sensation, Gary was already putting the bandage on, his touch careful and precise.

“All done,” Gary announced softly, a hint of pride in his voice. “You did awesome, Ash.”

Ash let out the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, his eyes snapping open as relief flooded through him. He glanced at the little bandage now covering his arm, feeling a wave of disbelief. “That… wasn’t so bad,” he murmured, a little smile breaking through his nervous expression.

Gary chuckled, giving Ash’s shoulder a friendly shake. “Told you, kiddo. Just needed to breathe and trust me. I knew you had it in you.”