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 nodded and squeezed his eyes shut. Gary rubbed circles on his back.

" Sh... It's okay, Ashy. It's okay. I'm here."

Ash felt the cool swipe of an alcohol pad against his upper arm, sending a brief shiver down his spine. Even though he couldn’t see what Gary was doing, the sensation alone was enough to make his heart race all over again. He gripped Gary’s hand tighter, squeezing until his knuckles turned white.

"Easy, kiddo," Gary murmured, his voice low and steady, as he continued to swipe the antiseptic in careful circles on Ash's skin. “You’re doing great.”

Ash’s breath hitched, and he instinctively pressed his face deeper into Gary’s shoulder, the familiar scent of his best friend’s cologne comforting him just a little. But still, the anxiety bubbled up inside him, and he couldn't help but shake slightly.

Gary’s other hand came up, resting gently on Ash’s back, rubbing slow, soothing circles. "It’s okay, Ashy. It’s just me here. Nothing’s gonna hurt you."

Ash let out a shaky exhale, his face still buried in Gary’s shoulder. He could feel the warmth of Gary’s hand against his back, the steady rise and fall of his friend’s chest. It helped—a little.

"Just focus on me, alright?” Gary whispered, his thumb still tracing circles over Ash's back. “You’ve got this. You’re tougher than you think, Ashy."

Ash nodded into his shoulder, taking in Gary’s words as best he could. He could feel the slight pressure of the cotton pad as Gary continued to wipe his skin gently, almost rhythmically.

“Just a little more,” Gary reassured him. “You’re doing amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

Ash’s grip on Gary’s hand loosened, just a fraction, but he held on, needing the reassurance. The fear still clung to him, but somehow, with Gary’s steady voice in his ear and his arm wrapped around him, he felt like he could handle it. For now, he was okay.

Then Ash heard the distinct rip of a bandage being pulled from its packaging, and he tensed instinctively, clutching Gary’s shirt. Gary worked carefully, pressing the bandage against his gloved hand with deliberate gentleness. With his other hand, he poured a small amount of numbing ointment onto his glove, rubbing it between his fingers before applying it to Ash's arm in soft, calming circles.

“This should help with the pain,” Gary murmured, his voice smooth and reassuring.

Ash whimpered slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Gary?”

Gary paused, looking down at him. “Yeah, Ashy?”

Ash’s voice trembled as he continued, “You’re… not gonna leave me, are you?”

Gary’s expression softened, his gaze full of warmth and unspoken promises. He gave Ash’s hand a comforting squeeze. “No, Ash. Never. I’m right here with you, okay? I’ll be here the whole time.”

Ash swallowed hard, feeling his chest tighten, but there was something soothing in the firmness of Gary’s grip and the gentleness of his voice. It was enough to keep the fear from overwhelming him completely.

And then, in one swift, carefully practiced motion, Gary did it. Ash felt only the slightest prick, so quick and light he barely registered it, just a soft touch as if Gary had somehow taken the pain away entirely. Gary’s hand never left his shoulder, steady and reassuring.

“All done, Ashy-boy,” Gary said quietly, his voice a low murmur in Ash’s ear. “See? You made it through. You were incredible.”

Ash blinked, surprised by how fast it was over, and he let out a shaky breath, his muscles finally loosening. “That… that didn’t even hurt.”

Gary chuckled softly, keeping his hand on Ash’s back, rubbing soothing circles. “Told you it’d be fine, buddy. I’d never let anything hurt you if I can help it.”