Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Richie's blood test

The room was a whirlwind of noise and movement. Richie’s panicked screams echoed off the walls, sending Ash into a frenzy as he tried to calm his cousin down.

“Richie, breathe!” Ash said, holding him tighter, but Richie was trembling so hard that it was a challenge to keep him still.

Gary kept his focus on the needle, trying to work quickly and efficiently despite Richie’s thrashing. “It’s just a small poke! I need you to stay still for just a second!” Gary said, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

But Richie was having none of it. His eyes were wide, and his hands gripped Ash’s shirt like it was the only thing keeping him tethered to reality. “Take it out, take it out, take it out!” Richie cried out again, his voice shrill with terror.

Sparky and even Ash’s own Pikachu were caught in the chaos. Sparky was hopping around, confused by the noise, while Pikachu darted to Richie’s side, trying to nuzzle him in comfort. “Pika pika!” Pikachu’s voice was gentle, though it was drowned out by Richie’s screams.

Gary glanced up, his brow furrowing with frustration but his voice still calm. “I know you’re scared, Richie, but I’m almost done. Just a little longer.”

Richie’s breathing was shallow, almost ragged, as he clenched his fists. “I don’t want to! I don’t want to be shriveled up!” he whimpered, his words coming in broken bursts.

Ash pressed his cheek against Richie’s head, trying to steady him. “It’s okay, buddy. It’s okay. Nothing’s gonna happen to you,” he whispered, though he could feel his own anxiety creeping in. He wasn’t sure how much more Richie could take.

Gary was moving quickly now, the needle filled with blood as he carefully withdrew it. "Just a few more seconds, Richie. Hang in there," he said, his hands steady but his face showing a hint of sympathy for his best friend's cousin's terror.

Richie’s entire body was shaking, his voice barely a whisper now. “I can’t... I can’t...”

Gary’s voice softened. “I know, Richie. I know. But we’re almost done. You’ve been so brave. Just a little bit longer.”

But before Richie could protest any further, Ash tightened his hold, squeezing him gently. “Richie, you’re doing great. You’re almost there. Deep breaths, okay? Focus on me.” Ash gave a firm nod, doing his best to reassure his cousin, despite the chaos around them.

Gary quickly finished, pulling the needle out and securing the bandage. “There. All done, Richie. You’re safe.”

Richie collapsed against Ash, his body still trembling as he tried to steady his breathing. “I don’t like it... I don’t like it,” he mumbled, tears streaming down his face.

Ash rubbed Richie’s back soothingly, glancing at Gary. “I think you’re gonna need to take a break, Richie,” he said softly, giving him a moment to recover.

Gary stepped back, wiping his forehead, clearly relieved. “That was harder than I thought. But we got through it.”

Richie, still holding on to Ash, nodded weakly, his hands still shaking. “I didn’t... I didn’t want it to hurt,” he whispered, his voice small and fragile.

Ash smiled down at him, wiping away a tear from Richie’s cheek. “It’s okay, Richie. It’s all over now. You did great.”

Pikachu, sensing the calm, jumped onto the table, offering Richie an encouraging nuzzle. “Pika pi,” he chirped softly, trying to cheer him up.

Gary handed Richie the glass of orange juice, his expression kind. “Here, drink this. It’ll help you feel better.”

Richie took the glass with shaky hands, sipping slowly, still trying to process what had just happened. He glanced up at Ash, then back at Gary. “Is it really over?”

“Yeah,” Gary confirmed. “You’re all done. And now you can relax.”

Ash grinned, ruffling Richie’s hair. “You see? Nothing to worry about. You’re stronger than you think.”

Richie gave a small, relieved laugh, though his hands were still a little unsteady. “Thanks, Ash. Thanks, Gary.”

Gary smiled, packing away the medical supplies. “You did great, Richie. We’ll get through anything together.”

Ash gave a playful shove to Gary’s shoulder. “Told you he’d be fine.”

Gary smirked. “Sure, sure. But next time, maybe a little less screaming?”

Richie grinned sheepishly, feeling a bit better now that the ordeal was over. “I’ll try.”