Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Ash's heart hammered in his chest as he sat on the examination table, his legs swinging nervously. He hadn’t felt this anxious in ages, and the familiar feeling of dread crept up his spine. Despite his best efforts to act normal, his mind raced with questions. Was this a normal check-up? Was Gary really just being his usual playful self, or was there something more to this?

Gary seemed completely unfazed, strolling around the room with an air of casual confidence. He pulled a small chair from the corner and spun it around to sit in front of Ash, the squeak of the metal legs adding to the tension in the room.

"Alright, Ashy-boy," Gary said, his voice teasing but with an undercurrent of concern. "You ready to get this over with?"

Ash’s voice faltered as he tried to respond, but nothing coherent came out. Instead, he fidgeted, tugging at the hem of his sleeve. “Yeah, I guess…”

Gary rolled his eyes at Ash’s jittery behavior. "You know, you’re shaking like a leaf, right? You don’t have to act like you’re going to the gallows." He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing as he inspected Ash’s restless movements. "You’re seriously still nervous about check-ups, even after all these years?"

Ash swallowed hard, his throat dry. "I—I’m not nervous, I just... you know, don’t like being poked and prodded. It feels weird."

Gary chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Yeah, I know, I was there when you were four and cried like a baby the last time we did this." He paused, glancing at Ash. “But look at you now—big, tough Ash Ketchum, afraid of a little check-up. I’m starting to think I should get you a lollipop for being brave.”

Ash’s face turned red, both from embarrassment and frustration. "I’m not afraid, Gary... It’s just... It’s not the same with you doing it."

Gary leaned forward, gently resting a hand on Ash’s. "Hey," he said softly, his usual teasing tone replaced with something warmer, "You’re gonna be okay. It’s me, Ashy. Remember that."

Ash’s breath hitched, and for a moment, his racing heart seemed to slow as Gary’s hand rested reassuringly on his. The sincerity in Gary’s voice caught him off guard, but it wasn’t enough to calm his jittery nerves. His leg began to bounce uncontrollably, the sudden movement making his foot tap against the metal table in a constant rhythm.

"Alright," Gary said, pulling back slightly and putting on a pair of gloves. "Let’s start with the basics."

Ash didn’t move a muscle as Gary leaned in to check his eyes. The light of a small flashlight flickered in front of him. “Follow the light, Ash. No funny business now, alright?”

Ash’s breath hitched, but he focused on the flashlight, following it with his eyes as Gary moved it from side to side. His heart pounded louder in his chest, but he tried to focus on Gary’s voice.

"Good," Gary said, his voice a little more serious now. "Your pupils are reactive... not bad." He pulled back, giving Ash a brief look of approval before moving to the next step.

“Open your mouth,” Gary instructed, moving his hands to either side of Ash’s face.

Ash hesitated, still a little wary. "This is... ugh, I hate this part."

Gary smirked. "Yeah, I know. But hey, it’s not like I’m going to stick my fingers in there... well, unless I have to." He grinned playfully, but when Ash glared at him, he quickly added, “I’m kidding. Relax.”

Ash reluctantly opened his mouth, allowing Gary to check his throat. Gary looked in, inspecting his tonsils and the back of his mouth with a small flashlight.

"Everything looks good," Gary said, stepping back. “Your heart next. Let’s see how fast that thing’s racing."

Ash knew it was going to be high. He could feel it in his chest, the rapid pulse he couldn’t control. Gary moved a stethoscope to his chest, pressing it lightly as he listened intently. His eyes narrowed as he took in the rhythm, a concerned frown creasing his forehead.

“You’re a little worked up, huh?” Gary commented as he pulled the stethoscope away. "Your heart’s pumping like it’s been sprinting a marathon."

Ash stiffened, but Gary moved quickly, taking a blood pressure cuff from the counter. “Let’s check that blood pressure, see what’s going on there.”

Gary wrapped the cuff around Ash’s arm, pumping it up slowly. Ash clenched his fists, feeling the tightness around his arm and trying to focus on anything but the rising pressure. He could barely keep still, his leg bouncing even faster now.

Gary checked the readout. His eyes went wide. "Ash, this is... not normal."

Ash felt his stomach drop. "What? What’s wrong?"

Gary didn’t answer immediately, his fingers pressing the cuff tighter. After a moment, he looked at Ash, his tone serious. "Your blood pressure’s sky-high, buddy. Like, in the 400s high. This isn’t just nerves—something else is going on."

Ash blinked, trying to process the information. "I... I didn’t even know that was possible..."

Gary took a step back, taking off his gloves and tossing them into the trash. He turned to Ash, his usual playful demeanor gone, replaced by something more protective.

“Hey, you’re okay. We’re going to figure this out.” He sat down behind Ash on the examination table, wrapping his arms around his best friend from behind in a tight hug. “You’re gonna be okay, Ashy. Just breathe, alright?”

Ash hesitated for a second, feeling the warmth of Gary’s embrace. He wasn’t used to this kind of comfort from his rival-turned-best-friend. His heart was still racing, but something in Gary’s touch made him feel a little less alone.

Gary continued to rub Ash’s shoulders, whispering reassuringly in his ear. “You don’t have to go through this alone. We’ve been through a lot together. This is no different.”

Ash’s leg finally stopped bouncing as he leaned into Gary’s embrace. He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to relax just enough to trust Gary’s words.

“Thanks, Gary,” Ash muttered quietly, his voice soft. “I didn’t know I needed this...”

Gary chuckled lightly, a hint of his usual teasing tone returning. “Yeah, well, Ashy, we all need a little support sometimes. Even you.”

As the tension slowly eased from Ash’s body, he realized that even though check-ups weren’t fun, he could get through this. With Gary by his side, anything seemed possible.