Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Gary sighed as he crossed the room to Ash, who looked like he was about to bolt any second. His leg was bouncing up and down, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his jacket, and his eyes darted around the room like a trapped Rattata. 

"Alright, Ashy-boy," Gary said, pulling on a pair of latex gloves with a loud snap. "Let’s start with something simple. Just your eyes. Easy peasy, right?"

Ash gulped, barely managing a nod. His heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest. "Yeah... sure. Simple."

Gary grabbed a small flashlight from the counter and stood in front of Ash, leaning down slightly to meet his eye level. "Okay, buddy. Follow the light with your eyes, not your head. Got it?"

Ash nodded again, though his neck felt stiff as a board. Gary flicked on the light and waved it slowly back and forth. "Good, Ashy. That’s it. Just keep following it." His voice was calm, almost soothing, but Ash couldn’t shake the nerves twisting in his stomach.

Gary paused for a second, his smirk softening when he noticed the way Ash’s hands trembled in his lap. "Hey, you’re doing great," he said, resting a hand briefly on Ash’s shoulder. "Relax. It’s just me."

Ash swallowed hard and tried to focus on the light, but his mind kept racing. What if he finds something wrong? What if I’m sick? What if I—

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Gary said, pulling back as the flashlight clicked off. "Ash, are you even breathing?"

Ash blinked at him, his cheeks flushing. "I—I’m fine."

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Sure you are," he muttered before pulling over a chair and sitting in front of Ash. He gently placed a hand over Ash’s trembling one. "Look, buddy. You’re gonna be okay. It’s me, remember? I’ve got your back."

Ash glanced at Gary’s hand on his, his heart skipping a beat—not out of fear this time, but something else he couldn’t quite name. He nodded slowly, his leg still bouncing uncontrollably. 

Gary shook his head with a chuckle. "Man, you’re like a high-strung Pikachu on caffeine." He gently pressed down on Ash’s knee to still the bouncing. "C’mon, just try to relax. Deep breaths, Ashy-boy."

Ash took a shaky breath, and Gary smiled. "That’s better. Now, let’s check your ears." 

Gary stood and grabbed the otoscope. He gently tilted Ash’s head to the side, his fingers brushing against Ash’s temple. "This won’t hurt. Just stay still." 

Ash flinched slightly at the touch but didn’t pull away. Gary peered into his ear, murmuring to himself. "Looks fine. No Pikachu nests in there." 

"Ha-ha," Ash said weakly, though a small smile tugged at his lips. 

Gary moved to the other ear. "This one’s good too. Alright, open your mouth and say ‘ah.’" 

Ash hesitated but eventually complied. Gary inspected his throat quickly before stepping back. "All clear so far. Now for the fun part—listening to your heartbeat." 

Gary picked up the stethoscope, the cold metal glinting in the fluorescent light. Ash’s eyes widened slightly. 

"Relax," Gary said, looping the stethoscope around his neck. "This doesn’t hurt. It’s just a little cold." He pressed the diaphragm gently against Ash’s chest. 

Ash flinched at the chill, his heart pounding harder. 

"Whoa," Gary said, eyebrows raising. "Ash, your heart’s racing like crazy. Are you nervous, or did you run a marathon before this?" 

Ash laughed nervously. "Just... nervous, I guess." 

Gary shook his head, smirking. "No kidding. Alright, take a deep breath for me." 

Ash inhaled shakily, and Gary listened intently. "Again." 

Ash obeyed, and Gary frowned slightly. "Your pulse is off the charts, buddy. We’ll check your blood pressure next, but let’s take it slow, okay?" 

Ash nodded, his hands gripping the edge of the table. Gary set the stethoscope aside and grabbed the blood pressure cuff. "Arm up," he instructed, and Ash hesitantly complied. 

Gary secured the cuff around Ash’s arm and began to inflate it. Ash watched the numbers climb, his anxiety spiking with every beep. 

When the reading popped up, Gary’s eyes widened. "Uh... Ash, your blood pressure’s in the 400s. That’s... not great." 

Ash’s face paled. "What does that mean?! Am I dying?! Gary, am I—"

"Whoa, calm down!" Gary interrupted, placing his hands firmly on Ash’s shoulders. "You’re not dying, Ashy-boy. You’re just really, really stressed out." 

Ash slumped slightly, his breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps. Gary sighed and moved in front of him, wrapping his arms around Ash in a firm but comforting hug. 

"Hey," Gary said softly, his chin resting lightly on Ash’s shoulder. "It’s okay. I’m here. Just breathe, buddy. In and out." 

Ash was reluctant at first, his body stiff in Gary’s hold, but slowly he began to relax. His breathing evened out, and his heart rate started to calm. 

"See?" Gary said, smiling. "Nothing to it. You’ve got this, Ashy-boy." 

Ash sighed, leaning slightly into the embrace. "Thanks, Gary." 

"Anytime," Gary replied, ruffling Ash’s hair before pulling back. "Now, let’s finish this check-up. We’ve got reflexes next, and I promise not to whack your knee too hard." 

For the first time that day, Ash actually laughed. "You better not."