Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Gary's smirk softened as he watched Ash fumble with his hat, his trembling hands giving away just how anxious he was. Ash's leg bounced up and down on the edge of the table like he was trying to burn off all the nervous energy running through him. Gary had seen Ash freak out before, but not like this.

"Ashy-boy, you're shaking like a leaf," Gary said, his voice softer this time. He stepped closer and placed a hand on Ash's knee to still it. "Hey, buddy. It's me. Gary. You're gonna be okay."

Ash's head snapped up to look at him, and for a second, Gary saw how wide his eyes were. His lips pressed into a tight line, and he gave a weak nod. But the way his hands gripped the edge of the table told a different story.

Gary sighed and pulled over a stool, sitting in front of him. "Okay, first off, let’s just get this out of the way: I’m not going to poison you. Or dissect you. Or whatever crazy idea is running through that thick head of yours." He tapped Ash’s forehead lightly with a gloved finger.

Ash blinked at him and then finally cracked a small, nervous smile. "I wasn’t... uh, thinking that."

Gary raised an eyebrow. "You’re a terrible liar, Ashy-boy."

Ash groaned softly, rubbing the back of his head, but his leg stopped bouncing. Gary took that as a small victory.

"Okay, let’s start simple. Eyes first." Gary grabbed a small flashlight from the counter and snapped it on. He leaned closer, his voice casual but calm. "Follow the light, Ash."

Ash flinched slightly when the bright light flashed in his eyes, but he obediently tracked it as Gary moved it left, then right, then up and down.

"Good," Gary said, his tone encouraging. "See? That wasn’t so bad."

Ash mumbled something under his breath that Gary couldn’t make out. He let it slide and moved on to the next step.

"Alright, now ears." Gary grabbed the otoscope and tilted Ash’s head gently to one side. "Hold still for me, okay?"

Ash tensed as the cold metal touched his ear, but he didn’t pull away. Gary examined one ear, then the other, muttering to himself. "Looks fine. No Pikachu sparks got in there or anything." He smirked at his own joke, but Ash didn’t laugh.

Next came Ash’s mouth. Gary held up a tongue depressor. "Say ‘ahh,’ Ashy-boy."

Ash hesitated, his cheeks turning a little pink. "Do I have to?"

"Yes, you have to," Gary said firmly, but not unkindly. "Come on, it’s me. You’ve done this before."

Ash sighed and opened his mouth. Gary worked quickly, checking his throat and teeth. "All good. No cavities. You might even survive this check-up," Gary teased as he set the tools aside.

But when he turned back, Ash was hugging his knees, his arms wrapped tightly around his legs. His head rested on his knees, and there was something small and wet glistening on his cheek.

Gary froze, his smirk completely vanishing. "Oh, Ash..." he murmured, his voice soft and filled with concern. He quickly took the gloves off and moved closer and crouched down to Ash’s level. "Buddy, what’s going on?"

Ash didn’t look up, but his voice came out shaky. "I don’t like this, Gary. I hate check-ups. I’ve always hated them."

Gary sat on the stool again, giving Ash space but staying close enough to show he wasn’t going anywhere. "I know, Ashy. Remember that time when we were four and I went with you to the doctor? You screamed so loud the whole building probably heard you."

Ash sniffed and gave a weak chuckle. "Yeah... and you kept telling me it was all gonna be okay."

"Exactly," Gary said, smiling softly. "And guess what? It was okay. You got through it then, and you’ll get through this now. I’m here for you."

When Ash didn’t respond, Gary decided to take a different approach. He climbed onto the table behind Ash, wrapping his arms around him in a loose, comforting hug. Ash stiffened at first, but then he relaxed a little, leaning back into Gary’s chest.

"Just breathe, buddy," Gary said quietly, resting his chin lightly on top of Ash’s hat. "I’ve got you."

For a while, they stayed like that, the sound of Ash’s breathing gradually evening out. When Gary felt him calm down, he patted his shoulder and got back to work.

"Alright," Gary said, slipping on the pair of gloves. "Let’s check your heart. Sit up for me."

Ash sat up, still hesitant but more at ease. Gary placed the stethoscope against his chest, listening carefully. "Hmm... your heart’s racing, Ash. You’ve got to relax, okay?"

"Easy for you to say," Ash muttered, but he gave Gary a small smile.

Gary moved on to Ash’s reflexes, tapping his knees with the little hammer. Then came the blood pressure. As soon as Gary saw the number on the monitor, his eyes widened.

"Ash, your blood pressure’s through the roof! It’s, like, in the 400s! No wonder you’re so worked up."

Ash winced. "That’s... bad, isn’t it?"

Gary chuckled and ruffled Ash’s hair. "It’s not great, but we’ll get it down. You’ve just got to relax, Ashy-boy. You’re gonna be fine."

Ash nodded, a small but genuine smile finally appearing on his face. He didn’t say it, but having Gary there—teasing, supporting, and understanding—made all the difference.