Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Ash was trembling. The moment Gary stepped back into the room, that smirk still on his face, Ash's heart started to race. He could feel the sweat collecting on his palms and his leg bounced uncontrollably under the table. His mind was spinning in circles, each thought faster and faster than the next. What if Gary really was going to hurt him? What if this check-up was just a trick?

Gary, ever observant, noticed Ash's nervousness and his shaking hands. "Alright, Ashy-boy, relax," he said, using the nickname that Ash always found so irritating and comforting at the same time. "It’s just a check-up. I’m not gonna do anything weird. I mean, I’m your best friend—remember?"

Ash opened his mouth, but his words caught in his throat. He was too nervous to form a coherent sentence. Gary’s teasing didn't help either. "You’re still looking like you might pass out," Gary continued, his voice playful but concerned. "C’mon, buddy, I’m not that scary. You’ve had worse experiences, right?"

Ash forced out a weak chuckle, though it was shaky. "Yeah, I guess..." His foot continued to tap, his breath shallow.

Gary sighed and moved to sit beside him, then placed his hand over Ash's trembling one. "Hey, hey," Gary said softly, his voice dropping an octave as he leaned in closer. "It’s gonna be okay, Ash. It's me. You trust me, right?"

Ash’s heart skipped a beat. The warmth of Gary's hand on his felt oddly comforting, yet his pulse refused to slow. He could feel the panic slowly creeping in as he nodded, but even as he did, his thoughts were racing. What if this is too much? What if I can’t take it?

Gary squeezed his hand gently. "You’re okay, Ashy. Let’s just get through this, one step at a time, alright?" He gave Ash a quick grin, though it was softer than usual, as if trying to reassure him.

Ash nodded again, but his breath still came in quick, shallow bursts. You’ve had check-ups before. You can do this. You’ve had worse than this, he told himself.

But nothing worked.

Gary let out a quiet sigh and stepped back, knowing Ash still wasn't fully settled. "Alright, buddy, let's start. First, just look at me, okay? I need to check your eyes." He waved a small flashlight in front of Ash’s face.

Ash immediately tensed, his gaze following the light even though it made him want to squirm. "Follow the light, Ash," Gary instructed, his voice calm but firm.

Ash's heart thudded in his chest, his head spinning slightly as he focused on the small light. He felt his stomach flip, the anxiety tightening its grip around him. But he managed to keep his eyes steady as Gary moved the flashlight back and forth, watching intently.

After a few seconds, Gary made a note on his clipboard. "Eyes are fine. Now, let’s check your ears, alright? I know you don’t like this part, but it’s quick, I promise."

Ash flinched as Gary touched his ear gently, and then the cold instrument pressed against it. He kept his mouth shut, trying to suppress the urge to squirm.

"Good. Nothing out of the ordinary there," Gary said, moving to his next task without missing a beat. He asked Ash to open his mouth wide. The moment Ash did, Gary poked around with the little tongue depressor, making sure to check the inside of his throat.

Ash’s breathing quickened with each movement, but he refused to let Gary see how much he was struggling. Just get through this, he thought, It’s just Gary. He wouldn’t do anything bad to me.

After Gary checked Ash's mouth, he moved to the next part. "Alright, buddy, let’s take a look at your heart now," Gary said, his voice softer than before. He placed the stethoscope on Ash's chest, listening for any abnormalities in his heartbeat.

Ash winced slightly as the cool metal of the stethoscope pressed against his skin, but Gary's hand remained steady on him, reassuring him with its pressure.

After a few moments, Gary glanced up, his eyebrows knitting in slight confusion. "Ash, your heart’s racing," he said, more serious now. "I know you’re nervous, but this is a bit much for just a check-up. Let’s take your blood pressure and see what’s going on."

Gary moved quickly to grab the blood pressure cuff, wrapping it around Ash’s arm. Ash felt the constriction, his heartbeat thumping louder in his ears as Gary pumped the cuff. His palms were sweaty, his stomach twisted in anxiety.

"Alright, this is it," Gary muttered under his breath as he took the reading. He glanced at the numbers and immediately frowned. "Ash... your blood pressure is way too high. It’s in the 400s."

Ash froze, his mind blanking. The numbers didn’t make sense. The 400s? That’s... that’s way too high. Is something wrong with me?

Gary noticed the sudden panic in Ash’s eyes and quickly removed the cuff. "Don’t freak out, buddy. We’ll figure this out, okay? We just need to calm you down."

But Ash wasn’t listening. He was barely aware of the room anymore. His heart raced even faster, his leg bouncing violently now as if trying to escape his body. He felt like he was going to lose control.

Gary saw it happening—Ash’s body language going from tense to completely withdrawn. In a heartbeat, Ash curled into himself, wrapping his arms tightly around his legs. His head rested on his knees, and something small and liquid slipped down his cheek, barely noticeable.

Gary blinked, his eyes softening with concern. "Oh, Ash…"

He quickly walked over and knelt behind Ash, wrapping his arms gently around his best friend. "Hey, Ashy, it’s okay," Gary murmured, his voice gentle as he held him tightly. "You’re alright. I’m right here. Just breathe, okay? Deep breaths. It’s okay."

Ash was reluctant at first, his body stiffening, but after a moment, he melted into Gary’s embrace. The comfort of having his best friend there helped ease the anxiety, even just a little. Gary’s hands rubbed Ash’s arms soothingly, trying to steady his breathing.

"Take it easy, buddy," Gary whispered again. "We’re gonna get through this. Together."