Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Ash's heart pounded in his chest as he fumbled with the words, trying to find something to say, anything to distract him from the inevitable. He nervously adjusted his hat and shifted on the examination table, his foot tapping against the metal with a rhythmic thrum. His legs were shaking, and his mind was spinning with thoughts that he couldn’t seem to stop.

Gary stood in front of him, watching him with a mix of amusement and concern, his smirk softening a bit at the sight of his best friend’s unease.

"Come on, Ashy-boy," Gary teased lightly, leaning forward with his arms crossed. "You’re acting like it’s the end of the world. It’s just a check-up. You’ve been through this a million times, haven’t you?"

Ash opened his mouth to respond, but the words got stuck in his throat. He swallowed hard, his chest tightening. He hated check-ups. Hated the feeling of being poked and prodded, the sharp sting of needles, the cold, sterile atmosphere of the doctor’s office.

"I-I know, but... it’s you, Gary," Ash stammered, his voice wavering. "I don’t know why, but it’s just... different."

Gary tilted his head, his expression softening as he stepped closer. He knew exactly what Ash meant. They’d been through this before—back when they were younger. Gary had been there when Ash had his first big check-up, back when they were both just four years old. Ash had cried, terrified, unable to calm down. Gary had tried to comfort him, but nothing had worked. That memory was burned into both of their minds.

"Hey," Gary said gently, placing a hand on Ash's trembling one, making Ash jump slightly. "You’re gonna be okay. It’s me, Ashy. I won’t let anything happen to you."

Ash's heart fluttered in his chest. He wanted to believe Gary, he really did, but his mind was racing, thinking of every worst-case scenario that could happen. His hands were clammy, his breathing shallow. His leg started bouncing up and down, as if trying to escape the situation, but there was nowhere to go.

Gary gave him a reassuring smile, squeezing his hand. "I’m right here, buddy. You’re fine."

Ash nodded weakly, but the tremors wouldn’t stop. Gary sighed, leaning back slightly, trying to give Ash a moment to breathe. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but they’d get through it.

"Alright, Ash," Gary said, trying to keep things light, "Let’s get this over with, okay?"

Ash barely managed a nod. He watched as Gary put on a pair of gloves and reached for his stethoscope, the sound of the rubber gloves snapping sharply in the quiet room. His heart raced faster as Gary approached him, and he had to remind himself to breathe.

Gary gently placed the cold stethoscope on Ash's chest, his fingers pressing lightly as he listened to his heartbeat.

"Take a deep breath for me," Gary instructed, his voice calm and steady.

Ash did as he was told, inhaling deeply, feeling the air fill his lungs. But when he exhaled, the breath felt shallow. He could hear his heartbeat thudding in his ears. *Thud-thud-thud-thud.* It felt too fast, too erratic.

"Everything sounds alright," Gary said after a moment, looking up at Ash. "Your heart’s racing, but nothing unusual... just nerves, right?"

Ash nodded again, his face flushed with embarrassment. Gary gave him a gentle pat on the back. "Relax, buddy. It’s just you and me. No one else is here to judge."

Ash was too wrapped up in his thoughts to respond. His hands were still shaking, his blood pumping in his ears as Gary moved to check his reflexes.

Gary held out his hand, gently tapping Ash’s knee with his finger. "Alright, Ash. Just stay still for me."

Ash tried to, but his leg jerked involuntarily, the reflex kicking in too quickly. Gary raised an eyebrow, clearly noting how tense Ash was.

"Yeah, I can see that," Gary said, his voice laced with amusement, but also concern. "You're like a bundle of nerves, Ashy-boy."

Ash mumbled something incoherent in response, his mind still spinning. He couldn’t focus, couldn’t stop worrying about everything. Was his blood pressure too high? Was he okay? Was something wrong?

Gary sighed again, sensing his friend’s spiraling thoughts. "Alright, Ash. I need to check your blood pressure now. Stay still, okay?"

Ash nodded weakly, but the moment Gary stepped away to grab the blood pressure cuff, Ash curled up, hugging his legs to his chest. His head dropped to his knees, his breathing ragged.

Gary turned to find Ash curled up, arms wrapped tightly around his legs, his head resting on his knees. A small liquid spot stained the crinkling paper beneath Ash. Gary’s expression softened instantly, his concern deepening.

"Oh, Ash..." Gary whispered, walking over to kneel beside him. "Buddy, it’s gonna be okay."

Gary gently placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder, trying to comfort him, but Ash barely reacted. His eyes were shut tight, his body trembling.

"Hey, Ash," Gary said, his voice firm yet gentle. "You’re not alone. I’m here. You’ve been through worse, right? You’ve got this."

Ash let out a shaky breath, barely lifting his head to look at Gary. His eyes were wide and glassy, full of fear and uncertainty.

"I don’t... I don’t want to do this," Ash whispered hoarsely.

Gary’s heart broke at the words. He didn’t know what else to say, except to be there. He gently sat behind Ash, wrapping his arms around his friend’s shoulders in a comforting embrace. Ash tensed at first, but slowly, he relaxed into the embrace, the familiar warmth and security of Gary’s presence making him feel safer.

"It’s alright, Ashy," Gary murmured, holding him close. "You’re not alone. You don’t have to do this by yourself."

Ash sniffled, fighting back tears as his body trembled in Gary’s arms. Gary rubbed his back soothingly, trying to ease the tension.

"I’ll take care of you, buddy. You don’t have to worry about anything."

Gary gently helped Ash lean back against him, still holding him close as the tension in Ash’s body began to melt away. Slowly, he helped Ash calm down, his heartbeat slowing, his breath becoming steadier.

Gary finally released Ash from his embrace and reached for the blood pressure cuff. As he wrapped it around Ash’s arm, his heart sank. The numbers on the monitor were alarmingly high—*way* too high.

"Ash," Gary said, his voice low and serious. "Your blood pressure is through the roof... it’s in the 400s."

Ash’s eyes widened, his body stiffening. "Wh-what does that mean? Is it bad? Am I... am I okay?"

Gary gave him a reassuring smile, though his own worry lingered. "It’s not great, but we’ll get it under control. We just need to take it easy, alright?"

Ash nodded weakly, his body still trembling, but at least he felt a little safer now. Gary would help him through this—he always had, even when they were just little kids.

As Gary removed the cuff and leaned back, he gave Ash a small, teasing smile. "You’re still my Ashy-boy. Don’t think that’s ever gonna change."