Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Gary leaned casually against the doorframe, his smirk unwavering as he watched Ash squirm on the examination table. Ash’s foot was bouncing like crazy, and he was fiddling with his hat so much it might just come apart.

"You know, Ashy-boy, for a world-famous Pokémon trainer, you’re acting awfully scared right now," Gary teased, his voice light and playful.

"I’m not scared!" Ash shot back, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him. He tugged at the brim of his hat again, his eyes darting nervously to the array of medical tools on the counter. "I’m just... cautious, that’s all."

Gary chuckled, stepping closer. "Cautious? Is that what we’re calling it now?" He gently tapped Ash’s knee, his teasing smirk softening. "Relax, buddy. It’s me, Gary. You’ve got nothing to worry about."

Ash tried to force a laugh, but it came out as a shaky exhale. His leg kept bouncing, and Gary could see his fingers trembling as they gripped the edge of the table.

Gary sighed, walking over and putting a hand on Ash’s shoulder. "Hey," he said, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "You’re gonna be okay. It’s just a check-up. Nothing bad is gonna happen, alright? It’s me, Ashy."

Ash looked up at Gary, his big brown eyes filled with unease. "Yeah... I know. I just—" He broke off, biting his lip. "You remember when we were four, and that nurse tried to jab me with that needle?"

Gary laughed at the memory. "How could I forget? You screamed so loud I thought you’d wake up the entire town. Then you tried to run, and you tripped over your own shoelaces."

Ash flushed. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder," he mumbled. "But this is different. You're not a nurse or a doctor. You're my rival."

Gary snorted. "And your best friend, remember? Come on, Ashy. Let me help you through this. Like old times."

Gary grabbed a pair of gloves from the counter and snapped them on with a theatrical flourish. "Alright, let’s get started," he said, reaching for a small flashlight. "First up, your eyes. Follow the light, Ashy-boy."

Ash swallowed hard and nodded, his leg still bouncing. Gary leaned in, holding the flashlight steady as he waved it slowly in front of Ash’s face. "Okay, keep your head still and just follow it with your eyes," he instructed.

Ash’s gaze flicked nervously to the light, his eyes darting back and forth as Gary moved it. "Good," Gary said encouragingly. "See? Easy. You’re doing great."

Ash’s heart was still pounding in his chest, but he felt a tiny bit more at ease with Gary’s calm tone. "Yeah... easy," he muttered, though his voice was still shaky.

Gary clicked off the flashlight and set it down. "Alright, eyes look good. Now let’s check your ears." He grabbed an otoscope and gently tilted Ash’s head to the side. "Hold still, buddy. This won’t hurt."

Ash flinched slightly at the cool metal tip, but he stayed still as Gary peered into his ear. "Hmm," Gary murmured, pretending to frown. "Looks like there’s a bunch of Pikachu fur in here."

"What?!" Ash yelped, jerking back.

Gary burst out laughing. "I’m kidding, Ashy. Your ears are fine. Now let’s check the other one."

Ash huffed, crossing his arms but letting Gary finish the examination.

Next, Gary picked up a stethoscope, the metal instrument dangling from his hand. "Alright, let’s check that heart of yours. Although, judging by how fast your leg’s bouncing, I think I already know the result."

Ash glared at him but obediently sat still as Gary pressed the cold diaphragm of the stethoscope to his chest. "Deep breaths, Ashy-boy," Gary instructed. "In... and out."

Ash took a shaky breath in, his heart pounding like a drum. Gary frowned slightly, moving the stethoscope to different spots on Ash’s chest and back. "Your heart’s racing," he said, his teasing tone gone. "Are you sure you’re okay?"

"I told you, I’m fine!" Ash snapped, though his voice cracked.

Gary gave him a knowing look. "Alright, let’s move on to blood pressure." He grabbed the cuff and wrapped it around Ash’s arm, inflating it until it felt tight. Ash winced slightly but stayed quiet as Gary watched the gauge.

When the reading came through, Gary’s eyes widened. "Whoa, buddy. Your blood pressure is through the roof! It’s in the 400s."

Ash blinked. "Is that... bad?"

Gary sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It’s not great. But don’t worry, it’s probably just because you’re so nervous." He placed a hand on Ash’s bouncing knee, stilling it. "Hey, take a deep breath for me, alright?"

Ash nodded reluctantly, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Gary smiled and moved behind him, wrapping his arms around Ash’s shoulders in a loose, comforting hug. "There you go, buddy. See? You’re okay. It’s just me."

Ash stiffened at first but slowly relaxed, leaning back slightly into Gary’s hold. "Thanks, Gary," he murmured, his voice soft.

"Anytime, Ashy-boy," Gary said with a grin, ruffling Ash’s hair. "Now let’s finish this up so you can go back to chasing Pikachu or whatever it is you do."