Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Ash’s tears soaked through Gary’s lab coat as he clutched onto him tighter. His chest heaved with each sob, and his words came out in a rush. “I’m dumb, Gary! I’m so dumb! I can’t do anything right. I’m a loser. I... I’m sorry you have to waste your time with me. You could be doing anything else, but you’re stuck with me...” His voice cracked with self-loathing, each word worse than the last.

Gary felt his anger flare as he listened to Ash beat himself up. He’d heard it before—Ash’s constant self-doubt, his struggle to see his own worth. But this time, something inside him snapped.

“Ash!” Gary exclaimed, pulling back just enough to lift his hand and tap Ash gently on the forehead. “Buddy, calm down,” he said, his voice sharp but filled with concern. “Take a deep breath for me. You’re freaking out, and that’s half the problem.”

Ash looked up at Gary, his face flushed with shame, the tears still running down his cheeks. He was shaking, still trembling with the weight of his emotions, but Gary's gaze was unwavering.

“Breathe, Ash,” Gary urged, his voice softer now, but still firm. “In and out, slowly. Like this.” He inhaled deeply, showing Ash how to calm down.

Ash swallowed, trying to follow Gary’s lead, his chest tight with anxiety. He closed his eyes, taking a deep, shaky breath. “I-I’m sorry, Gary,” he whispered. “I just... feel like I mess everything up.”

Gary’s expression softened, but there was still a trace of frustration in his eyes. “Ash, listen to me. You’re not dumb, you’re not a loser. And you’re not wasting my time." His voice was intense, but there was a deep care behind it. "You think I’d spend my time with you if I didn’t care about you? Huh? We’ve been through too much together for you to believe that.”

Ash’s heart skipped a beat as Gary’s words sank in. He sniffled, trying to steady himself, though his thoughts were still racing. “But... what if I’m just... not good enough?”

Gary’s jaw tightened, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. “Ash, don’t ever say that again.” His voice was low, but it carried the weight of someone who’d been there for all of Ash’s ups and downs. “You’ve saved the world more times than I can count. You’ve been through the worst and back, and you’re still standing. You’re the most determined, stubborn, and brave person I know, and don’t you forget it.”

Ash blinked, still struggling to process the flood of emotions he was feeling. He wiped his eyes, his voice barely above a whisper. “But what if I fail again?”

Gary shook his head, grabbing Ash’s shoulders and locking eyes with him. “Then you get up and try again. Just like always. And I’ll be right there with you, Ash. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Ash took a shuddering breath, feeling the weight in his chest begin to ease just a little bit. Gary was right—he didn’t have to do this alone. He had Gary. And maybe that was enough.

“Thanks, Gary,” Ash said softly, his voice hoarse. “I... I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Gary’s face softened, and he gave Ash a gentle, but firm pat on the back. “You don’t have to worry about that, Ashy-boy. I’m not going anywhere.” He paused, letting the silence settle between them before adding, “And for the record, you're doing just fine. Better than fine. You're my best friend. Always have been, always will be.”

Ash managed a small, watery smile. “Yeah... I guess I could try to believe that.”

Gary grinned, his usual playful smirk returning. “Good. Now let’s finish this check-up. And next time? No more crying, okay? I don’t do well with tears.”

Ash chuckled, the sound shaky but genuine. “Deal. No more crying.”

Gary stood up and grabbed his stethoscope, putting it back around his neck as he prepared to continue with the rest of the check-up. “You’re alright, buddy,” he said quietly, more to himself than to Ash. “You’re gonna be just fine.”

As Ash took another deep breath, he felt something shift inside of him. Maybe, just maybe, Gary was right. He wasn’t alone. And for once, that thought didn’t scare him.