Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Gary’s frustration was clear as Ash’s sobs echoed through the room. "Ash, you’re not dumb. You're not a loser. You’re my best friend, and I’m not going anywhere. But right now, you need to calm down. You’re freaking out, and that’s making everything worse. Take a deep breath for me, buddy," Gary said, his voice firm but gentle.

Ash’s chest heaved with ragged breaths, his mind racing. "I'm sorry, Gary. I'm always messing things up. You're wasting your time with me. I don't know why you put up with me—I'm such a mess!" Ash cried, tears spilling down his cheeks.

Gary’s patience was running thin, but he kept his voice steady, though his tone was sharper now. He tapped Ash’s forehead lightly, not hard but with purpose. "Ash, calm down, buddy. Seriously. You’re not a mess, and you’re not wasting my time. But this panic? It’s half the problem. You need to get a grip. Deep breath, alright? Can you do that for me? One breath at a time."

Ash struggled, his breaths coming in quick gasps as his heart pounded in his chest. His hands were trembling, and his legs felt like jelly. He didn’t feel in control of his body, and that terrified him. He shut his eyes tightly, trying to will himself to slow down, but it only made his panic worse.

Gary sighed, glancing at the medical supplies on the counter. "You know, Ash, I’ve been through this with you before." He frowned, remembering when they were kids, and Ash had a similar meltdown during a routine check-up. Back then, Ash had been four, but the memories of that day were vivid. Gary had held his friend close, guiding him through the panic, though it didn’t help that Ash fought him at every turn. But this time was different. Ash was older, and things felt a lot more serious.

Gary reached for a wipe and began to clean Ash’s arm without warning, drawing his attention for a split second. Before Ash could even register what was happening, Gary had already wiped the area clean and quickly gave him the flu shot. Ash barely noticed. He was too far gone in his spiraling thoughts.

Gary threw the used wipe in the trash and quickly pulled off his gloves, holding Ash’s shaking hand. "Ash, you’re not gonna like this, but you have to calm down. You need to focus. Okay? Focus on me, buddy." He squeezed Ash's hand, his grip firm but soothing. "Let’s breathe together, one step at a time. Ready? One… two… three… four… five."

Ash's chest felt like it was going to burst. He was crying so hard now, his body wracked with uncontrollable sobs. "I can't… Gary, I can't breathe..." he gasped, his throat tightening.

Gary’s heart clenched. He wasn’t going to let his best friend break down like this. He leaned closer, placing a gentle hand on Ash’s back. "Listen, Ash. If you don’t calm down, I’m gonna have to give you anesthesia to help you. I really don’t want to do that, but if you don’t take control of this, I will."

Ash’s mind spun at the mention of anesthesia, his panic deepening. "No, no! I don’t want that!" he cried, his voice breaking.

Gary sighed, rubbing his face with his palm. "Then breathe, Ash. Do it for me. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere." He continued guiding Ash through the breaths, counting with him, hoping to ground him. "One… two… three…"

Ash’s breathing was erratic, short and sharp, but Gary wouldn’t give up. He kept his hand on Ash’s back, trying to offer some comfort as Ash’s breaths came out in choppy gasps.

"Ash," Gary said softly but firmly, "focus. You can do this. I’m not leaving you, alright? You’re gonna be okay. Just breathe."

Ash’s eyes fluttered open, still wide with fear, but he clung to Gary’s hand. His leg was still bouncing, his heart hammering in his chest, but he could feel Gary’s calm presence beside him. Slowly, he forced himself to take another shaky breath.

"That’s it, buddy," Gary whispered, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You’re doing better. We’re getting there." He kept counting, guiding Ash through the breaths until the panic began to ease just slightly.

Ash’s body trembled as the tears slowed, but his chest was still tight, and his breaths were far from steady. "I’m sorry," Ash whispered again, his voice fragile. "I didn’t mean to freak out like this..."

Gary looked at him, his expression softening. "No apologies, Ash. This is what friends do. I’ve got your back, always." He leaned closer, resting his forehead against Ash’s as he continued to hold his hand. "I’m not going anywhere. And you’re not alone."

For a long moment, neither of them said anything. Ash’s breathing had slowed a little, and his sobs had subsided. The fear was still there, lurking in the back of his mind, but Gary’s steady presence had helped him fight it back, if only a little.

Gary gently pulled back, keeping his hands on Ash’s shoulders. "Alright, Ashy-boy, let’s finish this check-up, okay? You’ve made it through the worst part. You’re doing great."

Ash sniffled, nodding slowly. "Thanks, Gary..." he mumbled.

Gary smiled warmly, ruffling Ash’s hair lightly. "No problem, buddy. Let’s get through this together."