Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Gary’s heart ached as he held Ash tightly, feeling the weight of his friend's panic and self-doubt. Ash's body trembled, his chest heaving with every shaky breath, and Gary could feel the boy's pulse racing against his own.

"Kiddo," Gary murmured, his voice soft but firm. "Don't talk like that. You’re not alone in this, okay? I’m here, always have been, always will be."

Ash’s body stiffened as if the words couldn’t reach him, his hands clenching tightly at his sides. "But what if you’re not really my friend anymore? What if this is just... just a test or something and you’re gonna... I don’t know... hurt me?"

Gary’s chest tightened at the thought, but he shook his head, brushing Ash’s hair from his face as he held him tighter. "No, buddy, no," he whispered, pulling Ash in close enough that the boy could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Look at me, Ash. I’m not going anywhere. I’m your friend, your best friend, and nothing’s gonna change that. You’ve been through a lot today, and it’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to cry. But you gotta trust me, alright? You’re not alone in this."

Ash sniffled, his face pressed against Gary's chest, and his tears soaked the fabric of Gary's lab coat. The sound of Ash’s heartache made Gary’s own heart ache, but he didn’t let go. He couldn’t.

Gary’s green eyes softened as he brushed his fingers gently through Ash's hair. "Look, we’ve been through thick and thin together. Since we were kids, you’ve been my best friend. You’ve never been alone, and you’re not alone now."

As if hearing his words wasn’t enough, Gary let out a small, comforting sigh, his voice barely a whisper. "Just breathe with me, okay? Slow and steady. In, out... you’re safe, Ash. You’re safe here."

Ash, still trembling, closed his eyes, but his thoughts raced. He couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe this was all a dream, maybe Gary was just pretending to be his friend. The self-doubt crept back in, tugging at his heartstrings.

Gary sighed quietly, sensing Ash's anxiety. He reached down and gently released his Umbreon, who immediately nuzzled Ash’s arm with its cool nose, offering its familiar calming presence. Ash turned to the Pokémon, his fingers brushing against its soft fur, but it didn’t seem to ease his worry.

Ash's tears flowed freely now, his breath hitching in sobs as he tried to find his composure. "Gary, I can’t do this. I can’t. I don’t know what’s happening. I’m just... I’m just scared."

Gary closed his eyes for a moment, understanding that Ash was spiraling, and no amount of words could get through at this point. He gently pulled Ash away from him, but just enough to look into his eyes. "Ash, listen to me. I know this is scary, okay? But I’m gonna help you. I promise you, you’ll be okay. You’ve been through so much, and this is just another thing. We’ll get through it together."

Ash’s gaze shifted from Gary’s eyes to the floor, the self-doubt clouding his expression. "But what if something’s wrong with me? What if I’m... I don’t know... broken or something?"

Gary’s jaw tightened at Ash’s words, a mix of frustration and sadness bubbling in his chest. He gently cupped Ash’s chin, lifting his face so they were eye-to-eye. "Hey. None of that. You’re not broken, Ash. You’re the most determined person I know. You've fought through so much already. Don't you dare let this be the thing that makes you give up."

But Ash couldn’t stop. The tears kept coming, a torrent of uncertainty and fear overwhelming him.

Gary knew then what he had to do. He reached over to a nearby counter, grabbing a small vial containing a sedative. He wasn’t thrilled about it, but Ash needed something to calm his nerves—he couldn’t let him go on like this. Gently, Gary guided Ash’s head back to his shoulder, keeping him steady and relaxed.