Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Ash's check up

Gary sighed deeply as he adjusted the light in his hand. "Alright, Ashy-boy," he said softly, his tone patient but firm, "try to focus on me, okay? Follow the light." 

Ash sat rigidly in the chair, his fists clenched on his knees. His wide, unblinking eyes stared ahead like a Deerling caught in headlights. "What light?" he muttered, his voice barely audible. 

Gary tilted his head, exhaling through his nose as he waved the flashlight gently back and forth. "This one. Right here. Come on, Ash. It's just me—Gary. Remember?" 

Ash twitched slightly but didn’t move his gaze. His breath hitched. "Mhm," he mumbled, clearly lost in a whirlwind of nerves. 

Gary leaned back, momentarily rubbing his temple. "You’re really not making this easy for me, you know that?" he murmured, though his voice lacked any real annoyance. 

"Sorry," Ash whispered, stiff as a board. 

Gary chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It’s fine, Ashy-boy. I’m used to dealing with stubborn trainers who act like the Pokémon Center is a haunted house." 

Gary carefully tilted Ash’s chin up with a gloved hand. "Alright, if you won’t move your eyes, I’ll just have to do it for you." 

Ash flinched but let Gary gently guide his gaze. Gary moved the light carefully, murmuring words of reassurance. "Good, good... pupils are responsive. Everything looks fine so far." 

He clicked off the light and pulled out his otoscope. "Now for your ears." 

Ash made a noise that was somewhere between a whimper and a groan. "Do you *have* to?" 

Gary smirked. "Yes, I have to. You want to keep hearing Pikachu, don’t you?" Without waiting for a response, he gently positioned Ash’s head and looked into his ear. 

"Left ear is clear… and now the right…" Gary mumbled, his focus unwavering. "Perfect. No issues there." 

Ash blinked rapidly, his jaw tightening. "Cool. Can we stop now?" 

"Not even close," Gary said cheerfully as he set the otoscope down. He reached for his tongue depressor. "Open wide for me, buddy." 

Ash froze again, his mouth pressed tightly shut. 

Gary sighed dramatically, tapping Ash’s cheek lightly. "Ash. Mouth. Open. You’ve yelled at Team Rocket louder than this." 

Ash hesitated but begrudgingly opened his mouth a fraction. 

"Ah-ah, wider," Gary instructed. "I need to see your throat, not count your teeth." 

Ash groaned but complied, and Gary quickly inspected his throat. "Looks good. No redness or swelling. Now, let’s check your lungs and heart." 

Gary grabbed his stethoscope, warming the diaphragm with his palm. "Lift your shirt a bit, Ash." 

Ash hesitated, then awkwardly tugged at his shirt, revealing his chest. 

"Okay, deep breath in... and out," Gary instructed as he pressed the stethoscope to Ash’s chest. 

Ash’s breathing was shallow, and Gary frowned. "Deeper, Ash. I need to hear your lungs." 

Ash tried again, this time managing a shaky inhale. 

"Good," Gary murmured, moving the stethoscope to another spot. He listened closely, then moved to Ash’s back. "One more time. Deep breath." 

Ash obeyed, his nerves still evident but slightly easing under Gary’s calm demeanor. 

"Alright," Gary said, straightening up and setting the stethoscope aside. "Heart and lungs are fine. Let’s check reflexes now." 

Gary picked up the reflex hammer and tapped Ash’s knees gently. Both legs jerked obediently. 

"Nice reflexes, champ," Gary teased lightly, earning a faint huff from Ash. 

Finally, Gary handed Ash a small cup of water. "Now swallow this for me." 

Ash blinked, confused but obedient, gulping the water down. 

Gary smiled, his tone softer now. "Good job, Ash. You’re done. See? Survived without a scratch." 

Ash slumped in the chair, exhaling deeply. "That was awful." 

Gary chuckled, ruffling Ash’s hair. "You’re a disaster, Ashy-boy. But you did fine." 

Ash grumbled, his cheeks red, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "Thanks, Gary." 

"Anytime," Gary replied, packing up his tools. "Just try not to freeze up next time, alright?" 

Ash shrugged. "No promises."