Ash tapped his foot impatiently on the floor, but he couldn't deny he felt nervous.

After all, who knew what Gary could do to Ash?

They were rivals, after all.

No.

They were best friends.

Have been since they were little.

They was no way Gary would do something.

... Would he?

I mean he has all these different Pokemon.... And some of them were poisonous.

Wait..... What if Gary poisoned him?!

His thoughts were interrupted when a guy wearing a white lab coat on top of a purple shirt stood in front of him, arms crossed. " Let's go, Ashy-boy."

Ash's eyes twitched. " Uh.... Sure, I guess."

Gary smirked and lent him an arm, and Ash took it and followed Gary, albeit a bit slow.

He was thinking of his fate

Could Gary poison him?

Gary was five months older.

And this was a check up......

Argh! Ash didn't know anymore! Gary could, Gary might not.....

WHO KNEW?!

Gary turned and saw Ash dragging his feet while staring into space, dazed out. Gary sighed. This always happened.

" Ash, snap out of it!" Gary exclaimed as he waved and arm in front of Ash's eyes.

Ash shook his head. " Yeah?*

" Hurry up!*

Ash sighed and nodded. Gary sighed and turned, waking until he came to a room.

" 345. This is the one." He turned to Ash, who was now biting his nails. Gary sighed.

" Hey, buddy. You okay?* He asked, nudging Ash.

" Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine."

Gary raised an eyebrow at Ash, clearly unconvinced. "You sure? You look like you're about to faint or something."

Ash forced a weak smile, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm fine, Gary. Just... y'know, thinking."

Gary let out a small laugh. "Thinking? Ash Ketchum, actually thinking? Now that's something new." He gave Ash a playful nudge, trying to lighten the mood, but Ash didn't respond the way he usually would. There was no comeback, no sarcastic remark. Just a weak chuckle.

"Come on," Gary said, turning to open the door to room 345. "It’s just a routine check-up. Nothing to worry about."

Ash hesitated for a moment, his fingers fidgeting nervously. He glanced at Gary’s back, trying to read his body language. What if Gary really was planning something? He was always unpredictable.

But then again, this was Gary. They had known each other for so long. He wouldn’t actually hurt him... right?

Ash’s stomach churned as he followed Gary into the room. The sterile smell of the doctor’s office hit him immediately. The clinical white walls, the examination table with crinkling paper, and the dull hum of the fluorescent lights didn’t help his nerves at all.

Gary pointed to the table. "Hop up," he instructed. "It’ll be over before you know it."

Ash swallowed hard and sat down, his legs swinging slightly as he tried to calm his racing thoughts. Gary handed him a clipboard with a standard health questionnaire, but Ash could barely focus on the words. He was too busy eyeing the various tools on the counter—hypodermic needles, vials of unknown liquids, and strange-looking devices he couldn't identify.

Gary noticed Ash's nervous glance. "Dude, relax. It’s not like I'm going to dissect you or anything."

Ash's face paled slightly at the thought, and Gary quickly added, "That was a joke, Ash."

Ash blinked, forcing himself to laugh awkwardly. "Yeah... a joke." He fiddled with his hat, adjusting it nervously. "I knew that."

" I have to get something. Be right back." Gary exited the door, leaving Ash by himself.

Ash sat on the examination table, his foot tapping nervously against the metal frame. He couldn’t help but feel uneasy. After all, this wasn’t just any check-up—it was Gary giving him the exam. Sure, they were friends, but Gary was his rival too.

Rivals didn’t give each other check-ups, did they?

He glanced nervously at the door as it opened. In walked Gary ( again), dressed in a white lab coat over his usual clothes, a stethoscope hanging around his neck, and a smug smile on his face.

"Let’s get this over with, Ashy-boy," Gary said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.

Ash’s eye twitched at the nickname, but he forced a smile. "Uh... sure. This’ll be quick, right?"

Gary raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Depends. You nervous, Ash?"

"Me? Nervous? No way!" Ash said, though his fingers were fiddling with the brim of his hat, a dead giveaway of his anxiety.

Gary chuckled as he walked over to the counter, picking up a clipboard. "You know, I’m a doctor now. You can trust me." He grinned playfully. "Or are you worried I’m going to make you battle one of my Pokémon while you’re on the examination table?"

Ash gulped and chuckled nervously. "I mean, you’ve got some pretty powerful Pokémon…"

Gary rolled his eyes. "Relax, Ash. This is just a routine check-up. I’m not going to Poison Jab you or anything."

Ash blinked, a sudden wave of panic rushing over him. "Wait... you could do that, though, right? I mean, some of your Pokémon are poisonous."

Gary gave him a deadpan stare. "Ash, I’m not going to poison you. Why would I do that?"

Ash stammered, unable to look Gary in the eyes. "I mean... you’re my rival. You could—"

Gary shook his head, sighing. "Ash, come on. We're rivals, sure, but we're best friends, too. I've known you since we were little. Do you really think I'd hurt you?"

Ash felt a pang of guilt at his own thoughts. "I guess not..."

Gary pulled up a rolling stool and sat down in front of Ash, holding up the stethoscope. "Alright, let’s get started. Shirt up, Ashy-boy."

Ash scowled at the nickname but complied, lifting his shirt so Gary could place the stethoscope against his chest. As Gary listened to his heart, Ash’s mind started racing again. This was Gary. Anything could happen.

What if he messed with the results? What if he gave Ash a bogus diagnosis just to mess with his confidence before their next battle?

Gary noticed Ash’s distant expression and snapped his fingers in front of his face. "Earth to Ash. Come on, buddy, focus."

Ash blinked and shook his head. "Yeah, yeah, I’m focused."

Gary rolled his eyes, clearly amused. "You’re a mess, you know that? You’ve faced down Legendary Pokémon, but a simple check-up has you freaking out?"

Ash frowned. "I’m not freaking out."

Gary gave him a knowing look. "Right."

Ash sat in silence as Gary continued the check-up, poking and prodding him with all the standard doctor tools. As the minutes ticked by, Ash’s nervousness started to fade. Gary was acting... normal. No tricks, no taunts—just doing his job.

Gary stood in front of Ash, flipping through the pages of the medical chart with a confident smirk. "Alright, Ashy-boy, time for the more... detailed checks."

Ash gulped, his nerves creeping back. "Uh... what do you mean by detailed?"

Gary raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Relax, will you? First up, I’m going to check your eyes."

Ash blinked, feeling his heart rate pick up. "My eyes? Uh, okay. Sure."

Gary reached into the drawer, pulling out a small flashlight. He stepped closer, his expression focused. "Look straight ahead, Ash. Don’t blink."

Ash did as he was told, staring at a spot on the wall as Gary gently lifted his eyelid with one hand and shined the light into his eye. "Hmm... no signs of irritation. Pupil dilation is normal."

"Can you see this clearly?" Gary asked, holding up a finger at different distances in front of Ash's face.

Ash nodded. "Yeah, it’s clear."

Gary leaned back, examining Ash’s other eye. "Good. Now follow my finger."

He moved his finger from side to side, watching as Ash’s eyes followed the motion. Gary gave a slight nod of approval. "Looks like your vision’s fine. No need to worry about your aim in battle."

Ash rolled his eyes. "I wasn’t worried about that..."

Gary chuckled, flicking off the flashlight. "Sure, you weren’t. Now, let's check your ears."

Ash swallowed nervously as Gary grabbed an otoscope. He watched as Gary adjusted the scope’s light and motioned for Ash to sit still.

"Hold still," Gary instructed, gently tilting Ash’s head to the side as he examined one ear. "Okay... no wax buildup. Ear canal looks clean. Hearing any ringing or anything?"

Ash shook his head. "Nope, nothing."

Gary switched to the other ear, peering inside with the same thoroughness. "Alright, your ears are fine too. You should have no problem hearing me when I tell you to give up during our next battle."

Ash scowled. "Very funny, Gary."

Gary grinned. "I try."

Next, Gary pulled out a tongue depressor and a small flashlight again. "Okay, open wide, Ash. Time to check that big mouth of yours."

Ash hesitated before opening his mouth slowly. "Ahh..."

Gary rolled his eyes and motioned with the tongue depressor. "Wider, Ash. I know you can do better than that."

Ash grumbled but opened his mouth wider. Gary gently pressed down on Ash’s tongue and shined the light into his mouth. "Let’s see... no swelling, no sores. Say 'ah.'"

"Ahhh," Ash mumbled.

"Good," Gary said as he examined Ash’s throat. "Everything looks normal. No signs of infection."

Gary pulled back, tossing the tongue depressor into the trash. "Alright, last but not least... legs. Gotta make sure you’re fit to run after all those Pokémon you keep chasing."

Ash stared at him. "You’re gonna check my legs?"

Gary smirked. "Yep. Just gotta make sure your reflexes are working. Sit back."

Ash reluctantly sat back, extending his legs as Gary knelt down and tapped his knee with a reflex hammer. His leg jerked slightly in response. "There we go," Gary said with a satisfied nod. "Good reflexes."

Gary repeated the process on Ash's other knee before standing up again. "Alright, Ashy-boy. Everything seems to be in perfect working order. Eyes, ears, mouth, legs—no complaints."

Ash let out a sigh of relief, wiping a hand across his forehead. "Finally... I thought you were going to find something."

Gary grinned and playfully ruffled Ash’s hair. "Nah, you’re all good. You worry too much."

Ash couldn’t help but smile a little, feeling a lot less tense. "Thanks, Gary. You’re not as bad as I thought you’d be as a doctor."

"Don’t mention it," Gary said with a wink. "But next time, try not to act like I’m going to poison you or something, alright?"

Ash chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. I’ll try."

Ash tapped his foot impatiently on the floor, but he couldn't deny he felt nervous.

After all, who knew what Gary could do to Ash?

They were rivals, after all.

No.

They were best friends.

Have been since they were little.

They was no way Gary would do something.

... Would he?

I mean he has all these different Pokemon.... And some of them were poisonous.

Wait..... What if Gary poisoned him?!

His thoughts were interrupted when a guy wearing a white lab coat on top of a purple shirt stood in front of him, arms crossed. " Let's go, Ashy-boy."

Ash's eyes twitched. " Uh.... Sure, I guess."

Gary smirked and lent him an arm, and Ash took it and followed Gary, albeit a bit slow.

He was thinking of his fate

Could Gary poison him?

Gary was five months older.

And this was a check up......

Argh! Ash didn't know anymore! Gary could, Gary might not.....

WHO KNEW?!

Gary turned and saw Ash dragging his feet while staring into space, dazed out. Gary sighed. This always happened.

" Ash, snap out of it!" Gary exclaimed as he waved and arm in front of Ash's eyes.

Ash shook his head. " Yeah?*

" Hurry up!*

Ash sighed and nodded. Gary sighed and turned, waking until he came to a room.

" 345. This is the one." He turned to Ash, who was now biting his nails. Gary sighed.

" Hey, buddy. You okay?* He asked, nudging Ash.

" Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine."

Gary raised a brow, knowing Ash was anything but "fine." He had seen Ash nervous before, but this? This was another level of jittery. The way Ash was biting his nails and shifting his weight from one foot to the other was more like someone walking into their doom than a routine check-up.

“Alright, buddy,” Gary said, rolling his eyes with a playful grin. “Let’s get this over with. You’re not gonna die, I promise.”

Ash glanced nervously at him as Gary pushed open the door to Room 345. Inside was a standard medical examination room, with a bed lined in white paper, medical equipment on counters, and a clipboard hanging on the wall. It wasn’t anything too intimidating, but Ash still felt uneasy.

Gary gestured for him to sit on the bed. “Go on, take a seat.”

Ash reluctantly hopped up, his legs swinging slightly as he sat on the edge. His gaze wandered to the shelves of tools and bottles. “What’s all this stuff for?” he muttered under his breath, eyeing a syringe with wide eyes.

Gary, catching the direction of Ash’s stare, chuckled. “Relax, Ashy-boy, you’re not getting injected with anything. It’s just a routine check-up. Now, let me take a look at you.”

Gary grabbed the clipboard and began to ask basic questions. “Any pain lately? How’s your energy? Sleeping okay?”

Ash barely registered the questions. His thoughts were still spiraling about the possibility of Gary doing something sneaky. What if Gary’s just waiting for the perfect moment to—? He cut his thoughts short when he realized Gary had stopped speaking and was now staring at him expectantly.

“Huh? Sorry, what?”

“I asked if you’ve been sleeping well,” Gary repeated, sighing. “You’re more out of it than usual.”

Ash shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. You know, battling and traveling all the time doesn’t leave much room for sleep.”

Gary scribbled something on the clipboard, then set it aside. “Alright, let’s check your vitals. I promise, no surprises.”

Ash remained stiff as Gary approached him with a stethoscope. “This is where it starts…” Ash mumbled to himself, half-expecting Gary to pull out something dangerous. He braced himself for the worst.

Gary, catching the mumble, couldn’t help but laugh. “Dude, you’re acting like I’m gonna use a Gengar’s Shadow Ball on you. It’s a stethoscope. You’ve seen it a million times.”

Ash’s face flushed with embarrassment, but he muttered under his breath again, “Yeah, well… you never know.”

Gary rolled his eyes again but placed the stethoscope on Ash’s chest. “Deep breath in,” he instructed. Ash complied, albeit with a bit of reluctance.

After a few more checks, including his blood pressure and reflexes (which Gary smirked at when Ash nearly jumped off the bed), Gary put away the tools and made some notes.

“Well, Ash,” Gary said, tossing the clipboard back onto the counter. “You’re in perfect health. As usual.”

Ash blinked. “That’s it?”

“That’s it,” Gary confirmed, leaning against the counter with a smirk. “No poison. No tricks. Just a boring ol’ check-up.”

Ash sat there for a moment, digesting the fact that nothing suspicious had happened. He then slumped forward with a deep exhale, his body relaxing for the first time since he walked into the room. “I guess I was overthinking things, huh?”

“You think?” Gary teased, shaking his head. “Ash, you really need to stop letting your imagination run wild. I’m your friend, remember? I’m not gonna do anything to hurt you.”

Ash smiled sheepishly. “Yeah… thanks, Gary. Sorry for acting weird.”

Gary clapped a hand on Ash’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “No worries. It’s what friends are for—keeping each other in check, even if one of us freaks out over nothing.”

Ash grinned, finally feeling the weight lift off his shoulders. “Yeah… you’re right. Thanks, Gary.”

Gary gave him a playful nudge. “Anytime, Ashy-boy. Now let’s get out of here before you start thinking the medical bed’s gonna eat you or something.”

Ash chuckled as he hopped down from the bed. “Very funny. I’m not that paranoid.”

As they walked out of the room, Ash couldn’t help but feel lighter, grateful for having Gary as a friend—and maybe feeling a little silly for letting his imagination get the better of him.

Ash tapped his foot impatiently on the floor, but he couldn't deny he felt nervous.

After all, who knew what Gary could do to Ash?

They were rivals, after all.

No.

They were best friends.

Have been since they were little.

They was no way Gary would do something.

... Would he?

I mean he has all these different Pokemon.... And some of them were poisonous.

Wait..... What if Gary poisoned him?!

His thoughts were interrupted when a guy wearing a white lab coat on top of a purple shirt stood in front of him, arms crossed. " Let's go, Ashy-boy."

Ash's eyes twitched. " Uh.... Sure, I guess."

Gary smirked and lent him an arm, and Ash took it and followed Gary, albeit a bit slow.

He was thinking of his fate

Could Gary poison him?

Gary was five months older.

And this was a check up......

Argh! Ash didn't know anymore! Gary could, Gary might not.....

WHO KNEW?!

Gary turned and saw Ash dragging his feet while staring into space, dazed out. Gary sighed. This always happened.

" Ash, snap out of it!" Gary exclaimed as he waved and arm in front of Ash's eyes.

Ash shook his head. " Yeah?*

" Hurry up!*

Ash sighed and nodded. Gary sighed and turned, waking until he came to a room.

" 345. This is the one." He turned to Ash, who was now biting his nails. Gary sighed.

" Hey, buddy. You okay?* He asked, nudging Ash.

" Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine."

Gary raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced by Ash’s hasty reply. He gently pushed open the door to room 345, revealing a simple medical room with a desk, examination bed, and various medical instruments neatly arranged on a tray. The walls were lined with framed charts of Pokémon anatomy and diagrams of vital signs, giving the room a professional, yet oddly sterile feel.

"Alright, Ashy-boy," Gary said, motioning for Ash to step inside. "Have a seat on the examination bed."

Ash hesitated for a moment before plopping down on the edge of the bed, his feet dangling off the side. His nerves were getting the best of him as he watched Gary move with an air of confidence, checking through some charts and adjusting his stethoscope.

"Gary, you're not gonna... you know... poison me or something, right?" Ash blurted out, half-joking but half-serious, eyes wide.

Gary stopped what he was doing and turned around, his lips twitching into a smirk. "Poison you? Seriously, Ash? Where do you even get these ideas?" He walked over and lightly tapped Ash on the forehead with a finger. "I’m your doctor today, not Team Rocket. Relax."

Ash rubbed his forehead, feeling a little silly. "I know, I know… just checking."

"Well, you're in good hands." Gary crossed his arms with a mock serious expression. "Now, let's get this check-up started before you faint from your own imagination."

Gary grabbed a clipboard from the counter, jotting down some initial details. "Okay, first things first. How’ve you been feeling lately? Any fatigue? Dizzy spells? You’ve been traveling a lot, so it's important to make sure you’re not overworking yourself."

Ash scratched the back of his head. "Uh, I’ve been okay. Sometimes I feel a little tired after a long battle, but nothing major."

Gary nodded. "That's normal. You’re pushing yourself hard, but we need to make sure you're not overdoing it." He walked over with a thermometer. "Open your mouth."

Ash obediently opened wide as Gary placed the thermometer under his tongue. He tapped his foot nervously, watching Gary organize the next steps. It felt so strange having his rival-turned-best-friend in charge of something so important as his health.

The thermometer beeped, and Gary checked the reading. "36.9 degrees Celsius. Perfect. No fever." He set it aside and moved on to the next tool—a blood pressure cuff.

"Arm out," Gary instructed, gesturing for Ash to extend his arm.

Ash did so, still biting the inside of his cheek as Gary wrapped the cuff around his bicep. The tight pressure made him wince slightly, and the sensation of the cuff inflating made him a bit uncomfortable. Gary pumped it up, keeping a close eye on the gauge.

After a few moments, Gary released the pressure and checked the readings. "Blood pressure’s solid. 120 over 80. You're in good shape."

Ash exhaled, relieved but still a bit on edge. "Cool. So… no poisoning so far."

Gary rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. "Ash, if you keep this up, I might just prescribe you some anxiety meds."

Ash chuckled nervously. "Yeah, maybe."

Next, Gary grabbed his stethoscope, slipping the cool metal into his ears before standing in front of Ash. "Alright, deep breaths for me. In and out."

Ash inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself as Gary placed the stethoscope against his chest. The cold touch made him shiver slightly.

"Inhale… good, now exhale." Gary moved the stethoscope around, listening closely to Ash’s heart and lungs. "Everything sounds good."

Gary stepped back and scribbled a few more notes on the clipboard. "Now, we just need to check your reflexes and eyesight, and you’ll be good to go."

Ash sighed in relief, feeling like the worst was over. "Phew. That doesn’t sound too bad."

Gary grabbed a small reflex hammer and knelt down to tap Ash’s knees. Each tap caused Ash’s legs to kick slightly, much to Gary’s satisfaction. "Reflexes are fine."

Finally, Gary held up an eye chart on the wall. "Okay, cover one eye and read the top line."

Ash covered his right eye and squinted at the chart. "P-E-Z-O-L."

"Good. Now the next line."

"L-T-F-P-H."

"Perfect," Gary confirmed, jotting down the results. "Vision’s sharp. No problems there."

Ash hopped off the examination bed, feeling much more relaxed now that the check-up was nearly over. "So, I’m good, right? No problems?"

Gary grinned, putting away the instruments. "You’re fit as a fiddle, Ash. Keep up with your training, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. You can’t be a Pokémon Master if you’re too sick to battle."

Ash chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Gary."

Gary clapped him on the shoulder. "Anytime, Ashy-boy. Now, get out of here before I change my mind and keep you for another round of tests."

Ash laughed, the tension finally easing as he headed for the door. But just before he left, he turned back with a playful smirk. "You know, Gary, for a second, I really thought you might pull something on me."

Gary crossed his arms, smirking right back. "What can I say? Keeps you on your toes, doesn’t it?"

Ash grinned. "Yeah, I guess it does." With that, he waved and walked out, feeling lighter than when he came in.

Ash tapped his foot impatiently on the floor, but he couldn't deny he felt nervous.

After all, who knew what Gary could do to Ash?

They were rivals, after all.

No.

They were best friends.

Have been since they were little.

There was no way Gary would do something.

... Would he?

I mean he has all these different Pokemon.... And some of them were poisonous.

Wait..... What if Gary poisoned him?!

His thoughts were interrupted when a guy wearing a white lab coat on top of a purple shirt stood in front of him, arms crossed. " Let's go, Ashy-boy."

Ash's eyes twitched. " Uh.... Sure, I guess."

Gary smirked and lent him an arm, and Ash took it and followed Gary, albeit a bit slow.

He was thinking of his fate

Could Gary poison him?

Gary was five months older.

And this was a check up......

Argh! Ash didn't know anymore! Gary could, Gary might not.....

WHO KNEW?!

Gary turned and saw Ash dragging his feet while staring into space, dazed out. Gary sighed. This always happened.

" Ash, snap out of it!" Gary exclaimed as he waved and arm in front of Ash's eyes.

Ash shook his head. " Yeah?*

" Hurry up!*

Ash sighed and nodded. Gary sighed and turned, waking until he came to a room.

" 345. This is the one." He turned to Ash, who was now biting his nails. Gary sighed.

" Hey, buddy. You okay?* He asked, nudging Ash.

" Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine."

His friend raised a brow but didn't argue.

Instead, Gary pushed the door open, and the two of them stepped into the exam room. The walls were painted a cheerful yellow, adorned with pictures of various Pokémon, from Bulbasaur to Pikachu, happily playing in fields or training with their Trainers. But Ash wasn’t paying attention to any of it. His mind raced with thoughts of doom, his imagination conjuring wild scenarios about what Gary might do to him.

As Gary closed the door, Ash’s eyes darted around nervously. What if this was it? What if Gary was going to get back at him for all their past battles? Or worse—what if one of Gary’s poisonous Pokémon was waiting in the back room, ready to strike? Ash swallowed hard, his heartbeat thudding in his ears.

"Okay, Ashy-boy, sit on the table," Gary said, pulling out a clipboard from the counter and flipping through a few sheets of paper.

Ash hesitated, still standing by the door. "Uh, Gary, are you sure about this? I mean… maybe we could just skip the check-up, right?"

Gary rolled his eyes and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Come on, Ash. It’s just a check-up, not a battle. You’re not gonna get poisoned or anything." He raised a brow, smirking as he turned to his friend. "Unless you think I would actually do that?"

Ash twitched at the word ‘poison,’ his paranoia returning. "I mean… I don’t know, Gary. You have all these Pokémon, and… well, anything could happen!"

Gary slapped his hand to his forehead in exasperation. "Ash, I’m not gonna poison you! Now, sit!"

Reluctantly, Ash shuffled over to the examination table and hopped up onto it, sitting stiffly like he was about to face his doom. He kept his eyes down, chewing his lip nervously, while Gary went over to grab a stethoscope from the counter.

The exam room might’ve been designed to put patients at ease, but for Ash, it felt like a torture chamber. Gary’s smirk wasn’t helping. Was that smirk evil? Or was he overthinking? He couldn’t stop his mind from spiraling into ridiculous thoughts.

Gary stepped up, stethoscope in hand, and placed it against Ash’s chest. "Take a deep breath."

Ash did as he was told, but his breathing was shallow, and his foot continued tapping against the table in nervous rhythm. Gary glanced up at him, eyebrow raised. "You sound like you’re running a marathon, not sitting in an exam room. Relax."

"Easy for you to say," Ash muttered under his breath, staring up at the ceiling, trying not to think about all the horrible things that could go wrong.

Gary sighed. "Ash, I’m not gonna hurt you. Now, breathe again."

Ash complied, taking a deeper breath this time, but his thoughts were still running wild. As Gary moved on, checking his pulse and using a small flashlight to inspect his eyes, Ash was lost in his own world. What if the stethoscope was secretly rigged to electrocute him? Or maybe the flashlight was designed to brainwash him!

"Okay, you’re good so far," Gary said, turning away to scribble something down on the clipboard. "Now, let’s check your reflexes."

Ash blinked, snapping out of his haze just in time to see Gary grab the small rubber hammer. He felt his pulse quicken again. "Reflexes? Like… hitting my knee?"

Gary laughed. "Yeah, exactly like that. You’ve had a check-up before, haven’t you?"

Ash nodded, but the nervous look didn’t leave his face. He couldn’t help but imagine Gary smacking him way too hard on the knee—or missing on purpose and hitting something else.

Gary stepped forward, hammer in hand. "Okay, just relax your leg." He gave Ash’s knee a light tap, and Ash’s leg jerked involuntarily. "See? No big deal."

His patient nodded.

But Ash was still on edge, his hands fidgeting in his lap. Gary could see it. He set the hammer down and crossed his arms, staring at Ash intently.

"Alright, what’s really going on, Ash?" Gary asked, his tone softer now. "You’ve been acting weird ever since we got in here."

Ash glanced down, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I don’t know… I guess I’m just worried. I mean, what if something’s wrong, or… what if I’m not as healthy as I think?"

Gary’s expression softened even more. "Ash, you’ve been traveling across regions, battling, and training for years. You’re one of the toughest people I know. You’re fine. This is just a routine check-up."

Ash scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… I guess you’re right."

Gary slapped him lightly on the head, causing Ash to yelp. "Of course I’m right. Now stop being such a baby. You’ll live."

Ash rubbed the spot where Gary had smacked him, but the tension started to fade a little. "Okay, okay. I’ll try to relax."

Gary chuckled, finishing his notes. "Good. Just one last thing, then we’re done."

Ash gulped, sitting up straighter. "What’s that?"

Gary opened a drawer and pulled out a thermometer. "Relax, it’s just to check your temperature."

Ash let out a deep breath, relieved that it wasn’t something worse. Gary handed him the thermometer, and after a moment, Ash placed it under his tongue.

As they waited for the reading, Gary leaned against the counter, watching his friend with a slight smirk. "You know, for someone who’s battled the toughest Trainers in the world, you’re awfully jumpy in a doctor’s office."

Ash took the thermometer out once it beeped, handing it back. "Yeah, well… I guess battling’s easier. You know what to expect."

Gary glanced at the reading and smiled. "Well, you’re fine. No surprises here."

Ash hopped off the exam table, finally feeling some of his nerves settle. "Thanks, Gary."

Gary clapped him on the back, grinning. "No problem. Just remember—next time, I’m gonna make you fight my Poison-types in battle, not in a check-up room."

Ash’s eyes widened, and Gary burst out laughing.

Gary led Ash into the examination room, the bright yellow walls adorned with pictures of various Pokémon in action, smiling and looking healthy. But Ash, biting his nails, didn’t even glance at the décor. His mind was elsewhere, spinning wild stories about his impending doom.

Gary sighed as he opened a drawer and pulled out a stethoscope, catching Ash’s glazed look of sheer paranoia.

“Okay, Ashy-boy, let’s get this over with,” Gary said, motioning for Ash to sit on the examination table. He leaned over, tapping Ash lightly on the head. “Come on, Ash! Be realistic!”

Ash, still in his dazed state, blinked rapidly and shook his head. “I am being realistic!” He leaned forward, suddenly animated. “Don’t you see, Gary? You’re five months older than me, and that makes you more cunning! This whole check-up could just be a front! What if—what if you’re actually trying to make my guard go down and then your Poison-type Pokémon strikes? You could be trying to poison me right now!”

Gary blinked, then sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Buddy…” he began, trying to suppress the laughter threatening to bubble up. “I’m not going to poison you! Seriously, where do you come up with these stories?”

Ash crossed his arms, eyeing Gary suspiciously. “I don’t know! Maybe it’s the way you’re always smirking, or how you just happen to have those dangerous Pokémon on hand, or the fact that I’ve been your rival forever! It all adds up, Gary!”

Gary shook his head, smiling despite himself. “Ash, for the last time, I’m not evil. You’ve been watching too many Poké-movies. Now, sit still, and let’s get this check-up done, okay?”

Ash reluctantly nodded, though his eyes still darted nervously around the room as Gary approached him with the stethoscope. Gary placed it gently on Ash’s chest. “Take a deep breath,” he instructed, listening to Ash’s heartbeat.

Ash complied, though every few seconds, his eyes flicked to the corner of the room, half-expecting a poison needle or something sinister to jump out. “You’ve got a really nice setup here,” Ash muttered, trying to distract himself. “Yellow walls, Pokémon pictures… Kinda… cheerful.”

Gary chuckled as he moved the stethoscope to Ash’s back. “Thanks. I picked the color because it’s bright, and it keeps my patients calm. Though, clearly, it’s not working for you.”

Ash didn’t respond, lost in another random thought. What if Gary was trying to lure him into a false sense of security with all the cute Pokémon pictures? Pikachu, Butterfree… they all looked so happy, but what if it was a trap? What if, behind those smiles, there was—

“Ash!” Gary snapped his fingers in front of Ash’s face. “Snap out of it, buddy. We’re almost done.”

Ash blinked. “Huh? Oh, yeah, right.”

Gary sighed again, pulling out a small flashlight to check Ash’s pupils. He waved it in front of Ash’s eyes, and Ash instinctively squinted.

“You’re all good, Ash. There’s nothing wrong with you,” Gary said, turning off the flashlight. “Your heart’s fine, your lungs are clear. You’re in perfect health.”

Ash didn’t seem convinced. “And you’re sure this isn’t part of some elaborate plan to make me think I’m fine so you can strike later?”

Gary facepalmed. “Ash, I’m literally trying to help you here! There’s no evil plot, no poisoning, no sinister Pokémon lurking in the shadows. It’s just a normal check-up. You’re my best friend; I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

Ash stared at him for a moment, as if weighing the truth of his words. Finally, he let out a long sigh, shoulders slumping. “Okay… okay, I believe you.” He glanced up sheepishly. “Sorry for… you know… thinking you might poison me.”

Gary shook his head, smiling. “It’s fine. I know your imagination runs wild sometimes. But trust me, I’m not the bad guy here.” He ruffled Ash’s hair playfully. “Now, since the check-up’s over, how about we grab something to eat? My treat.”

Ash brightened immediately. “Food? You’re speaking my language now!” He hopped off the examination table, all thoughts of poison and betrayal seemingly forgotten.

Gary laughed, shaking his head. “You’re impossible, Ash.”

But as they walked out of the room together, Gary couldn’t help but smile. Ash may have had a wild imagination, but underneath it all, he was still the same determined, loyal friend Gary had known since they were kids.

Gary led Ash into the examination room, which was painted a soft yellow with various Pokémon pictures decorating the walls. Pikachu, Eevee, and Charmander grinned down from the posters, but Ash wasn't paying attention to any of it. His mind raced with wild thoughts of impending doom, imagining all the worst scenarios.

Gary walked over to the counter, picking up a clipboard, while Ash sat stiffly on the examination table, still biting his nails. The tension between them hung in the air like a dense fog.

“Alright, Ash, let’s start with a simple checkup,” Gary began, but when he turned back around, he saw Ash staring off into space, eyes wide and unfocused.

“Come on, Ash! Snap out of it!” Gary said, exasperated. He lightly slapped Ash on the back of the head to grab his attention.

Ash blinked, startled. “Huh? What? Oh... yeah, sure, I’m here.”

Gary shook his head and sighed. “Seriously, Ash. What’s gotten into you?”

Ash hesitated, glancing around nervously. “I... I’ve just been thinking.”

Gary raised an eyebrow. “Thinking? About what?”

Ash looked down at his feet, unsure how to voice his irrational thoughts, but the words spilled out of his mouth faster than he could stop them. “About you... poisoning me.”

Gary froze, staring at Ash as if he'd just sprouted an extra head. “What?”

“You heard me!” Ash snapped, finally letting his paranoia out in a torrent. “You’ve got all these Poison-type Pokémon, and we’re rivals, and I don’t know, Gary, maybe you’ve been holding a grudge since we broke that Poké Ball when we were kids, and this is your way of getting back at me! You’re just trying to get my guard down, and then BAM! One of your Pokémon strikes with poison!”

Gary couldn’t help but facepalm. “Ash... be realistic.”

“I am being realistic!” Ash shot back, pacing back and forth now, completely ignoring the room and its bright, cheerful decorations. “Think about it! We’ve been best friends for ages, but we’ve also been rivals! What if this whole ‘check-up’ thing is just some elaborate scheme to take me out? What if—”

“Buddy.” Gary tried to interject, but Ash wasn’t finished.

“What if the reason you’re always one step ahead in battles is because you’re secretly planning my downfall?! And then—then you’ll be the greatest Pokémon Master of all time and—”

“Ash!” Gary exclaimed, stepping forward and grabbing Ash by the shoulders, forcing him to stop his wild rant. “Seriously, snap out of it. I’m not going to poison you.”

Ash paused, blinking in surprise. “...You’re not?”

“No! Of course not! You’re my best friend, you idiot,” Gary said with a tired smile. “Look, we’ve been through a lot, sure, but I’m here as your doctor, and you need this checkup. There’s no secret plot. Just me making sure you’re healthy.”

Ash stared at him for a moment, still suspicious, before finally sighing and slumping down onto the table. “Okay... okay. I guess you’re right.”

Gary rolled his eyes and grabbed his stethoscope. “Alright, now take a deep breath for me.”

Ash followed the command, but as Gary listened to his heartbeat, he muttered under his breath, “But if I wake up tomorrow feeling sick, I’m gonna know you did something…”

Gary gave him a light smack on the shoulder again. “I’m not gonna poison you, Ash.”

As Gary continued the checkup, measuring Ash’s vitals, checking his reflexes, and asking about any recent injuries or issues, Ash’s wild imagination still wouldn’t fully let go. His thoughts kept drifting back to all the possible ways Gary could sabotage him, from poisoning his food to using Pokémon with hidden abilities he’d never seen.

Gary noticed Ash’s distracted expression and sighed, pressing his hand to his forehead. “You’re not even paying attention, are you?”

Ash looked up, startled, “Huh? Oh, yeah, I’m fine.”

“No, you’re clearly not,” Gary said, moving over to the other side of the room. “You’ve been muttering nonsense this whole time. You’re still thinking I’m out to get you, aren’t you?”

Ash fidgeted nervously on the table. “Well, it’s not completely impossible...”

Gary sighed heavily and grabbed the blanket from the side of the bed, tossing it over Ash’s head. “You’re being ridiculous.”

Ash immediately pulled the blanket tighter around himself like a shield. “It’s true, though! You’ve been holding a grudge ever since that time we broke the Poké Ball, and you’ve been looking for revenge ever since!”

Gary laughed, shaking his head. “Ash, I’ve moved past that ages ago. You’re the only one still holding onto it.”

“No way!” Ash shouted from under the blanket, his voice muffled. “I’m just saying... if I start feeling weird after this, I’ll know why!”

Gary leaned against the examination table, crossing his arms. “You really think I’ve hated you all these years? You really think I’d try something like that?”

Ash peeked out from under the blanket, his eyes wide and uncertain. “Well... maybe.”

“Listen, Ash,” Gary said, his voice softer now. “We’ve had our rivalries, sure. But we’ve always been friends, no matter what. I’m not here to hurt you. I’m here to help you.”

Ash slowly lowered the blanket, the tension easing just a little. “You mean it?”

Gary smiled. “Of course I mean it. Now let’s finish this check-up, and then maybe we can grab some lunch. My treat.”

Ash finally relaxed, nodding slowly. “Okay... I guess I was overthinking it.”

“Yeah,” Gary chuckled. “Just a bit.”

Gary led Ash into the brightly lit room, his steps steady and confident, but Ash trailed behind, still lost in his wild thoughts. The room was painted a warm yellow, with various Pokémon posters decorating the walls—some of Pikachu, Eevee, and even a few rare ones like Alakazam and Umbreon. But Ash barely noticed. His mind was a whirlwind of paranoia.

Gary, noticing Ash's glazed expression, turned and slapped the back of his head lightly. "Come on, Ash! Be realistic! What’s going on in that brain of yours?"

Ash, startled, rubbed the back of his head and muttered, "I am being realistic!"

Gary raised a brow and crossed his arms, clearly skeptical. "Really? Because right now, it seems like you're a million miles away."

Ash took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. But instead of calming down, his thoughts spilled out uncontrollably. "What if you're, like, actually evil? And you're planning to poison me with one of your Pokémon! You have all these different Pokémon... I mean, come on, Gary, some of them are poisonous! What if this whole check-up thing is just a trick to lower my guard, and then—bam! Your Venomoth or whatever gets me!"

Gary's jaw dropped for a moment before he threw his hands up in exasperation. "Buddy, seriously?"

Ash, now fully spiraling, waved his hands in the air as he continued. "And don't forget that one time we broke that Poké Ball when we were kids! You've probably hated me ever since! I’m just saying… it's not out of the question. You’ve been holding a grudge all this time, right? You’ve been waiting to strike!"

With that, Ash dove onto the examination bed, yanking the blanket over his head and curling up like a Caterpie in its cocoon. "I'm onto you, Gary!" his muffled voice declared from beneath the blanket.

Gary, standing beside the bed with an utterly baffled expression, sighed and shook his head. He leaned over the bed and tugged at the blanket, trying to uncover Ash’s face. "Ash, you’re being ridiculous. Poison? Really? You’ve watched too many Pokémon movies, buddy."

Ash peeked out from the blanket cautiously, his eyes narrowed. "But what if I’m not? What if you’ve been waiting this whole time?"

Gary placed a hand on his hip, shaking his head again. “Listen, buddy. We’ve been rivals, sure, but we’ve always been friends first. That Poké Ball thing? Ancient history! We were kids back then. You think I'd still be holding a grudge over that?”

Ash slowly sat up, the blanket slipping off his shoulders, though his suspicion hadn't completely faded. “I dunno, Gary… you did have that smug look on your face when we walked in here.”

Gary rolled his eyes, pulling over a chair and sitting in front of Ash. “Smug? That’s just my face, Ash.”

There was a pause, and then both of them burst out laughing, the tension finally breaking. Gary reached out and ruffled Ash’s hair. “Look, you’re fine. I’m a doctor now. It’s literally my job to make sure you’re okay, not to poison you. Geez, where do you come up with these things?”

Ash, still chuckling, rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, okay… maybe I went a little overboard.”

“A little? Try a lot,” Gary teased, but there was no malice in his voice. He stood up and grabbed his stethoscope. “Alright, let’s get started with this check-up. First, deep breaths. Don’t freak out—it’s just routine.”

Ash, still feeling a little embarrassed, nodded and sat up straight. He let out a deep breath as Gary pressed the stethoscope to his chest. “In and out,” Gary said, listening carefully as Ash followed the instructions. “Good. You’re still alive, so that’s a plus.”

Ash snorted. “Very funny.”

Gary smirked, moving on to check Ash’s blood pressure and reflexes, all while keeping the mood light. “See? No poison yet,” he joked, patting Ash on the shoulder. “Now, let’s check your eyes. Look at the light.”

As Gary moved through the examination, Ash’s mind wandered again, but this time to more rational thoughts. He realized how silly he’d been, letting his imagination run wild. Gary was right—despite their rivalry, they'd always had each other’s backs.

“Okay, final thing,” Gary said, snapping Ash out of his thoughts. “You’re due for a quick shot.”

Ash tensed immediately, the paranoia creeping back in. “A shot? What kind of shot?”

Gary rolled his eyes again. “Just a regular booster, Ash. Not poison. You’ll survive this.”

Ash braced himself as Gary prepared the injection. He closed his eyes tightly, muttering, “I swear, if this is a Venomoth attack in disguise…”

“Relax,” Gary chuckled, administering the shot quickly. “There. All done.”

Ash opened one eye cautiously. “That’s it?”

“That’s it,” Gary confirmed, capping the syringe. “See? You survived, and no venom involved.”

Ash let out a breath of relief, finally letting go of the last of his ridiculous theories. “Okay, maybe I was overthinking it.”

Gary laughed and patted Ash’s shoulder. “You think? Come on, Ash. I’d never do anything to hurt you. We’ve been through too much for that.”

Ash nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude for his friend. “Thanks, Gary. I don’t know what got into me.”

Gary smirked. “You’ve always had a wild imagination. But that’s what makes you, you.”

Brock: she got hit hard

Ash: yeah

Gary led Ash into the examination room, the yellow walls adorned with vibrant Pokémon posters that seemed to leap off the walls. There were pictures of Pikachu, Eevee, Bulbasaur, and several other Pokémon battling, training, or lounging peacefully. But Ash barely noticed any of it—his mind was spiraling into a whirlwind of thoughts about his impending doom.

As Gary sat down at his desk, preparing his equipment, Ash's nerves went into overdrive. What if Gary's secretly evil? What if he poisons me today? He is a researcher, after all... and he's got all those Poison-type Pokémon...

Gary glanced up from the clipboard he was holding and noticed Ash was completely zoned out, chewing on his fingernails nervously. He rolled his eyes and, with a sigh, walked over to his friend, smacking him lightly on the back of the head.

"Come on, Ash!" Gary said, raising an eyebrow. "Be realistic! I'm just giving you a check-up, nothing more."

Ash snapped back to attention, rubbing the back of his head where Gary had hit him. "I am being realistic!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with wild paranoia. "I’ve been thinking—what if you're actually evil? What if this whole check-up is a trap to poison me? You’ve got all those Poison Pokémon... I bet they're waiting to strike when my guard's down!"

Gary blinked, completely stunned. He let out a frustrated sigh and folded his arms. "Buddy... really?"

Ash wasn’t done. "Think about it!" he continued, pacing the room. "We’ve always been best friends, right? But ever since we broke that Poké Ball when we were kids, you’ve hated me! This is your revenge, isn’t it? You’re going to make me lower my defenses and then... boom! Venomoth or Arbok strikes!"

Without warning, Ash darted toward the examination bed and buried himself under the blanket, leaving only his hair and hat poking out. “I’m not coming out!” he muttered, voice muffled under the blanket. “You’ll have to catch me first!”

Gary stood there, blinking. He hadn’t the faintest idea how to respond to his friend’s absurd string of thoughts. The room fell silent, save for Ash’s muffled ramblings from under the blanket. Finally, Gary sighed and sat down on the examination chair, leaning back as if he were tired already.

“Okay, Ash,” Gary said after a moment, rubbing his temples. “First of all, I don’t hate you. I never hated you. We’ve had our rivalries, sure, but I’ve always thought of you as my best friend. That whole broken Poké Ball thing? That was an accident. I don’t even remember it half the time.”

Ash peeked out from under the blanket, his eyes still suspicious. “You say that, but what about your Pokémon? Some of them are dangerous! They could poison me!”

Gary groaned and leaned forward. “Ash, I’m your doctor. I’m not here to poison you. I’m here to check your health, make sure you’re good to go, and get you back out there to battle. Now get out from under the blanket and stop acting like I’m some kind of supervillain.”

Ash hesitated for a moment but then slowly sat up, pulling the blanket off his head. “You really mean that?” he asked, looking a bit embarrassed now.

Gary nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I really mean it. Now, can we get this check-up started so I don’t have to chase you around the building?”

Ash gave a small chuckle, feeling a little foolish for letting his imagination run wild. “Alright, alright. Sorry, Gary. I don’t know what got into me.”

Gary smirked, getting his stethoscope ready. “You’ve always had a wild imagination, Ash. I guess it’s one of the things I like about you.”

As Ash sat back on the exam table, Gary went through the motions of the check-up. He took Ash’s pulse, checked his breathing, and even made sure to look over a few minor scrapes Ash had earned from training with Pikachu. The whole time, Ash kept glancing nervously at Gary, half expecting something bizarre to happen, but everything was surprisingly normal.

Gary scribbled some notes down on his clipboard, glancing back at Ash as he finished. "See? Nothing crazy. No poison Pokémon waiting in the wings. Just a standard check-up, buddy."

Ash let out a relieved sigh, finally relaxing completely. “Thanks, Gary. I guess I let my mind get the better of me.”

Gary gave him a light punch on the shoulder. “Anytime, Ashy-boy. Just... next time, maybe don’t think I’m plotting to take you down, okay? We’ve been through too much together for that.”

Ash grinned sheepishly. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Best friends, huh?”

Gary smiled, nodding. “Always.”

Gary led Ash into the examination room, the door marked “345” clicking shut behind them. The room was brightly lit, the walls painted a soft yellow with various Pokémon posters hanging around—Pikachu, Eevee, Gyarados, even a few legendary ones. Ash barely noticed, though. His mind was spinning with bizarre theories, fueled by his nerves.

Gary sat down in a chair beside the examination bed, crossing his legs as he picked up a clipboard. “Alright, Ashy-boy, time for your check-up.” His voice was smooth, but Ash felt a pang of anxiety as Gary clicked the pen and started jotting something down.

Ash, meanwhile, could hardly focus. His mind raced with wild thoughts. What if Gary really *was* planning something? He had all these different Pokémon… some of them were even poisonous! What if Gary was just trying to make Ash let his guard down and then… BAM! Poison attack!

Before Ash could spiral further into his thoughts, Gary slapped a hand lightly against Ash’s head. “Come on, Ash! Be realistic!”

Ash blinked, jolting out of his stupor, only to look up at Gary with a mix of confusion and mild paranoia. “I am being realistic!” he snapped defensively. “I’ve been thinking about it. You could be evil—trying to poison me or something!”

Gary raised a brow, staring at Ash incredulously. “What?”

“I mean,” Ash began, waving his hands dramatically, “you’re five months older than me! You’ve got all these Pokémon, some of them dangerous, and—and you might’ve been planning this for years! What if this check-up is just a cover? You’re making me feel safe, then BAM, your poison Pokémon attack!”

Gary sighed, setting the clipboard down and crossing his arms. “Ash, that’s ridiculous.”

“No, it’s not!” Ash insisted, pacing back and forth. “Think about it, Gary! Remember that one time we broke that Poké Ball when we were kids? You’ve hated me ever since! It’s all been part of some elaborate revenge plan! It makes perfect sense!”

At this point, Ash was so worked up that he grabbed the nearest blanket, buried himself under it, and refused to come out. Gary stood there, staring at the lump of fabric that was his best friend. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before kneeling down beside the examination bed.

He peeked under the blanket, trying to find Ash’s eyes. “Ashy, listen…”

Ash huffed, still clinging to his delusions. “I’m telling you, Gary. This is it. This is how it ends.”

Gary shook his head, his voice softer this time. “Ash, I’m your doctor, and more importantly, I’m your friend. I’m not gonna poison you, okay? I’m just here to make sure you’re healthy. That’s it. No poison. No evil plans.”

There was silence for a moment before Ash slowly peeked out from under the blanket, his wide eyes meeting Gary’s. “You’re sure?”

Gary couldn’t help but smirk a little. “Yeah, I’m sure. Besides, if I wanted to get revenge, I wouldn’t do it by pretending to be your doctor and then poisoning you. I’d challenge you to a Pokémon battle like a normal person.”

Ash blinked, processing that, before slowly sitting up, his face a little red from embarrassment. “Right… I guess that makes sense.”

Gary chuckled, grabbing his stethoscope and motioning for Ash to hop onto the examination bed. “Alright, let’s get started before you come up with another crazy theory.”

Ash climbed onto the bed reluctantly, still a bit embarrassed but relieved that Gary wasn’t some evil mastermind after all. As Gary started the check-up, listening to Ash’s heartbeat and taking his vitals, Ash’s mind finally started to calm down.

The room was quiet except for the occasional beep of medical equipment, but Gary’s steady voice kept things grounded. “Heart rate’s normal… breathing’s fine…” Gary muttered as he made his notes.

Ash watched him carefully, still a little on edge but less convinced that Gary was about to pull something sinister. “So, no poison Pokémon, huh?”

Gary rolled his eyes. “No poison Pokémon, Ash.”

They continued the check-up in relative silence, though Ash couldn’t help but fidget a little when Gary started to inspect his eyes. “You’re lucky I’m not charging you for this extra drama,” Gary teased lightly, shining a light into Ash’s pupils.

“Hey, I wasn’t being dramatic!” Ash protested, though his cheeks were still flushed. “I was just being… cautious.”

“Uh-huh,” Gary replied dryly, clicking off the light and moving on. “I guess paranoia’s part of your charm, huh?”

Ash grumbled under his breath as Gary checked his reflexes, but he finally allowed himself to relax a bit. The tension eased between them as the check-up went on smoothly, and soon enough, Gary was jotting down the final notes.

“Alright, Ashy-boy, you’re all good,” Gary said with a satisfied nod, standing up and tossing his clipboard onto the counter.

Ash sighed in relief, hopping off the examination bed. “Thanks, Gary… and sorry for, uh… you know…”

Gary grinned, clapping Ash on the back. “Don’t worry about it. You’re not the first person to get nervous around me. But next time, maybe just ask if I’m planning something before you assume I’m out to get you.”

Ash chuckled sheepishly. “Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.”

As they left the room, Ash glanced back at the Pokémon posters one last time, feeling a little foolish for getting so worked up. But deep down, he was grateful that Gary was still the same friend he’d always been—no matter how wild his imagination might run.

Gary led Ash into his office, a bright room with yellow walls, decorated with pictures of various Pokémon—some in mid-battle, some in cute, happy poses. The space was warm and welcoming, but Ash wasn’t paying any attention to the décor. His mind was racing, filled with random and absurd thoughts about his impending doom at the hands of his so-called friend.

As Gary shut the door behind them, Ash bit his nails nervously. **Gary could poison me, right?** he thought, his eyes darting around the room. **I mean, what if this is all an elaborate setup?**

Gary, meanwhile, rolled his eyes as he grabbed a clipboard from the desk. “Alright, Ash, let’s get this check-up started. You know the drill—just sit down, and we’ll go through the usual stuff.”

But Ash barely heard him. His mind was spinning with conspiracies. **Gary has all those Pokémon... What if one of them is trained to poison me?** He gulped, wide-eyed. **Maybe he’s been holding a grudge since we broke that Poké Ball when we were kids. Yeah, that must be it!**

Gary glanced over at Ash, who was still standing in the middle of the room, looking like he was preparing to face a battle, not a check-up. “Ash, come on, buddy. Sit on the bed,” Gary said, waving him over to the examination table.

Ash, snapping out of his daze for a moment, hesitated and slowly walked toward the bed. His eyes darted around the room as if expecting a Poison-type Pokémon to jump out at him. He sat down cautiously, his foot still tapping nervously.

Gary raised an eyebrow as he began to check Ash’s vitals. “You’re acting strange, even for you,” Gary commented as he adjusted the stethoscope around his neck. He leaned in to listen to Ash’s heartbeat, but Ash flinched, his eyes going wide.

Gary sighed and pulled back slightly. “Ash, relax. I’m just doing a routine check-up.”

Ash crossed his arms and muttered under his breath, “Routine, right. More like you’re planning to poison me or something.”

Gary blinked in confusion. “Poison you?” He stood back, arms crossed, trying to figure out what was going on in Ash’s head. “Where in the world did you get that idea?”

Ash turned to face him, eyes wild with suspicion. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because you have all those poisonous Pokémon! What if you’re using this check-up as a way to strike when I least expect it?”

Gary stared at him, baffled. “Ash, come on! You know I’m not going to poison you. We’ve been friends since we were kids.”

Ash wasn’t convinced. “Yeah, but what about that one time we broke that Poké Ball when we were younger? You’ve hated me ever since! I know you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get back at me!”

With that, Ash dramatically grabbed the blanket from the examination table and threw it over his head, burying himself beneath it like a child trying to hide from a monster.

Gary couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head as he placed the clipboard on the counter. “Ash, seriously?” he said, trying to contain his amusement. “You think I’ve been holding a grudge for years over a broken Poké Ball? That was, like, ages ago! Besides, it was an accident.”

From under the blanket, Ash’s muffled voice replied, “You say that, but how do I know you’re not secretly plotting my demise?”

Gary walked over to the bed, tugging at the blanket gently. “Ash, buddy, I’m not going to poison you. I’m your doctor, not a villain in one of your wild fantasies. Now come on, let me finish this check-up. I promise, no Poison-types are involved.”

Ash peeked out from under the blanket, his face still filled with uncertainty. “Promise?”

“Promise,” Gary replied with a nod, his tone reassuring. “Look, I get that we’re rivals sometimes, but that doesn’t mean I want to hurt you. I’m here to make sure you’re healthy, not plot against you.”

Ash hesitated for a moment longer, then slowly emerged from beneath the blanket, still eyeing Gary warily. “Okay… but I’m watching you.”

Gary grinned, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable,” he muttered, rolling up Ash’s sleeve to take his blood pressure. “Just sit still and let me do my job.”

As Gary continued with the check-up—taking Ash’s blood pressure, checking his reflexes, and performing other standard procedures—Ash’s paranoia gradually faded, though he still occasionally cast suspicious glances at Gary. But after a while, even Ash couldn’t deny that nothing sinister was happening.

When Gary finished, he pulled off his gloves and tossed them in the trash. “See? Easy. No poisons, no evil plots. Just a regular check-up.”

Ash scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Yeah, I guess I got a little carried away…”

“A little?” Gary chuckled, crossing his arms. “You had yourself convinced I was going to take you out right here in the clinic.”

Ash grinned awkwardly. “Well, you never know… better safe than sorry, right?”

Gary shook his head with a smile. “Next time, just trust me, okay? I’m not out to get you, Ash. We’re best friends first and rivals second. Remember that.”

Ash nodded, finally feeling the tension leave his body. “Yeah… Thanks, Gary. I guess I let my imagination run wild.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time,” Gary teased, patting Ash on the back. “Come on, let’s grab something to eat. I think your brain could use a recharge after all that.”

Ash grinned, feeling much lighter than before. “Yeah, let’s go.”

*Thinks* but still. I'm gonna win it in a way that'll make Gary proud of me

Gary pushed open the door, and they stepped into his office—a warm, sunny yellow room adorned with framed pictures of Pokémon. Charmander, Eevee, and even Gary’s signature Blastoise were all on display, but Ash didn’t even register the surroundings. His mind was racing, spiraling into an endless loop of bizarre thoughts.

What if Gary was secretly evil? Ash thought as he nervously chewed on his thumbnail. What if all these years of friendship were just a setup so that today, Gary could strike and poison me? What if he’s waiting for my guard to go down?

“Ash, you good?” Gary’s voice cut through his paranoia as he nudged him.

“Huh? Oh yeah, fine!” Ash replied, but his wide-eyed expression betrayed him.

Gary raised an eyebrow and sighed, leading Ash to sit down on the examination table. “Look, this is just a check-up. Relax, will ya?”

Ash, however, couldn’t shake the anxiety. His foot tapped restlessly, and he glanced nervously around the room as if expecting one of Gary’s Pokémon to pop out and inject him with venom. What if Gary’s just trying to lull me into a false sense of security? Ash thought. And then—BAM!—his poison-type Pokémon will strike when I least expect it!

“Alright,” Gary began, pulling on a pair of medical gloves with a snap. “Let’s start with the basics. First, I’m just gonna check your vitals.”

Ash barely registered what Gary was saying. His mind was a whirlwind of absurd scenarios. What if Gary’s actually a villain, secretly working for Team Rocket? Or maybe he’s been hypnotized by one of his Psychic Pokémon!

“Hey, Ashy-boy!” Gary snapped his fingers in front of Ash’s face, pulling him out of his spiraling thoughts. “Seriously, you’re acting super weird. Calm down, buddy.”

Ash blinked rapidly and nodded, but the uneasy feeling persisted. His heart pounded in his chest, and he kept shooting glances at the nearby Pokéballs on Gary’s desk, half-expecting one of them to open.

Gary sighed, grabbing a stethoscope and moving closer. “Alright, deep breath in,” he instructed, placing the cold metal of the stethoscope against Ash’s chest. “And out.”

Ash tried to comply, but his breathing was shallow, and his mind raced with yet another outlandish scenario. What if Gary’s stethoscope is secretly filled with poison gas?!

Gary, noticing Ash’s tension, shook his head with a smirk. “Ash, you’re overthinking everything, as usual.” He stepped back and scribbled a note on his clipboard. “Your heart’s racing, but I’m pretty sure that’s just because you’re freaking yourself out.”

“Y-Yeah,” Ash stammered, his face flushed. “Totally. I mean, who wouldn’t be nervous, right? Just a normal check-up... no big deal.”

Gary chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Next, I’m gonna take your blood pressure. This won’t hurt, alright?”

Ash’s eyes widened as Gary wrapped the blood pressure cuff around his arm. What if it’s a trick? What if the cuff is actually some kind of secret trap that’ll inject venom directly into my veins?!

The cuff tightened, and Ash winced, his anxiety spiking. He could barely focus as Gary checked the readings.

“Hmm... Your blood pressure’s a little high,” Gary remarked with a knowing grin. “Probably because you’re sitting there imagining I’m gonna, what, poison you?”

Ash’s eyes darted up, and he quickly looked away. “N-No! I’m not thinking that at all!”

“Sure you aren’t,” Gary said, rolling his eyes. “Buddy, you’ve gotta chill. It’s just me, Gary. You’ve known me forever. I’m not going to do anything to hurt you.”

Ash nodded, but his leg continued to bounce nervously. Gary sighed again and moved on, grabbing a tongue depressor.

“Alright, say ‘ah,’” Gary instructed, holding the wooden stick.

Ash hesitated for a second. What if the tongue depressor’s laced with something?!His imagination ran wild once more.

“Ash!” Gary snapped, waving the depressor in front of him. “Dude, c’mon. Just say ‘ah.’”

Reluctantly, Ash opened his mouth, and Gary gently pressed the depressor down, checking his throat. “Looks fine,” Gary said, discarding the stick. “Now, let’s do your reflexes.”

Gary grabbed a small rubber hammer and tapped Ash’s knee lightly, making it jerk forward in response. Ash flinched slightly but quickly realized nothing terrible happened. Gary, sensing the tension still lingering, sighed and sat down on a nearby chair.

“Okay, seriously,” Gary said, leaning forward. “What’s going on in that thick head of yours? You’ve been on edge since we walked in here.”

Ash bit his lip, hesitating. Finally, he let out a long sigh. “I dunno... I just... I guess I’m just nervous about, like, everything. The competition, this check-up... and you being... well, you.”

“Me?” Gary asked, amused. “What do you mean by that?”

“You’re... kinda intense, Gary,” Ash muttered. “And you’ve got all these powerful Pokémon, some of them poisonous, and I guess I was just... overthinking that maybe you’d... y’know...”

“Poison you?” Gary burst out laughing, unable to contain himself. “Ash, buddy, I’m not gonna poison you! What kind of crazy ideas are bouncing around in your head?”

Ash flushed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “I dunno, Gary. I’ve just been really worked up lately.”

Gary stood up, shaking his head with a grin. “Ash, we’re rivals, sure, but I’d never hurt you. We’ve been through way too much together for that. Besides,” he added, punching Ash lightly on the arm, “you’re my best friend. If I ever did anything to mess you up, my grandpa would have my head!”

Ash chuckled, feeling some of the tension melt away. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Of course I’m right,” Gary said confidently. “Now stop worrying about getting poisoned and let me finish this check-up, alright?”

Ash nodded, finally relaxing as Gary moved on to check his vision and hearing, running through the rest of the examination with ease. By the time they were done, Ash felt much more like himself again, the weight of his bizarre fears lifting.

“See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Gary asked, gathering his tools.

“Nah,” Ash admitted, standing up from the table. “I guess I was just being silly.”

“More like completely ridiculous,” Gary teased, but there was a hint of affection in his voice. “Next time, maybe don’t spend the whole check-up imagining I’m an evil mastermind trying to take you out, huh?”

Ash grinned, feeling a lot lighter. “Deal.”

As they left the room together, Gary playfully ruffled Ash’s hair. “Now let’s get back to what we do best—kicking each other’s butts in Pokémon battles.”

Ash laughed, nodding. “You’re on!”

Gary led Ash into the room, labeled "345" in bold letters, and as soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Ash's nerves spiked. He took a deep breath, trying to shake the irrational thoughts swirling in his mind, but they clung on like sticky cobwebs.

Gary’s examination room was brightly lit, the walls painted a warm, inviting yellow. Posters of various Pokémon species adorned the walls, with cheerful depictions of Pikachu, Eevee, and others smiling down from their frames. A table with medical equipment sat near the back, and in the center was an exam bed where Ash was supposed to sit.

But Ash wasn’t focused on any of that.

In his mind, Gary wasn’t his old friend right now—he was plotting something sinister, something involving his venomous Pokémon. The thought crept into Ash’s mind like a nightmare. What if Gary had been planning this all along? Luring him into a false sense of security only to strike with poison? His thoughts spiraled. What if he had already let his guard down too much?

"Hey, Ashy-boy, come on, sit up here," Gary said, patting the exam table. His tone was light, playful even, but to Ash, it seemed like the calm before the storm. Gary could be lulling him into complacency.

Ash blinked, barely registering Gary’s words as he hesitated. He was still biting his nails, his foot tapping restlessly against the tiled floor. His mind conjured wild scenarios of Gary secretly working for some evil organization, maybe even Team Rocket, ready to inject him with some sort of slow-acting toxin.

"Uh, yeah, sure…" Ash muttered, climbing up on the table like a prisoner being led to the gallows.

Gary gave him a long, hard look, one eyebrow raised. "You okay, buddy? You’ve been acting weird since we got here."

Ash swallowed, glancing at Gary’s crossed arms, noting the way the lab coat hung off his shoulders. "Yeah, fine," he said, though the tightness in his voice betrayed him.

Gary walked over to a counter and began pulling out some basic instruments for the check-up. He grabbed a stethoscope, a thermometer, and a clipboard with Ash’s health records on it. "I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours, but you seem… tense," Gary commented as he approached, looping the stethoscope around his neck.

Ash stiffened on the table, his mind racing again. This is it, he thought. He’s going to make his move, any second now... Maybe that stethoscope is rigged to inject poison!

Gary chuckled, clearly unaware of Ash’s internal freak-out. "Okay, let’s start simple. Breathe in for me." He pressed the cold metal of the stethoscope against Ash’s chest, causing him to flinch slightly.

Ash’s breath hitched, his brain running wild. What if that thing has something in it? He took a shaky breath. Or what if he’s just checking my vitals to figure out when I’m weakest? His eyes darted to Gary, whose face remained neutral, professional.

"Breathe out, Ashy-boy," Gary instructed, completely oblivious to the war going on in Ash’s mind.

Ash exhaled, though his hands were now clenched into fists at his sides. "Gary," he began slowly, his voice trembling with suspicion, "you’re not… uh, you wouldn’t—"

Gary raised a brow as he stood back up. "What? What are you going on about?"

Ash stared at him, half expecting Gary to confess to some elaborate, sinister scheme. "You're not... trying to poison me, are you?"

For a moment, there was silence, and then Gary burst out laughing. It was so sudden and loud that Ash flinched. "Poison you?!" Gary repeated between chuckles, wiping a tear from his eye. "Ash, buddy, calm down. What on Earth gave you that idea?"

Ash looked away, embarrassed but still uneasy. "I dunno… I just… you’ve got poison Pokémon, and I thought… maybe…"

Gary shook his head, still smiling but now with a touch of concern. He sat on the stool next to Ash, leaning forward. "Look, Ash, we’ve known each other since we were kids. If I wanted to poison you, don’t you think I would’ve done it, like, ages ago? You’ve beaten me in battles. Trust me, if I was out to get you, you’d know."

Ash tried to laugh at that, but it came out weak. "Yeah, I guess…"

Gary placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder, his expression softening. "You’re overthinking this, Ashy-boy. It’s just a check-up. I’m not here to hurt you or your Pokémon. We’re friends, remember? Now, stop acting like you’re walking into a death trap."

Ash finally allowed himself to relax a little, though his nerves were still humming in the background. "Sorry," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. "I guess I’ve just got a lot on my mind."

Gary nodded knowingly. "It’s okay, buddy. We’ve all been through a lot. Now let me finish the check-up, alright? Then we can grab some lunch or something." He pulled out the thermometer next and handed it to Ash. "Stick this under your tongue."

Ash did as he was told, feeling a bit foolish for his earlier thoughts. Gary went through the rest of the check-up quickly—taking Ash’s temperature, checking his blood pressure, making sure everything was in order. The whole time, Gary’s light-hearted banter helped ease the tension that had been gnawing at Ash.

Finally, Gary scribbled down some notes on his clipboard and gave Ash a satisfied nod. "You’re all good, Ashy-boy. Healthy as a Tauros. Just try not to freak out every time you visit the doctor, okay?"

Ash sighed with relief. "Yeah, yeah, I get it."

Gary chuckled again, clapping Ash on the back. "See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?"

Ash stood up, shaking his head with a sheepish grin. "No… I guess it wasn’t."

As they walked out of the room together, Gary couldn’t resist teasing him one last time. "I mean, if I was going to poison you, you wouldn’t have seen it coming."

"Gary!" Ash exclaimed, his eyes widening as Gary burst into another fit of laughter.

"Relax, Ashy-boy. I’m just messing with you."

Gary led Ash into the room, number 345, and the moment they stepped inside, Ash couldn’t help but glance around. The walls were painted a cheerful yellow, adorned with framed pictures of various Pokémon—Pikachu, Blastoise, Umbreon, and many more. The colors were supposed to be comforting, but Ash wasn’t paying attention to the décor. His mind was spiraling.

Could Gary actually be evil? Ash wondered, chewing on his nails again. Maybe this whole check-up thing is just a cover-up. What if… what if Gary’s trying to lull me into a false sense of security?

Gary pulled out a stethoscope and set it on the counter, noticing Ash’s distant look. “Ashy-boy, what’s with the face?” he asked, leaning against the examination table. “It’s just a check-up, not surgery.”

Ash blinked, eyes wide. “WHAT? Surgery?!”

He bolted to the far side of the room and curled up, pressing himself against the wall, his face pale with panic.

Gary rubbed his forehead with a sigh. “No, Ash. Calm down, buddy,” he said, walking over to him. “It’s just a regular check-up. I’m not gonna poison you or do anything crazy.”

Ash looked up at him, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “How do I know that? You’ve got all these Poison-type Pokémon… and what if this is part of some long-term plan? You could be trying to make me drop my guard before you—”

Gary groaned. “Seriously, Ash? I’m your doctor today, not your enemy. Can you please trust me?”

Ash stayed curled up for a moment longer, muttering more outlandish theories to himself. What if Gary’s got some secret plan? Maybe he’s been waiting all this time to get me alone in a room like this and then—

Gary crossed his arms. “Ash, do I really look like the kind of guy who would poison his best friend?”

Ash blinked. He wasn’t sure how to answer that. Gary had been his rival for so long… but he was also the same person who had always been there for him. Ash slowly uncurled himself, taking a deep breath.

“Okay, okay… but no funny business, Gary,” Ash said warily, standing up. “I’m watching you.”

Gary chuckled. “Buddy, I promise, no funny business. Now, let’s get this over with.”

Ash cautiously approached the examination table, eyeing Gary’s stethoscope like it was some kind of secret weapon. He hopped up on the table, still tense, and Gary grabbed the stethoscope, placing it around his neck.

“Alright, first things first,” Gary said, slipping the stethoscope into his ears. “Take deep breaths for me, Ash.”

Ash obliged, though his breathing was shaky. He couldn’t stop thinking about all the ways this could go wrong. What if Gary’s got some trick up his sleeve?

Gary pressed the stethoscope to Ash’s chest. “Breathe in… and out.”

Ash did as instructed, though his mind was still running wild. “You’re not gonna find anything weird, right?”

Gary chuckled again. “The only thing weird here is you, Ashy-boy. You’re as healthy as ever. Relax.”

Gary then checked Ash’s blood pressure, feeling Ash’s continued nervous fidgeting. “I swear, it’s not like I’m going to pull out a syringe full of Poison Jab or something.”

Ash shuddered at the thought. “That’s… oddly specific, Gary.”

Gary shook his head with an amused smile, continuing the check-up. He used a little device to check Ash’s ears, eyes, and throat, all the while trying to ignore the fact that Ash was still glaring at him as though expecting some kind of betrayal.

“Alright, now I’m just gonna check your reflexes,” Gary said, picking up a small reflex hammer.

Ash tensed up again. “You’re not gonna break my legs, are you?”

Gary sighed, rubbing his temples. “Ash, buddy, do you even hear yourself right now?”

Ash fidgeted nervously. “I mean, it’s possible… right?”

Gary crouched down and lightly tapped Ash’s knee with the hammer. Ash’s leg jerked reflexively, and he seemed genuinely surprised that nothing nefarious happened.

“See? That wasn’t so bad,” Gary said with a smirk.

Ash stared at him, still unconvinced. “You’re being suspiciously nice.”

“Because I’m your friend,” Gary replied. “I’m supposed to be nice. Now stop acting like I’m gonna turn into Giovanni or something.”

Ash sighed, feeling slightly more at ease, but still wary. “Okay, fine. But if anything happens, I’m blaming you.”

Gary rolled his eyes. “Nothing’s going to happen, Ash.”

He moved on to the final part of the check-up, taking Ash’s temperature and heart rate. Ash sat quietly this time, though his eyes kept darting around the room as if he expected something to jump out at him.

Finally, after what felt like forever to Ash, Gary stood back with a satisfied nod. “Well, you’re all set. Nothing to worry about. You’re in perfect health, Ashy-boy.”

Ash blinked, looking surprised. “That’s it? No… poison? No… evil plans?”

Gary laughed. “Nope, just a normal check-up. Now can we go get lunch? I’m starving.”

Ash stood up, still looking a little uncertain. “I guess… But I’m still keeping an eye on you, Gary.”

Gary clapped him on the back as they walked toward the door. “Sure thing, buddy. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

As they left the room, Ash glanced back one last time, still half-expecting something to happen. But nothing did. Gary really was just being a good friend.

Gary led Ash into the bright yellow room, its walls adorned with cheerful pictures of various Pokémon, from Pikachu to Arcanine. However, Ash barely noticed the vibrant surroundings. His mind was racing with thoughts that had nothing to do with the room, the check-up, or even the Pokémon he usually adored.

He was entirely fixated on one thing: his impending doom.

What if Gary was secretly evil? What if this check-up was just a way to make his guard go down? And then... bam! One of Gary's poisonous Pokémon strikes! What if Gary had been plotting this for years? Ash’s thoughts spiraled.

"Buddy, you okay?" Gary's voice cut through Ash’s frantic thoughts, making him blink rapidly and realize he was now standing in the middle of the room, still biting his nails.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine," Ash mumbled, his voice unconvincing even to himself.

Gary raised a brow but shrugged. “Alright, Ashy-boy, hop up on the table so we can get started.”

Ash stared at the examination table, hesitating. What if the table was booby-trapped? He slowly shuffled over, still eyeing Gary suspiciously, and climbed up. Gary went over to the counter and started pulling out instruments—nothing scary, just a stethoscope, thermometer, and some medical charts. But to Ash, it looked like Gary was preparing for something far more sinister.

Oh no, what if he’s going to do surgery on me!?

Ash's eyes widened in panic. He felt his heart race even faster than before, his breath coming in short bursts. His stomach was doing flips as irrational thoughts piled up in his brain.

Gary turned back around, tools in hand. "Alright, this'll be quick," he said with a smirk, noticing Ash’s nervousness. “Buddy, it’s not like I’m gonna do surgery on you or anything.”

“SURGERY?!” Ash yelled, leaping off the table and scrambling to the far side of the room. He curled up into a ball near the wall, his eyes darting around like a trapped Pokémon. “No way! Not happening!”

Gary sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ash, relax, I was kidding! Come on, it’s just a check-up!" He crossed the room and crouched down beside his friend, his voice softening. "Buddy, it’s me, Gary. You’ve been through worse stuff with Team Rocket, and you’re freaking out over this?"

Ash peeked out from his arms, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I... I dunno, Gary. This whole check-up thing, and you being a doctor now... it just feels... weird."

Gary chuckled, ruffling Ash’s hat. “I promise you, I’m not gonna poison you or do any weird experiments. It’s just a simple check-up. Now, come on, before I have to carry you back to the table.”

Ash hesitated but slowly stood up, keeping a wary eye on Gary. “You swear you’re not gonna, like, do anything freaky?”

Gary laughed out loud this time. “Ashy-boy, the only ‘freaky’ thing I’m gonna do is take your temperature. Now get back on the table before I start calling you a Psyduck.”

Reluctantly, Ash climbed back onto the table, though he kept his arms crossed over his chest. “Okay, fine. But if I see one Poison-type in here, I’m out.”

Gary smirked, pulling out the thermometer. “Deal.”

The check-up began in earnest. Gary started with the basics, taking Ash’s temperature. “Alright, temperature is good,” Gary said, making a note on the chart.

Ash, still tense, glanced at the wall, trying to focus on the happy pictures of Pikachu and Bulbasaur. But the nervous energy wouldn’t go away. “You sure you’re not evil?” he muttered.

Gary paused, giving him an incredulous look. “Evil? Seriously, Ash?”

Ash shrugged. “I mean, you DO have all these Pokémon. One of them could be secretly trained to... I dunno... take me out!”

Gary shook his head, laughing as he grabbed the stethoscope. “Ash, if I wanted to beat you, I’d just do it in a Pokémon battle, not during a check-up. Now sit still, okay?”

Ash nodded but remained stiff as Gary placed the cold metal of the stethoscope against his chest. “Breathe in.”

Ash inhaled sharply.

“Now out.”

Ash exhaled, his nerves still buzzing.

“See? No poison, no surgery, just making sure you’re healthy.” Gary pulled the stethoscope away and smiled. “You’re good. Now, hold still for your blood pressure.”

Ash tensed up again as Gary wrapped the blood pressure cuff around his arm, his mind still racing. What if the cuff was designed to squeeze too tight? What if Gary was secretly trying to cut off my circulation?

Gary noticed the look of panic creeping back into Ash’s eyes and sighed. “Ashy-boy, it’s just a cuff. I promise it’s not going to explode or anything.”

“I wasn’t thinking that,” Ash lied.

Gary grinned knowingly. “Sure you weren’t.”

Once the blood pressure check was over, Gary scribbled down some final notes and gave Ash a thumbs-up. “You’re all set. See? Told you it wasn’t so bad.”

Ash finally let out a breath of relief. “Yeah... I guess. I still don’t know why you’d want to be a doctor, though.”

Gary shrugged. “I’ve always liked helping people. Plus, it’s fun seeing you squirm.”

“Ha, ha,” Ash muttered, sliding off the table and fixing his hat.

Gary crossed his arms, leaning against the counter. “Come on, admit it—you survived.”

Ash rolled his eyes but couldn’t help grinning. “Yeah, I guess I did.”

“See?” Gary smirked. “Told you I’m not evil.”

Ash shook his head, still chuckling. “Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Gary... for the check-up. And for not, y’know, poisoning me.”

Gary rolled his eyes playfully. “Anytime, Ashy-boy.”

Gary led Ash into his check-up room, which was brightly painted in shades of yellow, with various Pokémon posters decorating the walls—Charizard, Blastoise, and Gary’s own Eevee in action poses. But Ash wasn’t paying attention to any of it. His mind was running wild with ridiculous scenarios, each one more outlandish than the last.

Gary’s gonna poison me, Ash thought, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He’s probably going to use one of his poisonous Pokémon. And all of this—his room, the friendliness—is just a trick! He’s luring me into a false sense of security!

Gary turned back to Ash, who was still standing in the doorway, biting his nails and staring off into space. “Ashy-boy, snap out of it,” Gary said, waving his hand in front of Ash’s face.

Ash blinked rapidly and shook his head, trying to shake off his spiraling thoughts. “Yeah? Oh, uh…yeah. I’m good,” he muttered, his heart still hammering in his chest.

“Then hurry up and sit down,” Gary said, gesturing to the examination table in the middle of the room. Ash shuffled forward slowly, his legs feeling like jelly as he perched himself on the edge of the table. His foot tapped nervously against the floor.

Gary noticed how tense Ash was and sighed. He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “Hey, buddy, you okay?” he asked gently, nudging Ash with his elbow.

Ash glanced up, blinking. “Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine,” he lied, forcing a weak smile. Inside, his mind was racing. Maybe Gary’s going to make me lower my guard, then WHAM! Out comes a Beedrill, and that’s it. I’m a goner!

Gary watched Ash’s twitching eye and the way his hands wrung together. “You sure don’t look fine,” he said with a raised eyebrow. “You’re acting like I’m about to perform surgery on you or something.”

“What?!” Ash yelped, jumping off the table and darting to the far side of the room, curling up against the wall. His eyes were wide with panic. “S-surgery?!”

Gary blinked in surprise, then chuckled softly. “Buddy, calm down. I’m not gonna do surgery. It’s just a regular check-up. You know, the kind doctors do? I’m not going to stick you with anything!”

Ash remained curled up against the wall, his heart racing so fast it felt like he’d run three marathons back to back. “You could be lying!” he stammered. “Maybe this is all part of your evil plan! You’re five months older than me, Gary! That means you’re smarter, and you could totally be planning something!”

Gary pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to laugh. “Ashy-boy, I swear, I’m not evil. And I’m definitely not going to poison you. Now, come on. Sit down, let’s get this over with.”

Ash hesitated for a moment before reluctantly walking back over to the examination table, still eyeing Gary suspiciously. He sat down, his hands still wringing together.

Gary rolled his eyes good-naturedly and grabbed a stethoscope from the counter. “Okay, buddy, first, I’m just going to check your heart rate, alright? No poison involved.”

Ash nodded stiffly, though his heart was still thudding wildly in his chest. When Gary placed the cold metal of the stethoscope against Ash’s chest, Ash jumped slightly, but Gary kept a steady hand.

“Hmm…” Gary listened intently. “Your heart’s racing like you’ve just had a battle with a Legendary. Calm down, Ashy-boy.”

“I’m calm,” Ash said quickly, though his twitching eye and the way he was gripping the edge of the table said otherwise.

Gary smiled. “Yeah, sure. You’re totally calm. Alright, deep breath.” Ash took in a sharp breath and let it out in a shaky exhale. “Good,” Gary said, moving on. “Now I’m going to check your reflexes.”

Ash’s mind was still going a mile a minute. What if he’s checking my reflexes to see how fast I’ll dodge a poison attack?

Gary tapped Ash’s knee lightly with the small reflex hammer, causing Ash’s leg to jerk involuntarily. “Reflexes are good,” Gary commented, moving on to check Ash’s blood pressure.

“Gary…?” Ash asked suddenly, his voice quiet.

Gary looked up. “Yeah, buddy?”

“You’re really not planning to poison me, right?” Ash’s voice was serious, despite the absurdity of the question.

Gary couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ashy-boy, I’m your best friend. If I wanted to poison you, I wouldn’t go through the trouble of giving you a check-up first.”

Ash blinked, confused, and then Gary quickly added, “That was a joke. I’m not poisoning you. Now relax, will you?”

Ash nodded, his shoulders finally slumping as some of the tension began to leave his body. His heart was still pounding, but it was starting to slow down to a more normal rhythm.

Gary finished checking Ash’s vitals and then stood back. “Alright, you’re in good shape, buddy. No need to worry. You’re as fit as ever.”

Ash let out a deep sigh of relief. “Thanks, Gary. I guess I was just… a little nervous.”

Gary smirked and patted Ash on the back. “A little nervous? You looked like you were ready to fight an entire army of Beedrills! Next time, try to relax a bit. You’ll give yourself gray hairs if you keep freaking out like this.”

Ash laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, I guess I was being a little ridiculous, huh?”

“Just a bit,” Gary teased. “Now, go get some rest. And don’t go telling people I’m out here poisoning folks, okay?”

Ash smiled sheepishly. “I won’t. Promise.” He grabbed his hat and placed it back on his head, feeling much lighter than he had before.

Gary watched him go, shaking his head with a grin. “Ashy-boy… Always overthinking things.”

Gary led Ash into the brightly lit examination room, its walls painted a cheery yellow with framed pictures of various Pokémon adorning them. Charizard, Blastoise, and Pikachu smiled from the photos, giving the room a warm and friendly feel. But Ash barely noticed. His mind was a whirlwind of bizarre, anxiety-fueled scenarios, each one more ridiculous than the last.

What if Gary’s actually a villain? What if he’s been pretending to be my friend this whole time, just waiting for this moment to poison me with one of his toxic Pokémon? What if this check-up is all a setup?

He imagined Gary cackling like a mad scientist, sending out a sinister-looking Muk to engulf him while Ash lay helpless on the examination table.

Gary glanced over his shoulder, noticing Ash lagging behind and chewing his nails, his eyes wide with an almost manic look. He sighed. “Ash, snap out of it!” he said, waving his hand in front of Ash’s face.

Ash blinked rapidly, shaking his head as if clearing the fog. “Yeah? Uh, right, I’m coming,” he muttered, though his thoughts were still racing.

Gary smirked, opening the door to Room 345. “This is the one,” he said, stepping inside. He turned to look at Ash, who was now biting his nails again, staring off into space with a distant, worried expression.

“Hey, buddy, you okay?” Gary asked, nudging Ash gently.

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine,” Ash replied, though his twitching eye and wringing hands told a very different story.

Gary raised an eyebrow but decided to brush it off for now. He gestured for Ash to sit on the examination table, which was covered with crisp white paper that crinkled as Ash reluctantly perched on the edge. His foot tapped nervously on the floor as he stared at the ceiling, refusing to make eye contact with Gary.

Gary, noticing Ash’s continued unease, chuckled softly. “Come on, Ashy-boy, it’s not like I’m gonna do surgery on you or anything,” he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“WHAT?!” Ash’s eyes widened in horror. He immediately leapt off the table, backing into the farthest corner of the room, where he curled up into a ball, his arms wrapped protectively around his knees.

Gary facepalmed. “Buddy, relax!” he said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. “I’m just doing a routine check-up. No surgery, no Muk, no evil plans. Just me, checking to make sure you’re healthy.”

Ash’s heart pounded like it was running three marathons at once, and he could feel sweat beading on his forehead. He stared at Gary, still half-convinced that his old rival might pull a dirty trick on him. “You sure?” Ash asked cautiously, his voice shaky.

Gary walked over slowly, keeping his tone calm and reassuring. “Yes, Ash, I’m sure. Now come on, sit back on the table. I promise, nothing bad’s going to happen.”

After a few tense seconds, Ash finally uncrossed his arms and hesitantly got back onto the examination table, though he kept a wary eye on Gary.

Gary chuckled softly again, shaking his head. “You’re more nervous than a Rattata in a cage of Meowths.” He grabbed a stethoscope from the nearby tray and gestured for Ash to sit up straight. “Alright, buddy, deep breaths. In, and out.”

Ash complied, though his breaths were shaky at best. Gary pressed the stethoscope to his chest, listening to his heartbeat, which was pounding like a drum.

“Geez, Ash, your heart’s racing like Rapidash in a sprint,” Gary remarked, moving the stethoscope to different areas on Ash’s chest.

“Yeah, well, maybe that’s because I’m half expecting you to call out Gengar and have it use Hypnosis on me or something,” Ash muttered under his breath.

Gary paused, stifling a laugh. “You’re really letting your imagination run wild, huh? Just relax, Ashy-boy. I’m not gonna throw any curveballs at you. This is just a check-up, remember?”

Ash fidgeted, his fingers twisting nervously in his lap. “You say that, but… what if you’ve been secretly training a whole team of poison-type Pokémon just to—”

“Ash,” Gary interrupted, exasperated. “I’m a researcher and a doctor. Not a villain in one of your made-up stories.”

Ash’s eye twitched again, and he shot Gary a wary glance. “But… what if you’re trying to make me let my guard down?”

Gary sighed, moving on with the check-up. “Alright, Ash, I’m gonna check your blood pressure next.” He wrapped the cuff around Ash’s arm, squeezing the pump as the cuff tightened.

Ash winced as the cuff inflated, and his thoughts immediately spiraled into another ridiculous scenario. What if the cuff’s laced with poison?* he thought wildly. *Or what if Gary’s using this to figure out how weak I am so he can—

“Ash, your blood pressure’s higher than it should be. You’re seriously freaking yourself out over nothing,” Gary commented, shaking his head as he noted down the reading.

Ash sighed, shoulders slumping. “I can’t help it… I guess I’m just used to you messing with me.”

Gary, finishing up the blood pressure check, gave Ash a sympathetic look. “Look, buddy, I know we’ve had our fair share of battles, but this isn’t a competition. I’m just looking out for you.”

Ash stared at him for a moment, then gave a small, sheepish grin. “Yeah… I guess I’m being kinda dumb, huh?”

Gary smiled. “Not dumb. Just Ash.” He ruffled Ash’s hair playfully, causing Ash to let out a nervous laugh.

The rest of the check-up went by smoothly, though Ash couldn’t quite shake his nerves completely. When Gary finally declared the check-up over, Ash practically jumped off the table.

“See? Wasn’t so bad, was it?” Gary asked, smirking.

Ash sighed in relief. “Yeah, I guess you didn’t poison me after all.”

Gary laughed, shaking his head. “You’re something else, Ashy-boy.”

Gary led Ash into the room labeled "345," the yellow walls adorned with bright, cheerful Pokémon pictures meant to lighten the mood. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Charizard all stood proudly in frames, with posters featuring battle scenes decorating the corners of the room. But Ash barely noticed. His mind was spinning with wild, paranoid thoughts, each more ridiculous than the last.

Gary’s going to poison me, he thought, eyes wide. He’s got all these dangerous Pokémon, like Nidoking. He’s probably hiding something in one of those Poké Balls, ready to strike when I let my guard down!

Gary, noticing Ash’s dragging feet and unfocused stare, sighed. This happened more often than he cared to admit. "Ash, snap out of it!" he exclaimed, waving an arm in front of Ash’s face.

“Huh? Oh, yeah.” Ash blinked rapidly, forcing himself to nod. “I’m fine.”

"Buddy, you don’t look fine," Gary said, his voice softening as he turned the handle to the room. "It’s not like I’m going to do surgery on you or anything."

“WHAT?” Ash’s eyes widened in terror. His heart skipped a beat, and he darted to the far side of the room, curling up against the wall, as if trying to make himself invisible. His hands shot up to shield his head as his breathing quickened.

Gary put a hand to his forehead in exasperation. “Buddy, calm down,” he said, approaching Ash slowly, his hands raised in a placating gesture. “It’s just a check-up. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Ash peeked through his fingers, his heart racing as fast as if he’d just run three marathons back to back. His eye twitched uncontrollably, and his hands wrung together as if they had a life of their own. He wasn’t listening. This is it! He’s just trying to make me relax, and then he’ll strike with poison. Maybe it’s in the air already! Or in the walls!

Gary frowned slightly as he observed Ash’s uncharacteristic nervousness. Normally, Ash would have been more hyper or annoyed by now. But today? He seemed completely on edge, and Gary had no idea why.

“Ashy-boy,” Gary said, keeping his voice calm but firm, “you’re acting like I’m about to send you into a battlefield instead of just giving you a check-up. Seriously, it’s going to be fine. Come on, let’s get this over with.”

Ash shuffled back to the examination chair, but his eyes darted around the room, searching for hidden dangers. His pulse thudded loudly in his ears, and when Gary pulled out a stethoscope, Ash yelped.

“It’s just a stethoscope,” Gary reassured him. “I need to check your heart rate.”

Ash’s heart was already pounding, but he slowly sat down, trying his best to remain calm. His hands were still shaking.

Gary placed the stethoscope against Ash’s chest. The rhythmic thudding of Ash’s heartbeat reverberated through the room, and Gary raised a brow. “Buddy, your heart is racing. You’re more nervous than a Pidgey in a room full of Meowths. Relax.”

Ash couldn’t help it. His mind continued to race, filled with absurd scenarios. Maybe Gary’s trying to trick me. He’s always been five months older… Maybe he knows something I don’t. Maybe this whole check-up is just a trap!

Gary sighed, noticing Ash’s growing panic. “Ashy-boy,” he said gently, “you’ve got to trust me. You’re not in danger here. I’m not some evil mastermind trying to take you down.” He chuckled. “Not today, at least.”

Ash blinked and hesitated, then shook his head. “But what if you are? What if… What if you’re just waiting for me to let my guard down, and then—BAM! Poison attack!”

Gary froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Poison? Me? Really, Ash? You’ve watched too many movies.” He walked over to grab a clipboard, still chuckling to himself. “We’ve been friends forever. If I wanted to take you down, don’t you think I would’ve done it years ago?”

Ash felt a flush of embarrassment creep up his cheeks. “I guess… I guess I’m just overthinking things,” he muttered, wringing his hands again.

Gary glanced up from the clipboard, his expression softening. “You are, buddy. I’m not going to do anything to hurt you. This is just a basic check-up. Look, we’re already halfway done. I’m just going to check your reflexes now.”

Ash stared blankly at Gary’s hand as it approached his knee with the small rubber hammer. Gary tapped gently, but Ash didn’t even flinch. His mind was still racing, the reflexes test barely registering in his frazzled state.

Gary frowned slightly. “Ash, you didn’t react at all. I know you’re nervous, but come on.”

Ash’s voice came out small. “Sorry, Gary. I’m just… I dunno. I guess I’m kinda scared. This whole thing feels weird.”

Gary smiled warmly and gave Ash’s shoulder a comforting pat. “Hey, it’s okay to be scared sometimes. Just don’t let your imagination run wild. I promise, it’s just me. No poison, no tricks, just a regular ol’ check-up.”

Ash took a deep breath and nodded slowly, trying to relax his nerves. His heart still beat fast, but the edge of his paranoia was starting to fade. He trusted Gary, deep down, even if his anxious thoughts sometimes got the better of him.

"Alright," Gary said with a grin. "One more thing—open wide. I need to check your throat."

Ash obediently opened his mouth, letting Gary shine a light inside.

"Looks good," Gary said, stepping back. “See? You survived! You’re good to go, Ashy-boy.”

Ash sighed in relief. “Thanks, Gary. Sorry for… freaking out.”

Gary laughed and ruffled Ash’s hair. “No worries, buddy. That’s what best friends are for—keeping you in check when your brain goes into overdrive.”

*Crystal* you're just a plain old grandpa!

* Oak* plain old grandpa?!

* Gary* * oh dear*

Ash tapped his foot impatiently on the floor, but he couldn't deny that he felt nervous. After all, who knew what Gary could do to him? They were rivals, after all. No, they were best friends—had been since they were little. There was no way Gary would do something… would he?

Ash’s mind raced. I mean, he has all these different Pokémon, and some of them are poisonous. What if Gary poisoned me?!

His thoughts spiraled further until they were interrupted by a guy wearing a white lab coat over a purple shirt standing in front of him, arms crossed. “Let’s go, Ashy-boy.”

Ash's eyes twitched. “Uh… Sure, I guess.”

Gary smirked and extended his arm, prompting Ash to take it as they began walking. He followed Gary but moved slowly, lost in thought about his impending doom.

Could Gary actually poison him? After all, Gary was five months older, and this was just a check-up.

Argh! Ash didn’t know anymore! What if Gary had some evil plan? What if he was trying to lower Ash’s guard before unleashing a poison Pokémon? WHO KNEW?!

“ buddy, Ash! Snap out of it!” Gary exclaimed, waving an arm in front of Ash’s eyes when he noticed Ash dragging his feet and staring blankly into space.

Ash shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Yeah?”

“Come on! Hurry up!” Gary urged, exasperation creeping into his voice.

With a sigh, Ash nodded, trying to shake off his worries. Gary sighed and turned, leading him to a room. “345. This is the one,” he announced, then turned to Ash, who was now biting his nails.

“Hey, buddy. You okay?” Gary asked, nudging him gently.

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine,” Ash said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Inside, the room was bright yellow, adorned with colorful Pokémon pictures and posters covering the walls. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, Ash barely registered any of it. He was too busy contemplating his fate. What if Gary really did have an evil side? What if he was just waiting for the perfect moment to strike?

“Hey, Ashy-boy, it’s not like I’m going to perform surgery on you,” Gary said, trying to reassure him.

“What?!” Ash yelled, suddenly retreating to the far side of the room, curling up against the wall as if trying to shield himself from an invisible threat.

“Buddy, calm down!” Gary said, his voice filled with concern. He approached Ash slowly, arms raised to show he meant no harm and knelt down in front of him. “I’m just here to check your vitals, nothing more.”

Ash’s heart raced, beating faster than someone running three marathons at once. His eye twitched uncontrollably as he wrung his hands together. He felt completely on edge, not even reacting with the reflexes he usually had in battle.

“Seriously, Ash,” Gary said, frowning slightly as he looked at his friend. “You’re making this way more dramatic than it needs to be.”

Ash could barely focus on Gary’s words. He was so absorbed in his paranoia that he hardly noticed when Gary pulled out a stethoscope. “Look, just breathe,” Gary instructed, placing the stethoscope in his ears and placing the cold metal against Ash's chest. “In and out. Nice and slow.”

Ash did his best to follow the instructions, but he found it hard to breathe properly when all he could think about was the possibility of some hidden, poisonous plot. What if Gary was secretly testing him?

“Buddy,” Gary said, watching Ash’s eyes dart around the room, “you need to relax. I promise I’m not going to hurt you. Just some routine stuff, okay? Let me hear your heartbeat.”

As Gary listened intently, Ash felt like he might explode. What if he was actually a mad scientist in disguise?

Gary adjusted the stethoscope, pressing it more firmly against Ash’s chest.

“Ash,” he said, his tone turning serious, “your heart is racing. Are you really this scared of me?”

“Yeah!” Ash blurted out, panic bubbling over. “What if you really are trying to poison me?! What if you have some poison Pokémon hidden behind your back?!”

Gary chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. “You seriously think I’d do something like that to you? Come on, buddy. We’ve been friends forever. I’m just trying to help you out!”

Ash hesitated, uncertainty still creeping in. But Gary’s expression was genuine, filled with a mix of amusement and concern.

“Look, let’s just get through this check-up, okay?” Gary said, lifting the stethoscope and setting it aside. “I’ll even let you pick the next Pokémon movie for movie night if that helps.”

Ash took a deep breath, finally willing to meet Gary’s gaze. “Fine… but if you try to do anything funny…”

“I promise, nothing funny,” Gary said, crossing his heart dramatically. “Now, how about you sit up straight, and let’s check your reflexes?”

Reluctantly, Ash obeyed, still feeling the slight tremor in his hands. Gary pulled out a small reflex hammer and lightly tapped Ash’s knee.

“Ow! Hey!” Ash protested, trying to kick back.

“Just making sure you’re still functioning properly!” Gary laughed, though there was a comforting warmth in his voice.

With each test and gentle poke, Ash started to relax. Maybe Gary wasn’t plotting against him after all.

“See? Not so bad, right?” Gary asked, looking pleased as he checked Ash’s pulse.

“Yeah,” Ash admitted, finally letting out a small smile. “Just a little freaked out.”

“Totally understandable. But if you ever think I’m going to poison you, just remember we’re buddies,” Gary said, nudging him playfully.

“Right… buddies,” Ash echoed, feeling a bit more at ease.

“Now, how about we grab some lunch after this?” Gary suggested, putting away his tools. “My treat.”

“Okay,” Ash replied, the nervousness slowly fading as he realized this check-up wasn’t going to end in disaster after all.

( Insert image here- I went to the limit I can't add anymore)

Ash tapped his foot impatiently on the floor, anxiety coursing through him. His heart raced as he stared at the brightly colored walls of the clinic, but his thoughts were a tangled mess. Who knew what Gary could do to him during this check-up?

No. They were best friends, right? They had been since they were little kids. But then again, Gary was five months older, and that age gap felt significant at the moment. He felt his palms grow clammy. What if Gary decided to pull a prank? What if he poisoned him? After all, he had all those different Pokémon, some of which were poisonous.

His frantic thoughts were interrupted when a guy wearing a white lab coat over a purple shirt stepped in front of him, arms crossed and a smirk plastered on his face. “Let’s go, Ashy-boy.”

Ash’s eyes twitched in irritation. “Uh… sure, I guess.” He reluctantly took Gary’s outstretched arm and followed him, but his pace was slow, his mind racing with absurd scenarios about his impending doom.

As they walked, Gary looked over at Ash, who was dragging his feet and staring off into space, clearly lost in thought. “Ash, snap out of it!” Gary exclaimed, waving a hand in front of Ash’s eyes.

Ash shook his head, coming back to reality. “Yeah?”

“Come on! Hurry up!” Gary urged, his tone light but with a hint of urgency.

Sighing, Ash nodded, forcing his legs to move a little faster. They arrived at a door labeled “Room 345,” and Gary turned to him with a knowing look. “This is the one.” He pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Ash hesitated, biting his nails, his mind still racing. The room was bright yellow, filled with Pokémon posters on the walls depicting all sorts of creatures in various poses. There were charts of Pokémon anatomy and even a few trophies showcasing Gary’s accomplishments as a trainer. Yet, Ash barely registered any of it; he was too busy thinking about what could happen next.

“Hey, buddy,” Gary said, nudging Ash gently to break his trance. “You okay?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine.” Ash replied, though the tremor in his voice betrayed him.

Gary frowned slightly, noticing the tension in Ash’s shoulders and the way he wrung his hands. “You don’t look fine. You’re acting like you’re about to face a Legendary Pokémon or something.”

Ash's heart raced like a speeding Rapidash. He could feel his pulse in his throat, each thump echoing the thoughts racing through his mind: What if Gary was secretly evil? What if he was just trying to get Ash's guards down so one of his poison Pokémon could strike?

“Come on, Ash,” Gary said, his voice dropping to a more soothing tone. “You know I’m just here to check on you, right? I’m not going to poison you.” He chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah, sure…” Ash mumbled, his eye twitching as he wrung his hands tighter. He couldn’t help but imagine a scenario where Gary whipped out a syringe filled with some toxic concoction. He was still standing on the edge of a mental cliff, teetering between panic and rationality.

“Okay, let’s get this started,” Gary said, leading Ash to the examination table. “Just sit up here.”

Ash climbed onto the table, his heart racing faster than ever. “This is it,” he thought. “He’s going to poison me. This is how it ends.”

Gary prepared the equipment, checking the various tools laid out on the nearby counter. He caught a glimpse of Ash’s nervousness and sighed. “Buddy, calm down,” he said, stepping closer. “You’re not in any danger here.”

Ash looked up at him, his expression a mix of fear and confusion. “What if you’re just saying that to trick me?”

“Because I’m a terrible person who enjoys torturing my best friend?” Gary raised an eyebrow. “C’mon, Ash. You really think I’d go that far?”

“Maybe…” Ash replied, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes darted around the room, taking in the posters that seemed to close in on him. He didn’t even react when Gary lightly poked him on the arm, still lost in his own anxious thoughts.

Gary frowned slightly, noticing how Ash was literally on edge. “Okay, just take a deep breath,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on Ash’s forehead to feel for any fever. “You’re not burning up or anything, so that’s good.”

Ash closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as instructed, but his body was still tense. “I’m just… I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice shaky. “I’ve never liked check-ups.”

“Yeah, but you’re always fine afterward,” Gary pointed out, trying to ease the tension. “And you know I’m not going to hurt you. Just relax.”

“Easier said than done,” Ash muttered, his heart still racing as if he’d just run three marathons in a row. “What if you do some weird check-up thing? Like, what if you need to give me a shot or something?”

“I promise you, Ashy-boy, no shots today unless you really need one,” Gary replied, rolling his eyes playfully. “Now, let’s just get through this. I need to check your reflexes first.”

“Right,” Ash said, wincing as Gary prepared a small rubber hammer.

Gary raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile. “It’s just a little tap, I promise. No poison here, just some routine stuff.”

“Yeah, okay,” Ash said, squeezing his eyes shut. He didn’t react when Gary lightly tapped his knee. Instead, he winced, bracing himself for whatever came next.

“See? You’re alive!” Gary exclaimed, grinning. “Now let’s check your heartbeat. Just relax, okay? Deep breaths.”

Ash took another shaky breath as Gary placed a stethoscope on his chest. “I feel like I’m going to die,” he joked weakly, but his eyes flickered with genuine concern.

“You’re not going to die,” Gary assured him, his tone serious for a moment. “You just need to breathe. I’m right here.”

With each heartbeat Gary counted, Ash felt a little more at ease. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly as he focused on Gary’s steady voice, reassuring him that everything would be okay.

“Okay, you’re all clear,” Gary finally said, pulling back with a satisfied smile. “See? You survived! No poison, no harm done.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Ash replied, the corners of his mouth twitching up into a reluctant smile. “But maybe I should just get my Pokémon to do the check-ups from now on.”

Gary laughed, shaking his head. “No way. I’m the only one who gets to check on you, Ashy-boy. You’re stuck with me.”