Gary could feel the tension radiating from Ash, his body shaking, his breath shallow and erratic. He had never seen his friend this out of control, and it was starting to make him angry—not at Ash, but at the situation. He tapped Ash’s thick skull gently, trying to snap him out of his spiraling thoughts.

“Ash, buddy, calm down,” Gary said firmly, his voice soft but full of authority. “Take a deep breath for me. You’re freaking out, and that’s half the problem.”

Ash sniffled, his eyes wide with panic as he looked up at Gary. "I’m dumb, Gary... I’m always such a loser. I... I’m sorry you have to deal with me. I’m sorry for always messing things up. Why do you even hang out with someone like me?"

Gary’s brow furrowed in frustration. “You’re not dumb, Ash. You’re just scared right now. And you’re not a loser. I’m *your* friend, your *best* friend. You think I’d spend my time with someone who’s a loser? You’ve got to stop saying that stuff. It’s not true, and I’m tired of hearing it.”

Ash’s breathing quickened again, and Gary’s anger softened as he watched the tears slide down Ash’s face. He wanted to be there for him, but Ash was too caught up in his thoughts. He couldn’t let Ash spiral any further.

Without asking, Gary grabbed a wipe and lifted Ash’s sleeve. Ash was so out of it that he didn’t even notice. Gary quickly wiped his arm, then, with practiced ease, gave him a flu shot.

Ash flinched, but he barely even registered the needle, too consumed by his rising panic. Gary’s heart clenched as he saw the look of helplessness on Ash’s face. He needed to bring his friend back to reality, and fast.

“Ash,” Gary said, a little more sternly now as he took off his gloves and held Ash’s trembling hand. “Okay, buddy, listen to me. Breathe. One, two, three... four, five.”

Ash’s eyes were wide, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He was hyperventilating now, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He shook his head, hands trembling as he struggled to get a grip on himself.

Gary’s frustration bubbled up again, but he kept his tone steady. "Ash, if you don’t calm down, I’m going to have to give you anesthesia. Do you want that? I don’t think you do.”

Ash choked on a sob, shaking his head violently. “I—I can’t breathe, Gary... I can’t...”

Gary cursed under his breath, his heart sinking as he saw how far Ash had fallen into his panic. He quickly pulled out his Poké Ball, and in a flash of light, Umbreon appeared, standing calmly by Ash’s side. Gary knew Umbreon’s calming aura would help.

“Umbreon, help Ash calm down,” Gary said, his voice calm but urgent.

Umbreon sat next to Ash, its glowing rings gently illuminating the room in a soft, peaceful light. Ash looked at the Pokémon, still trembling, but there was something about Umbreon’s presence that began to soothe him, even if just a little.

Gary kept his hand on Ash’s, rubbing his thumb gently over Ash’s knuckles. “Ash, buddy, you’ve got this. Just breathe. I’m right here. You’re gonna be okay.”

Ash’s body trembled, but slowly, his breathing started to steady. The panic didn’t go away entirely, but at least now it was under control. He clung to Gary’s hand like a lifeline, desperate for reassurance.

“Y’know, buddy,” Gary said softly, “we’ve been through a lot together, right? We’re not going to stop now. You’re stronger than this panic. So just breathe, one step at a time.”

Ash looked at Gary with wide, tear-filled eyes. His voice was shaky as he whispered, “Thank you, Gary... I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to freak out like this. I just... I was so scared.”

Gary smiled warmly, his eyes softening as he squeezed Ash’s hand. “You don’t need to apologize, Ash. I’m here for you. Always will be.”