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Ash and Gladion stood at Ten Carat Hill with Torracat, both Lycanroc and Umbreon in battle stances.
Earlier that day, Ash and Gladion had been hanging out after Gladion had completed the Melemele Island Challenge, walking and talking about what had been happening for them recently until they had reached Ten Carat Hills, where Ash had challenged Gladion to another battle. Despite rolling his eyes at Ash because of Ash's love for battling, Gladion perked up at the idea of a double battle because he had never been in one before.
Ash begged for Umbreon because he hadn't battled her before, while Gladion asked for Torracat. After agreeing on Umbreon, Torracat and their Lycanroc, they started the battle with Pikachu and Silvally sitting together and watching with great interest. Ten minutes had passed, and all four Pokémon were still going strong.
"Torracat, use Flame Charge!" Ash called. "And Lycanroc, use Accelerock!"
"Dodge it!"
Lycanroc and Umbreon quickly jumped to the side to avoid the attacks, but Lycanroc wasn't paying attention and tripped, his face colliding hard against a sharp stone on the ground. Lycanroc howled in pain.
"Torracat! Lycanroc! Stop!" Ash screamed in concern.
The boys and the Pokémon immediately rushed over to Lycanroc. Gladion knelt and rolled Lycanroc's head on his lap. He gasped in horror when he saw blood coming from a cut on Lycanroc's forehead.
Ash turned pale as Gladion swore, firmly pressing his hand against the cut in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding. Slowly, Lycanroc started to pass out from the pain.
"No, no, no, no, Lycanroc!" Gladion yelled, panic filling his voice. "You have to stay awake! Ash, I don't know how deep it is, and we're too far away from the Pokémon Centre!"
Ash bit his bottom lip before he started frowning.
"Gladion, move your hands," he stated as he fell to his knees next to Lycanroc.
"What?!"
"Please trust me," Ash said urgently. "Move your hands."
After Gladion moved his hands, Ash placed his hands over Lycanroc's face and closed his eyes.
"Please work," he whispered. "Please work!"
Slowly, Lycanroc's face started to glow a faint blue as the blood disappeared and the cut began to heal. Gladion stared at Ash in shock.
"What? How?"
Ash gritted his teeth.
"I'm so sorry," Ash whimpered. "I'm so sorry you got hurt. Please be alright."
As the glow faded, Lycanroc slowly opened his eyes, breathing slowly and deeply.
"Lycanroc?" Gladion breathed hopefully. Lycanroc sat up and turned slightly to give Gladion a lick on the cheek.
"Thank goodness," Ash sighed before he collapsed on Gladion's lap. Gladion frowned.
"Ash?" he asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked, trying to shake Ash's shoulder. Ash didn't move. Concerned, Gladion rolled Ash over and saw that he had passed out.
"Ash?" Gladion said, shaking him. "Ash, wake up!"
Torracat and Lycanroc started pushing against Ash while Pikachu jumped up and down on Ash's chest.
"Pika! Pika!" Pikachu screamed in a panic.
"Ash, please, this isn't funny," Gladion begged as panic filled him. "Wake up!"
But Ash still didn't respond. Desperate, Pikachu quickly used Thunderbolt, accidentally shocking everyone. After a few minutes of being temporarily dazed, Gladion shook his head to fight the dizziness.
"Silvally, help me!" he said. Silvally kneeled beside him as Gladion picked up Ash and placed him on Silvally's back. After climbing on, Gladion grabbed Silvally's scruff with one hand while holding Ash's body against him with his other arm.
"Get to the Pokémon Centre, Silvally!" Gladion commanded in an urgent voice as Pikachu jumped to Gladion's shoulder. "Hurry!"
Silvally took off in a run with the two Lycanroc (Ash's carrying his backpack in his mouth and Gladion's carrying Ash's hat), Umbreon and Torracat following close behind. As Silvally ran, Gladion and Pikachu desperately kept trying to get Ash to wake up. Eventually, they reached the Pokémon Centre, where Gladion silently thanked Arceus for the automatic doors.
"Nurse Joy! Help!" Gladion screamed. Nurse Joy looked up from her desk and gasped.
"Blissey!" she yelled. "Bring a gurney! Hurry!"
After helping Nurse Joy lower Ash onto the gurney, Gladion got down from Silvally and watched helplessly as Nurse Joy and Blissey rolled Ash away.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said sadly. Gladion pulled Pikachu off his shoulder and cuddled him while the other Pokémon gathered around Gladion.
"Silvally, Umbreon, Lycanroc," he said. "I think you better go find Professor Kukui."
****
When Silvally, Umbreon and Lycanroc returned, Gladion was surprised to see not only Professor Kukui but Professor Burnet, Lana, Mallow, Kiawe, Sophocles and Lillie as well.
"We saw your Pokémon running around without you, big brother," Lillie explained. "So, we followed them."
"Gladion, what's going on?" Kukui said urgently. "Where's Ash? He told me you two were spending the day together. What happened?"
Gladion opened his mouth, but no words came out. He felt paralysed.
"Professor Kukui?"
Everyone turned to see Nurse Joy walking toward them with a severe look.
"I'm sorry," she said. "But Ash is in a coma."
Everyone stared at her in shock.
"He's breathing on his own, though," she quickly explained. "And his heart rate is stable. But he's not responding to any stimulation. There's no poison in his system, and he doesn't have any severe injuries that would cause this to happen. All I can tell you is that his body is resting and that he's comfortable. He can stay here until he wakes up. I'm going to set up some equipment to help him get through this. I'm sorry."
As she left, everyone continued to stare at her in confusion and horror before looking at each other. Ash was in a coma? And he had no physical injuries? How?
Suddenly, there was a slight choking sound. They turned to see that Gladion had fallen to his knees, shaking and sweating. Pikachu and Umbreon were next to him, staring at him in fear.
"I...I can't breathe!" he choked out.
"He has a panic attack!" Lillie cried. "I've read about it in a book!"
Quickly, Kukui and Burnet pulled Gladion over to a chair and pulled his hoodie off.
"Put your head between your knees," Kukui said as he helped Gladion lean from his waist. "Take slow, deep breaths."
"Snowy, use Powder Snow!" Lillie cried as she held out her handkerchief.
"Vulpix!" Snowy screamed as she covered the handkerchief with some frost.
"Thank you, Snowy," Lillie smiled as she crouched next to Gladion and placed the cold fabric against the back of Gladion's neck.
"We're here, Gladion," she said sweetly as she rubbed his back. "We're right here."
Gladion shivered as he laid his head on his knees, trying his hardest to control his breathing which was now coming out in shudders. He felt tiny licks against his face and smiled softly, recognising Umbreon. Slowly he sat up, feeling the cold handkerchief fall off his neck. He looked towards the group and saw that Sophocles and Kiawe were stroking Torracat and Silvally while Mallow and Lana were looking after the two Lycanroc. He looked at his sister and saw she was holding Pikachu.
"Gladion?"
Gladion blinked out of his thoughts to look at Kukui and Burnet
"Gladion, please," Kukui pleaded. "What happened? Were you two attacked by an Ultra Beast?"
"Or Team Rocket or Team Skull?" Kiawe added, looking so angry Gladion swore he was steaming.
"No, we weren't attacked," Gladion said. "We were battling. We..."
Gladion paused as he felt tears spill down his face. Burnet took one of his hands and rubbed it gently.
"Breath, honey," she said calmly. "Tell us slowly what happened."
Gladion took a shuddering breath before wiping his face.
"We were having a double battle," he said. "There was an accident, and my Lycanroc got hurt badly. He was bleeding and unconscious, and we were too far away from the Pokémon Centre. But then Ash put his hands on Lycanroc's face, and then Lycanroc's face started to glow, and the cut vanished. Then afterwards, Ash passed out, and nothing would wake him up. Not even Pikachu's Thunderbolt."
"Pika," Pikachu cried into Lillie's shoulder as she stroked the electric mouse.
"Wait, Ash glowed?!" Mallow asked in shock as she pushed Lycanroc's fur apart to see a scar on his forehead. "And healed Lycanroc?!"
"From his hands," Gladion confirmed. "Has he ever done that before?"
"Not that we've seen," Lana stated as she stared at the fully healed scar before looking at Lillie. "Pikachu, you've known Ash the longest. Has he ever done something like that before?"
"Pika!" Pikachu said in an excited tone, waving his arms. "Pika, pika, pi, chu, chu, pika, pika, Pikachu!"
"Sorry, Pikachu, we don't understand," Kiawe said sheepishly, causing Pikachu to pout.
"Well, then I guess we'll need to figure it out," Kukui said. "I'll contact Delia, Professor Oak and Ash's friends to see if they know anything. Although it's going to be hard to tell them."
"I'll be there to help," Burnet said. "And I'll use the resources at Aether Paradise to see if there are any answers."
"I'll set up a program to see if there's any information," Sophocles added.
"And I'll check my books," Lillie finished.
"Professor, I'll stay with Ash until he wakes up," Gladion said. "I need to make sure he's okay."
"Thank you, Gladion," Kukui said. "I would appreciate that."
"Would you like me to take Umbreon, Silvally and your Lycanroc home with me, Gladion?" Lillie asked.
"I think that would be a good idea," Gladion said. "There's not a lot of room, and I feel like Pikachu, and the others aren't going to leave Ash's side until he wakes up."
Immediately, Pikachu, Lycanroc and Torracat made noises, agreeing with Gladion's statement. As everyone said goodbye, Gladion approached the front desk just as Nurse Joy walked out.
"Nurse Joy, may I stay with Ash until he wakes up?" he asked hopefully.
"Of course," she smiled. "I have lots of work, and I can't be with Ash every second of the day. So, your stay will help a lot. Follow me."
Gladion followed Nurse Joy with Pikachu, Lycanroc and Torracat following close behind until they reached a room. They looked inside and looked sadly at the sight of Ash. He looked like he was sleeping peacefully, but it made Gladion feel uneasy. Ash slept wonky with his arms and legs all over the place, and he looked like he was constantly smiling when he slept. But here, he looked like a statue with an IV in his arm. He was also wearing a hospital gown with ties around the shoulders.
"The IV will give him the nutrients he needs while he's like this," Nurse Joy explained as she led Gladion inside. "I'll come in later and bathe him. What I need you to do for me is keep his mouth hydrated. Use ice to keep his lips and mouth moist."
After showing Gladion what to do with the ice, Nurse Joy left. Pikachu jumped on the bed and curled up on Ash's chest while Lycanroc and Torracat lay next to the bed. Gladion looked around and then pulled over the most comfortable chair he could see until he was sitting right next to Ash.
"Hey Ash," he said. "It's me. I'm going to stay with you until you wake up. Pikachu, Torracat and Lycanroc are here too. I guess you must have left Rowlet at home today. I'm sure he'll come once Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet tell him about you. As selfish as it sounds, I hope Rotom Dex doesn't come. I don't want to hear statistics on the chances of people waking up from a coma."
Slowly, Gladion picked up the cup that Nurse Joy had left on the table and pulled out an ice cube, wincing at the cold.
"Nurse Joy showed me how to do this," he said as he gently traced the ice cube over Ash's lips. "You know, I don't know how I feel about this. I feel scared, angry and upset about this. The last time I had these feelings was when Nihilego attacked Mother and Lillie. I have questions, Ash, and we can't battle this time to get answers. Not that battling the first time answered my questions either."
Sighing, he dropped the ice cube back into the cup and shook his hand, trying to warm his fingertips. Pikachu sat up and then jumped into Gladion's lap before reaching for Gladion's hand. After taking his hand in his paws, Pikachu started to lick Gladion's fingertips, warming them.
"Thank you, Pikachu," Gladion smiled as he gave Pikachu a head rub with his other hand before looking back at Ash again.
"I promise Ash," he said. "I won't leave your side until you open your eyes. And I'm going to try to get you to open your eyes."
****
True to his word, Gladion stayed by Ash's side along with Pikachu, Lycanroc and Torracat, only leaving to use the bathroom. On the first day, he tried everything he could think of for an hour, hoping Ash would open his eyes, but there was no result. Finally, tired, aching and battling a headache, Gladion had decided that it would be better for his physical and mental state to talk to Ash. So, by the time the sun set on the first day, Gladion had told Ash as many childhood memories as he could think of before falling asleep with a sore throat and a splitting headache. After sleeping for a couple of hours, Gladion awoke in the middle of the night. Going down to the reception area to find some water, Gladion spied a large bookshelf. After grabbing as many books as he could carry, Gladion carried them back to Ash's room and set himself up to read to Ash, again reading out loud. He figured he must have fallen asleep again because the next thing he knew was that Mallow and Lana were gently shaking him while Kiawe stood there with a worried look on his face.
"You okay?" Kiawe asked. "You look terrible, and that chair can't be good for your back."
"Thanks, and it's not," Gladion groaned as he held his head. "What time is it?"
"Eight in the morning," Mallow said softly, trying to smile. "We brought fresh berries from Anela. Maybe we can get Ash to wake up with food."
Gladion chuckled, despite the pain in his head and back.
"That was the first thing I tried yesterday," he sighed as he removed the book from his lap so he could stand up and stretch. "Have the professors, Lillie or Sophocles found any answers yet?"
"Nothing yet," Kiawe admitted as he placed a bowl of fresh berries in front of Torracat and Lycanroc. "Eat up, you guys. You too, Pikachu."
Torracat and Lycanroc looked at the berries before pushing them away and lying down again, still keeping their eyes on Ash. Pikachu stood up briefly to look at the berries before lying back down on Ash's chest.
"Come on, you three," Lana pleaded. "Please eat."
"They don't want to," Gladion said as he picked up Pikachu, who nuzzled his chest. "I've tried feeding them, and Nurse Joy has tried. They just don't want to."
"Have you eaten anything?" Lana asked in concern. "Or even slept properly? You're looking skinny and pale. And the dark patches under your eyes..."
"I'll be fine," he said quickly. "And I'm not hungry. I'm just nauseous."
Kiawe sighed.
"Give me a moment," he said as he grabbed some berries and left the room.
"Has he moved at all?" Mallow asked. Gladion shook his head.
"Yesterday, I tried everything I could think of for an hour, trying to get him to respond," Gladion said. "I tried noises, tickling, movements, nothing worked. I even tried a horror movie."
"Why would you do that?" Lana asked in confusion.
"I thought I could scare him awake," Gladion snapped defensively. "All I achieved was Pikachu's thunderbolt and nightmares."
"Pika," Pikachu said, his voice muffled.
"Yeah, Pikachu and Ash don't like horror movies," Mallow smiled as she and Lana reached over to give Pikachu a sympathetic pat. "We learnt that when we went for a sleepover at the professors' a few weeks ago."
"I'm back," Kiawe announced as he walked in, holding a large jug filled with a purple liquid. After he poured the drink into a couple of water dishes and placed them in front of Lycanroc and Torracat, he poured some into a cup with a straw and held it out to Gladion.
"Drink this, all of you," he smiled.
"What is it?" Gladion asked in a suspicious tone.
"Water, Oran and Sitrus berries," Kiawe said. "My mum's recipe for when Mimo and I are sick and don't want to eat."
Gladion shrugged, taking the cup and drinking it slowly. He smiled as the cold sweetness soothed his sore throat.
"Thanks," he said before handing the cup to Pikachu, who slowly drank from it. Torracat and Lycanroc looked at Gladion before drinking from the bowls, much to the relief of Gladion, Mallow, Lana and Kiawe.
"Listen, we have to go," Mallow said. "I have to go help out at the restaurant."
"I have to take my sisters shopping for new clothes," Lana added.
"And I need to help out at the farm," Kiawe finished. "But I left the recipe with Nurse Joy, so she'll make it for you. Especially since it got Lycanroc, Pikachu and Torracat to eat a little. Keep looking after Ash."
"I promise," Gladion said as Kiawe, Lana, and Mallow left.
When they were gone, Gladion felt a pat on his chest.
"Is something wrong, Pikachu?" he asked, looking down at the electric mouse.
"Pi, Pi," Pikachu said as he jumped onto the bed before gesturing to Gladion to get on the bed too.
"You want me to sit on the bed?" Gladion asked. Pikachu shook his head as he pointed to Gladion before lying down and then sitting up again.
"You want me to lie down with Ash?" Gladion asked, his eyes widening. Pikachu nodded.
"I don't know," he said with a blush.
Torracat and Lycanroc stood up before gently tugging on his pants, silently telling Gladion to do what Pikachu asked. Gladion sighed before he took off his shoes and climbed onto the bed. Gladion sighed at the softness before resting his head on Ash's chest. He closed his eyes as he listened to Ash's heartbeat. It was calm and steady. He felt tears sting as he placed an arm over Ash's stomach. Pikachu pushed his way under Gladion's arm, so Gladion's hand was nesting on his back. After feeling Lycanroc and Torracat jump on the bed and lie across his and Ash's legs, Gladion started to cry until he fell asleep.
***
"Gladion?" a voice said softly. "Gladion, wake up."
"Ash?" Gladion asked hopefully as he opened his eyes.
"No, honey. It's your mother."
As his vision cleared, Gladion saw it was his mother standing there, along with Wicke and Faba.
"Oh," he sighed before sitting up, a blanket falling off his shoulder. "I thought Ash had woken up. How long have I been asleep?"
"Nurse Joy says a few hours," Lusamine smiled. "And judging by the bags under your eyes, it looks like you needed it. Did you sleep at all last night?"
"Not really," he admitted. "I had nightmares again. Why are Wicke and Faba here?"
"We're here to do some tests to see if Ash is having some reaction from dealing with Ultra Beasts or Ultra Wormholes," Wicke explained.
"Did any Ultra Wormholes open near Ten Carat Hills two days ago?" Gladion asked as he pulled on his shoes while Pikachu jumped to his shoulder.
"There haven't been any alerts," Lusamine stated. "But we just want to make sure. Hey sweetheart, how about you and I go and get something to eat? Wicke will be looking after the tests, and she'll let us know if there are any results or changes. Pikachu, Torracat, Lycanroc, why don't you three come with us and get some fresh air?"
Pikachu, Lycanroc and Torracat looked at Ash before deciding to go with Gladion and Lusamine to stretch their legs. Pikachu jumped from Gladion's shoulder and pulled off Ash's Z-ring before holding it out to Gladion.
"You want me to look after this?" he asked. Pikachu nodded. Gladion smiled as he placed Ash's Z-ring on his left wrist while Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder. As he followed his mother, Lycanroc and Torracat out of the room, he suddenly paused and turned, giving Faba an icy stare.
"Do any unnecessary tests on him, and I'll ask Pikachu to electrocute you, Faba," Gladion threatened.
"Pika!" Pikachu hissed, trying to make himself look as menacing as possible, causing Faba to gulp nervously. Gladion then turned and walked out.
"You really should be nicer to him."
Gladion paused and turned to see his mother standing with Lycanroc and Torracat.
"I don't care if you've forgiven him, Mother," Gladion said. "I don't trust that man. And Pikachu, Torracat and Lycanroc agree with me."
Pikachu, Torracat and Lycanroc made noises of agreement while Lusamine smiled.
"Anyway, you feeling hungry?"
Gladion shook his head.
"Okay," Lusamine said. "How about we get some shave ice then?"
Gladion shrugged before following his mother out of the Pokémon Centre and into an ice cream shop. After buying one made from frozen Sitrus berries for Gladion and one made from frozen Oran berries for Lusamine, the two sat on a bench with Pikachu sitting on Gladion's lap while Torracat and Lycanroc lay in the sun.
"Your father and I used to do this when you were a baby," Lusamine said after placing a spoonful of the icy dessert in her mouth. "Whenever you got fussy, we'd go out and get shave ice."
"How come?" Gladion asked as he shared some with Pikachu.
"Because you loved it when we did this," Lusamine grinned before sticking out her tongue. It was bright blue. Gladion snorted.
"There's my handsome boy's smile," Lusamine beamed before giving her cup to Lycanroc and Torracat, who both licked at it carefully. She and Gladion smiled in relief at the sight of Torracat and Lycanroc eating, even if it was crushed and frozen berries.
"How are you?" Lusamine asked suddenly.
"Huh?"
"You have the same look on your face as your sister and me when we're scared or don't understand something," Lusamine said seriously. "How are you? What are you feeling?"
"The same feelings when you and Lillie were attacked," Gladion sighed as he gave his cup to Pikachu, losing his appetite altogether. "But at the same time, it's different."
"What do you mean?"
"When you and Lillie were attacked, there was something to fight and defeat. Something I could see. But now, Ash is just lying there. There's nothing on him or inside of him, nothing to fight. I don't know what to do about it, and I hate it."
Lusamine pulled Gladion into a hug, holding him as tight as she could as she felt Gladion cry.
"What's wrong with him, mum?!" he sobbed. "Why won't he wake up?! I want him back! I just want him back!"
Lusamine didn't say anything. She just kept holding her son and praying to the Island Guardians, Necrozma and Arceus, that Ash would be alright and that her son's pain would go away.
****
Gladion sighed as he leaned back in his chair on the third day, anxiously scratching his hands. He felt heavy and dirty, like a Muk and a Garbodor had run over him. He didn't have any clean clothes or his toiletries. He looked at Pikachu, Torracat and Lycanroc. They weren't looking very healthy either.
"Hey, Gladion."
Gladion looked at the door to see Lillie holding a bag in one hand and a bucket in the other. Silvally, Umbreon, Lycanroc and Snowy were standing with her.
"For goodness' sake, it smells so stale in here," she said as she put down the bag and bucket before opening the curtains and the windows. "Good thing I came when I did. Take the bag and go shower. I brought soap, shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a towel and some clean clothes. I also brought some things to clean Pikachu, Lycanroc and Torracat."
"I don't want to leave," Gladion admitted. "I think Team Rocket is hanging around outside."
"If they dare step a foot in here, Snowy will freeze them," Lillie said calmly as she pulled out a brush. "Now, go shower, or I'll drag you in there. Don't think I won't."
Gladion sighed before standing up.
"You four guard them," he said, grabbing the bag. The Pokémon grunted in acknowledgement before positioning themselves at the door and the window.
****
When Gladion got back, he was feeling much better, cleanliness-wise.
"Feel better?" Lillie asked as she ran a comb through Torracat's fur while the fire cat purred.
"Yeah, thanks," he smiled as he sat down. "Has Nurse Joy come yet?"
"Yes, she just washed Ash and left a new cup of ice for you," Lillie informed him.
Gladion nodded as he picked up the cup and pulled out an ice cube.
"Here you go, Ash," he said, tracing the ice cube over Ash's lips. "Lillie's here. She's cleaning Pikachu, Torracat and Lycanroc. I'm sorry I haven't looked after them."
"Do you always talk to him?" Lillie asked as she finished brushing Torracat.
"I try to," he said as he dropped the ice cube back into the cup. "Keeps me from crying. Any luck finding the answer?"
Lillie shook her head as she placed her bag on a nearby table.
"No," she said as she pulled out some containers. "I've searched all my books, and Sophocles can't finish his search because he can't find the right information. Sorry."
"Oh," Gladion said as Pikachu licked his fingers again. "What's in the containers?"
"Pokémon food and a cheesy omelette for you," Lillie answered cheerfully.
"I'm not hungry, Lillie," Gladion sighed. Lillie frowned. After quickly putting the Pokémon food on the ground in front of Torracat and Lycanroc, she took Pikachu off Gladion's lap and placed him on the floor. She then grabbed the container with the omelette and sat on the bed in front of Gladion.
"Open," she said as she picked up a fork, stabbing the omelette and holding it out to Gladion. Gladion gave her a dirty look.
"Okay, first of all, I'm not a child," he snapped. "Second of all, I'm the eldest and third of all, I told you, I'm not hungry."
"Gladion, Mother and Mallow told me you haven't eaten for three days," Lillie shot back. "If you don't eat, you'll end up here too, and it will be very painful. Look, Lycanroc and Umbreon are trying to get the others to eat."
Gladion looked to see his Pokémon having a conversation with Ash. It almost seemed like they were scolding them. It also appeared that Gladion's Pokémon had won the battle because Pikachu, Lycanroc and Torracat were now eating, much to Gladion's relief.
"Come on, Gladion," Lillie said as she waved the fork around. "Here comes the Charizard flying to Wela Volcano."
Gladion rolled his eyes and smiled as he remembered the song he used to sing to Lillie when they were younger.
"Okay," he sighed before opening his mouth, deciding it would be better to amuse her. Lillie lit up as she stuck the fork in his mouth.
"Thank you," she smiled. "Now, please eat."
Gladion nodded and took the container, slowly eating the omelette.
"So, how long have you been in love with Ash?" she asked, causing Gladion to choke on the omelette. As he coughed, Lillie patted him on the back a couple of times before handing him a glass of water. Gladion slowly drank from it before taking a deep breath.
"What makes you think I'm in love with Ash?" he rasped.
"I know you, Gladion," she said as she gave him a funny look before she turned serious again. "How long have you loved him?"
"Ever since he followed us to the Altar of the Sunne and said he would help us rescue Mother," he sighed. "Why does it matter? He probably doesn't feel the same way about me."
"You know he admires you and cares about you a lot, right?" Lillie pointed out.
"As a friend and a rival," Gladion said as he looked at Ash. "Listen, all I want is for him to wake up. At the moment, that would make me happy."
Lillie leaned toward Gladion and gave him a big hug.
"I'm positive he will," she said. "Ash is a fighter, and he never gives up. It's the way he's always been."
***
That evening at his house, Kukui hung up the phone, his stomach clenching and his eyes filled with tears.
"Kukui?"
Kukui turned to see Burnet standing there, her face tired and stained with tears.
"I figured it out," she sobbed. "It's not good."
"Yeah," he said as he walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug. "Brock just confirmed it for me. We have to let them know."
***
The fourth day rolled around, and everyone was sitting in Ash's room telling him about what had happened over the past three days. Kiawe was in the middle of telling a funny story about Marowak when there was a knock on the door. Everyone turned to see Kukui and Burnet standing there, looking ashen.
"Professors, what's wrong?" Lillie asked. "Have you figured out what's wrong with Ash?"
"Yes," Kukui said. "And it's not good. I got a hold of Brock last night, and he told me that Ash can use aura."
Everyone frowned in confusion until Lillie's eyes widened.
"Wait," she said. "I read about this. Aura is the spiritual energy that's in every living creature. Lucario is known as the Aura Pokémon and can use Aura. But how can Ash use aura?"
"A long time ago, there were humans who could sense aura and control it," Burnet said in a shaky voice. "They were called Aura Guardians."
"Aura Guardians?" Sophocles murmured as he pulled out his laptop and did some typing. "Here it is. Abilities that come from using aura; mindreading, creating shields and barriers, sensing aura in others and transferring aura to others so they can heal."
"So that's how Ash healed Lycanroc," Gladion breathed. "By transferring aura. But why is he in a coma?"
"Aura is the essence of living things," Kukui stated, his voice thick with tears. "When Ash healed Lycanroc, Ash gave Lycanroc his energy. When an Aura Guardian transfers their aura into another, they can die."
Everyone stared at their teacher in horror.
"Wait, Ash is dying?!" Mallow cried.
"We don't know," Burnet said as she started to cry. "Normally, when an Aura Guardian gives their aura to an ill or injured individual, they'll disappear. That's how they die. But Ash is in a coma, so we don't know what will happen."
As the students and the Pokémon sobbed at the thought of Ash disappearing forever, Gladion stared at the professors, begging in his mind that it was a joke. Suddenly, he felt his stomach squeeze and churn.
"Excuse me," he said before he ran out of the room as fast as he could, his hand covering his mouth. Lillie immediately stood up to go after him, but Kukui stopped her.
"I'll look after him, Lillie," he said before leaving the room.
***
Gladion gripped the sink as the water ran, gasping and crying. His mouth was dry and burning from bile, and his face was hot and sticky with sweat. His thoughts were whirling through his head like a tornado as he panted, sliding to the floor until he was on his knees.
"Gladion?" Kukui's voice floated through the door. "Gladion, I'm coming in."
Gladion didn't answer. He just clutched his stomach. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Gladion looked up to see Kukui crouching in front of him, holding a cup of water.
"Drink this slowly," he said as he gave the cup to Gladion. Gladion slowly drank the water as Kukui stood up briefly to turn off the tap before sitting next to Gladion. As Kukui wrapped an arm around Gladion's shoulders and pulled him close, Gladion started sobbing hard.
"How many times is Ash going to help me and nearly get killed in the process?!" he screamed out of anger and fear. Kukui didn't answer. He just held the troubled boy in his arms while silently crying over the possibility that he could lose his foster son.
***
Later that evening, after Lillie, Lana, Mallow, Sophocles, and Kiawe said goodbye and left, Burnet and Kukui asked if Lycanroc and Torracat could come home with them. Despite not wanting to leave Ash's side, the two Pokémon decided to go back with the professors so they wouldn't feel so lonely.
"We'll come back tomorrow," Kukui promised.
Gladion nodded as he and Pikachu watched the professors leave, Torracat and Lycanroc close behind them. After they had gone, Gladion got on the bed with Pikachu and lay his head on Ash's chest, listening to his heartbeat.
"Ash," Gladion wept. "Please wake up. I love you, and I need you to wake up."
***
Early the following day, Gladion opened his eyes because Pikachu was patting his cheek urgently.
"Is something wrong, Pikachu?" he asked tiredly.
"Pika, pika," Pikachu said, pointing to the window eagerly. Frowning, Gladion got up and pulled the curtains open, jumping in surprise at the face pressed against the glass.
"Solgaleo?" he breathed before pulling open the windows. As he stepped back, Solgaleo carefully wiggled through the window until he was in the room. He lowered his face so Pikachu could happily nuzzle the Legendary Pokémon's nose. When Pikachu was finished, Solgaleo looked at Ash. Confused that Ash wasn't moving and greeting him like he usually would, Solgaleo gave Gladion a puzzling look.
"Ash is in a coma," Gladion said sadly. "He healed my Lycanroc using aura, and now he won't wake up. It's been five days, and he still won't wake up."
Solgaleo looked at Ash again before lying down, placing his large head next to Ash. Pikachu curled up next to Solgaleo's mane before going back to sleep. Gladion smiled before lying on Ash's chest; his hand reached out to stroke Solgaleo. As he did, the warmth that came from Solgaleo's fur helped Gladion fall asleep again.
****
"I love you, Ash, and I need you to wake up. Please come back to me."
Ash looked around as he heard Gladion's voice surround him.
"Gladion?" he called. "I'm here. I love you too. How can I find you?"
"By waking up," a familiar voice said behind him.
Ash turned, his eyes filling with tears, when he saw who was standing behind him.
"Lucario!" he wept joyfully as he wrapped the Pokémon in a big hug. "I've missed you so much!"
"I've missed you too, Ash," the Pokémon smiled. "But it's time for you to go back now."
"But I have so much to tell you," Ash said.
Lucario shook his head with a smile as he held Ash's shoulders.
"I've been watching over you and Pikachu since we saved Mew and the Tree of Beginning," Lucario said before he turned serious. "What you did without any training was very risky. You're lucky you didn't die."
"I just wanted to help," Ash said sheepishly.
"I know," Lucario smiled. "But if you're going to use aura, you have to learn how to use it properly. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand," Ash promised.
"Good," Lucario said. "Now go back. Live your life. Be a great trainer, and don't forget to tell Gladion you love him. Goodbye, my friend."
"Goodbye," Ash cried as he was bathed in a warm light.
****
Ash blinked and scrunched up his eyes as light flooded his sight. As the dark spots vanished, he started to take in his surroundings. He was in the Pokémon Centre, Solgaleo and Pikachu were sleeping beside him, and Gladion was lying on his chest. Slowly, he reached up with one of his hands to stroke Pikachu and Solgaleo while his other moved over Gladion's head.
At the sudden movement, Pikachu and Solgaleo opened their eyes.
"Pika!" Pikachu squealed joyfully as he hugged Ash's face as tightly as he could while Solgaleo nuzzled Ash's shoulder with his nose. Gladion groaned and sat up.
"Pikachu?" he asked as he turned his head. He gasped before putting a hand against Ash's cheek.
"Hi," he whispered as tears filled his eyes.
"Hi," Ash whispered back. "I'm so sorry."
"What?"
"I should have told you I could use aura," Ash said. "I'm so sorry I scared you. And I'm sorry I scared you too, Pikachu."
"Pika," Pikachu said in a muffled tone as he pressed his face into Ash's hair.
"I'm just glad you're alright," Gladion wept. "I thought you were going to die."
"No," Ash smiled as he reached up to push Gladion's hair out of the way. "I will never leave you. I heard your voice. It guided me back to you. I love you, Gladion. I've loved you for so long."
Gladion let out a short breath of relief before pressing his lips against Ash for a quick but loving kiss.
"I love you too," he whispered before kissing Ash again.