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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 run into each other after Gladion had completed his Melemele Island Challenge. The two of them then decided to hang out together, walking around and talking about what had been happening for them since they last saw each other until they had reached Ten Carat Hills. Immediately, Ash challenged Gladion to another battle; and despite rolling his eyes at Ash’s never-ending love for Pokémon battles, Gladion perked up at the idea of a double battle because he had never participated in one before.
After agreeing to use Umbreon, Torracat and their Lycanroc, they started the battle with Pikachu and Silvally sitting together on the sidelines, watching with great interest. At the same time, Rowlet snoozed on Silvally’s back. Ten minutes had passed since the battle started, and all four Pokémon were still going strong.
"Torracat, use Flame Charge!" Ash commanded. "And Lycanroc, use Accelerock!"
"Dodge it!"
Lycanroc and Umbreon quickly jumped to the side to avoid the attacks, but Lycanroc wasn't paying attention to his surroundings and tripped over a Diglett hole, his face colliding hard against a sharp stone on the ground. The red wolf howled in pain, lying on his back while clutching his forehead with his paw.
"Torracat! Lycanroc! Stop!" Ash cried out in concern.
The boys and the Pokémon immediately rushed over to Lycanroc. Gladion knelt and gently placed Lycanroc's head on his lap before carefully prying the large paw away to inspect the injury. He gasped in horror when he saw blood gush steadily from a large gash on Lycanroc's forehead; fortunately, not fast enough to be fatal but unfortunately, not slow enough to be safe.
Ash turned pale as Gladion swore, firmly pressing his hand against the cut in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding. Panting, Lycanroc’s eyes fluttered as he started to pass out from the pain.
"No! No, no, 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, frowning before his eyes widened. Could he heal Lycanroc? Worth a try.
"Gladion, move your hands," he told him, kneeling beside the red wolf.
"What?!"
"Please trust me," Ash pleaded urgently. "Move your hands."
Despite the fear he was feeling, Gladion moved his hands. The second they were out of the way, Ash cupped Lycanroc's face with his hands before closing his eyes.
"Please work," he whispered. "Please work!"
Slowly, a faint blue glow appeared under Ash’s palms, making Lycanroc's face glow softly as the blood slowed and the cut began to mend. Gladion stared at Ash in shock.
"What? How?"
Ash gritted his teeth. "I'm so sorry," he whimpered. "I'm so sorry you got hurt. Please be alright."
As the glow faded, Ash removed his hands and Lycanroc slowly opened his eyes, breathing slowly and deeply.
"Lycanroc?" Gladion breathed hopefully.
The red wolf slowly sat up and turned slightly to give Gladion a lick on the cheek.
"Thank goodness," Ash sighed before collapsing.
Gladion frowned. "Ash?"
"Pika?" Pikachu asked worriedly, trying to shake Ash's shoulder.
Ash didn't move. Concerned, Gladion moved closer to roll Ash over. His eyes widened when he 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. Rowlet fluttered above anxiously.
"Pika! Pika!" Pikachu screamed in a panic.
"Ash, please, this isn't funny," Gladion begged, panic filling him. "Wake up!"
But Ash still didn't respond. Desperate, Pikachu used Thunderbolt, accidentally shocking everyone in the process. After a few minutes of being temporarily dazed, Gladion shook his head to fight the dizziness before looking down at Ash again. He was still unconscious.
"Silvally, help me!" he begged.
Silvally kneeled beside him as Gladion picked up Ash and placed him on the chimera’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 onto 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, Rowlet and Torracat following close behind. As Silvally ran, Gladion and Pikachu 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 chirped sadly.
Gladion pulled Pikachu off his shoulder and cuddled him while the other Pokémon gathered around Gladion.
"Torracat, Rowlet, Lycanroc, I think you guys better go find Professor Kukui."
****
When Torracat, Rowlet 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 Torracat, Rowlet and Lycanroc running around without Ash and Pikachu," Lillie explained. "So, we followed them."
"Gladion, what's going on?" Kukui asked urgently. "Where's Ash? 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 worried 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. I’m sorry. All I can tell you right now is that his body is resting and that he's comfortable. He will have to stay here until he wakes up though. I'm going to set up some equipment to help him get through this. I'm so sorry."
As she left, everyone continued to stare after her in confusion and horror before looking at each other. Ash was in a coma? With 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, grasping his hoodie right over his heart.
"Professor, I think he's having a panic attack!" Lillie cried.
Quickly, Kukui and Burnet helped Gladion over to a chair and gently pulled his hoodie off.
"Put your head between your knees," Kukui instructed, helping Gladion lean from his waist. "Take slow, deep breaths."
"Snowy, use Powder Snow!" Lillie cried, holding out her handkerchief.
"Vulpix!" Snowy screamed, covering the handkerchief in a thin layer of frost.
"Thank you, Snowy," Lillie smiled gratefully, crouching next to Gladion and placing the cold fabric against the back of her brother’s neck, making him stiffen from the shock of the sudden cold against his skin.
"We're here, Gladion," she said sweetly, rubbing his back. "We're right here."
Gladion shivered as he rested his head on his knees, trying his hardest to control his breathing which was now coming out in shudders. He felt tiny licks under his ear, making him smile softly. That was Umbreon licking him. It’s what she used to do when he was little after a nightmare. 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 with one arm and Rowlet in the other.
"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 smoking.
"No, we weren't attacked." Gladion shook his head. "We were battling. We...."
Gladion paused as tears spilled down his cheeks. 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 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 nuzzled the top of the electric mouse’s head with her cheek.
"Wait, Ash’s hands glowed?!" Mallow asked in shock before pushing Lycanroc's fur apart to check 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 inspected the scar on Lycanroc's forehead 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 told her husband. "And I'll use the resources at Aether Paradise to see if there are any answers."
"I'll set up a research program to narrow down any possible causes," Sophocles added.
"And I'll check my books," Lillie finished.
"Professor, I'll stay with Ash until he wakes up," Gladion offered. "I need to make sure he's okay."
"Thank you, Gladion," Kukui smiled gratefully. "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 nodded. "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, Rowlet, Lycanroc and Torracat made noises of agreement. 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 staying will help a lot. Follow me."
Gladion followed Nurse Joy with Pikachu, Rowlet, Lycanroc and Torracat trailing close behind until they reached a small, private room. They looked inside. The sight of Ash lying there was a sad sight. 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 corpse 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 and Rowlet sat at the foot of 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, Rowlet, Torracat and Lycanroc are here too. I guess you must have left Rotom Dex at home today. I'm sure it'll come once Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet tell it about you. Although, 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, gently tracing the ice cube over Ash's lips. "You know, I don't know how I feel about this. I’m 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, giving Pikachu a head rub with his free hand before looking back at Ash again. "I promise Ash, 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, Rowlet, Lycanroc and Torracat; only leaving to use the bathroom. For an hour, he tried everything he could think of to get Ash to 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 instead. By the time the sun set, he 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, he 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, Mallow and Lana were gently shaking him while Kiawe watched with a worried look on his face.
"You okay?" he asked. "You look terrible, and that chair can't be good for your back."
"Thanks, and it's not," Gladion groaned, holding 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, removing 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, placing a large bowl of fresh mixed berries on the floor in between Torracat and Lycanroc. "Eat up, you guys. You too, Pikachu and Rowlet."
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 for a look before lying back down on Ash's chest. Rowlet turned his head to look at the bowl before turning back to Ash, completely ignoring the berries.
"Come on, you four," Lana pleaded. "Please eat."
"They don't want to," Gladion said, picking 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 interrupted. "And I'm not hungry. I'm just nauseous."
Kiawe sighed. "Give me a moment," he said, grabbing the bowl before leaving 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. I tried noises, tickling, movements; nothing’s 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 apologetically, 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, three water dishes and a tall cup with a straw.
After pouring the drink into the water dishes, he placed two of the bowls in front of Lycanroc and Torracat and one on the table behind Rowlet before pouring some liquid into the cup and holding 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 after finishing the glass.
He held out the glass so Kiawe could refill it before handing the cup to Pikachu, who slowly drank from it. Torracat, Rowlet and Lycanroc watched silently for a few minutes before drinking from their 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, Rowlet, 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 against his chest.
"Is something wrong, Pikachu?" he asked, looking down at the electric mouse.
"Pi, Pi," Pikachu said, jumping onto the bed before gesturing to Gladion to get on the bed too.
"You want me to sit on the bed?" he asked.
Pikachu shook his head, pointing to Gladion before lying down and then sitting up again.
"You want me to lie down with Ash?" he asked, his eyes widening.
Pikachu nodded.
"I don't know," he said with a blush.
Torracat and Lycanroc stood up and gently tugged on Gladion’s trousers, silently telling him to do what Pikachu asked while Rowlet nodded. Gladion sighed, taking off his shoes and climbing 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. Tears stung his eyes as he placed an arm over Ash's stomach. Pikachu pushed his way under Gladion's arm, so Gladion's hand was resting on his back. After feeling Lycanroc and Torracat jump on the bed and lie across his and Ash's legs, Gladion started to cry.
***
"Gladion?" a voice said softly. "Gladion, wake up."
"Ash?" Gladion asked hopefully, opening his eyes.
"No, honey. It's your mother."
As his vision cleared, Gladion saw it was his mother standing by the bed, along with Wicke and Faba. He also felt warm. He turned his head in the direction of the warmth to see a hospital blanket covering him. Nurse Joy must have covered him when she came to check on Ash.
"Oh, sorry,” he sighed before sitting up, the 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 get any sleep last night?"
"Not really," he admitted, pushing the blanket aside. "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, pulling on his shoes while Pikachu jumped onto 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 run the tests, and she'll let us know if there are any results or changes. Pikachu; Torracat; Lycanroc; Rowlet; why don't you four come with us and get some fresh air?"
Pikachu, Lycanroc, Rowlet and Torracat looked at Ash for a few minutes before deciding it would be good to go with Gladion and Lusamine and 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, slipping Ash's Z-ring onto his left wrist while Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder again. As he followed his mother, Lycanroc and Torracat out of the room with Rowlet fluttering beside him, he paused and turned to give Faba an icy stare.
"Do any unnecessary tests on him, and I'll get Pikachu to electrocute you, Faba," he 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 looked his mother with an unimpressed look. "I don't care if you've forgiven him, Mother. I don't trust that man. And Pikachu, Torracat, Rowlet and Lycanroc agree with me."
Pikachu, Torracat, Rowlet and Lycanroc made noises of agreement while Lusamine smiled and shrugged.
"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 to a nearby shaved ice stand. After buying large one made from frozen Sitrus berries for Gladion and large one made from frozen Oran berries for Lusamine, the two sat on a bench with Pikachu sitting on Gladion's lap. Torracat and Lycanroc lay in the sun while Rowlet flew in circles to stretch his wings and absorb the sun through his feathers. Gladion ate a spoonful before shivering as the cold, sweet ice tingled on his tongue.
"Your father and I used to do this when you were a baby," Lusamine said after swallowing a spoonful of her icy dessert. "Whenever you got fussy, we'd go out and get shave ice."
"How come?" Gladion asked, sharing some shaved ice 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. Rowlet then landed beside Gladion, who held the cup out so the grassy owl could enjoy some too.
"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, giving his cup to Pikachu and Rowlet, 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 tightly as she could as she felt her son 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 while 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, Rowlet and Lycanroc. They weren't looking very healthy either.
"Hey, Gladion."
Gladion looked at the door to see Lillie holding a sports bag in one hand, a bucket filled with brushes and spray bottles in the other and her school bag on her back. Silvally, Umbreon, Lycanroc and Snowy were standing with her.
"For goodness' sake, it smells so stale in here," she said, putting down the bag and bucket before opening the curtains and the windows. "Good thing I came when I did. Take that 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, Rowlet and Torracat."
"I don't want to leave," Gladion admitted. "I think Team Rocket is hanging around outside."
"If they dare set a foot in here, Snowy will freeze them," Lillie said calmly, taking off her backpack and putting it on a nearby table. "Now, go shower, or I'll drag you in there. Don't think I won't."
Gladion sighed before standing up.
"You all guard them," he told the Pokémon as he grabbed 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. And it looked like Ash’s Pokémon were too. Lycanroc’s coat looked smooth, Rowlet’s feathers were neat and Pikachu’s fur was brighter. Lillie was currently running a comb through Torracat’s fur, making the fire cat purr as his coat glowed like smouldering embers.
"Feel better?" she asked.
"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, Rowlet and Lycanroc. I'm sorry I haven't looked after them very well."
"Do you always talk to him?" Lillie asked as she finished brushing Torracat before standing.
"I try to," he said, dropping the ice cube back into the cup. "Keeps me from crying. Any luck finding the answer?"
Lillie shook her head as she went to the table where her school bag was sitting.
"No," she said, pulling 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, Rowlet 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. She then opened the container, pulled out a fork and stabbed the omelette before holding a piece out to her brother.
“Open,” she requested.
Gladion gave her a dirty look. "Okay, first of all, I'm not a child; 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 at his Pokémon. It almost seemed like they were scolding Ash’s Pokémon. It also appeared that Gladion's Pokémon had won the battle because Pikachu, Rowlet, Lycanroc and Torracat were now eating, much to Gladion's relief.
"Come on, Gladion," Lillie said, waving 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 before sticking the fork in his mouth. "Thank you. Now, please eat."
Gladion nodded and took the container, slowly eating the omelette. It was quite nice. Lillie smiled before standing up to pour some water.
"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, giving 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 was there to 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, looking 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, walking over to her and wrapping 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 aura. Aura is the spiritual energy that's in every living creature. Lucario is known as the Aura Pokémon and can sense and use aura like a weapon. 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, he gave Lycanroc his energy to speed up the healing process. But if an Aura Guardian transfers too much of 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 a severely 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 running 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 mind 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, giving the cup to Gladion.
Gladion slowly drank the water as Kukui stood up briefly to turn off the tap before sitting next to him. As Kukui wrapped an arm around his 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, Rowlet and Torracat could come home with them. Despite not wanting to leave Ash's side, the three 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, Rowlet and Lycanroc following. After they had gone, Gladion got on the bed with Pikachu and lay his head on Ash's chest, listening to his heartbeat.
"Ash," he 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 large feline 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 its 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 again; 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 urgently.
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," he told Ash before turning 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 be afraid to tell Gladion you love him. Goodbye, my friend."
"Goodbye," Ash waved 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 touch 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, embracing 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 before turning his head. He gasped, cupping Ash's cheek as his eyes filled with tears. "Hi.”
"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 sniffed. "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 gasped before pressing his lips against Ash for a quick but loving kiss. It was wet and salty from his tears but Gladion didn't care.
"I love you too," he whispered before kissing Ash again.