" hey, Brock, how's the oatmeal coming along?" Ash asked as he walked to Brock.

No reply.

" Brock?*

Nothing.

Ash nudged Brock, and Brock went falling back.

" Woah!* Ash caught Brock in the knick of time.

Misty came running over. " What happened?"

Ash looked grim. " Brock."

Misty felt his head. " He's burning!*

Ash nodded and grunted. " Help me get him to bed."

Ash took brock's tools out as Misty put a damp cloth on his head. She turned to Ash.

" Do you know how to use those?* Misty asked.

" No. You?*

Misty shook her head. Ash sighed. " Well we might as well wing it."

" I'll go first." She took the flashlight, thought for a second, and pushed the whole thing in an unconscious Brock's mouth.

" That... doesn't look right."

Misty took it out. " Right. What do we use?*

Ash rummaged through. " Look, there's a book!*

He opened it, and read the cautions. " Must not be shown to anyone under fifteen."

Misty sighed. " We don't have time to follow the rules."

Ash nodded. " Right."

He flipped it open, and found.... A bunch of gibberish.

Ash squinted at the page, trying to make sense of the gibberish text. “Uh, Misty, I don’t think we’re supposed to be reading this.”

Misty leaned in, her brow furrowed. “What do you mean? We have to help Brock! Just read it!”

“Okay, okay,” Ash replied hesitantly. He cleared his throat and began to read aloud, stumbling over the complicated words. “Um, ‘Dorsal flappis exterres—’”

“Wait, what? That doesn’t even make sense!” Misty interrupted, her eyes darting around the page.

“Fine, let me try another part!” Ash flipped through the pages, landing on an illustration of a Pokémon that looked like a massive dragon. The caption read: “Hydraxon: Extremely rare, only found in volcanic regions.”

Misty raised an eyebrow. “Is this even relevant? We need to find out how to help Brock, not learn about some weird Pokémon.”

“Look at this one!” Ash exclaimed, pointing at another page. “This one shows a picture of… uh, I think that’s a Poké Ball… but it has legs!”

Misty leaned closer, her eyes widening as she saw the drawing. “That’s… that's not supposed to exist! That’s just a toy!”

“Right? It’s ridiculous!” Ash chuckled nervously. “But we really need to focus!”

Misty sighed, looking around the room in desperation. “Okay, okay. Let’s skip the gibberish. We need to find something practical.”

As they flipped through the book again, they stumbled upon a page filled with sketches of various Pokémon anatomy. One drawing showed a sick Pikachu with a thermometer in its mouth, and the instructions read: “When a Pokémon exhibits high fever, apply a cold compress to the forehead and monitor closely.”

“Hey, that’s useful!” Ash exclaimed, relieved to find something they could actually use.

“Finally!” Misty said, grabbing another damp cloth and placing it gently on Brock’s forehead. “What else does it say?”

Ash scanned the page, his eyes catching a warning. “It says here we need to keep him hydrated… but no specific instructions on how to do that.”

Misty frowned, glancing at the empty water bottles scattered around the room. “Ugh, I’ll go get him some water. Stay here and watch him!”

“Got it!” Ash said, looking back at Brock, who remained unconscious.

While Misty dashed out, Ash continued to scan the book, his fingers trembling slightly. As he flipped through the pages, he saw more strange illustrations and outrageous ideas that seemed more like fairy tales than practical advice.

One picture depicted a group of trainers standing atop a giant Pokémon, holding glowing orbs, while a blaring caption read: “The Power of Friendship is the Ultimate Cure!”

“What the—?” Ash muttered, shaking his head. “This is getting ridiculous!”

Just then, Misty rushed back in with a water bottle, her expression determined. “Here, Ash. Let’s try to get some water into him.”

“Okay, but be careful,” Ash replied, kneeling beside Brock.

Together, they managed to tilt Brock’s head and slowly drip some water into his mouth. Ash held his breath, hoping that it would help, even if just a little.

Ash pickws the book up. " Oh. Words we understand."

He skimmed the page. " Uh.... Misty?"

Misty's face turned pale at Ash’s words. “Wait, what?! That goes into… that place?” She grimaced, crossing her arms. “No way! There’s got to be a better way!”

Ash hurriedly flipped the page, his face flushing. “Nope! We’re skipping that part! Let’s not think about it. How about checking his eyes instead?”

Misty sighed in relief, grateful to move on. “Good idea. We can at least see if he’s responsive.”

“Alright, I’ll hold his eyelids open,” Ash said, leaning closer. “You shine the flashlight in his eyes and see if they react.”

“Okay, just be careful!” Misty replied as she switched on the flashlight. She crouched beside Brock, who still lay motionless.

As Ash gently pulled back one of Brock’s eyelids, Misty brought the flashlight closer. “Ready?”

“Yeah, go for it!”

Misty directed the beam into Brock's eye, watching for any sign of movement. “Um… his pupils look really dilated.”

Ash frowned. “Is that bad?”

“I think so,” Misty said, her voice laced with concern. “It could mean he’s really sick or in shock.”

Ash felt a lump in his throat. “What do we do?”

“Let’s try to wake him up,” Misty suggested, shaking Brock lightly. “Brock! Can you hear us?”

No response.

Ash felt a surge of frustration. “Come on, Brock! You need to wake up!” He shook him gently. “You’re the one who knows how to help!”

Misty sighed, biting her lip. “We can’t give up. We need to try something else.”

Ash’s eyes flickered back to the book. “Wait, what about this part?” He pointed at another page. “It says something about Pokémon needing to be in a familiar environment to feel safe. Maybe we should move him to his bed or somewhere more comfortable!”

“Great idea! Let’s do that!” Misty agreed, her determination renewed.

Together, they carefully lifted Brock, making sure to support his head and neck. “On the count of three,” Ash said. “One… two… three!”

They gently set Brock down on his bed, arranging his blankets around him. Ash stepped back, taking a deep breath. “Okay, now what?”

“Let’s keep monitoring him,” Misty suggested. “We can keep checking his temperature, make sure he stays hydrated, and keep talking to him. Maybe he’ll wake up.”

“Right,” Ash said, glancing at the book again. “And maybe we’ll figure out something else useful while we wait.”

Misty knelt beside Brock, her hands shaking slightly as she started to unzipped his puffer jacket. “We need to check his vitals,” she said. “I’ll check his breathing. You do his heart rate.”

“What? How do I do that?” Ash asked, bewildered.

“Just place your fingers on his wrist or neck,” Misty explained, focused on removing Brock’s jacket. “Feel for his pulse. It should be beating.”

“Okay, I can do that,” Ash replied, still a bit unsure. He watched as Misty carefully peeled off Brock’s jacket, revealing a t-shirt underneath.

“Here you go, Ash,” she said, turning to him. “Now, find his pulse!”

Ash nodded, gulping down his nerves. He leaned over Brock, gently placing two fingers on his neck, just below the jawline. He closed his eyes, concentrating. “Um… I think I feel something!”

Misty looked over, her brow furrowing. “Is it strong? Is it too fast or too slow?”

Ash's face scrunched up in concentration. “I… I can’t really tell. It feels a bit weak, though.”

Misty felt Brock’s chest, listening for breaths. “He’s breathing, but it’s really shallow.” She frowned. “We need to keep a closer eye on this.”

“Maybe we should try the thermometer,” Ash suggested hesitantly. “You know, the one that doesn’t go… there.”

Misty nodded, looking relieved. “Good idea. We’ll just use it the regular way. Grab it from the kit!”

As Ash hurried to get the thermometer, Misty continued to monitor Brock. She spoke softly to him. “Come on, Brock. You need to wake up. We’re here for you.”

When Ash returned with the thermometer, he handed it to Misty. “Okay, here you go.”

“Thanks,” Misty said, taking the device and turning it on. “Just a few seconds, and we’ll know if he has a fever.”

They both watched intently as the thermometer beeped, and Misty checked the reading. Her expression fell. “It’s higher than normal,” she said, worry creeping into her voice. “He’s running a fever.”

“What do we do now?” Ash asked, panic rising in his chest.

“We need to cool him down,” Misty replied quickly. “Grab a washcloth and some cool water! We can sponge him down and keep an eye on him until he wakes up.”

“Right!” Ash sprinted to the bathroom, grabbing a washcloth and soaking it in cold water. When he returned, Misty had already rolled up Brock’s sleeves, preparing to help cool him down.

“Let’s do this together,” Misty said as she wrung out the washcloth. They gently began to sponge Brock’s forehead, arms, and neck, hoping to bring his temperature down.

“We’ll stay right here, Brock,” Ash promised. “You’re going to be okay.”

Two hours passed, and despite their efforts, Brock still showed no signs of waking up. Ash sat back, frustration evident on his face. “What if Pikachu gives him a little shock? That might wake him up!”

Misty shot him a disapproving look. “No! I mean, at least I don’t think so. That could do more harm than good.”

Ash frowned, feeling helpless. He leaned over to check Brock’s pulse again. “His heart rate still feels weak,” he said, his voice filled with concern.

Misty brushed a damp cloth over Brock’s forehead. “Is it too cold? Should we warm him up?”

Ash shook his head. “No, it feels... yeah, totally cold. But we can’t overheat him either!”

Misty took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. “Okay, let’s just keep doing what we can. We can’t lose him, Ash. We have to stay positive.”

Ash nodded but couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that settled in his chest. “What if he doesn’t wake up? What if we’re not doing enough?”

Misty placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We’re doing our best. We have to believe he’ll pull through.”

Just then, the door creaked open, and Nurse Joy stepped in, looking concerned. “How’s he doing?”

Ash quickly stood, his voice rising with urgency. “He’s still out cold! We’ve been trying to wake him, but nothing’s working!”

Nurse Joy knelt beside Brock, examining him closely. “I’m glad you called me. It’s important to monitor his temperature and heart rate, but I think it’s time for some more intensive care.”

“What do you mean?” Ash asked, his worry escalating.

“We may need to get him to a Pokémon Center where he can be treated properly,” Nurse Joy explained, her tone firm yet reassuring. “I have a few emergency supplies here, but we need to act fast.”

“Let’s do it,” Misty said, determination flaring in her eyes. “We can’t just sit around waiting.”

Ash nodded, a sense of purpose igniting within him. “I’ll help you carry him!”

“Good. Ash, grab his legs; Misty, help me support his upper body,” Nurse Joy instructed as she began to lift Brock gently.

With their combined efforts, they managed to lift Brock off the ground. “On the count of three,” Nurse Joy said. “One, two, three!”

Together, they maneuvered Brock out of the room, their hearts pounding with the hope that they could get him the help he desperately needed.

When they finally reached Nurse Joy's car, they were surprised to find Tracey waiting outside, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

“Ash! Misty! What’s going on?” he exclaimed, rushing over to them.

“We need your help!” Ash said, trying to keep his voice steady as he shifted Brock’s weight. “Brock is unconscious, and we need to get him to a Pokémon Center!”

Tracey’s eyes widened in alarm. “What happened?”

“We don’t know!” Misty replied, her tone anxious. “He just collapsed, and we’ve been trying to wake him up for hours.”

“Okay, let’s get him in the car!” Tracey said, springing into action. He quickly opened the back door and helped Ash and Misty gently lay Brock on the seat.

Nurse Joy hopped into the driver’s seat, glancing back at Brock. “I’ll drive as fast as I can. Just keep an eye on him.”

As the car sped off, Ash and Misty remained at Brock’s side, their eyes focused on their friend.

“Come on, Brock. You have to wake up,” Ash murmured, gripping Brock’s hand tightly.

Tracey leaned in closer, trying to assess Brock’s condition. “Is he breathing okay? Should we check his pulse again?”

“I checked it before,” Ash said, his voice shaking. “It was weak, but it was there.”

Misty leaned forward, her heart racing. “Please, just wake up, Brock. We need you!”

Nurse Joy focused on the road, her brow furrowed in concentration. “Hang in there, Brock. We’re almost there.”

After what felt like an eternity, they finally arrived at the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy parked quickly and jumped out, calling for assistance. “Nurse Joy! What do you need?” a fellow nurse asked as they rushed over.

“Get the stretcher! We have an unconscious patient!” Nurse Joy instructed, her voice firm.

They quickly lifted Brock onto the stretcher, and Ash and Misty followed closely behind, panic coursing through them.

“Will he be okay?” Ash asked, desperation in his eyes.

Nurse Joy nodded, though her expression remained serious. “We’ll do everything we can. Just stay here and wait.”

Tracey placed a comforting hand on Ash’s shoulder. “He’s strong. He’ll pull through.”

As they watched Brock being wheeled away, Ash felt a mix of fear and hope. “I just want him to be okay.”

Misty squeezed Ash’s hand. “He will be. We have to believe that.”

With that, they waited anxiously, hoping for news about their friend’s condition.

Hours later, Misty leaned against Ash, who had his arms wrapped around her shoulders. They sat in the waiting area of the Pokémon Center, surrounded by the faint sounds of nurses and Pokémon being treated.

“Misty, I…” Ash started, but the words caught in his throat.

“Ash, I’m scared,” Misty admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if something’s really wrong with Brock?”

Ash tightened his grip on her. “I know. I’m scared too. But we have to stay strong for him. He’ll come through this.”

Misty sighed, brushing away a tear that threatened to spill over. “He’s always been there for us. I just can’t imagine him not being okay.”

“I can’t either,” Ash said, his heart heavy. “Brock’s like family to us. We need to believe he’ll wake up.”

Just then, Nurse Joy emerged from the treatment area, her expression serious but not grim. “Ash, Misty,” she called softly.

Both of them jumped to their feet, their hearts racing. “How is he?” Ash asked, urgency in his voice.

Nurse Joy took a deep breath. “Brock is stable now. We’ve given him treatment for his fever and dehydration, but he’s still unconscious. We’re keeping him under observation.”

Misty’s shoulders sagged in relief, though worry still lingered in her eyes. “So he’s going to be okay?”

“It’s too soon to tell,” Nurse Joy replied gently. “But he’s a fighter. He just needs time to recover.”

Ash nodded, feeling a bit of hope return. “Can we see him?”

“Not right now. I need to monitor him for a while longer. But I promise you, the moment you can see him, I’ll let you know,” Nurse Joy reassured them.

Misty looked at Ash, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “What if he doesn’t wake up? What if he never comes back to us?”

“Stop it, Misty,” Ash said firmly, though his heart raced. “Brock is strong. He’ll fight through this, just like he always does. We have to believe that.”

Misty took a deep breath, nodding slowly. “You’re right. He’s always been there for us. We can’t give up on him now.”

They both sank back into their chairs, holding onto each other as they waited, the uncertainty of the situation hanging heavy in the air.

Just then, Tracey walked in, a teasing grin on his face. “So... you two are official?”

Misty and Ash both turned to him in shock, shouting in unison, “What? No!”

“Really?” Tracey said, chuckling. “Because it kind of looks like—”

Before he could finish, Misty’s Poké Ball opened, and Psyduck emerged with a loud, confused quack. He looked between the three of them, and Misty sighed, “What?”

Psyduck fixed her with an intense stare, one that seemed to say, You love him, don’t you? It was the kind of look that only a Pokémon who knew too much could give.

“Ugh!” Misty groaned, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. “Return! Just... go back!”

With a flash, Psyduck was sucked back into his Poké Ball, leaving Ash and Misty exchanging awkward glances.

Tracey laughed, clearly enjoying the moment. “I mean, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck—”

“Tracey!” Ash interrupted, trying to mask his embarrassment. “This isn’t about us right now. Brock is in there, and we need to focus on him.”

Misty nodded, trying to shake off the awkwardness. “Yeah, exactly. Let’s just hope he wakes up soon.”

“Right,” Tracey said, calming down. “We’re all here for Brock. Let’s stay positive for him.”

Ash sighed as he glanced at the time. One in the morning.

When was Brock gonna wake up?!

Misty yawned as she opened an eye. " Lie down ash."

Ash looked at Misty, surprised by her assertiveness. “Misty, I can’t just lie down. What if something happens with Brock?”

“Nothing is going to happen, Ash,” she said softly but firmly. “You need to rest. You’ve been up all night worrying, and it’s not going to help Brock if you’re exhausted.”

Ash hesitated, glancing toward the door where Brock was being treated. “But what if he needs me? What if Nurse Joy needs me to help?”

Misty sat up, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. “Brock is in good hands with Nurse Joy and Tracey. They’ll call us if anything changes. Right now, you need to take care of yourself.”

He could see the concern in her eyes, and it softened his resolve. Ash sighed again, feeling the weight of fatigue pulling at him. “Okay, fine. But just for a little bit.”

Misty smiled, her expression relaxing as she patted the spot next to her. “Just lie down. I’ll keep an eye on things. I promise.”

Reluctantly, Ash lay back on the bench, trying to make himself comfortable. Misty settled beside him, resting her head against his shoulder. He could feel her warmth, and it was strangely comforting.

“Thanks, Misty,” he whispered, his eyes drifting shut.

“Anytime, Ash,” she replied softly, closing her eyes as well. “Just remember, I’m here for you—no matter what.”

Ash groaned as he shifted on the bench. Five in the morning.

He had gotten only four hours of sleep.

No matter.

Then he squinted. " Misty?*

Misty turned to Ash, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Brock… he’s still not awake, Ash. It’s been hours, and I’m just… I’m scared.”

Ash quickly sat up, feeling a rush of concern for his friend. “But he’s going to be okay, right? Nurse Joy and Tracey are with him?”

Misty nodded but wiped her eyes. “They’re doing everything they can, but I just can’t shake this feeling.”

“Hey,” Ash said gently, pulling her close. “Brock is strong. He’ll pull through this. He always does.”

Misty leaned against him, drawing strength from his words and the warmth of his embrace. “I just hate seeing him like this. He’s always the one taking care of us.”

Ash rubbed her back soothingly, glancing at their Pokémon, who were still gathered around them, their eyes filled with worry. “We’ll get through this together, Misty. Just like we always do.”

Pikachu squeaked in agreement, and Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur nodded, rallying around Ash and Misty as if to say they were all in this together.

“Let’s just keep hoping for good news,” Ash said, feeling a surge of determination. “And let’s make sure Brock knows we’re all here for him when he wakes up.”

Misty nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “You’re right, Ash. We need to be strong for him.”

Suddenly, Tracy came running out of the room. " It's bad it's bad!" He yelled as he flailed his arms.

Ash's heart sank at Tracy's frantic expression. “What do you mean, it’s bad? What’s happening?”

Tracy took a deep breath, struggling to steady himself. “Brock—he’s not responding to treatment like they hoped. Nurse Joy said his vitals are getting worse, and they’re doing everything they can, but…”

Misty gasped, her hands clenching into fists. “No! He can’t… He can’t leave us! He’s our friend!”

“Let’s go talk to Nurse Joy,” Ash urged, trying to stay composed for Misty’s sake. “Maybe she can tell us more. We need to know what’s going on.”

Tracy nodded, his face pale. “Right. She’s in the back with him.”

As they rushed down the hall, Ash felt a knot forming in his stomach. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing Brock. They had been through so much together.

When they reached the back, Nurse Joy was standing outside the door, her expression grave. Ash stepped forward, urgency in his voice. “Nurse Joy, how’s Brock doing? Is there anything we can do?”

Nurse Joy shook her head, her eyes filled with sympathy. “We’re trying our best, but he’s in critical condition. I need you all to stay calm and give us some space. We’ll do everything we can to help him.”

Misty’s eyes filled with tears again. “But what if he doesn’t make it? He can’t… he just can’t.”

“We have to believe he will,” Ash said firmly, wrapping an arm around Misty’s shoulders. “Brock is strong. He’s fought through tough battles before. This is just another one.”

Tracy looked at them both, trying to keep his own fears at bay. “Yeah, we can’t give up on him. We have to keep hoping.”

As Ash, Misty, and Tracy sat on the floor, their anxiety spiraled into an overwhelming tremor that shook the very ground beneath them. Each thought of Brock's condition magnified their fear, creating a ripple effect of worry that spread through the hospital corridor.

Misty hugged her knees to her chest, her body trembling uncontrollably. “What if we lose him? What if he never wakes up?”

Tracy, equally shaken, shook his head vigorously. “No, we can’t think like that! He has to pull through. He can’t leave us!”

Ash felt his heart racing, the weight of dread settling heavily in his chest. “We’ve been through worse together. Brock’s fought tough battles before. He’s… he’s a fighter!”

But with each passing moment, their fears consumed them, the shaking intensifying. The floor began to quiver beneath them, as if responding to their collective anxiety. Nurse Joy, who had been tending to another patient nearby, noticed the escalating tremors and rushed over.

“Stop! You three need to calm down!” Nurse Joy exclaimed, kneeling down to face them. “You’re causing a scene! Take deep breaths—focus on your breathing. You can’t help Brock like this.”

Misty looked up, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. “But how can we just sit here when he’s in there fighting for his life?”

Nurse Joy placed a firm hand on Misty’s shoulder. “I know it’s hard, but your energy affects him too. He needs you to be strong. Think of all the times he’s pulled through for you.”

Ash took a deep breath, the words sinking in. “She’s right. We need to be there for him, not just with our fears but with our strength.”

Tracy nodded, wiping his eyes. “Okay… okay. Let’s breathe together.”

They closed their eyes, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Gradually, the tremors subsided, and the tension began to ease. Nurse Joy smiled gently, satisfied to see them finding their composure.

“Good. Now, why don’t you all share your favorite memories of Brock? Remember what makes him special,” she suggested.

As Ash began, a small smile crept across his face despite the heavy atmosphere. “Remember that time Brock had his never-ending bag?” he said, his voice shaking slightly. “I mean, we were out camping, and he just kept pulling things out of it. It was like a magician’s hat!”

Misty couldn’t help but chuckle. “Right! He pulled out a whole bed! I swear I thought we were going to sleep under the stars, but he made a full-on tent with blankets and pillows. How does he fit all that in there?”

The laughter faded as the weight of their situation settled back in. Ash’s smile faltered, and the silence grew heavy. Each of them seemed to be lost in their own thoughts, grappling with the fear of what might happen to Brock.

“I just can’t believe this is happening,” Misty murmured, her eyes welling up again. “What if he doesn’t make it? He always looks out for us. What if we don’t get to… to tell him how much he means to us?”

Ash swallowed hard, glancing down at the floor as dark thoughts crept in. “I… I can’t imagine going on without him. He’s always been there for us. What if he never wakes up? What if… what if he’s just gone?” His voice cracked, and he felt a surge of panic rise within him.

Tracy shifted uncomfortably, his mind racing. “We’ve lost so much already. What if we lose Brock too? I don’t know if I can handle that. He’s like a brother to me. If he doesn’t come back…” His voice trailed off, and he clenched his fists, trying to fight back tears.

Just then, Officer Jenny approached them, her brow furrowed in concern. “Hey, what’s going on over here?” she asked, her voice firm yet gentle.

Misty looked up, her expression a mix of worry and frustration. “It’s Brock. He’s in bad shape, and we don’t know what to do.”

Officer Jenny knelt beside them, her blue eyes steady and reassuring. “I understand how scary this is. But you need to stay strong for him. He’s going to need you when he wakes up.”

“But what if he doesn’t?” Ash whispered, his heart racing as dread washed over him.

“Listen,” Jenny said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Brock is a fighter. You’ve seen him overcome obstacles before. He’s strong, just like the bond you all share. You can’t give up hope.”

Misty wiped her eyes and nodded, but the fear lingered. “It just feels like everything is falling apart. What if we’re too late?”

Officer Jenny squeezed Misty’s hand. “You’re not too late. He’s still fighting, and so should you. Talk about your favorite memories. Focus on the good. That’s what will help him more than anything.”

Tracy took a deep breath, trying to find his voice. “Brock always made the best meals. Remember when he tried to cook that gourmet dinner for us? He was so confident, and then it ended up being a complete disaster. We were all too scared to eat it.”

Misty giggled despite her tears. “Right! And he was so proud of it, too! I think he even put it on a fancy plate and everything!”

Ash smiled again, his mind drifting back to all the little moments they’d shared. “And how about that time he tried to impress that girl at the Pokémon Center? He spent hours preparing a bouquet of flowers but ended up sneezing and sending them all flying!”

The trio shared a laugh, and for a moment, the dark cloud hanging over them lifted slightly. Officer Jenny smiled softly, proud of them for holding onto the light amidst the darkness.

“Keep talking about those moments,” she encouraged. “Brock needs to know he’s loved and that you’re all rooting for him.”

Ash paced around the waiting area, his footsteps echoing in the sterile hall. The fluorescent lights flickered above him, adding to the uneasy atmosphere. He felt like he was trapped in a loop, each turn bringing him back to the same anxious thoughts. What if Brock doesn’t make it? What if we lose him? He glanced at the clock; it felt like time was standing still.

Meanwhile, Tracy sat nearby, his sketchpad resting on his lap. His pencil moved swiftly across the page as he drew a grim reaper, the figure cloaked in shadows with a skeletal face. It was a reflection of his own fears, an embodiment of the dread that loomed over them. Tracy’s brows furrowed in concentration, each stroke capturing the weight of uncertainty that hung in the air.

Misty, on the other hand, was juggling knives, her focus sharp despite the chaos swirling around them. The glint of metal flashed in the light as she tossed the blades into the air with surprising grace. It was a risky endeavor, and while her hands moved expertly, her mind was clearly elsewhere. Each catch was like a small victory, a distraction from the worry gnawing at her heart.

“Are you sure that’s safe?” Ash called out, momentarily breaking his pacing to glance at Misty, a mix of concern and admiration on his face.

Misty caught a knife with one hand, smirking. “I need something to focus on, Ash! If I let my mind wander, I’ll start thinking about… well, you know.” She tossed another knife into the air, catching it deftly. “Besides, I can handle it.”

“Just be careful,” Ash replied, shaking his head but unable to suppress a small smile. Misty’s determination was admirable, even if her methods were unorthodox.

Tracy looked up from his drawing, his expression somber. “You know, it’s okay to be scared. We’re all feeling it,” he said, his voice quiet. “But we need to keep our spirits up for Brock.”

Ash stopped pacing and turned to them. “You’re right. We can’t let fear take over.” He took a deep breath, trying to channel his anxiety into something productive. “Maybe we should share more stories. Things that will remind us of who Brock is and what he means to us.”

Misty nodded, tossing the knives down safely before joining Ash. “Good idea! I’ll start.” She paused for a moment, a smile breaking through her worry. “Remember the time Brock tried to flirt with Nurse Joy? He was so nervous he ended up spilling his drink all over himself.”

Ash laughed, picturing Brock’s mortified expression. “Yeah! He turned so red; I thought he’d melt into the floor! But he still managed to ask her out, didn’t he?”

“Kind of!” Misty chuckled. “He ended up getting a date with the wrong Nurse Joy instead. He was so confused when he showed up at the wrong Pokémon Center!”

Tracy joined in, his grim reaper sketch forgotten for the moment. “And don’t forget when he tried to make us breakfast and set off the fire alarm! We had to run outside, and he was so embarrassed he wouldn’t even look at us!”

They shared laughter, the warmth of their memories slowly erasing some of the darkness that had settled in their hearts. Ash felt a flicker of hope reignite within him. “Brock always brings out the best in us, even when things get tough.”

Misty nodded, her smile lingering. “And he’ll be back with us, making terrible jokes and cooking awful meals in no time.”

Finally, Nurse Joy approached them with a smile, breaking through the tension. “You can go see Brock now,” she announced, her voice steady and reassuring.

Before Joy could finish her sentence, Misty grabbed Ash by the arm, determination shining in her eyes. “Come on!” she exclaimed, pulling him along as they dashed down the hallway, their hearts racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

They reached Brock's room, and without a moment's hesitation, they burst through the door. The sight that met them brought an overwhelming wave of relief. Brock lay in the hospital bed, looking a bit pale but alive, a weak smile forming on his lips as he saw them.

“Misty! Ash!” he croaked, his voice hoarse but filled with warmth.

In an instant, they threw themselves onto him, wrapping him in a tight embrace. Misty landed on one side, Ash on the other, and they nearly knocked the wind out of him.

“Brock! You had us so worried!” Misty exclaimed, her voice a mix of joy and frustration as she pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. “You scared us half to death!”

Ash nodded vigorously, still gripping Brock’s shoulders. “Yeah, we thought we might lose you! What happened? You scared us!”

Brock chuckled softly, though it quickly turned into a cough. “It was just a little… hiccup,” he said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the tubes and monitors surrounding him. “Just needed a bit of rest, that’s all.”

“You call that a hiccup? You were in the ER!” Misty retorted, her hands finding their way to her hips as she gave him a pointed look. “Don’t scare us like that again!”

“I promise,” Brock replied, a sheepish smile creeping onto his face. “Next time, I’ll try not to collapse.” He tried to sit up, but Ash gently pushed him back down.

“Just rest, Brock. We’re just glad you’re okay,” Ash said, his voice softening. “You’re too important to us.”

Brock listened, his heart swelling with gratitude for his friends. “You guys are the best. I wouldn’t want to go through this without you,” he admitted, his voice sincere.

Misty squeezed his hand, her eyes glistening with emotion. “We’re a team, Brock. Always.”