A/N: Thought since this one was so short I would just post it now. I could have really combined it with the previous chapter but, I think it might have more power by itself.

Chapter 4

Finally satisfied that Ash was in a better condition than he was a few hours ago, the group had decided they could be a little at ease, in that they were helping Ash as much as they could.

Chase had announced his departure to the rest of the group saying something else had come up. Dawn, Pikachu, and Piplup were all confused about this sudden news, whereas Brock seemed relieved.

Although the departure of extra help had bothered Pikachu, he really did not care. He only wished his trainer would wake up, if only for a little bit to let him know he was still there and fighting. There was no doubt in Pikachu's mind that Ash would be fighting this thing with full force but, something about this situation seemed more than what it appeared. No matter how Pikachu felt, there was nothing he could do to help his trainer except be by his side at all times.

Both Dawn and Brock had agreed to take turns keeping watch over their friend in the night, just in case. It was decided that Brock would take the earlier shift and Dawn take the later shift.

Brock sat close to Ash watching him carefully while he laid ever so still, watching for the slightest change in breathing to let him know if another attack was coming on. Brock was scared out of his mind, as he thought back to the conversation he had had with Chase. He knew he had said he knew that Ash would pull through but he was stilled worried for him. What could it possibly be? The other trainer had said that he had seen other men fall victim to this very affliction. Is it possible he knew about this? How could I be so stupid, Brock thought to himself, I should have asked him about it, found out as much as a could about this thing. It's too late now. Brock concluded as he slapped himself in the face for his stupidity.

Something else about that conversation had bothered Brock now that he thought back to it. Chase seemed quite confident that no matter what they did, Ash would not make it. Aside from the obvious reason as to why this bothered Brock, there was something else to this statement, something much deeper, the meaning buried by overlooked words. But what?

"Brock?" A small voice called out, breaking Brock from his thoughts.

"Pikapi?"

"Ash?" Brock asked confused, wondering if he had imagined the entire thing. Both Pikachu and Brock exchanged confused looks. When he glanced over Ash he noticed no change, but he could have sworn he had heard-

"Brock, I don't feel so well." Ash's weak voice whispered out. Brock was at his side in a heartbeat.

"Pikapi!" The little mouse exclaimed happily at seeing him aware of his surroundings. Brock almost burst out laughing at Ash's statement. "The understatement of the year." Brock responded as he took Ash's hand to let him know he was there. For some reason Ash refused to open his eyes.

Piplup stirred at hearing Pikachu, which in turn woke Dawn. She looked over to where Brock had been sitting, when she noticed he was talking to Ash.

"Brock?" she asked still drowsy.

"Dawn, get some water quick." He replied. Quickly realizing what was going on, she was awake in a flash.

Brock looked back down at Ash when he realized that his hand was growing slack in his. "Ash, you got to stay with me for a little bit longer." he demanded as he shook him gently.

"Talk to me Ash." He continued hoping to keep him awake for a little bit longer.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu exclaimed also demanding that his trainer stay awake.

"Pikachu?" Ash managed to slur.

"Dawn hurry up!" Brock called out realizing that he was losing him fast. Dawn was there a second later with a small glass of water.

"Ash?" She called out to him wondering if he was still awake.

"Dawn?" he responded wearily. Dawn smiled at hearing him say her name.

"Ash, we need you to drink this." Dawn said as Brock propped him up to drink the water.

"Ash?" She called out again wondering if he had fallen back asleep. After a long moment of silence he finally responded.

"hmmm?" he asked tiredly

"Drink this." Brock told him as Dawn pressed the glass to his lips. When he had finished Brock laid him back down.

"Pikapi?" Pikachu called out wondering if they had lost him again.

"Piplup?" Piplup called out after a moment of silence waiting to see if Ash would respond.

"Iron tail." He finally said, and with that he was gone once again oblivious to the world around him.