Author Note: First time I upload this story, it went a little wrong. But hopefully this time it works without any more issues.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

The Problem with Explosions

Brock was on a trip to the Johto region with a classmate named Dill. They had to write about the Pokémon in the Johto region, so Brock took the opportunity to take a trip away– Brock enjoyed his first journey to the Johto region he did with Ash and Misty and always wanted to go back.

Brock wasn't enjoying his second trip to the Johto region as much as the first one.

The thing was Brock didn't like Dill that much. Dill was one of those people who liked to think he was so much better than anyone else. Dill liked to think he was so much clever than everyone else too. He reminded Brock a little bit of how Gary was when he first meet him.

Dill was clever – they was no denying that. But being clever didn't make you a nice person.

Brock hadn't been too happy to go on his research trip with him. But – Brock had to do his project. He had to get his essay done – As did Dill. Brock knew he could cope for a few days with him. If he could cope with his many brothers and sisters he could cope with Dill. Brock knew that he faced worse than Dill when he was traveling. He had faced a lot worse people than Dill.

And, on the bright side today was their last day in Johto – and then Brock didn't have to deal with Dill again. Well, only deal him in Pokémon doctor school.

Brock and Dill were taking notes on the bug Pokémon that lived in the woods. Making notes about what they like to eat, and if they were social Pokémon or if they are more solitary, what time of day they are more active. Brock, knew a lot already back when he wanted to be a Pokémon breeder – but they was still a lot more to learn. So much more to learn.

There was a large explosion that make Brock and Dill looked up from their work. "That the heck?" asked Brock. "What do you reckon that was?"

"No idea." Said Dill, he seem surprised by the explosion but uninterested in what course it. "But we still have a lot of work to do…."

A part of Brock felt like to go and check out the explosive. To find out what had happen. He felt like he had to go – have to see. He had a feeling he was needed…. "Maybe we should see…" he started. Explosions like that didn't happen normally.

"It's nothing to do with us." Said Dill at once. "It is none of our business. Office Jenny will go there if it is important."

Brock nodded his head a little. As much as he didn't like Dill – he did have a point. It was none of their business. Brock went back to his work – but he couldn't concentrate properly. He had a gut feeling that something was wrong.

Brock and Dill finished their observation on the bug Pokémon and went walking deeper in to the woods to find some more Pokémon. Dill was walking ahead (because Dill claimed to be the best at directions) When he suddenly stop for a moment. "What's that?" he asked looking at something on the ground in front of them. Dill took a step forward. "It's an injured Pikachu."

Brock took a step closer to have a look – it was a Pikachu. One that looked very familiar to him. "I know this Pikachu," said Brock at once. He went to were Pikachu lay. He did know this Pikachu well. He wondered what had happen and how Pikachu had got hurt. Brock wonder where Ash could be. He looked up half expecting to see Ash crashing thought the tress and brushes trying to find Pikachu. But no Ash come.

"You know this Pikachu?" asked Dill is disbelieve "How can, you be sure?"

"I travelled a lot with this Pikachu's trainer." Said Brock shortly, still looking out for Ash – Brock didn't know Ash was currently in the Johto region – but then again Ash and his friend Goh were sent all over the place at the moment as they did research at the moment. There was a good chance Ash was here in the woods right now.

"This Pikachu looks abandoned."

"This Pikachu is not abandoned." Snapped Brock "I know his trainers. I have seen Ash jump off cliffs to save Pikachu…Ash would never abandon him, he would never do that… something bad must of happen…"

Dill didn't look like he believe Brock at all. "What could of happen? How did Pikachu end up like this?"

Knowing Ash as well as he did– anything could of happen. Hundreds of ideas come to Brock mind – none of them good. "I don't know." Said Brock but he guess it had something to do with the explosion they heard not too long ago. "But I am treating this Pikachu – then I am going to find Ash. He will be very worried…."

Brock treated Pikachu as well as he could. He always carried around a medical bag for both Pokémon and humans and it come in handy more than once. Brock had neatly finished when Pikachu started to wake up slowly. "Pikachu…" said Brock.

Pikachu looked around looking very confused – but when he saw Brock he jumped to him feet and started to talk – very quickly. "I know you are worried about Ash." Said Brock understanding what Pikachu wanted. Again, he wonders what had happen. Something big for Pikachu too be this worried about Ash. "Come on – we'll go and find him…." Pikachu jumped onto Brock shoulders at once.

"What you are just going?" asked Dill – he had been quite for a while.

"Yes." Said Brock "Don't you get it? This is more important than some project. More important than some essay…. can't you see…I can redo them…but I am going to find my friend…." With at Brock walked away thought the trees. "Don't worry about Dill." Brock told Pikachu. "We'll go and find Ash….he'll be looking high and low for you…."

Brock had walked through the woods for over an hour. "ASH!" he yelled with Pikachu calling out for his trainer as well. "ASH!" yelled Brock again. Ash was taking a long time to get to them. Again Brock wonder were Ash was and what had happen. As much as Brock loved traveling he didn't missed this part of it.

They was something big flying in the sky. Brock stopped to look up to see what it was. A dragonite flew down and looked angrily at Brock. Brock frozen for a moment not knowing what he should do. Pikachu jumped down and waved his arms and started to talk. Dragonite then paused. He didn't look angry anymore –in fact he looked like the friendliest dragonite Brock had ever seen. The dragonite hugged Brock tightly like they been friends for years. "Oh – I get it – you're one of Ash's Pokémon." said Brock once dragonite let him go. A lot of Ash's Pokémon had their quirks – and who else would have a dragonite who love hugs?

Dragonite then flew back into the sky. Brock watched him fly away. "I think we see Ash very soon." Brock said to Pikachu who jumped back onto Brock shoulders looking happier now knowing Ash was on his way. Knowing Ash was close by.

Brock heard Ash before he saw him come running thought the trees. Brock heard a familiar voice yelling "Pikachu!" Pikachu yelled back for Ash sounded even happier now he could heard him. Then Ash come running thought the trees.

Ash looked in a worst state than Pikachu had been in. He had his left arm in a plaster cast that was strapped to his chest. He had a large black eye, and Ash had lots of cuts and scrapes. Pikachu jumped into Ash's good arm and rubbed his checks against Ash's face. Both looking very pleased to see each other again – so pleased they didn't pay much attention to each other injuries.

Ash looked at see Brock. "Brock? What are you doing here?"

"I…" began Brock – he didn't know what to say for a moment. He never seen Ash get this hurt before and he has seen Ash do a lot of crazy things. "What the hell happen?" he asked. "What did you do to yourself?"

"That's a long story," said Ash – he sounded tired.

Before Brock could get more information from Ash, there was a crash through the brushes and trees. The boy who Brock only seen photos before come stumbling out. Ash's friend Goh. "ASH!" he yelled. "Don't you ever slow down…" Goh stopped when he saw Ash, Pikachu and Brock. "You found Pikachu…."

"Yeah – thanks to Brock…," said Ash. Goh looks confused. Ash blinked for a moment "Oh yeah you haven't meet Brock…Brock is a friend…. we travel together before…."

Goh looked like he didn't know what to say. "I swear you know almost everyone…" he final said. Goh sounded stressed.

"Ash – you better have Pikachu check over at the Pokémon centre." Said Brock getting Ash's attention back again "I did what I can – but it would be best to have nurse joy check him over."

"And you said once you find Pikachu you would go back." Said Goh at once. "You promised…"

Ash nodded his head – maybe knowing they was no point in auguring this time. "Alright – back to the Pokémon centre…."

Once Pikachu (and Ash) had a check-up and were treated at the Pokémon centre. They all sat down at a table for something to eat – but no one was that hungry, not even Ash and Pikachu. "So, what the story?" asked Brock. He had wanted to know what had happen that day - he wanted answers. He had waited long enough.

So Ash and Goh told him what had happen.

"Well, we were going to look for this rare plant only grown in this region." Began Goh "It is rumoured to have healing properties perfect for bug Pokémon…. Ash and Me went to see if we could get some…" said Goh explaining why there where here in Johto region in the first place.

"Then team rocket showed up…." Carried on Ash "And…well…you know them…they are always after Pikachu…." Ash looked down to where Pikachu was sat on his lap.

"That explosion I heard today….that was them wasn't It." said Brock. He wanted to kick himself – he had a gut feeling to check out the explosion – to find out what had happened. He had a feeling he was needed. Now he felt (somewhat illogically) he had let Ash down.

Ash and Goh nodded their heads at the same time. "Yeah. They had this crazy big machine and manged to get our Pokémon…" said Goh "Ash manged to jump on it to try and save them before I could stop him….."

Brock had seen Ash do this a number of times and he could see it all happening. How any times had he been to slow to stop Ash doing something too crazy? "I manged to get everyone but Pikachu out before it went into the air…." Said Ash

"It exploded in the air…" said Goh "Ash got hit in the face with part of the machine and fell…. Like twenty feet… maybe more… onto his arm…. He was lucky he wasn't his leg….imagine how annoying he would be if he couldn't walk for over a month!"

Goh had a point. Ash would be a nightmare if he broken his leg. He always had to be on the go and could never sit still for a lot period of time. Ash rolled his eyes a little but chose not to speck.

"And…" said Goh getting a little more worked up now he was able to reflex on the day. "You should have stayed in the Pokémon centre while I went to find Pikachu… you have a concussion….you went against medical advice and then run off into the woods….?"

Ash rubbed gingerly only the injuries to his face. Then he looked at Brock who didn't look impressed "It's not that bad… I didn't knock myself out this time….or anything like that…."

"This time?" asked Goh looking at Ash like he was mad. "This time? This has happen before?"

Ash thought for a moment, "Well, similar things have happen…." He started. "Can you yell at me in the morning…I have a headache."

Ash and Pikachu had headed to bed not all after (with some personation from Brock) "Ash and Pikachu are sleeping." Said Goh after checking on them a little while later.

Brock nodded his head. "Well, I did suggest to nurse Joy to give them something to help them sleep." Goh looked at Brock with surprised. "The longer they sleep the better." Said Brock "And after the day they had…they need sleep."

"I guess so," said Goh, he open his mouth then closed it again. "Hey Brock…can I asked you something?"

"Sure." Said Brock wondering what Goh could ask, Brock didn't really know much about Goh apart from he was one of Ash's friends. And what Brock had seen he knew that Goh and Ash were close friends and acted just like his brothers did.

Goh paused for a moment, choosing the right words. "When you travel with Ash…did you see him do anything….did Ash…..."

"Do anything dangerous?" asked Brock. Goh nodded his head. "All the time, I can tell you hundreds of stories about him doing something….reckless and impulsive…. He has always been like that…"

Goh nodded his head a little. "What did you do about it?"

This was a harder question. "Well, depended on the situation." Said Brock fairly "When I could I stop him – but that's not always easy. Ash is very quick." Brock thought about on all the adventures they use to have. "In most cases I ended up helping him when I could. In most cases he is trying to help a Pokémon or someone else…and if I help him he was less likely…." Brock paused, he wanted to say less likely to get himself hurt – but after the event of that day he thought he would be a poor choose of words. "Less likely to get himself into trouble…." Brock laughed a little. "But saying that I think Ash could fine trouble anywhere."

"If I helped him more today with the machine…." Began Goh

"Don't go blaming yourself." Said Brock at once. "It is Team Rocket fault not yours. And you cannot stop Ash from his hero complex things…he will always try to help… no matter what. Trust me – I have seen Ash in worst fixes before."

"Ever seen him break a bone before?"

"No," said Brock. He wanted to say he seen Ash almost die before but didn't. That wasn't something Goh needed to hear right now. "And that couldn't have been easy for you…." Brock thought for a moment. "How did you manged to convince Ash to get medical treatment before going to search for Pikachu?" Ash was very one track minded – and very stubborn, Brock knew that from personal experience.

Goh blinked and looked at Brock "I…I…He wanted to go….right away…but he was in pain and…I don't know….I told him he had to get his arm seen too first…he couldn't help Pikachu running into the woods with a broken arm…." Goh frowned to himself. "I didn't think he was going to listen to me… he was very worried about Pikachu…" Goh trailed off for a moment, "I did have to drag him there…I think he was in too much pain to fight me…"

"Ash is a stubborn one," said Brock

"I know," said Goh at once. "I wish he would just…think sometimes…think before he jumps into situations…."

Brock nodded his head. "I think everyone thinks that,"

The next day they all eating breakfast together, "I better phone my mom today," said Ash.

"You going to tell her what happen?" asked Brock, Ash never really tells his mother about the more dangerous things he have done, And never really tells her if he hurt himself.

Ash pointed to his cast on his arm "I think she will notice this one."

Ash had a point, he couldn't hide this one. "When are you heading back to Kento?" asked Brock.

"Tomorrow." Said Goh "Ash is meant to be resting today…" Goh glared at Ash who wasn't looking at Goh. "Ash!"

"What?" asked Ash at once. "I'll stay here in the Pokémon centre all day…."

Goh eye narrowed "You are not meant to do any training today, remember…."

Ash groaned, Pikachu copied. "What am I meant to do all day then?"

"Have you ever tried reading a book?"

"Maybe you should phone your mom now," said Brock before Ash forgets. "She will want to hear it from you…."

Ash nodded his head.

Ash had finished his phone call to his mother. (She had been concern and worried when she first saw Ash, and wanted Ash to return home for a few days. Ash agreed to return to Pallet Town after he and Goh gave their research to professor Cerise) Ash come face to face with someone he never meet before,

"So, you're the Pikachu trainer?"

"Yeah," said Ash with a frowned. "Do I know you?"

"No, I'm training in to be a Pokémon doctor with Brock….."

"Oh," said Ash. He didn't find this person very friendly. They was something standoffish about him. "I'm Ash…please to meet you." He said remembering his manners. Maybe he was just worried about what happen to Pikachu the day before – but Ash was sure Brock hadn't mention he was in Johto with anyone.

"You do realised because of you and your Pikachu Brock is behind on his research now?"

"What?" asked Ash feeling like he was missing something.

"We got a deadline and I spend all of yesterday finishing my work. Brock hasn't because he was looking for you."

Ash felt a hand on his shoulder. He turn to see Brock. "Dill, it's alright. I will talk to our teachers – it's not the end of the world."

Dill huffed a little. "Well, I am heading back now. I take you are staying here for longer?" Brock nodded his head. "Well…bye then…" and with that he walked out of the Pokémon centre door.

"He seems….friendly." said Goh

"Don't worry about him," said Brock "He is always like that."

"What bout you research?" asked Ash

"It's alright," said Brock at once. He was angry at Dill for telling Ash about this project and the deadline. Dill could see Ash had been hurt – Dill knew Pikachu had been hurt. There was no need to make Ash feel guilty for something that wasn't he fault.

"How is it alright? Won't you get into trouble?"

"I think I will be alright," said Brock – all he other essay and project have been done on time, his teachers knew he was a hard worker. He was sure his teachers would understand he was helping a friend in need. Ash didn't look too sure. "I won't get into any trouble," Brock smiled "Anyway, I figured out what you could do today that's not too boring."

That got Ash's attention. "What is it?" he asked

"Nurse Joy got some old video games she said we can use." Said Brock "I had a look thought the games and some of them I got high score in….you think you could do better than me?"

Ash could never turn down a challenge. "I used to play video games with Gary all the time." He said at once. "I bet I could beat you…."

The next morning the three of them were leaving the Pokémon centre "So we heading back to the lab." Said Goh "We document some information and hopefully that would be of used…."

"Maybe send me some of that information." Said Brock. Goh had told him more about the reach he and Ash were collecting before team rocket had shown up. It sounded like something that could be useful one day – and something he could talk about with his teachers back at school. Goh nodded his head in agreement.

"Look after yourself." Brock told Ash "And when you get back to Pallet town say hello to your mom from me."

"Will do." Said Ash

"Pikachu – if Ash dose anything danger you have my person to zap him…."

"Oi!" said Ash at once. "I don't do dangerous thing often….."

Brock shook his head a little. "You are one of kind Ash….." Ash frowned a little not understanding what Brock meant about it. "I have to go – but I will see you soon…"

Brock when back to school – he was a little behind with his work but he knew he would be able to catch up soon. But to his surprise his teacher asked him to talk to her in her office before class. "I had a call from a friend of yours." Said his teacher. "He told me what happen in Johto….you're friend Ash thinks very highly of you."

Brock wonder what Ash had said and how he manged to track down his teacher. Ash wasn't the best at technology – maybe Goh had helped him. Goh seemed like the kind of person who would know how to track down his teacher. "We travel together for a long time." Said Brock

"Is it true you help his Pikachu?"

"Yes," said Brock – they was no point in denying it.

"I can give you an extension on your work." Said the teacher "I expected for next week."

"Thank you," said Brock before leaving the office. Brock will have to give Ash a call after he finished his work.

It took Brock over two weeks before he had free time to call Ash. And he was lucky the day be called Ash was at the lab.

Ash looked a lot better since Brock had last seen him. His black eye had gone down a lot and the cuts were barely visible. His arm was still in a cast – but it was a different cast than the one Ash had on a few weeks before.

"You look a loads better." Said Brock

Ash grinned "Yeah – I felt almost back to normal…" Pikachu jump on Ash's shoulders and waves at the screen. Pikachu looked good as new. "I feel great."

"That doesn't mean you are allowed to be reckless." Said Goh appearing on the screen also frowning at Ash. Ash rubbed the back on his head with his good hand, Brock decides he didn't need to know what Ash had did – whatever it was it may explain why Ash had to change this caste early.

"I want to say thank you." Said Brock "You didn't have to tell my teachers anything."

"I had to." Said Ash at once "You're not failing because of me…."

"I'm not going to fail." Said Brock, but he was grateful Ash had try to help. "Anyway – once your arm healed Misty want to batter you again…."

"I can battle her sooner." Said Ash at once.

Of course Ash was keen to battle. He was always keen to battle. "Misty thinks that you in a cast near water isn't a good idea." Said Brock and he had to agree with Misty. And judging the look on Goh face – Goh agree with Misty too.

"I don't have too battle her at the Cerulean gym." Pointed out Ash

"You still need to work on your patience," comment Brock – he had almost forgotten how impatience Ash could be at times. "You got any more research trips coming up?"

Ash and Goh looked at each other "Well, we might be going to the orange islands." Said Goh "But, they the issue with Ash and water….."

"We be on an island." Said Ash "I won't even touch the water…."

"You manged to fall into a river the other day." Said Goh unamused "And we weren't meant to be near the river in the first place."

Brock then had another question he wanted to ask. "Have you seen team rocket at all since…. The accident?" Ash and Goh hadn't mention them, and Brock knew Team Rocket has followed Ash from the beginning of his journey.

Ash shook his head "No,"

Brock guess they weren't far away – and maybe they were feeling guilty about what happen. Maybe as soon as Ash arm was out of the case they would go back to trying to steal Pikachu again, but he was glade that they hadn't been causing any trouble.

"Well, I have to go." Said Brock "But once your arm is better give me a call….I want to watch you and Misty battle again….promise."

Ash nodded his head "Promise."