It is known that space and time are concepts that work together. Sometimes things happen in the perfect time, at the perfect place. Sometimes the place is right, but not the time. Sometimes it is the other way around. And sometimes... sometimes both are wrong.

We don't have any control of it - the universe is in constant movement, things happen in chains of event that are out of our control. We can't change what have happened - it was the universe, not us. But sometimes we can't help but think we could have prevented certain things; done something that would have made that chain of events happen in a different way. Unfortunately, not all of us can step into a cabin and go back in time.

Ash didn't say that he could have prevented it by asking her to stay. He didn't say he could have prevented it by asking her to visit him. Or by asking she to travel with him again now that he knew Daisy was taking liking for the gym leader life. He didn't say any of that out loud. But he really didn't need to.

As Brock's eyes darted to his friend's face, he knew. He could read perfectly Ash's mind by the way he walked and look. And by the way he wasn't saying anything at all. Well, that's what so many years of friendship do to you.

There was nothing he could say to make it better - and God, Ash was thankful he didn't try. They didn't know her state, what exactly had happened to her or what would happen. And that's what made it all so bad.

Ash sat on the bed, head between his hands, completely helpless. The breeder followed right after him.

'Listen, Ash. I know how it all sounds right now. I'm not gonna pretend I know what you're feeling, and I'm not gonna say it's gonna get better. I'm gonna be completely honest here with you. We don't have much information, and we don't know what can happen from this moment on. The only thing I do know is that it is by no means your fault.'

He heard the trainer let out a broken laugh at this that came out sound a lot more like a sob. He put a hand on his friend's shoulder, in a try to bring him comfort, even though he it wasn't possible at the moment.

'Ash, just list...'

'I could have avoided that!'

'No, no you couldn't. No one could. Don't start blaming yourself for something that was completely out of your control. You couldn't have asked her to stay, you couldn't have asked her to leave the gym; she wouldn't have. It was her responsibility, and you know better than anyone that she would never let the gym close because of her personal wishes. That is absolutely nothing you could have done.'

Ash didn't say anything. That was nothing he could say. The room fell into a good few minutes of silence before he said a word.

'What do we do now?'

'I don't know, Ash. We can go there and try to find her, see if we can find out some useful information. But you need to be prepared for anything. I need you to know that. I'm not trying to be pessimist here, hell, she is my best friend too. I may not know how you're feeling right now, but I guarantee you I'm completely terrified by the idea of losing someone I consider my sister. But we need to be realist and do the best we can for her, whatever her condition is.

I'm not telling you what to do, but if it was me now, I know I would want to be there. Whatever her fate may be.'

The trainer raised his head for the first time since entering the room, looking directly at his friend.

'I'm scared, Brock. Hell, I'm scared! I'm always in the control of the situation. I always have a solution. I can always find a way to solve everything, but this time I'm helpless! The only time that matters I can't do anything!'

It was useless to hold back the tears; they were already falling against his will.

'I would give anything to be in her place.'

Brock knew that. And seeing his best friend so hurt, well, that hurt him a lot more. In less than one hour he saw his two best friends falling to a miserable state.

'I know. But you can't. I'll be with you, whatever you decide to do now.'

'I need to see her. I need to find her Brock. I'm frightened by what I can find, but I need to see her.'

'I know that too. I can arrange us to leave tonight, if that's ok with you.'

Ash just nodded.

'Ok. Just do me a favor, then. Get yourself some rest. I'll go talk to the girls and find us a way to get there today, if possible. Are you going to be ok alone for a while?'

He nodded again, eyes still impossibly red.

'Ok then.' The breeder got up, giving the trainer a reassuringly gentle squeeze on the shoulder. 'I'll be back in a few hours. If you need anything, just call me, or go find the girls.'

Before reaching the door however, he heard his name being called again.

'Hey, Brock?' He turned towards his friend. 'Can you send Pikachu here?'

Brock gave him a small smile.

'He'll be on his way.'

Hello guys! Yes, I know, it's been an awful long time since I updated. I just want you to know I'm not giving up in any of my stories, and hopefully I'll be able to update like a decent person from now on. Thank you for all the kind updates, it's really important to me. As always, constructive criticism is always welcome, so if you can, drop by to give a review.

I know the chapter is a little short, but I just wanted to focus a little bit on Ash's feelings about the situation, and I love writing Brock being an awesome friend. Sorry for the Doctor Who reference, I'm a big nerd and I can't help myself.

I'm so sorry for the delay, and thanks for everyone who's still with me here! See you all soon, I hope! (: