1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 2: Sycamore Crisis

We kept running through Lumiose City with Froakie held carefully in my arms, and every second made the weight of the little Water type feel heavier. Froakie's breathing was still steady, but the strain in its body told me the Electro Ball had hurt more than I wanted to admit.

Bonnie led the way with surprising confidence for someone so small. David and Elline stayed close beside me, while Pikachu clung to my shoulder and watched Froakie with worried eyes. Absol ran ahead to clear space through the crowd, and Zoroark followed behind us, glaring at anyone who came too close.

Clemont tried to keep up at first, but after a few streets, his footsteps fell farther and farther behind. I looked back and saw him slowing with his hands on his knees, breathing hard as his glasses slipped down his nose.

"Clemont!" Bonnie shouted. "You have to run faster!"

"I'm trying!" Clemont called back, though his voice already sounded exhausted.

David glanced between Clemont and Froakie, then shook his head. "We cannot slow down right now. He knows where Professor Sycamore's lab is, and he can catch up."

Bonnie hesitated only for a moment before nodding. "Then keep following me. South Boulevard is just ahead!"

Froakie stirred weakly in my arms, and one eye opened enough to look at me. Its meaning came thin but stubborn, like a spark refusing to go out. "Do not waste time worrying about the slow one."

Even injured, Froakie had more pride than most Pokémon I had met. I tightened my hold just enough to keep it steady without trapping it. "We are almost there. Save your strength until someone can treat you."

Pikachu's ears lowered, and his meaning brushed against mine with guilt. "My attack did this. I want to make it right."

"We will make it right together," I said, keeping my eyes on the road ahead. "That is what matters now."

Professor Sycamore's lab stood on South Boulevard, elegant and bright against the rush of the city. Bonnie pushed through the entrance first, and I followed her inside without slowing down.

"Hello?" I yelled, my voice echoing through the lab. "Professor Sycamore, are you here?"

A tall man in a white coat hurried out from deeper inside the building. His eyes moved from my face to the Pokémon in my arms, and the color drained from his expression.

"Froakie, no!" he gasped, rushing closer. "We've been so worried about you. Your Trainer has been in recent contact with us."

Two assistants arrived almost immediately after him, one young man and one young woman. Professor Sycamore turned toward them with urgent trust in his voice.

"Dexio, Sina, Froakie needs help right away."

"Right," Sina said, stepping forward carefully. "Please give Froakie to me. We will take care of it."

I lowered Froakie into her arms as gently as I could. Froakie tensed at first, but it did not fight her. Maybe it understood that this was the fastest path toward help.

"We have been worried about Froakie, too," I said. "Is its Trainer on the way here now?"

Professor Sycamore's face saddened. "I'm afraid not. He contacted us to let us know he wanted to give up Froakie."

Bonnie gasped, and Elline's expression tightened with disbelief. David looked away for a moment, like he needed to keep his anger from coming out too quickly.

"Give up, Froakie?" I repeated. "After it got hurt and ran away?"

"It is not the first time Froakie has returned to this lab," Professor Sycamore said quietly. "But we should let Sina and Dexio treat it before explaining everything."