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

Chapter 46: Soft Courage

"Alright, Coumarine City, here we come!" Serena cheered as we followed the road through the hills.

She had been walking with extra energy since morning, and I could tell the upcoming Showcase was pulling her forward almost as much as my next Gym battle was pulling me. Pancham marched beside her with a proud little swagger, while Braixen walked with a calmer smile.

Elline chuckled from behind us. "I guess you are ready for the Pokémon Showcase."

"You bet," Serena said. "I am so excited that I can hardly wait to get there."

That excitement lasted until the road climbed higher and higher, turning from a normal path into a long hill that seemed to enjoy testing everyone. Serena's steps slowed, her shoulders dropped, and she looked at the slope ahead like it had betrayed her personally.

"Oh no," Serena muttered. "I am so exhausted that I can hardly wait to sleep. Is this hill ever going to end?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked with a grin. "You were completely pumped up a minute ago."

Bonnie pointed ahead with both hands. "From this point on, it is downhill all the way."

Everyone relaxed at the sight of the downward path. A flock of Swanna passed overhead, their wings shining against the sky, and the breeze they carried felt cool after the climb.

Then something small, wet, and slimy dropped from above and landed directly on my head.

I froze. "That feels really slimy."

Serena leaned closer, then gasped. "Ash, that is a Pokémon."

I carefully lifted the little Pokémon from my head and held it in both hands. Its body was soft, damp only in patches, and far too limp for comfort.

"No way," David said. "It is Goomy, one of the Dragon types that eventually becomes a pseudo-legendary Pokémon."

Clemont knelt beside me and studied Goomy's body with concern. "Something is wrong. The majority of Goomy's body is made of liquid. It may have dried out."

Serena quickly pulled out her water bottle. "I have water."

She poured some water gently over Goomy's body, and the little Dragon-type stirred weakly, but it still looked exhausted.

"Maybe it is not enough," I said as I looked around. I spotted a river shining below the slope. "There is water down there. I will take Goomy to the river."

David stepped forward. "You are going to climb down there? The slope is too dangerous."

"We will be fine," I said, already holding Goomy close. "Goomy needs water now."

I started down carefully, but the loose ground slipped under my shoes, and suddenly I was running downhill much faster than I wanted. I dodged one rock, jumped over another, and almost regained control before my foot caught a root.

Goomy flew from my hands.

I lunged and grabbed it against my chest before hitting the water with a splash that soaked me from head to toe.

Serena sighed from the bank above after everyone reached us. "Ash, we warned you."

"Goomy still looks weak," Bonnie said.

"We need more water on it," I said.

We cupped water over Goomy slowly until its body looked fuller and healthier. Its eyes opened, and it lifted its head with a tiny trembling motion. Relief ran through me so strongly that I almost forgot how cold the river was.