The sun-dappled forest resonated with the sound of May's carefree laughter as she sprinted through the lush greenery. Ash, drawn by the grip of her hand on his, pursued her with determined strides.

"May, wait up!" he called, his breath slightly labored. Undeterred, May reached a clearing at the forest's edge, revealing a breathtaking cliff that overlooked the verdant expanse below. Ash caught up, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty etched on his face.

"Wow...May this is beautiful-" Ash hesitated, his eyes suddenly fixed on the vast drop before him. "Oh crud…" Ever spontaneous, May agilely ascended a nearby tree, skillfully pulling down some thick vines. Ash, still grappling with the situation, looked up, seeking guidance.

"Just hang on," May instructed, her voice carrying a playful tone. She secured one end of each vine around the trunks of sturdy trees, eventually tying one end around her own waist. Ash observed, his confusion lingering. May, undeterred, looped the other vine around Ash's waist. "Your Pikachu might want to wait here,"

"I get the feeling she's right," Pikachu remarked as he wisely took refuge on a nearby tree branch. With vines securely fastened, May took Ash's hand and guided him to the edge of the cliff. Ash, uneasy but intrigued, could only manage a hesitant

"Uh..." Without warning, May leaped off the cliff, hand in hand with Ash. His initial scream echoed through the forest as they descended, but to his surprise, the vines transformed into makeshift bungee cords, bouncing them gently. Laughter bubbled from May as the bouncing came to a halt, leaving them hanging upside down. Ash clung to her, feeling the rush of blood to his head.

"That's fun to finally do with someone," May laughed, the joy evident in her eyes.

"This...was a bad idea…" Ash groaned, his disorientation apparent.

"Oh come on that was fun!" May beamed at him before flipping herself over. He shot her a weary look and she shrugged. "Oh well. Maybe one of my other spots will be more your speed," she teased as Ash groaned in response. With that said, she initiated the climb back up the cliff, effortlessly ascending while pulling Ash along as well. As they reached the top, she kissed his cheek, eliciting a slow return to composure from the dazed Ash. With a warm smile, May cut them both free from the vines with her dagger and took his hand again, leading him further into the enchanting forest.

After a few minutes of walking, May led Ash to a vibrant grove of trees, the air thick with the sweet fragrance of blossoms. As they entered the serene sanctuary, Ash felt a sense of tranquility washing over him, and he couldn't help but relax a little. May agilely hopped up into a tree, her gaze fixed on the lush surroundings.

"Are you more of a sweet or tart lover?" she inquired, her playful tone breaking the peaceful silence.

"Uh... sweet," Ash replied, still taking in the beauty of the grove.

"Alright," May responded with a mischievous grin. She disappeared into the foliage, only to return a few minutes later with an armful of Pecha berries, their vibrant colors a testament to their ripeness. Ash smiled appreciatively as May handed him one of the succulent fruits. He accepted it, captivated by the sweet aroma wafting from the berry. "Trust me when I say you will not find one sweeter than this," May declared, popping a berry into her own mouth. Taking a cautious bite, Ash's eyes widened in pleasant surprise.

"Whoa..." he whispered. May smiled, clearly enjoying his reaction.

"You'd be amazed at what can grow out here without the need to control the wildlife," she remarked. "That's why I don't recommend eating wild Tomato Berries."

"Oh dear…" Ash muttered, nodding in agreement. His comment prompted a lighthearted giggle from her. Sitting down under a tree, May invited Ash to join her, and he gladly complied. They shared a moment, tapping their berries together in a silent toast.

"Cheers," May said with a playful glint in her eyes.

"Heh," Ash chuckled, savoring the moment. As they continued eating, May shifted the conversation to a more personal topic.

"How's your mom been doing lately?" she inquired, surprising Ash with her knowledge of his family. "I know she's had a few health scares lately. Did the herbs I dropped off help?"

"That was you?!" he gasped, staring at her in utter shock.

"Surely you didn't think they just magically appeared on her nightstand did you?" she asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"I th-thought that it was someone else. The Sage, maybe?" Ash stammered.

"Well, nope. I found those herbs during a training assignment a few years ago. Turns out they only grow in thick bramble patches. But they have a lot of natural gel in their leaves that helps with a lot of diseases." May chuckled softly.

"You grow herbs…?" Ash asked, surprised by the new information.

"We've got a few gardens of them cultivated in the village. Once I figured out how to get them to grow I taught a few other people so we'd always have a good supply. I figured they'd help out your Mom too." She explained.

"They sure did...she recovered so quickly after having some…" Ash recalled, remembering how happy he was to see her recover that day.

"I'm glad then." May's smile conveyed her satisfaction.

"Thank you..." Ash responded, appreciating May's unexpected kindness in ways he never thought possible.

"Of course. I'd be happy to give you some from our garden before you head back if you like," May offered.

"I... think we're gonna be okay," Ash admitted, a sense of reassurance settling over him.

"You sure?" she asked, genuinely concerned.

"Yeah..." he confirmed, prompting a smile from May.

"Then I guess she's doing better?" she inquired, seeking confirmation.

"Uh huh," Ash replied, a sense of relief evident in his tone.

"Good," May said, smiling warmly. As Ash contemplated the unexpected turn of events, May casually popped the last berry into her mouth. He looked at her with a new look, one that was beginning to see beyond the flirtatious feud they'd nurtured for all those years.

"You're something else..." he remarked.

"What do you mean?" May inquired innocently.

"I just... never expected any of this," Ash admitted, his gaze drifting down in thought.

"I've told you I'm just looking to help people. I may enjoy a bit of naughty fun from time to time, but I really do just want to help my people," May explained, her sincerity shining through.

"We really aren't that different..." Ash whispered, touched by her words. Smiling, May kissed his cheek and got back to her feet. As he held his cheek, she extended a hand to help him up.

"Come on. I don't want to be too late for you to see my all-time favorite place."

"What, my bedroom..?" he half-heartedly joked.

"No, I can go there any time." she teased him with a giggle. "The spot I have in mind only hits its most beautiful once a day, and we have just enough time to get there and see it." She grabbed his hand and ran off, allowing Ash to follow her once more.

May led Ash to a picturesque flower field, the vibrant colors of wildflowers stretching as far as the eye could see. The sun was reaching its peak, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Excitement danced in May's eyes as she urged Ash to join her.

"Hurry, lay in the flowers!" she exclaimed, running into the field and disappearing beneath the tall blooms. Ash, slightly fumbling, joined her. Looking up at the sky, May marveled as a full swarm of Beautifly suddenly emerged from among the flowers. The graceful creatures sprayed a sparkling pollen, creating a mesmerizing display that illuminated the entire area under the noon sun.

"Whoa..." Ash couldn't help but be captivated by the enchanting scene. May sighed happily, lying among the flowers.

"I love this... they do this every day right at noon..." As Ash took in the beauty around him, including May's own, he felt his heart pounding, a genuine affection for the young girl blooming within him. To his shock, the physical attraction that had always laid between them was starting to blossom into something more. "Almost like they're doing a show all their own for the flowers they help pollinate," May remarked, her words filled with a deep appreciation for the natural spectacle. As the Beautifly dispersed, May's smile faded slightly as she sat up. "Hold on…" she commented as she quickly counted the Beautifly flying away. "There's one missing…"

"Beau!" a soft voice called out. Just then, to Ash's surprise, the lone Beautifly landed on her head.

"Hey there, you are," May greeted with a smile, offering her hand for the Bug Type to land on. The Beautifly floated to her hand, and May smiled at the creature. "You should go with your friends."

"Tifly beau." The Beautifly, smiled as she hovered in front of May.

"Always a little different aren't you?" May chuckled, seemingly familiar with this particular Beautifly's mannerisms. "Your wings are extra lovely today." May complimented her wings with a smile.

"Beau beau!" The Bug Type hummed happily.

"Well, I'll tell you what, my garden back at my hut is in bloom right now too. As always, you're welcome to stop by." May offered. The Beautifly giggled happily and flew around May, shooting a bit of string as a parting gift before flying away. May laughed happily, and Ash watched in wonder. As May noticed his attention on her, she smiled. "That one's my favorite of the swarm. She almost always stops by my hut on her way home in the evenings."

"I see." Ash nodded, unable to resist reciprocating with a soft smile of his own. Even with the local wildlife, she was enchanting.

"What else can I show you?" May asked.

"I remember there being a pond nearby in maps, but I never saw it myself," Ash mentioned.

"Oh, great idea!" May exclaimed, jumping back to her feet. Blinking in surprise, Ash quickly followed her as she ran back into the treeline.

May led Ash to a row of thorn bushes, their height almost matching the duo. Ash couldn't help but widen his eyes at the sight of them.

"Oh yikes." Casually, May hopped up onto a tree branch, her familiarity with treetops evident.

"This is where knowing your way around a treetop comes in handy," she smiled down at him.

"I'm not terrible at climbing myself, you know," Ash replied, making his way up the tree.

"Good," May smiled, hopping from branch to branch over the thorns to demonstrate the route. Ash followed as best he could, nerves creeping in.

"That I'm less confident about..." he commented, slightly embarrassed.

"You can do it. It's just like any other athletic training," May encouraged as Ash gathered his courage and jumped. Smiling, May continued ahead, taking the easiest route to demonstrate for him. Ash followed, navigating the branches with determination. Soon, May jumped down and landed safely on the other side of the thorn bushes. Ash, however, fumbled over, eliciting a wince from May as he fell to the ground. "You okay?"

"Yeah..." Ash groaned as he stood up. May held his hand, and they continued their walk. A blush colored Ash's cheeks, noticing the subtle intimacy of the gesture. Pushing away some branches, May revealed a natural spring hidden in a small grotto.

"Nice little hideaway," she remarked.

"I'll say," Ash agreed. May removed her sandals and dipped her feet into the water, inviting Ash to join. He smiled as he followed suit, and May patted the spot next to her. As they sat together, May placed her hand over his on the ground. Smiling, Ash reciprocated, and May's gentle smile mirrored his own. "It's strange... seeing this side of you,"

"What do you mean?" May inquired.

"I've just... never seen it before," he confessed.

"I only tease people I like. Growing up in a society like mine, you have to find unique ways to express your affection," May explained. A deeper blush spread across Ash's face, and May giggled softly. "And coming to play with you was the only way I got to see you."

"May..." Ash stammered, blushing even harder.

"I'm just glad you finally started to realize," May said, smiling at him. "I was afraid I was going to have to try something else to get you to understand."

"I still don't know what it is I'm supposedly understanding," Ash admitted.

"That I love you," May declared, and Ash blushed hard. May smiled at him, and Ash couldn't find the words. She kissed his cheek, leaving him speechless.

"I-I…" he stammered, trying to form a sentence. When he found himself unable to do that, he instead took her hand in his, hoping that it would help him convey his feelings for her. "May…I…"

"Shh..." she whispered, kissing him tenderly as she understood his unspoken confession. Ash kissed her back, his heart heavy with the realization that his mission still had to be completed. May wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning her body into his as the world faded away around them. Ash held her close until they slowly pulled away for air, May keeping her lips near his.

"I... like you too," Ash admitted, his voice filled with feelings of both affection and guilt.

"I'll take it," May replied with a smile. Resting her head on his shoulder, May closed her eyes, savoring the moment. Ash gently stroked her cheek, caught between conflicting emotions. Silently, he began moving his free hand along the ground reaching for a pouch on his belt. However before he grabbed it, he hesitated. He couldn't do it…at least not yet.

"Hey...?"

"Hm?" May looked up at him.

"Do you want to go swimming?" Ash asked, his blush deepening. May smiled,

"Sure. But are you okay with seeing me strip down? I'd prefer not to go home with wet clothes." Blushing even more, Ash found himself caught in the delightful whirlwind of emotions that May effortlessly stirred within him. Finding his surprise cute, May stood up and began removing her robes, and Ash nervously took off his hat in response. Gracefully, May stripped down and dove into the crystal-clear water. Taking a deep breath, Ash followed suit and joined her in the refreshing spring. As May surfaced, she smiled at him and then laid on her back, floating along the surface, and Ash swam beside her. "Crystal clear water is the best,"

"No argument here." he agreed. Suddenly struck with an idea, May dove back under the water, and Ash watched with curiosity. She swam down to the bottom, pulling out a few water lilies. As she resurfaced, May laid the flowers along the bank of the spring. Ash raised an eyebrow, prompting her to explain.

"These ones are special. Since they grow untouched in this area, they absorb a lot of natural minerals from the water. I want to bring them home later and see what I can make out of them." She smiled and put one behind her ear, adding, "Besides, they're beautiful." Ash smiled softly, and May laughed, placing one of the water lilies in his hair. "On all genders," she teased.

"Think you're funny huh?" Ash smirked before he playfully splashed her.

"Eek!" May laughed as she smiled at him. "Oh now you're going to get it!" she proceeded to splash him right back and they quickly engaged in a lighthearted water fight. At some point during the chaos, May swam around and grabbed onto Ash from behind.

"Ack!" he gasped. Laughing, May splashed him again, and they continued to playfully enjoy the water. May wrapped her arms around Ash's neck and her legs around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder and securing her grip on him.

"Comfy," she remarked, making Ash blush deeply. Giggling softly, May kissed his cheek, and Ash sighed with a smile. But his smile faded as he glanced to the shore and saw Pikachu standing near his discarded belt. His partner's presence reminded him of the task he was now trying to avoid.

"May…" he tried, but his emotions stopped him from explaining further. Instead, he simply shut his mouth as tears formed in his eyes. May noticed Ash's change in tone and looked at him curiously.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"It's nothing," he insisted, but May got off his back and swam around to his front.

"You're crying... it's obviously not nothing," she said. Ash couldn't bring himself to respond truthfully to her question, so instead he wrapped his arms around her, and May blushed softly.

"Finally caught you," Ash sadly teased, and May smiled and giggled softly, saying,

"This kind I'll allow," she replied, failing to notice his hiding of the truth. They held each other close, and Ash glanced at Pikachu, who nodded, having received word from Riley's Lucario that the others involved in the plan had succeeded in their roles. Which meant he had no choice but to carry out his own now. Savoring a last few seconds of bliss, May moaned a little and shivered as she relaxed in Ash's arms and he stroked her spine. "That feels good," She whispered, prompting Ash to continue. May's moans grew louder as Ash kissed her neck and ran circles around her spine, enjoying the intimate moment.

"Sure does," Ash agreed. With a relaxed sigh, he continued to hold May close, and she smiled softly. They stayed in the water until it started turning their hands into prunes.

"Shall we dry off?" May suggested, smiling at him. Ash nodded, and May pecked his lips before swimming towards the banks. Ash followed, grateful for the shared moments of affection and connection. May climbed out of the water, gracefully squeezing some droplets from her hair. Ash stared captivated, unable to tear his eyes away. May noticed his gaze, glancing at him while her bare body was still wet and dripping. Blushing hard, Ash quickly stepped out of the water. May smiled a little, acknowledging his admiration. "Thank you very much,"

"H-Huh...?" Ash stammered, still blushing.

"A stare is just a silent 'you're beautiful,'" May explained, smiling. "So I thanked you for the compliment." Ash blushed even harder, and May began to get dressed. Following suit, Ash tried to discreetly avert his gaze, but his eyes kept wandering back to her. May noticed and smiled at him, holding his hand.

"You really are beautiful May…" Ash mumbled softly. "Both…inside and out…"

"Aw." May smiled warmly. She kissed his cheek and added, "Thank you. You're quite handsome yourself." Blushing intensely, Ash managed a shy smile and May continued, "Anything else I can show you?"

"Ah... maybe we should start with the way out...?" Ash suggested, a bit flustered.

"Technical but okay." May chuckled. Ash smiled a little, and May hopped onto a low-hanging branch. Carefully, he climbed up, and May jumped across the treetops back over the thorn bushes. Ash, less gracefully, jumped and clung to a branch. "Need some help?"

"I got it..." Ash replied, swinging over with a bit of effort.

"Nice save," May complimented with a smile. Ash smiled back, and May continued to jump across a few more treetops, landing back on the ground. Ash followed with less finesse, prompting May to giggle. "Little more work and you'll be a pro," she teased.

"Thanks..." Ash scratched his head, appreciating the encouragement in spite of her teasing.

"My pleasure," May replied, her smile radiating warmth as they continued their journey together. The atmosphere shifted as Ash tried one more time to express his inner turmoil.

"May I…there's something I have to…I gotta tell you…"

"Yes?" she asked, waiting patiently for him to get it out. Ash tried to tell her the truth by summoning all his courage, but in the end, he just couldn't do it. He sighed and quickly deflected to another topic.

"I just... wish things could be different between us," he confessed.

"Different how?" May inquired.

"I wish you could have lived with us in the city," Ash admitted.

"I don't know if you've noticed, but most people in your village don't have a high opinion of the people in mine." May chuckled.

"I wonder why that is," Ash sarcastically mused.

"Probably a lot of them are like you were. They focus on what we're doing and not why. They don't stop to think that maybe there are other people out there who need that kind of support," May explained.

"I don't believe for a second that any of the others are really like you, May..." Ash sighed to himself.

"More of them just need to take time to actually learn what life is like out here," May suggested.

"Guardians like me know pretty well. It's part of the occupation," Ash replied.

"Well, even you really didn't understand until today. This is the first time I've ever been able to just show you some of the good things that I love out here," May remarked.

"I still know some things you don't," Ash teased, slowly wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Is that right…?" May smiled and blushed. "What kind of things?" Ash looked down sadly, taking a moment to reflect on his choices.

"One of them is..." he began, opening his mini pouch, "that you can be beaten at your own game." Without warning, he splashed a canteen's worth of Sleep Powder directly into May's face, aiming for her mouth and nose. May recoiled, coughing, as the powder took effect quickly.

"W-Why would...you..." May struggled to speak as she groaned and collapsed. Ash, tears streaming down his face, caught her in his arms.

"I'm sorry... I really am..." he whispered. With a heavy heart, he lifted her into his arms in a bridal carry and her head slumped against his chest. With a tear sliding down his cheek and landing onto hers, he carried her back to the palace, the weight of his actions settling heavily upon him.

To be Continued...