The air was heavy with tension as May approached the border wall of the ninja village, her eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of her former clan's new home. Unlike the old village she grew up in, this new one was smaller and much more run down with its inhabitants obviously struggling. After the Kingdom's Raid and arrests of the clan's people, not to mention Koga's failure and losing both May and Janine, it was obvious the ninjas were struggling to even survive anymore.
"Yeesh... talk about a downgrade..." she muttered under her breath, her lips curling in distaste. With a deep breath, she propelled herself over the wall, landing gracefully on the roof of the largest hut, knowing it had to be Koga's. Inside, Koga paced restlessly, his face worn with stress over the current status of his people. May slipped in through a back window, her movements silent as she emerged from the shadows. "Koga," she said, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. Koga jolted in surprise at the sound of her voice.
"Daughter..!?" he exclaimed, his attempt at composure faltering.
"Don't call me that," May replied sharply, her tone cold and unforgiving. Koga tried to compose himself, his expression masking the turmoil within.
"Still believe those lies I see..." he remarked, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"Says the man that had to resort to brainwashing me to get his to stick..." May retorted, her eyes flashing with anger.
"You didn't come here to catch up, I take it..." Koga observed, his gaze piercing.
"No, I didn't. I came here to try and find out what you know about the dragons," May replied, her voice firm and unwavering.
"Can't control them, can you?" Koga smirked slightly, his tone mocking. May rolled her eyes in exasperation, already growing tired of his jabs at her.
"Oh please. We're best friends," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"As if," Koga scoffed, his expression dismissive.
"Keep challenging me and find out just how fast I can have one of them and my Aura Guardian storm the village," May threatened, her eyes narrowing in warning. Koga met her glare with a deadpan expression, unmoved by her threat. May's glare intensified, her frustration boiling over. "Fine. If that's what you want," she said through gritted teeth, closing her eyes in concentration. "Reshiram. Now."
"Resh." Reshiram nodded in acknowledgment outside the village, swooping down to scoop Ash onto her back. Ash recognized that she must've received a message from May and quickly hung on, determined to save May if need be. Koga raised an eyebrow at the sudden glare on May's face, his curiosity piqued. Outside, Reshiram let out an angry roar, the sound echoing through the village as she descended. Aya, who was trying to help tend to others in the village, looked up in shock as Reshiram broke through the roof of Koga's hut, roaring angrily. May glanced back at her team, giving Reshiram and Ash a small smile of gratitude.
"Thanks for the quick response, you two," she said, her voice filled with relief. Reshiram gave her a respectful nod, while Ash nodded in return.
"What's going on May?! Did he hurt you?!" Ash urged, his voice tinged with urgency.
"No, I just needed to prove a point," May replied, her gaze fixed on Koga. "I think he knows I'm not playing around anymore. Right?"
"U-Uh…" Koga coughed weakly, his gaze flickering with uncertainty.
"Now listen to me very carefully, Koga," May continued, her voice firm and commanding. "Despite what you did to me, and to Janine, I have no intention of taking my frustration out on the village. Because unlike you, I'm better than that. But if you don't stop playing games with me or try anything, I won't hesitate to use my team to our full power. Am I clear?"
"Hmph…" Koga glared silently at her, his expression defiant.
"I want to know everything you know about Kyurem," May demanded, her voice unwavering.
"Why come to me?" Koga questioned, raising an eyebrow in skepticism.
"All the Kingdom's history doesn't have the answers I need. Your family line is the only other source that could have intimate knowledge of their lore and history," May explained, her tone impatient.
"Well, unless you start getting specific, I can't help you. Nor do I care to," Koga replied dismissively. May rolled her eyes in frustration.
"If you're even capable of telling the truth... Kyurem's power seems to be fading and I need to find out why and how to help."
"Is that right...?" Koga smirked slightly, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Don't get any ideas. Reshiram and Zekrom are still at full power. And from what I can see, your people are in no shape to follow your selfish revenge plots against the Kingdom. Especially not after all of the guards have been trained by Janine and I in your tactics," May warned, her tone sharp.
"It sounds to me like Kyurem has caught a nasty case of the infection..." Koga remarked cryptically.
"Infection?" May questioned, her interest piqued.
"There was once a great war about 60 years ago involving the dragons. I'm sure you've heard about it," Koga began, his tone grave.
"Yes," May confirmed, her expression solemn.
"The plague..." Ash murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, his memories flashing back to the tales he had heard.
"And I'm sure you heard about the deadly disease that spread at the same time. Always struck where it would hit hardest," Koga continued, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"Yes. But there's no record of any effects on the dragons. Nor of any cases since," May replied, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"That's because it was a controlled poison," Koga revealed, his voice low and ominous.
"Controlled by your people..." May growled, her anger bubbling to the surface.
"Maybe we did. Maybe we didn't." Koga declared, his smirk widening.
"Like I should believe anything you have to say..." May scoffed, her eyes flashing with distrust. "This is getting us nowhere. It's all just a lie."
"And what makes you so sure my dear?" Koga mocked her.
"Just because I don't lie doesn't mean you didn't teach me how to. I can tell when you're lying," she confirmed, slightly surprising him with just how well she remembered his teachings.
"Let's go, May. He's not worth it," Ash urged, his voice filled with concern. May glared at Koga one last time, her resolve unwavering.
"If I find out you are responsible for Kyurem's condition in any way... I swear I will make you regret it," she warned, her voice filled with venom as she got back onto Reshiram's back.
"The only one who would regret it is you, as I'm sure you know losing your precious dragon will have deadly consequences for you as well dear girl." Koga retorted, his tone mocking.
"I won't lose him. Let's go, Reshiram," May said, her voice steely with determination. Reshiram let out one final warning roar in Koga's direction before taking off into the sky, leaving the village behind them as they soared back towards their real home.
The journey through the sky was filled with tension, May clenching her fists against Reshiram's feathers in frustration while Ash held onto her tightly. Sensing her distress, Reshiram looked up at her with concern, cooing softly in a questioning tone.
"I'm fine," May assured Reshiram, though her voice betrayed her inner turmoil.
"I got you," Ash whispered, his arms wrapped protectively around her as he rested his head against hers.
"He just makes me so..." May began, her voice trailing off in frustration.
"I know..." Ash murmured sympathetically, his heart aching for her. May sighed deeply, the weight of their situation pressing down on her.
"I'll drop you off at the palace... then I'll be going to the caves with Reshiram," she decided, her voice tinged with determination.
"I'll stay with you," Ash replied without hesitation, his gaze unwavering. May gave him a weak smile, touched by his unwavering support.
"I thought they scared you..." she teased gently.
"Not as much as seeing you upset," Ash admitted, his eyes filled with concern. May smiled, her heart swelling with love for the boy beside her.
"Well, someone's extra romantic today..." she remarked playfully.
"Am I..?" Ash blushed, his cheeks tinged with pink. May leaned in, capturing his lips in a tender kiss. Ash moaned in surprise, his arms tightening around her instinctively.
"Oh yes... yes you are..." May whispered against his lips, her own smile evident in her voice. With a renewed sense of determination, May turned to Reshiram. "Let's go check on Kyurem, Reshiram," she said, her voice filled with resolve. Reshiram nodded in acknowledgment, picking up a bit of speed as they flew towards their destination. Ash leaned into May, offering her comfort and support.
"Deep breaths," Ash reminded her gently, his presence a steady anchor amidst the turmoil of her emotions.
"I just hope he's alright..." May admitted, her voice laced with worry.
"With you looking out for him, how could he not?" Ash reassured her, his words filled with confidence in her abilities. May's smile softened at his words, her heart swelling with love for him.
"You're sweet..." she murmured, leaning into his embrace. Ash held her close, his love for her evident in the way he held her.
"I love you so, so much, May..." he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.
"I love you too, Ash..." May replied, her voice equally tender. She pecked his lips gently before turning her attention back to their surroundings. "Thank you, Reshiram," she said gratefully as the majestic dragon flew into the caves and landed. Carefully, May climbed down from Reshiram's back, with Ash following closely behind. They headed inside and immediately May approached Kyurem with gentle hands, softly rubbing his head and chin. "Hey... how are you feeling, sweetie...?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
"May…" Kyurem nuzzled her affectionately, seemingly ignoring her question.
"Still tired...?" May inquired, stroking his head gently. Kyurem again responded with a soft nuzzle, choosing not to directly answer her, which caught May's attention. "Kyurem...?" May's face fell, hurt by his seemingly deliberate ignoring of her questions as she hugged him tightly. "Oh Kyurem...please talk to me…I just want to help you…"
"Just need May…" Kyurem finally answered, relaxed into her embrace, finding solace in her presence.
"Oh Kyurem... just try and relax for me, okay...?" she whispered soothingly. Choosing to let her questions go for now and settling down on a nearby boulder, May rested Kyurem's head in her lap, urging him to relax.
"Yes…" Kyurem obeyed, leaning into her lap as he relaxed further. Ash watched curiously, his eyes flickering between May and Kyurem as he watched them interact telepathically. May closed her eyes, focusing her mind on her bond, allowing herself to become closer with Kyurem.
"I'm here for you Kyurem..." she murmured softly, stroking his head tenderly. As May kept Kyurem calm and focused on the bond they shared, she slowly began to delve deeper into Kyurem's memories. Ash approached slowly, his expression filled with concern.
"Uh..." Ash began uncertainly, unsure of what May was doing. However before May could see anything that could help her, she winced slightly as she felt the strain of her connection with Kyurem, halting the deep link abruptly.
"Probably not a good idea..." she admitted, opening her eyes to meet Ash's gaze. Ash frowned in confusion, trying to make sense of May's words.
"H-huh..?" he stammered, his mind racing. "What's not a good idea..?" he questioned, his voice tinged with worry. May glanced up at him, a small furrow forming between her brows.
"Oh right...I forgot to tell you…a few weeks ago I figured out that if I synchronize my heart with Kyurem's, I start to be able to actually enter his mind and see his memories. Only problem is, it wears me out completely," she explained, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "Remember that night a few weeks ago when I came home completely exhausted and needed to sleep for like a day?" Ash's eyes widened in realization as he recalled the incident.
"Definitely not a good idea..." he agreed, his expression reflecting his concern. "Please promise me you won't do that again…I was really terrified for you that day…"
"I won't…" May continued to stroke Kyurem's head, her thoughts consumed by worry. "I'm just worried that if he starts getting worse again... it may be the only way to get answers..." she admitted, her voice laced with uncertainty. Ash nodded in understanding, his gaze softening as he looked at May.
"Maybe..." he murmured, his mind racing with possibilities.
"I'll hold off to see if he starts to get better... but I'll take the risk if I have to," May concluded, her tone resolute.
"Well... okay," Ash replied, his voice filled with support. "But only if there's truly no other options…"
"Deal…for now though, come have a seat. It's been a long day for all of us," May suggested, gesturing for Ash to join her.
"Some of us more than others..." Ash remarked as he walked over and took a seat beside her. May tilted her head in confusion, prompting Ash to elaborate.
"How so?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"'Aura Boy' didn't do all that much besides wait," Ash explained with a sheepish grin, his cheeks flushing slightly.
"But my Aura Boy worries about me. Which I know wears him out a lot more than he lets anyone know," May teased gently, her smile softening. Ash blushed harder at her words, his gaze dropping slightly in embarrassment. "And it's one of the many reasons I love him," May added, her voice filled with affection.
"Well…you know…" Ash's blush deepened at her words, his heart swelling with love for her.
"Thank you for everything today... having you around helps me out more than you know..." May whispered, leaning into Ash's embrace.
"I never stopped chasing you, not going to now that I've caught you," Ash replied, his voice filled with sincerity. May's smile widened at his words, her heart overflowing with love for him.
"Aw... that has to be just the sweetest thing I've ever heard..." she remarked playfully.
"I'm trying..." Ash admitted shyly, his cheeks tinted pink with embarrassment.
"And doing a marvelous job... I don't give my heart to just anyone, you know..." May murmured, her voice soft with emotion.
"May..." Ash's voice was barely above a whisper, filled with love and adoration.
"Stay with me for a bit...? Both of you...?" May requested, her eyes pleading.
"You couldn't get rid of me..." Ash teased lightly, his smile tender. Kyurem leaned his head in closer to her lap, signaling his willingness to do the same. May smiled and closed her eyes, leaning into Ash's shoulder as she stroked Kyurem's head.
"And I don't want to," she whispered, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. Ash rubbed her back gently, his touch soothing and comforting. As May drifted off to sleep on his shoulder, Ash held her close, his love for her shining in the gentle warmth of his embrace.
"I love you, May..." he whispered softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead before joining her in peaceful slumber.
Later on, May slowly opened her eyes and found herself in a strange dream alongside Kyurem, standing in a forest she didn't recognize. She had been through plenty of shared dreams with Kyurem before, typically when she slept in the caves alongside them, but she'd still never seen this setting before which was very unusual. With her hand resting on Kyurem's head, she looked around cautiously, seeking answers.
"Kyurem...? Where are we...?" she questioned, her voice filled with uncertainty. Kyurem lifted his head slightly, indicating his awareness of their surroundings as a low growl escaped his mouth, catching her attention. "Kyurem? Do you know this place…?"
"...Yes…" he growled, obviously apprehensive about wherever they were.
"Where are we?" May pressed, her curiosity growing.
"Leave place..." Kyurem replied cryptically, his voice tinged with urgency. May furrowed her brows in confusion.
"You want to leave? Why?" she asked, her confusion deepening when she heard a nearby voice chuckling. "Huh?!"
"Leave…!" Kyurem growled as he faced the new voice. May's senses on high alert as she scanned the forest, readying herself for danger. She quickly grabbed a shuriken from her skirt, her instincts kicking in. Eventually, her eyes landed on a shadowed figure lurking beyond the trees.
"Who's there?!" she demanded, her grip tightening on the shuriken. The figure remained hidden from view in the shadows, and all May could see was a smirk playing on the figure's lips as she observed Kyurem and May.
"There you are, Kyurem," she taunted, her presence ominous and foreboding.
"KILL!" Kyurem reacted immediately, firing a Glaciate in the figure's direction, but she evaded the attack with ease. May's eyes widened in surprise at Kyurem's sudden aggression.
"Kyurem?!" she exclaimed, taken aback by his actions.
"Get him!" the mysterious person ordered. Responding to her call, a Dragonite suddenly appeared and charged towards them through the air. May launched her shurikens in an attempt to help, but they passed right through Dragonite with no effect, leaving her bewildered.
"Huh?!" Dragonite swooped in, grabbing Kyurem by the neck and lifting him into the air, prompting a gasp of concern from May.
"Release!" Kyurem commanded, struggling against the Dragonite's grip,
"Kyurem!" May cried out, rushing to his side as she watched in horror. Ignoring May's concern, Kyurem unleashed a powerful Freeze Shock, forcing Dragonite to release him with a roar of pain.
"What?!" the figure growled, her frustration evident as she witnessed the turn of events. With determination blazing in his eyes, Kyurem charged another Fusion Flare and unleashed it directly at Dragonite, sending the powerful Pokémon crashing into a tree and rendering it unconscious. May gasped in shock at the display of power, her heart racing with adrenaline.
"Kyurem wait!" May called out desperately, running to her dragon's side and placing her hands against him in an attempt to calm him.
"Not this time!" the figure suddenly proclaimed, raising her arms and summoning and entire hoard of dragons from the sky, far outnumbering May and Kyurem as they were surrounded.
"What in the world?!" May gasped.
"No…!" Kyurem growled, taking a protective stance around May.
"Now!" the mysterious person cackled. At her command, all the dragons broke out into steep dives from the sky, each one heading right for the Princess and her dragon with no intention of doing anything other than striking them dead.
To be Continued...