The Pale Moonlight

It was a perfect autumn evening in Pallet Town, and Ash Ketchum was feeling more excited than usual. He had finally convinced his girlfriend, May, to join him for a date outside of their usual routines. The two had been close for years, but tonight, Ash wanted to do something special.

They strolled through the peaceful forest just outside town, leaves crunching underfoot and the cool breeze carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The sun had begun to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, creating the perfect backdrop for their evening.

Ash glanced at May, who looked as radiant as ever. She was bundled up in a cozy sweater, her auburn hair catching the fading sunlight. As always, her presence brought a warmth to Ash's heart.

"This is beautiful," May said, her voice soft as they walked along the wooded path. "I'm glad you thought of this."

Ash smiled, feeling a bit of pride. "I figured we could use some quiet time away from everything, no battles, no training. Just us."

"Just us," May echoed with a smile, sliding her hand into his.

For a moment, everything felt perfect. They continued walking until they reached a clearing in the woods, where a small lake reflected the full moon that was starting to break through the twilight sky. A wooden bench sat near the water's edge, where Ash had planned for them to sit and watch the stars.

But as they approached the bench, Ash felt an odd twinge deep inside him. He stopped suddenly, a hand to his chest, his breath hitching.

"Ash? Are you okay?" May asked, concerned lacing her voice as she turned to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Ash muttered, brushing it off with a wave. "Just a little lightheaded. Must've been all that running earlier."

May didn't seem entirely convinced but let it go. They sat down on the bench, gazing at the lake, the reflection of the full moon growing sharper in the night sky. Ash had chosen this night specifically because of the full moon, thinking it would add to the romantic atmosphere. But now, something felt… off.

As they sat in silence, Ash couldn't shake the growing discomfort. His heart was racing, and his skin felt like it was on fire. The world around him seemed to shift, his senses heightening to an unnatural degree. The soft rustle of the trees sounded louder, the scent of the forest sharper, and even May's heartbeat, calm and steady, seemed amplified in his ears.

"Ash?" May's voice broke through his swirling thoughts. "Are you sure you're okay? You're sweating a lot."

Ash opened his mouth to respond, but the words stuck in his throat. A sharp, painful spasm shot through his body, making him double over, clutching his sides.

"Ash!" May cried, kneeling beside him, her hands on his shoulders.

"I—I don't know what's happening," Ash managed to say through gritted teeth. His entire body felt like it was being torn apart from the inside. His vision blurred, and for a split second, he thought he saw his hands beginning to change, his fingers elongating, nails sharpening into claws.

Before he could stop himself, a guttural growl escaped his throat, low and menacing. It was a sound he didn't recognize as his own, and the shock of it sent a wave of terror through him.

"Ash, what's happening to you?" May asked, her voice trembling as she backed away, her eyes wide with fear.

"I… don't… know…" Ash gasped, struggling to stay in control, but the pain was overwhelming.

Suddenly, his entire body convulsed violently, and Ash fell to the ground, his limbs contorting unnaturally. His clothes tore as his muscles expanded, his bones shifting beneath his skin. A thick coat of dark fur sprouted along his arms, his back, and his face. His jaw elongated into a snout, fangs glistening in the moonlight.

The transformation was complete. Ash had become a werewolf.

He stood on all fours at first, his breathing ragged as he tried to process the horrifying change. The human part of him was still aware, trapped within the beast, but his instincts were overpowering. His senses were overwhelmed, the smells, the sounds, the feel of the earth beneath his paws, it was too much. He growled again, louder this time, his voice no longer recognizable.

May stood frozen in place, her eyes wide with shock. She knew something was wrong, but seeing Ash, her Ash transformed into this monstrous creature was beyond anything she could have imagined. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to run. She knew, somewhere inside this beast, Ash was still there.

"Ash…?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

The werewolf turned its glowing eyes toward her, and for a moment, there was nothing but raw animal instinct. But then, something flickered. Recognition. Ash's eyes, though wild and feral, softened for just a moment as they met hers.

May took a tentative step forward. "I know you're still in there. You have to fight it, Ash. You're stronger than this."

The beast growled, backing away slightly, as if trying to resist the urge to lunge at her. Ash was fighting against the monster inside, but it was a losing battle. His body tensed, his claws digging into the earth, but May didn't waver. She stepped closer, holding out her hand slowly, carefully.

"Ash, it's me. May. I'm not afraid of you. I know you'd never hurt me," she said, her voice steady now, though her heart still raced.

The werewolf snarled, but didn't move. Ash was holding back the primal urge to attack, and it was taking everything he had. May's presence, her voice, was keeping him grounded, even in this terrifying form.

Suddenly, Ash let out a howl, a deep, mournful sound that echoed through the trees. It was filled with pain, frustration, and fear. The howl carried for miles, disturbing the peaceful night with its sorrowful tone.

"I'm right here, Ash," May whispered, tears forming in her eyes. She knelt in front of him now, her hand inches from his snout. "You're still you, no matter what happens. I'm not leaving you."

The werewolf stared at her, his breathing ragged, but he didn't attack. The beast inside was calming, though the transformation was still holding him captive. Slowly, cautiously, May reached out and touched his fur. It was coarse and warm, and for a moment, the beast flinched, but then it stilled.

"I love you, Ash," she said softly, her voice breaking.

That was all it took.

With a shuddering breath, the werewolf's body began to change again. The fur receded, the claws retracted, and the monstrous form shrank back into something human. Ash collapsed onto the ground, panting and drenched in sweat, his clothes torn and his body trembling from the strain of the transformation.

May was at his side in an instant, pulling him into her arms. "Ash! Ash, are you okay?"

Ash groaned, slowly coming back to his senses. His muscles ached, and his head was spinning, but he was himself again. He looked up at May, his eyes full of exhaustion and relief.

"May… I… I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice weak.

"Shh, it's okay," May said, holding him tightly. "You're back. That's all that matters."

Ash rested his head against her shoulder, his body heavy with fatigue. He didn't know how to tell May about the curse that had been in his family for generations. He was in a lot of pain but he was grateful beyond words that May had been there. She had saved him.

After a few moments of silence, Ash spoke again, his voice hoarse. "I'm sorry May, I should have told you about my family history. My family was placed with this unfortunate curse that only happens when the moon is full. I get these urges to hunt and my transformation hurts me whenever I change. I don't know how to stop it. "

May stroked his hair gently, her own heart still racing from the ordeal. "We'll figure it out together. Whatever this is, we'll get through it. You're not alone, Ash."

Ash looked up at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. Despite everything that had just happened, May had stayed by his side, unafraid and unwavering. He didn't know how he'd gotten so lucky, but he knew one thing for sure, he wouldn't have made it through this without her.

"Thank you, May," he whispered.

She smiled down at him, her eyes full of love and understanding. "Always, Ash. Always."

And under the light of the full moon, with the night slowly calming around them, Ash and May stayed there, holding each other close, knowing that no matter what came next, they would face it together.