The dimly lit hallway stretched before them, each step echoing in the silence. At the end stood a door, a final barrier to their goal. Dawn pointed towards it, her voice a mixture of anticipation and doubt.

"That's it?" she asked.

"Yeah..." Ash nodded, his face serious.

"Anything we should know about her?" Gary looked at Ash with concern.

"She's quite the ball of sunshine..." Ash managed a small, wry smile.

"Great..." Dawn sighed.

"Well, so am I." Janine shrugged.

"That's true enough." Gary nodded, acknowledging her point with a teasing smirk. Janine huffed, crossing her arms. Dawn shot her a sympathetic glance, then turned back to Ash.

"I just hope she'll help..."

"She better..." Ash's expression hardened. Gary stepped forward and pushed the door open. As it creaked, they all braced themselves. Inside, a woman glanced up, her eyes sharp and calculating.

"So you're back," Zinnia said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Ash stepped forward, trying to keep his tone from sounding too sarcastic.

"Nice to see you too."

"You're Zinnia?" Dawn asked.

"Don't wear it out." Zinnia rolled her eyes.

"Charming." Gary rolled his eyes back. Zinnia watched them curiously, her interest piqued. Ash took a deep breath.

"Alright...I think I can get these chains open..."

"Be careful, Ash..." Dawn warned, concern etched on her face. Ash nodded, then looked down at Pikachu.

"Can you give me a hand, Pikachu?"

"A paw anyway." Pikachu nodded, his eyes shining with determination.

"Heh. All I ask." Ash chuckled softly. He crouched beside the lock, examining it closely. Pikachu sniffed at it curiously. "If I channel as much energy as I can into the staff and you give your best Iron Tail, it should break,"

"Can do." Pikachu's tail began to glow. Ash nodded, taking aim with his staff. Zinnia watched, her curiosity turning to skepticism.

"Hm..." Pikachu raised his tail, readying himself. Zinnia muttered, "This will go one of two ways..." Ash's staff began to glow brightly, filling the room with light. Pikachu's tail shone with a metallic gleam. With a swift motion, Ash struck the post with the jewel, causing a violent burst of energy. Pikachu swung his tail with all his might at the same time. There was a loud crack as one of the restraints broke. Zinnia winced slightly, clearly surprised.

"They did it!" Dawn's face lit up.

"Color me surprised..." Zinnia's smirk returned.

"Nice work, Ashy-boy." Gary clapped Ash on the back. Ash nodded, wiping sweat from his brow.

"One more." Pikachu was ready, his tail raised again. Ash took a deep breath, gathering his strength. Pikachu's tail glowed even brighter. With synchronized precision, Ash struck the other post while Pikachu delivered another powerful Iron Tail. As the final restraints broke, Ash stumbled back, exhausted. Dawn rushed forward, catching him.

"Careful..."

"Thanks..." Ash gave her a grateful smile. Zinnia stood up, dusting herself off.

"Where's the wife?" she sarcastically asked Ash, earning a glare from him.

"That Clair lady has her..." Dawn's expression darkened.

"And you're going to return the favor we just did you." Ash's eyes narrowed. Zinnia crossed her arms, tilting her head.

"Would it kill ya to say please?"

"We're kinda on a time crunch. Pleasantries can be made later." Gary cut in, his tone urgent. Zinnia shrugged, conceding the point.

"Fair enough." She straightened, her demeanor becoming more serious.

"How do we save her?" Dawn wondered.

"If your friend is being held by Clair herself, the only way she's getting out is a hit-and-run maneuver," Zinnia explained.

"Sounds like we'll need two teams. One to distract and another to grab her." Gary nodded thoughtfully.

"Assuming that doesn't just get us caught again..." Janine raised a concern. Dawn looked at her, an idea forming.

"You carry smoke bombs, don't you?"

"Well, yes." Janine nodded.

"We have to give it a shot." Gary's expression hardened with resolve. Ash had been silent, his mind racing. Dawn noticed, her worry evident.

"Ash, you've been quiet...is something wrong?" Ash shook his head, though his face betrayed his unease.

"I don't like the idea of splitting up."

"We're open to other suggestions," Gary said. Ash considered their options.

"It doesn't hurt to clear an escape path...but we all saw what she can do. It'll be tough to try and fight her off just to get May. And with every man down, the odds of pulling it off shrink..."

"So what should we do...?" Dawn looked at him, her voice soft.

"Let's secure an escape plan first and then go after May together." Ash's expression firmed.

"Done." Gary nodded in agreement.

"Ok..." Dawn took a deep breath. Ash looked at her, his voice gentle.

"I know it's terrifying, Dawn...I want her back more than you do...That's why we can't mess it up..." Dawn's eyes were filled with worry, but she nodded.

"I trust you...because I know she would..." Ash rubbed her shoulder reassuringly before turning to everyone else.

"Let's move." he declared. Gary stepped forward, ready for action.

"Right behind you." Ash nodded and shut his eyes, focusing intently. Zinnia watched him curiously, her eyes narrowing with interest. Dawn followed Ash's lead, waiting for his direction.

"The strongest concentration of guards is that way," Ash said, pointing towards a distant hallway.

"We could spook them again." Dawn grinned.

"That was you two?" Gary's eyebrows raised in surprise, remembering the terrified guards he'd seen earlier.

"The great worm struck again. How'd you figure we got our stuff back?" Ash smirked.

"Channeling our inner May," Dawn added.

"Respect." Gary nodded, impressed. Zinnia folded her arms, a hint of admiration in her gaze.

"Seems she's earned a reputation..."

"Well, duh. There's a reason we all wanted to join her on her journey here," Dawn said proudly.

"We wouldn't do this for just anyone." Gary agreed.

"Noted," Zinnia replied. Dawn looked at Ash, her eyes full of determination.

"So what do you think? I'm happy to scream again."

"No." Ash shook his head. "We should take a more covert approach. Go where there's not much attention to begin with."

"Find such a path in your wanderings?" Gary glanced at Janine.

"Yeah." Janine nodded. "There is a sewer drain we could take advantage of."

"Yuck..." Dawn wrinkled her nose.

"Oh goodie." Ash sighed.

"You're welcome to ask the guards politely to let you out," Janine smirked.

"Sewers it is." Gary shrugged.

"Lead the way," Ash said. Janine took point, guiding them down the hall. Dawn followed closely, trying to ignore the smell.

"Out in the courtyard..." Janine began. Gary surveyed the area.

"That's a lot of open ground to cover," he commented.

"You're welcome to flush yourself down a toilet." Janine rolled her eyes.

"After you, m'lady," Gary smirked.

"Focus." Zinnia snapped.

"Yeah, you guys, we have to help May..." Dawn reminded them, Ash's eyes narrowed as he pointed to a small group of guards.

"Guards." Gary looked over. A trio of guards stood watch over their planned escape route, their expressions stern and alert.

"Should be easy enough to take out," he said.

"Move!" Ash commanded, and they sprang into action. Dawn sprinted forward, her heart pounding. One of the guards noticed her and drew his sword.

"Hey!" he shouted. Gary met him head-on, drawing his own sword. The guard swung at him, but Gary blocked and quickly sliced his arm. The guard screamed in pain, but before he could react further, Zinnia blasted him with a Thunderbolt, sending him crashing to the ground. Gary scanned the area and gasped.

"Janine, duck!" he shouted, throwing his sword towards her. Janine narrowly avoided impalement as the sword flew past her and struck another guard. The guard gasped, the breath leaving his body as he fell. Another guard swung at Ash, but he ducked and jabbed with his staff, causing a small burst of energy that made the guard stumble back. Zinnia moved swiftly, delivering a windmill kick to the guard's head, slamming him into the wall as electric shocks puslated from her foot when she struck him. Janine grabbed Gary's sword and ran it through the fallen guard. He slumped onto the blade with a final gasp. She tossed the sword back to Gary.

"Here."

"Nice work." Gary caught it, nodding.

"Next time chop off your own head." Janine shot him a glare.

"You're welcome for the assist," Gary smirked.

"You did nearly kill her, Gar." Ash shook his head.

"So did he." Gary shrugged, referencing the now dead guard.

"Let's just move," Ash said, his tone final. Dawn nodded in agreement, the urgency of their mission pressing down on them. They couldn't afford any more delays.

After a bit more manuvering through the dark prison halls, Ash pushed the door open cautiously, his heart pounding. Dawn peeked in, her eyes widening at the sight of a large group of guards congregated in two spots for some reason.

"That way," Janine whispered, pointing in a different direction. Dawn nodded and followed her directions. Ash quickly ran over to join them, with Gary close behind. As they reached the drain, Ash grinned.

"Aha..."

"Well... in for a penny..." Dawn sighed, bracing herself.

"Hang on," Janine cautioned. "We need to be sure we'll all fit." Gary examined the drain.

"Looks like it. Though not much room to spare."

"Right." Ash nodded. "We should pry the bars loose."

"On it." Gary inspected the bars. "They cheaped out on these. Couple good hits and they'll give."

"Step back, Dawn," Ash instructed. Dawn nodded and moved aside. Pikachu stepped up and thwacked the bars with Iron Tail, followed by Glaceon doing the same. With a clang, two bars fell out of place.

"Great!" Ash exclaimed.

"Awesome!" Dawn echoed. Ash shut his eyes, focusing his senses.

"All quiet in there... It should be safe." Dawn climbed inside. "Can you see anything?"

"Looks like a straight shot out," she confirmed.

"Awesome," Ash said.

"Guess we have our escape route." Gary nodded.

"What's next?" Dawn asked, her eyes shining with determination.

"We get my wife back," Ash said firmly.

"Let's do it." Dawn smiled and nodded.

"Clair is strong," Zinnia interjected. "You don't stand a chance at killing her. The best we can do is fend her off until we have the brunette."

"Then that's what we'll do," Dawn said resolutely. Ash nodded but gave Zinnia a suspicious look.

"Let's go." He headed back to the door. Gary walked beside him, lowering his voice.

"You okay, man?"

"No..." Ash admitted.

"Suspicious of her still?" Gary asked.

"Yes," Ash replied.

"I hear ya," Gary said, understanding. "She's gotta answer a lot of questions... especially about her powers..."

"No kidding…what if she's like Clair...?" Gary wondered.

"Then our problems are just getting worse," Ash said.

"We'll make sure she doesn't try anything," Gary assured him. Ash nodded. "Just focus on your wife, okay?"

"Trying..." Ash said, his voice strained.

"I'm honestly surprised your focus can be anywhere else right now," Gary remarked.

"I want to get her back more than anything," Ash said, his voice filled with emotion.

"I know you do." Gary nodded. Suddenly, a guard shouted from down the hall.

"Freeze!"

"Eek!" Dawn shrieked.

"Hold that thought." Gary drew his sword. The guard swung a mace, but Gary moved in and blocked with his shield, protecting Dawn.

"Ah!" Dawn covered her head. Janine leaped over and stabbed the guard in the neck.

"Ack!" he cried, falling over. Gary pushed the guard to the side as he died.

"Dawn, are you alright?" he asked. Dawn nodded, her breath shaky.

"Yeah... thanks for the save, you guys..."

"Well, we can't expect the place to be empty." Ash remained tense.

"Does seem more empty than earlier, though..." Gary looked around.

"Think so...? Why would that be...?" Dawn wondered.

"Most of the prisoners are out working, and they're spooked by the worm," Janine explained.

"I wouldn't be so sure," Zinnia interjected.

"Why not?" Gary asked.

"I've known Clair my whole life," Zinnia said.

"What!?" Ash and Dawn exclaimed in unison.

"Now's not the time to talk about it." Zinnia remained calm. Ash grabbed her shirt, his eyes blazing.

"If you're walking us into a trap...!"

"Look, stick boy. If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't be talking." Zinnia remained unfazed.

"Gee, that's comforting," Gary muttered. Dawn gulped, her fear palpable. Ash growled, his grip tightening on Zinnia's shirt. The tension in the air was thick as Gary turned to Zinnia.

"At least tell us what your theory is about the guard count."

"She most likely had a fair amount of guards backing her up," Zinnia replied confidently.

"She's expecting us?" Dawn asked, worry creasing her forehead.

"I'm assuming the princess wasn't captured within her cell behaving," Zinnia said dryly.

"Nope." Gary shook his head.

"Then she'd be prepared. Especially based on what the princess had said," Zinnia continued.

"Sounds like another big fight any way you slice it," Gary remarked.

"Darn..." Dawn muttered.

"Fine by me. I got a lot of aggression to take out," Ash growled.

"We need to hurry... If she's still frozen, she can't survive much longer like that..." Dawn's face turned pale.

"Don't remind me," Ash said, clenching his fist.

"Dawn's right." Gary nodded. "Then let's move." They rushed towards Clair's office, urgency driving their steps. Ash led the charge, Dawn and Gary close behind, their weapons ready. Ash shut his eyes, trying to sense ahead.

"Can you sense her...?" Dawn asked softly, Ash nodded, relief washing over his features.

"There's six people inside... including her," he reported.

"What about her life signs? Are they strong?" Gary asked, tension evident in his voice.

"Thank Arceus..." Ash murmured. Dawn sighed in relief.

"I'm ready to kick that cryomancer's butt," Janine declared. Gary stopped outside the door.

"Alright. Who wants the honor of knocking it down?" Zinnia stepped forward, determination in her eyes.

"Allow me. I'm eager to knock her down a peg or two..." Zinnia took up a martial stance before lunging forward and hurling a Shock Wave at the door, blasting it open. Clair glanced up from her desk as the door flew open.

"Hey traitor," Zinnia snarled.

"Get away from my wife!" Ash's eyes blazed with fury. Clair smirked as she set the quill down and stood up.

"I see you brought some people with you this time," she said, her voice calm and mocking. "I figured you might after your embarrassing defeat last time. Especially with what's on the line now." Ash charged an Aura Sphere in his hands. "Trying to win with numbers this time?" Clair taunted, resting her arm against May's frozen shoulder.

"I said GET AWAY FROM HER!" With a fierce yell, Ash hurled the Aura Sphere at her. Clair countered with an Ice Beam, shattering the attack. Janine threw shurikens at the guards in the room. One guard blocked with a shield while another fired a crossbow at them. Gary sliced the arrows with his sword. Zinnia leaped and kicked a guard in the head before hurling a Shock Wave at Clair. Ash rammed his staff into a guard, creating an impact blast that sent the guard flying backward. Clair swiftly created an ice wall to block Zinnia's Shock Wave.

"I've got her Ash!" Pikachu called as he leaped forward and struck the icy shell encasing May with Iron Tail, freeing her. May gasped for breath before collapsing to the ground. Glaceon quickly ran to her side. Another guard slashed Janine's arm. She screamed in pain, but Gary spun his sword and stabbed the guard in the back, blocking another arrow with his shield. Clair launched an Ice Shard at Zinnia, who countered with a Thunder Punch, shattering the shard.

"Enough of this." Clair switched stances and blasted the entire room with a Blizzard. Ash yelled as he fell back. Ariados struggled to stay put while Dawn yelped and ducked behind a shelf, doing her best to bandage Janine's cut. Gary dove behind an armchair while Zinnia held her ground and Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt at Clair. However, Clair increased the wind speed, blocking the Thunderbolt from reaching its target. May lay shivering on the ground, fading in and out of consciousness as the room only got colder.

"May...!" Glaceon cried. Clair chuckled, glancing at May.

"Poor baby. Just can't catch a break from the cold, can you?"

"Back... OFF!" Ash roared, charging through the blizzard. He ignored the cold and punched Clair in the gut as hard as he could. Clair gasped in surprise, the wind being knocked out of her, and the attack stopped. Ash, exhausted, hit her with his staff, causing her to grunt in pain and stumble back. "Pikachu, cover me!" Ash commanded.

"On it!" Pikachu nodded and jumped over Ash, firing a Thunderbolt at Clair. She screamed in pain. Ash grabbed May and tiredly ran off with her. May moaned weakly, gripping Ash's tunic as she recognized his touch. Janine weakly dropped a smoke bomb, and Dawn helped her out. Gary ran after them, followed by Zinnia. Clair coughed in the smoke, growling in frustration. Ash fled, determination driving him. May moaned weakly, her grip on his tunic tightening as she tried to hold on. As they escaped, Clair opened a window and sent an ice shard into the air, which burst into a signal flare.

"That can't be good..." Gary's eyes widened, realizing that the entire army of guards was closing in on their location after the signal from Clair.

"Everyone, hurry!" Ash urged. Dawn sprinted ahead, with Janine quickly opening the door. Gary followed right behind, his heart pounding.

"After them!" a guard yelled.

"Quick! To the drain!" Ash shouted. Dawn ran to help Janine inside the drain pipe as several crossbow bolts hurtled their way. Gary, acting swiftly, raised his shield to block them.

"See you jerks!" Zinnia shouted, hurling Electro Balls into the crowd of guards before climbing into the pipe after the others. Ash helped May into the drain.

"Zinnia, can you block the entrance?!" Dawn called out.

"Not yet!" Zinnia replied, frustration in her voice. Gary crawled out the other side, looking around urgently. Ash followed, carrying May.

"May, are you okay?" Ash asked, concern etched on his face. May moaned weakly. Dawn, climbing out and examining her, said,

"She's freezing... It's a wonder she's even conscious. We need to get her warmed up before we can expect any coherent thoughts." Ash nodded and crawled ahead, determination in his every movement.

"Zinnia, you're the last one! Hurry!" Gary called back. Zinnia fired a Thunderbolt at the top of the drain, causing the concrete to break up and cave in, sealing their exit.

"Let's go!" she yelled, sliding through and pulling herself out. Ash carried May out of the drain, her grip on his tunic tightening with a soft whimper. Gary helped Zinnia out the other end.

"Finally..." Ash sighed, holding May close.

"Don't get comfy." Zinnia shook her head. "We're not quite out of this yet..."

"We need to find a place to recover and regroup," Gary said, scanning the area.

"I know," Ash agreed, his voice filled with worry.

"That way. Let's get as far away from here as possible." Janine pointed to a direction. Dawn nodded in agreement and ran into the forest, with Gary and the others following closely behind.

"Hang in there, May," Ash whispered. May softly mumbled his name, her voice barely audible. "Shhh..." Ash soothed, determined to protect her at all costs.

A few hours later, the group had found a small alcove miles away from the prison. The fire Gary had started was now roaring, providing much-needed warmth and light in the dark forest. Gary threw the last log onto the fire and nodded in satisfaction.

"There we go." Ash gently laid May down near the fire. She continued to shiver, her face pale and lips blue. Dawn knelt beside her, examining her closely.

"She'll be okay," Dawn said reassuringly. "We just need to warm her up slowly and consistently so her body doesn't go into shock." Ash looked over to her bag and got an idea.

"I have an idea..." He grabbed the vial of Gardenia's water. "It can't hurt to try…"

"Oh!" Dawn's eyes lit up. "Yeah, it's worth a shot."

"Right." Ash uncorked the vial. "Open up, May..." May shifted uncomfortably, opening her mouth just a little. Ash carefully dropped some of the water into her mouth. She swallowed gently, and after a moment, her body began to slowly warm up. Gradually, she regained her color and warmth, eventually opening her eyes fully.

"Mm..." May murmured as she came to.

"May!" Ash exclaimed, hugging her tightly.

"Ash...?" May's eyes widened as she regained her bearings. She hugged him back just as tightly. "Oh, thank Arceus...! Please tell me you're okay...!" Ash gave a relieved and slightly annoyed sigh as he returned her embrace.

"You're the one that's been a popsicle all day, darn it!"

"And she was threatening to kill you...!" May's eyes filled with concern.

"Doesn't have much of a self-preservation instinct, does she?" Zinnia chuckled softly.

"She's more of a... giving type of wife." Gary smiled.

"Please tell me she didn't hurt you... please...!" May pleaded, her voice trembling. Ash sighed, this time more out of relief.

"She's okay..."

"That's my sister." Janine gave a small smile. May, overcome with emotion, kissed Ash passionately. He returned the kiss just as eagerly, their embrace growing tighter.

"Sure has a dragon's hunger..." Zinnia sweatdropped.

"Oh, let them have their fun. It's been one heck of a day for all of us." Gary chuckled.

"I'll grant that." Zinnia nodded.

"Let's just enjoy being safe for a bit..." Dawn added. Zinnia looked at the group.

"I owe you all thanks. You've done me a great favor." Gary's expression turned serious.

"Hopefully that means you'll be telling us everything you know about what's going on." he reminded their newest member.

"Likewise." Zinnia nodded. "At least when your princess isn't... indisposed." Judging from the intensity of May and Ash's reunion, Gary smirked.

"Judging from today, I imagine we won't get her attention again until tomorrow morning," he commented.

"Yeesh... no regality whatsoever..." Zinnia commented.

"The girl was worried about her husband and taken captive all day. I can't say I blame her. And regality isn't exactly her forte." Gary shrugged.

"I can see that..." Zinnia nodded. May finally pulled away from Ash for air, but she kept a firm grip on his tunic.

"You're coming with me..." Ash immediately recognized she wasn't making a request.

"Yes, ma'am." May, though stumbling a little from her numb limbs, pulled Ash away for privacy. He walked with her, leaving the group behind to enjoy the warmth and relative safety of their temporary haven.

As they found a secluded grove of berry trees, May immediately kissed Ash with urgency. He responded with equal fervor, their emotions and desire intensifying. May moaned loudly, pressing herself against him. Ash moaned back, leaning in and deepening the kiss. She invaded his mouth and quickly removed his cape, causing Ash to moan louder and hold her tighter.

"I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you..." May whispered in between kisses.

"I've been terrified of that all day," Ash admitted, his voice trembling with emotion. May kissed him repeatedly, her hands working to disrobe him further.

"I love you... I love you so much," she declared, her voice full of passion and urgency.

"I love you too," Ash replied, following her lead, his hands eagerly exploring her body. May moaned into his mouth as their intensity grew. Ash pinned her against a tree, and she moaned louder, running her hands over his chest and muscles. Their moans filled the grove as May's hands stroked his muscles eagerly. Ash moaned at the top of his lungs, mirroring her hunger and urgency. He stroked her sides, causing her to shed her remaining clothes.

"Thank you... for saving my life..." May moaned loudly.

"For the love of Arceus, May... develop a sense of self-preservation..." Ash moaned, struggling to maintain control over his powers amidst their heat.

"You know I... would much rather keep... you safe..." May moaned loudly,

"Darn you...!" Ash moaned back, their passion reaching a fever pitch as he shed his remaining clothes. May moaned as she was overwhelmed by the intensity of their connection.

"Oh Ash...!" she cried out, her voice filled with love and relief.

In the quiet intimacy of the moments after their heated love on the forest floor, Ash and May exchanged words filled with the depth of their love.

"I love... you," Ash breathed, his voice punctuated by pants from the intensity of their connection. May's response was equally fervent, despite her own panting breaths.

"I love you more," she confessed softly, her cheeks tinted with a delicate blush. She looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the love and admiration she held for him. With gentle reverence, Ash leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, initiating a tender kiss. May responded in kind, the touch of her lips against his conveying a depth of emotion beyond words. As their kiss deepened, passion surged between them, expressed through soft moans of pleasure exchanged between their lips. With each breath, they savored the sweetness of their connection, their pants echoing the rhythm of their shared desire. May, her smile evident in her panting, whispered her appreciation. "I love it when you take control," she confessed, her words a testament to her trust and adoration for him.

"Heh…" he chuckled breathlessly. Running her fingers through his hair, May continued to express her affection.

"My sweet... wonderful Aura Boy," she murmured, her voice filled with fondness and admiration. Drawing her close, Ash wrapped his arms around her, holding her with a tenderness that spoke volumes of his own love for her. As May nestled against him, finding comfort in his embrace, she whispered her love once more before succumbing to sleep, her words a gentle lullaby in the quiet night. "I love you so much," May murmured softly, a contented smile gracing her lips as she drifted off into peaceful slumber.

"I love you too," Ash replied, his voice a tender echo of her affection, his heart filled with gratitude for the precious moments they shared together. As May slept, cradled in his arms, Ash watched over her with a sense of profound love and devotion, knowing that in this moment, they were truly together once more.

To be Continued...