Ash stirred gently in his sleep, feeling the warmth of May nestled against him. He slowly opened his eyes, the soft morning light filtering through the trees. May lay peacefully beside him, her breath brushing against his neck, causing him to shudder slightly.

"May..." he whispered, feeling the comfort of her presence. In response, she snuggled closer, murmuring softly. Ash couldn't help but smile at the sight of her sleeping so peacefully. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. May's eyes fluttered open slowly, a sleepy smile spreading across her face. "Hey," Ash greeted her softly.

"Hi..." she replied, her voice still heavy with sleep. May shifted even closer, nestling into the crook of his arm. "Comfy," she murmured, her eyes closing again briefly. Ash chuckled.

"So, are we getting up?" he asked, though he was in no hurry to move from this moment.

"Only if we have to..." she mumbled, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she kissed him again.

"We do," Ash said, though he couldn't resist kissing her back. Their lips met, a soft and lingering connection that neither wanted to break. When they finally parted, May sighed contentedly. "I love you..." Ash whispered, holding her close.

"I love you more," May replied without hesitation.

"More than yourself, that's for sure."

"Way more," she added, grinning. "You are my husband, after all," she said, her voice filled with affection.

"Heh." Ash gave a small smile. May nuzzled his nose playfully, and he nuzzled back, making her giggle. He loved seeing her so happy. As the morning progressed, May sat up and stretched, her movements graceful. Ash began gathering his clothes, and May made her way to a nearby stream, rinsing her face. Ash followed her lead, splashing the cool water on his skin to wake up. Suddenly, May splashed him playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ack!" Ash exclaimed, laughing.

"Heheh." May giggled and splashed him again. Ash retaliated, splashing her back. "Eek!" May squealed, laughing harder. They continued their playful water fight, their laughter echoing through the quiet morning. Eventually, they calmed down, smiling softly at each other. May used her reflection in the stream to fix her hair, and Ash watched her, admiring her beauty. He leaned in and pecked her cheek. May smiled warmly and finished getting dressed. She then posed for him, her eyes sparkling. "How do I look?"

"Good as always," Ash replied sincerely. She leaned in and pecked his lips.

"As do you, my love."

"Heh..." Ash grinned. May extended her hand to him.

"Shall we return to our party?" Ash nodded, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. They walked back to the campsite together, ready to face whatever the day would bring, hand in hand.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the campsite as Ash and May returned, hand in hand. Gary looked up from tending the fire, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"Morning, you two. Enjoy yourselves?" Gary asked, his tone teasing. May smiled, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

"Best one since the wedding night." Ash choked, his face turning a shade of crimson.

"May!"

"Impressive." Gary chuckled.

"MAY! You can't just say stuff like that!" Ash spluttered.

"Why? Was there anyone here that didn't know what we were doing?" May looked at him innocently. Ash groaned, clearly embarrassed. May leaned in and kissed his cheek, but he turned away slightly. "Not gonna work," he muttered.

"But you love me anyway," she said, walking over to the fire and sitting down. Dawn looked up from her spot by the fire.

"Breakfast?"

"Absolutely," May replied, her stomach growling. "After yesterday, I'm completely running on empty."

"That I'll buy," Ash agreed, sitting down beside her. Dawn began passing out food among the group, and May eagerly started eating.

"Your appetite's as healthy as ever," Janine observed with a smile.

"Thanks to you all. I owe each of you a life-saving rescue," May said, gratitude evident in her voice. Zinnia stepped over, her expression serious.

"Hopefully, I never have to cash in on another one."

"Hopefully, our combined knowledge will help prevent that." May nodded.

"Alright. You've had your rest. Time to get to explanations." Zinnia crossed her arms.

"First thing's first." May sighed. "What all happened while I was out?"

"Ash really stepped up and took charge. He was great." Dawn spoke up.

"Why am I not surprised?" May smiled at Ash, pride in her eyes. Ash blushed.

"I don't wanna like you right now," he muttered. May wrapped her arms around his neck, her expression softening.

"Okay, okay. I'm very sorry for embarrassing you, honey. Can you forgive me?"

"You're not, not embarrassing me right now..." Ash sighed, his resolve weakening. May looked into his eyes.

"You know I never say anything I don't mean."

"That's only true when you promise something." Ash smiled faintly.

"Both are true when it comes to you because I love you dearly," May said sincerely.

"Alright, I like you again." Ash sighed, relenting. May smiled brightly.

"Yay," she said, pecking his cheek before letting him go. Ash smiled softly, and May smiled back. "So you were in charge of the rescue?" she asked.

"He planned each step carefully." Dawn nodded. May looked around at the group.

"Did anyone learn anything useful?"

"Just some layout and material information," Gary spoke up.

"And that Miss Polite over here has zappy powers," Janine added. Zinnia sweatdropped, looking slightly uncomfortable.

"Powers?" May raised an eyebrow, turning towards her.

"You said you've known Clair your whole life...?" Dawn looked curious.

"She and I are members of the same society, devoted to Kyurem the Greatwyrm." Zinnia nodded.

"Greatwyrm..?" Ash echoed, intrigued.

"At any point in time, there are four masters to represent each aspect of the dragon's identity: Dragon, Fire, Electricity, and Ice. I, as you may have surmised, am master of Electricity, and Clair is master of Ice." Zinnia explained.

"You all serve Kyurem...?" May looked thoughtful. Zinnia's expression darkened.

"We're supposed to. However, the snot-nosed 'Dragon Queen' ruined that much."

"Maybe start from the beginning of the story." May frowned. Zinnia looked around the group, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"First, tell me why you're here. Warts and all."

"Ok." May took a deep breath. "Kyurem and the others have all been feeling progressively more and more pain over the last few months. And I've been seeing visions of the Dragon Queen as well. I came here to stop her from doing whatever is hurting them."

"What do you mean, 'the others?'" Zinnia looked skeptical.

"Reshiram and Zekrom." May blinked.

"What?" Zinnia stared at her like she was crazy.

"They used to be one dragon, remember? She might not know anything about what's happened back home." Ash stepped in. May's eyes widened.

"Oh gosh, you're right. I didn't even think of that."

"Maybe we should start from the beginning..." Ash nodded. May nodded in agreement.

"Fill in anything I miss for me?" Ash nodded, preparing to recount the tale that had led them all to this moment. The group settled in, ready to share and piece together their collective knowledge. May sat back, her eyes fixed on Zinnia as she began to recount their story. "When Kyurem came to my homeland, he was taken into the service of a Ninja Clan."

"Its leader formed a kind of soul bond with him. They could read and communicate thoughts between each other, and she could even give orders that Kyurem would be compelled to follow." Ash picked up the thread, his voice steady.

"There was a war that broke out," May continued. "In the midst of it, my grandfather and Ash's found a way to split Kyurem into three dragons. The two halves were named Reshiram and Zekrom. When that happened, Kyurem's and the others' allegiance changed and they served my grandfather."

"...How is that even possible..?" Zinnia muttered under her breath, her skepticism clear.

"Up until that point, Kyurem's soul bond would pass down to each firstborn of the previous partner. But when Kyurem was split, the degree of control split as well. Usually, the others would listen to an order from Kyurem, but they are all fairly independent. May's father did his best, but with little success, which turned into none when the clan sought vengeance." Ash explained further. May's expression darkened slightly.

"The Clan suspected the dragons would rise again soon, and kidnapped me in order to regain control over them. Raising me as one of their own, they hoped to use the bond to turn the dragons back on my kingdom."

"So that's why you have zero sense of propriety." Zinnia's eyes narrowed.

"I was unique even by Ninja standards." May shrugged.

"That's an understatement..." Janine interjected.

"And I was in love with someone that was supposed to be my enemy. Among other things." May smiled faintly.

"No kidding." Ash chuckled. "After a long game of cat and mouse, I finally caught her, and her parents recognized her. It took a long time to put the pieces together, but by the time they started to, Janine's father woke the dragons, since he knew they'd be furious..."

"Lots of fighting, learning, and playing later, I was able to accept the bond with Kyurem, and it reached Reshiram and Zekrom as well." May nodded.

"You left out the part where I left the crummy dirtbag we called father and moved in with you," Janine added.

"My mistake." May smiled warmly.

"Ever since then, Kyurem has behaved like a loyal puppy to her... it's really weird, honestly..." Ash shook his head, a bemused expression on his face.

"You have got to be joking..." Zinnia looked incredulous. May shook her head.

"Why would I be? Kyurem and I are very close. We understand each other. It's only lately that he's started acting distant..." She placed a hand over her heart, a worried look crossing her face. Zinnia's expression softened, though doubt still lingered in her eyes.

"We can't be talking about the same Kyurem... we just can't." May met her gaze steadily.

"I know my dragon. And I came here to stop whoever or whatever is hurting him." Zinnia hesitated, then spoke softly.

"If we are, he's not 'your' dragon... and he never was..."

"I'm listening." May leaned in slightly. Zinnia took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.

"Very well... I'll trust you..." May squeezed Ash's hand, seeking comfort and strength as Zinnia began to speak, ready to reveal the truths she held. Zinnia took a deep breath, her gaze distant as she began her tale. "Long ago, Unova was considered the birthplace of dragons... they flourished like you wouldn't believe. There were two main groups: the Ascensions and the Taos. The Ascensions were tied to Rayquaza, and the Taos were tied to Kyurem."

"Rayquaza?" May blinked in surprise.

"Another dragon like Kyurem?" Dawn asked, intrigued.

"Rayquaza are huge serpentine dragons that patrol the skies. They're some of the most powerful creatures in the natural world." Zinnia nodded.

"Whoa..." Gary's eyes widened.

"For a time," Zinnia continued, "dragons were the unquestioned rulers of the country, with the top of the food chain being the Rayquaza and the Kyurem bloodlines. But that all changed during the Great Dragon Purge."

"A Dragon Purge?" May's brow furrowed.

"You see," Zinnia explained, "the dragons lived by a very fierce 'might makes right' philosophy. Eventually, they became consumed by their lust for power and the belief that the world belonged only to the one with the power to take it. Thus, the genocide known as the Great Dragon Purge began..."

"They started fighting between the two groups...?" Dawn's expression darkened.

"If only it were that civil..." Zinnia laughed bitterly.

"What do you mean?" May hesitated.

"The Dragon Purge was started by the two strongest dragons of the age: a black Rayquaza often called Skie, and a white Kyurem known as Malys."

"You mean there were more like Kyurem?" Ash's eyes widened.

"There were many before the purge," Zinnia said grimly. "But it wasn't just a battle between factions. The feud between Ascensions and Taos may have started it, but it didn't last that way. It wasn't long before the purge turned into every dragon for itself, and the slaughter would spread to one's own faction."

"Whoa..." May whispered, horrified.

"It was Malys who came up with the idea for the skull totems," Zinnia continued. "Magical artifacts that a dragon would create by slaying an adversary, crafting pikes using their own bones, and mounting their skulls on them. Once they were physically constructed, a ritual would siphon every trace of Dragon Force the original host had and channel it into the dragon who murdered it, forcing them to grow bigger, stronger, faster, and smarter. It wasn't long before every dragon in Unova was in on it. To slay a dragon with its own skull totems would steal all the power that it had stolen as well."

"Dragon Force...? Is that the energy I've been feeling since we arrived?" May's eyes widened.

"You could also call it Dragon Ki." Zinnia nodded. "It's the spiritual energy found inside of every dragon. It's different from the ki found in humans and other creatures."

"Sounds to me like you're talking about Aura." Ash nodded thoughtfully.

"Aura?" Zinnia tilted her head.

"That's the energy Ash can control." May nodded.

"I see..." Zinnia murmured. "Nevertheless," she continued, "the Dragon Purge lasted for decades. Skie grew to be 600 feet long from head to tail."

"Oh Arceus..." May gasped.

"Hate to be the guy trying to measure that." Gary chuckled nervously.

"Malys was about half that size by the time the two of them sought out consorts. Skie was intent on spreading out his lineage as far as possible, breeding with many dragons and using a form-changing ability he'd taken from one... even non-dragons." Zinnia revealed.

"Iris?" Ash's eyes narrowed.

"Daughter of Skie." Zinnia nodded.

"Huh?!" May's jaw dropped.

"But while he sought to spread his lineage as far as possible," Zinnia continued, "Malys instead sought to fulfill an ancient prophecy and create the perfect son. She would never kill a black Kyurem, in the hopes that one would eventually become strong enough to be her mate. Eventually, her patience paid off, and she met Frost, a black Kyurem about two-thirds her size. He became her consort, and eventually, she laid the egg of Chromatic Kyurem, a perfect Kyurem, something not seen in eons. That's the Kyurem you know today."

"Whoa..." Dawn's eyes widened in awe.

"I'm told even in his youth he was something to behold," Zinnia said. "Able to take down dragons three times his size as a wyrmling. By the time he was an adolescent, he'd slain and totemed his parents."

"Incredible..." May whispered.

"He was merciless," Zinnia continued. "Quickly becoming the greatest dragon to ever live... and the only living Kyurem. All others met their fates under his claws, until eventually dragonkind itself was on the verge of extinction."

"All of them...?" May asked, her voice barely audible.

"All of them," Zinnia confirmed solemnly.

"That's why there's so few today?" Dawn frowned.

"Indeed." Zinnia nodded. "The legacy of the Dragon Purge is one of bloodshed and betrayal. And it's left its mark on all of us." The group sat in silence, absorbing the weight of Zinnia's tale. May squeezed Ash's hand, feeling a renewed sense of urgency.

"How did you and Clair fit into such a rampage?" Gary asked, still puzzled. Zinnia sighed, collecting her thoughts.

"Officially, it ended centuries ago, when Kyurem killed Skie, long before either of us were born."

"Kyurem won...?" May's eyes widened.

"He became the most powerful dragon in the world," Zinnia affirmed.

"Incredible..." May whispered, almost in awe.

"That when the 'Dragon Queen' swore revenge," Zinnia continued.

"On Kyurem...?" May tilted her head.

"Certainly not on her pets," Zinnia replied bitterly.

"If he had all that power, what was to stop him from... stopping her?" May's brow furrowed.

"Skie died," Zinnia explained, "but he didn't leave..."

"What?" Dawn looked confused.

"Much like Kyurem, he was the greatest of his species... he held onto life, even in death. His ghost was still alive inside of Kyurem," Zinnia explained.

"You're saying there's a second consciousness inside Kyurem?" Gary's eyes widened in shock.

"There was. It tormented him for ages, and that's when Iris discovered the totem reversal spell," Zinnia elaborated.

"A reversal?" May asked.

"A totem could also be used to drain the stolen Dragon Force of the victim back out of the dragon who'd taken it. And our little queen did just that to get her father back. He can't take a physical form, but his consciousness is alive in the totem used to steal it. I'm told Kyurem let out a scream of pain so agonizing, it deafened all within ten miles of him," Zinnia said, her voice heavy with the weight of history.

"Kyurem..." May whispered, her heart aching for the dragon. Ash gave her a worried look, squeezing her hand for reassurance.

"Still though, where do you fit in? With all that power, why did you need humans?" Gary asked, still trying to piece everything together.

"Our little group is older than he is. The prophecy of the Chromatic Kyurem tells us that he will either destroy the world or be its savior. Our purpose is to keep him on the right path so that none ever have to face his wrath and his powers serve to benefit life. Without us, the Dragon Purge would've only ended when dragons were extinct," Zinnia explained.

"He listens to you?" May looked hopeful.

"The four of us each embody an aspect of Kyurem's existence, as I told you. It's not so much that he listens to us, so much as it is, we understand him enough to get through to him," Zinnia clarified.

"That must be why he was able to bond with people back home... as a surrogate..." May pondered for a moment.

"Not necessarily..." Zinnia shook her head.

"What do you mean?" May glanced over, curious.

"When Kyurem suffered that spell, there was nothing anyone could do to alleviate his pain. Both he and Iris were left on death's door, and he fled the country. To where, we didn't know. And the nature of our connections isn't to do with souls... It's to do with draconic ancestry," Zinnia explained.

"Your power is inherited?" Dawn raised an eyebrow.

"In some ways, yes... in others, no... It's achieved through special training designed to make one's Ki as draconic as possible until you can tap into Dragon Force yourself," Zinnia clarified.

"I see..." May said, deep in thought. Zinnia looked at May with a mixture of curiosity and respect.

"What you've described is... completely alien to me. If we are, in fact, referring to the same dragon... and somehow your foolish kingdom split him into Reshiram and Zekrom... then you've got a gift we've never seen before."

"You think so?" May asked, her eyes wide.

"You could have the potential to master all four of his magics." Zinnia nodded.

"Magics...? You mean... powers like you and Clair...?" May's eyes widened further.

"Maybe she's onto something. Didn't you tell us May launched some kind of bolt of lightning from her hand the morning Zekrom shrank?" Dawn looked at Ash.

"Yeah..." Ash nodded slowly.

"If... If I can use that to help Kyurem and the others..." May began, her voice filled with determination.

"You did come here to rescue them." Janine smiled encouragingly. May took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her mission.

"It's a lot to process... I need to talk with Kyurem for a minute."

"Very well..." Zinnia nodded. May stood up, giving Ash a reassuring look, and walked into another clearing for some privacy. Ash watched her go, his heart heavy with concern.

"Be careful, May..." he whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

May stood in the clearing, the morning light casting long shadows around her. She placed her hands over her heart and closed her eyes, her thoughts reaching out to the one she needed most.

"Kyurem, please answer me... I know you were listening... I could feel you..." she whispered. There was a heavy pause before Kyurem's voice rumbled through her mind.

"Am..."

"The stories she told... are they true...?" Kyurem huffed in response. "I guess I'll take that as a yes..." May muttered. "Why were you hiding this from me...?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.

"Because..." Kyurem began, but fell silent.

"Because why...?" May pressed gently.

"Don't want to go back..." Kyurem admitted, his voice low and pained.

"You don't want to go back to Unova...?" May's heart ached for him.

"Never..." he replied, his tone filled with finality.

"Kyurem...? Why would you ever think you'd have to come back...?" she asked, confusion and concern mixing in her voice.

"Her..." Kyurem's voice trembled with fear and anger.

"Iris...?" May guessed.

"Her..." he confirmed.

"Kyurem, the whole reason I came was to stop her from hurting you," May assured him, her determination unwavering.

"Come back..." he pleaded.

"I can't, Kyurem... Why won't you let me help you...?" May asked, desperation creeping into her voice.

"Kill..!" Kyurem's fear spiked, the word filled with dread.

"I won't let that happen," May promised fiercely. There was a long silence before May spoke again. "And after I stop her..." May took a deep breath, steeling herself. "You can go anywhere you want... You won't have to stay in the Kingdom..."

"Want stay with May…" Kyurem's voice was a mere whisper now. "Please..."

"Kyurem, I know you're scared... but I won't let her hurt you..." May's voice was soft, filled with empathy.

"...Know..." Kyurem finally acknowledged.

"Then please... just help me..." May begged, her heart aching for him. Kyurem groaned, a sound filled with helplessness and sorrow. "Oh, Kyurem..." He laid his head down sadly, and May moved closer, gently cupping his head in her hands.

"Mm..." he murmured at her touch. May cradled his head, holding him close, feeling his immense power and the deep sadness within him. Kyurem nuzzled her, seeking comfort. Resting her head on his, May closed her eyes, just embracing his presence. "May..." Kyurem's voice was softer now.

"I love you too..." She held him closer. There was a pause before Kyurem spoke again, his voice heavy with old wounds.

"...Know..."

"And just for the record... what you did before we met doesn't matter to me... Arceus knows I don't have any right to judge anyone's actions..." May's heart ached for him. Kyurem remained silent, absorbing her words. "And it won't stop me from helping you... no matter what I have to do..." May promised.

"May..." Kyurem's voice was filled with emotion.

"Kyurem...?" she prompted. He hesitated before speaking.

"Scared..."

"So am I..." May's heart tightened. They stood in silence for a moment, sharing their fears and uncertainties. "I'm going to learn about the different Magics…" May said, determination strengthening her voice.

"Trust..." Kyurem's voice softened with trust. "Be safe…"

"I will..." May nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. Kyurem seemed to relax, his breathing evening out.

"Rest..." he murmured.

"I'll be home before you know it... just hang in there..." May whispered, giving him one more embrace. Kyurem took a deep breath, his immense form relaxing slightly. "Love you..." May said softly. There was a gentle nuzzle from Kyurem.

"Love you..." May looked up at him, feeling the connection between them strengthen. She nuzzled him back, closing her eyes and savoring the moment of peace amidst the storm they faced.

Ash watched May nervously from a distance, his eyes never leaving her. She allowed her vision to fade, slowly opening her eyes to notice him watching.

"Ash?" she called softly.

"Hey..." he responded, stepping closer.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Checking on my wife," he replied simply.

"I'm fine...mostly." May offered a faint smile. Ash enveloped her in a hug, holding her tightly. She returned the embrace, finding comfort in his arms. "Just a lot to absorb..." she whispered.

"I know," Ash said, understanding the weight of her words.

"Guess I'm going to learn how to control energy now..." May mused.

"Guess I better keep up." Ash gave a tiny smile.

"Guess so." May smiled softly back. Ash shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Just when I thought you couldn't get stranger." he teased as May rested her head against his chest.

"I think we both knew that was never a guarantee." she smiled softly.

"Heh..." Ash chuckled softly. May looked up at him, her eyes searching his.

"The important thing to know is...is it too strange for you?" Ash paused, considering her question.

"Depends on when you'd ask."

"What do you mean...?" she asked, confusion flickering across her face.

"Definitely would have said yes a few years ago," he admitted.

"What about now...? Does the ring mean enough to keep on...?" May's eyes softened. Ash's expression softened, and he smiled.

"I proposed, didn't I?" May gave a small nod, feeling reassured. Ash smiled at her, his eyes full of love.

"I just don't want to lose you," she confessed.

"Not happening," Ash promised.

"I'm holding you to that..." May said, her voice firm yet tender. Ash leaned in and kissed her, a gentle yet passionate connection. She kissed him back, her hand gripping his tunic as if afraid he might slip away. He held her close, deepening the kiss. She moaned softly, and he moaned back, their connection growing stronger. May finally broke away, needing air, and rested her head against him, panting softly.

"I love you..." Ash murmured.

"I love you more..." May replied.

"I love you most," he countered. May gave a small smile, and Ash mirrored it.

"My Aura Boy…" she whispered, holding him close.

"Sure am..." Ash responded. May chuckled softly, and Ash smiled at the sound.

"Thank you for checking on me..."

"I'm your husband. It's what I'm here for." He nodded.

"Among other things...?" she teased.

"Heh...Among other things..." he agreed with a grin. May laughed gently, and Ash smiled.

"One more," she said before kissing him again. Ash kissed back, and May moaned softly. He responded in kind, and she opened her mouth, teasing his tongue with hers. Ash shuddered, teasing back. She giggled under his lips as he played with her tongue. May moaned, exploring his mouth, and Ash moaned back. She ran a hand over his chest, eliciting another moan from him. May pressed herself into him, deepening the kiss until she finally had to pull away for air. "My, you are hard to resist..."

"Gee, I had no inclination of that after seven years," Ash joked.

"Yes, I am too subtle, aren't I?" May said with a smile.

"Quite," Ash agreed, a playful twinkle in his eye. May pecked his lips.

"I'll have to do better in the future."

"Heh..." Ash chuckled. May giggled, and Ash smiled. "Maybe don't try too much."

"However will you know otherwise though?" she teased, playing with his hair.

"Who knows," Ash responded, his laughter blending with hers.

"Well anyway, can you escort a princess back to the group?" May asked, her eyes twinkling.

"I sure can," Ash said, offering his arm. May smiled and accepted his arm, resting her head on his shoulder. Ash chuckled, and May giggled in response. "You're cute," Ash remarked.

"Back at you," May replied with a grin.

"Heh..." Ash smiled as they began walking back to the others. May kept her head on his shoulder, content in the moment. Ash smiled, feeling a sense of peace and happiness as they walked together.

Once the couple arrived back at the campsite where everyone else was waiting, Dawn approached May, concern etched on her face.

"Kyurem okay?"

"He's scared... but I think he's starting to understand," May explained.

"Scared and Kyurem don't compute..." Janine said sarcastically with a raised eyebrow. May shook her head gently.

"He's allowed to be scared just like any of us."

"I suppose..." she shrugged.

"And I'm going to go through with the training," May declared, determination evident in her voice. Zinnia, standing nearby, nodded in approval. "What all do I need to do?" May asked.

"We'll need to take you to my old monastery," Zinnia replied.

"A monastery?" Gary looked curious.

"The training should be held in the most appropriate environment to learn," Zinnia explained.

"How far?" May inquired, concern flickering in her eyes.

"Probably a couple of weeks on foot..." Zinnia estimated.

"I'm not sure we have that kind of time..." May's brow furrowed.

"I doubt we really have a choice, May," Ash interjected. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation. Ash rubbed her back comfortingly, and she leaned into his touch.

"Alright…" she conceded.

"I got you," Ash reassured her. May tightened her grip on him slightly, finding solace in his presence. Ash frowned, sensing her unease. Gary clapped his hands together.

"Well, guess that's settled."

"Right," Janine agreed.

"Guess we'd better pack up and get moving," Dawn spoke up. May gave a small nod, still processing the upcoming journey. Ash tried to lighten the mood.

"Make sure you don't touch the wrong things. The great worm might suck your blood." He winked playfully. May smiled at him, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

"You seem to have his number... you can help guide me." Ash smiled back, the connection between them palpable. Together, they all began to help clean up the campsite, preparing for the trek ahead.

As everyone collected their things, Ash glanced at May, his determination matching hers. Finally, the last bag was packed up and closed.

"Ready!" Dawn announced, her voice bright with enthusiasm.

"Great," Ash responded, feeling a surge of determination.

"Let's go then," May said, her smile steadying her nerves.

"Alright then. I'll lead the way." Zinnia stepped forward. Gary nodded, falling into step behind them.

"I'll guard our back."

"Thank you both," May said sincerely.

"And I'll keep you company," Ash added, taking his place beside her.

"Never say no to that." May smiled warmly at him.

"Heh," Ash chuckled, feeling the warmth of her hand as she took hold of his. Ash laughed, a genuine sound that lifted the group's spirits.

"Nice to have you back, sis," Janine remarked.

"Good to be back," May replied, her smile never faltering.

"I'll bet," Ash added, looking at her with pride. May squeezed his hand, and Ash sighed with a contented smile. "I loooooooove yoooou..." he drawled playfully.

"I thought that was my line." May giggled.

"My turn to steal something," Ash teased. May laughed, the sound bright and joyful.

"Oh no. Does that mean I have to be the responsible one now?"

"Comes with the territory of training, my dear." Ash shrugged.

"You're nicknaming me again..." May said, touched.

"You're very influential, Ninja Girl," Ash said, earning a happy squeal and a hug around his neck from May.

"Ack!" Ash blushed but didn't resist. May giggled, holding him close. Ash blushed softly but let her have this moment.

"So much I think it must be... True Love..." May hummed a few notes of their song under her breath. Ash leaned into her, comforted by her presence. May cooed softly in his ear, making him chuckle. She pecked his lips, and he pecked back, their bond palpable. May snuggled close, feeling his warmth. "I love you," she whispered. Ash smiled, holding her close.

"I love you too," he replied. His eyes were full of affection and he chuckled as May let go of him, save for holding onto one hand.

"Better?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'd say so," Ash admitted, smiling at her. May giggled, enjoying his reaction.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," Ash replied, their hands still intertwined as they continued their journey, surrounded by the laughter and camaraderie of their friends.

To be Continued...