Several days after her talk with Kyurem, May stood in the center of her training area, eyes closed, her body taut with focused energy. She breathed slowly, every inhalation and exhalation a testament to her growing control. Around her, the air shimmered with potential, the power she had been learning to harness over the past few days.
"Can you feel it?" Zinnia's voice cut through the silence, steady and encouraging.
"Yes..." May replied, her voice barely a whisper as she concentrated.
"Excellent...Now channel it..." Zinnia's tone was a blend of authority and sternness, guiding May as she moved her arms in a fluid, practiced motion. A brilliant Thunderbolt erupted from her hands, crackling with energy. "Incredible!" Zinnia clapped her hands, her face alight with excitement. "Record time."
"After a few accidental self-zaps as motivation, you can pick it up." May allowed herself a small smile. The memory of her earlier mishaps made her chuckle softly.
"To think a few days ago you couldn't even sense your own Dragon Force..." Zinnia shook her head in amazement.
"Now try using your Dragon element to enhance the power," N suggested, his eyes keen with curiosity. May nodded, retaking her stance.
"Easy…" Ash cautioned from the sidelines, his concern evident in his tone. May moved through the motions again, this time focusing on her Dragon element. The Thunderbolt she launched was even more powerful, a thunderous roar accompanying the electric blast. "Whoa!" Ash exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.
"Incredible," N murmured, nodding in approval. May's smile broadened, but Zinnia's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Hmph. Lucky shot."
"We better hope not for the final fight," May replied, her voice tinged with determination.
"That was spectacular, May." Ash stepped forward, his face glowing with pride.
"Thanks, honey," May said, her smile softening as she met his gaze. N stepped closer, his expression thoughtful.
"Normally, I'd want you to have more control over Fire and Ice, but without Clair and Lance, the basics you have are as good as we'll get."
"I've got a decent handle on them, I think," May replied confidently.
"Prove it. Let's see how well you can do in a fight." Zinnia's eyes sparkled with a challenge.
"Alright," May agreed, her voice steady.
"To the center," Zinnia commanded, and May returned to her position. Zinnia took a step forward, her body shifting into a fighting stance. May mirrored her movements, crouching into a ready stance, her eyes locked on her opponent. "Your move," Zinnia taunted, her voice a low growl.
"How generous." May chuckled as she channeled her Dragon element, feeling the power surge within her. She raised her hands, launching a Thunderbolt towards Zinnia. With a swift dive, Zinnia dodged the attack, retaliating with an Electro Ball. May leaped, narrowly avoiding the crackling orb. Ash whistled in approval from the sidelines, his admiration evident. May didn't take her eyes off Zinnia, moving in with a Thunderpunch as Zinnia did the same. Their fists met in mid-air, the impact resonating through the training ground. Undeterred, May swept her leg low, catching Zinnia off guard. With a gasp, Zinnia fell, and May pinned her to the ground with another Thunderpunch, stopping just before making contact. Zinnia gasped, a mix of frustration and grudging respect in her eyes. She growled softly, acknowledging May's skill. It was clear to everyone watching: May's power was growing, and with it, her confidence. The sound of applause broke the tension, Ash clapping his hands together with a broad smile. May stood and offered her hand to Zinnia, who muttered a few choice words under her breath.
"Seems the ninja skills came in handy," N observed, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
"You have no idea," Ash replied, chuckling as he watched May help Zinnia to her feet.
"Lucky shot..." Zinnia muttered under her breath, clearly disgruntled. N raised an eyebrow.
"You better hope it isn't, Zinnia." he reminded her. "We need that kind of power when we face Iris."
"Stings, doesn't it?" Ash chuckled again, unable to resist a little dig.
"Shut your mouth," Zinnia snapped, her eyes flashing with irritation.
"We'll need everyone's firepower to pull this off." May intervened with a calm voice. She glanced at Ash, her expression softening. "It's just satisfying to be on the other side of your talent, love." Ash grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Flatterer," he teased as she leaned in to peck his lips.
"What?" May giggled, the sound light and infectious. Ash nudged her playfully.
"You heard me," he said, chuckling. May's smile widened, and she turned to N, who had been watching the exchange with a bemused expression.
"It seems you have a good handle on the basics of our two elements."
"Hmph." Zinnia huffed.
"Then we need to get moving to that totem." May's eyes sparkled with determination.
"Agreed..." Zinnia nodded. Closing her eyes, May reached out with her senses, feeling the Dragon Force pulsing around her.
"It's strong...I can feel it."
"Then let's try it." N's voice was calm and steady. Ash watched curiously as May pointed in a specific direction.
"That way."
"Alright. Let's get the others," Ash said, nodding.
"Agreed," May replied, turning to him with a playful smile. "Let's start with your doppelganger."
"Very cute." Ash laughed, shaking his head. May smiled as she took his hand. The warmth of his touch was reassuring, grounding her in the moment. Ash squeezed her hand gently, feeling the connection between them. "Let's go."
"Alright." May started heading back, her steps confident. Ash followed closely, matching her pace. Zinnia and N followed behind them as they returned to the hidden settlement.
Soon, May and Ash found Pikachu brushing Glaceon's fur with his tail. Glaceon purred contentedly, enjoying the attention.
"Hey," Ash greeted as they approached. Glaceon looked up, her eyes brightening.
"May!"
"Hi, Glaceon," May said warmly. Pikachu looked up from his grooming duties.
"How's training?"
"I've at least got a decent grasp on all four. Hopefully, we can improve that control on the way to the totem," May replied with a smile.
"Cool!" Pikachu nodded in approval.
"Now we need to get back on the road," May continued.
"Ready!" Pikachu stood up, looking determined.
"Ready!" Glaceon echoed. Pikachu hopped onto Ash's shoulder.
"I hope you've behaved," Ash said, directing the comment to Glaceon.
"Of course!" Glaceon replied confidently. Ash looked to Pikachu for confirmation.
"Has she?"
"Mostly." Pikachu shrugged.
"That's my girl." May chuckled. Glaceon beamed at the praise.
"This is why I said what I said." Ash shook his head with a smile. May giggled, enjoying the lighthearted moment.
"It's a good thing..." Glaceon tilted her head.
"I think I'm inclined to agree." Pikachu nodded.
"Aw..." Glaceon smiled at him. Ash sighed, but he was clearly amused.
"Alright, alright. I get what it's like to watch us from the outside now. We can move on."
"Let's go…" May laughed softly. N joined them, looking around at the assembled group.
"Ready everyone?"
"Ready!" Dawn responded promptly.
"Hang on. Where's Gary?" Ash glanced around.
"Out back..." Pikachu's ears drooped slightly.
"He's been blowing off steam..." Glaceon nodded.
"Let's go check on him," May suggested. Ash nodded in agreement, and they headed out back where they found Gary hacking at a pile of wood with his sword. May walked over cautiously. "Gary?" she called softly. Gary slammed his sword down, splintering another branch. "Gary, we have to go," May insisted, approaching him. Gary glanced at her briefly, then turned back to the wood, destroying another branch. May sighed and stepped closer. "Gary." Gary finally looked at her, his eyes filled with frustration. "We have to go," May repeated gently.
"...Great..." Gary sighed, then nodded.
"Come on," May urged. Gary sheathed his sword with a heavy sigh.
"I'm ready to split her head open..."
"Don't go on some suicide mission, Gary," May warned, her voice firm.
"I don't plan to..." Gary muttered.
"I sure hope not," May replied, her concern evident.
"None of us do." Ash joined them, his expression serious. With Gary now in tow, they headed back to the rest of the group. N did a quick headcount.
"Everyone here?"
"I guess so..." Ash nodded. Pikachu's ears drooped as he reminisced about Ariados. Noticing, May rubbed his head gently.
"I know, Pikachu...but we can't force him to come." Pikachu nuzzled her hand, finding some comfort. May took a deep breath, then steeled herself. "Let's move." Ash nodded in agreement, and Zinnia spoke up.
"It's no short trip..."
"Not unless anyone here knows how to teleport," May replied with a hint of frustration.
"Before Lance and Clair betrayed us, we had dragons of our own we could command...but Iris rallied the Ascensions and Taos for vengeance against Kyurem for the purge. So we lost sway over them..." Zinnia sighed. May sighed deeply, feeling the weight of their predicament.
"No one said it would be easy," N added quietly.
"Yeah, yeah..." May muttered, shaking her head. Ash placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice filled with determination.
"Come on...let's make Janine proud..." he offered. May nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. They walked off together, Ash taking her hand. May squeezed it lightly, drawing strength from his presence.
Several days later, Zinnia stood with a stern expression as she continued to help May train.
"Again!" she commanded. May attempted to call a Thunderbolt, but it fizzled out before she could control it properly.
"Good try, May!" Pikachu offered encouragement. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, May retook her starting position. She moved her arms slowly, dark clouds gathering above her. Ash watched intently as she swirled the clouds into a spiral and launched a very weak Thunderbolt into a nearby tree. Pikachu clapped, and Zinnia gave a slight smirk. May exhaled deeply.
"I know Dragon Dance will force it into a Thunder with the power boost, but I gotta try and do it without. I can't handicap myself."
"Not so easy without that cheat, huh?" Zinnia raised an eyebrow.
"It's not a cheat. It's something to be used in a pinch," May retorted.
"Good attitude to take with the Dragon element." N nodded approvingly.
"Forgive me, N...I'm just...envious of her progress..." Zinnia sighed. N placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Just as Aester before you, Zinnia, you are the embodiment of electricity. And you always will be. Our job is to train her to save Kyurem."
"That's all I want, believe me." Zinnia gave a small nod, her eyes softening.
"Right," May replied, her voice steady.
"And once he's been saved, he'll be able to return home finally. We'll have him back again." N continued. May's expression faltered slightly.
"It's probably what's best for him anyway," she said quietly. Ash stepped closer, concern in his eyes.
"May…?" May shook it off, squeezing his hand.
"Honey, I'm fine, really..." she assured him. Ash sighed, squeezing back. May closed her eyes, sensing the Dragon Force. "We're close...the signal is very strong."
"We're about a day out from Relic Desert. It won't be long now..." Zinnia nodded.
"We have to get that totem..." May began, but her words were cut off.
"Not likely," a cold voice interrupted. May gasped and spun around to face the intruder.
"Clair..."
"Oh no, not again..." Dawn groaned. Glaceon growled, bristling with tension. Gary drew his sword, a growl rumbling in his chest.
"You..."
"They know where it is too...we can't let her stop us." N's voice was low and urgent.
"What are you suggesting?" May asked, her heart racing.
"I think I know..." Ash's eyes narrowed. N nodded.
"May, take Ash and Zinnia and get that totem. The rest of us will cover your escape."
"Are you sure?" May asked, hesitation in her voice.
"Yes." N nodded firmly. "She's strong, but we have numbers and strength. We can hold our own until you're clear."
"We will." Ash clenched his fists. Zinnia nodded, determination hardening her features.
"Be careful, you guys," May said, glancing at each of her friends before running off with Ash and Zinnia. Gary stepped forward, his sword gleaming.
"Don't worry...I have a death wish...but not my own." With a fierce battle cry, he rushed in, sword drawn. N performed a Dragon Dance, powering up before firing a powerful Dragon Pulse. Clair, their formidable adversary, summoned an ice pillar to block N's attack. Gary was quick to act, slashing through the ice with his sword.
"Dawn!" Glaceon called out. Dawn nodded, ready to assist.
"Okay! Use Iron Tail!" Glaceon charged in, swinging her tail into Clair, who howled in pain.
"Little brat!" Clair retaliated with an ice punch, sending Glaceon skidding backwards. N summoned a Draco Meteor, ready to rain destruction. Clair sneered.
"N, you're always showing up where you're not wanted!" She fired a Blizzard in retaliation.
"Funny, I was about to say the same thing to you." N's voice was calm but firm as he used his Dragon Force to block the Blizzard's raw power.
"Shadow Ball!" Dawn commanded Glaceon. Glaceon launched a large Shadow Ball, but suddenly Clair's Dratini swooped in and retaliated with a Fire Blast. Glaceon gasped and narrowly ducked the attack. N seized the moment.
"Gary, now!" He surrounded Clair with a Twister to obstruct her vision. Gary leaped with a battle cry, bringing down his sword. Clair just barely managed to shield herself with ice, but Gary plowed through and delivered a nasty slash to her arm. Dawn didn't miss a beat.
"There, Glaceon! Iron Tail!" Glaceon regained her footing and ran back in, slashing Clair's other arm with Iron Tail. Clair screamed in pain. Gary prepared to run her through, but Clair's Dragonair retaliated with another Fire Blast, hitting Gary and Glaceon directly. Both of them screamed in pain as Gary hit the ground, his armor heating drastically. "Gary! Glaceon!" Dawn cried, running towards them. N quickly blasted Clair with another Dragon Pulse, causing her to fall back. He unleashed another Draco Meteor onto her partners, but a string of Protects went up, blocking most of the meteors.
"Altaria!" Clair called out. An Altaria flew into the mayhem and trapped N with Cotton Guard, causing him to struggle.
"Ack!" Gary groaned as his metal armor slowly cooled with Dawn tending to his wounds as quickly as she could.
"Are you okay?" Dawn asked, her voice full of concern.
"Glaceon..." Gary muttered weakly. Glaceon whimpered, and Dawn's heart sank.
"Oh no..." Nearby, a Gyarados rose out of the nearby lake and used Icy Wind to cool Clair's injuries.
"That's better…" Clair said with a smirk. N continued to struggle, gritting his teeth. Clair fired an Ice Beam at him, causing him to scream in pain. "Oops," Clair taunted.
"N...!" Dawn cried out in horror. While their attention was on N, a Dragonair coiled around Glaceon, who yelped weakly.
"Bring her here..." Clair commanded. Glaceon whimpered and struggled as Dragonair pulled her to Clair's side. Clair picked her up. "I'll take that," she said with a smug grin.
"Let go...!" Glaceon struggled.
"Get away from her!" Dawn shouted.
"No can do. Since you keep stealing our things, it's time we return the favor." Clair sneered. She whistled for a dragon. The Altaria from before flew down, and Clair climbed up. "Take care of them!" she ordered. Altaria fired off a Mist, obscuring the battlefield and giving Clair the chance to escape. Dawn, N, and Gary were left in the swirling fog, struggling to regroup and recover from the fierce battle.
To be Continued...