Ash lay in a bed inside a tent in the hidden resistance settlement, stabilized but severely battered. Audino stood beside him, her delicate paws glowing with a soft pink light as she gently healed him with Heal Pulse. Pikachu curled up beside Ash, his eyes filled with concern as Dawn did what she could to help Audino treat the injured Aura Guardian.

"Any sign of Ariados?" Pikachu asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"No...not since the collapse..." Dawn shook her head, her expression grim.

"Oh..." Pikachu's ears drooped, and he lowered his head.

"How long until he's conscious again?" Dawn looked up at N, her worry evident. N's expression was calm, almost reassuring.

"With Audino's Heal Pulse, it should only take a few hours for him to heal. Then she'll go tend to May."

"Okay..." Dawn nodded, but her face still showed the strain of worry.

"We don't have that kind of time..." Gary, standing off to the side, clenched his fists in frustration. Dawn turned to him, her tone exasperated but firm.

"What else are we supposed to do? Neither of them are in any kind of condition to fight."

"JANINE WOULDN'T LET THAT STOP HER!" Gary's eyes blazed with anger. Dawn's voice softened, though the sadness was still there.

"...Janine was smart enough to know when something was too much for her to rush into..." Gary's fists tightened even more, his knuckles turning white. "I want to avenge her too," Dawn continued, "but we can't do that ourselves..."

"Damn it..." Gary muttered, the helplessness evident in his voice.

"You two need to get some rest just like they do. Exhaustion won't help anyone." N stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm. Gary turned away, anger and sorrow mingling in his expression. He picked up a nearby object and hurled it out of the window, the sound of shattering glass echoing in the silence.

"Gary..." Dawn placed a hand on his shoulder. He sighed deeply, the fight leaving him for a moment. "Come on," Dawn urged softly. "Let's go try and sleep."

"I can't..." Gary replied, his voice breaking slightly.

"You have to try..." Dawn's voice was almost pleading now.

"I CAN'T sleep!" Gary's outburst was raw with pain. Dawn looked at him for a long moment, then sighed.

"Fine...but I'm gonna try..." She turned and walked out, leaving Gary alone with his thoughts. Gary sank to the floor, his head in his hands. N approached him quietly, his presence a calm in the storm of Gary's emotions.

"You cared a great deal for that woman, didn't you?" N asked gently.

"We dated..." Gary nodded, his voice barely audible.

"Meaning it ended then." N's eyes were filled with understanding.

"I never wanted it to..." Gary's voice cracked with regret.

"Why did it?" N's tone was soft, inviting Gary to open up.

"Because I screwed it up..!" Gary's voice was filled with self-loathing.

"...It's often difficult when we know we could've done more..." N nodded slowly.

"Ya think!?" Gary's frustration boiled over even as N remained calm.

"I've been fighting this war since birth...I've seen many of my friends killed...and even a woman I cared deeply about killed in much the same way..."

"And then you got yourself locked up. Big whoop..." Gary looked up, bitterness in his eyes. N's voice was steady, almost soothing.

"The point of it is, you cannot allow this tragedy to be the way you remember her, nor by the mistakes you made with her."

"Whatever, salad head..." Gary scoffed, turning away. N didn't react to the insult, his gaze steady and compassionate. He knew that Gary's anger was just a mask for his deep pain and regret. And he also knew that it would take time for those wounds to heal. But for now, all he could do was be there, a steady presence in the chaos.

A few hours later, near midnight, Pikachu lay curled up beside Ash, keeping a vigilant watch over his friend. The night was quiet, the only sounds the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal Pokémon. Suddenly, Ash moaned in pain, causing Pikachu's ears to perk up as he sat up quickly.

"Ash...?" Pikachu called softly. Ash stirred and slowly sat upright, wincing with the effort.

"Pikachu..?"

"Ash!" Pikachu cried, leaping into his arms. Ash winced, his face contorting in pain. Pikachu flinched back, ears drooping. "Sorry..."

"It's fine…" Ash groaned, trying to steady his breathing.

"Are you okay?" Pikachu asked, his voice filled with concern.

"No..." Ash admitted, his tone weary and pained. Pikachu's ears lowered even further. "May..? How is she..?" Ash asked, his voice strained.

"She's in another tent...I haven't checked, but Glaceon should be with her..." Pikachu explained.

"Help me over there." Ash struggled to his feet.

"But you're hurt," Pikachu protested.

"Pikachu." Ash's voice was firm. Reluctantly, Pikachu nodded.

"Got it..." He helped pull Ash up from the bed, steadying him as best he could. "Please just be careful..." Pikachu's concern was palpable. Ash held his chest, grimacing in pain. Pikachu frowned and lowered his ears but followed him, ready to support him if needed. "That one there," Pikachu pointed to the tent next door.

"Thank you..." Ash said, leaning heavily on his small companion as they made their way to the tent. Glaceon, lying sadly inside the tent, lifted her head when she noticed them.

"Ash?" Ash stumbled inside, and Glaceon quickly ran over to help steady him.

"Easy!" Pikachu exclaimed, grabbing Ash's leg for additional support.

"I'm fine!" Ash insisted, though his voice betrayed his fatigue and pain.

"We're just making sure..." Pikachu released his grip, his eyes still full of worry. Glaceon backed off a little but stayed close. Ash limped over to what he thought was May's bed.

"Ash, wait, she's not actually—" Glaceon began, wincing as Ash pulled the blanket down to reveal pillows arranged to look like someone was lying there.

"What!? Couldn't have mentioned that sooner!?" he complained.

"She asked me not to..." Glaceon replied softly, her eyes full of guilt.

"She's going to get herself killed..." Ash muttered, sinking down onto the bed.

"She didn't leave to go off and try to fight Iris, if that's what you think...she's still nearby," Glaceon assured him, her voice quiet. Ash sighed, looking weary. Glaceon stepped closer. "Ash, she asked to be alone, but...I really think you should go to her..." Slowly, Ash reached out and began to pet Glaceon. She lowered her ears, leaning into his touch. "I've never seen her like this..." she admitted softly.

"Thanks, Glaceon," Ash said, his voice gentle. Glaceon looked up at him, her eyes questioning.

"For what?"

"For looking out for her..." Ash replied, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Always…" Glaceon gave a small nod. "Can we go check on her...?"

"When I can move my legs again..." Ash nodded. Glaceon nodded again, stepping back to give him space. Ash looked over at Pikachu and waved him over. Pikachu approached cautiously. Ash reached out and petted him, his hand gentle on Pikachu's head. Pikachu nuzzled up to his hand, finding comfort in the familiar touch.

"I don't suppose that healing trick works on yourself, does it?" Pikachu asked hopefully.

"No..." Ash shook his head.

"Worth an ask at least..." Pikachu nuzzled closer, seeking to comfort his friend. Ash sighed and hugged Pikachu tightly.

"Thanks."

"Of course." Pikachu nuzzled him back.

A few hours later, May sat in the branches of a tree near the settlement, her face buried in her knees as she cried quietly. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting a gentle glow on her tear-streaked cheeks. Ash approached silently, his heart aching at the sound of her sobs.

"May..." he called softly. She flinched at his voice, burying her face further into her knees. Ash walked closer, standing beneath the tree and looking up at her. "May...come down," he pleaded gently. She shook her head, more tears falling.

"No..." she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

"May..." Ash's voice was filled with concern and sorrow.

"Please leave me alone..." she cried softly. Ash hesitated, then began to climb the tree, his movements slow and careful due to his injuries. He reached her branch and settled beside her, wrapping his arms around her trembling form. May moved her legs down, shifting so she could cry into his tunic.

"Oh, May..." Ash murmured, holding her tightly.

"It's all my fault...everything's lost...and it's all my fault..." she sobbed.

"No, May, this wasn't you..." Ash tried to reassure her, but her grief was overwhelming.

"Zekrom and Janine are gone...Kyurem got captured...everyone else is hurt...you especially...and that stupid Haxorus..." she broke down even harder, her cries shaking her body. "All because I brought us here..."

"Zekrom would've only gotten hurt faster, May..." Ash's voice was gentle, but firm.

"I let this happen...I failed...!" May cried, her voice full of despair.

"May..." Ash's heart ached for her.

"You should've let them kill me…" she mumbled through her tears. Ash tightened his hold on her, his voice fierce.

"Don't you DARE say that again..!"

"Why not...?! It's the truth...!" she cried out, her pain palpable.

"No, it's not!" Ash's voice was filled with conviction.

"Yes, it is...! If you had let me die, Kyurem wouldn't have come and been captured...! Janine wouldn't have died...! Gary and Dawn wouldn't have had to watch her die...! And you wouldn't have been hurt...! Let me die and everyone's lives would've been so much better...!" May's words were a torrent of guilt and anguish.

"YOU'RE WORTH ALL THE PAIN I CAN STAND!" Ash's shout echoed through the quiet night. May broke down even more against him, her sobs wracking her body. Ash cried over her shoulder, his tears mixing with hers.

"Why...? Why are you doing this...? You know I'm right..." she whispered brokenly.

"No...You're dead wrong...And Janine would think so too..." Ash's voice was soft, but firm.

"The only reason she's dead is because of me...!" May's voice was a pained whisper.

"It was Iris, not you…" Ash corrected her gently. May fell silent, her sobs subsiding into soft whimpers. "Besides...If you let yourself get killed, then all the dragons would be gone...You're not thinking straight..." Ash continued.

"Then they should've bonded with someone who could've actually saved them..." she said quietly, her voice filled with defeat. Ash held her tightly. "I can't take this anymore...I can't do this..." May's voice was barely audible. Ash lifted her chin gently and kissed her softly. She flinched in surprise, but Ash's kiss was filled with love and sincerity, his heart on his sleeve. May moaned lightly in surprise, then slowly started to kiss him back, her grip on his tunic tightening. They pulled away for air, and Ash looked into her eyes sadly. "I feel so lost..." she admitted, her eyes filled with hurt and fear.

"Welcome to the club..." Ash said, a hint of wry humor in his voice. May looked down in defeat. Ash rubbed her arm gently, offering what comfort he could. They sat in silence, holding onto each other as May trembled.

"What am I supposed to do...?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Ash held her closer, his presence a calming force in the midst of her turmoil.

"Breathe," he instructed gently.

"What...?" May looked at him, confusion etched on her face.

"Breathe," he repeated, his tone steady and soothing. Taking a shaky breath, May tried to follow his advice, inhaling deeply. Ash moved closer and held her, his arms a protective barrier against her fears.

"It's not helping..." May confessed, her voice breaking.

"We'll figure this out," Ash assured her, his voice filled with conviction.

"But I... I can't get anyone else killed..." May's eyes filled with tears.

"You won't," Ash said firmly.

"You don't know that..." May's voice was a mixture of despair and guilt.

"I know you," Ash replied, his eyes locking onto hers.

"A pathetic failure...?" May's words were laced with self-loathing.

"Not a chance." Ash shook his head. "You're the least pathetic person I've ever met."

"Sure doesn't feel like it..." May muttered, her shoulders slumping.

"Oh, May..." Ash's heart ached for her.

"Do you think she hates me...?" She sniffled, her tears spilling over. Ash's voice was soft but resolute.

"No, May... she could never hate you..."

"But..."

"She loved you more than anything," Ash reminded her gently.

"...And what did that get her...?" May's voice was barely a whisper.

"The best sister she could have asked for." Ash's eyes were filled with empathy. May sniffled again, her tears falling freely now. Ash held her tighter. "She'd want you to kick that Dragon Queen's tail," he said, trying to inject some lightness into the heavy moment. May's face fell further.

"...How...? She has Kyurem now and..." She looked down, her voice thick with sorrow. "Oh Kyurem... I'm so sorry..." Her tears flowed harder. Ash pulled her into his chest, his embrace enveloping her completely. May cried against him, her apologies tumbling out in a broken, repetitive stream. "I'm sorry... I'm so so sorry..."

"You don't have anything to apologize for May…not to me, not to Janine, and not to Kyurem," Ash murmured, his hand stroking her back in soothing circles.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." May's voice was a frail whisper, dissolving into hyperventilation. Ash held her tightly, his grip grounding her in the present. Slowly, her breathing steadied, but the weight of her grief remained. "He knew she was here... why did he come...?" May's voice was a desperate whisper, filled with confusion and pain.

"Because he loves you," Ash said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. May sniffled softly, a sad smile ghosting her lips.

"Seems like a common theme..."

"You're easy to love." Ash smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness. May looked up at him, her faint smile fading away as quickly as it appeared.

"...Still not sure if that's a good thing..."

"Of course it is," Ash said firmly. She searched his eyes, finding only honesty and affection. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," he added.

"But Ash—" May began, but Ash silenced her with a kiss. Her cheeks flushed as she felt his lips on hers, warm and insistent. Ash kissed her passionately, pouring all his love and reassurance into the act. Slowly, May began to respond, her hesitation melting away. Their kisses grew deeper, more fervent, as they clung to each other. Ash's hand stroked her back, eliciting a shiver from May. She leaned into his grip, her arms slowly wrapping around his torso. They moved together, finding solace in each other's touch. Ash moaned softly, the sound vibrating against May's lips. She moaned back, her own need and desire surfacing. They leaned against a nearby tree, May pressing her chest to Ash's, seeking more of his warmth. Their breaths came in ragged gasps as they pulled away for air. "I love you so much..." May whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

"I love you too, May... More than you can ever imagine..." Ash replied, his eyes shining with sincerity. May rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Ash shut his eyes, his arms wrapped securely around her. Together, they breathed softly, the world around them fading away as they found comfort in each other's presence. Slowly, May drifted off to sleep, her breathing evening out. Ash followed her lead, his own exhaustion pulling him into slumber. In the quiet of the night, they slept, their hearts beating in unison.

In the morning, May slept peacefully against Ash, her body nestled against his for warmth and comfort. Ash stirred gently, slowly opening his eyes as the first light of dawn filtered through the tree canopy. May yawned and blinked sleepily, looking up at him.

"Hey," Ash murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Hi," May replied softly.

"Sleep okay?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.

"Well enough, I guess," she said with a small shrug.

"Bed would've been better, huh?" Ash suggested with a hint of a smile.

"I've slept in plenty of trees before... having my husband with me made it better," May said, tightening her grip on him slightly.

"A bed would have been better, though." Ash's smile grew a bit.

"Maybe one day... if we all survive this..." May's voice trailed off, the weight of their situation pressing down on her again.

"We will," Ash said with quiet determination.

"I truly don't know what to do..." May sighed.

"Maybe get breakfast?" Ash suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

"I guess..." May agreed, her voice lacking enthusiasm. Ash gave a weak smile and leaned in to kiss her. She kissed him back, holding him close and moaning softly against his lips. Ash moaned in return, their shared warmth and affection momentarily easing their fears. As May slowly pulled away, she whispered, "Thank you..." Ash nodded, his eyes warm with understanding. "You're far too good for me sometimes," May said, a hint of playfulness in her tone.

"Yeeeeah, I know..." Ash replied with a cheeky smile. May cracked a small smile, giving him a playful glare before punching his arm lightly. "Was I supposed to disagree with you?"

"It would've been polite, dork," she teased. Ash laughed softly.

"I love you," he said, his smile softening.

"I love you more," May countered.

"I love you most," Ash insisted.

"Not a chance..." May retorted before kissing him again. Ash kissed her back, their connection deepening with each passing moment. When May finally pulled away, she looked into his eyes, uncertainty flickering across her face. "I don't know what's going to happen next... Are you sure you want to still stand by me?"

"Always," Ash said without hesitation. May gave a small smile and rested her forehead against his.

"Just don't die..."

"That goes for you too," Ash replied, his voice steady.

"Deal," May said, pecking his lips one more time. Ash smiled, feeling a surge of determination and love for the woman in his arms. "Just give me one more second before we go back..." May said, standing up on the branch they had spent the night on. Ash watched as she took a deep breath, then screamed at the top of her lungs, "I'M GOING TO SAVE MY DRAGON!"

"I think he heard you." Ash winced, chuckling softly. May took another deep breath and gave a small smile.

"Either way... I feel better. And you know my policy on promises."

"Sure do..." Ash said, sticking a finger in his ear playfully. May jumped down from the branches with a newfound sense of purpose. Ash followed her lead, landing beside her. She reached out and took his hand, heading back toward the settlement with renewed determination. Ash squeezed her hand, feeling her resolve. Together, they walked back toward the settlement.

Dawn's relief was palpable as she spotted May and Ash emerging from the outskirts of the settlement.

"Oh, thank goodness! We were so worried when we couldn't find you!" Dawn exclaimed, rushing over to them.

"We're okay," Ash reassured her with a nod from May, who agreed silently.

"At least... we will be," May added, her voice determined.

"We're getting Kyurem back," Ash stated firmly.

"That's a tall order..." Dawn replied, her tone cautious.

"No one said it would be easy," May responded resolutely.

"Guess not..." Dawn conceded, her gaze shifting between them.

"But I have to do this. Kyurem needs me," May affirmed, her eyes reflecting her determination.

"I know," Dawn said softly, her support evident.

"I know Ash is, but... are you and Gary willing to still stand by me?" May asked earnestly, searching their faces.

"Nothing would please Gary more, I know that," Dawn replied, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"And you...?" May turned to Ash, her gaze steady.

"I wanna see that creep get put down hard after Janine..." Dawn's voice was firm.

"That's something we can all agree on," May said with a nod.

"Good," Ash affirmed, his eyes locked with May's.

"I need to talk with N and Zinnia," May stated, already thinking ahead.

"...Fine," Ash reluctantly agreed. May noticed his hesitation.

"What's wrong?"

"I think I should wait for you..." Ash began, his expression troubled.

"Why?" May asked, raising an eyebrow in concern.

"It's not a good idea for me to see them..." Ash admitted quietly.

"What happened?" May's concern deepened.

"I don't want to talk about it..." Ash said, his voice tight with emotion.

"Ash..." May started, reaching out to him.

"Please..." Ash interrupted gently.

"...Alright," May conceded, her worry evident. Ash kissed her cheek softly.

"I love you..."

"I love you too," May replied softly, pecking his lips in return.

"I'll be back in a few minutes," May said, breaking the tender moment as she headed towards the main tent.

"Alright," Ash murmured, watching her go with a mix of concern and love. Dawn walked over to Ash, her expression serious.

"Are you sure about this...? After all that talk at the tower about... you know...?"

"Iris has to pay... it's as simple as that." Ash replied, his gaze was steely.

"I see..." Dawn nodded slowly, understanding the weight of his determination. "If we left, Iris would just continue hurting her... we don't really have a choice..." Ash nodded in agreement, his jaw clenched. "Then I'll ask... what about after?" Dawn pressed further.

"We're going home, and never coming back..." Ash stated firmly. Dawn's brow furrowed.

"What about Kyurem...? Would you really ask her to give up the bond...?" Ash's expression darkened momentarily as he considered her question.

"Where the heck is this coming from?"

"That's what you told Zinnia you were going to do..." Dawn reminded him gently. "Did you mean it…?" she asked. Ash fell silent, his thoughts racing.

"...You know I did..."

"Yeah... I know you did at the time... I just didn't know if it carried over to... calmer Ash..." Dawn admitted, her concern evident.

"It's not what May wants..." Ash finally spoke, his voice tinged with conflict.

"No, probably not..." Dawn agreed softly, sympathizing with the complexity of the situation.

"...But it is what I want..." Ash's voice was firm, revealing a glimpse of the resolve that drove him. "I want her to have a normal life…free of all this pain and responsibility…she's been through so much she…we deserve a life without all this…"

"Without her bond...?" Dawn asked quietly, her eyes searching his face.

"Yeah…sometimes I just…I wish I knew how to get rid of them..." Ash's words hung heavy in the air.

"I see..." Dawn responded quietly, digesting his words.

"...Sometimes I wish they'd never existed..." Ash muttered bitterly, his fists clenching.

"That's harsh..." Dawn murmured, unsure of what more to say. Ash remained silent, his gaze distant as he wrestled with his emotions. "I wish I knew what the right answer was..." Dawn confessed quietly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Me too..." Ash replied softly, his eyes meeting hers with a mix of determination and sadness.

May entered the main tent with purpose, meeting the gaze of Zinnia and N.

"So the little Princess finally shows back up. Good," Zinnia remarked with a hint of approval.

"So...?" May prompted, her voice steady.

"We weren't confident you had the mental fortitude to get the work done," N stated matter-of-factly.

"I'm stronger than you think then," May replied, her determination clear.

"The humble type, clearly," Zinnia commented, crossing her arms.

"What matters is I'm going to save Kyurem. No matter what it takes," May asserted firmly.

"Impressive conviction," N acknowledged with a nod.

"I just need to know how to do it," May continued, her focus unwavering.

"Fortunately, they're not strong enough to kill him yet... which gives you time to train," Zinnia explained, her tone pragmatic.

"With Zekrom's full power inside you now, it's more important than ever. The wrong movements could cause another overwhelming of your Dragon Force. And we already have enough risk of that with Reshiram's totem still out there somewhere..." N cautioned, concern etched on his face.

"We still need to be prepared for that to happen..." May agreed solemnly, remembering the near death experience of Zekrom's death.

"It would take a miracle, but we might be able to track the last totems down first..." Zinnia suggested, her eyes narrowing in thought.

"How many are left...?" May inquired, her mind racing with possibilities.

"But our calculations of the Dragon Force, only two," N revealed, his voice serious.

"One of which would be his mother's..." Zinnia added gravely.

"The White Kyurem...?" May asked, her heart sinking at the implications.

"Yeah." Zinnia nodded. "If Iris gets ahold of that totem, Reshiram will go next... along with half of Kyurem's remaining strength..."

"And I know from experience it'll hurt like heck..." May murmured, recalling the pain of the Dragon Force overloading her body.

"Looks like it..." Zinnia agreed softly.

"Do we have any idea where it might be?" May questioned, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Only Kyurem would know for sure. He was the last one to see either of his parents," N explained thoughtfully.

"And made the totems in the first place," Zinnia added, her eyes narrowing in contemplation.

"...I wonder if I could ask him..." May mused aloud, hope flickering in her eyes.

"The bond is strong enough for communication?" N asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

"You have no idea..." May replied with conviction.

"There's a chance Iris might be able to breach it..." Zinnia acknowledged, her expression thoughtful.

"Yeah... but without any other clues, I don't see another choice..." May concluded, determination hardening her resolve.

"Is there a place nearby that's connected more to Kyurem? I might get the boost I need to make a strong connection to him if I had some more power..." May asked, her mind racing with possibilities.

"The best bet would be the old monastery..." Zinnia suggested after a moment's thought.

"It'll be dark by the time we hike up there," N added, assessing the timing.

"Then we'd better get moving," May decided, turning to leave the tent. N and Zinnia followed her without hesitation, their steps echoing her resolve. May walked over to Ash, finding him deep in thought.

"Hey... we have a working idea," she began, her voice soft yet determined.

"Yes..?" Ash looked up, his eyes meeting hers.

"We're heading to a nearby monastery where I can hopefully safely contact Kyurem... he knows where the last two totems are," May explained, her voice carrying a hint of urgency.

"Okay..." Ash nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

"Including Reshiram's..." May added, her expression serious. Ash gave a small nod in acknowledgment. "It's an all-day hike to the monastery... do you want to come?" May asked, her voice tinged with hope.

"Yeah..." Ash replied simply. May nodded in understanding and pulled him into a hug. Ash hugged her back tightly.

"Thank you for supporting me..." May whispered, gratitude evident in her voice.

"Yeah..." Ash murmured in response, his arms around her. May pecked his lips affectionately before taking hold of his hand.

"May, we need to go," N interjected, standing nearby.

"I'm coming," May replied, squeezing Ash's hand reassuringly. Ash squeezed her hand back firmly, silently expressing his support.

"You're coming?" Zinnia raised an eyebrow at Ash's decision.

"I'm not leaving my wife..." Ash stated firmly, meeting Zinnia's gaze unflinchingly.

"And here I thought you were-" Zinnia began with a scoff, but N cut her off.

"Zinnia, now is hardly the time for infighting," N reprimanded gently. Zinnia huffed but said nothing more, clearly displeased. Ash squeezed May's hand again, silently reassuring her. May squeezed his hand back, determination in her eyes.

"I don't know what beef you two have, but I don't care right now. Kyurem needs me, and I need Ash to stay grounded while I'm talking with him. Ash is coming, and it isn't my problem if you have a problem with him."

"Whatever, Princess. Let's just get moving," Zinnia replied dismissively, turning to walk down an overgrown path. May sighed but followed N without looking back. Ash walked beside her, their hands still intertwined.

"I'm here..." Ash said quietly, his voice filled with steadfast support.

"That's all I need..." May nodded slightly. Ash leaned against her gently as they walked, their pace steady. Zinnia walked ahead, keeping her distance. May glanced at Ash. "Anything you can sense that'll be a problem?"

"Not now..." Ash replied, his eyes scanning their surroundings.

"Good... let's hope for a quiet walk," May murmured, her voice tinged with anticipation. Ash fell silent for a moment before turning his head towards her.

"...How are you feeling?"

"In which sense...?" May asked, turning to look at him.

"All of them..." Ash clarified, concern etched in his expression.

"Physically, I've had far worse... emotional is still hard... but I have you," May replied honestly, her voice softening. Ash hugged her tightly, silently conveying his love and support.

"I love you..." Ash whispered against her hair.

"I love you more..." May whispered back, holding him close.

"Does it have to be a competition?" Zinnia's voice cut through the moment suddenly. Ash and May exchanged a brief smile before following Zinnia and N down the path.

To be Continued...