In the soft embrace of dawn's first light, May slowly opened her eyes, feeling the gentle pull of consciousness beckoning her from her slumber. She slowly sat up and she felt more refreshed and rested than she ever had before in her life thanks to Gardenia's treatments.

"Whoa…"

"Morning, Mrs. Ketchum," Janine's voice greeted her.

"Morning, sis," May replied with a smile, her senses gradually awakening to the world around her.

"Let's get cleaned up and dressed. We still gotta get back in the castle in time," Dawn urged them, a sense of urgency tinging her words.

"Way ahead of ya. I just finished washing in the pool so you two get to it." Janine answered, taking a moment to squeeze the excess water from her hair.

"Thanks." Dawn nodded, taking her turn to wash in the water. May followed suit, taking a moment first to stretch her arms out. As she did, Janine saw what the treatments had done to May's body and her jaw literally dropped.

"Whoa!"

"Whoa what?" May asked, glancing in her direction.

"Whoa you! May you look gorgeous!" her sister smiled.

"I do? Sleeping outside I'm sure I have a crazy bedhead." May tried to wave off the compliment.

"You kidding? Your hair looks stunning! And your skin? It's never looked more flawless!" Janine insisted. Curious about her sister's unusual exuberance, May walked over to the pond as Dawn climbed out. As she caught sight of her reflection in a nearby crystal, May couldn't help but marvel at the transformation that had taken place overnight.

"Whoa," she murmured, her gaze tracing the contours of her face, now aglow with newfound radiance. "She wasn't kidding about that stuff…"

"Of course not." Gardenia's voice suddenly joined them as she emerged from the bark of the clearing's tree. "Good morning, you're all looking refreshed."

"Good morning," May returned the greeting with a smile, a sense of gratitude filling her heart.

"I'd like to make sure to check in to wrap things up before the rush begins. After all the morning of your wedding is a busy day." Gardenia explained.

"Oh. Thank you so much," May murmured, her appreciation evident in every word.

"Do you have a carriage or anything by chance?" Gardenia asked, her voice soft but urgent.

"I do." May nodded.

"Then why don't you two go back and fetch it right away?" Gardenia turned to Janine and Dawn, her tone authoritative yet gentle. "That way May and I don't have to rush quite as much to finish up, and by the time we're finished, you all can get back home faster than you will have on foot."

"Well...alright." Dawn hesitated, glancing at Janine, but then nodded. "But we only have an hour or two tops before she has to be at the castle."

"I understand, now go. And bring a couple empty bottles, hurry!" Gardenia reassured them with a smile. With a shrug from Janine and a nod from Dawn, the two hurried off, disappearing into the labyrinthine paths of the garden maze. Left alone with Gardenia, May turned her attention to the magical woman.

"Thank you so much," she murmured, a smile playing at her lips. "But what is left to finish up? The treatments you used have already done incredible work."

"Just a bit more solution to make it long lasting." Gardenia explained as she applied one last solution to May's skin. As Gardenia worked, May couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest. Today was the day she would marry the love of her life, and nothing could dampen her spirits. "You're looking great, May," Gardenia remarked, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "This is gonna be the best day of your life!"

"As long as we get married, I don't care what else happens. I'll agree with you." May smiled, a warmth spreading through her veins. With the last of the solution applied, Gardenia leaned in close, her expression serious.

"Now then, I do have some instructions for the water."

"Oh, ok." the princess nodded.

"Its properties are extremely potent. You shouldn't try to drink more than a sip or two at most if you're in a life-threatening situation. It can have unintentional side effects. It might be okay to risk a bigger dose for the dragons, but try not to go overboard. If you don't see terrible improvement, it might not quite be the solution." she explained. May listened intently as Gardenia explained. She nodded along, committing every word to memory.

"Alright. Last one," Gardenia said, her tone lightening as she finished up the final treatment. "Hopefully your friends will be here soon. Just not soon enough to rescue you before the fun's over."

"Wait rescue-" before May could finish her question, a few vines emerged and held her down as Gardenia tickled her stomach. "Hey! W-What are you doing?!"

"You were the one who felt bad for "not repaying my generosity". Think of this as making things even. As payment for the food, place to rest, massages, water, and baths, we're gonna do this for every second we have left to spare." Gardenia explained in a playful, but still dangerous tone of voice as her nailed tickled along May's skin. "Besides. You need to be punished for hurting Tangrowth anyway. Deal?"

"I-I…" she stammered. She had completely forgotten that dryads never let an injustice pass without some kind of compensation. Though, what compensation that would be was never the same twice.

"I promise, I won't make you late for your wedding, ruin the effects, or hurt you. But I am going to take every second you can afford to lose as my "price." Deal?" Gardenia offered once again.

"O-Ok…" May finally responded, still clearly afraid.

"Good." the dryad smiled. "Then let's hear you laugh a little longer."

"I…" May suddenly gasped as Gardenia digs her fingers into May's stomach and started tickling her all over, causing the princess to laugh and squirm uncomfortably.

Meanwhile in the Kingdom, as the light of dawn spilled over the land, Ash stretched, anticipation coursing through his veins like electricity. He had spent the night at his Mom's house in the village so that he didn't risk seeing May before the wedding. He knew they didn't need to invite any more bad luck into their lives.

"Happy wedding day!" Pikachu's cheerful voice rang out as he leaped onto Ash's head, a grin stretching across his furry face.

"Hey there," Ash replied, his own smile mirroring Pikachu's infectious excitement.

"Big day is here!" Pikachu nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with joy. "Excited?"

"Well, it'd be concerning if I wasn't." Ash chuckled, a sense of anticipation bubbling up inside him. With a nod of agreement, Pikachu glanced towards the changing room.

"Your Mom and Gary already brought your stuff there."

"Awesome." Ash wasted no time, dashing off for a quick bath before changing into his wedding attire. Meanwhile, Pikachu shook himself off, his movements purposeful as he adorned himself with a small bowtie that Delia had gotten him. Ash returned shortly, looking dashing in his attire, a small smile playing on his lips as he admired Pikachu's dapper appearance. "Looks good on you," he remarked, reaching out to stroke Pikachu's fur.

"Back at you," Pikachu beamed back at him, his voice filled with affection. Just then, a gentle knock sounded at the door, and Delia's voice floated in.

"It's me, sweetheart."

"Come in," Ash called, his heart warming at the sight of his mother. Delia entered, her eyes glistening with pride as she looked upon her son.

"Oh honey...you look so handsome," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. Ash's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but he couldn't help but smile at his mother's words.

"Mom..."

"I'm just so proud of you... I love you so much..." Delia whispered softly, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"I love you too," Ash replied, his voice filled with warmth as he returned her embrace. Delia pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before presenting him with a small box.

"I have one more thing for you for today..." Curious, Ash opened the box to reveal a boutonniere crafted from flowers plucked from Delia's own garden. "Made from the best of my garden," she explained, her smile soft and tender. Touched by her gesture, Ash felt a surge of gratitude welling up inside him.

"Thanks, Mom," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. With practiced hands, Delia attached the boutonniere to his jacket, her touch gentle and loving. Standing tall, Ash met his mother's gaze, a sense of determination shining in his eyes.

"May is a lucky girl..." she commented.

"We're both lucky." Ash corrected her with a playful smile. Delia smiled back at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Yes, I suppose you are..." Drawing him into one final hug, she whispered, "Be happy, my sweet boy..."

"I will," Ash promised, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I'm gonna run for a quick breakfast."

"Go ahead, honey," Delia urged, her voice filled with motherly concern. "Don't want to faint up there." Laughing, Ash made his way towards the castle, spotting Janine and Dawn leaving the courtyard on his way.

"Hey there!" he called out, his voice ringing with excitement. Surprised, Dawn turned to greet him, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"Oh hi, Ash."

"How was May last night?" he asked.

"She misses you. But she's beyond excited for today." Dawn responded.

"And she looks gorgeous." Janine chimed in. Blushing slightly, Ash felt a surge of pride swelling in his chest.

"I'll bet..." he commented. He'd be lying if he had said he hadn't been imagining what his bride would look like on this special day.

"You're in for a real treat today. Trust me on that." Dawn teased with a knowing smile.

"Oh..?" he asked, blushing slightly.

"Betcha a silver piece that he'll drool Dawn." Janine snickered.

"You're on." Dawn laughed.

"Hey! How low do you think my self-control is?" Ash demanded indignently.

"It's not that. It's gonna be you and every other guy in the audience that won't be able to resist." Janine explained, eliciting a giggle from Dawn.

"Uh huh..." he sighed with a roll of his eyes. Janine and Dawn exchanged a knowing look before Janine commented.

"You look great too." Ash's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but he couldn't help but smile at their words.

"Real equivalent reactions there..."

"You'll understand in a few hours. But for now, we have to help her finish and get ready ourselves." Dawn assured him, with a laugh. As they parted ways, Ash couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. Today was the day he would marry the love of his life, and he couldn't wait to begin their journey together.

As Janine and Dawn arrived back in the clearing with the carriage and bottles requested, they were slightly puzzled to hear Gardenia's gentle voice broke through the silence, her touch tracing May's waist with care as they watched.

"Now May," Gardenia's voice was gentle, her smile teasing. "What have we learned about harming local plants and animals?"

"I won't do it again..." May sighed, her apology sincere even as she tried to catch her breath from Gardenia's tickling. All evidence that the dryad had held her captive for a bit was gone, and quite frankly May wanted to just leave it behind her.

"Very well. Go fill up your bottles with the water I promised." Gardenia nodded, satisfied. With a confused look, Dawn moved forward into the clearing, looking at May with a hint of concern.

"Everything ok May?" she asked.

"Everything's fine. Let's just get the water sample and head out. We don't want to be late." May responded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as the game came to an end. With a nod of acknowledgement, Dawn hurried over and filled the bottles with the magical water as May rose to her feet. Catching a glimpse of her reflection, she couldn't help but marvel at the transformation that had taken place. Not a single trace of sweat adorned her body, and her skin felt softer than it ever had before.

"Well? " Gardenia smiled, proud of her work.

"Thank you, Gardenia..." May murmured gratefully. Dawn approached with the bottles, urging them to hurry.

"Let's go. We all still have to get dressed." she reminded them. With a nod, May dashed towards the awaiting carriage, eager to complete the final preparations for her big day. Once inside, Dawn and Janine helped May get dressed with practiced efficiency. As they adjusted her veil, Janine noticed something extra, seemingly a parting gift from Gardenia.

"Hey, you have a flower in your hair."

"What?" May asked. Janine then pointed out a snug tulip nestled in her hair. "Oh. Guess she added that while I wasn't looking."

"It looks good anyway," Janine remarked, her smile warm. With a deep breath, May focused on the task at hand, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"Wouldn't you know it, I think we're gonna make it with just enough time to spare," Janine remarked, her tone filled with relief. "Though May, gotta say, you already look perfect."

"In fact May... you've never looked better!" Janine exclaimed, her admiration genuine. May smiled softly, her heart fluttering with excitement.

"Thank you..." As Dawn and Janine put the final touches on their own attire, May couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over her. And as they set off towards the castle, her heart swelled with anticipation, knowing that soon she would be reunited with the love of her life. With each passing moment, she felt more certain that today would be the start of something truly magical.

After the few final hours of preparation had passed Ash found himself standing at the altar, anticipation thrumming through his veins, he couldn't tear his gaze away from the entrance of the grand hall as he waited for his bride's entrance. Delia sat in the front row, wiping tears of joy from her eyes, her heart overflowing with pride for her son. Dawn, escorted by Gary, walked down the aisle, her smile radiant with happiness. Max watched with a grin, his thoughts filled with excitement at the prospect of Ash becoming his brother. Meanwhile, in the back hall hidden by the doors, Norman stood by May's side, a mixture of emotions swirling in his heart.

"You look wonderful," he whispered, his voice filled with pride and love.

"Thank you, Dad..." May replied, her eyes shining with gratitude. "And I know it's hard... but thank you for giving me away too... it means a lot to me..." Norman pulled her into a tight embrace, his love for his daughter evident in every gesture.

"You have no idea how long I've dreamed of this day..." With a gentle kiss on her cheek, Norman signaled that it was time. "That's your cue. Knock 'em dead..."

"No problem there." With a soft smile, May took her place beside her father, her heart pounding with anticipation as the organ music changed to "Here Comes the Bride." As the doors slowly opened, revealing May to the crowd, Ash's breath caught in his throat. She practically glowed with sheer perfect beauty, and he couldn't tear his gaze away from her. May smiled softly as she walked down the aisle, her eyes locked on Ash's, her heart overflowing with love. Janine smiled softly as she watched them, her heart swelling with happiness at the sight of her sister's joy. Ash stared, mesmerized, as May approached, every boy in the room momentarily smitten with her beauty. Pikachu snickered beside him, amused by his trainer's reaction. As May reached the front, Norman kissed her cheek before offering a handshake to Ash.

"H-hi..." Ash stammered, his nerves evident as he accepted Norman's handshake before taking May up to join him at the alter.

"Not getting cold feet are you...?" May whispered playfully. Norman gave May away to Ash, taking his seat beside his wife with a proud smile. May held Ash's hands tightly as they stood together at the altar, her smile never faltering as their minister began the ceremony.

"Dearly beloved, we're gathered here today, to celebrate the holy union of matrimony between Aura Guardian Ash Ketchum, and Princess May Maple. If anyone can find reason why these two should not marry, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." A few of the young men in the audience shifted uncomfortably, just as taken with May's radiance as her groom was, but they all knew better and sat silently. "Then we shall proceed. I understand the couple have prepared their own vows to one another."

"May... We've been at this game of cat and mouse forever..." Ash began, his voice trembling with emotion. May's heart swelled with love as she listened to Ash's heartfelt words. "I've never met anyone with as much spirit as you. I see th-this fire in you that's h-hotter than any dragon's fire, and it's amazing...Even when we were just kids...everything you ever did that drove me crazy, just made me love you that much more...I thought that our game of cat and mouse ended a year ago...and I thought I was chasing you. But I was wrong. I'm as much your mouse as you are mine, and it ends today...I vow that my cat is never letting you go."

"Your Highness?" the minister prompted her. Tears welled up in May's eyes as she spoke her own vows.

"Ash from the moment we met I knew you were the one. I didn't know how, when, or why, but I knew that you were the one I was meant to be with. Call it women's intuition, ninja sense, or whatever you like. All that matters is you're everything to me. And you've given me more than I ever thought possible already. I love you with my whole heart, soul, and body. And as long as you love me too, I promise to spend every day of my life trying to repay your kindness. My knight, my love...my Aura Boy." she swore as Ash stared into her eyes, his heart overflowing with love and gratitude.

"May we have the rings please?" the minister continued. Glaceon approached and offered May Ash's ring as Pikachu, on the other side of the alter, offered Ash May's ring. Both partners accepted and the ceremony continued. "Ash, place the ring on May's hand as a symbol of your everlasting commitment to her, declaring to all the world, "With this ring, I thee wed"."

"With this ring, I thee wed," Ash announced as he placed the ring on her ring finger.

"May, place the ring on Ash's hand as a symbol of the love that encircles you both forever more, declaring to all the world, "With this ring, I thee wed"."

"With this ring, I thee wed." May declared as she gently slid the ring onto Ash's finger.

"Do you Ash Ketchum, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?" the minister asked.

"I do!" Ash declared without hesitation, his voice ringing with conviction.

"And do you May Maple, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," May replied, her voice steady with determination.

"Ash and May have made their declarations and intentions clear. Let all who are here today know that this man and this woman are married. What Arceus has joined, let none here on earth separate. It is my absolute honor to pronounce this couple husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." With the pronouncement of their marriage, Ash pulled May into his arms, kissing her with a passion and eagerness that left the crowd cheering. May responded in kind, her heart overflowing with love and joy as they sealed their union with a kiss. And as they held each other close, lost in the moment, they refused to pull away until they needed air. May smiled softly at him, and was about to go in for another kiss, but stopped short when a splitting headache racked her head.

"Ah…" she winced, holding her head a brief moment.

"You okay...?" Ash asked, concern etched in his voice. May shook out her head, the headache fading and quickly as it had appeared as she quickly regained her smile.

"Better than I've ever been..."

"You look better than you've ever been..." Ash smiled back, his heart swelling with affection.

"Oh, that's why you went through with it... for the good looks." May chuckled softly, running her finger along his cheek. Ash shivered at her touch, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"Hey... I didn't say all that for show..." he teased

"I can't wait to see you prove it..." May smiled and pecked his lips.

"Deal." Ash nodded, blushing. Their foreheads touched as they shared a moment of quiet intimacy, the love between them palpable.

"I love you...my dearest Aura Boy…"

"I love you more my precious Ninja Girl…" he replied before getting a wiff of a sweet smell. "Mm... Gosh, what's that smell? It's great..!" Ash exclaimed suddenly, breaking the moment.

"The reception buffet?" May chuckled.

"Well, that too, but I mean on you, silly!" Ash grinned.

"Guess I got a good batch of perfume." May laughed.

"Good? It's great! You look, feel, and smell like you spent an hour in heaven!" Ash's eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Can you control yourself during the party, my love?" May smiled warmly.

"I'll try..." Ash grinned back. Giggling, May leaned in to kiss him again, both of them lost in the moment. After a moment, they slowly pulled away, smiles lighting up their faces.

"Let's go celebrate..." May suggested, her voice filled with excitement.

"You got it," Ash replied eagerly. Hand in hand, they happily walked back down the aisle as the crowd once again erupted into applause. Exiting into the courtyard, they were met with the sight of the castle grounds transformed into the biggest party the kingdom had ever seen. "Wow..." Ash breathed, taking it all in. May smiled and handed him her bouquet.

"Hold this for me for a second?"

"Ah, sure," Ash replied, accepting the flowers. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, May dashed off towards the nearest tree, scaling it with ease. Perched at the top, she took a deep breath and screamed out her joy to the world.

"I GOT MARRIED!" she shouted, her voice ringing out across the courtyard. Ash winced at the volume, but couldn't help but laugh at her exuberance. As May jumped down from her perch, completing a few somersaults in the air before landing gracefully next to him, Ash couldn't help but smile at her.

"I think someone's happy..." he remarked with a chuckle. May grinned back, taking his hand once again.

"You did marry an unconventional woman."

"I sure did," Ash agreed, his heart full of love for the woman by his side.

Soon, as the last of the crowd filed into the courtyard, Norman stepped onto the stage to address the crowd.

"Everyone, before we begin the festivities I'd just like to say a few words," he announced, drawing everyone's attention to him. "Firstly, speaking for myself and the rest of the royal family, I'd like to thank you all so much for coming. To have our entire kingdom participate in such a magnificent day fills us with so much joy. You all know that our kingdom has had its hard times in the past. One of which even robbed us of our beloved Princess. But this young man has done more for our Kingdom than almost any warrior before him. And I'm honored to say that the man who saved my daughter, will now be looking after her for the rest of her life. Ash, thank you for everything you've done."

"Oh man…" Ash shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the attention. Norman's words of gratitude touched his heart, and he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment. May's giggle broke through his self-consciousness, and he found solace in her infectious smile.

"Tonight I hope you all will join us in celebrating this most momentous occasion. So, for the very first time, please allow me to introduce my daughter, Princess May Ketchum, and her husband, Prince Ash Ketchum." he then applauded with the rest of the crowd as they cheered eagerly for the new royal couple. Ash's face turned a deeper red and May smiled at his embarrassment.

"Now you know how I felt for the first few months," she whispered. Her arms wrapped around his neck and as she kissed him, he melted into her embrace, returning her kiss with equal fervor. The music swelled, signaling the start of the celebration. "Would you like to dance Your Majesty...?"

"I would love too." he accepted, heart swelled with love as his hand found its place on her waist as they moved gracefully across the dancefloor.

"You're so incredible..." May whispered, her voice filled with admiration.

"Me? What about you?" Ash couldn't help but smile.

"What about me?" May chuckled softly. "You braved the dangers of an entire ninja and psychics village just to bring a lost Princess back to her home. And you even helped her see the truth."

"You're the dragon rider, master sneak, and persistent one," Ash replied, his voice filled with admiration. May smiled and rested her forehead against his.

"Personally, I just like you better..."

"Personally, I just like you better." They shared a tender moment, exchanging gentle kisses as they swayed to the music.

"By the way, you look incredible too," May said, her voice soft with affection.

"Thank you," Ash replied, his smile soft and genuine.

"I could stay like this for a long, long time..." May whispered, her breath warm against his lips.

"Then why don't we stay like this for a long, long time?" Ash suggested, his voice filled with love. May giggled, her laughter like music to his ears. "At least until dinner."

"Sounds like a plan," she agreed, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

"So do you remember the question I asked you before? At my welcome home party?" she wondered. "About the strong bond of an Aura Guardian and his wife?"

"Yeah?" he answered. "I'd say we already have one."

"We can try right now." she smiled. "What do you sense from me now?"

"That you're the most radiant person here," he smirked.

"Wonderful answer." she declared. As they shared a passionate kiss, lost in each other's embrace, Ash couldn't help but feel grateful for the incredible woman by his side. In that moment, surrounded by love and happiness, he knew that he had found his soulmate, and he vowed to cherish her for eternity.

Later, as they sat together at the head table, their hands still intertwined, Ash couldn't help but smile as his new wife refused to let go of his hand even as they attempted to eat.

"Just can't let me go huh?"

"Nope."

"Feeling's mutual," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and affection. May smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Yay," she replied, her smile radiant. As they indulged in the feast before them, savoring each bite. Ash leaned against May, enjoying the warmth of her presence. "Hi," May greeted him with a smile, cuddling close to him.

"Hi," Ash replied, returning her smile warmly.

"What's on your mind?" May asked, her eyes twinkling with affection.

"How much I love you," Ash confessed, his gaze softening as he looked into her eyes.

"You are adorable," May chuckled, her smile growing wider.

"Well then you must be quite lucky," Ash teased, returning her smile.

"Sure am," May agreed, leaning in to kiss him tenderly. Their lips met in a sweet embrace, expressing the depth of their love for each other. May leaned into Ash's side, relishing the closeness they shared. As their kiss deepened, passion ignited between them, and they lost themselves in the moment. May's hand trailed along the front of Ash's jacket, sending shivers down his spine. Their tongues danced together in a passionate battle, each moan and gasp echoing their desire for each other. But as the intensity of their embrace grew, Ash became aware of their surroundings and pulled away with his face turning bright red.

"M-Maaaaay..! Do you know how many eyes are on us?" he asked, blushing.

"And I know about a dozen ways to slip out unnoticed," May smiled mischievously, pecking his lips playfully.

"So you do…" Ash chuckled nervously, once again captured by her radiating beauty. "Wow…I didn't know I was being wed to a goddess when I woke up this morning," he confessed.

"I hope that's not a drag on how I usually look," May said, stroking his cheek gently.

"Of course not," Ash replied, smiling warmly. "You know I always like seeing you." May returned his smile and kissed him again, her lips conveying her love for him.

"I also know you're dying to see what this treatment did to all of me... despite the good boy part of you out here for the party," she teased, causing Ash to squeak with embarrassment.

"May!" he protested, blushing furiously. May laughed softly and leaned closer to him.

"I think we should wait until the end of the night. I'd be curious to see how absence and anticipation work on you," she suggested, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"If you can contain yourself that long..." Ash trailed off, a playful glint in his eyes.

"I think we know I can play the long game," May replied, smiling knowingly.

"There's new temptations now though," Ash remarked, leaning against her. May smiled and snuggled closer to him.

"Or maybe I just love my husband," she whispered, her voice filled with affection.

"I think I know what you mean," Ash replied, smiling back at her lovingly. Their intimate moment continued as May planted another kiss on him, which he was happy to return to her with interest. As they kissed fervently, lost in the bliss of their love, they were unaware of the world around them, consumed only by the fire that burned between them.

Later that evening, as the music softened to a gentle melody and the crowd applauded their final dance, May leaned back as Ash dipped her gracefully to the rhythm. Their gazes locked, filled with love and admiration, as he kissed her passionately, drawing cheers from the onlookers. With a smile, May returned the kiss as Ash helped her back to her feet and she then turned to the remnants of the crowd.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming. It means the world to us," she expressed, gratitude evident in her voice.

"You're all amazing. Tonight wouldn't have been the same without you," Ash added, his eyes shining with sincerity. The crowd applauded them as their speech continued.

"We're going to call it a night from here, so thank you all again, and please get home safely," May announced, her voice filled with warmth. And as people began filing out of the castle's courtyard and the castle staff began their clean up procedures, she turned to her husband, "Now, I believe someone promised me a private celebration..." she whispered, wrapping her arms around Ash.

"I believe so..." he smiled.

"Shall we, my dear husband?" May asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

"I would be glad to," Ash replied, smiling as he took her arm. But then, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye he spoke again. "Actually, I wanted to try something else," he declared proudly.

"What are you-" May was about to ask, but then, Ash lifted her into his arms bridal style without warning. She blushed in surprise, hanging onto him tightly as he carried her off.

"I did it! I got you!" Ash announced triumphantly, eliciting a soft laugh from May. As they walked, May watched his face happily until a sudden headache made her wince.

"Ah..." she murmured, holding her head. Ash noticed her discomfort immediately.

"You okay?" he asked with concern. May quickly shook it off again, offering a reassuring smile.

"Guess the party took more out of me than I thought," she admitted, smiling through the pain.

"Why don't we fix that?" Ash suggested, his eyes filled with care.

"I hope you don't just mean sleeping it off," May teased, running her fingers through his hair. "I want to see how you take care of your wife when we're all alone..."

"You've got a deal."Ash brought her inside, kicking the door closed behind them as May giggled softly. With a tender smile, he gently laid her down on the bed before locking the door, his heart full of love and anticipation for the night ahead. Ash walked over to May and kicked off his shoes, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. May slipped off her sandals, her heart racing with excitement. As Ash climbed over her, she smiled up at him, remaining still, waiting for his next move. "Wow..." Ash finally stopped to take in her beauty, his voice filled with awe. May blushed, her cheeks tinged with pink.

"Wow what...?" she asked softly.

"Just...you..." Ash smiled softly. "I love you so much..." May's heart swelled with love at his words.

"I love you more..." she whispered, her voice filled with affection. Ash ran his nails up her body, sending shivers down her spine, eliciting a soft moan from her lips. He leaned in to kiss her, and May eagerly returned the kiss, her lips meeting his in a sweet embrace. As Ash began to pull off his suit, May moaned gently into his mouth, her hands deftly removing her veil. He unbuttoned his shirt, his movements deliberate and full of desire, while May carefully slipped out of her long skirt, revealing her figure in the dim light of the room. Pulling away to take off her top, Ash was met with May's assistance as she helped him free her arms. He looked at her, feeling his mouth hang open again, struck by her beauty.

"What...did you..?" Ash stammered, his eyes wide with wonder.

"Does it really matter...?" May smiled, her gaze filled with warmth. Ash blushed, his cheeks tinged with pink.

"Well..." May smiled and wrapped her arms back around his neck.

"Not backing out are you...?" she teased, her voice playful and light.

"Not with an angel here with me..." Ash leaned in to kiss her, his lips meeting hers in a tender embrace. May returned the kiss, her heart fluttering with joy at his words. As Ash continued to undress, May smiled and played with his hair, her touch gentle and loving. "You're being cute..." Ash murmured, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"And you're being handsome," May replied, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"I'm always handsome in your eyes," Ash chuckled softly.

"You're half right," May giggled. "In my eyes, you're always the most handsome." Ash blushed at her words, his heart swelling with love.

"I love you, May..."

"I love you too, Ash..." May whispered, her voice filled with emotion. As Ash unclasped her bra and slowly pulled it away, May gasped softly, her body tingling with excitement. She moaned eagerly as he nuzzled into her body, his touch sending waves of pleasure through her. Gently rubbing her smooth legs against his, May felt a surge of desire coursing through her veins. She moaned louder as Ash unclasped her bra, her breath coming in short gasps as her breasts came into view. Ash moaned in response, his eyes filled with lust as he gazed at her. Slowly pulling away, he slipped a finger under her panties, sending a shiver down May's spine. Gasping softly, she gripped onto him, her body hot with anticipation. "Oh Arceus, Ash..."

"You're one to talk...holy smokes..." Ash stared at her, his eyes filled with desire for the first time. May panted, her body trembling with excitement.

"I do believe you're staring, Mr. Ketchum..."

"May...how did you pull this off..?" Ash's voice was filled with wonder. "You were already the most beautiful sight in my eyes...but this..?"

"A little magical beauty treatment goes a long way, I guess…" May smiled softly, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

May slowly opened her eyes, the morning light filtering through the curtains. She smiled as she saw Ash, completely passed out beside her. Gently, she leaned in and kissed his lips, but he didn't react, too worn out from the night before. With a soft giggle, May watched as Ash weakly drooled on his pillow, completely oblivious to the world around him. She leaned in to kiss him again, and this time he stirred, half-opening his eyes.

"Good morning..." May whispered, smiling down at him. Ash shut his eyes again, still half-asleep, and May couldn't help but giggle at his sleepy state. She got up out of bed, intending to head towards the bathroom, but stopped short when a searing pain shot through her head, almost knocking her off her feet. "Ah!" May cried out, gripping her head as if trying to hold back the pain. Ash stirred at the sound of her distress, finally sitting upright to see what was wrong. Concern etched on his face, he looked toward her direction as he tried to blink the sleep away.

"H-huh..?" he mumbled, his voice groggy with sleep. Struggling to even stand upright, May stumbled forward, gripping the edge of her vanity to steady herself.

"AH!" The pain in her head was unbearable, and she gritted her teeth, trying to push through it.

"May!?" Ash's voice was filled with worry as he finally stood upright, his eyes wide with concern. But before he could reach her, May screamed in pain, the intensity of it almost overwhelming. She struggled to remain standing, but her body betrayed her, and her eyes rolled back in her head as she collapsed to the ground. "May!?" Ash's heart raced as he sprinted over to her, his panic rising. May lay on the ground, unmoving and barely breathing, her body wracked with pain. Ash shook her frantically, his voice filled with desperation. "SOMEBODY HELP HER!"

To be Continued...