The forest was a blur of shadows and moonlight as they ran, the trees seeming to close in around them. Ash glanced over his shoulder, his breath coming in heavy pants.

"I think we lost them..."

"I just hope they're okay..." May, struggling to catch her breath, nodded.

"No time to think about that now..." Zinnia's voice was urgent, cutting through the night air. May straightened, determination lighting up her eyes.

"If we move quickly, we can be there by dawn."

"I like the optimism." Ash couldn't help but grin. May returned the smile, her eyes sparkling despite the exhaustion.

"Gotta have it for some motivation, right?"

"Think Glaceon is okay..?" Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, looked worried. May's expression softened as she nodded.

"Strongest around, remember?" she reminded him. Pikachu gave a hopeful smile at that. "We have to do our part too," May said, her resolve hardening. She pushed herself to run faster, her feet barely touching the ground. Ash and Zinnia picked up their pace to follow, each step bringing them closer to their prize.

Hours of running later, as the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, Ash was panting heavily. May, her breath ragged, closed her eyes briefly and turned towards the nearby mountain base.

"There," she said, pointing to where the invisible Dragon Force was leading her.

"The cave isn't far..." Zinnia nodded. With a determined nod, May headed in that direction.

"It's so dry and dusty out here..." Pikachu coughed.

"Hence the desert," May replied with a wry smile.

"Yeah, but you don't have fur," Pikachu retorted, twitching his nose.

"Trust me, the pigtails aren't easy to maintain either," May said, a hint of humor in her voice despite their exhaustion.

"Man, I'm thirsty..." Ash wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Canteen is on empty?" May asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Just about..." Ash admitted.

"Hopefully all goes well here and we'll take care of everything in just a bit," May reassured him, though her eyes were shadowed with worry. Ash nodded, and they both approached the mountain wall. "It seems to be inside the rocks... but I don't see a way in," May said, her brow furrowing.

"Hm... I can try to sense it," Ash offered, shutting his eyes and reaching out with his Aura. "You're looking more vibrant than ever," he remarked, a playful tone in his voice.

"Ancient electric power being forced into you will do that, I'm sure. But thanks, honey." May chuckled.

"Heh..." Ash smiled, feeling a warmth despite the situation.

"Flirting aside, anything?" May asked, bringing them back to the task at hand.

"I think so..." Ash murmured, pointing in a direction. May nodded and headed that way, Zinnia following and scanning the mountain. They moved carefully, feeling for an entrance. Suddenly, a tremor shook the ground.

"Ah!" May stumbled. "What the?!" The mountain ascended slowly, revealing a hand-crafted cave opening. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Oookay... didn't see that coming..."

"Bleh... I've got sand... everywhere..." Ash grimaced.

"I guess that's what we're looking for..." May laughed softly. She approached the cave cautiously.

"Let's move," Zinnia said, stepping forward. May nodded and followed, Ash close behind. As they neared the entrance, Zinnia was suddenly stopped by an invisible force. "Ack!" she exclaimed. Ash hit the same barrier and stopped short.

"Huh?!"

"What happened?" May asked, turning around in surprise.

"We can't... get through..." Ash said, frustration clear in his voice.

"Some kind of barrier...?" May guessed.

"Yeah..." Ash confirmed. May closed her eyes, reaching out with her senses.

"A barrier made of Dragon Force... Kyurem chooses who he lets through..."

"That'd be you," Ash said, understanding dawning on him.

"Alright... just watch the entrance for me. Last thing I need is a surprise," May instructed, her voice steady.

"Be careful..." Ash nodded.

"You guys too," May replied, giving them one last look before heading inside the cavern alone.

May moved deeper into the cavern, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of various murals depicting the Dragon Purge.

"Whoa..." she murmured, stepping further in. Suddenly, the voices of dying dragons clashing filled her mind. The voices seemed to change with each mural she passed.

"Moster…!" one howled.

"Ah..." She winced, holding her head. "What the...?"

"Demon…!"

"Killer…!" With each mural, she felt herself being mentally pulled into the battles that inspired the artwork. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to walk down the center of the hallway, trying to minimize the overpowering images. The hall descended further into the ground, the energy feeling more intense and closer. May groaned but kept walking, her determination pushing her forward. A dim light became visible ahead. Her eyes widened, and she broke into a run. In the center of a chamber, she saw a glowing skull totem, larger than her entire body.

"Oh man... they weren't kidding about the size..." A familiar warmth emanated from the totem, a mix of Reshiram's energy yet distinct in its own way. She approached it slowly, reaching out her hand to its power. An intense surge of energy and wrath washed over her, and Malys's voice echoed in her mind. In her mind, a memory played out, showing her the White Kyurem Zinnia and N had told her about.

"I SHALL BECOME A GOD! NOT YOU, RAYQUAZA!" her voice boomed.

"Ack!" May dropped to her knees, clutching her head as the memory played against her will.

"SO I WILL END YOUR LIFE!" Rayquaza's fierce response followed as he launched a Draco Meteor. White Kyurem countered with Blue Flare. Rayquaza glared and snagged one of the meteors in his mouth, swallowing its energy and glowing with power. Mega Rayquaza charged at White Kyurem, who charged back, locking them in an aerial battle.

"Kyurem..." she whispered as she gritted her teeth against the pain. The vision faded, leaving her panting as she struggled to her feet, using a column for support. The totem remained still, glowing. Determined, May reached for it again. It was incredibly heavy, but she managed to lift it. Taking a deep breath, she found the most comfortable position to carry it and prepared to move. However, another memory surged through her once more. Kyurem's voice, undeniably familiar, resonated in her mind.

"You should be proud, Mother... after all... you wanted me to be your living legacy..." The memory showed Kyurem stomping on her neck.

"K-Kyurem...?" May stammered, stumbling to her knees. Kyurem looked his mother in the eye as he slashed at her jugular. May screamed in searing pain. The vision and pain faded, leaving her panting and struggling to get back up. Her head cleared, and she forced herself to stand. With determination, May grabbed the skull totem and began dragging it towards the entrance. Despite the weight and the lingering memories, she pressed on, driven by the urgency of her mission. However, just as she exited the cave with the totem, she saw Ash hit the ground hard, a groan escaping his lips as Clair pinned him underneath her foot.

"Just the girl I was hoping to see!" Clair's voice rang out triumphantly.

"ASH...!" May gasped, her heart dropping. Ash and Zinnia were both badly injured and struggling to move on the ground just outside the barrier. Clair smirked, holding up a dagger to Glaceon's limp body.

"I'm going to make myself very clear. Hand over the totem. Now. Or I start picking off your loved ones." May's eyes widened in horror.

"GET AWAY FROM THEM!" she screamed. Clair pressed the blade to Glaceon's cheek, drawing a thin line of blood.

"The totem! Now!"

"Alright! Just let them go!" May's voice trembled, her mind racing.

"Totem first. Final warning," Clair demanded, her tone icy. May gritted her teeth and, with a heavy heart, pushed the totem out of the barrier. An Altaria swooped in, picking it up and bringing it to Clair. "Good girl," Clair taunted. She tossed Glaceon aside and walked away from Ash and Zinnia, prompting May to run to Ash's side, cradling him in her arms.

"Ash..." He looked at her weakly, pain etched on his face.

"May..."

"I got you..." she whispered softly as she held Ash tightly. Clair whistled for her troops to depart and the small group was soon left alone in the desert sand without anything to aid them.

"May..." Ash winced as he tried to sit up.

"I only have so long before she starts draining the totem and I..." May trailed off, remembering the pain and near death she went through when Zekrom's totem was drained of it's power. Digging through her bag, she pulled out the last vile of spring water and gave Ash the last few drops of water. Ash groaned, and May gave the remaining drops to Glaceon, who moaned in pain.

"The totem...!" Zinnia's voice broke through the chaos as she managed to struggle to her feet on her own.

"It's gone..." May replied, her voice barely a whisper.

"I know that, you moron..!" Zinnia snapped, wincing in pain.

"I'll save Kyurem without it," May declared, determination in her eyes.

"The hell you will! You just threw away our one chance!" Zinnia shouted, her voice filled with anger and frustration.

"I said I would, and I will," May insisted, her voice steady.

"Fat chance... You just killed him, you stupid bitch..." Zinnia spat.

"Shut up. I don't give up so easily," May shot back. Ash took May's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She looked over at him, her eyes softening. "When they start draining the totem, Reshiram is going to send her power to me. The Dragon Force will overwhelm me again. Do whatever it takes to stabilize me. Once that's done, I'll go save him," May explained, her voice resolute.

"May..." Ash looked at her with concern.

"It's the only way I'll have enough sheer power to fight back," she said, her voice unwavering.

"Oh, May..." Ash sighed.

"I trust you... you won't let me die," May said, her eyes locking onto his. Glaceon nuzzled her sadly, and May petted her gently. "Glad you're up and around again, Glaceon..."

"Me too..." Glaceon responded, her voice soft.

"Ash, how are you feeling?" May asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Not great..." Ash admitted.

"A little better at least?" she pressed. Ash nodded weakly. "We have to find N before it starts... he should be able to stabilize my Dragon Force..."

"You're all idiots. I should've never trusted you." Zinnia snapped before storming off on her own, disappearing amidst the rolling hills of sand.

"Guess she's done with us...We're on our own," May said with a sigh.

"Good riddance..." Ash muttered.

"We have to find everyone else right away," May insisted. Ash gave a small nod, and May helped him to his feet. He leaned on her for support as they began to walk. "The water should continue helping as we go..." she reassured him.

"I love you..." Ash murmured.

"I love you too... I'm sorry I let you get hurt..." May said, her voice breaking.

"This isn't on you..." Ash said, his voice gentle.

"I'm still going to fix it..." May promised. Ash leaned in and kissed her cheek. May squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth of his love and support. Ash squeezed back, and together, they moved forward.

Several hours later, as the two returned to the scene of the battle, they found Gary lying unarmored and burned, with Dawn doing her best to treat his wounds. Nearby, N groaned in pain.

"Oh no..." May's voice was filled with worry.

"Remind me to thank the newlyweds for the lovely weekend..." Gary managed a weak smile.

"May...?" Dawn turned around in surprise. "Ash! May!"

"What happened!?" Ash ran over, his voice urgent.

"Clair mopped the floor with us," Dawn replied, her voice strained.

"She and her dragons..." N groaned.

"Armor gets really hot..." Gary added with a pained grin.

"Witch..." May muttered under her breath.

"We'll all be okay with time..." Dawn reassured, though her voice wavered.

"I hope so..." Ash said, his worry palpable.

"The totem...?" N asked, his voice filled with concern.

"We couldn't get it... they have it," May admitted, her shoulders slumping.

"Zinnia chased after her on her own," Ash added.

"Unfortunately, that's not a surprise..." N sighed.

"I say good riddance," Ash muttered.

"That said, we need your help." May turned to N.

"With what?" N looked at her, puzzled.

"Any minute they're going to start draining the totem of its power, so that means—" May groaned, clutching her head. The sound of Reshiram screaming in pain pierced her mind, the volume excruciating. "Reshiram...!" May gripped her head tightly and screamed out in agony.

"May!" Dawn gasped. N's eyes widened in surprise.

"What's going on?!"

"Reshiram is forcing her power into May as she disappears..." Dawn explained, her voice trembling.

"And it's too much for the human body..." N said, understanding dawning.

"Yes." Dawn nodded slightly. May screamed as the pain intensified, nearly knocking her off her feet. Ash grabbed her, holding her tightly as she writhed in pain against him.

"May!" Ash shouted, his voice desperate. N's expression was grim.

"She knew this would happen... why did she give it to them?"

"To save us..." Glaceon said softly.

"But she's going to die in that state...!" Dawn cried, her voice filled with fear.

"You saved her before..! Right..!?" Ash's voice was frantic. "Do it again..!"

"Zinnia seemed to have a way, and Iris did too... Can you...?" Dawn looked at N.

"It's not easy with my limited powers compared to Iris's... but it's possible," N said, his tone serious. Ash gritted his teeth, watching anxiously. N walked over and knelt down beside Ash and May, placing his hand on her forehead. He closed his eyes, and a soft light began to emanate from him. Dawn held her heart hopefully, while Gary watched sadly. N winced at the raging Dragon Force, but he pushed forward, forcing it to calm down until it finally stabilized. May took a shuddering breath, and Ash teared up.

"May..." Ash whispered. She groaned and shifted slightly before finally opening her eyes again.

"She'll be okay... it's stabilized for now," N confirmed.

"May..." Ash held her tightly. She moaned tiredly, looking up at him.

"Ash..."

"I'm here, May..." Ash's voice was filled with relief.

"I knew you'd pull through... thank you..." May squeezed his hand weakly.

"You're the trooper," Ash said, his voice soft. May leaned in and pecked his lips. Ash kissed her back gently.

"May, what were you thinking? That was a near-death wish." N looked at May sternly. May sat up with Ash's help.

"I needed to protect Ash and everyone else... and if there was no other way, I needed Reshiram's power to have any shot of pulling this off..." she explained.

"You're crazy... and I love you for it." Ash shook his head. May pecked his lips again.

"I won't argue with the first part... you barely have control over Dragon and Electricity. Trying to use Ice and Fire will be dangerous. Especially at these power levels." N warned her.

"I know... but I'd much rather go in with too much firepower than not enough," May replied, her voice steady.

"I suppose that's fair." N sighed. "Just try to remember that all the other elements are controlled by the Dragon element. Remember that, and you should have at least some control over the others."

"Right." May gave a small nod. Ash clutched her hand, his grip firm.

"We need to head to Relic Castle... and stop her once and for all." he reminded her.

"Yeah…" May took a deep breath. "Everyone still with me?"

"I am." Dawn nodded. N nodded as well.

"Let's split that witch's head open..." Gary managed a weak smile. May glanced at Ash, taking his hand before they began their walk back into the main desert. May leaned on him for support, and together, they moved forward, determined to face the Dragon Queen once and for all.

To be Continued...