A few days later, the remaining members of May's group made their way back to the shoreline alcove where they had hidden their ship upon first arriving. N and Zinnia had stayed behind to begin their work in bringing all of dragon-kind back to some level of civility and peace. The atmosphere was heavy with a mix of sorrow and hearbreak. Their victory had come at a very high cost, and no one was even close to being recovered from it. As they were preparing the ship to head back home, Ariados emerged from the shadows, tugging a thoroughly webbed body on board. Ash's eyes widened in recognition.

"Hey... that's..." he started, his voice trailing off. May's eyes widened in surprise.

"Ariados...?" she whispered. Ariados carried Janine's lifeless body onto the deck with a gentle yet somber determination. May walked over and knelt down beside him, stroking his side with a tender touch. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude. Ariados glanced at her, his eyes reflecting the sadness they both shared.

"Ari…"

"We'll make sure she's put in a place of honor," May promised softly. Ariados nuzzled Janine's body sadly, a silent acknowledgment of their shared loss. "I know..." May whispered, her voice breaking slightly. She took a deep breath and turned to help the others prepare the ship for departure. Ash walked over to her, concern etched on his face.

"May…"

"What's up?" May asked, glancing at him.

"Just checking on you," Ash replied gently.

"Thanks... but I wouldn't expect much for a while," May admitted, her voice heavy with grief.

"I know..." Ash said, understanding her pain. May sighed deeply.

"I just keep going over everything in my mind... what I could've done differently so they wouldn't have..."

"I know," Ash said, his heart aching for her.

"I feel like I failed them," May confessed, her voice trembling.

"You didn't, May. This was beyond you," Ash reassured her.

"I promised Kyurem especially that I'd save him from Iris," May said, her voice filled with regret.

"You did," Ash insisted.

"How...? He's gone... just like she wanted," May said, her eyes filling with tears.

"You taught him to love," Ash said softly.

"What...?" May looked at him, confused.

"He didn't know how before you met him... without you... he'd just be a monster," Ash explained.

"Anyone could've done that... and maybe if they had, he would've survived," May said, her voice tinged with self-doubt.

"No, May... that's not true," Ash said firmly.

"Feels like it," May whispered, her shoulders slumping. Ash pulled her in close, his arms wrapping around her protectively. May blushed slightly at the closeness.

"It's too close," Ash said softly.

"Huh...?" May looked up at him.

"Their losses... you're not thinking clearly," Ash explained gently.

"I don't know if there is another way to think... not about this," May admitted, her voice filled with despair. Ash held her close, trying to offer some comfort. May rested her head against him, finding solace in his embrace.

"Shh..." Ash whispered, trying to soothe her.

"A big part of me feels... empty... and I don't know how to fix it," May confessed, her voice barely audible.

"I know," Ash said softly.

"I hope you don't... I wouldn't wish this on anyone," May said, her voice breaking. Ash kissed her softly, a tender expression of his love and support. May kissed him back, finding comfort in his affection. They held each other close, sharing a moment of intimacy and connection amidst their grief.

"I love you so much," May whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

"I love you too, May," Ash replied, his voice steady and reassuring. May took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and uncertainty.

"Ash, I have a favor to ask of you when we get home," she began, her voice quiet yet firm.

"Anything," Ash replied without hesitation, his gaze steady and reassuring.

"I have one last stop to make," May continued, her tone tinged with apprehension. "And you're not going to like it... but I still want you to come." Ash's brow furrowed slightly in concern.

"Yeah..?" he prompted gently, encouraging her to continue.

Several days later, after their somber homecoming to the Kingdom of Hoenn, May approached the edge of the ninja village, her steps steady and resolute as she gazed upon the people that used to be her family. Ash walked beside her, his concern evident.

"Are you sure about this?" Ash asked, his voice filled with worry. May nodded, determination in her eyes.

"I owe it to her," she replied softly.

"Okay..." Ash nodded in understanding. May walked inside the borders of the village, her expression set with purpose. Ash shut his eyes briefly, steeling himself for what was to come as he sensed the Auras around him. As they neared Koga's hut, May's steps slowed. She took a deep breath and walked to the entrance. Ash stopped a few steps behind her, giving her the space she needed. "He's home," Ash whispered. May nodded and walked inside. Koga, sitting in the dimly lit hut, quickly threw a shuriken at her. May caught it with ease, her movements fluid and precise. Koga scoffed in response.

"Nice try," May said, tossing the shuriken back to him.

"I see your aim has improved," Koga remarked, his tone laced with grudging respect.

"Natural talent, remember?" May retorted.

"Hhmp." Koga snorted. "What do you want?"

"To deliver a common courtesy. Far more than you deserve," May replied, her voice cold.

"Oh?" Koga's interest was piqued.

"Janine is dead," May stated bluntly. Koga's eyes widened in shock.

"What..?"

"She's dead," May repeated, her voice unwavering.

"How..?" Koga asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"Fighting for me. And my real family," May replied, her eyes boring into his. Koga was silent, absorbing the news. "She's going to be given an honorable burial in my home," May continued.

"I see..." Koga's voice was strained.

"But I made her a promise that I intend to keep. Then I'll never have to see your face again," May said, her voice filled with finality. Koga's expression hardened.

"What's that? To give your old man a hug?" he asked, giving her a cold look.

"Close enough," May replied. She swung her leg and connected her foot with his jaw, sending him staggering backward.

"Gah!" Koga exclaimed in pain. May knocked him to the ground and pinned him, her movements swift and precise. Koga struggled for a weapon, but May was quicker. She pinned his arms and pulled out her dagger. Koga struggled desperately, but May's grip was unyielding. She sliced his hand almost down to the nerves, her movements deliberate and controlled. Koga screamed in pain, the sound echoing through the hut.

"A little something to remember us by," May said coldly, getting off him. "Just like you gave to her." Koga tried desperately to contain the bleeding, his face contorted in pain and rage. May walked off without a word, leaving him to deal with his wound and his loss. As May walked away from Koga's hut, she felt Ash approach her side.

"May..." Ash said softly.

"Hm?" she responded, her mind still processing the confrontation. Ash took her hand, his grip warm and reassuring. May squeezed his hand back, leading him out of the village. Suddenly, Ash broke into a run, pulling her along. "Ah!" May stumbled in surprise.

"No looking back!" Ash called out.

"Huh?!" May was confused but followed his lead.

"C'mon, May!" Ash urged.

"What's the rush?!" she asked, breathless from both the run and the emotions swirling inside her.

"We're leaving this chapter behind," Ash replied, his voice filled with determination. May tilted her head slightly, trying to understand. "And you probably just angered the whole village," Ash added.

"I could take them." May smirked.

"Let's not chance it," Ash said, a hint of laughter in his voice.

"Very well. I did promise you," May agreed. They ran together, their footsteps pounding the ground in a rhythm of unity and escape. Ash panted as they reached the edge of the woods, his breath coming in gasps. "You okay, honey?" May asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Yeah…" Ash nodded, trying to catch his breath.

"Remind me to take you running more often," she teased. Ash laughed, a sound that lightened the heaviness of the day. May smiled a little, her heart feeling lighter. Ash placed a hand on her cheek, his touch gentle and comforting. May blushed a little in surprise. Ash held her close, their connection grounding them both. "You okay?" May asked softly.

"Are you?" Ash countered.

"It's... a process..." May admitted.

"Yeah..." Ash agreed, understanding in his eyes.

"Though that did make me feel a little better," May added, her voice softening.

"Then let that be the end of it," Ash suggested.

"For them, it will be. Last tie has been cut... quite literally," May said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

"Yeah..." Ash hugged her tightly. May hugged him back, resting her head on his shoulder. "I love you..."

"I love you more," May replied.

"I love you most," Ash teased.

"Not a chance, Aura Boy..." May retorted playfully.

"There's so a chance, Dragon Princess..." Ash countered.

"That's a new one..." May laughed softly.

"New era," Ash said with a smile.

"But I like Aura Boy," May said, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"What about... Aura Dad?" Ash suggested, his tone tentative. May's eyes widened as she lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him. "You told me you were feeling empty... so I thought... maybe..."

"Are you serious...?" May blushed, her heart racing.

"I'm suggesting it, aren't I?" Ash said, trying to sound more confident.

"Where is this coming from…? I thought it was too soon for you… What do you honestly want...?" May prompted gently.

"To do anything it takes to make you whole again," Ash said, his voice filled with sincerity. May smiled a little, her heart swelling with love.

"Ok…let's do it. On one condition..."

"Yeah?" Ash asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I want an Aura Girl and a Ninja Boy..." May whispered softly with a smile.

"Huh!?"

The End