Disclaimer: The characters and show involved in this fic are owned by the people that truly made them, except for the OC's I put in.

Inspiration for this story came from the Pokémon Sinnoh episode: Dawn of a Royal Day! That's all I have to say really until the end note, so enjoy the fic.

The Princess and the Tamer

Chapter 1

After defeating the D-Reaper three years ago, the Tamers were seen as heroes, then again after the disposal of the Parasimon army that invaded on Rika's birthday. Takato, Rika, Henry and Ryo gained a lot of credit since they fought their hardest while Biomerged with their Digimon partners. In time the fame went away to the trio's relief, Ryo being the only one among the four that liked it, they went back to their normal lives as possible when not fighting Wild Digimon that emerge from the Digital World.

Not needing to hide anymore, the Digimon were allowed to walk the streets as long as their partners were present. For Renamon it's easy for her to move about without being seen, also Impmon and Calumon weren't followers of the rule cause neither liked being cooped up in one place unless for a reason.

Matsuki Bakery

15 year old Takato carefully took a tray of freshly baked bread out of the oven, about to place it on the table with the others that had enough time to cool, when he stops due to the sight of the In-Training Digimon sitting on the spot where the light red eyed teen was about to put the tray down. He sighs at Calumon then said. "I thought you were upstairs playing with Guilmon in my room."

Caught red handed, even though he hadn't touched any of the deliciously baked breads or cupcakes yet, Calumon's head turns to cutely look up at the Tamer who didn't have on his blue hoody today, though did have an apron and oven mitts because of the hot tray. "He got tired and went to sleep. I remember the tasty bread and thought they might be ready to eat. Are they?"

A gesture with his head for him to move, Takato said whilst he puts the tray on the table after Calumon did so. "They are. Although give me five minutes and I'll have the cupcakes frosted and ready. Just remember to take one, okay?"

A big smile came on Calumon's face, more than happy about the second choice that he decides to wait as patiently as he could after he moves to take a seat next to the sink. "Yay! Thanks Takato!" The way he waves both arms like an excited child, even though he technically is one, made Takato laugh for a bit before he grabs the necessary baking tool for the job.

Unfortunately, before he could start on the first, the voice of his mother caught his attention. "Uh, Takato… Could you come here? Someone would like to see you…" It wasn't what she said that got him to look confused, it was the way she said it and the tone of her voice, almost like she couldn't find the right words to say it.

Nevertheless he listened. "Okay, Mom!" He puts down the object then picks up a disappointed Calumon because it means he'd have to wait longer for the tasty treat. Takato's reason for bringing him along is because he doesn't trust the Digimon to be alone in a room with food meant for the customers.

The first thing he said once he enteres the front of the store was. "Who is it… mom?" Then he froze in shock because of who was there that made his eyes go wide and mouth agape. Calumon on the other hand looked happy that his ears extended, he exclaims. "Rika!"

Indeed the person is Rika Nonaka, one of Takato's close friends and fellow Tamer, but something was way off. The Rika he knows doesn't wear her hair down unless she feels like it, she doesn't smile much, and she most certainly does not wear a pretty blue trimmed, short sleeved dress with matching shoes and a pair of white gloves.

'Rika' giggles at the name as if it were a small joke. "Not exactly." Her voice sounds like Rika's also, but in a kind and gentle version rather what Takato is used to.

The gogglehead notices a woman beside the redhead, being in her early thirties, black shoulder length hair, dark blue eyes and attire that consist of a black and white maid outfit that's fashionable to not gain much attention. Takato then takes notice behind them that there were a couple tall, black suited and black sunglasses wearing men out the bakery door, possibly bodyguards by their posture and ear pieces.

His attention went back to the Rika look a like after she clears her throat. "Could I have a private word, Mr Matsuki? I would like your help on a matter that you might be able to help sort out."

Takato blinks at the request, unsure what to say because he hasn't fully recovered from the sight of the girl that appears to be Rika yet isn't. And even though this isn't the Rika he knew, Takato couldn't help but think it was because of how good the dress looks on her. Ignoring the warmness that went to his cheeks as best he could, the Tamer said with Calumon still in his arms. "Uh, sure. I hope you don't mind talking in my room, the kitchen is in a bit of a mess from baking."

The girl nods an affirmative, a gesture made for Takato to lead the way before following. Her ears picked up the sound of footsteps that belong to her bodyguards along with the maids. She stops to turn round to face the men that entered the building, a kind smile when said. "You both don't need to be present for this. Please wait here with Mrs Matsuki, Alicia will be fine to watch me."

The two men didn't show it, but they didn't like the idea of leaving her alone with a boy they know nothing about apart from his reputation as a Tamer. Then again they don't want to get her mad and therefore nod in understanding, remaining behind as they watch the girl and Alicia leave the room.

Mie blinks, confused and silent the whole time, following the person that looks like Rika with her eyes for a bit before her sight went to the bodyguards. The way they stood and how they looked may scare customers away, so Mie had to think of a way to move them to another room. "Umm, would you like to come with me to the kitchen and I'll make you both a cup of coffee while you wait?" She manages to smile a little.

Takato's Bedroom

Takato's room hadn't changed much, though he did gain a new bed that was close to the ground than the previous one, his books and things on a couple shelves above it. Guilmon awoke to the sound of his Tamer coming in and was happy to see him, it changed to confusion because of the guests he brought.

The saurian tilts his head at 'Rika', being a reason why he was confused. "Takatomon, I thought Rika doesn't like to wear dresses." He said as his partner places a pouting Calumon on the bed, unhappy that he has to wait longer to receive a cupcake.

The redhead couldn't help it once she saw Guilmon, hands on the sides of his head in no time as Takato removes the apron then tosses it among some clothes meant for the wash. "So this is Guilmon. He is so cute in person!" Said Rookie Digimon felt bashful at the compliment that he rubs the back of his head with a claw.

Takato ignores, sometimes he has to remind people in thought that Guilmon isn't supposed to be cute. His appearance and the way he speaks like a child might be the reason. Takato suddenly got driven out of his thoughts after his guest bumps him out of the way to get to Calumon.

She picks up the confused In-Training Digimon, not noticing Takato's surprised expression. "You must be the most adorable Digimon I've ever seen today!" Considering Calumon and Guilmon are the only real life Digimon she's ever seen in her life. She didn't stop there, Calumon happily laughs as he was brought in for an affectionate hug.

Alicia's head shook at the way the daughter of her boss was reacting and had to remind her. "Milady, need I remind you of what you were taught? It is unladylike with the way you are acting right now."

A frown decorates the violet eyed person's pretty features, having no choice but to go along with it or else receive a similar reminder again. She stops the hug yet did not release Calumon, turning to face a confused Takato after she composes herself. A bow of forgiveness made along with words that came from her mouth. "I apologise for my actions and wish you forget what you saw. How about we start over? My name is…"

Takato had enough, not caring who these people are since one of them looks like his friend and is very out of character. "Rika, that's enough. I played along as much as I can take and can't do this anymore. You're not the type to pull a joke like this, and if you were it's a bit much."

Not liking his impoliteness, it came Alicia's turn to jump in, a frown while she said. "How dare you speak that way to…?" She got stopped by the raised hand of the person she was defending, who didn't turn to face her. "Milady?"

"I'm sorry. I really should've introduced myself while downstairs first before proceeding." She lowers her hand, a smile on her face despite what Takato said a moment ago, an introduction finally given on her part. "My name is Princess Ruki Makino, fourth in line to the throne of the Japanese Royal Family. It is an honour to meet you, Takato Matsuki."

He could tell there was no lie in her voice, all of it sounded truthful. It may have been the way she said it or the expression on her face, perhaps the combination of both. Either way, Takato blinks at the intro, unsure how to respond.

"May I take a seat?"

He snaps out of it thanks to Ruki's polite question, seeing her head tilted. Wanting to get to the bottom of this, Takato agreed to whatever he is able to do as long as he gets his answers. "Sure, go ahead."

Ruki took a seat on the bed, setting Calumon down on her lap after she got comfy. Takato looks to Alicia, about to offer her the chair at his desk, but she held a hand up for him to stop before he could speak. "I'm fine standing, thank you."

Since she declined, Takato sat on the chair, now face to face with Ruki, who revealed to be a princess. Before the explanation came, Ruki thought it necessary to introduce her associate since she didn't do so herself. A hand gestures to the woman, a smile made along with closed eyes. "That is Alicia, my maid. Father insisted that wherever I go she must to, as well as bodyguards such as the two downstairs."

To show he paid attention, Takato nods. He may as well do the same, even though their might be no point. "I'm Takato." He then pats the top of Guilmon's head that stood beside him. "This is Guilmon. And that one you have on your lap is Calumon."

Ruki couldn't help but giggle because the information was not needed, which she points out, giving Calumon a nice stroke on top of his head. "I know everything I need to know about all you Tamers, so an introduction is not needed."

The male Tamer wasn't sure how to feel about that, uncomfortable, nervous, depends really on how far in knowledge she gained on he and his friends. Ruki notices his discomfort, asking. "Is there something wrong?"

Alicia took notice and ventures a guess, right hand beneath her chin at the time. "I believe you should have kept it to yourself, princess. You are aware what you said hinted to a breach in privacy."

Realising the mistake, Ruki places a hand over her mouth, an attempt made to make things better. "Oh, I do apologise. What I meant to say was that I have what I need to know about you all that's Tamer related. The only personal stuff I retrieved was names, relatives, home addresses and school you attend."

This got Takato relieved, having someone know a lot about you via surveillance or any form of stalking is something he doesn't want ever to be done to him or his friends because of what damage that can be done, depending on what that person has found. Now that he has nothing to worry about, the question now is the reason why the princess is here to see him of all people, although he did have a wild guess. "Are you here because of Rika?"

Both were intrigued on how he came to that assumption without them bringing it up. Alicia was the one to ask with both hands behind her back. "What made you think that?"

A shrug came from the boy, followed by a verbal reply. "Well, Ruki…"

"Princess Ruki." Alicia cuts in to correct him on how he should address the redhead that just rolled her eyes on the reason for the interruption. Ruki waves a hand in dismissal, eyes closed to not look at Alicia. "I'm okay with being called Ruki."

Takato made a mental note to listen to what Alicia says to avoid being scolded again, or whatever she has in mind should he say the wrong thing. "Okay… Well, Princess Ruki has Rika's face, so I assume it may have something to do with her."

Ruki was impressed, ignored being called princess and remain on topic. "That is correct, my business involves Rika Nonaka. I came to you because I understand Miss Nonaka is… not easy to approach, and I believe a friend would be appropriate help to get close to her for a talk."

Being a friend to the person they're talking about, Takato understood what she meant, he even nods to show for it. Rika isn't easy to talk to that it would take the right glare to make a person go silent, especially when she isn't happy. "Okay, I get it. Why do you want to talk to her?"

Alicia didn't like what came next from Ruki by the formers expression. "I'm suffocating because of my parents." Alicia nods her head. She indeed saw this coming as the princess continues. "My mother and father, since I can remember, have groomed me and my siblings to become the better royal when the time comes for one of us to take the throne. I am fourth in line, but to them it is experience we've gained through our teachings that matter to determine who is best suited. I've been within the walls of the mansion for so long that I have never been outside without Alicia or my bodyguards. I wish to see what it is like outside, see and do stuff normal people my age do. It is where Lady Rika comes in, for I believe she is the perfect match to take my place."

Takato blinks, taking the plan into his head on how some parts might play out. In the end he could see a problem that he kindly points out in honesty. "No way Rika will go along with it."

It came Ruki's turn to blink, confused on why Rika would not accept. "I don't understand."

Not sure how to put this to a princess, Takato did his best while scratching his hair for a bit. "Well, Rika isn't the girly type of person. She doesn't like dresses or other feminine stuff, not even perfume. Also your personality and hers are different, so you can't make her pull off being nice and formal for… How long do you plan to do this for?"

"It's only for a week." Ruki casually answers.

Her response got Takato to continue where he left off at before the question. "For a week. You'll need a miracle for her to agree to it, and I'm not sure me helping counts as one."

She didn't intend to give up after coming this far. Ruki places Calumon on the cover of the bed, stands with a serious expression then stands close to Takato without disturbing his personal space. The boy didn't like the way this was going. What he thought was a yell from a mad princess turned out to be completely unexpected, for both Takato and Alicia.

Ruki clasps her hands together, then leans forward with an expression that no person could say no to… the puppy dog look. "Please help me, Takato."

"Princess Ruki! Don't delve to such a level where you must beg for someone's help, especially to someone that is of non-royal heritage!" Alicia speaks in a disapproved tone.

Her puppy dog look went away, replaced with annoyance due to what she didn't want to hear. Clearly the princess did not want to be reminded of such things and want to be a normal person as she explained to Takato, where lessons such as manners and etiquette are not needed when out in the open world. The redhead leans in a bit more to whisper. "This is just part of what I have to deal with."

Takato slowly nods as he stares at Ruki. Even though this wasn't the Rika he knows, he couldn't help but imagine it to be her when Ruki gave the puppy dog look. Such a thing he knew she would never do, but he couldn't help but think how cute Rika would be if…

Realising what he thought got Takato to shake his head, noticing Guilmon's confusion aimed at him that the goggle wearer pats his head. Attention went back to Ruki, who still waits for an answer. Silence took over for a bit as the two teens remain in eye contact, Takato taking his time till a look of defeat was given. "Let me make the call…"

Shinjuku Park

After calling Rika on her cell phone to meet him at Guilmon's shed, Takato's excuse was that he had something important to talk about. Ruki and Alicia were in the shed with Calumon as the goggle wearer remains outside with Guilmon, the boy now wearing his blue, short sleeved hoodie.

The red saurian sat next to the doorway, eyes on his Tamer in confusion as he paces while they wait for Rika to arrive, probably Renamon would be with her because the yellow kitsune isn't far where ever the girl goes. Fortunately for Takato the two bodyguards that followed were told to remain in their car that's somewhere outside the park, that way Rika wouldn't ask about them and therefore ruin the surprise, even though Takato knew she wasn't the type for surprises.

Still pacing, Takato mumbles to himself on what to say to introduce the princess, unable to think on how to begin. ""Rika, I had a visit from…" No, that won't do… "A girl came to see me at the bakery earlier today, a princess actually…" Hmm, that doesn't sound bad for a start."

Finally the saurian voices a question, not minding the people in the shed might overhear. "Won't Rika like this no matter how you say it?"

A smile emerges on Takato's face. He makes it clear, or rather reminds him. "Rika isn't the sort to easily impress, boy. Remember last week when Kazu was confident to beat her with his new deck? He came close to do it, but really she was bored and played along for a bit till she turned the tables and won. If Rika wasn't impressed by Kazu's card skills, I doubt she'll like the idea Ruki has in store for her."

"What are you two dunderheads talking about?"

Takato froze, he paid full attention to Guilmon that he didn't keep an eye out for the person that just spoke. He half hoped he was just hearing things as he turns in the direction of the stairs, to his disappointment he indeed found it to be Rika Nonaka, even though it's suppose to be a good thing she arrived. She stands there wearing the same clothes she always wears, her shirt being the full heart one, also wearing a light blue jacket with a hood, and headphones round her neck with the lead going into the inside pocket where her MP3 or I-Pod is kept.

The redhead raised a brow at the goggle wearing member of the team, arms folded as she waits for him to speak. Finally he composes himself into a happy mood and greets the girl. "Hey there, Rika. Glad you could make it?"

Rika kept a cool personality; already dismissed what happened a moment ago between the two males as nothing since she didn't hear a word thanks to the music she had going in her ears before arrival. Rika shrugs after both hands went into the jacket pockets. "I almost didn't, but things got boring at home so this gave me a good reason to leave. So what is it that's important you wanted to see me about?"

At first it looked like he was about to speak, but the moment he opened his mouth the words didn't leave. He was a bit unsure again on how to begin.

"Takatomon has someone for you to meet."

The goggle wearer blinks at the unexpected help from Guilmon, not sure whether or not it was a good thing or bad, instead he chose to play it out to see how things go. Takato snaps out of it in time to hear Rika ask. "Oh really? I take it you want only me to meet this person since I don't see any of the others around."

Before Takato could answer, Guilmon's head perks up after he caught whiff of a familiar scent that got him happy enough to intervene. "Hi Renamon!" He even waves in the direction of the tree she was in that's stationed further on to his right.

Being revealed by the red saurian got Renamon to sigh before she drops to the ground, landing gracefully on her feet, then walks to be next to Rika. Along the way she gives a nod to Guilmon as a form of greeting.

Thanks to Guilmon calling her out, Takato didn't jump like he normally does when Renamon does her ninja like appearance however way she does it. Now that she stood beside her Tamer, Takato tries to answer again, now that there seems to be no more interruptions to stop him. "Okay, well… I had a visitor at the bakery earlier, and… Well… I think its best you see for yourself, Rika. She's in the shed and would like to meet you."

The redhead wasn't sure why Takato looked nervous, it was just someone that wanted to meet her, probably a fan to her chagrin. After saving the world from two separate invasions the Tamers became popular for a while. Kazu and Kenta loved it to a point where they made up stories of their 'victories', that is till one of the others made things clear to burst their inflated egos. Ryo practically embraced it since he was used to fame the day he became Digimon King. Rika on the other hand found it annoying being bothered by reporters and people that claim to be fans, unlike Henry who accepted what came at him as best he could without it going to his head. Takato wasn't used to such popularity, especially the kind that's brought on after saving the world from the D-Reaper and then the Parasimon army, although it did bring good business to his parent's bakery for a while. Jeri did not mind about not getting the spotlight since she didn't do anything to help save the world, same goes for Suzie, Ai and Mako despite Lopmon's and Impmon's involvement before the final battle.

Whoever's in the shed waiting better have a good reason, otherwise that person will gain a black eye for wasting the girl's time, even though she hasn't got much on for today. Rika decides to go along with it, walking to the entrance of the structure, hands still pocketed in her jacket, not even a glance to Takato who follows her movements carefully as if he didn't want to miss a thing. Renamon remains where she is, only to move if needed.

Once at the doorway, Rika looks inside to find nobody there. Not bothering to go in for a full search for life, her violet eyes move to glare at Takato. "Is this some kind of joke, Gogglehead? There's no one in here." When Rika spoke the last part the occupants made themselves known by coming from the side of the door.

"I bid you greetings, Rika Nonaka." Ruki said in a friendly tone, a smile to her counterpart that jumped at her voice, holding Calumon in her arms. Alicia stood behind, a calm personality at the sight of the two girls.

At the sight of Rika's shocked expression, Renamon was at her left side in no time to see who the person was to cause the reaction, her eyes widen at the source. The kitsune almost didn't listen to Ruki's compliment of her. "What a magnificent Digimon you have, Rika. Today is my lucky day. I've seen Guilmon who is cute, Calumon here who's adorable, and now I have seen a beautiful Renamon." The princess didn't pay much attention to the reactions the females in front of her made.

Guilmon points and laughs a little. "Rika and Renamon look funny, Takatomon." Instead of being told off, Takato lowers his partners claw as he occupies Rika's other side.

He had to click his fingers in her face a couple times to help get her attention, which worked at the way she shakes her head. She looks to Ruki and Alicia mostly than Calumon before her head moves to glare at Takato, an assumption voiced on what this might be. "Is this some kind of joke, Gogglehead? You got some girl, dyed her hair and put on contacts to look like me, then put some stupid dress on to have me see how it looks?"

Before Takato could give defence, Ruki intervenes by pointing out in a neutral voice. "This is my hairs natural colour, I do not wear contacts, and this attire was a gift from my aunt thank you very much."

That said made Rika change her opinion a little, then again it could be false information, so she just goes back to interrogate Takato. "Yeah, whatever you say. Now out with it, Gogglehead. And if you give me any lies you'll get a fist to the face, understood?"

As Takato explains what's going on from the beginning with everyone listening, doubt floods the mind of Alicia on the two redheads and the plan. Reading gathered information about Rika was one thing, but it took a face to face encounter to see that there maybe problems to come should Rika accept to go along with the plan. Because of that it brought a question into play in her head. 'Why do I get the feeling this whole thing might go badly?'

End of Chapter 1!

I'm not sure if there are any royal families in present day Japan, so in this story there are. Also I know they live in castles/palaces, but for the Makino's they live in a big mansion. Another thing is that because there are two Rika's, it doesn't mean that there will be a Rukato and Ryuki pair, I only do Rukato and Rukato affiliated fics, like Rukatolice. (Rika/Takato/Alice threeway pair.)