DISCLAIMER: I don't own most of the characters used in this fanfic, nor do i own some of the settings; they belong to Gamefreak, Nintendo.

"Sweetie, we can continue going on like this. It would probably be a lot easier on your health if you were more willing." Unwin told Touko, who was sitting beside him on the couch in his room.

(Touko's POV)

I was tired, my face was tear-stained, and I was only capable of staring blankly ahead. Whenever Unwin wanted me, he had me. N was gentler, and he never used the EOAA like Unwin did. My arms were riddled with small, red dots, and when I didn't remember what had happened the night before, there a new dot on my arm that hadn't been there the day before. Unwin tried and tried to force me to love him. He tried being nice, caring, understanding about the rougher 'practices' that I was experiencing, but he got sick of that act after a short while, and become his manipulative self again. He was out a lot more than before, always telling N to rest; I was afraid that he would completely take over, and that N would leave at the mercy of his 'brother'.

(End POV)

She didn't answer. She just kept staring at the wall in front of her, a passive look on her face.

"Do you want to go out sometime? For dinner?" She wasn't responsive. Unwin sighed out in frustrated tone. He forcibly turned her face to his own, and as he did, small tears started making their way out of her eyelids. "You better not start your bloody water works again; I just asked you a simple question. Do you want to go to a restaurant?"

"Touko-san, we really want you to feel better. Un, have we hurt her?"

"No, N, we haven't; she's just having a tantrum, that's all."

"Unwin…I'll go to the restaurant on two conditions: You'll let me see Cheren, and you'll let me go back to my room."

"Alright. But we will accompany you when you visit him, just in case."

When they arrived at Unova's Finest. It had been previously known as the Striaton Gym, but had been renovated into a restaurant, due to the fact that Gyms were now useless. Touko was dressed in a silky, long-sleeved dress, which was coloured the same blue as her eyes, while N was wearing a modest, dark gray tuxedo. They were guarded by eight grunts, who had situated themselves at the entrance and back door. As the two entered, they were pleasantly greeted by one of the owners of the establishment. "It is an honour to have you both attend the opening of Unova's Finest, Your Majesties. Your table is right this way." The green-haired waiter smiled warmly, and led them to their table. It was set symmetrically, and a blooming, deep scarlet rose had been placed in the middle, two identical candles placed on either side of it. Two menus were given to the couple, and a second waiter came to take their orders. "What would you like to order, my lord?" The fiery redhead asked. His voice carried a less than unnoticeable hint of malice towards the newly appointed ruler of Unova; N didn't take much notice of the younger boy's tone. "I'd like to order your Coriander Delight as a main meal."

"And what would you like to order, milady?" His tone had lost all of its unpleasantness. Touko remembered that Chili was the first Gym Leader she had ever battled, and one of her older school friends. She felt sorry for all the people whom she had failed; she made mistakes, and others paid for them.

"I'd lik-" Her voice broke and she coughed a little before she was able to continue. "I'd like the Pepper Grass Soup please."

"Excellent choice. Cress will be here soon with your meals."

He dropped off their order to the kitchen, and went on to wait on another table. The couple there looked so happy. The woman watched her partner so lovingly that her eyes kept leaving to menu to catch a glimpse of him. She detected Touko watching her, and smiled. Touko looked down awkwardly. "What is the matter, my love? Is something wrong?" N queried a curious look on his face.

"Nothing. Everything's absolutely fine." Touko said through clenched teeth.

"Something must be bothering you, Touko-san. I want you to enjoy this dinner, but if you're in a bad mood, you won't. And, and I just want you to enjoy this dinner." N repeated himself, his once-concerned voice becoming more and more child-like.

"Touko, stop scaring him." Unwin whispered, his face threatening.

"I was just thinking about that couple, about how they actually look like they love each other." Touko said cynically.

"As do we, Touko-chan."

"If you think this dinner is going to change anything between us, you're kidding yourselves."

"Oh dear. Our master plan has been discovered." Unwin said sarcastically. The air at the table was tense, and even the incoming Cress noticed it. "Here is the food you ordered, my lord, and yours as well, milady." He said, and bowed quickly.

N returned and thanked the waiter graciously before beginning to eat. While Touko was halfway through eating, N abruptly stopped eating, leant on his hand, and turned his thoughtful gaze towards Touko. Touko tried concentrating on her food, but she couldn't help but stare right back him. A small smile formed upon her lips, which N gladly reciprocated.

"You look so much like my mother, Touko-san. You have the same kind eyes, and the same coloured brown hair. And you're nice like her too; your Pokémon told me so before I released them."

"Your mother? Where is she now?"

A look of sheer horror crossed N's features, and his eyes became blank.

One of the candles between them had quickly melted, the other one standing tall and menacing above it and the rose.

(Cheren's POV)

I dared to look at myself in the mirror. My face was still lightly bruised, and I could barely hobble on my leg; it wasn't to heal soon. I couldn't keep blaming Touko for what had happened. N was the villain, not her. I winced in pain when I tried walking with my bad leg. My parents had told me to rest, and they didn't listen to me when I told them that I needed to be as active as I could. Heck, I doubt they'd believe that I'd started the Rebellion.

Bianca had visited me every few weeks, reporting in code how the plans she had produced were going along. So far, they had been making illegal Pokéballs, which were smaller and less sturdy that the real thing, but they would have to do. They had created enough to give each person at least one Pokémon to fight with. Those who had received theirs early had been training in secret.

It was bad enough being so useless like this, but being in the Harmonia Castle made things a thousand times worse. They didn't care if I could hardly talk. Nearly every day after I came off the sedatives, they've been suspecting that I was the leader of the Rebellion. Especially N's father. I wouldn't be surprised if that sneaky bastard was the one pulling the strings, not N.

A knock came at the door, and two people entered.

"Cheren!" Touko ran to me, hugging me until I thought that my ribs would crack under the pressure, not to mention the fact that she nearly knocked me clean off of my crutches. N visibly stiffened at the sight, glaring without a word.

"Touko." I tried smiling, but I had to stop after a few seconds before any pain kicked in.

"Are you any better, Cheren? I've been so worried." Her face held immeasurable compassion, and just as much sorrow.

"Yeah. A bit." She helped me onto the bed, and I received an even meaner glare from N than before. At least he wasn't trying to bash my brains in.

I had to tell Touko about the Rebellion, but how could I with N right there in front of us?

"Touko… Do you remember that game we used to play as kids? Remember how Chili used to always hate it when we didn't play by his rules when he played as the King?"

A spark of understanding flickered in Touko's eyes.

"Yeah. I actually do. And I was always the damsel in distress. You and Bianca always played the knights coming to save me."

"Those were good times."

"But we were kids back then. If we played them now, it would be a pretty stupid idea." She had a slightly warning tone, and N didn't seem to find anything strange about the conversation; he looked more confused than anything else.

"I bet Bianca would gladly play as my squire again."

"She would? Really?"

"You two know each other from when you were kids?" N's voice took that dark tone, just as it had all those weeks ago. Maybe he was suspecting something.

"Yes, since we lived so close to each other." I answered him, and he became calmer.

"Touko-san, it's time to leave; it's starting to get late, and we need to be home by nightfall. Say goodbye to your friend and let's go." He took Touko by the hand, and led my princess away.

Sorry for the spot of angst at the start. So, we find out that Unwin isn't as uncompromising as he originally seems.

I'll try to update as soon as I can, and I love the reviews you guys have given me~3