"W-what? But Mom, you promised that until the ball I would choose the one I loved!" Touko protested. The queen adjusted in her seat, hands placed together on her lap. Blue met blue, a frown met serious. Her mother was kidding, right? The room was silent as the princess stared at the door, eyes a blur. The queen had just announced that her daughter was going to meet up with a prince tonight. Why tonight? It could be in the afternoon or maybe right now! Why was her mother so . . . so stubborn? If only she knew about Touko's secret—if only she knew.
The princess bowed, murmuring a few words of excuse, and left the large room. The doors closed behind Touko, the guards standing back in position as she walked by them. Touko stared forward, frustrated, worried, and so pissed off. The princess didn't want to meet another prince! She couldn't stand looking at another one if he showed up. Her searching for someone to love was over—the masked male was the one for her. She fell in love with him—deeply in love. If only her mother knew about him, she would have understood by now how the princess felt around him. The male changed her ways of thinking of how to interpret another person, how to care for someone who could be so different.
Touko walked outside, the sun beaming down brightly. Small, white clouds rolled across the sky, shadowing areas in the maze. Bird-type Pokémon flew above, squawking in delight. The wind stirred, making the branches dance in the air, flower petals lifting in the sky. Touko sat down on the edge of the fountain, the water gurgling. It shimmered under the sun, and a few Purrloins came over to lap up the cool water. A Braviary walked forward, standing tall and proud in front of Touko. It squawked quietly.
"Oh Braviary, how's my boy?" Touko whispered, lifting a hand. She ran it along his neck, feeling his soft feathers. It cocked its head to the side, a worried expression showing in its eyes. The princess sighed, hugging the Pokémon close. She ran a hand through his mane-like feathers, running it till she touched his beak. Touko pressed her forehead against the Pokémon.
"My mother is such a pain; she doesn't understand how I feel about him. . . . She doesn't even know he exists," she whined. The Pokémon shifted on its feet, rubbing his beak against her cheek. She smiled lightly, kissing it on the beak.
" . . . I can't go on that date tonight—he'll be waiting for me in the ballroom tomorrow. If I go with one, I'll crush the other, and if I go with mine . . . the other one will be crushed. Either way, one of them will be crushed! I can't tell my mom that I'm in love with. . . . Oh, Braviary, what should I do?" Touko hissed. The Pokémon lifted its large wings, flapping them a bit, stretching the muscles. It spoke quietly, head shaking to ruffle its feathers. They puffed up before lying flat once more.
"So, I was right. You are in love with someone and someone has been sneaking into your room. So, who is he?" a voice questioned. Both human and Pokémon snapped their head to the side, finding Touya leaning against a tree. The sun dappled across his features, the leaves keeping him mostly in the shade. He wore lose black pants, a navy-blue shirt with neatly folded sleeves keeping perfectly by his wrists.
"When did you get here?" Touko questioned, standing up. Braviary stood behind its master, noticing the Bisharp behind the male human. It stared forward, emotionless. The metal shimmered, not a single scratch ruining its smooth blades.
"Well, I was training and decided to take a break, but when I started walking over here, I heard my little sister talking about someone she loved. So, who is this mystery guy?" Touya questioned, running a hand through his hair. Touko looked at the ground. How was she going to explain? With a deep breath she sat back down, patting next to her. Touya moved next to his sister, adjusting his navy-blue shirt. Touko started to explain, her brother listening with a few nods and grunts, and a serious face. The Pokémon stayed next to each other, watching the brunette as well.
Touko kept back a few things, not wanting her brother to worry about her. Touya's face was priceless; he looked like a dope once she finished. "So let me get this straight: a random guy that you have no clue who he is appears in your room. During these past two months or so you've been seeing him every night. Now that you've fallen for him, you are going to meet him in the ballroom—which is tomorrow—and stay with him forever, since he said so, right? Let me ask one thing . . . Mom doesn't know anything?!" he snapped. Touko flinched.
"He was the one that started it! And besides, he's a prince," she murmured. Touya closed his eyes, resting his head in the palm of his hands. Both stayed quiet. The wind stirred Touko's hair, also ruffling her brother's shaggy brown hair. Braviary nudged Touya, earning a slight response from the boy. After a while, he lifted his head, carefully grabbing both of his sister's hands. He stared at her, eyes full of concern. He gazed into her blue orbs, giving a half smile.
"I. . . . Just as long as my sister is safe. He's a prince, and he hasn't lied to you, so I accept him. I just care for my little sister too much; she's such a spoiled girl," he murmured. Touko laid her head against his shoulder, giggling lightly.
"I'm glad you accept. Keep it to yourself, and one more thing: I am not your little sister! I was born first!"
"Was not! Mom even said that I was born first," he growled playfully, standing up. Touko pushed him to the side, giving him a simple glare, smiling. He was such a good little brother, such a good person that understands. Both stared at each other, Braviary flying next to its master. He lifted his hand towards her. Touko lifted her head instantly.
"If you want me to keep your secret, I want you to defeat me in a one-on-one battle, starting now! Bisharp, let's go!"
Touko smirked and backed away, commanding her Braviary instantly. She would win—the princess always wins.
Touko rushed to her room happily, humming lightly. She was so glad! The queen, right after the prince and princess were done battling, talked to Touko. The ruler apologized and canceled the date of the prince who was supposed to come. Touko listened to her mother as she explained that the princess could take her time. The brunette was so happy; she couldn't wait to tell her Romeo. Once she opened the door, her eyes caught sight of the male sitting on the bed. The door clicked shut, the lock locking. The male looked up, eyeing her curiously to see the smile.
She lightly walked over to her bed, the male standing up to greet her. "I don't have a date, but I have you," she whispered. He smiled, lifting his mask. He held her head with his hands, kissing her lips gently. Parting them, her body responded with a shudder. Touko hated it, feeling her body respond like this. It wasn't something she felt unless it was him; he made her react like this. Touko pulled away, the side of her hand pressed against her lips.
"Pervert," she hissed. He smirked, sitting down on the bed as she sat beside him.
"Tomorrow is the ball. . . . I'm a bit nervous actually," Touko murmured. He looked at her as she continued. "I know you're going to be there and I promised I will pick you but . . . there's going to be so many people."
His hand held her chin, turning Touko's head so she faced him.
"I don't want anyone to touch you, my love. You'll find me, just believe in yourself. You're so beautiful—no wonder men come after you so much. There's so much beauty and such life in those eyes. Why haven't you taken anyone yet?" he questioned, his voice as low as possible. Touko looked at the ground. He was whispering . . . again. Why can't he use his voice? Why did he ask such a hard question? He hugged her tightly, a hand resting in her hair, the other on her leg. She made a questioning groan.
"Just let me hold you . . ." he murmured. He was warm. His body felt so welcoming; he was so gentle. Slowly her world became fuzzy, his humming echoed. Before she knew it, the princess had fallen deeply asleep. The male slowly laid her down, covering her body with the blanket. His lips pressed against her forehead for a moment before he pulled away, tracing a hand across her features. She looked so fragile in her sleep, so weak.
The male stared at her long eyelashes, noticing the slight curve to them. Her skin was soft; her cheeks slightly red, hair sprawled around her head. She was beautiful—nothing else could so perfectly describe the princess. The male looked at her dresser, seeing the fresh rose lying on the top peacefully. Slowly he stood up, hands rising to hold the mask on either side. He pulled it off, his grey eyes keeping watch on his love as he placed it on her dresser. He sighed. Whenever he left, he felt the pain of leaving her for so long. He was falling for her deeply each time he saw her gorgeous face, loving everything about her. The male ran a hand through his hair, his bangs falling back in place across his face. His bangs rested on his nose, some of it covering his eyes slightly in long lines.
"I love you, Touko. I will be there for you tomorrow, even if I have to fight to be by your side. Please, stay safe and keep me in mind throughout the night. Imagine you and me ruling these lands. Imagine me, Natural, being the person for you," he whispered. Instantly he left, not a single trace of him was left in the castle except the fresh red rose and his mask next to the princess' side.
The young brunette stared at herself in the mirror. The curtains were wide open, the sun's light reaching within to warm the castle. It was so hot out, the princess wanted to be in a short white dress. Although, taking the thought back, her mother would disapprove of the idea. Having the princess walk around the castle in such a short outfit? The queen would literally lock her daughter away from the eyes of people. That would make the princess so thrilled!
Touko laid on her bed, letting a sigh ring throughout the quiet room. Tonight was the ball. Tonight was the night the princess was going to meet her Romeo. Would he speak clearly and use his voice? She surely hoped so. The brunette raised a hand in the air, staring at it for no particular reason. She had already finished the little duties she had to do for the day. Everything seemed to be going too slow now, the sun barely at a halfway point in the sky. Touko's eyes widened a bit as she sat up instantly. It was tea time! How did she forget? With a simple fix of her hair, adjusting the long, thin-layered dress, she walked out of her room.
Her short heels clicked on the red carpet quietly, the guards standing on each side of her by the wall. They stared forward, tall and still. She was always amazed at how they stayed in place, never getting tired in place. Well, she was sure they switched out on duties when she wasn't looking, but still! They stood like statues almost! Touko reached the end of the hall, turning a left to another hall. Finally she reached a door and opened it. Her mother, brother, and his wife looked up to the late princess. Touya smirked, bringing a cup to his lips. The queen lifted an arm, pointing at the empty chair. Touko obeyed and sat down immediately.
"Reason you're late?" Touya questioned, placing his cup lightly on the saucer. The brunette gave him a quick glare but stared down at her lap. "I got caught up in picking an outfit, Mother. Please forgive my lateness," she murmured. The queen simply nodded, her chocolate locks resting on her back beautifully and perfectly after the shake. Touko was always amazed at how she inherited her mother's hair. Touko lifted her cup, deep in thought while her brother talked for absolutely no reason.
"—So, we decided to start punishing those who disobey instantly. We don't want others to follow in their footsteps," he finished. The queen agreed, Touya's wife looking over at Touko. Touya's wife, the now queen of the western side of Unova, was the shy and quiet Yellow. The yellow hair, those innocent and adorable young eyes—anybody could fall in love with the girl. Although Touya had proposed several times, Yellow had finally agreed to marry the stubborn male. Touya was a kind and respectful person, even if he was such an idiot and teased others. He had a true heart, never letting anything pass. Touko sipped her tea some more, eyes looking forward to meet the gaze of the young new queen.
"Touya, I am glad your kingdom is doing so well. We really do miss you here—it's so quiet without the constant talking and the battles in the field. The roses have bloomed so much this past year because you're gone. Touko has been quiet as well, keeping to herself just like any other young adult would. Oh, that reminds me, Touko," the queen said, looking at her daughter. Touko looked at her mother instantly. "There will be only one prince that is close to Unova who will not come. His name is Natural. If you see him, walk away. Tell me, tell anyone. His family isn't trustworthy enough to step in my kingdom."
"What happened, Mother?" Touko questioned, listening carefully. A prince who could not set a single foot on these lands? What happened that he was so . . . such an outcast from this kingdom? The older female stared forward at the door, the three watching. Fear and sorrow showed in her eyes and it was then that all three took it seriously.
"His father started a war when I was younger than the two of you, when my mother and father still ruled these lands. Many homes and families were destroyed—so much was lost. He held a legendary Pokémon captive. The Pokémon hated to be ruled by evil and the only way it could be set free was if it destroyed these lands here. It obeyed, being alongside him. The male's son could not stand it anymore and set off instantly, running away to a faraway land. Natural became friends with another legendary Pokémon, Zekrom. Both he and Zekrom battled against the other legend, Reshiram. Both legends fell into deep slumber. They became the Dark and Light Stones. They still say Natural has both sleeping legends in his castle, and one day he will find someone who understands him for who he is and what his past was. Our kingdom was restored; slowly and carefully it became lively once more. Your father and I met when the lands were fully restored, and after a while I had both of you. Everyone had thought Natural's father had died—burned into ashes—but one night, he snuck into the castle and killed your father. . . . I was the one who killed Natural's father. . . ."
Touko stared at her mother, shocked, worried, and scared. Her mother's hands were not clean after all; she went through hell. Touko finally understood why she never met her father. But why did her mother explain everything right now? Both the twins looked at each other, Yellow watching both of them.
"I'm done now; I will be getting ready for the ball tonight," Touko murmured. She stood up, bowing, and simply walked away without another word. Even Touya and Yellow left, leaving the crying queen in peace.
Bianca cheered happily, clapping her hands together in delight. Touko could only smile, looking at the blonde.
"Do you really think I look alright?" the princess questioned. The maid agreed, quickly walking away to turn the mirror towards the brunette. Touko stared at herself in the mirror. She wore a black dress with blue lacings crossing horizontally and vertically. The dress barely drug on the ground, keeping her fancy black shoes hidden beneath. Her sleeves hung to the side, long enough to fall above her elbows. A blue orb was designed in the front, shining and dark like the ocean. Touko wore her hair up, curled in strains and to top it off a blue flower was against her ear. Bianca left the princess' room, leaving the brunette in deep thought. The story her mother told earlier rang through her ears, haunting her.
Touko entered the ballroom, everyone becoming quiet and staring up at her in awe. Touya came by her side, letting his arm brush against hers for comfort. Yellow stayed below, being the shy one of the four. Finally the queen walked behind them, placing a hand on their shoulders.
"Let the ball begin!" she announced. Everyone cheered and started walking around, others talking or dancing, some heading towards the food in the corner of the room. Touko and Touya walked down the stairs, staying by each other. Touko was glad; she felt so nervous for this.
"Hey, are you alright? You seem a bit down," he murmured. She looked up, meeting his chocolate eyes.
"Just . . . that story mom told us. She never told us about our father or why she's pushing us to keep going no matter what. I never knew mom went through so much," Touko whispered. Both stopped and Touya turned to look down at his sister.
"She a wonderful person; we should be proud she raised us so well without father's help. She restored these grounds as nothing ever happened. Touko,"—he laid a hand on her shoulder—"be a good little sister and find that man of yours to make mom proud."
She nodded and they split apart for the night. Touko met many people in the huge room, many were kind to her. She wasn't fooled. Half she remembered meeting, and they weren't to her liking. The brunette stopped, her gaze drifting to the side. Green hair disappeared instantly. Excusing herself from a male, Touko quickly walked towards the spot. She looked around and caught sight of it once more. She followed and was oddly led outside the ballroom. The brunette saw the green hair and followed it through the maze of hedges.
The greenery opened up to the water fountain and she looked around. Blue orbs met grey and she smiled in relief. He stood up and Touko stared at his facial features. He was gorgeous, absolutely beautiful in every way. His hands kindly grabbed her head and he pressed his lips against hers. Instantly she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I missed you so much; I don't want to ever split apart from you again," he said, clear and soft. She rolled her head against his chest, smiling. He finally spoke! There was no way she could explain it; it was so brilliant. She blushed slightly, regretting what she thought.
"I . . . I missed you too. I already chose who I want, and it's you," Touko whispered. He sat down, letting her sit on his lap as he continued with the long and tight hug. She never thought she would fall in love like this. Touko felt her heart beat against her chest wildly whenever she touched him, feeling her face warm up whenever she saw him. She knew what love was now. Touko didn't want this fulfilling feeling to ever go away. Never ever.
"Touko, my love . . . I love you."
"What's your name? I want to know," Touko breathed in his ear. She pulled back, the full moon shining down on them. She watched the shadows change on his face as he looked up at her, his grey eyes shining in the night. Although she was taken aback, sadness showed in his eyes. Did she do something wrong? His hands trailed up to her waist, letting her sit beside him. Slowly he kneeled before her and Touko's eyes widened.
" . . . Would you love me no matter what I tell you? Even if it shatters your heart a bit?" he questioned, swallowing at the end. Touko felt his hands wrap around hers. What was he talking about? Simply nodding, silence took over between them. He stared down in her lap, letting his thumb rub the back of her hand. The wind stirred around them and Touko looked up at the sky.
"I. . . . My—"
"Touko? Who—oh no. I told your family to never set foot on my lands! Guards!"
Touko instantly stood up, finding her mom walking forward quickly. The male moved backwards, his eyes widening. Loud, thundering footsteps were heard and Touko turned to stare at her love. He looked back at her, holding fingers against his mouth. He whistled and a shape took up into the sky. Touko looked up, seeing a Dragonite. It flew downwards, towards him.
"Natural, you're mine now. You deserve all the pain you caused me!" the queen shouted, guards surrounding her. Touko stared at the male in horror. He was Natural? The guards walked forward, grins and smiles appearing on their faces. Natural backed away carefully, staring at the ground.
"I'm sorry for what my father did many years ago. I was only a little boy; I didn't know what he was doing! Please, I didn't have anything to do with him!" he protested.
"He killed my husband! You battled on my grounds and destroyed my land!" she hissed, hands in tight fists. He shook his head and turned to look at Touko, eyes full of love and fear. Her eyes drifted down to his feet, not daring to meet those eyes. Touko felt . . . nothing. Everything around her was just like something from afar. Something dangerous that was happening.
"I'm sorry I never told you after all these weeks, my love. Please, forgive me. . . ."
With that, Dragonite picked up the male and disappeared. The queen turned to look at her daughter, shocked. Touko could only turn her head and run toward the castle, tears running along her cheeks. She only felt sorrow and hate as she ran to her room . . .
A/N: Hello Reshi's! Both Pepper and I thank you for your support, we are just so happy for all this wonderfulness! Please review and favorite, until next time, peace out! Maybe a word from Pepper below:
Hi everyone! This is Pepper! If you didn't already know, I help HeroOfReshiram with *some* ideas for this story, but it's mostly all her, so give her the credit for coming up with it! I just do the editing, which is awesome writing practice for me. So I honestly thought this was the best chapter yet; so romantic and tragic! Who agrees? ;) Love you HeroOfReshiram, my bestie! :3 (That was way more than a word lol.)
A/N: I know it was more then one word, it's just a saying "a word from" whoever. Geez, so formal~! Don't get your Poké Ball's mixed Pepper. Well, my wonderful and fun and cool Reshi's, please review and enjoy as I am continuing on this magnificent story!