Reshiram flapped its large wings, fierce eyes staring forward. Zekrom roared quietly, and then both dragons turned to look at each other. Zekrom growled, lifting its muzzle. With a tilt of its head, Reshiram pointed to an area surrounded by nothing but trees. Agreeing, the dragons flew down. The sun was barely over the horizon; the land still lay in shadows. Not a single human was awake. Landing on the soft grass, Reshiram made sure to lean forward so neither passenger fell. N sat up, hugging Zekrom around the neck tiredly. Grey eyes searching around, he lifted his head rather oddly.
"Where are we?" he questioned, voice slurred. Zekrom looked back at him, grumbling. N wasn't the type to be rather cheery in the morning, and riding a Pokémon who was flying all night wasn't very comfortable to sleep on either. Sitting up properly, he looked over at Touko. Cheren was already up, climbing off Reshiram.
"Morning N. We're on the outskirts of the castle. They decided we needed preparation before we get to the real pleasure of the day," he spoke, adjusting his glasses. N simply rolled his eyes at the younger male but agreed with a simple grunt. Cheren walked a little way away, out of view from N. Helping himself off of Zekrom, the prince climbed on Reshiram to wake Touko. Staring at the sleeping brunette, N caressed her face. His hands stroked under her chin, and across her hair. He stared longer, a small frown forming on his lips. Today was the day. After a month of running away, it was time to face Touko's mother. Moving closer, he observed her more. Just what would happen today? It excited N, but then again . . . made him nervous. The male shook Touko several times before pulling away. She slowly sat up, rubbing an eye.
"What do you want?"
"We need you to get ready and tell us the plans. Since it's still dark, no one will be around. Oh, Zekrom said there's a lake so wash up, 'kay?" N smiled, kissing her nose. Touko blushed, pushing him away before jumping off Reshiram. As she headed towards the lake, she thought along the way. The battle was today. Would her mother understand at all? How would it work out? What would even happen? Question after question spun in her head, making the young princess feel rather sick to her stomach. Kneeling by the edge of the lake, the brunette lifted her shirt off. Touko thanked Arceus, remembering she wore a simple white undershirt. Letting her hands sink in the lake's water, the female shivered. The water was cold. It seemed as if it was being bitter to her.
"Touko, before we left, I grabbed a few things and stuffed it in that bag of yours. A towel should be in there."
Touko swiftly turned her head and glimpsed Cheren leaning against a tree, her bag in hand. A smile appeared on her lips as she whispered a thank you. Turning back to the lake, Cheren watched that smile disappear. His friend had changed so much. Was it all because of that N person? Just what kind of character was he? Touko wasn't as rude or high and mighty. She was almost like a commoner now. Moving away from the tree, he slowly knelt beside the princess. From afar, Reshiram and Zekrom were heard, growling and shifting about. What kind of person are you now, Touko? Has he changed you so much that I can no longer understand you anymore? Are we not equal now?
"What do you think we'll be faced with?"
Cheren stared at the water, adjusting his glasses once again. "With your mother involved, anything is possible. She could send a whole army just to protect her only daughter from anymore harm. You should know that by now."
"That is true; I shouldn't take this too lightly then," Touko murmured, smiling halfheartedly. Splashing water on her face, the brunette shuddered. Cheren turned to look at her, letting a hand rest on her shoulder. Touko playfully glared at him.
"Come on Ms. Bossy, surely you know how to play in things like this. Remember that one time you snuck out of the castle and hid in the maze with your brother and me for almost an entire night? Your mother was so worried she literally could have locked you away then and there if it wasn't for her Stoutland finding us. Being in a dangerous situation—a scary time—not to mention listening to the guards call our names . . . that seemed like it happened just yesterday. It was all because of your stupid ideas that we did that." He stuck his tongue at her. "Let's be going, Princess—it's time to play another fun game in your home."
Sliding her shirt back on, Touko squeaked his name as Cheren shoved the towel against her face playfully.
Both Legendary Pokémon roared, their tails glowing brightly. Zekrom moved as close as possible to Reshiram, letting N jump onto the other beast's back. Touko and Cheren switched onto the back of the darker Pokémon, and then the Legends backed away from each other. Grey eyes met blue.
"Come on the second roar!" Touko shouted. The wind was tugging at the humans, making it feel rather painful and much harder to talk. With a simple nod of agreement, Reshiram rose up into the clouds, disappearing from sight. As Zekrom raced downwards, Cheren held onto the princess tightly. This was the moment—the time to face her mother. Landing in front of the castle, Zekrom roared. They watched the windows shake, causing guards to peek outside to discover what stood before them. Shouting was heard, and then the large doors opened. Touko moved in front of Zekrom, and Cheren followed as more armored men ran forward. The beast growled, baring its teeth. They pulled back.
"I would like to see my mother! This is an order from the princess!"
They turned to look at each other, murmuring. Were they questioning what was about to happen? The guards were uncertain about her request. Touko and Cheren glanced at each other. Was her plan not going to work at all? The pair quickly looked forward: the doors were opening. The princess lifted her head, seeing her mother had emerged. Their eyes meeting, the queen gave a simple nod before turning around. Touko walked forward, Cheren following. The guards made way for them, their eyes staring into them. Touko sensed anger rising. Once barely inside, the brunette turned to look at Zekrom, smiling before turning back to follow her mother. As the doors closed, the sound of Zekrom roaring was heard. Shouts became clear in the hall and the queen stopped, grasping the railing of the staircase. She turned to stare down at her daughter, tears glistening in her tired eyes. The princess bit her tongue. She didn't want to look weak.
"I'd hoped that you'd return more quickly, but apparently he kept you away longer. Now, why have you come? Are you planning to return home and forget about Natural?" the queen asked. Cheren stood behind the princess, eyes averting to the side. It was clear as day what was happening before the front doors, as the large windows along the wall illustrated the infamous battle scene. Various Pokémon stood beside the guards, the creatures trying their best to defeat both Zekrom and Reshiram. It was impossible for them though, as two legendary Pokémon fighting side-by-side could easily overpower common Pokémon.
"No. I'm not returning home alone, but with N. He has done absolutely nothing wrong and—"
"He's the son of a killer! Natural had fought his father on my kingdom's grounds, killing hundreds of innocent people! Did I ever get an apology? No. I got nothing from him. Natural isn't trustworthy; he is no true ruler. He's someone that shouldn't have even been born. Ever since Natural was brought into this world, bad things have happened."
"He battled his father to stop what was happening! Without N, we wouldn't be here! I'm sure Ghetsis would have survived and continued on with his destruction, but thanks to the people who understood N, Ghetsis was defeated once and for all. N is trustworthy because he has stolen my heart and showed me what his life actually is. He's nothing but a sweet, innocent person," Touko informed. She resisted the urge to sweat-drop; that last part wasn't entirely true. N wasn't really innocent in certain areas . . .
"I can't believe anything you've said, Touko. Just—please—come back home. Why don't you understand that he's evil?"
"He isn't evil, Mother! N is a good person! Cheren and I have seen it! N is so caring: he helps others and makes sure everyone is treated equally. Sure, N can be hard to understand at times, but he's different! He couldn't hurt a single creature even if someone pushed him into doing it! For fuck's sake, just accept that he is a good person!" Touko shouted. Both the queen and Cheren froze; their eyes widened as they stared at the princess. Touko shook, tears in the corners of her eyes as she continued. "H-he was abused by his father, but never showed any aggression towards others. N never directed his anger on innocent people."
"Touko is right, my queen. I have watched and studied him carefully over the few days I've been with Natural. He is a kind and honorable person," Cheren murmured. The queen shook her head, holding a Poké Ball in hand. Throwing it in the air, a Hydreigon appeared. It flew forward, past Touko and Cheren. Turning around, she spotted her victim. N had barely opened the doors but was quickly tackled down by the Pokémon.
"The Gropius family must be punished for what they've done! That's final Touko!"
"But mother—!"
"I don't want to hear it!" the queen hissed, pulling out both of her Haxorus. Both Pokémon swiftly moved forward. One Haxorus gripped onto Touko's wrists, holding the princess closely. The other one did the same with Cheren, holding them as they followed the queen up the stairs. Touko could only get a swift glance at N as he was carried away in the other direction. She called out his name, struggling to be free. Her arm escaped, but the Haxorus pushed her against the ground, gripping her neck. Soon her vision had blurred and clouded with black spots. Cheren called her name, worry and fear in that voice of his. The queen never noticed, but simply kept her head forward. Finally, the princess passed out.
As she woke up, Touko lifted her head slightly, eyes half-closed. The floor was the first thing she spotted. Jerking up, the brunette looked around wildly. Cheren sat in a chair next to her, his arms held behind him by the Haxorus, similar to how the other dragon-type was binding her. Looking forward, she spotted her mother standing behind a large desk. The queen's back was to them as she stared outside. Reshiram flew past but quickly turned its body to the side, blowing fire down. Those blue eyes never even looked at them.
"Who would have thought that you would become part of Reshiram, Touko?"
"Where's N?" was the first question she asked. The queen turned around, staring at her daughter.
"Down in the dungeon where he belongs. Now, what is your real motive to be here? What brought you back home?"
"I already told you!" Touko spat. Cheren stayed quiet, listening to both females. Why isn't he going to say anything now, of all times? The queen leaned over the desk, her expression unreadable. The queen held so much anger towards the Gropius family. Just why couldn't she forgive N? He had been only a simple young child with a heart so pure. He didn't want anyone to be hurt like his father did to him all those years ago.
"He needs to pay for what his family has done to ours; I don't understand what you see in that man."
"How about we make a deal."
Both females turned to look at Cheren. His dark eyes stared at Touko, filled with an emotion she never saw before.
"Oh? What kind of deal?" the queen questioned. The older woman gave a signal glance to the Haxorus, and the Pokémon let go of Cheren. He quickly stood up, rubbing his wrists.
"Let's say—in a certain period of time, perhaps—we would be able to get something rather special that is rare to find. If we complete this adventure—a request you command us to do—you will release N and forgive him and his entire kingdom. To add on to that request, let both N and Touko be together. What do you think, my queen?"
Both the prince and princess looked at her with questioning gazes. The queen sat down, hands close together. She stared down at the desk for several minutes, thinking. What a troublesome Cheren, coming up with plans such as that. What if we could not do it? I will never be with N and Mother will surely destroy his kingdom for good. Oh Cheren, I hope you know what you're doing.
"I am starting to like your idea, Cheren. For a prince, you sure are smart. Alright—I accept. This request will be tricky for the both of you, and it may be impossible for you to reach your goal, too."
"Tell me the plans, my queen," the male murmured. The Haxorus were returned, and both Touko and Cheren followed the queen. They were lead to the main doors. Touko opened one, walking out to stretch a hand in the air, whistling sharply. Zekrom and Reshiram appeared from the sky, landing before the girl.
"Stop—we have finished our deal. I'll be back shortly; wait patiently, please," the brunette informed. Guards were nowhere to be seen; the girl uttered a small, amused laugh. Such cowards. Once inside, she watched her mother walk away down a hall that lay beneath the symmetric stairs that led to the second floor. Cheren turned around, adjusting his glasses.
"Our request is this: to find a rare but somewhat common Pokémon that lives nowhere near Unova. Since it is Autumn, this request will be difficult as this Pokémon loves to be around a certain type of flower that usually blooms in Spring. Your mother gave us two months before she will destroy N's home and lock him away from the world until death."
"Speak English please; I don't understand you when you stretch a damn sentence to the max."
"We need to find a Pokémon that doesn't live in Unova—we have two months to do this request. Your mother said you may visit N just this once before she lets us off," Cheren said simply. Touko nodded, walking away towards the dungeon.
Touko walked down the short hall, eyeing the thick bars that blocked prisoners' freedom. Those were empty, at least. Stopping for a moment, she turned her head to the right, spotting a more isolated cell completely surrounded by dreary stone walls, except for the thick bars allowing audience with the inhabitant—N. His back was facing her, huddled in a corner towards the back. Touko called his name. He quickly turned his head, a smile decorating his face. Watching him stand up, Touko noticed that the guards had already cuffed his hands. The chain was just long enough to wrap around one's waist, maybe a bit longer. He pressed himself against the bars, stroking his fingers against her face. He looked like a weary prisoner already. How dreadful.
"You look pale; does this make me look really bad? Or did she say something terrible?" N murmured. A guard opened the door, letting the princess inside before he closed it again. Reminding her she had till sunset to be alone, he left soon after. N sat on the floor, pulling Touko onto his lap. The princess blushed, turning her head to the side.
"You moron, you should be worrying . . . n-not doing this kind of stuff."
"Hmm? You don't like a 'bad' person loving you? Now, what did she say?" N questioned. Touko watched as he lifted his arms, the chain going over her head. It fell behind her back, the cold metal resting against her ankle.
"I'll be gone for about two months to search for a rare Pokémon that isn't even in Unova. The Pokémon is going to be much tougher to find because it mostly comes out in the Spring, not Autumn."
"Two months without touching you will feel like forever. Do you think I can even last a day without you?" N simply lifted a hand, trying his best to keep the chain off of Touko. Letting his hand rest against her face, he brought her closer. That blush still stained her cheeks. Touko was so cute at times; how could anyone not notice her? The prince moved closer, pressing his forehead against hers. Rubbing his fingers gently along her face, he stared at her. Neither spoke for a while.
"I love you, Touko. Promise me you'll come back safely, please?" N asked suddenly, letting his lips briefly brush against hers. Eyelids drooping, N leaned his face closer for another time. The brunette closed her eyes tightly, embarrassed as he kissed her again. He then added another kiss, this time with more force. Before long, Touko felt as the prince forced her mouth open, his tongue striving to meet hers. The princess let him run wild in her mouth before he quickly pulled away, burying his head in the crook of her neck. She felt rather dazed as she barely wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I've never heard you say it back . . ."
"Huh?"
"'I love you, N. You're the finest man on earth for me,' or maybe 'N, can you please help me with my back? I c-can't wash it . . . don't look at me like that! That only embarrasses me more!' or maybe you could say, 'N, I feel the need for your body.' What do you think, Touko?"
"As if I would say any of those, moron!" she muttered, frowning. But soon she smiled when he pulled back. Sticking his tongue out at the princess, N tilted his head. He was trying to make her feel less nervous and scared, hoping she would continue on.
"Maybe a simple 'I love you'? You've never said those words to me before; I don't think you love me indisputably."
"O-of course I can s-say those s-simple words!" she stuttered, letting N hug her closer so his chest pressed against hers. He had that look of amusement and encouragement shining in his eyes. Touko felt him move his hands back over her head so that they lay on his lap. Stuttering words and not making much sense, Touko turned a deeper shade of red, letting her head bow. N lifted her head back up, kissing the princess quickly.
"You'd better start, Touko. Two months isn't very long for this quest. Please, my love, stay safe for me. I don't want you hurting yourself just for my sake."
The female hugged him tightly. "I don't want to leave you . . ."
He bit the inside of his cheek, trying to hold back tears as he hugged her as best he could.
"We have a couple more hours before the sun sets and there is a new moon. Tomorrow morning marks the start of your journey. Will you take Zekrom with you? I want you to stay safe, my love."
The sun had finally set. Touko walked slowly out of the dungeon; the torches flickered wildly along the thin walls. Up the stairs, the large door closed behind her loudly, the sound echoing around the hall. She simply stared forward, not a single expression crossing her face. The princess needed to prepare for tomorrow morning. She'd pack some clothes, food, map, medical supplies in case of an injury, and most importantly . . . probably that nerdy Cheren. He knew plenty of things about this world: Pokémon, cities and towns, the way things change and form. Speaking of him, Cheren was sitting on her bed. Touko stopped by her doorway. It was her room. Not a forest floor, not someone else's home, but her room. Cheren turned to look at her before the princess moved inside, closing the doors.
It was odd. For over a month she hadn't been in the room. Nothing seemed touched, but her bed and a few other things needed dusting. Bianca had probably kept her room mostly tidy. Just what was that maid doing now? Touko sat beside her friend, feeling the softness of her bed with both hands. A candle flickered from the small round table. That table brought the memories of her and N playing chess, how he leaned over it just to kiss her before the table flipped over . . .
"—Touko are you even listening to me?" Cheren asked. The brunette sat up quickly, turning to look at him. He chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "As I was saying, Touko, just what are we going to do with those two? They're sleeping in front of the castle outside."
Did I really forget about them? Of course, N gave me the ball he used for Zekrom.
Touko stood up, walking towards the window to open it. With a whistle, both Reshiram and Zekrom perked their heads up. Noticing the familiar human, they stood up and walked over carefully, dodging several bushes and statues. Returning both of them, the princess planted a kiss on both Poké Balls.
"You should go to the guestroom, Cheren, it's getting late. We need all the rest we can get."
He stood up, but instead of going towards the door, he moved towards her. Cheren pushed Touko against the wall, holding her wrists tightly above her head. He watched as her eyes widened, and mouth slightly opened. He pressed a single finger against her throat, tracing it down to her shoulder blade. Pulling the collar a bit, he could only chuckle softly before full out laughing. Touko blushed, pulling away from him.
"I knew he would do that. N left a mark on you—such an interesting person he is. Goodnight, Touko, pleasant dreams."
He walked away, grabbing hold of the door handle.
"W-wait!"
He turned to look at her. "What?"
"What Pokémon are we searching for?" Touko questioned, holding the mark Cheren had found. He stared at her for the longest period of time.
"It's a Pokémon that can change its form when near a special item; its second form is when it is more courageous and more adventurous. Any clues now?"
Touko shook her head. He sighed, opening the door and stopping halfway. "It is a Pokémon called Shaymin. Now goodnight; I'll explain more tomorrow."
A/N: Did you seriously think they would talk it through? That is not the way I roll people! The reason I used Shaymin was because of the season they're in, which is autumn. The Gracidea is a plant so of course it would be in the spring. I was thinking about Mew, but I decided no because then Mewtwo would be somehow involved in this story which will kinda throw it off.