A/N: Oh MY GAWSHHH! Reshi's, I have to say something absolutely sad... this is the last chapter. I know, I know, don't cry because I'll be crying then! You have no idea how happy I feel how this has turned out and I wasn't expecting so many reviews for a story that just randomly popped into my mind! It was great having you Reshi's read and enjoy this as much as I wrote it. SO! I love you all and enjoy this FINAL chapter fully!
I thank Pepper1622 for being my editor and advising me through this story. She's truly talented and such an amazing person! Pepper, you gotta say something in this too~!
Pepper: I can't believe this story is finally finished! It's been quite an adventure for Touko and friends, and I'm glad HeroOfReshiram has finally wrapped it up in such a brilliant way! I apologize for all the times I took too long to edit and made you guys wait, but at least it kept people wanting more . . . right? Hehe, read on!
Review please~!
The night slowly continued on, with just the sound of beating wings interrupting the stillness. Touko had fallen asleep on Cheren's lap, the small Pokémon curled close to the princess's chest. Touya slept away peacefully as well, leaving Cheren to himself with the mighty beasts. They stayed quiet, though, eyes watching ahead as the large region continued to grow in size as they neared. Cheren kept glancing backwards, seeing as the Mega Charizard continued to follow them. He always kept pace with the group. The prince didn't understand why the Pokémon continued to follow them, but he didn't mind the extra company.
The sun began to rise from the east, pushing the darkness away. Cheren rubbed his eyes before placing back his good hand on Touko's shoulder. She stirred slightly, but continued to sleep. With a sigh, he smiled softly. "You're so careless, falling asleep. Princess, you should be waking up now; we're nearing the castle soon."
Looking forward, he watched as both Reshiram and Zekrom began to dive down gradually, the land coming closer. They stayed close to the ground, just enough to dodge trees, causing them to dance with the fierce wind. When their cries released, Touko opened her eyes. She blinked a few times, noticing the fire burning from Reshiram's large tail. Looking down at her chest, she spotted Shaymin staring back.
"Good morning, Princess—you're finally awake," Cheren teased, earning a slight confused face from the brunette. Sitting up, she placed Shaymin in her lap before stretching. She turned to look at the prince.
"Where are we?"
"Almost home. Nervous?" he questioned. Touko smiled, looking forward. The large village appeared underneath them, Reshiram and Zekrom releasing roars of arrival. Looking back, she watched as doors and windows opened, people poking their heads out from the sudden commotion. Soon, the place stirred with people, many of them talking as they spotted the large beasts. The princess looked at Cheren.
"I'm nervous all right, but excited. Our quest has finally ended, and we're safely back home!" she cheered, smiling. Cheren rolled his eyes, looking down at his injured arm.
"Yeah, we arrived safely. Wait till your mother sees—she'll go nuts questioning us. I'm sure N will be surprised as well," he murmured. Touko leaned forward, hugging him carefully. Cheren was truly shocked at the sudden embrace, but hugged back slowly.
"Thank you for being there for me. Thank you so much," she whispered. He smiled, hugging her closer as he buried his forehead into the crook of her neck.
"And thank you for the wonderful adventure. I will always remember the crazy things we've done in it."
Pulling away, they stared forward. The large castle was nearing quickly, and Reshiram roared its high-pitch cry. They passed the large gates and the hedges, carefully landing before the doors. Touko and Cheren slipped off Reshiram, looking over at Zekrom. Touya was still sound asleep in the whole commotion, his jacket slid over his head to keep the coldness away. Zekrom turned its head, staring at the male. Moving its claw back, it poked Touya.
"You better walk in," Cheren whispered. The princess nodded, holding the Shaymin close to her chest. Moving forward, she noticed Charizard followed behind her. The doors opened, the guards saluting in her welcoming. Touko walked in, smelling the familiar warm atmosphere. Moving up the flight of stairs, she turned to her right at the end, walking even slower to her mother's room. The curtains were drawn back, letting the golden light shine inside. Maids, butlers, and even guards bowed or gave smiles to the returning princess. One maid in particular was happy.
"T-Touko! Oh my Arceus—you're back!"
Touko turned to her side, spotting the familiar maid. She smiled. "Hello, Bianca, did you miss me?"
"Of course I missed you! Oh my goodness, you have to tell me everything that happened when you were gone! Trust me, here it's been a bit chaotic with the princess on an adventure and . . . the Legends being awake! The whole Unova and Kalos regions are talking about you two! Since you came back, N planned throwing a party at his castle for the returning of his love, and then tomorrow—since you're here—your mother will being hosting a party, too! I-I'll get your room ready so when you come in, you'll take a refreshing bath!" Bianca cheered, hugging the princess. Touko laughed, hugging back before the maid continued her way. Bianca was crazy as ever.
Touko looked at the walls, inspecting the familiar pictures and antiques sitting on tables beneath them. Oh, how she missed the castle! The princess held the Shaymin close, feeling the Pokémon as it hugged its tiny paws on her arm. Nearing the door, Touko realized she grew nervous. She stopped, staring at the door. Two crazy months from her mother—two crazy months away from N. Did the queen change her mind of her liking to N? After breathing in air and releasing it, Touko stopped at her mother's door. She knew the queen was waiting for her on the other side, standing by the usual window that showed the east side of Unova. Pressing her hand on the golden handle, she pushed it open carefully.
The room was illuminated by the small lamp on the desk, curtains pulled back to let in as little light as possible. Touko looked straight ahead, spotting a familiar figure standing by the window. Turning around slowly, the queen gave a smile before looking off to the side. She too followed her mother's gaze, and her breath hitched. N was sitting at the other end, holding a book in his hand. He stared back, rather surprised, but happy.
"You're back, my princess."
As he stood up to greet her, Touko moved forward. She hugged him with both arms wrapped around his neck, the Shaymin sitting on her head. N hugged back tightly, sighing with a laugh. For over two months, all he thought about was her. For the whole two months, N couldn't touch her and couldn't even hold her. He felt like the happiest man in the entire world.
"Oh, N, I missed you!"
N pulled back, placing a tender kiss to her lips. The princess felt her face warm from the sudden attention, especially in front of her mother. Slowly pulling away, Touko turned towards her mother, smiling.
"I've fulfilled the quest in perfect timing, right?"
The queen walked forward, extending her arms as she hugged the prince and princess close. She gave a laugh. "You have, my beautiful Touko. I missed you so much; I'll never doubt you over anything anymore. I'm sorry!"
Hugging her mother, Touko bit her lip. She could feel the stinging of tears in her eyes. Touko didn't want to cry as her mother began to. Opening her mouth, she simply whispered, "I missed you too, Mom."
Touko slid on her dress. She felt clean, and she was happy for it. Staring at herself in the mirror, Touko took in every detail. Bianca had cut her hair to its regular length, leaving her hair down so it would dry out. She studied her eyes that looked like blue jewels, eyes that held power and kindness. Running her hand along her face down to her neck, Touko stopped. She looked perfectly clean, as if she never stepped out of the castle. A few scratches here and there, but nothing more.
"Touko, are you done?"
She turned her head to the voice, staring at the door. Grabbing the handle, she opened it, and N stood near. He moved in quickly, pushing her back as he closed the door. Before she could say something, the prince planted a kiss on her lips. He placed his hands on her waist, bringing the brunette closer. She pulled away a few centimeters, feeling her face warm up from his welcome.
"N, this is sudden . . ."
Placing her hands on his face, Touko brought him closer once more, feeling him lick her lower lip. Shyly opening her mouth, Touko lowered her hands to his chest while clutching his shirt. He pressed her body against the sink, deepening their kiss. Gripping her waist, he lifted her up onto the sink, sliding his hands down to her thighs. She noticed N was moving faster than the last time he touched her, being desperate to touch every place he hadn't felt in the months she was gone. He wanted to be near her. She felt him grab her knee, lifting it as he began placing kisses on her neck. Touko pulled away with a gasp.
"N-N, not now, moron!"
He gave a grin. "I wasn't going that far, Touko."
"Yes, you were! N, we're at my mother's castle, inside my bathroom! What if Bianca comes in and sees this? She's a gossiper and never keeps things to herself, and if she catches this—"
"Touko~! I want to braid your hair before you . . . l-leave . . ."
Both of them turned to the bathroom door, seeing the maid standing there. She held a comb in one hand, Touko's crown in the other. With a small smile still frozen on her face, Bianca turned around quickly as she bowed.
"I-I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were doing something with the princess! Please forgive me, Prince N! I had no idea you came inside the princess's room! If I would have known you were going to do something to her, I would have never entered! Ah, I promise I'll not tell a single soul—trust me! Those kinds of things between you two are secret—but wait, shouldn't you be doing those kinds of things when you're married? That's a royal rule with your mother, right? Touko, you're quite dirty-minded—I never knew you knew such things!" Bianca laughed. Touko stuttered and N only kept his grin, lowering her leg.
"B-Bianca, please, just leave the items o-on the bed. I-I'll let N d-do my hair."
The maid obeyed the princess, hastily leaving in a stuttering state. With a sigh of relief, Touko turned to look at N. He smirked, earning a confused look from Touko. He simply said, "Would you like to continue now?"
"I can't believe you smacked me," N muttered, climbing onto Zekrom's shoulder. The Pokémon stood up, red eyes glowing in the night. Touko sat on Reshiram's neck, holding Shaymin close as her Pokémon rose to its full height, wings spread for flight. With a cry of good-bye, Reshiram took off before being followed by Zekrom. They rose higher, higher until the clouds passed them. The cold air surrounded them, stinging Touko's bare skin as the Legends flew swiftly across the sky. But she didn't feel the cold; in fact, she felt warm. Maybe it was the rush of everything, or maybe because Reshiram's tail and the tips of its long, flowing crown burned with fire. Zekrom's tail glowed with electricity, sparking as they flew faster.
"Would you like a race?" N challenged, turning his head to stare at the princess. Touko grinned, leaning forward as she held Reshiram more tightly.
"Faster, Reshiram," she whispered. With a small nod, the Pokémon obeyed and flapped its large wings, gaining speed as it passed the dark beast. With a laugh, Reshiram ducked down into the clouds, disappearing in them. Zekrom slowed down, looking around carefully. Before it realized it, the white beast rose underneath Zekrom, playfully knocking it off the side before flying off further with a soft cry. Zekrom growled with a smile, flying forward and above Reshiram.
N looked down with a chuckle. Touko stared up at him and stuck her tongue out before Reshiram flew up to hit them again, this time ducking down straight. The clouds blew off Reshiram's body as the ocean neared. With a quick flap, Reshiram barely grazed the surface. The salty water splashed on its stomach. Touko laughed as Zekrom struggled with the same move. Its feet dripped with water, and it flew beside Reshiram. Both Pokémon looked at each other, eyes glowing with their tails.
"Give up?" Touko questioned, holding Shaymin close.
"As if! I can beat you to the castle!" N said, lifting his head higher. With growls, both Pokémon leaned forward as they picked up speed once more. The ocean slapped and missed, hitting the Pokémon as they flew. Looking forward, Touko recognized the tall tower of Lumiose City: Prism Tower. It was lit brightly, making the night seem less dark than it should. The Prism Tower was truly beautiful, even at day. It was like a bright star.
"N, why are there so many people awake?"
"They're waiting."
She looked over at him, confused. "For what?"
As they neared the castle, a crowd of people stood near the shining gates. They cheered loudly as the Legendary Pokémon landed before them, the Pokémon facing each other as they let N and Touko climb off. Touko stared at the people, watching as they gazed in excitement. Walking forth, N raised his arms as if speaking to the Arceus himself.
"My people of the Kalos region, Touko has returned, her quest finished. With her bravery and strong power for peace, love, and so much more, we will present a gift. We shall celebrate in my castle, and I hope all of you enjoy yourselves tonight as we dance through it! Guards, please open the gates."
As the gates opened, Touko felt as N grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers as he led her towards the castle. The people walked in, Pokémon of all kinds walking or flying around. Children and even adults gazed up at the Legendary Pokémon in astonishment. As the couple led the citizens towards the castle, Touko couldn't help but turn her head to watch. Everyone seemed to welcome N back home as if nothing ever happened. Weren't they angry he was gone for two months as a prisoner? Who even took care of the castle?
"Anthea and Concordia stayed here and protected the people from danger. They planned the surprise as well—even I was shocked. They're very down-to-earth and don't like communicating with strangers," N whispered. Touko turned her attention to him.
"A surprise? What is it?"
With a smile, he looked down at her. "You'll see."
The front doors opened as they continued inside. Touko couldn't help but let her jaw drop slightly. A large chandler hung at the center of the room, bright and shining like crystals. On one side rested mountains of food, enough to feed an entire region. Tables with white tablecloths stood near, roses resting at the centers. N continued leading Touko inside, walking up the flight of stairs. It wrapped around the room, and Touko watched as the people flooded inside. Butlers and maids came out, greeting the new guests.
"Anthea and Concordia are in a guestroom waiting for you. They said they have part of your surprise. I'll have to wait an hour or so before seeing you. My sisters said even I have a surprise; I'm not quite sure what it is, though." N laughed, running a hand through his bangs. He let go of Touko's hand, stopping in front of a door. Touko gradually looked up at him, and N stared down at her. She smiled.
"Anthea and Concordia are a surprise." Her smile disappeared as N cupped her face. Touko could feel her face warm with a blush as he drew near. Rapidly shutting her eyes, she felt his breath against her face. N leaned close, just barely touching her lips.
"I love you, Touko."
Placing a tender kiss to her lips, N moved away and walked down the hall. Touko stared after him, placing the tips of her fingers to her lips. She quickly shook it off, opening the guestroom's door mildly. Walking in, the princess was greeted with sudden hugs.
"Anthea! Concordia!" she gasped, smiling as they pulled away.
"It's been a while since the last time we've met," Anthea murmured. Concordia nodded in agreement before turning off to the side, pointing towards the bathroom.
"Come on—we have to prepare you for tonight's ball. While we get you ready for tonight as well, Touko, we would like to hear what happened in your quest," Concordia said.
"Oh, yes! I heard Cheren got hurt and you encountered Colress. I'm quite surprised he's lived on those islands for all those years. Come on, Touko, we're wasting the night just talking!" Anthea laughed, grabbing the princess by the shoulders as they pushed her into the bathroom. As they cleaned and pampered the princess, Touko explained in detail what happened. They listened and sometimes questioned at certain points. She enjoyed their company, listening as sometimes they would ask each other what to do next. Touko was simply excited and nervous for tonight's dance.
An hour had gone by when Anthea and Concordia finished. After making sure they added the final touches, they went to leave. But before Touko could leave the room, Anthea told her to stay put until they finished with N. The princess sat on the bed, holding the small Shaymin close as she stared at herself in the mirror.
"Oh, Shaymin . . ."
The Pokémon looked up, head tilted questioningly. Her dress was white, the end in soft, wide jagged lines. Two fat but long pieces wrapped themselves once around her body, one below her waist and the other below the other horizontal line. One single flowing piece of cloth barely touched the floor behind her, almost like a tail. Her chest was simple, feathered up to hide her bare skin. She wore long gloves, the ends feathered as well, almost like wings. The dress was like a replica of Reshiram's body.
Touko waited patiently, patting the Pokémon gently on its back. It smiled, and more flowers grew on its back, almost like a bouquet. The princess wondered what the two women were planning with N. It was taking rather long, especially for a guy to change into clothes. Men surely didn't take as long as girls, right?
"Touko!"
She looked over at the door, where Anthea beckoned her forward. As Touko stood up, the older female spoke: "We have finished with the rest of the preparations. N wants you by his side while he's speaking to the people. Come on—he's waiting!"
Anthea promptly disappeared from her sight. Touko swallowed hard. Nervousness took over her body again as silence took the castle, except for one voice. N was speaking to his people. His voice was calm and soothing, as if he was hypnotizing them. As she neared, his voice grew clear.
"—as your leader, I will do everything I can possibly do to improve our lands. More towns and cities, cleaner areas, and respect for and from our new ally from Unova. Touko has improved the relationship between our two regions, bringing forth peace. We will no longer cower in fear of bloodshed because . . . Touko has helped us. Her power of love has helped us."
N turned to his side, his hand extended out. Touko stopped, staring at it before looking up at his gray eyes. He seemed pleasantly shocked as he scanned her outfit. Touko grabbed his hand and hugged the Shaymin close with her free arm; N pulled her forward and the people down below cheered. Touko could feel her face warm from the attention. What did he even say the entire time he had been out?
"Touko, say something," N whispered once the crowd of people settled. With a swallow, Touko moved closer to the edge, holding the railing. They all stared up at her, waiting patiently.
"I really have no idea what to say." Touko laughed, earning a few chuckles. "But . . . this experience was life changing. I never would have thought of meeting Natural, or even Legendary Pokémon. This incredible adventure has changed my life and how I think about life itself. To think it all started on a night when N sneaked into the castle, only to accidentally end up in my room . . . I never thought I would fall in love with a man with such a kind and wonderful heart."
She finished, feeling her face flush even more as the crowd erupted in roars of acceptance. Walking down the stairs with N at her side, the princess looked over at him. He wore a black outfit, the end of his sleeves fanned out, blue triangles decorating it. The tail was unusual, thought, expanded out with several jagged lines at the end. A line was sewn across, blue adding to the touch. Something simple, but Touko quickly recognized that it was supposed to represent Zekrom's appearance as well. When the stairs ended, a maid came forth to grab the Shaymin. The Pokémon didn't mind the attention as kids came over, patting its fur.
"Touko, would you like to dance the night away?" N questioned, looking down at her. Touko couldn't help but smile, grabbing his open palm. He led her to the center before grabbing the princess's waist, leading.
"This is all embarrassing," Touko whispered once the music had begun. She hadn't realized the musicians at the corner of the large room, thanks to the many people surrounding them. The prince leaned close, bringing the brunette close as well as they began to dance.
"How so? Anthea and Concordia just simply wanted to show my kingdom that we are equals and . . . deeply in love."
Touko couldn't help but glare up at him. "That's going a bit far right now, especially with what happened earlier with Bianca."
"That doesn't affect right now, though. My kingdom was questioning whether or not to trust your kingdom because of what happened many years ago. So to prove that we have a friendship between Unova and Kalos, my sisters thought a celebration of your return with your quest fulfilled should make them understand. I do hope that makes sense. . . . Sorry, I'm rather nervous myself." N chuckled, earning a confused face from the princess. His eyes looked off for a moment, beckoning for her to look as well. Bowing her head down for a moment, Touko's eyes flickered off to the side. Many people began dancing as well, but most stood around, watching in awe. Touko knew her face was a shade of red as some smiled from her sudden attention.
N lifted her chin, making sure her eyes stayed on him. He smiled. "Don't get nervous on me, now—you might step on my foot."
"I don't ever step on people's feet!" Touko hissed quietly. N simply shrugged it off before he truly began to dance with her. Relishing the slow but quick rhythm of the music, Touko enjoyed the rush of the violins, cellos, and many more instruments as they played. The couple danced to their hearts' content, enjoying each other's company. Touko didn't mind the stares whenever her eyes met N's gray ones. The prince simply told her to ignore her surroundings and only focus on him.
"When you left, you have no idea how much I missed you," N whispered, looking off to the side. The princess noticed just a hint of pink painting his cheeks. Was he actually embarrassed? She never noticed the green-haired man blush.
"Y-you did?"
"Well, of course. I love you."
It was her turn to blush, moving her head down so he wouldn't be able to see it.
"When the night is over, I want you to come to my room. I don't care what Anthea or Concordia say—I just want to be with you," N murmured close to her ear, not wanting attention from the guests. Touko nodded, not being able to speak. His voice sent a chill down her spine, making her lose her voice for the moment.
"I had three baths today. That's really crazy, even for a normal day in a castle." Touko sighed, rubbing a towel in her hair. Placing it down on the sink, she combed her hair slowly, looking through the open door. N sat on the edge, a foot resting on the bed as the other hung off to the side. He stared out the window, watching as the last of the guests walked off of the castle's grounds.
"Touko, may I ask a silly question?"
"What is it?"
"If we stopped being kings, queens, princesses, and princes . . . would you go on an adventure with me? Just discovering the world and solving mysteries?" N asked, looking at her. Turning the bathroom light off, Touko moved towards the bed. She tilted her head with a smile.
"Cheren said the same thing about ruling."
"Then we think alike, huh?" He started to hum, moving so his back rested on the headboard. He presented his hand; the princess slowly took it. N brought her forward, leading her to sit on his lap. Carefully, his fingertips slowly slid up her arms, making Touko shudder. He smiled.
"I love you, Touko. Don't ever leave my side again. Promise me that, all right?"
Grabbing her face, N leaned forward and kissed her. It was long and passionate, making the princess groan into it. Maybe she was answering N in the kiss, feeling as his tongue licked her bottom lip. She bashfully opened her mouth; his hand grabbed her hair to bring her closer, agreeing with her answer. Pulling away, N wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing Touko closer into a hug. Looking down with a blushing face, the brunette cupped N's face in her hands. She leaned close, mouth agape.
"I . . . I love you too, N."
His eyes gleamed with happiness as he pushed her down on the bed. Touko squeaked when he hovered over her, pressing his forehead against hers. From the quick look, he looked like a child receiving a gift. N looked that happy as he said, "That's the first time you've said that to me directly."
"W-what are you t-talking about? I-I've said it before!" she snapped, propping her upper body with her elbows. N moved back a little, looking off to the side as he hummed.
"No, you never did, actually. That hurts, though, now that I think about it."
Touko felt her face burn. "O-of course I said it before!"
"Oh, yeah? When?" N pondered, moving the princess's nightgown up to her waist. She stared at his movement, head tilting to the side as she felt a burning sensation from his touch.
"L-l-last time we d-did this . . ."
"We've only done this once, and I don't remember you ever saying it to me," N whispered, capturing her lips again. With a confused expression, Touko turned her face to the side as she lay down on the bed, grabbing the prince's shirt.
"M-moron, you just d-don't remember."
He simply smiled. "If that's true, this time I'll remember. I'll remember every part of this."
Moving back so he sat up, N stared at Touko. She instinctively pushed her nightgown down the best she could. With a chuckle, N grabbed her hand, making the princess sit up. Keeping her left hand in his, the prince placed the other in his pocket. Touko stared with curious eyes, looking at the now blushing N.
"We may have a short time together right now, but I do hope in the future we'll spend all our time together. I love you, Touko, ever since I . . . mistakenly dropped into your room. I want to ask you a question that I'll hopefully get a positive answer to . . . will you marry me?"
Between his thumb and middle finger, he held a ring. Her mouth opened, but Touko didn't process any words. He lifted a brow.
"This isn't the answer I was hoping for."
She glared. "I didn't say anything."
"Exactly," N whispered. Touko's expression softened as she stared at the ring longer. Carefully sliding it on her finger, N let his arms drop to his sides, waiting for the answer. He already knew what she was going to say; he just wanted to hear it. With a large smile on her face, Touko pounced on the prince, wrapping her arms around his neck. She laughed.
"Yes, I'll marry you!"
With a chuckle, N wrapped his arms around her. Pulling away, Touko realized she was sitting between his legs, her nightgown raised from the commotion. Looking up slowly, she noticed he watching her. She turned her head, red dusting her face again.
"W-what?"
"Now that I've proposed, may we do it now?" N questioned.
Touko scowled at him quickly. "Is that why you proposed?! You—we're supposed to be married to do such things! You just ruined the mood now, N! You—!"
N pressed his lips against hers, lying on the bed with her on top. Holding her face, he smiled.
"I didn't propose just to have sex with you, Touko. I love you, and I want to be tied closer to you; I want to deepen our bonds. Just be quiet and break the rules once more. Nobody needs to know, right?" he inquired. Touko couldn't help but smile at this.
"Moron."
The sun began to rise, bringing warmth back to the earth. Dewdrops fell from sprouting leaves and flowers, coating the grass in water. It was spring again, and life was stirring. Life was wakening again. Reshiram and Zekrom raised their heads, wings spreading as they stretched. They roared quietly, Reshiram shaking its head to rid the wetness. Both Legends stared up at the castle from the garden, heads held high.
"Touko, wake up—it's time."
Touko simply covered herself with the white sheets, only her hair visible. The brunette stiffened as the bed shifted, feeling as the sheet surrounding her pulled her body to the bed. A body hovered over her, and the sheet pulled back, breath tickling her neck.
"Don't make me push you out of this bed."
"You're mean . . ." Touko replied harshly. She simply earned a chuckle as N placed a light kiss to her cheek, running a hand through her hair. Opening her eyes, Touko looked at him from her sideways position. He smiled.
"Morning, sleepy."
"Morning, Mr. Rudeness."
"That's rather mean, coming from my wife," he whispered, leaning closer. Adjusting her position so she lay on her back fully, Touko raised an eyebrow with a smirk.
"Then we're even, huh?"
N shook his head with a laugh before climbing off of her, sitting off to the side. The glass doors to the outside were open, letting in the warm air. Touko was glad for the warmth; it wouldn't be such a hassle bringing extra clothing back and forth from the places they explored. Sitting up, she looked down at her ring finger, staring at her wedding ring. She was officially a queen, married to a rich man of her liking. Lifting her head higher to the opposite wall, she smiled at the new painting.
"I say that's my favorite."
N turned his head and gave a warm smile to it. "I agree—it makes the room look complete."
In the painting stood Touko on the right and N on the left, staring at each other with Zekrom and Reshiram behind their masters. Light clouds surrounded the sky, the fields filled with colorful wildflowers. Held between them was Shaymin, a star shining above its head.
"So, what would you like to do for today? Nothing wonderful is happening except for the occasional visit to the kingdom and paperwork," N said. Touko looked at him. She swore to herself he had grown handsomer over the winter, his eyes kinder and stronger with leadership. His hair was in its natural style, and he wore a white shirt with black pants. Of course, he wore a golden crown and his wedding ring as well. She noted those as his difference from the past few months.
"Maybe go into the forest and explore? We haven't done that in a while," she murmured.
"Or we can stay here and relax . . . maybe more," N whispered, giving a knowing smile. Touko felt her face warm, and she turned her head to the other side.
"N-no, I like my idea better than yours! Last time you tried that, a maid was coming in!"
"That was a week ago, Touko."
"Still! It can also happen today!" she cried as he wrapped his arms around her when he slid to the ground, pulling her over the edge; Touko squeaked when she landed on his lap with a thud. As she stared at him sternly, N gave a defeated look.
"Fine, but I call a battle with Cheren later."
"Oh . . . we have to deal with John, then. He's become rather annoying, asking for a ride on Reshiram constantly," Touko muttered, thinking about the young child of Suzuki's. Over the fall and winter months, Cheren had constantly met up with Suzuki. They talked constantly, and the prince wouldn't stop thinking about her. Soon he had brought her to the castle and told his father she was going to be his wife. A few weeks later they had married, and Cheren's father stepped down from the throne, making the bride and groom the king and queen. Being the nerd he was, Cheren wrote a book about the tale of a princess's meeting a mysterious man in her room and her wild quest for love (Touko couldn't believe he wrote a book about them).
"We can handle him if we can handle your brother constantly talking about his own child." N chuckled, receiving a smile from the queen.
"I can't believe they had a kid."
"But you have to remember, they constantly did that together. Your brother is quite—"
"He's like you," Touko cut in.
N frowned. "Like me? What are you talking about?"
"You're constantly wanting to do it as well! He's not the only one around here horny like a Pokémon in heat!" Touko hissed. N leaned back a little and grinned.
"You have gotten on my lap multiple times and begun our little fun, so don't blame it all on me."
Touko felt her face warm up quickly. "H-hey! G-girls have their own desires as well! Plus, most of the times is your fault! Gosh, why am I even talking about this with you so early in the morning? We should be going to breakfast! We need to get ready for the day and—"
N covered her face with his hand, stopping the brunette from talking any further. As Touko stared at him, blushing, N offered a smile.
"Queen Touko, my most loved person in the entire world, would you care for a date in the woods late today? You can snap at me all you want then, of course, if you would like that."
Touko moved his hand. "I better be the most loved person in your damn world."
Staring at him for a while, Touko gave a defeated sigh with a nod. N smiled even bigger, and Touko placed a kiss to his lips. Touko got ready for the day, thinking about the life she was in. It was odd indeed to think of such things in such a moment, but everyone has been in such a state.
She stared at herself in the mirror when she finished changing. Her brother became a father, continuing to rule with his wife for the rest of his life. Cheren had gotten married to Suzuki and took over his father's place. Over the months, his armed healed, but scars would be permanent on his skin. He even wrote a book, explaining what had happened in great detail of the adventure he took with Touko and how they finished their quest. He added everything from the very beginning till the very end (to the point of their marriage). Although, she hated the part where Cheren added N and her doing it, but he simply shrugged it off with a grin, saying it was going to sell more copies with it in the book.
Touko's mother decided the part of Unova she ruled should become a normal place and made the castle into a museum. Her mother now lived in N's castle, enjoying the rest of her days as a special guest in his kingdom. Touko finally married, ruling the Kalos region with N, a person she got to know over the months she had returned home. Life was changing, but it was a good change for her.
"Touko."
Her thoughts were interrupted as N wrapped his arms around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. Touko looked at him through the mirror.
"What?"
He stayed quiet for a while before replying, "What do you think about having a kid?"
"Shouldn't I be the one asking that kind of question?" she asked. N shrugged, smiling as Touko placed her crown on top of her head.
"You look beautiful, my darling."
"Don't change the subject," Touko whispered. "Why are you asking?"
"The kingdom expects a loving couple such as us to have a child. It'll be nice: small feet running around, annoying the cooks as they work, sneaking around the rooms."
Touko shook her head. "You're thinking a bit too far, N!"
"Maybe, maybe not. What do you say? A miniature size of me running around or a miniature size of you running around. It'll be nice."
Moving away from his grip, Touko began walking out of the room. She paused at the door, turning her head to stare at N, the man she fell in love with because of a careless night, a night where he simply wanted to apologize because of his father who did a terrible thing. From the beginning he was a person who masked his face from her, hoping nothing would happen in the nights he sneaked inside. A person who masked his heart from the world.
Touko smiled at him. "Just wait a few months and you'll get your wish."
N was a person who she never thought would meet in her life. Touko never thought she would have gotten married and met a person she actually loved. She never thought she would mend someone's heart, help citizens from different regions unite as friends. Touko never thought she would become a hero, befriending a Legendary Pokémon. She thought of a quest, though, something that always excited her, but it wasn't a quest for love that she originally craved. However, her real quest was for love, love for a man. A masked heart that was unmasked to the world, and mostly to her.
As Touko walked out of the room, N continued to stand in place. He stared where she stood, blinking. Turning his head to the side, his mouth opened in thought. N stood in his spot for the longest time, looking at the bed and thinking. His eyes widened in sudden realization, and he hurriedly walked out of the room, seeing Touko standing near the door. He grabbed her and hugged the brunette close.
"My goodness, Touko!"
She laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Moron, it was about time you realized it."
Pulling away, N placed a long kiss on her lips. For once, Touko didn't care about the maids or the guards catching them kissing. In fact, she rather enjoyed it this one time. Moving back with a smile, she stared at him. The queen knew then and there that her adventures truly began with life with N; but she knew her life was revealing a masked heart slowly and opening a love story. Her adventure was only beginning. Her smile grew bigger.
"I love you, Touko."
"And I love you, N."