HOME | DD

Description
Chapter Four

. . .

Touko lazily stretched and groaned softly, after hearing a couple cracks. She had felt better after having a long nights rest and would probably have felt greater if she slept longer but a buzzing sound was grating on her senses.

She sat up and blinked multiple times at the strong sun light filling the room and look towards the desk, expecting to see N working his ass off but instead it was empty... and there was a TV right in front of her cell.

"So that's where the buzzing noise in coming from... "

Forcing herself to leave the warmth of her bed, she stepped onto the chilled floor, holding back a curse, and stepped closer to the glass. She noticed the remote control on the ground and picked it up. She used it to put the sound up but didn't bother changing the channel. Who ever placed this in here obviously wanted her to see something on this channel.

Touko didn't have to wait for long before the screen turned white, the words "Important Message" blinked across the screen. That would mean it's showing on every single channel in Unova, and possibly other regions. After a minute of this, the screen went black for a moment before lighting back up, showing the front of the Pokemon League.

Many people, possibly trainers, were surrounding the area but what caught her eye was the gym leaders and Elite Four, who stood at the front of the crowd, wearing defeated expressions. A moment later, N emerged from the League doors, wearing his golden crown and a long white robe that dragged out behind him.

Standing close were Anthea and Concordia, wearing expensive but luxurious looking dresses, different from their usual attire at the tower, and their hands clasped together in front, staring at the crowd with practiced smiles. Surrounding them were the Seven Sages and possibly over fifty Plasma members, looking out for possible threats.

"Hello, trainers of Unova," N started out, smiling out at the nervous crowd before continuing to speak.

Touko knew what this speech was about, knew what it was going to result in. She tried turning the TV off but it wouldn't work. Of course it won't. Whenever important messages appeared on TV, all TV's and radios in Unova switched on and were controlled to stay on until the announcement had been made. Important messages were usually used for warning everyone of natural disasters, although, Touko was sure N fit somewhere in that category.

She considered going to the bathroom, to shower or flush the toilet repeatedly, but whenever she moved farther away from the TV, the sound seemed to get louder. She suspected that there were still Plasma members here, watching her through whatever camera and making sure she listened to what the King said, even if she didn't want to watch it.

Touko sat in front of the glass, and watched N make his speech but made sure just to tune him out. She knew what the result was going to be anyways, there was no need to go through the pain of that again.

Instead, she thought about her friends. No doubt they were watching the TV program now, already knowing what was going to happen. They would lose their friends too and it was all her fault. But she knew they wouldn't blame her. Belle would try her best to give confusing advice, Cheren would awkwardly encourage her while Touya... Touya would hug her, and say everything would be alright.

"Touya... " Touko whispered his name, not realizing how much it would hurt to do so.

Touko and Touya were friends before they met Cheren and Belle, and they always stuck close. He was like the big bother she never had before. She always wondered if they could ever become anything more than that. As she grew older, she would feel funny whenever he accidentally brushed his shoulder against hers.

Of course Touya obviously thought nothing of her but a little sister. He always said she was frivolous and clumsy, when it was actually him who would always be rushing off on a new adventure, falling over rocks or roots just on the outskirts of town.

She hoped he didn't hate her now, for failing every trainer in Unova. No, of course he wouldn't hate her. His heart was much too kind for something as strong as hate. She on the other hand...

Touko glared at the TV screen for a second but then blinked at the scene that was unfolding. The trainers were trying to get up to the front, enraged expressions on their faces, but Team Plasma were set into action, blocking them effectively while gym leaders and the Elite Four got out of the way, already accepting their fate. Few other trainers stayed in the back, glancing from one another, agreeing with what N said.

"You can't do this!" One trainer yelled out desperately while others around heatedly agreed.

"It's for the best! If only trainers weren't so blind to see that!" N shot back, the smile long gone from his handsome face.

"Oh, N... " Touko sighed and scratched her chin. He was only doing what he thought was best. Obviously her words didn't reach him during their past encounters, so the words of other trainers wouldn't work either... She didn't think nothing could since he was raised this way since he was a little kid.

"Dammit!" Another trainer yelled and threw their pokeball, a Cinccino appearing from the white flash.

The little Pokemon gnarled up at N and he looked down at it, watching intently. With a tilt of his head, the Cinccino stopped growling and copied the King's movement.

"Your Pokemon..." He started out slowly before looking at the trainer in the eyes. "Said she doesn't mind if she's set free."

"What?! You lie!"

"What could I possibly accomplish by doing that? Lying only hurts the ones you care about..." N frowned, honesty written all over his face. Memories of yesterdays event flashed through his mind. "I knew people would retaliate, so I made sure to have along a good friend of mine who agrees with my views. Reshiram!"

The large white dragon dropped from the sky, giving the area a good shake with its landing, and looked around at the trainers, its gaze sharp. Everyone gasped up at Reshiram, not believing what they were seeing. They had only heard of this legendary Pokemon in old folk tales and legends, but to see the actual thing was overwhelming. Even Touko could feel the power it radiated from where she sat.

"Reshiram here has accepted me. I also have Zekrom with me," which was sort of a lie but no one had to know that. "And it is my deepest wish for Pokemon and humans to live separately. So, trainers, you can release all your Pokemon now. But know this, we have over thirty Team Plasma members in every town, in every city, and in the afternoon, they're going to go to every house and demand the release of Pokemon."

"That's not fair!" A female trainer screeched, tears running down her face.

"No, what's not fair is the way Pokemon have been treated for so long. But now they can live freely, the way it should be."

"Thank you, great King," Ghetsis stepped forward, giving N a small bow before turning to the crowd. "Our King and the mighty Reshiram have wished it for Humans and Pokemon to live separately, so be it. After today, no one will have Pokemon within their pokeballs or home. Those who choose to go against the King's wishes will be punished. Those trying to recapture their Pokemon the day after tomorrow, will also be punished. It is forbidden to capture Pokemon from here on. The punishment could result in going to jail for a number of years."

"In short," Another Sage stepped forward, a crooked smile on his face. "Interactions between humans and Pokemon are now a crime. Please, also take note, that if it's found out that anyone is planning a revolution against our King, punishment could include torture and death."

There was a deafening hush over the crowd and Touko couldn't help but gawk at the screen.

"That will be all," N smiled once again, but this time it was tight and forced. "This announcement has been recorded and will be showed every morning and every night to remind everyone what a new world it is. Rejoice, Pokemon will be happier."

"Some people follow their dreams... N hunts his down and beats it mercilessly," Touko couldn't help but mutter darkly and she swore she heard someone laugh through the intercom.

The TV screen went dark for a moment before returning to the original programming it was playing before the announcement. Touko pressed the power button on the controller and the TV finally turned off. She stood with a small grunt, her back feeling sore from hunching over too long.

"What a life," Touko said out loud and started to walk around in circles.

She was completely bored. Believe it or not, she actually wanted N around, just so she could have someone to talk to. Heck, even having a sneering Ghetsis around would have been better than no one.

"Going insane yet?" The deep voice made Touko jump in her spot and she turned around to see Hoshi leaning against the TV, a small smirk gracing his lips.

"You have no idea."

"You're not the only one. I was one of the unlucky members that had to stay behind to watch over the tower. And you."

"Lucky, lucky. So you must have been the one to laugh at my comment."

"Heh. Yes."

"Glad you found it amusing."

"You're not angry?"

"At you?"

"No, at the King."

"Sort of, sort of not. I already knew this day would come quick after I lost, I just didn't expect the wounds to be rubbed with extra salt." She gestured to the TV.

"Oh, Sage Ghetsis demanded for it to be placed here for when you woke up. He said it's to remind you of your place in the new world."

Touko blinked before rubbing her mouth to hide the smile. It... somewhat made her happy that it was Ghetsis who wanted her to see the program instead of N.

"It's not that I'm angry at him, just at myself. And sad that I failed my friends, the trainers, the gym leaders, the Elite Four... and Alder."

"But it's for the best! "

"Okay, I'm not getting into an argument with you. I'm tired of those." He pursed his lips together but nodded nonetheless.

"Very well. You're different from what I expected."

"What do you mean?"

"Over the years, Ghetsis complained about you, saying how cruel you were driving your Pokemon. N, on the other hand, didn't say much. But all the Plasma members got this idea that you were evil to the core, a slave driver."

Touko snorted and shook her head.

"That's judging a person by the way they battle. I've been with my Pokemon for a long time. There's trust, love and devotion on each side, of course we'll thrive through battles no problem."

"Hmm, I'm glad I was proved different."

Hoshi sent Touko a killer smile and she couldn't help but feel her cheeks heat up. He noticed and laughed when she tried to bury her face in her hands. After a moment, Touko went to her basket of goodies and pulled out a stack of cards.

"Want to have a round or two of Speed?"

"I must warn you, I'm like a Darkrai at Speed."

"Well then I'll let you know in advance that I'm like a Deoxys on caffeine."

. . .

After two hours and many games later, Touko and Hoshi was laughing so hard while trying to out-speed the other but usually messed up their piles from slamming the cards down too hard. The older male leaned back and groaned, the teen couldn't help tease him a bit.

"What's this, tired out already? I mean, I don't blame you, a girl who's a few years younger, kicking your butt in a card game, I'd be pretty tired out too."

"Please, we're neck and neck."

"I beg to differ. I've won four games, you've only won three."

"Close enough," he huffed and she laughed.

Their amusement was short lived by the sound of a door opening, N striding through with a content look on his face. Until he saw a Plasma member with Touko. He saw them in time to be laughing about something, Touko's head dipping back merrily.

Hoshi looked over, saw his king and wiped the smile off his face. He stood up straight and saluted the younger man, keeping his face expressionless.

"Welcome back, King."

Touko looked up at Hoshi, stunned at how fast he changed from being with her, to being in the presence of his King. It made her frown.

"Hey, N," She said, halfheartedly.

"I assume you two had fun while I was gone?" Hoshi said nothing and Touko worried her bottom lip. N sighed. "You're dismissed."

"Sir." Hoshi quickly left the room, not giving Touko one last glance.

Touko, though, was a bit upset that N had ruined their card game. She was having the most fun she had since she got here, save for the visit with Victini, and thought it wouldn't be so bad if she had interactions like this everyday. But N merely entered the room and Hoshi did a complete one-eighty on her.

There was silence for awhile as N settled behind his desk, shuffled around papers until he looked over at his captive.

"What did you think of the announcement?"

He almost sounded like he was seeking for acceptance by the slight tremble in his voice.

"It's the most beautiful thing I heard, I almost cried," she bit out sarcastically and began to put the cards back together in a neat pile. He was clearly not amused by the growing frown on his face. Touko sighed. "I knew this day was coming, I haven't accepted it nor have I rejected it. I'm in the middle. I don't know what to feel. But that still doesn't mean I'm happy about the whole thing."

"So what's this about you and Hoshi?" He gestured between her and the cards, catching her off guard with the subject change.

"We started to play card games after the announcement since I was dying of boredom of here."

"I don't like it," He declared with stubborn childishness, as if some kid had stolen his favorite toy.

"Well if you were around more often, I wouldn't be lonely," she teased halfheartedly with a cheeky smile. But the smile slipped from her lips by the now concerned expression on the other teen's face.

"Do you need another hug?" Touko blinked and felt a little surprised he would ask. "Anthea and Concordia said hugs are often shared among friends and strengthens bonds between them"

"T, that's true, I hug my friends often, but... "She felt unsure about the whole thing. That is until she watched N's expression turn crestfallen. "Okay... just one hug, alright?"

He nodded eagerly, getting up from his chair and waltzing right into her room. He moved too fast, in Touko's opinion, and couldn't help but squeak when his arms wrapped around her shoulders while she let hers hang limply at her sides.

The hug was cut short, either to Touko's relief or horror, because N let her go and went to the pile of books and magazines on the floor.

" 'Confessions of a Pokemon Love' and 'Pokeball Her Heart'? What kind of books are these?" His tone wasn't one of scolding but one of extreme curiosity and amusement at the Pokemon reference names. He had no idea what kind they were.

"Nothing! They're not all that exciting!" She snatched the pile from his hands, her voice going up a notch.

"Let me see them," N demanded and frowned when Touko furiously shook her head.

"No, no, I promise you, these wouldn't interest you."

"The novel looks pretty used up and there's a lot of doggy eared pages, meaning you enjoy it."

"Well, I do, but that doesn't mean you will."

"But I want to get to know you better, so I should be allowed to read the stuff you're interested in."

"I didn't want 'Confessions of a Pokemon Love'! They all belong to Concordia!" Touko was desperately grasping at straws now. 'All in for the name of innocence!'

"Then I'll just tell Concordia to let me borrow them."

"Erm, she might consider not giving it to you, either."

"Why not?" N crossed his arms with a huff, clearly annoyed.

"The books might be too girly for you," 'and could affect your pure soul,' she thought.

N, seeing no way around this, dropped the subject and headed back to his desk. Touko waited until his back was turned before stuffing the offending objects from his view, under her mattress.

The day continued on with small conversations between the two, N bringing up the books a few times while Touko avoid talking about them. It would equal into playful banter before N confessed he had to get back to work until he would strike up another conversation minutes later.

. . .

Touko watched with a distressed expression on her face as many people, trainers, came storming into N's office, demanding he lift the ban between Pokemon and people. Some had come in, crying hysterically that he was a absolute monster for doing this.

Through it all, N kept a straight face, giving nothing away. But Touko paid close attention to his eyes where he kept his swimming emotions. The hurt was clear in them. He obviously didn't like the negative feedback or effect his law was having against many people but it was something he strongly believed in. No one could change his mind.

"People won't be bugging us soon, except with letters." He confessed to her after the last bawling trainer was sent on their way.

"What do you mean?" She felt a yawn threatening to escape but bit down firmly on her tongue.

"We bought out this island, so it's private. Only Plasma members, the Sages and myself can take the boat from Castelia City to here. The trainers used their Pokemon like slaves to fly them here. But look." He pointed to the clock on the wall that was put there earlier by a Plasma member.

It was five minutes to twelve midnight.

"I think you would rather be alone for when it happens." He bit his lip, glancing from Touko to the door, as if he hoped she would ask him to stay. When she said nothing, he mumbled a good night and left her for the night.

Touko suddenly felt her heart sank when she figured out what he meant.

A minute to twelve, hoards of flying Pokemon flew from Castelia City, all flying aimlessly. They looked as if they didn't know what to do at the moment, now that they were free. Some flew around the city, perhaps in hope that their trainer would recapture them again while others decided to move on and flew towards the trees.

Touko was right up against the window, squinting her eyes to see hundreds of people at the docks, releasing their water Pokemon out into the sea.

How many more times would her heart shatter before it had enough?

She was thankful that N left her alone for this, because the only thing that could comfort her tonight was not the enemy, but the plush pillow that allowed her to sleep that night, through the many cries of the flying Pokemon.

. . .

End of Chapter Four.

Description
Chapter Four

. . .

Touko lazily stretched and groaned softly, after hearing a couple cracks. She had felt better after having a long nights rest and would probably have felt greater if she slept longer but a buzzing sound was grating on her senses.

She sat up and blinked multiple times at the strong sun light filling the room and look towards the desk, expecting to see N working his ass off but instead it was empty... and there was a TV right in front of her cell.

"So that's where the buzzing noise in coming from... "

Forcing herself to leave the warmth of her bed, she stepped onto the chilled floor, holding back a curse, and stepped closer to the glass. She noticed the remote control on the ground and picked it up. She used it to put the sound up but didn't bother changing the channel. Who ever placed this in here obviously wanted her to see something on this channel.

Touko didn't have to wait for long before the screen turned white, the words "Important Message" blinked across the screen. That would mean it's showing on every single channel in Unova, and possibly other regions. After a minute of this, the screen went black for a moment before lighting back up, showing the front of the Pokemon League.

Many people, possibly trainers, were surrounding the area but what caught her eye was the gym leaders and Elite Four, who stood at the front of the crowd, wearing defeated expressions. A moment later, N emerged from the League doors, wearing his golden crown and a long white robe that dragged out behind him.

Standing close were Anthea and Concordia, wearing expensive but luxurious looking dresses, different from their usual attire at the tower, and their hands clasped together in front, staring at the crowd with practiced smiles. Surrounding them were the Seven Sages and possibly over fifty Plasma members, looking out for possible threats.

"Hello, trainers of Unova," N started out, smiling out at the nervous crowd before continuing to speak.

Touko knew what this speech was about, knew what it was going to result in. She tried turning the TV off but it wouldn't work. Of course it won't. Whenever important messages appeared on TV, all TV's and radios in Unova switched on and were controlled to stay on until the announcement had been made. Important messages were usually used for warning everyone of natural disasters, although, Touko was sure N fit somewhere in that category.

She considered going to the bathroom, to shower or flush the toilet repeatedly, but whenever she moved farther away from the TV, the sound seemed to get louder. She suspected that there were still Plasma members here, watching her through whatever camera and making sure she listened to what the King said, even if she didn't want to watch it.

Touko sat in front of the glass, and watched N make his speech but made sure just to tune him out. She knew what the result was going to be anyways, there was no need to go through the pain of that again.

Instead, she thought about her friends. No doubt they were watching the TV program now, already knowing what was going to happen. They would lose their friends too and it was all her fault. But she knew they wouldn't blame her. Belle would try her best to give confusing advice, Cheren would awkwardly encourage her while Touya... Touya would hug her, and say everything would be alright.

"Touya... " Touko whispered his name, not realizing how much it would hurt to do so.

Touko and Touya were friends before they met Cheren and Belle, and they always stuck close. He was like the big bother she never had before. She always wondered if they could ever become anything more than that. As she grew older, she would feel funny whenever he accidentally brushed his shoulder against hers.

Of course Touya obviously thought nothing of her but a little sister. He always said she was frivolous and clumsy, when it was actually him who would always be rushing off on a new adventure, falling over rocks or roots just on the outskirts of town.

She hoped he didn't hate her now, for failing every trainer in Unova. No, of course he wouldn't hate her. His heart was much too kind for something as strong as hate. She on the other hand...

Touko glared at the TV screen for a second but then blinked at the scene that was unfolding. The trainers were trying to get up to the front, enraged expressions on their faces, but Team Plasma were set into action, blocking them effectively while gym leaders and the Elite Four got out of the way, already accepting their fate. Few other trainers stayed in the back, glancing from one another, agreeing with what N said.

"You can't do this!" One trainer yelled out desperately while others around heatedly agreed.

"It's for the best! If only trainers weren't so blind to see that!" N shot back, the smile long gone from his handsome face.

"Oh, N... " Touko sighed and scratched her chin. He was only doing what he thought was best. Obviously her words didn't reach him during their past encounters, so the words of other trainers wouldn't work either... She didn't think nothing could since he was raised this way since he was a little kid.

"Dammit!" Another trainer yelled and threw their pokeball, a Cinccino appearing from the white flash.

The little Pokemon gnarled up at N and he looked down at it, watching intently. With a tilt of his head, the Cinccino stopped growling and copied the King's movement.

"Your Pokemon..." He started out slowly before looking at the trainer in the eyes. "Said she doesn't mind if she's set free."

"What?! You lie!"

"What could I possibly accomplish by doing that? Lying only hurts the ones you care about..." N frowned, honesty written all over his face. Memories of yesterdays event flashed through his mind. "I knew people would retaliate, so I made sure to have along a good friend of mine who agrees with my views. Reshiram!"

The large white dragon dropped from the sky, giving the area a good shake with its landing, and looked around at the trainers, its gaze sharp. Everyone gasped up at Reshiram, not believing what they were seeing. They had only heard of this legendary Pokemon in old folk tales and legends, but to see the actual thing was overwhelming. Even Touko could feel the power it radiated from where she sat.

"Reshiram here has accepted me. I also have Zekrom with me," which was sort of a lie but no one had to know that. "And it is my deepest wish for Pokemon and humans to live separately. So, trainers, you can release all your Pokemon now. But know this, we have over thirty Team Plasma members in every town, in every city, and in the afternoon, they're going to go to every house and demand the release of Pokemon."

"That's not fair!" A female trainer screeched, tears running down her face.

"No, what's not fair is the way Pokemon have been treated for so long. But now they can live freely, the way it should be."

"Thank you, great King," Ghetsis stepped forward, giving N a small bow before turning to the crowd. "Our King and the mighty Reshiram have wished it for Humans and Pokemon to live separately, so be it. After today, no one will have Pokemon within their pokeballs or home. Those who choose to go against the King's wishes will be punished. Those trying to recapture their Pokemon the day after tomorrow, will also be punished. It is forbidden to capture Pokemon from here on. The punishment could result in going to jail for a number of years."

"In short," Another Sage stepped forward, a crooked smile on his face. "Interactions between humans and Pokemon are now a crime. Please, also take note, that if it's found out that anyone is planning a revolution against our King, punishment could include torture and death."

There was a deafening hush over the crowd and Touko couldn't help but gawk at the screen.

"That will be all," N smiled once again, but this time it was tight and forced. "This announcement has been recorded and will be showed every morning and every night to remind everyone what a new world it is. Rejoice, Pokemon will be happier."

"Some people follow their dreams... N hunts his down and beats it mercilessly," Touko couldn't help but mutter darkly and she swore she heard someone laugh through the intercom.

The TV screen went dark for a moment before returning to the original programming it was playing before the announcement. Touko pressed the power button on the controller and the TV finally turned off. She stood with a small grunt, her back feeling sore from hunching over too long.

"What a life," Touko said out loud and started to walk around in circles.

She was completely bored. Believe it or not, she actually wanted N around, just so she could have someone to talk to. Heck, even having a sneering Ghetsis around would have been better than no one.

"Going insane yet?" The deep voice made Touko jump in her spot and she turned around to see Hoshi leaning against the TV, a small smirk gracing his lips.

"You have no idea."

"You're not the only one. I was one of the unlucky members that had to stay behind to watch over the tower. And you."

"Lucky, lucky. So you must have been the one to laugh at my comment."

"Heh. Yes."

"Glad you found it amusing."

"You're not angry?"

"At you?"

"No, at the King."

"Sort of, sort of not. I already knew this day would come quick after I lost, I just didn't expect the wounds to be rubbed with extra salt." She gestured to the TV.

"Oh, Sage Ghetsis demanded for it to be placed here for when you woke up. He said it's to remind you of your place in the new world."

Touko blinked before rubbing her mouth to hide the smile. It... somewhat made her happy that it was Ghetsis who wanted her to see the program instead of N.

"It's not that I'm angry at him, just at myself. And sad that I failed my friends, the trainers, the gym leaders, the Elite Four... and Alder."

"But it's for the best! "

"Okay, I'm not getting into an argument with you. I'm tired of those." He pursed his lips together but nodded nonetheless.

"Very well. You're different from what I expected."

"What do you mean?"

"Over the years, Ghetsis complained about you, saying how cruel you were driving your Pokemon. N, on the other hand, didn't say much. But all the Plasma members got this idea that you were evil to the core, a slave driver."

Touko snorted and shook her head.

"That's judging a person by the way they battle. I've been with my Pokemon for a long time. There's trust, love and devotion on each side, of course we'll thrive through battles no problem."

"Hmm, I'm glad I was proved different."

Hoshi sent Touko a killer smile and she couldn't help but feel her cheeks heat up. He noticed and laughed when she tried to bury her face in her hands. After a moment, Touko went to her basket of goodies and pulled out a stack of cards.

"Want to have a round or two of Speed?"

"I must warn you, I'm like a Darkrai at Speed."

"Well then I'll let you know in advance that I'm like a Deoxys on caffeine."

. . .

After two hours and many games later, Touko and Hoshi was laughing so hard while trying to out-speed the other but usually messed up their piles from slamming the cards down too hard. The older male leaned back and groaned, the teen couldn't help tease him a bit.

"What's this, tired out already? I mean, I don't blame you, a girl who's a few years younger, kicking your butt in a card game, I'd be pretty tired out too."

"Please, we're neck and neck."

"I beg to differ. I've won four games, you've only won three."

"Close enough," he huffed and she laughed.

Their amusement was short lived by the sound of a door opening, N striding through with a content look on his face. Until he saw a Plasma member with Touko. He saw them in time to be laughing about something, Touko's head dipping back merrily.

Hoshi looked over, saw his king and wiped the smile off his face. He stood up straight and saluted the younger man, keeping his face expressionless.

"Welcome back, King."

Touko looked up at Hoshi, stunned at how fast he changed from being with her, to being in the presence of his King. It made her frown.

"Hey, N," She said, halfheartedly.

"I assume you two had fun while I was gone?" Hoshi said nothing and Touko worried her bottom lip. N sighed. "You're dismissed."

"Sir." Hoshi quickly left the room, not giving Touko one last glance.

Touko, though, was a bit upset that N had ruined their card game. She was having the most fun she had since she got here, save for the visit with Victini, and thought it wouldn't be so bad if she had interactions like this everyday. But N merely entered the room and Hoshi did a complete one-eighty on her.

There was silence for awhile as N settled behind his desk, shuffled around papers until he looked over at his captive.

"What did you think of the announcement?"

He almost sounded like he was seeking for acceptance by the slight tremble in his voice.

"It's the most beautiful thing I heard, I almost cried," she bit out sarcastically and began to put the cards back together in a neat pile. He was clearly not amused by the growing frown on his face. Touko sighed. "I knew this day was coming, I haven't accepted it nor have I rejected it. I'm in the middle. I don't know what to feel. But that still doesn't mean I'm happy about the whole thing."

"So what's this about you and Hoshi?" He gestured between her and the cards, catching her off guard with the subject change.

"We started to play card games after the announcement since I was dying of boredom of here."

"I don't like it," He declared with stubborn childishness, as if some kid had stolen his favorite toy.

"Well if you were around more often, I wouldn't be lonely," she teased halfheartedly with a cheeky smile. But the smile slipped from her lips by the now concerned expression on the other teen's face.

"Do you need another hug?" Touko blinked and felt a little surprised he would ask. "Anthea and Concordia said hugs are often shared among friends and strengthens bonds between them"

"T, that's true, I hug my friends often, but... "She felt unsure about the whole thing. That is until she watched N's expression turn crestfallen. "Okay... just one hug, alright?"

He nodded eagerly, getting up from his chair and waltzing right into her room. He moved too fast, in Touko's opinion, and couldn't help but squeak when his arms wrapped around her shoulders while she let hers hang limply at her sides.

The hug was cut short, either to Touko's relief or horror, because N let her go and went to the pile of books and magazines on the floor.

" 'Confessions of a Pokemon Love' and 'Pokeball Her Heart'? What kind of books are these?" His tone wasn't one of scolding but one of extreme curiosity and amusement at the Pokemon reference names. He had no idea what kind they were.

"Nothing! They're not all that exciting!" She snatched the pile from his hands, her voice going up a notch.

"Let me see them," N demanded and frowned when Touko furiously shook her head.

"No, no, I promise you, these wouldn't interest you."

"The novel looks pretty used up and there's a lot of doggy eared pages, meaning you enjoy it."

"Well, I do, but that doesn't mean you will."

"But I want to get to know you better, so I should be allowed to read the stuff you're interested in."

"I didn't want 'Confessions of a Pokemon Love'! They all belong to Concordia!" Touko was desperately grasping at straws now. 'All in for the name of innocence!'

"Then I'll just tell Concordia to let me borrow them."

"Erm, she might consider not giving it to you, either."

"Why not?" N crossed his arms with a huff, clearly annoyed.

"The books might be too girly for you," 'and could affect your pure soul,' she thought.

N, seeing no way around this, dropped the subject and headed back to his desk. Touko waited until his back was turned before stuffing the offending objects from his view, under her mattress.

The day continued on with small conversations between the two, N bringing up the books a few times while Touko avoid talking about them. It would equal into playful banter before N confessed he had to get back to work until he would strike up another conversation minutes later.

. . .

Touko watched with a distressed expression on her face as many people, trainers, came storming into N's office, demanding he lift the ban between Pokemon and people. Some had come in, crying hysterically that he was a absolute monster for doing this.

Through it all, N kept a straight face, giving nothing away. But Touko paid close attention to his eyes where he kept his swimming emotions. The hurt was clear in them. He obviously didn't like the negative feedback or effect his law was having against many people but it was something he strongly believed in. No one could change his mind.

"People won't be bugging us soon, except with letters." He confessed to her after the last bawling trainer was sent on their way.

"What do you mean?" She felt a yawn threatening to escape but bit down firmly on her tongue.

"We bought out this island, so it's private. Only Plasma members, the Sages and myself can take the boat from Castelia City to here. The trainers used their Pokemon like slaves to fly them here. But look." He pointed to the clock on the wall that was put there earlier by a Plasma member.

It was five minutes to twelve midnight.

"I think you would rather be alone for when it happens." He bit his lip, glancing from Touko to the door, as if he hoped she would ask him to stay. When she said nothing, he mumbled a good night and left her for the night.

Touko suddenly felt her heart sank when she figured out what he meant.

A minute to twelve, hoards of flying Pokemon flew from Castelia City, all flying aimlessly. They looked as if they didn't know what to do at the moment, now that they were free. Some flew around the city, perhaps in hope that their trainer would recapture them again while others decided to move on and flew towards the trees.

Touko was right up against the window, squinting her eyes to see hundreds of people at the docks, releasing their water Pokemon out into the sea.

How many more times would her heart shatter before it had enough?

She was thankful that N left her alone for this, because the only thing that could comfort her tonight was not the enemy, but the plush pillow that allowed her to sleep that night, through the many cries of the flying Pokemon.

. . .

End of Chapter Four.