Hey again! I went ahead and thought I should post the second part of the prologue, literally just for completeness sake. Once again, any constructive criticism is appreciated, as it helps me.

(This version is slightly polished.)

Thanks!

- Splak R.

Andrew's ears rang. He didn't expect so much to happen in one morning. Jett says he'll take him somewhere safe, but where exactly is he going? Andrew could very well ask, but he just met Jett, and he didn't know how he would react to such a question. His father, Wes, would always answer to the best of his ability.

His father.

What about his father? Why did he disobey a simple deed given from his father so quickly? Is he even okay? His head started to overwhelm itself with questions. He looked to Jett, who was walking on his left, hoping for an answer. Jett turned to him and gave him a smile. It wasn't dad's smile, but it would do for now.

Andrew thought hard about what to do for his dad. He came up with a temporary plan, he would see him again eventually, right? He would just wait out the terror and hopefully his father will be looking for him. That sounded good for now, but he needed to come up with something more permanent eventually.

"We're almost there, Andrew. You can see where we're headed on the horizon," Jett snapped him back into reality. Andrew looked over to see a huge skyscraper with castle walls, all built with purple bricks.

That's where they're going?

It looked very ominous from where he was standing. I'm sure it didn't look that way to Jett, but Andrew's height as a Riolu didn't help much. The dirt path they were on soiled his feet, he kicked some of it up once and a while and accidentally tasted it too.

"C'mon, one last push, Andrew. I know you're tired." Jett motivated him to keep going.

Now that he mentioned something about his energy, Andrew felt kind of sleepy.

He still had the picture of himself and his father. One day... they would return to each other. He was sure of that.

The purple skyscraper got real close. Jett gestured Andrew to enter the castle walls through a drawbridge gate. Once they got in, they were greeted with various chants.

"Woo! Jett's back!"

"The King is here!"

"Who's that he's with?"

"Yeah, why does he have a child?"

"Jett, I'm your biggest fan!"

"Settle down, everyone. Everything will be clear to you eventually. For now, I need to show this kid around," Jett addressed everyone while walking towards the front doors.

As both Jett and Andrew entered the skyscraper, they were greeted to a similar response from outside. The lobby was actually a giant food court, serving meals everyday for everyone. There were multiple staircases leading up to a bunch of rooms, and all of the rooms were either recreational rooms, training rooms, or housing for everyone.

Andrew and Jett went up the staircase that was in front of them, of course, there were elevators too, but Jett never took the elevator for some reason.

"Andrew, you're gonna meet the one who's gonna be taking care of you while you're here," Jett started.

"You're not gonna be with me?" Andrew replied.

"Nope. I'm the owner of... a company, and it's very busy work. I'll be training you here and there, but I won't be around much."

Andrew got scared. What if this Pokémon isn't good? How will he turn out if they aren't? He erased these questions from his mind, he did enough thinking today.

"Who's gonna be taking care of me then?"

"Someone who is very nice. I know her personally, she's my top noble."

His brain came to a halt. A woman's gonna be taking care of him? He had never had a mother before, so he didn't know what it was like. He had heard stories from others, and they said it was nice, but he didn't know what to expect.

"Here we are, Andrew."

Jett stopped at a door, pretty high up from everyone else, but not on the top floor. He knocked on it, but it took a minute for a response. Andrew heard a crash, and the door opened. It revealed a Flygon, about 30 years of age.

"Jett? What brings you here this time of day?" She asked.

"Tammy, I would like you to meet Andrew. He's going to be staying with us for a while, and I need you to take care of him."

Tammy looked down at Andrew. Their eyes locked, she could tell Andrew was adorable, being only 6 years old. She just had one thing to clear up...

"Jett? Can I speak to you in private, please?"

"Sure."

Jett turned around, "Andrew, we'll be out in a few minutes, just wait by the door."

Andrew gave a nod.

Jett closed the door behind Tammy's room.

"Ok... Where did you get him?" Tammy was blunt about it.

"I got him from the raid." Jett whispered.

"Why are you asking me to take care of him, and how long will I have to do so?!" Tammy was getting heated.

"Because you'll be the best fit for him. I've seen the way you act around kids, and it's wonderful. As for how long, I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? I mean, I've always wanted to have kids, but are you seriously asking me to take care of a 5 year old you found off of a burning street?!"

"Relax, Tammy. I think he'll be very useful to us later... probably making a future captain."

"Sigh... You know you're cruel, right? Destroying his home and bringing him here, he's messed up right now."

Jett stayed silent at that remark.

"Fine... I'll take care of him, but not because you told me to."

"That's all I needed to hear."

Both Jett and Tammy opened the door... to see Andrew gone.

"And now he's nowhere to be found... sigh..." Tammy groaned.

"I'm right here," Andrew piped in.

Turns out, he was on the other side of the door.

"Jett, did you get his name?"

"Yeah, it's Andrew. Now I gotta go, you two have fun!" Jett waved them off.

Tammy rolled her eyes.

She got a look at Andrew once again. She was right, he was adorable, but she could tell he wasn't in a bright mood.

"Andrew?" Tammy started with her softest voice.

Andrew looked up, his attention was full.

"I'll make sure you'll live a good life here. Even if it means I have to go 2 miles extra for you." Tammy tried to reassure him in the best way she could, but Andrew seemed like he had a hard shell encasing his emotions.

"Your voice is soft," Andrew said. "Thank you. Let's go inside, I'm gonna show you where you'll be."

Tammy went inside her room, Andrew following suit.

Andrew didn't really register it at first, but Tammy was actually really nice. The Flygon even went so far as to introduce herself and the things she liked as she showed him around the room. The room she stayed in was big, like a huge hotel room. There was only one bed, so he guessed he would have to sleep on the floor.

"As for where you'll sleep... um... I guess you can sleep with me for now. I wouldn't want you sleeping on the floor, it's bad for your body."

Tammy answered his question for him. After she said that, Tammy heard a rumbling noise. She looked over to Andrew, and he was rubbing his stomach.

"I guess it's time for lunch, huh?" Tammy said with a smile.

Andrew gave a couple slow nods.

"Maybe you'll feel a tiny bit better after you eat something."

Tammy went over to the door. "We can get our food at the court down in the lobby. C'mon."

Once they were out, Tammy locked the door and started walking towards the elevator. Andrew followed close behind, since he didn't know anybody else.

Andrew had his life changed ever since this morning. Jett had walked him here, and now Tammy was watching over him in the elevator on their way to the food court. He didn't entirely know how to feel about Tammy, but one thing's for sure: she's really gentle. Of course, the main thing on his mind right now was food. He was starving.

The elevator dinged, and they were in the lobby. Thankfully, the crowd from before mostly cleared out, and there were only a few patrons left sitting at the tables.

Andrew was amazed by the selection they had. They had meat, berries, plant-based food, shops that combine said foods, there had to be at least 15 options. Tammy went to one of the combination shops. Andrew quickly followed suit, since he didn't know what they had.

Tammy told Andrew, "The chefs here work everyday, but they make some great food despite the long hours. I always get Slowpoke Tail with Pecha Juice. What about you? What looks good?"

Andrew took a second to look at the large menu. Of course, there was the slowpoke tail. There were also other various berry platters, but he saw one item in particular that piqued his interest.

He whispered to Tammy, "I'll get the waffles with the pecha berry glaze."

He didn't entirely know what "glaze" meant, but it was waffles, and that was good enough for him.

Tammy smiled, "Alright. Waffles with pecha berry glaze it is."

She went up to the counter and ordered for the both of them.

Meanwhile, Andrew was looking at the other food shops. They had a couple pure meat shops, there was the berry shop, and they even had an insect shop. He didn't know what kind of Pokémon had any interest in that, but he guessed he would find out soon enough.

The chefs soon had their order out, and the duo walked to a table to sit. Andrew had to admit, the slowpoke tail Tammy got smelled delicious, but his waffles smelled even more amazing. He had a moment of silence, then dug into the waffles. He took a bite, and was in Riolu heaven. He could seriously have waffles like this everyday?!

Tammy giggled at the sight of Andrew gawking at his waffles.

"Good, huh?" She started.

"The only time I've ever had waffles this good was back at home!"

"Told you those chefs were great."

"Tammy?"

"Yes, Andrew?"

"What's it like here?"

"Well, the architecture isn't much to look at, but the community makes up for it by far. I've met some of my best friends here at Jett Kingdom."

"That's good. I'm still kinda scared about this place, but if you say it's good, then I'll believe you."

"I'm glad you take my word so highly!" Tammy snickered.

"You're the nicest Pokémon I've met here, so of course I would!" Andrew chuckled.

"Well I very much appreciate it."

"Maybe I will like it here." Andrew thought.

"Yo! Tammy!" A young teenage voice said.

"Oh! Seb! I didn't expect you to be here!" Tammy said to the Combusken that just arrived.

"Nobody expects me when I'm being sneaky!" Seb did a tip-toe motion with his legs. Tammy just stared with a deadpan look.

Andrew was confused... and a little scared. He had no idea who this was.

"Oh, Andrew, let me introduce you to Seb. He's been here for a few years."

"Seb, this is Andrew. He's going to be with me for a little while." Tammy continued.

"Yo! I heard about Jett bringing in a kid, but I didn't expect to meet him so soon. I'm Seb! I like to look at rocks." He introduced himself.

"Rocks?" Andrew could only muster up that one word.

"Yeah! They all have intricate patterns on them. I'm studying to become a geologist one day!"

Andrew didn't know what he wanted to do in life yet. Granted, he still has a lot of time.

Tammy chimed in, "Yeah, he even showed me his rock collection at one point. He actually has a lot!" She giggled.

"I'd have to show you sometime, Andrew. For now, I gotta look for more rocks, my collection needs new ones. See you later!" With that, Seb went out the front doors.

Tammy chuckled, "Never a dull moment when he's around. What do you think of him?"

"Um... he's outgoing?"

"Hehe, don't know yet? That's fine. By the way, are you finished?"

"Oh! Yeah."

"Alright. I'll take our plates then. I believe we'll take a walk in the park afterwards. How does that sound?"

"That sounds fine."

So, they went on their walk. It was on a concrete path, surrounded by trees, grassy plains, and even cherry blossoms. There was bustling nature, butterflies and other insects roamed the trees. It wasn't completely shaded, Andrew was enjoying the sunlight, it made him warm. A butterfly flew onto his nose at one moment, which he sneezed off. Tammy smiled at the moment. Both of them were having a great time, getting to know one another and taking in the scenery.

Afterwards, they went back into Tammy's room. They were going to have dinner, but they decided to have something delivered instead. The delivery service is usually pretty quick since it's all operated within the tower. Each delivery Pokémon has a device they use to track orders.

Tammy and Andrew got their food, and they ate, just like lunch. Tammy was asking a lot of questions to get to know Andrew better, but she knew not to ask about his life before living at Jett Kingdom.

Soon after, they were ready to go to sleep. They both got into Tammy's bed.

"Tammy?" Andrew started.

"Yes, Andrew?"

She was much more comfortable with him now, as was Andrew with her.

"Do you think my dad is gonna come see me?"

He had never mentioned his past life.

"I'm sure he will eventually, Andrew. Always keep hope, no matter how tough it gets." Tammy answered in her best way.

Andrew looked downcast. Tammy had never seen him this sad before.

He started, "We got separated in the morning. We were having my birthday celebration, and we heard a rumble. Then... sniff... my dad saved us by getting us out of the house. A fireball crashed on it."

Tammy tried to process what he was telling her. Jett did this on his birthday? He really is cruel.

"I'm glad I didn't resign. Otherwise, he would've been in Arma's hands, or worse, Jett's hands."

The more Tammy thought about it, the more difficult it was to hold in her tears.

Andrew continued, "My dad was beating up a soldier, but we couldn't see each other... I never saw him again... I... I... I want my dad!"

Andrew was fully crying now, his public shell broken.

Tammy was shaking. "How could Jett do this? He was always devoid of any empathy, but this is too far."

Tammy went and hugged Andrew. With a shaky voice, she started, "Andrew... I swear to you... I will take care of you for the rest of my life if I have to. I don't want you to go through any more pain. You don't deserve this. Nobody does. But I will try my hardest to make it better, and to let you live the life that you want to live," Andrew was still crying, but he was tightly embracing Tammy. She hugged him closer through her tears. They drifted off to sleep with the moonlight shining through the window.