(A/N, Please Read) Hey! Welcome to Traitor! I'll try and make this quick... So this is my first time doing something like this, so any *constructive* criticism is appreciated. I've been getting into writing as a hobby lately, so expect a few mistakes I may have glossed over. I've gotten a few chapters done (Up to 5), but updates will be VERY slow after that, so please be patient around Chapter 4 or so. The prologue is going to be 2 parts, then we'll get to the actual story. Hope you enjoy!
(This is the slightly polished version of this part.)
P.S. - I'm looking for a beta reader to help w/ storytelling, characters and plot development. If you or anyone you know is interested, please PM me.
"Happy Birthday, Andrew."
Those were the first words that made its way into the five year old, about to be six year old, Andrew's ears. Andrew, a small Riolu, opened his eyes to see a Lucario at the door to his room.
"Heh, tired from sleeping in?" The Lucario pondered.
Andrew recognized the Lucario as his father, and replied, "Yeah... I was too excited and couldn't go to sleep."
His father, Wes, let out a chuckle. "Well, we got a celebration ahead of us today. Go ahead and take your bath and I'll meet you in the living room."
Andrew got himself out of bed and went to the bathroom. They only had one, so him and his father had to take turns cleaning themselves. The bathroom was an easy golden brown, with dark stained cabinets to contrast the abundance of tan. Andrew pulled a similar color shower curtain to reveal the tub-shower. Sometimes, Andrew's father left a few hairs behind, and today was no exception. While he did think it was disgusting, he just flicked them out of the tub and went about his morning routine.
The bath felt really nice. He knew about some other kids not liking baths, and he wondered why that was. It was relaxing at the very least, but if dad got the bubbles out, it was way more fun. Thankfully, he saw the bubbles right on the tub, and took this opportunity to brighten up his bath. He remembered not to put too much in, because when he did last time, bubbles were stacked nearly to the ceiling. He sure got an earful from his dad about that one.
After some fun with the bubbles, Andrew finally let the bath drain. He dried himself off to the best of his ability, which left him all poofy afterwards. He always laughed at his reflection when this happened. He didn't need much to be entertained.
After he tamed his poofs by combing it down, he went downstairs to see his dad finishing up breakfast.
"Hey there, birthday boy! I made your favorite."
Wes gestured to a plate of delicious looking waffles. Andrew did a little fist pump gesture, how did his dad know that waffles were his favorite?
He sat on the high chair that was positioned near the brown dining table. Andrew took a second to scan his home, he hadn't taken the time to appreciate his surroundings today, which was a daily tradition for him since Wes always told him to be grateful for what he had.
The kitchen had a similar color to the bathroom on the walls, and there was a jade counter where Wes was finishing up. There was a window above the sink, so it let in some natural light to give the kitchen a nice glow in the morning.
It was the place where him and his dad would bond, so it really holds a special place in his heart. Snapping back to reality, Wes came and sat down across Andrew, with another plate of scrumptious waffles. They put their heads together for a moment in prayer...
...then they became Pokémon vacuum cleaners.
The waffles were gone in about 3 minutes. Waffle crumbs scattered both of their faces. They would never do this in public, Andrew knew better than that. They both laughed as they shared a moment of appreciation for each other.
"I really hope you like it here in Rinj, Andrew. This town harbors a great community. The island, Subon, is pretty isolated from the rest of the world. But I think, as long as you're happy, it'll be great for us."
Andrew smiled widely. "As long as I'm with you, dad, I'm really happy."
He wagged his tail. They embraced each other, hoping that the family love will continue.
"Is everything set up?" A Mega Lucario asked a Mightyena.
"Yeah, everything's ready, Jett," the Mightyena answered. Jett the Mega Lucario smirked. "Perfect. I was getting really tired of people living their worriless lives," he ravished in the sunrise, for he knew it would mean something totally different after his plan was executed.
"Should we go ahead and engage?" The Mightyena asked. "Y'know, I was going to have the citizens give some last words, but I know that it's going to be meaningless anyway, so get on with it. Fire!" Jett grinned as the first fireball was sent towards the town of Rinj.
"Why do you always pick this movie every year?" Wes asked his son.
"Because I like it!" Andrew huffed.
"I guess I won't get much reason out of a 6 year old."
"Okay. Let's watch, then!" Wes said, putting the disc into the movie player.
Andrew and Wes heard a loud rumble and then screams outside. The ground shook as well, leaving them both a tiny bit dizzy. The town was usually lively, but not like this. Wes could tell something was wrong.
"Dad... what was that?"
He could sense it too.
"I'll... go check." Wes answered with a stammer.
He went to the door, yet, as he went, he felt his tension growing stronger. It was as if the doorknob had a ghost in it, frightening him purposefully. He opened the front door...
...to see his worst nightmare.
The sky had turned black with ash and smoke, several fireballs came raining down with fierce intensity, and what's worse, a bunch of soldiers have come. The grass along the town was about to be set ablaze, along with the trees that surrounded it. There was a statue of the Mayor of Rinj, but the soldiers looked like they were about to wreck it. He had no idea what the intent behind this was, but he never expected something like this to happen in a million years.
He then saw a fireball launch toward their home. Acting on instinct, he sprinted back into the home, grabbed Andrew, and sprinted out.
"Don't you wanna watch the movie?" Andrew asked.
Wes felt terrible for his son. To have to experience this on his birthday of all days, why can't it be a normal day?!
As Wes got out with Andrew, the fireball crashed onto the side of their home, partially damaging it.
"Why did they destroy our home?" Andrew asked.
"I don't know, Andrew. I don't know what any of this is."
He was in panic mode right now. This was all so fast, he barely had any grasp on what was going on.
Fire raged. Pokémon were screaming. There was panic. Andrew didn't register the panic, but he knew one thing: This is a nightmare. He started to tear up, hoping it would all go away.
"Dad! What's happening?! Why is everyone screaming?!"
"I wish I could tell you... and I wish I could make it all better. For now, just stay with me." Wes said, trying to give words of comfort.
He put Andrew down on his feet, hoping that none of the soldiers would come for him and his son. He then saw a soldier attacking a Bayleef
"Andrew, whatever you do, don't move from this spot, so I can get you when I'm done."
"Ok... be quick!"
Wes could tell Andrew was on his last leg. He then focused his attention on the soldier. He was too late. The Dodrio soldier had murdered the Bayleef. He knew he couldn't do anything for the Bayleef now, but he had to prevent him from causing further damage, mainly to Andrew.
Andrew was holding on to a picture of him and his dad. He was now crying, this terror being too much for the little Riolu. He had looked up to search for his father, but he was nowhere in sight from his vantage point. He started to panic. He had to look at the picture for comfort. His dad was always there for him, even if it meant detriment to either party. Wes loved him like a true father.
Andrew got a rude awakening from his daydream as a burning log crashed down in front of him. He screamed, and the panic began to set in even more. He was practically hyperventilating, along with shaking. He just wanted this to all be over. He wanted to spend his birthday with his dad. Why today to bring this terror?
"Little one," A nice, baritone voice beckoned Andrew.
Wes had finally beaten the Dodrio. He was so caught up in the fight, he didn't know where he was. His landmarks were burning, so he couldn't make them out like he usually does. One thing was on his mind: Andrew.
He first went right, since he believed he was drifting left during the fight. He went that way and called his name as loud as he could muster. Although, the screams and fire were too much. Wes felt like he lost his voice, and couldn't use it at all.
"ANDREW!!! WHERE DID YOU GO?!?!"
Andrew whipped around to see a Mega Lucario.
"Who are you?" Andrew asked.
He had never met this Mega Lucario before, but he seemed nice enough.
"I'm surprised you even have the bravery to speak. I'm Jett, and I know of a place where you'll be safe."
"Sniff... Really...?"
"For sure. Come with me, I'll make sure you aren't hurt," Jett led him on.
"I don't know... my dad is looking for me, and he told me to stay here."
"If you stay here for much longer I doubt he'll be able to find you," Jett bluntly said.
"Are you sure you're going to keep me safe?"
"Yeah. I've got ya."
It technically was the truth, but Jett's intent behind Andrew was something he was covering very well.
"Okay... I'll come with you..."
Jett grinned on the inside. "A new prodigy for Jett Kingdom... he'll be a powerful warrior for sure."
"Let's go," Jett said, his fake altruistic voice shining.
Wes searched, and searched, and searched, he couldn't find Andrew. He lost sight of his only son. What kind of a father was he? Did he even have enough competence to look after him? Was he a menace? Was he a failure? He was both, and much worse. How could he have done this? Tears started to shed from his eyes. He hadn't felt like this in a long time.
Out of the corner of his eye, he found Andrew. But who's that he's with?! He never taught him stranger danger because the townsfolk were so nice, but he never imagined it would be his downfall as a father. He's barricaded by fire, so he can't approach them without seriously injuring or killing himself.
He had to try with words one last time.
"ANDREW! IT'S ME, YOUR FATHER! COME BACK! DON'T GO WITH THEM! PLEASE! ANDREW! DON'T GO!"
His words fell on deaf ears.
