Prologue: How it started Part 1

(Hey guys, it's been several years now since I've written anything. It's kind of insane how much time has passed since I first joined Fanfiction. Since it has been such a long time, I feel the need to explain to new readers what type of world my stories take in and list some key details to give them a much clearer understanding of it.

The MUL Universe follows Rui in many different parallels revolving around some main points. Humans evolving beside Pokémon ended up in a costly war with a human named Artorias leading them. Eventually humans were locked in a standstill until Artorias and Arceus killed each other. Without their leader humanity were soon in a losing position with the hatred festering inside the very core of Pokémon society. Eventually the Pokémon won and enslaved humanity until they realized that enslavement only leads to continued resistance. Purging humanity was their initial choice until by chance a Pokémon child was born with a human father, something never seen before. This child was found to be far more gifted than any before, intriguing the leaders of their species. The leaders believed it might be best to keep the humans around long enough to test the possibility. After a year, ten children dubbed high breeds were born all with natural abilities far better than children before. With this newfound knowledge they realized it'll be best to merge humanity into their society without any of the benefits. To achieve this, they'll need to subjugate the entire species but how was the difficult answer until they realized a very simple answer. Pokémon allowed female humans to be protect and given equal treatment effectively marking them as Pokémon to live safely and happily within their society. They even allowed them to choose their mates since the Pokémon knew they'd need more humans to be bred regardless. After two hundred years, there were no female humans resisting Pokémon for their own species. Without women, humans have no way to run and start anew. This made escape or resistance irrelevant for many and broke the will of the remaining fighters. After giving up, Pokémon ruled for nearly two thousand years becoming increasingly more powerful, changing to be unique in individual appearance, increased intelligence, and more. Eventually families were established for humans that allowed Pokémon to categorize in secret the genes specific bloodlines contain for their benefits. Now the reason Rui has been valuable to some Pokémon is actually because his family are known for a gene that allows Pokémon to breed easier with humans. Basically, making his children very slightly more likely to breed with humans when they grow up. Pokémon researching why finally figured out that human genes are barely transferred to Pokémon children, but these genes cure a problem that stagnated Pokémon development and limited early Pokémon life. Pokémon have very chaotic genes, and these forced the limitations on Pokémon themselves. Human genes are stable making their genes slowly corrected with each generation. Humans do not know this, in fact males are treated poorly and believe that the abuse is because Pokémon are inherently evil. It's a secret only human males about to die are gifted the knowledge of a final mocking enlightenment before being ended. This is the basis of why Pokémon act so coldly but there's also a downside to this. Pokémon with human parents is more likely to be sympathetic to humans. Especially if their family lineage has many direct human descendants. This typically gives them the notion they're just as human as they are Pokémon and in later times have given human males more rights and outright forgiven for a sin they have not committed in a few millennia. This leads to this story now. For this story human sub-families are set up as a part of Pokémon main families to have a steady stream of humans to be used for several different purposes. Whether it be for servitude, mating, trading etc. So, with all this info dropped, I'll start the story now.)

{Rui's Point of View}

I awoke to a knock on my door. I turned my head to see one of our house's servants opening it slightly, her Gardevian head peaking in with a gentle smile, "Breakfast is ready, you don't want it to be cold sir." With a groan I got myself up and stretched in preparation for the day. Pokémon are not usually allowed to be servants for humans... but she wasn't a normal Gardevian. She's Brown-gowned. That means she or her family committed a crime so severe her and possibly others are stripped of their powers and forced into servitude. For Pokémon, this is the highest disrespect possibly bestowed upon one of them. Many even decide they'd rather take their own lives than to live with the dishonor. In that respect, I can sympathize with them. Her mother tried to assassinate a Gardevoir at a higher position... it didn't end well. At least here she's not tried as poorly... but I've seen the abuse those from the main house commit. After eating my breakfast, I helped clean my room and prepared for the day.

Our home is an estate, it has several buildings scaling as tall as fifteen floors for our family to live in. A couple thousand live here and although there's barely any relation by blood, we're all a part of the same sub-family. If you're without a family name... you are worth nothing in many places. Several others in the family are scattered about, filling the halls slightly as they gossip amongst one another. I could hear faint crying as I passed a mother and father listening to another member of our family. "I'm sorry... but he's..." The member trailed off.

The mother finished it, "Dead!? How could he have died? He's only been there for a month! I can't believe this!"

The father hugged the mother, trying to calm her down, "Sh... It's okay... He's in a better place."

I kept walking, hearing the sobs grow quieter as I progressed. As I passed a hall, I heard a gasp and looked to see several people bowing as a Gardevian walked through the hall past them. I recognized her instantly based on the charm she wears around her neck; her name is Aura. When our eyes locked, she instantly shifted to head towards me. I greeted her with a slight bow, "Good Morning Aura. I hope the day has treated you well."

She acknowledged my greeting with a smile and said, "My day has treated me well, thank you for asking." She looked at my face and smiled even more, "You do look so much like your brother. I wonder what the elders are going to decide for you."

I shrugged, "I am not so sure. Speaking of elders, how is your mom doing? I heard she hasn't been able to advance in rank since-"

Aura raised a hand to silence me, "It's alright... but I really don't wish to talk about it. Though... I have heard something troubling lately. Do you know what your destiny holds? As a human, I know you don't get a choice, but has it been relayed as of yet?"

I shook my head no, "I know my father has promised me I'll be getting a human mate. My family's genes need more successors in order to help your kind."

Aura frowned, "Ah... you know... I always thought you'd want a Pokémon mate. You looked the type to be smart enough to know it is what's best for you."

I noticed something in her eyes, worry, "This got serious rather quickly, are you jealous?"

Aura looked taken aback by my sudden accusation, "What? No! I already have so much on my plate. I can't get a mate right now."

I said to her, "I'll miss hearing your singing lessons to the children by the way..."

She smiled sadly, "I know. I'll miss you the most. I can tell you feel the same. I wish you luck, I have to go meet some people."

I waved goodbye and watched her go. She is one of the nicest Gardevians I have ever met, even more so than the maids. As I watched her walk, I couldn't help but wonder what she was hiding. It had to involve me, and I can only think of one thing... I just pray to Arceus it isn't what I thought it'd be. Several members of the family are gathered around some new art created by an older member. It depicted a Gallade standing tall over a Zoroark dressed as a Thief. The Zoroark's eyes lifeless as the Gallade stepped on its back. Many murmured about its depictions other praised the craftsmanship. Some of the art viewers noticed me and bowed respectfully. I greeted them with a smile, my family members have always been such kind individuals. It sometimes bothers me how they know me, but I never seem to remember their names. I once expressed this to our Gardevian Leaders in private to which they're stated it may have to do with Arceus's plan for me. I do not remember every name because I do not need to. Yet they know mine. Fate and fairness never seem to be hand in hand. It's always one or the other, leading to differing levels of importance and power.

Another brown-gowned Gardevian approached me, "Sir, your father wishes for you."

I asked, "Is it important?"

He nodded, "Yes. Extremely important."

I thanked him quickly, "I'll be on my way then. Take care."

He bowed before going off to find a new assignment. I went to my father posthaste, feeling a faint bit of worry gripping my heart. Something was wrong and I can't ignore it... but I can't just demand answers from my father... can I? He's the leader of the family... but he's also my father... so there has to be some sort of special loyalty to me as his own flesh and blood.

His quarters lie in the center of our home, a large open room bathed in lit candles and elegant furniture. Carpets, paintings, all just to look appealing if not for him, then for our leaders. I entered hesitantly, my intruding thoughts clouding my judgment, my hopes and replacing them with fears I never felt before. I always believed what my purpose was supposed to be, the promises made because he is my father. I just can't give that up and lose faith because of some... talk. Some worried looks... can I? What is wrong with me? I shook my head as I approached him, feigning confidence and smiling at my father before motioning for a hug. He got up, silently accepting the proposal. I backed up and watched as he sat with blue flames dancing around him, flickering from special candles given as a gift many years ago.

I asked, "You call for me?"

He nodded, "Yes. A matter of great importance has come up."

I swallowed nervously, "W-What does it entail?"

He looked guilty, his eyes shifting away almost shamefully, "You are... being 'asked' to be mated with a Gardevian."

I could have sworn someone had just shot me with an arrow once the words came out of his lips. Chills running through my body as I quivered with anxiety, "But... But I was meant to continue our lineage. If I don't who will?"

He shook his head in defeat, "That's not important anymore. Margrev herself has demanded it."

I bit my lip angrily and choked, "So it's not a choice..."

He nodded his head sadly, "It isn't. I'm sorry my son."

I asked, "Is there anything you can do?"

He said, "No. We can't, if we go against them many can suffer, I can lose my position and worse."

"Your position is too important to you than your son's wellbeing?" I accused.

My father got angry, "Of course not! The lives of the many have to be cared for, you're just one person. What is one life in comparison to so many?"

I teared up and cried, "BUT IT WAS..." I bit my lip and looked down pitifully. I whispered, "But it was my life..."

In a way, this also feels like karma. As a kid I've looked up to the Gardevians. I was protected... I was meant for a higher purpose I thought... That I was better... I've even tried to promote them as not being so bad despite the stories. Now I must look like a hypocrite. As I eyed the room I could see it. The others watching showed disappointment and rage. Some muttering curses under their breath.

The entrance I entered opened again. Two Gardevians walked in, Margrev and her guardian. She approached us and ignored me as she said, "Your hospitality seems to be lacking."

My father sighed, "It is... a difficult time currently."

Margrev finally addressed me, "Boy, are you aware of your position?"

I didn't meet her gaze, "Yes." Whispering to myself, "Unfortunately."

Margrev turned to my father, "Then we need not waste any time. Thank you for this favor."

My dad said, "Please... treat him well."

Margrev rolled her eyes and beckoned me to follow her. Her guard aggressively entered my personal space to intimidate me into compliance. I looked at my dad to see him nod. Defeated I followed like a lost Poochyena out of the room. I looked back at my dad not knowing this would be the last time I saw him. He looked so sad...

-Later in the day-

The walk to the Gardevian Estate took far longer than I remembered. Sometimes I came her with my dad, other times it was with my brother. Will I see him here? Ever since he turned 18, I barely get to see him. As a hybrid, he wasn't allowed to live with humans once he became a full fledge adult. I decided to ask, "Will my brother be here?"

Margrev thought to herself for a moment, the silence lasted long enough for me to wonder if she just ignored me. She did answer me, "No. He hasn't lived with us in many months. His mate left with him to live with a smaller Gardevian Branch. I think he was just tired of us though."

I thanked her. The Gardevians greeted us, some outright bowing to Margrev low enough to almost fall over. In truth I always wondered what it felt like to truly not feel the pull of gravity as they do. In my mind I cannot comprehend how one does not feel down to know up. Eventually we began walking down to what seemed to be a basement. The steps, walls and ceiling quickly becoming smooth stone until we reached a dimly lit room. Candle fire being the only light source as I began to be pushed towards a cement table in the middle. The atmosphere began to wear on me, making a small voice in the back of my head tell me to run, to get away while I still can. I couldn't believe how quickly my life has changed. Just yesterday I only had one worry and that was dinner. Today, I am terrified to know what will happen in the next five minutes.

Margrev stopped, "Rui... are you willing to be Silvia's mate? My daughter's mate? You can choose not to be with her."

I felt taken aback, almost hopeful as I blurted out eagerly, "No! I don't! I wanted to continue my family's bloodline. A bloodline you cared about."

Margrev stood there silently, the air heavy until she started chuckling, "Oh Rui... You failed the first test." She turned to show a smirk, "You didn't have a choice. You were supposed to obediently say 'Yes master. I'll do anything for you.' Then I wouldn't have to make you feel like this."

The guards behind me, grabbed my arms and forced my head against the table. I struggled against them vainly as they forced my right arm to stretch along the table. Another Gardevian, Silvia I guessed, approached my arm. She asked, "This is the one, correct?"

Margrev nodded, "Yes. He's refused. That means you must mark him as yours with Will-O-Wisp. The Fey Fire can never be healed for humans, and I'll enchant it with some of my power to make sure he'll never even think of escaping."

I tried to say something, but a hand covered my mouth as Silvia raised her hand to form a bluish-purple flame. I was forced to watch almost in slow motion as she inched towards my skin and burned my flesh. I screamed into the hand in agony as she guided the fire along my arm, burning the skin in a distinct pattern to her liking. It was like she wanted to use my skin as a piece of paper for a portrait. The process lasted for a half hour, long enough for my voice to be long gone and my consciousness to be slipping in and out from the pain. When she finished, the guards let go and I slumped to the ground unable to feel anything anymore. "Looks like the sensory overload was too much for him. He'll be out like a light in a few." Silvia said to her mother.

Margrev smiled at her, "You did well. I'm proud of you, my daughter."

My last thought, 'Psychopaths... My mate is a psychopath.'

-Several Hours later-

I woke up and immediately tried to get up. I ended up smashing my forehead on a low ceiling. With a groan, I held my throbbing forehead as I tried to get my bearings of this new environment. The air felt thick, heavy as if there is no air flow. I could also just be in a panic. I looked at my arm to see it wrapped in bandages before the pain came rushing back. I bit back a scream as my arm burned for several minutes. Amidst it all, I began to think of one thing, escape. I needed to but the more I fixated on this, the more my arm burned until the bandages became riddled with ash and purple fire danced on my skin. When my thoughts changed to self-preservation and healing the flames died down quickly and the burns were left to heal with lesser pain. Through the burnt rags, I could see the burn scars left behind on my arm. 'You'll must mark him as yours.' I remember Margrev saying. I guess this means other Pokémon will know I belong to someone... or is that something only Gardevians do? I'll have to ask my brother if I get a hold of him. He's the only one I can think of that can help me escape. My arm burned again as escape crossed my mind once more. I quickly pushed it out of my thoughts and the fire died down before it inflicted damage. I was amazed almost awe-struck at how quick and efficient this burn worked. The moment I stop thinking about escaping it goes away!

"I'm surprised they decided to put him down here with the servants." I heard a faint voice say.

"Margrev only wanted the boy for his children. Nothing more." Another replied.

"I always saw Silvia as the kind to love though." The first said.

"She's not like that with humans. I know you have a long lineage of humans, but most don't. That's what makes you soft." The second replied.

The first scoffed, "I'm soft because I don't relish in tormenting humans? I love my father! My parents love each other! How can I act like a monster to my kin?"

The second sighed, shaking her head, "Humans aren't our kin. Tell me this, have you ever seen your father happy with your mother?"

The first flinched, "I... well... no..."

The second leaned in, "Did he ever hug you? Tell you he loves you?"

The first frowned, "That... That doesn't mean he doesn't!" She got mad, "My mom told me he does in his own way!" her voice softened, "He even acknowledged me... said he was proud of me."

The second changed her tone, "Okay! Okay! You proved your point. Don't start crying. It's bad enough we're on night watch duty. I don't even know why. They can't escape the barrier anyways, where would they go?"

The first nodded gloomily, "Yeah... They must be so frightened too..."

the two of them started getting too far away for me to hear them. Judging by the bars, I'm in some kind of cell. I guess it's a precaution from my... resistance. What do I do now? I knew thinking of a plan of action would lead to more burns, so instead I laid down and tried to fall asleep.

The morning came far more peacefully than I expected. The kinder guard woke me up and explained to me what the expectations are. Due to my declination of being Silvia's mate, I'm being punished by beginning as a lowly servant for her and her mother. As you can expect this became extremely taxing. Silvia took every chance she had to be extremely hard on me and it didn't take long for me to understand what the point of this was. It's to induce Stockholm Syndrome (As we would put it in the real world). They think I'll kiss the ground her feet have touched as if she's a god. Most likely a test from her mother and I decided to be as difficult as possible by resisting without fighting. I may be bound to her by force, but I will not love her by choice. By my choice, I will hate her and her mother for this.

"You are so slow with this! It's tea! Your kind created this! How the fuck are you so slow!?" Silvia yelled. She smacked me as hard as she could, "You're lucky I don't carve you up like some of the criminals we keep."

I rubbed my cheek, "Yes, I'm very lucky."

Silvia dumped the tea, "Clean this up and get me a new cup."

I shrugged, "Alright."

Silvia seemed to have gotten more frustrated by my response, "Why are you still like this!? It's been months now and you still act like you hate me. I am very kind to you, yet you never reciprocate these feelings!"

I looked at the mess, cleaning it to focus on something other than her, "I will never love you."

Silvia flared up, "Yes, you will, or I'll rip your skin off with my bare hands."

I got up faster than she expected, almost headbutting her, "We'll see about that."

Silvia bit back an angry response before smiling, "Actually... yeah. We will see about that. Tonight, I need you to bring me towels for my bath..."

I shrugged, "Alright. I do that every night. Why are you acting so strange about it."

She turned around, hiding a smirk, "No Reason... no reason whatsoever... I think I'll just take a walk to cool off."

(That's the end of the first part of the prologue. Next chapter will be the second part and the third chapter will be the beginning of the story. I hope this piqued your interest and will continue to support the story by favoriting, following and/or writing a review to say if you enjoyed it or not. Love you guys and man it has been a long time since I've written.)