Prologue 2: Sacrifices Made

(Here's the second chapter, thank you everyone for reading the first and supporting the story. Next Chapter, the start of the story, won't be released until December 1st. This way, you'll have an idea when the chapter will be released to help give you guys something to look forward to. Now, onwards with the story!)

{Rui's Point of View}

- Two Years Later -

It's been two years since the towel incident. I'm now 18, and finally got Margrev to talk to me about my arrangement. I never imagined the sexual abuse I'd have to withstand just to get 'serious enough' for Margrev to 'respect' me with my demand to meet her. She eyed me with a mixture of pity and cruelty, a sick twisted view from a purely evil being... or that is my own mind now warped with a hate that feels nearly as primal as the Pokémon that hates humans. She finally spoke, "I'm amazed... really and for truly amazed. They tell me you tried to commit suicide by your own flames. They even had to devour your dreams to stop the thoughts causing the fire to spread. You know the fires killed several humans, yes?"

I replied swiftly, "I do not care."

Margrev smiled at that, "Oh? Interesting..."

Silvia sat near her mother. She looked aside with a guilty look. "Is... your arm okay?"

I ignored her, "Margrev, you know what I want."

Margrev nodded, "Of course I do. What makes you think I'll fulfill it?"

Silvia said, "You guys shouldn't talk like I don't exist."

Margrev shot her a look, "You don't in this conversation. A brother is talking."

Silvia flinched, "Huh? The hell does that mean?"

Margrev snickered, "He's discarded his humanity, ready to bargain it for his freedom."

I said, "Back to our deal. I'm willing to give anything apart my life for my complete and total freedom."

Margrev tilted her head in interest, "Anything?"

I replied quickly, "ANYTHING."

Margrev sighed and smiled, "Good. There'll be many sacrifices, but it'll take time for you to provide your side of the bargain."

Silvia looked down, clenching her hands, "Anything he says... I can..." she began whispering to herself.

Margrev spoke loudly, "You must fulfill the reason I wanted you with my daughter. Silvia must have one child before you are freed. You will be stripped of many emotions; the mark will be a part of you forever and you'll have no last name."

I found that last part shocking, "I'll be nameless?"

Margrev nodded, "Yes. You'll have no family and never will as you'll be forbidden to mate with anyone else."

I accepted immediately, "I'd rather die alone and miserable than live with your daughter until she gets bored and kills me anyways."

Silvia got up, "I was never going to do that!"

We both shot her a dark glare, "Sit down!"

Silvia shivered and sat down obediently. Margrev looked at me, "Even your brother will no longer be that."

I nodded, "What if he wants to see me?"

Margrev waved her hand as if disregarding the question, "He can if he wishes to. You'll just be a stranger at that point."

I got up, "Good. I accept."

Silvia whispered to her mother, "Why are you allowing this?"

Margrev said to her, "You failed your job. His will was strongest, and he even went through a psychological torture that nearly made him succeed in ending his own life. If you didn't want this to happen, you should have thought of a better way to make him yours."

Silvia got mad, "You told me to do what I did!"

Margrev snickered, "Daughter, you must understand there is never only one way to do things, but there is always one way to ruin a bridge. Once you stole his purity, there was no going back. He will never love you. You'll be lucky if he thinks of you in nightmares once he's gone. Also, you are now forbidden from harming him. He will perform his duty willingly now, take this as your chance if you want. I only care for the result."

Silvia yelled, "I just don't understand why you'd tell me to do one thing but punish me for doing so. I'm your daughter, shouldn't I always be in the right in your eyes? As your daughter, shouldn't you do what you can for me?"

Margrev shook her head, "I find it funny you still haven't learnt to take responsibility for your actions. You still prance around expecting others to bow to you, do things for you, and to always be in the right because you are my daughter. You are not. I taught you what you'd expect, not what you needed to know. Wisdom comes with age, with mistakes, with torment. You will now become wiser, and your next mate will not hate you... probably."

Silvia started to tear up, "But I'm your daughter! Doesn't my life matter?"

Margrev stood up, yelling, "You think you're so important, untouchable. You are but one life. What is one life in comparison to all the others who feel you are unfairly treated better? This would yet be one more example of your bottomless selfishness! I am tired of your attitude, I am tired of your addictions, and I AM TIRED OF YOUR PETTY BEHAVIOR! For now, I am done. I have other matters to attend to."

Margrev teleported away as Silvia yelled, "Mother! ... Arceus damn it..." She looked at me angrily before sighing and leaving silently. As I sat there, I couldn't suppress the joy building in my heart. I'll be free. I don't know how long this will take but it'll be worth it. As I walked back to my small room, I noticed the Gardevians look at me differently now. It felt strange but they looked at me with a mixture of resentment but also respect. I went through the trials of anguish to earn this opportunity. Knowing Silvia, I'll have plenty of chances to get her pregnant... but how long that will take... I don't know. Hopefully my genes are good enough to make me lucky.

- Two and a Half Years Later -

It took far longer than I had hoped but it finally happened. Silvia is pregnant with a child. Is it mine? I don't care. I don't know. I don't want to know. As I began packing what little I had, Silvia sat on my bed watching silently. One of her hands rubbed her stomach as I continued to pack. She then finally spoke, "You... You don't have to go through with this you know..."

I pointed at my arm, "This says otherwise."

She grabbed my hand, "Even that was a choice!"

I pulled my hand away, "No it was not! Your guards pinned me down and forced my arm out so you could play make-believe artist on my fucking arm!"

She squeezed my hand, "Rui, please! You don't have to do this! We can start over; I can be better! I acted better these past few years, haven't I?"

I stared at her coldly, "You acted in hopes of your wants. You ACTED. That is the problem. You don't care about me. You only care about it being November in a few months you fucking slut."

She shook her head no, "That is not what I care about. We've been together for nearly five years! Doesn't that mean something to you?"

I laughed, "To me? Are you serious!? You fucking hit me, raped me several times, taunted me, tortured me... I still can't sleep at night. I can only do it when the sun is up because I worry you'll be there in the darkness waiting like the disgusting little psychopath you are!"

She started crying, "I can change! I'll never do it again! I swear on my life! Our child needs you!"

I turned away from her, "Our child? Oh please, it's not mine. I know it's not. I didn't even inherit any good genes... I was put through all this... for nothing... For fucking nothing! I had to lose everything for absolutely fucking nothing. There's no despair greater than being punished for nothing. I was born, I was expected to have genes that probably never existed to begin with. I was fucked over. Now I'm finally free." My burn flared up, "Urk... damn fucking burn."

She hugged me from behind, "Rui, please don't do this. We can make a new life for us and our family. We can do everything right and I'll be the perfect mate, please believe me."

I tried to get her to let go of me, "Let go you fucking bitch! I'm leaving and I never want to see your stupid ugly face again!"

She felled back onto my bed, "Rui... I love you..."

I pulled back a fist, "Oh really? Like when you whispered that in my ear when I brought you fucking Towels you cunt!"

A Gallade grabbed my wrist, "That's enough."

I sighed and calmed down, so he'd let go. I went back to packing as Silvia broke down in tears behind me. Soon the noise died out as I finished packing. The Gallade bumped my back to get my attention, "By the way, thank you for those times you made me tea. It was really good."

He held his hand out. I looked at it for a moment before grabbing it and shaking it, "Thank you..." I think for the first time in a long time I cried a little bit from happiness. How long has it been since someone thanked and complimented me? Far... Far too long. I looked at Silvia after I wiped my tears and glared at her before leaving my room. I expected her to continue tormenting me as I left but she didn't. Instead, I quietly and peacefully made it to Margrev's location at the gates of the Gardevian Estate. She looked a little sad to see me finally leaving to my surprise. She greeted me warmly, "You have done well to make it this far. In my honesty, I could not be prouder of you. You were born in the wrong form. You should have been one of us with how much heart you possess. You suffered, you struggled and got past all these obstacles to stand here today. As promised, from here on out, you... are freed. As a part of the bargain, I will rip away your ability to ever feel happiness, fulfillment and love. In return I bless you with the Gardevian mark of Arceus. Psychic and Fairy type moves, abilities and Pokémon can no longer affect you as if you are Arceus himself. They can still use their physical strength so please be wary."

I nodded, "Thank you for freeing me."

Margrev laid a hand on my forehead, and I felt her power flow into me. My happiness... I could feel even my memories of this feeling be locked away, like a dream you can't remember. Despite this and the other two being locked, I don't feel regret. I. Am free. The couple of years are going to be challenging, but after suffering it'll be a cakewalk in comparison. I always hated this place since the Gardevians treated me like crap. Before I was taken, I used to look up to them, to revere them as great and wise beings. Maybe they still are wise... but they are not great. I see now what they truly are, and I'll make sure to never get wrapped up with these creatures again... unless it's my brother. As I turned to face the gate, I heard someone yell my name. I turned to see Aura, "You did it?"

I nodded, "Yes. I did."

She looked surprised, "You're not happy to see me?"

Margrev answered her, "He can no longer feel happiness. That was taken as part of the deal."

Aura looked at Margrev confused before backing away in shock, "Rui... what did you do?"

I answered her honestly, "I gave up some emotions and have given her a grandchild." I looked away angrily, "Or at least I supposedly did. Still, despite the fact I needed to do things that disgust me I am now free. I'm even protected from..."

Aura asked, "From... what?"

I said bluntly, "Your kind."

Aura's shocked expression said it all, "You hate me too?"

I shook my head, "Of course not. You've done nothing wrong to me."

Aura asked hesitantly, "Then... why did you say it like that?"

I sighed, "Because you're still a Gardevian."

Aura stepped back, "We played together as kids... how can you say it like that?"

I looked away sadly, "I learned what you really are. I spent the last few years learning."

Margrev interrupted us, "I'm sorry Aura, but he has earned his freedom and needs to take it now."

I looked at Aura and said, "You were a wonderful friend. I'll cherish those memories. I wish you the best." With a curt nod, I turned and left the Gardevian Estate. Living outside the estate was impossible for me initially. I was homeless, I knew nothing of the world, and I had nothing to my name.

After I left Aura and Margrev took a moment to speak, "Why did you do it?"

Margrev asked, "Why do you want to know?"

Aura replied angrily, "You didn't have to let any of this happen. Why would you tell your daughter to act this way towards him?"

Margrev snickered, "Are you still jealous?"

Aura blushed furiously, "I am jealous of no one! I've been blessed with a voice, something your daughter would never have."

Margrev rolled her eyes, "That may be, but Gardevians do not care for your silly little concerts. Singing is a human trait."

Aura bowed, "Please just answer my original question. Why did you do tell Silvia to be so cruel to him?"

Margrev sighed, "I did not tell her to act the way she did. I merely ordered her to do what she thought was best in making him hers."

"Then why would you have her brand him with fey wisp fire?" Aura countered.

Margrev tilted her head in thought, "Maybe that was a mistake on my part, but the rest is hers. She could have changed everything for the better if she tried."

Aura growled in frustration, "How could she change that if you don't guide her correctly?"

Margrev turned away, "If she's to be a leader she needs to make choices, not allow others to make them for her. I thought she was going to kill him if I'm honest. She would constantly complain about him being boring and stupid. She even mentioned how you deserved someone as useless as him."

Aura bit her tongue, "Of course she did."

Margrev asked, "Why do you even like him?"

Aura looked down, lost in thought, "He's very kind in his heart. Even as a kid, he was kind enough to be my friend and play with me."

Margrev sighed mockingly, "Oh poor you. The boy you love is in another castle my dear. As a branded, he'll never be allowed to be with someone else. So, it's sad to say but you'll never have that happy ending with him."

Aura looked at her Serious, "What if... I kill Silvia."

Margrev got just as serious, "I'd kill you."

Aura met her eye, "Trust me. I'll make sure you won't be able to stop me. You care about power, one day... I'll be the leader."

Margrev smirked at that, "Interesting. We'll see what happens."

Aura pulled out her phone, "Thanks for the answer. I need to make a few calls."

- Several Years Later -

I woke up to my alarm. Thankfully it is a Saturday, so I don't have work. I hate getting to work in the morning, even if it's a good job. I looked at my phone and saw a text from Silvia.

'Morning, Rui. Can we talk soon?'

I turned my phone off and got up, 'Dumb bitch.' I thought.

I went into the bathroom and washed up a bit. I'm 29 now... I can't believe how much things have changed. This is nothing like how I imagined my life to be. If it wasn't for Cray, I'd have never been able to get my degree. As a nameless I had nothing to start with... Aura must have told him about what happened. It's the only explanation... unless the bitch told him in hopes I'd forgive her and the fake child.

[Flashback]

"She's your daughter, you have to feel something!"

"Oh, what nice choice of words. I must feel something, eh? I don't feel many good things. Actually, I don't feel ANY good things. That fake little shit makes me feel nothing. As far as I'm concerned, she doesn't even exist."

"How can you say that? You're her father!"

"No, I'm not! You had sex with five, yes five, Pokémon around the time of your pregnancy. I didn't inherit the genes your mother wanted anyways. All that time I suffered with you was for nothing. I fucking hate you. I hate that little shit. I hate everything about the Gardevians."

"We are your family. The sooner you accept that the better your life will get!"

"My life will never get better; you stole that from me. You stole everything from me. My happiness, my freedom, my first time, my chance at love... you're nothing but a psychotic bitch! I wish you'd just die so I wouldn't have to deal with you anymore! If you were dead maybe I could be happy."

"You don't mean that! Plus, your daughter loves you. She misses you; she wants you to spend time with her."

"I'm not her dad, find the bastard's real father. I'm not him. You should know where to look, you fucked him."

"Rui, please. I'm trying my best to be kind and fix this."

"Nothing short of your death will ever fix this. You are nothing but a bad reminder. I hate you."

"Stop it, you don't mean that-"

"Don't you fucking touch me! You have no powers that work on me and so help me Arceus if you even try to force me into anything I'll snap your neck!"

"I've already apologized for that!"

"I don't need your fucking apologies because I'll never forgive you, you rapist cunt!"

"Know what? I'll just go. This has gotten nowhere, and if we keep this up there will be a fight."

"Don't tempt me. I'd love to feel your skull crack beneath my foot."

"I will fix this, no matter what it takes. Also, stop talking to Aura. She can't be with you. Why do you even like her anyways?"

"I don't like her. I can't like things anymore. Besides, before all this she didn't think I was Boring and Stupid."

"I never meant that!"

"Ow! You cunt. There you are. I knew you'd show your true colors eventually."

"Rui... I... I'm sorry."

"Yeah you better run!"

[End]

With a sigh I looked in the mirror and thought about whether living really is the right choice. Still, I at least have some people that care about me. It's my life... I have to make the best of it I guess...

(This is the end of the prologue; next chapter is the official start of the story. I hope you all enjoy and remember to favorite, follow and review to support the story!)