Sofia the First: Father

Chapter 22: Father?...

Everyone within ear range suddenly heard a loud groan. Ethan angrily turned to see the hooded man ever so slowly rise up once more, and everyone else turned to see the exact same thing. He marched over and pushed his foot down against the man's chest, pinning him down. The man groaned as he felt the pain of his now broken cheek bone, the rest of his family walked over and stared down at him. But the King prevented his wife, James and Amber from getting too close by standing in front of them and holding his arms out, Ethan eventually broke the silence, "Who are you?" he said angrily. The hooded man continued to groan loudly in agony, "Easy," Roland said to his son, "We need him to talk, let him get up." Ethan sighed in annoyance, but did as asked. He slowly lifted his foot off the figures chest, and the figure slowly got up, only for his arms to be held forcefuly behind his back by two of the guards. "Well, you heard him," Roland firmly said, "Exactly who are you, and what are you doing here in such an uninhabited location?". The man let out a loud, long sigh, "I am not... a criminal," he said, his voice sounding hoarse, "Never have been... never will be". "Then why are you here?" Roland reiterated. The man took a deep breath, "I've been hiding here... for years". Everyone's eyebrows instantly raised "Hiding? For years?" Roland asked in confusion, "From what?". The figure glared over at the crowd of villagers and guards, "YOU," he snarled. "Them?" Roland asked in severe tone, "Why my people?". Just then, Sofia interupted him, "Hang on, dad, let me try something." She then turned to face the man with the hood, "Excuse me... Sir? Did something happen between you and the people of our home?" she asked passionately. The man slowly turned to face the Protector, "You... you are the one... who I chased after..." he said, sounding all the more gruff, "I am... so sorry... I never ment to frighten you, I only wanted you to leave... and never return." He let out another sigh and lowered his head, "And, yes..." he quietly added. But then he realized what he had just said and growled under his breath, "What in the hell am I doing?! I shouldn't be speaking of the matter! Forget you heard a thing!". His head then jolted towards King Roland, "If you're going to finish me off, DO IT!" he growled, "I have nothing left to live for! I''m nothing!". Sofia ever so quickly interviened, "No wait! Dad, don't listen to him!". She looked looked the figure in the eyes, though she, nor anyone else, could see them. "Mr.... whoever you are, please don't say that! We want to help you". The figure sighed fumingly, "Save me? There is no saving me." He closed his eyes without anyone seeing, and began to picture the simple life for which he had lost years previously. "My life was perfect; I had everything your average man could ask for... and it was all taken from me without rhyme or reason! My home. My fortune. My family...". "Sir, we really, truely want to help you," Sofia replied, "But we can't unless you tell us who you are, and if you can be trusted. Then, just maybe... things could go back to the way they were for you." The man let out one last final sigh, "Very well..."

"It all started a little over 10 years ago now. I lived in village of Dunwiddie, with my soon to be wife, son, and new-born daughter. We all lived relatively normal, peaceful lives, in our shoe shop located in the center of Dunwiddie Village. Everything was simply... perfect. Untill... it all happened so fast. I overheard the Monarch giving a speech, saying that there was an unidentified male who had just obtained a bounty on his head. Over six foot, about 230 pounds, and was a brunette. That very male was me, even though I was completely innocent, not a single bad thing to my name. But thankfully, I had a plan. I simply changed my name illegally, and everything went back to normal... but only for a while. Because, one late night, I was working the night shift, it was all peaceful and quiet with nothing but the sounds of the waves and clusters of seagulls. Untill one of the patrolling guards came up to me and asked if i had seen that ' British fool' around the area, despite the fact that he clearly didn't know what the first of the two words even ment. I can't recall what was echoing inside my head at the time, but something changed... something snapped. I simply couldn't stand it anymore, he berated my own people! When so many of them had lost their lives unfairly! I was so enraged that I simply burst out in anger, 'We Brits are not scum!'. But then I realised what I had just said, and I was too late to prevent and change it. He subsequently realised that I was the person they were after. But just before he could react, I full-on charged at him, knocking him on his... behind. Before pushing him off the pier with all the strength my right let had. But then, two off duty sailers saw everything and ran to alert the nearest guard. My instincts kicked in, and I ran for home straight away to inform my girlfriend of the situation, worried for my own future. Once I arrived, I locked the door tight, and told her everything. To cut it all short, she was horrified out of her mind. Eventually, I heard light footsteps coming down the stairs, we both turned to see my son in his pijamas. He was oh, so exited to see me home early and rushed over for one of our 'special' hugs. He then noticed I had tears in my eyes, and asked what was wrong. I felt so inhuman as I explained everything to him as light-heartedly as possible. I then informed him that we had to go somewhere; when he asked why, I simply told him, 'You'll see'. My lover refused to let the Royal Guard get to me, and that she would try and talk to them. But I told her they wouldn't listen, but it was at that moment that we all heard a loud knock at the door. I escorted everyone into the kitchen and told them NOT to make a sound, especialy my son. From there, I slowly walked over to the front door and turned the knob. The streets were absolutely flooded with villagers and soldiers alike. I was then greeted by... the Captain of the Royal Guard, I DESPISE that one! He informed me that they all knew of my one true identity, and that I was a wanted man in their parts. He also said the King wanted to see me personaly before i was locked away for the rest of my life, i had no choice, it either life or death at this point. I simply HAD to escape, so I headbutt that... waste of bood in the face and dashed back inside - locking the door up tight again. I picked up my son and gave a final tear-filled farewell to those I forever cherrish, before escaping through the back door-"