1 Gilbert's Mission (Full Story)

Exposition

"Are you paying attention Gilbert?" Mr. Vargas asked snapping the white haired boy back to reality. He continued, "As I was saying Mr. Beilschmidt, for your next assignment will be an infiltration mission. As you know the so called Vampires have been becoming more active as of recent days, you will be joining the Vampires. You are to find their motive and weaknesses, then you shall report back to headquarters with your findings, understood? " Gilbert looked into Mr. Vargas' dark brown eyes with his own blood red ones. "As always, Sir." With that, Mr. Vargas slid a contract forward, which the boy then signed. Looking back at the brown eyed man, Gilbert stood up and left with quiet clacks of his shoes down the hallway.

Chapter One

Gilbert stood next the the old oak where he had been instructed to meet a man that was to take him to the Vampire's village. Gilbert had stood at that tree for hours now and was about to leave and find the village himself. He used his hand to gently push him out of the leaning position he was in, looking around once again he saw a figure in the distance.

Gilbert stareed, trying to get a better look at the figure cloaked by the darkness. The figure, from what Gilbert could see, it seemed about his height. The boy had shoulder length hair and Gilbert could also make out a pair of eyes, yet Gilbert still wasn't certain that the figure was a boy. As the figure got closer to him, Gilbert became slightly nervous, the figure was certainly one of them and Gilbert had no clue whether the figure was dangerous or not.

Not five feet away from Gilbert, the figure stopped walking, standing still in the wind that was blowing the figure's hair from side to side. "Are you Gilbert Beilschmidt?" the figure said in sweet yet mysterious tone, "Y-Yes" he stuttered in response. "Then I assume that you know why I'm here?" the figure responded, Gilbert just shook his head to let the figure know. "Then follow me." The figure said as it turned and started back on the path it appeared from, Gilbert stareed for a split second, then quickly started after the figure in front.

Gilbert followed the figure through the winding paths of the forest, many times throughout the journey Gilbert had thought that he had lost the figure, yet, he continued on the narrow forest path. Near the ending of the path, Gilbert saw a clearing in the forest.

As Gilbert reached the clearing he saw many small houses with the sides made of either wooden planks or stone bricks. Gilbert turned his head looking around the clearing of houses, which he could presume was the 'Vampire' Village. He then saw the figure as it continued approaching a larger house made of carved stones near the middle of the Village, Gilbert hurriedly walked to keep up with the figure.

As the figure reached the large wooden doors of the stone house it opened the doors for Gilbert. So, Gilbert walked through the doors into the large room with wooden floors. He was nervous of this though, there was no light . He heard the doors shut with a creak. Gilbert turned around to find the doors tightly shut and the figure gone.

After his eyes adjusted to the darkness, Gilbert saw that there was a long black carpet with red embroidery that trailed through the halls. Gilbert quickly decided that the best course of action would be to follow the carpet since from many of his previous missions he had learned that objects like carpets or candles were there to guide people.

Gilbert followed the carpet through the labyrinth of hallways till he finally reached a dark oak door at the end of the hallway. Gilbert looked around to see whether there was anyone there or if the door was a trap. Gilbert slowly reached out to the cold metal handle, taking it into his grasp. He turned it slowly, pushing it forward.

The room was completely dark, except for the small candle that was set on a long desk. "Hello, Gilbert." He looked up to see a dark figure leaning over the candle-lit desk. Even with the candle the white-haired boy couldn't see and details of the figure. "Tell me boy, why do you want to join us?" the figure said with a deep voice, the man had gone straight to the point at hand. " Hello Mr… um" Gilbert stuttered out, he was hoping that a name might help with finding out who this man was. " You may call me Romulus." the man said. " Okay, Mr. Romulus, I wish to join with you because I have heard tales of the power that Vampires hold and want that power for myself." Gilbert said. "And how would you use this power, boy?" The man asked. "I would use this power to find my little brother that has gone missing for years."

To Gilbert, his brother had always been a sensitive topic, but it was one that would cause others to pity him. While Gilbert hated other's pity, in some cases it helped the mission. "Very well, boy. Leave the way you came, you will be guided from outside." Gilbert nodded and started out of the room. " And one more thing, boy. Don't be reckless." After Romulus said that Gilbert shut the door and followed the carpet back to the entrance.

Chapter two

Gilbert soon reached the end of the labyrinth of halls, he reached the wooden doors to find that they were slightly open now. Gilbert reached forward, gripping the side of the door, he peered out the crack in the door. While looking out he saw the figure that had led him to the village. Gilbert slowly pushed opened the large door further and stepped out, he saw the figure move slightly. "Follow me." the figure said more as a command rather than a question, the white haired boy nodded his head in response.

The figure started on the way to the eastern side of the village, Gilbert in tow. The white haired boy was constantly looking around him at the small cottages lit with flamed candles sitting in each window. As Gilbert was looking around, in part out of nervousness the other awe, Gilbert had failed to notice the figure stop at the entrance of one of the candle-lit cottages. Gilbert ran into the figure, he looked up from his now crouching position to see the boy's face framed by the light cast off from the candles.

Gilbert could now see the boy more clearly, his shoulder length light blonde hair, his eyes and how they were light blue with the light making some areas more violet then blue, his milky pale skin. Gilbert could also see that the boy was wearing dark black boots that reached slightly past his ankle, the long black pants that were tucked into the boots and held in place by a thick leather belt, a long sleeve off-white button up shirt, covered by a black vest that was fastened with a small wooden button.

Gilbert didn't know how long he was staring at the boy but he knew it had been a while. The red-eyed boy looked away embarrassed from staring for so long, he then stood up completely and smiled at the boy.

"Hello, I'm Gilbert Beilschmidt." Gilbert said trying to get rid of the awkward silence between them. "I'm Matthew Williams." the blonde boy said sticking out his hand, Gilbert grabbed his hand and shook it gently.

"I'm also going to be roommate." the blonde boy said. Gilbert looked at him confusedly, "Roommate?" Matthew glanced to the cabin," Yes, since you are joining the village you are required to stay living in the village. You also need to change your clothes, here, we make all we need to survive by scratch, so seeing clothes like that could cause some panic."

Gilbert nodded at the boy understanding why he had to change. " Well then follow me." Matthew said as he opened to cabin door and stepped in, Gilbert followed. When he stepped in he saw a large room with a wooden bunk bed, the sheets on the bed were a dark red color while the pillows were an off-white color and looked quite flat. The walls were also painted the same red as the sheets but slightly darker or lighter in some places on the wall. There was a small wooden desk with a slightly darker colored wood chair to go with it, there were many papers laying on the desk as well. The floor was a dark wood and had a small red rug near the middle of the room. Gilbert could also see that there was two closed doors on the side of the room.

Matthew walked over to one of the closed doors, opened it and walked inside. After a few seconds Mathew came out of the room with some clothes in his arms. "Here, you can go change in that room." Matthew motioned over to the other door. Gilbert walked over to the door Matthew instructed him to go into, inside the door was a small bathroom with the same wooden floors as in the main room. Gilbert quickly changed and saw that they were the exact same clothes that Matthew was wearing. He came out of the bathroom and saw Matthew at the desk reading a paper. Gilbert walked over to the desk where Matthew was sat.

" What are you reading Matthew?" Gilbert asked, " I'll talk to you about it in the morning Gilbert, okay?" Matthew said, "That's fine by me." Gilbert replied. "Which bunk would you like?" Matthew said as he motioned to the beds. " I'll take the lower one, I fall out sometimes." Gilbert said getting a small laugh from Matthew ,"Alright then let's get to bed, it's quite late." Matthew said while walking over to the bed and climbing up into the top bed. "Good night Gilbert" Matthew said, "Good night, Matthew." and with that Matthew blew out the candle lighting up the room and they both fell into a deep slumber.

Chapter Three

The next morning Gilbert awoke to a loud bell that was ringing through the village. He looked around the room to find Matthew again sitting at the desk, this time Gilbert could see that Matthew was writing on something with a long quill.

Gilbert swung his legs over the side of the bed standing up with a loud yawn. Matthew turned around to face the white haired boy. "Oh, good morning Gilbert." Gilbert yawned again,"Morning Matt, so what was it you were going to tell me." Gilbert said in a tired voice," What do you mean Gilbert?" Matthew said confused, "You were going to tell me what was on that paper you were reading last night." Gilbert reminded the boy. "Oh yeah, we are supposed to gather in The Hall for a meeting in about 20 minutes, so get ready. There is a hairbrush and a change of clothes in the bathroom." Matthew said as he turned back to the paper he was writing on before and continued writing.

Gilbert nodded and went into the bathroom to get ready. This meeting could have information important that he could use to complete the mission. Gilbert quickly changed into the different clothes that were set out for him and brushed his hair. Gilbert exited the bathroom to see Matthew grabbing a leather bag, he turned toward Gilbert, " Are you ready to go?" Matthew asked, "Yup, let's go" Gilbert said walking out the door and looking around," Um, where are we going?" Matthew laughed, " Follow me."

After several minutes of walking they came to a halt in front of a large cabin-like structure that was more elegant than the one that they had stayed in the night before. Matthew led Gilbert into the structure, there he saw many other people dressed in similar clothes to him. Gilbert guessed that there were about 30 other people around his age that were all seated around long wood tables. Matthew motion for Gilbert to follow as he walked over to one of the tables that still had a few open seats.

Matthew sat in the middle of three seats and patted one that was next to him, Gilbert sat down in that seat and waited. Not five minutes later he heard fast approaching footsteps behind him, he stayed still in order to not draw any attention to him. The footstep became louder and closer amongst the soft chatter. Gilbert slightly turned his head to glance at what was happening behind him, at that moment he saw a boy with dirty-blonde hair fling himself at Matthew.

Gilbert didn't have enough time to react the boy latched on to Matthew. Matthew then turned around and Gilbert could see he had a annoyed expression on his face. "Mornin' Matty!" the boy said with a loud voice drawing the attention of the other people in the room who quickly turned back to their conversations as if it was a usual occurrence.

"Please get off of me Alfred." Matthew said, annoyed. "Oh come on Matty, don't be like that, anyway last night I won three games of soccer against Mathias, oh and I won another two games of football against Mathias and Antonio, and another game of baseball against Antonio and Mathias, you should have seen the look on his face when I threw the ball full force, it hit him right in the abdomen…" the boy continued the rant about how he is the best and how awesome he is. Matthew wasn't paying attention to the boy's rant. "Um, Matthew?" Matthew looked over to Gilbert," Who is he?" Gilbert said pointing at the boy, "Oh, that's Alfred, my twin brother." Matthew responded. "He always says he's the older one." Matthew then once again faced Alfred," Please sit down Alfred." Alfred then shrugged and looked to the left, "Mathias!" he said as he ran after a taller boy with light blue eyes and spikey blonde hair.

Matthew sighed and turned back the face forward, Gilbert did the same. He saw a older man go into the middle of the tables, the man cleared his throat to get the attention of all the others in the room. "You all are probably wondering why you were called to The Hall," some of the people nodded their heads, the man continued," Leader has decided upon a new target, one that is much larger than the last. This target is the one that caused the Balearic Sea to be closed off to all fishing industries. The Balearic Sea has also been named the largest dead zone in the world, and the last known sighting of any life in or surrounding the Balearic Sea was eight years ago. All of this was caused because of the Bonnefoy Paper Factory, this factory has not been monitored properly, this let the owners find holes to save money. One such as letting out the chemicals used on the papers into the Balearic Sea, thus killing all life in that area. The goal of this target is to destroy the factory with as little harm to the workers as possible, since this could be unknown to them, we are to spare them. The target will be taken out at midnight tonight, so make the necessary preparations. You are all dismissed, meet here at ten tonight."

With that everyone in The Hall got up and started to leave, Gilbert followed Matthew as he got up and started walking back the way that they came from. Gilbert had learned quite a bit of information, so much that his mission could be complete. Gilbert disliked that fact though, he actually felt some sympathy towards the so called 'Vampires', he had also started to grow attached to Matthew, yet, he new that all that people in the Village would most likely be given the death sentence for all the crimes committed against multiple countries. That thought made Gilbert feel sick inside, he had never felt such sympathy towards others on his mission, because sympathy could cause the mission to fail. Failing even one mission could cause his younger brothers death. Ludwig was almost 16 now, Gilbert hadn't seen him in person for four years and he new it could be even longer till he saw his brother again. Everything that Gilbert has done was all for him. If Gilbert failed the mission, the government would get dispose of Ludwig. Even though Gilbert had known for a long time that the government was using Ludwig as a way to make Gilbert follow what they wanted, Ludwig was right in their hands, letting them use Gilbert as a puppet for their own benefit. Yet, Gilbert loved Ludwig so he would do anything to make sure that Ludwig was safe.

Chapter Four

Gilbert looked forward to see that him and Matthew were almost to the cabin. "Hey Matthew?" Matthew turned to face him,"Yes, what is it Gilbert?" he said. "Can I wander around the Village? I want to learn where everything is." Gilbert responded, "I don't see a reason why you can't. Just be back soon." Gilbert nodded understanding he didn't have much time. He then turned and started off towards the woods.

After walking a few steps he turned around, Matthew had gone inside the cabin, Gilbert sighed in relief. He continued walking and marking the path as he went along till he reached the tree where he was yesterday. That's when it had hit him, it hasn't even been a day since he left on this mission, he was getting quicker as every mission past. Gilbert got down on his knees, feeling around in the dirt at the base of the large tree, he felt something cold. Brushing the leaves on top of it, he picked up the small metal box. He opened the latch keeping the box shut, Gilbert pulled the large phone-like device. Gilbert flicked a small click letting him know that it was on and recording," Hey, Mr. Vargas, I have some important information. The 'Vampires are planning on destroying the Bonnefoy Paper Factory around midnight tonight. Make plans on intercepting them I will be there as well though, goodbye.���

After returning the device and the box back to it's original place Gilbert setback to the Village following the markings he left. He arrived back at the cabin after a while of walking."There you are Gilbert." He was met by Matthew opening the door for him, Matthew then handed him a pile of folded clothes, "Change into these."He said with a smile, Gilbert simply nodded and went to the bathroom and changed. The new clothes were completely black yet unlike many of the completely black outfits Gilbert had worn, these weren't form fitting.

"Hey Matthew," Gilbert said as he exited the bathroom to see Matthew packing stuff into two small satchels,"Why are these so loose and flowy? Shouldn't they be like tight and more form fitting?" Gilbert questioned. "No, these are loose, with form fitting ones they show someone's figure and don't have things like pockets. These have many places to put items, obscure you form if anyone sees us, and these save the ones who make the clothes from having to make each person a specific one." Matthew responded "Okay then!" Gilbert said.

Matthew handed Gilbert one of the satchels that he finished and closed up, "Here, there is some equipment in here, also during this stay close to me, okay?" Matthew said," Okay. How many times have you been doing this?" Gilbert questioned. "Well I was born here, so as many targets that have happened in the past four years, we are only allowed to start going on missions when you turn 13 years old." Matthew responded, "So if you have any questions I can answer them for you."

Matthew and Gilbert talked about the mission and life in general. Before they realised it it was ten o'clock. They headed to The Hall with the satchels. When they got in, Gilbert could see that that all the people in there were wearing the exact same outfit that Matthew and him were wearing. After a few minutes of waiting there a bell rung, everyone got up and started walking. Gilbert followed along next to Matthew.

The group of people all dressed in black walked for about two hours before they came upon their target. The walk would have taken less time if they hadn't had to be hidden by the forest in order to not look suspicious to any people that could have been watching. They came upon the large factory that was on the oceanside, the perfect location for what the factory was trying to get away with.

Gilbert saw many of the others going into their satchels, Matthew had explained this part, Gilbert dug through his bag until he found it. The bag of the 'Vampire's' special gunpowder. Everyone then brought up their masks that covered their mouths and nose, then put on their hats to cover their hair so all anyone would know about was their eyes.

The group that was going in the building looked around determining that the coast was clear to go. The large group quickly and as quietly as they could made their way to a door that they were specified to use. Gilbert was told by Matthew that one of them had went undercover at this factory and that's how they knew what was going on there, this same person had also left one of the doors unlocked and had disabled the alarm system.

One of the people opened the door letting everyone through then slowly shut it. The group then split up into smaller groups that were each assigned a floor to cover. Gilbert and Matthew had floor three. They used a staircase to walk up the three flights of stairs to get to their floor. Once they were there the group split up even smaller walking around the floor, scattering the powder and making sure that the lines all connected.

Gilbert was getting more nervous every passing second, where were the police? He had contacted Mr. Vargas, so people should have been there to stop the 'Vampires'. Gilbert shook of the thought and finished up.

All the groups started filing out of the building, after a few minutes everyone was accounted for. The group that was assigned to the roof got the easiest job. Cover the entire thing with the powder. He heard the match, Gilbert looked to his right and saw the Mahogany arrow lit on fire.

Then the string was let go. It was too late to go back, it hit the roof. The explosion from the roof, the collapse, the fire. All engulfed in flames, the heat resonated off the building. It was so bright he could feel his eyes begging to look away, yet, he couldn't. The wind blowing flames and heat closer.

Gilbert felt a hand pull him out of his trance, turning to find Matthew looking at him with sympathetic eyes. He felt Matthew grab his hand, turn and start walking. It was at that moment Gilbert realised that all the others had started to leave several minutes before they had. Gilbert started hearing the sirens, Matthew's grip became slightly tighter as he sped up his pace.

Gilbert started to panic at started speeding up as well, soon they came to a full on sprint. They ran for what seemed like hours yet it was only around thirty minutes. They had caught up to the group by then and arrived at the Village, they were all out of breath.

Then he heard the cheering of all the people that were on the mission. Gilbert felt the grip on his wrist become loose and then disappear. He looked over to Matthew to see that he looked embarrassed, "Sorry about that Gilbert." Matthew said. "That's okay, also that was scary!" Gilbert said referring to the mission. "I've been in worse situations, let's go to sleep." Matthew said as he started walking to the cabin and Gilbert followed.

Chapter Five

The next morning Gilbert awoke to see Matthew once again sitting at the desk and writing on a paper. "Good morning Gilbert." Matthew said not even turning around because of the significant lack of snoring. "Morning' Matthew." Gilbert responded, "Today you can just wander around the Village and meet some new people." Matthew said. "Okay, what are you going to be doing Matthew?" Gilbert asked. "I have some things attend to today." Gilbert didn't want to question him, so he just nodded.

He changed into the clothes that he was first given by Matthew and set out into the Village. He saw some people around like Alfred, the taller boy with spiky blonde hair and blue eyes, a green eyed boy with tanner skin and short brown hair, and a light green eyed boy with paler skin and slightly longer lighter brown hair who was scowling at the other three boys. Gilbert decided not to talk with them at least right now because he had met Alfred and that is something he wouldn't want repeat.

After a little walking he came across a cabin that had the door open. Gilbert slowly walked in slightly tapping on the open door, he saw an older lady with light brown hair who was setting a basket of fresh baked bread on a small table. "Oh hello little boy, what brings you here?" the lady questioned. "I'm new here so I'm going around trying to meet some of the people who are here." Gilbert said. "Oh well I'm Elizabeta Héderváry, but you can call me Eliza or Elizabeta." the lady said. "I'm Gilbert Beilschmidt, nice to meet you!" he said with a smile and shaking Elizabeta's hand.

"You know, you remind me much of a lady that used to live here before she passed. You look quite a lot like her!" Elizabeta said, "Are you albino? Sorry if that's rude, it's just albinos are getting more rare every year." Elizabeta sat down at one of the chairs at the table, Gilbert sat in the other. "I am, it kinda makes me stick out like a sore thumb." Gilbert laughed a little. "She was an albino too, a beautiful woman with long white hair and blue eyes so light that it would sometimes make her eyes look purple! Before I met he I didn't even know that that could happen." Elizabeta said. "Could you tell me more about her?" Gilbert asked, this lady had peaked his interest. "Sure" Elizabeta smiled sweetly at the boy.

"Her name was Laura. She came to the Village when she was about 20 years old after living in poverty, she had hoped that being here would help get her out of that poverty. As soon as she joined she immediately caught the eyes of almost all the boys in the Village, the girls either envied her or hated her for stealing the spotlight. She was the person that showed us simple things like hair bands. Simple things like that made her even more popular with all the boys, she was very quick to be able to become fully pledged as one of us. Even though she was so beautiful, she was a boyish girl. She loved being outdoors and liked to be around the boys and just talk like she would to everyone else. It took over 3 years before she decided on someone his name was Feliks Łukasiewicz. It was odd though, even though she was a woman they let her go on the missions that they would go on, yet, they were on a much smaller scale than they are now. After almost 2 more years of Laura and Feliks being together they had their first of two sons. I can't remember his name, but he was an albino just like his mother, but his eyes were red not blue like her's. A little over a year later they had their second son his name was Ludwig and had light blonde hair and dark blue eyes, just like his father!" Gilbert was slightly shocked by the name and the description of the second son, but, Ludwig is a common name and there are many people with blonde hair and blue eyes, she continued," But everything in the Village turned dark only a few weeks after his arrival. Some people that lived near the Village had heard of the discovery that led us to be called 'Vampires'. They broke into the Village one night. They went to the largest house in the town and broke in, trying to steal the elixir that makes us age slower and gain more physical power. People fought them off but many had died for that, one was Laura. I saw it happen, I was watching this all unfold then I saw her. They had stabbed Feliks in their own home, Laura ran at them, starting to attack. The one she attacked was leaning against her desk, and had no weapon to fight her off. The man grabbed a pencil laying innocently on the desk, turned around and plunged the pencil into her abdomen then into her heart. I could see her fall to the floor and a pool of blood start forming around her. I was taken away as this was happening. Later I was told that her and Feliks had died but her children survived. As we had lost so much during that skirmish we had to get rid of her children, we couldn't have taken care of them. We sent one of the men, I think his name was Basch, anyways, we sent him into a nearby town to find people to give her children to. From what I heard after, he found an adoption agency. That's really all I know about her, me and her weren't really the closest and I don't really know why. I guess I was just kinda intimidated by her and never really gave her a chance. She was loyal to her last breath." Elizabeta finished her story, tears threatening to spill recalling the memories. Gilbert on the other hand was quite shocked by her bravery and the similarities between her children and Ludwig and him.

Elizabeta stood up, walking over to a wardrobe that he hadn't even noticed in the corner of the room. She opened the doors and pulled out a skillfully made drawing of two women. She came back over to Gilbert," This is me and the other lady is Laura holding her eldest son." Eliza said. "You know, it's kinda funny how similar me and her older son have in common." Gilbert stated. "How so?" Elizabeta inquired. "Well we both have little brothers born about a year after us that have blonde hair and blue eyes. We are both albino with red eyes. Plus, we were both put into adoption." Elizabeta was quite shocked when Gilbert finished pointing out their similarities. "You know Gilbert, it is quite possible that you could be her son. I mean things like this have happened before. Also with all of the similarities you could convince me." Elizabeta said,"I mean it is reasonable." Gilbert laughed,"I mean, while it is possible that can't be true. I'm 17, and that seems to recent." Elizabeta set the drawing down next to the bread," The oldest son would around 17 now, so now another reason that you could be her son." Gilbert still refused to believe that his mother could have been one of the people that he was told to sell out.

Guilt, Gilbert hated that feeling. It always compromised the mission. Yet the mission was already compromised, he didn't want to leave. Even though he had only been there for less than two days, this place just felt right to him, like he was meant to be there. Gilbert felt he fit in in the Village than he ever did working for the Government. He made his decision, a very hard one to make, but maybe Matthew would understand his situation and help him get Ludwig . He decided that he would try. His decision, betray the Government and side with the 'Vampires'.

Chapter Six

"Thank you Elizabeta! I know what my decision should be!" with that Gilbert ran off trying to find Matthew, leaving a confused Elizabeta behind. Gilbert ran all the way back to the cabin which Matthew and he shared. He stopped as he came upon the door, catching his breath, grabbed the handle and opened it. He saw Matthew sitting on his bed reading a thick, red, hardcover book.

Matthew looked up from the book seeing Gilbert shutting the door and panting." Hey Gilbert, done already?" Matthew asked. " Matthew, I have something I need to tell you." Gilbert said in between pants. "Okay, shoot." Matthew responded.

"Matthew, in truth I was sent here by the Government to find the 'Vampire's' weaknesses and the goal that they wish to achieve." Matthew sat there in shock, tears threatening to spill from the information about the person he thought was his friend, his only friend, "But, after being here and finding everything out to complete my mission, I found that I don't want to leave. This place just feels so right, like I was meant to be here. Sure it will be much different from the life I was living before, after all, the only reason I was living that life in the first place was to keep my little brother safe. They were using him in order to use me, I'm just a pawn to them, something that will be easy to dispose of. " he stopped for a second to catch his breath yet again, Matthew was about to talk when Gilbert cut him off, "I've wanted to leave, but if I do, they...they will kill him, and I can't lose him, he is all I have left." At this point Gilbert was crying, his voice becoming more broken every word he spoke.

They didn't speak, it felt like forever, but it had only been a few minutes. Yet, even in the silence, their minds were racing. Matthew opened his mouth," I trust you, Gilbert. I know people can change, I've seen it before. I've also seen how people can be used and manipulated, so, I trust you." Gilbert was shocked, he new Matthew was kind, yet, he didn't know that Matthew would be that understanding to his situations, he thought he would be lucky to not be attacked. Matthew continued, "Tell me more about your brother." So Gilbert did, every last detail. Gilbert knew where Ludwig was, so Matthew and him formulated a plan on how to get Ludwig out safely and about how since the government didn't know Gilbert's exact location, he was safe.

~*~

In the end Gilbert and Ludwig reunited and joined the Village. Not to long after that they became fully pledged to the Village. In their pledge to the Village they said that they would never have secrets, but this was a vow that they couldn't follow through with from the beginning. Matthew had also promised that he would keep their secret so that they could live their life. But, they had kept almost everything about their past locked away and focused on the life ahead of them.