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White Crimson	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1109 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
***Welcome back everyone! Here is my second germancest fic that I promised! This fic will be AU as well as altered history. Some historical parts will be borrowed, but are not authentic. Roughly, it would take place anywhere between 1300-1400 medieval Europe. Also, as a side note, Ludwig and Gilbert are not related in this fic. Please read and enjoy! R&R!

***Warnings: Language, violence, executions

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

White Crimson

Chapter 1:

"LET ME GO THIS INSTANT! I AM A FREE MAN WITH MY OWN CHOICES! I AM THE MAGNIFICAT GILBERT!"

Ludwig's attention was taken away from his poker game with a fellow jailer when the new prisoner had entered the dungeon tower. The guards were leading the prisoner to the interrogation room, followed by some royal councilmen. Ludwig looked at other man before excusing himself from the game to follow the councilmen and prisoner. He had to pause for a moment to get the cramp out of his leg before he could walk. It was an old battle injury he had suffered that left him unable to continue in the royal army. Currently, his job was that of an executioner and the prisoner who was just brought in would be at the block soon.

He could hear the prisoner's continuous yelling from the room as he turned the hall. Two guards were posted outside the door but they allowed him entrance to the room. Even though he was typically only an executioner, Ludwig was the undeclared leader of the dungeons. The former king had thought so highly of him that after the battle injury, he had given Ludwig the verbal rights to run the dungeons. No one had to know that Ludwig held two jobs and the 'executioner' always wore a mask over his face to conceal his identity. This was a necessary precaution for any executioner could be hunt down by distraught family members of the deceased. Ludwig never felt guilty for what he did. Killing people who have been ordered to death was no different than killing an enemy on the battlefield.

When he entered the room, one of the old councilmen acknowledged him but went back to their interrogation of the prisoner. Ludwig looked upon the man strapped to a chair by leather belts in the center of the room. Ludwig knew who the man was immediately by appearance alone. White hair and skin, pink eyes, and a uniform symbolizing the 'Knights of Life', this man was Sir Gilbert of House Falcon. The former knight turned heresiarch in order to keep the old ways.

"Why do you denounce the law of your king?" Said one of the advisors to Gilbert.

"That whiney brat is not my king!" Gilbert countered, glaring at the man. "I serve King Fredrick! The one true king!"

One of the men bent down to be at eye level with him. "King Fredrick is dead and so are the old ways! There is a new movement! A new law and order put in place by your king! You do your country and king grave dishonor by denouncing it!"

"It deserves to be ignored and denounced!" Gilbert hollered back at the man, making the other back away. "I am still a Royal Knight and-"

"YOU ARE A HEREATIC!" One shouted at him from behind. "You waggle that heretic tongue with lies! Preaching to people about the spirits and cycle of the world is not what our king believes! Who are you to go around claiming it isn't?"

Gilbert just closed his eyes and smirked at the man. "When a person like the new king abuses their power someone has to rise up against them." He opened them again. "Forcing people into believing the same as you by means of fear and punishment is of no authority by a higher deity! Single or multiple!" Gilbert turned to one of the others and smiled. "Unlike most of you, I have read and studied this 'new' religion, which I choose to denounce based on my own conscience! I bet not one of you even studied this new religion but signed some damn documents that-"

"IT IS HERESY!"

"IT IS CHOICE!" Gilbert shouted back and spat in one of their faces. "I don't force others to believe what I do! I simply enlighten the fundamentals and let them choose on their own! Your king is just a play yard bully! I am Sir Gilbert of House Prussia, and everyone follows me because I am just that damn good!"

Ludwig made no move to interfere but just continued watching, focusing on Gilbert. The man did not seem to understand what kind of trouble he was in.

"He is your lord and master! Unless you repent and denounce your old rebellious ways, you will remain here in this dungeon to await trial." One of the men threatened. "You are a noble, so we cannot torture you. However, being a knight, you are not above some whipping." The man grinned. "You are VERY close to the death sentence and will likely end up with this pretty head on a block! Then you may join your lover king in the world after." The old man gave a smirk of his own to Gilbert.

Ludwig's brows went up at the man's last sentence. He was unaware of a love affair between this Gilbert and the former king.

"For the last and final time…" Gilbert started, keeping his voice calm. "I did not sleep with the late king. I shared his company for companionship, yes. We were very good friends and he delighted in my opinions. When he moved into his older years, I stayed with the man more to care for him. He loved his wife and late child, he never strayed."

"Many servants of the house say otherwise!"

Gilbert gave a snort and a chuckle.

"If it were up to me," Started one "I would have Ludwig here cut out your tongue and break your fingers so you many never again hold a sword or a preach your poison."

Gilbert turned his head and his eyes met with Ludwig's. The two men looked at each other for a moment until Gilbert returned to the councilmen.

"I'm not afraid. I await my trial eagerly." He grinned. "I can't wait to see the looks on your stupid ugly faces when I walk out of there a free man."

"Trust me, it will be here quickly, and the outcome will not be as you think." Said one and then he turned to Ludwig. "Call the guards in here to escort this traitor to his lodgings."

Ludwig opened the door and called in the two guards to escort Gilbert out of the room. Gilbert showed no resistance when the guards took his arms to lead him through the halls. Ludwig walked silently behind the guards while the three councilmen followed. Since Gilbert was a noble and a knight, he was entitled to proper lodgings by the law. The room he was brought to consisted of a proper bed, fireplace, a candle stand, simple carpets, and a practically empty bookshelf. Gilbert was allowed to keep his knights' uniform but was thoroughly searched again to make sure he was unarmed.

Gilbert looked back at the group of men by the door but said nothing. His eyes met with the man named Ludwig for a moment and he smiled. The tall blonde kept the same stoic expression on his face as he closed the door and locked Gilbert inside. Gilbert looked around the room for a moment, studying it from floor to ceiling. The room would be comfortable enough for him with some books and fire to keep warm. He went over to the small window and looked up at it. It was too high for him to see out of it so he looked around for a stool or anything he could use as a step up. There was a trunk at the end of his bed, which would be just the right height to reach the window.

He slid the trunk over to the wall and checked with his hands to make sure it would hold his weight. Confidant in its build, Gilbert stepped up onto it and peered through the dirty window. Outside of his cell was the prison courtyard where punishments and death sentences were carried out. In the center stood a wide platform, which currently sported an executioners' block. Gilbert had witnessed these sort of public gatherings before and the most common were beheadings or hangings. Hangings he had seen but he never went to a beheading. He stared at the large wooden block, knowing that some day soon his head may be resting on it.

The royal court finding him 'guilty' was inevitable, even if all the evidence pointed to him being innocent. He would be lying to himself if the initial fear of being put to death did not frighten him. The body and will fought to live. Gilbert knew he would accept his death because it would be for a just cause. But the question on his mind was, 'would my death change anything'?

This religious crusade that he was a part of sprung from the death of the late king Fredrick. For centuries, their kings and people believed in the earthly spirits. There were four types of main spirits, the Sun, the Moon, the Water, and the Forest. Some lesser spirits were the flora and fauna. But Gilbert, like so many others, believed that the spirits all worked together in an endless cycle that secured the longevity of the world. The people even worked alongside the spirits to keep the world in perfect order. Gilbert was a Knight of the Moon Spirit, appointed by the king to uphold the faith. It was a long process to become a royal knight and Gilbert was one of the youngest to achieve the title. He remained faithful, loyal, and true to his king and the patron spirit.

Yet all of that came crashing down when King Fredrick died and his nephew took the throne. Fredrick's son had died while very young and the couple never had another. The nephew, a whiny spoiled brat, decided to do away with the spirits and embrace a new faith. A faith consisting of one god that ruled over everyone and everything. Gilbert had known of the strange faith, but its followers were so small that it was usually ignored. Now that the new king accepts this religion, he is forcing others to follow by promising severe punishment to any who opposed.

It was that day when Gilbert publicly declined the oath and signing of the king's new religious law. He was proud to leave the royal court and continue to uphold the true faith. Yes, it was heresy and he was a heresiarch, leading the movement to oppose the new king. No matter what, he would not stop his crusade to bring back faith, law, and order.

/

Ludwig washed his hands in the water basin of his room, getting himself ready for bed. His room was adjacent to the dungeon entrance and part of the castle. However, he could still hear the screams of pain and agony from the torture chamber through the walls. The wall across the way was the torture chamber but like everything else, it didn't bother him. The screams were faint and easy to block out if he needed to.

He wanted to get to bed early for he had two executions tomorrow morning, one beheading and one hanging. At least the crowd would be small for they were only smugglers. The big crowds would come when the heresiarch Gilbert was ready to be put to death. Any execution of a royal, noble, or knight always drew the big crowds for the common folk reveled in their demise. They liked to see the rich and powerful brought down to nothingness.

There was one type of execution he never looked forward to, and that was one of an innocent and popular person. The ex-knight Gilbert would be a prime example, for Ludwig knew how loved the man was among the people. Even though Ludwig did not mingle with the common crowd, he had heard enough stories and read articles about the rebel leader. Some say he was more popular than the new king himself. Many feared that the people would rather see him on the throne, even though he is not a royal. They say he is a fine speaker with a charismatic personality and a playful way about him. His rebel army continues to grow larger and larger, which struck fear in the hearts of the royals. The people loved this man Gilbert, and his execution day would be one of pure chaos.

Ludwig could foresee the army wall of soldiers there would be around the platform, using shields and spears to keep the people away. Many people would try to climb the platform and stop him from killing the prisoner. Guards would have to be posted all around the wall, above and below, to make sure no one with a weapon would enter. People would be attempting to kill Ludwig where he stood on the platform in order to save their trusted leader. There was no way he could avoid this for the court was going to find Gilbert guilty to matter what.

Tomorrow morning, before the execution, Ludwig would have to stop by Gilbert's prison chamber to bring the man breakfast. Since Gilbert was a noble, he was entitled to a healthy meal unlike other prisoners, who were forced to starve or received a crust of bread. He also wanted to get a feel for the type of person Gilbert really is. Ludwig remembered fighting alongside the knight during a small battle. He could remember the Moon Knight rearing back on his black stallion with a sword raised high over his head, yelling for his soldiers to continue on. Ludwig had fought with him but he had never said one word to Gilbert. In some small way, he was eager to speak to the man.

/

Gilbert slept soundly in the bed, cuddled up tight with the blankets. The room was still cold due to the dying fire in the hearth. He had been up half the night praying in the small ray of moonlight that shown through the window. Gilbert had prayed for the safety of his people, his friends, and himself. He prayed to all the spirits to keep his people strong in the faith and to never lose sight of what was true.

He was rudely awaken by the echoing sound of the heavy chamber door clicking as it was unlocked. Gilbert turned over in the bed to gaze at the door, lifting his head slightly when he saw the blonde, Ludwig, from yesterday enter. The man had brought him a tray of food, consisting of an apple, cheese, crackers, and bread. A small pitcher of water with a wooden cup was placed beside it. He sat up in the bed and his eyes met Ludwig's.

"This is your breakfast." Ludwig stated plainly. "You will get two meals a day. I got word that someone is bringing in a few more books for you to keep occupied. As a noble, you are allowed to request certain items to make yourself more comfortable. Are there any?" Ludwig stared at him.

"I would like the spirit cycle tapestry from my house at Berlin." Gilbert gave him an answer but Ludwig shook his head.

"I apologize, but you are not allowed to have anything of the sort. The king has forbidden such symbols of the old religions."

Gilbert sighed. "Yes, I am well aware. I have everything I would need then. Thank you." Gilbert watched as Ludwig turned to leave, noticing his limp. "Were you a soldier at one time?"

Ludwig stopped and turned his body to face the other. "What makes you say that?"

Gilbert smiled. "Well, your limp is a dead giveaway, but you also have the stance of a soldier. The way you carried the tray with your shoulders straight back and your eyes forward show some respectable military training. Am I right?" Ludwig just gave him a curt nod. "So then that injury has rendered you unable to fight, correct?"

"Yes. It has." Ludwig moved further into the room, closer to the bed. "I was in a heated battle with the neighboring kingdom and a mace from the enemy struck me in the back of the leg."

Gilbert gave a hiss. "Ouch. That must have hurt."

"It did, but that is what happens when you choose to fight."

Gilbert looked down at the wounded knee and then back to those blue eyes. "It bothers you often, doesn't it?"

Ludwig chose not to answer but those pink eyes were soft with understanding. He decided to answer. "If I am idle for long periods of time or if I am walking a distance then it delivers pain. However, it is a minor issue to worry about. I can handle the pain."

"I'm sure you can." Gilbert smiled. "What is your name?"

"Ludwig."

"Hello Ludwig, I am the dashing and most exuberant Gilbert of House Prussia and head leader of the Moon Spirit Knights. Despite what you or the law may say, I still hold those titles for they were bestowed upon me by our true king, Fredrick. Nothing will change that."

Ludwig said nothing and just stared at him.

"So, now that you are no longer a soldier, you are a jailor?"

"I am." Ludwig mentioned no more. "If you will excuse me, I have work to attend to. Enjoy your meal."

Gilbert watched the man leave before getting out of bed and going over to the table. He picked up a piece of sliced cheese and nibbled it, finding the dairy product to be delicious. Gilbert happily ate the contents of the plate and chugged down the water. Once his belly was full, he went to the fire and threw in a few more logs. It took a few minutes for him to get the fire blazing again but once it did he sat in front of it, warming his body.

He dozed off into a tiny cat nap, dreaming about the days before the new king came to power. When he woke up again it was to the sounds of chanting and cheering from outside. Gilbert glanced at the window before rushing over to it. He stepped up onto the trunk and rest his fingers on the ledge to peer out at the platform. Just as he had thought, an execution.

Gilbert looked at the bloodied, dirtied, and trembling form of the man who was about to meet his death. Gilbert silently said a prayer to the Sun spirit to guide the soul to safety. Two other men were preparing the noose while another checked the lever for the floor, making sure it opened and closed properly. The executioner was standing by the lever, the black mask covering his eyes and ears only. A councilman opened a scroll and began to read the accused man's crimes out loud to the crowd. The window's glass muffled the words so Gilbert was unable to make out what they were saying.

When the councilman left the platform, the accused was brought to the center, hands tied behind his back. The executioner stood behind the man and wrapped the noose around the other's neck, pulling it taunt before going to the lever. The man was allowed to say a few words, but they lasted only a second when the lever was pulled. The lever opened the door in the floor and the man fell through, the noose snapping his neck instantly. The crowd cheered and threw various objects at the dead body.

Gilbert continued to watch as the man was released from the noose and his dead body placed onto a cart filled with hay. The two men from before carried the block up the platform steps and to the front of the cheering crowd. Some hay was taken from the cart and placed in front of the block to catch the falling head. Gilbert said another prayer for the next man who was lead to the block. The guards forced him onto his knees and laid his head to the side. The man was facing Gilbert's direction and he could see the fear in the man's eyes. The executioner came over with the large axe, but Gilbert immediately noticed something about the axe wielder.

The stance of the executioner was not a normal one for he was putting more weight on one leg to hold the axe. A normal person would be thrown off balance, but this man was able to withstand the weight of the axe. Gilbert knew then and there that the executioner was Ludwig, the man who had brought him breakfast. Gilbert was unable to think further when he saw the blade raised high over Ludwig's head. He held his breath when the axe came down straight and loped off the man's head in a second. Gilbert felt his blood run cold when the head landed on the hay and Ludwig pushed the still trembling body away from the block. A few men dragged the decapitated body to the wagon to join the other while another took the head.

Gilbert's hand flew right to his neck and he rubbed it gently, imagining what he would look like headless. In a short time that would be him. Now that he knew what it entailed and what it looked like, he had to do something. He would not let himself be killed in such a way for he was a nobleman, a knight, and a trusted friend of the realm. There was no way some snot-nosed kid with a crown was going to decide his death. But how could he do it? How could he protect himself when the jury was made up of the king's peers and supporters? Even if he was killed, would his crusade remain strong or will his army surrender in fear?

No, he would not give up on his crusade and his people. He was, after all, the magnificent Gilbert who ranked as one of the greatest knights of his day. Never had he lost a fight, joust, duel, or challenge. It was near impossible to keep him down for he was just too good at what he did. Gilbert had to admit that he was a bit full of himself at times, but in a way, that was how he had achieve the level of nobility he was at. He was noble when he needed to be. On off times, he liked to kick around, relax, pester, or just cause trouble. Even if he started a fight he could always finish it. This is why his head could never rest upon that block.

"I guess my first order of business would be to make nice with the executioner." He smirked. "Yeah, I could do that. I can sweet talk my way out of a potato sack! HA HA HA!" He laughed loudly from the center of the room. "I shall prevail because I am the greatest!"

/

"Answer my question you good for nothing heretic!" One of the interrogators hissed out at Gilbert when the man was refusing to answer.

Gilbert's wrists were suspended above his head by chained shackles as his body hung just an inch off the floor with only the toe of his boots touching. Even though his back was stinging from the whip lashes, Gilbert kept an obnoxious smirk on his lips. The pain was minimal and he could handle it. He was more amused by the interrogator's enflamed red face at his refusal to answer.

Ludwig was growing bored of the whipping, and it was he who was doing it. The man did not care enough to say no, especially when an extra couple of gold coins were given to him. Money or not, he was still a servant to the realm. Not by choice, of course. It didn't matter to him. What did matter was the ache in his knee, for he had been standing here with a whip while the prisoner Gilbert continued to be stubborn.

"Another!" The interrogator ordered Ludwig to strike Gilbert again, and he did. "Where are you other heretic friends?"

Gilbert responded with a smirk.

"Be warned, sir, that you are on very dangerous grounds!" Shouted another. "The high council will soon be presented with a bill to overlook the rank of a noble! Tell us where we can find the others and spare yourself the chance of being racked!"

Gilbert spit onto the floor and cleared his throat. "Is that supposed to scare me?"

"It should."

"Well, it doesn't." Gilbert grinned. "Since you no longer think of me as a knight, then I no longer have to act the part in front of any of you. Eat shit and die you portentous old cocksuckers! I WON'T TELL YOU A THING!"

"WHIP HIM AGAIN!" Another shouted to Ludwig, completely outraged by Gilbert's choice of words.

Ludwig raised the whip and did so, watching as the hard lash struck open the pale skin of the prisoner. Like himself, Gilbert was clever at disguising his pain. Both being trained as warriors they were taught ways to endure pain so they could continue to fight. He sent the whip flying again to strike at the strong back then stopped, much to the councilman's displeasure.

"Why have you stopped! I never commanded it!"

Ludwig stared intently at him. "The law is only ten lashes for a knight of this status."

"HE IS NOT A KNIGHT!"

"A knight must resign in front of a court and give up his uniform and sword. If he does not, then he is still a knight."

The man growled.

Gilbert chuckled. "This man is wiser than you are with a smaller pay! Ridiculous. What a fucking fool you are! I did not retire my title…I denounced the court, unwilling to fight for it. I am still a Knight of the Moon Spirit."

"The Moon Spirit is false!" The man hissed. "As is your poisonous tongue!" The man looked to the others. "Let us report on the arrogance of this fool! GUARDS!"

Ludwig watched the men leave and the guards come in to remove Gilbert from the chains. The albino man hissed slightly as he lifted his hands to rub at his shoulders. The guards led him out of the room and Ludwig followed them to Gilbert's chambers, taking with him a medical bag. The prisoner was shoved into the room and he followed inside, excusing the guards from their duties. Ludwig closed the door behind them and looked to the man standing in the center of the room with his back dripping blood.

"You whip pretty hard." Gilbert said, not turning around. "I guess it comes from wielding that massive axe."

Ludwig raised a brow. "I do not know of what you speak."

"I figured it out." He turned to look at Ludwig with a smirk. "I recognized the way you were standing on that platform. I've seen enough battle wounds to know." Gilbert rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck before walking over to Ludwig. "So I am currently looking into the face of my killer." He smiled.

Ludwig glanced down at him, unmoving. "If you are found guilty then I will have to take your life away. However, it is not by my choice but the choice of other men. I just do as I am told. Bear me no ill will."

Gilbert tapped his chin. "Hm…that is kind of hard to do. In the abstract sense."

"Indeed." Ludwig looked away.

"Why are you here? What is that you want of me?" Gilbert asked, hands on his hips.

"Well, before your snippy attitude I was going to offer to clean your wounds before they become infected."

Gilbert raised a brow in confusion. "But…I am a prisoner. Why would you offer to do that?"

"Unlike you and the king, I have no cause or need to believe in anything. Therefore, I live by my own dictation and no one else's, especially beings that don't exist."

Gilbert took a step back from him. "Nothing? You do not believe in ANYTHING?"

"That is correct." Ludwig crossed his arms. "I have no reason to believe in something I can't see."

"You are entitled to that opinion."

"But it is fact." Ludwig countered and Gilbert's brows narrowed.

"Says who?"

"Says me. Do you think to say I am wrong? Aren't you the one who preaches fully heartedly in what you believe to be true?"

"Yes." Gilbert crossed his arms as well. "But I know I am right and you are wrong."

"Prove it." Ludwig challenged him.

Gilbert stared intently at him before his lips grew into a smile, then he laughed. "This is great! I've never met someone like you! What has happened in your life that would lead you to think so little of the universe?"

"It is none of your business. Now get on the bed so I may fix your wounds. We are soldiers after all. There is a special bond we all share."

"You are right in that." Gilbert went over to his bed and carefully lay upon his stomach, folding his arms in front of him. He watched as Ludwig walked over to his bed.

He took out some of the bandages from the medical bag, a cloth, and a small box of salve. With the cloth, he began to pat the lashes dry of blood. Gilbert hissed softly but said nothing as Ludwig continued to clean his back.

"Why do this?" Gilbert asked. "Why help me when you are going to kill me?"

"Despite my take on the issue at hand, I am a firm believer in doing what I want whether it is necessary or not. We are fellow warriors and as companions we look out for one another on the battlefield. This predicament you are in now is just different type of battlefield."

Gilbert closed his eyes with a chuckle. "It's funny…I rather be on an actual battlefield with swords and shields coming my way. Not this type of battlefield…full of liars, tricksters, and phonies. Mouths lie, hearts lie, the mind lies…but a weapon in the heat of battle does not."

"Wise words." He continued to pat at the wounds. "May I ask you something about your knighthood?"

"Ask away." Gilbert twitched when Ludwig touched a particularly painful spot.

"The Knights of the Moon Spirit are a celibate group when joined. The late king appointed you there."

Gilbert interrupted. "Are you asking me if I was or was not a virgin when I entered the knighthood?"

Ludwig frowned. "May I finish? I simply wanted to ask if you did have carnal relations with the late king. Upon what I could gather from side conversations of those councilmen, they are going to use that against you in court. Assuming that you only came to the title that you did because you were a bed partner for the king."

"Would you believe me if I told you?"

"I just might. It depends. I really am just curious on my end…for King Fredrick was already old when you entered into his realm. You are young."

Gilbert looked over his shoulder at Ludwig. "That means nothing. As I've said before…Fredrick took great interest in my wisdom, battle plans, and opinions. You could say I was on his 'private' council, but only because he trusted me above all others. Just because he favored me over a nest of snakes does not mean I slept with him." He hissed again. "Fredrick was a dear friend of mine, nothing more. He made me a knight because I deserved it."

"Why would he put you in the Moon Spirit's group then? There are other knight groups you could have gone in. Did he place you there out of his own desire for you? Since he could never have you?"

"That is bullshit. I did not sleep with the king. I am still a virgin because I have never been with a man. I have been with women before, so I am not a full-fledged virgin.

Ludwig rubbed a bit salve on another scar. "The whole thought process on the 'virgin' issue is ridiculous."

Gilbert laughed softly. "I agree."

"Now, let me ask you this. Did you love the late king?"

Gilbert glanced to the side. "Everyone loved King Fredrick. If I didn't, then would I be leading this crusade?"

"You know what I mean." Ludwig paused in his dabbing.

"That is none of your business." Gilbert glared at the man from over his shoulder.

Ludwig smirked. "There is my answer."

"You may think what you will, but I know the truth."

Ludwig continued to rub the salve all over the lashed back. "If they are going to use that in your trial, then I should tell you how they will go about doing it." He waited for a response from Gilbert to continue, which came with a nod. "They will test to see if you are a virgin by actual penetration. I've seen them do it before. If you are found to be a virgin, then the royal court will pardon you for their violation of your body. If you aren't…well, you know where it goes from there."

"You jest." Gilbert smirked. "I could have been raped when I was a child and never done it since. Also, I am a noble. They cannot touch my honor. Their 'tactic' would work more with a woman than with a man anyway."

"Do you really think they care about that? You know they only want to find you guilty in everything." Ludwig warned him. "I wouldn't be surprised if the new king changes the laws just for you."

"I still have no fear." It was true, he did not fear the basic principle laws changing, king's word or not. Gilbert had friends in the High Council, the men who wrote and upheld the law. If they all voted 'no', then the king was powerless. However, the High Council could not interfere with his trial, and they frown upon revolutions. Yet Gilbert was certain they would uphold the common laws and keep him safe.

"I hope for your sake you are right." Ludwig began the bandaging.

Gilbert remembered that Ludwig was the executioner and needed to get on his good side. Even though he was a 'man virgin', Gilbert was willing to give it up to ensure his safety. "Will it be you who tests me?" If it were to be Ludwig, then the man could fully testify, in truth, that he had never slept with the king.

"No, I do not allow myself that sort of torture. The main torturer would do that to you, while the councilmen watch."

"So I will be fucked over no matter what."

"Basically."

"Whatever. It is only my body. Not my pride, not my honor, not my spirit, and not my valor!" Gilbert turned and sat up on the bed, facing Ludwig. "I am not afraid. Let them rape me. Let them change the laws to torture me! Let them come at me with all their power! I am Gilbert of House Prussia, Ear to the late king, and Knight of the Moon Spirit! I believe in my faith and in the strength of the realm! I will not waver!"

Ludwig stared at him, searching those pink eyes for doubt, but found none. Gilbert meant what he had said. "You are a fool then." Ludwig told him. "Religion and faith means so little to me. I signed the new king's ridiculous paper because I could care less. Make this easy on yourself. Pledge allegiance to the new faith, but uphold your true belief in silence."

Gilbert shook his head. "I could never be silent. I could never lie to myself! I have a strong will and equally strong conscience! Lying would not settle well with me. I have faith in my beliefs and no one can take them from me!"

"Then I shall see your head on the block soon enough. A strong man such as yourself should not let such moral foolishness walk him to his death. I know you are an intelligent man beneath that obnoxious and overzealous attitude."

Gilbert suddenly smiled at him, reaching his hand out to feel Ludwig's knee. The blonde man looked at him with confusion. Gilbert smirked at him. "Ludwig, while I may not agree with your words…you have still been very kind to me." He smiled sweetly, acting coy. "May I see your knee?"

"Why?"

"I wish to gaze upon the wound that rendered someone as strong as you helpless. I would heal it myself I could. This wound you have, this life changing wound, happened because you were defending the freedom on your realm. It is something to be proud of, not ashamed of."

Ludwig thought about Gilbert's words and felt some comfort in them. "Very well." He lifted the leg of his pants to show Gilbert the dark pink scar that ran from his knee to his leg.

Gilbert looked at the scar on the man's skin and frowned slightly. "Do you hate the spirits for allowing this to happen?" He was curious to know Ludwig's answer.

"No." Ludwig answered harshly. "Worldly spirits had nothing to do with it. All it is was bad luck and in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nothing more."

Gilbert rubbed at Ludwig's knee. "It pains you."

"And?" Pink eyes gazed at him.

"May I rub it? From one warrior to another? We take care of one another, right? We comfort each other."

Ludwig smirked. "You mean like lick our wounds?"

"We are one in the same. We are brothers, you and I. Brothers in arms." Gilbert rubbed the wound, looking up to see Ludwig's eyes slide close. 'It's working!' He said to himself. 'Great Moon Spirit, forgive me in my evils that are to come.' He smiled when Ludwig's blue eyes opened again to gaze at him. "He is a strange on, this Ludwig. However, seducing him will aide me greatly in this unjust misfortune.' He leaned down and kissed the scar. 'All will be for the great good in the end. I will sacrifice my soul, because I am noble and awesome like that! I-'

A hand wrapped around his neck. Gilbert's first reaction was to break out of it, but he reminded himself that he was to make friends with his executioner. Instead, he remained still.

"Why did you kiss it?" Ludwig growled.

"You fought for the safety of the realm. For King Fredrick. You are like me. We are on in the same."

"Never touch me again!" He warned, squeezing Gilbert's neck. "I may be your death, but you will not be mine!" He threw the man onto the bed. "I suggest you stop this foolish act for I know full well how you REALLY are! Do not act like some coy little lamb because I know you are wolf in sheep's clothing! How quickly you forget that I shared a battlefield with you!" He crossed his arms. "There are many times I wanted to just sock you across the mouth."

Gilbert narrowed his eyes and smirked widely. "Don't you think I'm acting a certain way because the odds are against me? Perhaps I am waiting for the right moment to strike. I do have a brutal side and I did not become a knight based on favoritism alone. I have more skill then you will ever have! I am the Great and Mighty Gilbert of House Prussia!" He grinned madly. "I will continue to lead the rebellion and save the world from such stupid shit our 'king' squirts out from his ass!"

"Now THAT is the real you. Keep up the act for the guards and councilmen, but don't try to pull it off with me. Good day to you, Sir Gilbert." With that, Ludwig limped from the bed to the door, leaving Gilbert alone and dazed.

End Chapter 1 TBC
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White Crimson