Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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The clip-clop of hooves on cobble stone was the first thing alerting the others of his presence. It was as sudden as the occasional shooting stars above them in the endless night sky. The shadow that fell over the group was intimidating at best, it promised faith worse than death for the ones caught. The guards present hurried and stumbled to bow in greeting.

“Judge Heinrich Lunge.” A frightened whisper from the suspects. A young woman hid further behind her husband, both equally terrified of the person steadily riding towards them.

The man in question rode onto the scene, head held high, and shoulders squared. He wore robes the colour of night, adorned with silver stitches and royal blue accents. On his neck hung a golden cross, decorated with red stones, more precious than anything the people present had ever seen. His black hair was slicked back and neatly trimmed and on one hand he wore three large rings of amethyst and cordierite, gifts from his superiors.

Yes, he was only at the age of 37 but the man was already a well-respected, and feared, judge. The title of Minister of Justice had not come easily to him, no, it took years of hard studying, reading, discipline, waiting, and using contacts which he had accumulated by sentencing criminal scum. His late father had always told him to maintain a good relationship with people in high places, guess he had been right.

Heinrich Lunge had graduated top of his peers from the ecclesiastical school at the age of sixteen, writing and speaking French, Latin, and German fluently. His many tutors in various subjects had often praised him and his incredible ability to learn fast. He was smart, his deduction skills were valuable, and his services became very sought after even before he first started working.

The man, then just a mere boy, had become fascinated by the idea of sinners receiving punishment for their vile deeds, in this case eternal damnation. He took immense pleasure when criminals were publicly executed, attending Thursday beheadings was his favorite pastime. But the need to satisfy this moral obligation wasn't being fulfilled by reading scriptures before bed, or by attending trials, he needed to be involved in the process! These musings made him apply to become a judge at the age of nineteen, and he had been immediately accepted.

Years flew by as he studied, reading every book on the chosen subject he could get his hands on. He even learned Middle English so there were more books open for him. It had not taken many winters until he stood in a position of a Judge’s apprentice and was taught by the very best in the whole city. He kept records, oversaw meetings and trials, and learned the best ways to keep order.

Now, the nobility counted on him, feeding into his lawfully skewed worldview and the poor and the unfortunate dreaded him, not even daring to utter his name, but only because they knew how much holier he was compared to them.

Judge Lunge believed himself to be true and just, and he longed to purge the world of criminality and sin. So many wrongdoers, so many criminals, so many sins and so little time. It was his self-appointed responsibility to cleanse the city streets while he still had life in him. Corruption everywhere around and he was the only person who could save the innocent and good.

He, wielding the word of the law and God, saw wrong everywhere except within.

So dedicated to this important work he was that he had missed the birth of his own flesh and blood. He had missed her first steps, missed most of his and the wife’s anniversaries, hadn't been there during birthdays or holidays or even Christmas, except for the Mass when he was obligated to make a public appearance with her. He didn’t have time to attend the funerals for his mother or father, had not gone to the Christening of his wife’s nephew, and outright missed the wedding of his daughter.

Because why would he attend such pointless timewasters when there were conmen and murderers, all without morals, running loose.

But that's enough of that then. 

The judge's dark eyes, sharp like the ones of a hawk, studied the two individuals in front of him. There was a young, well-dressed man, an ex-lieutenant, and his young wife, who both had tried to escape the city after the husband was accused of theft. All evidence pointed to him, there were witnesses, a credible testimony from a local minister, the case was closed. But now there was an additional charge, fleeing.

He had no use in hearing them out, the story was as clear as day. He didn't want to hear their foolish excuses, the judge had made up his mind long ago. He sat on top of his horse, white as the snow falling around them, and declared into the wintry night.

“ The ones that run are always guilty. Bring these criminals to the Palace of Justice.” His calm words echoed between the houses and the stone walls.

As the blonde man was dragged away, kicking and pleading, Lunge took notice of the bag the woman was holding. He spared it a quick glance before ordering,

“ And reclaim the stolen goods from her.” He had fully intended to return home, to bury himself in more work before the morning sun rose, when commotion alerted him.

Lunge wasn't sure how exactly it all happened, all was a blur. Only that first he had been deep in thought while watching the arrest, thinking about the whereabouts of a criminal he'd been trying to catch, and then suddenly he was standing by the Notre Dame herself, holding the stolen jewellery while the woman was lying beneath. She was dead, spreading crimson stained the pure snow like an infection.

The judge blinked, once, then twice and then went to see if all of the lockets and chains were there.

But there were no stolen property, no gold, no rubies, no pearls, and no silver.

“ A baby?” He stared, disappointment and anger flashing in his eyes. How dare these people make a fool of him like this, pretending to carry what they had stolen and let him chase them through the city like a mad hound. The man looked around to see if there was a way to rid himself of the child when he saw it.

 An old well, sitting lonely in the corner.

He rode to it and was about to drop the screaming bundle into its watery depths when there was an alarmed cry.

“ Stop!” Commanded an older man, rushing down the stone steps of the cathedral. It was the well liked, if not beloved, Archdeacon Julius Reichwein. The minister was not his biggest admirer, the grey man often harboured fugitives and other criminals he was searching for, and once caught by Lunge, having the nerve to claim they were innocent.

“ This is the child of criminals, who will grow up to be just like them. I am preventing that from happening.”

Archdeacon Reichwein, white and gold robes swinging in the wind, picked up the blonde woman and angrily yelled.

“ When will the innocent blood stop being spilt? When will you open your eyes?!” Voice full of sorrow for the lost, he chastised himself for not being faster. He had heard the banging on the door, had heard the desperate pleads for sanctuary, so why hadn’t he come sooner? His other hand clutched the iron cross around his neck, begging for forgiveness. 

“ She was a criminal, she escaped, I pursued. I have done no wrong.” Lunge smiled at the foolishness. How come the man couldn't see the good he had done, arresting criminals once more.

“ You can keep lying to yourself till the sun comes up and the frost thaws, but I must warn you.” The wind blew harder, snow was beginning to pile on to their shoulders. “The eyes of Notre Dame see everything!” He pointed behind Lunge, who out of curiosity looked.

It was a mistake, one that would haunt him for years.

Hundreds of stone carved statues of religious figures, saints, angels, bishops, seemed to stare back and right at him. Their unblinking eyes judged his very soul, as if God himself was disappointed. Their smiles offered no comfort for his tortured soul even when the discomfort seemed like it was too much to bare. For the first time in a while Lunge felt a tinge of fear. Perhaps there had been a slight error in his calculations tonight.

“ What must I do. What can I do?” He pleaded with the elder.

“ Care for that child, like you would your own.”

Reichwein held the woman’s now cold body close to him and said a silent prayer for her soul. She would be buried here in the city, in the church yard in an unmarked plot, but he would always remember her. He regretted not even knowing her name. Knowing Lunge, her husband would soon be joining her, so at least neither had to cross the border to the other side alone. 

Lunge stayed silent and still, not even bothering to brush off the snow from his motionless arms. The only sign of the minister's anger was his tight grip on the leather reins. He weighed the possible options, to try and see which one would lead to an easier life. He could always drown the child and bury it in the ground outside the city gates. 

He took a deep breath to calm himself, there must be other ways to solve this mess. But his soul seemed to be at stake here, so he decided to do as requested.

He adjusted the hold on the baby.

“ Very well. But I cannot bring it home for my wife to see.” Lunge looked at the church, wondering. His eyes travelled up, up, until there was no more building left.

“ There is space in the bell tower. Keep the child there where no one else can see…”

The Archdeacon nodded unsurely. He did not like the idea, but it was better than drowning.

“ Alright. But what shall I call them?” Julius inquired, not even being certain of the child’s gender.

“ I shan’t call them of any name.” The minister stared at the sleeping baby, disdain apparent. It was remarkable how many emotions one could feel and not show any of them. 

“ Even this burden may one day be of use to me…”

Later, when the sun was beginning to rise, and when the cruel man had surely left the quiet building, Reichwein approached the cradle. The crying, that had been going on for hours now, would surely wake even the dead and he knew something needed to be done.

“ I am sorry, my dear, but your mother is not with us anymore.” The child seemed to be inconsolable.

“ Hmm… He might not call you anything, but a child shouldn’t be without a name. A child needs a name.” He picked the baby up and rocked them to sleep. A tiny hand curled around his thumb, making the old man smile, years of acquired loneliness seems to fade and disappear from his shoulders.

“ I know. I shall call you Nina.”

The snow continued to pile outside.

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Chapter Text

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Just a bit over seventeen years have passed since that fateful winter's night and the city has much changed, it now being three times the size it once had been. Many buildings have appeared, the streets were now all lined with stone, and the walls must be higher than they've ever before been.

New people keep moving in, there are a dozen bakers and even more dressmakers. Boutiques and corner stores and pubs line the busy streets, the air smelled of baked goods, flowers, and hay. Beyond the Seine stood tall markets and windmills with their rich fields, providing fresh produce. Children, some older some younger, run around playing games and chasing cats and rats while their parents worked.

Everything had changed, that was all but one thing, the law was as strict as ever.

Lotte Frank, the daughter of a wealthy teacher and religion tutor, climbed up two hundred steps until she was where she wanted to be. The hems of her long red dress swung wildly as she changed directions, opting to use a shortcut instead of her usual route. The girl is supposed to be down by the pulpit soon, lighting candles and handing out choir books, but she had assigned herself a new mission. She readjusted her glasses, but only for a second. Light was scarce this high up, but she could just about make out the silhouette of a ladder. Reaching for it, she turned to see what was taking her companion so long.

“ Come on! You’re so slow.”

At least eighteen steps behind was her very dear friend, an altar server named Karl Neuman. He was tall, much taller than any of the boys living in her neighbourhood, and with curly black hair. The boy seemed nervous about their sudden departure from their fellow church help but climbed after her despite the worries.

“ H-hold on Lotte. Slow down.” He hopped onto the platform with a relieved sigh. 

“ You climb faster!”

“ We need to be down in just a few minutes. The service cannot start without us, and I don’t dare disappoint bishop Rudi again.”

“ Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let’s hurry then.”

A loud sigh escaped from the boy. There was clearly no changing the girl's mind, so he picked up the pace and soon they stood on the very top floor of the tower. Lotte peeked behind the bells and under the beams but didn't seem satisfied. She walked in circles for a while before calling out.

“ Hello? It’s us, and we brought something.”

“ Is she even here?” Karl fixed the brown robes he wore, they weren't as smooth as he’d like.

“ Where else would she be? On the roof?” Lotte raised a thin eyebrow at him and continued to look around. Soft footsteps made both youngsters turn to the right.

A girl, just shy of eighteen, the same age as them, came from between the numerous blue curtains hanging from the wooden rafters. Shoeless feet carried her silently towards them, and in no particular hurry. In one small hand was an iron bucket filled with water and on the other a dirty rag, her hair was covered with a white headscarf. The girl had been polishing the bells when her friends called.

She was lovely, her long, shiny hair was the colour of golden straw, and her sapphire eyes made the sky look pale in comparison. Her dirty dress and the torn apron could not hide her gentle grace. And not only was she lovely to look at, but her heart was also just as wonderful. The girl was kind to the animals that resided in the tower, sharing her food, her shelter, her warmth. Even to the two teens she was always respectful and compassionate.

“ Nina! There you are.”

“ Oh, good day.” Her soft voice replied. The blonde set the bucket down with a clang and took off the scarf. Long strands immediately rejoiced in freedom and flew over her shoulder with a gust of sudden wind. She tugged them behind her ear.

Lotte had known Nina for about five years. She had, one rainy day, climbed up into the bell tower despite the countless warnings and multiple prohibitions. The girl had been chased by a group of teens throwing rocks and sticks, and she had been too scared to go back down. Her forest green eyes had just begun to shed tears when Nina had walked up to her and offered to comfort her.

After that day, the two had become best friends, even if they had to keep that knowledge to themselves.

Karl, out of curiosity about four months later, had followed his friend and also discovered the existence of the fair tower girl. They too became friends.

On the second year of them knowing each other, Nina finally explained how she came to live at the church and why she had to stay hidden. A daughter of criminals was a harsh label, one that would surely ruin her life if word got out. No amount of coaxing or deal making got her to come outside so the two other kids had begun to just come up whenever they had time.

“ What are you still standing there for?” Nina inquired, voice lower than normal. Karl set a basket on the table and began to dig out various items such as cheese and fruit. He dug them out one by one.

“ Huh? You mean you forgot? Today’s the annual Spring Festival.” Lotte laughed, a sly smile on her lips.

“ We’ll watch it with you after the service. We brought brie cheese.”

“ And Mrs. Fortner’s famous little cakes.”

“ And some altar wine.”

“ And grapes and--.“

“ -That’s very kind of you.” Nina began, cutting them both off. “But I don’t feel like watching it this year.”

The girl turned to head for the direction furthest away of the view to the market. She didn't want to look at the prancing and swaggering of the towns people any longer. Lotte huffed.

“ Yeah, it can be boring just watching it like this. Maybe this year we could go there instead?” Shrugging, she leaned against a pillar.

“ Lotte!” Karl hissed, voice annoyed. He crossed his arms, as if the gesture would get the Frank to shut up.

“ But think about it! Crab a coat, put on some shoes, brush your hair and we’ll be back before you know it.”

There was a breaths worth of silence before Karl dared to add. "I guess we could use the back gates…” He muttered. 

“ See, even Karl agrees. Come on Nina, it’s a good plan!”

“ You seem to be forgetting one teeny tiny thing, though.”

“ What?” The two other teens looked at the blonde expectedly.

“ My master, Lunge.” There's a low groan of annoyed realization. They had indeed, for a few blissful seconds, forgotten the man’s existence.

When Nina had first explained as to why she had to stay out of sight, Karl had raised the question about food and how she managed to get it. She let it slip that a man brought it to her but even when asked, would she not elaborate further. She only referred to him as ‘My master’ or ‘My adoptive father’.

Of course, Lotte hadn't been content with this answer and, one night, stayed after hours to watch the staircase and the people who used it. Before falling asleep, she was able to recognize the Minister of Justice who came in and disappear with a hamper for about an hour before coming back down empty handed. To say the girl was quite shocked was an understatement, this was Nina's mystery man?

Lunge was this mean, scary, middle-aged official, who they often heard about from the archdeacon. The holy man could on most nights be heard praying loudly for the judge to have a ‘change of heart’ or ‘at least have the courtesy to disappear’. What they managed to gather from others was that these two despised each other for whatever reasons, butting heads on most Sundays and during easter mass.

Even bishop Rudi had strictly instructed them that if the minister were to ever grace them with his presence, for any reason, were they to immediately come and get him.

Judge Lunge was well known for sentencing criminals so efficiently, that they were often labelled as guilty even before any credible evidence arose. Lady Frank, Lotte's dear mother, warned her many a time to stay far away from him if she ever wanted to live as a free woman.

Lotte despised him, but Nina was so sweet, she often wondered how such a cruel man had raised such a wonderful person.

“ When he said you could never be seen by anyone, did he really mean ever?”

“ Never ever.” Nina wrapped her arms around herself and went over to one of the many shelves she had built. They were full of little trinkets, puppets and dolls, shiny stones, couple of self-made books and a glass vase. It held a red rose, an early gift from Archdeacon Julius for her upcoming birthday. The girl picked up something that had fallen, and when she turned back, was Karl gone.

“ He went ahead. I wanted to try and convince you some more.” The glasses wearing girl smiled brightly, her determined spirit shining once again. That was one of the things Nina liked about her. No matter how hard you knocked her down, Lotte Frank would always get back up and twice as strong. If she ever set her mind on something, you could be certain it would get done.

“ I don’t know Lotte…”

“ As your best friend, I say, you have the right to come down there at least once in your life. You can ask for forgiveness later!”

She held Nina's delicate hands in hers, as if trying to prove her sincerity.

“ Oh!” An echo of something reached their ears. “Hey, do you hear that? Are they setting up the dunk-the-monk booth already?” Lotte hurried to the balcony, leaving Nina alone with her thoughts.

She had always wanted to go, that much was true. Attending the festival even once was her biggest dream and every year she asked for permission to do so. But every time it was swiftly denied, and she ended up just watching from above either alone, or with her friends. When she had been much younger, the girl had used to cry about it to Reichwein, who would pat her back affectionately and say, “One day you’ll get to go”. But that day had yet to come.

Nina pulled an indigo cape out from under the table and draped it around her body, trying to imagine herself in the crowd of people having fun. She spun around as if dancing, moved her arms like juggling, and then slid the hood up. The teen stared at herself from the broken mirror in the corner and shrugged. If she ever did go, this would be the disguise that would surely protect her.

Another shout came from somewhere below. Her aching heart clenches in longing, and she sighed.

“ They all live so unaware of what I’d give just to be there. Just one day… Then I would live the rest of my life old but content.” Nina whispered and pulled at the fabric on her head, making the hood fall against her back.

The curtains move with the wind, they obstruct her vision of the outside. It’s oddly quiet.

“ Good morning, child.”

Judge Lunge greeted from the narrow doorway, voice void of much emotion like always. His posture, despite his age, was as straight as ever, only sign of the time's passing were the few grey hairs on his head. The robes he wore were now Prussian blue, on his waist a silver belt.

Nina instantly regretted of what she had almost done and took three steps back.

“ M-master! G-good morning.”

Then she remembered. Lotte was still out there, in the balcony. She had to figure out a solution quickly or else her friend would be discovered. She tried to either think of a distraction, or a way to alert the girl without being too obvious about it. Nothing came to her though.

Sire Heinrich studied the girl, her clothes, her posture, even the smell around her. One hand moved, as if writing a letter, curving and turning.

“ Your posture, along with the nervous stutter you displayed tells me you are hiding something.” His eyes zeroed in on the cape she still wore. “You appear to be going somewhere?”

“ N-no, that’s not it! I was cold and--!“

“ Now, you know very well that you should not be seen. You understand that, don’t you.” It was not a question.

“ Yes, master.” She took the offending piece of clothing off, folding and placing it neatly on a chair. Because Heinrich had raised her to be neat and tidy, things had to be in order.

The lunch Lunge brought was set down, right next to the other basket of goods. The tall man stared at it questioningly. There were no words needed, she recognized the look right away.

“ Oh, Archdeacon Reichwein brought me something to eat already.” She muttered, not completely lying, the man had given her a bunch of green apples earlier. He had said they were from his very own garden. She wished to own a garden one day.

The man seemed to find that an acceptable answer. 

The two began to head outside, Lunge silently observing the commonfolk preparing for the celebrations and Nina a nervous wreck from trying to see where her friend might have gone to. Lotte was nowhere to be seen, much to her relief. In fact, even the birds and mice seemed to have disappeared.

Nina joined her father by the railing.

“ I,” She whispered while watching the miller and his wife work. “I would like to join the celebration like you do every yea--.“

“ Don’t be foolish. They would instantly recognize you as the daughter of criminals. Then even I, with all my power and influence, could not save you. You would be driven out of the city where you would starve alone, or worse, you could be beaten or stoned to death for the crimes of your parents.”

She looked down, ashamed and frightened.

“ But that fate is still far better than that of what could await if they did not recognize you. They know I come here every day, they could make the wildest speculations. People could label you as a bastard and me as an unfaithful cheater. And what would happen to me, girl? My position, my real family, my life’s work would all be compromised.” He turned to face her, setting one large palm on her shaky shoulder. It was not meant to be comforting, but a warning. 

“ You would ruin my daughter's, her husband's, and my wife’s lives. All because you wanted to have fun. You would destroy my whole life even though I was the one who gave you yours?”

“ Please forgive me master. I was being inconsiderate.”

Lunge hummed and, again, eyed at the people walking below. They were so small, like ants, but so much worse. He would soon have to join them, but right at this moment, he could still hide inside the holy walls of the cathedral where he was protected from the evil influences.

“ And besides, it is most certainly not fun. I, like the other people of status, only attend because it is our duty as public officials. No one worth anything would otherwise be there. Commoners falling together in drunken stupor, spreading their sick desires like filthy weeds that must be plucked with their roots to fully get rid of.”

He, deciding that enough was enough, left the railing and briskly headed for the doors.

“ The world shows no pity for the weak or sinful, and that is the reason you must obey.”

They walked down the creaky stairs, Nina hurriedly following behind the man.

“ Remember girl. You are unwanted.”

“ I am unwanted.”

“ And you are filled with sins of your parents.”

“ I am filled with sin.”

“ It is best for you to stay in here. In this sanctuary, where I can look after you.” Lunge gestured to the building around them.

“ I am grateful to you, master.”

Nina was left standing alone near the ladders, feeling worn out and sad. She stared at the long red and blue carpets, wishing she never even dared to think about leaving.

Once his steps could not be heard anymore, Lotte came out from hiding. She had jumped behind a large gargoyle statue when she first heard his deep voice, holding her breath and silently praying to not be seen by the man.

“ Nina…”

The blonde would not look at her friend.

“ None of what he said is true, you hear me!” She shook the girl's shoulders firmly.

“ You are coming with me to the festival, we’ll have an amazing time, eat some good food, and then we’ll come back. Sir Lunge doesn’t have to know that you went.”

Lotte placed a finger under Nina’s chin and raised it, staring right into her sapphire eyes, with a compassionate smile.

“ We’ll stay together. And Karl will be there too.” Nothing seemed to change, so miss Frank dug into her pockets. “I promised Sir Reichwein, I would give you this tomorrow, but you deserve something nice now. Consider it an early birthday gift.”

She handed her a covered object. Nina unwrapped it gently, wishing to not damage whatever may be inside. It turned out to be a paint brush, made with the finest hairs and quality wood. It was coloured apple red, and in small yellow letters read her name. It fit right into her hand.

“ T-this, this must have costed you a fortune!”

“ Like I said, you deserve it.”

“ Thank you, Lotte.” The girls hugged.

“ Now, go get ready. We’ll leave in a minute.”

Nina ran to find her cape, shoes be damned.

...

Otto Heckel spied at the crowd, displeased by the amount of guards currently present. Of course there would be some, but this had to be way, way overkill! He adjusted the red hood on his head and cursed.

“ Uh, don’t these guys ever take vacations? Like, seriously, shouldn't there be at least one mandatory day off?”

A boy with red hair and a green cloak ran up to him, holding a wooden slingshot in one hand.

“ How’s the doc doin'?” Heckel asked, not taking his eyes off of the soldiers.

“ Good, he said he was almost done but that we should probably go.”

“ Right, easy for him to say, there’s at least a dozen people here who wish to see me hung.”

Right at that moment, a tall man with an even taller history walked past them. He had with him a map, though it was very old. No matter how he looked at it, there was no way of telling which way he was currently going. It was crumbled up and tossed to the side, as the man tried to find the right way by only looking at the buildings. Of course they had changed with the city, so that also failed to get him any closer to his destination.

“ Everything is so different now… And I was only gone for a decade. There used to be a bakery there and the stables used to be here... Hey, that's new. And that.” The man spun around, deciding to try and find a seemingly reliable citizen who he would dare ask directions.

He passed by a stone wall, crumbled, and filled with moss. A person sat in its shade, but he paid it no mind. Only when feeling eyes on his back, did he turn to look.

A beggar boy, nine or ten years of age and with short, brown hair was staring at him intently. He sat alone, holding out a tin cup for any possible coins people might toss. The man usually did not feel anything for others, being too desensitized by his years in active service as a captain. But something about the boy's eyes made his heart jump in despair, and so, he took a few coins from his pocket and gave them to him.

The child’s eyes widened as big as saucers.

“ Miloš, we need to leave!” Somebody yelled, and the boy got up.

“ Thank you, mister!” He smiled, and then ran off.

The captain was named Wolfgang Grimmer, and he had just returned from a great battle. Or actually he had been summoned back by a high official to come aid in something serious. His position was marked by shiny golden armour, long purple cape, and expensive breed of horse. On his hip rested a sizable sword fit for a soldier of his calibre. His light hair was ruffled from being inside a helmet for so long.

Just as he was about to turn back and head towards the gates, his eyes landed on a small crowd of people. Four figures were huddled in one of the corners, protected by shadows and a cart of vegetables. One person was laying down, one was standing on the right and two others were sitting on the left.

The man on the ground looked pained, eyes tightly shut and jaw clenched. Every now and then he would let out a pitiful whine and one of the people surrounding him would make a shushing noice. His ankle looked odd, the skin was red and purple, and the limb rested on top of a large rock. The person on the right, an older man, was trying to reassure him of something, but the captain couldn’t hear what.

Then a fifth figure joined them, and that’s when Grimmer stopped walking altogether. The man who approached them was beautiful, he had hair as black as coal nearly reaching his shoulders. The man’s skin was as pale as freshly fallen snow, apart from a faint blush on his cheeks. He was slender, average height and by the looks of it, from some other country. His eyes were kind and warm, as he tended to the injured man with precision and grace.

“ That’s it mister Junkers, the worst is now over.” The stranger turned to face the old man next to him. “I’ll put the dislocated ankle in a splint for now, but he is going to need a lot of rest and something cold to lessen swelling. I have this salve I prepared, it should help with the pain. I’ll give it to you Milan.“

“ Our prayers have been answered!”

“ Thank God, we have you Tenma.” One of the people present tried to hand the young doctor something, possibly a payment for his services.  

“ No need for that. I’ll see you later when I come change the bandages. Oh, and can you tell Rung to see me at noon when you get back?”

The captain began to inch forward, not wishing to be late for his meeting. And besides, the doctor seemed to also be leaving.  

“ Sure. We’ll head there now. Be careful.”

“ You too.”

That was all Grimmer could hear before he turned a corner. Though, just a second before he lost sight of the scene, he saw the beautiful man talk to the brown-haired boy. The child showed something to the doctor and pointed straight at Wolfgang. The noiret turned to look and that was when their eyes locked, and everything seemed to come to a standstill. He gave the captain a shy but grateful smile. The soldier returned it, accompanied with a respectful nod before disappearing.

...

Lunge and Grimmer headed for the balcony of the Palace of Justice, both immensely enjoying the cool breeze. Inside the thick stone walls had been quite warm, so they welcomed the change in temperature.

“ My last captain was a bit of a disappointment.” The judge confessed, after a while of talking about the position.

“ I heard, it was Sir Hugo Bernhardt if I recall.”

“ You recall correctly. He and his daughter disappeared and my men haven’t been able to find them yet…” They walked closer to the edge, overlooking the buzzling city. Even though the two are quite high up, could they still hear the talking and laughing and music.

“ Well, no matter. Though I hope for your sake that you aren’t as,” The judge thought for a moment. “Soft.”  

“ I served the last decade as a high-ranking officer, and before that I worked as an information gatherer, trained by the very best troops from group 511.”

“ Hmm.” Sire Lunge gestured to the view. They stared at the numerous buildings, their crooked roofs and long chimneys painted a picture of a developing city. Or that was what Grimmer thought they were looking at, until a disturbance captured his attention. An old man was trying to run away, and three armoured guard tackled him like a sack of potatoes. They drag him off and into a wagon, before riding and disappearing from view.

Ouch...

“ Well, you have come to Paris at its darkest hour, captain. Crime runs rampant, there are more sinners than ever. My hands are constantly full with them, we're not afforded a moments rest. Violent drunks, thieves, kidnappers, murderers, and arsonists. Though, I suppose the worst to deal with are the people we call ‘aid’.”

“ Aid? As in help, sir?”

“ They are the pesky ones who help these criminals onwards, captain. They aren't the ones who commit these atrocities but they might as well be. Some supply weapons such as daggers, some have connections to smuggle people in and out of the city. Some only provide shelter or food, some give lifesaving procedures. Be as it may, all of it is strictly prohibited, harbouring criminals and not turning them in to the authorities is considered aiding them in their crimes. They are as guilty as the others. ”

“ I was summoned from the battles to capture old ladies and youngsters with too much heart?” The captain asked disbelieving. He thought there had been an attack on the ministry or a serious crime spree due to how fast he had been commanded to leave the fight.

“ This here is the real battle, captain. We must capture them, before these people rope the innocent into something they cannot turn back from.”

They walked towards the entrance.

“ For thirty years I have been handling the situation to the best of my abilities. There have been countless attempts to murder or harm innocent public officials, ministers, landowners, guard, shopkeepers. I have been the one to do the investigations, and I always put the perpetrators behind bars. And yet, despite these efforts, criminals keep popping up, their evil ways spreading like a plague. Even people thought dead.”

Lunge placed his fingers together in front of his chest and studied the man next to him. Grimmer kept his politely clasped behind his back.

“ Why do you think that is, captain?”

“ This help, the aid?” He guessed. 

“ Precisely. You know, I can see a bright future ahead for you.”   

“ But what exactly do you wish me to do, sir?”

“ I believe they have a safe haven of sorts. It’s hidden somewhere in the city, but I have not been able to find it.” They continued down the stairs. “A 'Court of Miracles'. We must find it and smoke out all of these heathens. So that they can be punished accordingly.”

There was a loud sound of cheering from somewhere outside, which made Lunge sigh.

“ Hm, duty calls.” The two men walked the rest of the way down and to the awaiting carriage.

...

It seemed as if the whole city was alight with colour. There were hanging red, blue and green tapestries on every light post and house window, buntings of all colours ran from corner to corner. People wore masks of goblins and demons and animals, children blew soap bubbles, couples danced, and jugglers juggled.

“ Mother look at that!”

“ What a wonderful smell.”

“ Is that for sale?”

“ Only ten pieces of silver.”

All around people were talking, laughing, and enjoying themselves.

Nina, cloaked and covered, and still without shoes, walked towards the centre of the festivities with a loudly beating heart and ever-growing guilt. Lotte was on her right side, and Karl on her left, protecting her from any harm. The two would make small talk, or point out something that interested them, but Nina chose to stay quiet. They were about to check out the apple throwing station when somebody called to them.

“ Karl, Karl!” A man they recognized as bishop Rudi Gillen, was shouting and waiving near the cathedrals entrance like a mad man. He was dressed in his best attire, a dark maroon tunic, which was tied with a golden rope, and on his head a deep red cowl.

“ B-bishop! I was just about to--.“

“ I though I told you to take these carpets to be cleaned? What have you been doing all day?”

“ Y-yes, but I-I-I…”

“ Come on Nina, let’s leave them, we’ll be late from the games.”

The two girls were wearing completely contrasting colours. While Lotte still had on her long garnet dress with a black corset, Nina had changed from her brown dress into her holiday one, light blue in colour. Helping her wear it neatly was a white corset she has painted tiny vines and flowers onto.

They walked further into the crowd, looking at the stalls and things offered. There were bread and cakes, toys like horses and dolls, wooden furniture, flowers and even instruments. The girls were holding hands, so as not to lose each other but it was beginning to grow harder to hold on. A large man bumped into them, making Nina let go as she fell. When she managed to open her eyes again, was Lotte gone.

“ Lotte?”

Nina scouted and searched but could not see the other teen anywhere. She walks defeatedly around the stall selling candied apples, then past the ring tossing game, and the puppet show, and all the way to the most left corner, but couldn't find her. The blonde called her name gently but received no answer. While moving around she tried her best to only look down so no could have a look at her face. It had sounded like a good plan in her head, until it prevented her from noticing the obstacle on her path. A large wooden structure that stood out due to its sheer size was right in front of her face and Nina had almost walked headfirst into it. What was it even supposed to be?

The girl raised her head just enough to clearly see the thing in its entirety, only to have her heart nearly explode from surging panic. There, chin high and eyes like steel, sat Judge Lunge, arms crossed and facing strictly forward. He does not seem to take any notice of her, but Nina was positively terrified. In her eyes flashed all the possible ways he could punish her if caught.

She backed away slowly, holding her breath in fear of him somehow hearing her. A blonde man sitting on a horse, right next to where she had been standing, gave her an odd look but the girl had no time to see it before bolting away. She ran and ran, vision blurring. She was going to faint, this all had been such a foolish idea.

Nina turned to see if she was far enough away, when she tripped and stumbled forward, right into a tent. There she then crashed right onto her face, only nearly missing a chair. An alarmed voice cried out in surprise just as she was trying to get back up. The girl covered her face the best she could, uttering a dozen apologies.

“ I am so sorry, please forgive me.”

“ You’re not hurt, are you?” A warm voice questioned, laced with worry.

“ Forgive me, forgive me.”

She turned just enough to have a look at the stranger. It was a man, years older than her, and with a kind face. He reaches for her hand and helped her up.

“ There, I’m glad you’re okay. Be more careful next time, alright?”

“ T-thank you.” She was mesmerized by his beauty. His appearance reminded her of a painting she had seen on the church wall, where God was sending down a dozen angels to guard over humanity. One of those angel warriors bared a strong resemblance to this stranger, with the long hair and the angular chin, he could have been the real-life inspiration for the painter. But Nina doubted that the man was over two hundred years old, more likely about thirty-five or thirty-six.

Tenma too was at a loss for words. The girl in his tent was as lovely as a snowflake, delicate and unique. She had a natural youthful glow to her that no-one else had, and he had seen many, many people.

Just then a child came barrelling inside, hands full with things like rolls of cloth and a bottle of something clear.

“ Tenma!”

“ Dieter what is it?”

“ It’s the old farmer. They are asking for you already.”

“ Well, that was fast. I have to go now. I hope to see you at the contest.” He waved, and so did the child.

“ Who was that? Tenma hey, who was that pretty lady?”  

Nina was left standing alone just outside of the tent, clutching her cape and with one hand still in a waving position.

At the other side of the market Lunge had indeed sat down in one of the many reserved seats provided for people such as him. He had chosen the most corner one, so no-one would disturb him. Sitting next to him on a white horse was Captain Grimmer, dutifully ordering the other guards around.

The chairs reserved for the nobility were tall, painted forest green and decorated in gold and silver and surrounded by banners and tapestry of all sizes. They protected from the sun's harsh rays and provided added security.

One by one the people who were supposed to make an appearance arrived.

First came an old doctor and local sick house owner Udo Heinemann, who had once been allegedly seen treating the Pope himself. Along also came his daughter known widely for her good looks, Eva Heinemann. Her long golden dress was extremely elaborate and way too expensive, but Lunge couldn't care less about it.

Then arrived a young politician favoured by most of the noble folk and upper class, Christof Sievernich. He was a real charmer, managing to gain popularity practically overnight and now was seemingly invited to every single event there was in the city. It was, to some degree, understandable. The boy, at the age of twenty-five, was fairly good looking and highly intelligent. Older women especially flocked to spend time in his company, showering him with gifts and compliments.

'Disgusting foolery, never back in my day...' Lunge though.

Third came Sir Hartmann, or the Minister of Welfare, a fairly new position just recently opened due to the amount of homeless. He was responsible for managing the restorations of local poor houses and for overseeing the placement of orphaned children. Since forming this position two years ago, the amount of beggars had decreased significantly, but so had the number of children and young adults in the city. No one has the nerve to question the man and so the matter was forgotten every time it was remembered.

They made no small talk, only Lady Heinemann and her father discussed with each other. The event was about to start, but some are yet to show up, two seats remain empty. Lunge moved his hand to his head, trying to remember who was invited. His other hand began moving, writing the letters H and A, when the sound of hooves stopped him.

A carriage carrying one of the wealthiest men in all of Paris, Hans Georg Schuwald, stilled in front of them. He was known for many things, in his youth he had been a captain most successful, and later after retiring, had focused more on fine arts and reading, language learning. In his private tutoring were many young men, who were in the process of learning several tongues such as Latin. The elder also donated large sums to the church every Sunday. There were rumours he was trying to pay for forgiveness, but they were just talk.

Last to arrive was a man known as Franz Bonaparta. He also happened to be wealthy, and in a position claiming to help the less fortunate with education for young boys. Some might call him the Minister of Education, but that was not official yet. The man, near skin and bone, sat in one of the middle seats and gave a greeting to the others. While he rested, his personal guard, Sir Roberto, walked up to the platform and settled behind them like a sturdy statue. Grimmer spared a glance at him, believing to recognize him from somewhere.

A simple guard ran to him and whispered something. The blonde captain then leaned toward his master and told the news.

“ Sir, I believe we have a sighting of a man by the name of Rosso.”

“ Good work captain. Have him arrested and brought to the Palace of Justice.”

Grimmer left to give out orders to his subordinates, leaving Lunge’s right side empty. The others, who had been listening in hopes of gossip, decided to join by praising him.

“ Good work Judge Lunge. They never do escape you, do they.” Christof commended, voice nasally and annoying.

“ Have they captured the Ghost of backroads yet?” Doctor Heinemann asked, moving to face him.

“ Yes, that man was captured three days ago at a local shelter.” He kept it short.

“ Father, I must question why we have come to this foolish event? I’d much rather be discussing tomorrows dinner party with my ladies.” Lady Eva complained.

“ Oh darling, this is what it’s like to be on the job, you must learn so that you can choose an appropriate husband. And besides, don’t you like to show your pretty new jewels around?” Indeed on her ears and on her neck rested large pearls.

“ These people would not recognize a real pearl even if it hit them in the face.”

To everyone’s delight the performances began and she had to stop talking. They watched them for at least fifteen minutes, bored and mostly silent, when the first call could be heard.

“ Doc, here is the man who fell !” Somebody from the crowd yelled. It made the nobles glance around expectedly.  

“ A doctor? In here somewhere? That’s ridiculous.”

“ Hm, quite shameful to pose as a real doctor.”

“ Maybe they were talking about you father?”

“ How dare they? I wouldn’t help them even if I had the proper equipment.”

“ Doctor, I injured my arm.” A raspy voice screamed.

“ What’s going on over there?” Hartmann questioned, pointing past Lunge and to the very side, where a small blue tent was set up. They all crane their necks to see better, even Schuwald who usually avoided gossip of all kind. 

In front of the shelter sat a man, with long ebony hair and a pale complexion. He wore a white cotton shirt with a large open neckline and dark leather pants, and he was doing something at least two of the officials recognized. He was tending to the injured people, with skill and precision matching no other. His movements were swift, he clearly knew what he was doing. Next to him sat various bandages and rags and jars of something unknown.

“ It seems to me like he knows what he's doing.” Sire Hans commented, turning back to watch the festivities. He secretly liked to be there, enjoying the colourful clothes and the food.

“ Hump! Father is much better.”

“ Of course I am, Eva dear. And besides, that man is just taking the simplest of measures. Anyone with a pair of hands could clean a wound. Don’t you agree Sire Lunge?”  

But Lunge wasn't listening anymore, he kept on staring at the man, that smile he wore seemed near captivating. It practically oozed comfort and warmth, so much so even his cold, dead heart beat a little faster. The judge's eyes were focused on the movements of his hands, how they tied a cloth around a woman’s arm with such skill. The way he stopped every now and then to make sure the patient was okay, the way his eyes lit up when receiving any sort of thanks. It was like watching a beautifully detailed painting, there in every corner was something praiseworthy or notable. 

In direct light of the sun, the man's skin seemed to be lit aglow and his hair shined like he wore a halo. All of the hustling and laughing and clapping dissappeared, Lunge could only focus on the man and how his mouth moved to form words he could not hear.

“ Look at that child! Did you see the way he fell? I bet his neck’s broken.” Sievernich laughed, slapping his knee in odd delight.

“ Deserves him right for doing such idiotic tricks. Shouldn’t he be working in the fields or something?”

A clatter of something heavy echoed right next to them. No one seemed to be certain what it had been, but it startled the mesmerized Lunge so badly he nearly fell over. A dozen metallic cups and trinkets rolled past their seating area and into the crowd.

“ Excuse me sire, are you alright?” A timid voice questioned from his empty side.

Lunge looked at the person daring to talk to him, ready to strike them with his sword for their insolence, only to find the black-haired man from before. Up close he was even lovelier, much more so than his own wife or Lady Eva. His eyes sparkled like diamonds, and his lips were the colour of fresh peach.

He managed to weakly nod, no words were able to leave his mouth. Was he choking? No, he was just rendered speechless. By this man... The supposed doctor smiled, a sincere, kind smile. Such smile had never been directed at him.

“ That’s good. The crash was quite loud.” He rubbed his neck, looking at the things on the ground. “What a mess. Looks like the blacksmith knocked over his cart again. Maybe I should help--?”

“ Doctor Tenma! We need you here.” A woman's voice demanded, and with that the younger man turned as if burned and disappeared amongst the people, leaving a flustered Lunge breathless. One of his hands nearly rose to reach out, to command him to come back, but luckily the limb stayed put dutifully on his side. 

“ And now, the moment you all have been waitin' for! Pièce de résistance! The beauty contest.” Otto Heckel announced from the stage. His short ponytail swung wildly as he tried his best to hype up the crowd. Several people immediately took that as their que to jump up there, and even more people gather closer. Excited chitter and chatter filled the marketplace, making even the shadowiest corner seem alive.

“ Today we shall crown the Spring Queen! Last year it was the lovely Helenka, with her beautiful red curls.”

Heckel turned and looked around, one eyebrow twitching with annoyance. Dang it, the kids disappeared again, right when he needed them the most.

“ If you think you have what it takes, come right up here ladies!” He yelled and then ran to the edge of the stage. “Psst, hey doc.”

Tenma, who had been busy handing out water, walked closer. “Yes, what is it? Is somebody else hurt?”

“ No but I need you here at the stage to collect the entrance fee. Those brats left me here alone.” Heckle complained, eyes moving from one side to another. He was a wanted man, not tales worthy or anything but a criminal nonetheless. He must be careful, or otherwise he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

“ Uhm, but I-“ Kenzo, despite protesting, was pulled up by the shorter man and was suddenly  standing in the line of sight of at least five hundred people. He felt awkward, completely out of his element. He bounced his weight from one foot to another, to try and possibly look like he knew what he was doing there.

Lunge also couldn't believe the beautiful man had gotten up on the stage. Surely, he wasn't going to participate in the competition.

There soon were eight young ladies standing in a crooked line, each more beautiful than the other. One has powdered blush on her cheeks, the other shiny brown hair arranged in an elegant updo, the third had painted rosy lips, the fourth a dress so elaborate, Tenma needed to wonder if it had cost the same amount as a house. There were layers of shiny cloth, in white and pink, then multiple ribbons and lastly white, wavy lace.

Kenzo accepted a coin from each but was left feeling disappointed.

One face he could not see anywhere amongst the contestants was the mysterious girl who had stumbled into his tent earlier. Where was she? She was so lovely, she would surely win the whole thing twice over. His eyes scanned the sea of people, and by some miracle, found the blonde right beside the stage.

Tenma hurried over and pulled her up, smiling.

“ Come on! It’s about to start.”

“ I- but I wasn’t- I--!“ Nina was cut off by the pure excitement on everyone’s face. This was a competition of looks, serious business and each one wanted to win, but still the girls all seem to be having fun. Their smiles were excited, they shared compliments and fixed each other’s hair. The friendly atmosphere made her shoulders relax. She took  off her hood and smoothed over her hair, trying to open knots and tangles. Maybe this would actually turn out to be fun.

“ Alright, it is time to begin. What do we say about number one? Nice cheeks, lady.”

“ Boo !”

One by one the women were being told to get off the stage, that was until it was finally Nina’s turn. Heckel and Tenma both looked at her smiling, Tenma with a sort of encouraging proudness and Heckel with relief. The short conman pointed to her, and received loud, overwhelming cheers from the people. 

“ Looks like our lucky winner is number nine! What is your name?” Otto cheered while Tenma left to get the crown made of flowers.

“ My-my name is Nina.”

“ Hurray to Nina, this year’s Spring Queen! A real sight for sore eyes.”

Once more there were shouts and cries of joy, from all but one person.

Lunge, who sat in his seat still as a statue, was paler than a ghost. His eyes were wide, jaw clenched and insides hot with anger. He did his best to school his expressions, after all he had been raised better than that, but it did little to lessen the growing rage now boiling inside of him. He gripped the armrests so hard his knuckles lost what little colour they still had.

But there was nothing he could do without causing a scene, so he had to just keep sitting down and wait.

Nina was standing there flustered, flowers were being thrown onto her feet. People chanted her name like a blessing, men shouted about her outstanding beauty. They waved their hands around, some were jumping up and down. Her heart was beating so loudly she couldn't even hear her friends calling her name, but she did manage to see them. They stood near the stage, not in the front but close enough. Lotte smiled so brightly her cheeks must have hurt, but she was just so happy for Nina. Even Karl was waving at her.

No one seemed to recognize her, no one accused her of being the daughter of criminals. There were no stones, no threats, and no harsh words. She closed her eyes and thanked God.

Then, somebody threw a large tomato onto the stage, right at Nina’s feet. It splattered everywhere, staining her clothes. It made her take a step back in surprise. Another one was thrown, and then another, and another, until there were ten in total. Then somebody threw an egg, which shattered when she stepped onto it. The hard shell broke the skin on her bare foot, making her let out a loud yelp. Nina clutched her injured leg, falling backwards and on top of one of the tomatoes.

A few boos echoed around, accompanied by mocking laughter. She must be red with shame and embarrassment. It was all so humiliating. 

“ Sir, requesting permission to help that child out of there.” Grimmer asked, ready to ride over.

“ Not yet, there’s a lesson to be learned here.”

The cheering, chanting, yelling and even the throwing stilled.

Nina glanced up. It had grown alarmingly silent. She was expecting to see a guard, or Archdeacon Reichwein or even her friends, but it wasn’t any of them. It was the man who had pulled her up. He walked closer, carefully, hands in front of him to show he was no threat. People stared at the man, who crouched down in front of the frightened girl.

“ Hey, it's okay. This, none of it, was supposed to happen. I am so sorry. But I'm a doctor, let me see your leg?” He set the flower crown down.

“ You, young man! Get down from there at once.” Lunge commanded, enraged.

“ Yes, your honour, just as soon as I help her safely off this stage.” Kenzo called back.

“ I forbid it!” The judge stood up.

Tenma wasted no time in wrapping the leg and helping the girl to her feet. They began to make their way towards the edge very carefully, where it was safe to hop off.

“ How dare you defy me?"

“ I cannot begin to understand why you let this child be humiliated and hurt while preaching about the law and justice. All because she is not in the same position in life as you. Some justice this is!” He yelled, angered by the minister.

“ Silence!”

“ Everyone’s lives are created equal!” Tenma declared. Nina was helped down all the while the doctor continued to argue with the older man.

“ What arrogance! Mark my word, you will regret this.” The minister pointed one slender finger at the doctor as if cursing him.

“ I have to wonder… What happened that made you so cruel towards the weak?” The noiret asked, sincere. Lunge however took it as an insult.

“ Captain Grimmer, arrest him.”

Grimmer motioned for his soldiers to head forward with a snap of fingers. The men ride closer, surrounding Tenma in an instant.

“ Looks like I’m outnumbered, huh.” He shrugged and then jumped off the stage. He, using a long pole, hoisted himself up and over a large cart of sweets. The soldiers rode and ran after him, but it was apparent they had lost sight.

All of this happened while Wolfgang smiled, finding the whole thing amusing. That doctor was certainly something.

“ What a man…”

His thoughts were interrupted by a strong command.

“ Find him, Captain. I want him arrested alive.” The judge was seething, humiliated.

“ Yes sir. Find the doctor. He shall come to no harm.”  

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Chapter Text

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Attendees scurried away in fright as Captain Grimmer rode past, watching as his men worked. They were all looking for the doctor who had mysteriously disappeared after jumping down from a merchants cart. It, of course, had been thoroughly searched, having been pushed over and nearly burnt to a crisp. The owner of said barrow was on his knees, begging for mercy from the judge when Grimmer happened to glance at the cathedral. A small child cracked the doors open and hurried inside, looking around nervously as he did so.

From that Grimmer had an idea of taking a quick peek himself. He got off from his horse and marched in. 

Or it was supposed to go like that. A look behind the pillars, the altar and under the tables, anything until he found the man he was looking for. Then he would bow down and finally introduce himself, they would talk and maybe he could even learn his name. But before the captain could even begin, he was pushed to the cathedrals stone floor.

He looked up, startled, only to find exactly whom he had longed to see.  

In the doctor's hands sat tightly a long object, possibly a broom handle. He waved it around, once and then twice, showing clear intent on harming him if he tried to get up or come any closer.

“ E-easy, easy, I mean no harm!” Wolfgang raised his hands in surrender.

“ Your word means nothing to me. Throw your sword to the side and then I’ll believe you.”

Grimmer did so, sliding it a few meters away.

“ Now I believe it’s your turn.”

“ Huh?” The doctor looked confused.

“ It would make me feel a lot better if you threw that stick away. It’s actually quite intimidating.” He grinned, eyes closing with amusement.

The man looked at it, flustered, and then placed it down in a hurry. Grimmer took the opportunity to get up and dust himself off.

When he took a step forward, intending on at last introducing himself, something hard hit him in the face. He closed his right eye and let out a surprised yelp. Rubbing at his sore cheek, he looked down to see the object that had collided with him, a tiny round pebble no bigger than a blueberry. From behind the black-haired man came storming a very small and angry child, holding a wooden slingshot.

“ I see you have a kid?”

“ Yeah! And we don’t take kindly to soldiers.” The redheaded boy spat, only stopping when his pseudo father whispered a quiet “Dieter !”. The adult grabbed the child’s small arm and pulled him back to where he had been earlier. It was not easy though, as Dieter squirmed to try and fight.

“ I wasn’t going to do anything.“ The captain attempted to look convincing, before trying again. “Please permit me, my name is Grimmer. Wolfgang Grimmer.” He gave a bow. “And you are?”

“ Is this an interrogation?” The noiret asked, suspicious. He finally got Dieter to move back behind him.

“ It’s called an introduction.”

Dieter still glared, brows furrowed, but Tenma’s shoulders relaxed. 

“ He’s not arresting us?” The child whispered.

“ As long as we are in here, he can’t.”

“ Yes, and I have no intention of doing so, you have my word even if it means nothing.”

Tenma quirked a brow. “ You’re… Not like the soldiers we are used to. Usually they are at our necks, trying to lock us up.”

“ Why thank you.”

“ If you aren’t going to arrest us, or me, what do you want?”

“ Since I told you mine, I would very much like to hear your name?”

“ Kenzo Tenma.” The man smiled. 

“ Tenma, Kenzo.” Grimmer repeated, mesmerized. The name slipped off of his tongue effortlessly and left the man grinning from ear to ear. A sensation he hadn’t felt in decades formed in the pits of his stomach. But unfortunately he couldn't give it a name yet. 

They inched closer, Tenma studying the guard and Grimmer admiring the other's features when,

“ Good work captain.”

A voice, filled with authority and demanding respect called from behind. Multiple pairs of boots came toward the three. Tenma's hand shot to keep Dieter in place while they took a step back. 

“ Now arrest him.” Judge Lunge demanded. Grimmer looked back at the doctor, seeing the silent plea in his brown eyes. Tenma firmly kept Dieter hidden behind his back, not being foolish enough to let the minister see him.

“ I’m sorry sir, he pled sanctuary. I cannot do a thing.” Grimmer placed his hands behind his back in a final manner.

“ I’d suggest you do as I say captain--.“

“ Minister Lunge! You will not lay a hand on him.” Bishop Rudi Gillen yelled, marching towards them like chased by the Devil himself. Right behind him hurried Archdeacon Reichwein, who also seemed most irritated and ready for a fight. 

“ At it again, Lunge? Accusing innocent people!” Reichwein went to challenge the ever-calm Judge. If only he knew what storm brewed inside of him.

“ Are you okay Tenma?” Rudi asked, placing a warm hand onto the others shoulder. Kenzo only nodded.

“ Yes, do not worry. Judge Lunge learned long ago to respect the sanctity of the church.”

The minister, though stone faced, was furious. He reluctantly gave the signal to make his men exit the building, and moved to head towards the outside world himself, only to step behind a stone pillar and hide in the shadows, when he thought no one was looking. He had played many games before, so he surely could do so now.

Tenma’s brown eyes followed the retreating figures of the mysterious soldier Grimmer, Rudi and Archdeacon Reichwein. The two latter ones were dragging the tall captain of the guard forward, and away from him, until their whispers couldn’t be heard anymore. Even Dieter had gone with them, running besides the bishop and pointing towards the door. He, despite his young age, was rather protective of the people close to him. 

Tenma sighed, but then smiled. That Grimmer man was so different from the other guards, it was almost silly. And he was handsome too, the doctor had to place a hand onto his chest to try settling his rapidly beating heart.

A sudden grasp on his arm alerted Kenzo to an unknown presence behind him. He tried to run, to turn around and get a glimpse of the attacker, but the grip was like iron, twisting his hand and keeping him in place. The doctor groaned in pain, and went to move again, when a breath of hot air touched his cheek, and he froze.

“ You think you’ve outwitted me. Coming here of all places.” The Minister of Justice who he had just watched leaving, whispered. 

Tenma tried yanking his arm free, but the older man was much stronger, tightening the grip on his left wrist just to prove that fact. Lunge’s other hand took hold of his bicep and squeezed painfully. Now there was no way of turning around.

“ But I can be patient.” Lunge pressed himself closer to the slender male, feeling the muscles move under his touch.

“ No criminal, big or small, has ever escaped me once I begin the hunt. And you won’t either.” The grip on Tenma’s right arm loosened, until the hand left entirely and instead snaked its way up Tenma’s chest and towards his face. Lunge curled his fingers around the delicate neck but didn't apply pressure. It was more of a warning.

“ C-criminal? What are you talking about?” Tenma tried to ask.

“ Didn’t think I’d put it together, did you? That skill of yours must be unmatched, no better doctor in the whole city I bet. Not even that pompous Heinemann. I wonder, who all come knocking at your door to receive care? Upper class? Working men? Outlaws wanted for crimes?”

“ Now wait just a minute--!“ The hand on his neck moved lightning fast to cover his mouth, all words becoming muffled. He tried to shake it off, but it held its position there.

“Mmmf!”

“ Aiding criminals is a crime you know. Surely you must have known it. And yet..." Surprisingly, Lunge’s train of thought seemed to get lost. The smell of this younger man was beginning to cloud his powerful mind, his soft skin was distracting. Slowly, and without much though, he used a finger to ghost over the man’s lips, which too were soft, and smooth. No silk nor cotton nor wool could compare.

Lunge inched closer ever so slightly, so that his nose was buried in the long raven hair. He inhaled deeply, experimentally. The scent was unfamiliar, but he could pick a couple of things out. First one was pine, so the doctor must enjoy taking walks in the forests, and the second one was citrus, either from cooking or some sort of soap.

“ W-what are you doing?” Tenma asked, something akin to confusion and fear in his voice. His whole body seemed to go stiff as a board, every muscle on alert and ready to get him out if the opportunity arose.  

The powerful man did not respond right away, only after having brought his hand away from the doctor's face and back down to his waist. “I was just imagining you in shackles, waiting for sentencing. For me to decide your fate.”  

“ I know what you were imagining!” The younger male managed to rip himself away with a boost of adrenaline. He turned around to fully face the minister.

Even though the encounter had been a total disaster from start to finish, and he should have abandoned ship long ago, Lunge couldn't immediately rip his eyes away from Tenma’s features. He truly was a beauty, graceful like a songbird and striking as lightning. He needed to compose himself immediately. 

“ Hmm. A clever man like you ought to know better than to accuse such high-ranking officials of impureness.”

“ And a man of your schooling should see I did no such thing.” The doctor took a step back, only for Lunge to snatch and grip his wrist.

“ And a doctor such as yourself would never allow himself to be kept from people in need.”

The smile seemed almost indifferent but was definitely underlined with something knowing, something devious even. Tenma's eyes widen in realization, because he knew the other man was right.

“ You chose a magnificent prison, Doctor Tenma.” Lunge let his hand go. "But let me be clear.” He looked straight into his soul. “Set one foot outside, and you’re mine.”

Finally the judge made his way outside, leaving a conflicted Tenma and a just returned Dieter behind. Once the door had closed, the doctor bent down to check the boy for any injuries. He found none and nearly sank to the floor from relief.  

Next to them, Rudi lit the last of the candles. The blonde man glanced at his friend and sighed.

“ Don’t worry Tenma. The judge has no power in here while Reichwein still has breath in him. You’re both safe.”

“ But he is right, Rudi. I cannot stay here when there are people I need to help.”

“ But Tenma, there’s a guard at every door. How are we going to get out?” Dieter whispered.

The raven-haired man looked around the church, and for any possible exits. His mind was working hard in trying to come up with a plan of escape, but nothing seemed good enough. Behind one of the pillars, past the benches and the golden candlesticks, was a face he recognized. It was the young girl who he had helped off the stage earlier.

Once she saw him staring right at her, Nina bolted up the spiralling staircase. Tenma hurried after her.

“ H-hey! Wait, please wait!”

They went around a corner and past the balcony, up another flight of stairs and through a doorway.

“ I-I am sorry! Please wait, I’m really sorry. I don’t know what went wrong! I shouldn’t have pulled you up on,” He stopped. “That,” Tenma’s eyes were blown wide, taking in the beauty of the room in front of him. “Stage…”

From the ceiling hung blue curtains with silver flowers, and strings with colourful pieces of glass that casted little dots of red and blue and green on to the floor. There were shelves on the right and shelves on the left, filled with little dolls, a golden hourglass, silver dishes and books. One book here, three there, four above and two down below. They were colourful, reminding him of children’s storybooks.

“ What is this place?” Dieter asked, managing to climb the last of the ladders.

“ It-it’s where I live…”

Tenma took one of the books and read the title.

“ ‘The big-eyed man and the big-mouthed man: illustrated by Nina’. How fun, did you really make these?” He flipped through it, careful as to not rip any pages.

“ Y-yes, but they are nothing.” The girl said, hiding behind one of the curtains. Tenma set the book back and admired at another one titled, ‘The nameless Monster’. It looked so recently made that he would not dare touch it. 

“ If I had such talent, I could sell them and use the money to open up a real sick-house. You’re a wonderful girl, Nina.”

She blushed and tried not to look at his smiling face.

“ And you’re lucky. A place like this to live in, with the view, the music and the safety.” The man sighed and sat down, resting his tired muscles. Dieter stopped looking at the dolls and ran to his arms.

“ Why don’t we stay here?” The child’s tired voice questioned.

“ What?”

“ Yes, It would be perfect! We can talk to the bishop and see if you two can-“ Nina joined in.

“ No. Dieter, you should stay here, yes, but I’m needed out there. You know that.”

“ But why? You would have sanctuary.” The blonde asked, holding tightly onto her skirts hem. The wind tussled her hair, but she ignored it.

“ Sanctuary, yes. But not freedom. I am the only experienced doctor those people can afford-”

“ What about Rung? Or Doctor Schumann?”

“ We have talked about this. Rung is still way too young to manage on her own and Doctor Schumann’s getting ready to retire. Remember last year when he collapsed?”

“ B-but that man is going to lock you up. And then I can never see you again!”

“ Dieter-.“

“ Don’t leave me Tenma, let’s stay together. Please!”

The child hugged his neck, like fearing letting go would mean him disappearing. Kenzo wrapped his arms around Dieter.

“ You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” He assured, but the redhead would not let go. The adult sighed.

Footsteps came rapidly up the steps, banging and clanking all the way. Nina ran in front of the doctor, ready to protect him if need be. Seconds went by, soon a head could be seen as it bobbed from side to side in motion of the persons climbing. The blonde raised a piece of wood, ready to attack when,

“ Thank goodness Nina, you’re okay!”

“ We saw Lunge leaving and immediately came here!”

She dropped it and gave a sigh of relief.  

“ Doctor Tenma, these are my friends Karl,” The boy bowed. “And Lotte. They can be trusted.”

“ Best friend, Lotte Frank at your- Wait a second. You’re the one who helped Nina down from the stage!”

“ Guys, we need to help him out of here.” They all looked at her like she had grown a second head.

“ I’m fine, Nina, you don’t have to-“

“ Let me help you, Doctor Tenma!” Nina insisted, determined. Tenma seemed apprehensive.

“ I know a secret way out of here. With Karl and Lotte’s help, we can have the two of you out of here. Just follow me.”

She went down to the floor below and marched up to a cabinet. It was large, made out of wood and filled with religious texts. The girl pushed the cabinet out of the way to reveal a tiny descending staircase. It led right outside, to the side of the cathedral.

“ Noblemen used this as a way to escape executions. It’s been abandoned for years now though.” The girl explained.

“ It’s so dark…”

“ Well, it’s better than nothing.”

And that’s how five figures descended down the dark and dusty steps. Once at the bottom, Nina instructed Karl to push against the wall, until a section of it moved. Now practically outside, they could hear the steps and the talking of the guards.

“ Okay, that’s where you come in.” She pointed at Lotte, who was busy looking around. “You need to run there and distract them while Tenma and Dieter escape.”

“ Alright, leave it to me.” She gave them a thumbs up and ran to the front, stopping the guards in their tracks. She did something they could not see, but the accompanying “ Miss Frank this is the third time! I have no more shirts left!” left most of them in giggles.

“ Thank you. How could I ever repay you?” Tenma asked, holding Nina's hands in his.

She didn’t know what to say, so he continued.

“ Hey, you should come with us. Leave this place and be free!”

“ I-I can’t. I couldn’t betray my master like that.”

“ Your master?”

“ Lunge. He took me in and raised me when nobody else would.”

“ I-I see… Well, if you ever need sanctuary,” Tenma took something out from his pocket and handed it to her. The girl looked at the object, it was a ripped page, an incredibly detailed one at that. There were drawings of roses and vines and large iron gates.

“ Find the one that’s surrounded by red, and you shall have a safe haven to fall to.”

“ The court of Miracles?” She asked, taking the offered page and putting it in her pocket.

“ That’s what they’re calling it now? The ones in there use the name Red Rose Mansion.”

“ Tenma, the guards, we need to go!” Dieter called. Tenma gave the girl one last hug.

“ Goodbye.”

The two ran all the way back.

...

Nina had just about said goodbye to her friends and made it up to the second floor when a light of a torch made her still. It moved slowly, like somebody was looking for something. She peeked from behind a statue of Maria, trying to see whether it was friend or foe. To her horror it was somebody she recognized.

With a swift kick to his side, she managed to take the still burning torch from his hand and point it at him.

“ No soldiers! Sanctuary!” Nina yelled, waving the beacon around.

“ Whoa, whoa! I just want to-“ The captain began but was cut off.

“ Go away! Leave.” She screamed, cornering him next to the doors.

“ Just tell him I did not mean to trap him here. Please.” Nina did not lower her guard but did so to the torch. 

“ Then what was that?” 

“ It was the only way to save his life. His and his son’s.”

Grimmer turned to leave.

“ Just tell him I said that. And watch over him, please.”  

Nina was left alone, confused.

...

The evening took the sun’s comforting light away and made room for the approaching darkness. A large, stained-glass window coloured the hallway Judge Lunge walked in blue and black, as if it wasn’t dark enough and hard to see already. He called a servant boy to light his fireplace.

“ Where is my wife?”

His wife was the daughter of a friend in their family. Both of their fathers, in their youth, had been what you would call brothers in arms. For years they had fought together and if the story was to be believed, had even carried each other out from an active battlefield. When they eventually returned victorious back home, had they the idea of their dear children marrying each other and uniting the families. After Lunge had been accepted as a judges apprentice at age nineteen, his father had sat him down and told him of this arrangement. And who was he to argue with his father?

They were wedded near the end of November, right after everything had died and the snow was beginning to cover the barren grounds. The day had been cloudy, there were eight guests of which four had been unfamiliar to him. And his bride, like the season, was wearing something dull and blue with a hint of ash. On her hands was a single chain of silver, the most interesting thing to look at that night.

He mostly focused on getting to know the influential man his father had invited.

His duty from the start was clear, produce a young one to carry his name forward. But he had never been interested in fathering any a child, so the task took some time. He had laid with his wife only two times in the span of about three years until she had become heavy with child, and he could finally stop trying. The man left the raising of said offspring to the maids, nannies and servants.

When even was the last time Lunge had seen his daughter? He couldn’t remember, but he was certain those rare times would become even more sparse now that she was married and moved out.

And what about his wife? Usually he would leave for work before she got up in the morning and come home just after the sun had set down. They would then eat a quick dinner in the dining hall, not really discussing or conversing and then he’d retire to his office to work some more before heading to his own chamber to sleep. But they hadn’t had dinner together in days now. The previous time must have been someday last week, maybe a Wednesday. He remembered eating a steak with potatoes, like every Wednesday, just not if it was with her. 

Lunge was also certain his wife harboured a man in her quarters, one she was in an affair with, but honestly, he preferred it when she did not bother him while he worked. He gladly turned a blind eye as long as she was not caught. They had to keep the appearances up after all.

“ She sleeps in her chambers, sire.”

“ Has there been any letters?”

“ Only one, my lord. I set it by your table.”

“ And who was this letter from?”

“ From the Chamber of Accounts, Sir Verdemann.”

“ Aright. You may leave for the night then.”

And so he was alone, with his guilt and with his thoughts. His eyes fixated first on to the windows, then they climbed up to the ceiling and its many unlit torches, until finally landing on a painting, hanging near his bookshelf. It depicted a crucified Jesus looking up towards the sky, and God, for guidance.

“ Dear God, my lord, my one and only Master on this mortal plane. You know I am so much better than these mere simple humans. My soul is immortal and shall stand next to you when I leave this existence and cross onto the other side. I am holy, I see your light like nobody else.” The man turned away from the large artwork and headed for the fireplace. It was a cold evening.

“ Is that the reason you test me so? If I truly am worthy, my willpower… Of all the people I would find a fellow man so irresistible.” The flames continued to feast, growing by the minute. Above it all, on the stone wall and in a golden frame hung The virgin Maria with baby Jesus, shining in holy light. It had been an expensive painting, one that had taken months and months of hard work by eight people.

The man raised his hand, the hand that had touched the doctor's face so gently, and brought it to his own lips. He closed his eyes, imagining Tenma standing next to him. Smiling, happy, enjoying the warmth of the fire like he did every night. It would make him glow like an ethereal being, his pale skin would no doupt mirror the fire's light. They might share a cup of red wine, or perhaps they’d take a stroll around the woods during a moonlit night.

Suddenly in his mind the doctor wasn’t clothed anymore, and he wasn’t pale either. No, he was blushing red, face and neck scarlet and, oh, so tempting. Lunge could nearly imagine it, Tenma’s lean, round shoulders, followed by prominent collarbones and a chest that rose and fell on every breath. The curve of his lower back, the building muscle in his forearms from helping all those people, and that silky smooth skin going over the hipbone and down, down and between his legs and-

The cup fell from his grasp, he had no recollection of pouring himself a drink. Purple wine splashed onto his feet, onto the carpets and onto the burning wood where it let out a long hiss of warning, the fire not wishing to be put out just yet. Lunge stared at the mess but could not bring himself to care about rugs or robes. The growing arousal, these confusing feelings, all of it was too much and he felt like choking. It made him so furious, and he turned once more to stare at the painting above the fireplace in evident contempt.

“ Tell me Maria. Why do I see him standing there?” Lunge gripped his head. But no amount of shaking or praying could rid himself of these unholy thoughts.

“ Why are his smouldering eyes scorching my very soul? Is he the devil? He must be for why else do I feel this way?”

The image would not burn away no matter how long he stared into the fire. The doctor remained there, now lying down next to the fireplace, skin glowing. The only thing protecting him from the cold tile floors were the white, though now wine soaked, bearskin rugs, because he still had not a thing on his body. The doctor was staring right at him, one finger beckoning for the man to come closer.

Lunge could see those gleaming lips moving and yet no words reached his ears. The older man had to lean closer, so much so that he was practically on top of Tenma when he managed to make out the single word he was repeating.

“ Heinrich.”

He was certain he felt a breath on his face and his heart nearly stopped. 

“ I see him, I feel him. The fire caught in his raven hair.” He went to touch it, even just a strand of black, only for the image to finally disappear like smoke in the air.

“ I am out of all control.” He nearly fell to his knees, desperation then manifesting as anger.

“ This burning desire is turning me to sin. I cannot allow that.” He cursed.

“ But I am not at fault! Don’t you dare judge me like that!” He raged at the painting, whose eyes stayed unmoving and unchanged. “It’s him, he’s the culprit. With those eyes, with that body. He is trying to trick me. Maria protect me from this evil that has created a nest into my heart. Drag him to the underground, let him perish in the fires of Hell. Or!”

He quieted, the words once sizzling on his tongue now just an aftertaste, and a hand pausing in mid-air. All the rage left him, leaving his heart feeling hollow and empty.

“ Or let him be mine. And mine alone.”

A loud knock interrupted his thoughts and he turned to face the double doors. They creaked open with hesitation.

“ Minister, sir, we have bad news.”

“ How dare you disturb me at this hour?” Lunge turned his back to the fire, at last seeing something other than the dancing flames. 

“ But your excellency, the doctor has disappeared.”

“ What?”

“ He’s nowhere to be found in the cathedral. He’s gone.”

The minister gritted his teeth, hands balling into tight fists. They nearly shook as he spoke.

“ Find him. Get out and find him. Take as many men as necessary.”

The door closed.

“ I’ll find you my dear Doctor Tenma. Even if I have to burn down all of Paris. Even if I have to arrest every criminal there is.” 

He then halted, an idea forming inside of his brilliant mind.

“ It is sin to lay before marriage, so all he has to do is agree to my proposal. Our union shall be valid in the eyes of the law and God.”

He headed closer to the fire, narrow eyes staring deep into the orange. A sense of peace gradually overcame him.

“ Well, doctor. Looks like you only have two options.” His smile was crazed. “Be mine alone, return my love and accept the salvation I offer. Or burn.”

As the fire gave its last breath before fizzling out, Lunge placed his hand onto his own cheek and then lowered it down along his neck. He closed his eyes, and whispered, before passing out.

“ You will be mine.”

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Chapter Text

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

“ Sir, are you alright?”

Lunge exited the carriage and rubbed his sensitive eyes, under them were dark purple circles. They made the man appear years older.

“ Troubles with the fireplace.” The man dismissed, waving his hand around.

“ Uh, and your orders sire?” Grimmer asked, unsure on how to proceed.

“ Find me Doctor Tenma. Use any means necessary to gather information. And burn down a few houses while you’re at it.” The command was clear and left no room for suggestions of any kind. The captain nodded and motioned for the men to get going.

The minister watched the troops depart before turning back and hopping into the carriage. He had a meeting at his office with an old acquaintance, who had sent an urgent letter requesting a meeting.

His hand began to move as he did his best to remember everything there was to know about the person.

Fritz Verdemann was a man of great potential and plenty of sharp wit. He had studied hard at the same ecclesiastical school Lunge long ago had and became known for his determination and perseverance. The man had actually chosen a very similar, if not near identical path to the judge, completing his studies within a few years and then getting engaged to a woman through the family’s contacts. If he was told to study Latin, he did so. If he was advised to attend several social gathering to make friends and acquaintances, the man asked no questions. He climbed up the social ladder with such speeds that Lunge was certain he would one day take away his position and become the new Minister of Justice.

Only, he was the son of a murderer and so, could never become a real judge. He had made sure of that himself. When this information had been revealed to Verdemann, he apparently had locked himself inside a room for days, not eating nor drinking, until his wife had begged for him to come out. A year went by until the man reemerged with the title of Chamber of Accounts.

“ Lunge, what is the meaning of this?!” Fritz’s irate voice echoed in the study. The minister set the book he had been focused on down and moved to meet the approaching man. 

“ Whatever do you mean, Chamber?”

“ What do I mean?!” He looked enraged. “I originally asked for a meeting to discuss about these ever-soaring trial costs, the expenses are piling high and there is a ton of paperwork to do every day. You know, they are worse than last year or even the year before that by far.” The brown-haired man got closer.

“ I want an explanation for them, yes. But firstly-!“ He pointed an accusing finger at the judge. "-What is this I hear about your men going around terrorizing innocent citizens, burning their possessions and charging them for crimes they have not committed?!”

“ Remind me again of what authority you have to question my actions?”

“ What then, when somebody gets badly hurt? I say--!“ Lunge cut him off by raising a hand.

“ None of this concerns you. I help keep the streets safe for the peaceful everyday folk and sometimes that requires though decisions.”

“ It does concern me, when my betrothed and my family are –!“ Verdemann was getting heated, voice raising with every word.

“ Ah yes, your family. Your father who was arrested twenty years, three months and five days ago for the murder of the locksmith. Your mother who then became ill with the plague and died shortly after. No siblings nor relatives alive.”

“ How dare- what is- why are you--?“

“ So I have to wonder, who is this family you speak of? Or are you talking about the criminals you keep aiding?”

“ Th-the criminals?”

“ Yes, I know all about your backdoor businesses. Offering legal counsel to those ‘in need’. I never would have imagined you becoming so close to some of them as to consider them family. I have to admit, I am astounded. Perhaps even a bit disappointed.“

“ I-I- but--!“

“ Your services won’t be needed anymore. And if you want to keep your job, I suggest you start making wiser decisions and let me do my duty.” The minister could see the other grit his teeth in frustration. Lunge just leaned back, a satisfied ghost of a smile gracing his lips. They both knew Lunge could ruin his life.

“ Fine, this time I will not say anything.” Fritz bit his tongue. The older man hummed, satisfied, he had won again.

“ I’ll send you a detailed report regarding the trial costs tomorrow. That should clear everything up for your reports. I expect them to be on time despite this delay.”

Verdemann was about to storm out, but could not resist getting the last word in.

“I don’t know what you're hoping to gain or what your end goal is.” Verdemann called over his shoulder. “ But just so you know, you will never catch Kenzo Tenma.”

Fritz only heard the breaking glass. He rushed into his carriage and left for home, wishing to make sure his soon to be wife remained unharmed.

The minister stepped over the shattered remains of a pitcher. The wine began to seep into the cracks on the floor where it then travelled between the stone slabs.

Even in his anger, Lunge couldn't help but to laugh out loud. Deep chuckles replaced the silence of the hall, echoing around the empty building. The idiot had thought himself clever, trying to say he would never get his hands on the doctor. And while doing so, had revealed the man’s full name, information previously incomplete in his head. 

“ Kenzo.”

...

Whispers on the street began immediately. They said that Lunge’s gone mad, said that he was offering good money for a certain doctor’s whereabouts. The Minister of Justice went from suspected house to another, burning them as he did so. A dozen people were arrested overnight, no matter their age, gender, condition, family, or status. No-one escaped the man.

Many brave people refused to utter a single word about Doctor Tenma, for he had saved so many of their lives. No amount of money or riches opened their mouths and for that they were thrown into the dungeons of the Palace of Justice and the amount offered increased. First ten pieces of silver, soon twenty and then thirty. But it did not seem to work, and the judge grew more and more desperate as the days passed.   

Tenma of course heard about it. He had returned to the others immediately after escaping the cathedral but did not have much time to sit down and rest. Because the minister’s wrath had been so immediate, there was a constant stream of burn survivors, many sprained ankles, and countless broken arms. The man took care of the ever-growing amount of injured people, but even with the help of Rung and Schumann there just were so many. On most days he had no time to eat nor sleep. The refugees took shelter in the Red Rose Mansion, so there was not a quiet moment anywhere within the walls.

Dieter was beginning to seriously worry for his father figure, even more so after hearing what was happening above ground. Why the scary minister wanted his Tenma was a mystery he was not ready to hear answers to.

Presently Kenzo, wearing a heavy cloak, had journeyed to the very corner of the city to see a kind older woman named Petra. She made the best salves and soups, and that’s exactly what he was going to get, when commotion alerted him to the presence of soldiers. Dieter, who had also followed, hid behind him.

Judge Lunge sat on top of his horse, demanding the Captain burn down the cottage. Tenma's eyes were wide in fear, and he was about to run there and give himself up, when sir Grimmer loudly refused.

“ Burn it.”

“ Sire, with all due respect, I wasn’t trained to murder innocent elderly ladies.”  

“ You were trained to follow orders.” Grimmer took the torch and threw it on the ground, watching as it died.

Without words, the judge took one of the guards torches and lit the old hut on fire. It spread quickly, swallowing the entire house and the attached windmill. There was a loud, ear-piercing shriek from inside, and despite the odds, Grimmer managed to jump through a burning window and help Petra to safety.

Without much gratitude from the men surrounding the hut, he was then dragged backwards and forced onto his knees. Lunge was not amused by the display of courage.

“ I hereby sentence you to death, on the count of insubordination. Your sentence shall be carried out at--.“  

The horse let out a loud cry and began to run, throwing the older man off. Dieter cheered, having managed to hit it with his slingshot. At the same time, Grimmer began to run away and towards a bridge where he could jump off and into the safety of the rushing waters. Just as he was about to do so, one of the soldiers struck him with an arrow, making him loose balance and plummet into the water in an awkward angle.

“ Seize fire! Stop wasting your arrows when he’s already dead. Concentrate on finding Doctor Tenma and if you have to kill any more traitors so be it.”

Tenma waited by the water’s edge for the men to disappear, before jumping in.  

...

Paris was burning.

The fires were spreading to entire neighbourhoods, claiming houses as well as lives, trapping families and pets inside to die. The morning sky, clear and sunny, had been hour by hour replaced by black smoke and flames. The song of birds and the gentle humming of the summers wind all were replaced by screams of agony and loss. Animals let out cries in fright as they ran around the empty streets, women prayed over their fallen sons, men tried their best to stop the destruction.

Sir Roberto, in all his height and glory, came to inform his new master that they’d searched everywhere.

“ The doctor has vanished, my lord. There are no signs of him anywhere.” He told, and then bowed. The judge did not look pleased.

“ I had the entire cathedral surrounded, how is it possible for him to--?“ The greying man looked up after hearing the chimes of the bells. ‘Is it possible’ he thought and decided to investigate further.

“ Unless she had something to do with it…”

...

“ It’s not looking good.” Lotte sheepishly admitted while watching the glowing city. At first it had only been one house in the very centre, but soon more and more buildings were beginning to seep out smoke until everywhere you looked you could see fire. It was coming closer, and the teens were worried for their own houses as well as the church.

“ I hope Tenma’s okay.” Rudi walked beside her to also have a look. His brows were furrowed, and his mouth was unconsciously turning downward. He began to pray, so Lotte left him to do it in peace.

“ If I know Tenma, he and Dieter are five steps ahead of Lunge and both alright.” Reichwein tried to calm them down. It did little.

“ Hey Nina, you’ve been awfully quiet. Everything alright?”

“ I’m just thinking…” The blonde said, finishing up the drawing she had been working on for some time now. She stared at it for a moment, before nodding.

“ About the cute doctor?”

“ I- what?” She dropped her pen.

“ Oh come on, I saw how you looked at him. And he must feel something for you too, I mean he did defend you and treat your wound and--.“

“ Stop, don’t get my hopes up like that.”

“ But it’s true! And who wouldn’t want to be with someone like you? Have you even looked at yourself?” Miss Frank dragged her to the mirror and they both stared at the barely visible reflection.

“ You are beautiful.” Lotte whispered, trying to smile encouragingly.

Nina twirled her long hair between her fingers and then bit her lip.

“ Maybe I could ask him the next time we see each other…”

“ That’s the spirit! Any man who has working eyes can see that you-”

“ Nina! Bishop Rudi!”

“ Tenma?” They all turned around just as the man came through the doors. Nina was so overcome with relief that she hugged him, and he without hesitation hugged back.

“ You’re safe!”

“ Thank heavens you’re alright!”

“ Are you okay?”

“ Yes, I am fine, but he isn’t.”

That’s when a large man familiar to some of them came in, carrying the barely conscious Captain of the guard.

“ Hugo? I thought you left the country with your daughter?” The archdeacon questioned. He and the former captain had many encounters throughout the years, and they would often help each other out in various ways. The blonde soldier was much easier to talk to than the Minister of Justice. But then Captain Bernhardt had refused to end the life of a man convicted of robbery, and so was sentenced to death.

Julius was the one who saved the man from execution by providing an escape route and knowledge about the existence of the Red Rose Mansion.

“ Yeah, was going to, but doc here needed help. And besides I couldn’t risk being discovered.”

They set the tall man down on top of some sheets.

“ Sir Grimmer saved miss Petra and is now a fugitive like us. We would take him back to the Mansion, but he’s been shot and can’t go on much longer. I’ve sent Dieter back to inform Schumann of our situation, so he knows to be prepared when we do go back.”

“ What do you need?” Rudi asked.

“ Some clean water and towels if you could spare some.” Tenma listed, while opening up a tiny pouch from his belt. There were various needles and sturdy thread, perfect for occasions such as this. Gillen and Reichwein went to get the towels and more blankets, while Karl ran down to get fresh water. Lotte went outside, feeling faint from seeing blood.

“ Uh, Doctor Tenma…”

“ Shh, you have to save your strength. Otherwise we can’t get you out of here.”

Kenzo opened the shirt and looked at the wound. His hands stopped, eyes widening at the sight. Wolfgang was covered in marks and blemishes, old and recent. His skin was scarred over on most of his stomach, there were pale lashes over his ribcage and a long red, sloppily stitched scar in the very centre of his chest. Tenma had to remind himself that the man had been a soldier on active duty until recently. But it still didn't make the sight any less heartbreaking.

“ Why are you crying?” His patient muttered, eyes barely open.

“ Just- well…”

“ Are you… Crying for me?”

“ There are so many scars.” The noiret sniffled.

“ Don’t shed tears for me, I haven’t done anything to deserve that.” Grimmer wiped the droplets from his cheek. “And besides, you’re much prettier when you smile.” The doctor didn't respond but the tears stopped falling.

Tenma sighed and then took another look at the wound, determining it not to be as bad as he had feared. He opened a large bottle of alcohol, sure to kill off anything that might worsen Grimmer’s state. It must be working for the ex-captain cursed loudly.

“ Petra’s son wanted me to thank you, and I’m certain Doctor Schumann also wants to. They are indebted to you.”

“ I was just-” He groaned in pain. “Doing what’s right.”

“ You were really lucky.” He spoke, while stitching the wound. “That arrow almost pierced your heart.”

“ I,” Grimmer placed a hand on the younger man’s cheek, relishing in the softness. He caressed it gently, leaving room for the other man to back away if he so chose. “-am not so sure it didn’t.”

Tenma's face broke into a brilliant grin, and blush, making Wolfgang smile as well. He guided the face above him to lower down, and they shared a light kiss. It was sweet, full of care and longing. It felt just right, so the two men went for another one. Grimmer’s hand ran through Tenma’s silk like hair, imagining how it would look like splayed out on to pillows on a lazy Sunday morning. The thought sent butterflies flying around his stomach.

Nina stared at the couple, feeling her heart break. She, for a moment, had truly considered the older man could harbour similar feeling she did. They could sell her books together and buy a house where Dieter could grow up happy. They would have lived a better life. She closed her eyes and turned, not wishing to see any more.

“ Judge Lunge’s coming! You have to leave!” Lotte came barrelling in just as the towels and the water arrived. It made everyone get up.

“ I’ll see you later.” Tenma whispered to Grimmer who finally fell into deep slumber.

“ He can hide in here, right?”

“ Of course doctor. Now go, you must leave. We’ll hide him behind the bells.” Reichwein commanded, and the two men ran out.

Just before the door closed, Kenzo fixed his gaze onto the injured man, and then, while running, the burning city around them. The screams hurt his ears, the smell made him nauseous. There was a pang of guilt in his chest.

“ Go! Go on without me.”

“ Where are you going doctor?”

“ I have to do something. Watch after Dieter for me, please?”

The black-haired man bolted in the other direction, leaving the ex-soldier behind.

...

As Karl hurried down the steps, Lotte took the opportunity to question him. Her friend had been acting off for a couple of days now. She gripped his shoulder to stop their walking.

“ Hey, what’s with you Karl?”

“ H-huh? I-I don’t know what you mean.”

“ Don’t think of me as a fool Neuman. You keep staring at nothing and your face looks like a kicked dog, now spill or--.”

Their conversation halted when the doors opened and the judge walked inside. They jumped inside the confessional, one on the right side and the other one to the left. They did their best to keep silent behind the curtains, but Lotte couldn't help herself. She leaned towards the latticed opening, and whispered.

“ Seriously tell me.”

“ No, I can’t.”

“ Karl, we have been friends for so long, you can trust me.”

“… But, it hurts.” The boy shifted closer.

“ And talking helps. Besides, look where we are. There isn’t a better place in the world for confessions.”

“ My mother told me something two days ago.”

“ What?”

“ About my father, he, well…”

“ What did she say?”

“ She told me my father is not my real father. And she is not my real mother.”

Lotte gasped and then hurried to cover her mouth. They listened for any sound outside, but when they did not hear anything, continued.

“ Did they say who your real parents are?” She whispered.

“ They gave me a letter written by my birthmother.”

“ And?”

“ It s-says that my real father is Sir Hans Georg Schuwald.”

...

Lunge with much care, lowered the basket down onto the table and sat facing his ward. Inside were slices of wheat bread, and honey coated peaches, real luxuries. The man eyed the girl who was in the process of gathering the dishes they needed, noting the obvious nervousness in her step. He smiled. Once she had sat down, he gave her a piece of the bread.

“ There is something troubling you.”

“ No, no, everything is fine.”

“ Oh, but I know there is something. I can tell by the way you bounce your leg and pick at your food.”

Nina stilled her movement, trying and failing to look calm. Lunge wiped his mouth when something caught his eye.

“ What’s different in here?” The Judge rose and went to see the shelves.

“ Nothing, sir.”

“ No, this one. This one is new.” He picked up a stack of brown pages, the beginnings of a new book.

“ ‘Hair as black as ebony wood, skin as white as snow. He was the fairest of them all. So good he was, his heart was surely forged from gold’.” Lunge read aloud. Then he flipped the upmost page over and looked at the painted cover, it’s colours vibrant and beautiful. A figure, clearly a man, stood by an apple tree in full bloom. He was holding a bouquet of white wildflowers. “ Snow White?”

“ I-it’s about a prince who finds true love, sir.”

“ It’s good, just like the others. Real quality work once more. But I wonder…” The man turned the page back around.

“ Why does the description remind me of someone? A certain Doctor perhaps?”

Nina held her breath.

“ I know you helped him escape!” He was overcome with rage, throwing the book onto the ground. The book’s unbinded pages flew across the floor, any sense of order gone. Next thing to fall were the decorations, the hourglass shattered and the porcelain dolls broke. Every colourful piece of rock and glass was knocked down, the vase followed soon after.

“ All of Paris is burning because of you!”

“ H-he was kind to me master.” Nina began, falling on to the floor. She, in fright, began crawling backwards.

“ You fool! He’s a heartless criminal who doesn’t know the meaning of real kindness.”  

The man circled the table and came closer, spewing insults.

“ Think about your mother! Think about your father. Both worthless and surely burning in hell--!”

When she was certain the man would strike her, his anger seemed to subside like the tides of an ocean. Lunge straightened and looked at the mess, indifferent.

“ But what chance would a sinful little girl like you have against his false charms?” He stepped closer to the book cover and kicked it down the stairs. It fell all the way to the next floor.

“ I shall free you of his influence.”

“ W-what are you planning on doing to him?”

“ I happen to know where the criminals are hiding. In the morning I shall attack with all my men.”

He left, glass crunching under his feet all the way.

Grimmer peeked out, having woken up from the commotion. He groaned but stood up.

“ We have to find the Court of Miracles before sunrise.” His face was pained, but there was no time to rest now.

“ I, I cannot do anything. Lunge is my master and--.“

“ Kenzo helped you, and this is the thanks you give him?” The man interrupted. “Innocent are going to die, and I for one am not just going to sit back and watch. Come with so we can help them!”

There was no answer. The soldier huffed.

“ Alright. You do what you think is right. But I’ll go to warn them.”

Nina looked at the retreating figure, trying to come up with a solution. If she left, she could risk her masters wrath. But if she stayed, dozens of people could be killed. Including, most likely, the doctor and his son. Her hand unconsciously touched the paper in her pocket, and she made a decision.

“ Wait!”

Grimmer stopped.

“ It’s actually called Red Rose Mansion.”  

“ Do you know where it is?”

“ No, but I have this.” She handed him the page.

“ Oh yes, perfect.” Grimmer stared at it, turning it over and then back again. “What is it?”

“ Tenma told me if I ever needed sanctuary, this would help me find him. He said, ‘Find the one that’s surrounded by red, and you shall have a safe haven to fall to’ but I don’t know what it means.”

“ Hmm, this iron gate kind of reminds me of the old sick houses. There used to be five, but they have long been closed. People used to avoid them at all costs, fearing the spreading of the plague. I actually remember when the last one closed do--.“ Wolfgang paused, thinking.

“ Can you see well beyond the Seine from up there?” He pointed to the bell tower.

“ Yes?”

“ Come on, I’ll show you.”

They ran back upstairs and climbed on one of the roofs. Grimmer looked first east, but shook his head, and turned to west. Then he glanced at the picture, and then back up.

“ I think I know where we need to go!”

Nina looked at where he was pointing. Just after Seine, up on a hill, in a secluded corner sat an abandoned house. It was large, two or maybe three stories, fenced and surrounded by,

“ Red roses. Of course!”

“ Alright, we need to go, now.”

...

Tenma walked inside the Sainte-Chapelle, trembling hands hidden inside his pockets. Though he was afraid, his face was nothing if determined. The man marched up to a sleeping guard and shook him awake.

“ H-huh?”

“ I am here to turn myself in.”

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Chapter Text

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Once the road seemed clear, Grimmer guided Nina out from the shadows of the bushes they had been hiding in. They hurriedly crossed the road, jumping over puddles of mud and ash. A quick look back to confirm they were not followed, and the two approached the house. The girl dug the picture out from her pocket and compared it to what was in front of her, it seemed to match.

They, after travelling for about an hour, stood right in front of the supposed Red Rose Mansion. It sat lonely and fully abandoned near the Catacombs and private cemetery. Its yard was fully overgrown with blood red roses of all sizes and shapes, prickly stems just waiting to catch an unwanted visitor into their sharp clutches. The flowers and their vines, along with trees, grass, and bushes had begun to reclaim the once stolen space. Plants and moss grew from under and between the stone paths, from the walls of the house and even on the roof. It indeed had three stories, many a window, four crumbling balconies, but only two doors.

While they had journeyed, the ex-captain filled the silence with stories about the building. It, just like its sisters, had been used as a sick-house for the wealthy and noble. It used to have a large staff of doctors and their aids, cleaners, servants and even slaves who disposed of bodies. The place took care of every illness known to mankind, even the trickier minds ones. Families would send their sick relatives there to either truly get cured, or to just get them off of their hands.

Two of the houses were known to be better than the rest, having a caring staff and good service. But when the black plague hit France, all of the beds were taken by men and women suffering from it, and after a while they all were left there for quarantine purposes. Even when there wasn’t any more places to sleep in, sick individuals would be thrown in through the doors or windows and then locked in.

Many people died there, some in their sleep, some in agony, some crying out for their mother or husband or child. Once the last of the men had passed, the houses were all abandoned and boarded up. No one visited them in fear of somehow catching an illness. By now three had been burned down, demolished and the land was used as something completely different.

“ Oh my…”

“ Like the house of Sleeping Beauty.” Nina whispered in awe. Despite its history and current appearance, it was beautiful. She could see the hand carved windowsills and tall pillars, even if covered in moss.

“ Who’s house?”

“ A character from my story.” She explained. He wanted to ask more, but thought it best to keep going.

“ I think we are in the right place. Let’s go take a look.” They with some effort hopped over the spiky fence and made their way towards the doors, which were obviously bolted shut. No shaking or banging could get them to budge.

“ Look at that window.” Nina turned to see one of the downstairs windows creaked open. It moved with the wind, just enough to show to be open.

“ We can use it to get in. Come on I’ll help you. That’s it, just put your leg onto my palm here.” Wolfgang hoisted the girl up and then followed himself.

“ Oh my, it’s so dusty. Even worse that the bell tower.”

“ That was to be expected. No one has used these rooms in forever.”

“ Hello! Is anyone here?”

No one answered, but the echo. The rooms all were oddly unfurnished, the walls were bare, there were no beds or mattresses and not a single table or chair or drawer to be seen. Not even trash littered the corners. Nina had anticipated bones or clothes or blood, but it was like the patients, alive and dead, had disappeared. Like they had never been there.

“ A person has to have been here at some point. It wouldn’t be so empty otherwise, right?”

“ That’s what I thought as well. Best to keep your guard up. And stay behind me.”

They walked together down a long hallway, trying to see movement, or perhaps hear a sound. But the patient rooms and common areas were completely void of anything to look at, and some even missed the doors altogether. They also paid mind to the dust, if there were footprints or marks or anything to give them clues, but all wooden surfaces were untouched.

The two headed for the entrance, intending on starting their search there but it was difficult to see. The windows were boarded up well with planks, but they could see a rolled-up carpet and a large barrel leaning against the front doors, indications of someone having been there. Wolfgang decided that they should continue along the left hall, and so they did.

After the eight identical room the duo came upon a long stretch of empty wall space, with no door or window. It looked out of place, but they had to keep moving on. The time was ticking, sun was surely rising, and they had yet to warn Tenma and the others.

Something peculiar caught their eye when they came at the end of the hall. The stairs to the upstairs had been completely damaged, partially by water no doubt, but the rest seemed oddly methodical. Like the work of an axe. The last steps were intact, but the first twenty were just gone without a trace.

“ Seems like somebody doesn’t want us to head upstairs. I wonder what’s hiding in there.”

Before the girl could begin to climb, the ex-soldier caught her arm and whispered.

“ Nina, stop.” Grimmer stilled and turned to look at a door, ajar. It led to another never-ending hallway, one which they had not yet been in. “Don’t move. Somebody’s definitely in here with us.” He tiptoed closer and peeked inside the seemingly dead area.

“ That’s odd… I swear I heard--.“ The door opened right into his face, hard. It made the man fall backwards with a yelp. Nina ran to his aid and caught him by the shoulders.

“ Well, well, well. What do we have here?”

“ Thieves!”

“ Spies!”

“ Murderers!”

“ Whistleblowers!”  

“ Wait! We’re not spies, we--!“ Nina’s mouth was gagged with something rancid smelling. She hadn’t even noticed there were people creeping up behind them.

They were soon surrounded by eight men, holding various objects, such as wooden poles and knives, all dressed in dark green cloaks.

“ You were awfully clever to find us, congratulations. This would make an excellent story down at the pub. Too bad you shall never tell a soul!” A short man, Nina recognized as the host of the beauty contest, announced and they all began to move as if on cue. Her arms were grabbed, they were tied with rope, and she was left defenceless. Her companion got the same treatment.

One of the men knocked on to the empty wall, three slow bangs, and it opened just like the hidden staircase wall had back at the cathedral. Inside was a large room, very ordinary, bare like the others but not as dusty. There in the corner lay a tiny opening on the floor. It had clearly been dug by an amateur, sharp edges were proof of that fact. It led down beneath the ground.

The two prisoners were unceremoniously thrown down, where even more people had made themselves home. Nina raised her head to look around in wonder. It was a huge basement room, made of stone and dark oak. On the walls hung the only source of any light, them being a handful of torches. The floors were filled with the mattresses and blankets missing from upstairs, and on them lay many injured. Kids, elderly, adults. Even a few animals ran around the darkened corners.

There was shushing. Somebody covered the opening with a few blanks and sheets.

“ Look-e here everybody! We have some spies!”

“ How dare you!”

“ Don’t you feel shame?”

“ Kill them!”

A hum left the short man. He redid his ponytail, as if thinking the suggestion over.

“ Yes, yes. All in due time. Does anyone have suggestions?”

“ Bury them!”

“ Drowning!”

“ Hang ‘em!”

“ Oh-ho-ho-ho, I hear the word hanging! You know I can’t resist. That’s what we’ll do.” He turned to look at Grimmer who was struggling with the ropes. “No hard feelings, okay? You have to understand, it’s either you two, or all of us, down to that chicken.”

Nina and Grimmer both tried to shout protests, reasonings, anything, but all their words came out so incomprehensible it was more comical than anything.

“ Oh, sorry can’t hear ya. Somebody get me Martin and Muller! These chumps need a little lift.” A few chuckles left the crowd. The short man was going to say something else but stopped to stare at Nina’s frowning face.

“ Wow hey, you seem oddly familiar. Don’t I know you from somewhere?” Otto rubbed his chin. “Have ya ever swinged by the Three town’s bar? Or maybe by the butchers? No wait don’t tell me I married you in a drunken stupor last year during Christmas! Was that you?” His palm was firmly placed on his forehead, eyes wide with some sort of distant realization. “I promise I was gon' write to ya, but you know, life got in the way. And please say we don’t got no kid, I have, like, five already that aren’t even mine--!”

“ Ease up Hec, you wouldn’t land such a pretty face even if she had been drunk as a skunk.” A slim man walked past, holding a rope.

“ Yeah, and she’d probably think the skunk was the better looking one!”

“ Watch your tongue buddy! I’ll have you know that this face is a lady magnet!” He raged at the others, fist shaking in the air. The comments didn’t actually seem to rile him up too much, because soon he was back at their necks, taunting.

“ It really is a miracle you found us. I almost want to know how you did it.” Heckel’s hand hovered over the cloth covering the soldiers mouth. It got closer, and closer until,

“ Who am I kidding, I don’t care at all.” It was withdrawn.

“ Hey Milan! You might want to get the kids out of here. I don’t think this should be their first execution.”

“ Yeah, just a second. I need to help mister Junkers.”

“ Sheesh, that guy’s still alive?” The short man mumbled placing his arms behind his head. A couple of masked individuals walked up to them and motioned for the wooden platforms.

“ Alright, all settled. Wanna do the honours Otto?”

“ Yes sir, I--.“

“ Wait, mister Heckel please wait!”

The men turned to stare at the approaching child. He was running to them with all his might, hair tussled, and one shoe untied.

“ Dieter, I told you to stay in the--.“

“ Heckel stop. These aren’t spies.” Hugo Bernhardt pushed through the crowd, carrying a girl about the same age as Dieter. She held on to a raggedy doll with no hair.

“ This man saved Petra’s life, and this girl helped the doc escape from the cathedral.” 

“ Oh, oh well.” The short man threw a meat cleaver over his shoulder and shrugged.

The people began to open the restraints with hurry, though most were still joking around.

“ Thank you.” The blond girl rubbed her sore wrists.

“ No problem. But what are you doing all the way out here?” Hugo asked, voice low. When the panic subsided, Nina suddenly remembered why they were there.

“ W-where is Kenzo? Is doctor Tenma here? We need to speak to him!”

“ The doc? He hasn’t come back yet. Probably out there taking care of people. Why?”

“ We came to warn you! Lunge knows about this place” Grimmer tried his best to get everyone’s attention. It worked, because multiple people stopped what they were doing and looked over. Talking quieted, movement stopped.

“ What!?”

“ Huh?”

“ Are you serious?”

“ And tomorrow he’ll attack with all his men! You need to escape!” Nina continued.

“ If that is true, we cannot waste time! Everyone start packing, we need to leave.” The reaction was immediate. Everyone began to gather their measly possessions and other things together, rolling mats and packing food. “You too Dieter. We’ll tell you when your father gets back.”

Bernhardt extended his hand, intending on shaking it with the fellow ex-captain to express gratitude. Wolfgang accepted with as much enthusiasm as he could muster, but considering his current state, it wasn’t a lot.

“ I cannot thank you enough. You two risked a lot by coming here but saved triple that. We owe you big time.”

As everyone began to hurry, Grimmer let out a sigh of relief. They had made it in time. Soon he could take Tenma away from this awful place. 

...

Tenma stepped inside the Sainte-Chapelle, his trembling hands hidden inside the cloaks large pockets. Though he was terribly afraid, his face was nothing if determined. He looked to the left, he looked to the right, but there wasn’t a person present. He walked through one more doorway, until in front was a grand staircase. Sitting on one of the steps was a singular guard, who he then approached.

“ I am here to turn myself in.”

And oh, did the guard on duty believe himself to be in a state of fever. To be seeing such cruel apparitions. But when he marched the man down to the dungeons and ran to find his master, could he just not believe his luck. A promotion was surely in order. 

“ Minister Lunge! Minister!”

Lunge’s musings were interrupted by the loud yelling of his name. He, having just returned from the bell tower, needed a strong cup of wine if he were to stay up all night and wait for the girl to make her first move. And that’s precisely what he was in the middle of getting when he was so rudely interrupted.

He had done some thinking while traveling back home. After Tenma would inevitably accept his proposal, they would have to move away. Their relationship would not be easily accepted by these pretentious, pompous, narrow-minded idiots, so it was best to leave town entirely. That would not be a problem though, Lunge had a couple of holiday villas in the countryside where the two can stay till the rest of their times. The judge did not care for either one, much more preferring the civilization of the city folk, but Kenzo would probably enjoy the smaller one’s greenhouse.

That house, made of finely carved stone, only had two stories and a tiny garden but it would have to do. In addition there were two bed chambers, a study with an appropriately sized library, a specious great hall, a parlour, a dining room with a small kitchen and a buttery. In the back garden, with benches and a fountain, there stood the aforementioned greenhouse where one could spend hours having tea or reading.

He could almost see it, the spacious solar with its floor to ceiling windows and white curtains. The cushioned chairs around a large round table that had a vase with freshly picked flowers. Tenma would sit by the crackling fire, reading a book he had picked out from the hundreds offered. And when the man of the house returned, the doctor would turn to look at him with the same smile he offered back at the festival.

“ Welcome home, Heinrich.” He would say sweetly.

A servant, one of only three or four because they would not be needing unnecessary people spreading the word about them, would take his bags and bring them to their shared quarters. That would leave the two alone in the room, where the younger would come and embrace him. On his finger he'd wear a ring designed especially for his skilled hand. It would be much more grand than anything his wife had, made of pure gold. There in the very centre might be a large diamond, or ten, and on the inside shall be a carving of either their wedding date or something more personal. The man was leaning strongly toward something such as "Forever”, but he wasn't sure yet.

But one thing he was most certain of was that everything would eventually fall into place, it would all be perfect.

Back out of his head, Lunge turned to look at the approaching guard.

“ What is it Sir Becker? You aren’t at your post.”

“ I-I’m sorry sire, but! I-it’s the doctor, sir. He just turned himself in!”

“…What.”

He couldn’t believe his ears. It must be another dream. He’d had so many.

“ I marched him down into the dungeons. He’s in the second cell to the right.”

Becker waited to be showered in praises, but the minister just stared into the hall, eyes not truly focused on anything. Was he even breathing? The soldier cleared his throat.

“ Yes, and uh, what shall we do with the search?”

“ Is this really my luck, finding Tenma and the Court of Miracles in one day?”

“ Sir?”

“ Never mind, I was just thinking. Yes, cancel the search but tell no one the reason. The doctor's location must stay strictly hidden, you hear me?”

“ Yes, sir!”

“ Well done, your efforts will surely be handsomely rewarded. Give the report to Captain Roberto as soon as possible and then get back to your position.”

“ Yes sir, right away sir!” And then the soldier ran off, armour clanking all the way until he was behind another door.  

Lunge, despite the efforts, could not help the smile stretching onto his thin lips while he descended the limestone steps. Things were really too good to be true. Doctor Tenma in his grasp at last.

The first floor of the dungeons was on most days empty, alive prisoners usually being held at the floor below where their tortured screams could not be heard outside. How that idiot Becker realized Lunge wanted the doctor separate from other prisoners was anyone’s guess. Though, now that he thought about it, he most likely put him here due to being too lazy to walk down any more stairs. He might need to revoke that promised reward. 

Lunge stilled when the man he had for so long searched for came into view. There he truly stood, arms crossed, leaning against the wall. He looked nervous, jaw clenched in a way that indicated the fact.

“ My dear Doctor Tenma, to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“ Your honour, you have to put an end to this senseless massacre!” The black-haired man straightened immediately and began to walk closer to the rusty bars.

“ And why is that?”

“ B-Because you are hurting countless of innocent lives! I-I’m talking about the elderly, women, children. Only yesterday I had to wrap an arm of a two-year-old boy because he hadn’t escaped the fires fast enough. People are losing their homes, their possessions, their livelihoods. I do not know what I did to make you hate me so, but now that I’m here you can stop the burning and killing!”

“ Hate you? Is that really the conclusion you came to?” Lunge opened the lock and stepped inside, pulling the door closed behind him. The situation resembled a defenceless prey being cornered by a hungry predator.

“ W-well, that’s-I--.“

“ Do you honestly think I would go through all this trouble just because I hate you?” He came closer. “You know, I have been looking all over for you.”

Tenma’s response was to back away, until he was flush against the wall, the same wall he had just moments ago waited for the other man to make an appearance.

“ W-what could you possibly want from me?”

“ I want nothing from you.”

Lunge reached out and placed a hand onto the good doctor’s cheek. He caressed it just like Grimmer had, though with much less love.

“ I simply want,” Lunge closed the distance.

“You.”

The judge kissed the confused Tenma, taking an odd amount of pleasure in the way the younger man began to tremble. The flavour of something familiar mixed in with something different, a foreign cuisine perhaps, lingered in his mouth even after they parted. Lunge closed his eyes and ran a tongue over his own bottom lip, enjoying the taste but not yet fully satisfied. He combed his long fingers through the smooth black hair while his other hand travelled up and down Tenma’s side.

“ Is this a good enough answer?”

“ Why?” Tenma weakly asked, eyes shining with tears threatening to fall.

The minister spared no more answers, only kissed him again, and again, and again, becoming more and more assertive each time. The hints of wine and red apple were driving the need to get another taste. After the tenth time he lost count. This amount of power over someone was addicting. 

At some point the doctor’s shaking legs gave out and they slid on to the cold, hard floor, just like his tears had down his face. Lunge climbed on top of the man, left hand pinning Tenma’s right wrist down. The minister marvelled at the sight of his black hair splaying so gracefully down onto the tiles, like deliberately placed there. His larger body moved so it was perfectly situated in between the man’s legs, preventing them from closing.

Tenma did try and struggle but the other, despite his age, was bigger and in much better shape.

Lunge spent a few hours every evening practicing his swordsmanship, so as not to lose the skill. In his youth he used to be quite good, but with a job where he wasn’t the one doing the legwork he had begun to lose touch. Though once the man realized had he immediately added extra practice into his busy schedule. It wasn’t as easy as beginners believed, you needed to build muscle and strength, you needed to be able to jump and run. And he had never missed a day after picking the hobby back up.

Lunge also enjoyed three proper meals a day, whereas Tenma could go days without food, constantly on his feet or on the run. What little food he did get was mostly given to Dieter or to one of the other children. The judge was provided with various meats, fruit, cheese and vegetables, but the doctor had to make do with just bread, or turnips and, on lucky days, fish.  

The older man had the luxury of resting every night in a proper bed to gather up strength, while the younger man couldn’t even remember when he last slept an entire night. They lived different lives, and it showed as Tenma’s protesting hands were pinned down once more.

“ P-please, don’t--.“ Pressure was applied to his hand, painfully hard. "W-why?!"

Every chance his mouth got Tenma begged and pleaded, trying to comprehend as to what had lead up to this, but his words fell on deaf ears. His prayers were not answered, his inquiries were hopeless, his tears were meaningless. But it was the only thing he could do and so, continued.

“ Why?”

His shirt buttons were being slid open.

“ Why?”

A hand ran across his chest.

“ Why?”

Three kisses were placed onto his jaw.

“ Why, plea--?”

A hard slap to his cheek stopped any more pleads. It was delivered with such force his head was thrown to the side and his vision blurred. It stung and pained, but he would have taken it any day to this.

Lunge was noticably taking his time, savouring every performed action and task. The days it had taken to finally capture Tenma had been torturous agony, filled with considerable amounts of tension. He hadn’t been sleeping as well as usual, his dreams were coloured in arousing red and sinful black, food tasted like nothing, and every single human got on his nerves. His paperwork had to be put on hold, court proceedings did not move forward, and he even fired four guards and one servant for incompetence.

Once Tenma’s shirt buttons were all undone, Lunge nudged the fabric apart with one hand. The shirt would not open all the way, only down to the man’s lower chest, but it was enough to get a good look at the skin beneath. It was like he had imagined, soft and bearing no marks or scars or even really hair. It was an odd sight, Heinrich being so used to his own gruff image in the mirror. He ran his fingers along the upper torso again. They looked so different, even if they were both men and only a decade or so apart in age. Yes, it was strange, new and unfamiliar but first and foremost the sight was tempting. Lunge bent down and inhaled the sweet scent, he had almost forgotten what it was like.

It took some willpower, but the scared doctor gathered every bit of courage and closed his eyes. It seemed to be the only way to escape this torment, when all else failed, a last act of defiance.

Lunge rose to stare at the petrified face, the blush, the tear streaks, the now blooming bruise on his otherwise unblemished cheek. The judge's mouth set in to a thin line, eyes narrowed and an emotion unknown growing inside of his heart. He wanted Tenma to open those brown eyes, to see him while he pleasured him. A moment passed but there was no change.

“ Open your eyes.” A command left his mouth, but nothing happened. The doctor's eyes stayed crinkled shut. 

This simply would not do… And then he had an idea. With a voice gentle and full of unusual warmth, he tried again.

“ Open your eyes, Kenzo.”

The dark, alluring eyes flew open in an instant. Tenma felt the air leave his body, limbs turning to stone and mouth dry as ash. Somebody calling him by his first name was such an intimate gesture, and only ever done by the few people he had once been close to. His late mother and father, a girl back in his homelands, that one lady who had cared for him before also passing away, one brave ex-soldier. It sent unwanted butterflies flying rampant inside his stomach, though they soon turned to ice as terror crept up and squeezed his heart. The way his name was spoken, dripping with something dangerous and dirty, made his skin crawl. And how this cruel man had even learned his name was a mystery he did not wish to know the answer to.

He let out a violent, full body shiver, when their eyes met.

The minister looked deranged. Strands of his usually neat hair fell over his face, the robes he wore were wrinkled, and under his eyes were dark circles. A pleased, if not downright twisted, smile was stretched onto his angular face. The shock from it left the younger man frozen, eyes open as wide as they could go. Even blinking suddenly seemed impossible.

" Dear God please, I shall never ask for anything if you just end this." Kenzo prayed.

Lunge’s greedy hands wandered down the doctor’s hips and all the way to his legs, stroking them up and down. They squeezed, groped, and caressed his inner thighs and backside, inching up, up, up and towards the most private areas. While his hands were busy, the older man buried his face into Tenma’s neck. He licked and kissed and nipped, leaving behind red skin, but none of this was enough. He needed more, and he needed it now.

The clinking of a belt buckle seemed to reawaken the doctor's fighting spirit, and he began resisting, pushing the man away with all his might. Lunge was caught off guard and fell backwards with a groan, while Tenma began to crawl away, but it’s not like he could really get anywhere. His legs, still on instinct, pushed him backwards as if the wall would swallow and hide him.

“ W-what is w-wrong with you?!” The doctor yelled outraged, clutching the collar of his shirt closed to try make himself feel less exposed. Tenma’s legs drew shut, knees pressing together and coming up to his chest in an attempt to make himself smaller. His body was on full panic mode, electricity ran through from his head and all the way down to his toes. Part of him wanted to claw his way out from the cell they’re trapped in, the other was frozen still.

The judge rose, like a demon from hell, and began to step towards the cowering man. Rage was rising to shine through the arousal and guilt. How dare he refuse him?

The original need to make the black-haired man moan out his name was beginning to be clouded by the most unholy desires, ones he had never had for anyone before. Not for any of the few whores he’d paid in youth, not for his own wife, no-one. Something locked away, something primitive, was beginning to peek out and for once he chose to not feel shame for it.

“ G-get a-away from me!”

Heinrich Lunge, the feared Minister of Justice, wanted to make the younger man belong to him in every way possible. To hell with any judgements, he could atone for this one tiny sin when he'll arrest all those criminals at the Court of Miracles. He wasn't doing anything wrong, he’s just taking what he was owed, what he deserved! This was his right as a man of faith and he was certain even God would agree, because he must have sent the doctor to him in the first place.

In his mind, he tried to quickly recall, one hand moving by his side. There in the building presently were only three guards. Two upstairs near the bedchambers, one downstairs in the hall. It really, truly was his lucky day, because the only person who could possibly hear him was a lazy good-for-nothing idiot who wouldn’t come bother them even if he heard something.

Like so his hand stopped. The decision was made.

He jumped onto Tenma, forcefully pulling at the now closed shirt collar so the silky skin of the shoulder was exposed. He let out a frustrated, hungry growl, and bit down hard enough to draw blood. There was no regard for the other man, he would not stop nor still even when the other screamed in pain. That's what he needed, for the other to feel even a speck of the pain he seemed to be haunted by every day and night.

“ Argh!”

Trickles of blood ran down Tenma’s back and arm, staining the white shirt with streams of crimson, but he had no time to care about it when his ankles were caught and pulled. It left him falling back onto the floor from the awkward fetal position he had shuffled himself in. His legs were pushed open without much protests, because the other man was simply not giving him time to do so.

The man on top firmly gripped the noiret’s waist to keep him in place. Lunge forcefully grinded against the slimmer man, the action far from gentle or loving, and more so chasing self-centred pleasure. But still, the breathless gasping and sweet whining, unfinished words falling from Kenzo’s unwilling lips lit up the judge’s abdomen with new fervour and he went to open the doctor’s pants. With one hand he did his best to push the article of clothing down.

“ N-no! Please, sto-ah --!” A single droplet fell from his eye. He could not bare to see Lunge’s face anymore, so his blurry vision travelled past him and focused on the ceiling tiles.

“ Yes, you’re all mine.”

Lunge slid one hand under Tenma’s undergarments, relishing in the way his touches made the younger shake and spasm. A simple caress there and a little grope here, and Tenma's body contorted upward, back arching off of the unclean cell floor. The hand advanced, moving with much purpose until it reached the other's manhood. His fingers curled around it, beginning to stroke him, though with little love. Lunge's own breathing began to match the rhythms of the younger's laboured breaths, it was near euphoric. Kenzo who had begun to openly weep, immediately started thrashing, trying to kick and hit but Lunge had him trapped completely under his weight.

The doctor knew what intercourse was supposed to feel like, because despite his busy line of work, had he indulged in it a handful of times. It had always been mutually agreed on, with strict rules and he always watched his bedpartner’s unspoken cues for any a sign of discomfort. It ended in both parties being satisfied and content, and never had it been forced or painful. Those times were built on a sense of companionship, love and caring, and that’s how he supposed it should be for everyone. But this was not like those times, no, this was something more horrible. Every touch and kiss burned like a hot iron, and every pinch and grope hurt.  

It wasn’t supposed to hurt. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

The older man undid the clasp holding his expensive robes together, revealing a white shirt underneath. He moved his hips against Tenma's again, and then went to pull down his remaining layers of protection. The action had the doctor nearly scream for help, when-

“ Minister? They’re on the move!” The call echoed from upstairs. For a second neither man moved, hands frozen where they were and eyes clued to where they had been. Then the one in question let out a frustrated sigh and reluctantly got up, pulling his belt closed and fixing up his wrinkled shirt. He pulled the robe back on, trying to ignore the hardness inside his pants. A hand ran through his hair, to try and fix it in place.

“ Looks like we’ll have to finish this at a later date.” He wiped the speckle of blood from the corner of his mouth. As he was heading out, he added, “There’s no use in trying to escape. Stop trying to hide from me and we’ll get along just splendidly.”   

The judge exited the cell, locking the door and sparing one last glance at the man. The doctor was shaking, eyes downcast and wide, one hand covering his mouth. The shirt was still open, and so were his pants. He was deathly pale apart from his cheeks and neck which retained the hues of scarlet. On the right, exposed, shoulder the bitemark still oozed out blood. Lunge smirked, feeling victorious.

“ I’ll be back soon doctor.” 

This was the most fun he’d ever had.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Chapter Text

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

‘Everything looks like it’s going according to plan.’ Grimmer though as he watched the people of the Red Rose Mansion pack. Miscellaneous items, like blankets, furs, bottles of medicine and clothes were being thrown into piles, that were then tied together with rope and cloth. Strong men, fathers and sons attempted to hoist them onto their backs, while women took care of children, doing their best to keep count of all family members, or carry food and water.

Chatter was mostly kept to a minimum, only the murmur of necessary instructions circled the narrow room. Despite these efforts to not draw unnecessary attention, one could hear crying, pleading for safety and for lost parents. Children are scared, adults are worried, everyone was on edge.

In the most left corner Nina was helping an old man pack woodcarving tools and handmade toys.  He entertained the girl by telling stories, of how he had once owned a little shop in a corner of a building, but then was accused of smuggling gold out of the city and was nearly killed for it. He had luckily escaped and had now lived in the safety of the mansion for about ten years.

When the last of the things were wrapped and put away, Nina joined Grimmer in the centre of the room. They observed the inhabitants together, before the girl commented.

“ We’re almost done, shouldn’t take too long now before we can start to head out. They still need to find a way to safely move the people from the medical station, but everything else should be ready.”

“ Good, we have no time to waste. I think women and children should leave first, and then the elderly.”

“ That sounds good. Where’s sir Hugo?”

“ I haven’t seen--.“

“ Over there, helping his daughter or whatever.” Otto Heckel replied, having appeared behind the two. They turned to see him standing hands once more behind his head, as if everything was alright in the world. But they noticed he kept swiping at his nose with one finger as if bothered by something. He was sweaty, obviously nervous and very jittery. Nina crossed her arms, a tad annoyed by the crook's presence, but Grimmer decided to speak.

“ Something on your mind, sir Heckel?” The ex-soldier inquired, not the slightest bit amused. He wasn't smiling, but instead seemed completely emotionless.

“ Uh,” The short man took a step back. “I-I just wanted t-to say sorry ‘bout the whole e-execution thin’… You really gotta understand it really is a matter of life and death down here and we can’t exactly afford to take risks and if you haven’t noticed, we’ve got a lot of brat- I mean, children who can’t just survive on their own…” He seemed to trail off, babbling on and on about the defenceless kids. Wolfgang decided to put him out of his misery, offering a warm, close eyed smile.

“ Don’t worry, we do understand. I’m just glad we got that whole misunderstanding sorted out before anything final could be done.”

“ Hm.” Nina agreed with a near silent nod.

“ Aha, hah, I’m so glad you can see it from my- I mean, from our perspective. Now that all that nasty business is sorted and put behind us, I really would like to hear how you found us in the first place. I presume doc must ‘a told ya about this?” He gestured to their surroundings.

“ Sort of. He told me if I ever needed sanctuary, I could find it here and would always be welcome.” The blond girl revealed, still with some animosity. The tall man next to her chuckled at the hostility.

“ Yes, I would have been completely lost hadn’t it been for Nina here.“ Grimmer’s large arm circled around the girl’s shoulder and pressed her into a one-sided hug. He squeezed warmly. “And I’m certain Doctor Tenma will appreciate everything you have done for him and his friends!"

“ Yeah, yeah, totally!” The short man eagerly agreed.

“ Mister Heckel, any sign of him yet?”

“ Holy!” He jumped and angrily turned to face the boy now hovering next to him. “Dieter don’t sneak up on me like that! You know I have a weak heart that might give out any day now--!“ He placed a hand onto his chest as if it was aching. The action was ridiculously dramatic.

“ No you don’t you conman.” The child raised an eyebrow, having grown used to these tricks by now. “You didn’t answer my question! Have you seen my fa- I mean Tenma? I packed his things too, they’re right here.” The redhead held up a brown bag, full of glass bottles and jars.

“ Sorry kid, none of us have seen the doc since yesterday’s lunch. And you heard what the Cap said, Tenma left to tend to someone in need like he always does.” Seeing the kid's unspoken distress, he added. “But don’t sweat it, he must be headin’ right back as we speak. Now, why don’t you go join Hugo over there and stop bothering me?” Otto took hold of Dieter’s shoulders and began pushing him towards a group of other kids.

“ B-but-but! I want to wait here, please!” The child whined but was ignored.

Nina followed the two with her eyes, until they were behind so many rushing people, they weren't visible anymore. She sighed and tried to massage her sore neck.

“ I really meant it, you know.”

“ Huh?” She opened her eyes.

Grimmer reiterated.

“ What I said earlier. I and everyone here owe you many thanks. I seriously couldn’t have found this place without you.”

“ And neither would have I.”

Grimmer could remember, for about ten seconds after the unfamiliar voice had agreed with him, everything seemed to stop. He heard no noise, as if his ears had been blocked by an invisible force. As if in slow motion, he could see a large man sitting by the entrance hole try and get up, a heavily armoured man crouching down and going in for a lunge, and a silver cup in somebody’s hand fall.

Everything seemed to happen so fast, he had no time to react. No-one did.

The man who had tried to stop the swarm of soldiers descending down into their hideout was tackled by at least four men jumping on top of him. He didn’t even have time to get up before being pinned down.

Then Grimmer’s eyes focused on the cup, as it fell, fell, fell, and finally clattered on to the floor. It was first in midair, then closer to the ground, until it made contact and it's purple contents spilled everywhere. Onto the ground, on somebody’s sack of things, onto peoples shoes, everywhere. The cup rolled away from the chaos, until it hit a barrel and stopped, finding a resting place where it probably wouldn’t be picked up for years to come.

Then, just like that, everything went back to normal. The once quiet space was filled with screams of terror and alarm, dozens of people tried to run and hide, children shrieked, and animals cried. Things were knocked over, glass shattered and broke, and possessions were being thrown away in all directions and left behind in favour of escaping. 

It was made abundantly clear that there was no getting away, they had been well surrounded. One by one the people were hauled up and dragged out from under the ground and into the mornings light. Some were hit, some tied up or put in shackles, but others were just kept in place with sheer force. There were countless soldiers standing in position around the room, all armoured and with weapons.

In the very front of the room, near the hidden door and perfectly situated in one of the only shadows left, stood Judge Lunge who looked way too pleased to be there. It was a wonder he wasn’t outright grinning from glee, but you could see the gratification in his eyes. His hands were resting against his chest, fingers together, it spoke of satisfaction.

“ After thirty years of searching I finally find the court of miracles.” His voice was a tad hoarse, as if he had been yelling earlier. “Or is this more of a house of roses?” He looked around before walking closer to Grimmer and Nina, who both struggled in the holds of the men like caught fish.

“ I must thank you, ah, now what do they call you? Nina? It matters not, but without your help I could never have found this place. I always knew you would someday be of use to me.”

Nina looked worse than hell. The guilt seemed to hit her with such force her struggling seized all together. 

“ Don’t talk to her like that!” Wolfgang nearly growled, successfully drawing the man’s attention onto him instead. A guard grabbed his hair and pulled, forcing him to look straight at the minster.

“ Hmm, and what else do we have here? Captain Grimmer back from the dead.” He tipped his head to the side with amusement. “So you survived after all, I should have known that--."

“ Sir! Over here.” Another guard called.

“ And the disgraced ex-captain also. My lucky day.” Lunge smiled at Hugo Bernhardt who was desperately trying to kick and manhandle his way back over to his daughter.

“ You bastard, let me go! My daughter has done no wrong, you hear! She’s just a small child, unhand her you filthy pig!” The man yelled. The judge gestured for somebody to gag him.

“ There shall be a public trial on this fine morning, once the clock strikes ten.” He announced. “But not to worry, each one will have a turn.”

As the people were being dragged away, Lunge headed over to his captain, Roberto. He pointed at Nina with one slender finger and demanded.

“ Lock her in the tower and make sure she does not leave. Assign a guard or two to keep watch.”

“ Gladly, sir.”

...

The metal doors closed with a loud clang that rung deafeningly around the stone hall. The second floor cells were just about full, so the soldiers throw the last few prisoners on to the first floor of the dungeons, though minding the strict orders from the judge. They had been strictly instructed to put the others as far away from a certain doctor as possible.

That didn't stop Grimmer from catching a glimpse of the noiret though.

“ Tenma?! Doctor Tenma!” The calls of his name made the man raise his head and glance around. Once he recognized the man being led by the arms to a cell, he jumped up.

“ G-Grimmer? What--?“

The tall blonde was thrown into a cell, wet and disgusting, and the door was shut with another bone rattling clang. The unnamed soldiers walk away without even turning to see if he got up or not.

Tenma ran up to the bars. The cell they had thrown the other male was on the other side of the hall, but not opposite to him so it was hard to see. They could just about see each other if both leaned directly against the iron poles.

“ You’re here, you’re safe! But how did they get you? You weren’t at the Mansion.” Grimmer asked, words full of unraveling relief.

“ I,” He hesitated, embarrassed. “I turned myself in.”

“ You what?!”

“ I thought that if I just surrendered, I could put an end to all of this.”

“ You have a kind heart, doctor, but Lunge isn’t that kind of man. If he wants to see us all hung, then so shall happen, whether you like it or not.”

“ I-I had to try…”

“ And your sacrifice might be the only reason I wasn’t executed on the spot. I owe you, again.”

The doctor sighed, trying to steady his mind. He had suspected something like this, but there hadn't seemingly been other option. “You said you were at the mansion, did they come to get you already? I didn’t think you’d be strong enough to be moved yet.” And before the other could answer, he quickly added. “And how did you end up getting captured?”

“ Well, you see, we were tricked into thinking the mansion was going to be under attack. We went there to warn you but ended up leading the guards right to it. God, I feel so foolish!"

“ Do not blame yourself. I would have done the same.” Tenma rubbed the back of his head. “Who was with you?”

“ Pardon?”

“ You keep saying ‘we’, so who was with you? Was it Rudi, or perhaps Sir Bernhardt?”

“ No, uh, it was Nina actually.”

“ Oh.” Tenma looked down. “Do you know… If she’s okay? They didn’t hurt her, did they?”

“ I heard them say to take her back to the tower. So I'm assuming she's alright, just locked in.”

“ That’s a relief.” The doctor raised his gaze, and their eyes meet.

They silently stared at one another. They couldn't touch, but that didn't stop them from reaching out with their hands. They were so busy focusing on that they did not notice the Minister of Justice creeping into their space and hide behind a wall.

After some time, Grimmer’s relieved smile turned into a frown.

“ Your cheek, what happened to it? Who did that? And is that-” Eyes narrowed. “-Blood, on your shirt?” He observed the stained shoulder area with concern. “You are injured? When did this happen?”

Tenma unconsciously lifted a hand onto his shoulder and then winced, the steadily lessening pain came back in a blooming force that left him gasping.

“ It- they… Doesn’t matter! It’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.”

The soldier was silent, but his expression made it clear they weren't done talking about the subject.

“ What about you? How is your side? Not in too much pain I hope?”

“ No, there is a dull ache, but it could be from anything. I was knocked down and tied after all.”

“ You should rest, makes the healing go faster.” Tenma instructed. Lunge took both prisoners moving as an opportunity to take a step closer without being noticed.

“ So should you.” Wolfgang retorted as if they would survive long enough to see the day both were healed. 

Both parties seemed to be exhausted, but before either could fully move for the piles of hay they called beds, Grimmer whispered.

“ I have a confession to make.” His words cut through the silence like a knife through a thick piece of meat.

“ Let me hear it?” Tenma returned to the bars.

“ I have grown to care for you, Doctor Tenma. Deeply.”

The man in question was speechless.

So was Lunge. His advancing stilled and he gripped the iron cross hanging around his neck so hard it nearly pierced the skin.

“ I had wishes of taking you away from this city, somewhere far away. I promised myself I would build you a house where you could start your own medical practice. There would be two- no, three stories and a room for Dieter, and a garden for herbs. We would have apple trees and a coop for chickens, or perhaps I am just thinking of the countryside in general. But that's what we would have.”

Tenma still didn't know what to say.

“ I hoped for you to be by my side forever, till we part from this life. But I guess it wasn’t meant to be.” Grimmer lamented. “If I am to die soon, please at least remember my name, for all those who have called me by it are no longer on this earth. I do not exist, and that saddens me greatly.”

The doctor gripped the bars so hard his knuckles lost colour.

“ I don’t want to live in a world where you are not beside me, Sir Grimmer! I too share these feelings that you harbour. I’d be honoured to spend the rest of our afterlife with you, wherever that may be.” Kenzo finally confessed, eyes filled with shining tears. He was very happy, but also very sad. Things were meant to be different.

The two didn't notice but there seemed to be a dark shift in the atmosphere. The whole of the conversation seemed to have been enough for one man to change his entire plan completely in a fit of jealous rage. You see, the judge had finally come to collect the doctor and take him away from this building, if not the entire city, somewhere where the two could be alone long enough for Tenma to finally realize how much Lunge truly loved him. But now that he knew his heart belonged to this traitor, he had to make some adjustments and quickly.

There was not meant to be room for others in his pure heart, only the minister should be there.

Lunge sauntered onto the scene with determination and unlocked Tenma’s cell with surprising speed. The man inside withdrew his hands and backed away as if burned, face flashing with just enough fear to make Grimmer’s eyes widen.

The fast motion of ripping his arm away like that made the mark on his shoulder throb, but he didn't care about that. Now that the noiret knew what horrendous acts the other man was capable of, could he never be at ease with him in the same room.

“ Hey, get away from him!” The blonde yelled in response to the love of his life backing away with such fright, but to no avail. “Lay a finger on him and I swear I’ll find a way out of here and kill you!“ His threats were drowned out of the doctor’s ears by his rapidly beating heart.

“ Y-you… Wha-what is the meaning of this! I-I gave myself up for--!” Tenma began to demand only to be cut off.

“ By the looks of it you now have two choices.” Lunge wouldn't let the man finish the sentence, but took out a small, decorated silver band, a ring. He held it between his index finger and thumb and offered it to the doctor, who sneered at it in disgust. He looked at the piece of jewellery like it was the forbidden apple and held his hands protectively over his chest.

“ What--?”

“ Quite simple, really.” The older man reached out to swirl a finger around a long strand of Tenma’s hair. “If you just reject that criminal scum who has been manipulating you from the start, and instead accept my offer, I shall let the innocent residents of your safe haven go.“

“ Kenzo don’t! You know he isn’t going to do that, he’s trying to trick you! He’ll kill us all, guilty or not, no matter what you say!” It didn't take a genius to figure out who could be the cause of those injuries on the younger. It made the soldier furious, and he banged on the poles keeping him locked in as if they would somehow let him through. “And the only one manipulating him is you! Got him to give himself up with your lies and tricks, and for what, so you can humiliate and kill him and--!”

And then it dawned on him. The way the minister had been staring at Tenma, the way he so obsessively searched the city for him, the way no harm was allowed to come to him once captured. The ex-captain had assumed Lunge’s pride to have been somehow wounded after that scene at the festival, and maybe that was true to an extent, but that wasn’t the reason he had pursued the doctor so viciously.

He didn’t just want to capture him or lock him up. And he did not wish to kill him at all. No, the older man wanted him. Just like Grimmer did.

It wasn't detestation, quite far from it, it was infatuation. And now that one look in the man’s eyes, with a little too much sparkle and shadow, made all too perfect sense.

It was lust.

Grimmer couldn't see the two right now for they were too far inside the cell, the walls hid them completely. But just the mere thought of the two being in such a small space together was alarming.

And what had he said? ‘Accept my offer’? What had the man requested of him and when? And on what kind of horrible terms?

Whatever it was, could it not have been good.

Lunge glared in the other prisoner’s direction with disgust before turning back to stare expectedly at the younger male as he contemplated his answer. The judge’s chin was held high and there’s a ghost of a smile on his lips, because surely he’ll agree to the terms offered. To sweeten the deal, he leaned in to whisper.

“ I have a quaint little house, on the peaceful countryside and far away from anyone. There are green forests and blue lakes, a greenhouse with every plant you could wish for. And there is room, room even for that child you call a son. He can accompany us, we can leave this dreadful place at once. Don’t you see, you, we, can be happy--.“

“ Grimmer’s right.” Tenma interrupts the man. “I can’t trust a word you say, not now, not ever. You would never let these people go, because you have already judged them, in your eyes they are guilty. And do not try and deny it, I can see it in your eyes! You also cannot guarantee my child’s safety with these empty words.” He shook his head to rid himself of the caressing hand. “It’s either they all die, and I live the rest of my life with that knowledge, in my own personal purgatory,” The with you is left unsaid but heavily implied. “Or we all die, but at least I get to leave and hopefully spend an afterlife with the man I love.”

The doctor wasn’t sure if this was going to work or not. There was always the possibility the man take back his ‘two options’ and force him, whether he agreed to forget Wolfgang or not, to come with him anyway. But the few interactions they’d had gave Tenma the impression Lunge wasn’t the type to settle for second place. He would not settle for anything less than Tenma’s undivided attention and affection, which he now was clearly denying from him.

Tenma took immense pleasure when the minister seemed to be at a loss for words. He kept staring at him blankly, mouth opening and closing like a fish.

“ …Very well, you have till the morning to decide. If you still refuse my offer, well…” Lunge shrugged his shoulders and left.

Tenma had been right. But now they were all going to die.

...

The city paths were just starting to be lit by the morning sun when a shrill cry rang through the streets.

“ Karl! Karl!”

The boy turned to see miss Frank running straight in his direction. She was so fast, could he believe the devil himself to be just at her heel. He looked back there to be sure, but saw no one after her.

The black-haired boy had been unable to sleep, tossing and turning the whole night until finally deciding to go on a leisurely walk around the city before heading to the church to start his daily duties. How the girl had managed to find him was a mystery, total coincidence.

“ Lotte? Wha- How are you awake this ear--?“

“ They’ve been captured! They’ve been arrested!” She cried and jumped right into his arms. He held her and tried to understand the word jumble falling from her lips but it came so rapidly it was near impossible to keep up with.

“ The minister of doomsday has issued a law to ban cartwheeling bears- what? S-start over, I cannot understand a word you say! Who has been arrested?!”

“ Doctor Tenma, Captain Grimmer, little Dieter, Sir Hugo Bernhardt! All of them! All--!”

Her sobs hardened. Her shoulders shook as her body tried not to crumble right there and then. ‘Not yet, there is no time’ she thought, ‘you can be distraught later.’

“ W-we have to do something, anything! Karl, we need to save them!”

“ Y-you’re right, and we will. We go talk with the Archdeacon--.“

“ They have the cathedral surrounded. I tried to go and get Nina, but they wouldn’t let me in no matter what I tried.” She shook her head.

Karl was at a loss for ideas.

“ Then we wait till later this morning and say we have to prepare for service--.“

“ We don’t have time! They’ll start the trials at ten o’clock sharp. We cannot stop it after that.”

“ Well, then we, uh, we uhm…”

“ L-listen,” She got to her feet and took a step back. “I know you said you did not want to talk to him, but I think we need to. He is the only person powerful enough to oppose Lunge.”

“ Lotte, I, ugh!” The boy ran his fingers through his curly hair, frustrated. “No, I refuse. I don’t think now is the right time to--.“

“ Right time? Right time?!” She screeched, and he tried his best so shush her. People were still sleeping after all. “How is now not the right time when dozens of innocent people are about to be killed for non-existent crimes?!”

“ K-killed? Where did you hear such humbug?”

“ Don’t tell me you thought they were all just going to be locked away. Don’t be naive Neuman.”

Her eyes grow this far away look as she recalled what she had heard.

“ The announcement came an hour ago, that later this morning there shall be a public trial with executions. Minister Lunge is about to kill our friends.” Her hand hit him on the chest. “And you want to wait, for what, a handwritten sign from God? Stop being a coward, you ass!”

And that’s how they ended up standing in the entrance hall of the sleepy estate of Hans Georg Schuwald. One of the wealthiest and most influential men in all of Paris, if not France.

Karl was shaking like a leaf when a servant boy asked about their reason for visiting, and if they could possibly come back later when his master was awake.

“ We came to--!“ Lotte tried to lead, but he wanted to do it himself.

“ We are here to talk about some resent, concerning, events with sire Schuwald! It is urgent, you must wake him immediately.” He exclaimed before the girl could say anything more. “…Please.” He then sheepishly added.

They waited awhile, marveling at the paintings and the books on large shelves. There were grand windows with long curtains, and a lovely wooden seating area with many chairs. A fireplace sat unlit in the very centre.

“ What is the meaning of this?” The old Lord was rolled in with a chair adorned with wheels. He was dressed in red and black robes, seemingly tired.

“ Good morning Sire! Sorry to wake you, but we have come to request your immediate aid.” Neumann tried to be polite and composed, but inside he still trembled.

“ I have no interest in helping you, especially since you haven’t even bothered to explain yourselves.” The old man dismissed with a wave of his hand. “You come to my house, on an ungodly hour, and start to demand things. Have you no shame?”

“ Sire, forgive us, but we need you to talk to Minister Lunge. He’s not making very good decisions.” The boy nearly kicked his friend for sounding so ridiculous. Schuwald scoffed.

“ Now, why would I meddle with decisions I have no kind of knowledge of?” The man poured himself a glass of something strong. The liquid is amber in colour, and, after downing it in one go, makes even him wince. “And even if the decisions are, as you put it, ‘not very good’, what power do you think I have to oppose the Minister of Justice? He keeps to his business, and I keep to mine. Perhaps you should do the same.”

“ But sir, he has just arrested dozens of people who are innocent--!"

“ And how do you know that? What proof do you have that they are innocent?” Hans begins to roll himself away from them. “Hah! There it is, you have no proof. For all I know those people are fully responsible for the crimes committed and deserve whatever punishment they get.”

“ W-wait please sir!” But it doesn’t seem to work.

“ Please, you have to help us, our friends are in trouble! Maybe we might not have proof in them being innocent, but our hearts know it! Yours has to too!”

“ Sir please-“

“ Enough!”

They shut up.

“ You have woken me up, disturbed my perfectly good morning, demanded things from me, and now are trying to get me to destroy my reputation and credibility. Because that is exactly what will happen if I go around opposing high officials. That will not happen, so good day, do not bother me any longer.”

“ No! We do not wish- I mean, I--!“ But it doesn’t help. "I knew it wouldn’t work… Come on Lotte.”

But she isn’t done. She is a Frank after all.

“ How can you turn your back to your own son when he needs you the most!?” In a fit of desperation and anger, Lotte cries out.

Schuwald’s hands stop moving, the wheels squeal to a halt, Karl isn’t breathing. The girl has her hands balled into tight fists, and her teeth are bared.

“ What did you say miss? Could you repeat that?”

“ Your son here.” She points. “He is asking for help, but you won’t even listen?”

“ I have no son-“

“ We both know that’s not true!” Lotte rips a pendant Karl had been grasping from his hands and runs to thrust it in the elder’s face. “Do you recognise this?!” He reaches for it, carefully, as if afraid it would disappear. She lets it fall into his hands, where it is examined thoroughly. His wrinkly fingers touch it delicately, going over the smooth fur and counting the toes.

“ You see? I’m telling the truth.” She says, now much calmer.

Karl doesn’t dare look up, only closes his eyes and waits for the demands of get out and never to come back.

He is mad at his friend too. When the young Neuman had first revealed his secret to her, had he also showed a gift allegedly from his real mother, given to her by Schuwald. A tiny, brown, rabbits foot on a chain to provide good luck. He carried it inside a pocket, wishing that way to be closer to her. But he hadn’t intended on showing it to him.

He waits and waits. But the shouting doesn’t start. The demand to leave the man’s sight do not come.

“ You have returned to me.” The man’s old eyes widen, as he brings the item closer to his face and rubs it against his cheek. “You have returned to me, my son. Good luck indeed, oh, my own son.”

“ F-father!” The black-haired boy jumps to embrace his father, who returnes the gesture with as much enthusiasm.

“ My boy, my dear son. I have waited for this day, for so many years. What took you so long?”

“ I didn’t think you’d want me! And if you truly wished for me to return, then why give me away in the first place?” The boy cries.

“ I sent you away for your safety. The black plague was raging, people were dropping like flies. I could not leave my duties here, but I had to save you and your mother.” He looks down, like ashamed. “I gave her this rabbits foot to provide good luck and protect you, but I guess it still got her, right?”

“ Yes.”

“ I am sorry.”

His wrinkled palm cups Karl’s face with tenderness only a father could have for his son.

“ But it’s all in the past now, for you have come back to me…”

The girl, happy as she is, coughs to get their attention.

“ Please forgive me monsieur.” Lotte interrupts. “But we came here to ask for your help.”

“ Ah, yes, yes. Something about arrests, was it?”

“ Yes, you see father, our friends were wrongfully arrested, and now are going to be executed.” Karl tries to explain the best he could. “The minister has declared a public trial to begin in a few hours.”

“ Judge Lunge has lost his mind! He has been burning Paris and killing innocent people, all for nothing!“

The old man’s nearly unseeing eyes turn towards an open window, a gust of wind delivers the smell of smoke and ash right to his nose.

“ I have been getting reports of fires, and of unjustified arrests.” He turns his head away. “But I couldn’t be certain it was the Minister of Justice himself who had given out these orders. People have kept me in the dark… Have I heard correctly that he is after the doctor from the festival?”

“ Oh so you know him as well! Yes sire, Doctor Tenma. But he is a good man, who is innocent. So is his little son.”

“…What exactly do you wish me to do? Because I meant what I said about me being unable to do much.”

“ Well good, because we aren’t asking much. We think the only person who could delay the judgment long enough is you, father, and the only human who can pardon these men and women is Archdeacon Reichwein. But the church has been put on lockdown and we cannot get inside.” Karl says. “W-we were hoping you could either get us inside to inform Sir Reichwein or get Lunge to change his mind by reasoning.”

“ And if it still isn’t good enough, maybe we could call his judgment into question? We are allowed to do that, right? That way there would have to be another trial.”

Hans thinks about it and then snaps his fingers. A young man comes hurrying into the room and bows.

“ James.”

“ Yes, sir?”

“ Gather up my men, we need to march into the cathedral.”

...

The bells chime, the time has come. The sun has come up and is shining unbothered from the clear skies. Kenzo stands tied to a pole on a wooden platform, in front of the Notre Dame herself. Onto his feet were thrown stacks of twigs and dry hay. He can only stare as people gather to watch, though most look outraged for him, rather than because of him.

“ Accused, Kenzo Tenma, stands trial on the counts of aiding wanted criminals escape justice and continue their crime sprees, and being complicit in a dozen counts of murder, burglary, and arson. The sentence for these crimes, is death.”

The judge reads out into the horrified crowd. Yells of “He’s innocent!”, “Let him go!” and “Release them, they have done nothing wrong!” went unheard by the cruel man.

Inside Notre Dame Archdeacon Reichwein and Bishop Rudi were doing their best to get the cathedral’s doors open, so that they can stop the sentencing, but three strong men were keeping them closed.

Lunge sets the paper down and focuses solely on Kenzo’s petrified face.

“ You stand upon the brink of eternal damnation, yet it is still not too late.” He produces the ring once more from his robes and thrusts it closer to the younger man. “You could have a life with me, a good life. You would never have to go hungry again, you wouldn’t sleep a day on the streets. No more running away, no more hiding in the shadows. I could give you everything you could ever desire, and even more than that. Just choose me, fear me, love me.”

The minister’s other hand raises a burning torch closer to their faces. It’s flames reflect from Kenzo’s wide eyes like little stars.

“ Or burn.” Tenma looks at it in terror and tries his best to lean away from it.

“ I… I--.”

Past Lunge’s shoulder he can see the caged Grimmer, struggling to get to his aid. He is thrashing around, trying to rip the walls apart or make the roof break. His face is angry, eyes blazing determined, but when he saw the man look at him, he stops and mouths the silent words,

‘I love you’

And it was enough for him to decide. Kenzo gave the minister a smile, and confidently replies.

“ See you in Hell.”

Lunge nods his head and then lowers the torch onto the twigs. The fire begins to spread immediately, smoke thick and deathly dark. The others take a step back, or jump down altogether, but Kenzo’s left there coughing. His eyes water, and his chest works overtime just to keep him alive.

‘ So this is how I die. Kyrie eleison.’ He thinks and closes his eyes. He can hear a yell, or multiple, and he can feel something on his arm. Something is happening, and soon he can breathe again, much easier. He knows his legs are moving, but his eyes are too tired to open. A person yells “Run!”, and he does, blindly. Soon the air in his lungs tastes like wet stone and wax, which is so peculiar he has to open his eyes.

It’s no wonder, he was laying on the cathedrals hard stone floor, and Nina was looking down at him. There was distant banging and shouting, like a riot of some sorts had broken out. Someone seems to be also banging against the front entrance, because the whole building seems to shake.

Everything is a blur, and hard to understand, but he can just about make out the most important thing.

“ Get up Doctor Tenma! He’s coming, we need to go!”

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Chapter Text

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

“ It’s all over…”

Nina watched from the balcony as the men down below were setting up the trials. There were cartloads of wood, hauled into a big pile on a stage where the executions were meant to happen, armed men dressed in all black, and empty wagons meant for bodies just waiting to be filled. The streets were lined with torches as well as already woken gossiping citizens.

The girl turns away from her balcony, not wishing to see it any longer. She had been locked inside the belltower, no escape route was left unchecked by the men keeping her there. The doors were locked and guarded, and no amount of begging and pleading made them be opened. There was no way to get down safely, no way to go see her friends, no way to contact the outside world, no way to do anything.

“ Oh, it’s all my fault.” She whispers. “I should have never left the belltower. I should have never gone to that festival. Why, oh why, didn’t I just give Sir Grimmer that picture and let him go alone?”

She leans against a stone pillar, where she then slides down and curls up. Gentle crying with silent tears turns into full blown, body shaking, sobs as the gravity of the situation settles onto her shoulders. So many were going to perish because she had gone and disobeyed orders. So many children were going to grow up without parents because of her carelessness.

“ How could-“ sob, sob. “-How could I be so s-stupid?” Her hands don’t even bother wiping her cheeks. “I-I am so selfish, I deserve no kindness from anyone! God is punishing me for my sinful behaviour and if my master decides to kill me for this betrayal, I surely deserve it--!“

Right behind the door is a sudden racket. She can hear a “Hey! Wha--?“ and then multiple clangs of metal against metal. She lifts her head from her arms and stares at the door as if it would tell her what it was seeing on the other side.

The handle is jiggled up and down and then the lock is clicked. The door opens.

“ Nina! Nina where are you?!”

“ Bishop Rudi?”

Rudi opens the door wider to reveal him, a knocked-out guard, and a panting Reichwein. They look relieved when they see her in one piece, and rush to embrace her. She welcomes their care.

“ You’re okay! You’re alive!” The bishop sighs and tries to see whether she has injuries or not.

“ H-how did you get here?“

The younger man points to the older, who has on a eyes-closing, ear-reaching smile.

“ Oh, I have many secrets. I’m not simply just an old man, you know.” Julius says, as if that would answer all their questions.

“ Nina, we came to get you to help us stop the executions.”

“ But there are guards at every door. We cannot possibly get out!”

“ We’ll figure something out.”

They hurry out of the room and begin to descend the stairs.

“ A-and once we do get out, what shall we do then? What use am I to you?” She asks, trying to keep up with the men. “Do you even have a plan?”

“ Julius and I shall demand they stop, challenge Lunge’s authority. We appeal to a higher power, and the public, and while their attention is on us, you need to get up there and get Kenzo out, because at this point, I don’t think any words will make the minister back down.” Rudi explains. “Lunge is surely anticipating for us to try and delay the proceedings, but he also expects you to be locked in the tower, so I don’t think he’ll notice.”

“You are much quicker on your feet than either of us.”

“ Yes, and if need be, we give you permission to knock a few of those scoundrels out. I assure you, God will not be displeased if you do.”

“ Take this.” The archdeacon hands Nina a tiny dagger. It is very sharp, weighing nearly nothing and decorated in green gems.

“ You might need it. And if it ends up in Lunge’s chest, I give a vow I shall look in the other direction.”

The stairs were left behind and they now stood in front of the entrance.

“ Alright everybody, let’s get that door open.”

“ Push, with everything you’ve got!”

...

Lunge watched the ever-growing fire eat away at the nearest stacks of wood and grass. His narrowed eyes move from the first flames to the unlit piles of twigs, then to the doctor’s legs and all the way up to his untied raven hair. It flew around wildly, over his shoulders and across his face as he moved to try and get the ropes off.

The judge had intended on seeing it in the morning’s sun, splayed out onto pillows or the mattress or the floor, where they would share passion for hours on end until they both would fall asleep on to each other’s tangled arms.

But Lunge wasn’t, and had never been, anyone’s second choice. He had never been, or been given, but the very best. He was the only child, the sole heir to his father’s estates, the only man who owned printed books about science, the only and very best judge. He enjoyed the finest wines, the fanciest meals, only the best produce, he wore the most expensive robes, was in possession of the finest jewellery. He was the people’s choice, he was the one they relied on, no one had ever had him on their list of choices and still gone with another.

If that’s not an insult, then nothing is.

“ Sir, do we sentence one of the ex-captains next, or should we go with monsieur Milan Koláš?”

“ Ease up, we’re not in any hurry, captain.” He raises a hand to make the other stop. “Let’s discuss that after this one is over and done with.” The judge takes a step closer to the burning pile. “After every piece of wood stops smouldering. I want to enjoy this.”

“ Minister Lunge!”

The man and his soldiers turn to see at least ten people on horses, riding towards them from the middle of the crowd. At the very front of the company sat Hans Georg Schuwald, and next to him a boy he recognized from church.

“ What is the meaning of this? Why is a man sentenced without a proper trial? And why is the cathedral on lockdown?” The grey man demands to know. “You have no right to bar the entrance like this.”

“ Schuwald, how dare you. This does not concern you--.“

“ I’ve been hearing rumours, I’ve been smelling smoke for days. But when I ask, no-one tells me anything, so I do nothing.” The elder rides closer.  “But now, now my eyes are open, my mind is clear. I’ve been told you are out here hunting innocent people, burning our city to the ground. This is unacceptable, you cannot tell me there was a good reason to go this far, I demand you stop this instant.”

There’s a choir of murmurs amongst the spectating crowd. People are beginning to talk, women cover their mouths to whisper, and men turn their heads before shaking them in displeasure.

“ He’s destroying our city !” A gentleman yells.

“ This is wrong. Somebody, anybody, do something !”

“ Lord have mercy !” Another one calls.

“ You hear the people Lunge? They are raising your judgment into question, as am I. I demand not only a stop to this but also a retrial for the people you’ve captured. Now, have your men step away from the church and put out that fire.”

A handful of soldiers did indeed step way, much to the Minister’s chagrin. These young men were scared of the Minister of Justice, but they feared Schuwald and his influence even more.

“ Silence you senile old fool! You shall not interfere with my matters, you have no power over my judgment, and you know nothing.”

While the two officials bickered, Karl and Lotte sneak past the guarded lines and run up to the entrance of Notre Dame. The girl hit one of the remaining soldiers on the head with a sword while the boy tackles the other man to the ground. With them out of the way, the cathedral doors fly open and the three trapped inside stumble out.

The archdeacon wasted no time in getting to his feet and running towards the others.

“ What in God’s name are you doing you idiot!? Stop this at once.”

The arguing stops. Lunge’s eyes bounce between the approaching lord and the holy man. He seems to be choked, both presences combined harbouring more power and influence than he did. Their words against his were enough to put an end to any sort of proceeding possible, or at least to complicate them significantly. Reichwein had the people’s hearts and God, Lord Hans had the other nobles, and a sizable army. Things were once more slipping from his control, the reins were falling from his grasp.  

“ They’re right.”

“ This isn’t okay !”

“ We need to do something !”

“ You! Help me get these people out.” A loud crash rang out.

“ Take them down !”

The folk were starting to riot, ripping planks from corpse wagons, grabbing pitchforks and lighting torches. They yelled at the judge, demanding their city be restored and the prisoners tried fairly. The cages where the other convicts were being held were forced, one by one, open.

Grimmer, after being let out, jumped on top of a barrel and yelled over the crowd.

“ Citizens of Paris! Lunge has ransacked our city, killed our children, and now is trying to murder our men and women!” He threw his fist in the air. “Will we allow it?” The resounding cheer was deafening.

Lunge took a step back from the disorder and signalled for his captain.

“ Get me my carriage. And get this over and done with any way you’d like, as long as he-“ He points at Tenma. “-Ends up dead.”

“ Your wish is my command.” Roberto bows and draws his sword. He hops down from the stage and heads for Lord Schuwald, but three large men charge at him before he can get any closer.

Nina used the chaos as a cover to run up to the platform with all the strength she could muster. She hoisted herself up and, using the small blade, began to slash and jab at the ropes. The fire, now beginning to lick at Tenma’s body, burn her feet and legs and arms, but she didn’t care.

The people cheer again, and she uses that support to fuel her efforts even more. Somewhere near the end of her vision, could she see something, or someone, approaching them. It could have been Lunge, or one of his men, but she didn’t want to find out. Once Tenma was free, his body slumped forward and nearly fell, but she managed to pull him out of the flaming pile and get him to stand. With one hard slap on his cheek and a hand under his shoulder, she screamed from the bottom of her heart.

“ Run, run, run!”

And so they did. The man did not seem to be fully present, but his legs began to work just as well as any other time. They fled towards their safety, Nina guiding Tenma as they went.

“ You!” Lunge’s irate voice booms, but neither stop to look back. There could have been a hundred men chasing right at their heel, and they’d be none the wiser.

“ Get inside.” The bishop pushes them into the building and closes the doors. “We’ll keep them out! Go and hide upstairs, and do not come out unless we come and get you!”

Reichwein firmly steps in front of his young friend, arms wide open, and addresses the approaching soldiers who seem to stop at the sight of the man.  

“ Get away from these doors! Do not approach, have you no shame? This is the house of God, sanctuary!”

“Sanctuary.”

“Sanctuary!”

“Sanctuary!!”

The people chant along with the Father.

“ Your laws have no power beyond these steps! Leave, or I as God’s messenger shall punish you, and by Jove, I mean it!”

Lunge stares at the closed doors behind Reichwein and then at his men. He abandons his own escape plan and loudly commands.

“ Get them open, now. That is an order.”

...

Once the cathedral doors were shut and locked, the doctor’s legs finally give out and he falls to the floor. He looks bad, concerningly pale, sweaty and he was taking in air like for the first time. Nina stops rushing for the stairs and turns to see the slumped man.

“ Tenma!” She runs to him and tries to shake his shoulder.

“ Hey! Hey, come on we have to go. We need to hide. Wake up, please!” She begins to hear bangs from the entrance, ones that seem to make the whole building vibrate. The chandeliers and the windows all shook.

“ Get up Doctor Tenma! He’s coming, we need to go!”

Like with some magic words, the man’s eyes open, though barely. Her relief came in the form of tears that fell onto his chest.

“ Thank goodness you’re alive.”

“ Wha--?“ He begins to ask but ends up coughing.

“ No time to explain, we’re still in grave danger. We need to hide somewhere upstairs, come on.”

She helps him up and they begin to make way towards the stairs, then up them and past many doors. Nina tries her best to think, what could be the best hiding place that wouldn’t be too obvious. The library was much too easy, the prayer chambers had no things to hide behind, the study had a lock but no way to escape if the door was opened.

Then she had an idea.

“ The roof! Of course, it’s perfect. We need to go to the-“ Tenma collapses again, slipping right out of her strong hold, and did not stir even when harshly shaken. She let go of her dagger in favour of helping him in a more comfortable position.

“ Not now, Tenma please! We need to go to the roof!” She gently slaps his cheek, but his head just limply rolls to the side.

“ We’re so close, you can’t give up!”

The man did not move.

“ Tenma…”

A long, heavy groan of door hinges desperately needing oil echoes from down the hall. Nina froze, every hair on her body stood up in alarm and she whips her head to see who was coming closer. She nearly audibly whispered, please be Reichwein, please be Sire Grimmer, but God had turned his back on her. Step by step the dark figure came closer, step by step he made her eyes widen even more, step by step breathing became harder for her. She should have known he’d find a way inside.

She lets go of the doctor’s hand and scurries to stand protectively in front of his unconscious form.

“ N-no! Get away from us! This is your fault!” She screams. Lunge stops coming closer but does not back away either. He merely stands there, stone’s throw away, like a ghost.

“ Things like this are always complicated, but be as it may, it is still my sworn duty. I hope you can one day see I only did this to protect you.” His voice laments. The words sound hauntingly like condolences, even though they both know the man on the floor is not dead.

Yet.

“ I will never forgive you.”

He takes a large step closer. A bead of sweat falls from her brow.

“ D-don’t, I’m warning you!”

“ Why won’t you let me remove this disruptive human from our lives? He’s only destined to bring us grief--.“ In a moment of bravery, the girl kicks her adoptive father’s legs from under him. The man falls onto his back, and the blond uses this time to pick up the dagger she had dropped. She points it at him, warningly.

“ Tenma is a good, kind, caring man who would never judge someone based on the sins of their parents! He showed me there was kindness in the world for everyone no matter the lives they have lived. That judging others of mistakes will allow none of us to move forward and heal or be better! And-and the only one who hasn’t understood that seems to be you!”

“ I should have known you’d risk your life to save that sinful tempter.” He glares at her, words calculated and tone low. “Just as your parents died trying to save you.”  

Her mouth moves to retort when the words register in her head. She stares at him, not certain if she had heard correctly. “What-what are you talking about?”

“ Nina?”

Tenma stood behind her, supporting his weight on the wall. He had regained some colour, but still looked drowsy.

“ Tenma!” She hurries to him, not noticing the minister get up. “Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?”

“ He is… No.” Lunge draws his sword. “As long as he lives, he’s mine.”

“ No!”

Nina pushes the doctor backwards into a room with two staircases just as the older man swings the weapon at them. She locks the door and begins to run upstairs with Tenma following right behind. Both can hear the door being hit at, and the blows are so violent, are they sure it will give out any moment.

Once they reach the end and step onto the roof, they lock the door and push a heavy gargoyle statue in front of it for good measure.

“ That’ll only hold him for so long. Or he’ll find another way here.”

“ I know.”

They hide behind the statue, one trying to steady their breathing and the other trying to think of a plan.

“ There are only a few pathways up here, one which we just made unusable and two others.” He nods, so she continues. “I think we better try using the south tower steps, they are so far away they are unlikely to be used by anyone. However, the door is usually locked.”

“ Then we’ll go see, Lunge must be on his way to the third entrance already. Lead the way.”

They leap across the rooftops and decorated railings until they reach the entrance to the stairs.

Nina tries to pull at it, but it’s locked, just as she had suspected. Her eyes scan their surroundings with some alarm, but then she gets an idea. “Listen, the key is kept in the lock, so hoist me up and I’ll climb through that window and open the door from the inside.”

He does so, with some trouble. She crawls inside and, with a thump and a groan, disappears.

“ Okay, I'm here and, it’s right- uh- Oh no!”

“ What? Nina what is it?”

“ The key isn’t here! It-it’s always here. Oh, I need to climb back so we can come up with another plan or--!“

“ No, we don’t have any other options. Just calm down and try to find the key, it has to be somewhere there. I’ll be fine.”

“ A-alright but stay hidden and be careful.”

“ You too.”

Tenma looks around the empty rooftops, to try and find a place to possibly hide if the Judge or one of his soldiers managed to get there. There aren’t that many corners, a few statues could possibly be used, and he could always climb higher. There just wouldn’t be a place to run if he did climb and was caught.

He walks to the edge, trying to see if there was a statue or a landing he could step on to if need be. But before he could look for too long, his eyes widen as he finally sees the magnitude of the destruction for the first time. It made his heart cry in despair, it was much worse than days ago.

A large part of the city was just, gone, replaced by thick smog and empty plots of land. Most houses not made out of stone have suffered greatly, multiple of them were swallowed in flames, the sky had become dark with ash and smoke that covered the sun completely. The rivers seemed to be the colour of blood, as they reflected the surrounding fire.

“ It’s like Hell has descended upon us.”

A sudden, harsh shove made him fall to the floor. Tenma’s head whips to see a dishevelled Lunge, who looks like he’d had to climb the side of the cathedral. His hair is tousled by the wind, and his robes swing wildly around. He’s huffing and puffing from the efforts to get there, shoulders moving up and down, and the rage seeping from his eyes can almost be felt.

“ I should have taken you away when I first had the chance. Why I did not, is a great lapse in my judgement. Now look,” He gestures to the burning city with his swords with a slow sweeping motion. “All of this because of you.”

The younger man stares at the swords sharp tip being thrusted closer at his face.

“ It’s a shame, really.”

“ W-why?” He tries to gather courage. “Why me? What did I ever do to make you so insistent on having me to yourself?! I was just living my life, like everybody else!”

“ What did you do, you ask? Well, let me tell you.” The weapon is pulled away and the older man kneels in front of the other. “You were born, that’s what. You were born more beautiful than any other, with skill that match no-one. A creature so perfect even God himself and Virgin Maria shall weep with jealousy. You with that enticing body, with those inviting eyes, with those alluring lips.” Their eyes are clued to each other. Lunge’s free hand reaches out, knuckles caressing the doctor’s cheek, if only lightly. “How a simple man could be created so lovely, it is trickery not by the Lord, but by Satan. He has sent you to tempt me, to test my willpower and sanctity. I should have seen it from the start, because no woman, let alone a man, should look the way you do!”

“ No! No man nor higher power has sent me to do such things! I came here so that I could help people less fortunate and save as many lives as possible, don’t you understand. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing for years without--!“

“ What disgusting lies. You have the audacity to come in the middle of my perfectly good, respectable life and disrupt it with your heathen ways! If you do not accept the salvation I offer, you will not leave this tower.” He raged. “No, my life, my dreams, will be forever plagued by you. The only way to save my soul is to rid myself of you.”

Tenma looks absolutely petrified by the ramblings.

“ …You never saw me as a real criminal. No, that’s just an excuse you made up to soothe your guilty conscience!”

“ What would you know about my conscience?“

“ I know that it is clearly speaking to you. You seem to haunt innocent people without shame and head held high, but I think, deep down, you know how wrong that is. I think it is secretly eating you alive and that’s why you are so desperate to prove your souls worthiness.”

“ Hm, I’ve heard that quite many times the past few days… Everyone seems to just throw around the word ‘innocent’ nowadays, without clear understanding of its proper meaning.” His gaze hardens. “Because all I see when I look down there is pagans and traitors, liars, criminals. People who need to be purged from this world with fire.” He gets up.

“ As I said.” The judge raises the sword above his head. “A shame.”

Tenma covers himself with his hands, and then closes his eyes.

“ Goodbye Kenzo. If I cannot have you, no one can.”

He braces for painful impact, but nothing comes.

There was a tussle, and somebody yells a strong “no !”. A groan came from somewhere in front of him, there was a shout and then, a slim hand settles onto his exposed forearm. He flinches but opens his eyes.

“ Hey, you’re safe now, he’s gone. It’s over.” Nina whispers , standing where the judge once had. “It’s okay. Sorry it took so long.”

Tenma pulls the girl into a crushing, and sweaty, hug. He couldn’t help but smile despite their situation, the sudden relief left him feeling like on top of the passing clouds. If he knew how to sing, he would.

“ You’re safe, you’re alright. Lunge’s dead.” She continues to reassure. “ We’re all okay now.”

“ You took so long, I was worried.” He mumbles.

...

After Nina had found the key and gotten the door open, her eyes were met with not a relieved Tenma, but a horrid sight. The minister was kneeling next to the doctor, speaking about something that did not matter to her. The younger man’s eyes were wide and fearful, as he tried to argue back, but that did not seem to be the right thing to do. She looked on in horror as the older got up and raised his sword high above his head.

“ As I said, a shame.”

Her legs began to take her onwards with the speed of lightning, even though there was no plan.

“ Goodbye Kenzo. If I cannot have you, no one can.”

“ No!” She screamed.

Before the older man could turn to look at her, or speak, Nina threw her hands straight forward and pushed him away. He stumbled a handful of steps to the side, dropped the weapon, and then fell over the railing. There was a shout of surprise, and before she could do anything, her blue eyes watched her father disappear and fall to his death.  

...

“ Kenzo!”

The two let go of the embrace and turn to see the blond captain running towards them.

“ Wolfgang!”

The men embrace, and then kiss.

“ I came here as soon as I saw him fall. Did he manage to, do, anything?” Then he leans in to whisper, while checking the younger for any injuries. ”He didn’t lay a hand on you, did he?”

“ No, no, we’re both physically alright. Nina saved my life.”

They begin to head inside, Grimmer wrapping an arm around the black-haired man and Nina walking behind them unsurely. ‘What now?’ she thought.

“ They must have taken him away by now. Though there were more pieces than one…” The soldier rubs his neck. “Should we go down? Join the others.”

Her steps halt near a window. She looks at the crowd, at the slowly clearing skies, at the wagon that most likely was carrying her father. He shouldn’t be referred to as such, after all he was the reason she grew up without parents, isolated and guilt-ridden. But a part of her was grieving, because he was also the only thing close to a family she ever did have. Now, there was nothing.

“ Nina, you coming?”

Her blue eyes move to look at the open doors where the others waited for her. There with the two men stood the archdeacon, and the bishop. Both smile at her, proud and relieved, before they walk to her. There was hugging, tears were shed, and prayers said.

“ We’re so proud of you.” Julius whispers, and that’s when she realizes. She wasn’t alone, her family was here and they loved her.

Then they all, together, stepped into the light of the day and…

“ And?”

“ What then?”

“ And then they all died. So, the end.” Heckel lays back on the soft grass and closes his eyes. It was a hot day, and he wishes he had a nice mug of ale. He would get one if the kids didn’t need a man to watch them.

“ Wha-!? That’s not how it ended!” Miloš cries.

“ Yeah! Not at all.”

“ Should have known you suck at telling stories.” Dieter states while scratching his ear. He was bored.

“ W-wait, are you saying you could tell it better, huh!? I was there, you know. I saw the whole thing.” The short man tries to defend, but the kids had already lost interest and turned to look expectedly at the red-head.

“ Dieter, can you finish it?”

“ Please!”

“ Sure.”

All of the children scoot closer, and if Otto also did so, was it not noticed.  

“ So after the great battle was finally over and that evil man was defeated, by me,” Someone scoffed. “Archdeacon Reichwein declared all innocent to be released at once. There was a big ceremony, where a man named Fritz Verdemann was appointed new Minister of Justice, becoming a judge who the people could rely on.”

“ Weren’t you locked in the same cage as me? We were let out after the battle was over.” Heckel questions, but Dieter continues.  

“ After the celebrations, we all went to live our separate lives. Some of us moved away, and others stayed in the city. Sire Hugo and his daughter left to live in the countryside, where they own a small sheep farm. Nina left to travel and see the world, but after three months returned and opened a bookstore. She sells her hand-made books.”

“ Is-is that where you got ‘Snow White’ from?”

“ No, it was a gift. I’m the only one who has it!”

“ Hey Wim, we should ask for our own books too!”

“ No way! She’s my friend so she made me a book, but she doesn’t know you—!”

“ Kid, hey, if you’re so good at telling stories, then get on with it. I don’t have all day.” The adult complains loudly. Dieter stuck his tongue out but does carry on.  

“ I,” He points at himself. “Went to live with father and monsieur Grimmer, right here on the outskirts of Paris. Everybody knows, that in a secluded patch of forest, there lays a cabin of healing where all people come to receive help…”

While the child finishes his tale, that may or may not make him sound more heroic than not, somewhere a man stirs awake. Dark brown eyes blink open, he yawns, and then stretches. It’s late morning, and about high time to get up from their warm bed. There is much work to do today, such as tending to the garden and cooking supper for many hungry mouths.

He steps to a window and looks out at the never-ending greenery with a smile.

“ Good-” Yawn. “-morning.”

The man turns and glances at his sleepy partner still under the covers.

“ Good morning, Wolfgang.”

“ Looks like we slept late… And it’s so quiet, where is everybody?”

“ The boys seem to be in the yard. And looks like monsieur Heckel is with them.”

Strong arms wrap around the doctor’s waist and bring him to a warm embrace. The blond buries his face into the other’s neck. His hair tickles.

“ So, they’re busy. Looks like we have just enough time to…” Grimmer kisses at the soft skin with care and utmost tenderness. Kenzo smiles, and then hums, agreeing. The ex-soldier moves his mouth along the neck and towards the other’s shoulder, savouring the sweet scent of pine and soap. When he lifts the fabric of the shirt out of the way, are there two crescent moon shaped scars greeting him. They are faded, a tad lighter than the surrounding skin, and from one side much more prominent. Clearly the uneven surface helped with the formation.

He doesn’t dwell on it, but kisses it, around it, and then moves along Kenzo’s arm until he reaches his knuckles.

Now they stand at an arm’s length, both smiling widely. Grimmer still holds his hand when he guides them back to the soft surface of their bed, where they fall feather light like orange leaves from an autumn tree.

It is wonderful, life is good. They look into each other’s eyes and see no destruction, no flames, and no dark desires.

“ As much as I’d like to, we cannot, there is breakfast to be served. I am certain the boys haven’t had a bite to eat…”

“ Not to worry, I shall make something. I know, we’ll have eggs!”

Tenma shakes his head with amusement. “We can’t, for we have no eggs.”

“ Then I’ll make stew!”

“You can’t, for we have no meat.” The end of the sentence is decorated with a light chuckle.  

“ What a horrid pity then, for the others I mean, for I shall,” Grimmer’s left hand glides down the other’s backside, up and down, and then grips his waist. “Have you as my breakfast. I need nothing more, and nothing less.”

As the taller man flips them over and straddles the younger, they both laugh. Kenzo is flushed scarlet, but content, for his partner does nothing but care for him. Like one is supposed to.

Life is good indeed, for they have each other and that is more than they could’ve ever asked for.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Chapter Text

.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The carriage shook from side to side every time there was a loose rock or a branch in their path. The farther they journeyed, the bumpier the unkept dirt roads seemed to become. These factors accumulated into an uncomfortable and overall unpleasant travel experience but not as much as the company inside the small compartment. 

Little Dieter held on to his father tightly, hands wrapped around his waist and legs resting on the seat beside them. They had been like this for the entirety of their journey, from the dark Palace of Justice to all the way out here. Neither knew of where they were headed in such a hurry, or in what direction they had even left past the gates of Paris, but it probably wouldn’t have made a difference. Tenma hadn't said a thing, apart from the time in the dungeons when he had instructed Dieter to follow him and stay close. Afterwards there had been no attempts to speak, the adult just simply hung his head down with some sort of defeat.

The boy had glanced at an odd piece of metal around Tenma's hand, specifically his finger, but that hadn't held his attention for long. What he had been mostly glaring at the entire ride, through every obstacle and every bump, was the man sitting opposite of them. 

On the velvet encrusted seat, not even an arm’s length away, sat the feared Judge Heinrich Lunge. The man had seated himself there immediately after their departure from the Sainte-Chapelle, moved his cold gaze to the window and stayed like that for the most part. Dieter was glad.

Once they reached their destination, after travelling what felt like days, the horses slowed down, and they got out one by one. Tenma at long last raised his head as they stared at the house laying before them. It was quite nice, made of very pale stone and surrounded by lush green of the countryside. The yard was lined by shaped and trimmed, though poorly, bushes and vines climbed on and around the most eastern windows. Running water somewhere splashed merrily and birds sung their evening tunes. There was not a soul anywhere to be seen, it was just them. Just like he had promised.

" Get inside." The judge instructed, and they did so without a word.

Dieter cared little about the decor, the books, the chandeliers, the fancy carved ceilings, the candles or the curtains. He did not wish to praise the chairs, or the gardens, or even the specious bed that was promised all to himself. What use would the parlours or the study be to him? No, he only cared about his father, who appeared more ill by the moment. They stood hand in hand by the second story solar’s windows, both looking at the never-ending forests and fields.

" Tenma ?" The child tried. “Are we going to stay here? Where are the others ?” But the man said nothing, only squeezed his hand tighter.

Days passed and Dieter grew bored. He spent most of the light hours walking around the empty halls, not seeing nor hearing anything. There were no servants to talk to, no animals to observe, it was as if the whole place had one day been abandoned and forgotten by the world. As he trekked through the overgrown vegetation, he tried to imagine games of adventures and epic fights against monsters, but every time he just wished he could save his Tenma from the monster keeping them trapped in the house. Yes, it took not much time at all when the old minister already possessed a name in the boy’s head, ‘the monster from upstairs’, because that’s where he tended to stay.

Unsurprisingly the aforementioned man hadn’t said even one word to him the whole time they resided in the woodland mansion. Every time they came face to face, the minister acted as if he did not exist at all, and would focus his attention solely on the doctor no matter the situation. He seemed rather eager to catch his father’s eye, giving him small, wrapped objects and bringing him tea, but alas, it was of no use. Tenma was too exhausted to even look in his direction.

Tenma was quiet, reserved and visibly afraid. On the first night he had slept in the same bed as Dieter, giving out a flimsy excuse that Dieter was unfamiliar with the house and would undoubtedly be scared. Before he could deny such silly accusations, and tell them that he was very much grown, the two adults had turned to hear his opinion on the matter. Yes, the boy might have been young, but he wasn’t foolish. Just one look from his father and he had jumped to agree, and so there wasn’t much the judge could do. Unfortunately the same excuse did not work on the second night and Dieter found him sleeping in the back corner of the study.

Doctor Tenma was void of his usual spirit, his kind and generous heart that did nothing but give seemingly having been ripped right out of his chest. While Dieter played in the yard or inside the greenhouse, explored the local wooded areas or hopped over streams, the noiret could be seen staring distractedly out of a window. The boy wondered if the adult imagined himself somewhere else, far, far from here.

A week or so had passed, and the day was very similar if not near identical to any other. The sun had begun to set, the sky was painted masterfully in pinks, oranges and yellows. Dieter was in the busy process of attempting to climb a statue of some old man holding a book in the backyard when his hold slipped, and he went crashing down. His fall was cushioned by dead leaves, but it wasn’t enough to spare him. He sniffled, the tumble was painful, and his knee was scraped, red beads of blood formed on top of the skin and then slid down his leg. He wiped at his eyes, and wobbly got up to his two feet.

Steps coming rapidly towards him caught the child’s attention. Tenma had hurried down to see if he was okay.

“ Are you okay? That was quite the fall.” The adult commented while cleaning the wound.

“ I, sniff, I’m okay.” He turned to look at the statue. “You should have seen it, I almost climbed to the top. Next time I will definitely do it !”

Tenma chuckled, and that’s when Dieter realized how long it had been since he had last seen this side of the doctor. Near carefree, happy, still alive… It lifted something heavy from his heart, for a blissful second, before a false couch made both freeze.

The judge, no, the former judge, stood by the entrance behind them, hands behind his back and a look of unimpressed boredom adorning his face.

" It appears to be getting late." He declared, and like an arrow the doctor shot up and took Dieter into his arms. 

" I-I'll put Dieter to bed." 

The older man scoffed and shook his head but did not try and stop them. As they walked up the stairs, the boy could see the man stare after them, with something strange in his eye. He would have felt victorious, "that's right, Tenma's coming with me and far away from you!" he nearly said out loud, but something about this didn't sit right with him. Lunge had given up too fast for his liking, as if he knew something that made this battle worth losing for. As if there still laid a possibility to win the war. The idea made his grip on the adult’s shirt tighten and he averted his eyes from the looming figure.

Tenma put him down gently, helped him change into proper pyjamas and then read him a short story, all in the light of a single candle. Now the sun was but a mere memory of better days, replaced by inky blackness no street lantern could cut through. The moon and the stars had hid themselves behind the heavy clouds, as if terrified of seeing what possibly might come next.

The door creaked open, the orange gleam from the hallway flooded into the room distractingly. Lunge appeared, like the worst kind of entity, in the doorway, his body casting a shadow that seemed to stretch impossible lengths. 

" I-I'm coming." His father whispered even when the other said nothing.

" Tenma, I-I, uh, want another story !” The child, in his desperation to save the only person who had ever cared about him, tried.

“ No, that’s enough foolishness for one night.” Lunge interrupted. Somehow the candle was blown out with his words, as if they held some unknown power that swore to bury them in darkness. With hesitant steps the doctor left, closing the door behind him.

“ G-good night, Dieter.” He wished. “Re-remember what I told you. You need to stay i-in here, okay ?”

Something was wrong. As soon as the steps on the other side began to move away, Dieter jumped up and ran to the door. He tried the handle, but it was locked, bolted most likely from the outside. He pressed his ear to the hard surface and stilled his breathing, to try and hear anything.

"—And that's it. Understand?" Lunge's voice was tight, annoyed.

" I know that." Tenma sounded tense, something bordering on anger.

" Then why would you—?"

" Because you cannot take that away from me! You have done so to everything else in my life, but not this. Do you even realize all the things I left behind ?"

" What words you dare speak! None of it is my fault. It is you, who has been avoiding me. Do I have to remind you of your promise— ?"

" No, you don't. But I might have to remind Your Honour of yours." There was a pause before Tenma continued. "Me, and my son, safe and sound. Or has that managed to escape your mind ?"

" Yes, yes, I remember. Quite clearly, actually." A step was taken, the wooden floorboards groaned. "But I also remember you promising to be mine."

“ But I have—!”

“ Please don’t think of me a fool, Kenzou. I have working eyes. I know you still think about him, I can see it in those beautiful eyes of yours. Disgusting. He has wormed his way into your head and your heart like an unholy parasite.”

One more step.

“ But worry not.” The tone changed, he must be smirking. “We can still remedy that. We have nothing but time.”

" B-but- that's- I, uh, what are you— ? " 

Something more was definitely said, Dieter can hear the unintelligible syllables mixing in with the hiss of an angered whisper. An ‘S’, an ‘O’ and definitely an ‘M’ were spoken, but everything else was much too quiet, or the two were much too far, to hear.

Dieter inhaled, then exhaled. Once more, but nothing seemed to be happening. The child couldn’t take the silence anymore and peered through the keyhole. It was an attempt born out of desperation, there were no guarantees it would even be void of keys or other obstacles. But to his surprise he was greeted with the dimly lit hallway, the stone walls, the top of the staircase, and most importantly, two figures. Dieter held his breath again, leaning as close to the door as possible.

Tenma's back was pressed against the wooden railing, both hands holding on to it with knuckles turning a shade lighter, and the minister stood in front of him. They seemed to be doing, well, he wasn't exactly sure what. They certainly weren’t talking. Their faces were close, too close for his liking, and the minister’s hand moved up and down Tenma’s side in an odd manner.

" Let's go." Came out the chill command from the older man’s mouth. They had an instant effect on the doctor, who adjusted his grip on the wooden support as if not wanting to leave. Lunge seemed to have caught this.

Dieter could only watch in horror as his father was dragged by the wrist to the side and into the other bedroom. Before running back to hide under the covers in fear, he could see Tenma giving his closed door one last pleading glance, and then the door to the master bedroom shut and locked. At first there were several odd bangs, thumps and even the sound of glass shattering, but the rest of the night was oddly quiet, leaving him wondering if Lunge had finally had enough and killed the good doctor.

The next morning Dieter waited patiently for Lunge to leave the house before climbing out of bed. He opened the master bedroom door and carefully peeked inside, relieved when he saw his father still in the books of the living.

“ Tenma ?”

But the man doesn’t answer.

“ … Hey, are you okay? Tenma ?”

Dieter took a step into the dark room, minding the shattered pieces of glass from a large mirror. They must have had a real bad fight, even a chair was knocked down and multiple items littered the floor. Broken candlesticks, a brush, a metallic cup, clothes… The child circled the canopy bed and at last laid his young eyes on the shell of a man now before him. Tenma had managed to sit up on the edge of the bed but that’s where the journey seemed to have ended. Despite the drawn curtains, Dieter could just about see the steadily spreading  purple, green and blue marks on his face. There was one under his right eye, one next to his lip, about four on his neck. Unconsciously the redhead brough his own hand up to his own neck, rubbed it in discomfort, and then gasped. They must be fingerprints, but how and why?

Surrounding the doctor’s left nostril was a circle of reddish brown, dried blood. He must have been hit several times, and hard.

Of course Dieter had been exposed to violence while living in the Red Rose Mansion. He had seen friends and acquaintances brought in with mangled hands and bent legs, had seen blood come out of places it most certainly was not supposed to. He had seen sick people, injured people, dead people… But this felt different. Maybe it was due to the fact that it was his father on the other end, or because he had to keep living with the man responsible for it.

The doctor was wrapped tightly into the white and maroon sheets, like a child who was afraid of the approaching thunderstorm.

“ H-hey Tenma, a-are you okay ?”

The man said nothing, nor looked at him, but nodded.

“ A-are you sick ?”

The adult seemed to hesitate, but then nodded again.

“ I-I can help! I can bring you something to eat, I saw sandwiches downstairs !”

“ Dieter.” Tenma’s voice was low, raspy and oh so broken.

“ Yes ?”

“ I want you to leave.”

“ H-huh ?!”

“ I want you to pack your bag, escape the house and run back to Paris. I want you to find Archdeacon Reichwein and Rudi. They can take care of you.”

“ But so can you !”

“ For now. But I don’t think I can much longer.”

Dieter was about to climb next to him on the bed when he gasped and jumped away. His hand, the one he had set down on the mattress, came back red and sticky. The smell in the room, of metal, seemed to suddenly hit him and he gagged.

“ Te-Ten- wha—?!”

Tenma got up and crouched down onto his level, letting the blankets fall off his shoulders in the process. His upper torso was in a similar state to his face, covered in little marks of violence, and some of unknown origins.

“ Dieter, I need you to get out.”

Dieter screamed and shot up in his bed. Droplets of sweat ran down his face and back as he struggled to take enough air into his overworking lungs. It was suddenly cold, dark, and nothing made any sense. He began to weep, burying his head into his shaking hands as if that would allow him to escape somewhere far away.

“ Dieter? Are you okay?” Grimmer asked, walking into his room with soft steps.

“ I-there was- I tried to, ah, it was the judge he-he—!”

“ Okay, it’s okay, breath with me. It was just a nightmare, the judge is gone. You’re safe. We’re safe. All of us are.” Wolfgang took the boy into his arms and just held him there, just like his husband had taught him.

“ I-I want T-Tenma, I want father! Where is father?” He cried into the adults shirt.

“ Kenzo is sleeping in the other room, buddy. Want me to take you there?”

“ Sniff, yes please, sniff…” And so they began to walk to the other bedroom. It was nighttime, but the hallways seemed not so dark because the moon was full and shone brightly. The boy stared at it silently, head resting on the man’s shoulder. The moon reminded him of something, but the memories of his dreams were rapidly fading from his mind.

“ That must have been quite the dream you had, kiddo. Want to talk about it?”

“ Bad man hurt father. You were gone.” Dieter replied and they left it at that.

They entered the bedroom of the adults just as Tenma was sitting upright. The noiret rubbed his eyes, messy hair sticking out in every direction.

“ Yawn, w-what was wrong? Is everything okay?” Came a tired voice from the large bed.

“ Dieter just had a bad dream, it’s all okay now.” The tall blonde whispered. He set the boy down onto the bed and watched as he immediately crawled next to his partner.

“ Oh my, that must have been awful. But just like Grimmer said, it is all okay now and you’re safe here with us.” Tenma comforted the child, who was clinging onto him for dear life. “You can sleep here if you’d like?”

There was an affirmative hum.

“ Get comfortable then. Tomorrow’s a big day, we’ll travel to see Nina and Lotte at Reichwein’s.”

That’s how they welcomed the new day in their little hut. As the morning rays painted the roofs golden, it also revealed the three sleeping figures.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.