Prologue

"And that concludes today's meeting. We shall meet back at the same time and place tomorrow."

The sound of multiple chairs scratching against the floor rang out through the small meeting room as many men stood up from their spot around the large meeting table. Almost instantly, the different men began to pair off and chatter in fast paced German.

A man with his blond hair slicked back began to organize several of his papers into a neat and organized pile. One could tell by looking at him that there was something troubling the young man. His eye brows were knitted together in what appeared to be intense thought or worry. However, the blond seldom spoke to any of his fellow members, so few would know what could be troubling him.

However, one brave soul decided that he should be friendly and try to make some conversation. He has never really spoken to the blond before, but it couldn't to try, right? After all, maybe he was just shy or gets nervous around people.

It was worth a shot. "Hey, Beilschmidt, nice meeting, am I right? Looks like things are finally going to take a turn for the better."

"Hm? Y-yeah, it's looking that way isn't it …"

The brave man did not seem to notice the hesitating tone in the blonde's voice. "I really hope this election turns out like I'm hoping it will. With Hitler as früher, I will finally be able to put some food on the table for my family. Not to mention getting back at those French bastards!"

This seemed to get a reaction from the Beilschmidt, as a look of worry flashed across his pale face at his comrade's words. "It will be nice to have a stable economy again." But one who is observant could tell that the blonde did not truly mean his words.

Wishing his comrade, goodbye, Ludwig Beilschmidt continued his way down the hall, out of the building where the regular meetings were held. Honestly speaking, Ludwig was concerned. What would be the future of his beloved country?

Saying that Germany has been struggling was a bit of an understatement. The economy was practically in shambles, no doubt caused by the end of The Great War. Now, the country was paying the price. The damn Treaty of Versailles had basically screwed the country. How could anyone ever hope for the country to regain its stability when it can't even manage to feed its own people, let alone pay the reparations to France?

Ludwig sighed as he stepped out in the cool winter. He tightened his worn scarf around his neck as small snowflakes danced around him. Walking down the cold dark street, the German couldn't help but ponder not only his, but his county's situation as well. While the current situation looked dark and bleak, a feeling that was being perfectly reflected by the glooming weather, there was a feeling of optimism in the air as the elections continued to draw closer as the days continued to pass.

While the blonde was but a mere grunt, a young soldier who was still inexperienced in the ways of war, he desperately desired to move up in the ranks. So, he had been attending the meetings of the generals, in hopes of gaining not only experience, but knowledge in the ways of politics as well. It required a pulling of a couple of strings, but Ludwig has relatives, most of whom have long been dead, in the military. A great number of them were high ranking officers as well.

He wished he could say that he enjoyed these meetings and that they were very useful to him, however, that would be stretching the truth. In all honesty, they frightened him. They all seemed to be about discussing Adolf Hitler, and how he will be such a wonderful thing for their struggling country.

Of course, Ludwig has seen a few of his speeches. How could he expect to be promoted if he did not keep up with current events? But, to be honest, there was something wrong with Hitler. Oh, he was charismatic, Ludwig could give him that. But, there was just something that seemed…off. The blond couldn't place his finger on it, but there was something that worried him.

Then there was the chance that that might be the man to lead his country. It was a thought that kept Ludwig up at night. While all of his talk about bringing Germany back to her former glory was promising, as the country was probably at its lowest point in history, the blond still couldn't stop his incessant worrying. First of all, all of his talk about a making a pure and, "master race" was what was troubling Ludwig the most? What did that imply? What was he going to do to make this race?

Still, if that man, or any of the other candidates for that matter, were to become the früher, then Ludwig would still continue to serve his country dutifully, just as the other Beilschmidt s have done in the past. Hell, even his brother, who was not the most dutiful to say the least, had served in The Great War.

That thought had brought back another problem that had been in the back of the blonde's mind.

Gilbert.

Where was he? Was he alright? Where did he go? Ludwig could only know what the letter from the army told him. That his brother was wounded in combat, right around Christmas time too. He then was relieved from his duties. Ludwig just assumed that his brother would come home, let his wound heal and then get a job in a factory or something similar.

But, to Ludwig's dismay, the albino never returned home. Ludwig had waited for hours, which soon turned into days and now years, but there was no sign of Gilbert. The army would have sent in another letter if something had happened.

Did he get killed? But that was impossible! The letter clearly stated that the wound was none fatal. And if he had been killed, then surely the letter would have specified so.

Perhaps Gilbert had just run away. Ludwig couldn't imagine why though. Run away from what? His country? His duties in the army? From him?

But why would Gilbert run away from him? The two had been on relatively good terms, or as good as you can make it with Gilbert. They hadn't fought, or anything of the like. Was he ashamed that he had to be taken away from battle?

Ah, all of these thoughts were making Ludwig even more stressed than he should be! Shaking his head, Ludwig continued down the dark, cold road to make his way to his small, mediocre wooden shake that he called home.

He supposed that that was one good thing about Gilbert being gone; one less mouth to feed. Hearing stories about families starving to death was becoming increasingly common as of late. Ludwig was barely able to feed himself. Imagine having to feed his older brother, who should be noted as having a very hearty appetite.

No matter. Ludwig couldn't help but feel a wave of ambition and determination sweep over him. Once he receives a higher rank, problems such as food will no longer be an issue. All of that will be taken care of. Hell, maybe he can become so important that he would have soldiers under his command. That'd be nice. He might even be able to send out a search party for Gilbert, assuming the albino was even in Europe, or alive for that matter.

Ludwig shivered as the cold wind blew across his face. Just a little more. Then he will be in the safe comfort of his home. However, even the promise of being in his small shack didn't bring Ludwig any sense of peace or hope.

A storm was coming. And something big was going to be coming. What it is, Ludwig could not say for certain. But it was coming; there was no doubt in Ludwig's mind. Whatever it was, it was going to shake the very foundation of his life, and all of Germany.

No matter what happens, Ludwig will always stand by his country. Even when he had nothing, he will always have his country. It was the place where he was born, and the place where he shall die. Whether it is in battle, or of old age, it did not matter to the proud German. He would not abandon the place he calls home in its time of need.

As he finally arrived at his small, yet well cared for, home, Ludwig let himself whisper something. Even though no one would ever hear it, he let the wind carry his words away. Maybe he was hoping that there would be a slight chance that God would pity him and send the message to its desired receiver.

Or, maybe he just said it to comfort himself. Either way, it made no difference. Ludwig let the soft, barely audible words leave his lips.

"I'll be sure to make you proud, bruder."

XXX

Well, there it is! This is just a short little preview of sorts of what is to come. Please tell me what you think and if there are ways to improve my writing.