Disclaimer: I own nothing. Not a thing.

Asylum for the Children of Notre Dame...

A flash of gold...

A flutter of fabric...

From the corner of his eye, Captain Ludwig observes a peculiar looking figure. A staggering, hunched over, hooded beggar cloaked in patched wool, wobbling into the doors of Notre Dame. To most people this would be rather inconspicuous; after all it is raining and the cathedral is perhaps the safest and closest shelter. But where most people see a crippled old man trying to get out of the rain, Captain Ludwig sees a very familiar looking coat and a possible lead to his fugitive.

With a smirk and a sigh, Captain Ludwig dismounts his horse and follows after the "beggar man"...

Wheeze, step, huff.

Wheeze, step, huff.

Matthew's straining muscles hold Alfred, Peter, and Kumajirou upon his back as he shakily walks up the steps to...that big place the Parisians go to worship their god. Of course Matthew has never been inside before, and he cannot honestly say that he knows anyone who has, but he does know that the place is big- very big- and close by. A perfect place to hide.

Wheeze, step, huff.

Wheeze, step, huff.

Wheeze, step, "Ah!"

Barely a step inside and Matthew stumbles and falls face first onto the floor. From beneath his coat, Alfred and Peter come tumbling out. Kumajirou rolls lazily. Peter is the first one up and he rushes to close the door.

Alfred is the next one to get up and after a hasty rubbing of his eyes, he puffs out his cheeks and directs an irritated pout to his older brother. "What was that about, Mattie?!" he whines. He rubs again; his eyes bleary from the smoke screen he just came from. "You need to warn people when you do things like that! I mean, my mouth was open! My eyes were open! And smoke was everywhere! Agh!"

Matthew, still on the floor, lifts his face up, throwing his coat off. "Me? What about you?! What was that about?!"

"...What?"

Matthew stares blankly at his poor oblivious brother. Had his forehead and nose not been aching, he probably would have slammed his face onto the floor once more. Instead, he stands and takes off his glasses and looks them over for any new scratches. "'What?' he says..." Matthew shakes his head and takes several deep DEEP breathes before even attempting to answer such a question. As he opens his mouth however, he notices a creeping shadow of some sort in the reflection of his spectacles and immediatly-

KLA-SHINK!

Alfred gasps as Matthew pulls a guard out from behind a column and throws the sneaking bastard to the floor, making sure to grab said guard's sword as he falls. "You!" Matthew snarls out.

Ludwig clatters alongs the black and white chess board floor tiles; rattling within his bulky suit of amor. "Hallo." He groans out.

"What are you doing here?!" Matthew advances with the sword. Although he has no training in regards to effectively using it, even in his unexperienced hands, they all know just how dangerous the weapon can be.

Ludwig awkwardly scrambles backwards. "I can explain everything!" he stammers out while backing into another column. "But first, calm down and give me a chance to apologize."

"For what?" Matthew immediately regrets asking after the guard's kicks a foot into his stomach. The impact forcing him to topple over. The unexpectedness of it all makes him lose his grip on the sword's hilt, leaving it to be snatched up by its' original master. Alfred rushes to help his brother up as Matthew glares at the guard, wishing the bastard would burst into flames. "You son of a-"

"Watch what you say!" the guard interrupted with. "We are in a church."

Just as Matthew is getting to his feet, Alfred drops him and gasps out, "Peter no!"

Ludwig turns just in time to parry the little boys candle holder, preventing it from colliding with his skull. The grating sound of blade against metal echoes within the grand hall as poor little Peter topples just as his brother before.

"I forgot about the kid." Ludwig sighs. He furrows his brows as he tries to remember who the fourth member of their- "Oof!" In agony he groans and clutches at his abdomen realizing that the bear cub, head-butted him. Said cub now growling and crouched; paws spread out in a defensive position.

Peter wisely uses the distraction to run to his brothers' side. Matthew reaches out for another candle holder, but Alfred steps between his brothers and the recovering guard. "A-are you going to arrest us?" He asks while nervously worrying his bottom lip.

Matthew and Peter could have face-palmed at the ridiculous question.

"No." Ludwig answers as he sheaths his sword. "As long as you are in here," he guestures to the sainctified walls and columns and windows and pews surrownding them. "I cannot."

Alfred releases a long and slow breath. He smiles. "I knew you would not be like the other guards!" With stars and candle light shining brightly in his eyes, he beams at his brothers. "This is the hero- I mean, guard that I told you about! This is Captain Beilschmidt."

"Ludwig!" Captain Beilschmidt quickly says. He coughs to quickly cover the crack of his voice and the light rose dusting of his cheeks. "Please call me Ludwig. It means famed warrior."

Alfred smiles even wider and brighter at his hero as Matthew and Peter share a look of apathy.

"And you are?"

"I-"

"Is this an interrogation?" Matthew pulls Alfred away from this strange man and crosses his arms. He does his best to silently communicate that the guard is not wanted or welcome around them, but it is hard to do so knowing that Alfred is fawning over this so-called hero.

"Most people would call this an introduction."

"See!" Alfred says while shaking Matthew's arm. "I told you, he isn't like the other guards."

Matthew removes his brother's hands, refusing to let his guard down. "If you are not going to arrest us, then what do you want."

Ludwig steps forward. "I would settle for your name." He says as he smoothly takes Alfred's hand into his own, not knowing that he had taken the boy's breath along with it.

Matthew rolls his eyes and Peter gags at the sight of another man hitting on his brother.

"I..I'm Alfred." The teenager whispers. "These are my brothers, Matthew and Peter." For a second time, the somewhat forgotten bear cub slams into the Ludwig's breastplate. "Oh! And this is Kumajirou." Alfred says, thankful for Matthew's gift of quietness. It would have been rather embarrassing for his hero to hear the, "Good boy, Kuma!" from his older brother. Alfred tries to laugh off that attack, saying, "He doesn't take kindly to guards."

"I noticed." Ludwig groans out. "I also noticed that you are quite beautiful- dancing that is!" Ludwig's entire face and neck heats to a scarlet hue as he realises what just spilled from his mouth. "You are a beautiful dancer- I mean...you dance beautifully."

Matthew could vomit.

He could seriously vomit.

Bile and whatever little was left in his stomach could literally spew from Matthew's lips at that very moment. And when Matthew looks over to Peter, he sees that the boy was not far from doing just that as they were forced to witness Ludwig horrendously attempt at flirting with their brother.

But before either one could make such a mess (or worse, before another awkward moment could happen between the guard and the dancer) the doors burst open with such a force that it is amazing that the hinges hold. "Good work Captain." Minister Kirkland strides inside, head held high as he looks down on the gypsy vermin mucking up Notre Dame's hallowed grounds with their mere presence. "Now," he says while pointing a slender and pale finger at scared looking teenager. "Arrest him!"

Matthew, knowing that the guard could not be trusted- "He is just like the rest of them!"- pulls Alfred away and stands as a shield in front of his younger, foolish brother. "You tricked us..." All of the time that could have been spent hiding or finding one secret way or another out was instead wasted on this golden armored ass.

Ludwig reaches forward for Alfred's hand once more- only to hold it- but the brother, the one called Matthew deters him. "Claim sanctuary." He hoarsely whispers.

"Don't listen to him!" Matthew hisses.

"Please," Ludwig tries again. "Trust me and claim sanctuary."

"No!" Peter shrieks. "You lied to us! I should have killed you when I had the chance!"

"S-sanctuary..." Alfred softly says. With hands trembling at the same rate of his voice, he holds back his baby brother, preventing him from lunging at the guard. Alfred doesn't know what sanctuary means, but given that neither he nor his brothers have been beaten or arrested, he knows that his trust in Ludwig could not have been misplaced.

Ludwig sighs in relief.

"I'm waiting, Captain..."

"He has claimed sanctuary, Sir." Ludwig does an about-face and stands respectfully at attention to his superior. "There is nothing we can do."

Minister Kirkland huffs and scowls. Does that harlot honestly think sanctuary is afforded to him? Who does that bitch think he is?! "Then drag him outside and-"

"You will do no such thing!" Suddenly the sound of angry stomps was heard. It is as if Notre Dame herself is shaking with righteous rage. Father Romano marches to the group and steps between Minister Kirkland and the gypsy brothers. While Father Feliciano is soft, round, and looking wiser with time, Father Romano is tall, tawny, and tough; always looking like he would prefer to exchange blows rather than words. "Have your years as an official made you forget to respect the sanctity and sovereignty of the Church?!"

Minister Kirkland scoffs. "I have nothing but respect for God and the Law! Which is precisely why I need to have this pagan filth dragged out."

"God is not partial to any face." Father Romano says. Being of the cloth, his position is higher than that of any official, especially within Notre Dame. "HE has never turned anyone away, and we do our best to follow his example. Remember that we are all the children of God in here."

Arthur glares at the priest but knowing that he has not the higher power here, he turns to leave. He directs his men out but takes shelter in the shadows and waits. If he could not get the boy now, he could at least deliver him a message.

"Chigi!" Father Romano snorts out. He, non to gently, clamps onto Ludwig's arm and drags him out as well. "I believe you have other matters to attend to, Captain Bastard." If he notices Peter and Kumajirou tagging along to kick at the guards legs and backside (and he most likely does) he does nothing to stop them, leaving Matthew to chase after the two and leaving Alfred alone and in the open.

Arthur uses this opportunity- one which could have only come from God- to sneak up behind the boy and pull him to the shadowed side of a column. Alfred struggles of course; flailing about and even kicking at him a few times, and even tries to shout. But Arthur, cunning and determined, throws the boy against the column. He licks his lips at the sight of the squirming whore laying back against the strong and erect column. He places his hands on either side of Alfred's head and leans in close, effectively pinning him in place. "You think you have outwitted me?" he purrs. "You think that you are free from my justice? Well bask not just yet Alfred~" He feels the boy shiver against him and just knows that the little tramp is enjoying it. Disgusting little temptress! "I am a very patient man, Alfred~ all I need to do is bide my time. You and I both know that gypsies don't do well inside stone walls." He leaned in closer, leaning down a little to press his nose and lips into the surprisingly soft hairs upon the boy's head. The scent of apples, no doubt from his crown of flowers, must have seeped into his hair and skin throughout the years. For Alfred, delectable and temptatious Alfred, smells very much like the blossoms. And really, is that not what the boy is: a succulent blossom ripening to perfection and just begging to be plucked by Arthur. He places one hand on the skin of the boys chest, the crook between his thumb and index placed just below the neck. He tenses as the boy squeaks of course in pleasure. He really ought to just wring the filthy slut's neck! His other hand ghost over the boy's hip; slowly going lower and lower. With each moment of decent, his hand presses down a little more, rubbing at the skirt to find the flesh beneath. Just as his hand glides to the boy's inner thigh-

"No!" Alfred pushes Minister Kirkland away. Matthew has warned him of men and moments like this...

Arthur huffs. How dare that little tease excite him and then push him away! "There is a demon within you. One that speaks through your legs!"

"N-no..." Alfred remembers Matthew's warning. Just barely over a week ago they were sitting in the tent provided for them during the festival, and instead of the scolding Alfred was sure that he would receive, Matthew told him of the dangers of men both young and old; of the compromising situations they might try to force him into. He knows that he should fight or run, screaming if need be, until he knows for certain that he is safe. But try as he might, Alfred could not move at the moment. He could barely even speak; mind and body both paralyzed in fear.

At least last night he only had to deal with a wrathful spirit! And while those were scary, scary, scary, they usually were easy to avoid- do no wrong to them and they will do no wrong to you...usually.

But Minister Kirkland...Alfred knows almost nothing of him, only that he is a man of high power with many if not all guards under his command. And while Alfred would like to think that the Minister of Justice is only a bitter and cold, old fool- while he would like to think that the old judge could become a better person if only he were to spend one day in another's shoes and perhaps listen to the concern's of people who cannot afford a political voice- while he would like to think that Minister Kirkland is not nearly as bad as everyone says, there is something about the judge...

Something about those vibrant green eyes that said otherwise...

And this terrifies him...

Arthur watches Alfred back himself to the column again; his limbs shaking, his face flushing, and his teeth chewing on his bottom lip. Probably trying to stifle his wanton moans. That trollop! Arthur chuckles. "I am a patient man..." he whispers both to himself and Alfred. "You have chosen a marvelous prison," he says while striding away. "But it is still a prison non-the-less. Step one foot out, and you will be mine."

Alfred waits until he hears the slam of the large doors before giving in to his weakening knees and falling to the floor. He pulls his knees to his chest and wraps his arms around himself, not knowing whether he should scream, cry, stab someone or vomit after...whatever that was.

"Maple!" Matthew huffs out upon his return. "Guards have been posted at every window and door outside. They might not be able to touch us in here but they sure are...Hey, what happened?" Matthew sinks to the floor and puts an arm around Alfred. "Alfie?"

"I..." Alfred did mean to tell Matthew what just transpired between himself and the judge. "I'm sorry...about...everything." But he decides not to. After all, he is not even entirely sure of what happened. Did something even happen? Or was he just being too sensitive? Maybe it was nothing? Or maybe that is the sort of thing that ought to happen to people who break the law? Maybe he deserved it...whatever it was? Does it even have a name? And besides whatever you are supposed to call it is far to shameful for him to even consider telling anyone else- especially his older brother of all people! "This is all my fault," he says. "I'm the one he- they want. None of us would be here were it not for me."

Matthew sighs. "Alfie, do not punish yourself for this."

"I just thought that if one person would stand up to him then..."

"I know..."

"Chigi!" The brothers turn to see Father Romano righting and lighting one of the candle holders...the one Peter used to almost bludgeon Ludwig. "I saw what happened out there. You caused quite the ruckus! Just...stay here for now." Father Romano takes a deep breath to calm himself and grumbles about the "crazy bastards" disturbing his Sunday. "You broke no law, Minister Kirkland just does not like to have his authority questioned- especially by gypsies. This will all be over soon though...Maybe in a day or two." He then lowly grumbles about "eyebrow bastard" needing to eat a big serving of humble pasta. "We have beds, reserved for the weary and needy, you may use them if you want, but first..." He directs the brothers' attention to the smaller members of their family standing just beyond the doors, taunting, insulting, and even threatening the guards posted outside. "Collect those two and bring them in. We cannot give eyebrow bastard another reason to be vindictive."

"Oh maple! Thank you." Matthew mutters before running off to do just so.

Alfred however, riled up at the injustices suffered today; especially suffered by that poor man they were torturing- leaps from his spot on the floor. "What does he- do they have against people who are different anyway?"

"Chigi! How should I know?!" Throughout his many years on God's earth, his many years in this city, Father Romano has seen and heard some rather disheartening things and a lesson he has learnt very early on is that people, while fundamentally very close, are still quite far from salvation. "You cannot right all of the wrongs in this world on your own, you know." He says sullenly. "Even the help of your brothers will never be enough."

Alfred puffs out his cheeks and pouts; looking very much like the child everyone else sees in him. "Well nobody out there is going to help me!"

Father Romano, in a very rare moment, chuckles. He has heard those very same words countless times. And just as countless times before, he gives the best advice he can. "Maybe there is someone in here who will." With that being said- that small seed of truth being tossed to what he hopes is fine soil, he leaves knowing that the work is done. Everything else is up to Him...

A/N: I don't even know how this happened. Oh well, looks like I'll have to stop right here and split the chapter that I had planned out into two.

Thanks so much for reading guys and I am sorry, so sorry that it took me so long to get this out. And thanks so much for not giving up on me guys. I'll do my best to not keep you waiting for so long again.

Once again thank you all so so very much for the comments, favorites and follows. Please feel free to leave a review for this chapter. I'm pretty nervous about it like I don't know if it's enough or something but I really hope that it is for you guys. :)