"At least you don't know the sins I'm trying to cleanse."

Gilbert woke up to little hands shaking him softly as he gently sat up and rubbed his eyes. He looked around him to see what looked like little people dancing and singing songs and laughing. It was soothing almost as Gilbert stood and unconsciously grabbed Euan's hand as they both went towards what seemed to be one of the people in a ball gown, a tiara gently placed upon long, curled red hair with eyes that were as green as emeralds. He knelt down and bowed to the woman as she curtsied in response. Words did not need to be said as it was any age old conversation between any ruler and a personification. Her name was Alana, she was a leprechaun and one of high status at that. They were celebrating the savior of the British Isles, an unknown man of the shadows with eyes as red as rubies and hair as white as fresh fallen snow. Gilbert didn't want to ruin the merriment by telling them it was him but that he was also the one who killed them in the first place. He was soon up again, hunting down something for him and Euan to eat and cooking it over the fire Melody seemed to be carefully tending to. He only realized when they were eating the leprechauns were still there. They hadn't faded away like all the other creatures. He whipped out the Creature Compendium, hoping for an explanation.

'A leprechaun or leipreachán in Irish is a type of fairy in Irish folklore. It is usually depicted as a little bearded man, wearing a coat and hat, who partakes in mischief. They are solitary creatures who spend their time making and mending shoes and have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If captured by a human, the leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their freedom. Like other Irish fairies, leprechauns may be derived from the Tuatha Dé Danann. Leprechaun-like creatures rarely appear in Irish mythology and only became prominent in later folklore. This is a stereotype as they are really a type of elf-pixie hybrid and have the hierarchy of fairy folk with a ruler and nobles around them. Everyone is treated as an equal though in this society. They can let non-magic folk see them if they wish. Do not approach without paying proper respects or they can steal your money and keep it forever. Please keep all valuables safe when around then as they will take it. This means you Arthur. I'm serious Arthur they already stole my dragon pendant.'

Gilbert laughed at Dylan's warning to his younger brother before making sure he still had his bandelier since even Dylan didn't trust the leprechauns. Everything seemed fine and in order as his calloused fingers felt the smooth metal of the bandelier at the bottom of the bag.. That was good at least because he didn't want to be up leprechauns for his mental crutch back. He then saw the leprechauns running off and laughing as they went, seeming to disappear when out of Gilbert's vision. He then grabbed the cloak and tossed it on, fastening it with a smile as he saw a small ball of light race towards him and become the fairy he was so used to now.

'Gil!'

"Ah yes Melody?"

'Well a new cave opened is all. Would you like me to watch over Euan?'

"Yes please."

'But I want to come with!'

"Euan I don't know where I'm going. I don't know what I'm going to face. I don't want you to get hurt Lu- I mean Euan."

He shook the thought from his head. He almost said Ludwig. God...Euan reminded him of his little brother at that age, fluffy hair and all. Ludwig was so scared back then, so innocent and small with nobody to protect him but Gilbert. He'd done the best he could, even if it did result in the world ending in the long run but he was the best brother he could have been and it still wasn't enough. All he needed to do was get everything fixed. He didn't care what happened as long as Ludwig was safe. As long as Roderich was safe and could love again. He eventually nodded to Melody as he adjusted his cloak and set off down the cavern to find this new history he had to fix. He marveled at the twinkling of the crystals around him. It had been so long since he stopped to just enjoy the crystals or even remark on their color. They were actually a soft pink with twinkling specks of white within. It kind of reminded him of snow almost as he walked calmly to the next cave. When he finally found the open cave he went to the writing and brushed it off, his mouth hanging open from what he saw.

'They took his life and they took my identity! I will be remembered! I will not be erased! Quebec, 1608'

He stood there, mouth open at seeing Canada's history of all people. Gilbert hadn't even caused his death unless...He touched the scar that laid on his cheek and shuddered. Maybe he had all along by killing Alfred. Without his brother maybe he had collapsed from within and Gilbert didn't even know it. He was killed he knew that already but...He never meant for this to happen, for his ex lover to die by his hands almost. He didn't even know how he had died for heaven's sake! He shuddered as he closed his eyes and stepped away from the writing, wiping his face from the tears that had fallen. He just hoped it wouldn't mean harming Matthew. Matthew was innocent in all this. He quickly whipped out the Creature Compendium. He had to be prepared for what magical creatures he might face.

'Loup-garou or the Werewolf. A werewolf, also known as a lycanthrope, is a mythological or folkloric human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, either purposely or after being placed under a curse or affliction via a bite or scratch from another werewolf. Early sources for belief in lycanthropy are Petronius and Gervase of Tilbury. The werewolf is a widespread concept in European folklore, existing in many variants which are related by a common development of a Christian interpretation of underlying European folklore which developed during the medieval period. Werewolves from this area are actually shapeshifters of the tribal people and are harmless to others who look like them. They are the protectors and saviors of the people. Be wary when approached.'

He sighed and closed the book, putting it away. He was doomed and he damn well knew it. He was the whitest thing to exist and he was wearing a red cloak. He was going into a land that hated outsiders and was full of its native people. He was going to die by the hands of native shapeshifters or some shit. He smirked though his worry though and shut his eyes, running into the cave until he felt snow crunch under his feet, knowing damn well that if he didn't get over it he'd never know what would happen. Holy shit it was cold! He quickly grabbed the spell book with shaking hands as he turned to a spell for warmth. He swirled his hand above him as he felt it form a sort of warm bubble around him and melt the snow beneath him slightly. He grinned after that, pulling the hood of his cloak up and beginning to walk. He marveled at the sheer beauty of the landscape with a gentle smile as he went, feeling for once at peace with the world before he felt something tackle him from behind and flip him over. Oh fuck he should have been paying attention! Now there was a huge wolf on his chest ready to rip his throat out.

'Ngadôzig. Matcaw. Nakatew. Nokotomon. Macehe. Rahtentyes. Pûshit. Maajaa. Nagazh. L-ea-ve.'

Gil shut his eyes before he felt the weight lifted off and looked around, seeing a small polar bear in his face instead. It only looked like a cub, white fur fluffy and new looking, before little tanned hands picked it up. Gilbert sat up and looked at the child that was now before him, wrapped in warm furs and cuddling the cub. That curl...Could it really be Matthew? Why was he tan and why did he have dark hair! He then saw a man standing not far behind, watching silently wrapped in the same types of furs. Gilbert whispered out the translation spell before opening his mouth to speak.

"Where am I?"

'You are on sacred land pale one. I am Takoda, Father of Elu.'

'I'm Elu Kanata!'

The little child giggled and ran to the man who Gilbert now realized was one of the two Native Americas. The northern one to be exact and the father of Alfred and Matthew. He quickly scrambled to his feet and bowed, hoping he wasn't fucking this up in some way. He didn't expect Mat- El- Kana-...He didn't even know what to call him but he was hugging Gil's legs and laughing like Gilbert was some sort of hilarious joke. Maybe he just blended in with the snow so well with his skin.

'Come. We have much to discuss.'

Gil stood straight and nodded, his face now serious as he felt 'Elu' detach from his legs and run to his father. Gilbert stood there a moment in thought, realizing not many people knew about the ancients of North America, not even their real names or the names of Alfred and Matthew that were lost to time. He eventually was shaken from his thoughts as he had to run to catch up and follow. They walked through the woods behind the two, hoping he wouldn't have to hurt Francis this time as he was still shaken from the last two times of both physical and mental trauma to his best friend. He just wanted to keep little Matthew safe in what he knew would become a bloodbath. Eventually they reached a village, people seeming scared of Gilbert before Takoda hushed them and Gilbert was led to a sort of tent structure and pushed down gently to sit as Takoda sighed and sent out Matthew.

'There is a man coming. You know who he is and I want you to do something. I want you to kill me.'

"What?!"

'My time is over. It has been over since Elu was born along with Elfreid. I would rather pass on my terms than see myself killed by the menace that will change my son. The ones that took Elfreid. Please grant my wish.'

"I….Okay."

He stood up and closed his eyes as he drew his sword, muttering a soft prayer before he swung, feeling the blade hit flesh and bone before his eyes opened and he fled from the tent. He could hear the French coming already. He then felt Elu grab onto his legs, shaking and crying.

'I'm scared! Th-They're making everyone fall down.'

"It'll be okay. I'm going to promise you that. I can see the future."

'A-Are you like my father and me? Are you special?'

"Yeah….I'm going to tell you a secret Kanata."

'Yes?'

"One day you'll see you brother again and you will be great and I'm sorry."

Gilbert then picked up the child and held him close as he muttered something, hearing Francis nearby. He then held what would become one of his greatest friends and the one who taught him love out from his body and put him down before running away, hearing Francis find the child.

"I'm so sorry Matthew...It was the only way."

He stopped as the world around him melted away and only the bubble remained. He placed his hand on it and felt the bright light surround him as he shut his eyes.

What he didn't expect when he opened them was to find himself in a crowd of people and Matthew tied to a pyre in ragged pants and a threadbare shirt, tears rolling down his face. The people were shouting in French and English and seemed to be rabid from hunger and fear of what had happened around the world. How the Axis managed to destroy America and left everyone stranded in Canada. They shouted for justice, They shouted for redemption. They shouted for penitence for Matthew's crimes against his people. Bruises and blood covered the poor boy's body as he seemed to become extremely calm as he looked out over the crowd.

'I have been peaceful and kind! I only dared to speak what others have been dreaming for so long! Dreams of what might of been where blood was simply blood and all of us were equal again! If wishing for that is heresy then burn me where I stand! I've seen acts of the most sublime kindness and the most vile cruelty! I have known feelings that none of you can ever hope to know! I've known friends who kept my spirits lifted! I have known the life a parent of both birth and adoption can bring upon someone! I have known a love and passion of someone who was scared to tell the world how she felt, my dear Katarina! You all know I am you! Your country! A master of native magic! My blood burns brightly for all to see! My memory can be erased but the ideals of my original people will never die! I-GAH!'

Matthew's eyes grew wide as a knife sunk into his abdomen before slicing its way across, opening him up as the person who had dealt the injury started to pull out his organs one by one so they hung from his body, blood coating the fresh fallen snow. Gilbert could feel the bile rising up his throat as he looked away and vomited onto the snow. So much for the meal he had earlier. When he managed to stop emptying his stomach he heard Canada start up again, his voice shaking.

'My mistake was believing I could change a world infected by hate and corruption I see you for what you are! I always FUCKING have! I thought I could FUCKING change you! Fuck me for being a fucking fool! FUCK! FUCK!FUUUUUUUUUUUCK! FUCK! Fuck...I am angry, because I forgive you. God...I must be the biggest fucking fool...But when I close my eyes I see a world where we all work together and it's so fucking beautiful….'

Gilbert stood there, eyes wide and mouth open as the people surrounded the pyre and lit it up, Matthew swearing to the heavens not in French or English but his native tongue as the flames licked and spread over his body. He got out one last choked sentence before he fell silent.

'I'm coming everyone.'

Gilbert seemed to 'wake up' from what he witnessed on the floor on the cavern, screaming before he was silenced by a hand slapped over his mouth by Melody to see he was not in Canada. He was not watching Matthew burn alive but instead was being cuddled by a sleeping Euan.

'What the hell Gilbert! We saw you fall here unconscious and you've been out for hours. Did you fix it?'

"I-I did but...God...His death...Oh god…"

'It's okay. You did it. That's all that matters.'

He nodded as he felt something rolling down his face. When he wiped it away he realized it was tears. He sighed as he laid down, staring at the ceiling of the cavern as he tried to force his body to rest. He was almost halfway there. Soon he'd be home. Soon he'd be free. All he had to do was hold out a little longer. He finally got his body to rest, muttering something under his breath.

"Why was I ever born if this is what I become."