How do you fight a system hell bent on ripping you apart at the seams? It was the question I asked myself every day for that month. After saying our goodbyes Gilbert and Ludwig walked into the local police station and turned themselves in just two days shy of the date. My heart sank low in my chest as my son held tightly to my hand. He didn't understand much of it but he knew that his father was leaving and might not be coming back.

My little Dude cried softly in my arms as Mattie held Julia, "Shh Cain it's gonna be okay. You have ta be strong for Daddy." I hummed knowing that while it wouldn't stop the pain at least it would comfort him. "He'll be home before you know it."

He let out a soft sniffle as he rested his head on my shoulder, "Be a hero Mommy?"

My smile was a mile wide as I held him close, "Yeah my little Dude. You're my hero." I kissed his head as a few others walked up those same steps. Some walked up alone; others had to give their last goodbyes while a few had to be dragged into the station. My heart went out to all of them, they were starting their lives and now they all had to press pause on everything.

"Al, let's go home." My brother whispered as he took my free hand as many other Omegas wept around us.

"Yeah…" I followed him as few made eye contact with us.

It was strange really; it was the first time that I really took notice how much I towered over the other omegas. I would see many of them later when we all crammed into a hot court room ten days later.

While Cain wanted to come I refused and opted to come alone. Even Mattie was confused as to why he couldn't come but I didn't want anyone to turn him into a pawn or example later on. So there I was sandwiched between two Omegas. One a very lively Italian man that couldn't quite sit still on my left and on my right a brown haired soft spoken man that seemed to have gone through hell by the look of his scars. They crisscrossed up and down both his arms and he would constantly tug at his sleeve as the rest around us would chatter.

I wanted so badly to ask but he answered me first, "I was a prisoner of war." He told me weakly when our eyes finally met. "I'm sorry, do you want me to move?"

Quickly I shook my head, "No I was just curious. Um name's Alfred." I gave him a smile as I reached out my hand for him to take.

"Toris." He answered in that same quiet voice as he shook my hand. "Is your Mate here?"

"Yeah. What about you?"

He looked over the crowed heads beyond us, "Mine was executed…"

I wasn't sure what to say to him but I wrapped my arm around his shoulder, "I'm sorry." I whispered coarsely, "Do you have a place to go?"

"I…You don't have to Alfred. I'm sure the last thing you need is maid."

A chuckle escaped my lips as I smiled, "I wasn't saying you had to be a live in maid. I was just asking if you have a place ta stay and you're more than welcome to room with me and my family for the time being." I really couldn't help myself, the omega had lost his mate and for all I knew he would soon if he already hadn't lost his home. "I won't take no for an answer really." I continued with a grin until he nodded slowly. It was off the wall but I knew Matthew wouldn't mind but what I was surprised about was what my other companion said.

"Would you have room for one or two more?" I heard in a happy Italian accent.

I won't lie that it didn't take me by surprise, "Uh I think I do Dude."

"Great because my friend needs a nice home…now that her brother has been well…" His smile disappeared as he let out a sad sigh.

"Yeah…was your mate arrested too?"

"Oh no I don't have a mate." As he said it his smile returned.

"Then you're here…"

"Oh I'm here for Natalia. She couldn't bear to watch these assholes parade her brother around so she asked me to sit in and tell her if anything bad happens. But my name is Feliciano but you can call me Feli." With that he took my hand and shook it wildly.

I was instantly drawn to the short man and his bubbly personality and for a moment I wasn't in that court house but soon a familiar voice brought me back, "Listen up! Be quiet because the judges resigning over this little circus have arrived and you all need to shut up or get out." He smirked my way as my stomach did a roll. How I wanted to stand up and punch him squarely in the jaw but I just sat there with my teeth clenched as I glared at him.

Slowly a small array of Alphas walked up onto the bench and while they all looked intimidating and powerful the icy blue eyed man that sat right in front of me sent shivers down my spine. I hadn't even hear him speak but I knew Gilbert was in trouble. His name was Berwald and he was the head judge in charge of deciding all of the ex-soldiers fates.

He scanned the room a few times before we managed to lock eyes. It was strange but I recognized something about those eyes as if I had somehow seen them before. But before it could click in my brain he looked away and didn't look my way the rest of the time.

It was simply day one after all…and there would be time for me to figure it out at least I prayed there would be.