*~*Gerard's POV*~*
So my little brother was involved in the war. He was a Confederate soldier (if he was involved, that was to be expected unless he had moved up north like I did, so that part didn't shock me much). He was shot in the shoulder, which could have been from a bullet I shot for all I knew. He was also under my supervision as a prisoner of war. Things couldn't get stranger.
I was shocked that I was seeing my brother again, shocked that he even remembered me and said that he didn't want me to leave all those years ago. It really warmed my heart and I needed constant reassurance from him that he wasn't just saying the words so I would let him live. I guess threatening him repeatedly wasn't really helping that situation much.
When Mikey had started convincing me he was my brother, I was reluctant to believe it, and then when I looked at Jared, and he looked at me with that knowing smirk, I knew he had something up his sleeve, and I needed to know, but I had to wait until I saw him next.
I felt like I was starting to reconnect with my brother again, and I empathized for him when he told me about why he was a part of the war, and how back at their camp he was the outcast. I knew how that felt. When David burst in, with that look of unease, I knew something was wrong with Pierre. We hadn't talked since that fight Pierre and I had, they all avoided me actually, so of course the only reason we would talk again was because something bad was happening.
As we ran out, we passed Steve. I pulled him aside for a minute, explained that I needed him to go watch the three prisoners for me, even take someone with him if he didn't think he could handle it, until I came back. I told him that I had information that I needed and all he had to do was make sure they didn't escape and to cover for me in case General Christopher decided to stop by to check on them.
"You're a life saver," I said as David started to pull me away. We ran to the medics tent, pushing past all of the people. I saw Pierre on one of the cots, coughing up blood. Ray was at his side, holding a cool cloth to his head as he also tried to clean out a wound in his gut. David held the cloth up, giving Ray two hands to work with.
"Pierre, come on buddy," I said, grabbing one of his hands. He coughed again, and looked at me.
"Gerard," he paused, catching his breath after another coughing fit hit him. "I want you to know, I don't think you're weak. You're...the strongest man....I've ever known."
"Don't say things like that, Pierre," David said from his side, "you're going to make it. I know you will."
"I don't think so this time, David," Pierre tried to smile, which looked sadistic with all the blood around his mouth. Ray sat back, looking as if he was giving up which was strange for Ray.
"I just needed to apologize," he said, his voice going quiet.
"You can't just apologize and leave me," I said, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I knew it was wrong to get close to him, but I still did. "I have news to tell you. Remember that day long ago when you and Jared made me promise to fix things with my family?" He did a small nod, barely noticeable. "I found my brother, Pierre, he's alive, and he's here, at the camp."
Pierre smiled. "Go mend your relationship, Gerard. I'm done here. Thank you for being a good friend. David?"
I could tell Pierre was getting ready to say good bye, and I saw David sobbing when I turned to look at him. "Y-yes?"
"I love you, David. With all my heart. I'm sorry I never told you sooner," Pierre's eyes starting to close.
"I love you too, Pierre," David whispered, and I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. For a long minute, everything started to slow down. Pierre stopped breathing, and Ray started feeling around for a pulse, David was crying on Pierre's bloody and wounded chest, and I just stood and watched. Suddenly, everything started moving at normal pace again when Ray announced he was dead, estimating the time, no doubt, for a death certificate that would mean nothing except that another life was wasted in this war.
"David..." I said quietly, after a long moment, reaching out to comfort the man. He leaned against me, and sobbed into my already soiled jacket. I looked at Ray, who was frowning. He wasn't as close to Pierre as I was, but he could tell how his death affected me.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything more," he said, pulling a sheet up to cover Pierre's face.
"You did what you could," I said, trying to be optimistic, but it wasn't working. "David, you realize he did care about you?" I pulled him away from me a little and met his eyes, lowering my voice.
David nodded, sniffling. "We...we were going to escape," he whispered, "or planning to. He wanted to become an officer before, to fulfill Chuck's dying words, you know?" I nodded. "I just can't believe he's gone now..."
"Listen, David, Pierre was a great soldier, and will be missed. You should be honored, you knew him better than anyone else at this camp." I paused for a moment, searching for the words. "He'll go down in history, and you'll be able to say you knew him."
David didn't say anything for a moment, and we were pushed out of the medic tent for being a waste of space while there were others around. We walked around, and I did my best to comfort him. I wondered where the rest of David's friends were, so I asked.
"Seb and Jeff both died instantly on the field." David sniffled. "I'm all alone now."
"You have me," I said reassuringly, "you'll have me as long as we're both around."
"That's the problem" David said, stopping. We were on the outskirts of the camp now. "We'll both die in this place, leaving the other one completely alone. I can't make friends, not with anyone else...Gerard, there's something I want you to have."
David reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of paper, and put it in my hands, wrapping my fingers around it. "W-what is this?" I asked, looking at it. It was an old looking paper, rolled up tightly.
"It's an escape plan, one that we were working on. There are still some things that need to be worked out, like how far the nearest town is since we've moved between now and the last time we got to work on it, and packing provisions and such."
"Why are you giving it to me?" I asked, staring down at the paper.
"So you can escape."
I stared down at it for a few long moments, as if it would give me the answer to life. "Why are you giving it to me when you know I'll tell you to come with?"
"I have no reason to leave," David said, "all my friends were here, with me, and now they're gone. You're the only one left, Gerard, and I don't want to watch you die. I just don't...I can live better with myself if you get out of here before anything bad happens to you...You have a family who needs you, I don't." David looked as if he was about to start crying again and I wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close.
"You have every reason to leave, David. You can come live with me, get a job up in Massachusetts. We could be neighbors, sharing our stories with the world."
"It's a nice thought," David smiled up at me, "but it wouldn't happen. I'm fine with staying here. I can't just leave...This is the last place I was ever happy, even if now it will bring me sorrow. I just...this is where Pierre is, even as a lifeless body. I can't just leave that..."
Nothing was said for a moment, and I pulled David into an actual hug, trying to stop myself from crying also.
"You are a brave man, David. I'm glad to have met you."
"I wouldn't be anywhere without the people I know now," he said, looking up at me. "You should be getting back to guard duty soon...Don't...don't leave tonight. Wait until tomorrow night, at least. I'll do my best to get into the kitchen to pack something for you, I'll volunteer. I'm sure help will be needed tomorrow...Just..." David trailed off for a second. "Tell me how many of you there will be, so I know what I need to get."
I was speechless for a moment. He was actually going to help me escape this place?
"You just need to lay low for the time being, maybe sneak a map away from the general to find out where we are. I don't want you freezing to death...And Gerard?" I looked at him, meeting his eyes, "when you're out, there's something you need to know."
"What?"
"People will go looking for you. You need to warn your family to move somewhere no one will look for them. This is technically against the law to desert one's duty...So...I would also write a letter tonight to be sent tomorrow. If you give it to me, I could make sure to send it."
I pulled David into another hug, "You're a wonderful man, David." This time, I let the tears fall freely. After almost a year of being in the army, I was getting out, and there were people helping me do so. "I hope you realize just how special you are, sir, and that you live many more years after this dreaded war is over."
"Don't thank me yet," David said, "you still need to get out."

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I went back to the little guard tent, relieving Steve of the job I left him with. He left, saying that he wanted to do breakfast and I agreed. For a while, no one spoke. Frank, I think that was his name, looked to be asleep on Mikey's shoulder. Alex and Mikey were having a whispered conversation, about something I couldn't hear. I felt like I should have broken up the conversation, but I didn't care. I was getting out. Even though I was actually enjoying it, feeling important, and okay, maybe I was starting to become obsessed with the idea that I could become a higher ranking officer, and work to stop the war, even if my life depended on it.
"So, why were you called out in a hurry?" Mikey asked, turning towards me. I was suddenly hit with what happened again, his word bringing on emotions I didn't ant to experience anymore.
"One of my friends died because one of you stupid Confederates shot him," I said, wiping my eyes, "no offence."
"None taken. We are all pretty stupid," Alex said, forcing a smile. "By chance are we getting any food tonight?"
"Nope, kitchen is down until tomorrow mid-morning at the earliest," I said offhandedly. "To spare my life, you need to tell me some information," I said suddenly, "that's the only reason you're here and alive. You know I won't kill you now, but...I need information to give to my leader." Alex and Mikey shared a look. "Just because I said I won't kill you doesn't mean I won't torture you. Just because of who you are doesn't mean you get any special treatment," I said sternly and I watched the color drain from their faces.
"Well...General Bryar split up the camp...He sent one half this way, and kept the other half back, about a days march away..."
I held up my hand for him to pause, my brain already trying to figure out the next piece. "And they're going to attack tomorrow? A whole new army while ours is still healing?" I asked, raising my voice a little. Alex shrunk back and nodded. I almost stormed out of the tent, ready to give the warning to General Christopher, but then I realized something.
I'm one of the uninjured and healed people left at the moment. And he would probably send me out there with what few people he could get.
That could easily ruin my chances of getting away with my life.
"Are you going to go off and tell your commander?" Alex asked in a mocking tone, and I turned to glare at him.
"I'll tell him, eventually." I crouched down to their level, not sitting down in the mud. "But first, do you hate this war as much as I do?"
I started off by telling them about how David had given me a plan to escape. I was careful not to share the details, still not fully trusting them. At one point, Mikey woke up his friend Frank, who looked comfortable lying against Mikey for support.

"Won't they come after you for deserting?" Mikey asked after I finished explaining and I nodded, but didn't say a word. "You want to get out of here that badly?"

I opened my mouth, and closed it after a moment, rearranging the words in my head. "I don't' want to die here, Mikey," I whispered, "Lindsey...she sent me a letter. I'm...We're having another kid, Mikey, and I need to live to be around, for their sake."

"Another kid?" Mikey asked, and I didn't know how to interpret it. "You weren't going to tell me about this other kid? How can I be a proper uncle?" He was pretending to sound hurt, and my only response for a moment was rolling my eyes at him.

"You're not even an uncle to Bandit. She doesn't even know you exist, Mikey." I paused for a moment, thinking of what to say next to get away from the subject. I didn't want him thinking that I didn't care about him, I mean up until now I didn't care if he died, because I had started to forget he existed, my old life behind me. "I figure that we can sneak out tomorrow, when you say your second half comes and attacks. There will be all chaos. People around here will probably assume that some Confederates went past and released you without no one noticing. For a while, they might think I died, since the body count has been pretty high."

"You're trying to get all of us out of here?" Frank asked, sounding confused and shocked where he sat next to Mikey's injured shoulder. They were still in chains, to keep up appearance for anyone who walked in, and, if we're being honest, I didn't trust them all that much.

"You've been dragged unwillingly into this war, and you seem to be friends with my brother, so that's good enough for me. As long as you promise not to kill me once we're out of here." I finally said, looking directly at Frank.

"I thought you two didn't like each other," Frank said, and Mikey turned to glare at him, along with Alex who had barely spoken in a while. "From what Mikey always said about you, the two of you never got along."

"Are you trying to ruin our chances of getting out of here?" Mikey asked, and I couldn't help but chuckle a little. Were they really that convinced I would hurt them?

"I made a promise..." I said, trailing off for a moment, losing myself in the memory, "to a friend, the one who died because of this stupid battle you brought on, that I would try to mend things with my brother. And if it doesn't work, at least I know he won't die in the war. Unless of course he's stupid enough to get sucked back into it."

"I didn't willingly join this," I muttered, "I told you. I was forced into this."

"Excuses are useless," I replied. "Besides, you were never the smartest around, you would probably make the same mistake and get stuck all over again."

Mikey huffed, but he stayed silent.

"I need to go tell Ray and Jared," I said suddenly, breaking the silence, the thought only coming to me just now, "and I need to write a letter..." I started to pace back and forth in the small space of the tent. "I'll leave the three of you here alone," I finally decided "just for a moment. I'm sure a majority of people are sleeping. No one should notice. If you do anything, and I mean anything, I will not hesitate to kill you. I'm taking a big risk right here, so, just, don't." I left, leaving them to ponder over my words.

My first stop the was the medic tent. Ray would be there, and so would a piece of paper I could steal for my use. I had no idea where to look for Jared, hoping that he would appear somewhere on the way.

"Ray," I said, peering into the tent when I reached the front flap. "Can I borrow you for a moment? Oh and a paper and pencil?" I asked when he saw me. He was sitting on a stool, looking as if he was trying to stay awake. I felt sorry for him, I truly did. In place of having to be actually fighting the battle, he had to stay awake for countless hours to take care of the injured. He nodded and forced himself to stand up. I took a step back from the tent and waited.

"What do you want?" Is the prisoner complaining of his shoulder?" he asked and I could hear the tiredness in his voice. He handed me the paper and pencil.

"I'm leaving, Ray," I whispered close to his ear, "and I want you to come with me."

"What?" Ray asked, sounding shocked.

"The prisoner? He's my brother, Ray. David gave me an escape plan, and is even going to help. I want you and Jared to come with, we can get out of here." I was careful to make sure no one was around to hear us.

"Your brother?" Ray asked, still sounding shocked. I nodded.

"I have to get back, Ray, and write a letter and give some information to David. I already have a plan in mind when we will leave...Tomorrow, you might want to write a letter," I said quickly, feeling impatient. "Will you come?"

"When are you wanting to leave?" Ray asked, "just for a reference."

"You'll know," I said, and winked. "Meet me behind the guardhouse, and if possible, trying and sneak a map away from General Christopher, or get a glimpse. He likes you-"

"We have one in the tent," Ray said, cutting me off. I furrowed my brow at him and he shrugged. "When you have extras of something, you start to form a collection. What time?"

"Trust me, you'll know," I said. "If you see Jared, run this past him, okay? I don't want to leave him behind." Ray nodded. "Now go get some sleep, you deserve it soldier."

A small smile passed between us, and he turned to go back into the tent. I ran back to the guardhouse, pausing outside long enough to catch my breath and hear Mikey say:

"I do...but I don't know how it'd work out. You've seen him. He's threatening to kill us if we leave."

"You bet I'm threatening you," I said when I stepped back into the tent. I had my piece of paper with me as I looked the three of them over. "Go to sleep."

"Just as bossy as you were when we were growing up," he mumbled, and I glared at him. I didn't have anything more to say on the subject.

"This is a new experience for me," I started, "and you don't know who I am anymore, Mikey. I'm not the same old Gerard you remember. I grew up, and I learned from my mistakes. I'd advise you to be quiet."

I found a relatively good spot to sit, my legs were aching badly from all the standing and walking I'd been doing. I watched the three of them try to get comfortable in the small space they had, even more restricted with the chains. I didn't wait to see if they would go to sleep or not before I looked at the paper, touching my pencil to the top, and trying to think of the words I could use to describe my situation.

My dearest Lindsey,

When I received your letter, I was shocked of what you said. Another child? I was speechless, and very happy. I was also hit with a sudden strike of sadness when I realized I wouldn't be there to witness the birth, seeing as you were probably very close, if not already. I haven't got the slightest idea what to name the new child. How about Margaret for a girl? I do love that name, and we could call her little Maggie. And Adam for a boy? Or even James. There are too many good names in this world to choose just one.

I'm currently on guard duty. There was a battle today, an ambush really. The other side retreated, much like the last time. I made it out unharmed, aside from small bruises and cuts that would heal in no time. My dear friend Pierre Bouvier died today, though, a life wasted on the battle. I miss him already, he was one of my closest friends here.

His friend David is devastated, he lost his three friends today in battle, and is all alone. I've tried consoling him, but it's been no use. He's gone, and it makes me wish this war was over so no one else would feel the pain he does.

I have news for you, Lindsey, though, and please listen to me. It might be hard, and the more I think about it and I realize how hard it will be for you and what I'm asking of you.

I mentioned I don't want to see anyone else go through what David's doing, I have a plan, to say the least. I can't say anything through here, in fear of what might happen. I just need you to do one thing. I need you to pack as light as possible and escape the town. Leave the house how it is, we'll go back one day if we survive this, and no one would go there. I also suggest you bring Christa and Annie with you, in case Ray doesn't write his letter to tell them, or if he neglects this information. It might help if you write to someone to watch the house, saying you're going on a vacation to get away from the memories, or something of that nature. I'm sure you'll come up with something.

Here comes the hard part. I need you to move, and I hope you understand my words. I'm trying to be as vague as I can, dear, and I apologize for that. I need you to take Bandit and the new baby to where it all began those years ago. I hope you know what I'm talking about.

I wouldn't ask you to do this if our life together didn't depend on it. I apologize again.

I love you, Bandit, and the new baby with all my heart and I wish you the best of travels. I hope to see you soon, love.

Gerard

I folded up the letter and put it in an envelope, putting the address on and stuffing it in my jacket pocket to give to David next I saw him. I started wondering if I had a new daughter or son, and if Lindsey had already named them yet. Tears were rolling down my cheeks before I knew it, and I was crying, but I wasn't sure why. It was cold, the tent did very little to keep the warmth in, and that was all I knew.