Anime: Pandora Hearts

(Y/n)'s POV

A fleeting dream, an eternal nightmare. Which was better? Which was worse? Tasked with following countless opinionated commands, I was nothing but a pretty puppet for them.

Although I was a contractor, I could do nothing to sway the way in which others saw me. A useless girl, a mindless doll...a noble lady only in name.

The maids had dressed me in a dress too extravagant. Despite the time it took, I had managed to convince them not to do anything too over-the-top with my hair.

My flats clicked softly on the marble floor as I headed towards my father's office. The air of power in which it gave off reminded me of an arrogantly high nobleman.

I knocked softly on the door before it was opened from the inside. My father's stern gaze fell over my appearance but I did nothing to give him the satisfaction he wanted.

"Sit, (Y/n). We have something important to discuss today," he exclaimed.

I did as I was told and kept my hands folded on my lap. A dark-haired man sat before me, dressed in surprisingly casual attire. He was attractive and seemed like the quiet type. Who was he?

My father cleared his throat, capturing both of our attention. I tore my gaze from the man's and looked at my father, my expression showing no hint as to what I had on my mind.

"(Y/n), this is Gilbert Nightray, Vincent's brother. He has told me that you are needed for a mission of his. However, your marriage is in one week and the time he needs to leave in is three days. What will you do?"

"May I ask what your mission is, my lord?"

"Just Gilbert is fine."

"If that is what you wish, Gilbert."

"I have a friend who needs help finding memories. He requires the power of you and your chain. Will you come with me?"

My hands were clasped so tightly together that my knuckles had turned white. It may have indeed been just a mission but for me, it was a chance to escape.

My father's gaze held the already-made decision but was I willing to disobey his command? Could I really trust Gilbert and go with him?

"... I'm sorry, but my duties...are unfinished. I must stay."

"I...see. How unfortunate. If you ever change your mind-"

"She won't. She knows what she needs to do," father said.

~At night~

I paced back and forth on my balcony, thinking over the choice I had made. What was I so afraid of? My father's fury? *sigh* It was obvious. I had been a puppet all my life so how was I supposed to do something I had no experience in?

"Something on your mind, milady?"

I jumped, surprised that Gilbert had been standing in the shadows...watching me. He walked forward, the light from my room illuminating his features.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm here to change your mind."

"...did you not here my father's words?"

"You were fidgeting with your hands and carried hesitation in your words. The way you looked at your father suggests that you are nothing but a servant. You want to leave. Unless you can prove that those were unjustified assumptions on my part, I will not let you go."

"Well, you certainly are observant."

He cracked a small smile but also carried a question in his eyes.

"You're still tense. I'm not a nobleman like you think I am so please relax," he exclaimed.

I looked ahead at the vast landscape. Although night, I could see quite clearly, unlike most humans. The doctor had said that I was born with peculiar eyes.

"Will you come with me?" he asked quietly.

"I'm-"

A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. I quickly pushed him back towards the corner and pulled the curtains over. A maid came in before placing a tray of tea on the table.

"Your tea, Lady (Y/n)."

"Thank you."

She left without another word, making me breathe a sigh of relief. Gilbert stood just outside my room, perhaps waiting for permission to come in.

"Your answer?" he asked.

"...I can't."

Suddenly, he pushed me down, his arms on either side of me to keep himself from crushing me. I held my breath, having heard the gunshots from outside.

Blood dripped onto the carpet. Once he had lifted himself up, I immediately checked the wound on his upper arm.

"You need to get this treated."

"Why...are you not surprised?" he asked.

"I've been on their target list for a long time. It's not as shocking as the first few times. Anyway, thank you for saving me."

"You're...welcome."

The door to my room burst open. My father came in, followed by a handful of guards with guns all pointed at Gilbert. I stared at them, realisation dawning on me.

My father would do anything to keep me from going, even if it meant framing an innocent man. My body unconsciously stood in front of Gilbert, shielding him from the cruel act in which my father would commit.

"(Y/n), move aside. He tried to assassinate you, did he not?"

"*gulp* N-no father, you're wrong."

"(Y/n)," he warned.

"Father, you are wrong. He saved me. The wound on his arm. He was shot. I doubt they'd shoot their own men."

"Oh (Y/n), you know so little. Sacrificing one person for them is akin to stealing candy from a baby. He tricked you."

"No father."

"Why do you not trust my words? I am your father."

"He is my saviour."

"Are you disobeying me?"

"If it means that I can leave with him, then yes."

"You can't. You must follow my orders-"

"Sir, forgive me for my rude behaviour, but she is not your doll nor your maid. She is your daughter, a human being just like you. She is already old enough to make her own choices," Gilbert cut in.

"Be quiet. I don't want to hear those words coming from an assassin."

"Distract them," Gilbert whispered into my ear.

"What did he say to you?!"

I faked a scream and pointed behind them. All of them, being the dense idiots they were, looked back. Without warning, Gilbert lifted me up into his arms and jumped off the balcony despite the wound splurging out more blood.

We landed safely. As soon as I was on my own two feet, he grabbed my hand and began to run. I found it quite difficult to keep up but somehow, still managed not to trip over.

"Gilbert?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, milady," he exclaimed with a smile.