Maritsu's answer - Maritsu and Gabriel

Gabriel saw that Maritsu refused to answer and kept quiet.

He should order his thoughts himself and then answer his question. He wondered if Maritsu had learned anything from the last few weeks, or if he would choose to lie to himself?

And how would he know if Maritsu lied? Well, that was easy. If Maritsu said he had moved on and could let his brother's death go, that would be a lie.

Seeing Maritsu teach the grunts, he saw the changes he had made. He seemed to be lighter, like it had lifted a weight off him.

However, he also seemed to be more aware of the words justice, integrity, loyalty, and fairness.

Having reached a better understanding of right and wrong, however, didn't mean that Maritsu would let his brother's death slide, and he wouldn't expect him to. If he did, he wouldn't be the younger brother he came to appreciate.

Being a good human being isn't the same as being a pushover. Then why ask Maritsu this? Well, he asked Maritsu simply so that he could hear the answer, and it would prove if he indeed saw Maritsu for the man he was or if he wasn't.

If he told the truth, he might have found a comrade-in-arms which could help him do big things. If he chose to be deceitful, however, Gabriel would still work towards his goals alone, because then he wouldn't be able to trust Maritsu fully.

It was despicable, but no matter how much he appreciated this newly acquired younger brother, the weight in his heart compared to the promise he made to his fallen brother's so many years ago was just still too different.

This was the last test. However, if Maritsu could be honest that the promise to his brother was still valid, he had won the bet, and they could work together to make the armed forces save for everyone.

Well, as safe as it could be, only dangerous when on missions and not having to watch your back for your superiors or comrades in arms.

Finally, Maritsu opened his mouth, and Gabriel waited with abated breath. What would he say?

- Maritsu POV-

I indeed feel a lot of light, he heard Gabriel say. I have come to see you as a big brother, and I also know how much you value the truth. Therefore, I don't want to lie to you.

Taking a deep breath, he looked deeply into Gabriel's eyes.

Honestly, I really appreciated what you have done for me this period of time. I don't want to lose the bond we have built if the answer I am about to say doesn't satisfy you.

However, I don't want to lie to you and I don't want to desecrate the promise I gave my brother by lying.

Having come to accept you as my family and I truly appreciated how you took time out of your schedule, but I cannot let go of the promise I made to my brother.

I will find out who is behind my brother's. That is a promise I made to myself and to my brother.

Clenching and unclenching his fist, he said the next sentence very unwillingly.

If that makes you disappointed in me, and you want to cut me out of your life, that is okay….

Well, to be completely honest, it wouldn't be okay. It would hurt to lose someone I came to accept as an older brother, but I just want to say that even if my answer disappointed you, I won't change it.

However, I also will not forget the lessons you taught me during this time.

These lessons and the people I met at basic training bootcamp have become a part of me and my soul.

No matter what you decide based on my answer, just know you changed my life. I realize what I did wrong by choosing revenge instead of justice, and from now on I will strive to get justice for my brother, but letting go of my promise. Sorry, no matter what our relationship has become, that's simply impossible.

I am truly sorry to disappoint you and the hard work and effort you have put into me over the last few weeks.

Taking a deep breath, he diverted his eyes. He didn't want to see the rejection he was about to receive. Didn't want to see the disgust and disappointment that surely would be visible in Gabriel's eyes.

He held himself stiff, ready to receive any blow which must be coming his way.

When he heard Gabriel utter: "Not disappointed, not disappointed at all."

It felt like all the air whooshed out of him. Gabriel wasn't disgusted with him, he wouldn't lose his newly acquired older brother.

The relief that washed over him must have been hard for others to understand. He wouldn't lose the only person he was able to accept as family. It was better than he could have ever hoped for after uttering his answer.

Gabriel continued speaking, though, not being done yet. I would have been disappointed if you had let go of the promise you made towards your brother or if you had lied to me.

That would have meant you didn't trust me, or you simply didn't learn what I wanted you to learn during this time.

No Maritsu said, I would never lie to you. I might sometimes still struggle, but I know now where I was wrong.

Justice and revenge are completely different things and, like you said before, I received my punishment. By choosing revenge, it would forever stain the name and record my brother to build at risk of his own life.

My brother doesn't deserve such a stain. He deserves answers, but he also deserved to be remembered as he was. A great son, a brilliant brother and an excellent soldier. His name shouldn't be connected to a murderer.

It would do him a disservice. I will pursue justice for my brother, that will honor him, not revenge.

It's great to hear that Maritsu, you learned more and better than I ever expected in these last few weeks, and I am so proud of you, and I am sure your brother would be too.

This sentence brought tears to Maritsu's eyes, who wiped them away quickly. He didn't want to seem weak, but the sentence that his brother was proud of him and Gabriel was as well brought up emotions he hadn't felt in a very long time.

Knowing that he wasn't a disappointment and that his hard work had been recognized was an indescribable feeling. Especially after carrying the heavy weight of his promise alone for so long, that it was sometimes hard to remember how life was before his brother had passed away.

He could hardly remember how he was once been a youth without a care in the world. He was a lot younger than Gabriel, but he sometimes felt so old and world-weary sometimes. Exhausted from the weight he had to lug around daily.

No matter what, he didn't have to carry that weight alone anymore.

Having calmed down, his IQ seemed to work again, and he wanted to laugh at his nerves.

Now he could see that the question Gabriel asked was a test of sorts, but why was he tested? And had he passed?

He was sure he must have, but what did passing the test mean?

That he didn't know, but what he knew, however, was that, whatever Gabriel decided next would for sure change his life and definitely for the better, because there was someone who would now be his family member who would help carry his weight for him.

So he was excited about whatever Gabriel would tell him next. What would his future hold? Now he had passed his test with flying colors?

The excitement and nerves almost got the better of him, and then he saw Gabriel starting to speak.

"It was indeed a test, and I am glad you passed, and don't blame me for testing you. However, I had to test you because what we will do next is very important. I couldn't be negligent. I hope you understand."

What I am about to tell you, you need to think it through before deciding, because it will change your future forever!