Disclaimer: The Fire Emblem series belongs to the Nintendo Company, Intelligent Systems, and all it's respective owners. I only own my OC/SI.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses of Hope
Roar of the Lion
Prologue – Destined Arrival
Destiny.
Some people think their lives are pre-destined, some say it's about fate or for some it's just random chance.
For me… it felt like all three at one time. But at the end of the day it's not about fate, destiny or even chance. It's just reality.
Like those ideas of being transported to another world. They always sound so exciting on paper, but then it turns into a fight for survival.
Reality is not pretty and it's crueler then forgiving, but we all know that. We make our own paths and deal with the mistakes we make along the way.
This is story in Fódlan. How I survived and how we hope to make the world a better place. One step at a time.
6th Day of Great Tree Moon, Imperial Year 1180 – Border of Erebus Territory
A small carriage was traveling along the road right through the border of Erebus land in the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus.
One of it's two occupants was a young man, who was trying to sleep with his arms crossed and his body leaning into the wall of said carriage.
This was me; my name is Arthur Edmure Dominic and as you can already tell by the name; I am the second biological son of the Baron Dominic of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. My uncle is the famed Knight of Seiros, Gustave Eddie Dominic.
My cousin is Annette Fantine Dominic. If anything though she's always been more of a sister to me that I never had before in my previous life.
My fellow passenger in front of me is a girl just at my age. She held a noble air about her, but she acting nothing like one would expect of a noble.
"My lord, are you uncomfortable? I can hand you my pillow to rest your head if the road makes your rest uncomfortable." A soft voice inquired of me.
That soft voice belonged to Madeline Arnette, the eldest daughter to a minor noble family from Faerghus.
Her father was once a knight in service to the Western Church, however though after the events after the Tragedy of Duscur he began to question it's standing and leadership and so decided to have his family in the care of ours as he went to serve the Central Church at Garreg Mach.
A revered Paladin amongst their ranks and with no Crest to himself his achievements have always been something Madeline looks up to.
And so when he sent her to learn with us she decided to join me as my own household knight; a retainer in some ways but more so a bodyguard.
Her long, black hair and blue eyes complimented the soft features of her face. And the mole underneath her eye in a way only added to her beauty.
Despite her slim figure, I had learned the hard way many times that her ability with an axe was second to none. She too wished to follow in her father's footsteps and become a proper knight and so I was shocked when she decided to swear her allegiance to me and House Dominic.
My father although at first apprehensive could recognize her resolve and allowed her to join me and let us both attend Garreg Mach.
You might've noticed I don't talk about my older brother Simon. We always knew Simon was… eccentric.
He was a good brother at times but… he always wanted things his way. He could do tasks, but only if he wanted to and he got something out of it.
His libertine ways eventually caught up to him and after one great argument with our father… he left and has barely if ever returned home not even to say hello to his family.
I can't hate him, but I will say… it's hard to forget what his actions did that changed my life forever.
As with our famous name; Dominic, both my brother AND I hold the Crest of Dominic; he a Major and to my own shock me with a Minor Crest of Dominic.
I knew then that it would be my responsibility to one day wield our famed magical axe, Crusher. Although my path followed that of the lance, should the time come I… and I know it will I would have to take up said axe to protect my home.
But… I've already had to do that. I already have blood on my hands…
But that story… is for another day.
Stirring awake I groggily replied, "No, no Madeline; besides were almost near Garreg Mach aren't we?"
"Yes, we just passed the border from Erebus land we'll be entering central Fódlan soon. It'll probably a bit more until we see the monastery itself." Madeline informed me.
"I see… well might as well stay up for when we get there. I hate it when we stop, and the bumping around makes it worse." I replied.
"Ufufu, you've never had good sleep before have you Arthur?" Madeline teased as I could only grunt in discomfort.
My cousin Annette recently arrived at the Monastery herself, and I'm happy I'll be able to see her again. Her mother, bless her soul was still going strong despite the separation from her husband.
My father has always been a careful man, but he is still a compassionate one. Given his position in Faerghus as a "Western lord" he has always been at some odds with the royal family's reforms but has always been one to talk with the King and hash out their issues.
That was… until the Tragedy of Duscur. Unlike many of the Western lords who opposed King Lambert; my father honored the late king's wishes and tried to uphold the peace, but just like with Prince Dimitri his objections to the subjugation of Duscur were drowned out.
Yet those leeches from the Western families had the gal to try and uplift my father as some sort of figurehead for their cause. But my father rebuked them all, yet still we didn't have the power to resist them.
That was when I took such matters into my own hands…
People in Faerghus have many names; Margrave Gautier is known as the 'Wall of Ice'; the family Fraldarius known as the 'Shields of Faerghus'…
Me… People have started to call me a snake and to be honest, I like that name. Snake of Faerghus.
Besides it's true, I will watch you and if I think you're a threat to my home and those I love… don't surprised if you fall over dead a few hours later.
I've come to accept that I'll probably never make it back to my own world, so I'll survive this one and make a full life here.
As I said before, I'm not from this world, but I do hold a certain foreknowledge of what's to come and have knowledge of events that preceded my time here. The Tragedy, the Insurrection of the Seven, along with Those Who Slither In The Dark and their vast tentacles all over Fodlan.
I know I can't just run away from the events that have yet to come, no matter what they will follow me. And besides…
I looked to Madeline sitting in front of me and she softly smiles at me; I have important things to protect besides just myself. As much as I miss my old world, this is my new one and I've… come to love it in some way.
But what to do with my knowledge is an entirely different subject in itself never mind how I'm supposed to approach it.
The real so-called 'protagonist' of this story is truly going to be the one who sets things in motion. Sure I may know about what's to come, but at the end of the day their influence is what will push the story.
While I can only pray on what's to come, come what may I'll stand my ground. Byleth, or no Byleth.
Once this war starts there'll be no going back, no changing anything even if I could. I know some will say I'm just being blindly devoted to Faerghus' chivalry and knighthood, but most of us in Faerghus it's more than that.
It's about protecting what we hold dear; the people who look up to us and the people who fight for us; from our retainers to the simplest soldier in the army.
There are no right paths in this world, only the choices we make. All the pressure that I'd held back starts to well up within me as I sigh internally.
Suddenly were greeted by the voice of the driver of our carriage, "Master Arthur, my lady were almost there! I can see the walls of the monastery!"
That voice belonged to one of our servants from House Dominic, a retired monk by the name of William.
"Willian, please tell me when you say you see it that means were almost at the gates?" I asked in a sort of pleading manner.
"While I can see the walls sire, we still have to climb the hills through the hamlets to reach the monastery so I say it should be about another half hour or so for the climb." William informed me with his usual dry voice.
Like he had said it was still quite a ride up through the hamlets and shops of the lower levels of Garreg Mach. I could see merchants, soldiers, commoners and such all-around going about their business.
In all that chaos I thought I saw the sight of pink hair; could be Hilda or it could be an Anna but who knows right?
Finally reaching the end I looked out the window at the spectacle that was Garreg Mach monastery. The immediate comparison I could only make was Hogwarts from my own world. But the single castle of the wizarding world paled in comparison to this place.
From both the fortress itself to the cathedral attached to it. This place was giant and now it made me wonder just how Edelgard and the Adrestian army were so easily able to get passed such defenses.
Even if the Knights weren't the most numerous force with their terrain advantage and their elite members they should be able to hold their ground, but I guess when you throw in Dark Mages and large Demonic beasts I guess that does tip the scales.
The carriage came to a stop and William announced our arrival. Opening the door and letting in what rays of sunshine I've seen since our departure I let Madeline out first and I come out behind her as we take it the sight before us.
Outside William was awaiting us with that same smile he's always carried ever since the day I met him.
"Well we've finally made it to our destination: Garreg Mach monastery. It feels like so long ago I was here in these walls. Studying magic and helping the weary where I could." William reminiscing himself.
"But enough of this old man's jog down memory lane. Let me help you with those bags." William went to retrieve them but I stopped him.
"It's fine William, you brought us here. Let us at least do this much, right Madeline?" I turned to my companion.
"Yes, you've been dealing with us since we first departed Faerghus. Let us repay that with this." She agreed.
"Ah, very well." William relented and we began taking our luggage down from the top of the carriage.
For both me and Madeline we had quite a bit of luggage. But we made sure to only pack the essentials and any other items we typically bring such as books, polishing kits, etc.
After taking down our luggage we heard a feminine voice ask out, "We must be Arthur Dominic and Madeline Arnette correct?"
We both turned and saw a female monk given her attire along with two Church soldiers with her as well.
"Yes that would be us." I answered her inquiry.
"I see, we were expecting you. Despite the delay we only had to make small arrangements here and there for your schedule." She explained.
Given my delay in acceptance to the Academy it was to be expected, but no issues arouse from it so I left it at that.
"And what changes have been made if you'll allow me to ask?" William, ever the stickler for detail asks.
"Not much, just unfortunately we won't be able to guide you and your companion around the Monastery as of now that will have to up to you two." The monk explained.
"I think that can be arranged. With this two of us it shouldn't be so hard. But I still assume we'll be escorted to our respective dorms?" I asked.
"Yes, of course. These soldiers will take you there." She said pointing to one of the soldiers beside her.
With out luggage in hand, I turned one last time to William as I asked the soldiers to wait a moment.
"William, I just wished to say thank you for putting up with me all my life. I know things were not always perfect, but still if not for you at times I don't think I'd be the man I am right. So I say with all honesty, I am truly grateful."
I was slightly embarrassed at my display, but I kept my nerve as I saw the old man smile at me.
"Thank you my lord, it brings a joy to this old man's heart to hear such words. I just hope your time here will be well spent and I hope to see you at your graduation a year from now." He says.
"Oh William, there will more than just that to worry about." I contemplated. The next he'll see me and Madeline we'll be in full armor readying for war.
"Farewell Young Master, and you as well my lady. I wish you luck in your studies. Oh and young master…" He beckons me over and whispers in my ear, "I still remember my time in the Monastery and many a pretty dame passes through these walls; so don't let an opportunity go to waste now."
"Goddess above William."
"Fine, fine I know my brother always had words for how I'd never find a woman if I was so high-strung. But enough of that, goodbye old friend." I reply as a I put my hand on his shoulder and walk back to join the soldiers and Madeline.
"So then gentlemen, shall we be going?"
The walk towards the dorms was quite the distance; thinking about to how big the map was from Three Houses I distinctly always pointed out how long the campus was and walking it myself I can see why it would take quite sometime to cover some distance; let alone find anyone.
As we do so we past by other students; all from the main regions of Fódlan. Passing the classrooms we are then met by the long line of dormitories on the eastern side of the monastery.
Looking around I could see the main building, greenhouse, and part of the large fishing pond just in front of the cafeteria.
But focusing on my current situation, we finally arrived at the dorms after a few minutes. Madeline was escorted by another solider to the girls' side while the other took me to my room.
My number being 105, the door was unlocked as I entered inside and saw that the room was quite spacious. A quite spacious bed, a storage chest, a wardrobe, desk and bulletin board for events with a calendar.
After hearing from the solider about the basic rules of the Academy he turned and headed back out on what I assumed was his patrol route or guard duty.
Finally alone I begin unpacking my luggage to it's designated spots and after tidying up a bit I stood and looked at my room with some pride but then some of my previous feelings slipped back in.
"Well here I am… but just what have I gotten myself into?" I could only think of what was to come. But perhaps like William said I should just enjoy my time here. What comes will come regardless.
Afterwards I left my dorm and began heading down the main walkway passed the stairs and as I did so I saw Madeline leaving as well.
"Lord Dominic, shall we head for the dining hall? I'm sure you must be quite famished after our journey despite the snacks we had along the way?" She asks.
"Actually yes, I would prefer a real meal. Shall we?" I beckon her to join me as we head for the hall.
As we do so we hear a small commotion by one of the girls' dorms as we hear slightly raised voices, "Come now Bernadetta, this isn't some trick we're just going to eat is all."
The girl who just spoke was wearing the standard female uniform with a cap; with her fingers adorned by several rings. Her beautiful, flowing brown hair accentuated her looks. As I only knew one person who wore a cap with their uniform this had to be Dorothea Arnault.
"Yes, like she said Bernadetta we're just going to eat. No one is trying to trick you to go anywhere suspicious." That voice though belonged to only one person I'd never forget; Edelgard von Hresvelg.
Despite not having her leader cape on I'd never forget that ashen hair, and those red tights she wore. Her whole aura radiated nobility and the regality of being an Empress.
I could then only laugh as I heard Bernadetta's stuttering voice, "B-b-b-but only a suspicious person would say something like that! I'm not falling for it! Go away!"
With a small chuckle to myself me and Madeline continued on to the dining hall as those two I assume had the issue under wrap.
We entered to find that there was a reasonable crowd of students in the dining hall, with a short line for ordering.
Given the time of day and the times of meals being served we both deduced that dinner was being served and a quick look over the menu showed off today's special as well as a host of different sides and such.
And of all days the special was Garreg Mach Meat Pie. I ordered the special with a side of soup and pasta salad while Madeline ordered the Gautier Cheese Gratin with a fresh salad and soup of her own.
Taking our food with us we found a corner table and began enjoying our meal. Engaging in small talk here and there. Of course being a room full of strangers my own inquisitive nature came about and I found myself taking a look around the hall.
As Madeline and I went about our meal I spotted two tones of green hair at a nearby table. Seeing as Rhea is normally on the second floor that could only mean that it had to be Seteth and his "sister", Flayn.
They were both sharing a meal together. They were also seated farther away from the other students and staff who were having lunch in the hall I assume to have time for themselves.
For whatever reason I found myself locking eyes onto Flayn. Not only with her unique hair color and style I couldn't help but stare and admire her beauty. Despite her small form and youthful appearance that added to the uniqueness her looks had.
Watching her eat was also adorable as well, but that's not to say that as I knew her she could hold her ground and wasn't afraid to speak her mind.
However as I was watching I could feel as though something was being drilled into my head. As I turned my peripheral vision I could Seteth –
Oh goddess above… he's looking at me! Of course, you were looking at his daughter, what else were you expecting!?
And now with Seteth catching me red-handed I only had two choices; stand my ground and have him put me on his list to corner me in the halls or give in and look like a chump.
I know some people usually would balk at such a scary man like Seteth, but in a way I couldn't just back down. It had nothing to do with being a noble or anything, but just like Flayn I didn't want anyone dictating what my interests are.
What? Can't a guy admit to a crush? Fine, I confess… Flayn was one of the girls in Fódlan I had a 'admiration' for. But that was only because I liked her character and development! Nothing else!
And so I stood my ground and continued to stare back at Seteth. He could see I was as he furrowed his brow refusing to back down either. Our little staring competition was stopped however as Madeline waved a hand in my face to get my attention.
"Lord Arthur, are you alright? You've been staring in that direction for some time now?' Madeline inquired with a slight bit of worry.
"O-oh, sorry Madeline I guess I lost my train of thought." I answered with a slight flush.
And so having our impromptu staring match put on hold I finished my meal with Madeline and afterwards made out way back to our respective dorms.
Despite my episode with Seteth, I wouldn't let that stop my own interactions with him or Flayn. Considering I'm going to be at the monastery I'm going to interact with them at some point. So there was no use fretting about it.
Finally returning to my own room, I fell on the bed in deep contemplation. Classes would start two days from now so perhaps I and Madeline will explore the grounds or look around ourselves on our own.
At this time, the dorms were quiet I could only hear the sounds of insects in the night as I laid on the bed beneath me.
My eyes finally closed; and so a second turned to five; those seconds turned to minutes and then to hours and then I finally surrendered myself to sleep and went off to dream.
And so was the beginning of my journey in Fódlan proper…
And even though I'm no pious believer…
Goddess above, help me please.
AN #1 – Welcome everyone to my second Fire Emblem story in the world of Three Houses, "Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Roar of the Lions". Our protagonist finds himself the son of the Faerghus lord, Baron Dominic; knowing what's to come he steels himself for the future.
But just as with power; knowledge also comes with great responsibility. Will Arthur watch as things play out… or will he take things into his own hands?
See those answers and maybe more in the next chapter, "Meeting the Lions"
AN#2: As always it's you guys that keep me going and I hope you hear from you with any constructive criticism. So remember to favorite, follow and most importantly review so I can hear from you guys.
Author of Mystery, out!