Disclaimer: I do not own fire emblem or the characters! Also, curses. A lot.

WARNING: THERE IS ABUSE, MENTIONS OF SUICIDE, SELF HARM, AND A LOT OF VIOLENCE! PLEASE DO NOT READ IF THIS WILL TRIGGER YOU!

Thoughts, dreams, flashback

Year

Year 1169

"A sister? But Mom... "

"I know, Hubert, but-"

"He forced you to... didn't he...? "

"No, no... it's okay... but please.. Let me finish... "

"Sorry, Mother..."

"I need you to promise me something. Promise me that you will protect her... I know you must serve Lady Edelgard, but please find time for her. Promise me."

"I promise.. I'll do my best mother. When I'm not serving her Highness, I will be the best big brother I can be."

"Thank you, my darling son." She looked up in a panic after hearing the door shut. "Your father is here..! Behave, and don't make a sound...!"

He nodded as she got up. Then, taking his usual spot in the darkest corner of the room, he waited. Hear it comes... SLAP! He sighed, letting a single tear roll down his cheek. One... Mother... Next time I will protect you. Not now when my arm is broken.. Next time I swear... I'm so sorry..

SLAP!

Two...

SLAP! CRASH!

Three...

CRASH! SLAP!

And four... one more...

BANG!

Magic... I know he wouldn't kill her... I'll have to heal the wound... That's five.

The screaming echoed throughout the house, and Hubert cringed. As it died down, he hears doors slam and decided to get up and heal his mother."Hubert... " His mother whispered weakly. "Mother." He addresses numbly. "Heal now?"

She nodded slowly as they finish their usual routine when Hubert is home."Hubert..."

"Yes, Mother?"

"Hubert."

"... "

"Hubert. Hey. Wake up, please. Hubert...!"

Slowly opening his eyes, he slowly focuses to see Edelgard. "L-Lady Edelgard-! I-!" Rapidly, he stands up and bows. "I am sorry you had to see me in that state, I- I just-!"

"I know... Sit back down. Friends, remember? Not Lord and Servant."

"B-but I-"

"No buts. Down."

Ashamed, he sits back down on the bed next to her. "We... we were talking... right?"

"Yes... please finish... Your father... what does he do to your sister...?" She asks as gently as possible, so she doesn't scare him again. Not that he would ever admit that that's what happened.

"He... no, Lady Edelgard, please, I... "

"Hubert... Let it out."

"I can't... he... he's going to hurt them... he'll kill them... He made me swear to never tell you."

"Never tell me?"

"... Yes..."

"...Hm... I know how you are with honor and never breaking something like that... Okay, let's compromise. How about you tell someone, then they tell me?"

"L-Lady Edelgard! It's enough that one person knows! I don't know if I can handle two!"

"I know... I know... This is the only way, is it not?"

Hubert doesn't answer. There's no one I can tell... Wait. Someone does know.

Suddenly, he looks up. "May I ask a favor, Lady Edelgard?"

"Ask away." She replies, curious.

"Someone already... knows a tiny bit... But please tell him he cannot tell anyone else."

"Of... of course. Who is it?"

"It's... it's uh... Ferdinand..."

"FERDINAND?"

"Yes... it slipped out... but he doesn't know everything..."

He told Ferdinand something before me? Now that is unexpected. "Yes, I'll tell him... and I'll go get him.. okay?"

"I... okay..."

A few minutes pass and Edelgard walks back in with an awkward Ferdinand in tow. "Hubert... "

"Ferdinand."

"I... want to apologize-"

"No. I apologize."

"What? But you did not-"

"I said I should apologize."

"I- You know what? Fine. But I am apologizing as well!"

"Fine."

"Fine"

"Fine!"

"Oookay! All is forgiven," Edelgard interrupts, before they start to argue, "Now, we need to get this done, so we can... understand the problem."

"Lady Edelgard, before we start, do I... really have to do this...? I don't know if... I can.. " He shivers at the thought of it all again.

"Please, Hubert. It's the only way. Right Ferdinand?"

"Indeed it is. We are friends. Remember that."

Edelgard walks out of the room with one last comforting smile. "If you two start to argue, then I will have to come in. Understand?"

They both nod, nervous, but neither of them say anything for a while.

"Ferdinand.. Remember, you are sworn to secrecy."

"Of course. I will not tell anyone but Edelgard. I swear on my own nobility."

"Okay..." Hubert says after a few deep breaths to make sure he doesn't lose his composure. Lady Edelgard already knows about my sister. I don't have to tell Ferdinand. I'll just... say what I need to. "What do I say..." He pauses. "I... I can't do it- I- No, I can't... No- No, no, no-"

"Hubert, Hubert...! Deep breaths, remember?"

Hubert sighs. "I'm sorry..."

"No, take your time.. "

"Okay... alright... it's... it's my father.. he would... he just..."

Ferdinand waits patiently, trying to give his friend a reassuring smile.

"He... likes to... hit us."

Ferdinand nearly screams out, 'Are you serious?! He hits you guys?!' But he stops himself.

"He hits us. A lot. Every day when I'd be there. Every time I see him. I'm sure he hits my mother while I'm gone. There. He beats us to the ground and nearly kills us, then he makes sure we stay in pain for the longest time before letting us heal." Hubert finds himself unable to stop himself. "And the screaming... the crying... all of the broken glass... it is all burnt into my memory. And the crowbar..." He shivers and nearly starts crying. "Okay. Okay, I've said too much... that's all. That's it."

Ferdinand knows there's more, but he waits until Hubert stops shaking so violently and whispers. "I will tell Edelgard... stay here..."

As soon as she hears the sentence, "He beats them", Edelgard started crying. Ferdinand did his best to explain it to her while making sure she was still able to take it. He even finds himself letting a few sympathetic tears fall down.

Edelgard catches on to the fact that Hubert intentionally kept his sister a secret, otherwise he would have told Ferdinand. So when he wasn't protecting me, he was protecting them... Edelgard feels guilty for that. If it wasn't for him being required to serve her, he wouldn't be nearly as worried. He'd be there to protect his family.

After Ferdinand finishes, Edelgard whispers. "We have to help him. "

"B-but Edelgard, I'm sworn to-"

"Fine! I will. I know we swore to keep quiet, but I'll put anything on the line to make sure that man gets punished!"

"I swear on my own nobility!" He wants to yell at himself for that. Then, "You know what? I will too. I'm in. Let's do this, Edelgard."

That was a big step for him. His nobility will be put aside. Friends come first. Always. Is that not more noble? Being a noble does not mean being rich or of higher rank, it is doing what's right and helping those in need. Ferdinand nods, making up his mind. "Let's do this." He repeats.

It's been three weeks. Today, Hubert gets a letter telling him to go back home. Home... He thinks bitterly. That place.. with that man is anywhere but home. But Hailey's there.

Hours later, he arrives there, not even noticing Ferdinand and Edelgard, along with the rest of the Black Eagles, are following behind.

"I'm surprised he hasn't noticed us..." Linhardt whispers.

"I am too." Caspar agrees.

"I am not." Ferdinand suddenly says, earning a look of surprise from everyone, excluding Edelgard. "Look at him. A lot of pressure can either increase your senses, or seriously decrease. He's too nervous to even consider that we're following him."

"That's right." Edelgard jumps in, "But we can't let our guard down. If he spots us, we're done. We must stay far enough where he can't see us."

The Black Eagles nod in unison. They travelled on foot, considering the horses would most likely get too noisy. They were all tired, to say the least.

When they get close enough, but far enough to not be spotted, Edelgard takes out a little remote-controlled car that Linhardt helped her make. She got the idea from his electronic fishing bait. Then, she hooks up a little microphone, then puts the speaker down next to her, so everyone can hear.

Of course I feel bad for letting this secret get out. But this is the only way to help you. You need our help, Hubert. Edelgard thinks, biting her lip. "Okay... it's ready. Everyone have binoculars?"

They all nod, and Edelgard looks at Ferdinand, who gives her a reassuring smile.

The Black Eagles all shush each other, then it all gets quiet before Edelgard turns the speaker up.

They hear, "I take it Father isn't home?"

Then, "Not yet... but he will be soon."

"How has everything been? I know I haven't been home. I'm so sorry, Mother."

"No... please, Hubert, you're busy. Hailey and I understand. Oh, speaking of your sister, she has missed you. Why not go and see her?"

Edelgard hears Ferdinand gasp. Silently cursing to herself, she decides to explain it later.

"I will. Where is she?"

"Outside."

All at the same time, the Black Eagles start searching. Then they see her sitting beside the house, almost behind it.

"She's so cute...!" Dorothea whispers, and everyone murmurs their agreements.

They all watch as Hubert goes outside, and, the second he says her name, she gets up and tackles him.

They hear on the speaker...

Hailey: "Brother! Brother! You're home! I missed you so much!"

Hubert: "Hailey! I swear you grow everytime I'm here! Look at you, you're as tall as me!"

Edelgard gasps. "He sounds so... happy."

Bernadetta smiles. "That's... amazing... he acts happy on the outside to keep her smiling..."

Hailey: "Father hasn't hit me in the face for three whole days! Isn't that amazing?!"

Hubert: "Three whole days?! Oh, wow, maybe he's gotten bored of the same spot..!"

"Do you hear that sadness...?" Petra whispers. "It is like he is being positive to help her hold on to hope..."

"... That's exactly what he's doing." Linhardt whispers. "I do the same with my sister. Gotta be the best brother you can be, I suppose."

"I agree." Caspar and Ferdinand say in unison.

"You all have little sisters?!" Dorothea nearly yells.

All of the boys nod.

Hailey: "Listen, listen...! So, I was in the shelter downstairs- The one you built that he doesn't know about- and he couldn't find me! So I started staying down there when I'm not working!"

Hubert: "That's good, but make sure he never sees you going in there."

Hailey: "Don't worry! I can do it! So.. How is Lady Edelgard? Oh! And tell me more about the Aegir boy you told me about!"

"Aegir boy?! He- he talked about me to her? Great, now more people will dislike me-"

Hubert: "Oh, yeah, of course. Lady Edelgard is doing well, and Ferdinand... heh, I guess he's being the usual."

Hailey: " 'The usual', eh? So that positive attitude that you can't help but smile thinking about?"

Hubert: "Hailey! I.. I don't smile when I think about it! He's just... contagious, I suppose."

"He smiles when he thinks about me?! Now that-... I don't even know what to say to that."

"Awwww! Ferdie, you're blushing~!" Dorothea teases.

Hailey: "Contagious? Huh. Ferdinand, was it? So, Ferdinand von Aegir?-... You're smiling! I only said his name, Hubert!"

Hubert: "Huh? I wasn't!" He laughs. "You're smiling too! I told you, contagious!"

Hailey: *Laughs* "Wait wait! So... what's that on your face?"

Hubert: "What?"

Hailey: "Here. Around your cheeks and nose. It's on your ears too!"

Hubert: "What are you talking about? Oh- Oh, it's uh... Kinda cold! Heh, yeah! You have it too. Let's- Wait, shh.."

Hailey: "It's father. Want me to-"

Hubert: "Yes, hide. Go go go. Bring your blankets. Careful, okay, be quiet alright? I'll handle it."

The Black Eagles take in a breath and hold it. Here it comes... the truth...

Hubert: "Welcome home, Father."

M. Vestra: "What is your pitiful hide doing back here?"

Hubert: "I am only visiting, Father."

They see them go inside and, immediately, Marquis Vestra goes to his wife. "Margaret, I thought I told you to keep the house spotless!"

Hubert: "Father, she is doing her best! Mother needs a break. I beg of you, please don't hit her today. "

M. Vestra: "Hush your mouth, Boy! I will hit her if I so desire! Now sit there while I teach her a lesson!"

Hubert: "Father, no. Please... uh, give me her beating instead!"

Margo: "Hubert, no! Don't-"

M. Vestra: "Yours and hers? What, will you take your brat sister's as well? Where is the little rodent?"

Hubert: "She is not a rodent, Father. And yes, I will take hers as well. As long as I am here, I will get all of the beatings. Not them."

Margo: "Please, Hubert, don't do this! My husband, take me instead!"

Hubert: "Mother, get back! Please get out of here!"

M. Vestra: "If that's what you want."

The Black Eagles gasp as the man punches Hubert into the wall without warning, already making their friend cough out blood.

Margo: "Hubert! No, please, stop this!"

She jumps on top of her husband, who is nearly three times as big as her. He snarls and shouts, "Get off of me this instant you pitiful woman!" He pushes her into the other wall and starts hitting his son as hard as he can.

Hubert just takes it for a while, before sending a miasma attack straight at his face, but he dodges most of it and it only hits his cheek.

M. Vestra: "Disrespectful child! I am about done with you, how dare you hit me?! I do not need an heir, I will kill you here and now!"

Without missing a beat, Ferdinand gets up, sword and shield at the ready.

"Ferdinand no!" Edelgard yells, but sighs and gets up as well. He is already so far ahead.

Just as Marquis Vestra swings down, Ferdinand jumps in front of his nearly unconscious comrade, blocking the finishing blow with his shield.

"Wh-what are you doing here...?!" Hubert coughs out. "You idiot...! You're...!" He loses consciousness and his head falls back down to the floor.

"Who the hell are you?!" Marquis Vestra shouts angrily.

"I am sure a lowlife like you would not know a noble as spectacular as me. I am Ferdinand von Aegir, and you will stop this behavior this instant!"

"A young noble?! Hah! Your father already knows I do this! He even helps me sometimes!"

"W-what?"

"Yes... Duke Aegir. We are rather close. Now. Step aside. This is a family matter. You have no power against me-!"

"But I do!"

They all turn around and see Edelgard standing there with her axe ready. "Step away from my Eagles, Marquis Vestra!"

"The princess?! Huh. No matter. I will kill you as well!"

"That's enough!" Caspar shouts, standing in front of the rest of the crew, "You heard the princess! Step away from them! Now!"

"Oh.. it's a little Bergliez. How adorable."

"Back off, Buster." Linhardt growls, making Caspar turn to him in surprise. "I will tie you to a chair, torture you to the point where your mind is broken, beat you until you are begging on the ground, then I will light you on fire to watch your flesh burn. If you still have life left in you, I will stab you to the point where you will be nothing but a giant wound. Don't ever call him adorable."

The Black Eagles pause for a minute, with Dorothea whispering, "Holy shit, Lin..."

Even the proud Vestra has been left speechless, before, "That... is not proper behavior for a Hevring. Don't you want to act more noble?"

"You won't get to my head with that tactic. I don't give two fucks about nobility. Didn't I say to back off?!"

Petra stops Linhardt from advancing. "Please, mind your temper, my friend. He is dangerous."

Meanwhile, Ferdinand took Hubert to the little shelter he watched Hailey go in. When he gets down there, he hears crying.

Gently adjusting his friend more comfortably in his arms, he whispers. "You are Hailey.. correct?"

The little girl squeals in fear. "W-who are you? How did you find me?!" She gasps. "Brother! Brother, no! Who are you?!"

"Please calm down... he is only resting. I did my best to heal some wounds... My name is Ferdinand. I am here to help you."

"Y-You're... you're... YOU'RE FERDINAND?! Ferdinand, as in, Ferdinand von Aegir?! I've always wanted to meet you!"

He's taken aback. "You.. you have? But I thought-"

"My brother has said so many wonderful things about you! He said you're strong, brave, and- Oh man, he was right! You are quite a looker!"

"He said I'm a 'looker'?"

"Oh no! He said you were 'absolutely stunning'! But- well, he compared himself to you- He thinks-"

"S-s-s-stunning?!?! H-He said that?!"

"Yeah, what's wrong with that- Hey! You get the pink things too!"

Ferdinand wants to cover his face, but he can't.

Hailey notices him looking uneasy. "Oh, you must be getting tired of carrying him! Here, lay him down on my makeshift bed!"

Ferdinand smiles. "Oh, yes, of course." He sets Hubert down gently, then sits down beside him.

Hailey plops down as well, silent.

"Is... he dead?!" Bernadetta squeals.

"No, he is only unconscious." Edelgard reassures. "... Now... where did Ferdinand go?"

"Oh," Caspar says, still wiping blood off of his terrified friend's face. "He went to that little shelter to take Hubert somewhere safer."

Petra walks up to Hubert's mother and bows politely. "I am sorry you had to see that ma'am. Mrs. Vestra, correct?"

".. Just Margo, Dear... Thank you all so much... but... what now?"

Edelgard thinks for a second. "I.. will alert my father and he should go to court or something along the lines of that."

Margo smiles. "How can I ever thank you...?" Then she suddenly gasps. "O-oh! You're Lady Edelgard! I am so sorry, your Highness, I-"

"No, it is quite alright. Hubert is my friend. So, so are you."

"T-thank you so much, Lady Edelgard!" Her eyes widen. "W-wait, where are my childre-"

"... Here... Mother..." Hubert says quietly, having to be helped by Ferdinand and Hailey in order to walk. "I'm sorry..."

"Oh, Hubert! Why would you do that?! You know I can handle the beatings!" She runs up and cups his face in her hands. "My little baby..."

"M-Mother... um... "

"My poor little Baby Bat! Look at you, you're bleeding!"

"M-Mother-" He feels his face heating up. Embarrassing nicknames in front of them...?!

Hailey snickers, then Ferdinand does as well.

"Oh! Sorry, Sweetie! I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of your friends!"

"No, Mother, it is alright..."

Meanwhile, Caspar goes up to Marquis Vestra's unconcious form and handcuffs him, then he pulls out a rope and ties him up as well. Linhardt healed he wounds and he might wake up soon.

Margo nods at all of them. "I will whip up a feast for all of you! Oh, and I'll lock him in his room."

"I got it!" Caspar says politely, and, without hesitation, he yanks the body onto his shoulder and does just that.

"As I said, just call me Margo, you little sweethearts. I'll go get cooking...!"

Hehehe. Yes, everything is normal, even with the unconscious jerk face still in the house. Chapter four is in progress!