Golden Hope | Fire Emblem Three Houses Fan-Fiction

The Consequences of Being a Witness

Part 1: Silver Clouds

Horse Bow Moon

Rumors of a Reaper

It was getting late as Eliza was walking back to her dorm room while talking to Flayn, Seteth's little sister. The pair were discussing life at the monastery.

"I wish you were a part of our classroom," the blonde sighed, "It would be so much fun."

"I wish I would be able to," Flynn said reluctantly, "However, my older brother insists that I am safer by his side. It it even a miracle that he has not called upon the Church of Seiros to come retrieve me."

Eliza giggled beside the green haired girl, "I guess I could relate with you there in terms of overprotective males."

"Claude?"

Eliza nodded her head. After announcing his intent to court her, Claude had become slightly overprotective. It was sweet, but also annoying for her. He was convinced that someone would be out to get her because of her connections to him. As they entered the courtyard of the monastery, Eliza spoke aloud, "Say Flayn, know any good fish dishes?"

Silence answered her and Eliza lifted an eyebrow in response. She stopped walking and looked beside her where her green haired friend once stood, "Flayn?"

Alarmed, Eliza retraced her steps and saw the retreating shadow going into a corridor. Flayn, Eliza panicked at the prospect of an intruder. She had no weapon or time to alert anyone else lest she lost sight of Flayn.

"Hey, stop right there!" She shouted valiantly, "Let Flayn go!"

She came face to face with a figure in dark armour. Cold eyes peered at her and a low voice said to her, "Go while I still allow you to breathe."

"Not without Flayn," Eliza channeled her inner father, "So you better let her go."

The dark knight unsheathed their sword and swung towards her threateningly. Eliza gritted her teeth as her cheek was sliced. Blood stained her cheek as she wiped it away carelessly.

"That was a warning," the knight spoke, "Next time I will not hesitate to run you through with my blade."

Eliza didn't back down, she ran towards the knight in an effort to unmask them. As she slid past him, she stole one of his weapons on him. Her blue eyes widened at the sight of the familiar sword hilt. She straightened her posture and held the weapon towards him, "I don't know what you want to do to Flayn, but I will be taking you in."

They dueled back and forth. Every lesson from her father flashed through memory. Lunge. Parry. Riposte. Her small stature danced circled around the enemy. As she began to tire, the foe took the opportunity to disarm her. A hand grabbed at her throat as she stared into the dark visor.

"I can't have you warning the others just yet," he said, "Lights out."

*****

Claude was a boy who easily kept his cool in a situation. This was the most he was on edge being at the monastery. He searched for Eliza after noticing she wasn't in the dining hall or at her room. He just returned from flying a wyvern to their hidden spot unsuccessful. He entered the classroom and Hilda looked at him, "Claude, are you alright?"

"Has anyone seen Eliza?" Claude asked them.

"Wrapped around her finger, aren't you?" Lorenz remarked.

Claude just frowned, "Eliza wouldn't go off without telling anyone. It's weird."

Before anyone else could speak on the matter, Byleth entered and delivered some disturbing news.