Karl: Ah well, I guess imma start this fanfic off. First one I've ever done so plz don't criticize too hard okay?

Karel: Yes, Karl, the guy with a cheap rip off of my name is a newb get it? Anyway, he owns not Fire Emblem or its characters okay? He's just some 13-year-old guy bored out of his guts!

Karl: Thanks Karel…

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Chapter 1: Secrets Unfold

Volke knew he had a job to do. It had been one month since the offer had been made, but he had been… busy. The employer would understand. Sticking to the shadows, he made his way to a certain room in the Crimean royal castle. As he brushed against a vase, a familiar soldier noticed his movements. Fortunately, he was too much of an idiot to pay mind to it.

Kieran… Knuckle-headed fool…

After Volke reached his destination, a special knock was in order. First try… No answer… Second try… No answer. No one's home. Fortunately, lock picking was a second nature to him. After the door was opened, he quietly closed it behind him, surveyed his surroundings, and awaited his old acquaintance

Time to see what he hides in his cupboards…

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"What an awful day twas", exclaimed a man as he opened his door. "Truly Queen Ellincia doesn't plan on marrying Lord Ike… I mean I know he saved our country, albeit…"

A long silence engulfed the room for five straight minutes. The man closed his eyes, and silently shut the door he had foolishly forgotten to examine.

"Volke," He said with almost complete fervor in his voice, "Come out"

Out of the blue, the shadow of a bed in the room turned into a man, a man Bastian knew all too well.

"The title suits you too well my friend…"

"I'm sure… Now, you mentioned a job…"

The blond haired man known as Bastian untied his long hair. A river of golden locks fell to his shoulders. A moustache and goatee only accentuated his look.

"Patience Volke," he said, almost murmuring, "Like the patience I showed for you"

Volke casually pulled of the mask that covered his face, and revealed what looked like a man in his early 30's, no more, no less. Brown hair seemed to grow outwards from a red bandana. The rest of his suit was dirty brown, probably worn to blend in more with his choice in business.

"Time, is something I dare not waste" Volke declared, glaring at Bastian.

"Well then I won't waste it," Clearing his throat, Bastian made a gesture towards the window, "Volke, remember the battle we fought to save Geoffrey?"

"I might, but the information will cost you…"

"…"

"…"

"Anyway, there was another battle… At fort Tanas, do you remember that as well?"

"…"

"The job will pay double if you provide the information I seek"

With a small sigh, Volke finally gave in, "Yes I do remember those battles."

A cheery laugh followed soon afterwards, as Bastian held his ribcage in an effort to seize his joy. After shedding a tear, he replied, "Finally, you decide whats best to withhold, and what not to, thou hast made a choice worthy of the goddess' approval"

"Cut the crap Bastian, you know it doesn't work with me"

"Uhum… Well of course, well. Anyway, do you remember the knight clad in black armor?"

"… Yes I do, but what if?"

"Tell me about your latest experiences…"

"Triple your offer"

"Done"

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Two months ago

"Brother, I want to fight with you!"

"Then stay close, we'll beat the Black Knight Together!"

"Great, I can take the whole family tree out by the root…"

Unbeknownst to those in the fight, Ike's shadow stayed true to his contract, watching from behind a pillar.

…………………………

"The Black Knight, has fallen? Activate the trap!"

As the occupants cleared the room, Volke stayed. For only a little while, he could see the Black Knight move, and reach from his sword. But, before he could see anything else, he himself had to leave. The walls of the once great fort crashed down, leaving only rubble as its memory.

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"So that's your story… Volke, Ike's old shadow"

"Yes"

"So you know your mission, am I right?

"60 thousand gold, paid in half now"

Bastian reached into his back pocket and threw Volke a bag. A sly grin stretched across his face as Volke weighed the bag.

"Only 10 thousand gold?"

"Those are rubies my friend, well worth 60K," after Volke heard this, he tried as he might, but he couldn't withhold his eyes grow wide.

"You trust me that much?"

"…"

And just like that, Bastian's room was empty save himself. Happy with his recent transaction, he slowly closes the windows of the regal 3rd floor room, in Crimea's royal castle.

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Karl: Yawn. Well gotta go to sleep, plz rate ok?