Kay! ZGDog is alive and kicking! Sort of. I'm sorry to my readers, but I had a massive writer's block, mainly because I had a few appealing ideas that I wanted to work with. I eventually let this story sit for…a while…trying to decide what I wanted to do and how to go about it. I finally settled down on this particular path and after I started writing, it…well, kinda kept coming out. So it's officially a fourshot! Fourshot? Four-shot…Four-Shot? Either way…it just doesn't sound right.

Enough of my babbling! ….no not enough, just yet. As you can see this story has now become a fourshot and the fourth part is posted at the same time as the third, so no more waiting! Plus, I would like to thank my three reviewers!

Sychopenguin5: You'll be happy that I took your advice and had them head to Gallia to see King Caineghis, however I deviated from your suggested. I hope you still enjoy what I did!

angelaspphire133: I'm glad you like it! I hope you still like it! :D

PhoenixtoFlame: My thanks for the complement! That means a lot, since I'm not usually this…er…strong in my stories. This was actually a challenge to myself in a way, so I appreciate your review! Let me know what your final thoughts are! :)

Category: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance or FE9

Main Characters: Volke and Soren (OMG, it's shifted!)

Pairings: None

Summary: AUish "If Greil were ever slain by his pursuers…I was to watch over his son and tell him Greil's secret at an appropriate time." Fourshot.

Extra Info: Any italicized words are Volke's thoughts. Any bold words are for emphasis. And the timeline is officially messed up, as I read Soren doesn't join the group until he's older. However, I have it that Soren is with Ike and Mist and yes they are young. How young? Eh...younger than 12, but older than 4. My estimate is Ike's about 8-10, Mist is 5-7, and Soren is about 9-11, but physically he looks younger. I hope that sounds about right, I've always been terrible about pinning ages to people. Ugh.

Plus, I've tweaked the first part, due to inconsistency when I was writing this out. In case you really wanna know and don't wanna reread it, it's the part where Volke tells the kids 'We met a few times.' A minor detail, but one I felt I had to rectify. It really has no meaning or impact on the story, but it was going to drive me crazy unless I changed it!

Disclaimer: FE is not mine...nope...nada...nothin'

III.

It was a five day trip from the village to the forests of Gallia. During their travel, Volke noticed Mist grew happy again, or at least as happy a child could be. Though, he couldn't deny that she was smiling more. Soren, however, flipped between happy and anxiousness. It was possible the boy was anticipating seeing and interacting with laguz, though Volke couldn't help but feel there was more to it. Ike had also become more cheerful. Not wanting to discourage their rediscovered joy, Volke let them persuade him to play games during the long trek. As they had little items to use in their games, they relied on words instead. Volke and Soren tended to win those, the boy surprising the fireman at his large vocabulary.

It helped pass the time.

During the more quiet times, Soren would read one of two books he had packed. Ike and Mist would usually talk between themselves sometimes Greil's daughter would peek over Soren's shoulder and her brother would sit with Volke asking, rather harmless questions. Mostly about Gallia.

Soren didn't approach Volke until their second night of traveling. Like before he waited until Ike and Mist were soundly sleeping before shifting closer to the fireman. The boy poked Volke on the arm twice. Seeing no point in not answering, he opened his eyes. "You should be sleeping."

Soren ignored the statement. "Why are we going to Gallia? You're not going to take care of us?"

"No. I'm not. I never said I would."

The boy gazed at him, but the tilt of his head informed the fireman of the curiosity he had. "Why not? Surely you have a job."

"Of course I do."

"Then you can support us. We'll help. Ike is old enough and strong enough to be of use. I'm sure Mist and I could learn to help take care of ourselves. There's no reason for you not to."

Volke sighed. "I can't leave three children alone…" For long periods of times…

"Why not? Does your job require long periods of absence?"

"It's…dangerous."

"So is being a mercenary."

"Ike doesn't have a firm grasp on his swordsmanship. And neither you nor Mist know how to fight."

"I know how to fight." Soren stated roughly. "I can wield magic."

Those books he has…Tomes? He shook his head. No. "We're going to Gallia."

The stray frowned, hearing the absolute in his voice. Meekly, Soren looked away. "…what if I don't want to go…"

Volke paused, unsure of what to say. For a brief moment, he considered taking them. Then he remembered the whole reason why the children were with him. …Lehran's Medallion…No…I can't…Gallia is our destination. "…I'm sorry Soren." The words softly slipped out, and the fireman was surprised that he was absolutely sincere. This time the boy didn't shuffle back to Ike and Mist. Instead, he huddled against the wagon wall clutching the blanket close to his body. The fireman settled down again, amazed how quickly the three children had grown on him. Sparing a glance at the three, Volke shuffled closer to Soren and fell asleep.

They arrived at the edge of the forest middle of the fifth day and left the wagon at there. There would be no room for it or the mares. As Volke distributed their supplies to the children he noticed Ike and Mist were looking sorrowful at the horses. Seeing this, Volke mentally sighed. Damn kids… He untied the mares from the wagon and gave them a good slap on each rump. The horses scattered away from them no doubt to find either a new owner or enjoy their new found freedom. Either way, the fireman didn't care. But it did make the siblings smile.

Mist and Soren had some trouble, trekking through the dense forest due to their short stature. More than once Volke had to stop in order for the two to catch up. Even with the minor setback, they arrived at an old abandoned castle a candle mark after dusk. Many beorc knights, under the exchange program between Gallia and Crimea, would stop and here at Gebal Castle. It was here the laguz came and led beorc deeper into the forest and to their strong hold, Castle Gallia.

"We'll rest here for the night." The fireman announced, watching as Mist and, to an extent, Soren collapse to the floor. Ike however was already exploring the area.

"Where are we?" Greil's son asked, even as he poked his head into a room.

"Gebal Caslte. Crimea's territory used to extend further south due to laguz slavery, years ago. " Volke answered. "This castle was built during that period and it used to be a lord's home before the treaty between Crimea and Gallia effectively gave laguz claim over it."

"It was only a matter of time." Soren piped in. "The dense forest was less than desirable and a lot of man power was spent keeping the area clear of trees. Not to mention the tense relationship between beorc and laguz, tended to keep the area unlivable aside from this castle, ruled by a stubborn lord. Even laguz attacks wouldn't convince him to leave. By the year 497, the treaty between the rules of Gallia and Crimea allowed Gallia to take ownership a third of Crimea's land in exchange for aid in order to reconcile their differences. Thus, creating the boarders that we know today."

A very foolish lord who wanted to bask in glory rather than live peacefully with the laguz…Volke, impressed by the boy's knowledge, nodded. "Ike, come with me to grab some wood. Mist and Soren stay here until we return."

Greil's daughter nodded happily. "Do you want us to find a room to sleep in?"

"No. We'll look for one after we eat." With that, Volke and Ike disappeared into the night. There was a half moon to light the area, making their task easier to complete. They returned quickly and created a small fire in the built in stone fireplace. It looked rather humorous, with such a small fire and engulfed by the enormous empty space, but it made the castle feel less claustrophobic.

"So the lord didn't leave until the treaty?" Mist asked, munching on some cheese and dried meat. They spent the rest of the meal talking about the treaty, the foolish lord, and laguz. Eventually, Volke ushered them towards a room not too far from the common area they had just eaten in. The room was small, but the fireman wanted the three to be in one room.

Much to Mist's disappointment, Volke opted to sleep elsewhere. In front of their door where he also had a clear view of the common area, the first room any invader would have to come through. The night slipped by peacefully.

Volke woke quickly, more out of habit than anything else. He stretched twice, paused then peeked into the room. The children were huddled close together on the two bed that were pushed together in order to accommodate the three bodies. Soren yawned and rubbed his eyes. He saw the fireman and Volke offered a soft smile. To his surprise the boy smiled back and slipped off o the bed. "Has the sun risen yet?"

"I don't know." The fireman whispered. "I woke not too long ago." The two strolled towards the entrance to their temporary home and opened the door. The sun was still climbing in the sky, blanketing the land with colors of yellow and orange. A little over a candle mark past sunrise…

"You're not a mercenary…but you have skills similar to one." Soren spoke. The boy glanced at Volke. "What are you?"

"What do you think I am?"

He pursed his lips. "…Commander Greil must have had a good reason...but why?"

The fireman expected more, but Soren remained quite. They retired back into the castle and eventually, Ike and Mist woke up. The four had a cold breakfast of fruit and bread in the common area. They had just finished when Volke whipped towards the entrance, his knives ready. Ike, catching on, put himself in front of Mist and Soren. The door opened as a large cat shoved its body through. It was followed by a second, though this one was a tiger, blue in color. The cat hissed at them.

Volke lowered his weapons slightly, still weary of the laguz. The tiger nudged the cat who glared at him, before shifting. The fireman had never seen laguz shift before, and admitted it was a marvelous thing to witness. In place of the cat and tiger now stood a female and male laguz.

The female laguz sniffed. "You smell of blood and metal…what are you doing here human?" Her ears flattened down and her tail flicked the air irritably.

Volke replied tersely, "I wish to see your King."

"And what would a human want to our King for…?" she hissed.

Mist whimpered and huddled closer to Ike. Volke glared at her. She merely returned it.

"Lethe…that is not the way to speak of beorc."

"Do not speak to me like that. I am your commander; I rank above you, Mordecai…" She snapped at the much larger laguz. "Now speak…beorc."

"I have important news for him"

She shook her head. "Whatever it is you wish to inform our King you will tell it to me and I will relay it to him."

"The news is for your King and him alone."

She hissed again. Volke noticed her tensed shoulders and his hands strayed back towards his knives. "I will get the captain." The female laguz flicked her tail. "Watch them." She shifted before tearing into the forest.

Volke glared at her retreating form. Mist still clung to her brother who stared at Mordecai.

"My apologizes for Lethe." The laguz growled out. His voice was low and a bit hesitant, but it made the children jump. "You…You can understand my words?"

Volke nodded. "Yes."

The laguz nodded. "Good. That is good. I do not want to scare the small beorc…" Mordecai slowly sat down, apparently satisfied. "…We don't see small beorc too much…my name is Mordecai." He smiled.

The fireman glanced at the three children. Ike and Mist were giving the large laguz curious looks. Soren however clung to Volke. Greil's son nodded at the laguz. "My name's Ike. And this is my sister Mist. And this is Soren."

"A pleasure to meet you, small beorc." He looked towards the fireman. "What are you called?"

"Volke."

Ike approached the laguz. "I'm not small." The boy stood in front of Mordecai, and blinked before speaking again. "Not for my age. Are laguz kids small as me?"

"Yes, for a period of time. They are." Mordecai smiled.

Eventually, Mist skipped over and bombarded the laguz with her own questions. Volke merely watched, noting that Soren refrained from joining the siblings. Nearly half a candle mark passed before Lethe returned with laguz born with mismatching eyes. The captain introduced himself as Ranulf to which Volke introduced himself and the children.

"So…" Ranulf began. "You're the beorc demanding to meet with our King."

Demanding huh…? Volke crossed his arms. "Your lieutenant asked our reason for being here. I told her we wished to see your King as I have important news to relay to him. However, Lethe stated for me to tell it to her so she may relay it to your King. I declined as this information is for him alone."

Lethe's ears had flattened at her name.

So sorry for soiling your name with my human tongue…Volke smirked at her, when Ranulf glanced at his subordinate. "Lethe is that true?"

She huffed, "Perhaps…"

Ranulf sighed and turned back towards them. "You'll have to excuse us, but our King is currently away." The captain informed them with a nonchalant air. "He's out hunting with his nephew. You're more than welcomed to stay with us until he returns."

"When will that be?"

"Huh, well they left about a month and a half ago…" the captain mumbled, before clearly speaking to them. "I'd say give it another week."

Much to his chagrin, Volke nodded. "A week, then."

"Alright. Let's get you guys out of here." Ranulf grinned and ushered his fellow laguz out the door. "We'll wait outside while you get your supplies."

By the time they did gather their items the shock and fear of the laguz had worn off, though Ike did send a cautious glance towards Lethe, and was replaced with curiosity. Mordecai was at the head, with Ranulf a stride behind. Ike and Mist followed the captain with eagerness, asking questions that both of the male laguz would answer. The fireman and Soren trailed behind them with Lethe bring up the rear.

Soren wasn't as enthusiastic and curious as the siblings. He huddled close to Volke, not daring to tag along with Ike, Mist, and the laguz ahead. The boy was also quickening his step to keep in pace with the fireman, careful not to lag behind. Behind with Lethe.

Volke could feel the cat's gaze on them. When Soren tripped, the fireman deftly scooped the boy into his arms and carried him the rest of the way. He's small for a boy his age…

Soren, face pink with embarrassment, clung to him with unnecessary force. While it shifted his balance, making it slightly difficult for him to walk, Volke kept a hold on the boy.

It didn't take long to reach the inner area that was Castle Gallia. The stone walls rose out of the forest tops, greeting them. Lethe and Mordecai dispersed not to long after they arrived. The captain ignored their sudden departure; instead he favored the two children chatting with them as he continued to lead them deeper into Castle Gallia. Volke, still holding onto Soren, met each curious and subtle angered stare as they passed by. Children are probably a rarity.

Ranluf led them to a suite, joking as he did. Ike and Mist had laughed at the laguz's humor, though Soren did not. Once they arrived, the fireman let the small boy go and thanked the captain, as well as his rather good meaning humor, and watched the children explore the room. The laguz also watched them, smiling as Mist bounced on a bed. The fireman took this opportunity to speak with Ranulf.

"You'll inform me when King Caineghis returns, correct?"

"Of course." The laguz replied, offering a lazy smile. "There's no need to worry about that. As soon as he returns you'll be the first to know…right after the rest of us." At Volke's dry stare, Ranulf cleared his throat. "While you're here you should know a few things. While Gallia and Crimea are attempting to smooth over years of discord, be careful. There are some laguz who aren't as open to beorc as some of us. Even beorc children may not be..safe…." the laguz winced at the ominous, but true words. "If an-"

"We'll avoid any who use 'human'." Volke cut him off, watching as Ike and Mist persuade Soren to jump on the bed with them. "We'll also keep our distance when following any of the laguz around here. I'm sure they'll get lost before the week is over. Where's Mordecai usually located?"

The captain cocked his head to one side. "You're…an interesting beorc. Mordecai's usually seen around the inner sanction of the palace. Why?"

"I would like to ask his assistance in watching over them."

"Awww…I love kids, you could've asked me!" the laguz whined. "Come on, come on. Let me help!"

The more the merrier. Volke nodded, though he was surprised at Ranulf's enthusiasm.

"Yes!" The laguz pounced on the bed. The fireman was shocked at the dexterity Soren and Ike showed. The stray rolled off the bed the moment Ranulf charged, and hid behind Volke's legs. Greil's son, however, pushed Mist behind him in an attempt to protect the girl from the captain's over enthusiasm.

"Whoops…Sorry about that kids…" Ranulf apologized, grinning with his tail swaying over the edge of the bed.

Volke sighed, feeling that the next seven days were going to be long.

...

...

...

Why aren't you on the last part?

What? You want me to say something? Fine.

Now that they've reached Gallia, what will Volke do? Will the medallion go into the care of the herons? And what about Soren? He's not too keen on living in Gallai.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd:

Fun Fact 1: All of that history stuff about Gebal Castle is totally made up! :D

Fun Fact 2: Gebal Castle is an actual place in the game. It's the castle where you can recruit Ilyana.

ZGDog out!