ZeroGDog in the house! The final conclusion is up! So I won't waste time.
Category: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance or FE9
Main Characters: Volke and Soren
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.
Disclaimer: FE is not mine...nope...nada...nothin'
IV.
The days that followed after their arrival seemed to pass at sluggish pace and Volke found himself apprehensive being in an unfamiliar place for a large amount of time. The fireman was glad however, that Ike and Mist were adapting to their new situation well. Mordecai and Ranulf were more than happy to play with them and take the children around the area. The stray wasn't nearly as outgoing as his companions. The boy had made two outings with the siblings before steadfastly refusing to leave unless Volke was with him.
The first two days were irritating for the fireman. He couldn't leave and the idea of Soren following made him edgy and moody. By the third day, he explored the area regardless of the potential consequences. Volke was shocked to see how quickly the stray picked up on his actions. The boy was walking as stealthy as he was, and the two glided around the castle as Volke mental formed a map. He knew of the lack of contempt between beorc and laguz, but he had never had the pleasure of being inside of Gallia, let alone its stronghold. It was the perfect opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the area.
Each day afterwards, Volke would take time to wander and explore the stronghold. Dutifully, Soren would follow. More afraid to be alone…why? The fireman had wondered on the fifth day. He always took his outings a step further, testing the boy's skill and instinct. Volke had an idea why he was subliminally testing and teaching Soren's ability to learn. His contract with Greil was to watch over his son, which Volke had extended to Greil's daughter and the stray. Soren was obviously uncomfortable being in Gallia. For what reason, the fireman stored that question for later. And as the days passed, Volke knew what he wanted to do.
It was the seventh day, and Volke was apprehensive to when the king would arrive. Ike and Mist were out with Mordecai for the day. Ranulf had work to do before King Caineghis and his nephew returned, leaving Volke and Soren together again. The fireman was impressed at the boy's skill and his quick wit over the past days and this was a good opportunity. "Soren."
The boy glanced up from the tome he was reading. One of the two he had brought with him from the fort.
"I have an offer for you."
"An offer?" Soren repeated, putting the book done indicating he was giving the fireman his full attention.
"There's a possibility you don't have to stay here."
At those words, the boy instantly lit up. "Really, Volke? No su-laguz and t-" Soren stopped as the fireman raised his hand.
"There's a catch. You may leave, but Ike and Mist are remaining here."
Soren fell silent, staring at the ground. Had he not had the skills he had, Volke would've missed the quiet words.
"…where would I go…?"
"With me."
Soren gazed at him, surprised evident on his face. "With you…? …Why can't Ike and Mist come? Why me?"
"King Caineghis can provide them something I can't."
Soren blinked his ruby eyes at the fireman. "…Ike and Mist. They are the ones targeted. Not me. And King Caineghis can protect them better than you."
"Before you decide I want to know. What do you think I am?"
The boy paused. And a flicker of fear was seen in his eyes. "An assassin."
Volke nodded. "I am. Greil hired me for personal reasons. My contract was to watch over Ike and tell him Greil's secret at an appropriate time. If you chose to come with me I can teach you what I know if you wish, or you can simply live with me. I'm telling you this, so you will know what to expect."
Silence hung in the air, as the words sunk in. Volke wanted to say more, but was unsure what else to say. To much for him to take in so quickly…I should've- He glanced towards the open doorway, listening as three voices filled the air. Mordecai appeared in the doorway. The laguz, holding Mist while Ike clung to the other arm, spoke. "Volke. King Caineghis has returned. Ranulf has informed him of you."
"Look Volke! I can almost pull myself up!" Ike cried cheerfully as he attempted to pull himself on top of Mordecai's arm so he could sit on it like Mist. The fireman spared the trio a smile before addressing the laguz. "When can I see him?"
"Now." A new voice answered. Mordecai stepped away as a new laguz stood tall and proud before Volke and Soren. "I am under Captain's orders to escort the beorc, Volke, to King Caineghis."
The fireman nodded. "Very well." He focused on the stray momentarily and whispered. "Think on it Soren." And left with the new laguz, who introduced himself as Kyza. The two remained in mutual silence as the laguz guided Volke to the throne room, which was a large open room with high walls and a wide open balcony. The beast king stood before the open balcony, gazing out until Kyza announced their arrival then left leaving the two alone.
The royal laguz took large strides towards the fireman, his cape sweeping the ground behind him.
The grace of a feline… Volke bowed. "Your Highness." He had never seen King Caineghis in person before. The fireman observed the beast king and the prowess that seemed to flow from him.
"So you are the visiting beorc." Caineghis said. He grinned momentarily before it faded. "We do not receive many visiting beorc outside of the exchange program with Crimea. I digress. I hope that you have found your stay here comfortable."
"It has been, Your Highness. Pardon my impudence but I have important information to pass on to you."
The laguz nodded. "Very well…"
"Volke, Your Higness."
King Caineghis nodded. "Volke. What is this information that you wish to tell me?"
"First, do you recall a beorc man named Greil?"
The beast king took a moment. "…Yes. I recall a Greil. His mate came and birthed two healthy beorc children. What of him?" Caineghis frowned, his ears drooping slightly.
Volke glanced at the laguz behind the beast king.
Following his gaze, Caineghis waved one of his hands. "Giffca is my friend and companion. I trust him with my life. Speak, Volke. What of Greil?"
The fireman focused back on the beast king. "Your Highness…Greil is dead."
King Caineghis frowned deepened, his voice sorrowful. "His is dead? …..Greil…he was a good beorc. One I came close to considering a brother. What of his mate? Elena? His children? Don't tell me they are dead as well..!"
"Yes and no, Your Highness." The fireman paused. "His children, Ike and Mist, are alive and are currently in the care of your captain, Ranulf and his subordinate Mordecai. His wife, however, died after leaving Gallia."
The beast king shook his head. "How unkind the Goddess can be…two parentless children…"
…children with no parents…no comfort…
"You're Highness, Greil was killed for a purpose. What purpose I don't know, however I fear for Ike and Mist." Volke stated, his lie coming out so smoothly. "What I wish is for you to care for them."
King Caineghis nodded, frowning slightly. "I see. But I will ask, why you chose a laguz instead of a beorc family to care for the children."
"Like I stated before, I fear for their safety. Gallia seemed the best choice considering the danger that may still be out there."
"Will you find the reason for Greil's death?"
I already have. "Even though Greil was a friend, I'm not the kind of beorc to seek revenge." I leave that to my clients. The fireman replied.
The beast king studied him a moment longer. "Very well, Volke. The children can stay. They will be protected and cared for. But what of the third child?" At Volke's questioning look, King Caineghis continued. "Ranulf told me of the third beorc child."
"He's not Greil's blood son. He's a stray. He can stay if you'll welcome him or he may leave with me."
"I see." The royal laguz nodded, "If he chooses to stay he is more than welcomed, let him know that."
"Of course." The fireman replied.
"If there is nothing else, Volke…you may leave."
"Thank you, Your Highness." He gave a short bow.
"Inform either Ranulf or Kyza before you leave Gallia, Volke."
The fireman paused. "Very well. Good day, Your Highness." He slipped out of the room wondering if he doomed the world or not. Walking back to the room, Volke silently contemplated to himself. Gambling the world's fate in order to maintain a contract with a dead man…Kyza had informed him that the children were back in the room awaiting his arrival. This shouldn't have been my decision…fate of the world in the hands of an assassin and children…
"Volke!" Mist greeted, running over to him with wide arms. She collided with his legs. "Mordecai showed me birds and the squirrels that run around! I even got to touch one!"
The fireman blinked at the small girl. "A squirrel?"
"No! A bird! Its feathers were so soft!" She gushed, her hand slipping into his. Volke went ahead and let her pull him towards Ike and Soren who were sitting on the bed. She scrambled back on it, "and then he had to go and rescue Ike from a tree!"
"No he didn't!" Greil's son denied, his face becoming red in embarrassment. "I wasn't stuck…I climbed it after all. I just wasn't ready to come down!"
Volke spared them a smile, before gesturing for Ike to come closer. "I met with King Caineghis."
"Oh yeah!" Ike grinned. "Was he huge? Bigger than Mordecai!"
"Yes and yes. He has also agreed to let you and Mist stay in Gallia."
Mist's eyes widened at the statement. "Here? Stay here?"
"You've been here before." The fireman replied. "A long time ago when you were just a baby and Ike was barely three."
The two children were awed by the fact they would be staying here with the amazing laguz. Volke's eyes strayed towards Soren who met his gaze. Then the fireman saw it.
Greil's daughter had pulled out the medallion and was speaking to it with Ike hovering over it. For a split second Volke's heart stopped, his mind went blank. But it passed as Greil's son leaned back smiling at his sister who gave the item a small kiss. The fireman released a breath and slowly uncurled his fingers from their grip on one of his knives. …they need to know…a counterbalance to my own decision…
"Ike, Mist." Volke snapped. It startled them and the two children looked at him confused. "Come here." They obeyed; no doubt weary of his sudden serious tone. "There's something you two should know. The medallion you carry, Mist. It's a very important item that your mother and father guarded from evil beorc. It's now your responsibility to guard it, like your parents before. Your mother and you are the only ones who can touch it without something terrible happening, alright?"
He focused on Ike. "Your father protected your mother. Now, you must protect your sister." The siblings nodded, determination that reminded him of Greil, shining in their eyes. "Good." The fireman continued. "You must keep this knowledge to yourselves. If anyone should know about it they may take it away doing more harm than good. Keep it a secret."
"What about Soren?" Greil's son asked, turning around to glance at the boy still sitting on the bed. Up to that point, Soren had remained quite. Volke glanced over at the boy. "Have you decided? If not I'll give you more time."
Ike frowned, "What? Who? Soren? Decided what?" His sister ran up to the edge of the bed.
"What's he talking about?"
The stray avoided Ike's curious and worried eyes, preferring to look solely on Volke. "I have….I wish to go with you."
"What?" Greil's son cried. "Soren? You're going to leave! You too Volke?" The hurt and accusation hit Volke harder than he thought.
Mist rushed towards the bed and pulled herself up. "Soren! Don't go! Stay with us, please…!"
"You can't leave!" Ike cried. "If you leave, then I'm not staying here."
"Me neither." Mist claimed.
Damn, I should've prepared for this. Volke crossed his arms, but before he could speak Soren did.
"It's safer this way." Soren replied, the words slipping out smoothly. "Whoever sent those men are still out there. Splitting up is a logical tactic. Whoever's searching for the medallion, we can lead astray. Also, King Caineghis has more room and ability to protect two people, whereas Volke can only protect one."
The fireman nodded at the boy's words. Damn. He's quick on his feet. Ike remained sullen, even as he seemed to accept this. "….You'll visit us, right?"
Mist was already crying, hugging the stray with surprising strength. "I'll miss you Soren! Please visit us!"
Again, before the fireman could respond Soren did.
"I'll visit. I promise."
Volke scowled at the boy, but let the promise stand.
"You too, Volke?" Greil's daughter asked.
Ashera be damned… "Soren can't travel alone. So I suppose I'll visit as well." It was a sound reason, and it was better than admitting the truth. Can't say no to her…when did I become so well trained to a child?
By his will, the four remained in Gallia for another two days, to give the children more time together. Soren did venture out of the room once to be near Mordecai and Ranulf, though he seemed jittery around the two. Their supplies were gathered for them, courtesy of King Caingehis. The days slipped by rapidly. By the dawn of the third day, Volke and Soren stood outside of the stronghold, with the beast king, Ranulf, Mordecai, Ike and Mist bidding them farewell. More tears were shed, solely by Mist, and the fireman thought Ike would crush his new charge. The laguz captain merely pat the boy on the head, and Mordecai smiled at him. Soren took it in all in stride and even bowed at King Caineghis.
"Safe journey Volke, Soren." The beast king said. "I will look forward to your return. Come visit any time."
"Thank you for your aid, Your Highness." Volke replied, offering his own bow. "Take care you two."
"Don't worry. Mordecai and I have it under control, ain't that right, Ike?"
Greil's son did smile at Ranulf. "Yeah….I'll miss you, Soren. You too Volke…"
"Don't stay away too long." His sister demanded as she hugged Volke, causing him to smile.
A chorus of 'good-byes' sent them on their way. They took their time, working through the forest, nearly spending two days to get out. The fireman had led them to the edge, facing north. Towards Crimea.
Throughout the two day trip, Soren hadn't spoken much. As they settled down for the night at the border between Gallia and Crimea the boy said, "Will you really teach me to be an assassin?"
Volke paused from tending the fire to lock gazes with the child. "If that is what you wish."
"It is."
The fireman nodded. "Very well. We'll begin your training once we reach home." They bundled up in their blankest huddled close to the glowing ashes and each other. Soren quickly fell asleep, curled close to Volke and the dying fire. The fireman mulled over his new protégée, Lehran's Medallion, Ike and Mist, and Tellius' fate resting in their hands. ….what lies before us now? He sighed deciding to take whatever life threw at him and Soren with a steady stride and a firm grip on his knives. Lying down, he cast one more look at the boy, surprised at his thoughts. …I may actually enjoy having him around.
Prepare yourselves for the longest author's note…thing..comment…footer…whatever, you will ever have the pleasure (or not) of reading (or not)! Mwahahaha! XD
Okay. So, Soren did go with Volke. I liked the idea of Soren becoming an assassin. Course that may or may have been influenced by replaying Assassin's Creed 2 and reliving the awesomeness of assassins….either way, I was bound and determined to have this happen. I tried to keep Volke and Soren in character while at the same time have them bond. I hope it worked.
Now, Volke's whole reasoning with not telling King Cainghes about the medallion. I was playing off of the relationship Volke had formed with the kids and the idea that Volke would be a man who would abide by his contract even to a dead man. I also had him extend that contract to Mist and Soren, seeing as how the original didn't have that. That was probably because Greil wasn't going to die before Ike was old enough to care for Mist. Seeing as how I totally warped that…well, you get the idea.
Anyway to sum it up….Volke would have told about the medallion if one: no contract to keep Ike (Mist and Soren) safe (which I interpreted as mentally safe, physically safe, and emotionally safe to the best of his abilities), and two: if he hadn't become protective and close to the children. After all, who would tear away a child's only comfort after their parents just died?
I feel like I started rushing the end. Which is true…I was rushing it. Regardless I hope it still follows well.
So there you go!
ZeroGravityDog would totally appreciate it if you would be awesome and review! Later readers!