[A/N] This came into being after I read something else on AO3. Fire Emblem's a series I'd like to try and write more about anyway, so I decided to use some ideas from the same premise.

There's some Kiran/Eirika shipping here as well, mostly just because I thought it would make things a little more interesting. Expect more chapters for other GHB characters, since most of them are villains and there's a lot of potential here. Maybe. Said chapters may also have different kinds of shipping, but if I don't feel like it, I'll stick with Kiran/Eirika (if they do, it'll be AUs from this chapter, and I'll say so in the beginning notes).

It took Kiran a while to get used to everything in the kingdom of Askr. He certainly wasn't used to having such a big place, and be nearly free to wander about in it.

Of course, he didn't exactly have much time for that. The Order of Heroes kept him quite busy.

He loved it there, through and through. It was great fun to be around all of these legendary warriors, and thanks to some texts he had found that chronicled their worlds, Kiran felt like he really knew them, even before they showed up.

Of course, there were some that he just couldn't seem to get along with no matter how hard he tried – Raven and Lon'qu were more than a little prickly, and Lyn always seemed to avoid him for reasons he still didn't understand – but he liked to think he had a lot of friends. Alfonse always said not to get too close to the Heroes, of course, but Kiran didn't see the harm in it. He even had someone with whom he was a fair bit more than friends - Eirika, the princess of Renais.

So of course, he found himself with quite the challenge on his hands when he learned that a new Hero had been spotted in the northeastern reaches of Askr. He figured it would be the same kind of situation that usually went down there, so he got himself a team of some of his strongest Heroes – Hector, Ryoma, Reinhardt, and Genny – and hoped that he would be prepared for whatever was waiting for him.

He was a bit surprised when he got there; this particular area of Askr tended to change its appearance whenever someone new was found there. These Heroes seemed to be taken from their worlds without anyone summoning them – or at least, that's what they usually told him once he brought them back to the Order.

This time, it was a desert, with a dilapidated castle in the north. Kiran scanned the battlefield, the heat waves interfering with his sight, and spotted the person he was looking for. It was a man with a wild mane of hair. He rode on a mount unlike anything Kiran had seen so far, somewhat resembling a wyvern crossed with a snake. He held a wicked-looking lance and watched the five of them with clear bloodlust in his eyes.

As Kiran watched him, it clicked in his mind who this man was – Valter, the Moonstone, from the Sacred World. He'd done his reading, and suddenly felt a devious smile spread across his lips. If he could add a man as viciously powerful as Valter to the Order's ranks, their opposition wouldn't stand a chance.

Kiran wasted no time barking battle orders as everyone got into position. Not a moment later, phantom warriors on flying mounts swooped down into view. As usual, they were outnumbered and surrounded, but Kiran wasn't about to let that stop them.

Soon, Valter was the only one left. The group watched him, collectively breathless. Genny was working overtime to get everyone back in fighting shape, which was good, since Valter began to slowly, ominously, make his way toward the group. His eyes never wavered from Kiran.

Reinhardt and Genny each took a step back while Hector formed the defense in front of them – a basic strategy, but it had worked before. Kiran would use Hector's weapon strength to his advantage, and hopefully, he'd be able to best Valter. He always had the others if something went wrong.

And, as it happened, something did.

The thought flashed through Kiran's mind – did I make a miscalculation? – as Valter's mount let out a horrid screech and went off like a shot, heading straight for Reinhardt. There was a moment of shock, and Kiran barely had time to shout a warning when the mage raised one hand with a cry. A bolt of lightning came from nowhere, striking directly where Valter would be as he moved. If it hit, there certainly wouldn't be much fight left in the man, if any at all.

The monstrous mount of his must've had better reflexes than expected, because it darted to one side, not slowing its advance. It would be on him in less than a second, but Hector, moving faster than seemed possible, leapt in front of Reinhardt, raising Armads in a defensive gesture. Valter's lance struck the heavy axe with a terribly loud noise, but did nothing more as the two kept moving, over everyone's heads. Valter took a moment to recover before moving in for another strike.

Just then, Ryoma appeared out of nowhere, and with a loud cry, raised Raijinto. A second lightning bolt, white in colour rather than blue, crackled and hit the ground with an ear-piercing noise, taking their enemy by surprise. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Valter was thrown off of his mount, which flew in the same direction as its rider and hit the ground, where it twitched occasionally. The wicked lance that he held spun through the air and stuck in the ground in front of them.

Before Valter could get up, Ryoma dashed forward and expertly placed the tip of his blade to the crazed man's throat. He glanced back to Kiran for a moment, who shook his head. Ryoma raised an eyebrow in surprise, but didn't move a muscle. Everyone else hurried forward to catch up to him.

Before they could get there, Valter, who wasn't as incapacitated as he looked, grabbed Raijinto's blade with one hand and shoved it forward. The hilt of the sword hit Ryoma's face, and in the moment of confusion, Valter stood up and dashed toward the oncoming group - and his lance, which was halfway between them.

This time, it was Genny who saved them; she raised her staff and whispered a quick incantation as light erupted from the end of it. The light chased down Valter, who wasn't nearly as quick on foot as he was on his mount, and forced him to trip. He fell on his face, sliding for a few feet, right past his lance. He let out a pained groan, mixed with a mad laugh, as he fell.

The group was more successful in approaching him now, as he stayed on the ground. Hector moved forward, but Kiran stopped him with one hand.

Valter weakly raised his head and stared at them through unfocused eyes. Blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth, and he spat a bit of it out. It stained the desert sands.

"Kill me," the crazed knight said, slurring his words a little.

Ryoma stepped forward now, but Kiran stopped him too. The summoner crouched down in front of Valter's form as the others watched warily.

"I'm going to make you an offer," Kiran began. The warriors' eyes widened in surprise. Surely he couldn't be serious.

Valter wheezed, evidently struggling for breath. He kept making the same wheezing noise for quite some time, and it took Kiran a moment to realize that he was laughing. "An offer," he repeated. He flexed his fingers a little and the quiet sound of popping knuckles could be heard as he laughed again. "You're a fool."

"I beat you, didn't I?"

"Spare me and I will kill you without a second thought." The same crazed smile was still on Valter's face, although it wasn't as wide.

"Maybe," Kiran replied. "Or maybe we'll stop you. Now, my offer."

Valter let out another choked laugh, but said nothing. There was a hint of curiosity in his face.

"Join us," he said simply. "Join our army and I'll spare your life."

"Army," he repeated numbly. "Pathetic."

Kiran was about to continue negotiations, but there was a tap on his shoulder and he looked back. Hector was the culprit, and he jerked his head back, clearly looking to talk in private. Reinhardt had dismounted from his horse and was next to him. In response, Kiran beckoned Ryoma over to stand in front of Valter. Raijinto was sheathed, but ready to be drawn if necessary.

"Are you insane?!" Hector whisper-shouted once they were far enough away. "Why the hell are you trying to recruit this guy?!"

"As… crass as he might be, Hector is correct," Reinhardt agreed. "Summoner, I must advise against this. There's something wrong with that man. He has an evil aura about him."

Hector nodded. "Just being near that dastard makes my skin crawl."

There was a short pause. They had a point, but… "Listen, listen," Kiran replied. "I know he's dangerous, and this is a huge risk. But you saw how strong he was in that battle. And you know how much we've been struggling lately. Valter might be what we need to turn the tides in the fight against Embla."

Hector furrowed his brow. Reinhardt looked uncomfortable. It was a long time before the silence was broken.

"You've got a bit of a point," Hector eventually admitted. "Just a bit, though. And if he puts half a toe out of line, he's getting a taste of Armads."

"It won't come to that," Kiran promised. "I have a plan."

"I won't say I agree with this," Reinhardt said. "But… you haven't betrayed my trust before, Summoner. I'll give it to you again."

Kiran nodded, turned back, and put a hand on Ryoma's shoulder. The samurai moved back and Kiran knelt down again.

"I regain my strength as we speak," Valter warned. "Your little magic trick won't work on me a second time."

"I know all about you, Valter," Kiran whispered. The others couldn't hear him, but Valter certainly could. He took a breath before continuing, scarcely believing the words he was about to say. "I know how you were discharged from Grado's army. I know you've been seeking revenge against all of them for some time, and that that's the only thing that's kept you going. And you know what else I know?"

Valter quirked one eyebrow.

"I know that you're trapped here. You're in a different world from what you're used to with no way to return home. You have two options here. You can come with me, join our army, and help us in our war against Embla."

The crazed man scoffed. "How appealing," he said, his voice dripping sarcasm. "Aiding a group of whelps in some worthless task. I can hardly hold myself back."

Kiran continued as though he hadn't spoken. "Or you can stay here. Trapped here for eternity until your body finally gives out. You. Will. Never. Go. Home."

"And if I go with you?"

"Come with me and I'll return you to Magvel after the war is over. You can get your revenge."

Valter stopped and thought. "Is that so."

"It is," Kiran said, with a note of absolution.

"You could be lying to me," Valter reasoned. "If I go with you, you could stab me in the back at any opportunity." He bared his teeth. "Now wouldn't that be quite the role reversal."

"The same way you did to Glen, you mean," Kiran said, eyes narrowing. "Face it, Valter. You can't afford to take the chance."

There was silence for a long time. "I want your word that there will be no delays in returning me to my world," Valter said finally. "Your word that you will not sic your pathetic warriors on me at any point. And that I will be able to sate my hunger whenever I want."

Kiran nodded. "You have it."

Valter's face broke into a wicked grin. "Then it looks like we have a partnership." He slowly pushed himself to his full height, towering above Kiran, and stuck out one hand. There was a line of blood on it from where he had previously grabbed Raijinto's blade.

Kiran shook it, ignoring the small electric shock, and it was sealed. "Get your mount. We're leaving now."

Valter turned slowly, and walked back to his wyvern. It had gotten to its feet since and sputtered a bit, clearly in pain. He approached it, yanking his lance out of the ground along the way. From where Kiran was standing, it appeared he was talking to the beast.

A moment later, he led his wyvern back to Kiran, and bent one knee in a mock salute.

"Stand up," Kiran said. The barest hint of contempt crept into his voice.

Valter listened, and confidently strolled to the remaining warriors. Genny looked fearful, while Reinhardt and Ryoma had stony, expressionless looks on their faces. Hector's was closer to anger.

"I do hope we'll be able to work well together," Valter said with an unfriendly grin. "We shall become even greater than the six generals of Grado."

Hector looked like he wanted to stay something, but he just spat on the ground, and gestured for Valter to go first. He did, and everyone else fell in behind, not taking their eyes off him for a minute.

Kiran wasn't totally sure about this; he'd never had to resort to such measures to convince a warrior to join their cause. But then, Valter wasn't just another warrior.

{asterisks}

They soon returned to the headquarters of the Order of Heroes. The massive doors that led to the main room opened with a loud creak, and everyone currently standing there stopped what they were doing and watched the group of six enter. The only sound that could be heard was their footsteps as they made their way to the middle of the room.

Valter looked around at the extravagant hall, and the shocked faces of those around him. Some stared at him, while some were watching his mount. Others looked up once and returned to what they were doing.

"Greetings!" Valter boomed, breaking the silence. "I'm told that I am to be your new ally. I am called Valter, though you may refer to me as the Moonstone. I'll save you worthless dogs from your own incompetence." His mouth twitched. "You'll thank me later."

More shocked silence, then footsteps. Kiran looked to one of the smaller hallways to see Princess Eirika quickly coming toward him. His eyes widened, and he started cursing in his head.

"Oh, thank goodness you're back, Kiran!" she said as she walked. "I needed to talk to you a… bout…" Her voice trailed off as she saw the wyvern, and its rider, near him.

Valter's eyes lit up – as much as they could, anyway. Kiran could've sworn he saw his pupils dilating. "Princess Eirika," he purred. Quick as a whip, he snatched one of her hands and laid a kiss on her fingertips, hair falling about his face. "Kiran didn't tell me that I would find you here. What a pleasure…"

Eirika's eyes widened, and she opened and closed her mouth a few times, clearly shocked. Kiran felt the same. After a moment, she jerked her hand away and sprinted back the way she came. A sob could be heard coming from her mouth as she did.

"Dammit," Kiran muttered. "No one move a muscle!" he told the warriors, and ran after her.

{asterisks}

Eirika ran far, far away from the hall. She didn't know exactly where she was going, but she knew that she had to put as much space between that man and herself as possible.

As she ran, she bumped into another familiar face.

"Princess?" Seth said, frowning. He firmly put his hands on her shoulders, and raised his eyebrows when he saw the tears on her face.

"Seth…" Eirika stared up into his eyes. It hadn't even taken much, but nightmares and flashbacks were suddenly flooding back to her, and a new wave of tears took over. She pressed her face into Seth's chest, and he took it willingly, comforting her as best as he could.

Seth didn't have any idea what could have happened, but he'd never seen the princess this distraught. "Is there anything I can do for you?" he asked softly.

Eirika shook her head emphatically and held him tighter. They remained like that for some time until Kiran came down the hallway, panting.

"Eirika…" he said. "And General Seth, good to see you."

"Summoner," Seth replied with a calm nod. "Do you know what brought this on?"

"Yes." He had to pause, silently cursing himself for failing to think of the reaction here. "It's… it's Valter." Seth's eyebrows shot up. "He's here." And at that, his face was set in a rare expression of anger.

He immediately started forward, but Kiran put a hand on his chest. "I brought him here."

Seth's eyes blazed anew, and he turned on Kiran now, struggling to keep calm. Eirika looked up at him now as well. She was a mess, but her face held an unmistakable look of betrayal.

"Y-you what?" she asked. Soon, she had the same fire in her eyes as Seth.

"Eirika, listen," he said, reaching out one hand. "I can ex-"

"Don't even try it!" she screamed. She batted away his hand and slapped him across the face. Luckily for Kiran, she didn't have Sieglinde.

Seth watched, his look quickly changing from anger to apprehension. "Princess, perhaps-"

"Quiet, Seth!" she replied, looking back to him. Seth dutifully took a step back with a little cough.

"You knew!" Eirika accused, each word punctured by another slap. "You knew exactly what happened in our world! I told you, Seth told you, Ephraim told you, and you read it in those stupid little texts of yours, Kiran! I TRUSTED YOU!"

Kiran couldn't bring himself to look at her. His cheeks were turning an angry red colour. "Eirika-"

"I'm not finished with you!" she yelled. She was right in his face now, and Kiran had never seen her like this before. Understandable, he thought. "You betrayed me, Kiran! You betrayed all of us! Me, and Ephraim, and Seth, by bringing that monster here! I thought I was safe! I thought all of this was finally going to end, and I thought you... I thought I loved you, Kiran, but you betrayed that too..."

She broke off into tears again, leaning her head into his chest and slamming his fists against him. There wasn't as much force to her strikes this time, however.

What her strikes lacked in power, her words made up for tenfold. Kiran could practically feel his heart breaking.

"Eirika…" he whispered, gently stroking her back with one hand to comfort her. "I'm sorry. I really am." He wasn't sure what else to say.

She sniffled, brushing the tears from her eyes. "I can't be around him," she whispered. "Kiran, I… I can't. I can't let myself be near that man… I don't know what he would do."

"I understand," Kiran said. "Eirika, I promise, I'm going to-"

She shook her head. "Kiran, that's not it, I… I need to ask you something."

"Anything."

"Send me home. Please, send me home."

Kiran and Seth reacted the same way. "What?!"

She looked at the both of them. "Please… both of you know as well as I do that this can't happen." Her voice cracked and threatened to break again.

Kiran spoke first. "Eirika, I can't-"

"Y-Yes you can," Eirika interrupted. She was shaking and her eyes were downcast. "I overheard you talking with Commander Anna… I know you can do it with that weapon of yours. Please, Kiran, you must…"

"Eirika, please," Kiran protested. "I can't afford to lose you. We can't afford to lose you. How would Seth and Ephraim feel if you just up and left?"

She shook her head sadly. "It's me or him, Kiran. I can't. Not even now…"

He took his hands in hers. "He won't hurt you, I swear. Not you, or me, or anyone else. I… struck a deal with him." He thought about what Hector had said earlier. "If he puts half a toe out of line, the entire Order of Heroes will come down on his head. I promise. I would kill him myself if that happened."

She bowed her head once more. "Kiran…"

He was suddenly very conscious of the fact that Seth was still in the hallway. Kiran looked at him apologetically, and Seth gave a short nod and walked off. Perhaps it may have been an uncharacteristic move in his own world, but Seth was no fool, and he'd been around Kiran long enough to know that he could be trusted with his liege.

"Please, Eirika, look at me…" he whispered. He gently took hold of her chin and tilted her head up. They were looking each other in the eyes.

"I won't let any harm come to you, or anyone else," he said quietly. "But you have to understand… I'm still the tactician. I need to do what's best for the army."

She brushed her tears away again. "Not what's best for me?"

He bit his lip and she spoke again. "I know… I'm being selfish, but… I can't help it."

"I know…" he whispered, pulling her in again. "I understand, I swear. But you still have me."

She nodded and took a shaky breath, calming down now. "Thank you…"

"He'll help us in our fight," he assured her. "I made sure of that. He'll help us, and then I'll get him out of here as soon as the war is over. I made him agree to it. So please… please stay, Eirika."

She nodded again. "Thank you so much… Kiran…"

He went to lay a kiss on her forehead, but she pulled him down so it was on the lips instead. He was surprised, but pulled her in. It lasted a long time.

When they finally pulled away, he laid his forehead against hers.

"What will you do with me when the fighting is over?" she asked.

He was silent for a moment. "Then… maybe you'd let me be a little selfish with you."

She smiled at that. "Maybe."

He couldn't help but smile back. "Don't move, alright? I'll be right back."

She nodded happily, and Kiran made his way back to the main hall. Luckily for him, everyone was exactly where they were when he left.

"So how is the darling Princess Eirika?" Valter drawled.

"She's doing just fine," Kiran said with a false smile. He dropped it quickly. "Valter, I'd like to say something to you."

He quirked one eyebrow, giving Kiran his full attention.

"You're lucky I'm a man of my word, because if I weren't, there'd be a corpse where you're standing right now. And if you ever lay a finger on Eirika, I will take great pleasure in ending your life."

Predictably, Valter flicked one hand. "Yes, yes, I've already agreed to that. I know."

Kiran took hold of Valter's collar with one hand and yanked him down so they were face-to-face. "I mean it. Got the message?"

Valter rolled his eyes, but nodded anyway.

"Touch her and I'll know about it," he said before releasing Valter.

"Hector, Ryoma, Reinhardt, Genny," Kiran addressed. "I'm leaving the four of you in charge of him. You're some of my most trusted warriors and friends, and you're the best people for the job. Find him a place to stay and keep an eye on him. Once that's done, take him to the Training Tower. If anything happens, let me know."

Hector gave a smile as fake as Kiran's. "Perfect," he rumbled. "C'mon, Valter."

Valter looked back at Kiran, and rage flickered across his face. "Treating me like a common mutt?"

"Exactly," Kiran said. "I'll keep you around for battle and who knows, maybe you'll stop being such an evil dastard. Until then, these four are in charge of you."

Valter spared each of them a look. "Then I'm sure we'll get along famously."

Kiran nodded. "You oughta hope so."

With that, he walked off, making his way back toward Eirika. He figured he could probably take the rest of the day for personal time.

Gods knew he needed it.

[A/N] Frankly, I think the first half of this chapter is a bit more well-done than the second, but I'll take it anyway. I'm happy that I got to write Valter, since that's something I've been meaning to do for a while.

I might bring in a second chapter (and maybe more after that). If I do, Zephiel's next!