Author's Note: Well, here it is everyone! The most likely expected response to the ninja banner that was released not too long ago! There were a couple of different ways I could've tackled this prompt of Fjorm playing the part of a ninja, but I'd say I'm satisfied with this result, and I hope you all will be too!

In other news, it has recently come to my attention that, about a little over a month ago now, it has been over one year since I uploaded my first story onto this platform.

ONE. YEAR.

Yes, I KNOW you all have heard this numerous times already, but I believe it bears repeating: thank you all so much for taking the time out of your day to read my stories. Whether you're a follower or someone who just happened to stumble upon my writing, I truly appreciate you all! A little over a year ago, I would have never thought I would actually go through with publishing any of my writing, even more so that I would receive such a warm reception as I do now.

So, to all of you who have read my stories, left a favorite, chose to follow me, and or left a comment, thank you so much! Your support means a lot; I enjoy being able to share my creativity with you all, and I hope to continue providing you all with enjoyable content going forward!

FireEmblemMaster101: Thanks for the birthday wishes and for enjoying this chapter! I definitely agree that FE7 has a lot of memorable characters, in my opinion. I also agree that their are a lot more fanfics about the male tactician than the female tactician for FE7, though I have seen a couple good stories where the female tactician is the protagonist; one in particular that I enjoyed was 'A Tactician's Testimony' by Naryfiel Lilith. And yes, I'd say good ol' Hector did get more level-headed in his later years while still keeping his fighting spirit to the end. Also, I definitely headcanon that Sharena is 'that friend' that teases Fjorm about her crush while still wishing the best.

Brian303: Wow! Thank you so much for saying that; I'm really glad you enjoyed the last chapter that much! As for Fjorm and Kiran...well, you'll just have to keep reading~!

Half-beastdragonsoul2013: You're not the only one!

Guest: Thank you so much! Whenever I begin a new chapter, one of the first things I do after selecting which characters I want to use is to look up those character's Support Conversations to ensure I get a grasp on that specific character's personality and their manner of speech as well as making sure there is something that would connect them to Fjorm and the overall theme of the chapter I'm placing them in. Good to know I've been doing a good job of that so far!

Klaw117: Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself! I'm also glad I was able to open your eyes to the idea of Ylgr being the 'teasing younger sister' archetype! While I can definitely visualize Ylgr and Sharena teaming up for some shenanigans, I highly doubt Plumeria would be on-board with anything they would plan. Although, that's not to say we won't be visiting the realm of dreams in the future~

Now, with all that being said, let's go!

His Faithful Shadow

"Thank you again for inviting me out to tea, Kagero." Fjorm expressed with a grateful smile as Kagero poured the Nifl princess some tea. "I'm quite excited to experience a traditional Hoshidan tea ceremony!"

Kagero nodded as she poured herself a cup. "The honor is mine, Princess Fjorm. I find the process of preparing and enjoying tea to be quite therapeutic, myself." Setting down the pot gently onto the small table the two shared, the kunoichi took hold of her cup. "I also took the liberty of specially preparing this tea to account for your taste. I usually prefer my tea naturally bitter, but I did not wish to overwhelm you."

"Ah, I appreciate your concern." Fjorm thanked as she took a sip of her tea, a hum of contentment escaping her lips. "Oh, my. This is quite relaxing!"

Kagero nodded in approval as the two enjoyed their tea. The pair were currently within one of the castle's inner gardens, sitting upon cushions Kagero had provided under the wide shade of a tree. After a moment of brief silence, Kagero spoke. "If I may be so bold," she began, catching the Nifl princess' attention. "Might I ask what has been troubling you as of late?"

Fjorm paused, a look of surprise on her face. "What? I'm…not sure what you mean."

Kagero patiently replied, "I have noticed recently that you have been rather tense, as if you are plagued by some heavy burden." At Fjorm's blatant look of shock, Kagero gave a sympathetic smile. "As a personal retainer for Lord Ryoma, I have been trained to be observant not only of my surroundings but of my liege as well, should he be burdened by unease or fatigue." Setting down her cup, Kagero leaned forward with acute focus. "If you are willing, I would be more than happy to lend my aid to you."

Fjorm carefully considered Kagero's words before giving a resigned sigh. "It's…well…" Kagero nodded encouragingly while Fjorm attempted to speak the words lying on her tongue. "It's…about Kiran."

"Ah, I see." Kagero nodded in understanding, causing Fjorm to give the young woman a curious look. "If I'm not mistaken, he is currently away investigating a nearby village in Askr that has reported increased bandit activity as of late, correct?"

Fjorm nodded. "Yes, that's right." Setting down her own cup, a troubled expression made its way across Fjorm's face. "When we had first received word, Alfonse had proposed dispatching a squad of Heroes to look into the situation and, if necessary, resolve it." She looked down as she added, "However, Kiran volunteered to lead the deployment of Heroes himself; he thought it would encourage the villagers if the Order of Heroes' summoner and tactician personally came to address their concerns."

"And you are worried for his safety," Kagero said. It was not a question.

Fjorm blushed subtly at Kagero's direct statement as she nodded. "Y-yes. After all, we have little information about the villager's situation, and Kiran is, well…"

"He is not yet capable of fully defending himself," Kagero finished, though not disrespectfully. Again, Fjorm nodded in reluctant agreement as her host generously refilled her teacup. "In Hoshido, all members of the royal family are rarely without personal retainers to ensure their safety, no matter their combat prowess. I had found it peculiar, then, when I was summoned here to Askr only to discover that the royal family of Askr are without retainers." Returning her full attention to Fjorm, Kagero added, "What surprised me further was that the summoner himself lacked personal retainers, despite his significance to the Order and his lack of combat ability."

"Right?! I completely agree!" Fjorm exclaimed passionately, prompting a light chuckle from Kagero. Her earlier blush becoming slightly more pronounced, the Nifl princess shrunk back in her seat sheepishly. "Ah, m-my apologies. I did not mean to shout."

Kagero shook her head. "You need not apologize, Princess Fjorm. Rather," she continued with an approving look. "Your devotion to Kiran is quite admirable. I have seen the way you diligently watch over him; were I unaware of your royal standing, I would have mistaken you for his personal retainer."

Fjorm didn't know how to respond to that, instead opting to retrieve her refilled cup and take a long sip in an attempt to drown her embarrassment. Kagero chuckled lightly at the princess' bashful behavior as she took a sip from her own cup.

After another moment of silence passed, Fjorm managed to calm her nerves enough to continue the conversation. "I suppose I am feeling…frustrated." Kagero raised a curious brow as Fjorm spoke her mind. "I am confident in Kiran's ability to lead and in the Heroes that he chose to accompany him on this mission. And yet…" The Nifl princess gripped her cup firmly in her hands. "I…I wish I was there with him, to ensure his safety myself. That is what I promised him, after all."

Kagero nodded in agreement. "I understand your feelings, Princess Fjorm. There are moments when I, too, experience such concerns whenever I am required to depart Lord Ryoma's side." The kunoichi offered an encouraging to the smile to the princess as she added, "However, I have been taught that worrying about what I cannot influence will not benefit me and will instead cloud my judgment and interfere with my mission. The best we can do is train ourselves in the present so that we may be prepared for the future."

Fjorm sighed before giving Kagero a grateful smile. "You are right, Kagero. Thank you for your wise words and for taking the time to listen to my troubles." With a small giggle, Fjorm jokingly added, "Perhaps I could learn a thing or two from the trainings of Hoshido's ninja!"

"…if that is your wish, I do not mind." Kagero stated plainly.

"Huh?" Fjorm said in confusion, surprised Kagero took her jest seriously.

Kagero fixed Fjorm with a serious look. "If you wish to learn the ways of the ninja, I would not be opposed to training you. Truthfully, there have been some Heroes who have already approached me with the same request that I have been instructing for some time now." The kunoichi's eyes narrowed as she added, "Though I warn you, the ways of Hoshido's ninja are not for the faint of heart."

Fjorm was temporarily taken aback by Kagero's words before taking the time to seriously consider the woman's request. After a moment, Fjorm asked, "Will this training…improve my abilities to protect those I care for?"

Sensing what the princess was truly asking, Kagero's stern expression melted into an amused smile. "Yes. That is the role of a ninja, after all. From the shadows, we protect our lieges from anyone who would wish harm upon them."

After another moment, Fjorm nodded with a look of determination. "In that case, I humbly request you train me, Kagero."

Kagero nodded in understanding. "Very well. We will begin your training tomorrow at dawn. In the meantime," Kagero rose from where she was residing and beckoned for Fjorm to follow her. "Please, follow me."

"Hm?" Fjorm questioned as she stood as well. "Where are we going?"

Kagero answered, "To see Oboro." Inclining her head toward Fjorm's clothing, Kagero elaborated, "Your current attire is unsuited for your training. A ninja must be allowed freedom of movement, unhampered by excessive armor and accessories."

"O-oh, I see…" Fjorm replied, a twinge of nervousness going through her as she not-so-subtly eyed Kagero's attire. Noticing her gaze, Kagero chuckled softly to herself as she beckoned the Nifl princess to follow her, the pair exiting the garden and disappearing into the halls of Askr's castle in search of Oboro.

"Hah, finally! Back at last!"

Kiran grinned joyfully as he wandered the halls of the castle, intent on heading to his room for some much-needed rest and relaxation. The excursion had been a success, with the bandits routed and the villagers safely accounted for. In truth, Kiran and the group of Heroes accompanying him would have been back at Askr's castle sooner but the villagers were insistent on honoring the group for their valor, not that Kiran was complaining.

After reporting back to Commander Anna and Alfonse (as well as briefly consulting with Feh for any newly procured items), Kiran was now ready to spend as much time as he could catching up on some down-time. However, as he was passing the training grounds on his way to the residential wing of the castle, he paused upon hearing a familiar voice.

"Hup! Hyah!"

"Hm?" Recognizing the voice as belonging to a certain princess of ice, Kiran made a detour towards the training grounds in order to satisfy his curiosity. And what he found was…

"F-Fjorm?!"

"Ah?!" Said princess halted what she was doing, which apparently was knife throwing. "K-Kiran!?" She stuttered, not hearing anything of the summoner's return to Askr.

Kiran, meanwhile, slowly made his way onto the training grounds, his eyes fixed entirely on Fjorm. Or rather, her new outfit, which consisted of traditional Hoshidan ninja garb in the white and blue color scheme of Nifl, accompanied by a short, snow-white cape. A leather strap was secured around one of her thighs containing three icy-blue kunai, keeping the weapons in place while also…accentuating the princess' legs.

"Wow…" Kiran breathed in awe, barely acknowledging as Kagero approached where the pair were standing. "Your outfit…it's…"

Becoming self-conscious under the summoner's unintentionally scrutinizing gaze, Fjorm felt heat begin to rush to her face. "A-ah, yes. Well, Kagero has been training me in the ways of Hoshido's ninja while, um, you were away. Oboro specifically made it for my training." Swallowing nervously, she asked, "What, um, do you think?"

"I think…" Kiran's expression then transformed into an excited grin as he declared, "You look so cool! Er, no pun intended." His eyes briefly darted to the kunai strapped to Fjorm's thigh as well as to the shuriken she currently held in one of her hands. "And you're even learning to throw shuriken! Just like a Hoshidan ninja!"

"Pardon me, Kiran," Kagero chimed in with an amused expression. "I do believe ninjas *only* exist in Hoshido." Turning her attention toward Fjorm, Kagero said, "Let us end here for today, Princess Fjorm. We will begin again the same time tomorrow."

"As you say. Thank you for your instruction, Kagero." Fjorm said gratefully. Kagero nodded and, with a short bow to both Fjorm and Kiran, the brown-haired kunoichi made her way out of the training grounds, leaving the princess and the summoner alone.

"So," Kiran began. "Ninja, huh? What brought about this class change?"

"Well," Fjorm began as she faced Kiran fully. "I've been thinking lately…about how I can best fulfill my promise to you, and I've decided." Taking a bold step toward the summoner, Fjorm declared, "From this moment on, though I am still learning, please allow me to be your shadow, Kiran! I swear upon my life that I will defend you from all harm!"

"F-Fjorm…" Kiran said with a stunned expression, before a small grin appeared. "That line made you sound really cool! I…would like that." A thoughtful expression then crossed Kiran's face. "But, if you're my shadow, wouldn't that mean you would always be behind me or skulking around me?"

"Huh? Um, I suppose that would be the case, yes." Fjorm nodded in affirmation.

"Well, then I don't know about you being my shadow." With a sincere expression, Kiran added. "After all, that would mean I get to see less of you. I would much rather have you by my side."

"Ah?!" Fjorm drew in a sharp breath at Kiran's heartfelt words, her heartbeat seeming to spike in response.

As if realizing what he just said, Kiran fumbled, "Uh, I meant by my side as like a bodyguard! Sorry if I sounded weird!"

"No, no! It's f-fine!" Fjorm managed with a smile. "If that is what you wish, then I shall be at your side to defend you. With your permission, of course."

Kiran chuckled as he nodded. "I wouldn't have it any other way! Now," With childlike enthusiasm, Kiran leaned forward and said, "Could, um, you show me what you've been practicing? I want to see your ninja technique in action!"

Fjorm giggled at Kiran's request as she nodded. "Yes, of course! Allow me to demonstrate my skill! Sparkling Shuriken!"

Time seemed to fly by as Fjorm demonstrated the skills she had learned from Kagero to the best of her ability as Kiran watched in awe. So caught up were the pair that they were unaware of a pair of eyes belonging to a certain kunoichi watching them with amusement from the shadows.

I wonder, were any of you able to catch the little reference I slipped into this chapter?

Also, here's a little omake to this chapter; I didn't know how to incorporate this idea into the flow of the chapter, but I didn't want to discard it. Sooo, here you go! Consider this an aside to the story above, not connected at all.

"Hiyah! Tah! Sparkling Shuriken!" Fjorm called out with enthusiasm as she practiced her ninja moves in preparation for the Ninja Festival under the shade of a tree within the town square.

Deciding to take part in festival's tournament this year alongside Laegjarn, the Nifl princess was currently psyching herself up for the upcoming competition as she waited for her partner to show up. After all, she didn't want to disappoint her teammate. Nor did she want to look foolish in front of a certain someone she had invited to watch her compete…

A chuckle rang out behind the princess. "Still practicing your special technique, I see."

Spinning around, Fjorm smiled bashfully as Laegjarn and Laevatein made their way toward her, each dressed in their own ninja garb. "Hello, Laegjarn, Laevatein! Your outfits are wonderful!"

Laegjarn groaned as she looked down to her own ninja outfit. "Hmph, I'm glad you appreciate it. How anyone can sneak around in such getup is beyond me." Returning to gaze to Fjorm, Laegjarn smiled as she said, "You, on the other hand, look stunning in your outfit."

Fjorm grinned as she did a graceful twirl, her short cape fluttering behind her as she did. "You think so? I'll admit, I was a little hesitant at first when Kagero and Oboro presented it to me. It's, um, rather different to the armor I'm used to wearing."

"I assure you that you look amazing." Laegjarn encouraged, before her mouth curved into a playful smirk. "And I can also assure you that Kiran will agree with me."

Predictably, Fjorm's face flushed at the thought of the summoner seeing her outfit, a thought that she had attempted to put out of her mind the whole day. "Y-you think so?"

Laegjarn nodded before looking around. "Speaking of, where is Kiran? You said that he was to meet us here, correct?"

As Fjorm nodded, Laevatein looked curiously at her sister. "Kiran will be joining us? Will he be assessing our performance in the festival?"

Laegjarn chuckled as she shook her head. "No, sister." With a not at all subtle glance at Fjorm, Laegjarn stated cheekily, "That is not the reason Kiran will be accompanying us."

"A-Anyway!" Fjorm interjected. "I haven't seen him yet. Perhaps something came up unexpectedly or he is simply running late…"

"Or perhaps he's been here this whole time."

All three women jumped in surprise as a shadow dropped from one of the low hanging branches above them, landing at the base of the tree in a crouch. Drawing their festive weapons, the three princesses faced the figure that suddenly appeared in their midst, only to hear a familiar playful chuckle. "Looks like you three need more training!"

The three women's eyes widened in recognition, Fjorm specifically faltering as her breath hitched. "K-Kiran?!" She exclaimed. How long had he been here? Her eyes widened further as her cheeks erupted in a fiery blush as another thought occurred to her. How…much did he hear?!

The figure rose from his position, revealing ninja garb the color of a midnight sky, clothed in black and cobalt blue. Pulling back the hood they wore and loosening the cobalt scarf from their lower face, the smiling face of the summoner was revealed. "Hey there!" Kiran greeted casually.

Laegjarn was the first to recover, an amused smile on her face. "Well, now. Quite an impressive feat, Kiran, sneaking up on three battle-hardened princesses."

Kiran shrugged modestly. "Well, I asked Kaze and Matthew to teach me a few tricks of the trade." Looking at each of the young women's outfits, Kiran nodded. "You all looked so cool in your new outfits that I didn't want to miss out on the fun! Sooo…" Raising his scarf again and withdrawing a ninja katana from the sheath at his hip with a flourish, Kiran added with bright eyes, "I thought I'd join you all for this festival!"

Laegjarn nodded with a chuckle. "We would be delighted to have you, Kiran. Isn't that right Fjorm, Laevatein?" Off to the side, Fjorm could only nod mutely, her blush still faintly present as her gaze remained on Kiran.

Laevatein as well nodded in agreement. "Agreed, sister." Turning to the summoner, Laevatein gave a short bow. "I look forward to engaging in friendly combat with you at last, Kiran."

Kiran chuckled nervously as he lowered his weapon, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Haha, r-right. Just…go easy on me, yeah?" Turning to face Fjorm, Kiran once again lowered his scarf revealing an excited grin. "What do you say, Fjorm? Want to team up and show these two what's what?"

Snapped out of her stupor, Fjorm's eyes lit up at Kiran's invitation before immediately dimming with disappointment. "Oh. Well, I'd love to Kiran. But Laegjarn and I already-"

"Very well. I applaud your boldness, Kiran, and accept your challenge."

Fjorm turned with wide eyes to Laegjarn, who flashed the Nifl princes a knowing smile before turning to Laevatein. "Come, sister. Let us show these two the results of our training!"

"Yes, sister." Laevatein replied, a spark of lighthearted anticipation flickering in her eyes as the two ninjas of Muspell started off to where the competition would be held.

"Laegjarn…" Fjorm whispered before feeling a nudge on her shoulder.

"C'mon, Fjorm." Kiran said, pulling his hood over his head once more and readjusting his scarf as he gripped his katana. "Let's show them just who they're up against. Between your Sparkling Shuriken and my Spectral Strike, they won't stand a chance!"

Giggling, Fjorm withdrew a shuriken as she stood at Kiran's side. "Right, Kiran! I'm at your side!"

Sharing a smile, the two ninjas ran off in pursuit of the Muspell sisters, steeling themselves for the competition ahead.

Ok, last thing, I promise. As I was writing this chapter, I got to wondering: what would Ninja Fjorm's skill kit look like if she were a stand alone Special Hero on this recent banner instead of a Duo Hero (no offense at all to Laegjarn)? This was the result:

Fjorm: Ninja of Nifl (Blue Dagger Flyer)

Sparkling Shuriken: Grants Def/Res+5 and inflicts Spd-8 on unit. Unit attacks twice. (Even if foe initiates combat, unit attacks twice.) If unit's Res foe's Res, damage is calculated based on the lower of foe's Def or Res.

Special: Iceberg

A Skill: Def/Res Catch 4

B Skill: Atk/Res Far Trace 3

C Skill: Atk/Res Oath 4

Have a great day, and thanks for sticking till the end!