Rickon Stark was feeling lost and alone. He had just recently lost everything in his life, his brother Bran had ordered him away from Winterfell after hearing that Roose Bolton was on his way, and his eldest brother Robb was murdered by the Freys and Boltons at an event now known as the Red Wedding, along with his mother, Catelyn Stark. His father, the late Eddard Stark was executed on orders of Joffrey Baratheon, the false king, and his oldest sister, Sansa was a hostage of the Lannisters. His other sister, Arya was presumed dead. His step brother, Jon Snow was repeatedly stabbed to death when he tried to convince the Night's Watch to aid the North. His direwolf, Shaggydog and his caretaker Osha had sacrificed their lives to save him from death. Now, he was alone...until he met someone who would do anything to change his life.

Kingsroad

The youngest member of the Stark family, wandered the roads, badly bruised and scared, and his thirst for water was getting the best of him. He could hardly believe it, just a year ago, he was a happy boy with everyone beside him, and now, everyone that he had cared for is either dead or missing. He heard the sounds of horse hoofs, and immediately threw himself behind a bush, he laid down on the ground, trying his best not to make any sound. He gazed up and saw the banners of House Frey. Anger boiled inside his heart, but he forced himself to remain still.

The soldiers had stopped in front of him and were setting up camp. One of them nearly spotted Rickon, if it wasn't for a hand pulling him back, the hooded man covered the young Stark's mouth and dragged him away from the scene. He didn't release Rickon until they were way beyond the sight of the soldiers. Rickon looked at his savior and in a raspy voice he said. "Thank you..."

"No...don't thank me." the hooded man said, and Rickon cocked his head to one side. The voice sounded way too familiar, it sounded like a voice that he hadn't hurt for at least a year. His eyes widened, when he saw the familiar symbol on the man's coat. The symbol of the Night's Watch.

"Uncle..." Rickon said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The hooded man only nodded and pulled back his cowl, revealing the face of an old and bearded Benjen Stark, his looks had changed. He wasn't the Benjen that uses violence to solve everything, no, he was a totally different Benjen, for he had sworn an oath that he would safeguard Rickon for as long as he live. "Rickon..." he acknowledge at last. He had expected the young Stark to yell at him for not being around but he was taken aback when the boy ran and hugged him, Rickon had tightened his grip around Benjen's leg. "It's alright...you're safe." he said.

Rickon cried onto Benjen's shoulders. "They're gone...Osha, Robb...gone..." he said between sobs.

"I know." Benjen replied, kneeling down to Rickon's height. "I admit that I have been some kind of a jerk and a fool. But now, I have changed, someone had allowed me to see the light and the truth. Let me ask you something Rickon." he paused and allow the information to sink into Rickon. "What would you do if you had the power to change history?" he asked, and the world seemed to have stopped.

Rickon looked into Benjen's eyes. "I would do anything to keep our family together, I will prevent father from dying, and I would prevent Jon from leaving. I will do anything to keep the family together." he said, a look on determination forming in his eyes.

For a while, Benjen remained silent as if he was talking to someone and then he stood up. "Stand behind me Rickon." he commanded, and the boy scooted behind. "Whatever you are about to see, is something that I should have done years ago." he said, and he waved his hands muttering some words in an ancient language that Rickon did not understand. As soon as he had finished chanting, a portal opened, the boy looked startled but Benjen's firm hand on his shoulder kept him brave. "I warn you first, once you step through that portal, your life will change. Even this one. I'll do what I can here to make you the King in the North, I will meet you at Winterfell when the time is right. Now...go."

Rickon looked back at Benjen with uncertainty, but the man merely nodded his head. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and approached the portal, and he felt his life being drained out of him. He was sucked into the portal, and it happened way too fast that he had barely enough time to control himself, he screamed as the world started spinning faster and faster. And then everything halted, he felt the cool northern breeze blowing his hair, the sun glaring down on his hand. And with that said, he opened his eyes.

Winterfell

Rickon looked around, he realized that he had landed in the woods around Winterfell, a common place for him to hang out when he was young. He looked at his clothes, and saw that the tattered clothes had been replaced with one that showed that he was born of nobility, he heard the familiar voices of his father calling out for him. Just to make sure, he broke into a run. "Father!" he greeted, jumping up.

Eddard caught the boy mid-air and embraced him. "Rickon, my boy!" he said, ruffling the boy's hair before setting him down. "What are you doing out here alone? Did you kick Rodrick away again?"

"No father, honest I didn't." Rickon replied, smiling sheepishly. He scratched his hair. "Is Uncle Benjen coming to visit today?" he asked.

Eddard found it weird for his son to ask about his brother. And he started to think, when did Rickon cared about the well being of others than himself, this wasn't the Rickon he knew. But he immediately threw those thoughts aside and smiled. "Aye, he'll be here. But it'll be nightfall by the time he is here."

"Father..."

"Yes Rickon?"

"Can you legitimize Jon?" Rickon asked, and his father was taken aback by the boy's request. He immediately looked at his feet, and shuffled them nervously. "I...I...had a dream. A terrible one! It almost looked so real...I dreamed that Jon left to join the Night's Watch and did not return. He was killed by the people staying there...that place is dangerous...can you convince him to stay at least?"

"Your mother would kill me if made Jon a Stark. But for your sake, I will talk him out of leaving to join the Night's Watch. Is there anything else from your horrible dream?"

"Aye. There's more...but I can't tell you yet." Rickon said, and immediately covered his mouth, and Eddard frowned at his behavior. "I...I just can't...I can't say anything until I've met Uncle."

"You're acting weird Rickon...this better not be a sickness or you'll be confined to bed."

"No...it's not a sickness! I'm not ill!" Rickon retorted, and kept his volume down. "I'm sorry. It's just that...I really can't tell you...you'll think that I am crazy."

"Try me." Eddard challenged. "I've seen and heard far worse."

Rickon straightened his back and sighed. He looked into his father's eyes. "I am not the Rickon that you know. I have already lived through this and I already know what's going to happen, and mark my words when I say that I will do anything in my power to change history even if it means killing Prince Joffrey and Queen Cersei." he stated and waited patiently for the music to come but it didn't.

Eddard watched the child in front of him. He smiled warmly. "If what you said was true...then I'll say that you are much more wiser than any of us. I'll not ask you questions or demand to know the future, everything shall be in your hands, who you choose to safe and who you choose to kill. I'll leave them all to you." he said, and his son smiled. "Now, would you like to go and see your brother, Bran practice his archery?"

"I bet I can beat him!" Rickon boldly declared as his father picked him off the ground.

And that's exactly what Rickon did. After sitting on the exact same wooden platform which he did during his previous life, he hopped off and yanked the bow away from Bran's hand. He gave everyone a cocky smile and pulled out an arrow and took aim, he slowed his breath and relaxed his bow arm, he waited for the moment when Arya was supposed to fire. When he heard the sound of her bow, he released his arrow. His arrow flew through the air and sliced Arya's arrow in half and struck the bulls eye. Jon clapped his hands while Robb scoffed, Arya gave him a death glare and Bran frowned.

Rickon looked up and saw Rodrick and Theon Greyjoy walking towards his father. Before the two had a chance to say anything, he spoke first. "Father, with all due respect. Isn't it time to handle the beheading to other people...like Robb or someone else?" he said. Eddard raised his eyebrow.

"Really Rickon..." his father said, and pointed at him. "Well then, since you know so much. You will be accompanying me to this meeting with the deserter, the rest of you will stay. Jon, Robb. You'll follow but stay a distance when we're talking." he commanded, and the two of them nodded.

Rickon mounted his horse and rode out, riding beside his father. Robb found it strange that Rickon could handle a horse without any training or coaching, he found it even more weird when Rickon could predict what Rodrick was going to say. He looked at his younger brother curiously, something was not right, and he must bring this up with his father when they return.

The four of them rode together in silence until they arrived at the location where the scouts were holding the deserter, Eddard ordered the scouts to bring the deserter forward, and even though they were walking towards him, he could hear the man muttering something over and over again. He then dismissed the guards and ordered both Jon and Robb to guard the horses.

"I know I broke my oath. And I know I'm a deserter. I should have gone back to the Wall and warn them...but I saw what I saw. I saw the White Walkers. People need to know. If you can get word to my family, tell them that I'm not a coward. Tell them I'm sorry." the deserter said, and waited for Eddard to decide his fate which was death. But Eddard did not move a single muscle.

Rickon was busy whispering into his father's ear. "You can't kill him. He's telling the truth. The White Walkers will come in another two to three years. Just let him go...and keep quiet about this. Tell the guards to swear an oath that they won't reveal anything...and don't go telling me that your honor is at stake father. I've already been through this. If you keep up your attitude, you'll find your head on a spike decorating the walls at King's Landing." and Eddard's eyes went huge as saucers but he managed to hide his surprise well.

The Lord of Winterfell coughed to get the deserter's attention. "My son tells me that you speak the truth...and I...you...you're free to go and do as you please. Leave the North and never return." he said.

The deserter looked up with wide eyes. "But I thought that desertion from the Night's Watch is punishable by death? We swore an oath." he said, totally confused.

"Leave...before I change my mind. Go back to your family." Eddard said, and the deserter nodded once and stepped back slowly before breaking into a run. The guards gave chase. "Let him go!" he yelled and they stopped. "Not a word or I'll have your heads..." he said softly and the two guards nodded.

"Not bad..." Rickon commented. "Now, let's go and find the direwolves." he said, pointing towards the woods. Before Eddard could question him further, the boy was already skipping towards his horse.

Once Eddard was saddled. Rickon started trotting away, and the others started following him. The boy tried to use his memory to locate the location of the dead direwolf, he recalled Bran telling him where they had found it. He prayed that he was on the right path, and his heart skipped with joy when he stumbled on the dead direwolf lying in the middle of the road.

"What is that..." one of the guards asked.

"A direwolf." Jon answered. "But...there's no direwolves south of the Wall." he quickly added.

"It's a sign." Robb said, dismounting.

"Rickon?" Jon looked around, but couldn't find his step-brother, the horse was there but the boy wasn't.

"Over here!" came a small voice. Robb peered over the edge and saw Rickon hugging five direwolf pups in his arms. "Found the pups!" he yelled, and handed them over to the nearest guard. "Give them to Robb. I'll go find the other one..." he said, and went back down to the ditch. "Come out...I know you're there..." he whispered, and he saw a small little white pup crawling on the ground. He picked it up. "Got ya little one."

"Six pups..." the guard commented, smirking at Rickon. "My Lord, I suggest that you allow your children to keep the pups. As there are six of them, and you have six children. It's a match."

"Aye.." Eddard agreed and both Robb and Jon pumped their fist together. "But...you will be responsible for them. If they die, you will bury them. If they fight, you will answer for it. Is that clear?"

"Nothing would please me more father." Robb said, already hugging one of the pups. "I think I'll call him Grey Wind."

"Ghost." was all Jon said, looking into the white direwolf's eyes.

"How about you Rickon?" Eddard asked, looking at his youngest son. "What name are you going to choose?"

Rickon thought long and hard. The last time he picked Shaggydog, everyone laughed at him and called him dumb, he didn't want a repeat of that incident. His mind scanned every single possible name, until it settled on one. "Channon." he said. "It translates to the Young Wolf."

"Good name." Robb said, patting Rickon on the back. "I bet Bran, Sansa and Arya will shed tears of joy when they see the present we brought back for them. Won't they?"

"Aye..." Jon agreed. "Well, night's falling. We should double up. Race ya!" and with that he spurred his horse forward. Robb, after an enraged but fake laugh gave chase. Rickon watched them from a distance and joined in, and defeated the two of them being the first to reach the courtyard.

"We got defeated...by our youngest brother." Robb said sarcastically. "However, it was a good race. I'm turning in for the night, but father...can I see you for a moment?" he asked.

"I'll be in shortly." Eddard said, and Robb nodded.

Jon left to do his own business while Robb went to hand the other pups to his siblings, Eddard looked at Rickon, and the two of them stared at each other. "Robb's getting suspicious, do you think he knows about you?" Eddard asked.

"No, I pray not." Rickon said, he sat down on one of the steps. "You go find out what Robb wants. But...don't reveal anything yet. It's still dangerous." he added. His father nodded and left to find his eldest son, while Rickon sat alone in the darkness cuddling his direwolf pup, he soon drifted away into a peaceful sleep. Or so he thought.

Rickon found himself sitting in a tent discussing war plans with several members of House Frey, Tully and Stark. Among the noticeable were, Ser Stevron Frey, Edric Storm, Olyvar Frey, Greatjon Umber and his son Smalljon. And a few others whom he didn't know yet, but he knew the symbols when he saw them. Then all eyes turned towards the entrance of the camp where two guards from House Karstark escorted a man in, the two guards then stood to a side.

Ser Stevron Frey greeted the man. "Well, well...father doesn't have the balls to show up and instead sends one of my brothers...how I love to chop off your head and feed it to the hounds but for the love that I bear Robb and the Starks I will bid my time. Your Grace...please."

"I'll offer your father peace if he heed my terms. First, your family must release my sisters. Second, my brother bones must be returned to us so he may rest beside father and mother in the crypts beneath Winterfell. And the remains of all those who died at the Twins must also be returned. Their families can honor them with proper funerals." Rickon found himself saying these lines, he couldn't control himself but only watch through the eyes of his adult self. He noticed Benjen Stark, on his left.

"An honorable request...Your Grace." Lothar Frey replied.

"Third. Joffrey and the Queen Regent must renounce all claims to the Dominion of the North. From this time until the end of time, we are a free and independent kingdom." Rickon said, and the people sitting around him started calling him 'The King in the North.' the last being said by Benjen. "Neither Joffrey nor any of his men shall set foot in our lands again. If he disregards this command, he shall suffer the same fate as my father. Only, I don't need a servant to do my beheading for me."

"These are...Your Grace?"

Rickon stood up, placing his hands on the table. His fur cloak dangling behind him. "These. These are my terms. If Joffrey and your father meets them, I'll give them peace. If not, I'll litter the South with Frey and Lannister dead." he stated, and Lothar Frey looked up in shock. "You ride at day break on the morrow. That will be all for tonight." he said, and the other lords started standing up and went off.

Everyone left accept Benjen. "Stannis won't give us a straight answer." he said.

"He's a friend of my father. He'll come around."

"Don't be so sure of that. We've intercepted couriers from King's Landing. The Lannisters' putting a great deal of pressure on Dragonstone."

"And what would you have me do?"

"If he's not with us, he's against us."

"He knows that. They all know that."

"How long are you going to wait?"

"You think I need to send Stannis a stronger message?" Rickon asked, looking at his uncle.

"If by message you mean shoving a sword through his gullet."

Rickon sighed at his uncle's thirst for vengeance. "Taking his city and leaving him in disgrace would make a more powerful statement, don't you think?" he said.

"I would still suggest that you root him out of his Keep and kill him like you did with Roose Bolton."

"Bolton was merely a message to the other lords. He killed my brother...and it is right that I kill him."

"We're ready when you are." Benjen declared.

Rickon opened his eyes and gasped. Was that a dream or was it a memory? He didn't know, he looked at his surroundings and saw that he was still on the steps with Channon in his arms. But then he realized what he had heard his uncle said before, about having new memories, perhaps, this was one of them. But why was he older? He sighed when he saw that no one had came through the gate, he sulked his way back into the castle and went for his bed, he tossed aside his cloak and kicked off his boots. Without another word, he pounced on the bed and drifted off to sleep until the next day.

He woke up to the face of his father sitting at his side. He gave a quick yawn and rubbed his eyes with his fists, he stretched his arms to get the blood flowing. "Morning father...what...are you doing in my room?" he asked politely, but his eyes told another thing.

Eddard smiled. "I'm afraid that I had to tell you that Benjen won't be coming until another week or so, Jeor Mormont had sent us a letter regarding his absence." he said, handing the letter over for his son to read. Rickon read it silently and crushed the paper before throwing it out of his bedroom window.

"Fuck him...he promised me." Rickon pouted and Eddard had a look of disbelief on his face. The boy immediately apologized for his sudden outburst. "Look...father...I'm sorry...it's just...you're all already dead in my other life...and I can't bear to see you all die again." he said.

"Rickon..." Eddard said, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "I understand exactly how you feel, I would too be lost if I were to be sent back in time where my brother and sister were alive and well. You missed King Robert's arrival..." he added, and Rickon's eyes widened.

"What?!" the boy exclaimed. "And you let me sleep!"

"We tried waking you, but you simply refuse to move. Thus, we were forced to leave you, and Robert, in his kindness accepted the fact that you were young and must be way too tired to greet him." Eddard said, and Rickon's cheeks grew red in embarrassment. "Listen, I'm going out hunting with the King, you are to stay here and see to things while I'm away."

"Father...did you..." Rickon reminded.

"No. I declined his offer to be the King's Hand. After giving him an excuse, he accepted it and is now deciding to give it to either Tywin or Tyrion Lannister." Eddard replied, and the boy smiled. "Now, be good." he said, before walking out.

Rickon hopped off his bed, and put on his best clothing. He reached out for the dagger that was hanging on the wall which was given to him by Jon when he was five, he took it and stuffed it in his boots, concealing it from unwanted eyes. He donned his fur cloak last and stalked out of the room, avoiding the guards and guests alike, his direwolf pup obediently following his trail. He ran to the tower where Bran was supposed to fall from, he begin digging a large pit but was spotted by his brother, Robb. His blood froze when he heard his name being called, his heart pumped faster when the footsteps grew louder and louder. The world seemed to have stopped.

"Rickon. What in the seven hells are you doing?" Robb demanded, his hands on his hips.

Rickon looked at his older brother with a dangerous glare. "None of your business Robb." he growled.

"Are you hiding something from me?" Robb questioned, his eyes narrowing.

Rickon tossed the shovel aside, and climbed out of the pit. "You think I'm scared of you brother? I have faced far more worse than you can ever think of, I saw things that you may never see and I've lived through this bloody life once and had to do it again!" he exclaimed, approaching his brother despite being a few centimeters short. "I repeat myself Robb. I lived through this once...and I did it again to save the people I love." he spat, and covered the hole with soft hay and leaves, with a scoff and a scowl he stormed away. Channon gave a soft whimper before following it's master.

Robb took a few seconds to digest the words that his brother had thrown to him, but then decided that maybe he heard wrongly and slowly backed away from his little brother and headed towards the courtyard to watch the sparring between Joffrey and Jon. Unbeknownst to him, Bran sneaked past him and headed towards the exact same tower which he came from. Rickon was already long gone by then.

Bran climbed the tower like he did in Rickon's life before, and was pushed off the tower a short while later, Rickon watched as Bran landed on the hay which he had just placed. He stormed towards his brother and pulled him out of the pit. "Learned your lesson yet?" he asked, before turning his gaze to the window. "I bet there must be something nice up there, that's why you lost your footing." he said, and ran towards the tower. "I guess I'll go check it out." he declared, and before Bran could say anything, Rickon was already climbing up.

Rickon steadied his footing and tried to hold on to the gaps in between the stones. He reached out for the opening and hopped in the room, surprising the Kingslayer and the Queen. Like a wolf, he struck before they could react, he rushed forward, pulling out the dagger which he had hidden in his boots. In an instant, the Kingslayer was on his knees, blood gushing out of his wound. Rickon turned towards the Queen and sliced her throat, silencing her before she could scream. He turned his eyes towards Jaime Lannister, and gave the man a hard kick which made him fall to the ground. He lifted the Kingslayer up with ease, and tossed him out of the window, the same way as how he had pushed Bran.

Bran looked up in shock when he saw Jaime scream as he fell down, he shivered when the body touched the ground, he heard the bones snapping as blood begin to form on the ground. He approached the body of Jaime Lannister and saw that his legs had been sliced twice and was broken by the impact, he placed his hand on Jaime's wrist to check for any pulse but there was none. He jumped back in shock. "ROBB!" he screamed.

Rickon at once knew that he was in trouble. "Over there!" he heard a guard shout. He looked back and saw an enraged Robb giving chase, accompanying him was both Theon Greyjoy and Jon Snow. He ran towards the godswood, and hid himself behind a bush, Robb ran in and skidded to a halt at the heart tree.

"Find him!" Robb ordered, and the two men spread themselves up. Jon went to bush after bush, kicking and hacking the leaves away. Theon went to check every haystacks where Rickon could easily hide.

Rickon held his breath when he saw Jon towering over him, and shuddered when a sharp blade came piercing through the bush and landed right next to him. He felt something slither pass his leg, and he gave a loud yelp and that gave him away. Jon reached down and pulled him out of his hiding place.

"Let me go!" Rickon screamed.

"Take him to his chambers and keep him there...under guard." Robb ordered, two guards immediately went up to Rickon and seized him, each grabbing a hold of his arm. "Bind his hands if he tries to run. And gag him if he tries to talk himself out of trouble. My lord father will hear of his deeds. Take him away!"

The guards responded and hauled Rickon away. The boy turned to take a look at his eldest brother, Robb tossed his sword aside while Theon and Jon tried their best to calm him. Bran mouthed an apology when they walked passed him, both Arya and Sansa had a look of horror on their faces. And his mother, Catelyn Stark stormed towards the guards. "What in the seven hells are you doing to my son?" she questioned.

"Pardon me milady. But this is Lord Robb's command." the guard replied, and tried to turn his gaze away. "We discovered the bodies of both Jaime Lannister and Cersei Lannister in one of the towers, Lord Bran confirmed seeing Rickon enter and leave." he said, and Catelyn would have knocked her own head if not for the aid of Rodrick Cassel, whom managed to catch hold of her when she fainted.

Rickon was led to his own room and kept under lock and key. Two guards maintained their position outside, while another two were positioned inside, keeping watch on him. He sat on his bed as he waited for his father to return. Lord Eddard returned a short while later and was told of the incident that surrounded Rickon and the tower, Joffrey demanded for Rickon to be executed and King Robert was thrown into a confrontation where his friendship will battle with family. It made him so mad that he called for a trail, if proved guilty, Rickon will be executed. If not guilty, he'll be allowed to go free.

Bran was called in to testify against his brother. King Robert Baratheon sat on the throne in the center of the great hall, Eddard was on his right who was looking desperate and Joffrey on his left with an evil smug. Catelyn Stark, Rodrick Cassel, Robb and the rest were standing at the side watching the whole scene. Rickon was brought in a few minutes later, his hands were in binds and there were two members of the Kingsguard at his side.

"Did you see your brother push Jaime Lannister out of the tower's window?" the King asked.

Bran shuffled his feet nervously. "No...Your Grace." he replied.

"He lie!" Joffrey screamed and Robert pushed him back down.

"You will be quiet!" Robert scolded before turning to face Bran again. "And what were you doing at the tower?" he asked, leaning forward.

"I...I..was climbing." Bran replied softly. "I scaled the tower...and I saw..."

"Saw what?" Joffrey asked sarcastically.

"I...saw the Queen having...you know...the things that adults loved to do..." Bran said, and Robert nodded for him to continue. "The Kingslayer was there as well, he was the one who pushed me out of the window. If it wasn't for the patch of hay on the ground, I would have died or worse..." he added.

"That makes sense..." Eddard suddenly said. "Have you ever wondered why your children have gold hair instead of brown? Or that they all look like Cersei and Jaime.?"

"No..." Robert replied, and his eyes widened when his eyes sat upon Joffrey. "By the gods! It can't be..." he narrowed his eyes, it was true, he could see it much more clearer now. Joffrey had the looks of Jaime Lannister. "That woman!" he growled.

"Pardon?" Bran asked, confused.

"Not you..." Robert answered. "I should have beheaded her myself! It's lucky for her that your son sliced her throat, or else her head would make a fine addition to the Red Keep." he said, and he stood up. "I declare Rickon Stark not guilty of the crimes committed. You are to release him at once." he commanded. And with that, the Kingsguard removed the shackles and Rickon approached.

"Your Grace..." Rickon said, kneeling down.

Robert marched down the steps, and pulled the boy to his feet. "I'm not dead yet...you don't have to kneel. On your feet." he said. With a smile, he patted Rickon on the back. "Now, everything's cleared, and you're free to go." he added, before turning to Joffrey. "When we return to King's Landing, you will be stripped off your status as the Crown Prince, and your name will be changed to Joffrey Waters."

"Father...why?" Joffrey cried.

"I am not your father!" Robert bellowed. "Your father was Jaime Lannister. You are born of incest and therefore you are not of my blood. Your status as Crown Prince shall be handed over to Edric Storm. I will legitimize him so that he will be a Baratheon by blood." he stated. "All of you in this room are witness. Now, can someone take this brat away from my sight." he ordered, and two members of the Kingsguard dragged Joffrey away. "I need a drink! Someone get me wine!" he bellowed, breathing heavily as he sank back into his chair.

Robb approached Rickon and knelt down so that they were of the same height. "Rick...I want you to know that I am sorry for the way I treated you...perhaps I should have just talked to you and not be so rash and quick to judge." he said, looking Rickon in the eye.

Rickon scoffed. "No one stopped you..." he said, folding his arms. But then he smiled. "I would do the same thing if I were you." he added and Robb smiled back at him. "One more thing brother...when you make a promise to someone. Don't break it." he said, and Robb felt cold wind blowing his hair, sending chills down his spine as if the God of Death had walked passed him. Rickon smiled warmly at him and went out of the great hall, with Channon at his side.

The young Stark stood at the ramparts of the wall and watched the countryside, taking in the cool northern breeze while watching the sun rise over the horizon. He watched children playing in the fields and farmers feeding their animals, he sighed, he knew he had done his best but somehow he felt that it was not over. Tywin Lannister was bound to take his head if he finds out what happened to his daughter and son. But then, he caught a glimpse of a banner flying in the wind. He narrowed his eyes at the forest which was covered with early morning fog.

"Uncle..." he muttered.

Rickon stood to full height when he saw figures of horses and men appearing in the fog, slowly they were more visible. The laughter from the children stopped and animals ran, farmers dropped their tools and soon, all eyes were on the forest. Even the guards on the walls were in awe at the sight before them. More and more figures started to take shape, and Rickon realized that this wasn't just a small army from the Night's Watch, but they were the soldiers from his dreams. Banners were flying proudly in the wind. Rickon managed to recognize a few. The first was House Stark, followed closely by House Umber, then House Tully and House Baratheon, leading the majestic army were Benjen Stark, and Greatjon Umber.

Benjen Stark rode proudly into Winterfell. His brother, Eddard Stark with his family was there to greet him. He dismounted and walked over to his brother. They both stared at each other for a long time before embracing and patting each other on the back, when Benjen caught side of Rickon, he knelt down. "As promised...your army awaits..." he said. And several gasps could be heard.

"My...my army?" Rickon repeated.

"Aye." the Greatjon answered from his horse. "We have come to offer our allegiance to you..." he added and bowed his head. "For you, are the King in the North. You must fulfill your end of the bargain."

"Bargain?" Rickon asked, confused.

"I'm afraid that it was my fault." Benjen admitted. He rose to his feet. "Before I agreed to send you to the past, I made an agreement with King Loren Lannister. In return for his aid in convincing the God of Time, we are to help him take back what was rightfully his and expel Tywin Lannister from Casterly Rock." he explained, and Rickon felt faint.

"But...they're both related!" Rickon said out loud.

"Aye..." the Greatjon nodded his head. "But they are too far apart to be considered family. Loren hated the methods Tywin was using, and that's why he wants to be returned to Westeros, but the God of Time can only permit a few at a time. I am one of them, Edric Storm is another, he is currently leading our forces to storm Clegane's Keep and with hope kill the Mountain."

"Edric is a boy...of ten years."

"Not anymore." Benjen replied. "In order for him to lead our men. The God of Time boosted his age up a little bit, now he is a twenty year old man who looks a lot like Robert when he was younger. And, we were told that you would be given the boost as well, after you drink the contents from this vial." he said, and produced a small looking bottle from his belt.

"Will I be able to return to my child form after everything?"

"Aye. You will. Unless you die on the field, which I think not. You see, when you drink the potion, it not only accelerates your growth but also your skills in combat and wisdom, you will find yourself more smarter and powerful than you were before." Benjen answered. Rickon took the bottle.

"You may drink when you're ready." the Greatjon said.

Eddard placed his hand gently on Rickon's shoulder. "Our way is the old way." he whispered.

"A man must always keep his promise." Robb added, with a smirk.

"You cannot be serious!" Catelyn yelled at her husband. "You're allowing him to go!"

Rickon looked back at his family. "Mother..." he called, and Catelyn looked at him. "I am not the Rickon Stark that you all know...I've already told father of who am I and where did I come from. I have witnessed the deaths of countless of people that I loved and cared, even my own direwolf."

Benjen stepped forward. "Milady Stark. He has gone through tough times, every thing in his life was taken away from him at the mere age of five. First, my brother was executed for treason. Second, he was forced to hear the news of the Red Wedding which claimed your life and Robb's. Third, he watched as Winterfell burned with Bran and Maester Luwin inside, their screams still haunts him. Fourth, he was cut off from his sisters, Sansa who was a hostage at the hands of the Queen and Arya who went missing and was never heard from again." he said, and a look of horror crossed everyone's face.

"Fifth..." Benjen cast a look towards the Bastard of Winterfell. "He thought he could seek refuge with Jon Snow who was the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Jon agreed and let him stay but his men called him out. Rickon stayed in Jon's quarters and that was when he heard the sounds of Jon screaming in pain, he glanced out of the window and saw Jon being stabbed to death by his own men." he said softly and Jon nearly loss his balance. "And that was where he lost his caretaker, a wilding, that goes by the name of Osha and his direwolf, Shaggydog, both were outside when it happened."

"You forgot about Ghost." Rickon spoke up after a minute of silence. "I watched him as he fought against members of the Night's Watch, tearing them from head to limb. There was chaos all around Castle Black, several brothers fought in the name of the Lord Commander, the rest were fighting for the traitors. They clashed against each other, I was caught in the middle of it, it was until a man by the name of Pyp who saved my life by dragging me to the exit, he told me to run and don't look back. And that's exactly what I did...I ran...but...then I heard the sounds of a direwolf howling in pain, and I knew at once that Ghost was dead." he told his part.

"I...I...we didn't know." Bran said, hugging his brother.

"But it doesn't matter now..." Rickon replied, pulling apart from his brother. "Father's still alive, and everyone is still here, from Ghost to Grey Wind. But now...I have a bargain to fulfill." without another word, he drank from the vial. And a blinding flash of light engulfed around him, everyone shielded their eyes from the blast.

"By...the Old Gods..." Robb said in awe. Before them stood a twenty year old Rickon Stark, his features clearly looked like his father, he stood not in his noble clothing but was clad in armor from head to toe. A fur cloak dangled behind his back, even his direwolf changed shape, it grew larger than the rest and it's teeth sharp like swords.

Benjen smiled. "What is your command?" he asked.

Rickon looked up and gave him a smirk. "We ride." he said, his voice sounding deep that is send shivers down Eddard's spine. He turned towards Robb and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I will return soon. But if you don't hear from me, don't be scared." he said, using the exact same words he had overheard Robb used when he was talking to Bran. He clasped Jon's hand. "Till I return brother."

Rickon then mounted his horse. "Father...stop hiding behind lies and tell mother the truth. She deserves to know, and Jon deserves to be treated as a family member and not an outsider." he said, his eyes flashed dangerously. With a last nod to Jon, he turned his horse and rode out, with Benjen and the Greatjon following him. When he was out, a loud cheer could be heard and the chanting begin. "The King in the North!" echoed throughout the streets of Winterfell, and it would remain ringing in everyone's ears.

Meanwhile, Robert Baratheon woke up from his sleep after gorging down three barrels of wine, he looked around and when he saw no one, he fell back down on the throne, breaking the legs in the process.

"What was Rickon talking about father?" Robb asked, turning to look at Eddard.

Eddard looked at Robb and then at Jon. All of his children were throwing him inquisitive looks, even Catelyn herself. He sighed. "Jon is not my son." he admitted, he had been keeping this a secret ever since he promised his sister on hear death bed. "He is your cousin. My sister, Lyanna is his mother, she died giving birth to him." he said, and Catelyn fainted. "Robb, take her to the healer." he ordered, his son obeyed at once. He approached Jon. "Your father is..."