A Song of Ice, Fire & the Dead
Chapter 15: When It Rains, It Pours
The moon shone brightly in the night sky like a gleaming silver coin when Aegon took over his watch. Rei watched as the Valyrian laboriously lifted himself onto the waist high platform.
"Aegon, there are plenty of us to cover shifts. Why not use this time to rest and heal?"
Aegon smiled at Rei and replied, "I'm using the time to unwind a bit and the fresh air does me some good." He looked up into the night for a moment and said, "Besides, my shoulder is killing me. The painkillers aren't really doing much for me."
Rei pursed her lips obviously in disagreement with Aegon's decision to stay up, but she decided to reaffirm her offer. "Whatever you say, Aegon. Just know that are those of us here who won't think less of you if you decide to ask for their help," she said before heading back inside the building leaving Aegon alone with his thoughts.
…
Saya woke with a start; the surroundings looked desolate and unfamiliar in her barely conscious state. As she rubbed her eyes and slipped on her glasses, adjusting to the dimness of the garage, Saya remembered she had fallen asleep beside the Humvee rather than inside it. Yawning quietly and stretching, Saya then stood to her feet. Saya then decided to see if Aegon was still outside keeping watch.
Treading her way quietly through the garage, Saya tread softly up the stairs and put her hand to the latch and slowly opened a little. "Aegon?" she called out softly.
"Saya?" came the response to which Saya opened the door up further and saw Aegon sitting on the ledge, his back leaning against the concrete pillar. "What brings you out here?" the Valyrian asked as he looked down at Saya.
"I came to see how you were doing," Saya replied as she lifted herself up onto the platform and leant against the railing so that she was facing Aegon. "When I was told that you had offered to stay up & cover all the night shifts, I was worried."
"Well, I figured I could enough rest later," Aegon said as he adjusted himself in his seat. "So, I take it you're here to take up my offer?" he asked.
"What offer are you referring to?" Saya feigned confusion.
"Well, my offer to teach you how to defend yourself," Aegon replied. "I know that I won't always be there to protect you, so the least I could do is make sure that you'll be able to look after yourself if you're ever separated from the group or if you're in a situation where you need to defend yourself," he said.
Saya blushed red and looked away. "What makes you think I want to learn from you of all people?"
"As I just said, I won't be around to look after you forever and I can't protect you all the time, so I'd like to offer you some lessons on how to defend yourself," Aegon said calmly.
"Don't be stupid. You're not going anywhere!" Saya said before she sighed and added, "Fine. But not a word to anyone else! I don't want to be embarrassed if anyone finds out!" 'And I don't want Saeko breathing down my neck any more than she already is,' she privately thought.
"Good. We'll start tomorrow morning after third shift," Aegon said with a smile.
The door then opened again and Ciri stood in the doorway. "Morning you two," the Witcheress greeted chipperly. "I was only expecting Aegon out here, but you Saya are a surprise," she said. "What are you doing out there?" she asked the pink-haired teenager.
"Saya just came to keep my company," Aegon quickly answered before Saya could say a word. "You're welcome to join us, Lady Ciri," he offered.
"Thanks. I was getting a little bored just lying there in the Humvee waiting for everyone else to wake up," Ciri replied as she hauled herself up onto the ledge and sat near Aegon and Saya. "And it's just Ciri please," she then said to Aegon.
"I'm simply being respectful towards you, Lady Ciri," Aegon explained.
"Well, I appreciate it, but I'd like to be a little more informal with my friends," Ciri said.
"Of course, if that is what you wish," Aegon said diplomatically.
"So, besides Aegon's lovely company, what brought you out here, Saya?" Ciri then asked Saya.
"I woke up a few minutes before you did and I didn't like laying there in the dark, so I'd come and get some fresh air," Saya replied quietly.
"A bit of fresh air is nice," Ciri agreed. "And Aegon is lovely company to be around," she said with an amused smile.
"Indeed, and Saya is good for an intelligent conversation," Aegon said.
"Are you trying to flatter me?" Saya asked Aegon who smiled and shrugged noncommittally. Saya grunted in disappointment before she stood to her feet and said, "I'm going back inside. Would you keep an eye on him, Ciri?" she asked the Witcheress. "Aegon's too important to us all," she added.
"He won't get far with me around," Ciri said with a smile as Aegon gave a brief chuckle as Saya headed back inside. Ciri then looked at Aegon and asked him, "So, what do you think?"
"What do I think of what?" Aegon asked in a perplexed voice.
"What do you think of Saya? It's obvious she has a crush on you," Ciri pointed out.
"Ah, yes…" Aegon mumbled. "Well, truth be told, Saya is quite attractive in her own way and once you get her to warm up to you, she can be rather sweet," he said quietly.
"But you're not sure how you feel about her," Ciri stated instead of asking.
"Aye. I am attracted to Saya, but I also have feelings for Saeko," Aegon replied. "If I had met Saya instead of Saeko first, would it be her in Saeko's place? So many ifs," he said.
Ciri smiled gently at Aegon and said to him, "Well, I'm not the greatest expert on love and romance, but I suppose the best advice I can give to you is to let your actions lead and your heart will follow."
"I suppose I could do that, Ciri," Aegon said with a nod of his head. "I just hope that I don't end hurting either of them," he added sombrely.
"Well, as I heard a king once say, 'I'll take both'," Ciri said cheekily.
Aegon gave a snort and said, "'I'll take both'? I'm not sure either Saya or Saeko would agree to such a thing. Besides, I'd rather not be known as a Second Unworthy."
"Second Unworthy?" Ciri repeated.
"Ah right, I forgot. Well, long before I was born, there was a king in my land named Aegon IV the Unworthy and believe me, he earned the title," Aegon said. "In his youth, he was praised for his wit and charm, but he was a womaniser to the highest degree; no woman was off limits for him. Field wench, noble lady, or common whore, if they had a pretty enough face and figure, he'd bed them and sire bastards on them."
"Sounds like a charming fellow," Ciri said sarcastically.
"Indeed, he greatly misruled Westeros and sired scores upon scores of bastards," Aegon confirmed. "His chief opponent lay in the form of his lawful son, Daeron II also known as the Good. The Unworthy reportedly spread rumours that Daeron was not his actual son and granted his bastard son Prince Daemon Waters the sword Blackfyre." Aegon then held out the very sword he mentioned. Ciri's eyes took note of the details of the Valyrian blade Aegon held in his hands.
"May I?" Ciri asked and Aegon offered the sword to her. Ciri carefully examined the weapon and said, "This is a good sword. Very much like a Witcher's steel sword." She then partially unsheathed the sword to reveal the darky and smoky blade. "Remarkable craftsmanship. How did your family come by this?"
"It was forged in the Valyrian Freehold at the height of its power, but the secret to forging Valyrian steel was lost in the Doom. Now, only a few hundred Valyrian steel blades exist today," Aegon said. "This sword was wielded by my ancestor, Aegon I the Conqueror when he began his conquest of Westeros and became Lord of the Seven Kingdoms," he added.
"Looks to be very well-made," Ciri said as she sheathed the sword. "I daresay only a Witcher's sword could compare," she added.
Aegon nodded before continuing his story. "When the Unworthy bequeathed Blackfyre to Daemon, many martial lords and lickspittles claimed that it was Daemon who was meant to rule instead of his lawful thus laying the first seed of a rebellion that would soon follow," he said. "On his deathbed, Aegon IV lay the greatest seed of misrule by legitimising all his bastards, both Great and lowborn. When his lawful son Daeron began to process of many reforms, those who had grown fat and rich off his father's excesses were discontent and persuaded Daemon who had by then taken the name Blackfyre for his own house to rebel and thus began five generations of rebellions."
"Sounds like quite a long and bloody history," Ciri remarked. "So, does possession of that sword make you a Blackfyre?" she asked.
Aegon blinked and said, "What makes you think that?"
"Well, you said that Daemon Blackfyre was given that sword and presumably he would've passed it onto his sons and their sons and so on," Ciri said. "So, it makes me curious if you are a Blackfyre," she added.
"I can't be a Blackfyre," Aegon protested. "I am the son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen the Last Dragon and Princess Elia Martell of Dorne," he said more to himself than to Ciri.
"Are you sure about that?" Ciri asked him seriously.
"I… I don't know," Aegon admitted. "All my life I was told that I was my father's son. I was raised and taught to one day take back the Iron Throne and rule Westeros. How could I be a Blackfyre?"
Ciri hummed in thought before saying, "Well, it might be something to ask when you find your way back home," she said to him. "If only for closure and peace of mind," she added.
Aegon nodded as the sun began to rise over the horizon. Ciri had brought up an interesting question; was he really a Targaryen, or was he a Blackfyre? All his life he had been told and believed that he was the son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Princess Elia Martell. But what if he wasn't who he said or thought he was?
Aegon was not sure if he would like to know the answer lest it be one that would upset him. And if it were the answer he dreaded, he could only wonder who knew of the truth. Only two people came to mind who would know the answer to the question Ciri had brought up; Varys the Spider and Illyrio Mopatis who had both claimed to have smuggled Aegon as a baby out of Kings Landing and raised him for the task of kingship. If anyone knew the answer to the question of his parentage, it would be them.
Sighing to himself, Aegon decided to head back inside with Ciri in tow; the question could wait for the day he would find his way back home.
…
With the sun fully in the sky and everyone had broken their fast, Takashi pulled Aegon aside to discuss the plans for the day.
"Aegon, with the note we found, we may be able to meet up with our families. If you're not fully able, I underst-"
"I am more than able to go on this mission, Takashi," Aegon said cutting Takashi off firmly but not unkindly. "My shoulder is in good enough shape, and my ribs will heal naturally. The more I move around, the less atrophy I'll end up with."
Takashi nodded, feeling a little intimidated by the older boy and the firm tone of voice almost made him step back. "Of course, Aegon. I meant no disrespect. I simply wanted you to know that we won't hold it against you. We definitely appreciate you being there with us," he said.
"Thank you, Takashi. I understand."
Takashi nodded at this. "Good. Let's get everyone together and organise a plan."
Everyone gathered around in a semi-circle with Takashi sitting in front of them. "Alright everyone, I know we've been a little side-tracked with some things and Aegon's injuries in protecting one of our own did set us back a little," he began and Saya squirmed a little at the mention of Aegon's injury in protecting. Aegon noticed Saya discomfort and sent her a warm smile; this action did not go unnoticed by Saya who smiled awkwardly back, a blush creeping up on her cheeks.
"We learnt yesterday that Rei's father and my mother were in fact at the school, but due to Them they were forced to evacuate," Takashi then said. "But we have learnt the possible whereabouts of our parents," he added.
"So, where is that your parents are staying?" Aegon asked as he focussed his gaze on Takashi.
"Thanks to a note Rei's father left, we've learnt of a shelter at the edge of the city where survivors are gathering," Takashi replied. "It should only take us a day or so to get there, and we may be able to reunite with our families," he said.
"But how do we know that the survivors will be receptive to us?" Saeko asked. "We saw what happened the last time we integrated with a larger group," she pointed out.
"Saeko is right," Saya then said. "Look at what happened at my parents' home; they treated us like imbeciles and we weren't allowed to be our own charges. If it weren't for Fatty, we'd be without our weapons at this point."
"We can't just assume that every other survivor group out there will be all the same," Takashi stated. "But you do bring up good points," he said approvingly. "So, that's why a few of us should go to the shelter and assess the situation before making any decisions of whether we should join them or not," he proposed.
Just as Takashi prepared to say more, a great crack of thunder interrupted followed by an almost blinding flash of lightning in the sky then came the heavy sounds of rain. The sound of rain beating against the garage was almost deafening. With a gesture from Takashi, everyone climbed into the Humvee as more thunder rumbled overhead. Aegon sat in the back seat with Saeko beside. Alice then chose to sit on Aegon's lap which made him tense up a little although Alice did not notice his discomfort.
Rei however noticed and spoke to Alice, her voice barely audible in the truck even with the soundproof walls. "Alice? Would you mind sitting with me? I don't like thunderstorms." Alice looked up at Aegon who nodded and the young girl then climbed into the front seat and sat in Rei's lap.
"A little rain isn't going to stop us," Takashi then said confidently before Ciri left the car suddenly. Takashi watched the Witcheress go, a little confused as to why before he continued. "Like I said, we'll assess the situation at the shelter before we make any decisions to-"
Ciri opened the door where Takashi was sitting, holding out a canteen. "Smell this," she ordered Takashi who took a sniff before breaking out into a coughing fit. "It's acid rain. Whether it's from the HANE, or something else, I don't. But what I do know is that we can't stay out in it forever without knowing's it's cause," she said.
"But… we're so close! We might have a chance at finding our parents," Takashi said dejectedly.
"So you don't take everyone," Aegon spoke up from his spot. "Take only the people you need for some light reconnaissance then come back here. So, you, me, Kohta and Lady Shizuka should scout out the shelter," he said.
Saeko shook her head and said, "You're too injured, Aegon. And you just said it's not a manpower heavy mission!"
"Saeko's right, Aegon," Rei swiftly agreed. "You should take this day to rest after you stayed up covering everyone's shifts last night," she said and it was followed by some murmurs of agreement from the others.
Aegon looked around and saw that everyone was not going to budge on the issue before he reluctantly said, "Very well, I shall take this day to rest, but the next time I'll be going and I won't hear any word against it."
"I'll go get my stuff together!" Shizuka then said brightly before she left the Humvee and everyone then started to leave the Humvee one by one. When Aegon prepared to exit the car, Saeko grabbed him by the arm stopping him. Aegon looked at Saeko questioningly.
"Saeko?"
"Why do you push yourself so?" Saeko asked him as she looked up at him, a worried and concerned expression on her face, her blue eyes shining with emotion. "I know you feel a need to be out there doing something to contribute, but if you don't take even a moment to rest, it'll kill you!" she said, her voice shaking with suppressed emotion.
Aegon stared at her for a long moment before a grin broke out across his face. "You just want me to stay here with you, don't you?" he teased.
"I'm serious!" Saeko swatted him on his uninjured shoulder. "You promised you would fight for me! And you can't do that if you end getting killed! I don't want to lose you!"
Aegon suddenly pulled Saeko onto his lap and pressed his lips to hers in a firm kiss. Saeko tensed up but then relaxed, sighing in relief for having Aegon alone to herself in what felt like forever. Aegon threaded his fingers through Saeko's silken hair eliciting a quiet moan from her. Saeko deepened the kiss as she wrapped her arms around Aegon's neck and Aegon placed his hands on her posterior, his fingers digging into her backside a little.
After the need for oxygen became too great to ignore, Saeko broke off the kiss and rested her forehead against Aegon's. The two of them panted hard, looking into each other's eyes, their breath mingling.
There was obviously a connection between them as Saeko looked into Aegon's eyes once more before leaving the car.
'But what kind of connection?'
…
"I'm not lost! I just… don't know where I am!" Shizuka protested as she turned the steering wheel of the car making the vehicle turn down another street.
Kohta gave an exasperated sigh and said to the nurse, "That's the exact definition of being lost: not knowing where you are!"
"It's okay, Hirano," Takashi reassured the marksman. "The shelter shouldn't be too far away, we're getting close to the edge of the city after all," he said.
Kohta nodded before settling in his seat; he hoped that this reconnaissance mission would not take too long and that he could get back to Asami as soon as possible. He genuinely enjoyed the policewoman's company and their conversations really brought up his spirits. Especially with Saya rebuking him time and again.
Takashi then spoke, "The shelter should be just up ahead," he said as he read the note again. "Maybe we should backtrack and-"
"Turn right!" Kohta shouted and Shizuka turned the Humvee down a street. Suddenly the Humvee was illuminated by large floodlights as they drove towards a large wire fence with barbed wire lining the top. A pair of men wearing military fatigues waved them over to a make shift gate consisting of large cement blocks.
"Welcome to New Haven. We don't have much, but we'll do our best to find you a dry bed," said one of the guards. "Just don't cause any trouble. We don't have the resources for that, and we'd have to ask you to leave." The gates were then opened allowing the Humvee to drive through.
…
"Are you sure you're up for this, Aegon?" Rei asked as she spun a makeshift staff, parrying a jab from Aegon's own. "I mean, your ribs have barely had any time to-" Aegon suddenly shifted and tripped Rei up with his staff causing to fall onto her backside.
"You cheated!"
Aegon gave a laugh before helping Rei to her feet. "One thing I was taught was that a real fight is all about cheating, Lady Rei," he said. "You can't expect everyone to follow the same rules you do," he added.
"I thought your injuries were still hurting you," Rei grumbled as she rubbed her sore buttocks. "I didn't to accidentally injure you any further," she then said.
"They hurt plenty, Lady Rei, but what good does it do me if I give in to such pain?" Aegon asked. "You're not taking our sparring seriously, and that's what allowed to gain the advantage over you. I know you can fight more seriously and I know you can beat me. But the question is: are you willing?"
Rei's eyes sparkled: she loved a challenge. "Put your money where your mouth is, Aegon! I'll bet you a week of desserts I can beat you this time!" she wagered.
"Come then, Lady Rei, show me what you're made of," Aegon replied accepting Rei's wager.
Saya sat back and watched as Rei and Aegon traded blows with their staffs; if anything, this was at least enjoyable to watch. Saeko and Ciri sat nearby and watched as well. Saeko kept a close eye on Rei and for some reason the pangs of jealously were not as strong around Rei as they were with Saya. Touching her lips with her fingers, Saeko sighed softly and closed her eyes in reminiscence. 'Oh Egg, what I wouldn't give for another night just the two of us…'
"Aegon appears to be well-trained," Ciri commented causing Saeko to look at her and she said, "Indeed. Aegon told me that he had been trained for knighthood where he was from."
"Well, Aegon's no Witcher, but he has the makings of one. Just needs to develop his footwork a little more," Ciri said as she watched Aegon with an analytical eye.
"Truly? I don't see much wrong with Aegon's footwork," Saeko said, watching Aegon's footwork.
"That's because you don't have a Witcher's training, Saeko," Ciri replied. "Back at Kaer Morhen, I was taught how to dance before learning swordsmanship. May seem odd, but dancing can teach you your body's movements and where to step which is instrumental in as fight. Bad footing has been the end of many warriors," she said knowingly.
"Indeed," Saeko said nodding her head. "Perhaps you might be willing to teach me how a Witcher fights, and Aegon as well?" she asked.
"Well, if I stick around long enough, I may just teach you how," Ciri said with a smile.
Rei spun her staff in fast circles, striking at Aegon; he was presenting a solid defence and utilised his superior size and strength to push her back but she was much faster with this style of weapon. Then Rei swung her staff at Aegon's side and he wasn't able to block in time and her staff whacked Aegon's ribs. Aegon gasped as pain lanced through and his face went pale. For a moment, Rei made to pull back and allow her opponent to recover, but she knew she would not get another chance like this so she slapped Aegon's staff out of his hands and swept him off his feet. Planting her feet to either side of Aegon's midriff, she pointed the tip of her staff down at his face.
"Got you!" Adrenaline and elation was running through Rei's veins as she breathed her as she celebrated her victory. Aegon stared up at Rei; her legs were trembling and his gaze stopped around her hips. Suddenly arching his hips up, Aegon grabbed Rei's waist with his legs and with a twist, he sent Rei falling to the ground, grabbing her staff, holding it against her, spreading and pinning her legs apart and his face close to hers.
"Got you," Aegon whispered to her. Saya gave a gasp as she looked at the almost intimate position and she felt a traitorous warmth overcome her; 'That does not look like sparring,' she thought to herself and memories of her… dream about Aegon began to dance through her mind once more and her blush deepened.
Saeko too saw what happened and she suddenly no longer felt a minor pang of jealously around Rei. Ciri for her part gave a loud laugh.
"Aegon?" Rei stuttered out as she saw how close Aegon's face was to hers.
Aegon rolled off Rei and panted hard; his little trick had taxed him beyond his expectations but he said to Rei, "You did well with your attack and follow up, but you still got careless."
"Right…" Rei mumbled, her skin feeling a little hot and the cold concrete cooled her down a little. "Where did you learn that trick?" she asked as she sat up to look at Aegon.
"One of my teachers taught it to me before I came here," Aegon replied to her as he sat up as well.
"I'm dessert-less for a while, but at least I'll be able to maintain my figure," Rei giggled and Aegon gave a chuckle. He looked up at saw a pair of steely blue eyes bearing down on him. "Saeko, care to join us? There's plenty of room," he offered.
Saeko set her lips in a firm line before she looked at Rei and said, "Miyamoto, your skirt."
Rei looked down and blushed; her skirt had ridden up to her waist. "Oh! Thank you, Saeko!" Rei then fixed her skirt before standing to her feet and said, "I'm going to go outside for a little bit. I'll stay under cover but I need some fresh air. Saya, come with me! I'd like to talk to you for a little while."
Saya grumbled as she pulled herself to sitting position and followed Rei outside; she had just gotten comfortable but she didn't want to doze and struggle to sleep later. Alice tottered along after them. Ciri then looked at Saeko and Aegon and said, "I could do with some fresh air as well. You two look like you could use some time along." The Witcheress smiled slyly as she left the garage leaving Aegon and Saeko alone with each other.
Saeko walked over to kneel beside Aegon. "That was quite a display there, Egg," she said softly.
Aegon smiled and said, "You like that, did you? If you want, I can show you how to-"
"Don't be cute. I can't be mad at you if you're being cute," Saeko cut him off with a glare.
A shit-eating grin was on Aegon's lips as he sat up higher and replied, "Then don't be mad at me." His grin grew wider when he heard Saeko give an irritated sigh.
"Do you enjoy riling me up?" she asked. "I swear you put yourself in any kind of situation just to have me react!" she complained.
Aegon shrugged and said, "As much as I find the stoic thing attractive, I do enjoy seeing your softer side." He suddenly shifted towards Saeko, rolling her onto her back, pinning her legs apart like he had with Rei and his forearms resting on either side of her. Saeko gave a gasp as she felt her body heat up as Aegon whispered, "Is this better?" he asked her.
Giving a needy sound, Saeko said to him, "But the others?" Aegon then pressed his lips to Saeko's and his hand moved to lift up her skirt. Not needing any more incentive than that, Saeko kissed her lover and started to undo his jeans.
Rei had picked a good time to have a girl talk with Saya.
…
TO BE CONTINUED…
A/N: There! The fifteenth chapter of this story done and dusted! We're getting close to the crossover arcs now; the next chapter may very well be when the group travels to another world. Still deciding which world it will be, possibly the Witcher world first but we'll see how that goes.
Anyways, not much more to say, so I'll just leave this here and I'll see you all in the next one.
Be kind to one another,
Angry lil' elf.