Yo.
So I'm back again.
(Prepares for the infinite flames that are to come)
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Game of Thrones
Chapter 26: A Time for Dying
Naruto stared aimlessly, finding them cowering beneath his power. The hundred were brutally slaughtered by twenty. The prince lifted his helm and wiped the blood from his blade. He held his smirk when he caught sight of Lord Randyll glaring at him from a distance. The prince made sure that the Lord knew what was coming for him. He released a powerful roar, reminiscent of a lion protecting its pride. Silent orders were quickly given. His clones dispersed, shooting off through the hills disappearing almost instantly. But that was his clones' job; all Naruto cared about was the Lord of House Tarly himself.
"I'm coming for you, Lord Randyll Tarly!" Naruto bellowed.
Lord Tarly pulled at his reins, calming his terrified warhorse. Without a crack in his voice, the Lord of War released a desperate bellow. "Kill him; kill him now!"
Order or not, there was nothing the Reachmen could do. Naruto rushed at the rebel troops, bringing his blade around. Chakra flowed through his body; a quick swing later, he'd beheaded a Tarly retainer with ease. Power roared through his body; he jumped ahead bringing his sword about. He was too quick, digging the edge into the steel pauldrons of another retainer, eliciting the most ear-splitting screech he'd heard in his life. With the crying man, Naruto found that his sword was lodged deep in his shoulder and armor. He grunted, eyes widening with fear when Reachmen inched closer.
NO! Naruto bashed his head into the retainer's face, freeing his sword and creating a small pocket of space. Wanting to waste no time, the boy shot ahead, digging his sword into the retainer's gut. Naruto. A glaive man is about to take you from behind.
He growled at the information. Releasing the handle from his vice-like grip, the prince somersaulted away, leaving him not only surrounded on all sides, but unarmed. "Shit." No questions or choices left, the boy drew his dagger, ready to keep his opponents at bay. Maybe this was a bad idea. Naruto stood straight, weapon barred and arms in stance. No matter the opposition, he was going to keep fighting. The glaive men lunged for him, leaving almost no space to escape. Over and over, they poked at him, trying to box him in. If this was their plan, they're doing a damn good job at it.
Kakashi! Naruto shouted in his mindscape. Give me an idea, damn it!
"Hold on, Naruto." Kakashi tapped his head.
I don't have time! Naruto roared. You know what, Fuck it!
The boy channeled his chakra, building it around him like a sphere, scaring a few of the Reachmen. Naruto continued channeling his chakra, sending terror into the ranks of men surround him. One though, thought it wise to attack him from behind, but Naruto saw right though his plan. The boy, with a speed unmatched by these heavily armored footmen, kicked the man's face, practically sending him flying. The Reachmen hollered and backed away, one by one trying to get a hit on the glowing prince. No matter, he was going to show them his real power.
"Enough of this!" One of the Retainers shouted. "Kill him now!"
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
Smoke shot in all directions once more, covering the Baratheon from sight. The Reachmen halted their assault, horrified of what was to come. They'd all heard the stories of how he'd managed to slaughter an entire regiment on his own. They'd heard the stories of how he was a monster, a demon incarnated in human form. They didn't believe it; perhaps they were fools to not believe it. A series of guttural splashes were heard, echoing in the retainer's ears. With each passing moment, collapsing bodies rung, beating against his eardrums. He could hear his men dying, but he couldn't tell how to stop him. This smoke came from nowhere, effectively blinding him.
"Die."
From the smoke rushed the prince himself, sword drawn and shield wielded. Smoke traveled alongside him, leaving what seemed like nine tails in his wake. The prince ducked beneath a Reachman's halberd. With acrobatics unseen before, he flipped mid-air, ramming his foot into the face of the soldier, breaking his stance. Naruto, almost as if possessed, moved with a masterful skill, lodging his sword into the man's torso, tearing it through his back. A kick later, the corpse flew from his slaked blade. He was going to kill anyone who got in his way.
Naruto sheathed his sword, gaining a few confused and frightened looks from his opponents. In the back of his mind he could hear Sasuke screaming for him to stop and think. Naruto knew that Sasuke was simply looking out for him, but he didn't care. He had a battle to win and people to protect. Throwing his hands into a cross hand-seal, the boy channeled his chakra, revealing to all his true power. An explosion later, at least eighty clones appeared to replace those already dispelled. One by one, they drew their swords and shields. One by one, they stepped from their individual clouds of smoke. And one by one, they chose their targets.
Those in Tarly's army were terrified beyond belief. This wasn't what they were trained to fight! They weren't trained to fight a demon! They backed away with each step Naruto took towards them. With his helmet covering his face from view, Naruto smirked maliciously, unknowingly bringing out a side to him that he didn't know existed. Naruto blitzed forward, hurling his knives and sword towards his enemies. He was too fast for any of them to catch. But that didn't matter, he had a man to kill and an army to disperse.
A spearman swung for his neck; nearly succeeding even. He dropped to his knees and slid against the dirt and mud. Kicking up grass in his wake, the spearman was immediately put in a bind. Naruto shot forward, grabbing the spear from the man's hands and shoving the blade into his guts. With a quick flick of his arms, the corpse was thrown free from the spearhead. A quick twirl later, Naruto managed to catch and block at least ten arrows just as it came to a full circle. He smirked darkly, knowing that he'd caught Lord Randyll Tarly off guard.
Naruto. Sasuke's voice echoed in his head. I can see a team of retainers rushing at you from the rear.
No problem, Sasuke. Naruto growled as he twirled his spear once more.
Just as Sasuke said, the retainers appeared, galloping to his position, spear and sword wielded. Naruto couldn't let them get too close, or else it was game over. Naruto shot his arm forward, hurling his spear through the air. The foolish retainers were too cocky; one was impaled like a stuck salmon. Naruto jumped forward, fists clenched and power radiating within him. He was going to show these bastards who he is. He was going to show all of Westeros who he is. The retainer grew closer with each second, his sword ready to swing for his throat. Naruto kept his ground, channeling power into his forearms.
"Take this!" Just as the sword swung, Naruto bashed his steel bracers against the edge of the sword.
Gasps were heard, sucking the wind and air from lungs of battle. The sword shattered into dust with the tip of the blade shooting off into the throat of a Reachman levy. But before the retainer could ride off, the prince shot his arm back, pulling the man from his mount, forcing him to the murky mud below. He fought back, punching Naruto's jaw with all his power. But there seemed to be no affect, the Baratheon prince was still terrifying. Naruto laughed, grabbing the retainer by the face, twisting with a vicious crack being left in his wake. He smirked when the corpse hit the dirt, splashing in the mud.
Reaching down, Naruto realized he needed a sword from the dirt. He took a deep sundering breath. "I'm going to split your skull open, Lord Randyll!"
A terrified horse rushed past him; but he caught the horse's reins, pulling up into the saddle. His clones were doing well distracting the rest of Randyll's forces. Slamming the spurs of the footrests into the horse. He twirled his sword, knocking arrows from the air, keeping his body unscathed. Luckily for him, Lord Randyll wasn't afraid and rather self-absorbed. From what Naruto could see, Randyll knew he had the advantage in every possible way.
The smile only continued to grow on Naruto's face. Lord Randyll was going to make a gamble by charging straight for him. This was the foolish gamble the Baratheon was hoping the proud man would make. Meeting him in open combat is the worst thing the Tarly could do.
Naruto! Kakashi's voice sounded within. Throw your palms onto the ground!
Without a question, the Baratheon slammed his palms onto the dirt. Immediately, men and horses were covered in smoke. Randyll froze in his steps, pulling his reins to a stop. Heartsbane was wielded tightly, his eyes watching the growing plume of smoke. Never had he seen such a thing in all his years of warfare. Retainers and mounted men-at-arms rode up to meet him, ten in total. Each one worried and rather terrified of what other tricks the Baratheon had in store.
Lord Randyll gave his men a silent look. Infantry began to build behind him, forming their spears and shields for a charge. Orders were roared over the battle ambiance and he threw his arm forward, signaling the charge. While the cavalry stayed in the rear. Randyll's heart raced, the smoke only continued to grow.
"My Lord, is it wise to attack the Prince when he has the advantage of shade?" One of his retainers asked.
"No…it isn't." Randyll glared and spat. For a few minutes he waited. Something was not right.
Suddenly, lightning exploded from the massive smoke cloud, jumping from armor-clad levy, to armor-clad levy. Their armor only served to fuel the electricity. Their bodies writhed as their screams tore their throats asunder. One by one, Lord Randyll watched almost fifty men die before his eyes. But just as Naruto felt that he was making real damage, the lightning fizzed and disappeared, leaving him in the cover of smoke. He took a deep breath, rising to his feet. He twirled the arming sword in his hands, tossing the handle back and forth between.
I can hear you coming.
From the smoke came a horse, dressed in heavy plate armor, speeding at him. Naruto narrowed his eyes catching the silhouette of a couched spear. Following the rest of the silhouette, the Prince came to find that this was none other than Lord Randyll Tarly himself. Oh Naruto knew that the battle had finally reached a climax. After all, the Tarly had Heartsbane. A Valyrian steel greatsword; a weapon that his house, House Lannister, had been wanting again for so many centuries. He stayed still, arms barred, chakra speeding up to his forearms.
"Come on!"
The spear came up to meet the Prince. Naruto rammed his forearms through the wooden shaft, splitting the spear into thirds. In a lightning motion, the Baratheon grabbed the spearhead, twirling the blade in his palms. Naruto dropped to his knee, jamming the blade into the horse's body, only to find that the plate armor did its job. For once.
He bent back, dodging the Tarly's massive boot. He could hear the man galloping away, rearing up for another charge back at him. Naruto watched worriedly, catching sight of Heartsbane being released from her sheath.
The beautiful Valyrian steel blade glinted in the dull light of the sun above. Naruto was certain that the Lord was aggravated by him now. It didn't matter; Naruto was going to stick Heartsbane in her master's gullet. Yes, Naruto was going to take Heartsbane for his own; he told himself that over and over again. The horse spun around, kicking mud in its wake, turning Lord Tarly back to face the Baratheon Prince.
"You're proving to be more of a pest than I predicted." Lord Tarly was stern. "But, like all pests, you will be destroyed."
He slapped the reins once, sending his steed forward with a fire unseen. Naruto watched him carefully, picking the spearhead from the ground below. Twirling the spearhead around in his palm, Naruto narrowed his eyes at the incoming Reach Lord. With a quick hurl, the spearhead shot forward, digging into the chest of the Lord, sending him flying from his mount. Naruto rushed ahead, jumping with chakra radiating off of his legs. He landed, digging his foot into the man's stomach. Naruto didn't spare him another thought and jammed his sword into the Lord's chest.
The light left his eyes as his pupils dilated. The moment his final breath came free, Naruto knew what to do. He left his bastard sword in the man's chest and turned to the beautiful bastard sword Heartsbane. The Baratheon prince reached down, lifting the blade to examine the different patterns with awe and adoration. It's light. No heavier than an arming sword. He swung the blade, cutting through the wind and smoke, his heart racing at how smooth the blade moved.
Suddenly, the boy collapsed to the dirt, energy spiraling around him, channeling into the sword itself. Heartsbane exploded in dim blue light; light that only he could see. Wisps of chakra flowed around the blade, dancing in all directions. He growled, wrapping both hands around the handle of the sword trying to calm the energy coming from within. His lungs tightened and his heart nearly stopped. He felt pressure holding him down.
Just as the pain came to a peak, the pain disappeared.
The pressure disappeared.
The chakra disappeared.
All that remained were the faint voices whispering in the empty void his mind had become.
"Naruto."
"I'll name him…Naruto…"
"It's soothing." Sansa whispered, watching the waves crash against the rocky beach. "I…I wonder if we'll ever get out."
"Don't worry." Arya sighed, resting her palm against Nymeria's ear. "I like it here."
Sansa's eyes went wide. "I never thought the words would come from your mouth."
"You'd be surprised Sansa." Arya gave her a sly smirk. "Do…do you think they're safe?"
"Who?" Sansa gave Arya a raised brow.
"Everyone…" Arya rested her elbows against the window sill. "Robb, Mother, Rickon, Bran…Naruto."
Sansa stayed silent. "Fuck him."
"Sansa?" Arya was flabbergasted. "What?"
"You heard me." Sansa glared, biting her lip. "Naruto is a traitor and a liar…"
"Shut up, Sansa." Arya nearly roared. "You know as well as I that there was nothing he could do!"
Sansa looked away, turning her back to her sister. "He could have done something…you saw his power, you saw his strength! He could have saved our father!"
"No he couldn't." Arya growled. "You can keep thinking that way, but at least know that you're wrong! Naruto is doing everything he can to help us, to keep us safe."
"He is?!" Sansa turned back around, tears spilling down her cheeks. "He is?! I will have to give my maidenhead to Joffrey, of all the people in Westeros, when I have my blood; I went to him for marriage when I realized that Naruto couldn't keep us safe! I am giving everything to keep us safe, not HIM!"
"I thought Joffrey forced you to…" Arya's jaw dropped.
"No." Sansa croaked. "I had to Arya. For you and for Bran…"
"Sansa child, Arya child…come." Syrio Forel's voice echoed from the doorway. "It is time for the next session."
Color slowly came to him, filling his irides with a dull scene. Raging fires of battle had disappeared replaced with stable campfires. He tried to fight free, but his arms were bound by irons and chains. Next to the Baratheon sat Bran and his sister Mya, bruised cheek and imprisoned. In front of Naruto sat Jalabhar, Gendry and Mayra, both were in the same state as he. The Hedge Knights were in another cart, chained with Ser Delran and Lady Taerina. Naruto whipped his head around to see in a cage were their animal companions; Lady Soresha and Summer; both stayed silent, watching their captors with hungry eyes.
Naruto immediately knew something was wrong. He shot up, blond hair waving in the heavy winds. Sapphire eyes shimmered in the dim light of the shaded sun. He knew exactly where he was.
The Stormlands.
The home of House Baratheon…Uncle Renly is here… Naruto pulled at his binds, glaring at his predicament.
"Where are we?" Naruto asked, beads of sweat slowly trickling down his cheeks.
"The Stormlands…" Bran's voice came with a soft rumble. "King Renly captured us…"
"Where are we?" Naruto shook his head.
Suddenly, a whip smashed against Naruto's head. "Shut up back there!"
Jalabhar rolled his eyes, leaning his back into his seat. "Naruto…we're on the Kingsroad to Storm's End."
"Fuck me…" The Baratheon prince almost felt his heart stop. "What happened, how long was I unconscious?"
"Almost a week…" Mayra shook her head in disbelief. "We were betrayed by the Lord of Tumbleton. Outnumbered, we didn't stand a chance, also you were unconscious…too many died Naruto."
The Baratheon stayed quiet, eyes trailing to the floor of the wagon cart. He was a fool to wait in Tumbleton. He was a fool to think with a force of barely over a thousand could hold off ten thousand. Tears formed, threatening to fall. He shuddered, feeling a dark overwhelming dread wash over him. Digging his nails into his palms, Naruto was certain he'd spill blood. The cart ride was shaky, filling him with a sickening panic. It made his stomach writhe.
Shaking himself from his thoughts, the Baratheon prince watched the Reachman-Stormlander army march around them. Baratheon retainers rode alongside the cart, their shimmering iron burgonet turning to meet the prince's gaze. Behind Jalabhar rode the Reachmen, their polished steel burgonet glimmered with an amorous hue. Naruto took a sundering breath watching the horizon. He was certain this army could be mistaken for a sea of metal and cloth.
Banners were in the air, the decorative bolts of cloth beat in the heavy winds of the Stormlands. Baratheon, Tyrell, Tarly, Redwyne, Hightower, Selmy, among others, filled the horizon with a myriad of colors and sigils. Naruto knew he was close. His death was coming.
He just knew it.
Robb laid still, eyes watching the ceiling above him. His forces were recuperating from the Battle of Harrenhall and were slowly replenishing for the final push against King's Landing and the rest of the Westerlands. It had been a week since his injury and subsequent recovery. He shivered within his bed furs, relishing in the cold winds speeding from the North.
"Your Grace, your wounds are fully healed…" Talisa spoke silently, eyes averting from the King's topless body. "You can walk whenever you feel you're ready."
"Thank you…" Robb was quiet, eyes never meeting with the Essosi. "I never got your name, My Lady."
"Talisa Maegyr." She smiled, bowing her head slightly.
"Talisa…" Robb slowly turned his head to face the woman. "That's a beautiful name."
She backed away slightly abash. "Y-Your Grace?"
"Your name." He turned, facing the ceiling once more. "I like it."
Talisa couldn't help but feel the corners of her lips twitch. "I-I…thank you."
"You said I could walk?" Robb asked, forcing himself up.
He struggled slightly, but after releasing a groan, the Stark finally sat straight to meet the sight of the tanned, dark haired beauty. No words were shared between them, he had to admit, she was rather gorgeous; her long straight black hair was wrapped around into a bun with a few strands falling down to frame her face. She smiled softly, eyes trailing away.
"Your Grace." A deep rumble echoed into the room.
The door burst open to reveal Lord Roose Bolton and Lord Greatjon Umber. The Greatjon was the color red with anger and fury spilling at the seams. Something wasn't right. Robb shot his legs from his bed and with the help of Talisa, the Stark was held steadily. Roose took a soft breath and handed the young Stark the small parchment.
"The Ironborn attacked the North?!" Robb send both lords a menacing glare. "How can we trust this message?"
"We've received similar messages from other keeps in the North and in the Riverlands." Roose quickly responded. "They've completely taken much of the western coasts with little to no resistance."
"Send a raven to the Lords of the Vale to send their knights to drive the Ironborn out." Robb walked ahead. "I don't care if we have to split our forces in half, drive the Ironborn out of our lands."
"You're Grace…" Roose said with a deep tone. "Another raven was received."
"From who?" Robb gave the Bolton a confused look.
"King Renly Baratheon."
Hours prior…
"Get him up." A gruff voice forced the prince from his slumber.
The night was dark and full of terrors. Fires raged with torches stuck into the muddied dirt. Men from all across the southern lands feasted together, cheering for the victory against the Royal Army. Naruto was groggy but managed to pinpoint the offhanded remarks of the lords of the Southern Invasion. As each lord was named, there came a quick but eventful story of his death. Naruto shivered softly realizing he was probably the final hope for the Southern force of the Royal Army.
The fence door of his cage swung open and a large man-at-arms walked towards him and Bran with jingling keys tied at his waist.
"Hey!" Bran called out, struggling against the wrought iron chains. "Leave him alone!"
The man-at-arms cocked his arm back, slamming the back of his hand against Bran's cheek. Reddened skin and darkening bruise, Bran was shut silent and hoisted against the post. Naruto fought against his binds when the man-at-arms looked ready to beat Bran to death. He tried to jump ahead, but the House Tyrell retainer standing at the entrance of the cage gave Naruto a disapproving look.
Naruto tasted full well what "Growing Strong" could possibly mean. The retainer dug his fist into his gut, knuckles almost tearing his stomach open. The prince roared out, coughing blood and spit from his dry throat.
"I lost many friends because of you and your stupidity." The retainer glared, bringing his arm back again. "You are a worthless shit and you've killed our most respected Lord; Lord Randyll Tarly. You will pay for your treachery...why his Grace, King Renly would still want you alive, we will never know."
"I've been marked and branded already." Naruto spat, spraying the retainer's face with blood and saliva. "You can't hurt me any more than my own brother can."
"Oh, we don't need to hurt you." The retainer smirked. "Look."
His gloved hand wrapped around the prince's chin twisting to face a cage next to his.
Mayra and Lady Taerina were hoisted against their will, levies and man-at-arms examining their bodies. Mayra fought back against their wandering hands while Lady Taerina did her best to take whatever punishment they could deliver. Mayra bit her lip, pulling at her binds, head sometimes shooting to face Naruto. She couldn't let them do this to her, she couldn't become prey after all this time of being the predator. She barred her teeth when a levy groped her breast, index finger rubbing against her nipple.
"Stop!" Naruto cried.
The retainer dropped his hold on the prince but cocked his arm back, forcing his fist into the Baratheon's face. Naruto looked back at the retainer, eyes burning with a fire. Just as before, the retainer rammed his fist into Naruto's face, tearing at his barely healed whisker mark scars. But just before the pain could reach a climax; a soft, angelic voice was heard from behind.
"What do you think you're doing?"
The retainer froze as did the rest of the troops. The retainer shuddered in his plate armor, given the waving Tyrell sigil on his heraldry, he was horrified. The man didn't move or face the woman behind him.
"As your Queen, I demand that you answer me."
It was then that Naruto knew who this was. Lady Margaery. The Rose of Highgarden. The levies and men-at-arms fled the scene with the retainer leading the retreat. Lady Taerina and Mayra collapsed to the mud, cold skinned and horrified. Bran coughed heavily, spitting blood that threatened to make him throw up.
Naruto leaned his head against the post, left eye slightly swollen and right eye as wide as plates. Lady Margaery who is his aunt by marriage looked no older than he. She was young, smooth skinned with a head of curled light brown hair. She was lithe, but not sickly. She was tall but not lanky. She had an aura about her than had the young Baratheon entranced. She walked into the cage, soft palms resting against Naruto and Bran's faces. It was then that the prince and Stark realized they'd been captured into her spell. She made a small gesture with hands and a Tyrell serjeant rushed to the scene, keys jingling in his palm.
"We have some things to discuss with you Prince of the North and you Prince Naruto Baratheon." Margaery smiled softly.
"Set these two free and give his Battle Companions cold drink and warm food." The Queen said with a stern voice. "And the next time men come to rape the women of Fox Company, castrate them."
Naruto watched in absolute awe of what was to come. Chains clicked and fell to the ground, clanking against the prince's lap. Naruto stared at the woman standing at the entrance of the cage. She was dressed in a rather revealing dress, much like the whore he'd slept with when he went North. The Baratheon was tugged to his feet just as Bran was.
"What the hells is going on, Naruto?" Bran asked through clenched teeth. "I'm not liking where any of this is going."
"And you think I am?" Naruto growled. "You heard as well as I, my uncle wants me alive."
Bran looked down. "Any ideas as to why?"
"Hells if I know." Naruto groaned.
"Well wonder no longer, Prince Naruto." Margaery smiled. "My men will escort you to my Husbands tent."
Naruto's eyes perked. "Why? What does my uncle want with me?"
"All will be explained in time…"
He deadpanned. Ambiguity is the last thing I need right now. What I need is a plan. Everyone, even my own uncles think I'm an inbred bastard. No, I am the true son of King Robert Baratheon and I'm the fool who abdicated my claim to the throne. I am no longer the heir…fuck my life.
The Baratheon stood straight, Bran walking up next to him. On either side of the two stood Tyrell and Baratheon retainers. There were eight of them, each dressed in heavy plate with greatswords strapped to their backs. The trek was silent, watching the night life of the Baratheon encampment. Men cried out words of victory, laughing with one another. Some drowned themselves in mead while others stuffed their faces with legs of chicken and lamb.
But just as Naruto trudged past them, levies and knights stopped to watch him pass. Their eyes were wrought with fright and some even with an undying hatred. All of this because of what he'd done? Naruto had never seen such hatred. The Baratheon prince stood tall though, finally waking from his grogginess. Ours is the Fury, Naruto repeated in his head, those were the words of House Baratheon. His house. He chided himself. What was he doing?
He couldn't believe what he was telling himself. He was being prideful; like a Lannister. He was being a fool. Pride. Naruto couldn't see the good his pride had done. He trudged along, eyes facing forward, never once meeting with the men of his Uncle's army. There was a shuffle and a jingle of chains. Both Stark and Baratheon turned to see Gendry and Mya heading towards them, guards at their flanks. None of them had been so scared in their short lives.
The four were pushed together and forced along. Where King Renly's tent was, the four hoped it wouldn't be too far. Their legs had been bound for more than a week with little to no movement. This was all too sudden for the four. Mya continued walking but was suddenly yanked back by one of the Baratheon retainers. She yelped but was helped up by the young Stark despite his binds. Bran was pushed away and forced into Naruto, nearly making the irate Stark show his inner rage. Mya though was helped to her feet by a man dressed in ornate armor; armor that the Stark had seen before.
"My Lady…" The man's voice was smooth like milk. "I apologize for the brutality of our men, please, his grace wishes to speak with the four of you."
"Ser Loras Tyrell?" Naruto's eyes were wide with surprise. The knight slowly removed his helm revealing the beautiful man.
"My Prince; I have not forgotten the deed you'd done at the Tourney of the Hand." Ser Loras bowed his head slightly. "And my condolences to you, Lord Stark."
The Tyrell gave the retainers a look and the men quickly dispersed. His fierce eyes and flowing with a power unseen. The troops quickly turned their eyes away returning to their feasting and laughter. The four prisoners of Fox Company trudged anxiously into the tent, completely unaware of what they might find.
"Nephew…" The King spoke calmly.
Naruto's eyes ran up and down his uncle. Renly looked different, almost looking like a man. Black bearded with thick black curls of hair. Upon his head was a golden crown wrought into the form of antlers. His uncle, for the first time he'd ever seen, looked dignified, almost deserving of his post as King.
"Uncle…" Naruto was shaky. "If you're going to kill me, be done with it. Why make us suffer-"
"Sit." Renly sighed, pointing a hand to the seat in front of him. The young prince quickly complied, as did his companions. "Naruto…do you know what I saw in you, right from the start?"
The Baratheon prince was confused. "No?"
"I saw my brother, Robert." Renly calmly spoke. "Lord Stark was so consumed with his hatred for the Lannisters, he let it slip over his head. His distrust for your mother, your uncles and your grandfather far exceeded anything in his life. He knew this would be his chance of defeating the Lannisters at something I know nothing of."
"What are you saying?" Naruto asked, confused by his uncles ramblings.
"You are the true King, Naruto." Renly smiled. "You have the strongest claim between me and your Uncle Stannis."
"But I abdicated my claim, everyone knows that!" Naruto gave his uncle a look of utter despair. "And who would side with me, I have no allies! No, I had allies, but Lord Randyll Tarly and his forces made sure to kill off most of them-"
"Only because you let your pride; that Lannister pride get to you." Renly boasted. "I told Lord Randyll to take you alive, leave the casualties at a minimum. But Naruto, you decided to choose violence over peace and your tiny force managed to kill over two thousand men in less than five hours. That is a skill in command that even a thousand Randyll Tarly's or even a hundred Stannis Baratheon's could muster. But…"
"But you just had to fight back Naruto." Renly shook his head. "Even as a child you'd rebel in slight and unimportant ways. But now, with lives at stake; seven kingdoms at war, and you decided to risk it all."
"Why are you telling me this?!" Naruto shouted. "You are getting off topic; why does it matter if I'm trueborn?!"
"Because you will be my heir." Renly smiled. "I've had my first taste of real war…of Kingship…your ability dwarfs mine. Your care for your men and your friends is outstanding; your care for the smallfolk is admirable. I would love to be King, Naruto, but I feel you'd be a better choice."
"But I have no claim-"
"Then help us win."
The Baratheon froze in his steps, his heart stopped beating. His mouth dried and his body tensed.
"It can't be…"
From the shadows of the tent came an unlikely figure. He was scared slightly and bearded. He stood tall, slightly taller than Naruto and bore a head of auburn curls. His icy-blue Tully eyes gave it away.
"Robb?!"
Bran shot from his seat and practically jammed his head into the Young Wolf's gut. Robb groaned, shooting spit from his mouth. Mya and Gendry turned away slightly put off by what they'd seen. The Stark groaned, repositioning himself to meet the Baratheon scion eye-to-eye.
"Naruto, King Renly told me everything; every plan he was intending to execute." Robb said silently. "With the Royal Army and the Lannisters boxed into the Westerlands and the Crownlands, they have nowhere to run."
"Even if we take King's Landing we still have to deal with Uncle Stannis." Naruto shook his head.
"Naruto, your Uncle Stannis will be leading an attack on King's Landing soon but he needs more manpower." Renly scowled. "With you, Naruto, I will meet with Stannis in the fields surrounding Storm's End and try to broker an alliance with him."
"What about Robb?" Bran asked worriedly.
"Don't worry, Bran." Robb smiled sadly. "I have to return to Harrenhall as soon as possible."
Naruto collapsed into his seat, sweat dribbling down his brow. His eyes trailed left and right, uncertainty filling his body and mind. This was insane, almost impossible. They were helping him destroy his brother; they were helping him get the throne! This was almost something out of Targaryen history books; like the Blackfyre rebellion!
"What do we do now?" Naruto asked. "Will we have to return to our cages?"
"No." Renly nodded his head. "Your binds will be removed and you will receive a tent not too far from mine. Some of the men won't like it, but I am their king, they will follow."
Naruto laid in his bed, eyes watching the tent flap and wave with the moist winds of Storm's End. Darkness had fallen and torchlight was slowly dimming. Even the candlelight was dying. He stayed silent, keeping to himself, knowing full well that the war will take a turn for the better; that everything will take a turn for the better. A smile kicked at his face threatening to split it in two. He was going to win and there was nothing that his enemies to do now. The power of the North and the power of the South would be behind him. How? There was no way the young Baratheon could truly discern. It was almost surreal.
He shut his eyes; Joffrey told him Robb wanted to kill him. Robb today was completely the opposite. Robb was kind and helpful, almost completely different than the one Joffrey spoke about. Naruto laughed softly; true friendships can't be broken so easily. But there was a question that the teen wanted answered. He sat up, leaning his back against the headboard, eyes groggy and barely able to adjust.
"How did Robb get here so soon and unnoticed?" Naruto leaned his head against the padded frame. "There is no way in hells that a King no less a peasant could make it through the Kingsroad without running into some Royal Army or Lannister patrol."
"Well, Naruto." Robbs voice sounded. "I'd hoped you would have noticed that I'm different."
Naruto nearly jumped from his bed. "What the hells, Robb?!"
"Baka!" Robb nearly shouted. "Keep your fucking voice down!"
Robb just spoke…Nihongo… "Sasuke…?!"
"The one and only, Naruto." The Stark nodded his head. "The Real Robb is still in Harrenhall, probably trying to get in the skirts of this really gorgeous field nurse. Naruto, she's like really, really hot on some-"
"What?" Robb gave the prince a look.
"Why the hell do you always ramble?" Naruto deadpanned.
Robb clenched his teeth, clearly wanting to punch the Baratheon. "Why do you always have to interrupt stories with your impatientness?!"
"Impatientness?" Naruto gave the Stark a disgusted look. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, Nevermind!" Robb all but shouted. "Here! Just wear this bracer and when the time comes, channel chakra into the seal on your forearm."
"Why?" Naruto gave his ghostly friend a look. "Wait, what is going on? Why is it that every time you disappear, something big, terrible or 'destiny changing' always happens?! Just for once, be normal!"
Robb stopped, popping into smoke. Once the cloud disappeared, it came to reveal the dark haired, onyx eyed friend that Naruto had come to miss. "Now why would I do that? It'll ruin all of the fun!"
With another pop, the Uchiha disappeared to be replaced with Robb Stark once more. As Robb, he gave a quick nod at the Baratheon still trying to come to terms with what just happened.
Naruto held the bracer and stared at the entrance of his tent. The door flaps were down shielding his eyes from whatever was out there. Examining the bracer, it was a standard Fox Company bracer bearing yellow and orange with a tinge of red. Turning the bracer over, it came to reveal an intricate seal pattern drawn into the underbelly. Push chakra into it? The Baratheon was curious now. Slowly, he placed his palm onto the matrix, channeling a small amount of chakra.
Suddenly, a pop was heard and smoke appeared coming from the bracer revealing none other than Heartsbane?!
"Holy shit."
Naruto nearly fainted when the Valyrian Steel greatsword fell to his lap. It was light, like all Valyrian Steel weapons should be. Lifting the longsword was one of the most exhilarating moments of his life. This time chakra fizzed into the steel, forcing a light blue glow to the length of the blade. Its glimmer was alluring, captivating the young Baratheon's gaze like no woman ever could. In the dim lighting, intricate markings that Valyrian Steel was said to bear, was revealed. They were dark, swirling around one another in a never ending chase.
His ears perked, along with the strands of hair rising on the back of his neck. Someone was coming. He whipped his head back and forth, dribbles of sweat beginning to roll down his cheeks. The greatsword was still in his lap! From the absolute loyalty that almost everyone here felt for the late Lord Randyll Tarly, the prince knew that some shit would be flipped if Heartsbane was seen in his possession. He pressed the sword against the seal on the underarm of his bracer.
Oh shit, it's not going back! He pressed chakra into the blade but the greatsword would not go back into the seal. Sasuke, Kakashi, Sakura, someone, tell me how to do this!
Naruto was met with no reply.
Eyes darting back to the different places in the room, he tossed the greatsword clashing it into a weapon rack. He bit back a scream and rushed from his bed, charging at the fallen rack. He fumbled trying to clean the mess he'd created. Without a second thought, he channeled chakra once more, the image of an arming sword in his mind. A quick pop of smoke later, the greatsword had become an arming sword in disguise.
Oh my gods; that actually worked! Naruto sighed in relief. Huh, I think I'm getting the hang of this!
"Time for some sleep-"
Naruto jumped when the soft hand rested against his arm.
"Who's there?!" Naruto's eyes were wide with fright. "L-Lady Margaery?!"
The Rose of Highgarden giggled slightly, turning her eyes away from the young prince. "I came to see if you were alright."
"Oh, I'm fine, My Lady." Naruto nervously laughed.
"I can see that." Lady Margaery's face deadpanned. "I heard shouting and loud banging and got a little worried."
"For me?" Naruto raised a brow.
"Of course!" Margaery smiled. "Remember, I needed to speak to you as well…"
The young woman walked over to the weapon rack, tracing her fingers against the various pommels and even wrapping her lithe hands around some of the handles. Her eyes were tracing left and right, looking at the mess the prince had managed to create and barely clean. With a sigh, she flipped on her heels and faced the Baratheon with arms crossed over her chest.
Margaery was clearly having trouble wording what she wanted to say. "What…do you know of your Uncle Renly?"
"What…?" Naruto gave the woman a strange look. "Oh…you mean…"
"Yes." Margaery took a seat on the Baratheon's bed.
The boy popped his neck and took a seat at his table. "Only rumors."
"I am only married to him to bring House Tyrell and my brother closer to House Baratheon." Margaery said softly. "But Naruto; I am to marry you once we take the throne. I was told that was my duty."
If he was told this any other day, the boy was certain he would have died of a heart attack. But given the various secrets and plans that were dropped onto him, this was the least surprising of them all. Also it was the least life-threatening. Not only did he somewhat have the help of the North/Riverlands/Vale, but now he had the help of the Stormlands and the Reach! How much more could one person receive?!
Margaery stood though, soft hands caressing the Baratheon's face. The height difference between the two was almost laughable. The boy was an entire head taller than the Tyrell, forcing her to turn her head up to lock eyes with him. She was a beauty up close with soft skin and the most beautiful glittering eyes he'd ever seen. Sansa's were of ice, Mayra's like chocolate, but Margaery's were almost like staring into the ocean at sunset. She held depth and her smile was so sweet, the boy felt his blood rush faster.
"My Prince…" She bowed quickly turning to beat a retreat.
"Wait, Lady Margaery." Naruto reached out, grabbing her arm, clasping her wrist.
She turned, hair falling from her hairstyle. Her smile only grew as her blush brightened. "Naruto…"
Morning came rushing into the Baratheon's tent, cold and rough. He ran a hand across his scarred face. Winds were crisp, bringing a tangy saltiness from Shipbreaker Bay. 'Robb' should have already left now, meaning the inevitable meeting with his Uncle Stannis was at hand. Naruto took a deep breath, clenching his fists, hair sticking to his skin thanks to the salty humidity.
Sapphire eyes turned and watched the tent with worried eyes. There was no telling what could happen when they went to meet with Stannis. He could either agree or even decide to attack them right there.
No.
Naruto took a deep breath. Stannis Baratheon was a proven commander and military mastermind, almost as great as his grandfather, Lord Tywin Lannister. Stannis would never do something as stupid as attacking an army that outnumbered his by insane amounts. However, Stannis would try to swindle the men out from under Renly's control. Naruto knew the game by now. The Throne was just a means to an end, what really mattered was the war between the Nine Great Houses of Westeros. It was silly when he thought of it, but it was their way of life.
Throwing the linens from his bed, the boy slid free, throwing a padded gambeson over his ruffled tunic and quickly slid into a coat of plates bearing the sigil of House Baratheon. He walked over to the bastard-greatsword laying on its side against the weapon rack. Heartsbane had a strange sheen, gorgeous and alluring. The boy raised the sword and pressed it against the bracer in his hands, channeling chakra into the seal and the sword itself.
A pop of smoke later, the sword disappeared altogether, revealing a soft glowing seal in the underbelly of the bracer. The boy smirked at his luck. So this is how you make things disappear. He took a deep breath and slid the bracer onto his left forearm and slipped his right arm into a steel bracer bearing the Crowned Stag sigil. Throwing a belt around his waist, he strapped the laces and attached a sword to his waist. Naruto rested his palm against the handle of the arming sword and gave himself a quick look over before heading out.
Just as he left the tent, his eyes shut tightly, almost beating against his irides. He winced, throwing his palm up to shield his sight. Nevertheless, he walked ahead, receiving chaste glances and outright glares from various men-at-arms and levies from across the Reach and Stormlands. He paid them no attention and headed towards his uncle's tent, fully intent on making the man spill every detail of the plan. The Baratheon prince wanted no mistakes. Enough people have died trying to put a Baratheon on that accursed throne.
He entered the tent with a quick fashion, throwing the flaps open, revealing his Battle Companions eating breakfast with the more experienced going over placement of troops with King Renly. Naruto's eyes widened at the sight, nearly feeling the urge to slap himself to check if it wasn't a dream. Mayra turned to the Baratheon and jumped from her seat, wrapping her arms around the boy. She pressed her face against his neck, placing soft kisses, nipping at his neck.
"Naruto…I was terrified that you would've been hurt." Mayra looked at him, chocolate orbs shimmering. "You disappeared and they released us this morning-"
"Mayra, calm down." Naruto laughed softly. "I'm fine…Uncle, why did you release them?"
"A King needs a Kingsguard." Renly nodded.
Naruto turned his eyes to the various men and women present. There was a man that Naruto could easily discern, it was Ser Garlan Tyrell, a taller, bearded and more muscled version of the younger Ser Loras Tyrell; whom of which stood at Renly's side. The Tyrell knight called the Gallant rested his knuckles against the war table, blue eyes watching the pieces with a dreary look about him.
"I am not in any place to chide you or forgive you for the thousands of deaths you caused, but I am willing to move past it, Prince Naruto." Garlan spoke with a deep voice. "In other news, I've received word that Stannis Baratheon has an Asshai'i witch at his side. I've heard things and none of them are any good."
"Is there anything we should be worried about?" Naruto asked.
"No." Garlan looked up from the war table. "As long as we don't antagonize her or Stannis."
Naruto frowned. "Antagonize him? He's the one sticking to his campaign. I don't want the throne, but if Uncle Renly says I need to take it, then I fucking will. If Stannis wants to fight, then I will deal upon him death a destruction far worse than ten Tumbleton's."
Renly gave the boy a small smile. "You sound exactly like your father."
Naruto felt the beads of sweat dribble down his neck; sapphire eyes meeting with the eyes of Melisandre. The Baratheon prince drowned out the nonsensical banter between his uncles and concentrated completely on the woman dressed in red and crimson. Her skin was unbelievably pale, with a beautiful gold-red choker wrapped around her throat. The centerpiece that caught the boy's eyes was the massive ruby that seemed to be glowing. Almost like a heartbeat it would brighten only to retract. He wanted to turn away from the fire priestess, but she would not stop looking at him.
He gripped the reins, struggling against her flaming stare. It was nerve-racking. Bran felt the same along with Summer. Behind him, the entire Battle Companion force was feeling uneasy about the interaction between the Baratheon brothers and more so, Melisandre's eyes. She was a foreigner, far more foreign than any of the Free City folk. She was a witch in league with powers beyond their world; or so they heard.
"King Stannis Baratheon has been reborn amidst Salt and Smoke." Melisandre suddenly spoke, breaking the heated argument. "He is the Lord of Light's chosen."
"Born amidst Salt and Smoke?" Renly had a small laugh. "Is he a ham?"
Naruto stifled a laugh, but it didn't go unnoticed.
"And you, Prince Naruto." Stannis glared. "Last I heard, you were defeated at Tumbleton after killing thousands of Lord Randall Tarly's men. What are you doing in league with your former enemy?"
"Because unlike every other person in my family, he hasn't tried to actually kill me." Naruto replied with spite. "I know you think me baseborn between my mother and Uncle Jaime, but you are wrong."
"It is no matter, Naruto." Stannis laughed. "You abdicated your right to the throne. So that leaves it all to me. Renly; the Throne is mine, by right! All those who deny that are my foes!"
"The whole realm denies it from Dorne to the Wall." Renly suddenly spoke. "Old men deny it with their death rattle and unborn children deny it in their Mother's wombs. No one wants you for their King. You never wanted any friends Brother, and a man without friends is a man without power!"
Naruto caught sight of Stannis' change of demeanor. "For the sake of the mother that bore us, I'll give this one night to reconsider. Strike your banners and come the dawn, surrender to me. I'll give you your seat on the Small Council again and I'll even name Naruto my heir; until a son is born to me. Otherwise, I will destroy you."
"Look across those fields, brother." Renly sighed.
"Do you think a few bolts of cloth will make you king?" Stannis almost looked like he was going to laugh.
"No." Renly glared menacingly. "The men holding those bolts of cloth will make me king."
And I was told not to antagonize him. Naruto deadpanned with his heart dropping into his stomach. Honestly, what the hells just happened. I thought we were supposed to broker peace and a possible alliance!
"Naruto…was this…part of the plan?" Bran asked with worried eyes. "I can sense a lot of anger rolling off of King Stannis."
"No." Naruto quickly replied with the same worried tone. "If anything, all of our plans have been completely thrown out of the window…"
"Naruto." Stannis called. "Come with me. I will make you my heir if you do so right now. You can return to King's Landing. You need not wallow with your foolish Uncle Renly."
What the hells is going on. Naruto looked onward, darting his eyes back and forth between his uncles' pleading faces. Since when was I a piece in the Game? I thought I was one of the players…no. I've been played…
Naruto's sapphire eyes narrowed, pulling his reins back bearing closer to Bran and his Battle Companions. Renly and Stannis took notice of this and quickly knew what the boy was thinking. The boy kept silent, hand unconsciously reaching for the sword at his side. Eyes darted left and right, unknowing of what his uncles were thinking. He turned to see Mayra and Jalabhar moving closer to Bran with Ser Delran and Lady Taerina coming close. The knights and Lady Soresha had closed the rear flank ready for anything.
"Naruto." Gendry's voice sounding a pitch higher than normal. "Give us the order…and we'll run. We're all together."
"No…just…wait." Naruto replied with a hushed whisper.
Stannis sighed softly, Naruto hoped the old man hadn't heard anything they were saying. "Fine…come the Dawn you two. We shall see."
Stannis' expression dropped and immediately fell in a frown. Pulling at his reins, the man and his small host turned back towards their forward camp. Naruto took a shuddering breath, sapphire eyes locked with the retreating form of his uncle. Silence fell upon the assembly. Uncertainty was in the air and Naruto knew what was going to come. We're getting ourselves in a dangerous situation…
"I loved him once." Renly scowled, turning to Naruto with rage in his sapphire eyes. "To think we were foolish enough to convince him…come. We must prepare for the inevitable assault tomorrow morning…"
Welp; that took too long to finish.
No promises on when the next chapter comes though.
Could be tomorrow, or even next year.
Who knows?
well you know the drill. Review, Fav. or Follow.
Ja ne!
gottahavekyuubi