Game of Thrones: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Chapter 23 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 23

Things were silent at the hospital, as Gendry and the Starks remained; waiting for Arya to awaken. Rickon fidgeted restlessly while his parents kept trying to calm him down; Robb, Sansa and Bran had called Myrcella, Pod and Meera to tell them what was going on and promised to keep them updated.

Meanwhile Gendry sat by Arya's bedside; watching her, waiting, a tense, almost frantic expression on his face. Catelyn couldn't help but smile, seeing this. She recalled the time when Arya and Gendry first started dating, the arguments and problems. She was glad they were behind them now, especially seeing Gendry proving, once more, just how dedicated he was to Arya.

'He's barely moved from that seat; he's that worried about her…for her.' She thought to herself. 'If there was ever any doubt that he's the best person for Arya; it should definitely be gone by now.'

Indeed; while admirable, Gendry actions also worried her; she could see the dark shadows under his eyes and knew he hadn't slept. She was worried for his health; however at that moment, everybody's thoughts changed when they heard a groan from Arya.

"Huh…where?" She asked breathlessly as her eyes fluttered open.

Catelyn reacted immediately. "Arya, honey!"

She immediately embraced her daughter; Arya was startled but quickly realized she was safe, that it was her mother. Smiling she returned the hug.

The last thing Arya remembered was pain all over, being attacked; then the assailant running away, then she vaguely recalled Amerei Frey arriving and calling the ambulance, after that, she guessed she must have blacked out. She still felt a dull throbbing pain and also felt somewhat dizzy.

Her father then spoke, in response to her earlier question. "You're in the hospital Arya, you were attacked."

"Yeah." She replied, lying back down. "Amerei?"

Her father nodded. "She's at the cafeteria, she'll be back soon. She'll want to know you're awake, she didn't leave here, didn't want to without being sure you were okay."

"Yeah, I, I remember she saved me." Arya said softly; before shaking her head slightly. "What exactly happened?"

"We don't know the details." Her mother said softly. "Only that you were attacked, badly beaten. You have several bruises and a few broken ribs, as well as a slight concussion."

Arya cringed, hearing that last part. "Explains why I feel dizzy…"

Still she smiled; relieved that she was safe; her family all around. Her smile widened as she turned to Gendry. He smiled softly back and gently squeezed her hand.

"Arya, I know it's fuzzy, but…can you tell us what happened, what you remember?" He asked her carefully.

Arya bit her lip and finally spoke; telling them what she recalled of the attack.

"There was only one attacker; he took me by surprise; he used a baseball bat, with…I think it was a crack, along the length of it. I couldn't see him clearly, he was hiding his appearance." She said; before adding. "The way he did it, he planned it; if Amerei hadn't shown up, he probably would've killed me."

This news shocked them all and right away, her father called the police.

At the Baratheon mansion Cersei sighed as she entered Joffrey's room. She was carrying a book which had come from said room, one she was returning.

'Honestly; look at this room…If Joffrey would just let the maid in to tidy things up it wouldn't look so bad.' She thought to herself. 'It's the same with this book; he just leaves it lying around the house; yet won't let the maid return it; I have to do it.'

She couldn't fathom why the maids were so scared of Joffrey; even though he wasn't home, they still wouldn't enter his room. Shaking her head she looked around and finally found a place to put the book; she set it down on the desk.

As she did so, she accidentally knocked down the book next to it, causing it to land on the floor, open. Sighing she went to pick it up and put it back, but stopped.

Her eyes widened. 'I shouldn't read it but…Gods.'

She couldn't ignore what was written within; the book was a catalogue of terrible actions and deeds. Yet Joffrey had written them all down in such a way that he clearly was trying to justify them, as if, despite his actions, he did nothing wrong.

'Gods…Arya Stark?' Cersei couldn't believe it; she had heard about the girl being attacked. 'Gods I…I have to call the police.'

She moved quickly for there, written in Joffrey's own writing was practically a confession, that he had been the one who assaulted Arya Stark.

Later, Joffrey arrived back home; he smiled to himself, having enjoyed a good day out. He shook his head as he noted the house appeared to be practically deserted.

'Guess my whore sister is off playing the slut and fucking Robb Stark; while Tommen is out looking for his little fuck buddy.' He thought derisively. 'I mean honestly, so baby Robin disappears, it's not like it's a big loss.'

He rolled his eyes and entered the house; noting it was indeed rather quiet.

"Hello?" He called out; suddenly uncertain.

"Joffrey."

He heard his mother's voice and made his way to the living room.

"Mum, where…?" He began, trailing off as he saw his mother wasn't alone.

There were three police officers also present; they all turned to observe him, their gaze cold, even his mother's.

Joffrey stepped back, confused. "Um, mum, why are the police here?"

It was one of the officers who spoke however. "Joffrey Baratheon, you are coming with us."

"What?" He gasped in horror.

It was then he saw two objects in their possession; a book he recognized and his baseball bat, with its distinctive crack along the length of it.

"I saw your diary Joffrey, you've done such terrible things, I almost can't believe it." His mother said sharply. "But worst of all; what you did to the Stark girl; that is beyond justifying."

Joffrey gasped in horror as he realized; his own mother had sold him out to the police.

"Mum…" He whispered in disbelief.

But it was no use, he was soon arrested and taken from the house, despite his protests. Cersei sighed and turned away; unable to watch, despite knowing it was the right thing to do.

Back at the hospital; Amerei entered Arya's room, they all noticed she looked shocked about something.

"Ami?" Sansa asked, worriedly.

Amerei sighed and then explained. "I just got a message from Lancel; the police have arrested Arya's attacker."

They all gasped and she continued.

"Cersei found out who did it, it was Joffrey; she found some sort of diary he has, he practically confessed in it; not only that, his baseball bat matches Arya's description."

"Gods…" Sansa gasped; horrified, this had to be Joffrey's revenge for everything, she was sure of it.

Arya just shook her head. "I should have guessed; but at least, he won't be a bother anymore."

The others nodded; focusing on the good news, Joffrey was now in prison and Arya was well on her way to recovery.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.