Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; it is owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Fire and Blood and House of the Dragon is owned by George R.R Martin, HBO MAX, and Warner Bros Discovery. I own nothing and I am just a humble fan.
Author's Note: Hello everyone, here we are with the next chapter. Please read and review generously. I hope you all enjoy it. I thank all who have favorite the story, who are following the story, and those who have taken time out of their busy lives to review; it all helps. This is a very important and powerful chapter. The death of an important character will impact Naruto's life and help shape his own decisions as to what he wishes to do now. And this character's death will also impact the lives of others. Without further ado, let us begin.
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"In those few moments, in those brief moments, I wonder if my father was truly happy, having what he wanted after butchering the woman he claimed to love? This is not how I will ever go. I will never die in a bed covered in blood." Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
"My life will be my own. The decisions that I make will be the ones I will choose to live with. No matter whether they are good or bad, no matter whether my decisions make we weep tears of blood, my decisions will be my own." Lady Alicent Hightower
"Do not feel despair, oh beautiful child of yellow hair. There are some things that are just meant to be. Life and death go hand in hand together. Do not let this burden your life. Live your life and live well and endure." Queen Aemma Arryn
"You are weak Viserys. I am supposed to be the Rogue, the horrible brother, and yet you butchered our kin as if she was meat. You have forgotten the lessons that our father, Baelon, imparted to us. If he and mother were alive today, they would be ashamed of you." Prince Daemon Targaryen
"Is it so easy for us to butcher our loved ones? Is it easy to butcher someone we love all for something so foolish? I can see her, I can see her telling me it is okay, that everything will be fine. We men are wretched things." Uzumaki Naruto
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Chapter Seven- We Men are Wretched Things
"I don't think this is a good idea. I should be here, watching over you and your family. I can go and see Dragonstone another time."
Naruto was busy pacing the room back and forth as the Queen sat on her comfy chair amused. Her daughter was there beside her and the two of them watched the most powerful being in the Seven Kingdoms pace back and forth.
"Yes, this is a good time. And there is nothing wrong with leaving for a few days. You should go to Dragonstone, see the marvelous sights. Perhaps, you will learn something."
"I don't believe this is a good idea. This tournament the King set up is going to happen in a few days, you are going to give birth in a few days. There is just something gnawing at me, telling me I should stay."
Rhaenyra looked to her mother who had a crest fallen expression on her face. Rhaenyra could tell that her mother was thinking of all the stillbirths, the miscarriages, and all the heartbreak and sorrow that followed. It had pained her to see her mother having to live her life as a glorified broodmare. Even the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, still had to live her life at the whims and expectations of others.
Aemma had given her daughter her hand as she helped her to her feet. She walked slowly to the window as she stared at the bright sky and then smiled at Naruto.
"Oh beautiful child of yellow hair, life is not guaranteed to anyone. And no matter how powerful you are, you can never do everything. It is not the way that life works. Yet, I refuse to cower and live my life in fear. This is my last pregnancy, regardless of what is to happen in the next few days."
"Regardless of what is to happen, I will accept the outcome. I have lost too many children and faced enough pain. I can still hear their voices sometimes. Some days, I am still plagued by nightmares."
"And that is why I should stay, make sure everything is all right, you know?"
Aemma slowly walked to Naruto and gave him a hug. She wiped the tear from his eye and ruffled his hair. Naruto hugged this woman as best as he could. He never knew his mother, and whenever he asked about her to the Hokage, he was never given a right answer, that he should not dwell on the past. This did not sit well with him. It left him with a void, having no parents. He wished in his heart that his mother was like this woman.
"Listen to me, oh beautiful child of yellow hair. Do not burden yourself with the troubles of adults. You are a child. Live your life and be happy. Most men and women die in one corner of the world, having been unable to see the beauty of what else lies beyond. Believe me, nothing is going to happen to me. Go to Dragonstone and see the sights. I would ask Daemon to go with you, but he is quite excited for the tourney."
"And after you come back, you can see my son or daughter, and be at ease, knowing everything went just fine."
"You sure?"
"I am positively sure. It is funny. Normally, I am the one who worries. Now, go on. There is a ship waiting for you. It will take you a few days to reach Dragonstone. I have asked the greatest Seafarer in Westeros, Lord Corlys Velaryon to take you there. I assure you, you will enjoy your journey."
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Naruto was not alone in his worry for Aemma. Rhaenyra was also worried as well but she did her best to put on a brave face for her mother. Her father was truly convinced that her mother would give birth to a son, and so she hoped that this would be the last time her mother would have to endure the whims of men and the expectations of society.
"Cheer up, my sworn protector. You are not gone forever. It is only a few days. My mother and my new brother will be here when you return and you can tell me everything I already know about Dragonstone."
Naruto nodded gently as he looked upon the ship he would be travelling in. It was large and had an elegant quality and look to it; perfect for travel across the sea. There was a man that stood atop the ship, looking at him calmly and observed his posture and the way he stood.
This man was known to the world as the greatest seafarer of Westeros; Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Lord of the Tides, the Seasnake, and the Ruler of Driftmark. Numerous Velaryons served Westeros as its master of ships and lord admiral of the Iron Throne; the Velaryons also boasted the strongest naval fleet of all of Westeros.
Naruto observed Princess Rhaenys' husband. He was tall and fair-skinned with long black hair and a stern, prideful expression. He cut quite the figure with his all-black clothing with hints of fur and a word at his hip. This was a man of wisdom who had seen his fair share of life and encountered all manner of things during his long travels.
Naruto did his best to read up on the history of Westeros and its unique and interesting people. And from chatting with the King and Queen, he had learned that perhaps The Lord of the Tides held a grudge. He was a man who was deeply in love with his wife and had wished for her to be the Old King's heir and ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Grudges like this can be hidden away but they never disappeared; they just festered and consumed the bearer.
Naruto could guess that the man was an ambitious one and was looking out for family and his legacy. Naruto did not mind that. He believed that it was good to have dreams and goals and desires. He also believed that one should never be consumed by them; lose sight of what they had, and never over reach.
As Naruto went to board the ship, Rhaenyra walked forward and gave him a hug as she held onto him for dear life. Alicent, who was standing away from Rhaenyra clenched her fists and looked away for a moment as she schooled her features into that of a perfect woman, disregarding the scandalous action. She lamented the fact that she should be the one to give him a hug, not her friend. Some days, Alicent wished she was part of the royal family, so she could freely hug and talk to him. Though she valued Rhaenyra and cared for her deeply, some days she truly envied her.
Rhaenyra broke the hug as Naruto simply smiled at her and boarded the ship. Rhaenyra and Alicent watched the ship sail away to Dragonstone. The two of them smiled at one another as they walked arm linked with elbow back to the Red Keep; both of them oblivious to the growing feelings they had for a certain blonde and the jealousy that was starting to creep in. After all, one thing that could tear apart a friendship was love for a man.
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Two Days had passed for Naruto as they were getting closer and closer to Dragonstone. The sea was surprisingly silent and calm for the most part and the journey was not too difficult. He tried to interact with the crew, but they were mostly the quiet sort and they had given him a wide berth. He did do his best to chat with the crew as best as he could and they eventually warmed up to him a little bit. It helped that he was a cheery person despite his losses and he had a wonderful gift for storytelling and the crew was starting to enjoy these stories.
The third day had ended and night had fallen upon the sea as Naruto saw Corlys Velaryon standing on the deck, looking at the night sky, basking in the silence. Naruto decided to interrupt his peace and quiet.
"How long before we reach Dragonstone?"
Corlys looked at the young blonde that he was tasked to taking to Dragonstone and sighed. "After the night has ended, we will arrive at Dragonstone in time to break our fast. I thought you would be asleep, boy."
"I have a lot of energy."
"Hmm, I see."
Naruto decided to interject something into this awkward conversation. "You know, I read up about you a little."
Corlys looked at him. "I see. And what did you learn about me?"
"That you were angry that your wife was not chosen to be Jaeherys' heir. I get it. I think Princess Rhaenys should have sat on top of the throne."
Corlys now observed Naruto, as he decided to take the measure of him. He had heard about how Naruto appeared out of thin air and integrated himself with the royal family, becoming quite dear to the Queen. He also heard that the boy was possibly the greatest force living in Westeros and was a brutal, yet refined swordsman, having bested Daemon Targaryen with ease and showing abilities that no man should have ever possessed.
"I see. And why do you believe my wife should be the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms?"
Naruto chuckled. "Well first, you want it to be like that. You feel she has been slighted and disrespected. Of course, you love your wife deeply, and any man would fight their hardest for their significant other to be recognized and honored above all."
"King Viserys is a good man, he really is. Yet, it takes more than being a good man to rule the Seven Kingdoms. Aenys was weak and naïve, and Maegor was cruel. Jaeherys struck a good balance, but let us be frank, Jaeherys' reign was so good was because Maegor was cruel. Yet, sometimes you have to be decisive and firm to rule over others. After all, any Empire, Kingdom, or Dynasty is hard to maintain forever. Sometimes, you have to make compromises and make difficult decisions, as there comes a time when both man and woman must do this."
Corlys now had a different opinion of this boy. He had some wisdom, wisdom that should not be apparent in a child. He wondered what price this child had to pay for it.
"Your thoughts are interesting for a boy. However, this type of thinking is more for an adult or a seasoned veteran of war. And these thoughts of yours, you must be careful with them. You have no idea how disastrous this information could be in the wrong hands."
Naruto simply smiled. "I am sure there are some in the realm who know this, but do not wish to say it out loud. There are some things that do not have to be said out loud. Anyways, I said what I wished to say. You should also be careful as well, Lord Corlys. I can understand ambition, and I respect it, but one must always be careful to never choke on their ambitions or aspirations."
"As for me, I am not an ambitious guy. All I am is a guy who just dreams of better days and better things and a nice bowl of ramen. Alas, it is one of the reasons why I hate Westeros. They have no idea what they are missing."
Naruto sang a jaunty tune as he went to his room to sleep, as Corlys watched him walk away, clearly intrigued and worried by what the boy meant by that remark.
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"Well, I have to say, the Targaryens do love building things."
Day had arrived as Naruto took his first steps on the shores of Dragonstone and marveled at the castle. There was something ancient, something deeply powerful about this island and the castle stuff. There was an energy radiating around the castle that Naruto could feel, but did not understand what it was.
And more than people, there were dragons living on the island, hidden and secluded and watched over by those who were capable. He did wonder how the Targaryens managed to tame and get these creatures to follow their commands. Perhaps there was some contract involved or some sort of other craziness.
In any case, the guards and the maester had directed him to a hall where he ate to his heart's content. Naruto was grateful for all the food. When he was in Konoha, he was not all that well off and had no concept of eating healthy or eating right. After eating properly in Westeros, he started to grow like a weed and have an appreciation for all sorts of great food. Being rich meant you had access to a variety of things to eat and buy. Still, the one food that would always remain close to his heart is ramen. It reminded him of home and filled him with tearful memories.
After his meal, he was allowed to visit the castle and check out the island, courtesy of orders from Queen Aemma. He decided to explore the strange presence that seemed to call out to him. He had noticed the dragons in King's Landing. They were confined to a place in chains known as the Dragonpit. For some reason, he thought they would be bigger. He heard of Balerion the Black Dread and how he grew to a colossal size, Now, these dragons looked puny. Perhaps, what they needed was open air and their own place to rest and roam. Perhaps through that, they could grow and become mightier.
In the end, a sentient creature was not meant to be chained and used as a weapon of war. Dragons were more than tools of war. Like any creature, they had feeling and emotions as well. Some days, he just wondered why creatures that could level this continent be open to the idea of taking orders from humans. Humans were more than capable of screwing things up by themselves. Giving them access to dragons meant destruction on a completely different level.
Naruto continued to explore further. The ground was worm and the air felt saturated with power. He only found that Aegon's garden was the place with any real greenery and color. Naruto had sensed two distinct energies and presences on Dragonstone.
The first presence he sensed gave off feelings of cruelty, carnage, hate; there was also rage and pride. This presence had kept itself hidden, but Naruto was sure it was a dragon, and a powerful one at that. When people were not gossiping about him, they were speaking about the Cannibal. Naruto had no interest in the Cannibal right now and decided to table his curiosity regarding that dragon for a later date.
The second one was very interesting. Its presence felt old and mighty, haughty and proud, and full of fire and rage. Perhaps, this dragon was Vhagar, the personal mount of Queen Visenya The First. Vhagar did not reside at Dragonstone and after Balerion's death, she had disappeared to Dragonstone to live in peace. Perhaps, it was this dragon that was calling out to him in some way.
He had found the dragon's current place of residence; an extremely large cave. Naruto walked slowly inside and made his way further and further in, until he found where the dragon was slumbering. The dragon opened its eyes and noticed his presence as he walked closer. Vhagar snarled at the presence of this intruder; this interloper.
However, Naruto was not undeterred. He was not walking away without a fight. Vhagar was huge; larger than any dragon he had seen. Years of living alone and free had given Vhagar the ability to grow and become stronger, albeit a little slower. However, Naruto was not afraid. He had faced things mightier than dragons. And for him, beating this dragon into submission would be too easy. Instead, he decided to speak to the dragon, to talk to it and hope Vhagar could understand him.
Naruto simply raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and stood still as the dragon stopped its attack to stare at him. Both their eyes were locked in a contest of wills, neither willing to blink and give the other ground. Finally, Vhagar roared at Naruto simply waved his hands, disgusted by the bad breath.
Vhagar snarled at him again as Naruto chuckled.
"Well, now that we got that out of the way, let's talk. I have been sensing your presence here on this island and I feel like you are calling out to me in some way. You have been without a rider for some time. You are leaderless, directionless, and wasting your time."
The dragon then continued to stare at him, trying to make sense of what he was saying as Naruto continued to speak.
"You are the last remaining symbol of the Conquest. Your siblings are dead and you are alone here, doomed to live out your life in mediocrity and nothingness. You are more than a weapon and you have power flowing through your veins. You are wild, furious, prideful and wrathful like the Queen who once was your rider, Visenya."
Vhagar was preening at all these comments and lowered her head at hearing about her favorite rider and person, Visenya. She had not encountered a rider such as this and it had been sometime since she had flown through the sky. What were this boy's intentions?
"Come and join me, Vhagar. Let me be your rider. You are no slave. You are a power meant to defend your family. Your rider's descendants and family are in danger. Any Empire, any line is easy to wipe out, you know this all too well. Join me and together, we will punish those who mean to do your family harm. Together, we shall create an inferno that can never be extinguished. Please help me, Vhagar. Please help me protect Queen Aemma Arryn's loved ones. Please, help me protect my world."
Vhagar roared as the cave was filled with flames. The dragon stared into Naruto's soul and smiled. Here was a boy that could rival Visenya; a boy with fire and rage and the need to prove himself, but one that understood compassion and fair judgment and knew when to use it. Vhagar smiled again. Yes, this boy was special and built different.
Vhagar allowed Naruto to approach her as he placed a hand on her head. Naruto could feel the power vibrating within her; it was something special. She allowed him to mount her as he sat on her back and remembered the Valyrian word for flight.
"Soves, Vhagar."
Vhagar stretched its wings and roared once more as it soared out of the cave and climbed higher and higher in the sky, filling it with white-hot flames. Down Below, Corlys Velaryon looked on in shock along with the crew and the people residing in Dragonstone. The last living symbol of the Conquest had taken flight once more, and it was the boy from King's Landing, an unknown quantity, not even a Valyrian, who shocked everyone again.
"Don't worry, Lord Corlys. I will make it back to King's Landing on my own."
Corlys could not even respond as Naruto made his way to King's Landing on dragonback, unaware of the dark news that would greet him.
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Naruto made his way to King's Landing, as the people down below looked on in shock and awe at the appearance of Vhagar. The Kingsguard, along with Daemon, were astounded as Vhagar made her return back to King's Landing. As Naruto landed, he wanted to go and brag to Aemma about what he accomplished.
The Lord Commander had approached him, with a grim expression on his face.
"You have returned, child. It is good to see you are well."
"Yeah, I am. Look what I have done here."
Ryam Redwyne simply shook his head as he gathered his wits and spoke. On another day, the appearance of Vhagar being ridden by Naruto would be a more heavily talked about thing and there would be many questions and inquiries. Today, was not that day.
"I am sorry child… I do not know how to say this…"
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Naruto was filled with dread as he ran to her chambers, ignoring everyone's protests. He found her chambers and saw all the blood on the bed as she lay there motionless, the light having left the brave Queen's eyes. The Maester and the handmaidens inside had no idea what to do they saw him approach the bed.
Daemon, who had finally caught up, ushered everyone out as Naruto held the dead Queen in his arms. And as he held her, his hands covered in her blood, he could not help remember what Hagoromo told him.
"You cannot save everyone, Naruto. No one has that kind of power, no one."
Realizing his own failure, he simply cradled her dead body and screamed. That very scream contained so much anguish and pain, that it could pierce the sky and shatter the windows in the Red Keep. And as Naruto sobbed and screamed further, Daemon turned his head away. He had no interest in seeing this sight any longer.
And if Daemon had stayed any longer, he would have seen the violence and wrath in his eyes. If he stayed a little longer, he would have seen the rage that would have made the Cannibal proud.
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The next day was quite possibly the hardest day for the royal family and the occupants gathered. The sky was dreary as everyone stood and waited patiently for the King to give the command to cremate his dead wife and child. Viserys looked at his wife and son's dead bodies as he closed his eyes and shed tears. His vision had failed and there was blood on his hands. His quest for a son had robbed him of his wife.
Daemon, who stood next to Rhaenyra, urged her to do her duty.
"They are waiting, its time."
"In those few moments, did my father find any sort of joy when he tore my brother from my mother?"
"Now is not the time for that. You must help your father. He cannot make this decision, only you can."
"I can never be a son."
Rhaenyra wiped her eyes as she stared at her father and her dead mother and brother. How had things come to this? How could such a thing like this have happened?"
It was at that moment that Naruto had appeared, dressed in black. There was anger in his eyes as well as pain as he looked at Vhagar and then at the funeral pyre. He clenched his fists so hard that Rhaenyra saw blood flowing from his palm. And then, Naruto spoke.
"I see them at night. I see the Queen and her son in the afterlife. I see the Queen smiling at me. She says, "Welcome home, my son." We mean are wretched things, are we not, Viserys? No woman, not even a Queen, is safe from the fucking whims of men."
There was no outrage from anyone. Not even Otto could say anything here. The Kingsguard shook their heads and even Daemon had to agree. Alicent closed her eyes and shook her head. She knew how close the Queen and Naruto were. He was speaking from his heart.
Princess Rhaenys stared at the funeral pyre and had to agree with Naruto. There were some truths that were inescapable. She held her husband's hand as Corlys closed his eyes, Naruto's words running though his mind.
Naruto then looked at Vhagar who understood his intentions.
"Rhaenyra, do it. Please, free their souls from this fucking place. Please…"
Rhaenyra looked at her father, who simply wept in silence. She looked at Syrax who was saddened, but waiting for her command.
"Dracarys."
Both Naruto and Rhaenyra uttered their command as Syrax and Vhagar approached the pyre and unleashed a gentle stream of flame. Rhaenyra turned her head away, as Naruto stared at the flames, fury and rage building in his heart. He then walked away as Vhagar trailed silently behind him.
He wished he never left King's Landing. He wished he never came here at all. Perhaps, the Queen may have lived.
And as Naruto left, Alicent and Rhaenyra watched him leave. They cursed the fact that they lacked the courage to go there and comfort him. Both clenched their fists, unaware of each other's intentions. Alicent had made up her mind. She would not die in some bed. And Rhaenyra, Rhaenyra was determined to never see something like this again.
However, one must understand that life is full of joy and sorrow.
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Chapter End
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Please read and review generously.
The fasting month is here and updates will be slow. I apologize, but I will do my best to update when I can.
Things will pick up after this chapter. There will be time skips, training, bold decisions being made, lines drawn in the sand; things are about to become exciting and sad at the same time.
See you all in the next update. Stay safe and well wishes to you and your loved ones.