A/N: Well here we are, a second chapter, as requested.
Made a few minor tweaks to speed things along; hope everyone enjoys 'em~!
Might have to upgrade this to M a few chapters from now given what...transpires. Here we go!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and a few others. Meaning, if folks don't enjoy this, it WILL remain onsite-but it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs with no end in sight and I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy.
So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like. Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work~!
Only a few questions this time: here are the prevalent ones:
Q: For the names of Naruto and Rhaenyra's future children- surely there will be some!- a man would numbly offer two names for your consideration. Lysithea and Edelgard. Look them up, I'll wait. Their appearances match Targaryens almost perfectly! Just think of it! You should still include Rhaenyra's sons and the likes of course, but those two girls would raise all kinds of trouble. Especially a little Edelgard. She's got the eyes and the hair for a Targaryen, not to mention the attitude!
A:...wait, aren't those two Fire Emblem characters? Their names so been a bit...but let me look...
...oh. Oh, dear. You mean them. I'll have to consider it. Maybe see what the other readers have to say.
Q: Hey, could you please *SPOILER* and *SPOILER* to keep *SPOILER* from messing with *SPOILER* this time around?
A: Can't make any promises, but time will tell if we see the Dance of Dragons. Of course, this is Game of Thrones. Who knows what might happen?
Q: Wait! Is he gonna get a *SPOILER* let it be *SPOILER* instead of *SPOILER* I haven't seen anyone do that yet, and he'd have all of Westeros shitting itself.
A: I can neither confirm nor deny future plans. Read the previews at your own risk.
Q: Do you hate certain characters in the show?
A: That's the thing about House of the Dragon. Its not all black and white. There's a lot of gray in there. Case in point! Viserys was a good fellow. Made plenty of mistakes to be sure, but at his heart he wasn't a cruel fellow and didn't lash out at others. Foolish, yes, but he was kind. As were Rhaenyra or Alicent until...well...*SPOILER*
By that very argument, one could also argue that Otto is a "good" man, given his obsession with protecting the Realm, but that really depends on your point of view.
Then we have Daemon. Not good or bad per se, just...Daemon. Man does what he wants, but at the end of the day he loves his family.
Matt Smith really is amazing in that role, and I've been itching to write Daemon. Now, here he is.
Alright, I've kept you long enough!
So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.
Once more, I own no quotes, references, or memes. Not a wit or a one. NOT! A! THING!
They're all tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me.
"They're calling him the Unburnt."
"Strange name for a foreigner. What brought it about?"
"Fire cannot harm him. As to the rest...you'll see soon enough."
~?
Unburnt
Today was a day of five firsts for Naruto.
First, he'd met a very strange girl and her dragon.
Second, he'd been granted the exceedingly rare privilege to ride said dragon.
Third, he immediately realized he loved dragon-riding, and she'd ruined horses for him. There was something to be said about flying on dragonback, cramped though it was. Although sturdy enough, Rhaenyra's saddle only held enough room for one, and embarrassing as it was to grab onto a girl he barely knew, he didn't have much choice in the matter without falling off. Still it was worth the sacrifice. The wind in his hair, the clouds rushing by, clinging onto Rhaenrya for dear life, her laughter rising in his ears as Syrax winged away...there was nothing quite like it.
He could fly under his own power these days to be sure, but that wasn't something he was keen on revealing just yet. Besides his new friend -was she a friend?- seemed quite keen on showing off to him. That was all well and good, but unfortunately her eagerness to impress him led into the fourth and fifth revelations of the day.
Fourth you see, because evidently this world had other dragons. A great many dragons, and a Dragonpit to house them.
Fifth, came the realization that he really was far from home, with seemingly no way back.
So yes. A day of five firsts, five surprises as it were.
Surely he'd seen the last of them.
How little he knew.
(.0.0.0.)
The Red Keep always awed Rhaenyra.
No matter how many times she laid eye upon its terrible towers, the princess always felt something stir in her chest when she stood in their shadows. The Keep wasn't simply grand, proud, or even imposing. To her, it went well beyond that. It was a message. A statement. Testament to all the Targaryens had been and all they ever would be. Aegon the Conqueror's work endured to this day; gleaming red masonry shining in the sunlight for all to see, a constant reminder that the House of the Dragon stood as tall and proud today as it had upon its first day.
Naruto whistled beside her as he stepped out the carriage. "People live in that?"
His awe pleased Rhaenyra to no end. Impressed, was he? Good.
He should be.
"Of course they do. Come." she took him by the wrist and tugged him along by the hand. "I'd like you to meet."
"Who?" he made no effort to resist, eyes still fixed on the looming edifice above, either ignorant or uncaring of the Kingsguard that fell into step behind them. Likely the latter.
After all, if he did not balk in the face of dragonfire, then why would he fear mortal blades?
"You'll see." Rhaenyra grinned back at him as led him up the steps to the Keep. Frowned now, as the faint scent of the sea caught her nose. She sniffed a little. "Perhaps we can find someone to give you a bath after that...
Naruto grunted his agreement. "Wouldn't say no to a meal, either."
"Then you shall have it." she preened. "But first, to business. I'm taking you to see my father."
The whiskered warrior made an amused noise for reasons she couldn't quite understand, but made no effort to pull away.
Up, up, up winding staircases Rhaenyra led her guest; past the servants quarters, away from prying eyes, curious nobles and higher into the keep. She passed Mother's room and briefly considering checking in on her-but no, she had been sleeping so peacefully just this morning. She needed her rest. Later, perhaps. Alicent was likely with her father, and she knew precisely where to find Otto Hightower at this time of day...oh, but she'd not warned Naruto of what he was about to face. Perhaps she should do that.
"Be warned, when we enter the small council chamber, you should be prepared for...resistance."
She made brisk introductions, naming those he was likely to meet and the disagreement he was like to encounter.
Sure enough Rhaenyra heard raised voices as they Reached the Tower of the Hand, or more aptly, the door leading within.
Raised voices within, some most familiar:
-overreach yourself, Daemon. Had you lost your mind?!"
Daemon? Had her uncle returned?
Naruto made to enter; Rhaenyra shushed him and dragged him back, pressing one ear to the door.
"On the contrary, I've found it." Sure enough, her uncle's voice came through, muffled yet distinct nonetheless. "I see you for what you are; a vulture who perches atop my brother's throne. Speak not to me of my "wife" when you refuse to take another."
She heard a chair slam back.
"Enough!" Father's voice rang out. "I will hear no more of this! Lord Corlys, you wished to speak of the Stepstones...?"
There, they were distracted. That was her cue. She pushed the door open and entered apace.
Mercifully, most of the small council wasn't in attendance today. She caught sight of Otto Hightower first -and didn't her lip just curl at the sight of him?- but there behind him, standing dutifully at attention, her nearest and dearest friend. Tired perhaps, but she seemed much recovered from her cold. Alicent quirked a demure brow her way, made quietly curious at Naruto's presence, but made no move to speak...yet. Nevertheless, she could see the questions smoldering away behind her eyes and made a quick gesture as she passed her by, promising to explain later.
"Well, well." Lord Corlys rumbled. "What has the princess brought us today?"
"An enigma." he huffed, skirting the lord of Driftmark. Her attention was already well past him.
And there seated beside Father like a watchful hawk, Daemon smirked back at her. He too took note of Naruto, tilting his head slightly now to regard him. The blond met his stare evenly and tugged his arm free to frown at him, freeing her to reach Father.
"Rhaenyra. You're late." The King chided her gently as she circled the table. "The king's cupbearer must not be late." a rueful smile tugged at his bearded faced as she darted in to kiss his cheek. "Leaves people wanting for cups. Only then did Viserys looked up from the table, only then did he notice Naruto, still locked in a staring match with Daemon. "And who is this you've brought into our home?"
Here it was. The moment of truth.
Naruto tore his gaze away from Daemon and fidgeted behind her, realizing he'd been put on the spot. "Eh, that's a bit of a long story. I'm guessing you're her old man?"
Viserys coughed in surprise.
"Ha!" Daemon guffawed openly. "You're a blunt one. Perhaps that's why my dear niece favours you so."
Favor? Perhaps she did. Rhaenyra tried not to smile. She truly did. She failed spectacularly.
"Why have you brought this boy here?" Leave it to Otto Hightower to ruin it.
Naruto rounded on him. "M'names not boy. Its Naruto."
"Naruto, then." the Hand of the King acquiesced, but still he didn't relent. "Why are you here?"
Rhaenyra told them in no uncertain terms. Of finding him washed ashore, of rousing him, and the miracle that had followed. Of watching him walk out of the fire and touch Syrax without being rent limb from limb. Of her dearest partner allowing him to ride with her. It was a story she expected few to believe, yet felt compelled to tell nonetheless. For once none interrupted her and she took full advantage, hammering every bit of her story home before someone could think to pipe up.
"Fascinating." Viserys found his voice first come the end of her tale
"If it is true." Otto put in.
Lord Corlys rumbled his agreement. "It does beggar belief...
Rhaenyra felt her hands ball into fists at her sides. "I'm not lying."
"Then you are mistaken." The Hand of the King scoffed. "The boy cannot stand up to a dragon. What the princess saw was likely a trick of the light."
"Oh?" Said boy quirked a brow and spread his arms wide. "For having the name Hightower you have an awfully low opinion of me. Would you care for another demonstration?"
Alicent bit her lip to hide a silent smile.
Viserys frowned in return. "That will not be necessary-
"Why not, brother?" Daemon rose from his chair, curiosity piqued. "It would be entertaining if nothing else. And if he's lying, we'll know soon enough."
What? No! That wasn't her intent! Rhaenyra rounded on him, panicking bleating in her brain, hammering in her heart. "Uncle, that is-
-just fine." Naruto's smile had never wavered, not once, but now it had an edge to match Daemon's challenge. "I'm a bit curious about dragons myself. I wonder what yours looks like."
Daemon stepped forward to meet his gaze. "You would not be so eager to meet Caraxes if you knew him."
Naruto tilted his head a fraction of an inch. "I've seen worse. Much worse."
It was like watching two alpha predators square up to one another.
Rhaenyra couldn't look away. She found herself spellbound by the sight. Neither would yield. Their pride wouldn't allow it. Somehow she knew what followed this instant that this moment would define them in the years to come; they would either be the fastest of friends, or the fiercest of foes. There could be no middle ground.
The world held its breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Viserys blew out sigh...and faltered.
"So be it."
(.0.0.0.)
The Dragonpit seemed darker somehow.
Rhaenyra couldn't rightly say why; she'd landed here on Syrax only a short while ago and everything had seemed so much brighter than it was now. Perhaps it was the weather; the clouds had swept in to obscure the sun, casting gloomy shadows about the pit, lending the world an almost ominous eerie air. Even the Dragonkeepers, famed for their courage, seemed ill at ease.
They had assembled here quietly, the nine of them.
Otto and Alicent, Lord Corlys of course, herself and her father alongside Daemon and two of the Kingsguard.
And of course, one mustn't forget Naruto.
He almost seemed to vibrate before her eyes, trembling with excitement as he bounded from one foot to the other. She couldn't blame him. Dragons were fascinating creatures and he was so terribly curious about the lot of them. Could he sense the lives lingering within, the great wyrms hiding deep inside the pid. Syrax was slumbering somewhere within; she could sense her partner through their shared bond.
But they weren't here for her.
Father sighed and gestured to Daemon. "On with it, then. Lets have the truth."
Her uncle strode to the entrance -sauntered really- raised both hands, and cupped them before his mouth. A deep breath followed and then:
"Caraxes~!"
The shout echoed into the Dragponit...and a low shuddering, sibilant shriek answered almost immediately.
A massive shadow emerged from the pit, its slender body arching like a snake as it dragged itself up and out of the pit. Rhaenyra found herself stepping back despite herself. She did not fear Daemon's dragon per se; she was simply wary of it. And rightly so. There were foul rumors of the blood wyrm. He had seen many a battle and slain many a would-be dragon rider before her uncle claimed him.
Caraxes unfurled slowly, long neck arching toward Naruto.
"Hello, there!" By contrast, the blond stood his ground; the oaf even dared to wave!"You're a bit grouchy today, huh? Sorry they woke you up. This won't take long." The blood wyrm hissed at him and he huffed, planting a fist on his hip. "Hey, hey, don't take your anger out on me. I didn't ask for this."
Daemon balked. "You can...understand him?"
"More or less." Naruto waved a hand. "I can sense emotions, feelings, ya know? He's sleepy and not too happy about being woke up." When everyone continued to balk at him, he only smiled. "Well, what are we waiting for? Roast me alive already. I wanna get this over with and get something to eat.
Father sighed. "He certainly doesn't lack for spirit...
Daemon flicked glance her away as though to ask for permission; and when she didn't object:
"Dracarys."
Caraxes reared back. Naruto planted his feet and grinned as the dragon's jaws parted.
He was still grinning when a roiling red inferno washed over his boy. Bathed in fire from head to toe, he didn't make a sound.
Rhaenyra felt her heart twitch. Had she sent him to his death? Syrax was one thing, but Caraxes was far older, his fire hotter and far fouler of temper. He proved that much now. Far from content with a singular blast, the crimson dragon unleashed a second, and then a third, followed by a fourth, all but charring the ground to black glass. Contrary to what some might believe, dragons could not continuously breathe fire. They had to pause, inhale, exhale, breathe, as all living creatures did.
In that moment between exhalations, Naruto emerged.
He walked out of the blaze, bathed in that strange golden shroud once more. His eyes were red yet again, slitted like those of of a dragon. She could see the strange black marks etched against the gold, strange runic-like inscriptions she could possibly hope to understand.
Clad in that cloak of gold, the whiskered warrior walked right up to Caraxes.
"Well?" she couldn't properly see his face from here but it sounded like he was smiling. "Are you not entertained?"
There he was hamming it up, throwing Daemon's words back in his face.
Caraxes lumbered forward, intent to take a hearty bite out of him.
"No." Those wild red eyes narrowed upon the dragon. "Sit."
The dragon snapped at him instead.
"I. Said. Sit."
A wave of unseen pressure ripped through the arena, blasting everyone's hair back. Rhaenyra felt it all the same, and it terrified her, moreso Alicent, who ducked behind her. She didn't blame her precious friend. This...was akin to having a knife at one's throat, of staring down a furious beast ready to swallow you whole. Death. This was death. She nearly fell to her knees and hugged her shoulders; it was only an ironclad sense of self control that kept her rooted. Father and Lord Corlys staggered back; Otto Hightower looked as though he'd just seen a ghost.
Daemon shivered, one hand flying to the hilt of his sword, yet held firm.
It must have been even worse for poor Caraxes; for Daemon's dragon physically convulsed, shuddered once, and laid its long neck upon the ground.
Had the beast whimpered just now? No, surely not.
"Good boy." Naruto ran a hand across Caraxes' crest. "Shh, shh." he cooed at it. "Its alright, I know you didn't mean anything by it. You're just grumpy. Go on, you can sleep now. Sleep...
In a matter of moments, the blood wyrm did just that, dozing peacefully.
Naruto turned a winning smile on them all. And he said it again.
"Are you not entertained?"
Rhaenyra certainly was!
She broke the tableau first and walked his way; leaving a terrified Alicent no choice but to follow in her wake.
"Come," she took his hand and tugged him along. "Lets get you a proper meal. You must be starving."
Naruto laughed. "Well, I won't say no to that. Don't suppose you've got any Ramen.
Alicent made a face. "What, pray tell, is this...Ramen, you speak of?"
Naruto made a strangled noise. "You gotta be kidding me...
Rhaenyra laughed. Was this selfish of her? Undoubtedly. It most certainly was.
Did she care what others thought of them? Not a jot.
It was the beginning of something new.
A/N: There we go.
Time will tell if this remains a story.
As stated, this'll be upgraded to M later down the line.
As ever, the Embers rule persists more, for this story, and a few others. Meaning, if folks don't enjoy this, it WILL remain onsite-but it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs with no end in sight and I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy.
So? Should this continue? Or fall into oblivion?
By all means, speak up! Make yourselves heard!
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas…
...Review...Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the Previews!
As ever:
SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
YE BE WARNED!
Read at your own risk!
As ever, these are from the far flung future...or are they~?!
(Previews!)
"He has spirit. But one man, one boy," Otto amended, "Cannot hold the realm together."
"No one must know of this. If the people learn that someone cannot be burned by dragonfire... "Give him some coin and send him on his way."
"I will not."
"Rhaenyra-
She stomped off, hating herself for the tears in her eyes.
It was only when she
"I didn't hear you."
He grinned. "I can be quiet when I wanna be."
"You misunderstand." she rounded on him in a swirl of silk. "King's Landing is a nest of vipers. If you're going to stay here, we have to trust each other.
"I do trust you."
Silly boy! How could he trust her when he barely knew her?!
"You shouldn't fling around frivolous words like that."
"And yet I still do."
"Why?"
"Well," he looked away, scratching at his cheek. "I'm good at reading people these days. Call it a gift. You seem alright."
"And what of Otto Hightower?"
His lips thinned into a line so firm they nearly went white. "Not so much."
Well! At least someone recognized the vulture for what he was. She'd not say such for fear of offending Alicent, but the fact remained that the Hand of the King was a grasping man. He'd show
"He would send you away."
His words struck her like a sledgehammer.
She didn't want to see the back of him, either. She'd grown fond of his witticisms and frank way of speaking; the way he struck others speechless
And in that moment, an idea formed. A way to keep him close to her side, to bind his cause to hers.
...kneel, would you kindly?"
A blond brow rose. Why?"
Her face burned red. "Be quick about it!"
He did as she asked, not to humor her as most men might, but because he trusted her.
Trust. Such a little word...
Oh gods she was really doing this. If someone saw her right now she would absolutely die from bloody embarassment; Alicent would never let her live it down.
How did one go about knighting someone, anyway? She'd seen Father do so any number of times, even Mother once, on a lark, yet now the words escaped her as surely as fire through her fingertips.
Blast it all. She'd have to look it up-aha! She remembered now. Blast it, I need a blade." a dagger appeared in his hand. "Will a kunai do?" She laughed and touched his right shoulder. "In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave." Now the blade moved to his left shoulder. "In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just." Back to the right, now. "In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the innocent. Arise, Naruto. Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
This time, he did kiss her hand. Alicent would be scandalized.
Huh. Never been a knight before. You're not gonna try and make me wear armor, are ya? Will you? His smile was answer enough, but he still elaborated for her sake. Don't need it. Slows me down. An agile fighter then? Well, we can't have you walking about in those rags.
A hint of fire flashed through his eyes. "What's wrong with orange and black?"
Strange as it might sound, his defiance pleased Rhaenyra. Respect or no, he wasn't going to let her push him around. Good. She had no need of a yes-man or a lickspittle.
Ah, but he'd asked her a question, hadn't he?
"Nothing at all." she smiled at him as the walked. Black was one of the two colors of her house, after all. As was another. "Would you consider wearing red instead?"
He adopted a decidedly mulish look. "I'm not gonna wear some fancy tunic.
Perish the thought. A knight who could move faster than an arrow and endure dragon fire. She could think of no better protector; not for Father's kingsguard, this one. She wanted him all to herself-and no, not like that!
"Make your own future, Alicent." he planted both hands in his pockets and walked away. "Do what you want, with who you want...or don't. Its your choice."
"...you want to help me?"
"You're holding the realm together, Viserys. I think that's admirable." Naruto smiled wistfully, "I'd like to see you smile more before you work yourself to death. The hardest thing any leader can be is a good man."
"Wise words for one so young,"
"Oi, cut that out, I know you're only Thirty-Nine."
"Me?! Joust?! No, no, no bad idea for all parties involved!"
Daemon clapped slowly. "Again."
"I just knocked you flat on your back.
"My point stands." the prince drew himself up with a grin. "Again."
"SWORD!"
"Push now." A golden hand patted her leg. "Don't worry about the bleeding. I've got you."
Aemma looked up from her birthing bed with a start. "How did you get in here...?!"
Naruto hummed. "Through the window. How else?"
"Its a thousand foot drop to the sea!"
"I'm a good climber."
"Some are simply fated not to live."
"Who decided that? These Gods of yours? Lemme tell you something about "Gods." After today's fiasco his temper had well and truly gotten away from him, and there was nothing he could do to stop himself anymore. "They don't know shit. I fought one. I WON. I dare yours to try the same."
"Vultures, the lot of you. Give the man some peace!"
"You have done me a great deed this day. Ask anything of me and I shall grant it to you."
Kurama roared.
Something roared back.
A massive shadow fell over them.
Naruto grinned. "Oh, wow, you're a big one...
Rhaenyra grabbed at his arm as winged death descended upon then. It was the largest dragon she'd ever seen...
EDIT: Ah, but which dragon is it! I'm not naming names yet!
R&R~!