So here she is guys, this one was a huge challenge for me as it had been hinted at for the past few chapters. How effective would Six actually be in the investigation?
You'll find out soon.
With all that being said, I give you all the next installment of this story. I wish you all a happy and good day. Stay safe.
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones or Halo as they belong to their respective owners.
Noble Six
Red Keep
Peering out of his room, he was satisfied to see the remnants of the sun now waning. The sky would soon be dark... and he could continue his work. Pulling his now dusty duffel bag out from the chest, he placed it upon his bed. Giving it a few wipes, he silently unzipped it, separating the two sides he gazed at his equipment.
Picking up one of the four bio foam canisters he had left, he placed it into one of the pouches in his armor. Once that was done, he grabbed his cloaking device and attached it to his hip. Momentarily regarding the fading scratch marks upon on the sphere, it had been damaged in the fight. Now only giving him one minute of use, he would need to wait an additional ten for it recharge.
Hence the reason for its scarce use up until now. Lifting a blanket off the bottom he reached in and pulled his bow out. Slowly gliding his hands across the ironwood bow he couldn't help but admire its craftsmanship. He had paid with his own coin to have it made from house forester. It took some time to receive it, but it was well worth it.
Its design was unique as well, some might say it was just a smaller war bow. This was not the case, while in appearance it was, but functionally it was not. With his enhanced strength and the high-end materials used to create it. It could be used as a long bow and have the draw speed of a recurve as well.
Draping it over his shoulder he acquired his quiver, fifty steel tipped arrows. More than enough for the night, next he placed twelve throwing knives across his body. Just before he placed what he didn't need back in the bag, his eyes lingered on his enemy's weapon. In truth, it was his most valuable possession.
Unfortunately, now was not the time as he zipped the bag closed. Placed the lock back onto it after laying it back in the chest. Now, he was almost ready. All that was left was his helmet.
As his hands gripped the sides of it, his own reflection stared unflinchingly back. It was moments like these, the calm before the storm. That people remember, running that last thought through his head he smoothly placed it back on.
Soon it's boot up screen was visible; all systems were normal. Shields were at a steady ninety-one percent. A two percent drop from the last time he used it. He needed to figure out why, but not right now. It wasn't an issue at the moment, so he pushed it back.
Already aware the guards had made transitions; he traversed the dimly lit corridors silently. His cloak covering him completely, not even a glance of gold off his visor was visible. Placing his hand on the edge of the hallway, he brought his head down and concentrated.
After a few seconds he took his hand off and proceeded forward, a child running amok in the castle at this time of night? Interesting. Especially the fact no one was allowed in this keep after hours except the royal family and their guests. Household staff for both were excused once everyone was settled down for the night. So why was this young boy practically scattering away.
He intended to find out why. Slowly, he stalked the young boy. It would seem the child new the layouts well, he avoided all walkways or corridors with guards. Smart. From the sounds of it, fur covered slippers were used to help remain undetected.
Six narrowed his eyes, so... the boy has a master. No way he learned all of this on his own. If he were to be caught by a guard, one with Lannister colors. Trouble would be the least of the boys' worries. Following him up a set of stairs, Six realized the route they were taking was bringing them to Lord Varys room.
He watched the boy shiver from the nightly gusts of wind, darting his head behind him several times. His heartbeat was rapid, he was afraid. Soon the boy gave two sharp knocks, he could hear the shuffle of feet inside the room.
Quickly the door opened and revealed an awake lord Varys, who at first sight of the child. Gave a disarming smile to the lad, before bringing himself to eye level with the boy. "Now young Boli... there's no need for fright, my boy. Come inside, quickly before the cold takes you to the others." Varys japes and it seemed that did the trick for the youngster. Boli relaxed his shoulders and followed the eunuch's commands. Once he was securely in the room, Varys peeked his out and scanned the halls.
Unbeknownst to him as he passed over the dark form of the Spartan, that Six was standing right in front of him. As he watched the door be closed, he crossed his arms and leaned lightly on the wall.
Varys it would appear, was on his tail and no doubt others were as well. They had no idea just how out of their league they were against him. The young boy named Boli was a spy for Varys, reports of the daily keep activity while they were gone was relayed. So far nothing was useful, just things he either already knew or was something that had nothing to do with the investigation.
Soon the smacking of gums was heard, turning his head slightly to listen more intently. Candied treats, now it made more sense. Varys baited young children with words of protection and hands full of sweets for information. That was dangerous... and impressively bold.
Under the right circumstances each and every last one of them would squeal on him if it came to it. Children were children. They would do anything possible to prolong their already short existence. Which is why he wouldn't do anything to harm them, they only knew what they were given. The fault laid not on them, but Varys and anyone else that would exploit their innocence.
He didn't have a clear-cut picture of Varys just yet, but using kids was not something he agreed with. So far, the spider had only been following the queen's orders to have him followed. Nothing about Varys had given him any inclination that he would harm children. His reaction to seeing the boy and tone of voice used when questioning him, was not one of malice or hidden agenda.
Soon the door opened once more, and he watched the boy scurry away without so much as a goodbye. A low chuckle was heard as Varys closed it for a final time. He could see the light coming from under the door become dark. The soft groan of the bed frame sending the Spartan back down the stairway.
His next stop was the queen's quarters, Ser Jaime was going to be there. His main objective was to plant a surveillance bug on the innermost wall, next to Cersei's bed. From there, he could see the whole room and the occupants of the bed, catching the siblings in the act of intimacy was the more likely outcome.
However, he has run into a rather large problem with that. If he can catch them, and he brings them to the king. No tear will be shed for either of them when Robert takes their heads. It's the children that will suffer though, from what he's read and what Ned has told him about the sacking of Kings Landing.
It wouldn't matter to Robert that they were innocent in the actions of their parent's incestuous relationship. He'd kill them, Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen. Joffrey was already showing signs of a tyrant in the making. So, he would need to be eliminated or thoroughly reconditioned. He could do both if it came to it.
He would not let the children be harmed; on that he'd give his word. If the king didn't like it and chose violence over reason, well... kings can fall just as men do.
As he neared the section with the royals, he made sure his invisibility cloak was charged and ready. He would only have a few seconds to infiltrate, place the device, and then retreat from the room. Ser Jaime was, as expected, outside the queen's room.
Now, he needed Jaime to be out of action. At least for this small instance, an arrogant cunt he may be, but he was still the son of one of the most powerful men in the country. Six had only been exposed to Westeros for eight months now, and there were things he still had to learn about this place.
Bearing that in mind, he cautiously approached closer to the edges of darkness in the hall. The two torches on either side of the door crackled quietly. Jaime, having the experience of a swordsman and veteran of war. Could sense something was amiss, the hall was now deathly quiet. Six could see as Jaime took a step forward and his right hand was placed on his sword.
Seconds ticked by. Another small step, fingers encircling the hilt. Jaime's heart was pounding, and just as he was a foot away from Six. He pounced. Reaching out of the darkness he closed Jaimes sword back in its hilt and brought the same arm up and struck Jaime in the face. The force was much, much, weaker compared to if he needed to kill him. It was enough to knock him unconscious in a single stroke though, if the slowly falling form said anything. Carefully, he snatched the body and stowed him in the nearby privy.
Now, he advanced on the door. His form now being enlightened by the torches, he placed a gloved hand on either one and watched as the flames died.
Slowly, he pushed the door open. Listen for any type of sound to be made from the door, apparently, they were well maintained and or oiled as it silently moved away. Now that he was inside, he could get to work. With the entrance closed, he noticed he could make an escape through the window should he need to.
He approached the bed and could only see the queen, fast asleep and lightly snoring. Pulling his view from her, he walked over to her closet. Now was as good a time as any to look for that dress. He still had the torn fabric in one of his cloak pockets, but he didn't have a lot of time. Methodically moving around the room and sifting through all her belongings, he was frustrated. The dress? Gone. Most likely destroyed or thrown out, he wouldn't even ponder as to its whereabouts now.
As he continued to look for anything he could use, he stumbles upon two raven scrolls. Broken seals, curiously he opened the first one.
Father,
I write to you with urgency, for our house's legacy may be in danger. Ned Stark has come south and is now hand to Robert. Stark, however brought with him a monster.
They call him the Spartan, he's massive father...
As I write this, your son is bleeding and lay broken as the maester tends to him. I... cannot protect our family myself, father.
I need your help.
Cersei Lannister
That's why Tywin was here, he should have known that she would cry wolf to her father. From what he learned of Tywin through known associates, the man cared about the legacy of his family more than anything.
Stowing that one into his pocket, he moved onto the next one.
Daughter,
I am on my way to Kings Landing as you read this, Kevin will rule Casterly Rock in my stead. Your brother has always been too head-fast with his blade, the matter will not go unanswered.
I will see this, 'monster' for myself.
Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, and Warden of the West
Slowly putting the scroll into one of his many pockets, he digested the new information. If Six was a betting man, he'd say Cersei was only afraid of the possibility that she and her family weren't invincible. It would made sense, other than the late Targaryen reign no other house was feared as they were. Not even the Starks.
Six knew her father had a reputation, a very feared one at that. Yet he found himself hungry for a challenge. One that no doubt would be sated in the coming weeks. Especially now that he was in their crosshairs.
With most of the room thoroughly searched he gently placed the device into a crevice on the wall. Tapping a few commands onto his TACPAD, he seen a small flicker of green light emit from the small camera he placed. Once it disappeared, his job was done.
Suddenly, he heard the door to the privy burst open. Jaime was awake, with little time to move, Six leaped out the nearest open window. Just as the last remnants of his cloak disappeared from view. Now all he heard was the whistle of wind as his descent accelerated.
He could see the battlements surrounding the keep getting closer and closer, he needed to time it absolutely perfect. As soon as his boot made contact, he twisted his body and used the momentum to send him into a roll. Placing his palm on ground he applied enough force to stop his skid.
Unfortunately, that was not enough to keep his actions silent. He could hear a few guards coming to investigate the disturbance. Acting quickly, he climbed over the side leading to the lower city and slid down.
His boots smacked into the brick road, now was the more difficult part. The city had half a million people in it, and he had to evade every single one of them. Checking the sky, he had around five to seven hours before light.
The streets were still alive with activity even in darkness. Most of the food vendors weren't out as they were replaced with prostitutes. He could feel the women sliding their hands across his cloak as he moved among the small folk.
Interestingly, it did not seem that his size and appearance was one of importance to them. Almost all were engaged in various activities. Some drinking, others fighting, but they were all one thing. Filthy.
His helmets air filters took away the stench, but he knew it was there, he'd smelled it when he arrived in the outskirts.
Going through them wouldn't be too much of a problem, most of the city watch were too busy doing anything but their job. Inwardly he berated them for for their carelessness to the citizens. However, it was not his job to correct them.
First place he needed to go to... was a brothel. The prostitutes that King Robert slept with in the past had come down with pregnancies. Though once the babes reached an age they could walk, they were thrown into the streets.
He didn't need to look far for it, he could see the drunken men and women going in and out of the establishment. As he stepped up to the entrance, he was stopped by one of the women outside. This one had dark brown hair and looked to be in her mid-forties, still not bad on the eyes but nothing she offered he wanted. Her batting of eye lashes and thrusting of her breasts on his armored chest.
The cold metal startled her as she briefly backed away, her eyes not of fear but confusion. Before she could say anything, he entered the building. Swiftly blending himself into the environment, she did not follow.
Looking at the occupants in the room, he could not see a single one of the whores that had been in the keep recently. He didn't hear the sound of babes crying either. That would leave the ledger as the last thing salvageable for now. That meant finding the bookkeeper, he knew that Baelish would have someone looking over his establishment when not present.
He could see what looked to be an office on the far side of the room. The door was slightly open, and he couldn't see if it was occupied, he needed to get closer. Thumbing the activation button on his invisibility cloak, he pressed it. Vanishing.
Finding no trouble reaching the door he blocked out the noise in the room.
...
Nothing. Faster than a candle being put out, he was in the room with the door firmly closed. Turning away from it he began checking anything and everything that looked like a book. Most were only recent transactions from various customers, name, what street and house marking. It was rather astonishing how expensive some of these whores actually were. Yet the people in the city it seemed found ways to always keep coming back.
Information that would seem useless but was priceless to him, should he need to find anyone he could. None of these had anything regarding the transactions from the red keep. What he did find interesting though, was Baelish was transporting a large portion of his income back to the fingers. Now why would the master of coin be sending coin home?
A thought he would ponder on later, he needed to leave and quickly at that. Placing the book back into its place, he turned and placed just enough pressure to see the outside occupants. Too many eyes on this side, his cloak hadn't recharged yet so that was out.
He needed a distraction and fast, finding a set of candles close to a pitcher of water. Picking up a pebble from the ground, he wasted no time and flicked it towards the candle. Too much force would obliterate the wax, so he aimed it to the side as it grazed it just enough to cause it to wobble. Then it turned over, catching a blanket of furs on fire. No one noticed at first until the fire started to spread on the blanket, the smoke filling the room.
Soon yells of alarm were heard, the guards jumping from their seats and hastily trying to put the fire out. By the time the flames were quenched, he was already outside heading towards the street of steel.
Baratheon's were known for their strength; blacksmith would be perfect work for a bastard with no name but strength. From what Ned had told him, Tobho Mott was one of the most esteemed smiths in the city. So that would be his next stop, carefully looking over his small map of the area. He was only a few blocks from the shop, no doubt being manned by someone during the night. A forge never rests as Mikken drilled into him during the construction of his hammer.
It was hot, hard, and rather therapeutic to Six. The sound of clanging metals was heard all around him, as some men tried showing him their wares, but he simply ignored them. He'd no interest in any armor other than his own, MJOLNIR.
Rounding the corner to Mott's shop he heard some yelling and what appeared to be punches thrown. Without increasing his pace, he advanced on the disturbance. He could see what looked like four older men all clearly drunk, in a brawl with... a teenager?
Zooming into the boy's features, his eyes widened slightly. He had the looks; he had the build as well if the fight said anything. A powerful right hook from the boy sent one to the ground, but they were soon enclosing around him. Sensing his disadvantage, Six positioned himself behind the boy. Flexing his fingers a few times, he was in need of a small release if it came to it.
"Gendry!" One of them sneered, continued to encircle the teenager who only glared in response.
Gendry wiped some blood from his nose and spat in the group's direction, saying nothing as he grabbed his smithing hammer. In response, the men drew daggers. They stalked forward, stabbing at the boy who fiendishly batted them away, and just as one of them was getting ready to stab Gendry in the back.
Using his enhanced strength, he grabbed two of them by their throats and quickly smashed them into the ground. The force crushing their bones and sending blood into the air. Gendry stood still with fear, three assailants had just turned into one.
Six slowly turned to face the final attacker, who was staring at the alleyway in shock. Wasting no time, Six pulled his Kukri from its sheathe and expertly guided it into the skull of the last mugger. Embedding itself right between the eyes, the man slumped to the ground never to breathe again.
He watched the boy's reaction closely; Gendry was still struck with fear, but it was beginning to recede. The boy's eyes traveled into the darkness where Six stood. Not really sure what to do next, he saw Gendry toss the hammer back onto an anvil and hold his hands out to his side.
Confident that the trouble was taken care of, Six approached from the shadows. His form covered as he casually strode forward, he leaned down and yanked the blade from its place. Cleaned the blood from it before placing it back into the sheathe.
Now the two were mere feet from each other, "You handled yourself well, I take it this occurs often?" Six asked, the question ringing Gendry from his stupor.
He could tell the boy wasn't sure how to respond, probably the first time someone stood up for him like this. He decided to put the young man's conscious at ease, "No harm will come to you from me, you have my word."
Gendry raised an eyebrow in suspicion, "Thanks, didn't catch ya name."
"I didn't offer it, where's your master?" Six questioned, he had no intention giving any alias out. Gendry scoffed at his question, holding his arms out wide.
"What? You saying I can't have my own shop or defend it?" The boy snapped back heatedly, Six raised an eyebrow in response. So, the kid had a short temper and could hold himself in a fight. Six didn't respond back, letting the young man calm down and after taking a few deep breaths, Gendry calmed.
"Not here, he'll be back on the morrow though. He's not gonna be happy about this, but there isn't much he can do about it." Gendry said bitterly, Six quirked an eyebrow at that.
"Why can't he?" He questioned, he was already aware of the city watches negligence, but for a district as important as this? He could only shake his head at it.
Gendry paused between swings of his hammer, and he could tell the boy was questioning the next words he said. "The watch won't help us because they're too busy drinking and whoring, only a few are decent men."
Nothing he didn't already know, Six wasn't finding anything useful so far. He needed to change his line of questioning, "How long have you been here?" Six motioned with his head to the storefront.
Gendry shrugged, seemingly uninterested with the question. "Since I was a lad, my mum died when I was young. She used to sing to me... she had golden hair." The words drifted into a whisper, but the last words caught his attention. Golden hair.
His next question would be the last before he departed, "What of your father?"
Another scoff, but this time with a hint of anger laced in it. "He could be one of those cunts in the city watch for all I know. Why are you asking me all these questions?" Frustration was now evident in his voice; it was time to leave.
Six, in one smooth motion had his helmet capture a photo of Gendry. A flash of light that blinded the boy for a second before it was gone. Before he could react though, Six made to leave. "Don't get into any trouble, kid. I'll be in touch."
With that, he turned and activated his cloak, leaving a bewildered Gendry behind. The last part of his patrol was more of a personal touch, he'd been making sure any sexual assault or possible homicides were deterred. Violently. Rape or attempted rape was punishable by death to him, feeling a smirk form on the right side of his mouth. Who was going to stop him?
No one.
Hearing a scream a few streets away, he darted up the side of a building and reached the top. The weight of his armor was substantial, so he'd need to pick his landing spots carefully.
Another one was heard; this one was younger and female. Leaping across the rooftops he halved the distance in little time, shards of broken bricks slid off the houses onto the street barely missing the civilians. Damn it, he couldn't keep this up for long, collateral damage had to be avoided at all costs.
Landing on the last house, he got down into a crouch. The night sky obscuring him from view, he could see dozens of citizens in the small marketplace. Blood was smeared onto the streets as they walked onto it, this city was really pissing him off. The diplomatic shackles that Lord Stark had placed on him made instances like this difficult to navigate.
At the current moment, however, Six found a more pressing matter to attend to. In the back of the marketplace, a trio of guards stood in front of stairs that led down into what appeared to be a cellar. The screams were coming from in there, pulling a few arrows out of the quiver he took aim at them. In quick succession, he disposed of all three in less than two seconds. They dropped to the ground; arrowheads visible from the back of their skulls.
The surrounding people scattered in fear, using this distraction he jumped from the rooftop and slammed into the ground and dust shot up into the air. He was already down the stairs by the time the pebbles hit the stone. He waited for a moment, seeing if anyone would either investigate, or return back to it.
Without surprise, the small folk came right back and soon he seen the bodies being pushed off the street and down the stairs. The sickening crack of flesh hitting stone was heard as they tumbled down until finally resting at his feet.
Shifting his view back to the iron door, he could already tell from its weight that it was barred on the other side. Unfortunate. This was not his most favored way of doing things, but it was effective.
Putting his bow back on his back, he unsheathed both his combat knife and Kukri. Bringing his fists up, he gave one hard knock.
Hearing a slight shuffle, and the noise was gone now. "Fuck off!" Was his response, sighing to himself. He knocked once more, harder. To the point the door shook.
"Oi!" He readied himself, latches were being unlocked and soon a torso sized plate was pulled from the door. Revealing the doorman, as soon as the man caught site of his armor. He ripped the man from inside and pulled him through the slot, strips of flesh from his arm ripped off the edges of the door. Before he could scream for help, his skull was slammed into the wall. Ending his life.
Entering the establishment, he quickly re-locked the door and faced the occupants. There were at least two dozen armed men in the room, another set of stairs that led downwards once more. Once he'd seen that collateral damage would not be an issue for this brief interaction.
Before anyone of them could bring their swords to bear, Six was upon them. With three throwing knives equipped in each hand, he threw them at his targets. Each one ending a life.
Now they were reacting, many were beginning to charge at him, and some stayed back and readied crossbows. It wouldn't make any difference as he used a dinner plate and slung it in a frisbee like throw, making impact in a man's windpipe.
He purposely gave into his anger as punched a man straight through a wall; chest cavity crushed from the force.
Leaning to the right to avoid an arrow, he dispatched the last of the crossbows with his remaining daggers. That was twelve down now, half the enemy forces. With his blades now in hand, he cut through them with ferocity. Bringing down an overhead strike, his Kukri cut clean through all the way to the midsection. The last assailant was now petrified as Six casually pulled the metal from flesh. The now dead criminal slumped to the floor, its impact making the last man flinch. Fear? Now?
As if this waste of life deserved pity or forgiveness, the man dropped his sword, and the shaking of his body caused him to drop to his knees. Before Six eliminated him, he'd get some information.
"How many people are down there?" Six asked quietly, he had no intentions of letting anyone that had anything to do with this live.
Soon the man answered, "Twenty...please... I told you what you wanted to know! I'll never come back to this life, I never touched any of them I swear upon the seven!" He was becoming frantic. Six thrust his hand forward and engulfed the man's throat, clenching his fist until he felt the bone snap. Letting the last assailant drop to the floor, the fearful sniffles and occasional moans could now be heard.
Without warning, he pulled the door off its hinges and tossed it aside. The women inside screamed in terror at the hooded figure now standing between them... and freedom. This time though, their woes would be gone as Six stepped to the side and held his arm out. No one moved until one of the youngest females, around the age of sixteen came forward. Her clothes dirtied and torn, dried blood on her thighs. She stood before him for a few seconds, before she gave a very soft and shaky, "Thank you, Stranger."
One by one they filed out with each other, most stopping at the sight of the carnage he created. Before long he could hear the last footsteps leave the building. Heaving a sigh of relief as he exited the room, his patrol was over for the night. It was time to return to the keep.
Avoiding all the necessary patrols and guards, he recounted the evidence he'd discovered. Varys was having him, and most likely others followed by children. He'd placed the surveillance bug into the queen's chambers, now he just needed to wait for the perfect moment. Finding Gendry was a stroke of luck, searching houses that lead to no information was a nuisance. Yet he felt Gendry could be a key to solving this, granted the boy agrees to help.
Lastly, he eliminated another group of sex traffickers. He had no idea how many of them there were, but his actions and the brutality of them would send a message.
Pulling himself into his rooms via window, he scanned it and was satisfied no one had entered. As he began disassembling his armor, he thought of the stark family. Recently, he'd discovered Jon had been sneaking into his room. Digging into his past, well as much as Jon could understand given his lack of technological knowledge. But the boy had been startled when he'd looked at Jorge's dog tag.
It was a conversation he had no idea how to approach, Jon was at times a little brother to him. Or at least what he thinks having a little brother would be like. He decided that if and when they leave the capital, he'd talk with him.
Closing his armor chest and locking it up, he had a few hours to sleep before dawn. Laying down in his bed, he closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.
AN: Hey guys, so here it is. The newest installment of the lone wolf, I hope you guys like taking a closer look at Six and his progress of the investigation. All of the chapters I've needed to revise have been updated.
So, one thing though, when the young woman approaches Six at the end and she calls him stranger. She, in that very moment in time, believed he was Death himself. I just wanted to point that out mainly because I didn't want anyone confused on what was intended. Thanks!
I hope you all stay safe and keep grinding!
Deuces