AN: Here she is guys, the next installment of The Lone Wolf. I hope you all enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I do not own or have any ownership over Game of Thrones or Halo. They belong to their respective owners.

The Red Keep

Jon Snow

He was walking... he couldn't see anything. The cold was all he felt, by the old gods he had never been this cold before. His cloak stamped into his body as he trudged forward. The flakes of snow were like daggers to his skin. Needing to squint his eyes he faintly seen the outline of.. fire?

Warmth. Jon picked up his pace as best he could, but the fire never got any closer. He started to pump his arms and legs as fast and hard as he could but he wasn't making any ground.

His eyes widen in fright, what the hells was happening to him? Suddenly, he heard a clash of metal and instinctively grabbed his sword. As he pulled it from its scabbard, he was brought to his knees from a massive explosion to his right. The heat from it was warm, but the storm quickly drowned it out. As his eyes adjusted.. he wished he hadn't.

It was a battle, fought at Winterfell. He couldn't make out any of the various banners or sigils. But he did see that the northern army was losing ground and fast. Explosions of red and blue flames coated the battlefield.

Jon grit his teeth, he needed to move. The sounds of battle getting closer.. as did the screams of men dying. Commands were hurled to retreat as lines were receding in mangled formations. Then a roaring sound that deafened the battlefield. Feeling the ground shake beneath him, being brought to his knees once more.

Looking to the disturbance he saw a beast... it couldn't be.

A dragon loomed over him before blasting him with fire.

Jon snapped awake, covered in sweat. He ran his hands through his hair as he caught his breathe. It had been like this ever since he touched the weirwood tree. He tried to make sense of any of it, but what he did know from the dream. Frightened him.

The North would be attacked by an unknown enemy, that wielded a dragon. But the dragons were gone, for well over a century had they been gone.

The feeling of his clothes burning off fresh in his mind as the fire consumed them. It wasn't the fire that troubled him.. no. What troubled him was no pain came of it, only... warmth. Not for one second did he feel pain from the heat. When he should have screamed in agony before being turned to ash.

The bags under his eyes had only gotten worse as the dream became frequent. Until he knew more about it, he would not speak of it. Blaming his appearance on constant training, something no one would question. Not even Six.

Throwing the sheets off his body in frustration, he grabbed his jerkin and got himself ready. He needed to find answers, maester pycelle was a possibility but he had a strange feeling about him.

Suddenly, a bold thought crossed his mind. He needed to fight someone or at least trade blunted steel with, and fortunately for him. The king was going to be in the keep for the day, as was the kingsguard.

However, he needed his father. There was absolutely no way a bastard could approach the kings chambers without an escort of high importance. He knew if he hurried, he could catch his father before the small council meeting so he quickly left his room.

He missed his father, truly. When he was brought down here he though this to be an opportunity to become closer. However, it has been made apparent in since their arrival, that is the last thing Ned wants.

He couldn't place it, or understand why each time his father sees him. Remorse is always evident. He was done worrying and wondering who his mother is or was. When the time came for them to truly talk, he would not leave until an answer was given.

It wasn't long until he had made his way to the top of the Hands Tower. Feeling the anxiousness get the better of him, he mastered his breathing and soon felt better.

Knock knock knock

"Come in." A reply was heard, Jon pushed the door open and was greeted by the scented candles lit throughout the room. His father already engrossed in many raven scrolls but he did get his attention once inside.

"My Lord." Jon addressed him respectfully, and was soon on the receiving end of a raised eyebrow.

"You can call me father when we are alone, Jon." Ned lightly said.

"Father.. I've come to ask a favor of you. I wish to spar with Ser Barristan." Jon said with haste, anything else and he may have decided this was a foolish request.

Ned didn't really know how to respond to that, perhaps it was a foolish thing to ask. As the look morphed to one of skepticism, his father finally spoke. "Why? Don't take this as a no, Jon. You've caught me off guard with this, you know the kingsguard have many responsibilities, none more important than the protection of the king."

Jon managed to look a bit sheepish at that, "I understand, father. However, I want to test myself and who better than to trade sparring blows with Ser Barristan The Bold. Perhaps the king would find it an appealing distraction from his daily routine." He argues.

From the looks of his father, it didn't seem like he was making any headway. Jon wasn't sure why his father was so apprehensive to him seeing the king.

Frustration, soon took root and Jon started to pace the room. It felt like he was suffocating here, ever since he arrived in the city there has been a sickening sensation in his body. It only intensified after the dream.

A long and heavy sigh from his father broke the mental barrage. Lifting his head to face Jon, a very small smirk was there. Not soon after, a small nod was given.

Just like that, a weight off his shoulders came off. Letting out a breathe he hadn't known had been held, gratitude now clear on his features. "I won't disappoint you." He said, emotion clear and heavy in his tone.

Ned softened his eyes before he rose from his seat, and soon he was standing in front of his son with hands on either shoulder. Jon felt his father looking, but it was different this time. Like he was remembering... his mother.

Not being able to help himself, "I'll make her proud too, wherever she is." Jon whispered and that almost made his father break.

"She has always been proud of you, just as I am." Ned said before composing himself. As did Jon. "Come, let's see the king. Perhaps my appearance will aid in your efforts." Ned mused with a broader smirk

The walk was quiet and comfortable between them, it had been some time since they'd spent any personal time together. Even if this was more business than fun, being hand took much of that away.

They came upon Ser Jaime standing with a bored expression. Only for it to change at the appearance of the two northmen.

"State your intentions, Lord Stark." Jaime recited.

Without missing a beat, his father responded. "We seek an audience."

Jaime simply left his stance and opened the door, only to be instantly insulted at not letting Ned through immediately. With a sneer on his face he beckoned the two of them inside.

This was it, he was going to prove himself in front of his father. Prove he had worth, a future worth investing in. That he was a true stark even without the name, he had the blood of the first men in his veins after all.

Ser Barristan stood to the kings right staring intently at the two men approaching. Robert was grinning ear to ear at seeing his best friend and son, even if he was a bastard boy. He was Neds son.

"Ahhh, Ned. Come to trade stories an drink your fill with me for old times sake, hmm?" Robert wiggled the cup in his hand before his drunken eyes set on Jon.

He was half focused and half out of his wits drunk, "So this is your boy Jon, eh?" He tried to stand but was quickly humbled by his intoxication and slumped back down with a laugh, or more like a hack.

Jon inwardly was somewhat disgusted by the king now that he was face to face with him. True he had seen his less than honorable actions at the feast at Winterfell, and the tourney recently.

However, standing before him now and seeing the red cheeked, double chin and wheezing pathetic excuse of a man. It didn't seem right, for a brief moment that Rhaegar had lost and that this was the gods answer to the realms suffering under Aerys.

Remembering why they came here in the first place, Ned squeezed his sons shoulder. "Your grace, I apologize for the interruption. Jon would like to ask your permission, to spar with Ser Barristan." When the words came out of his fathers mouth, Jon's courage began to leave him.

This was stupid, the king would never allow a bastard to fight his most trusted kingsguard. He had half a mind to tell his father to just leave it and take him back. What he didn't expect, was a booming laugh from Robert.

The king was holding his stomach from how hard he was laughing, it wasn't long before he finally regained his composure. "By the gods that almost did me in, Ned. Ohhh." He dried his eyes and refilled his cup, before looking at his lord commander.

Barristan was simply looking strangely at Jon, it unnerved him. Like the old knight was dissecting him with his very gaze. "If it pleases your grace." He simply said.

Robert rubbed his hands together in anticipation and sat up in his chair, eyes suddenly alive. "Ahh, that's a good man. Make us proud Jon!" Robert declared, it felt strange to hear the king not call him a bastard. He'd assumed that's what he'd be called given Roberts careless behavior.

He saw his father walk up and take a seat by the king, a very cautious yet encouraging smile was given to him. Jon steeled himself, there was no going back now.

Immediately turning to face his opponent, Ser Barristan tossed him a sparring sword from the nearby rack. The old knight readying himself as well, an almost mentor like smirk was on the old man's face. This was beginning to unsettle him.

Jon internally smacked himself, he was overwhelming himself before the fight even began.

He advanced, slowly but he knew he needed to get the jitters out. Aggression was the best way.

He tried an overhead, then a side, and finally a stab. All pristinely blocked. Then came the counterattack, Jon was surprised at the speed of a man at Ser Barristans age. He was not deterred as they traded blows, Jon could feel the adrenaline coursing through him.

Their blades met once more and the two strained against each other, Jon felt himself slipping backwards against the floor. A fall would be disastrous and could force an immediate yield.

Wait.. he'd been in this position before, with Six, Grinning to himself Jon let his body fall back before planting his foot in the aging knights gut and proceeded to throw the man backwards.

Barristans body skidded across the floor, to the slack jawed response of Ned and booming laughter of the king. Jon was on him instantly, he was trading blows and parried incoming ones as the two ferociously dueled.

Just as he thought the spar may be more even than he thought, Barristan proved why he was lord commander of the kingsguard. Before he could react, he felt the dull steel slap his hand and his grip weakened. Jon was pulled over the old man's shoulder and slammed into the ground. Not before he could feel the weight of his opponent hit the ground next to him.

Looking to his left, he saw Barristan breathing hard. It seemed the throw had taken more out of him than let on. Swinging his legs to the downed knight, he caught him in the back of his knees and the man went down.

Jon used his momentum to snap his body back into a standing position, he glanced at his sword that lay a few feet from him. Frowning to himself, he didn't need it to win this.

He advanced, slowly as he caught his breath. He knew the old man had incredible endurance for his age, but Jon was young. And youth prevailed when trained properly.

He had been trained most properly. He could see his father trying to argue with the king, no words were heard as Robert was to enthralled in the spar.

"Take him down, Jon!" Robert roared in delight as he downed another goblet without taking his eyes off him.

Jon glanced to the king and made to nod before he was struck in the stomach from Barristan.

'Damn it. I have to stay focused' Jon chastised himself, he charged the old bull and skillfully moves through the strikes as he entered into close quarters. Sending a slash to his left, he ducked and kicked one the legs out from the old knight.

Jon moved back to his sword and grabbed it, he wiped the sweat coming from his brow and advanced again. The two locked blades again only for Barristan to twist to the side and Jon stumbled forward.

Using his momentum he rolled out of the way from another strike, he stabbed at Barristans side and got a hit. The old man grunted in surprise before narrowing his eyes. They advanced on one another and traded blows, Jon could scarcely believe he was doing this. It felt invigorating to keep pace with Barristan, perhaps if he showed promise he could learn from the commander.

Too many thoughts cost him as he was kicked in the leg, causing him to stumbled. Barristan followed it up with a strike to the back and he grunted in pain. It would bruise, but that's it. Turning back to retaliate he was greeted by a malled fist that landed right on his mouth. His neck was snapped to the side from the surprising force of it.

Then he felt his blood boil, it was a heat he hadn't felt before. Balling his fist he retaliated with a right cross that sent the commander reeling. Jon made to advance again but was stopped by the king.

"That's quite enough." Robert had an enormous grin on his face before he stood to his feet. "Can't have you bloodying up my kingsguard too much, HA!" He clapped Jon on the back and he sized the young lad up a final time.

"A fine show, wouldn't you say Barristan?" Robert turned to the knight who was now approaching them. A small dribble of blood could be seen at the edge of his mouth. The knight spit out a glob of it but soon gave a genuine smile.

"It was your grace, been years since I've had blood taken from me. By a boy of your age, Jon? That's an incredible feat." Barristan praised.

Robert chuckled before turning back to Jon, "Good man, now.. don't let your fathers words bring ya down, boy. A fine show, and an even finer knight you'll be one day I'm sure." The king made to say something further until the two locked eyes, and it seemed as if the man froze.

Slowly, the man's face changed. One of confusion, followed by joy, then sadness as the man's eyes brimmed with tears. Then finally, pure un contained fury. The grip on Jon's shoulder was now painful, the kind now visibly stricken with whatever came upon him.

Jon didn't know, but his shoulder was soon released.

"Leave me." Was all the king said as he turned away.

Ned didn't waste any time and guided his son out. Not even sparing a word with Barristan or Jaime as the two stormed out. Now Jon was more confused than he'd ever been. Why was everyone acting so strange right now, and it looked like Robert was ready to throttle young Jon for a brief moment.

The harrowing realization that no one could stop Robert should he have deemed it necessary. But why would it have been necessary in the first place? He was no threat to the king.. was he?

Ned Stark

Small Council Chambers

For once, he would like for a meeting to go smoothly. To not feel the need to bang his head on the table a few moments in. The issue at hand was the kings tournament and how much it was costing them, along with the city watch being completely on edge.

Commander Janos Slynt had abruptly entered the council meeting, apologizing for the intrusion, but by the redness of his face, it was a serious issue. Now they waited for the man to gather his bearings. Looking like a he hadn't slept right in weeks, the constant readjustment of his sword hand indicated he was nervous.

What the hells was going on?

After what seemed like an eternity, Janos finally spoke, "My lords, I have come here to ask for assistance. The city watch has been on constant guard for weeks now, with the tournament and the influx of people it has strained us, my lords. We need more men."

Janos reached into a pocket and pulled out a small parchment, he approached the table and handed it to Ned. Before Ned read what it contained, he gave a nod for the man to continue.

"But, we have also made some troubling discoveries. Ones, that warrant your attention. In the last month, we have uncovered a slew of murderers, rapists, and thieves found dead. Along with two tavern fires and a brothel."

Renly being lord of laws chose that moment to speak up, "Why were they allowed to exist in the first place? You speak as if you've known and chose to do nothing." His words were hard, Ned was impressed with him.

Janos wasn't deterred, "The men of the city watch work hard and long days, my lord. We cannot take care of every crime if they are performed behind closed doors or cursed alleyways." The last sentence was said with more bite than intended and the commander composed himself accordingly.

Cursed alleyways? Ned chose now to question him. "Explain. The alleyways."

That immediately made the man uncomfortable, a slight tremble was noticed in his neck as if he'd seen a demon. "There have been rumors of a.. demon or a shadow. Some are calling it the Stranger... i-I can't truly describe what has been witnessed my lords. The aftermaths are all I can account for."

Janos didn't stop as he took a small step forward, his eyes taking a frantic glint. "They say he comes at night, but is always near and that evil will know fear. Covered in a cloak of darkness, the report I've given Lord Hand is the death toll since the first sighting."

Ned looked down to it and felt a sense of dread, he knew who the culprit was and why he was doing it. Now he was going to know just how much trouble Six has caused. With reluctance, he unfurled the scroll and read its contents.

two hundred thirty-seven dead

Ned closed his eyes for a moment before passing it to Renly. It made him sick, he knew some extent of Six's abilities and was very cautious of them. Back in the North, Ned would have been more inclined to turn a blind eye to this. However, being in kings landing changed many things, protocols being one of them.

It was too dangerous, two hundred dead.. there was no way this could be kept from a royal audience. Which meant he had to tell Robert.

He couldn't lie to his best friend and king, but what was he supposed to say? He let Six kill who he saw fit and would use him on anyone that didn't agree with it. That was horridly similar to what Tywin did with Ser Gregor.

Six was a good man, that much Ned knew. The most complicated and dangerous person he'd ever met, but also the most powerful protector and teacher ever seen. Winterfell was prospering with the new education system implemented by Robb thanks to the Spartan. More healers, farmers, soldiers, and even some aspired to be maesters.

Ned was also aware of the growing numbers of the Winterfell guard, they had risen from five to seven hundred. Robb had been preparing for something, Ned didn't know what or the reason. Yet he had a suspicion the Spartan had something to do with it.

He returned his gaze to the commander, "These criminals should have been arrested and tried, had you done you're job this wouldn't have happened." Ned sternly said, however he also knew the commander had a point. They could not be everywhere at once.

Ned sighed before continuing, "That being said, you are right to bring this to us. You'll get fifty men, along with ten of my household guard. Lord Baelish will see that they're paid for, these killings will be stopped commander. Or they're will be a new commander of the city watch."

Baelish turned his head at the order, "I will?" Seeming surprised at the command, lord stark was aware of the crowns debts. However, Baelish always found a way to make gold appear.

Ned slightly shifted his head to respond, "You found gold for a champions purse, you can find more for the guards." Ned left it at that and seen the man didn't protest. Good, that was the last thing on the agenda for today.

Pushing his chair back, "If there is nothing else my lords." Ned stood to his feet. The rest of the council followed and bowed to him respectfully, Baelish adding a more subtle smirk with his. Varys seemed impressed, genuinely. Which more than surprised Ned, perhaps he should reach out to him. He didn't trust anyone that he didn't bring with him here other than Robert.

However, he was aware he needed allies in the capitol. Baelish was such a confusing man, his gut screamed at him to not trust him. His previous conversation with Six coming back to his mind. The Spartan warned him not to trust Baelish, and Ned was inclined and willing to agree with him.

He watched the rest of them leave before starting down the stairs to the Keeps gates. If what Six had shown him proved true, this was essential evidence for their investigation. When Cat arrived a day before in hysteria, and brought him news of Brans near assassination. His patience was at its limit, it was not enough to cripple his boy. No. They needed him quiet.

Neds eyes darkened as his men flanked him, all ready to march through the streets. The Lannisters would pay for this.

XXXXX

"My lord, I feel obliged to warn against this. We shouldn't be in the city, who knows whose watching." Jory advised as the traversed the underbelly of the city.

Mathos didn't say a word, only scanning the people around them. Hand on his short sword if things escalate.

Ned glanced back at his captain before returning to the front, "Let them look." He did not care whose eyes were on him anymore.

The streets were seeming with life as he passed through them, seeing his destination in sight he handed Mathos the reigns to his horse before approaching the shop.

Very modest, yet the materials on display were of the highest quality. Finding a few that caught his attention, he was unaware of the young lad noticing his entrance. The hammering seemed to halt for a moment before continuing.

Soon Tobho Mott came to him and offered a respectful bow, "Seven blessings, my lord hand. You see anything you fancy? Gendry is the best apprentice I've ever had, and you won't find better steel than here." A mighty claim, if not for the known reputation of the forge.

Ned was not here to trade pleasantries, he needed information. "The lord Jon Arryn was said to have stopped here before his passing. What did he want?"

Ned set the gauntlet down before eyeing the boy in the back, who kept his head out of sight. Before noticing a bulls head helmet, with exceptional craftsmanship. "I'd like to look at that." Ned said, more of a request than command but it didn't sound like it to Tobho.

Gendry walked over, making sure to keep his eyes and face out of the light. He handed the helmet to Ned and backed away, head down once again.

Ned pulled his eyes the blackened steel, it was very impressive and no doubt would fetch a high price for any noble lord or aspiring knight. Should they have the coin for it.

"This is very fine indeed, I should like to purchase it." Hearing that the boys favored item was potentially being taken from him. Gendry shot his head up in an instant and blurted his opposition.

"It's not for sale, it's for me." He said quickly, not a sign of hesitation. However, Ned got to see his face in those few seconds. Had he been any other man, he'd have said he'd been taken twenty years into the past.

He looked just like Robert. Upon realizing this, a newfound drive filled him. This young man could be an important asset in the future, should he be pushed in the right direction. Another demon of the trident, could be in the making. However, thankfully the life Gendry had been exposed to had rid any of Roberts whoremongering or excessive wine drinking.

Good, this was starting to look more and more possible. Smirking at the master blacksmith lightly scolding the younger lad on courtesies. "There's nothing to forgive, how long have you been here?" Ned asked Gendry, who furrowed his brows in concentration.

"Since I was little, I like the work..not much else to tell, m'lord." The nastiness of his answer indicated he was starting to become nervous. Ned had seen that look in the past when his children were worried they've been caught.

"Whatever it is, you say it to me now. No trouble will come this way." Ned said in a tone that was both soft and direct.

Gendry composed himself before answering, "The former hand asked me almost the same questions you have, m'lord. Then recently.. the stranger." Neds head shot to the boy at the mention of the stranger.

"So it's true." Joey mumbled in the back and shared a look with Mathos. Ned shot the two a hard look that straightened them out.

Ned knew talk was spreading, but by the gods it was fast. Damn spies and their misgivings. "What did this.. stranger look like? What did he want, in order." Ned said.

The young man looked to his master, who nodded for him to continue. Though now, a change was evident in the lads mood. Guarded, but scared. The boy hid it well but so did his sons and he knew when they were afraid. No different here.

"He saved me, I was attacked by some pricks who had too much to drink. Whatever this stranger is, or whoever he is. I'm glad he at least appears to be fighting for us." Gendry said with some disdain, but not directed towards Neds party.

Ned couldn't help himself, "Us?"

Gendry had a ghost of a smirk for a second before answering, he gestured to the people around him. "Us. The smallfolk, peasants, whatever they call us up in their castles. We love and respect some of you, m'lord. Past few weeks have been the safest it's been for some parts of the city. Less women and children being taken and raped."

The young man was clearly passionate about defending himself and others. "So he's the one who has been cleaning the city up, and fighting for you." Ned said with a raised eyebrow.

Gendry shrugged his shoulders, "Seems so, never seen a man that tall or armor that strange before. Saved my life, he did. Cut down three men faster than a blink, hadn't seen a curved blade like that before either." Ned breathed in a sigh of relief, glad that Six was still the good man he thought to be.

Gendry stood silently for a moment, not really sure what else to say. Ned gave the helmet back to the lad and bid him goodbye, now leaving the master blacksmith and himself. Ned needed assurance the boy would be kept safe until he was called upon.

Reaching into his pocket, he presented the paper to Tobho. "When the time comes, give this to the guards at the red keep. Bring the boy, and I will get in contact with you so don't worry about communicating. Just keep him safe." Ned said with hardness to his tone, Tobho nodded in return and placed it in a chest in the back.

Content that was the end of any further discussion, Ned headed back to the Keep. Jory had a confused look on his face as Ned grabbed the reigns from Mathos, who shared the same look. "King Roberts bastard, son." Was all that was said between them, the two stark men leaving it at that.

Ned needed to talk to Robert, and quell his thirst for Targaryen blood. Things in the capital were far more important. He would not fail his friend and king, nor his family. This damned place was nothing compared to the solitude of Winterfell.

Gods, how he wished to be home.

Arya Stark

Inner City

It was nightfall and she was lucky to have slipped through when she did, the guards had just changed. She smiled to herself, it was far too easy at times. She held her small dagger that Six had forged for her. He'd known about Needle and added a weapon himself. Something she could carry at all times.

It was almost identical to the one that Six carried, not the weird curved one. This one looked like it had a saw blade on the back of it, a design she'd never seen on a smaller blade before. She hadn't decided a name for it, to Six's blank stare and Jon's laughter.

There was something wrong with their Spartan. He was rather good at keeping his emotions in check, but Arya had a very special talent for reading faces. She could see he was distancing himself, a tool and farce she'd used when being bullied by her older sister and Jeyne Poole. Sansa and Arya were getting closer, not fast but it was better than a year ago.

Arya had watched him whenever she had the chance, never going out of her way to try and sneak up on him. Not since he'd caught her behind the barrel the first time they'd met. She was confident at the time, but he heard her breathe.

As much as she trusted him now, the fact he heard that. Was more than cause for concern, Arya knew he wouldn't hurt them. But her curiosity demanded more answers to questions she'd been wanting to ask.

It seemed her other siblings were onto him as well, the fact Jon had been angrier and more prone to cutting words at someone, only to immediately apologize. Was more proof.

Sansa was a difficult one, she was still unfortunately enamored with the prince. Her trust was more than damaged but a marriage wasn't so easily broken. Arya wished she could just tell her father to say no and they leave and go back to Winterfell.

Were it so easy.

She ducked behind as the stranger pulled another unsuspecting criminal into an alley. No screams were heard as the body never came out. This was all Arya needed to see, she had a theory that the Stranger was real. Not the god but who ever was destroying the criminal element in the lower levels.

When she asked Syrio about it, he merely replied with, "Arya, child. You must not think about the motivations behind such a man. Yes, he is a man. Because, there is only one...God. Death." He stared hard at her before they continued training.

The Stranger was Death for her mothers faith, but if it was a man that posed as a god. Who could it be?

She had an idea, as she walked into the darkened alley.

The second her sight was completely obscured with darkness, her heart began to race.

'Damn it', she had to control herself. Deep breathes, she practiced this and felt her heart slow down. Slowly, she moved her feet forward, her boots sliding on the ground. She was waiting for the weight of the dead body but she never felt it.

Thinking back now, she wished she had brought a torch.

It wasn't long before again she felt a pressure unseen, her entire body froze as she didn't hear, but felt massive footsteps approaching her. They stopped no more than two feet from her, she tried to move but she couldn't move a muscle.

"Six?" She whispered, but she didn't hear a response. Nothing.

Suddenly she was violently grabbed by shoulders and thrown backwards. Landing on her back she felt a warm liquid spread over her, it was too dark for her to see but she didn't have time to recover as whatever knocked her over came at her again.

It grabbed her ankles and dragged her into the abyss, she made to scream but a wet hand clamped her mouth shut. That's when she felt the hot breath hit her ears, "No... just me." It was an older voice, but she fought back as hard as she could against it.

Her eyes widening in terror as she realized what a horrible mistake she made. As she struggled he tossed her onto her front, and she used the opportunity to kick the man in the balls. He roared in pain before reaching out to her, she scrambled towards the Main Street only a few yards away.

The man grabbed her by the waist and she turned to retaliate but was frozen with fear as she seen him be ripped back into the darkness. The next few seconds were filled with some of the most grotesque sounds she'd ever heard, and his screams though they were a joy. The screams were... horrid, it reminded her of a horse that was caught in a barn fire while in the north. Her mother had to sing her to sleep because she was so young. But she never forgot that sound.

She stumbled back a few steps as her face was splattered with what she could assume was blood. Fearing this newcomer may be of harm to her as well, she ran. Not worth the risk of dying, she'd seen enough down here and only hoped she could make it to the keep.

As her vision began to clear and the darkness receded, oh she wished she hadn't come. She was completely covered in blood, there was no way she could keep this from her father now.

As she ran through the streets she became more grateful to her teacher as she could run much better than before and last longer in between rests. Her small form would forever taunt her as she remembered how helpless she was against the older man. Frowning, this was something she would use as motivation to get better and stronger.

Passing by a bread stand she stealthy slipped one into her pocket as she strode through the masses. Had she not been so shaken she may have smiled at her mischief. Yet, she couldn't.

Looking back mentally she berated herself for not being braver, however. Nearly being assaulted by that man whom was quite literally ripped apart by an unknown. She knew it was the Stranger, but she didn't get a look nor did she get confirmation it was Six.

Things in the Keep were getting tense, she could feel it. Her father felt it, her siblings did, and she most certainly knew that Six felt it.

As the gates to the Red Keep came into view, she wondered to herself.

'What happens, now?

Unbeknownst to her as she crept back through the hidden passageway underneath the keep, Six was behind her the entire time she ran back.

The Spartan lowered his head as he realized too late.. maybe Ned was right.

There she is y'all, I know it took me a really long time to get this out but I really take my time with these updates. I want to make sure it is up to par with my expectations.

I hope you guys like it and want more because things are about to get messy..

Deuces.