A/N: EDIT: Made some tweaks and improvements~!
Staying alive, staying alive! Blasted doctors, blasted aches and pains...why can't this body of mine be normal? Ain't taking those sodding muscle relaxers. They'll mess me up right and proper; I'm broken enough as it is. But I must persist. I have to persist. I have miles to go, and promises to keep.
In other news...
...I've fallen behind. The upcoming chapters for Claws of a Lion and Dance of the Dread are FIGHTING me, to say nothing of Just a Shinobi. Don't get me started on my muse. It wants to update The Forgotten Son, but as you've no doubt seen, I'm also trying to update other categories this month.
I can't afford to go on an Elden Ring updating spree just yet either. The chapters need to be longer, they HAVE to be longer...
Feels like I'm running myself ragged these days at work. At least I get paid for my pain there. Not here.
I'm sorry, you didn't come here to listen to an old man's complaints. I'm just tired.
Trying to push through...
With my fifteen year anniversary on this site finally here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. Feels like everyone's lost their minds, the world over. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
Not Q&A this time, someone complained. Ah, well.
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. Now then...
Brace yourself. This IS Game of Thrones, after all...
Many thanks once again to Adventreader221 for the penning the last scene for this chapter.
He wrote it himself for me; I merely edited and improved it.
Good on ya, lad~!
"Dreams didn't make us kings. Dragons did."
~?
Here be Dragons
"Your Grace, I must voice my protest on this matter."
Otto was opposed to the very idea, of course.
Naruto wasn't surprised.
Alicent's father was nothing like her; he had stood against him from the very first; against all he said, all he did, all he thought. Today proved no different. It didn't matter that the initial idea came from Viserys himself, or that the King had all but sanctioned it. No, no, no. He was going with them to Dragonstone and because of that, Otto opposed it still.
"Voice it all you like." Viserys, bless his soul, didn't miss a beat as he lounged in his seat. "This is not a matter for discussion, Otto. Where I go, my family follows."
Ha! Bearded bastard looked like he choked on a lemon. "That...boy, is not a member of the Royal Family-
"There'll be no more discussion on the matter." The king spoke over him, forcing his Hand to be silent. "We shall return within a weeks time." There was a byplay to his words that hadn't existed prior; something in Viserys had hardened since the last small council meeting. Whatever it was, it made him far less susceptible to the whims and wishes of his council. He rather liked it. "Until then, I leave King's Landing in your capable hands."
No one else on the Small Council dared to object further; though there more than a few bleak looks shared between them.
Vermithor roared in the distant skies high above and to a one, they flinched.
"You shall rule the capital in my absence." the ghost of a smile plucked at the corner of Viserys's mouth. "Or would you rather I leave Daemon on the Iron Throne until I return?" he tilted his head just so, mulling the idea over in his head or perhaps pretending to. "He IS my heir, after all; mayhap he could do with a taste of ruling while he stays in the Red Keep."
All the blood drained from Otto's face. "That will not be necessary."
Naruto didn't miss the ghost of a smile that passed across Rhaenyra's face...not the stricken look Alicent wore.
A small part of him sympathized with the poor girl these days.
"Really?" Kurama almost scoffed. "I don't."
He still did; if only because he recognized her plight. Rhaenyra's friend was torn between two worlds, caught between the wishes of her Father and her own desires. He couldn't choose for her, just as he couldn't quite bring himself to hate Otto; although a small part of him almost wished to. Everything would've been so much easier if he could. Hightower kept prattling on about the good of the realm and its people; perhaps he even believed in it these days; had deluded himself into thinking he acted in the best interest of the seven kingdoms.
Naruto didn't serve the realm. Nor the Targaryens, not really, despite what some might think. He served chaos. He went where he pleased, when he pleased, and to hell with the consequences. Chaos wasn't a pit, despite what Otto might say. It was a ladder. Many a man -and more than a few women- had tried to scale it in the past; tried to take advantage of what they saw as a weak king, but no longer. Anyone who tried to climb said ladder now was in for a nasty surprise, one full of fire and blood.
It was a new age.
Who knew what lay ahead?
Viserys rose from his chair. "I wish you good fortune while we're away."
(.0.0.0.)
Otto watched door close with a weary sigh.
The King had found his spine. Admirable, but unfortunate.
Having a dragon only emboldened him all the more. What a disaster.
He cast a quick look at Alicent, only to find her hurrying after Rhaenyra. Useless girl.
If this continued...he might have to take matters into his own hands.
For the good of the Realm.
(.0.0.0.)
"Please, wait."
Against her better judgement, Rhaenyra didn't run away. Perhaps she should have; perhaps she might've spared herself some pain if she'd simply turned her back on Alicent Hightower then and there. Instead she slowed half a step and let her catch up. Naruto did the same beside her. She waved him on after Father. For once he didn't argue with her. Not even a little.
All to the good, that. She would have surely crumbled if he had.
...good luck."
He gave her quick pat on the shoulder and a commiserating bump of the elbow against her ribs. Then he was gone, leaving her alone to fight this, possibly her most dangerous battle yet.
All told, she should've joined him...
.
..
...but she could not. Alicent was her friend, her dearest friend her first friend and she wanted to keep her more than anything. But she wasn't sure she could. Not anymore. Rhaenyra had known this moment was long in coming; she'd thought herself prepared for it. She was not. Here and now, when she stood before her, she froze.
"I'd hoped we might discuss your visit to dragonstone."
Pride reared its ugly head in her heard and Rhaenyra lifted her chin. "There's nothing to discuss."
Her heart tore even as she said the words; because Alicent actually flinched.
Rhaenyra swore at herself. No! Bad tongue! Blast it all! She hadn't meant to say that!
"Rhaenyra please." Alicent recovered and laid a hand on her arm. "I don't know what's come between your father and mine, but this can't continue. The realm-
"The realm?" Rhaenyra reared back like the dragon she was at heart, made incredulous by those words. "Is that all you wish to say?
...I'm afraid I don't follow." she received a puzzled blink for her efforts. "Was there something else you wished to talk about?
Dirty little liar. She knew full well. "About us!"
The flushing of Alicent's face was a fierce and sudden thing; her pale visage turned a lovely shade of red. She looked so vulnerable. Something in Rhaenyra's heart twitched at the sight. She wanted to take her in her arms and whisper softly in her ear, tell her it was alright and never let her go. Curious. She didn't suppress the feeling but rather filed it away for later.
"Come with us." She seized Alicent's hands in hers. "Leave the capital for awhile. A bit of fresh air would do you good. You'd enjoy Dragonstone. We could go flying on Syrax, and I'd show you the dragons deep down in the caverns...
Alicent shook her head and looked away, unable to meet her gaze. "...I cannot go with you."
Rhaenyra tutted softly as she squeezed her hands. "Because your father won't allow it."
Alicent whined. Oh, dear. She hadn't done that in awhile. "That's not fair!"
Sure enough, her friend tried to tug her fingers free. She failed spectacularly; in part because Rhaenyra wouldn't allow it. She some small pleasure in her startled expression. She had always been stronger than Alicent in the past, and she was stronger still since she'd been training. She wasn't about to let her go so easily. Not here, not now, not when she finally had ahold of her. If she released her now, Alicent would scurry back in the shadows and she wouldn't hear from her for days. Unacceptable.
"What isn't fair?" She drew her closer, glaring her into silence when she made to protest. "Tell me."
The tiniest spark of anger gleamed in Alicent's bright gaze. "You're always with him!"
Aha! And now they got to the meat of the matter, as she'd always intended.
A slow, satisfied smile spread across Rhaenyra's face. "With whom?" she played coy. "Ser Criston?"
"Naruto!" Alicent's temper was slow to rouse, but once it did, she could rage with the best of them. "You spend more time with him than me! We seldom speak these days!"
"He's my friend."
"I'm your friend!" her fingernails bit into her palms painfully. "You've been ignoring me in favor of him!"
"If you're feeling neglected, then spend time with us." She countered smoothly, her voice soft as silk. "Be with us." another tug brought her dear friend closer still, easily close enough to embrace if she so chose. "Get to know him as I have." Her forehead touched hers and she ran one thumbs over the redhead's smooth palms. "You might like him." Ser Criston certainly didn't, but he wouldn't be accompanying them to Dragonstone, not this time. "Try speaking with him. He may surprise you."
Alicent's gaze flitted down to their intertwined fingers. "He frightens me."
"He doesn't bite, I assure you." Rhaenyra laughed a little, recalling her training. "If anything he's quite thorough. Although he does leave me a bit sore afterwards...
Her dear friend's face became redder still. Rhaenrya wondered why. "That's improper!"
For once, she truly didn't understand the Hightower's logic. "What is?
Her friend sputtered. "W-W-What you're suggesting!"
A tilt of the head. "...what am I suggesting?"
She spoke of training, of course.
Alicent, didn't know that.
And from that simple misunderstanding, something beautiful would bloom.
But that is a story for another day.
"Very well." baffled by Alicent's behavior- for her friend had been reduced to a sputtering and flushed mess- Rhaenyra shrugged one shoulder and let her hands fall. "Stay here and hide if you wish." she dearly wished she wouldn't, but her mind seemed to be made up. "That's all you seem to do nowadays. I cannot help you if you refuse to be helped."
Her peace said, she turned and stalked away, leaving her friend to reach out after her with one hand.
She had set the trap and baited it as best she could. The rest fell to Alicent now. What was the saying? You could lead someone to water, but you could not make them drink? Yes, that was the one. She could not drink for Alicent. Her old friend had to choose.
A moment passed. Another now, as she sauntered aways down the hall.
Rhaenyra kept walking, listening for any sign of noise. Any at all.
Had she pushed too hard, she wondered? Too fast, perhaps?
...soft footsteps followed after her. She preened a little.
T'would seem Alicent had some spirit in her after all.
Good.
(.0.0.0.)
They were leaving him here.
Here, in this nest of vultures and vipers.
Here, while his brother flew off on another adventure.
Daemon didn't much mind; he'd been missing Mysaria fiercely, and in truth, he was glad for a chance to rest.
For you see, he understood Viserys-well, his reasoning at any rate. This was a test. It must be.
For as they say, while the cat was away, the mice would play.
And the Dragon would watch them all.
(.0.0.0.)
He was getting used to this.
The thought should've alarmed Naruto; the more comfortable he became with this world, the easier it was to leave his behind. To forget. But here and now he hid a smile behind Rhaenyra's back as the wind lashed at his face; not only had she given him consent to ride with her, but he found he rather liked it.
Very, very much.
Syrax was easily large enough to seat two riders these days and she didn't much mind his presence on her back.
Aemma and Alicent were safe and secure in the ship below them; after all, Rhaenyra's mother could hardly ride on dragonback and hold little Visenya now, could she?
As to Alicent...well, he hadn't expected her to sneak aboard at the last second, but Rhaenyra wouldn't budge. Viserys had only laughed when he saw her, while Aemma seemed positively delighted that she wouldn't have to suffer the voyage -and seasickness!- alone. Misery loved company and all that. Naruto suspected that would soon change if Viserys had his way. If all went well here today, she'd never need a ship again.
Good for him and good for her.
If anyone deserved a little happiness, it was Viserys. This world had plenty of problems, problems he couldn't always solve with a good hard punch or a Rasengan. Bloody blasted politics. Few nobles were willing to work with another, and those who were possessed precious little influence. The Realm, as Alicent called it, was an ungainly beast; always angry, always lashing out at someone or something.
Still, he liked a challenge.
Maybe it would take time to fix Westeros but he would fix it. He'd decided that. He would see the realm brought to a better age...even f he had to drag it there, kicking and screaming. He expected there would be a good deal of both before all was said and done.
Things were improving with Alicent, but Otto and the rest of the council were intractable as ever. Bully on them, then. What did he care for the opinion of ponces and parasites? Let them fidget and fuss when things didn't go their way; when he didn't do their bidding. What would they do? Kill him? Better men and women had tried. All had failed. And all would. It wasn't arrogance on his part but simple truth. But for now he tried not to focus on such things; Dragonstone was approaching and there was much to do.
As though summoned by that very thought, an isle rose out of the mists.
The sight stole his breath away all at once. "Is that...?"
Rhaenyra grinned. "Welcome to Dragonstone."
Looking at it now, he could see how it lived up to its name. It was an absolute fortress. An army, any army, would be hard-pressed to take this place. The narrow path leading up to the castle could easily be strafed with impunity from dragonback and those heavy wrought gates promised absolute murder to anyone foolish enough to try. Not that they would, of course. Who could be that stupid?
"Think of wars later. We've got work ahead of us. The sooner we get it done, the sooner I can stretch my legs."
Kurama's words soon proved prophetic for a swarm of frenzied activity followed their arrival.
Landing the dragons proved easy enough. Vermithor was eager to find his cave and return to his mate, while Syrax claimed a sandy shoal on the shore for herself. Aemma's ship proved more...problematic. Not only did it need to be tethered and moored far from the shallows, but from there it was a delicate matter of moving her and the baby to shore via rowboat. Tricky bit of business, that.
And then of course there was poor Alicent, who found herself saddled with little Visenya and her baby dragon wen it became increasingly clear that Viserys had no intention of waiting.
He intended to take Aemma down into the caves today. There would be no waiting.
Naruto wasn't sure that was a good thing; because that left the three of them up here, waiting on the beach with an increasingly restless Syrax.
"A word of warning before we go." Viserys clasped his shoulder. "There is a beast that lurks on the southern side of Dragonstone, one best left alone. I do not doubt your skill, but I would not see the three of you made a meal. Promise me you will be safe."
"We will." Rhaenyra sniffed. "We're not fools, father."
He fixed her with a steely look. "Promise me, Rhaenyra. Promise me."
...I promise."
It was not a promise they would be able to keep.
(.0.0.0.)
Down she went.
Down into the depths, into the very heart of the isle. Aemma felt her heart pounding with every step. Torchlight guided the way this time, but even with the light, she could scarcely see. The darkness swelled around her, thick and cloying, choking her hope. It felt like she was headed into the very bowels of the earth itself.
As such, she was inordinately grateful for her husband's presence by her side. His hand in hers gave her the strength she needed to be brave; to move forward, even in the face of this overwhelming terror. Yet her Viserys showed no fear, even going so far as to hum a merry, dirty Valyrian ditty under his breath as he guided her through the caverns. He caught her staring his way and smiled softly.
"Not long now, my dear." he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it softly. "We're nearly there.
Had he gone mad? They could well be walking to their deaths!
A dark shape reared out of the gloom.
Aemma jolted.
Gods be good.
But there were no gods here, only dragons.
"Careful, now." Viserys took his hand from hers and touched a hand to the bronze dragon's snout. "Don't make any sudden moves."
Vermithor considered Aemma for a long moment, sniffed once to taste her scent, then stepped aside.
Something else moved in the dark behind him.
It was her only warning.
Then, quite suddenly, Aemma found herself face to face with another dragon.
Silverwing lived up to her namesake; while not so large as her mate, she was still quite impressive and oh dear, here she came...! Aemma absolutely froze as the female dragon approached her. A low growl rumbled in the dark. It rattled her very bones. This close, she could smell the scent of fire and brimstone, but also another, fainter scent. What was that...?
"She's protecting her eggs." Viserys warned her. "Don't upset her."
Aemma would've guffawed if she weren't so terrified. Don't upset her, he said?! It was a little late for that!
Silverwing would gobble her up in a single bite and there would be naught she could do. This time she did laugh, almost hysterically.
"Are you going to eat me, then?"
"..."
Silvering didn't budge.
...to hells with it. She only had her life to lose.
Rhaenyra had that boy of hers. Even if she died, here and now, she would have someone to support her.
Plucking up the dying dregs of her courage, Aemma stepped forward, removed her gloves and pressed both hands to the dragon's snout, just below the beast's nostrils, as Viserys had taught her. She felt as much as heard Silverwing inhale deeply; saw the precise moment Vermithor's mate tested her scent.. This was it. The moment of truth. Silverwing might accept her, which was all to the good, but if she didn't...
.
..
...well, it had been a good life.
Abruptly, the dragon's growl died off. Was this it, then? The moment of her death? Would she die here-ack?!
Without warning Silverwing lurched and quite suddenly Aemma found herself pushed as that silvery snout pushed itself into her chest. The dragon -her dragon?- trilled happily like a hatchling finding a long lost friend. No fire came, no blood, only the faint musty smell of the beast currently nuzzling her. A long tongue flitted out and-oh dear! Silverwing had just licked her, head to toe. So much for her dress.
Viserys rumbled a laugh. "It seems she likes you. Congratulations."
With those words, all the tension bled out of Aemma. Every bit.
The Queen laughed again, softly now, despite herself.
Was it truly that easy? What a lovely day.
And then the earth shook.
(.0.0.0.)
A giant slitted eye opened in darkness.
Now! The time had come!
HE WOULD FEED.
(.0.0.0.)
Rhaenyra sighed.
...you're restless, aren't you.?"
"I am." Naruto paused in his pacing, feet digging into the sands. "Been thinking about things."
"Such as...? Alicent dared to ask.
He gave her a bemused look, shook his head, and kept pacing.
"Well, if we're being honest with each other, there's something I want to show you." he looked away, scratching his cheek. You, and only you. Now seems as good a time as any. I want someone to remember this, not just me, but what I can do ya know?" he was rambling, not making any sense. "And besides, he's been itching to get out for awhile, sooo...
He gave her hand a quick squeeze and walked backwards. Then there was light.
A great towering creature erupted into existence over his head. Massive. Impossibly large. A great golden beast with nine tails; it thrust its head back and roared at the sky. Alicent squeaked beside her. Visenya cooed happily in her arms, even as her dragon raised its tiny wings and answered the cry.
Rhaenyra hissed out a breath. "Foxfire...
Naruto turned to regard her within the great beast, banishing it now to drop down beside her. "Pardon?"
"Nothing!" she fought down a flush. "What is that...? How are you able to-
Something roared back. A massive shadow fell over them.
Naruto looked up. "Oh, wow, you're a big one...
Understatement of the century, right there.
Rhaenyra grabbed at his arm as winged death descended upon them. Alicent dove behind her. She couldn't even blame her friend for her fear. It was the largest dragon Rhaenyra had ever seen. She'd heard tell of such, of course, every Targaryen worth their salt knew the legends. It had heard Kurama's call and answered with its own.
A lone word tumbled from her lips. "Cannibal."
"Huh." Naruto muttered under his breath. "That's not a good name."
Evidently the great black beast agreed; because it crashed down before them and lumbered forward with intent. Syrax keened shrilly and backed up, terrified out of her mind. Alicent cowered behind her, Visenya wailing in her arms, her little dragon making angry noises on her shoulders.
And Naruto...?
The madman walked toward Cannibal.
Rhaenyra made a grab for him, only for him to eel out of her grasp. "What're you doing?! Get back here!"
"Nice dragon," he ignored her and raised both hands, palms open, fingers splayed to make himself look harmless. "Friendly dragon...we didn't mean to piss you off, so just calm down-
Cannibal hissed at them and inhaled deeply.
Rhaenyra saw fire flare in its throat.
"Not friendly!"
(.0.0.0.)
"Not friendly!
The Cannibal snarled and reared back, his throat glowing a eerie green.
And then there was fire.
Naruto flung up an arm to defend himself from the jade blaze as much as those behind him. There was no need. No pain came. Rather than roast them alive the great dragon flung its head back and roared his challenge to the heavens, a wave of of fury ripping the air apart to tear through a nearby cliff; the impact was such that the very island of Dragonstone shook. And still the pillar of eerie dragon flame shook the air as the beast roared at them.
Hunger.
No, he realized. At him.
Hunger.
He could sense it now, feel the dragon's emotions. It was starving, half crazed with hunger, in desperate need of a proper meal. It wanted to consume him. Devour him, his chakra, all of him.
HUNGER!
Its roar was more of a challenge than any words could be:
Are you the predator? Or the prey?
The very second Cannibal ceased breathing that terrifying emerald blaze, Naruto tackled it, driving the beast back into the cliffs.
By now, all of Dragonstone had heard of the commotion. All could visibly see the toll of the battle taking its mark on the island. As the dragon fire ripped the ground apart, a roar of defiant fury-remarkably human at that-filled the air before a powerful concussion of air filled the air. A clap of thunder followed seconds later, and the flames immediately died.
Those who saw it would speak well of this day; The remaining portion of the cliff nearby collapsed to the ground revealing the horrifying visage of a dragon nearly as large as the Black Dread itself, looming before a young blonde man engulfed in golden energy, a snarl write upon his face.
What happened next would be carved into legend.
The young man snarled as he leapt at the equally enraged Dragon, and slammed a fist into the beasts lower jaw, staggering the animal. Another kick to its face sent it reeling; the next hit buried its head into the ground with enough force to rattle the very foundations of the isle, sending massive chunks of stone falling from the roof around them.
Rhaenyra and Alicent skittered back and as they did, he spared a glance for the caves. Hopefully Viserys and Aemma were deep enough to be left unharmed.
Naturally, the Tailed Beast Chakra rapidly coursing through his veins allowed him to match the beast blow for blow, but sadly all his immense strength was allotting him at the moment was anger. Every punch angered the Cannibal more than ever before, and it decided to show him why it wasn't one to trifle with. With a roar of anger and rage, the beast howled at the sky.
However, and this was putting it lightly, Naruto merely snarled as he straight up thrust a fist into the air-shattering the falling stones from the collapsing cliff into small pebbles with the sheer force of his punch. Then he leapt at the beast. He drew on more of Kurama's chakra, and dropped the full might of his heel into the beasts skull, burying its head into the stones.
The beast was shoved back and out the back wall of the cliff-side, and onto the beachhead nearby for all to see. Naruto didn't care. Yet again he leapt up and smashed a fist encased in golden chakra into the beasts jaw. This time he was rewarded with an awful crunch and flying teeth.
Errors were made.
With a roar the Cannibal slammed its tail down on his head. The blow nearly flattered him; would have, if he weren't encased in chakra. That brief moment of shock on the wyrm's part gave him all the time he needed. He seized its tail in a powerful grip and pulled as hard as he could. Gravity yielded to him and he threw the immense dragon over his shoulder. It crashed down with enough force to rock all of Dragonstone to the core, sending stones falling like leaves in the wind.
Naruto, however, wasn't even close to being done.
With a cry of war, the young teen leapt up and smashed his fist into the beast's face. Once. Twice. Thrice. He continued to lay into it until a blast of fire finally found him, and hurled him away. The Cannibal rolled over to his feet in defiance, roaring a massive pillar of black and green flame. Heat washing over the cliffs of Dragonstone in a fashion only remembered by those who had seen and interacted with The Dread itself.
Stone melted away and sand was turned to glass and the world was bathed in green fire; only for this pillar of fire to cease as a powerful left hook slammed home into its mouth. Aghast the beast stumbled back on its hind legs, and once again another strike found the dragon, causing it to step back.
Outraged the dragon leapt up with a clap of thunder from its wings, drew back and roared with everything it had. The massive pillar of green fire that followed was unlike anything he'd ever seen; moreover it was fast; so much so that he barely had time to raise a golden arm before it rained down upon him. A gasp tore past his lips.
It hurt.
It actually hurt.
He'd almost forgotten what pain felt like.
"Kurama!"
Golden light burst through the flames as he gave his old friend sway. Together they burst through the flames, barreling out of the inferno. A single leap closed the distance. They crashed down on its back, sending the great black beast sprawling into the shallows. A giant clawed paw caught it by one of the horns even as the other reared back.
"GO! AWAY! DAMN YOU!"
The golden teen roared in fury as he rained down blow after blow, hammering each word home.
Eventually, the hits to its skull were more than enough to send the message; the Cannibal snarled and bucked them off its back, sending both boy and beast slamming into the cliffside once more. Stones tumbled down past him, forcing him to shield Rhaenyra and Alicent lest they be crushed. It was the work of an instant, little more than a second, really.
That brief moment of inattention was all it took for the Cannibal to take flight.
Denied its meal, the beast burst into the skies and hurtled away into the mists, roaring as it went.
However, it would return, but not for prey, for this human had garnered its attention.
This would not be the last time they'd meet. Far from it.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
We've not seen the last of Cannibal.
As stated, this'll may well upgraded to M later down the line, but I need to know if folks want to see that.
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. Meaning folks don't like this, it won't be continued. If the story itself ain't popular/well-received...well, I won't be able to continue it. I'm working two jobs, holidays are here too, meaning 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.
So? Should this little tale 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!)
And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave...never...wanted to...leave...
If you're that worried about the Stepstones, send me. I'll have them cleaned out in a year. Probably less. I can keep you and Aemma safe at the same time."
Viserys heaved a sigh. "You are skilled, but even you cannot be in two places at once."
Naruto smiled. It was a smile that would terrifying their enemies. "About that...
Smoke bloomed. Viserys blinked. He blinked hard. "I stand corrected!"
Otto's heart sank into the pit of his stomach. "This...complicates matters."
Naruto whooped and shot through the air.
"Where is Daemon?"
"You think this hurts? Compared to what I went through, being forced to watch you hurt innocent people, and even my own blood! This is NOTHING! Well? How does it feel? To be utterly hopeless and not being able to do a damn thing about it? Fools! How do you think they felt when you ganged up on him in the rain and he had no way out? Well now it's your turn. I hope you enjoy it. Do you feel defenseless? Scared? Good, now you know how they felt before you killed them!
"If you do this you will make enemies. There will be nowhere left for you to run!
"Run?" he tilted his head to look back at them. "Who's running?" Blue eyes bled into red, snapping into furious scarlet slits. "Where?" Golden radiance flashed around him. "And why?!"
The world burst into light.
Visenya whooped, leaned back in the saddle, and flung up her arms. "Dracarys~!"
Her dragon answered in a rush of fire. The girl grinned.
Riding on dragonback was the best!
"Faster, papa! Faster!"
His daughter bounced on his back, grinning from ear to ear as she tugged at his hair.
Naruto smiled despite himself. "Feisty as your mother, I swear...
"What is it, uncle?"
"Pity." Daemon's smile was infectious. "If you wish to bed him, best get on with it before someone else does."
Strong jaws snapped at him.
"Hey, hey!" he caught the dragon's snout. "Cut that out!"
EDIT: Hope you enjoyed!
R&R~!