A/N: Please read this note, would you kindly?
A man Had to split this chapter in halves, or he would never finish.
Shorter than a man like, but alas, work calls and a man must answer.
A man is still sick, but a man continues to write, despite his trembling fingers.
Well, it would appear Claws of a Lion reached its review threshold, so that's being updated early as promised. Likely after "The Golden Son" and other Elden Ring updates.
Gotta spread the love around after all, though I find myself dreading the new RWBY episode...
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. The recent earthquake in Turkey/Syria serves as a terrible example. 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.
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.
No questions this time, only story. Its a doozy~!
Alright, I've kept you long enough. 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..
Yet again, warnings for language and the like. This is Game of Thrones after all...
References from Game of Thrones ahead, and some old favorites...
"Let me be frank. You're a dragon, boy.
Not a lion. Not a sheep.
BE A DRAGON."
~?
Hail to the King
Balerion could swim.
Better than that, Black Dread could swim well.
Naruto awoke early one muggy summer morning to a great deal of shouting in the Red Keep. When asked what in blazes was going on he was soon told of it; although at first he didn't believe what he'd heard. Dragons? Swimming? Impossible. Fire and water did not mix, surely. But there were too many mouths hollering the same words for it to be anything but true-and so he decided to look into it. By the time he finally made it down King's Landing to see for himself, the great wyrm had already made quite the ruckus in Flea Bottom.
Sure enough he found his partner slicing through the murky waters of Blackwater Bay like some giant leviathan, gliding through it all with eerie grace. He watched the sight with naked awe. He hadn't known dragons could swim; it shouldn't have come as a surprise really, how else could the Black Dread have survived all these years across the Narrow Sea?
Mercifully there were no ships coming into port at the time, but the lack thereof didn't diminish his presence. The mere act of swimming on the dragon's part kicked up surf to lash the docks; more than a few workers were caught unawares by the current and dragged into the drink. Mercifully none of them drowned and were soon hauled back to safety by their fellows.
All the while, the Black Dread paid them little heed as he splashed about in the cool waters of the bay.
He must be damn near weightless in that water
And the way he moved...so bloody fast.
Walking to the edge of the pier he glimpsed corpses in the bay, not human but far larger. Whales, he realized. Blerion must have slaughtered an entire pod and dragged them back here. They hadn't even been dead for an hour judging by the look of them. More than a few had been savaged by fire and fangs alike. Some had been bitten clean in half.
Well, if something ever knocked the Black Dread into the sea, he would be just as if not more dangerous.
For a moment Naruto's mind conjured a wild scene; a battle on the high seas, the Black Dread diving in and out of the depths, smashing entire fleets as scorpion bolts pinged harmlessly of his scales.
What a lovely day.
Striding out to the very edge of the dock, he planted a fist on his hip.
He considered walking on water to reach Balerion, but no, the folk of Flea Bottom were already frightened enough. No need to terrify them any further.
"Having fun, are we?"
"Yes." the dragon spoke curtly within his mind, but there could be no denying the dark satisfaction in his voice. "I have feasted well."
"Well, I hope you're happy. You've spooked a lot of people."
...I have harmed no one."
"That may be so, but you've gotta watch the ships. If you pulled this stunt when trading vessels came into port, we might have a problem." His gaze strayed back to the dead pod of whales. There were at least a dozen of them. An idea dawned. "Don't suppose you could share one or two of those? The people down here would appreciate a decent meal.
A ponderous pause followed. And then: "Is this your command?"
"Wasn't commanding, just asking...
"Your will be done."
All's well that ends well, he supposed. Still, he wondered how he was going to get out of the water without crushing the docks or tearing walls down. If he tried to just barrel his way out, that wouldn't work. He'd crush too many people underfoot. He'd have to circle back around to the cliffs, maybe even climb them before he was able to fly again-
"...!"
He was still thinking when Balerion rumbled a laugh and dove beneath the bay.
His tail cracked out against the water's surface, producing a sharp pop.
Then then even that was gone. A moment passed.
Another.
Another, now.
Another yet still.
And then Blackwater Bay erupted; bursting upward in a great geyser, a black shape tearing up from within. Balerion erupted from the depths with a triumphant roar, three quarters of his body clearing the abyss, shedding water as he went. Giant wings beat in an impressive downstroke as they cleared the depths, briefly summoning hurricane-force-winds as their master took flight.
But the Black Dread wasn't finished.
True to form he swooped low and snatched up one of the larger whale carcasses in his claws as he went. A clench of said claws carved it in half and dropped it into the shallows.
The intent was clear.
Flea Bottom would feast well tonight.
Naruto shook his head with a rueful smile. "What a lovely day...
.0.0.0.
Alicent found her Prince at the docks.
She'd expected such when news of Balerion reached the keep of course; Naruto had all but bolted to Flea Bottom to prevent disaster. That much was expected. The Prince had ever been a decent sort, eager to prevent bloodshed whenever possible. It was only natural that he be down here to prevent the Black Dread from snatching up some hapless ship.
She did NOT expect to see her intended helping the folk of Flea Bottom carve up whale carcasses like some common butcher.
He didn't even have his Kingsguard with him! Was he mad...?
Even she didn't dare come down here without at least two of her household guard.
Perhaps he was crazed after all; because the Heir to the Iron Throne walked among the people of Flea Bottom without fear, barking orders...and they listened to him.
Everywhere she looked, men and were crawling over the corpses like ants, stripping them down with ruthless efficiency. Not a bit of today's catch would be wasted. She'd read about whales. Difficult creatures to catch, let alone kill, but their bodies were a bounty to all. The meat would be used to feed hundreds, if not thousands; the oil used to light lamps, cartilage and organs for medicines. Even the baleen could be woven into baskets and used for fishing lines. She'd heard tell that it was even used as roofing material in the warmer climates of Dorne.
This simple act of kindness would make him even more beloved by the smallfolk.
Naruto had a tendency to do that, a way of making miracles out of even the darkest disaster.
"There we go." she watched him helpe men haul a massive strip of meat into a cart. "And make sure you cook that before it spoils!" he shouted at them. "Better safe than sorry!"
They all bowed to him:
"Yes, Dragonlord."
"Of course, Dragonlord."
"Right away, Dragonlord!"
"Bloody nickname." He muttered something under his breath, cleaned his hands on a rag and looked away. Bright eyes lit up when he saw her. "Alicent!"
Gods above, why did he have to say her name like that? It made her knees weak and her heart leap into her throat. These days since their first flight together, she couldn't look at him for more than a few seconds without blushing. Judging by the heat in his face he felt the same. She found herself stepping closer to him, and he, her.
A few Flea Bottom folk whistled and catcalled their way. They did so love a good show.
He grabbed her, drawing her in a firm embrace. Alicent melted into it with a sigh.
Ohhh how Father would gloat when he heard of this. But she didn't dare.
She drew away, looking up at him. "Why do they call you Dragonlord?"
"You can blame Balerion for that one." he let her go, almost reluctantly, and looked out toward the bay, watching the Black Dread wheel about the clouds. "He's been at it since his stunt this morning." he chortled. "I think he's enjoying himself."
Balerion roared above them and the world shook.
Alicent opened her mouth to reply. Words failed her when she saw the whale corpses still being dragged from the bay.
This wasn't a Dragon. This was a force of nature. This was death.
"Magnificent, isn't he?" Naruto turned back to watch Balerion wheel away, snatching up another whale carcass in the water for himself as he went back to roost.
"Not the word I'd use, my prince." She flushed when he quirked a brow and hastened to amend her response. "But yes, he's remarkable. Gorgeous beast. The two of you have bonded well."
"He's not a beast to me." her love granted her a wry grin. "No matter how big he gets, how terrifying to everyone else, he's my friend. Talk with him. You might be surprised.
Alicent winced, recalling her first flight together. If she was alone with him again she wouldn't be able to control herself. "That...might not be wise.
Naruto laughed. "Don't worry, I'm sure Balerion likes you."
She blinked. "What makes you say that?"
"You're still alive."
Bloody brave boy. He truly had no fear at times. "Rhaenyra was looking for you."
His face closed down.
"Lady Alicent Hightower?" A voice called to her before she could pursue the subject. "My lady?"
She turned to face the speaker, a man wearing the colors of her house, with a scowl. "What is it? Can you not see that we're busy?"
The messenger bowed deeply. "The king wishes to speak with you, my lady. At once."
Again?! Her stomach plummeted. "...very well."
"Go on." Naruto waved her away. "I'll be here for a few hours yet."
She chewed her lower lip. "Will you come visit tonight? My Valyrian's getting rusty."
Something sparked in his eye. "I just might."
Alicent dithered, not wanting to part with him just yet. People were watching. She really shouldn't.
...bugger it. She lunged forward and kissed his cheek. Just a peck. A feather's brush really.
Naruto made a startled noise, but she was already moving, guards in tow.
The people of Flea Bottom cheered in her wake.
For their future King and Queen.
(.0.0.0.)
Rhaenyra seethed at her window.
Even now, her cousin didn't understand.
Why? Why, why, WHY didn't Naruto understand?
She wanted him to, more than anything. She was angry with him, yes, oh so angry, yes, but she was also hurting. She wanted him to come to her, apologize to her, set things right.
Because he had betrayed her.
Even if he hadn't realized it, the treachery was his. In the span of a single day he had taken everything from her. Father's attention, their family's dragon, her position, even Alicent. There was something going on between the two of them, but she didn't know what. Whatever it was, it had changed the dynamic between them. They spoke less and less these days and Naruto...these days he avoided her, refusing to even speak with her. His silence hurt more than words.
He'd held her that night Mother died and rocked her to sleep as he hadn't since she was small. It had brought her some small semblance of peace; made her think things could be as they were before. To be as they were, to have no worries or caries.
Now this nonsense with Blackwater Bay!
He could be here in the Red Keep with her. Instead he was out bandying about among the peasants. What next? Would he sing to them as well? There had to be a way to turn the tables. To make him look at her again, to make him understand. There just had to be. Someway, somewhen, somehow.
She wanted her old life back. When he only ever looked at her.
But she couldn't go back to those days; things would never be the same.
Rhaenyra flung herself onto her bed, curled up with her pillows, heaved a sigh...and tried not to cry.
Someone knocked at her door.
Rhaenyra raised her head.
"Who is it...?
(.0.0.0.)
Alicent felt like a princess.
The king had summoned her to his chambers and at Father's bidding she'd worn her finest white dress to meet him. Not one of mothers he'd said, it wouldn't do to give the King untoward ideas -and for once she agreed!- but rather a reserved gown with gold-embroidered sleeves that hid her body beneath its loose folds.
Which was all to the good, because the king was asking a great many questions of her.
Strange as it might sound, it was true; ever since her short-lived flight on Balerion's back
"Tell me, how is Rhaenyra?"
She blinked, somewhat baffled by this latest question. "What do you mean, your grace?"
"These days she doesn't say more than a few words to me at a time." King Viserys looked away, absently fiddling with one of his stone-carved dragons. "I think she might fight it...difficult, to discuss personal matters."
Alicent winced. That was putting it mildly. "Its only been a year." she said instead. "It will take some time. It did when I lost my own lady mother...
The king ceased wringing his hands and set the dragon down. "I wish she would approach me."
An idea dawned. Alicent seized upon it. "What if you went to her instead?"
"If only I could." The king sighed. There are times when I would rather face the Black Dread himself than mine own daughter of six and ten.
Curiosity piqued in her mind. "He was your dragon, wasn't he?
"Once, but no longer." Saying the words seemed to exhaust him. "He rejected me, as all of King's Landing saw. I am lucky to be alive.
"Have you not thought to seek a new one?"
"After all these years?" A peal of bitter laughter tumbled from his lips. "Who would have me? Who could possibly want a failure such as I?"
Alicent pitted the King. Truly, she did. But what could one say to that?
Silence stretched between them.
Alicent took the chance to drift back to the last subject.
"I think Rhaenyra would open herself to you if invited." she said. "You have an easy way about you, your grace."
...at least someone thinks so. You do not mention our talks to Rhaenyra, do you?" a haunted look flashed through the king's gaze as he looked to her. "Its just, I fear she wouldn't understand them."
She most certainly would not! Rhaenyra would almost certainly leap to the wrong conclusion. How she'd become an advisor to the king in these matters, she'd never know.
"But enough about me," a hint of life came back to him, "I would hear your thoughts of my nephew.
Oh, dear. "Y-Your grace?"
Viserys smiled. You are fond him, no?
Her face grew warm, most warm indeed. "I am."
"And I understand you kissed him down at the docks today."
He already knew about that?! Bloody blasted spies. She should've known.
Alicent squirmed in her seat and wrung her hands in her lap, unwilling to look at him. "I may have."
"Do you make him happy? No, ignore that question. Does he make you happy?"
Her face grew most warm indeed, hotter than the sun itself. "...yes."
And the King finally smiled at her. "Shall I fetch him for you?"
"Whatever for?"
There is something I wish to show you. Both of you."
(.0.0.0.)
"There you are, nephew."
Well, well, well. Didn't this feel familiar?
Naruto fought down a sigh as the Kingsguard closed the door behind him.
He'd done good work down in Flea Bottom today, he knew he had, but he'd hardly expected to be dragged to the King's chambers the moment he returned. Viserys' room was much as he remembered it; he knew the lay of the land well enough by now. There was the stone reconstruction of Old Valyra standing in the center of the room, and there, off to the side, a burning brazier. There was something in it, but he couldn't quite see it from here...
Alicent was sat beside Viserys. She looked positively pale.
Naruto quirked a brow her way. "Did something happen while I was away?"
"Not at all. There is something I wish to show you." his uncle stood from his seat with, beckoning to them. "Alicent as well. Both of you. Come."
Alicent flicked him an anxious glance and she shrugged. He didn't miss the way she nestled against him, tucking herself into his side. Something had clearly spooked her, rattled her even, if she was clinging to him like this. He absently stroked her arm, tugging her along with him as they followed the king.
Belatedly he realized what was in the flames. Viserys had left his dagger in a brazier, superheating the steel.
"This dagger once belonged to Aegon the Conqueror." the King walked towards it, and showed it to them. "It was Aenar's before that. And before that...well." the king shrugged. "It is difficult to know. But before Aegon's death, the last of the Valyrian pyromancers hid his song in the steel." He tugged the blade from the brazier held the glowing steel out for them to read. "Here. I would have you read this."
Together, the two of them leaned closer to inspect the steel. And they read:
"From my blood, come the prince that was promised.
And his will be the song of ice and fire...
"Well read." Viserys made a pleased noise behind them. "Which brings me to the next matter." His uncle's hands came down upon them, one to each to each of their shoulders. "Naruto Targaryen, my nephew. Lady Alicent Hightower...
Naruto stiffened and Alicent with him.
There was something in his voice just then...
"Will you take one another as husband and wife?"
A/N: Aaaand cliffhanger~!
More of a build up chapter, but still.
And there we go. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Well? Should this be continue? What say you? Yay or nay! Really need to hear back from you all, here.
As ever, the Embers rule Remains; sad as that may sound, its the truth. If folks don't like this story...well, it won't be continued. Most likely, I'll leave the first chapter up and consign the rest to the void it comes to that. I haven't the time to write something folks don't like. Two jobs keep me terribly busy as such that I have barely any time to write.
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.
Now, then...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly!
And as ever, Le warning!
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!
PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
YE BE WARNED!
Granted, some are pretty far in the future, but still.
Timeskips are coming soon~!
(PREVIEW)
"Its all worked out quite nicely for you, hasn't it?"
Naruto looked up from his journal.
An unfamiliar man limped his way, leaning heavily upon a cane. "I don't believe we've met."
"Larys Strong. Also known as the clubfoot.
With Daemon and most of House Velaryon off dealing with the Stepstones, there was a sizable power vacuum at the moment. Only natural that someone would try to fill it.
He shook his head. "How can I help you...?"
Leeches, the lot of them. Someone always wanted something. Rhaenyra wanted her mother back. Alicent wanted love. Laena wanted to prove herself. Viserys wanted to preserve the Targayen line, while Otto wanted said line protected for the good of the realm.
He had no idea what Larys Strong wanted. And that worried him.
"I believe Ser Criston would make a fine member of the Kingsguard."
Naruto pursed his lips. He had a bad feeling about the man, but he had to toss Rhaenyra a bone. It would be pointless to fight over something so trivial. He wouldn't let her rile him.
"Will you not choose your own?"
"Rhaenyra-
"Of course, you never listen to anything I have to say. Why would you now?
Why must you always be this way?!"
"Enough!" Viserys snapped. Naruto and Rhaenyra exchanged a black look between one another. "The crown cannot stand strong while the house of the dragon remains divided." he glared them both into silence. "You will cease this fighting at once. You are family. Do you understand?
Have you considered leaving the capital for a time?
Naruto clicked his tongue.
He'd known this was coming after Balerion's last stunt, but he hadn't expected it to come quite so quickly.
"Runestone might be my inheritance, but I don't intend to terrorize the Vale anytime soon." he threw himself into a chair. "Let the steward run the castle for now."
It might benefit you to see the lands you would rule.
"I agree," he nodded, "but doing so would leave you undefended.
"My kin
He frowned. Evidently the king wasn't taking the hint. He'd have to channel a bit of Daemon here, the best parts, not the worst.
"Are you that eager to step aside?"
The old king flinched.
"I know you're hurting." he looked to him with pity. "You had an impossible choice to make that day. It cost you your wife, your son, and now it might take your life. And then Balerion came back atop all that, only to reject you. Now even Rhaenyra's giving you a hard time.
"What would you have me do?"
"Take another dragon, uncle." he sat up to look him in the eye. "Show all the realm your strength."
He watched him intently for some sign of strength. Something, anything, but he saw none.
"I am afraid I have nothing. left."
He blew out a breath. I can't force you, but you're going to waste away like this. You do realize that, don't you?
"Perhaps that is what I want.
"And what about your family? What of Rhaenyra?
"She will have a place in the court. And in yours I hope. And what of Alicent? The two of you seem rather close these days.
Way to ruin his good mood. "Yes, I'm sure Otto's ecstatic about that.
You still don't trust him.
No. I don't.
And who do you trust?"
I trust you," he looked away with a grumble. I trust Alicent. I want to trust Rhaenyra but...
She is in mourning, nephew. Give her time.
Its been a year.
We are the Blood of the Dragon. Our tempers often run hot. Perhaps a few more months should give her flames time to cool. But onto other matters. You must be careful. The realm stands upon a knife's edge. Every lord Paramount saw Balerion on the day I named you heir. We cannot hide him.
Wasn't going to.
The realm stands upon a knife's edge. Lord Corlys sent me a Raven. He read it.
His brow shot into his hair. "Laena?! She's just a child.
Then wait until she is of age. Should she find Vhagar she will have a beast to rival Balerion.
Nothing can rival him. And didn't you say I could choose who I married?
I did and you can. I am merely counseling you in these matters, as a good uncle would his nphew.
Not very good counsel. Naruto looked back the horizon, watching Balerion wheel overhead.
I could fly to the stepstones." he mused aloud, "Burn out the Crabfeeder. Viserys rasped laugh.
You sound like your father.
Hmmm. You're sure you won't marry?
Viserys lifted his chin. I will not. It would take a remarkable woman indeed for me to even consider such. I will never love another as I loved your aunt. His shoulders slumped. Now, if its all the same to you, I would like some time alone.
She'd found her.
It had taken years, but here at last, she was triumphant. Father couldn't nay-say her now.
Laena grinned like the child she still was at heart. "Found you~!"
Vhagar growled and lifted its head to glower at her, sand sloughing off its back. Fire built in the back of its throat.
"No!" She hissed in angry Valyrian and thrust an open palm forward in the face of its flame. "Obey, Vhagar! Yield to me!"
"You would choose her?!" A goblet bounced off his chest, spattering wine everywhere. "Over me?!"
"I'm not choosing anyone over anyone." he took her by the hands and guided her back to the chair. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about...
Daemon read the note. And he began to laugh. Loudly.
"That boy rides the largest dragon known to man. I won't raise an army against that. It will be the Field of Fire all over again!"
Naruto caught the crossbow bolt in his hand.
"Always loved crossbows." he grinned, considering the barbed shaft. "Never used 'em myself. They take too long to reload. I, on the other hand...
He whirled and flung it back, skewering them in the face. Their corpse pitched back. The others balked.
They were still balking when Balerion swooped down out the clouds and landed beside him.
"Go ahead." he cooed. "Run for it. More fun for us."
She was silent for a long moment. Then she jumped him
Together, they crashed back into the bed.
"Father!"
"Ooomph!" Naruto grunted. "Jeez, you hit hard!"
The boy's mother smiled. "Is it any wonder? Your son takes after you, husband...
"Its not fair." his son sulked. "They're all bigger than me, and they all have dragons. I don't."
"You're young. There's still plenty of time," he sighed as he saw the pained look on his face. "Alright. Come with me."
"What?" the boy balked a little. "Where are we going?"
"To the dragonpit. Where else?" he slung an arm around his shoulder. "We'll enter it together. Today's the day you find yourself a dragon. I've got one in mind...
EDIT: More hints~!
Hope you enjoyed~! =D Looking forward to your feedback!
I'll be sure to chat with you all when I get back from work! Have a great day~!