AN: I am writing this during my final few days of exams. Not sure how much I can get through, but I will try to post it on the Weekend as usual.
Also I realized in the last chapter that I forgot to account for the boost Solar Dragon got from the field spell. It should be fixed now.
VISERYS
STREETS OF PENTOS
V:3000 T2:3600
Viserys looked around. The street was empty except for him and his assailants. But that voice had spoken so clearly.
Not just that, but the other voice, his father's voice, was fading. It no longer spoke words, only incoherent screams of anger.
Shaking his head, Viserys attempted to clear his mind. "My move." He said as he drew. He currently had four cards in his hand.
He did also have Scrap Iron Scare-
"Fuck." Viserys muttered. He had been so distracted by the voice, he had not remembered to activate Scrap Iron Scarecrow. He had lost Koumori Dragon for nothing.
'Nothing I can do about it now.' Viserys thought. He looked at his hand, hoping to come up with a strategy. 'This may work.'
"I play one card face down, and I also set a monster and end my turn." Viserys declared.
"My move then." Tycho drew.
"I banish Tomard's Statue of Inferno from the graveyard, This allows me to summon my Spirit of Flames." A flame burst onto the scene, from within, a man-like monster with red skin arose from the flames. Its strength increased from the lava on the field to 2500.
"But that was simply a special summon. I still have my normal summon to perform, and I choose Fire Trooper, but it won't be staying for long. It has an ability, that when it is summoned, I can destroy it to burn you for 1000 damage!"
A soldier wearing armor was on the field briefly before turning into pure flame and launching itself at Viserys' arm.
V:2000 T2: 3600
"Ha! Don't think you can rely on your Scrap Iron this turn. I activate Mystical Space Typhoon!"
A strong wind and lightning appeared and blasted Scrap Iron Scarecrow, destroying it beyond repair.
"Now then, this will be the end of you!" Attack his monster Dragon Seeker, finish his life points Spirit of Flames!"
Dragon Seeker ran forward, and just like with Koumori Dragon, ripped apart the Face down Kidmodo Dragon.
As Spirit of Flames rushed forward to finish Viserys off, Tri Horn Dragon appeared from Kidmodo Dragon's corpse and blocked the attack.
"Wait!" Tycho tried to order but it was too late. Spirit of flames increased its attack points up to 2800, but Tri Horn Dragon still took a bite out of Spirit of Flames, eating everything above the waist.
V:2000 T2: 3550
"You activated Kidmodo Dragon's ability. When he is sent to the graveyard, I can summon any Dragon in my hand. And I chose Tri Horn Dragon." Viserys explained.
"...I end my turn." Tycho announced.
"My move then." Viserys said as he drew a card. His arm still burned from the Trooper's effect.
'They have no traps left, so once Dragon Seeker is out of the way I can end this quickly.'
"I would be wary of them nonetheless, unless you think you can end them right now." Tri Horn Dragon spoke to Viserys.
"I may just be able to-'
Viserys' brain stopped working for a moment.
He turned to his monster.
The monster that he just understood.
"Did I hit my head when I was being burned?" He muttered to himself.
"No boy. It's strange that I have taken this form. But that hardly matters right now." Tri Horn Dragon spoke.
'Definitely hit my head there." Viserys muttered. He shook his head again and focused on the duel.
"First I activate my face down card, Birthright. This brings back a normal monster from my graveyard, and Koumori Dragon is the only one to fit the bill.
"But he won't be on the field for long. I sacrifice him in order to summon Lustern Dragon #2!"
The emerald dragon emerged from within a ball of darkness that Koumori had turned into.
Tri Horn began laughing. "I see. So you came as well."
Luster Dragon #2 looked over at his fellow dragon. "Would that I never lay eyes on you again, regardless of the form, but it appears I have no choice in the matter. Let us hurry this along, so you can go back to burning in the seven hells." His voice was older than Tri Horn's. And while Tri Horn's voice had an authority to it that would prevent another from disagreeing, Luster Dragon's seemed inherently more gentle, but with a firmness that reminded the listener that the gentleness was a courtesy, not a sign of weakness.
Tri Horn let out a roar that may have been a guffaw.
"Enough!" Viserys said. He had no idea what his mind was doing to him, but it would end. "I activate my Equip spell, Bashing Shield, and equip it to Tri Horn, raising his attack to 3850."
A shield appeared in front of Tri Horn, and it managed to fit it on his arm. "Stranger than usual, but doable." he muttered.
"Now then, Luster Dragon destroys Dragon Seeker!" Viserys commanded.
Luster Dragon rushed forward and picked Dragon Seeker up and threw him right at the ground, shattering him into pieces.
V:2000 T2:3150
Now then, Tri Horn, Finish them off!"
"With pleasure." Tri Horn rushed forward and bashed Tycho's head in with the Bashing Shield, and took a bite out of Tomard, leaving the man with only his legs left.
V: Victory T2: Defeat
As the field faded from existence, Viserys let out a sigh.
That was the closest he had ever gotten to dying.
The Usurper's blades had found him.
Meaning they likely knew he lived with Illyrio.
Meaning they likely sent word back to Robert Baratheon.
Meaning more assassins would be coming.
"Dany" Viserys muttered in realization.
He began to run, only to scream as he moved his arm.
Viserys looked down, and saw that the burn marks had stayed.
Normally injuries occurring during a duel to the death would heal as the duel ended.
He examined his burn scar.
It was not uniform. In fact, it looked like a strange design.
It was actually three different burn marks. Two looked almost symmetrical, and the third was a circle between the two.
Looking at it from a different angle, Viserys thought it sort of resembled a dragon head, if the circle was an eye and the jagged edges were teeth.
"Impressive. A scar is proof of one's trials in life. You should wear it with pride."
Viserys looked behind him.
The voice had been the same as Tri Horn Dragon's. And behind him, floating at about head level, were Tri Horn Dragon and Luster Dragon #2, shrunken to be about the size of horses.
"Either I hit my head, or I am still drunk." Viserys said aloud.
"Neither my boy. We have no idea what is going on, but we are real, as much as I wish he were not here." Luster Dragon spoke, eying Tri Horn with hatred evident.
"Aye. We just sort of appeared here. Crone knows why we have these forms." Tri Horn spoke.
"Oh really then? In that case, who are you?" Viserys asked.
Luster Dragon spoke first. "In life, I was King for longer than my Grandfather, father, and this bastard combined. I am Jaehaerys, First of the Name. And whatever is going on, I believe I am meant to guide you."
Tri Horn spoke up. "Bastard I am not. It was I who saved House Targeryean from collapse from my brother's weakness. As you may have guessed from my nephew, I am Maegor, First of the Name."
Viserys stared at them. "Definitely had too much to drink last night."
TYENE
RIVERLANDS-OLDSTONES
"So Jenny, how's it feel to be in your namesake's home?" Ser Theo Frey asked Tyene.
Tyene smiled, "It's strange. The stories always made it seem...grander."
"Yes well, I suppose it is in a state of ruin. But it is impressive if you know the whole history. Which, I do." Theo drawled.
Tyene was growing tired. Not just of the journey, but of the lies she had to keep straight.
Doran had sent her to spy on the High Sparrow. If he could be an ally against Robert, who's debauchery was legendary. If not, and instead he turned to the so-called 'Sins' of her homeland, she was to poison him to ensure he was not a threat.
After reaching the Stony Sept, she had found herself joining a band of smallfolk led by a few knights. Ser Theo was one of them. A Frey bastard who had been legitimized just to spite his half siblings who fell further behind the succession. He had no friends among his kin, but when reminded of the god's power, he and many of his half siblings and nephews and cousins and whatever relation had come to show their devotion. All because the High Sparrow spoke to them.
He was just one of many of the people of King's Landing. He was a Septon who tried to warn people away from sins, but always seemed to be ineffective. At least until the cards appeared.
He spoke about what the cards represented. Specifically, the people who used them. He said it made sense for Riverlanders and sailors to want to use Water attribute monsters. The Reach harvested the Earth, so why should they not use earth monsters? The Vale was known for its sky, and Wind monsters could be found in almost any Valeman's deck. And septons having more Light monsters made sense when they represented the Light of the Seven.
But even so, why were there Dark monsters? If Light monsters were meant to show the holy, then Dark monsters were the opposite. The ones drawn to debauchery and Sin.
At first, he had only had a small following. Just a few smallfolk who thought what he said made sense. Then they explained it to their friends, especially those with little hope in their normal life..
Eventually, Robert found out about him. Fearing he would be silenced, he fled with most of his followers.
From there, he did what he always did. Preach. But now he had a larger audience. More people who could be found agreeing with him.
After realizing just how corrupt so many lords were, with special attention paid to the ones who were seen using Dark monsters, the believers began to realize they were meant to clean Westeros from the sins of corruption. They realized the Faith Militant must be reborn.
The High Sparrow, along with his original followers, who he had named septons and septas for their loyalty, numbered fifty. The High Sparrow took his forty nine companions and bade them all to split into smaller groups to more easily spread the Light. They split into seven groups of seven. Six groups left to gather more followers, one group stayed to protect him.
That was how it was at first. But overtime, as they grew, they gathered more and more attention.
Attention that led Tyene here.
As 'Jenny' she had been 'recruited' by a Septon who did not know how to read, but spoke so assuredly few would dare to question what he said. After that, she had been inducted into the Poor Fellows. She even had a circular scar to prove it. But while some choose to display it openly on their forehead, she and many others opted for a more concealed place. Hers was on her neck, covered by her hair, but one could feel it if they needed to.
She had participated in several 'battles' with the Sinners. Capturing a tax collector from the Reach, punishing a rapist they discovered on the Westerland border, even killing a leader of a hunting party that had stumbled upon their camp in the Riverlands.
Tyene had done the math. Her group was made up of seven Poor Fellows, including her, under Ser Theo. Ser Theo was one of seven knights of the Warrior's sons in the area, each with seven Poor Fellows under them. That meant roughly fifty six members of the Faith Militant. Tyene had heard that hers was a bit smaller than some of the others, but otherwise about the same.
Given how much she had heard about the different leaders on different levels of the chain, she estimated there were between five thousand and seven thousand Faith Militant members. Double that if it included those who were not a part of the Faith Militant, but supported them with money or supplies.
Tyene was no fool. She knew that the reason they had survived for so long was because most of the soldiers were off in Dorne, fighting her family.
Now that they were returning home, things would get difficult.
Which leads right into the current issue. They had been camping at Oldstones for two days. Soon, they would leave and get into contact with another group of Militants. They would arrive with orders directly from the High Sparrow, about what they would do now.
At this point, Tyene was numb to it. Her family had been torn away. She had nothing to lose left. Even if Robert was sincere in his announcement that all the Sand Snakes were forgiven, she knew Robert would change his mind if he knew who she was with.
All she had left was the mission. Dorne may have fallen, but Robert would be next. And it would be Divine judgement as far as she was concerned.
"I see someone." One of the other Poor Fellows reported. Pate, Tyene thought his name was. And honestly, she had a coin toss' chance of being right.
"Well then, if it is our siblings, we shall give them Seven Blessings. Same if they are just ordinary people. If they are Sinners...We show them the Seven Hells." Ser Theo spoke to everyone.
Tyene gathered her gear, preparing to move out. Soon, Dorne would be avenged.
ROBERT
KING'S LANDING
Robert sat upon the Iron Throne, ready to commence with the day's proceedings.
Victarion Greyjoy had arrived in the capital just the day before, and was meant to represent the Ironborn as Robert rewarded them for their plan to capture Quentyn. Some had spoken against it, talking about how the boy died, but that was in the care of House Hightower, and no one tried to argue the Ironborn would be better skilled at tending to the Prince.
The Herald announced Victarion, keeping it briefly to "Victarion Greyjoy, brother of LORD Balon." Emphasizing the failed king.
"Lord Victarion." Robert's voice boomed. "The Greyjoys and the Farwynds have the throne's thanks for helping to put the war to a quicker close than we thought. As such, the council believes a reward is in order."
There were very loud whispers of disapproval from the other lords in the Throne room, but Victarion, to his credit, chose to ignore them.
"Thank you, Your Grace. My brother, Lord Balon, sent me here in part to attempt to make certain changes that he deemed are important to the Iron Island's future."
Robert nodded. "Very well, speak of what your lord has to ask."
"First of all, I am unsure if you are aware of this, but Ironborn merchants who try to sell their trade in the Riverlands are forced to pay a hefty tax to do so. And if they try to hide their origins, or even work under another's ship, they are punished and must pay the tax anyway. We ask not that the tax be removed entirely, just brought down to a fairer price." Victarion outlined.
Robert vaguely remembered being informed of such a tax occurring months ago, or perhaps it was a year ago by this point. And none in the audience seemed to hold that issue against them, if the quieting murmurs were to go by. Either way, it was a reasonable request. "Very well, we shall send a raven to Rivverun to change their merchant taxes. We will also give you half a year to let your trade recover before adding any significant taxes. Anything else?"
"Yes, and this is the one that I was sent mainly to negotiate for. Balon wants his heir returned to him."
THAT, set off the audience. One lord screamed it would restart the rebellion. Another yelled that they should just kill Theon like the Ironborn killed his brother.
"SILENCE!" Robert ordered the room. Once it did quiet down, he turned to Victarion. "You understand that this is a hefty prize you are asking for. I can not do so recklessly."
Victarion nodded. "I was told you would respond that way. Which is why we are not merely asking for his return, but offering someone in his place."
That piqued most of the audience's interest.
"Oh? And who would Lord Balon be willing to part with while also securing the Mainland's safety?" Robert asked.
"His wife, the lady Alannys Harlaw." Victarion answered bluntly.
Once again the murmurs started. But that did not stop the Ironborn Captain.
"You must understand Your Grace. My brother has realized that he is getting older, and his first two heirs died in the rebellion-"
"A rebellion you started!" A knight said before Robert ordered he be escorted out of the hall."
"-And he worries that if he dies, then Theon will be unprepared for being Lord of Pyke. He must be reminded of the Ironborn, else he may be unable to keep them under him when he rules." Victarion finished.
Once more, muttering returned to the court.
Robert thought about how to handle this request. "What would you have us do with lady Alannys? Send her to Winterfell in lieu of her son?"
"Actually Your Grace, we were wondering if it was possible that she could be closer. She is more delicate than her son, and we fear such a strenuous journey north would be the death of her. We would ask that she be put under House Lannister's protection."
Again, murmurs.
Robert turned to Tywin, who had yet to leave the capital. "Lord Tywin, would you be willing to accommodate Lady Alannys?" he asked his father by law.
"Aye Your Grace. We could do so." Tywin answered bluntly.
Robert felt he had been played. Tywin would only say that if he was in on it.
The message was clear.
'If you want the Mountain, go through with it.'
"Very well then. We shall give Lord Eddard Stark a few days to head back to Winterfell, where he shall release Lord Theon and escort him home. While he is heading South, you will turn Alannys over to Lord Tywin. Are these terms agreeable?" Robert asked.
"More than enough Your Grace." Victarion answered.
ARYA
WINTERFELL
"So then, did it work?" Robb whispered to his sister as he walked her back to her room after dinner.
"Yup." Arya said, grinning.
She had managed to be on good behavior long enough to get her deck returned to her, then immediatly swapped it for the spare deck her brothers (and Theon) made for her.
"Now I can duel using my normal cards." Arya said.
"Yes well, I am afraid there is too much for me to duel you tonight. But once Father is home, we can duel as much as you like." Robb told her. Once they got to the hall of Arya's room, Robb departed to go handle any leftover duties that had accumulated.
Arya turned around and began walking the short distance to her room, but as she did so, Septa Mordane rounded the corner.
"Arya, I pray that you have been on your best behavior lately." The Septa told her.
Standing right outside her door, Arya looked at the woman charged with "making her a lady" over. She seemed to be in a cheerier mood recently. "Just fine Septa." Arya answered.
"Best to keep it that way lady. You are too young to realize this, but things are changing. It is best to accept them."
With those cryptic words, Mordane continued walking away, and Arya shrugged it off and went to her room.
AN: And there goes another chapter done! And I am officially on summer vacation!
So, Viserys sees dead people. This is how I am doing the duel spirits certain characters throughout the anime series could see. Also, sorry for anyone hoping for a longer duel, but trying to juggle a 2v1 while also not bothering to make full decks for characters I planned on killing from the start means more research on individual cards than I feel is necessary. The main point of this was to burn Viserys' arm and give him guidance. And who better to play shoulder angel and devil than one of the best and one of the worst kings in the family?
Tyene gives a rundown of Sparrow activities. She has reached a point where all she wants is vengeance for her family, no matter the cost.
Robert rewards the Iron Islands and gives them back Theon but gets his mother as a hostage in exchange.
And Arya gives another look at Winterfell.
Next chapter: Some returns of the more minor POVS we have not seen since the War started. Say hello to Mya and Edmure! Next one will probably be shorter than usual. If I can't get it to at least 3K words, expect it by Wednesday/Thursday.
Hope you all are staying safe and finding ways to enjoy yourself. Feel free to comment.
See you all next Chapter.