A Song of Fire, Ice and Hearts

by Jebest4781

Venturing outside of the Heart of his Somebody, a Nobody enters a World where it's at the brink of self destruction. Will he be able to handle and survive the Game of Thrones. Rated M for language, violence, etc. Pairings hidden at current time. KHXGoT/ASoIaF CoWritten by free man writer. Cover Image by Carlos M. Please leave reviews.

4. Days at Winterfell PT 1

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Disney, Square-Enix or Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire. They rightfully belong to their respective owners.

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

Writing/Singing

"Foreign Language/Flashback"

-Scene Shift-

Chapter 4: Days at Winterfell Part 1

Today had been quite the unusual one for Robb Stark so far. And he had to admit that like everyone else in Winterfell, he never saw it coming.

Things normally started out and went through the same like any other day. Waking up, washing up, partake his morning meal, take his lessons under Maester Luwin, eat lunch and go through his daily training. Robb expected there to be nothing else out of the ordinary for the remainder of the day as it would've finished up of him taking his evening meal before going to sleep.

This hadn't gone as planned as something else was thrown into the mix.

Robb was informed that a member of the Night's Watch abandoned his post from the Wall as he finished overseeing Bran's archery training. Because of this, his Lord father had been tasked to carry out the sentence personally. Before leaving, Eddard brought himself, Jon, Theon, Ser Rodrick, Jory, a handful of guards… and Bran to witness it all carried out.

Robb felt bad his younger brother needed to witness the beheading, but the young climber had to start out sooner or later. He can't be a young, naive boy forever; much to his Lady mother's displeasure.

It took the ensemble group a while to reach their destination. A wide patch of barren hills lied a contingent of loyal Stark men holding the deserter at a small holdfast. Upon their arrival, the loyalists brought out the Night's Watch traitor to the chopping block made out of Ironwood.

Upon seeing the deserter -who went by Will- Robb thought he was a wilding; a sword… or club… or axe sworn to Mance Rayder, the rumored King-beyond-the-Wall. It was just because of how he was dressed outside of the normal Night's Watch attire. Instead of the normal black, it was all furry and greasy to all hells.

Winterfell's heir remembered the tales Old Nan told him when he was younger. She said that wildlings were cruel men, being slavers and slayers and thieves. They concerted with giants and ghouls, stole innocent children in the dead of night and drank blood from hollowed out horns. And their women laid with the Others in the Frozen North during the Long Night to sire terrible half-human children.

This was indeed what Robb thought back then. But he was an older man and he realized Old Nan was twisting the truth on those old tales. A means of scaring young children straight and become responsible while properly growing up. There were some truths with what she said, but the rest were all hogwash.

Now the Stark heir thought the Night's Watch traitor -who awaited the King's Justice- was at least trained and well fit due to him being at the Wall. Instead, Robb saw the bounded Will was weak and scrawny; seemingly lost an ear and maybe a finger to frostbite during his time at the Wall.

Before the sentence was carried out, Will gave his confession that he knew what he did was wrong; leaving his post which led to his current predicament. But he was afraid of going back beyond the Wall… where something unnatural to the world resided.

Robb thought it was just the cold finally getting into Will's head, making him think and see such things. The dead killing a bunch of wildlings and what few NW members were with him, leaving him alone to survive.

Once his confession was given, Will requested the Warden of the North to tell his family that he was sorry… for everything. After that, Eddard Stark made the deserter kneel as he drew out the Stark's ancestral Valyrian steel greatsword, Ice, from it's wolf-pelt scabbard in order to deliver the King's Justice personally.

The man who passes the sentence must carry the sword. A saying the Starks have followed since its inception. A noble and just saying that anyone carrying out the sentence must see it through by their own hands… whether they liked it or not.

With Will's head relieved from his shoulders with a quick, split second moment, did the group make their way home. And it was when they made their way back to Winterfell did Robb guess the reason for why Will was spared: being a messenger. It didn't matter if what Will told was received well or not, as long as it was carried out.

On the trek back home, the group ran into an unusual thing blocking their path: a rotting dead stag. The majority of them went off to investigate the matter by following a trail of dried blood. At its end did they find the most unusual thing that had ever graced their eyes in a long while: a dead direwolf. It was there they realized the stag and direwolf fought, which resulted in each of their deaths.

Not far away from the corpse did the party find a litter of pups, direwolf pups to be exact.

It was truly unusual for any of them to see a direwolf south beyond the Wall. And now there were a more, which possibly posed a problem for any Northerner if left alone.

Theon was about to carry Lord Stark's orders to kill them, but Bran called out to save their lives. They were innocent to the world and they did nothing wrong.

What had his Lord father fully convinced in dropping the order were by Jon's words; saying the direwolf pups are a part of House Stark and there was one for each of its patriarch's children. It was as if they were meant to have them.

Shortly after thinking things through, Lord Stark gave out the order that his children will train them ourselves, feed them ourselves; and if they died, we'd bury them ourselves.

Robb thought it was a good declaration, especially since upon holding onto one of the pups. Winterfell's heir didn't know how or why, but he started growing attached to the grey furred one and he wondered how things will go on from there with the pup by his side.

And it wasn't just him, but the same was said for Bran and apparently Jon after finding a stray, stark-white furred hiding away in the bushes. So it wouldn't be too much of a surprise if Sansa, Arya and Rickon reacted similarly as they had.

Robb expected the rest of the day to run relatively the same upon stepping back inside Winterfell's walls. Sure the Stark children would have to adjust their lives in taking care of their new companions. It shouldn't be too much of a problem for either to deal with, if they were responsible enough. Each were taught and raised in such ways, after all.

Yet this wasn't the case upon a sentry galloping their way with utmost distress upon his features.

His father questioned what was wrong, which the Stark sentry responded that Wintertown was hit by an unusual storm… upon the arrival of it being attacked by some darkened monsters.

Not wanting to hear another word, Lord Stark ordered his party to ride hard and fast to reach Wintertown as soon as possible. The North's Warden had ignored everything else as he sought out it's residents' safety. Even ignoring the unusual detail of the darkened monsters.

Well that last factor was what Robb was led to believe; which made him second guess his belief upon seeing his father's gaze.

Nearing Wintertown, they all saw it. A freak of a storm encircling the area while everything outside of it was relatively fine. It was truly unnatural for them all. And they all tried pushing through the blizzard-like barrier, but each and every one of them were pushed and thrown back.

Neither knew what to do and were about to make their way around to reach Winterfell when the storm suddenly ceased.

With it down, the party saw an ensemble of people standing in the middle of the open field neighboring Wintertown. All their horses galloped as fast as they could in reaching them in learning the truth on the matter. And before either reached them, they saw Lady Stark riding there before them and soon embracing her daughters; who were in the middle of it all.

This made those of Stark blood ride harder to reach their family members; full blooded or not given his half-brother's case. Yet Bran lagged behind them all as he was the most nervous of the bunch.

Upon their arrival, Robb learned who apparently saved the day: Rodrick Forrester, Gared Tuttle and Roxas. The mere thought of the trio beating these supposed monsters was out of a fairy tale. But upon seeing the looks of his sisters, Jeyne the stewardess and the surrounding small folk; Winterfell's heir merely questioned more on the truth on the matter.

By the time he came out of his thoughts, Robb was going to speak to his father until he saw the shocked look that marred his features. And to his surprise, Robb's mother marred the same look as well.

Searching for the source of their state of duress was coming from Roxas as their eyes looked onto the younger man's face.

Now standing in the Great Hall of his ancestral home, Robb looked onward to see this Roxas fellow stand before his Lord father and many others. And by the blue eyed blonde's side were his two companions.

Sitting by his father's side at the hall's elevated table, Robb wanted to first speak on his father's behalf. This was due to the uncomfortableness ruling over him as he kept staring at the black leather wearing teenager.

Before Winterfell's heir could even let out a word, Ned finally spoke. "I know you've heard our thanks a good number of times for your deed this day. And the North will remember it for a long time. Those who have assisted us will always be welcomed here with open arms."

"The North Remembers." Practically entire hall reaffirmed this statement, a mixture of looks between suspicion, curiosity and above all else from those who bore witness to Roxas's deeds, admiration.

Ned shifted his gaze towards each of the assembled party, his grey eyes centered at Roxas. So many memories were flooding his thoughts at this very moment, overwhelming the Warden of the North.

It could not be him, could it? The letters spoke of this Roxas, blond haired, blue eyed and wearing a black cloak.

Yet the face before him was not a replica or had features so to speak, no. The boy that stood before them had unquestionably the exact same face as Ventus.

But his name… was Roxas.

Putting this question aside for the moment, Eddard Stark addressed the pressing issue. "Now I was given brief information by Gregor Forrester on this threat that beseeched his home, which has occurred here as well. What can you tell me, us, about these Heartless."

The name was quite unfamiliar, alien, to many throughout the room as they wondered what was going on. Even the bit of detail on what happened at Ironrath was new to them as they muttered amongst themselves.

Roxas stepped forward. "They are creatures of pure darkness. Born out of the darkness within the hearts of anyone and everyone. They come to consume and collect more hearts which in turn add to their numbers and influence."

"They collect hearts?" Catelyn asked, turning green at the thought of monsters ripping open chests and pulling out the organ within.

"Well, not exactly." Roxas scratched the back of his head. "Not in the actual organ, my Lady."

"Wait." Arya piped up. "I saw one of those Heartless things stabbed a man in the chest but a literal glowing heart came out instead of blood or his organ."

"I saw the same thing." Sansa backed up the claim with Jeyne tightening her hands by her side. "It was horrible."

"That's basically it." Roxas said, humming in thought for a moment. "The Heartless… when they take your heart, what I guess they're really taking is your essence. Your soul, your personality, your everything that makes you… well you."

"Sounds almost similar to the Unversed." Ned spoke up in deep thought, processing this information.

"...Unversed?"

"They were… a threat I've dealt with once before. Back in the Year of False Spring when the Tourney at Harrenhal took place." The Warden revealed, causing murmurs breaking out in the hall. "Even faced more of them during Robert's Rebellion."

"Ah yes." Jory Cassel spoke up. "I recall those repugnant creatures. Ventus told us of their intentions and dealt with them soundly."

Ned nodded at Jory before turning back to Roxas. "From what I was told of them, they were fledgling emotions of negativity. Feasting off such things to grow stronger and make more of their kin. 'Those who were not well-versed in their own existences' if I recalled correctly."

"And who was this Ventus you speak of, father?" Bran inquired. "You and Jory seem familiar to that name."

At the mention of his name, a melancholy smile found itself onto Ned's expression. His Stark Grey eyes held a far off and reminiscent look of a time long past. Even Catelyn had a warm smile as well, even if it was bitter to some degree.

"Ventus." Ned began slowly. "Was one of the best men I had ever known. It was accidental really in how we met. But from that moment on, he had done a great deal for not only our family, but the realm as well. Tis a tragedy his name and deeds are not remembered more throughout Westeros."

"He sounds like a gallant knight!" Jeyne said with a swoon with Sansa following suit.

"Ventus was more than that." Ned stated firmly. "Ventus was the definition of a true honorable man. And a hero. Kind hearted and genuine, Ven could never lie and always aided those who needed it regardless of who they were."

"Yes." Catelyn held her own kind smile. "Ventus helped out everyone he could because he always said that's what his Heart believed. 'May your Heart be your guiding Key', as he put it."

All this talk of this Ventus individual finally made Roxas ask the million munny question.

"And who was he, exactly?"

"Why, he was your father, Roxas."

Roxas stared blankly at Ned.

"Wait...WHAT?!"

"Aye, you're the spitting image of the lad."

"Almost mistook you of him." Catelyn admitted.

"I have a father?!" Roxas looked between Rodrick and Gared who in turn eyed him with bewildered gazes at such a question.

"What do you mean you have a father?" Gared questioned. "Of course you would have one."

Roxas only gaped, trying to make heads or tails of this "revelation".

"Sorry… It's just…" How in the world does a Nobody born from nothing have a father? Or parent, for that matter.

This was really not making any sense.

"He must be a good man and warrior from how you speak of him, Father." Robb said with growing intrigue over this Ventus individual.

When speaking of the past, his father was never one to divulge a great deal. Namely the facts, what happened, where it happened, how it happened and so on. But to see his usually stoic father have a serious emotional reaction to seeing this Roxas person on top of speaking about this Ventus, Robb now desired greatly to learn of this mysterious individual.

"I can attest to that." Spoke Ser Rodrick Cassel. "Ventus was a good lad as we fought alongside each other back in Robert's war against the Targaryens."

"He even saved my life a good dozen times against 'em Unversed and Targaryen loyalists." Jory added in. "Almost lost an eye from one skirmish."

"And if you want more proof, GreatJon Umber can attest to his time battling with the Keyblader." Ned finished off.

The Key of Truth spoke an irquary roaming through his mind. "Wait, if you guys all knew about him then why didn't Gregor bring him up when he met me? Surely he would've known."

"You should probably know my father didn't participate much in Robert's Rebellion." Rodrick Forrester informed. "He stayed in the North with several other Houses in order to protect our Kingdom from our enemies. If the entirety of the North were to participate at the center of the war, our homes would've been defenseless against those allied with the Mad King to even slavers, raiders and pirates."

"This would've meant Lord Gregor never had the chance to interact with your father." Gared rationalized. "Only hearing rumors and tales, most likely."

Roxas scratched his cheek in response. "Yeah~ that makes sense." The Keyblader then laughed a little. "I'd imagine his surprise on learning this, slapping himself silly on not knowing sooner."

Those knowing of the Lord of Ironrath chuckled at the thought as this will no doubt to be true. Lady Catelyn though thought Roxas' jest was a bit offensive, but didn't voice it.

The boy's father was a great deal more respectful than him, but it appears that this lad had no idea as to who Ventus was.

As a matter of fact, that reaction to him not knowing his father made Catelyn look at Roxas with a more skewed eye. A person not knowing about their heritage? That was a telltale sign of them having a name not of their own.

Then again, Ventus never had a last name. He was just Ventus… or Ven.

Just like this young lad before her was just Roxas.

However, Cat's thought process was interrupted by her husband speaking once more.

"Now with this out of the way, I'd like to formally invite you to our home Roxas." Ned spoke as he prompted a servant to come in with bread and salt. "And the same goes with you Gared Tuttle and Rodrick Forrester."

"Thank you, my Lord." Voiced Gared and Rodrick.

"Thanks!" Roxas said plainly.

Several of the servants, lords and ladies present nearly gasped when they heard a few individuals chuckling at the blondes simple response.

"Seven hells, he really is like Ventus." Jory said with a chortle. "No knowledge on formalities whatsoever."

"Hey, I know them." Roxas said indignantly earning a chuckle from his companions. He slumped his shoulders a bit. "Somewhat."

The hall went quiet suddenly as one of the direwolves that had been brought home earlier today let out a happy bark and went over to Roxas.

It was Bran's Direwolf.

The little pup sat itself in front of Roxas, wagging it's little tail while looking up at him expectantly and curiously.

"Hey there little guy." Roxas said, kneeling down to scratch the back of the pups ears. He reminded him of Pluto. A small, tiny Pluto. Just not as… golden brown was it? That was his fur color? Who cares, the puppy was adorable. That's all that mattered.

The direwolf pup gave off a pleasant whine as it was scratched and nudged his head further into Roxas' gloved hand.

"It appears our newest guests approve of our recent hero." Robb said in good humor.

"I think it's cute." Sansa spoke as she looked at her sleeping direwolf pup lying on her lap.

Picking up the young pup, Roxas brought it back to Bran before going over to the servant who just gave Gared and Rodrick their bread and salt.

From what the Nobody was told prior to coming to Winterfell, partaking an offered bread and salt was the means of guest rights. As long as one doesn't harm their host, then everything is fine. And the same can be said the other way around.

"Now that Guest right has been established, there is one thing that I must do." Ned stood from his chair. "Roxas. Please accompany me down to the crypts below. There is something I must show you."

This request made all heads turn to their liege lord and father in complete and utter shock.

"My lord!"

"Ned, what is the meaning of this?"

"Why does he get to go to the crypts below, Father?"

"...Am I missing something here?" Roxas's voice cut in.

Before anyone could say anything, Ned raised his hand to silence all conversation and questions.

"I am fulfilling an old request for my sister." Ned said quietly, effectively ending any further discussion. "This is a matter between myself, Roxas and her. Roxas, if you would please follow me."

To say that the assembled crowd in Winterfell were stunned silent would be an understatement.

Whatever this request was that their Liege Lord would bring up his deceased sister of all people to justify taking this lad down to the crypts must have been a personal matter of grave importance.

Turning back towards his friends, he mouthed 'Sorry' and gave a shrug to them before he continued after the Warden of the North.

As soon as they had exited the hall, the people within were unable to contain their whispers, immediately conversing with one another at a rapid pace.

Only Cat remained quiet, looking at the door which led to the direction towards the Crypts before side eyeing Jon Snow for the briefest of moments.

Knowing the feeling of the stare, Winterfell's bastard made himself scarce with his white furred, red eyed direwolf pup in his arms.

-Crypt of Winterfell-

Entering the underground cavern was a dark and dreary place once passing through the ironwood door located near the First Keep and the lichyard. Hardly any light at all in the place as the source came from the entrance to what few air channels were made; which the latter wasn't all that much to begin with.

Even then, once rounding the corner from the stairway, you'd need candle or torch light to even see anything at all. And not far away from the entrance lay what he believed to be a narrow and winding stone staircase which possibly went to the lower floors.

'Place almost reminds me a little of HalloweenTown.' Thought the Nobody as the Lord of Winterfell escorted him through the crypt's highest floor. 'From how dark and damp it is to roughly the same feeling.'

Passing by several entombed statues, Roxas saw that each one of them bore similar traits details. It wasn't on the factor on the carved rock having decent depictions of the deceased's features, which some faded over time into becoming rough outlines. Like for instance, showing hints of a person having a beard to vaguely having certain scars on their face. Aside from this, each and every stone statue had a direwolf curling at their feet. And lying across their laps or within their grasp were what Roxas believed to be iron longswords.

Yet there was one detail that started bugging the Keyblader the most.

"Where are the womens' graves?"

"On the surface, Roxas." Ned answered. "They are with the rest with the deceased up there."

"Why?"

"The crypts down here are reserved for the late Kings and Lords of Winterfell."

"Why?"

"Tradition."

"...Well that's weird. Shouldn't the rest of the family members be down here as well?"

"That's what I thought as well when I came down here for the first time as a child."

'Must be awful lonely for them to not be with their immediate family.' Roxas thought with a frown.

Feet kept scraping and stepping over loose earth and rock as Ned lead the Nobody further down the floor. With torchlight being the only source of light guiding their way, Roxas wondered if the older man would ever bother lighting up the candles nearby; let alone the torches lining up the walls.

"And what's with the swords?"

"Tradition."

"...Is that what you plan on answering almost every question I have for this place?" Roxas wryly asked "Tradition?"

"No."

"Okay… So about those swords?"

Ned opened his mouth and was about to say that word to start out his response. Yet he chose against it. "It's our belief the swords help safeguard those outside of the crypt from vengeful spirits."

"Then not everyone buried here had peaceful passings?"

"There is rarely one, Roxas. Handfuls of them were from dying in their sleep or natural causes. The rest were because of sickness, Winters and violence."

The Keyblader cringed a little upon hearing this detail.

Rounding another corner, Roxas spoke another question. "How much longer to reach… wait where are we going Ned?"

"It's not much farther, Roxas. Just a few more moments."

Roxas nodded as they continued walking in silence with the torch help lighting their way.

Along the way to the crypt, Roxas had questioned why the Warden of the North requested him to come with him… alone. Soon answers were given that Ned wanted Roxas there to pay his respect to his deceased sister, Lyanna Stark.

Even though Roxas wasn't Ventus, his supposed father as everyone is led to believe, it was the thought that counted.

"Your father was a great friend to us when I was younger." Ned said to him. "Only known him a little over a week, but it felt like a lifetime to my siblings and I. And he became a truer one during the Rebellion."

"I can tell… with you speaking so well about him so far."

Ned nodded as he continued. "One thing my sister wished before she passed was to see him one last time. I wished I could've made it happen, but I could never reach him; given what was told of me."

"Which is… what exactly?"

"That he resides at a land far away from here." Before Roxas could question this, Ned came to a stop. "We're here."

Roxas blinked as he saw Ned place a torch into a nearby empty slot in the wall. Pulling out a match stick from his coat, he drew it close to the flame to light it up. From there, the Stark brought it to the candles near a statue.

As Ned did his process, Roxas took note of the entombed statue's features. Instead of the masculine features of a man, the Keyblader saw-

"You said women weren't buried down here."

"I did."

"Then why-"

"I broke tradition by having my older brother and younger sister buried here alongside my father." Ned responded, continuing lighting more candles. "Though to be fair, I wasn't exactly the first in doing so. If memory serves, my great-great uncle Artos Stark is buried down here next to his older brother and he wasn't a reigning Lord of Winterfell."

Once the last of the candles were lit, Ned blew out the match in his hand as he stood back in silence. With the extra space given to him, Roxas was able to come in close to the womanly statue of Lyanna Stark.

Given the surrounding light, the Nobody was able to see the round face as she appeared to be smiling. Her shoulder length hair parted in the middle and tied into a braid in the back. And with the rest of her stoney attire, it was that of a Northerner lady.

Yet there seemed to be something off about the statue as he focused more into it. For some reason, Roxas thought he saw the statue giving him a warm smile with the vacant stare becoming warm all of a sudden.

And why did the Keyblader have a feeling he's seeing it's eyes were resembling a warm brown color?

"My sister told my brothers and I how she first met your father, Roxas." Ned spoke, unknowingly startling the Keyblader. "Her wanting to defend Howland Reed, one of our bannermen, from several squires who overpowered him in a surprise assault. And before she could fend them off, Ventus beat her to it."

-Flashback; 279 AC, Harrenhal-

It was quite the sunny afternoon for the Tourney of Harrenhal. The air was crips and warm, pleasant for both noblemen and smallfolk as many kept coming in to either witness or participate in the many events happening this week. And it was essentially the last day to prepare before the opening feast, marking the start of the Torney occuring later that evening.

Many should be joyful, excited and filled with anticipation. Fighters, bards, artists and others from all over have come to experience such a tourney. Drawn in by either fame or glory or the size and weight of the champion's purse for the winning spots of various events.

Yet despite the cheerful demeanor that surrounded the land, there are those who were quite sour as of late. And the She-wolf of House Stark was one of them.

Lyanna was indeed happy in coming to Harrenhal on her father's behalf. Why shouldn't she? She never witnessed a tourney in her life, only having certain knowledge on what occurs in each event to hearing songs and tales of past ones. The North never bothered having them at all as all that time could be used to prepare for Winter and help the smallfolk.

The She-wolf understood this train of thought, but for once in her life, Lyanna wanted to at least take part in it; let alone experience it.

Luckily enough, she was given the chance as she and her three brothers were invited to attend the illustrious tourney. Lyanna was so thrilled that she practically bounced on her horse for every mile getting there in utmost glee.

Nothing was going to spoil this event for her… all except for one thing: her betrothed.

'Stupid Robert. Stupid drunk oaf of a man.' She gritted in thought. 'Why did father agree in having me be betrothed to the likes of him? He should've known of his vices beforehand!'

At first, Lyanna was all for the marriage, given what details she was given by her older brother, Ned, while at his time in the Eyrie. He and Robert were fellow wards under Lord Jon Arryn of the Vale and supposedly became best of friends. Ned wrote well of the Heir of House Baratheon. And with how well it was done, their father, Rickard Stark, decided to bridge an alliance between their houses through marriage.

And since the Baratheons don't have any women to marry into the Starks, Lyanna had to marry into said family.

Upon the time of officially meeting Robert, the She-wolf was no doubt nervous. She had heard some tales about his strength, smarts and looks on top of the details from Ned's letters.

Once they met, things had gone well… at first. Robert was indeed handsome and strong, which the latter was proven when her betrothed wanted to show off in the training yard.

As time went on from both the first meeting and onwards, Lyanna realized and didn't know it sooner that her brother only wrote the good things about Robert… and none of his faults!

To sum it up, Robert was like her eldest brother, Brandon the Wild Wolf, but was much… much worse.

Robert was handsy with the wenches and servants. He was a drunkard and his smarts was only good when it comes to fighting, but was utterly stupid in everything else!

Hells! He even has a bastard or two already for crying out loud! And he's not even taking responsibilities for them!

His proclamation of love towards her sounded nice and sweet, at first. Now it was all hollow and wasted away as he kept disgracing their bethrothal by fucking anything with a womb.

All Lyanna wants now is to rid herself of Robert and their betrothal. If she were to marry anyone, the She-wolf would prefer anyone else but the Heir to Storm's End!

Her thoughts came to an end when her ears picked up something amongst the rambling crowds around her. It was a bit distinctive towards her, given what experiences she had dealt with in the past. And sure enough after searching for the source, Lyanna saw something that boiled her blood and made her see red.

Lying on the ground was a man who she recognized as a Northerner, given his attire. She didn't know who the man was exactly, but she recognized the sown sigil being one from House Reed of Greywater Watch; sworn bannermen of her family and gatekeepers of the North.

Reason why this man was on the ground was that he was being hounded and beaten up by three large men, no older than fifteen years of age. And given by their attires, they were squires for Houses Frey, Blount and Haigh respectively.

"Frog-eater!"

"Mud-man!"

"Ou've got no place here! Go back to your fuckin' swamp where ye belong!"

Seeing and hearing enough, Lyanna looked towards her side and saw a dulled sword by the nearby tent. Deciding to borrow it, she pulled the weapon off the rack, ran towards the squires and shouted.

"That's my father's man you're kicking!"

Yet before Lyanna was able to get to the three squires, a blur came at them from the side as it crashed into the Frey squire. With said squire falling onto his back, the figure steadied himself as he stared down at the attackers with tamed fury behind his blue eyes.

"That's not very nice." Spoke the new arrival as he held his unique looking sword in a reverse grip. And by what Lyanna could make out of it, it looked like an oddly designed key-shaped sword. "What he do to you three?"

"Mind your own business!" Spoke the Haigh squire. "This doesn't concern you!"

"Fuck off elsewhere!" Cursed the Blount squire. "Leave now and we'll forget you'd be here!"

Getting back onto his feet, the Frey squire growled. "You'll pay for that bastard."

"Right~ I'm paying for your misdeed in harming someone minding their own business." The oddly dressed, spikey blonde remarked. "Like I'll let you guys continue harassing him."

The three opposing squires soon drew their swords and aimed them at the new arrival. Instead of being nervous, the wielder of the odd key-shaped sword merely spun his sword in the palm of his hand, waiting for one of them to act first.

The Blount squire was the one to strike first. Instead of it being well brought, it was clumsy given his form. The blue eyed blonde quickly maneuvered out of the way and swung his sword as it knocked the weapon out of the squire's hands.

The Haigh squire moved around his opponent and tried to surprise him, but didn't work out well as he yelled out his attack; giving him away. The new arrival rolled out of the way from the blow before swinging upwards once back onto his feet in fast precision.

"You can do better than that." Taunted the key-sword wielder. "Fought a swordsman ten times-no twenty times better than you."

Not wanting to see him get hurt, Lyanna charged forward and swung her borrowed sword at the Frey squire, who tried to attack the key-swordsman from his blind spot.

With the swords clashing, the blue eyed blonde whirled around to see the act done by Lyanna. Giving her a nod of thanks, he lunged forward and bashed his weapon at the other squires, who recently came back up onto their feet.

After a minute of fighting, Lyanna and her recent companion saw the three squires run off with cuts and bruises on their form as they ran off to parts unknown. Yet for the She-wolf, she had a feeling they were going to complain to their respective Houses on what befell upon them and ask for revenge at a later time.

'Like that'll ever happen if they find out who fought them off.' Lyanna mused.

"Hey, you alright?" Inquired the key-swordsman as he helped the Northerner get back onto his feet.

Now standing upright, the man from House Reed dusted himself off and took in the appearance of his saviors.

Clearing his throat, he spoke in a voice clear as water, but not too high towards the key-swordsman. "Yes, thank you for your help."

"It's no problem." Waved off the blue eyed blonde. "I'm just glad you're not fully hurt."

"I feel the same as well." Lyanna said in agreement.

"And I thank you for your help, my Lady."

Puffing her chest, Lyanna growled... or at least attempted to. "I am not a Lady!"

Objections fell on death's ears as the Crannogman looked at her. "Are you or are you not the daughter of my liege lord, Rickard Stark?" Seeing her nod in reluctance, he gave his counter response. "Then you are in fact 'a Lady'."

"I am not!" She denied in a childish manner.

"Uh… Sorry." Interrupted the blue eyed blonde. "I feel left out here."

"Pardon?" Lyanna questioned.

"Well… you two seem familiar with each other, yet I don't know you two at all."

Lyanna could practically smack herself silly. She should've at least made some form of introduction sooner once things settled down.

Before she could speak, the Crannogman beat her to the punch. "Of course. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Howland Reed of Greywater Watch." Motioning his hand towards her, he continued. "And this is the daughter of my liege lord, Lyanna Stark."

The She-wolf nodded as she gave the key-swordsman a smile.

Said person ended up giving them a beaming smile as he introduced himself. "And I'm Ventus, though I often go by Ven."

With the introductions out of the way, Lyanna looked back at the wounded Reed. "I know I asked this before, but are you still alright? You're bleeding and I see some bruises forming. You can come to my family tent to get you patched up."

Howland waved her off. "I'm alright, my Lady. I don't want to intrude."

"Nonsense! I have to make up for not helping sooner!" She proclaimed before eying Ventus. "And you're coming with me."

"Wait, what?"

Before he could question why, Ventus was literally dragged by the She-wolf with a fierce grip on his arm. And with her other hand, she did the same action on Howland.

Surprisingly with her size and stature, she was quite strong as neither men could free themselves from Lyanna's grasp.

-Flashback End-

"It was because of his actions at that moment did Ventus first earn my sister's respect and friendship. And it only grew throughout the tourney."

Roxas stood in silence as he listened through Ned's recollection from what his late sister told him.

It was clear to him that this Ventus character left a profound mark on the Lord of Winterfell as he seems to be held in high regard by Eddard. And it was clear there was more to that from what he heard from both this story and back at the Great Hall.

Yet one thing was obvious and it was just bugging him to his core.

He had no idea just this Ventus was.

Ned claims that it's his father. But how could a Nobody have a father? He was somewhat aware of the concepts of parents through Sora's memories growing up on the Destiny Islands.

But he himself did not have such a thing.

"Um… listen, Lord Eddard."

"You can call me Ned down here, Roxas. There is no one here."

"Right, right, Ned." Roxas nodded along. "Here's the thing. I… don't know anything about this Ventus guy you keep mentioning. You said you knew him and so did your sister."

"And my brothers. And we were also aware that he, like you, was a Keyblade wielder." Ned pointed out.

"I get that, I do." Roxas said. "It's just that…"

Roxas grew silent momentarily, unsure of how to phrase this.

"How exactly am I this Ven guy's son?"

Ned blinked, looking to the young Nobody with a slightly bewildered expression. "I beg your pardon?"

Roxas shrugged. "Who is Ventus? I honestly have no idea who you're talking about."

"You… don't know your father?" Ned inquired.

"Nope."

"Has your mother told you?"

"Mother? Nope. I don't even have a mother."

"You're an orphan, then?"

This last one had to be it. It had to be. The only way for the lad before him to not know a single shred of fact of his parentage had to be through this. No one could ever fault him for that!

"I… guess so?" Roxas himself didn't know how to fully explain. "I really don't even have my own past. All I've got are memories for about a year."

"..."

"..."

"What?" Was all Ned could ask.

Now Roxas realized he painted himself into a corner. He didn't mean to blabber that last part out. It just came out. It was the truth after all and while he could keep the truth about the world order and such, he was a terrible liar overall.

"Are you saying you have memory loss?" Ned asked after several moments of silence.

Roxas hung his head, feeling it better to give some kind of truth to Ned.

"I… I wasn't born normally." Roxas finally revealed though he himself didn't know the normal way. Sora was too pure for his own good sometimes and Axel made sure not to let slip how babies are made in that one conversation on the clock tower. "I came into existence really. Just literally was born…" Roxas gestured to himself. "Like this. I was born a fifteen year old boy."

Silence permeated the already solemn air within the crypts. Only the flickering flames of the torches could be heard between the two.

Ned for his part was having an unusual thought process. Well, unusual would be putting it mildly. He had no iota as to what exactly Roxas meant by those words..

Being born a fifteen year old boy? What in the seven hells does that mean?!

"Roxas." Ned began slowly. "What exactly are you getting at?"

"That I've only been in existence for a year and a half." Roxas said plainly. "That's really all there is to it, Ned. I… I don't have a mom or a dad. I'm just Roxas with no connections or family. Just me."

Now, some would assume that a man like Ned Stark at surface value seemed like the kind of man who wouldn't believe of the higher and mysteries of magic. That the fantastical elements of Westeros were well and gone and remained firmly in the past.

But that's just it. Many assumed things at face value.

What many did not know of was that Ned was fully aware of the magics and mysticisms of the world as he himself bore witness to the power that Ven displayed when fighting creatures of evil so long ago. Ned Stark from that point on had a more open minded and broader view of the greater powers that he did not understand.

However…

This was a bit much to believe or even take in. A boy who was just born at the age of five and ten with no memories or recollections on top of having no mother or father? What exactly was Roxas playing at?

Had it been anyone else, Ned would have dismissed such notions and thoughts finding them to bizarre and even outlandish to believe.

But he was looking at the literal same face that belongs to a close friend he longed to see once again. And just like said friend, this young man held the same sincerity to him that Ven had. The only difference between the two is the aura.

Roxas held a more somber demeanor with what felt like a greater weight on his shoulder. Not a responsibility so to speak. He couldn't quite discern it, but it was clear to Ned that Roxas was not exactly like Ven aside from obvious looks department.

"This is a lot to take in, Roxas." Ned finally found his voice after much internal deliberation. "I had seen much in my brief time with Ven, so I'm no adverse to such claims. But for the sake of others, I believe what you claim remains a secret for now."

"Right for the sake of the-"

"World Order?" Ned finished for Roxas with a knowing look.

The Nobody looked to Ned in surprise before grinning. "This Ven guy really was a Keyblade wielder, wasn't he? He must have trusted you a lot."

"And I him." Ned confirmed. "It was a short time. To short a time, but to me, Ventus is one of the best men I'd ever gotten the privilege of knowing and calling a brother and friend. I just wish I knew what had become of him or even where he is right now. All I have left of him are memories and this."

Reaching within his fur cloak, Ned pulled out a familiar looking star-shaped charm that was silvery grey in color.

"A Wayfinder?" Roxas said in surprise. The Nobody blinked, not expecting to utter such a word so naturally.

Ned arched a brow at Roxas. "You know what this is?"

Roxas scrunched up his brow in thought, memories of a yellow star charm and another one made of seashells floated through his head.

"Yeah, I've seen those before." Roxas confirmed. "An old friend of mine had one of his own. The girl he liked made it for him."

Instead of the seashell styled piece of memorabilia Kairi made for Sora, which was also part of his Oathkeeper Keyblade, this one was more refined and metallic.

It was still stylized in a Wayfinder shape and form of a five pointed star. On the inner parts, it was ivory white and was almost like snow itself packed together. And in the center of it was the snarling direwolf sigil of House Stark.

"This is all I have left of Ven." Ned said, looking down at the charm with a fond yet also sad smile. "The woman who delivered this to me spoke of this being based on a mystical fruit that when shared between two idnividuals who care for one another had their destinies intertwined."

"I know about that." Roxas said a bit excitedly. "The Paupo Fruit."

"Aye… Almost forgotten the name of such fruit."

A stray thought then crossed Roxas's mind.

"You said this was given to you by someone else, right? Not Ven?"

Ned nodded. "Aye, It was a young woman, not much older than myself at the time. Her name was Aqua and she was apparently a dear friend to Ventus as well."

Once more, since entering the crypts, Roxas experienced a flash of sorts. He saw a woman older than him looking at him with a kind and loving sisterly smile while having a phantom feeling of a gentle hand brushing through his spiky hair.

"Aqua." Roxas repeated, the name sounding so familiar to him. Who was she exactly?

And why… why did her name sound… familiar?

It was giving him a headache. Actually… this entire day was giving him a headache. Talks of this Ven, him being his "Father" on top of now, without a doubt, memories that weren't his own.

He had experienced enough of that during his time in the Organization and quite frankly, he was not in the mood to just be dropping on the spot into a damn coma… again. Several times at least. Thanks but no thanks, he'd had his fill already.

After several moments giving his respects to Ned's deceased sister, Roxas helped blow out the candles before following after the Stark Lord out of the Crypts. The darkness surrounding them once more with only a torch assisting them navigate in this abysmal place.

"Roxas." Ned said as the two began to walk up the steps. "Even though you are not Ventus, or even his son as you say I believe I can wholeheartedly say that you being here would give my Sister soul a great deal of ease and resolution. Ventus was a dear friend to our family. You being here is enough to help them continue resting peacefully."

Now Roxas just felt bashful, blushing slightly at the sincerity behind Ned's words.

That scratching at the back of his head made another memory of Ventus flash through the Starks eyes.

Was Roxas really not Ventus' son as he's lead to believe? Hard to really tell at this point. He hadn't even seen the lads Keyblades. Two Keyblades. That was a slight surprise given from what he remembered that all wielders were usually limited to one.

Those thoughts were pushed aside for later however. Ned needed some time to himself.

And he knew exactly where to go.

-Winterfell's Godswood-

The forested grove was a very calming place for the Keyblader to traverse through. A sense of utmost peace roaming throughout the land.

"Are you sure it's fine for me coming here?"

"Of course." Spoke the liege lord. "As long as one has been given permission from a Stark, then they can come and go as they please."

"Seems understandable, I think. But why permission?"

"It's alright if you are not aware of all these customs, Roxas." Ned said patiently and kindly. "Ventus held the same questions and responses when he had first met my family and the time he had spent here in Westeros. And as for the permission, there are those of the old faith that wish to come here for prayer. It's very sacred here in the North. We -of the North- are one of the last that keep faith with the Old gods of Westeros."

"Huh~" Was all Roxas said, taking his time to look around the forest. Though it was faint, there was no doubt in the Nobodies mind.

There was a presence of magic here. Old and ancient with a long history closely associated with the Starks.

Now that he thought about it, there was a small feeling of greater power within Ned. and it wasn't new. No, it felt… dormant. Like it had not been used in many years.

Strange, this power felt similar to those companions that had travelled with Sora on his own adventures.

Nearing Ned's destination, he glanced back to see Roxas pick up one of the fallen weirwood leaves and inspected it. Looking upon his eyes, the Warden expected to see a great deal of curiosity. Yet it was less to what he theorized as there was a sense of familiarity behind the blue eyes.

The Nobody was silent as they ended up at Winterfell's resident weirwood tree where they came across a familiar pair of faces.

"Rodrick. Gared."

Hearing their names being called, both mentioned teens rose from the ground and nodded towards their liege lord in utmost respect.

"Lord Stark." They voiced.

"Take it you both wanted to pay your respects to the Old Gods, I see."

"Why wouldn't we, my Lord." Gared responded. "I have never had the chance of seeing one before and neither has the rest of my family, from what I assumed. I wanted to pull in my weight for them.

Roxas took a moment to inspect the Weirwood tree.

"Hey wait, I saw one of these back near Ironrath." Roxas said in recognition. "Next to your dad's farm, Gared."

"...Pardon?"

"Yeah, There's a weirwood grove next to your old family farm."

"You must be jesting, Roxas." Rodrick chimed in. "There's sadly no weirwood grove near his home."

"Probably because you guys didn't look hard enough. After all, it was hidden by a rather thick grove that would be hard to merely walk through. Had to jump over several trees to get out of that place."

Both Ironrath natives stared at their friend, seeing no signs of jesting or deceit on his part.

Ned hummed thoughtfully. "It appears the two of your have an important task upon your return to Ironrath."

"We do indeed, my Lord." Responded Rodrick.

"To think, a weirwood grove near my home of all places." Gared spoke with glee. "It's like the gods are truly watching over my family for years and we've been none the wiser."

Coming up close to the weirwood, Roxas inspected the carved features and traced his gloved hand over the bone-white bark. "Though I have a question: do weirwoods strictly have male faces on them?"

"They're mostly genderless, why?"

"Because the one I found had a woman's face on it."

"A woman's face you say?"

"Yeah, sure looked like one."

"More and more fascinating this Weirwood you speak of becomes." Rodrick remarked. "We'll no doubt be looking more into once we confirm and gain access to the grove."

"Right. When you send your message, let me come with so I can give my best in writing out the way in getting there."

Rodrick gratefully nodded as it'll no doubt narrow down the search from the Tuttle pig farm.

"You continue to provide a great deal of aid, Roxas." Ned remarked with a fond small smile. "Your deeds here shall be remembered for a long time to come here in the North."

"The North Remembers, right?" Roxas couldn't help but draul out as he's heard that one phrase several times already since arriving at Ironrath.

Ned chortled lightly. "Indeed, we have for many generations."

Roxas only shrugged, looking over to the Weirwood tree getting a strong feeling of old magic emanating from the ancient grove.

He didn't have to look more into it now, but the Nobody had plenty of time to investigate with him having permission in coming here.

These Weirwoods held a great deal of importance apparently, here in the North specifically. And since the two that he has seen thus far appear to contain magic, Roxas knew that there was perhaps a greater purpose to them being here.

He was surprised -however- in not noticing this upon arriving on this World in the first place.

Almost like him not noticing a peculiar raven looking right at him from a high placed branch. Roxas would've thought nothing less about the black avian, but the Keyblader felt something coming off of it.

Before he could think more about the bird, it cawed and flew away from the nearby Weirwood.

"Come." Ned ordered. "We must go back. No doubt the others will want to know you better after I took you away from them so soon."

Roxas' two friends chuckled, briefly thinking the varying levels of intrigue most of Winterfell's residents had towards the Keyblader.

-Winterfell's Training Grounds-

Roxas and Ned found themselves standing before the training area where he saw Robb Stark and Jon Snow circling one another wielding practise swords; wooden swords to be precise.

Off to the side, Arya and Bran watched with bated anticipation whilst Rickon rolled around on the ground with his Direwolf pup Shaggydog with Nymeria -which belonged to Arya- while Bran's unnamed Direwolf also tusseling with the youngest Stark.

Rodrick Cassel stood to the side with Theon Greyjoy, both observing analytically as the two began their sparring round. Beside them both were the two participants own Direwolf pups, the two watching their companions exchange blows via swords.

Roxas watched on with interest, observing the two go at one another, appearing evenly matched.

They were both pretty decent yet to Roxas they were moving a bit to slow for him. Well… Jon actually seemed the faster of the two.

Then why wasn't he using his speed to win?

Eventually, the two finished by inadvertently striking one another in the head making them both stumble back.

Their siblings laughed at their older brothers conclusion to their spar, their father holding an amused smirk.

Theon guffawed to himself while Rodrick maintained his usual stoic facade, going over to both boys who were rubbing their heads.

"Felt your heads ring like bells, didn't they?" Rodrick asked sarcastically as both only groaned in confirmation.

Assisting both boys up, Rodrick made sure they could stand properly on their feet before addressing their pros and cons.

He started with Robb first.

"You must remember to keep your sword forward and not too close to your body." Ser Rodrick instructed. "It makes it difficult for you to react."

Robb merely nodded, rubbing the side of his head allowing Rodrick to continue.

"You're too stiff at times as well, my Lord. You must be able to change your stance on a moments notice. Be more loose as some would say. Tension and relaxation are two sides of the same coin which have assisted many of the greatest swordsmen this continent has ever seen."

With his piece said, the Master-at-Arms then focused his attention at Jon.

"Your form is very strong, however your speed needs improvement." Rodrick critiqued though Roxas tilted his head at that statement.

His speed needed practise? But Jon was faster than Robb. He just held back is all. Or… that's what it seemed to be.

Rodrick continued to lecture the two, bringing up several more flaws before going into their improvements reminding them to remain consistent in their training.

The brothers nodded as Rodrick patted them both on their backs when the knight at long last noticed the two newcomers to the training yard.

"Good to see that our esteemed guest has been relieved of our Lord's graces." Jested the Master-at-Arms, drawing in the attention from the others present.

Seeing all focused placed on him, Roxas merely chuckled. "Yeah~ Lord Stark wanted to take me to a few places. Didn't know how long it took."

Ned gave a forgiving smile to the lot. He did have to take some time of business with the young Keyblader before releasing him towards the others, who still waited in anticipation to interact with him.

"Quite understandable. And with you here, would you like the chance to spar a little?" Ser Rodrick questioned. "Could be a good chance for these lot to see how well you're capable of."

"I think you're putting too much faith in him." Theon spoke out from Rodrick's side. "Looks wet behind the ears and not all that tough to begin with."

Arya practically growled. "Take that back, Theon! He's a better fighter than you could ever be!"

The Greyjoy narrowed his eyes at the young She-wolf before taking notice of some of the offensive looks he received from some of the others present.

Neither of them had seen Roxas fight before, only hearing boasts of his actions through others witnessing him in action earlier this day. Some were skeptical about the claims, but they weren't going to be rude and offensive towards Eddard Stark's guest; even with said Lord was actually present.

With others glancing at the young Keyblader, they expected to see some form of offense being drawn out in response. Yet they saw nothing, only a raised brow that could be read as 'Really?'.

"Since you seem so adimate about his skills, Theon, why don't you face him first." Ser Rodrick said, drawing a look of surprise from the Greyjoy.

With this said, Roxas realized he was practically being egged on in doing the spar. 'Can't refuse now, I guess.'

Looking towards the nearby weapons rack, Roxas walked towards it and started pulling out several swords left and right. He did little testing swings with each one and took note which ones had the right grips.

"Why aren't you using 'em Key-swords or whatever they're called? Better yet, I don't see them at all. They make believe?"

Arya took offense to this once more and wanted to yell again, but Roxas calmly responded back. "First off, they're called Keyblades. Second, I can bring them out whenever I want to. But right now, I don't."

"And why not?"

"Cause they would seem too overkill on you if I used them now."

With the right wooden sword in hand, Roxas went into the fighting circle and waited for Theon to start this sparring session.

"Fight on, Roxas." Arya whispered out, doing her best to hide her utter excitement. Though her younger brother, Bran, did nothing of the sort as he was bouncing on his feet in giddiness.

Rickon, however, ignored all this as he kept playing with the Direwolf pups.

It didn't take long for Theon to enter the ring as he blindly took one of the wooden swords without giving it much thought at all. He would've grabbed a blunted iron sword, but Ser Rodrick didn't give any of them permission to use them today.

With them a good distance apart from each other -a good dozen paces or so- Roxas then went into his single sword fighting form; going into a crouching, horse stance with his weapon held off to the side.

Seeing his stance, Theon gave Roxas a bewildered look with a passing thought crossing his mind. 'Is he trying to take a shit or something?'

Seeing them ready, Rodrick signaled for the sparring match to start.

Theon was the first to act, rushing and lunging forward to hopefully deliver a successful strike at his opponent. Yet, if anything, this left Theon exposed in some manner once Roxas quickly maneuvered around the Greyjoy's attack. With the exposed side, Roxas swung his wooden sword in an upward motion.

"GAH!" The swing struck Theon's upper arm as it was close to the shoulder area. This made the arrogant lad stagger a little as he tried to compose himself quickly to continue on with the match.

"Don't rush in like that, lad." Rodrick chastised.

Whatever else that came out of the Master-at-Arm's mouth was ignored as Theon slashed out more attacks, varying between high and low attacks. Roxas simply held up his wooden sword and tensed his arms in order to block, parrying and dodging the attacks, which frustrated the Stark Ward even more.

"Stand still, dammit!"

"Only if you could hit me."

When a downward strike came upon the Keyblader, Roxas raised the wooden blade and locked them in place. Theon struggled to overcome the strength holding him back as he was greatly surprised to see how much power the younger man held.

In a quick action, Roxas twisted his sword; forcing Theon's to strike the earth before delivering another strike at his opponent's other arm. As Theon let out another pained yelp, Roxas smacked his training weapon across his head, which prompted theon to drop his weapon and hold his head from the recent blow.

"What about me now being wet behind the ears again?" Roxas said as he kept his sword aimed at Theon's head.

The onlookers at this spar either chuckled or wore smirks of varying sizes.

Removing his hands from his head, Theon batted the sword away before grabbing his training weapon off the ground.

"Wanna keep on going? I'm fine with stopping if you are."

"Not a chance." Was Theon's growled response.

Sighing, Roxas went back into his single weapon fighting stance.

The Keyblader acted first as he wanted to test the Greyjoy's defensive capabilities. He held back much of his strength, but even with the handicap he was giving his opponent, it still wasn't enough. Even if the block faltered back, Theon was becoming quicker in pulling back to block another blow.

Seems Theon was starting to get a little more serious against Roxas now. Yet it wasn't enough as Roxas made another successful strike, making Theon groan in annoyance.

"Again." Spoke the Master-at-Arms, wanting the spar to continue as it'll knock some sense into the Greyjoy.

The sound of clashing wood was met and carried out several times before dried wood collided against bits of flesh and an exposed side.

Theon gritted his teeth upon getting more and more losing hits as time went on.

"Again."

Clashing once more, the Greyjoy let out low grunts and high-pitched snarls.

"Question." Roxas voiced as he jumped back in an evasive move. "I don't mean to sound rude or anything, but have you been trying to imitate a wolf for a while now or is it just me? If so, then let me tell ya… it doesn't suit you."

Theon growled again, which ended up making more onlookers chuckle when thinking of the comparisons between the Greyjoy and those of the canine variety.

Not once in the entire session did Roxas get hit or remotely scathed by Theon's training sword.

From the side, Ser Rodrick was taking note on Roxas' form as it did have some spots left open for an opponent to seek out and hopefully land a successful strike. Yet the blue eyed blonde was quite fast in his reaction time to quickly close up the opening as a means to exploit Theon's attacks. Even the parrys and blocks showed a fraction of some of Roxas' strength, which the Master-at-Arms' realized knew the Keyblader was holding back a lot.

'Much like his father. Mayhaps even more skilled.' Came Ser Rodrick's nostalgic thought. When glancing at his Lord, their eyes met and a silent conversation was made which Rodrick can tell Ned shared the same feeling.

"You know…" Roxas voiced out as he moved away from a panting and groaning Theon. "I believe he would like some assistance." Eyeing Robb and Jon, he smiled a little. "Maybe you two can join in and help him out."

"Are you sure about that Roxas?" Ser Rodrick questioned in surprise as others had similar thoughts.

"Oh, I'm sure. That is if they want to or not."

With the request given, Robb and Jon looked at each other and shared a silent conversation with each other. The bastard didn't know if he wanted to jump in or not. But his brother was able to convince him otherwise.

With them still having their training swords in their grasp, they came into the training ring. Theon looked at them and gave off a mixed look of annoyance and thankfulness of seeing them by his side.

They were about to start when they saw Roxas coming back with another wooden sword in his other hand.

"So… whenever you guys are ready." Roxas spread his legs apart into a slight crouch and got into his usual dual wielding stance.

The three older teens looked at each other at seeing Roxas' fighting stance and didn't know what to make of it. Yet they decided to spread themselves out to give each other more space for the continuation of the spar.

It seemed that Robb would be leading as he stood before Roxas, Jon on his left, Theon on his right.

Taking a moment to observe their postures and the distance between him and his three opponents, Roxas crouched low to the ground and burst forward at Robb with a surprising amount of speed.

Granted this wasn't as fast he usually was, but enough to startle the Heir to Winterfell.

However, before Roxas could land a strike on Robb, Jon had dashed over with his own blunted blade being the one swatted aside by Roxas. The young Snow nearly tumbled into the ground yet managed to push himself up to his feet.

Jon's save gave Robb the time to begin his own attack on Roxas with Theon now dashing over to help.

With a twirl of one of his weapons, Roxas deflected both Theons' and Robbs swords moving to go on the offensive.

Jon by this point had rejoined the group and the three teens were now trying their best to work in tandem to go against Roxas.

Trying being the keyword as they couldn't exactly coordinate properly as Roxas was to fast for them and they were all fighting on a different wave-length so to speak.

Roxas swatted aside one of Theons swings, making the ward stumble back giving the Nobody the opening to elbow him in the gut.

Out of the corner of his eye, Roxas performed a 360 guard point spin to block Jon's oncoming strike.

Roxas's defense was so swift and sudden that it actually stunned Jon for a brief moment yet he was thankfully saved by Robb who came in from behind to pull his brother out of harms' way from Roxas cross slashing attack.

"Seven hells." Jon murmured. "He's too fast."

"That's an understatement." Robb said, a bit out of breath.

Behind Roxas, Theon was rubbing his stomach while on the ground while trying to stand back up.

Jon and Robb managed to catch Theon's eye with the former looking back and forth between him and Roxas's back. Theon grunted quietly and nodded.

"We gotta rush him from both sides to give Theon the chance to get him." Jon whispered to Robb.

"Do you think it will work?" Robb questioned. "His speed and strength can hold us back easily."

"It's the chance that he needs is all." Jon reasoned.

"The chance to end it." Robb murmured back getting Jon to nod.

Ser Rodrick had always spoken of the importance of battle but it was both he and their Lord father that said it best. As skilled as an enemy may be, it only took one instance, one moment to end it all.

That was what they needed to do here.

Tightening their grips on their blades, Jon and Robb stood shoulder to shoulder as they got ready for their attack.

Theon was on shaky ground with his legs wobbling a bit but he remained standing and prepared to go in for the "kill".

Roxas all the while got back into his usual combat stance and simply waited.

From his spot in the training grounds, Ned had a momentary thought that made him sweat a little. Something that often woke him up from the middle of his slumber on most nights.

Roxas fought in an eerily similar manner of the late Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning.

Granted it wasn't the late Kingsguard member's fighting style to the exact detail, as he usually fought with only one sword being his houses ancestral sword; Dawn. But the Keyblader was clearly a dual wielding expert. Fending off his multiple opponents with ease with precise blocks, parrys and counterstrikes.

'Seems Gregor's report wasn't jesting on that detail.' Ned noted as he kept watching the spar with utmost attention. 'And it seems Roxas is clearly holding back more than what he's presenting right now.'

With Bran, the young climber could almost share the same starry-eyed look his older sister was sporting right now.

He remembered the tale his father spoke several times as a means to properly putting him to sleep on most nights. How he was able to barely win over Arthur Dayne in single combat with everyone else in his party, who went along to retrieve his late aunt Lyanna in Dorne, was all dead except for Lord Howland Reed. Said man was down for the count and was miraculously spared from Death's embrace.

With what he was witnessing now, Bran could say he was witnessing the event with how the spar was happening and he would be totally fine with it.

"I told you he can do that, Bran." Spoke his older sister with rare girly giddiness.

"I didn't say I didn't believe you, Arya." He said in reassurance.

"Gods… never seen an attack like that." Spoke one of the nearby guards.

"I think I saw a Dornishman successfully spin like that once, but it was with just his spear." Commented another guard.

"Yet it's with a freaking training sword, for crying out loud."

"Aye, and the lad seems to be putting more power in the blows. Hells, I believe he's got more ferocity than any Northern or Stormlander."

Ser Rodrick groaned before snapping at the nearby guards. "Oh will you shut it! You two are acting like gossiping maids!"

Said guards immediately shut up and kept watching the spar.

The three teens were on the assault.

Robb and Jon sprinted as fast as their legs could carry them with theon rushing in a moment later.

It appeared that this time they had Roxas cornered.

Roxas, on the other hand, figured this may occur. Bending his knees, Roxas jumped up at an extraordinary height and back flipped right over Theon.

The display of agility, skill, strength and grace was enough to halt his three opponents in their tracks and looked at the blue eyed blond with wide eyes and dropped jaws.

Hells, most of the audience that had now gathered in the training field shared their expressions with the other Stark children in wide-eyed awe.

Ned on the other hand had a momentary memory flash of the astonishing feats that he had seen Ven do. It only made him miss his long lost friend even more.

There was a momentary lapse of silence that was broken by a quaint statement by Theon that essentially summed up the general thoughts of all present.

"Fucking hells. How'd you do that?"

Roxas grinned a bit.

"Natural talent."

"I'd call you cocky, but then again we have been eating dirt this entire time." Robb remarked.

More snickers were let out in the immediate area.

With that comment out of the way, the three boys ran forward again.

Roxas held up a blade and blocked the incoming attack coming from Robb. Once met, he twisted his right sword in a spinning slash before using his left to strike Robb's exposed body. The heir to Winterfell barely dodged the blow, but he didn't account for Roxas' second blade to quickly stab him. He staggered back with a grunt as he saw his friend being met with a similar fate.

As Roxas faced Jon now, the Keyblader saw the slightly panting mess he bore.

"Come on, Jon. I know we barely chatted earlier, but I know you can do better than that." Twirling his wooden blades across his palms, Roxas gave a small smile. "You don't need to hold back on me at all."

This comment surprised Jon greatly while others looked on in confusion.

"What does he mean by that?" Theon muttered out, rubbing his sore side which he figured will be bruising at this point.

"That's something I'd like to know as well." Robb commented as he rotated his sore shoulder.

With attention placed on him, Jon stammered. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"What do you mean? You're faster than Theon and Robb."

Jon didn't know how to respond to that.

Taking his silence as Jon undermining his skills, Roxas responded. "I don't know what's going on, but please… can ya just let loose on me? I won't hold it against ya."

Jon stood stock still, unsure of how to proceed.

Many gazes were on him now as it seemed Roxas' words bewildered the present audience why this newcomer would single out the Bastard of Winterfell of all people.

He was about to respond when Jon caught the look in Roxas's eyes.

They were unlike so many that had been sent his way throughout his entire life. Yes he had seen the case of love and affection from his siblings like Arya and Robb.

But the most common and enduring gaze were the ones of disgust, distrust, a kind of sneering as they saw him as less than a Lords son, even his bastard.

Yet Roxas held a gaze of… it wasn't understanding of what his status was but one of recognition.

This newcomer saw through everyone else and pointed to him as the most skilled in this instance to take him on.

And for this very moment, Jon was not about to disappoint someone who viewed him in a praising light.

Jon shifted his stance as he delivered a downward chop, which was blocked by Roxas in an X pattern with his training swords. Stepping back, the black haired teen spun around, swinging his sword in an upward motion. With the speed of the attack prompted Roxas to go into the defensive to block the attack once more.

With the wooden blades meeting, Jon rushed forward in a shoulder charge to break through Roxas' hold. With the blades out of the way, Jon jabbed his practice sword at the Keyblader's side. The Nobody quickly acted, moving to the side to avoid the blow. Yet it didn't save him when Jon pushed his arm to swing towards the blue eyed blonde's general direction.

With the tip almost hitting his face, Roxas bent backward. Getting to stand up straight, he had to block another strike with his face a foot away from Jons as the two locked eyes.

The Nobody gave the Bastard an encouraging grin one that Jon unexpectedly found himself returning.

"That's what I'm talking about, Jon."

Pushing away from each other, they engaged one another once more in a flurry of wooden clangs and clashes that echoed around the entirety of the training field.

It was at this point in the spar did the 3 vs 1 turn into single combat as Robb and Theon halted going after Roxas by merely looking on in astonishment. And they weren't the only ones to share similar emotions.

From the sidelines, Arya and Bran were looking on in awe as they saw their eldest brother combatted well against Roxas. They wondered where this came from as they placed their full undivided attention on the spar.

Even Rickon stopped playing with the pups and mirrored his two elder siblings' action.

Ser Rodrick looked on at the fight in new light, wondering if his earlier comment to Ned's bastard was actually false. Whatever Jon did in hiding this skill made him want to possibly shave off his mutton chops and try to grow a proper beard… among other things.

As for Ned… he could only look on in a mixture of sadness and pride. Pride in knowing Jon was truly holding his own and seeing the bits of joy showing in fighting without restraint. And sadness… because of his bastard having to hide his skills and talents for gods' knows how long.

Robb all the while simply stood on the side by this point with his mouth agape at the talent his brother possessed. He had no idea Jon was so skilled. And it was clear to the heir to see that Jon was a solid league above in his prowess.

Had Jon truly been holding back against him all this time? The thought was both confusing as well as a bit annoying. Why in the Old Gods' would Jon hold back against him? Are they not brothers?

Theon's thoughts on the matter though…

'THE FUCK DID THIS COME FROM!' Came the Greyjoy's shocking thought. It would've been voiced if he wasn't too engrossed in the spar from even talking at all.

As what felt like forever, but in reality was several minutes, Jon was able to knock one of Roxas' swords out of his hands. This got gasps released from many onlookers before they were silent with both Jon and Roxas having their respective wooden swords right next to a vital part at their bodies.

Jon was a panting mess now as he felt like collapsing from giving it his all. He didn't know how well Roxas pushed his limits as he never noticed them before prior to today.

The Bastard of Winterfell soon grew frustrated. It wasn't because of his current predicament. No… it was because Roxas wasn't even sweating! He just stood there as composed as ever without even looking in the slightest bit winded after such an intense duel.

Roxas on the other hand only had his grin widened as he pivoted his leg and with one sweeping horizontal swing. In reaction, Jon brought up his wooden sword in defense and used all his strength to hold back the coming blow.

With the offending strike colliding against the stilled one, Jon's practice sword couldn't hold against Roxas' power-

*CRACK*

-causing it to shatter upon impact without Jon's blade even holding it back for a single second. The practice metal blade broke like shattering glass.

Jon fell on his ass on the dirt as he felt his arm shaking before letting go of the ruined remains of his practice sword.

Roxas blinked, cringing a bit. "Oops, sorry bout that. Didn't mean to put so much force behind that swing."

He walked over to Snow who was clutching his arms with clenched teeth as the Bastard felt them throbbing still. Hearing footsteps stop in front of him, Jon looked up to see a smiling friendly face.

Holding out his hand, Roxas gave Jon an encouraging nod. "You did good, Jon. Really good, in fact."

Blinking, Ned's bastard took a bit to register Roxas' words. Seeing the offered hand, Jon used his uninjured arm to help gasp the Keyblader's hand. With a quick motion, Roxas brought Jon up.

"Sorry about hurting you, Jon."

Letting go of his hand, Roxas held up his appendage and cast a Cure spell, which quickly healed his sparing opponent's injury with a green glow surrounding his arm as the ethereal flower showered the Stark bastard in it's petals and pollen.

Jon's eyes couldn't go wider than they already had many times before already. His arm didn't hurt anymore! Seven hells, just who was this man?!

"And I told you he can use magic!" Arya said to the wide eyed Bran. "I told you!"

"He can use magic? Bloody hells!"

"That sword didn't stand a chance."

"Man I wanna go up against the lad now!"

"Which one?"

"Both!"

Tired once more about this, Ser Rodrick raised his voice. "What did I say about gossiping like maids!"

Once again, the guards were left silent. Yet this didn't stop the mild chatter by others.

Ned all the while watched on as Roxas went to both Robb and Theon and cast his own healing spells on them both with his heir thanking Roxas in silent disbelief.

The Warden of the North then looked over to Jon who had picked up the hilt of his shattered practice sword and looked at it in stunned amazement, beginning to realize just how powerful Roxas was in comparison to practically everyone else here in Winterfell.

How powerful the Keyblader was will be a mystery all onto itself. One that'll be learned overtime.

-End Chapter-

AN:

Another chapter under wraps and glad to see how this turned out with Roxas' first day at Winterfell. And there's been quite the interesting amounts of things uploaded since I last updated this story.

Certain shows I watch finished wrapping up certain seasons and some big crossover events about to commence very soon. For example the Crisis on Infinite Earths event airing next week.

Saw some movies that were pretty good and enjoyed how they played out. Like Knives Out was a fun watch, even if it would be a rental for future viewing once out on DVD and blu ray. And even saw Frozen 2 and wonder how this could play out in my Nobody story and maybe in this one when I ever get to them in the respective story timelines.

Speaking of Frozen 2, film was… alright. Things with Elsa and Anna were pretty good, but wished things with Kristoff and Olaf were written better. Said characters were what dragged the film down from being a really good one in possibly being just as successful from the first film. I mean those two were pretty much filler and made things wasteful.

Several trailers came out. Black Widow looked well and wonder how that'll go given we all know of Natasha's fate. And there was the new James Bond trailer No Time to Die made me very giddy all the way through.

And most prevalent of them all, which made me feel so damn giddy, was seeing the final trailer for Kingdom Hearts 3 Re:Mind DLC. It looked amazing to see that we can finally explore Scala Ad Calum without triggering the final boss fights. There's also the bit with the many, many, many additional boss fights along with us playing as the other Guardians of Light (i.e. the other Keybladers).

Free Man Writer: Which we have been dying to get. Full disclosure, Roxas, Xion and Axel/Lea are my favorite trio and favorite characters in Kingdom Hearts bar none. I feel they are some of the best well written and made character in KH and have been on my mind in making my own Kingdom Hearts crossovers since playing KH2 and 358/2 Days. Black Widow trailer was also freaking awesome, once again confirming why it should have been her and not Captain Marvel that got the first female lead movie in the MCU. Took them long enough.

Jebest4781: I agree. They could've had the Black Widow film done prior to Captain Marvel and would have pushed both Captain Marvel and Endgame back than planned. I mean early part of last year was lagging prior to the later film being premiered; especially with the bad fallout of Cap. Marvel.

Free Man Writer: Big time. MCU gave us one of the most bland and unlikable heroes ever in a universe filled with some of the best heroes ever put to screen.

Jeb: Luckily for us, she won't be getting another solo film anytime soon. Hopefully by then, Brie Larson will clean up her act and tone down her toxic feminist views by a large margine.

Free Man Writer: Big time. Us guys don't mind a strong female character but the thing is, we put character first and whatever comes with that character second. It's why there are so many memorable characters that are girls that are memorable due to them having good writing, development and so on. Xion is my second favorite Kingdom Heart character being tied with Axel/Lea for crying out loud. Captain Marvel… was a drag.

Jeb: Because of Brie's actions and performance, it's pretty much making things difficult for live action female comic superheroes to clean up their image. I just hope with the upcoming She-Hulk show, it'll be done well.

Said can't be fully said with Batwoman… as her show is lagging, but it's being a bit better than how it premiered.

Anyways, be sure to review this story guys! Would like the criticisms. Please and thank you!

R&R